cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reoperative Surgery: A Critical Risk Factor for Complications Inadequately Captured by Operative Reporting and Coding of Lysis of Adhesions

Background Reoperative surgery is suspected, but not proven, to increase postoperative complication rates. In the absence of a specific definition for reoperative surgery, the American College of Surgeons NSQIP has proposed using procedural coding for lysis of adhesions (LOA) as a surrogate for reoperative surgery to risk adjust hospitals. We hypothesized that coding of reoperative surgery will be associated with worse 30-day outcomes and, for abdominal procedures, will be more accurate than operative dictation and coding of "lysis of adhesions." Study Design Reoperative surgery was categorized at the time of data abstraction from February 2012 to December 2012 for all NSQIP cases collected at a single institution by independent surgical clinical reviewers. Reoperative surgery classification and coding of LOA were compared with each other and with 30-day outcomes. The setting was a tertiary cancer center, multispecialty NSQIP model. During the study period, 1,289 operations were classified as nonreoperative (n = 793), regionally reoperative (n = 39; prior surgery in an adjacent area of current operation), or locally reoperative (n = 457; prior surgery at same site or organ). Results In the multispecialty cohort, the non−risk-adjusted rates of overall 30-day morbidity, serious morbidity, and mortality were 21.5%, 17.7%, and 0.5%. Compared with nonreoperative surgery (overall 30-day morbidity 16.8%, serious morbidity 13.9%, and mortality .38%), both regionally reoperative surgery (overall 30-day morbidity 30.8%, serious morbidity 28.2%, and mortality 2.5%) and locally reoperative surgery (overall 30-day morbidity 28.9%, serious morbidity 23.4%, and mortality .66%) were associated with worse outcomes (p Conclusions Reoperative surgery is frequent, increases the risk of complications, and can be captured. Operative LOA coding vastly under reports reoperative surgery and, therefore, is not an adequate surrogate for this important risk factor.
Aerosol Deposition of Yttrium Iron Garnet for Fabrication of Ferrite-Integrated On-Chip Inductors

We have employed aerosol deposition (AD) to deposit 39 µm thick polycrystalline films of yttrium iron garnet at room temperature onto sapphire at a rate of 1‐3 µm/min as an initial investigation of utilizing AD for fabricating ferrite-integrated on-chip inductors. We characterize the structural and magnetic properties of the as-received starting powder, as-deposited film, and a pressed puck formed from the starting powder. Results show that the films are comprised of randomly oriented polycrystalline grains with structural and magnetic properties that closely resemble that of the starting powder. Results from coating a gold single-turn inductor show an increase in inductance of 79% up to ∼300 MHz without affecting the Q-factor. These results demonstrate AD as a promising technique for depositing thick ferrite films at high deposition rates for low-temperature fabrication of ferrite-integrated on-chip inductors.
Molecular Phylogenetic Perspective on Evolution of Lizards of the Anolis grahami Series

We report the results of phylogenetic analyses of 1447 bases of mitochondrial DNA sequence for 21 populations representing seven species of the Anolis grahami series (A. conspersus, A. garmani, A. grahami, A. lineatopus, A. opalinus, A. reconditus, and A. valencienni), six of which occur on Jamaica. These data include 705 characters that are phylogenetically infor- mative according to parsimony. A parsimony analysis of these data combined with previously pub- lished allozymic data yields a single most parsimonious tree with strong support for monophyly of the A. grahami series, the sister-group relationship between Anolis lineatopus and A. reconditus and a clade composed of Anolis garmani, A. grahami, and A. opalinus. Based on DNA data alone, A. conspersus is nested within A. grahami. Haplotypes sampled from geographic populations of A. grahami, A. lineatopus, and A. opalinus are highly divergent (≈12-15% sequence difference on average for each species) and show similar phylogeographic patterns, suggesting that each of these currently recognized species may be a complex of species. Anolis valencienni also shows high se- quence divergence among haplotypes from different geographic populations (≈8% sequence differ- ence) and may contain cryptic species. Divergence among haplotypes within A. garmani is substantially lower (≈3% sequence difference), and phylogeographic patterns are significantly dif- ferent from those observed in A. grahami, A. lineatopus and A. opalinus. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev.
What Are We to Think about Thought Experiments

Arguments from thought experiment ask the reader to imagine some hypothetical, sometimes exotic, often fantastic, scenario for the sake of illustrating or countering some claim. Variously characterized as mental experimentation, imaginary cases, and even crazy cases, thought experiments figure into both scientific and philosophical arguments. They are often criticized for their fictive nature and for their lack of grounding. Nevertheless, they are common especially in arguments in ethics and philosophy of mind. Moreover, many thought experiments have spawned variations that attempt to both affirm and refute their original arguments. These emended thought experiments exhibit a variety of styles, details, and embellishments. A rhetorical analysis of these variations suggests a reciprocal influence between the arguers' selection of details and their philosophical commitments. I offer examples of this relationship from the variations on John Searle's Chinese Room thought experiment and Judith Thomson's unconscious violinist thought experiment.
EVOLUTIONARY ECOLOGY OF PLANT DISEASES IN NATURAL ECOSYSTEMS

Plant pathogens cause mortality and reduce fecundity of individual plants, drive host population dynamics, and affect the structure and composition of natural plant communities. Pathogens are responsible for both numerical changes in host populations and evolutionary changes through selection for resistant genotypes. Linking such ecological and evolutionary dynamics has been the focus of a growing body of literature on the effects of plant diseases in natural ecosystems. A guiding principle is the importance of understanding the spatial and temporal scales at which plants and pathogens interact. This review summarizes the effects of diseases on populations of wild plants, focusing in particular on the mediation of plant competition and succession, the maintenance of plant species diversity, as well as the process of rapid evolutionary changes in host-pathogen symbioses.
Coyote Investigative Behavior Following Removal of Novel Stimuli

Abstract Because coyotes (Canis latrans) show an aversion to novel objects, we examined the effects of the presence and removal of repellent and attractive stimuli on coyote behavior. We found a greater proportion of captive coyotes investigated 10-cm-tall cones (0.95) compared to 90-cm-tall cones (0.68) and control sites (0.81), and spent longer periods (P < 0.001 in all instances) investigating small cones (&#x1d465; = 465 sec), compared to large cones (&#x1d465; = 212 sec) and control sites (&#x1d465; = 45 sec). However, investigation times at sites following removal of large cones were 1.6 and 2.3 times greater than investigation times at sites following removal of small cones and the control, respectively. Results from pen studies were supported by a field study. Wild coyotes in south Texas visited 43% of small cones but did not visit large cones. Following removal of cones, visits to small cone stations decreased to 29%, whereas coyotes visited 43% of large cone stations. Thus, we observed a direct relationship between ...
Habit control expectancy for drinking, smoking, and eating

Habit-specific locus of control measures for drinking, smoking, and eating were compared to Rotter's general measure to evaluate the relationship between cognitive expectancy and substance use. For both smoking and eating, individuals who reported being addicted were significantly more external on the habit-specific expectancy measures. Measures of use, tolerance, and risk covaried more closely with the habit-specific scales than with the general scale. For eating behavior, the habit-specific scale and the compulsive eating measure were different only for individuals with a history of being overweight. The habit-specific expectancy measures were more closely related to indices of use and addiction than the general locus of control measure and should have greater utility for research and intervention.
Current treatment of adult Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) are living longer into adulthood due to a variety of improvements in health care practices. This growing patient population presents new therapeutic challenges. In this article, we review the literature on current treatment of adult DMD as well as our own experience as a multidisciplinary team actively caring for 23 men ages 19–38 years of age. Approximately one quarter of our adult DMD patients have remained on moderate dose corticosteroids. Daily stretching exercises are recommended, particularly of the distal upper extremities. Cardiomyopathy is anticipated, detected, and treated early with afterload reduction. Oxygen saturation monitoring, noninvasive positive pressure ventilation and cough assist devices are routinely used. Other medical issues such as osteoporosis, gastrointestinal and urinary symptoms are addressed. Current and future therapies directed at prolonging the lifespan of those with DMD will result in further increases in this adult population with special needs and concerns. These needs are best addressed in a multidisciplinary clinic.
Racial Differences in Vaginal Douching Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Among Sexually Active Adolescents

Abstract Study Objective: The study sought to assess knowledge of, attitude toward, and practices of vaginal douching among adolescent females attending a public family planning clinic, in order to better understand racial influences on douching. Design, Setting, Participants: In this descriptive, cross-sectional study, a one-page questionnaire was administered to all adolescent females (≤19 years) presenting to a public family planning clinic in a small southern city between March 1 and May 31, 1999. Results: Of the 169 participants, the mean age was 17.0 years (±1.5 years), 53% were Caucasian, and 47% were African-American. Sixty-nine percent of participants reported vaginal douching, mostly for hygienic reasons (68%). Those reporting vaginal douching were more likely to have a history of sexual intercourse ( P P P Conclusions: Vaginal douching was a common practice among adolescent females attending a public family planning clinic in a small southern city. Culturally appropriate educational strategies for African-American and Caucasian adolescent females should improve awareness of adverse events associated with vaginal douching, despite family and personal beliefs about this practice.
Distinct GABAergic Targets of Feedforward and Feedback Connections Between Lower and Higher Areas of Rat Visual Cortex

Processing of visual information is performed in different cortical areas that are interconnected by feedforward (FF) and feedback (FB) pathways. Although FF and FB inputs are excitatory, their influences on pyramidal neurons also depend on the outputs of GABAergic neurons, which receive FF and FB inputs. Rat visual cortex contains at least three different families of GABAergic neurons that express parvalbumin (PV), calretinin (CR), and somatostatin (SOM) (Gonchar and Burkhalter, 1997). To examine whether pathway-specific inhibition (Shao and Burkhalter, 1996) is attributable to distinct connections with GABAergic neurons, we traced FF and FB inputs to PV, CR, and SOM neurons in layers 1-2/3 of area 17 and the secondary lateromedial area in rat visual cortex. We found that in layer 2/3 maximally 2% of FF and FB inputs go to CR and SOM neurons. This contrasts with 12-13% of FF and FB inputs onto layer 2/3 PV neurons. Unlike inputs to layer 2/3, connections to layer 1, which contains CR but lacks SOM and PV somata, are pathway-specific: 21% of FB inputs go to CR neurons, whereas FF inputs to layer 1 and its CR neurons are absent. These findings suggest that FF and FB influences on layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons mainly involve disynaptic connections via PV neurons that control the spike outputs to axons and proximal dendrites. Unlike FF input, FB input in addition makes a disynaptic link via CR neurons, which may influence the excitability of distal pyramidal cell dendrites in layer 1.
Vibration of Isotropic Shells

Entire texts are needed to discuss shell vibrations in their entirety. In this Chapter, axially symmetric vibrations are discussed first so that through their simplicity, it is easy to see how static equations are easily transformed to dynamic equations, and to show the relation to the vibrations of beams: with and without an elastic foundation. Next, the general vibration characteristic of shells are shown through the study of cylindrical shells, also relating the behavior to beam vibrations. Through the work of Koga, only five types of boundary conditions are needed to study any and all boundary conditions. Next, the time portion of dynamic loads is presented in an easy to use manner to study impact response of shells. Finally, the important areas of shells vibrating in beam modes is studied, using two different approaches. This chapter and the references given provide a background for further study of shell vibrations. In Chapter 21, the vibrations of composite shells is discussed and could be studied upon completing this Chapter.
Inhibition of colon tumor metastasis in orthotopic nude mouse models with the dual-selective Src/Abl kinase inhibitor, AZD0530

PR-11 Background: Colorectal cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the USA, largely due to metastatic disease in the liver. The specific activity of the non-receptor protein tyrosine kinase, Src, is increased during colon tumor progression and contributes to metastasis. Src inhibitors are currently in clinical trials for advanced-stage colon cancer. AZD0530 is a potent Src inhibitor with Bcr-Abl activity and is currently in Phase II clinical trials. Methods: This study examined the effects of AZD0530 alone and in combination with oxaliplatin in two colon tumor cell lines (KM12L4 and LS174T) in vitro and in orthotopic nude mouse models. AZD0530 inhibited in vitro proliferation and cellular migration of KM12L4 and LS174T, and decreased phosphorylation of the Src substrates focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and paxillin in a dose-dependent manner. To examine the ability of AZD0530 to affect colon cancer growth and metastasis in vivo, mice were inoculated with 1x106 tumor cells into the cecum of nude mice. After 2 weeks, mice were treated with vehicle (n=13), AZD0530 alone (n=14; 25 mg/kg/day oral gavage), oxaliplatin alone (n=14; 5 mg/kg/day by intraperitoneal injection twice weekly), or AZD0530 and oxaliplatin (n=17). Mice were sacrificed after 4 weeks of treatment. Results: Tumor incidence in all groups of mice was greater than 80%. Mice treated with AZD0530 had an average cecal tumor weight of 0.25 g compared with 0.26 g for control. In contrast, the incidence of liver metastases was reduced by 50% in mice treated with AZD0530 alone or oxaliplatin alone, and 0/17 mice developed pathologically evident liver metastases when the combination of inhibitors was used. Furthermore, the incidence of metastases in AZD0530-treated mice was significantly reduced (P=0.0012) and the size of these metastases was reduced 9-fold compared with untreated mice. Immunohistochemical analysis of primary cecal tumors demonstrated a decrease in phosphorylated Src (Y418) and FAK (Y861) in AZD0530-treated mice compared with control. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that, as a single agent, AZD0530 decreases outgrowth of liver metastases, and in combination with oxaliplatin, AZD0530 effectively inhibits liver metastasis in an orthotopic nude mouse model for colon cancer.
Cosmopolitan and Vernacular: Petrarch at Sea

Casual readers and scholars alike celebrate Petrarch’s Rerum vulgarium fragmenta ( RVF ) as an early masterpiece of vernacular lyric. Yet Petrarch directed most of his professional energies as writer to Latin composition, in the belief that Latin was the language of his most important literary models and of the literary future. This essay studies Petrarch’s life – in particular, episodes revealing his conflicted attitudes toward the sea and especially toward travel by ship – in order to comment on his attitude toward the language of literature: his respect for Latin, his enduring affection for Italian, and his work on the vernacular lyrics at the very end of his life. The essay uses Theodor Adorno’s formulation of late style (Adorno used this concept to discuss the late work of composers, in particular Beethoven) to describe Petrarch’s late work on the RVF in his last years. It argues that Petrarch’s turn to the vernacular in his final years should be read as a kind of linguistic experimentalism – fragmentary and catastrophic, as Adorno would describe it, rather than sweet, unified and harmonic – made possible when Petrarch is no longer using Latin to think about literary posterity.
Laser-induced surface desorption for low-coverage chlorine on copper

The desorption experiments are performed in an UHV environment. The mass spectrometer is located in a detector chamber at a pressure of 10−11 Torr, and the time-of-flight (TOF) flight path is 5.6 cm. A pulsed Cl2 molecular beam doses the clean Cu sample surface prior to each laser pulse, allowing UHV conditions on the laser-induced surface desorption. Experiments are done for both single-crystal and polycrystalline Cu samples, and no differences in the experimental results are observed for these two types of Cu surface.
Molecular structure of [CpRu(PPh3)2(tht)]BF4, tht=tetrahydrothiophene

The title compound [CpRu(PPh3)2(tht)]BF4,1, tht=tetrahydrothiophene, is obtained by the reaction of CpRu(PPh3)2Cl, tht and AgBF4 in CH2Cl2 solution. Yellow crystals of [CpRu(PPh3)2(tht)]BF4 were grown by the slow diffusion of pentane into a CH2Cl2 solution of1 and have been studied by X-ray crystallography: space group is P21/n,a=9.507(2),b=18.336(3),c=22.372(6) A, β=94.28(2)°,V=3889(1) A3,Z=4. The tht ligand binds to the Ru atom through the sulfur atom at a distance of 2.395(2) A. The tht ring is in the puckered configuration.
EVOLVING HEMODYNAMICS ON INTRA-AORTIC BALLOON PUMP SUPPORT IN TAKOTSUBO CARDIOMYOPATHY

The best mode of hemodynamic support in Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) remains uncertain. The apical variant has conflicting mechanisms of hypokinesis and left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO), thus intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) may result in both improvement in cardiac output and
Relation of lymph to distending fluids of the kidney.

SummaryRenal lymph from dogs was analyzed, along with the fluids which naturally distend the kidney, arterial and renal venous blood, and urine. Lymph resembled the last quarter of the kidney's drained fluid in its content of Na, Cl, glucose and protein, but had less urea, K and PO4. Both fluids had half the protein content of blood plasma, but the same fractional distribution, measured by paper electrophoresis, of albumin and α-1 globulin, β-globulin and α-2 globulin, and γ-globulin. Both fluids were also observed to have a constant composition in the face of varying urinary composition. The hypothesis is developed that fluids which functionally distend the kidney and which drain out of the vein when the artery is clamped originate from two sources: vascular blood and a large interstitial compartment. It is further postulated that blood plasma enters the interstitial compartment with utmost freedom. This compartment in turn is functionally distended with plasma plus resorbate in transit from tubules to t...
Price manipulation in prediction markets: analysis and mitigation

We consider the possible existence of a manipulator in a prediction market, whose incentive is to maximally increase the predicted probability of an event, and for whom profit or loss in the market is immaterial. We characterize the equilibria in a single-round market scoring rule (MSR), showing that the manipulator will play a strategy that mixes between pretending to have received one of the top signals. We propose a modification to the MSR in the form of trade limits, a maximum amount by which the price of the security can change at a given round. We show analytically that without a manipulator, this process converges to the true posterior, and computationally that in a market with a manipulator, the limits help reduce the distortion by the manipulator when traders do not know about the manipulator's existence. Specifically, we show through simulations that with high probability the honest traders will fully reveal their signals before the manipulator does, and that the price at this point of full revelation by the honest traders can be a significantly better approximation of the true posterior than the ultimate price reached, suggesting a rule by which the market should be stopped at that point.
Comparing total body lipid content of young‐of‐the‐year Steller sea lions among regions of contrasting population trends

Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) young-of-the-year (YOY) are nutritionally dependent upon their dam through the majority of their first year. Several indices of body condition were measured in YOY 1.5–9 mo of age captured in Southeast Alaska (n = 122), the Gulf of Alaska (n = 182), and the Aleutian Islands (n = 38) to test the hypothesis that nutritional stress impacted the ability of adult female Steller sea lions to adequately nourish their late gestation YOY in the central Aleutian Islands in the early 2000s. Body mass (kg) and percent total body lipid content (%TBL) increased with age in all three regions of Alaska that were sampled (P < 0.05). Young-of-the-year 7–9 mo of age were leaner in Southeast Alaska (27.6% ± 1.0%) and Gulf of Alaska (29.5% ± 0.8%) than in the Aleutian Islands (35.7% ± 1.2%, P < 0.001). Condition indices calculated from morphometric measures did not strongly predict the %TBL measured by isotope dilution. The trend for Aleutian Island YOY to have larger body mass and larger body fat reserves are counter to what would be expected if dams were unable to adequately provision their late lactation YOY due to inadequate food availability in the central Aleutian Islands.
Monitoring String Scanning

As a descendant of SNOBOL4, Icon has a natural orientation towards text processing and includes a control structure devoted to that task. This chapter presents a brief overview of Icon’s string scanning facilities and then gives example execution monitors that portray the target program’s use of this control structure. The examples are themselves relatively simple, but demonstrate the framework’s capabilities in this area and are suggestive of more advanced possibilities to be explored in this domain using the framework. Techniques for monitoring string scanning can be built by extending the techniques presented for monitoring procedure and operator activity in Chapter 7.
Effect of Substrate Morphology on the Odd-Even Effect in Hydrophobicity of Self-Assembled Monolayers.

Surface roughness, often captured through root-mean-square roughness (Rrms), has been shown to impact the quality of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) formed on coinage metals. Understanding the effect of roughness on hydrophobicity of SAMs, however, is complicated by the odd–even effect—a zigzag oscillation in contact angles with changes in molecular length. We recently showed that for surfaces with Rrms > 1 nm, the odd–even effect in hydrophobicity cannot be empirically observed. In this report, we compare wetting properties of SAMs on Ag and Au surfaces of different morphologies across the Rrms ∼ 1 nm limit. We prepared surfaces with comparable properties (grain sizes and Rrms) and assessed the wetting properties of resultant SAMs. Substrates with Rrms either below or above the odd–even limit were investigated. With smoother surfaces (lower Rrms), an inverted asymmetric odd–even zigzag oscillation in static contact angles (θs) was observed with change from Au to Ag. Asymmetry in odd–even oscillation in ...
To Google or Not to Google

Google’s mission is “to organize the world’s information and to make it universally accessible and useful.” As of June 2016, Google has crawled and indexed 60 trillion individual web pages, befitting the search engine name that was a play on the word “Googol” which means ten duotrigintillion, 10100, or 1 followed by a hundred zeros. The Internet is accelerating collective consciousness and revolutionizing economy, politics, and education, among others.
Multicultural Counseling Knowledge and Awareness Scale: Re-Exploration and Refinement.

This study refined the Multicultural Counseling Knowledge and Awareness Scale (MCKAS; Ponterotto et al. Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development, 30, 153–180, 2002) in response to concerns in the literature (e.g., Constantine et al. Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology, 8(4), 334–345, 2002) focusing on original sample representation, factor structure, and constructs of interest within this scale. For this refinement study, a total of 176 participants from various counseling fields in the United States completed an online survey. The results of an exploratory factor analysis presented a 28-item 2-factor refined version of the MCKAS (MCKAS-R). The preliminary MANOVA analysis indicated that this refined scale differentiated multicultural counseling competencies of participants who were counselors, counseling students, and counselor educators. Implications of this scale for counselor training, practice, and future research are provided.
Oculomotor Nerve (Cranial Nerve III)

The oculomotor nerve (cranial nerve III) provides motor innervation to several extraocular muscles and the levator palpebrae superioris , as well as parasympathetic innervation of the ciliary and the iris sphincter muscles. Abnormalities along the anatomical course of the oculomotor nerve may result in a third nerve palsy. A common and potentially life-threatening cause of oculomotor nerve palsy is an aneurysm of the posterior communicating artery (PComA). Other common etiologies include microvascular ischemia, trauma, tumor, infection, and inflammation.
Role of NADPH oxidase on TNFα-induced intestinal permeabilization

Increased intestinal barrier permeability is a major event in the pathophysiology of diseases with an inflammatory background. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) plays a central role promoting barrier dysfunction. NADPH oxidase (NOX) is co-activated by TNFα and increased superoxide anion formation could be involved in barrier disruption. In human Caco-2 cells differentiated into intestinal epithelial monolayers we investigated: i- the relative abundance of NOX family members, ii) the effects of TNFα on NOX activation/expression, iii) the effects of epicatechin (EC) and cyanidin (CN) on NOX activity and Caco-2 monolayer protection. Assessment of NOX1, NOX2, NOX3, NOX4 and NOX5 mRNA levels showed NOX1 and NOX4 as predominant. TNFα treatment for 6 h increased (circa 32% and 30%) NOX1 and NOX4 expression; and for 10 min increased (circa 49%) NOX activity. From a group of flavonoids tested, EC and CN were the most effective inhibiting basal and TNFα-stimulated NOX activity. The extent of inhibition was different between basal and stimulated conditions suggesting differential effects on different NOX members. EC- and CN-mediated NOX inhibition was associated with their capacity to protect barrier permeability. NOX can play a major role in the development of inflammation-mediated intestinal permeabilization, suggesting a beneficial effect of EC/CN-rich diets on intestinal pathologies.
Students’ conceptions of mathematics as sensible: Towards the SCOMAS framework

Abstract In this article I describe the development of a framework for considering students’ conceptions about the sensible nature of mathematics. I begin by using extant literature on conceptions of mathematics to develop a framework of action-oriented indicators that students’ conceive of mathematics as sensible. I then use classroom data to modify and illustrate the framework. The result is a coding framework, grounded in the literature, which can be used to assess the enacted conceptions of mathematics as sensible of a group of students. This work also provides a conceptual framework, grounded in classroom data, of the dimensions of these conceptions.
Ben Bernanke: Person of the Year?

In response to the economic and financial crisis of 2008-2009, the Federal Reserve greatly expanded the scale and scope of its activities. Though lauded by many experts for its actions, the Fed and its chairman, Ben Bernanke, faced harsh criticism from some public commentators and members of Congress. This document summarizes that criticism and Chairman Bernanke's responses to it, highlighting the tension between congressional oversight of the Fed and the Fed's independence from political influence.
Mixed quantum/classical theory for rotationally and vibrationally inelastic scattering of open-shell molecules and its application to the NH(X3Σ−) + He collisional system

We developed the mixed quantum/classical theory (MQCT) for rotationally and vibrationally inelastic scattering of a diatomic molecule in a 2S+1Σ electronic state with a closed-shell atom. In this approach, the rotational (and vibrational) fine-structure states of the molecule are treated quantum-mechanically, whereas the relative motion of collisional partners is treated classically. This theory is benchmarked against full quantum (close-coupling) calculations for the NH(X3Σ-) + He system. Good agreement is found in all cases, and MQCT reproduces all main features of energy dependence of the cross section, except narrow scattering resonances at very low energies. Our method recovers propensity rules that govern values of close-coupling cross sections. Particularly, MQCT correctly predicts that the magnitudes of F-conserving transitions are significantly larger than those of F-changing ones. This new development makes MQCT a viable candidate for obtaining fine-structure resolved rotational rate coefficients at higher temperatures and for complex polyatomic systems where the standard full quantum treatment is computationally infeasible.
Induction of Ovulation

Induction of ovulation or stimulation of ovarian follicular development remains a key component of therapy in the infertility patient. Several applications exist, including restoration of ovulation in anovulatory women, ovarian superovulation (stimulating more than one mature follicle) in ovulatory women, and controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (stimulating the development of multiple dominant follicles) for assisted reproduction. Ovulation induction can be achieved through several avenues, including disruption of the negative estrogen-feedback loop, direct gonadotropin administration, inhibition of androgen conversion to estrogen, use of insulin-sensitizing agents, and laparoscopic surgical intervention. This chapter will review a brief history of these agents, the underlying scientific basis, and clinical guidelines regarding the use of different medications for the purpose of promoting follicular recruitment and ovulation. Included in this chapter is a brief overview of follicular development and ovulation, along with a description of the anatomical axes involved in this process.
Poly(ADP-Ribosyl)ation of High Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1) Protein Enhances Inhibition of Efferocytosis

Phagocytosis of apoptotic cells by macrophages, known as efferocytosis, is a critical process in the resolution of inflammation. High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein was first described as a nuclear nonhistone DNA-binding protein, but is now known to be secreted by activated cells during inflammatory processes, where it participates in diminishing efferocytosis. Although HMGB1 is known to undergo modification when secreted, the effect of such modifications on the inhibitory actions of HMGB1 during efferocytosis have not been reported. In the present studies, we found that HMGB1 secreted by Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) stimulated cells is highly poly(ADP-ribosyl)ated (PARylated). Gene deletion of poly(ADP)-ribose polymerase (PARP)-1 or pharmacological inhibition of PARP-1 decreased the release of HMGB1 from the nucleus to the extracellular milieu after TLR4 engagement. Preincubation of macrophages or apoptotic cells with HMGB1 diminished efferocytosis through mechanisms involving binding of HMGB1 to phosphatidylserine on apoptotic cells and to the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) on macrophages. Preincubation of either macrophages or apoptotic cells with PARylated HMGB1 inhibited efferocytosis to a greater degree than exposure to unmodified HMGB1, and PARylated HMGB1 demonstrated higher affinity for phosphatidylserine and RAGE than unmodified HMGB1. PARylated HMGB1 had a greater inhibitory effect on Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac-1) activation in macrophages during the uptake of apoptotic cells than unmodified HMGB1. The present results, showing that PARylation of HMGB1 enhances its ability to inhibit efferocytosis, provide a novel mechanism by which PARP-1 may promote inflammation.
An axiomatization of the theory of generalized ultrametric semilattices of linear signals

We consider spaces of linear signals equipped with the prefix relation and a suitably defined generalized ultrametric distance function. We introduce a new class of abstract structures, which we call generalized ultrametric semilattices, and prove a representation theorem stating that generalized ultrametric semilattices with totally ordered distance sets are isomorphic to such spaces of linear signals. It follows that the definition of generalized ultrametric semilattices with totally ordered distance sets captures all formal properties of such spaces.
Emotions in Music (A Postscript)

I should perhaps apologize for addressing this topic so soon after no less an authority than Peter Kivy seemed to announce in the pages of this journal that debate on it is over.1 In fact, however, by conceding that music can arouse ordinary emotions and even has a tendency to do so (a tendency, albeit, whose result remains unactualized for him and, in his view, for many other listeners), Kivy only ended debate (to his satisfaction) on that issue. He explicitly allowed for further discussion of the value of emotion properties in music, one of the topics I shall take up here. This question of value can be addressed both to those for whom arousal or feeling emotions perceived in music is central and to those, like Kivy, who do not feel the emotions (or similar states) they ascribe to musical pieces. Two further questions remain as well: "How does music arouse emotions?" (a question that Kivy believes has never been satisfactorily answered); and "Are these really ordinary emotions that are aroused?" (emotions that typically occur outside the context of listening to music as well).
Abstract 2478: Hip Hop Stroke: The Standalone Effect of Musical Cartoons on Stroke Knowledge of Fourth Grade Children Living in a Low-Income Neighborhood

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of two novel three and half minute-long musical cartoons on stroke knowledge of fourth grade children. Methods: We recruited 72 fourth grade children from a single elementary school in Harlem to view musical cartoons designed to increase stroke literacy (knowledge of stroke symptoms, appropriate action, and prevention measures). Baseline testing to evaluate knowledge of stroke symptoms and response was performed immediately prior to viewing the cartoons. Each cartoon was viewed a total of three times over two consecutive days. No additional stroke education was provided. Posttests were conducted immediately following completion of viewing. A composite score was created from five stroke symptoms, which included blurry vision/loss of vision, sudden headache, unilateral facial weakness, clumsiness/incoordination, slurred/confused speech, and a distracter (chest pain). Knowledge of stroke localization (where a stroke occurs in the body) and appropriate action when presented with hypothetical stroke scenarios (calling 911) were also evaluated. Data was analyzed using SAS 9.2. Results: A total of 64 students completed both pretests (PT) and immediate posttests (IP) [89% retention rate]. At PT, 12.5% were able to identify stroke localization, and 47.2% were able to identify calling 911 for suspected stroke. The stroke symptom composite score at baseline was 2.62. Immediately following viewing, children’s stroke knowledge increased significantly with regards to stroke localization (71.9%, P Conclusions: Viewing two novel three and half minute musical cartoons, three times, significantly improved knowledge of stroke symptoms and response among fourth grade public school children, living in a high stroke risk neighborhood.
Basophil surface expressions of CD203c and CD63 following peanut allergen ex vivo stimulation correlate with severity of allergic reactions during food challenge (HYP4P.307)

Introduction: Food allergies are a potentially fatal disorder. However, reliable prognostic markers for predicting the severity of allergic reactions during exposures have not yet been established. Recent studies have found that basophil activation tests (BATs) may be a useful adjunct for the diagnoses of peanut and other food allergies. We hypothesize that BAT can also be a useful biomarker for predicting reaction severity during food challenges. Methods: 19 (5-25 years old) peanut-allergic participants (PA) and 5 age-matched healthy controls (AC) who enrolled in our Stanford IRB and FDA approved double blind placebo controlled food challenge (DBPCFC) protocol were given escalating oral doses (5, 20, 50, 100, 100, 100, 125 mg) of peanut and placebo (oat) on separate occasions. The DBPCFC was stopped at the first sign of an objective symptom, which was graded on the modified Bock’s scale. Prior to the DBPCFC, basophils gated via flow cytometry from 200 μl of whole blood obtained from all subjects were stimulated with peanut ex vivo for 20 minutes. Results: For PAs, 8 had grade 1, 7 had grade 2, and 4 had grade 3 reactions to peanut; the ACs had no symptom. Using linear regression, high correlation coefficients were found between Bock’s reaction grades and basophil surface expressions of CD203c ( r 2 =0.89) and CD63 ( r 2 =0.85), both p Conclusions: Our findings suggest that suitable BATs can be a useful biomarker for predicting clinical reactivity during peanut challenges.
Small Molecule Derived From Carboxyethylpyrrole Protein Adducts Promotes Angiogenesis in a Mouse Model of Peripheral Arterial Disease.

Background CEP (ω‐[2‐carboxyethyl]pyrrole) protein adducts are the end products of lipid oxidation associated with inflammation and have been implicated in the induction of angiogenesis in patholog...
Managing the High-Risk Patient: Critical Care, TAVR, MitraClip, Pressors, and Cardiac Assist Devices

The hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) phenotypes, including left ventricular outflow tract obstruction as well as diastolic and systolic heart failure, are encountered periodically in the critical care setting. An understanding of diagnostic evaluation and therapeutic management in the acutely ill patient with HCM will enable caregivers to optimize cardiovascular outcomes. This chapter will discuss management of several acute care scenarios by which HCM patients may present, including medical therapy as well as more advanced options. In addition, the rapidly expanding field of percutaneous intervention for structural heart disease offers novel therapy for outflow obstruction in addition to traditional surgical intervention. Acute management of potential complications following structural heart disease procedures will be discussed. Finally, case studies will be presented to provide a real-world experience of high-risk HCM patients in the acute setting.
Structural realism, mathematics, and ontology.

Abstract Over the last two decades structural realism has been given progressively more elaborated formulations. Steven French has been at the forefront of the development of the most conceptually sophisticated and historically sensitive version of the view. In his book, The Structure of the World (French (2014)), French shows how structural realism, the view according to which structure is all there is (ontic structural realism), is able to illuminate central issues in the philosophy of science: underdetermination, scientific representation, dispositions, natural modality, and laws of nature. The discussion consistently sheds novel light on the problems under consideration while developing insightful and provocative views. In this paper, I focus on the status of mathematics within French's ontic structural realism, and I raise some concerns about its proper understanding vis-a-vis the realist components of the view.
Effect of Analytics-Driven Worklists on Musculoskeletal MRI Interpretation Times in an Academic Setting.

OBJECTIVE. The objective of this study was to determine how use of analytics-driven worklists for MRI based on relative individual interpretation time affects the overall group interpretation time ...
197 Racial disparities in lupus medication adherence

Background Medication non-adherence is common among systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and is disproportionately higher among minorities. We aimed to examine the adherence gap between minority and Caucasian SLE patients and explore factors associated with non-adherence that may present avenues for intervention. Methods Cross-sectional data were obtained via survey and chart review from consecutive SLE patients with 1 scheduled lupus medication. The Medication Adherence Self-Report Inventory (MASRI) was used to estimate adherence in the preceding month from 0%–100%. High Self-reported Adherence was defined as MASRI 90%. Pharmacy refill data in the preceding 3 months were obtained by phone calls. High Refills was defined as a medication possession ratio of 80% for all prescribed SLE medications. Additional covariates included: positive and negative affect, self-efficacy, patient-reported health status, patient-rated interactions with providers, rheumatic medication regimen complexity, SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI), and physician global assessment for inflammatory (PGA1) and noninflammatory (PGA2) symptoms. Adherence groups were compared. Results 84 enrolled (37% Caucasians, 59% African American, 1% Native American, and 4% Hispanic). Median age was 42 (range 22–68), 95% were female, 49% had college education, and 49% had private insurance. 54 (64%) had High Self-reported Adherence, but only 42 (50%) had High Refills. Minorities had lower rates compared to Caucasians for both High Self-reported Adherence (55% vs 81%, p=0.02) and High Refills (40% vs. 68%, p=0.01). Among 52 taking disease modifying agents (DMARDs) including methotrexate, leflunomide, azathioprine, and mycophenolate, High Refill rate was only 46%, and the difference between minorities and Caucasians was even larger (35% vs. 73%, p=0.01). In this group, the Low Refill group had higher SLEDAI (4 vs 2, p=0.02), PGA2 (1 vs 0, p=0.04), and a trend for living with children (41% vs. 17%, p=0.07) compared to those with High Refill rates. There were no statistically significant differences between the DMARD High and Low Refill groups in terms of positive and negative affect, self-efficacy, patient-provider interactions, patient self-reported outcomes, and other clinical factors. Conclusions Significant racial disparities exist in lupus medication adherence, and the gap is even more substantial for patients taking DMARDs, medications crucial for the treatment of more severe lupus manifestations. This gap likely contributes to the known racial disparities in SLE outcomes. We did not discover potential modifiable factors in this small sample. Qualitative studies are needed to better understand this racial gap and to develop interventions that address racial disparities in SLE. Funding Source(s): 5U54MD012530-02
Evaluation of the exothermicity of the chemi-ionization reaction Nd + O → NdO+ + e- and neodymium oxide, carbide, dioxide, and carbonyl cation bond energies.

The exothermicity of the chemi-ionization reaction, Nd + O → NdO+ + e−, has been indirectly determined by measuring the thermochemistry for reactions of the lanthanide metal neodymium cation (Nd+) with O2, CO2, and CO and reactions of NdO+ with CO, O2, and Xe. Guided ion beam tandem mass spectrometry was used to measure the kinetic energy dependent product ion cross sections for these reactions. NdO+ is formed through a barrierless exothermic process when the atomic metal cation reacts with O2 and CO2. All other reactions are observed to be endothermic. Analyses of the kinetic energy dependences of these cross sections yield 0 K bond dissociation energies (BDEs) for several species. The 0 K BDE for Nd+–O is determined to be 7.28 ± 0.10 eV from the average of four independent thresholds. This value is combined with the well-established Nd ionization energy to indicate an exothermicity of the title reaction of 1.76 ± 0.10 eV, which is lower and more precise than literature values. In addition, the Nd+–C, ONd+–O, and Nd+–CO BDEs are determined to be 2.61 ± 0.30, 2.12 ± 0.30, and 0.30 ± 0.21 eV. Additionally, theoretical BDEs of Nd+–O, Nd+–C, ONd+–O, and Nd+–CO are calculated at several levels for comparison with the experimental values. B3LYP calculations seriously underestimate the Nd+–O BDE, whereas MP2 and coupled-cluster with single, double-and perturbative triple excitations values are in reasonable agreement. Good agreement is generally obtained for Nd+–C, ONd+–O, and Nd+–CO BDEs as well.
Respiratory muscle training (RMT) in late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD): A protocol for a sham-controlled clinical trial.

Abstract Introduction Morbidity and mortality in adults with late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD) results primarily from persistent progressive respiratory muscle weakness despite treatment with enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). To address this need, we have developed a 12-week respiratory muscle training (RMT) program that provides calibrated, individualized, and progressive pressure-threshold resistance against inspiration and expiration. Our previous results suggest that our RMT regimen is safe, well-tolerated, and results in large increases in respiratory muscle strength. We now conduct an exploratory double-blind, randomized control trial (RCT) to determine: 1) utility and feasibility of sham-RMT as a control condition, 2) the clinically meaningful outcome measures for inclusion in a future efficacy trial. This manuscript provides comprehensive information regarding the design and methods used in our trial and will aid in the reporting and interpretation of our future findings. Methods Twenty-eight adults with LOPD will be randomized (1:1) in blocks of 4 to RMT (treatment) or sham-RMT (control). Assessments will be conducted at pretest, posttest, 3-months detraining, and 6-months detraining. The primary outcome is maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP). Secondary outcomes include maximum expiratory pressure (MEP), 6-min walk test (6MWT), Gait, Stairs, Gowers, and Chair test (GSGC), peak cough flow (PCF), and patient-reported life activity/social participation (Rasch-built Pompe-specific Activity scale [R-Pact]). Exploratory outcomes include quantitative measures from polysomnography; patient reported measures of fatigue, daytime sleepiness, and sleep quality; and ultrasound measures of diaphragm thickness. This research will use a novel tool to provide automated data collection and user feedback, and improve control over dose. Ethics and dissemination The results of this clinical trial will be promptly analyzed and submitted for publication. Results will also be made available on clinicaltrials.gov . ClinicalTrials.gov : NCT02801539 , R21AR069880.