cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adding Ethics to Our Checklist

Another article on the Doctors' Trial at Nuremberg. Old news. We all studied it—surgeries without anesthesia, horrendous and lethal medical experiments on prisoners, and additional horrors too terrible to categorize. Thank heaven that things are different now, following the Belmont Report's 1 strict ethical requirements for medical research, including informed consent and the vigilance of institutional review boards. But Drs. Anne Craig and Sukumar Desai actually do have quite a bit to say that is new, not the least of which is that“Germany hadthe most ethically and legally advanced regulations of any nation at the time (and that) … did not prevent crimes against humanity by part of the medical profession.” The authors also discuss the financial, behavioral, and psychological factors that lulled good physicians into such brutality. Sadly things are not as different now as we would wish. On December 9, 2014, The US Senate Select Committee on Intelligence released its disturbing Report on the Central Intelligence Agency's (CIA)Detention and Interrogation Program, which disclosed the astonishingextentto whichsomeUS healthprofessionals were directly involved in developing, monitoring, and implementing an extensive program of torture while earning $81 million in the process. The program inflicted harm, pain, and suffering, intentionally induced mental illness and disease, carried out invasive medical procedures for nonmedical reasons, and performed medical experimentation without informed consent. Medical care was often offered to enable continued torture. Physicians for Human Rights, in their excellent analysis of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence report, Doing Harm: Health Professionals' Central Role in the CIA Torture Program, 2 cites at least eight categories of abuse by health care professionals. Ethicist Alessandra Hirsch 3 observes that the behaviors
Urgent Workup of Lower GI Bleeding

Lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) is defined as bleeding originating from bowel distal to the ligament of Treitz. LGIB presents as either melena or hematochezia, depending on the source and the rapidity of hemorrhage. The most common cause of blood per rectum is actually upper gastrointestinal bleeding where blood has traveled antegrade through the intestinal tract. Only about 20% of all gastrointestinal hemorrhages arise from the lower GI tract, and the vast majority of these bleeds arise from the colon. A significant minority originates in the jejunum or ileum. The annual incidence of LGIB is 20–27 cases per 100,000 population in Western countries. The overall mortality rate is reported as 3.8%, which is similar to upper GI bleeding, but in some studies has been reported to be as high as 20%.
Rewriting the Modern: New Perspectives on Romare Bearden and Archibald Motley

Genealogies of continuity and disruption frequently shape the terms of the art-historical debate when discussing the gestures and insurgencies of form encapsulated in the term “modernist.” Narratives of rupture have often signaled a double bind for African American art. As a field, its existence arguably suggests the need for a paradigm shift in the teleology of Western art history. Yet the terms of this debate can often, albeit unintentionally, foreground social relevance to the detriment of artistic influence. Black artists become the supplement to, rather than catalysts of, artistic change. Their modernity is almost a byproduct: a result of these space-making gestures of “insertion” rather than an assertion of their own creative impulse.
Suffering, Misunderstanding, and Suffering Misunderstanding: The Markan Misunderstanding Motif as a Form of Jesus’ Suffering:

Broad references to ‘suffering’ in early Christian literature can give the false impression that all early Christians conceived of suffering in the same way, and that depictions of suffering in ear...
Influence of estrus at fixed-time artificial insemination on early embryonic development in beef cattle

It has been repeatedly demonstrated that estrous expression before fixed-time AI (TAI) results in increased pregnancy success. Therefore, the objective of this experiment was to determine if preblastocyst embryonic developmental characteristics differed from heifers that did or did not exhibit estrus before TAI. Beef heifers (n = 113) were synchronized using the 5-d CO-Synch + controlled internal drug release device with TAI on d 0. Before TAI, estrous expression was assessed twice daily. On d 6, single embryos were collected and visually evaluated to determine quality (International Embryo Transfer Society standards; 1-4, in which 1 = excellent/good and 4 = degenerate) and stage (1-9, in which 1 = unfertilized and 9 = expanded hatched blastocyst). Embryos were stained and evaluated to determine number of dead blastomeres, number of total blastomeres, and number of accessory sperm. Estrous expression before TAI did not affect the percent of embryos recovered (P = 0.59), number of dead cells (P = 0.99), or number of total cells (P = 0.25). However, heifers that exhibited estrus had increased mean (P = 0.03) and median accessory sperm numbers and (P = 0.01) percent live cells when compared with nonestrus heifers. Heifers that exhibited estrus also produced embryos that had a more advanced stage (P = 0.03) and improved quality (P = 0.04) when compared with those heifers not exhibiting estrus. When all heifers were evaluated, there was no correlation between circulating concentration of estradiol at TAI and embryo quality or embryo stage. There was a significant correlation between accessory sperm numbers and embryo quality (P = 0.01) and embryo stage (P < 0.01), such that as accessory sperm numbers increased, embryo quality and stage increased. In conclusion, exhibiting estrus before TAI resulted in improved embryo quality and advanced embryo stage on d 6 and increased the number of accessory sperm associated with the embryo.
Embryogeny and Hatching of Aedes sierrensis Eggs (Diptera: Culicidae)

As with several other aedines, hatching of eggs of Aedes sierrensis (Ludlow) is induced by depletion of the dissolved oxygen of the flooding medium; but, in contrast to many of those others, appreciable hatching is obtained only when the dissolved oxygen is reduced to a very low level (0.25 ppm or less). Newly matured eggs undergo a brief increase in the threshold of stimulation necessary to induce hatching. The cause for this was not determined, but moisture conditions (which frequently cause this kind of effect) were ruled out; the altered responsiveness appears to arise spontaneously within the unhatched larva. Embryogeny requires 8–15 days at 25°–27°C; the larval and pupal stages, about 16 days. These developmental rates are much slower than those of A. aegypti , which requires 3–4 days and about 9 days, respectively, for these processes.
Adjoint-Based Aerothermodynamic Shape Design of Hypersonic Vehicles in Non-Equilibrium Flows

In this paper, a new, continuous formulation of the adjoint equations is derived for a steady, continuum, inviscid gas mixture in thermochemical non-equilibrium for force-based objective functions. These adjoint equations, when solved in conjunction with the governing equations, provide sensitivity information that can be used in a gradient-based optimization framework for shape design. The governing and adjoint equations are implemented in an unstructured, three-dimensional CFD solver, enabling ecient, optimal design of complex geometries with aerothermodynamic considerations in the presence of high-enthalpy, chemically reactive gas mixtures. Surface gradients calculated using the adjoint formulation provided herein are validated against finite-di↵erence gradients for blunt-body and simple wing configurations.
New Approach to the Synthesis of 3-Alkyl-1,2-dicarba-closo-dodecaboranes: Reaction of Alkyldichloroboranes with Thallium Dicarbollide

A number of 3-alkyl-substituted 1,2-dicarba-closo-dodecaboranes were prepared in good yields via the reaction of alkyldichloroboranes, which were generated in situ through hydroboration of the corresponding alkenes with a dichloroborane–dioxane complex, with thallium dicarbollides in anhydrous dichloromethane at room temperature. This reaction also affords insertion products with new thallium dicarbollides prepared from 3-iodo- and 9-iodo-1,2-dicarba-closo-dodecaboranes. The synthesized 3-alkyl-1,2-dicarba-closo-dodecaboranes can be selectively deboronated at the B(6) atom to form the anionic 3-alkyl-7,8-dicarba-nido-undecaborates. All compounds were characterized by NMR and MS techniques.
Postdischarge phone calls after pediatric hospitalization: an observational study.

Objectives Difficulties with transition from inpatient to outpatient care can lead to suboptimal outcomes for patients. We implemented a protocol for systematic follow-up phone calls to families of pediatric patients after discharge, primarily to improve care transition. We also hypothesized that the phone calls would decrease readmissions and emergency department (ED) visits after discharge and improve patient satisfaction. Methods We conducted a quasi-experimental study examining the impact of routinely making follow-up phone calls, compared with historical control discharges. We implemented standardized attending physician phone calls to families of all patients discharged from a general pediatric hospitalist service. Calls were made within 72 hours of discharge to assess problems with transition. Charts were reviewed for documentation of difficulty with the care transition, 14-day and 30-day readmissions, ED visits, and Press-Ganey satisfaction scores. All results in the 12 months after the intervention were compared with the preceding12 months. Results We reached 78% of all patients' families by phone after discharge. Of the families reached, 19.9% needed an issue addressed, half of which were medication related. There were improvements in 14-day and 30-day readmissions and 14-day ED visit rates, as well as improvement in patient satisfaction scores, but none of these results reached statistical significance. Conclusions Standardized, physician-performed, postdischarge phone calls identified frequent patient care issues related to difficulties with inpatient to outpatient transition, many of which were medication related. However, our study was underpowered to detect a statistically significant correlation with changes in readmission rates, ED visits, or patient satisfaction.
The Action of Soft Clay along Friction Piles

Data are presented herein on the increase in supporting capacity of a pipele with the passage of time, the distribution of applied loads along the pile, and the pore-water pressu res developed in t...
Simulation Research of Turbo Equalization Method Based on Underwater Acoustic Channel

Turbo Equalization was discussed which was applied to underwater acoustic communication, and an improved Turbo equalization algorithm named Max-Log-Map was brought forward. A simulation based on a given underwater channel was made. The simulation results represent that performances are close to each other between improved TE-Max-Log-Map and Log-Map when BER is about 10-4 and has 1 dB coding gain compared with Max-Log-Map. The improved Max-Log- Map method improves underwater acoustic communication’s reliability.
In Search of Sacred Truth: Jacobus de Voragine and The Golden Legend

The Golden Legend, the most popular collection of the lives of saints, was gathered by the thirteenth-century Dominican archbishop of Genoa, Jacobus de Voragine. By the year 1500 more copies of it ...
Fostering A Culture Of Collaboration During International Pre-Service Teacher Field Placements: The Power Of Mentor Teachers

This paper reports the results of an action-research case study that investigated the data submitted over three semesters by particpating preservice teachers in an international field experience. The investigation highlights what the the author has determined to be critical components in the implementation of Social Cohesion and effective mentoring by cooperating Austrian teachers .
Initial handling and diagnosis of diseased insects

Publisher Summary This chapter provides general guidelines for the recognition, handling and initial diagnosis of diseased insects and the identification of major entomopathogen groups. Insects are associated with a broad diversity of microorganisms in a variety of symbiotic relationships including commensalism, mutualism, and parasitism. There is an astronomical number of entomopathogens which cause diseases and there is a great a number of insect hosts to find them. Both living and dead insects that are patently infected with entomopathogens can be found in virtually every setting inhabited by insects including natural terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, agroecosystems and in laboratory and commercial insect colonies. The recognition of diseased insects in the field or subsequently in the lab will initially rely on gross pathology and patent infections. Insects that are patently infected with entomopathogens often manifest characteristic symptoms and signs of diseases. Color changes due to entomopathogens in living insects are usually associated with those insects with transparent to semitransparent integuments. It is suggested that when an insect is suspected of being infected with an entomopathogen, it should be examined as soon as possible after collection. The invasion of cadavers by fast-growing saprophytic organisms may complicate the determination of the true etiological agent. The general characteristics of insect disease caused by the major groups of entomopathogens are also elaborated.
Soundness and Completeness Results II

In this chapter we will show that the Hornlog proof method is sound and complete, and that it enjoys the adequacy property defined in chapter 3. We will follow the following guideline in showing these results. First, the method in the ground case is presented and proved complete. Then first-order extension outlined in the previous chapter is shown to be complete by appealing to the completeness of the ground case and the Skolem-Herbrand-Godel theorem. Finally, the soundness and completeness of the method as a computational procedure is established by showing that the set of substitutions returned exactly coincides with the model-theoretic semantics defined for the language. This methodology is particularly appropriate for logic programming because it yields a lifting lemma which constructively illustrates the relationship between the ground and first-order cases.
Drosophila Cancer Models Identify Functional Differences between Ret Fusions

Summary We generated and compared Drosophila models of RET fusions CCDC6-RET and NCOA4-RET. Both RET fusions directed cells to migrate, delaminate, and undergo EMT, and both resulted in lethality when broadly expressed. In all phenotypes examined, NCOA4-RET was more severe than CCDC6-RET, mirroring their effects on patients. A functional screen against the Drosophila kinome and a library of cancer drugs found that CCDC6-RET and NCOA4-RET acted through different signaling networks and displayed distinct drug sensitivities. Combining data from the kinome and drug screens identified the WEE1 inhibitor AZD1775 plus the multi-kinase inhibitor sorafenib as a synergistic drug combination that is specific for NCOA4-RET. Our work emphasizes the importance of identifying and tailoring a patient's treatment to their specific RET fusion isoform and identifies a multi-targeted therapy that may prove effective against tumors containing the NCOA4-RET fusion.
Identity styles, mediated by commitment and syncretism, as predictors of undergraduate students' attitudes toward selected discipleship practices at Valley View University in Ghana in 2015: Implications for religious education

IDENTITY STYLES, MEDIATED BY COMMITMENT AND SYNCRETISM, AS PREDICTORS OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS’ ATTITUDES TOWARD SELECTED DISCIPLESHIP PRACTICES AT VALLEY VIEW UNIVERSITY IN GHANA IN 2015: IMPLICATIONS FOR RELIGIOUS EDUCATION by Juvenal Balisasa Adviser: John V. G. Matthews ABSTRACT OF GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH DissertationOF GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH Dissertation Andrews University Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary Title: IDENTITY STYLES, MEDIATED BY COMMITMENT AND SYNCRETISM, AS PREDICTORS OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS’ ATTITUDES TOWARD SELECTED DISCIPLESHIP PRACTICES AT VALLEY VIEW UNIVERSITY IN GHANA IN 2015: IMPLICATIONS FOR RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Name of the researcher: Juvenal Balisasa Name and degree of faculty adviser: John V. G. Matthews, PhD Date Completed: May 2016 Problem The study of student life on campus has attracted numerous social science enquiries especially in the areas of spirituality, religiosity, and meaning making in life. Of particular interest has been the attempt to restore value-based education in Christian institutions of higher learning, taking cognizance of the need for cultural contextualization and the influence of postmodern ideology. This present study sought to examine the possible predictive role of identity styles, mediated by commitment and syncretism, in the attitudes towards discipleship practices among undergraduate students of Valley View University in Ghana, West Africa in 2015. Method The study employed the principles of a quantitative, non-experimental, crosssectional survey. Non-random convenient sampling method was used to collect data. Eight hundred students were sampled from the second to the fourth year groups. The study used path analysis as the main technique to examine the data. Results All the endogenous variables were significantly predicted (Commitment [R= .400], Syncretism [R= .278], Satisfaction [R= .020], and Involvement [R= .482]) in their respective hierarchical path models. However, the overall hypothesized model did not fit the data. The total effects of the exogenous variables (i.e., Informational identity style, Normative identity style, and Diffuse-avoidant identity style) on satisfaction (.118; .009; and .028, respectively) and on involvement (.082; .006; and .019, respectively) were weak. However, there were significant relationships between some variables, which have important implications for discipleship and religious education in higher education.
Digest: Mechanisms of assortative mating and ecological speciation.

The origin of species has long held the attention of students of biology, yet this process in many ways has remained enigmatic. Of specific interest to many has been the role of assortative mating in speciation (Bolnick and Fitzpatrick 2007). Assortative mating, which occurs when individuals prefer mates who possess characteristics similar to their own, has been recognized as a critical component of speciation despite a general lack of understanding of the underlying mechanisms that drive this pattern. In this issue, Greenway et al. employ cutting edge experimental approaches in a unique study system to provide a fascinating and robust test of alternative mechanisms that can give rise to assortative mating, providing valuable insight into the great mystery of mysteries. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) regulates host defense and protects mice against herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) infection

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) mediates cellular responses to multiple cytokines, governs gene expression, and regulates the development and activation of immune cells. STAT3 also modulates reactivation of latent herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) in ganglia. However, it is unclear how STAT3 regulates the innate immune response during the early phase of HSV-1 lytic infection. Many cell types critical for the innate immunity are derived from the myeloid lineage. Therefore, in this study, we used myeloid-specific Stat3 knockout mice to investigate the role of STAT3 in the innate immune response against HSV-1. Our results demonstrate that Stat3 knockout bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) expressed decreased levels of interferon-α (IFN-α) and interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) upon HSV-1 infection. In vivo, knockout mice were more susceptible to HSV-1, as marked by higher viral loads and more significant weight loss. Splenic expression of IFN-α and ISGs was reduced in the absence of STAT3, indicating that STAT3 is required for optimal type I interferon response to HSV-1. Expression of TNF-α and IL-12, cytokines that have been shown to limit HSV-1 replication and pathogenesis, was also significantly lower in knockout mice. Interestingly, Stat3 knockout mice failed to expand the CD8+ conventional DC (cDC) population upon HSV-1 infection, and this was accompanied by impaired NK and CD8 T cell activation. Collectively, our data demonstrate that myeloid-specific Stat3 deletion causes defects in multiple aspects of the immune system and that STAT3 has a protective role at the early stage of systemic HSV-1 infection.
Shifting Involvements: Private Interest and Public Action

(1983). Shifting Involvements: Private Interest and Public Action. Journal of Economic Issues: Vol. 17, No. 1, pp. 256-259.
Discussion on kuru, scrapie and the experimental kuru-like syndrome in chimpanzees.

It is strangely interesting that scrapie, a degenerative disease of the central nervous system of sheep, and kuru, a rare degenerative disease of the central nervous system of man in the Eastern Highlands of New Guinea and restricted to the Fore peoples and their immediate neighbors, have given rise to a large portion of world research activity in the field of slow virus infections. Dr. Gibbs has reviewed the quest for infectious agents in chronic and subacute degenerative diseases of the central nervous system which has been in progress in our laboratories for the past several years, with particular attention to scrapie, the infection on which Dr. Morris, Dr. Gibbs, and I began to work after Hadlow had brought to my attention the remarkable similarities in the neuropathology and course between kuru in man and scrapie in sheep (Hadlow, 1959). Dr. Gibbs has also brought our previous report of transmission of a kuru-like disease to chimpanzees (Gajdusek et al, 1966) up to date with the final score of seven cases of kuru-like syndrome in eight chimpanzees inoculated with human kuru brain material. It is this first successful transmission of a subacute or chronic central nervous system degeneration of man to primate that has excited our imagination and raised our hopes that other subacute and chronic degenerative nervous system disorders may also be transmissible.
Determinants of group technology/cellular manufacturing systems success: an empirical investigation

This paper addresses the major issues involved in managing the development of group technology/cellular manufacturing (GT/CM) systems. First, theoretical and empirical literature in GT/CM are explored to identify the planning, design and implementation practices which are expected to play major roles in successful development of cellular manufacturing systems. Then we attempt to measure if and to what extent these practices affect the success of such projects via a detailed survey of 69 companies that have implemented GT/CM systems. It is observed that a properly managed/GT/CM project can provide, not only operational efficiency but also, strategic advantages to a firm. Several management issues that stand out in our study are: (1) training of employees across functional boundaries at all levels of organisational hierarchy, (2) revised incentive/reward schemes, (3) autonomy of cell teams, (4) gradual phasing–in of cells, (5) employee involvement during the development life cycle, and (6) setting specific targets during the project planning stage.
Multi-scale mechanics and electrical transport in a free-standing 3D architecture of graphene and carbon nanotubes fabricated by pressure assisted welding

Abstract A free-standing, 3D nanohybrid structure is fabricated by welding 2D graphene (Gr) and 1D carbon nanotubes (CNT) by localized Joule heating under high pressure. Multi-scale mechanical properties and electrical transport behavior of the hierarchical nanostructure are investigated. Nanoindentation revealed anisotropy in mechanical properties with respect to the orientation of the graphene layers. CNTs were found to act as anchors between graphene layers during in situ indentation, enhancing the resistance to failure. Gr-CNT is characterized by excellent damping capability, with loss tangent values as high as 0.8. Anisotropy in loss tangent was observed, indicating the potential to dissipate energy in a desired orientation while allowing unattenuated energy transfer in the other orientation. A two-fold increase in electrical conductivity is observed (∼108 S/cm) as compared to pure graphene monolith (∼55 S/cm) fabricated by the same technique. In addition, out-of-graphene plane conductivity is also improved by 23% due to nanotube addition. CNTs act as conduction pathways and compensate for resistance at interfaces and linkages in the hybrid. Development of a large-scale 3D architecture with strongly bonded nano-constituents and excellent electrical transport opens up scope for numerous applications, such as nano-microelectromechanical systems, sensors, dampers, precision systems, thermal management, and scaffolds for tissue and neural engineering.
Mechanisms and Subclinical Consequences of Aortic Stiffness.

The number of published articles on PubMed with arterial stiffness or aortic stiffness in the title during the past 20 years exceeds 4000 articles published, with more than one-half published in the past 5 years (see Figure). The studies published on the topic of arterial stiffness span the full translational continuum from basic mechanistic studies in cell and animal models to small experimental studies in humans and large observational cross-sectional and prospective studies relating arterial stiffness to subclinical target organ damage or clinical cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. The reason for this rapidly growing area of investigation is likely attributed to the strong body of evidence indicating that arterial stiffness, specifically aortic stiffness as measured by the reference standard carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (CFPWV), is a robust predictor of clinical CVD events in adults even after adjusting for blood pressure (BP) and other conventional CVD risk factors.1,2 In addition, several prospective cohort studies suggest that elevated CFPWV precedes the development of incident hypertension in middle-aged adults,3,4 consistent with the idea that aortic stiffness may be causal in the genesis of hypertension with aging in humans rather than a subclinical consequence. Figure. The number of published articles in PubMed with the terms arterial+stiffness or aortic+stiffness appearing in the title during the past 20 y. In 2015, the American Heart Association published a comprehensive Scientific Statement addressing the nomenclature, methodologies, utility, limitations, and gaps in knowledge related to arterial stiffness to inform the research community of the state of field and help guide future directions for investigation, including identifying targets for intervention.5 Because the putative mechanisms that contribute to the development of aortic stiffness remain elusive, the current review article will focus on the recent advances during the past 2 to 3 years describing some novel mechanisms …
Assessing the Fda Via the Anomaly of Off-Label Prescribing

Most American hospital patients are given drugs that are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the prescribed use and that have not been tested in FDA efficacy trials for the prescribed use. Such "off-label" prescribing is widespread. This paper reviews the extent of off-label prescribing and explains why physicians prescribe off-label. A cost-benefit analysis of off-label prescribing strongly suggests that the FDA's authority over new drugs, particularly the requirement that new drugs be tested for efficacy, is detrimental to the public's health and welfare.
Pathogenesis of viral lymphomas.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Kaposi’s sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV), also called Human Herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), and human T-cell lymphotrophic virus (HTLV-1) are viruses that are well documented to be causally associated with lymphoid neoplasia in humans. Other viruses have also been proposed to be involved in lymphomagenesis, but their role may be indirect, or the association is not well established. Current knowledge suggests that EBV, KSHV and HTLV-1 contribute to lymphomagenesis by subverting the host-cell molecular signaling machinery to deregulate cell growth and survival. It appears that de-regulation of the NF-ΚB pathway is a common strategy used by these three viruses to promote cell survival, thereby playing a critical role in tumorigenesis. The understanding of the mechanisms of viral carcinogenesis could lead to the identification of novel therapeutic targets and to the development of rationally designed therapies. In this chapter, the basic information and recent developments that have contributed to our understanding of viral lymphomagenesis, and its possible therapeutic implications are reviewed.
Fibromyalgia and Pregnancy

Fibromyalgia symptoms tend to worsen with menstrual periods, pregnancy, and delivery. Pregnancy outcome is unaffected by a fibromyalgia diagnosis. Pre-conception discussions should be a routine part of the care of fibromyalgia patients of childbearing potential. Nausea should be treated aggressively during pregnancy to avoid dehydration and poor nutrition. Non-drug treatments should be maximized during pregnancy and when nursing, with medications reserved for more disabling and recalcitrant symptoms.
Insomnia. Safe and effective therapy for sleep problems in the older patient.

Insomnia is a problem in all stages of life but is particularly common age 65. A number of factors-including advanced age. psychosocial influences, medical illness, and the use of medications and alcohol-may disturb steeparchitecture. Evaluation the older patient requites a careful history and physical examination, supplemented by a sleep diary. Treatment of underlying conditions and nonphermacologie improvements in sleep hygiene are first-line therapy, but pharmacologie agents such as benrodiazepines, nonbenzodiazepine hyphotics or antifiepressants may be heeded Nonbenzediazepines with rapid elimination may after a lower side-effect profile than other hypnotic agents when used for insomnia in the Schnieider Dr. Insomnia: Safe and effective therapy the sleep problems in the older patient.
TEVAR for Acute Complicated Type B Aortic Dissection

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has revolutionized the treatment of descending thoracic aortic aneurysms and has become the standard of care for treatment of type B aortic dissection complicated by organ malperfusion or rupture. Coverage of the primary intimal tear by the endograft eliminates antegrade false lumen perfusion and diverts all blood flow into the true lumen. This results in true lumen expansion and false lumen reduction and/or obliteration. In cases of dynamic malperfusion, TEVAR alone will resolve endorgan ischemia. Additional branch vessel stenting is required for cases of static malperfusion. A reproducible percutaneous method of TEVAR is described in which thoracic aortic stent grafting is performed from the left subclavian artery to the celiac artery with the use of intravascular ultrasound to repair acute type B aortic dissection. Salient technical aspects are described with illustrations demonstrating the key procedural steps.
A non-negative artificial neural network configuration for noise predictions

Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) provide an accurate relationship between user-defined inputs and outputs for complex problems. Their basic units are called neurons. The computation that takes place in each neuron is a weighted summation of its inputs. These results are then implemented as an input to an activation or transfer function, which in turn defines the final neuron’s output. The transfer function configuration is very important when defining the final purpose of the ANN. There are many standard activation functions like pure linear, tangent sigmoid, logistic sigmoid, among others. In this study, an ANN capable of predicting tire pavement interaction noise (TPIN) is constructed. Its outputs correspond to sound pressure in narrowband. Thus, the main requirement is that the outputs must be positive. Several neuron transfer functions were investigated for both hidden and output layers. Finally, a customized hybrid linear-sigmoid transfer function was selected. The final ANN configuration is able to capture typical TPIN spectral content within 400 Hz–1600 Hz. In addition, the error is significantly reduced if compared to those obtained after implementing standard transfer functions.Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) provide an accurate relationship between user-defined inputs and outputs for complex problems. Their basic units are called neurons. The computation that takes place in each neuron is a weighted summation of its inputs. These results are then implemented as an input to an activation or transfer function, which in turn defines the final neuron’s output. The transfer function configuration is very important when defining the final purpose of the ANN. There are many standard activation functions like pure linear, tangent sigmoid, logistic sigmoid, among others. In this study, an ANN capable of predicting tire pavement interaction noise (TPIN) is constructed. Its outputs correspond to sound pressure in narrowband. Thus, the main requirement is that the outputs must be positive. Several neuron transfer functions were investigated for both hidden and output layers. Finally, a customized hybrid linear-sigmoid transfer function was selected. The final ANN configuration is able to ...
Activating transcription factor 4 is a novel regulator of the cell cycle through direct interaction with p27kip1 and cdk4 in breast cancer

5078 The cell cycle is frequently deregulated in human malignancy, including breast cancer. Loss of cell cycle control, and hence the ability to proliferate without appropriate checks and balances, is one of the hallmarks of cancer. Integral to the G1/S transition is the Rb pathway, which is controlled by cyclins D and E, together with their kinase partners, cdk4 and cdk2 respectively. These cyclin/cdk complexes are inhibited by p16, p21cip1 and p27kip1. A decrease in cdk levels or an increase in the levels of the inhibitors would effectively shutdown this cell cycle transition, leading to cell cycle arrest and inhibition of growth. Therefore, identifying a ‘master regulator’ that controls the G1/S transition would hold substantial clinical promise. A protein that we are implicating to be involved in the G1/S transition is called Activating Transcription Factor 4 (ATF4). ATF4 has been identified as a protein that responds to different cellular stresses (e.g., lack of oxygen, lack of nutrients, etc). We have previously shown that overexpression of ATF4 under the control of βlactoglobulin promoter in mammary gland of transgenic mice severely impaired normal development of the mammary gland, which was associated with reduced proliferation and differentiation of mammary alveolar epithelium and upregulation of p27kip1 and p21cip1. Here we show thatectopic expression of ATF4 in the human MCF7 cell line inhibits cell proliferation and induces a G0/G1 arrest with increased expression p27Kip1. In addition, ATF4 binds directly to CDK4 and p27kip1 to inhibit the CDK4 and cyclin E associated kinase activities respectively. We next mapped the ATF4 binding site in p27kip1 using the PET fusion domains of p27kip1 and show that the CDK and cyclin binding domain of p27kip1 efficiently interact with ATF4. In addition, suppression of ATF4 in cells leads to decrease in p27kip1 expression, while overexpression of ATF4 results in rearrangement of cyclin-CDK complexes.Thus ATF4 is a novel regulator of mammary epithelial cell proliferation through regulation of p27kip1 expression, CDKs activities and reassortment of cyclin/CDK complexes. Our preliminary clinical studies using 52 human breast cancer samples reveals that ATF4 expression is decreased in more than 30% of the tumors examined. In addition, we found a positive correlation between ATF4 and p27kip1 expression levels by western blot as well as co-localizatin of ATF4 and p27kip1 in these tumor tissues by immunohistochemistry. Collectively, these results suggest that ATF4 is a novel tumor suppressor with specific actions in the phase of the cell cycle (i.e. the G1 to S transition) which is crucial for regulated cell division. These results underscore the importance of ATF4 as a cell cycle regulator and provide a rationale for use of ATF4 as a prognostic factor in association with p27kip1 in breast cancer that can also be exploited therapeutically.
Spatial Gradients of Fungal Abundance and Ecology throughout a Damp Building

Dampness and fungal (mold) growth in buildings is a persistent environmental health problem. This study sought to determine the extent to which fungi grown on damp materials are distributed throughout a single family home. Samples were collected from fungi growing directly on building materials in the basement (direct mold), and, as a proxy for indoor and outdoor air, settled dust was collected from the top of door frames (basement, first, and second floor, exterior). Direct mold in the basement influenced both the fungal richness and ecology of air throughout the building. Fungal communities clustered by sample type (ANOSIM R=0.62, p-value=0.001) and floor (indoor samples: ANOSIM R=0.58, p-value=0.001) with the direct mold ecologies dominated by taxa (i.e. Sterigmatomyces, Stachybotrys, Aspergillus) associated with mold growth on building materials, and not present in outdoor samples. The relative abundances of these highly enriched direct mold taxa were also found to be inversely correlated to the dista...
A Quality Strategy to Advance the Triple Aim in California’s Medicaid Program:

The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) administers the nation’s largest Medicaid program. In 2012, DHCS developed a Quality Strategy modeled after the National Quality Strategy to...
Axial torsion of Meckel's diverticulum causing acute peritonitis in the first trimester of pregnancy: a case report.

Meckel’s diverticulum is considered the most prevalent congenital anomaly of the gastrointestinal tract. Approximately 4% of patients are symptomatic with complications such as bleeding, intestinal obstruction, and inflammation, while axial torsion of Meckel’s diverticulum is rare, particularly in pregnancy. A 31-year-old woman in week 15 of pregnancy complained of epigastric pain, nausea and vomiting. Clinical diagnosis was severe hyperemesis gravidarum. Because the symptoms persisted during hospitalization, CT was performed and revealed dilated small bowel loops with multiple air-fluid levels. In the right mid-abdomen, there was a large part of air containing a cavity connected to the small intestine, which was considered a dilated bowel loop. Emergency laparotomy was performed and axial torsion of a large Meckel’s diverticulum measuring 11 cm was found at a few centimeters proximal to the ileocecal valve. Ileocecal resection including Meckel’s diverticulum was performed. The postoperative course was uneventful. At 40 weeks gestation, she had vaginal delivery of normal baby. The physiological and anatomical changes in pregnancy can make a straightforward clinical diagnosis difficult. Prompt diagnosis and management were needed in order to avoid significant maternal and fetal risks. The use of imaging examinations, especially CT examination, with proper timing may be helpful to prevent delay in diagnosis and surgical intervention. Here, we report the case of a patient with axial torsion of Meckel’s diverticulum in pregnancy. To our knowledge, axial torsion of Meckel’s diverticulum in the first trimester of pregnancy has not been reported in the English medical literature.
Exploring the effect of flow condition on the constitutive relationships for two-phase flow

Abstract Empirical relationships that describe two-phase flow in porous media have been largely hysteretic in nature, thereby requiring different relationships depending on whether the system is undergoing drainage or imbibition. Recent studies have suggested using interfacial area to close the well-known capillary pressure-saturation relationship, while others expand upon this by including the Euler characteristic for a geometric description of the system. With the advancement of fast x-ray microtomography at synchrotron facilities, three-dimensional experiments of two-phase quasi- and non-equilibrium flow experiments were conducted to quantify the uniqueness of constitutive relationships under different flow conditions. We find that the state functions that include the Euler characteristic provide the most unique prediction of the state of the system for both quasi- and non-equilibrium flow. Of these functions, those that infer volume fraction from the other state variables are independent of flow condition (quasi- or non-equilibrium). This enhances the applicability of new constitutive relationships allowing for more robust models of two-phase flow.
Evaluation of NASA's NEX-GDDP-simulated summer monsoon rainfall over homogeneous monsoon regions of India

The current research aimed to evaluate the predictive skill of statistically downscaled National Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA) Earth Exchange Global Daily Downscaled Projection (NEX-GDDP) data in simulating the Indian summer monsoon rainfall (ISMR) for the period of 1961–2005 over the individual homogeneous monsoon regions of India (HMRI). For the purpose, five models are selected, as these models (in GCM) have shown better performance in the simulation of ISMR by the researcher. The spatial characteristics and statistical scores (annual cycle, percentage bias, Taylor score, probability distribution function) are used to evaluate the performance of each model in simulating rainfall over land points of individual HMRI. In the spatial analysis, it seems that models of NEX-GDDP can simulate the ISMR, pretty well in comparison to APHRODITE (observation), and show a moderate to significantly high correlation (grid point) over each of the HMRI particularly to core monsoon region, except over few parts of PI. The Taylor statistics suggest that the model CanESM performs very well over the regions of PI, NWI, and WCI. The models MPI-ESM-LR and NorESM perform well in simulating the ISMR over CNI, followed by ACCESS, CanESM, and CCSM4. The models have varying bias in predicting the rainfall; however, ACCESS does perform well and shows the minimum bias (ranges from ~ 1 to ~ 14% only) among others. The models CanESM and NorESM (except over CNI) performed relatively better. The NEX-GDDP models overcome the global climate models (GCMs) in the retrospective simulation of ISMR over the land points of India. It is concluded that the models have good predictability of JJAS rainfall but unable to catch daily rainfall variability.
Flavor Broken QCD$_3$ at Large N

We examine the vacuum structure of QCD$_3$ with flavor group $U(f)\times U(N_f-f)$ in the limit $N\to\infty$ with $g^2N=$fixed. We find that, generically, the resolution of critical points into a series of first order pahse transitions persists at special locations in the phase diagram. In particular, the number of Grassmannians that one traverses and their locations in the phase diagram is a function of $f$.
The evolution of seasonal migration and the slow-fast continuum of life history in birds

Seasonal migration is a widespread adaptation in environments with predictable periods of resource abundance and scarcity. Migration is frequently associated with high mortality, suggesting that migratory species live on the fast end of the slow-fast continuum of life history. However, few interspecific comparative studies have tested this assumption and prior assessments have been complicated by environmental variation among breeding locations. We evaluate how migration distance influences the tradeoff between reproduction and survival in 45 species of mostly passerine birds that breed sympatrically in North American boreal forests but migrate to a diversity of environments and latitudes for the northern winter. We find, after accounting for mass and phylogeny, that longer distance migrations to increasingly amenable winter environments are correlated with reduced annual reproductive output, but also result in increased adult survival compared to shorter-distance migrations. Non-migratory boreal species have life history parameters more similar to long-distance migrants than to shorter-distance migrants. These results suggest that long-distance migration and other highly specialized strategies for survival in seasonal environments impose selection pressures that both confer and demand high adult survival rates. That is, owing to the reproductive cost of long-distance migration, this strategy can only persist if balanced by high adult survival. Our results reveal migratory distance as a fundamental life history parameter that predicts, and is inextricable from, the balance of survival and reproduction. Our study further provides evolutionary context for understanding the annual cycle demography of migratory species and the strategies long-distance migrants use to maximize survival on their journeys.
Patterns of late Amazonian deglaciation from the distribution of martian paraglacial features

Abstract Mars has experienced widespread glaciation across the mid-latitudes during the Late Amazonian. Deglaciation has altered these mid-latitude regions, and the characteristics of deglaciation can be useful in determining the variability in environmental response to climate change. The paraglacial period describes the period over which deglaciation occurred, and is characterized by a suite of features that form due to ice loss. Glaciated craters in the martian mid-latitudes were documented for evidence of paraglacial activity to determine how local crater setting affects deglaciation. Five paraglacial features were identified: spatulate depressions, washboard terrain, gullies, polygons, and broad pits, and their occurrence in each glaciated crater was recorded. 71% of glaciated craters (~450 craters) contained some evidence of paraglacial activity. Relatively more southern hemisphere glaciated craters contained paraglacial features (89%) than northern hemisphere glaciated craters (42%). The spatial density of paraglacial features varies with location. Different combinations of paraglacial features were found in each crater, although some features were preferentially associated, including washboard terrain and gullies, and broad pits and polygons, suggesting dependent formation mechanisms. More types of paraglacial features (up to all five features) were found in small craters (~5–10 km) at a range of elevations, and at modest latitudes (~35–45°), which corresponds to a large region of the southern highlands. Few or no paraglacial features were found in craters containing glacial fill exceeding ~70% of their predicted depth. The thickness of crater fill appears to be the dominant control on paraglacial response, which is affected by crater diameter, and partly by latitude. The variation in thickness of crater fill is attributed to variable accumulation and ablation rates during peak glacial periods during the Late Amazonian. The similarity in paraglacial feature morphology across the mid-latitudes of both hemispheres suggests that deglaciation and paraglaciation operate via similar mechanisms, although climatic conditions and geologic setting at each crater will determine the specific pathway for paraglacial activity to occur. These observations can be used to predict where future paraglacial activity will occur, and where it may be inhibited.