cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Exploring the “Double-Ring” Motif in Bradykinin Antagonists

Bradykinin (BK; Arg-Pro-Pro-Gly-Phe-Ser-Pro-Phe-Arg) is a primary mediator of inflammation, enhances tissue permeability and is also a growth factor for many lung and prostate cancers. Antagonists of BK such as B9870, the suberimidyl dimer of the potent BK antagonist B9430 [1] (see Table 1 for structures) and other neuropeptides have been used for treatment of small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) in vitro and in nude mice and have aroused much interest for the development of anti-cancer drugs.
Simultaneous stabilization and tracking of basic automobile drifting trajectories

Professional drivers in ‘drifting’ competitions are able to precisely negotiate a specified course at high sideslip angles while operating in an unstable region of state-space. Studying this practice could provide insight into autonomous car control during emergency maneuvers that excurse outside stable handling limits. This paper presents a simple and physically insightful controller for autonomous drifting with simultaneous tracking of a reference path. A feasible reference trajectory is treated as a sequence of unstable drifting equilibrium points, and a basic example is generated from vehicle parameters using a four-wheel model with steady-state weight transfer. Lookahead error and sideslip are chosen as reference states, and a controller for tracking both objectives around an equilibrium point is derived using a simpler single-track model. Experiments on the rear-wheel drive MARTY test vehicle demonstrate good tracking performance of both objectives even at values of sideslip as high as 45 degrees.
Cutaneous Expression of A Disintegrin-like and Metalloprotease domain containing Thrombospondin Type 1 motif-like 5 (ADAMTSL5) in Psoriasis goes beyond Melanocytes.

A Disintegrin-like and Metalloprotease domain containing Thrombospondin type 1 motif-like 5 (ADAMTSL5) is a melanocyte-derived protein that has recently been implicated as an activating antigen for IL-17-producing T cells in psoriasis. There is a potential disconnect between the basal location of the melanocytes in the epidermis and the fact that T-cell infiltrates are seen mostly scattered in the epidermis with very large infiltrates in the dermis. Thus, we hypothesized that ADAMTSL5 may be expressed in other cells aside from melanocytes in skin. To further investigate the cutaneous expression of ADAMTSL5, we performed immunohistochemistry staining on lesional and nonlesional skin biopsies from psoriasis patients using three different commercially available antibodies. We confirmed that all ADAMTSL5 antibodies reacted with epidermal melanocytes. However, we also observed a strong expression of this protein in keratinocytes throughout the epidermis, and scattered expression in some dermal blood vessels and other perivascular dermal cells. Overall, the pattern of ADAMTSL5 expression is very similar to the infiltrating pattern of Tcells and dendritic cells in psoriasis lesions.
An integer lattice arising in the model theory of wreath products

While attempting to find methods of some generality for computing a model-theoretic invariant of finite structures (the arity, as defined in §1), we found it useful to compute a number of examples by making use of a related integer lattice L r, depending on a single parameter r. These computations have led to a plausible formula for this invariant which is at least a correct lower bound, and is exact in the few cases we are able to check directly. (For more details see §3.)
Perspectives on Tablet-based Multimedia Interventions for Behavioral Health: Populations, Venues, and Delivery modalities

The current paper reports on a study examining the use of a tablet-based multimedia intervention to increase HIV test rates among patients in a New York City hospital Emergency Department (ED) serving the Harlem area. The findings from this qualitative analysis of 40 ED patient interviews indicates how tablet-based multimedia can be expanded and adapted to serve a wide-range of at risk populations and address salient public health concerns including the reduction of blood borne disease transmission, drug overdose reduction, and increasing the health, empowerment and well-being of historically stigmatized and marginalized populations in global contexts.
Modeling of SOL calibration standards for PCB channel probing

On-wafer probes are used to obtain vector network analyzer (VNA) measurements for the close packed PCB channels in the system applications. The S-parameter model of the probes is de-embedded from channel data in a two-tier calibration, which is an efficient option to perform the calibration. The one port method with short-open-load (SOL) standards derives the probe models. Its accuracy relies on the accurate knowledge of the electrical property of the SOL standards used in the calibration. In this paper, the modeling methodology of SOL standards on the calibration substrate is presented. The models for SOL standards are determined empirically by using the measured zero-length thru data as a reference. An optimization algorithm is applied to aid the search of the best models for SOL standards. The standards are also simulated with a 3D full wave field solver to capture the physical aspect of the layout of the standards directly, though it is limited as an approximation.
Modeling Early-Stage Processes of U-10 Wt.%Mo Alloy Using Integrated Computational Materials Engineering Concepts

Low-enriched uranium alloyed with 10 wt.% molybdenum (U-10Mo) has been identified as a promising alternative to high-enriched uranium. Manufacturing U-10Mo alloy involves multiple complex thermomechanical processes that pose challenges for computational modeling. This paper describes the application of integrated computational materials engineering (ICME) concepts to integrate three individual modeling components, viz. homogenization, microstructure-based finite element method for hot rolling, and carbide particle distribution, to simulate the early-stage processes of U-10Mo alloy manufacture. The resulting integrated model enables information to be passed between different model components and leads to improved understanding of the evolution of the microstructure. This ICME approach is then used to predict the variation in the thickness of the Zircaloy-2 barrier as a function of the degree of homogenization and to analyze the carbide distribution, which can affect the recrystallization, hardness, and fracture properties of U-10Mo in subsequent processes.
Variations in follicle-diameter deviation and a growth spurt in the dominant follicle at deviation in Bos taurus heifers.

Abstract Follicle diameter deviation during a follicular wave in cattle is preceded by a common-growth phase and begins with continued growth rate of the future dominant follicle (DF or F1) and reduced growth rate of the future largest subordinate follicle (SF or F2). Follicle diameters were analyzed daily for wave 1 (n = 100) and wave 2 (n = 91). The beginning of expected deviation was designated day 0 and was defined as the day the largest follicle was closest to 8.5 mm. Conventional classification of deviation (F2 ≥ 7.0 mm at expected deviation) was more frequent (P
The impact and long-term effects of childhood trauma

This article discusses early childhood trauma and the negative long-term consequences that can cause life-long medical and psychological deficiencies. Early childhood trauma, especially complex tra...
On the mixtures of Weibull and Pareto (IV) distribution: An alternative to Pareto distribution

ABSTRACTFinite mixture models have provided a reasonable tool to model various types of observed phenomena, specially those which are random in nature. In this article, a finite mixture of Weibull and Pareto (IV) distribution is considered and studied. Some structural properties of the resulting model are discussed including estimation of the model parameters via expectation maximization (EM) algorithm. A real-life data application exhibits the fact that in certain situations, this mixture model might be a better alternative than the rival popular models.
SIGCHI Outstanding Dissertation Award: Interacting with Personal Fabrication Devices

Personal fabrication tools, such as 3D printers, are on the way of enabling a future in which non-technical users will be able to create custom objects. However, while the hardware is there, the current interaction model behind existing design tools is not suitable for non-technical users. Today, 3D printers are operated by fabricating the object in one go, which tends to take overnight due to the slow 3D printing technology. Consequently, the current interaction model requires users to think carefully before printing as every mistake may imply another overnight print. Planning every step ahead, however, is not feasible for non-technical users as they lack the experience to reason about the consequences of their design decisions. In this dissertation [2], we propose changing the interaction model around personal fabrication tools to better serve this user group. We draw inspiration from personal computing and argue that the evolution of personal fabrication may resemble the evolution of personal computing: Computing started with machines that executed a program in one go before returning the result to the user (Figure 1). By decreasing the interaction unit to single requests, turn-taking systems such as the command line evolved, which provided users with feedback after every input. Finally, with the introduction of direct-manipulation interfaces, users continuously interacted with a program receiving feedback about every action in real-time. In this dissertation, we explore whether these interaction concepts can be applied to personal fabrication as well.
The effect of wilderness and medical training on injury and altitude preparedness among backcountry hikers in Rocky Mountain National Park.

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to document the correlation between medical and wilderness training with levels of preparedness for acute mountain sickness (AMS), illness, and injury among backcountry hikers. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional, convenience survey in Rocky Mountain National Park in July and August 2015. The study group consisted of 380 hikers who completed a written survey that collected information about demographics, wilderness experience, altitude experience, hiking equipment, communications devices, and trip planning. RESULTS Factors such as wilderness training (wilderness first aid [WFA], wilderness first responder [WFR], or wilderness emergency medical technician [WEMT]), wilderness experience, and altitude experience all affected hikers' emergency preparedness. Respondents with medical training were more prepared to avoid or respond to AMS (62.3% vs. 34.3% [P<0.001]). They were also more prepared to avoid or manage injury/illness than hikers without medical training (37.7% vs. 20.7% [P=0.003]). Participants with wilderness training were more likely to be prepared to avoid or respond to AMS (52.3% vs. 36.8% [P=0.025]) but not significantly more likely to be prepared to manage illness/injury (31.8% vs. 22.0% [P<0.11]). Adjusting for experience, wilderness training, age, and gender, we found that medical training was associated with increased preparedness for AMS (OR 2.72; 95% CI 1.51-4.91) and injury/illness (OR 2.71; 95% CI 1.5-4.89). CONCLUSION Medically trained hikers were more likely to be prepared to avoid or manage AMS, medical emergencies, and injuries than their non-medically trained counterparts. Wilderness training increased hikers' preparedness for AMS but did not significantly alter preparedness for illness/injury.
A Proposed Mechanism of Monensin Action in Inhibiting Ruminant Bacterial Growth: Effects on Ion Flux and Protonmotive Force

Streptococcus bovis, a Gram-positive ruminal bacterium, was unable to grow in the presence of monensin. When monensin (5 mg/liter) was added to actively growing cultures, there was an immediate decrease in growth rate, and within 3 h no further growth was observed. Glucose utilization and lactate production continued for another 8 h even though growth had ceased. Monensin caused a decrease (P less than .05) in intracellular K+, a decrease (P less than .05) in intracellular pH and an increase (P less than .05) in intracellular Na+. The net exchange of K+ for Na+ and H+ via monensin was driven by the difference in concentration of K+ and Na+ across the cell membrane. Non-treated cells maintained a 70-fold gradient (inside higher) for K+, while the Na+ gradient was only 2.7-fold (inside higher). Previous models were based on a reverse mechanism whereby monensin would drive an efflux of Na+ from ruminal bacteria, and were not supported by experimental measurements of intracellular Na+ and K+.
Spillovers and Other Externalities in Pharmaceutical Marketing

This chapter highlights the impact of spillovers and other externalities on the pharmaceutical manufacturer’s marketing strategy. First, a spillover arises when a marketer’s action affects either an unintended audience or the targeted audience in an unintended manner; an externality is defined more broadly in the sense that all spillovers are externalities, but all externalities need not be spillovers. Next, the pharmaceutical industry is characterized by three relatively unique features: (1) unlike other consumer settings, ethical drugs can be dispensed to patients only when they are prescribed by a licensed practitioner; (2) drug manufacturers have patent protection; and (3) there is variation in how marketing activities are regulated across different segments or geographical regions. These features facilitate the existence of certain types of spillovers and externalities. For instance, direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) is permitted in the USA but not in Canada; this suggests the possibility of a spillover—onto the unintended Canadian consumers from DTCA in the USA. For illustration, we use IMS data on nasal steroids to explore empirically both the existence of a spillover and its impact. The empirical analysis suggests that the DTCA spillover into Canada contributes around 4–6 % to the US long-term DTCA return on investment. Such results underscore the value of accounting for spillover effects in developing and evaluating marketing strategy. More generally, this chapter juxtaposes the unique features of the pharmaceutical industry with the extant work on spillovers and other relevant externalities to identify knowledge gaps that warrant research attention.
Numerically driven inferencing about abortion: estimation and rate feedback's diverse effects on personal policies and justifications

What is the legal U.S. immigration rate, as a percentage of the nation's population? We have observed median estimates of 10% (from students at an elite college; Ranney, Cheng, Garcia de Osuna, & Nelson, 2001) or more (from adolescents). The true value is over 30 times less---only 0.3%! Might this datum change one's opinion or preference on immigration---one's policy? We often make decisions, and justify or reason about our views, based on available evidence. The Theory of Explanatory Coherence and its models (e.g., ECHO) describe principles that guide belief evaluation and revision. Two such principles are that we (a) weight evidence more than conjecture, and (b) prefer propositions explained parsimoniously (Ranney & Schank, 1998). Thus, true base rates represent parsimonious evidence, relative to instances or anecdotes, and so should be both heavily weighted in one's thinking and usually evaluated as believable. The present study explored aspects of this general hypothesis---that a single, germane, critical, and surprising number may foster conceptual change. Using a novel paradigm, Numerically Driven Inferencing (NDI; Ranney et al., 2001), and one of its methods, EPIC---Estimate, Prefer, Incorporate, and Change---we studied both estimates and the effects of numerical feedback on (UC-Berkeley) undergraduates' abortion policies. Quantitatively and qualitatively, 92 such students offered estimates and preferences for the legal U.S. abortion rate, explaining and justifying them. After receiving the (usually, quite surprising) true rate as feedback, a highly minimalist intervention, they provided another (typically changed) preference-and-rationale.
Dynamic Response of Shock Loaded Architectural Glass Panels

A controlled study has been performed to understand fracture and damage mechanisms in glass panels subjected to air blast. A shock tube apparatus has been utilized to obtain the controlled blast loading. Five different panels, namely plain glass, sandwiched glass, wired glass, tempered glass and sandwiched glass with film on both the faces are used in the experiments. Fully clamped boundary conditions are applied to replicate the actual loading conditions in windows. Real-time measurements of the pressure pulses affecting the panels are recorded. A post-mortem study of the specimens was also performed to evaluate the effectiveness of the materials to withstand these shock loads. The real time full-field in-plane strain and out-of-plane deformation data on the back face of the glass panel is obtained using 3D Digital Image Correlation (DIC) technique. The experimental results show that the sandwich glass with two layers of glass joined with a PVB interlayer and protective film on both the front and back face out performs the other four types of glass tested.
Father Involvement with Children with Developmental Delays.

Children with developmental delays (DD) pose unique caregiving challenges, given their developmental problems and risks for behavior problems (Baker, McIntyre, Blacher, Crnic, Edelbrock, & Low, 2003). Most of the studies involving caregivers of children with DD have highlighted the role of mothers, with very few studies focusing specifically on fathers. Studies on father involvement in home and school settings provide a theoretical rationale for increasing father involvement to support positive outcomes in children with DD. Synthesizing research on father involvement can further contribute to and shape legislation that ensures equitable access to education for young children with disabilities (i.e., the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). This paper summarizes findings from a systematic literature review of father involvement across home and school settings in families of preschool-aged children with or at risk for DD.
Differences in TQM Performance of Small Enterprises

This research investigates how small enterprises differ from large enterprises in adopting and using TQM practices. This comparison of performance in TQM practices is based on the items in the Baldrige criteria. The scores of 86 applicants to a state quality award were statistically analyzed to look for any significant differences in the scores based on the size of the applicant. The feedback reports provided by the examiners were used to explain the significant differences in scores. The analysis indicates that the scores of small enterprises were significantly lower than medium and large enterprises. The lower scores reflect a lack of sustained, formal quality strategy and a lower priority given to continuous improvement. Information management in benchmarking and determination of employee and customer satisfaction also contribute to the lower scores. This study alerts consultants and managers to the possible areas that small enterprises need to focus on to get the best out of their TQM implementation. The study also indicates that the formality of the criteria in assessment tools such as the Baldrige award criteria may not be very suitable for small enterprises. Past research about the use of TQM in small and medium enterprises for the most part use self-reported data and rarely provide comparison to large enterprises. The study compares the performance of small enterprises with large enterprises and provides objective data to confirm the differences in performance of small enterprises in TQM practices.
Cost Analysis of Implants in the Surgical Repair of Orbital Floor Fractures.

Objective:Options for the management of orbital floor fractures continue to evolve offering both potential advantages as well as higher costs. To date, the effect of implant choice on the cost asso...
Variogram Roughness Method for Casting Surface Characterization

Casting surface specifications are set based on aesthetics, functionality, or a combination of both. To classify casting surfaces, visual inspections are performed by an operator who compares the casting surface to pictures or comparator plates (e.g., metal, plastic) that represent a certain roughness level. This inspection process is highly subjective, and disagreements arise on the acceptance of a casting between the casting producer and buyer. To minimize these disagreements and use developments in 3D scanning, this study aims to develop a digital surface characterization method. The method developed and implemented in this study utilizes underlying geometry estimation, abnormality detection, and a new roughness characterization formula based on a variogram to determine a surface roughness value. Tests were done to compare the new roughness characterization formula with existing quantification methods (i.e., Sa, Sq) and to compare the results of the method with human operators. The tests indicated that the variogram roughness was able to differentiate between the roughness levels of the current surface roughness standards GAR-C9 and SCRATA. In addition, the results are repeatable as well as reproducible and agree with operator judgment based on a ranking comparison between the operator and the digital method. Overall, the digital surface roughness method has the potential to improve the communication between casting suppliers and designers and make the surface roughness classification more reliable and repeatable.
Surgical management of aortic arch obstruction associated with intracardiac anomalies in children

Objective To summarize the clinical experience in repair of aortic arch obstruction associated with intracardiac anomalies in children retrospectively.Methods From March 2010 to March 2014,73 children diagnosed as coarctation of the aorta (CoA,n =68),interrupted aortic arch (IAA,n =3),and double aortic arch with CoA (n =2) underwent surgical management.Six of them were complicated with complex intracardiac anmalies,including tetralogy of Fallot (TOF,n =2),transposition of great arteries (TGA,n =1),total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC,n =1),double outlet of right ventricle (DORV,n =1),and Shone's syndrome (n =1) ; the rest 67 patients were associated with ventricular septal defect (VSD) and other simple anomalies.Twenty eight cases had hypoplasia of the aortic arch.All the patients had one-stage repair except for one.The aortic arch reconstruction was end to end anastomosis between the descending aorta and the arch in 42 patients,end to side anastomosis in 22,and the aortic arch were enlarged using autologous pulmonary artery patch in 9.The associated intracardiac anomalies were repaired in the same stage.Results There were 2 deaths.The operative mortality was 2.7％.Renal failure was occurred in 2 cases who were cured afterwards by peritoneal dialysis.All survivors were followed up for 3 ～ 36 months,anastomotic restenosis was found in 1 case who underwent reoperation 14 months after the first operation.No neurological complications were occurred.Conclusions One-stage complete correction of CoA and IAA with intracardiac anomalies through median sternotomy can achieve excellent short-and mid-term surgical results. Key words: Aortic coarctation/complications ; Aortic coarctation/surgery; Aorta, thoracic/abnormalities; Aortic diseases/complications ; Heart defects, congenital/surgery ; Heart defects, congenital/complications ; Child
Big savings from small holes

The status and results to date of the NASA-Lewis/USAF Astronautics study of technology for large spacecraft heat-dissipation by means of liquid-droplet radiation (LDR) are discussed. The LDR concept uses a droplet generator to create billions of 200-micron droplets of a heatsink fluid which will cool through radiation into deep space as they fly toward a dropet collector. This exposure to the space environment entails the maintenance of vapor pressure as low as 10 to the -7th torr; the fluid must also be very stable chemically. While certain oils are good fluids for LDR use at low temperatures, higher-temperature heatsink fluids include Li, Sn, and Ga liquid metals.
Changes in excessive alcohol use among older women across the menopausal transition: a longitudinal analysis of the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation.

Recent data suggest that excessive alcohol use is increasing among women and older adults. Such trends are concerning, as women are more vulnerable to alcohol-related health consequences, and such health problems may be exacerbated with age. Furthermore, there are sex-specific factors that may influence alcohol consumption among women, including the hormonal changes associated with the menopausal transition and negative affect. The present study sought to investigate transitions in excessive drinking among women across the menopausal transition and included exploration of sex hormones (estradiol; testosterone) and depression. The present study utilized publicly available data from the Study of Women Across the Nation (SWAN) and included 3302 women (42–52 years old at baseline), who completed 10 years of annual assessments. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) criteria were used as guidance when defining excessive drinking within the present dataset. At year 1, 170 women were identified as drinking excessively. Random-effect logistic regressions were used to examine transitions in excessive drinking. Women identified as excessive drinkers were more likely to transition to non-excessive drinking across all menopausal transition stages (ORs range = 3.71–5.11), while women were more likely to transition from non-excessive to excessive drinking during the early peri- and postmenopausal stages (OR = 1.52 and 1.98, respectively). Higher testosterone levels were associated with a decreased likelihood of transitioning to non-excessive drinking (OR = 0.59). Depression and estradiol levels were not related to transitions in drinking. The present study demonstrates that the menopausal transition marks a period of instability in alcohol use among women. Further research is warranted to understand factors related to transitioning in and out of excessive drinking.
Resignifying occupation: territorialization, place and transgression in the anti-corporatization movement at Seoul National University

Occupation is a common strategy, including in anti-austerity movements. This paper examines the 2011 occupation at Seoul National University (SNU), which had an ambivalent position on anti-austerit...
Rapid deployment of an emergency department-intensive care unit for the COVID-19 pandemic

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic mandated rapid, flexible solutions to meet the anticipated surge in both patient acuity and volume. This paper describes one institution's emergency department (ED) innovation at the center of the COVID-19 crisis, including the creation of a temporary ED-intensive care unit (ICU) and development of interdisciplinary COVID-19-specific care delivery models to care for critically ill patients. Mount Sinai Hospital, an urban quaternary academic medical center, had an existing five-bed resuscitation area insufficiently rescue due to its size and lack of negative pressure rooms. Within 1 week, the ED-based observation unit, which has four negative pressure rooms, was quickly converted into a COVID-19-specific unit, split between a 14-bed stepdown unit and a 13-bed ED-ICU unit. An increase in staffing for physicians, physician assistants, nurses, respiratory therapists, and medical technicians, as well as training in critical care protocols and procedures, was needed to ensure appropriate patient care. The transition of the ED to a COVID-19-specific unit with the inclusion of a temporary expanded ED-ICU at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic was a proactive solution to the growing challenges of surging patients, complexity, and extended boarding of critically ill patients in the ED. This pandemic underscores the importance of ED design innovation with flexible spacing, interdisciplinary collaborations on structure and services, and NP ventilation systems which will remain important moving forward.
Ancestry.com’s Race Stories: Examining Whiteness on the Genealogy Web

The popularity of genealogical research is linked to the growth of online genealogy services such as Ancestry.com, which, as of 2020, has over three million paid subscribers. Another 18 million people have taken genetic ancestry tests through the company’s subsidiary, AncestryDNA. This article interrogates how Ancestry presents information on race and ethnicity to users, asking if it is possible for researchers to build a critical racial identity using Ancestry’s services. Applying an understanding of whiteness that comes from critical race studies, the article examines the way race, and whiteness in particular, is presented in the business’s marketing, web features, and products such as AncestryDNA. These examinations reveal a company selling customers family history narratives that comport with the mythology of American egalitarianism, while at the same time essentializing race and ethnicity. The implications of these findings are significant for information professionals because Ancestry relies on partnerships with libraries and archives to supply material for the website’s research database. These partnerships compel archivists and librarians to scrutinize Ancestry’s information ethics. The article calls for further discussion and research into how information professionals can be agents for change in how race and ethnicity are treated in online genealogy spaces.
“No more Korean at Home.” Family language policies, language practices, and challenges in Korean immigrant families: Intragroup diversities and intergenerational impacts

Abstract This ethnographically informed sociolinguistic study examines family language policies (FLP) for language learning at home. It explores the cases of Korean immigrant families with different transnational life trajectories. Despite the fast-growing research interests in FLP, intragroup diversities of Korean immigrant families and their daily interactions are not yet widely discussed. The goal of this study is to explore intergenerational impacts and intragroup diversities among Korean immigrants. Throughout two years, I conducted interviews with the short-term and long-term stayers of the 1st generation and families of the 1.5 generation. I collected language profiles and background questionnaires besides family interactions. The findings demonstrate the intergenerational impact of intragroup diversity on language use, attitudes toward bilingualism, and future orientation. This study reinforces the understanding of how the linkages between transnational life experiences and language choices at home are interwoven, and how they may or may not conflict with immigrant families’ language practices.
Fascia Temporalis as Tympanic Graft: A Swedish and German Story.

Fascia temporalis is the most widely used graft for reconstruction of the tympanic membrane. Its story began at the turn of the 1960s. Some historical reports credit the American otolaryngologist Lloyd A. Storrs (1922-1989), to be the first user of this material in tympanoplasty in 1961. In fact, this is not quite exact. Based only on primary sources, this study demonstrates that Urban Ortegren (1921-1991), a Swedish otolaryngologist in Lund, began using fascia temporalis to reconstruct the tympanic membrane already in 1957. He was followed by Hans Heermann (1900-1996), a German otologist of Essen in 1958. Fascia temporalis as a tympanic graft is thus a Swedish and German story.
Variability in the Use of Disposable Surgical Supplies: A Surgeon Survey and Life Cycle Analysis.

Purpose A substantial amount of waste is generated during surgery, yet few studies have investigated this problem. Therefore, we conducted a multicenter survey to investigate how the variation in the use of disposable supplies contributes to the environmental and financial burdens of health care. Methods We created a questionnaire to identify differences in supply use and practice characteristics among hand surgeons who participated in the Wrist and Radius Injury Surgical Trial. We determined the average cumulative cost of 10 key surgical items based on the responses. Subsequently, we estimated the kilograms of carbon dioxide emitted during the life cycle of supplies, from raw material extraction to production and disposal, using economic input-output life cycle analysis. Results Thirty-five surgeons from 19 institutions responded to the survey (65% response rate). Based on the difference in costs between surgeons who used the fewest and the most supplies, we determined that expenditures and carbon dioxide emissions could decrease by $22.47 and 10.9 kg per procedure, respectively, with leaner use of 10 key items. Furthermore, assuming that surgeon variation in supply use is present in other surgical subspecialties, we estimated that $2.4 billion in savings and an 800.6 thousand metric ton reduction in carbon emissions could be achieved if all US surgeons reduced their supply use by this amount. Conclusions This study revealed considerable variations in the use of disposable supplies among hand surgeons, highlighting the need for evidence-based tools, policies, and education campaigns to reduce hospital waste across health care systems. Clinical relevance Optimal use of disposable supplies is necessary to reduce the cost and environmental burden of hand surgery care.
Randomized control trial evaluating the use of a shared decision-making aid for older ventral hernia patients in the Geriatric Assessment and Medical Preoperative Screening (GrAMPS) Program.

Shared decision making (SDM) is ideally suited to abdominal wall surgery in older adults given the breadth of decision making required by the hernia surgeon and the impact on quality of life (QOL) by various treatment options. Given the paucity of literature surrounding SDM in hernia patients, the feasibility of a novel, formalized SDM aid/tool was evaluated in a pilot randomized trial. Patients 60 years or older with a diagnosed ventral hernia were prospectively randomized at an academic hernia center. In the experimental arm, a novel SDM tool, based on the SHARE Approach, guided the consultation. Previously validated SDM assessments and patient’s hernia knowledge retention was measured. Eighteen (18) patients were randomized (9 control and 9 experimental). Cohorts were well matched in age (p = 0.51), comorbidities (Charlson Comorbidity Score: p = 0.43) and frailty (mFI-11: p = 0.19; Risk Analysis Index: p = 0.33). Consultation time was 11 min longer in the experimental cohort (p < 0.01). There was a trend towards better Decisional Conflict Scores in the experimental group (p = 0.25) and the experimental cohort had improved post-visit retained hernia knowledge (p < 0.01). All patients in the experimental arm (100%) enjoyed working through the SDM aid/tool and felt it was a worthwhile exercise. Incorporating a formalized SDM tool into a busy hernia surgical practice is feasible and well received by patients. In addition, early results suggest it improves retention of basic hernia knowledge and may reduce patient’s decisional conflict. Next steps include condensing the SDM tool to enhance efficiency within the clinic and beginning a large, randomized control trial.
Cultura política de izquierda y cultura impresa en el Perú contemporáneo (1968-1990): Alberto Flores Galindo y la formación de un intelectual público*

Este articulo explora las conexiones entre el trabajo profesional como historiador de Alberto Flores Galindo, su papel como intelectual publico y la cultura politica de izquierda en la que el se formo como miembro de la llamada generacion del 68. El articulo muestra que, como participe de una forma de hacer politica en la cual la palabra impresa desempeno un papel crucial, Flores Galindo desarrollo una creativa y obsesiva relacion con el libro y la cultura impresa,cuya reconstruccion nos ayuda a entender los mecanismos de formacion de un intelectual publico. --- This article explores the connections between the work of Alberto Flores Galindo as a professional historian, his role as a public intellectual, and the leftist political culture in which he was formed as a member of the so-called 1968 generation.The article shows that, as a participant in a style of doing politics in which the printed word played a crucial role, Flores Galindo developed a creative and obsessive relationship with the book and the printed culture, the reconstruction of which helps us to understand the mechanisms which go into the formation of a public intellectual.
Oxidant-induced apoptosis in cultured human retinal pigment epithelial cells.

Purpose To determine the mechanism of oxidant-induced cell death in cultured human retinal pigment epithelium (hRPE). Methods Cultured hRPE cells were treated with different concentrations of a chemical oxidant, t-butylhydroperoxide (tBH), for different periods of time. Apoptosis was determined with terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) and flow cytometry. Mitochondrial membrane potential (mtdelta psi) was measured by rhodamine 123 staining and subsequent flow cytometry. Release of mitochondrial cytochrome c (cyt c) and cleavage of procaspase 3 and caspase substrates were determined by western blot analysis. Results t-Butylhydroperoxide caused time- and dose-dependent activation of apoptosis in hRPE, indicated by characteristic morphologic changes; TUNEL-positive labeling; phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure; and procaspase 3, poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase, lamin, and tubulin cleavage. An early decrease of mtdelta psi was observed before caspase activation, together with the release of mitochondrial cyt c. Conclusions Results indicate that tBH can induce apoptosis in hRPE, probably by triggering the mitochondrial permeability transition, which results in swelling and release of mitochondrial intermembrane proteins.
Teachers of Color Speak to Issues of Respect and Image

This paper explores the issue of the respectability and changing image of public school teachers through interviews with 114 teachers of color in three urban school districts: Cincinnati, Ohio; Seattle, Washington; and Long Beach, California. Almost one half of the respondents felt that either the negative image or the low status of teaching was one of the main reasons that students of color are not entering the profession. This assessment seemed to have little to do with money and a great deal to do with self-respect as defined in terms of dress, posture, and “class.” There was strong consensus that a professional image is important to people of color. The judgment that there has been a decline in respect for teaching was mixed. Many informants perceived themselves as leaders within their communities and as professionals and claimed that their people and their families did respect teachers. The problem seemed to lie less with communities of color and more with the dominant society, which devalues teaching.
A Logic-Based Security Framework for Mobile Perimeter

Mobile communication has become an essential information exchange platform for today's enterprise and government organizations. Their employees extensively use mobile devices to support their job activities while they are on the move. Organizations need to secure mobile devices as they secure wired devices. Organizations while securing mobile devices, also have to secure themselves from mobile devices as these devices are easily prone to attacks. We introduce the idea of "location-attack protection" where traffic from high cyber-crime locations (country, state, city, etc.) can be completely blocked. The main objective of this paper is to build a Flexible Perimeter Protection Framework (FPPF) that provides perimeter protection policies that react to dynamic changes, which is quite frequent in mobile setups and respect organizational objectives such as preferential treatment, yet enforce overall security objectives of organizations.
Application-specific buffer space allocation for networks-on-chip router design

We present a system-level buffer planning algorithm that can be used to customize the router design in networks-on-chip (NoCs). More precisely, given the traffic characteristics of the target application and the buffering space budget, our algorithm automatically assigns the buffer depth for each input channel, in different routers across the chip, to match the communication pattern, such that the overall performance is maximized. This is in deep contrast with the uniform assignment of buffering resources (currently used in NoC design) which can significantly degrade the overall system performance. For instance, for a complex audio/video application, about 85% savings in buffering resources can be achieved by smart buffer allocation using our algorithm without any reduction in performance.
Clinic-based screening for domestic violence: use of a child safety questionnaire.

Domestic violence affects many women during their lifetime. Children living in homes where they are or have been exposed to violence are at increased risk for adverse outcomes. The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Practice, and the American College of Obstetrics/Gynecology have recently joined in recommending routine screening of all families for the presence of domestic violence. We present our experience with an office-based domestic violence screening questionnaire. A series of four child safety questionnaires (designed for parents of infant, preschool-age, school-age, and adolescent patients), which included specific questions about domestic violence, was given to all mothers presenting to a university out-patient general pediatric clinic. The questionnaires, offered in both English and Spanish, were reviewed for the presence of domestic violence exposure, usually at the time of the clinic visit. The number of women who reported either current or past exposure to domestic violence as disclosed by this active screening process was compared to the number discovered prior to the use of these questionnaires. Prior to the use of active screening with a child safety questionnaire, five cases of domestic violence were identified in our clinic population of approximately 5000 children over a 3 month period. Active screening of this population with a parent questionnaire resulted in the identification of 69 cases of current domestic violence exposure (2% of those screened) during each of 2 years of screening. Use of the child safety questionnaire was associated with a significantly increased odds of detecting current domestic violence (OR = 3.6, 95% CI [1.4, 9.1], P = 0.007), with 72% [26–84%] of the cases identified being attributable to the use of the questionnaire. Of children screened, 2% were currently exposed to domestic violence, and 13% had been exposed to past domestic violence. Thus a total of 15% of our patient population has been exposed to domestic violence in their homes. Children in our clinic population are frequently exposed to domestic violence. Active screening for the presence of current or past domestic violence through the use of a parent questionnaire resulted in a significant increase in our ability to identify such families and provide appropriate referral information.
Enabling on-the-fly learning for mobile ad-hoc wireless networks using Bayesian theory

Due to the rapid increase in the number of mobile devices available to consumers, there is a need to evaluate these devices and their various features to see where they fit into the current idea of mobile learning. The emergence of lifelong learners has created a need for a new approach to learning so that learning can occur easily in non-standard classroom environments. Mobile learning is a new idea for learning because of the ubiquitous presence of mobile devices in people's lives and the possibility of learning anywhere from anyone it allows access to. Many problems exist with m-learning that have prevented its widespread adoption, outside of tests and limited classroom use that have been researched but never resolved. This paper offers an analysis of a few categories of questions that are important to mobile learning and critiques a few papers that investigate these areas. It also presents a new methodology to enable on-the-fly learning using emerging technology such as ad-hoc networks.
German expansionism, imperial liberalism, and the United States, 1776–1945

Historian Jens-Uwe Guettel's new book, German Expansionism, Imperial Liberalism, and the United States, 1776–1945, intersects a number of recent (and ongoing) debates within the historiographies of...
Nodal and Cripto-1: embryonic pattern formation genes involved in mammary gland development and tumorigenesis.

Members of the TGFβ superfamily and EGF-CFC family, such as Nodal and Cripto, are important mediators of anterior-posterior and left-right axis specification during embryogenesis. In this paper, we review the role of Nodal and Cripto as critical morphogen-like molecules, with an emphasis on Nodal and EGF-CFC signaling during embryonic pattern formation. New evidence from gene expression and transgenic mouse studies have shown that both Nodal and Cripto-1 are expressed within the mammary duct and that modulation of these genes can disrupt normal branching morphogenesis resulting in epithelial disorganization and defective ductal architecture. We describe these new findings and propose that Cripto and Nodal are candidate mammary morphogens. Finally, the data linking overexpression of Cripto and perturbations of Cripto signaling to cell transformation and tumor formation are discussed. The fact that Cripto can modulate multiple pathways suggests it may act to deregulate growth inhibitors/homeostasis factors early in the cell transformation process and then activate prosurvival pathways dependent on MAPK and PI3K/Akt later in fully transformed phenotypes.
Ionic Liquid Matrix for Direct UV-MALDI-TOF-MS Analysis of Dermatan Sulfate and Chondroitin Sulfate Oligosaccharides

Polyanionic oligosaccharides such as dermatan sulfate (DS) and chondroitin sulfate (CS) exhibit poor ionization efficiencies and tend to undergo thermal fragmentation through the loss of SO3 under conventional ultraviolet matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (UV-MALDI) conditions. A new ionic liquid matrix (ILM), a guanidinium salt of α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid, facilitates direct UV-MALDI mass spectrometric (MS) analysis of underivatized DS and CS oligosaccharides up to a decasaccharide in their common form as sodium salts. The resulting mass spectra show very low extent of fragmentation through an SO3 loss. The new ILM is suitable for MALDI-MS analysis of mixtures containing oligosaccharides with different numbers of sulfo groups.
Pattern recognition and control in manipulation

A new approach to the use of Sensors in manipulator or robot control is discussed. The concept addresses the problem of contact or near-contact type of recognition of three-dimensional forms of objects by proprioceptive and/or exteroceptive sensors integrated with the terminal device. This recognition of object shapes both enhances and simplifies the automation of object handling. Several examples have been worked out for the "Belgrade hand" and for a parallel jaw terminal device, both equipped with proprioceptive (position) and exteroceptive (proximity) sensors. The control applications are discussed in the framwork of a multilevel man-machine system control. The control applications create Interesting new issues which, in turn, invite novel theoretical considerations. An important issue is the problem of stability in control when the control is referenced to patterns.