cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Using Protein Folding Rates to Test Protein Folding Theories

▪ Abstract The fastest simple, kinetically two-state protein folds a million times more rapidly than the slowest. Here we review many recent theories of protein folding kinetics in terms of their ability to qualitatively rationalize, if not quantitatively predict, this fundamental experimental observation.
Stress-driven diffusion in a deforming and evolving elastic circular tube of single component solid with vacancies

The title problem is considered for an elastic circular tube of inner radius A and outer radius B. The tube is made of a single component solid with vacancies as its second component. The mole fraction of the massive species is denoted by x1, while that of the vacancies by x0 = 1 – x1. The tube is completely surrounded by vacuum, serving as a reservoir of vacancies. One of the standard elasticity boundary conditions is applied at time t = 0, when the composition is uniform. The ensuing coupled deformation and diffusion leads to the evolving of A(t), B(t) and x1(R, t) as functions of time. Since the single component solid is not in contact with its vapor or liquid, the diffusion boundary condition is always tied to the elasticity problem through a surface condition that involves the normal configurational traction. Our chemical potential has an energy density term that serves as a source in the interior and the boundary conditions for the diffusion problem are such that the time rates of boundary accretion Ȧ(t) and Ḃ(t) must simultaneously satisfy two dissipative inequalities, one governed by the gradient of the internal chemical potential and the other by the normal configurational traction.
Addition of cilostazol to aspirin and a thienopyridine for prevention of restenosis after coronary artery stenting: a meta-analysis

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of adding cilostazol to dual antiplatelet therapy (aspirin and thienopyridine) on rates of restenosis after coronary artery stenting. A meta-analysis is conducted of randomized, controlled trials comparing 3 drug regimens (cilostazol, thienopyridine, aspirin [triple therapy]) with dual antiplatelet therapy to reduce restenosis after coronary stenting. A total of 5 studies are included for analysis. The analysis reveals that triple therapy is used in 796 patients, whereas dual therapy is used in 801 patients. Approximately 56% of patients receive a drug-eluting stent. The 6-month restenosis rates are significantly lower with triple versus dual antiplatelet therapy (12.7% vs 21.9%; odds ratio 0.5; 95% confidence interval, 0.38-0.66; P < .001). This benefit is seen regardless of whether a bare-metal or drug-eluting stent is used. Rates of major adverse cardiac events and bleeding are reported for 3 of the 5 studies (n = 1426); analysis of these outcomes shows no difference between treatment groups (P = .21 and .48, respectively). The addition of cilostazol to standard dual antiplatelet therapy reduces angiographic restenosis and increases MLD at 6 months without significantly affecting rates of major adverse cardiac events or bleeding.
The Differentiation and Stress Response Factor XBP-1 Drives Multiple Myeloma Pathogenesis

Multiple myeloma (MM) evolves from a highly prevalent premalignant condition termed MGUS. The factors underlying the malignant transformation of MGUS are unknown. We report a MGUS/MM phenotype in transgenic mice with Eμ-directed expression of the XBP-1 spliced isoform (XBP-1s), a factor governing unfolded protein/ER stress response and plasma-cell development. Eμ-XBP-1s elicited elevated serum Ig and skin alterations. With age, Eμ-xbp-1s transgenics develop features diagnostic of human MM, including bone lytic lesions and subendothelial Ig deposition. Furthermore, transcriptional profiles of Eμ-xbp-1s lymphoid and MM cells show aberrant expression of known human MM dysregulated genes. The similarities of this model with the human disease, coupled with documented frequent XBP-1s overexpression in human MM, serve to implicate XBP-1s dysregulation in MM pathogenesis.
Measuring the Intermittency of Criminal Careers

The intermittency, or time gaps between criminal events, has received very little theoretical and empirical attention in developmental/life-course criminology. Several reasons account for lack of research on intermittency, including limited data sources containing information on the time between events and the prioritization of persistence—and especially desistance—in developmental/life-course criminology. This article sets out to provide a descriptive portrait of intermittency and in so doing aims to understand and explain intermittency within and between individuals, how it varies with age over the life course, and how it covaries with the seriousness of offending. Longer intermittency is characteristic of offenders with earlier onset as well as those who offend less frequently, whereas high-frequency/early-onset offenders have less intermittency. Findings suggest that intermittent gaps between offenses relate to offense seriousness. As offenders age, the gaps between offenses increase. Each of these ef...
First-trimester screening in triplets

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the performance of Down syndrome screening in triplet pregnancy. Study Design Nuchal translucency (NT; n = 794), nasal bone (n = 219), and biochemistry (n = 198) were evaluated in triplet pregnancy. Screening performance was evaluated with the use of delta and Gaussian models. Results The median multiples of the median values for free beta human chorionic gonadotropin and pregnancy-associated plasma protein A were 2.86 and 3.48, respectively. A significant correlation in delta NT within pregnancy was observed (0.46-0.68). The modeled false-positive rates were 11.7%, 7.4%, and 8.9% with the delta model and 11.9%, 6.6%, and 12.0% with the Gaussian model for NT, NT + nasal bone, and NT + biochemistry. Based on simulation, the detection rate at 12 weeks' gestation was 78%, 93%, and 80% for NT, NT + nasal bone, and NT + biochemistry at a 10% false-positive rate using either the delta or Gaussian models. Conclusion In triplet pregnancy, the addition of nasal bone lowers the false-positive rate of nuchal translucency screening. More data are required on the effectiveness of biochemistry.
Altered Prostatic Epithelial Proliferation and Apoptosis, Prostatic Development, and Serum Testosterone in Mice Lacking Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitors

Normal prostatic development and some prostatic diseases involve altered expression of the cell-cycle regulators p27 and p21 (also known as CDKN1B and CDKN1A, respectively). To determine the role of these proteins in the prostate, we examined prostatic phenotype and development in mice lacking p27 and/or p21. In p27-knockout (p27KO) mice, epithelial proliferation was increased 2- and 3.8-fold in the ventral and dorsolateral prostate, respectively, versus wild-type (WT) mice, although prostatic weights were not different. Epithelial apoptosis was increased in p27KO mice and may account for the lack of a concurrent increase in weight. Testosterone deficiency observed in this group was not the cause of this increase, because vehicle- and testosterone-treated p27KO mice had similar percentages of apoptotic cells. Also observed was a trend toward a decreased functional epithelial cytodifferentiation, indicating a potential role of p27 in this process. Conversely, dorsolateral prostate and seminal vesicle (SV) of p21-knockout (p21KO) mice, and all prostatic lobes and SV of p21/p27 double-knockout mice, weighed significantly less compared to the WT mice, and their epithelial proliferation was normal. Decreased testosterone concentrations may contribute to the decreased prostatic weights. However, other factors may be involved, because testosterone replacement only partially restored prostatic weights. We conclude that loss of p27 increases prostatic epithelial proliferation and alters differentiation but does not result in prostatic hyperplasia because of increased epithelial cell loss. The p21KO mice showed phenotypes distinctly different from those of p27KO mice, suggesting nonredundant roles of p21 and p27 in prostatic development. Loss of p27 or of both p21 and p27 results in serum testosterone deficiency, complicating analysis of the prostatic effects of these cell-cycle regulators.
A Method for Preparing Spaceflight RNAlater-Fixed Arabidopsis thaliana (Brassicaceae) Tissue for Scanning Electron Microscopy

Premise of the study: In spaceflight experiments, tissues for morphologic study are fixed in 3% glutaraldehyde, while tissues for molecular study are fixed in RNAlater; thus, an experiment containing both study components requires multiple fixation strategies. The possibility of using RNAlater-fixed materials for standard SEM-based morphometric investigation was explored to expand the library of tissues available for analysis and maximize usage of samples returned from spaceflight, but these technologies have wide application to any situation where recovery of biological resources is limited. Methods and Results: RNAlater-fixed samples were desalinated in distilled water, dehydrated through graded methanol, plunged into liquid ethane, and transferred to cryovials for freeze-substitution. Sample tissues were critical point dried, mounted, sputter-coated, and imaged. Conclusions: The protocol resulted in acceptable SEM images from RNAlater-fixed Arabidopsis thaliana tissue. The majority of the tissues remai...
Thermodynamic miscibility of polymer-liquid crystal blends

The thermodynamic phase behavior of two polymer-liquid crystal blends was investigated in both the solid and molten states. One of the blends (p-hexyloxybenzoic acid and poly[ethylene glycol]) contains a semi-crystalline polymer. The second example (p-pentyloxycinnamic acid and bisphenol-A polycarbonate) contains a high-impact-resistant amorphous thermoplastic. Whereas, the former system is almost completely immiscible at ambient temperature, yet advantageous for applications in the microelectronics industry, the latter blend exhibits partial (concentration-dependent) miscibility. Our multi-technique assessment of miscibility/phase separation includes high-resolution carbon-13 solid state NMR spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and group-contribution thermodynamics (Universal Quasi-Chemical Functional-Group Activity Coefficient formalism including a Free Volume correction for the small molecule activity, UNIFAC-FV). Approximate temperature-composition (equilibrium) phase diagrams are constructed for both blends in light of the results from NMR, DSC, and UNIFAC-FV.
Retaining Occupational Therapists in Rehabilitation Settings: Influential Factors

The purpose ofthis study was to identify the factors considered by occupational therapists in their deci­ sion to leave or to remain at a present job. Fiftyjive occupational therapists practicing in freestanding re­ habilitation hospitals in the Philadelphia metropoli­ tan area were surveyed regarding general satisfac­ tion, rewarding and stresiful aspects of their current job, and personal or professional reasons to consider leaving a job. The responses were grouped by the therapists' years ofexperience as a framework for drawing conclusions. The results show that years of experience affects what is important to therapists at their jobs; for example, therapists who have been working for 1 year value different aspects of their jobs than therapists who have been working for over 7 years. In general, the most rewarding aspect ofan oc­ cupational therapist's job was seen to be patient care; the most stresiful, paperwork. In deciding to leave a job, the occupational therapists surveyed most fre­ quently rated the following items as high~y important: salary, productivity expectations, professional growth opportunities, peer relationships with other occupa­ tional therapists, and vacation time.
The regime of decreased OH vertical column abundances at Fritz Peak Observatory, CO: 1991–1995

The 18-year data base for vertical column abundance measurements of atmospheric OH at Fritz Peak Observatory, Colorado (40°N, 105°W), exhibits a relatively abrupt change in seasonal behavior during 1991 through 1995. Late summer through early fall abundances, especially, for each year of the 1991–1995 period are significantly below the comparable seasonal average for 1980–1990. Early morning abundances for August through October at solar zenith angles greater than 45° exibit an average reduction of about 0.8 × 1013/cm², which at a solar zenith angle of 60° is a 15% column decrease.
Systematic reconsideration and a revision of the nomenclature of Kenya baboons

Two populations of baboons in Kenya, often given different specific names, Papio doguera and Papio cynocephalus, were the subject of this investigation. We conducted a field study to determine if these two populations are the same or two different species. We located a zone of contact between the two putative species in the area of Simba Springs and Ithumba Hill. The population in this area was found to represent intergradation on the basis of field observations and detailed metric observations of the morphology. The morphology of this population appears to be intermediate between that of the two populations: the olive baboon, labeled Papio doguera, and the yellow baboon, labeled Papio cynocephalus. We confirmed the findings by statistical analyses of osteometric data. Since the specific separation of the two taxa studied in this investigation is invalid, both are placed in the prior nomen, Papio cynocephalus (Linnaeus, 1766) separating them on the subspecific level, P. c. doguera and P. c. cynocephalus.
Consistent Temporal Variations in Many Outdoor Scenes

This paper details an empirical study of large image sets taken by static cameras. These images have consistent correlations over the entire image and over time scales of days to months. Simple second-order statistics of such image sets show vastly more structure than exists in generic natural images or video from moving cameras. Using a slight variant to PCA, we can decompose all cameras into comparable components and annotate images with respect to surface orientation, weather, and seasonal change. Experiments are based on a data set from 538 cameras across the United States which have collected more than 17 million images over the the last 6 months.
HMG box transcriptional repressor HBP1 maintains a proliferation barrier in differentiated liver tissue.

We previously isolated HBP1 as a target of the retinoblastoma (RB) and p130 family members and as the first of the HMG box transcriptional repressors. Our subsequent work demonstrated that HBP1 coordinates differentiation in cell culture models. In the present study, we show that HBP1 regulates proliferation in a differentiated tissue of an animal. Using transgenic mice in which HBP1 expression was specifically increased in hepatocytes under control of the transthyretin promoter, we determined the impact of HBP1 on synchronous cell cycle reentry following partial hepatectomy. Modest overexpression of HBP1 yielded a detectable cell cycle phenotype. Following a mitogenic stimulus induced by two-thirds partial hepatectomy, mice expressing the HBP1 transgene showed a 10- to 12-h delay in progression through G1 to the peak of S phase. There was a concomitant delay in mid-G1 events, such as the induction of cyclin E. While the delay in G1 and S phases correlated with the slight overexpression of transgenic HBP1, the level of the endogenous HBP1 protein itself declined in S phase. In contrast, the onset of the immediate-early response following partial hepatectomy was unchanged in HBP1 transgenic mice. This observation indicated that the observed delay in S phase did not result from changes in signaling pathways leading into the G0-to-G1 transition. Finally, transgenic mice expressing a mutant HBP1 lacking the N-terminal RB interacting domain showed a stronger S-phase response following partial hepatectomy. These results provide the first evidence that HBP1 can regulate cell cycle progression in differentiated tissues.
Proton-fountain Electric-field-assisted Nanolithography (PEN)

This chapter describes the implementation of Proton-fountain Electric-field-assisted Nanolithography (PEN) as a potential tool for fabricating nanostructures by exploiting the properties of stimuli-responsive materials. The merits of PEN are demonstrated using poly(4-vinylpyridine) (P4VP) films, whose structural (swelling) response is triggered by the delivery of protons from an acidic fountain tip into the polymer substrate. Despite the probably many intervening factors affecting the fabrication process, PEN underscores the improved reliability in the pattern formation when using an external electric field (with voltage values of up to 5 V applied between the probe and the sample) as well as when controlling the environmental humidity conditions. PEN thus expands the applications of P4VP as a stimuli-responsive material into the nanoscale domain, which could have technological impact on the fabrication of memory and sensing devices as well as in the fabrication of nanostructures that closely mimic natural bio-environments. The reproducibility and reversible character of the PEN fabrication process offers opportunities to also use these films as test bed for studying fundamental (thermodynamic and kinetic) physical properties of responsive materials at the nanoscale level.
La Vorágine del 9 de abril: J. E. Rivera, J.A. Osorio Lizarazo y el Bogotazo

With the novel La voragine (1924) J.E Rivera constructs an arsenal of metaphors with which the jungle can be read from the city. Thirty years after Rivera’s novel, his arsenal was reapropriated by J.A. Osorio Lizarazo, who uses it to burn down Bogota when writ ing El dia del odio (1952), a novel about April 9th 1948, date in which the city was ransacked and largely burnt down by a mob enraged by the assassination of its leader: Jorge Eliecer Gaitan. Both texts are aligned in a tradition that stages invasion and violence as responses to an elite national project of exclusion and ethnocentrism.
Seizures after decompressive hemicraniectomy for ischaemic stroke

Objective The risk of seizures after malignant middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction with decompressive hemicraniectomy (DHC) is uncertain. Also unknown is how this complication influences survivors’ recovery and quality of life. Methods We retrospectively reviewed medical charts of all patients admitted to Harborview Medical Center between 1 January 2002 and 31 June 2011 for space-occupying MCA ischaemic stroke and who underwent DHC. Survivors and their surrogates were invited to participate in a telephone or in-person interview. Results Fifty-five patients were followed for a median of 311 days (IQR 134–727). Twenty-seven patients (49%) had seizures, 25 (45%) developed epilepsy and 21 (38%) achieved moderate disability or better (modified Rankin Scale score ≤3) by 1 year after stroke onset. The only factor significantly associated with seizure occurrence was male gender. Median time from stroke to first seizure was 222 days, with a cluster of first seizures within weeks after cranioplasty; only two of the first seizures occurred right around the time of stroke onset. Follow-up time was significantly longer for patients with seizures (605 days, IQR 297–882) than for those without (221 days, IQR 104–335). Of the 20 patients interviewed, 12 achieved moderate disability or better, 15 experienced a seizure with 6 indicating the seizure was a major drawback. Regardless, all 20 would have chosen DHC again. Conclusions In this case series, patients were at high risk of developing seizures after malignant MCA stroke with DHC, especially after cranioplasty. Assuming these findings are replicated, means should be sought to reduce the occurrence of this complication.
Design of Neuromorphic Architectures with Memristors

Next-generation high-performance computing processors have a pressing need to expand their computation capabilities to support massively parallel applications. Moreover, conventional Von Neumann based architectures cannot meet these complex computational demands. Neuromorphic architectures, which improve the efficiency and robustness of complex computations by emulating the behavior of biological processes in hardware, offer a viable alternative solution. In this chapter, we discuss the design criteria and challenges to realize such architectures using emerging memristor technology. In particular, the memristor models, synapse circuits, fundamental processing units (neural logic blocks) for the neuromorphic architectures, and hybrid CMOS/memristor neural network (CMHNN) topologies using supervised learning will be presented for different benchmarks.
Industrialists and the Rise of Perón, 1943-1946: Some implications for the Conceptualization of Populism*

Support by a segment of industrialists for Juan Peron has been a crucial feature of much writing about Peronism. This has been sustained by such diverse authors as Torcuato Di Tella, Miguel Murmis and Juan Carlos Portantiero, and Guillermo O'Donnell. Moreover, in many discussions of the nature of populism—in which Peronism is considered an epitome of the phenomenon—a critical role is played by a multiclass alliance which included both workers and industrialists. Yet in 1945 industrialists as a group did not support Peron. The year 1945 is critical to any discussion of the nature of Peronism because it was then that Peron built his core constituency. In addition, there occurred what can only be considered the founding myth of Peronism—the massive workers' demonstration of October 17. Later Peron was able to expand his support, but his base was created in 1945. In order to better understand both the development of Peron's support and then to reflect on what this tells us about the nature of populism, the relationship between Peron and industrialists will be explored from the military's seizure of power in June 1943 to the presidential elections in February 1946. During this period—although Peron was rapidly gathering power—he was not formally head of the government.
An experimental investigation on wind-driven rivulet/film flows over a NACA0012 airfoil by using digital image projection technique

Aircraft icing is a serious threat to aviation safety. Icing accretion process usually interacts with surface water run back flow under glaze icing condition. In the present study, an experimental investigation was conducted to characterize the surface wind-driven water film/rivulet flows over a NACA 0012 airfoil in order to elucidate the underlying physics of the transient surface water transport behavior pertinent to aircraft icing phenomena. The experimental study was conducted in an icing research wind tunnel available at Aerospace Engineering Depratment of Iowa State University. A novel digital image projection (DIP) measurement system was developed and applied to achieve quatitative measurements of the thickness distributions of the surface water film/rivulent flow at different test conditions. The measurement results reveal clearly that, after impinged on the leading edge of the NACA0012 airfoil, the micro-sized water droplets would coalece to form a thin water film in the region near the leading edge of the airfoil. Water rivulets were found to be generated as the water film flow runs backs. The width and the spacing of the water rivulets were found to decrease monotonically with the increasing wind speed.
Efficiency of Limited Vocabulary Speech Recognition for Data Entry Tasks

Performance using four different levels of speech entry was compared to manual entry using a keyboard. Twenty subjects entered text as individual words, phrases, and characters using both orthographic and phonetic alphabets. Overall, when text is entered as words or phrases, performance is equivalent to using a keyboard for individuals who are able to type reasonably well. Spelling text character by character produces approximately seven times as many errors and requires significantly more time to enter information. Use of a phonetic alphabet improves performance but is not as efficient as phrase and word entry.
Sequential analysis on main death causes of residents in Jiangjin District in 2012

Objective To analyze the causes of death and the cis position among residents of Jiangjin District in 2012, and provide a scientific basis for developing prevention and healthcare measures. Methods We classified the diseases by using software ICD- 10 according to international classification of diseases, and the causes of death statistics DeathReg2005 was used for statistical analysis. Results The mortality rate in Jiangjin District in 2012 was 664.72/100,000, with the male mortality of835.13/100,000 and the female mortality of 488.06/100,000. The ratio of male to female was 1.71:1. According to ICD- 10code classification, the top 5 leading causes of death in Jiangjin District in 2012 were as follows: circulatory system disease(mortality rate of 220.74/100,000), respiratory diseases(133.72/100,000), tumor(131.29/100,000), the external causes of injury and poisoning(55.14/100,000), and endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases(41.84/100,000), accounting for 87.67% of the total death toll. Conclusions The deaths of residents in Jiangjin District are mainly caused by chronic diseases,moreover, chronic non- communicable diseases become the main diseases among them. Prevention and intervention of chronic diseases are the focus of future work.
Risk factors for unplanned readmission and stump complications after major lower extremity amputation

Abstract Objective The unplanned 30-day readmission rate is a marker of quality of patient care across many disciplines. Data regarding risk factors for unplanned readmission after major lower extremity amputation (LEA) are limited. We evaluated predictors of readmission at our institution after major LEA. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of all patients undergoing above-knee amputation (AKA) or below-knee amputation (BKA) between November 2009 and November 2014. Patient demographic variables were collected. Predictors of unplanned 30-day readmission and stump complications were determined by multivariable logistic regression. Results A total of 811 patients were identified (AKA, 325; BKA, 486). Of these, 739 patients were included in the final analysis after excluding 30-day decedents without readmission. The overall 30-day readmission rate was 28.8% (AKA 27.9%; BKA 29.4%; P = .730). Stump complications accounted for 28.6% of readmissions (16.5% of AKA; 35.8% of BKA; P = .004). Other common diagnoses included nonsurgical site infection (33.8%), exacerbation of congestive heart failure (7.0%), and diabetes-related complications (6.1%). Surgical intervention was performed on 61% of stump complications (35.9% of AKA readmitted with stump complications; 68.7% of BKA readmitted with stump complications). BKA stump complications were converted to AKAs in 34.1% of cases (3.2% of the total BKA). None of the AKA stump complications required a higher level of amputation (ie, hip disarticulation). Independent predictors of all 30-day readmission included coronary artery disease and end-stage renal disease. American Society of Anesthesiologists class 3 as compared with class 4 was protective. Independent predictors of 30-day readmission for stump complications included rest pain and BKA. Patients who underwent BKA, rest pain as an indication for amputation, and having an occluded bypass graft were predictors of having a stump complication requiring surgery. Conclusions The 30-day readmission rate after major LEA is high, with wound infections accounting for a significant proportion of these readmissions. There was no difference in readmission rates based on level of amputation. Those undergoing BKA were more likely to present with stump complications requiring a surgical intervention, and often a higher level of amputation. Identification of high-risk patients may play a role in reducing postoperative readmissions and stump complications.
Phosphodiesterase Activity of the Lower Urinary Tract

AbstractCyclic AMP is believed to mediate the physiologic response of beta-receptor stimulation in the lower urinary tract. A possible novel therapy for specific dysfunctions might be via pharmacologic modification of cyclic AMP through regulation of phosphodiesterase, the enzyme responsible for metabolizing cyclic AMP. The present study characterizes the phosphodiesterase activity present in various sections of the lower urinary tract and determines the effect of calmodulin and the potency of a series of phosphodiesterase inhibitors. The results can be summarized as follows: the phosphodiesterase activity of all smooth muscle sections of the lower urinary tract were similar. They showed nonlinear kinetics with Vmax between 1.0 and 2.4nmol./mg. protein/minute and apparent Km’s around 100µM. The external sphincter (skeletal muscle) displayed linear kinetics with a Vmax of 0.2nmol./mg. protein/minute and a Km of 9µM. Of the drugs tested, papaverine was the most potent inhibitor and theophylline was one of t...
Technology, informal workers and cities: insights from Ahmedabad (India), Durban (South Africa) and Lima (Peru):

Technology is a key driver of change, not least in the world of work. Yet little is known about what technologies are used by – or impact on – the working poor in the informal economy, and in what ways. This paper presents findings from a 2015 study by the WIEGO network and local partners in three cities: Ahmedabad, India; Durban, South Africa; and Lima, Peru. The findings reveal that informal workers in the study cities are using diverse tools, from manual devices to electrical equipment and internet platforms, to strengthen their livelihoods. Overall, the tools used tend to be basic. Often they are being adapted in ingenious ways in order to adapt to resource and other constraints. Take-up of improved tools is limited by low incomes and concerns about theft and confiscation. It is also affected by city-level, context-specific systems of energy, transport and waste. This paper summarizes which types of technologies are most useful to different sectors of informal workers. It argues that the policy and re...
Introduction to the Ventricular System and Choroid Plexus

Despite our ever-increasing understanding of the central nervous system and intricacies that allow human behavior and functioning, certain areas of the brain have received much less attention. One such region of the brain is the choroid plexus, a highly vascularized structure situated in each of the ventricles and crucial in maintaining homeostasis through cerebrospinal fluid secretion. We begin this introductory chapter of the choroid plexus by reviewing the concepts of early central nervous system development with a particular focus on the formation of the ventricular system. We also discuss the formation of the choroid plexus as well as the physiology behind cerebrospinal fluid production. Finally, we review the vascular supply to the choroid plexus and some of the pathologies that can occur should this be compromised.
The Later Years and Legacy of Carl Friedrich Gauss

At first, Gauss considered his work on the method of least squares to be relatively inconsequential and obvious. He developed his method as a practical solution to problems of observational error in astronomy and geodesy so that he may streamline his calculations and better earn a living for himself and his family. To him, they were a means to a larger end. As a consequence, he did not see any pressing need to quickly publish his technique. Instead, he worked only slowly toward the publication of his collection of algebraic results, his method of least squares included, until 1809.
Study the effect of dense internals on the liquid velocity field and turbulent parameters in bubble column for Fischer–Tropsch (FT) synthesis by using Radioactive Particle Tracking (RPT) technique

Abstract In this study, the effects of the dense vertical internals on the liquid velocity field and turbulence parameters (Reynolds stresses, turbulent kinetic energy, and turbulent eddy diffusivities) are experimentally investigated for the first time by using advanced Radioactive Particle Tracking (RPT) technique. The experimental work was carried out in a Plexiglas bubble column with 5.5 in. (0.14 m) and a height of 72 in. (1.83 m) for the air-water system. In this work, thirty vertical Plexiglass internals of 0.5 in. (0.0127 m) outer diameter were used which covered ∼25% (typical for Fischer–Tropsch processes) of the total cross-sectional area of the column where they arranged as the triangular pitch of 0.84 in. (0.0214 m). The superficial gas velocities based on both total cross-sectional area and free cross-sectional area available for the flow were utilized (0.08, 0.2, and 0.45 m/s), which covered the transition and churn-turbulent flow regime to meet the industrial applications of FT synthesis. The experimental data show that the presence of the internals at a given superficial gas velocity causes an increase in the axial centerline liquid velocity and a sharp decrease in turbulence parameters while the increase in superficial gas velocity in the presence of internals causes an increase in axial centerline liquid velocity and turbulent parameters. The obtained data are reliable as a benchmark data for validation computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation, and models.
Producing jet fuel from biomass lignin: Potential pathways to alkyl-benzenes and cycloalkanes

Abstract Jet turbine fuels have not been completely replaced by biomass-derived fuels due, in part, to the lack of the aromatic and cycloalkane hydrocarbons in bio-jet fuels. Such molecules play a critical role in traditional jet fuels for combustion characteristics and material compatibility. To date, this problem has been addressed by blending bio-jet fuel with traditional petroleum-based oils. In order to produce a 100% biomass-derived jet fuel, a suitable bioresource is needed for synthesizing aromatic and cycloalkane fuel compounds. Lignin, the only biomass component rich in aromatic benzene ring structures, is currently underutilized for low-value heat or treated as process waste because of its high chemical resistance. In this review, a four-step pathway of pretreatment, depolymerization, hydrodeoxygenation (HDO), and alkylation to convert lignin into jet-fuel-range aromatic hydrocarbons and cycloalkanes is explored. While many studies about these processes can be found in the literature for biomass and bio-derived molecules, the purposes of those studies were often for something other than lignin valorization. For example, pretreatment processes focus on cellulose and hemicellulose as desired products while lignin is handled as a waste. Most HDO studies focus on the upper phase of bio-oil which contains primarily water and phenolic monomers, ignoring the bottom phase which contains the larger, main components from depolymerization. Many alkylation studies used single, pure components; by comparison, the feedstocks from HDO of lignin-derived bio-oil are mixtures of varying complexity. This review of each process can be used to guide pathway integration and optimization.
The effect of diabetes case management and Diabetes Resource Nurse program on readmissions of patients with diabetes mellitus

Abstract Aims Patients with diabetes have higher readmission rates than those without diabetes, yet limited data on efforts to reduce their readmissions are available. We describe a novel model of inpatient diabetes care, expanding the role of diabetes educators to include case management, and establishment of a Diabetes Resource Nurse program, aimed at increasing the knowledge of staff nurses, and evaluate the impact of this program on readmission rates. Methods We performed retrospective analysis of 30-day readmission rates of patients with diabetes before (July 2010–December 2011), and after (January 2012–June 2013) starting the implementation of this tiered inpatient diabetes care delivery model. Results We analyzed 34,472 discharged patient records from the 18-month pre-intervention period, and 32,046 records from the 18-month post-intervention period. The overall 30-day readmission rate for patients with diabetes decreased significantly from 20.1% (pre) to 17.6% (post) intervention ( p Conclusion The Diabetes Resource Nurse program is effective in decreasing readmission rates. Patients seen by the diabetes educators have the lowest rates of readmission.
6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3) is necessary for human melanoma MDSC differentiation and function

Myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) inhibit the expansion of tumor antigen-specific effector CD8+ T cells via arginase, transforming growth factor – β (TGF – β) and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO). Recently, MDSCs were found to over-express hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) which is required for their differentiation. An essential transcriptional target of HIF-1α is 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3) which synthesizes fructose 2,6-bisphosphate, an allosteric stimulator of glycolysis and of proliferation via stimulation of cyclin dependent kinase-1 (CDK1). We hypothesized that MDSCs might over-express PFKFB3 which in turn might be required for their function as T cell suppressors. We demonstrate that monocytic MDSCs (M-MDSCs) induced by co-culture with A375 melanoma cells express increased PFKFB3 and that exposure to the PFKFB3 inhibitor, PFK-158, blocks the suppressive function of these M-MDSCs on T cell activation. Furthermore, we analyzed three advanced cancer patients for circulating MDSCs before and after PFK-158 administration as part of a multi-center phase 1 clinical trial. And, we found that the MDSCs were markedly reduced in each patient. Taken together, these data indicate that selective inhibition of PFKFB3 may be a novel approach to target MDSCs and combinations of PFKFB3 inhibitors with immunotherapies may be a rational strategy to promote durable immune-mediated remissions in cancer patients.
The Judgment of Princeton

The case descirbes a wine-tasting competition held in Princeton, New Jersey, in 2012. The competition pitted the best wines from New Jersey (NJ) against the best wines from France in blind taste tests. The case stops after the scores of nine judges tasting 20 wines have been recorded. Students are asked to take these 180 scores and determine the best red and best white and to also compare the performance of the 12 NJ wines to the 8 French wines. Excerpt UVA-QA-0813 Rev. Feb. 20, 2014 The JUDGMENT OF PRINCETON In what has been called the most important wine event of the 20th century, wines from California's Napa Valley were evaluated alongside some of France's best in blind taste tests conducted in Paris on May 24, 1976. In what is now known as the Judgment of Paris, a wine from Napa Valley was judged the best (of 10 tasted) in both the red and white competitions. To put it mildly, the result stunned the wine world. For most people at the time, it was simply unthinkable that wines from California could be as good as those from France. For example, upon hearing the results, one of the Paris judges demanded to have her scorecard back for fear that it would become known that she had rated some of the California wines higher than the higher-priced and better-respected French wines. The event was dramatized in the 2008 film Bottle Shock. The sole journalist attending the Paris event was George Taber of Time magazine. Thirty-six years later, Taber, with the help of two wine economists from Princeton University and various New Jersey wine associations, would stage a similar event. But this time, the best French wines would be compared with the best wines from New Jersey. That's right—New Jersey. People have been making wines [in New Jersey] since colonial days, although after American Prohibition most of them were underwhelming sweet ones made with local blueberries and peaches. A small cadre of vintners, though, had been striving in recent years to produce better wines using the world's leading viniferas. . . .
f-Block complexes of a m-terphenyl dithiocarboxylate ligand

Straightforward syntheses are provided for the m-terphenyl dithiocarboxylic acid 2,6-(C6H4-4-tBu)2C6H3CS2H (TerphCS2H, 2) and its lithium and potassium salts, TerphCS2Li(Et2O)2 and TerphCS2K (1·Et2O and 4, respectively). These compounds can be isolated in good yields on multi-gram scales starting from Terph-I without isolating intermediates. Salt metathesis and protonolysis reactions provided access to the homoleptic actinide(iv) complexes (TerphCS2)4An (An = Th (5) and U (6)). Electrochemical and reactivity studies revealed that the dithiocarboxylate ligand is incompatible with U(iii). The homoleptic lanthanum(iii) complex (TerphCS2)3La and its η6-toluene adduct (7 and 7·tol, respectively) were also structurally characterized. Binding of toluene to 7 was shown to displace intramolecular La-Carene close contacts that are facilitated by a distortion from the usual geometry of bound dithiocarboxylate ligands.
Towards block code examples that help young novices notice critical elements

The frequency of programmers attempting to use code examples has prompted significant research on code examples for text languages. Yet, few systems address issues in novice use of examples in blocks programming languages. Research has begun to explore the difficulties novices have using examples in blocks programming languages. This work addresses one such issue: novices often do not notice or focus on the important elements in examples. This work-in-progress poster presents lessons learned on how to design examples that help novices notice critical elements.
The Effects of Synthesized Rhenium Acetylsalicylate Compounds on Human Astrocytoma Cell Lines.

Purpose: Because of the scarcity of suitable brain cancer drugs, researchers are frantically trying to discover novel and highly potent drugs free of side effects and drug-resistance. Rhenium compounds are known to be nontoxic and exhibit no drug resistance. For that reason, we have developed a series of novel rhenium acetylsalicylato (RAC or ASP) complexes to test their cytotoxicity on brain cancer cells. Also we have attempted to explore the DNA binding properties of these compounds because many drugs either directly or indirectly bind to DNA. Methods: We have treated the RAC series compounds on human astrocytoma brain cancer cell lines and rat normal brain astrocyte cells and determined the efficacy of these complexes through in vitro cytotoxicity assay. We carried out the DNA-binding study through UV titrations of a RAC compound with DNA. Also we attempted to determine the planarity of the polypyridyl ligands of the RAC series compounds using DFT calculations. Results: RAC6 is more potent than any other RAC series compounds on HTB-12 human astrocytoma cancer cells as well as on Glioblastoma Multiforme D54 cell lines. In fact, The IC-50 value of RAC6 on HTB-12 cancer cells is approximately 2 μM. As expected, the RAC series compounds were not active on normal cells. The DFT calculations on the RAC series compounds were done and suggest that the polypyridyl ligands in the complexes are planar. The UV-titrations of RAC9 with DNA were carried out. It suggests that RAC9 and possibly all RAC series compounds bind to minor grooves of the DNA. Conclusion: Because of the very low activity of RAC6 on normal cells and low IC50 value of on astrocytoma (HTB-12) cell lines, it is possible that RAC6 and its derivatives may potentially find application in the treatment of brain cancers. The DFT calculations and UV titrations suggest that RAC series compounds either bind to DNA intercalatively or minor grooves of the DNA or both. However, it is highly premature to make any definite statement in the absence of other techniques.
Introduction to PowerMEMS

The term “PowerMEMS” was first suggested by Epstein and Senturia [1] in 1996 to describe microsystems which generated power or pumped heat. Their primary interest was micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) heat engines, specifically Brayton cycles (such as gas turbines) and subsystems thereof. The promise identified was microsystems whose power densities equaled or exceeded those of the more familiar large-scale devices. Since that time, the PowerMEMS system has evolved into a broader concept which includes other conventional thermodynamic cycles, new heat engine concepts which may only be attractive at microscale, energy harvesting schemes, and micro-fuel cells – all based on MEMS approaches.
Evaluation of a laboratory critical limit (alert value) policy for hypercalcemia.

. Objective.-To evaluate a laboratory critical limit policy for hypercalcemia requiring the laboratory to notify the physician for any serum calcium level higher than 2.99 mmol/L (12.0 mg/dL). Design.-The protocol was assessed using the following criteria : recognition, treatment (fluids or drugs) or no treatment of hypercalcemia, and the effect of adopting lower (2.64 mmol/L) or higher (3.22 mmol/L) calcium critical limits. Results.-Patients were divided into four groups : group 1, 2.64 to 2.74 mmol/L (n = 131) ; group 2, 2.77 to 2.87 mmol/L (n = 33) ; group 3, 2.89 to 2.99 mmol/L (n = 16) ; and group 4, higher than 2.99 mmol/L (n = 11). Hypercalcemia was recognized in 48%, 55%, 56%, and 100% ; treated with fluids in 0%, 0%, 6%, and 9% ; treated with drugs in 0%, 0%, 0%, and 73% ; and not treated in 100%, 100%, 94%, and 18% of patients in groups 1 through 4, respectively. Lower calcium critical limits of 2.64, 2.77, and 2.89 mmol/L would lead to an increase of 1371%, 442%, and 142% in telephone calls. A higher calcium critical limit of 3.22 mmol/L would have resulted in not notifying the physician of six patients (60%) who were treated for hypercalcemia. Conclusions.-The present hypercalcemia policy is effective because patients with calcium levels below 2.99 mmol/L (<1%) are rarely treated for hypercalcemia and because lowering the calcium critical limit alert value would not increase physician awareness of hypercalcemic patients. It would, however, result in a significant increase in telephone calls. A higher calcium critical limit (3.22 mmol/L) would potentially result in missing a significant number of hypercalcemic patients in need of therapy.
Does Undercoverage on the U.S. Address-based Sampling Frame Translate to Coverage Bias?

Address-based sampling (ABS) refers to the use a list of addresses derived from the U.S. Postal Service’s Computerized Delivery Sequence File as a sampling frame. While most residential addresses a...