cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gastric Bypass Surgery: A Survey of Primary Care Physicians

Gastric bypass surgery has become an increasingly recognized treatment option for individuals suffering from morbid obesity. However, no previous empirical studies have examined the beliefs and attitudes of primary care physicians with regard to this type of intervention. Using a cross-sectional survey approach, we queried 99 primary care physicians about their beliefs and attitudes. With the exception of queries about insurance coverage, the response patterns evidenced a clear majority for most items. For several items, there were some interesting inconsistencies, which may suggest physician ambivalence. In the final analysis, 84% of respondents supported the recommendation of gastric bypass surgery for qualifying patients. However, there was a significant gender difference, with female physicians being less supportive than male physicians. We discuss the implications of these results.
On pointwise convergence, compactness and equicontinuity in the lifting topology. I

The latter defines the usual equivalence relation in Moo. We denote by f the equivalence class of each feM ~ with respect to this equivalence relation. We say that a set F carries p ifF~ and p(E-F)=O. In the case when E is a compact space and/~ a positive Radon measure on E, we denote by Supp ~ the smallest (= intersection) of all closed sets F c E, carrying p. If f: E~R and AcE, we denote by fla the restriction of f to A; finally if HcMoo we use the notation Hla for the set of all hlA, with h~H. The author is indebted to Professors Dietrich K61zow and John C. Oxtoby for several helpful remarks and relevant comments concerning the contents of this paper. We begin with the following simple but very useful result. Proposition 1. Let H c M ~ be a set which is bounded and such that the relations h 1 ~H, h 2 ~H and h I 4: h 2 imply h 1 + h 2 . Assume that H is sequentially compact for the topology of pointwise convergence on E, that is for any sequence (h,) of elements of H, there is a subsequence (h,k) and an h~H such that h,k ~ h pointwise on E. Then H is compact and metrizable for the topology of pointwise convergence on E. Proof We consider on H the topology -[-1 of mean Ll-convergence 1, and the topology T of pointwise convergence on E. We divide the proof into two steps: I) We note first that (H, T1) is compact. In fact, for any sequence (h,) in H, there is a subsequence (h,~) and an h~H such that h,~ ~ h pointwise on E. By the Lebesgue dominated convergence theorem, we also have
Host DNA Replication Is Induced by Geminivirus Infection of Differentiated Plant Cells

The geminivirus Tomato golden mosaic virus (TGMV) replicates in differentiated plant cells using host DNA synthesis machinery. We used 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation to examine DNA synthesis directly in infected Nicotiana benthamiana plants to determine if viral reprogramming of host replication controls had an impact on host DNA replication. Immunoblot analysis revealed that up to 17-fold more BrdU was incorporated into chromosomal DNA of TGMV-infected versus mock-infected, similarly treated healthy leaves. Colocalization studies of viral DNA and BrdU demonstrated that BrdU incorporation was specific to infected cells and was associated with both host and viral DNA. TGMV and host DNA synthesis were inhibited differentially by aphidicolin but were equally sensitive to hydroxyurea. Short BrdU labeling times resulted in some infected cells showing punctate foci associated with host DNA. Longer periods showed BrdU label uniformly throughout host DNA, some of which showed condensed chromatin, only in infected nuclei. By contrast, BrdU associated with viral DNA was centralized and showed uniform, compartmentalized labeling. Our results demonstrate that chromosomal DNA is replicated in TGMV-infected cells.
Synthesis of Broad-Band 3-dB Hybrids Based on the 2-Way Power Divider

The synthesis of broad-band 2-way Wilkinson hybrids is well known. The even- and odd-mode analysis results in two equivalent circuits where the synthesis of the odd mode is done by computer optimization. This paper shows an exact synthesis of 2-way Wilkinson power dividers having one isolation resistor, but an arbitrary number of quarter-wave transformers. A large number of circuits have been synthesized with up to 6 quarter-wave transformers. The 2-way Wilkinson hybrid can be extended to a 4-port component. This 4-port component can operate as a 180° or 90° 3-dB hybrid depending on the input port. The hybrid has a high directivity independent of frequency when used as a 180° hybrid. Experimental results are given for a 2-way divider and a 3-dB hybrid built in microstrip with a center frequency of 5 GHz.
Derivative Corrections in A Scalar Theory

A scalar field theory whose potential V has two local minima may tunnel out of the false vacuum (φ f ) by the nucleation and subsequent growth of bubbles of true vacuum (φ t ). The nucleation rate per unit volume at temperature T is, to 1-loop order,[1, 2] $$\frac{\Gamma }{\nu } = \frac{{{T^4}}}{{2\pi }}{\left( {\frac{{{E_c}}}{{2\pi T}}} \right)^{3/2}}{\mkern 1mu} \frac{{\left| {{\omega _ - }} \right|/2T}}{{\sin \left( {\left| {{\omega _ - }} \right|/2T} \right)}}{e^{ - {F_c}/T}}.$$ (1)
A genome-wide deletion mutant screen identifies pathways affected by nickel sulfate in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

The understanding of the biological function, regulation, and cellular interactions of the yeast genome and proteome, along with the high conservation in gene function found between yeast genes and their human homologues, has allowed for Saccharomyces cerevisiae to be used as a model organism to deduce biological processes in human cells. Here, we have completed a systematic screen of the entire set of 4,733 haploid S. cerevisiae gene deletion strains (the entire set of nonessential genes for this organism) to identify gene products that modulate cellular toxicity to nickel sulfate (NiSO4). We have identified 149 genes whose gene deletion causes sensitivity to NiSO4 and 119 genes whose gene deletion confers resistance. Pathways analysis with proteins whose absence renders cells sensitive and resistant to nickel identified a wide range of cellular processes engaged in the toxicity of S. cerevisiae to NiSO4. Functional categories overrepresented with proteins whose absence renders cells sensitive to NiSO4 include homeostasis of protons, cation transport, transport ATPases, endocytosis, siderophore-iron transport, homeostasis of metal ions, and the diphthamide biosynthesis pathway. Functional categories overrepresented with proteins whose absence renders cells resistant to nickel include functioning and transport of the vacuole and lysosome, protein targeting, sorting, and translocation, intra-Golgi transport, regulation of C-compound and carbohydrate metabolism, transcriptional repression, and chromosome segregation/division. Interactome analysis mapped seven nickel toxicity modulating and ten nickel-resistance networks. Additionally, we studied the degree of sensitivity or resistance of the 111 nickel-sensitive and 72 -resistant strains whose gene deletion product has a similar protein in human cells. We have undertaken a whole genome approach in order to further understand the mechanism(s) regulating the cell's toxicity to nickel compounds. We have used computational methods to integrate the data and generate global models of the yeast's cellular response to NiSO4. The results of our study shed light on molecular pathways associated with the cellular response of eukaryotic cells to nickel compounds and provide potential implications for further understanding the toxic effects of nickel compounds to human cells.
The congenitally bicuspid aortic valve: how does it function? Why does it fail?

Abstract Background The study was intended to investigate the reason why congenitally bicuspid valves (CBAVs), which may function hemodynamically and clinically well, have a high early failure rate. Methods Observations were made on cryopreserved, then thawed human aortic roots containing CBAVs. Valvular function was studied in the left heart simulator using conventional and 500-frames/second cinematography, intravascular ultrasound, by preparation of silicone molds, and by computerized digital modeling. Results The function of the clinically "normal" CBAVs is characterized by (a) excessive folding and creasing, which (unlike in the trileaflet valve) persist throughout the cardiac cycle; (b) extended areas of leaflet contact; (c) significant morphologic stenosis; and (d) asymmetrical flow patterns and turbulence. Conclusions The above features subject the CBAV to abnormally high stresses and may lead to early thickening and eventually calcification and stenosis. The abnormal flow patterns also predilect for dilatation and dissection of the ascending aorta.
Few D.O.F. Walking Robot with Outer-Wheels

This paper describes the design and prototype testing of a few D.O.F. walking robot. This new design has hybrid wheeled-legged mechanism composed of an outer frame with novel omni-directional wheels, "Omni-Balls", and inner legs that provide thrust. Compared to previous hybrid designs, this walking robot has high stability on rough terrain because the wheels are located outside of the legs. In addition, the design permits the use of simplified leg designs with only one or two actuated degrees of freedom. We present performance results from prototype tests and consider implications for enhanced designs.
Tomato psyllid behavioral responses to tomato plant lines and interactions of plant lines with insecticides.

Abstract Adult tomato psyllid, Bactericerca (Paratrioza) cockerelli (Sulc) (Homoptera: Psyllidae), behavioral responses were evaluated for five tomato plant lines and for the interactions of insecticides with four commercial cultivars. Plant lines tested included the commercial ‘Shady Lady’, ‘Yellow Pear’, ‘7718 VFN’, ‘QualiT 21’, and the plant introduction line PI 134417. Insecticides included a kaolin particle film, pymetrozine, pyriproxyfen, spinosad, and imidacloprid. Psyllids spent significantly more time feeding on ‘Yellow Pear’ than all other plant lines except ‘7718 VFN’. In comparisons among plant lines, psyllids exposed to the wild accession PI 134417 showed a 98% reduction in feeding, a significant increase in jumping behavior, and a significant tendency to abandon the leaves, thereby demonstrating repellency, not just an antixenosis response. Interactions between plant lines and insecticides influenced behavioral responses. All insecticides tested significantly reduced feeding durations on all...
Measuring Quality in Pediatric Endoscopy

Measuring quality in endoscopy includes the assessment of appropriateness of a procedure and the skill with which it is performed. High-quality pediatric endoscopy is safe and efficient, used effectively to make proper diagnoses, is useful for excluding other diagnoses, minimizes adverse events, and is accompanied by appropriate documentation from beginning through end of the procedure. There are no standard quality metrics for pediatric endoscopy, but proposed candidates are both process and outcomes oriented. Both are likely to be used in the near future to increase transparency about patient outcomes, as well as to influence payments for the procedure.
Undergraduates' Perceived Knowledge, Self-Efficacy, and Interest in Social Science Research

This study investigated the relationship between pe rceived knowledge of research methods, research self-efficacy, interest in learning a bout research, and interest in performing research-related tasks in one’s career. The study a lso investigated the effect of a research methods course with both didactic and experiential components on these variables. Participants were 33 undergraduates enrolled in a rese arch methods for the social sciences course. At Time 1, perceived knowledge of research was related to all variables; at Time 2, it was related to research self-efficacy and lea rning interest only. Both perceived knowledge and research self-efficacy increased sign ificantly over the semester; however, interest did not. Implications for teaching and out come assessment are discussed.
A Long Road with a Rocky Beginning: An Update on the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument's Journey through Utah

President Clinton created the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument more than sixteen years ago. At the time of its creation, the Monument outraged Utahns, and speculation about the future effects of the Monument ran rampant. After providing the historical geography of the Monument and explaining the authority with which the Executive Branch can proclaim land a national monument, this paper addresses the significant elements of the Monument's sixteen year existence. Specifically, this paper explains the impacts the Monument has had on (1) private land within the Monument; (2) livestock grazing in the Monument; (3) county-claimed roadways within the Monument; (4) State-owned land in Monument; and (5) the local and state economies. In effect, this paper addresses and analyzes all of the major concerns that existed when the Monument was created and the current status of those issues.
Prostate cancer in men of African origin

Men of African origin are disproportionately affected by prostate cancer: prostate cancer incidence is highest among men of African origin in the USA, prostate cancer mortality is highest among men of African origin in the Caribbean, and tumour stage and grade at diagnosis are highest among men in sub-Saharan Africa. Socioeconomic, educational, cultural, and genetic factors, as well as variations in care delivery and treatment selection, contribute to this cancer disparity. Emerging data on single-nucleotide-polymorphism patterns, epigenetic changes, and variations in fusion-gene products among men of African origin add to the understanding of genetic differences underlying this disease. On the diagnosis of prostate cancer, when all treatment options are available, men of African origin are more likely to choose radiation therapy or to receive no definitive treatment than white men. Among men of African origin undergoing surgery, increased rates of biochemical recurrence have been identified. Understanding differences in the cancer-survivorship experience and quality-of-life outcomes among men of African origin are critical to appropriately counsel patients and improve cultural sensitivity. Efforts to curtail prostate cancer screening will likely affect men of African origin disproportionately and widen the racial disparity of disease.
Behavior of health workers toward the implementation of clinical guidelines

Background: The maternal health situation in the country always presents challenges before the overall health system in India. Implementation of clinical guidelines can bring uniformity and standards of treatment protocol, leading to better maternal health outcome. Objectives: To understand the attitude, behavior, and challenges faced by health workers with regard to the implementation of clinical guidelines and protocols in the domain of maternal health. Setting and Design: Different cadres of health care providers working at the district and block levels were selected conveniently with the permission of the State health administration. In addition, nursing and medical academicians were also included in the study. Materials and Methods: A pilot qualitative study in two districts of Assam was carried out. Different cadres of health workers such as Medical Officers (MO), Rural Health Practitioners (RHP), and Nurses working at the district and block levels were interviewed in-depth with the help of a semistructured interview schedule, which lasted for 26 days during May-July 2014. Results: The study elicited several pertinent issues related to the implementation of clinical guidelines, which include the introduction of clinical guidelines as a part of academic training, awareness about clinical guidelines, the commonest conditions for which clinical guidelines are used, challenges faced in accessing and implementing guidelines, and specific areas where clinical guidelines should be developed. Poor penetration of clinical guideline implementation was observed in the domain of maternal health care in the study area. Conclusion: Given the situation of maternal morbidity and mortality, the implementation of clinical guidelines appears rational.
xGDBvm: A Web GUI-Driven Workflow for Annotating Eukaryotic Genomes in the Cloud

Genome-wide annotation of gene structure requires the integration of numerous computational steps. Currently, annotation is arguably best accomplished through collaboration of bioinformatics and domain experts, with broad community involvement. However, such a collaborative approach is not scalable at today’s pace of sequence generation. To address this problem, we developed the xGDBvm software, which uses an intuitive graphical user interface to access a number of common genome analysis and gene structure tools, preconfigured in a self-contained virtual machine image. Once their virtual machine instance is deployed through iPlant’s Atmosphere cloud services, users access the xGDBvm workflow via a unified Web interface to manage inputs, set program parameters, configure links to high-performance computing (HPC) resources, view and manage output, apply analysis and editing tools, or access contextual help. The xGDBvm workflow will mask the genome, compute spliced alignments from transcript and/or protein inputs (locally or on a remote HPC cluster), predict gene structures and gene structure quality, and display output in a public or private genome browser complete with accessory tools. Problematic gene predictions are flagged and can be reannotated using the integrated yrGATE annotation tool. xGDBvm can also be configured to append or replace existing data or load precomputed data. Multiple genomes can be annotated and displayed, and outputs can be archived for sharing or backup. xGDBvm can be adapted to a variety of use cases including de novo genome annotation, reannotation, comparison of different annotations, and training or teaching.
Thoracic Mycangium of Dendroctonus frontalis (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) is Synonymous with a Secondary Female Character

Hopkins (1909) reported that female southern pine beetles possess a transverse ridge or callus across the anterior area of the pronotum, while males have no such structure. He attached no further significance to the morphological feature. The characteristic was subsequently mentioned by Lyon (1958) and Wood (1963), among others. Dissection of 100 insects by Osgood and Clark (1963) revealed that the ridge was 100% accurate for sexing the species. It is the purpose here to show that the ridge represents the external evidence of a mycangium reported by Francke-Grosmann (1965).
26 DEFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF RAS IN LUPUS T CELLS

A host of immunologic abnormalities have been thoroughly described in systemic lupus erythematosus. There is an increasing body of evidence that the production of autoantibodies is the result of abnormal regulation of T cells of the early monitored response to autoantigens. Available data in the literature suggest there is a possible defect in the down-regulation of the Ras pathway in lupus T cells leading to a failure to develop anergy and abnormally prolonged expression of CD40 ligand. Treatment of MRL/lpr mice with the Ras inhibitor S-farnesylthiosalicylic acid (FTS) reduced disease symptoms in the treated mice, indicating that modulation of Ras may represent a novel therapeutic approach in SLE. In this study we are investigating the expression of CD40 ligand in CD40+ T cells from lupus and healthy subjects before and after inactivation of Ras by FTS, a synthetic substance that detaches Ras from the inner cell membrane and induces its rapid degradation. The results of our study will help us understand if the defective functioning of Ras in lupus T cell is an intrinsic defect (by comparing the results with the ones from healthy subjects) versus an acquired one, possibly through autoantibodies. This is a continuation of a study that was previously undertaken to look at CD40 ligand expression. Methods Freshly isolated lymphocytes from SLE and healthy controls were established in culture and a portion treated with FTS and treated and untreated samples were harvested by fixation at 3 and 6 hours post initiation of treatment (FTS). The fixed lymphocytes were immunolabeled for CD40L, and dual labeled with CD3 and CD20. The secondary fluorescence was quantified by laser scanning cytometry. Results The initial study revealed that the expression of CD40L in lupus patients was modulated when Ras was inhibited by FTS treatment. The down-regulation of CD40L in SLE by FTS treatment occurred at the 4 hour harvest but was refractory at the 48 hour time point. The healthy controls showed no modulation of CD40L expression with or without FTS treatment. The current study used 3 and 6 hours ± FTS treatment and found that at 3 hours post treatment the SLE lymphocytes had down-regulated CD40L but the controls did not. At the 6 hour time point the SLE patient CD40L levels were increasing, whereas the control levels did not change. Conclusions Ras inactivation by FTS was able to markedly decrease the level of CD40L in lupus T cells but did not appear to modulate the level of CD40L in healthy subjects.
Cumulon: Cloud-Based Statistical Analysis from Users Perspective.

Cumulon is a system aimed at simplifying the development and deployment of statistical analysis of big data on public clouds. Cumulon allows users to program in their familiar language of matrices and linear algebra, without worrying about how to map data and computation to specific hardware and software platforms. Given user-specified requirements in terms of time, money, and risk tolerance, Cumulon finds the optimal implementation alternatives, execution parameters, as well as hardware provisioning and configuration settings—such as what type of machines and how many of them to acquire. Cumulon also supports clouds with auction-based markets: it effectively utilizes computing resources whose availability varies according to market conditions, and suggests best bidding strategies for such resources. This paper presents an overview of Cumulon and the challenges encountered in building this system.
A VIRTUAL REALITY TELEOPERATOR INTERFACE FOR ASSEMBLY OF HYBRID MEMS PROTOTYPES

In this paper we describe a teleoperated microassembly workcell that integrates a VRML-based virtual microworld with visual servoing micromanipulation strategies. Java is used to program the VRML-based supervisory interface and to communicate with the microassembly workcell. This provides platform independence and allows remote teleoperation over the Internet. A key aspect of our approach entails the integration of teleoperation and visual servoing strategies. This allows a supervisor to guide the task remotely, while visual servoing strategies compensate for the imprecisely calibrated microworld. Results are presented that demonstrate system performance when a supervisor manipulates a microobject remotely. Though Internet delays impact the dynamic performance of the system, teleoperated relative parts placements with submicron precision is successfully demonstrated.
National survey of hospital-based pharmacokinetic services.

A hospital outpatient pharmacy's planning and implementation of pharmaceutical services for a capitated geriatric care program are described. The hospital's director of pharmacy and pharmacy ambulatory care manager proposed providing distributive and clinical services for enrollees in Independent Living for Seniors (ILS), a program designed to help elderly persons to continue living at home instead of in nursing homes. ILS receives pooled monthly payments from Medicare and Medicaid; a copayment is required of enrollees not eligible for Medicaid. Medical and social services are offered, primarily through adult daycare centers. Nurses at the centers monitor ILS enrollees regularly and help them manage their medications. After a year of negotiations with the program, the outpatient satellite of the hospital's inpatient pharmacy began providing services; one pharmacist was assigned to ILS. Problems with medication stock at the daycare centers were corrected. Conservative supplies of stock drugs (mostly nonprescription items) and medications to meet patients' needs between daily pharmacy deliveries were established. A new computerized medication administration record was developed. Once distributive services were in place, a pharmacy and therapeutics committee began establishing a formulary. The pharmacist functions as part of an interdisciplinary care team, providing education on drug use and managing costs; he reviews all patients' charts every four months and meets weekly with ILS staff to recommend changes in drug therapy. The cost of services provided by the hospital outpatient pharmacy averaged $77 per patient per month in the first year, compared with about $120 for the previous vendor. A hospital's ambulatory care pharmacy improved the pharmaceutical services provided to a capitated geriatric care program.
Who’s Listening to Talking Plants?

In the last few decades, incredible advances have been made in characterising the nature, the origin and the function of plant volatile compounds. These molecules/blends regulate important functions of plant life linked to primary and secondary metabolism. In this chapter, I will focus on the role of these compounds in plant defence against insects (direct and indirect) as determined by constitutive or induced release. I will indicate the possible targets of volatile compounds that become signals in plant–plant and plant–insect communication. I will then conclude with a possible scenario for the exploitation of plant volatiles as a sustainable tool in plant protection against agricultural pests, along with gaps in current knowledge that hamper wider application in the field.
Oxidative polyaldehyde production: a novel approach to the conjugation of dextran with soy peptides for improved emulsifying properties

Dextran (polyol) was oxidized with 0, 0.5, 1, and 2 % sodium hypochlorite at pH 9.5 and 35 °C to produce polyaldehyde dextran (PD), which was subsequently conjugated with soy peptides (SP) to improve surface activity. SP–PD complexes were formed by heating 1 % SP and 10 % PD at 60 °C and pH 6.5 for 48 h. PD was more reactive than unmodified dextran with SP to produce conjugates based on the Schiff base with absorption at 294 nm. The formation of SP–PD complexes was confirmed by SDS–PAGE with glycoprotein staining. Turbidity and particle size measurements indicated the SP–PD conjugates had significantly improved emulsifying properties compared to non-conjugated SP and the SP/PD mixtures. The results indicate that controlled oxidation of polysaccharides can be a novel technique to efficiently synthesize amphiphilic functional biopolymers.
Colonial Subjugation and Human Rights Abuses: Twenty-First Century Violations Against Brazil’s Rural Indigenous Xukuru Nation

This article addresses the struggle of rural Xukuru indigenous peoples in Pesqueira, Pernambuco, Brazil as they organize to stop historical violence against them and work to regain their constitutional right to their ancestral lands. The article illustrates what a single researcher working along-side rural people's and NGOs can do to make change in an oppressive state. With the birth of the United Nations (UN) in 1945 and the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, member states have often provided rhetorical validity to human rights documents and conventions; a rhetoric that is often ignored upon return to their sovereign territories. It is well understood that international human rights documents are based on constructed realities that historically validated Western European notions about the rights of individuals (Said 1994, 1979; Ignatieff, 2001; Niezen, 2003). As a member of the United Nations and a signatory of international human rights documents, Brazil has turned a blind eye to human rights norms as applied to Indigenous [i] peoples. This article 1) presents a brief history of Portuguese colonial contact with Brazil’s Indigenous peoples; 2) briefly discusses the Indian movement in Brazil as a background for the contextualization of the Indigenous Xukurus’ fight for the return of their ancestral lands in the Serra do Ororuba, in the state of Pernambuco in the late 20 th and early 21 st centuries; and 3) articulates the human rights abuses perpetrated against them by the Brazilian nation-state. [i] “Indigenous” is capitalized throughout this chapter in order to demark respect to and for the ethnic identity of Brazil’s first peoples.
Topology optimization of energy absorbing structures with maximum damage constraint

Summary A novel density-based topology optimization framework for plastic energy absorbing structural designs with maximum damage constraint is proposed. This framework enables topologies to absorb large amount of energy via plastic work before failure occurs. To account for the plasticity and damage during the energy absorption, a coupled elastoplastic ductile damage model is incorporated with topology optimization. Appropriate material interpolation schemes are proposed to relax the damage in the low-density regions while still ensuring the convergence of Newton-Raphson solution process in the nonlinear finite element analyses. An effective method for obtaining path-dependent sensitivities of the plastic work and maximum damage via adjoint method is presented, and the sensitivities are verified by the central difference method. The effectiveness of the proposed methodology is demonstrated through a series of numerical examples. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aphereseverfahren bei Nierenerkrankungen und Nierentransplantation – Der aktuelle Stand des Wissens

Die Evidenz fur den Einsatz von Aphereseverfahren bei nephrologischen Erkrankungen ist stark vom Krankheitsbild und deren Akuitat abhangig. Fur eine Reihe nephrologischer Erkrankungen ergeben sich damit klare Indikationen fur die Anwendung eines Aphereseverfahrens. Hierzu gehoren die ANCA–assoziierten Vaskulitiden, bei denen in Fallen der schwerer Nierenbeteiligung (Serum-Kreatinin-Wert > 500 μmol/l bzw. > 5,8 mg/dl) sowie schwerer pulmonaler Beteiligung der therapeutische Plasmaersatz durchgefuhrt werden sollte. Gleichermasen ist diese Behandlung bei der Anti-GBM-Erkrankung, der kryoglobulinamischen Vaskulitis und dem Hyperviskositatssyndrom etabliert. Thrombotische Mikroangiopathien sollten bis zur Differenzierung der Pathogenese mittels TPE anbehandelt, bei der Diagnose eines aHUS aber mit Eculizumab weiterbehandelt werden. Im Rahmen der Nierentransplantation spielen Aphereseverfahren fur die Vorbereitung AB0–inkompatibler Transplantationen und vermutlich auch bei der Therapie akuter humoraler Abstosungsreaktionen eine Rolle. Dagegen gibt es fur andere Krankheitsbilder wie den SLE mit Lupusnephritis und das nephrotische Syndrom oder die fokal-segmentale Glomerulosklerose (FSGS) Hinweise auf eine Wirksamkeit der Apherese, welche aber letztlich im Rahmen eines individuellen Heilversuchs eingesetzt werden kann. Perspektivisch konnte die Apherese aber auch bei anderen schwer verlaufenden nephrologischen Krankheitsbildern eine Anwendung finden.
Parent Involvement in School and Chinese American Children's Academic Skills.

ABSTRACTThe authors examined the concurrent associations of school-based parent involvement (PI), family sociocultural factors, and children's academic skills in a sample of 258 Chinese American children (5–9 years old) in immigrant families. Parents reported their American and Chinese orientations and family socioeconomic status (SES). Parents and teachers rated parents' school-based involvement, and children's English reading and mathematics calculation skills were assessed with standardized tests. Results of path analysis indicated that, controlling for SES, parents' American orientation was positively associated with their self-reported PI. Although parent- and teacher-reported PI were positively correlated with each other, only teacher-reported PI was positively associated with children's English reading. These findings support the benefits of school-based PI for Chinese immigrant children's English reading achievement. Results also highlight the need to consider differences between teachers' and par...
Impact of the 2014 Suspension Agreement on sugar between the United States and Mexico

In December 2014, the U.S. and Mexico agreed to a suspension agreement that set a $22.25/cwt import price floor on U.S. sugar imports from Mexico. A partial equilibrium trade model was developed to estimate the economic impact the agreement would have had if it had been in effect from 2008 to 2014. In years when the price floor would have been binding, on average, U.S. producers would have gained $138 million and Mexican producers would have lost $218 million. However, total Mexican welfare would have actually increased by $11.5 million. Furthermore, the average price floor that would have maximized total Mexican welfare over that period is $22.76/cwt. Also, under certain supply and demand elasticity conditions, the average price floor that would have maximized joint U.S. and Mexican producer welfare over that period is $21.91/cwt. The latter two estimates are both close to the actual price floor agreed to in the 2014 Suspension Agreement.
Oxygen dependence of respiration in rat spinotrapezius muscle contracting at 0.5-8 twitches per second.

The sigmoidal shape of curves describing oxygen dependence of muscle respiration varies from basal to maximal workload and characterizes the oxidative metabolism of muscle. The rate of O2 supply de...
Fractionation of the isotopes of boron between granitic melt and aqueous solution at 700 °C and 800 °C (200 MPa)

Abstract The fractionation of boron's isotopes, 10B and 11B, between granitic melt (M) and aqueous solution (V), represented as Δ11BM-V, was investigated between 700 °C and 800 °C at 200 MPaH2O. One series of experiments used the Macusani obsidian (MAC) to reassess the Δ11BM-V values reported by Hervig et al. (2002) . Another series of experiments employed a synthetic glass (HG) made to the composition of the hydrous haplogranite minimum (Ab36Or29Qtz35) at 200 MPaH2O. Boron was added as boric acid (NIST SRM 951a) to two aliquots of HG glass to bring the concentration of B2O3 in each to ~2.5 (‘Low B’) and ~5 wt% B2O3 (‘High B’). Thus, values of Δ11BM-V were examined as a function of B2O3 and temperature. Results from the current study show significant fractionation of boron's isotopes between granitic melt and aqueous solution at these high temperatures. Values of Δ11BM-V for ‘Low B’ and ‘High B’ glasses range from −10.9 (±1.3‰) to −6.1 (±1.7‰) at 800 °C and −7.8 (±1.5‰) to −5.3 (±1.3‰) at 700 °C, and the Δ11BM-V values do not correlate with the concentration of B in melt (glass). One experiment (CGB88) conducted at 750 °C and 200 MPaH2O using MAC yielded a Δ11BM-V value (−8.4‰) similar to that reported by Hervig et al. (2002) . The Δ11BM-V values reported in this study form a linear trend with temperature through the Δ11B values for boromuscovite-aqueous solution, illite-aqueous solution, and melt-aqueous solution. Therefore, based on the results of this study, we concur with Hervig et al. (2002) that the fraction of B in 4-fold coordination in hydrous granitic melt is significant, if this is the fundamental cause of the fractionation effect. Spectroscopic studies on hydrous glass compositions similar to those reported in this study might elucidate the coordination environment of B in melts to the extent that its structural state is quenchable.
A Mathematical Approach to Data Quality Management in Enterprise Systems

The quality of data contained in enterprise information systems has significant impact on both internal business decision-making and external regulatory compliance. This paper addresses the issue of data quality management in information systems within an enterprise. Motivated by such legislative mandates as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 on the reliability and integrity of the information system and the data produced by these systems, we propose a process-based modeling framework to assess the impact of error propagation and the resulting data quality metrics. This framework is then integrated with a business controls framework in which the placement and effectiveness of control procedures alter the propagation of errors and ultimately the quality of the data in the business process. This integrated modeling framework enables mathematical formulations of managerial problems that lead to effective data quality control strategies. We develop a two-stage multiple-choice knapsack model as a special case, and illustrate the model and analysis with a real-world procurement process.
Reliability of the Flash Visual Evoked Potential P2: Double-Stimulation Study

The flash visual evoked potential P2 (FVEP-P2) has been identified as a potentially useful clinical, diagnostic tool for Alzheimer’s dementia (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCIa) due to its association with cholinergic functioning in the brain. The FVEP-P2 is the second positive component of the VEP waveform elicited by a single strobe flash. Despite finding a selective delay in the latency of the FVEP-P2 in AD and MCIa groups, adequate levels of sensitivity and specificity have not been achieved due to natural group differences and inter-individual variability. In response, Fix and colleagues introduced a novel, double-stimulation paradigm that contained two strobe flashes (i.e., stimulations). The first stimulation served as a visual challenge while the second stimulation produced the recorded FVEP-P2 component. The results of that investigation indicated that the latency of the FVEP-P2 could be used to reliably discriminate between aMCI and healthy controls when the ISI of the double-stimulation condition was 100 ms or higher. Unfortunately, very little is known regarding the psychometric properties of the FVEP-P2 when produced by a double-stimulation condition. Consequently, we assessed the test–retest reliability of the FVEP-P2 latency produced by a single- and twelve double-stimulation conditions in a sample of young, healthy individuals (N = 20). Results indicated that while the FVEP-P2 latencies produced by the single- and double-stimulation paradigm were reliable, the intra-individual variability continued to be too high for the FVEP-P2 latency to be used clinically. Methods of reducing the intra-individual variability are discussed, including the use of monochromatic light.
Mental Disorder in Late Life

The purpose of this chapter is to review data on the prevalence of selected mental health problems in late life and to develop a theoretical explanation for the patterns that are observed. Consistent with these goals, the discussion that follows is divided into two main sections. The prevalence and age of onset for mental health problems in late life are reviewed first. Following this review, a potentially useful conceptual framework is developed to explain these findings. This theoretical perspective relies on extensions of the stress process model and places a heavy emphasis on the pervasive influence of socioeconomic status (SES).
Design of RNA Sequencing Experiments

This chapter presents strategies for the design of RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) experiments aimed at identifying differentially expressed genes. We discuss the multiphase nature of RNA-seq experiments and point out the utility of intentionally confounding nuisance factors, that inevitably arise in different design phases, with one another. We cover the concepts of biological and technical replication. We show that experimental designs that prioritize biological replication over both technical replication and increased sequencing depth per experimental unit provide improved assessments of differential expression. Several example experimental designs are presented to illustrate the featured design principles.
Restricted morphospace occupancy of early Cambrian reef-building archaeocyaths

The evolution of novel morphologies can signify expansion of a clade into new niches. This can be studied in the fossil record by investigating the morphospace occupancy of organisms, with small morphospaces signifying low morphological disparity and more diffuse morphospaces suggesting a broader range of morphologies adapted to different environments. Morphological disparity of many taxa (arthropods, crinoids, etc.) from the Cambrian to modern intervals have been studied in this manner. However, no study has investigated this in archaeocyaths, which, as reef builders, can have a disproportionate effect on early Cambrian biodiversity relative to their frequency. Here, we collect morphological data on archaeocyathan sponges, mostly from Laurentia. More than 600 museum specimens and 400 field samples were measured for traditional morphometric characters and discrete gross morphological characteristics. We find that archaeocyaths have an average cup/individual (body) diameter of 10.6 mm. This is significantly smaller than a selected group of modern demosponges and lithistid sponges that measure 94.1 mm and 66.8 mm in diameter, respectively, and each has a larger size variance. Archaeocyathan gross morphologies are also highly constrained to a few simple morphologies (three to six categories), while modern demosponges and lithistids are more diverse (nine categories each). These data indicate that Laurentian archaeocyaths were restricted in their morphological disparity, potentially due to limitations imposed by having a robust calcareous skeleton while still maintaining a large intervallum cavity space to facilitate passive entrainment. The fact that these Cambrian reef builders were restricted in their morphological complexity may have had a strong influence on the biodiversity of early Phanerozoic ecosystems. Furthermore, a clade limited to only a few specific morphologies is at an increased risk of extinction.
BIM Data Exchange Standard for Hydro-Supported Structures

AbstractWith the rapid adoption of building information modeling (BIM) across diverse industries, the need for a universal standard for BIM data exchanges has become critical for the success of BIM...
Importance of Familial Opinions on Breastfeeding Practices: Differences Between Father, Mother, and Mother-in-Law.

Abstract Background: Multiple types of individuals compose a mother's social support network. Women may value opinions of individuals' within their support network differently. Our study examined t...
Silvio Berlusconi. A study in failure

The question is, as the author of this excellent book puts it, Can one consider Silvio Berlusconi to be ‘a remarkable politician’? Berlusconi’s answer would probably be prefaced by a sudden and sco...
Maximizing Throughput Via Vertical Optimization of the Coherent MODEM

Vertical optimization of DSP algorithms, analog electronics, optical components and PCB design is critical to maximize the SNR limit of the digital coherent MODEM. We demonstrate a record net ISD of 10.82b/s/Hz for a vertically optimized 256QAM transceiver operating at a symbol rate >50GBd.
A molecular atlas of proximal airway identifies subsets of known airway cell types revealing details of the unique molecular pathogenesis of Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a lethal autosomal recessive disorder that afflicts in excess of 70,000 people globally. People with CF experience multi-organ dysfunction resulting from aberrant electrolyte transport across polarized epithelia due to mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. CF-related lung disease is by far the most significant determinant of morbidity and mortality. In this study we report results from a multi-institute consortium in which single cell transcriptomics were applied to define disease-related changes to the proximal airway of CF donors (n=19) undergoing transplantation for end-stage lung disease compared to the proximal airway of previously healthy lung donors (n=19). We found that all major airway epithelial cell types were conserved between control and CF donors. Disease-dependent differences were observed, including an overabundance of epithelial cells transitioning to specialized ciliated and secretory cell subtypes coupled with an unexpected decrease in cycling basal cells. This study developed a molecular atlas of the proximal airway epithelium that will provide insights for the development of new targeted therapies for CF airway disease.
Remote Optimization of Guideline-Directed Medical Therapy in Patients With Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction.

Importance Optimal treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is scripted by treatment guidelines, but many eligible patients do not receive guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) in clinical practice. Objective To determine whether a remote, algorithm-driven, navigator-administered medication optimization program could enhance implementation of GDMT in HFrEF. Design, Setting, and Participants In this case-control study, a population-based sample of patients with HFrEF was offered participation in a quality improvement program directed at GDMT optimization. Treating clinicians in a tertiary academic medical center who were caring for patients with heart failure and an ejection fraction of 40% or less (identified through an electronic health record–based search) were approached for permission to adjust medical therapy according to a sequential titration algorithm modeled on the current American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association heart failure guidelines. Navigators contacted participants by telephone to direct medication adjustment and conduct longitudinal surveillance of laboratory tests, blood pressure, and symptoms under supervision of a pharmacist, nurse practitioner, and heart failure cardiologist. Patients and clinicians declining to participate served as a control group. Exposures Navigator-led remote optimization of GDMT compared with usual care. Main Outcomes and Measures Proportion of patients receiving GDMT in the intervention and control groups at 3 months. Results Of 1028 eligible patients (mean [SD] values: age, 68 [14] years; ejection fraction, 32% [8%]; and systolic blood pressure, 122 [18] mm Hg; 305 women (30.0%); 892 individuals [86.8%] in New York Heart Association class I and II), 197 (19.2%) participated in the medication optimization program, and 831 (80.8%) continued with usual care as directed by their treating clinicians (585 [56.9%] general cardiologists; 443 [43.1%] heart failure specialists). At 3 months, patients participating in the remote intervention experienced significant increases from baseline in use of renin-angiotensin system antagonists (138 [70.1%] to 170 [86.3%];P Conclusions and Relevance Remote titration of GDMT by navigators using encoded algorithms may represent an efficient, population-level strategy for rapidly closing the gap between guidelines and clinical practice in patients with HFrEF.