cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Binding of [3H]alpha-dihydropicrotoxinin, a gamma-aminobutyric acid synaptic antagonist, to rat brain membranes.

α-Dihydropicrotoxinin, which has a pharmacological activity similar to that of picrotoxin in producing convulsions and inhibiting the synaptic responses of γ-aminobutyric acid in arthropod muscle and the vertebrate central nervous system, was investigated as a possible probe for characterizing γ-aminobutyric acid receptor-ionophore function in mammalian brain. [3H]α-Dihydropicrotoxinin was synthesized and found to bind rapidly, reversibly, and in a saturable fashion to particulate fractions of rat brain homogenates, with an apparent KD of 1-2 µM. The binding sites showed a similar subcellular as well as brain regional distribution to presumed γ-aminobutyric acid receptor binding sites, consistent with a postsynaptic membrane location. The density of dihydropicrotoxinin binding sites was about 5 pmoles/mg protein, or 130 ± 20 pmoles/g of wet brain, which is within a factor of 2 of the number of γ-aminobutyric acid receptor sites. Six picrotoxin analogues showed an excellent correlation between convulsant activity and potency in inhibiting binding, and some other convulsant and anticonvulsant drugs inhibited the binding, suggesting that the binding sites may be related to the pharmacological effects. γ-Aminobutyric acid (up to 1 mM) and muscimol (0.1 mM) did not affect the binding. Since picrotoxinin has likewise been found not to inhibit γ-aminobutyric acid binding to receptor sites in brain, the results support the interpretation that picrotoxinin inhibits γ-aminobutyric acid synapses by binding at a site distinct from the γ-aminobutyric acid recognition site. The picrotoxinin binding sites are likely to be related to macromolecules that regulate chloride permeability and translate the γ-aminobutyric acid recognition site (receptor) interaction into the physiological response.
The Perkins Persona

In the 1910s, social work recasts itself. While this leads to depoliticizing casework, it also individualizes it and opens it to psychological methodology. Perkins uses this psychological dimension for political ends. Perkins’s experience with State Senator Frawley opens her eyes to the way psychological transference can further her political aims. Her experience as a social worker enables her to apply casework to her male peers and to the working of government itself.
Mechanisms and Optimizations of Organic Photoelectric Processes

The relatively low power conversion efficiencies (less than 6%) of current polymer based solar cells can be attributed to the ‘photon loss’, the ‘exciton loss’ and the ‘carrier loss’. Optimizations in both spatial and energy regimes should be pursued to improve. For instance, in spatial regime, a-donor-bridge-acceptor-type block copolymer has been designed and synthesized in order to develop a desired bicontinuous ordered nano structure (BONS) type solar cell. In comparison to corresponding donor/acceptor blend type cell, the ‘BONS’ cell exhibited much better photovoltaic performances (V oc increased from 0.14 volt to 1.10 volt, and J sc increased from 0.017 mA/cm2 to 0.058 mA/cm2) which is mainly due to improvement in morphology. In energy regime, the photo induced exciton dissociation would be most efficient when the corresponding donor/acceptor frontier orbital offset is equal to the exciton binding energy which is the sum of the exciton dissociation reorganization energy plus the coulomb binding potential.
Laugh and Resist! Humor and Satire Use in the Gezi Resistance Movement

This article focuses on the local humor employed in the Gezi Park Protests, one of the most widespread protests in the history of modern Turkey. By analyzing examples of widely circulated graffiti in the social media during and after the Gezi Park protests, I explore the role of socio-cultural and political humor in the protests as a form of resistance, which is intertwined in many ways with local popular culture, as well as global cultural forms of resistance used in anti-capitalist movements such as the Occupy Wall Street movement and public protests in Greece, Egypt, Algeria, and Spain. The humor and laughter in political processes manifests relation to traditional Turkish cultural forms. However, context-bounded humor originating from local meanings and traditional folk stories in the humorous graffiti of the Gezi Protests is considered not only an artistic and creative form of opposition to the conservative-religious AKP government, but also a local response to global capitalism.
In Patients with Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome, Is Enteric Bypass Superior to Duodenal Mobilization?

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome is an infrequent cause of duodenal obstruction within the narrowed aortomesenteric angle. The condition is characterized by vague and elusive symptomatology thus often making it difficult to diagnose. In addition, the etiology remains poorly defined and standard diagnostic criteria are lacking. Following a trial of supportive medical management, the surgical treatment options include traditional open or minimally invasive duodenojejunostomy, division of the ligament of Treitz (Strong’s procedure), or gastrojejunostomy. Duodenojejunostomy has been the favored surgical technique historically and most described in the literature. Due to the rarity of the syndrome and overall inconsistencies in diagnosis and treatment, there is a paucity of evidence in the literature to strongly recommend one technique over the other. Available case series and case reports lack appropriate follow-up. Based on the existing data and our personal experience, our preference is to perform a laparoscopic duodenojejunostomy for the treatment of medically refractory SMA syndrome. However, larger and more rigorous studies will be needed to make more evidence-based recommendations.
6 1/2 Decades of Global Trade and Income: 'New Normal' or 'Back to Normal' after GTC and GFC?

Global merchandise trade expanded rapidly over the last 6 1/2 decades and its relationship with global income has seen ebbs and flows. This paper examines the shifts in this relationship using time series data over 1950-2014 and situates it in the current and longer term context. The conjunctural context comes from, among other things, the 'great trade collapse' (GTC) and the global financial crisis (GFC) in 2009, and developments since then. The longer term context comes from the relative role of 'globalization' and 'technology' shocks in accounting for the short and long run variance of global exports and income. The paper estimates trade and income elasticities using ADL models taking account of structural breaks, and impulse response functions from structural VARs. The estimated SVAR model provides a lens to ask whether global trade and income are in a 'new normal' or only 'back to (an old) normal' after the GTC and GFC.
Upper extremity deep venous thrombosis after port insertion: What are the risk factors?

Background Totally implantable venous access devices (ports) are widely used, especially for cancer chemotherapy. Although their use has been associated with upper extremity deep venous thrombosis, the risk factors of upper extremity deep venous thrombosis in patients with a port are not studied adequately. Methods The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project's Florida State Ambulatory Surgery and Services Database was queried between 2007 and 2011 for patients who underwent outpatient port insertion, identified by Current Procedural Terminology code. Patients were followed in the State Ambulatory Surgery and Services Database, State Inpatient Database, and State Emergency Department Database for upper extremity deep venous thrombosis occurrence. The cohort was divided into a test cohort and a validation cohort based on the year of port placement. A multivariable logistic regression model was developed to identify risk factors for upper extremity deep venous thrombosis in patients with a port. The model then was tested on the validation cohort. Results Of the 51,049 patients in the derivation cohort, 926 (1.81%) developed an upper extremity deep venous thrombosis. On multivariate analysis, independently significant predictors of upper extremity deep venous thrombosis included age Conclusion This study identified major risk factors of upper extremity deep venous thrombosis. Further studies are needed to evaluate the appropriateness of thromboprophylaxis in patients at greater risk of upper extremity deep venous thrombosis.
At‐Risk Alcohol Use is Associated with Antiretroviral Treatment Nonadherence Among Adults Living with HIV/AIDS

Background Alcohol use is a risk factor for nonadherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA); however, differences in ART adherence across levels of alcohol use are unclear. This study examined whether “at-risk” alcohol use, defined by National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism guidelines, was associated with ART nonadherence among PLWHA. Methods Participants were 535 HIV-infected adults enrolled in studies at the HIV Neurobehavioral Research Program. ART nonadherence was identified by either self-reported missed dose or plasma viral load detectability (≥50 copies/ml). Potential covariates for multivariable logistic regression included demographics, depression, and substance use disorders. Results Using a stepwise model selection procedure, we found that at-risk alcohol use (OR = 0.64; p = 0.032) and low education (OR = 1.09 per 1 year increase in education; p = 0.009) significantly predict lower ART adherence. Conclusions A greater focus on the treatment of at-risk alcohol use may improve ART adherence among HIV-infected persons.
Techniques and outcomes of paravalvular leak repair after transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Objectives To investigate the feasibility, procedural success, and outcomes of paravalvular leak (PVL) closure in patients with prior transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Background PVL after TAVR is associated with adverse patient outcomes and increased mortality. Percutaneous PVL closure has emerged as a therapeutic strategy for addressing this issue, but data for transcatheter PVL repair after TAVR remains limited. Methods This is a single center retrospective review of PVL closure after TAVR. Patients with balloon-expandable or self-expanding prostheses were included. Baseline patient demographics, procedural characteristics, complications, and clinical outcomes were reviewed. Results A total of 18 patients with clinically significant PVL after TAVR referred for PVL closure were identified during the study period. Procedural success resulting in successful transcatheter occluder plug delivery was 78% (14 cases). Balloon postdilatation (2/4) and valve-in-valve (2/4) were used effectively in the remaining patients after an unsuccessful PVL closure attempt. PVL grading by echocardiography decreased from moderate or severe to < moderate in 13 patients (72%). Adverse events including cardiac tamponade and acute kidney injury occurred in 1 case each. One-month all-cause mortality was 11%. Conclusion In selected patients, percutaneous PVL repair following TAVR is feasible and effective for both balloon-expandable and self-expanding prostheses. Most patients undergoing PVL closure after TAVR require a single occluder plug placement for reduction in PVL to mild or less.
Abstract 061: Interstitial Matrix Flow-Regulation:Myocardial Fibroblasts Respond to Colloidosmotic Pressure

Ischemia-reperfusion injury induces large differences in hydration potential between ischemic and nonischemic areas of the myocardium. They influence the rate and volume of fluid transfer in myocardial explants; temperature-dependent hydration-potential differences of approximately 100 mmHg in at-risk areas, as opposed to contiguous areas that are not at risk, suggest prompt interstitial fluid-transfer control mechanisms (Circ. Res . 2012;11:A235) . Aim: We adapted osmotic-stress techniques to determine whether myocardial fibroblasts, which are known to respond to mechanical and flow signals, also respond to hydration-potential changes. Methods: Fibroblasts were isolated from midwall regions of the left ventricles of healthy pigs using standard procedures. They were incorporated into 3-dimensional collagen gels of 500 mm 3 volume at 150 cells/mm 3 and equilibrated overnight in cultures using the nontoxic, inert polymer polyethylene glycol 8000 (molecular radius ~26.5 A; concentration range 0-10% w/w) to adjust colloidosmotic pressure from approximately 5 to 205 mmHg . After the gels were detached from the dish, fluid flux was derived from any time-dependent changes in their dimensions. Results: The volume of gels without fibroblasts did not change significantly at any coloidosmotic pressure. In those with fibroblasts, the volume decreased, more slowly in those subjected to higher-than-plasma pressure levels. Progression curves conformed well to a two-exponential term model (R 2 >0.9) suggesting that two parallel processes contribute to matrix efflux, one relatively fast, with decay constant 0.274 ± 0.014 (n = 3) , and another ~50-fold slower. Initial rates were calculated from the fitted curves, and linear regression analysis used to examine their dependence on colloidosmotic pressure. Initial efflux rates decreased with pressure, mean slope, - 0.29 ± 0.08 µl/h/mmHg (R 2 = 0.7; P-value = 0.006). Conclusion: In vitro , fibroblasts in collagen matrices regulate fluid efflux in response to colloidosmotic stresses within the range of hydration-potential differences measured in myocardial explants after ischemia-reperfusion injury.
Ion and Fluid Homeostasis in the Cochlea

The transduction of sound into nerve impulses requires an ionic environment that depends on a variety of ion transport processes in epithelial and endothelial cells of the cochlea. Specific ion transport functions occur in specific cell types that coordinate the production and maintenance of endolymph, which is the fluid in the lumen of the cochlear duct that supports the sensory transduction process. The critical nature of these ion transport processes is underscored by observations of hearing loss when ion transport mechanisms malfunction as a result of mutations, drug exposure, or hormonal imbalance. This chapter describes our basic understanding of salient ion transport processes and their regulation by hormones and other regulatory pathways.
Trends in usage of cytoreductive partial nephrectomy and effect on overall survival in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

Abstract Purpose Cytoreductive radical nephrectomy (cRN) improves survival in select patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). It is unclear, however, whether cytoreductive partial nephrectomy (cPN) compromises oncologic efficacy. We evaluated trends in utilization of cPN and compared overall survival (OS) in patients who underwent cRN or cPN for mRCC. Materials and methods We queried the National Cancer Database from 2006 to 2013 and identified patients who underwent cPN and cRN for mRCC. We analyzed rates of cPN over time. Logistic regression identified predictors of cPN. We matched patients based on propensity score for treatment. We used matched Kaplan-Meier survival analyses to compare OS, stratified by tumor size. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazards models to determine the effect of cPN and cRN on OS. Results A total of 10,144 patients met inclusion criteria, with 9,764 (96.2%) undergoing cRN and 381 (3.8%) undergoing cPN. Rates of cPN increased over time from 1.8% to 4.3% over the study period. Treatment at an academic/research facility, papillary and chromophobe histology, and more recent year of treatment were associated with increased odds of cPN. In a matched survival analysis, cPN was associated with improved OS compared with cRN (log rank, P = 0.001). This effect was limited to primary tumors P = 0.002). Conclusions The use of cPN in patients with mRCC is increasing. cPN is associated with improved OS in patients with mRCC, although this effect is limited to patients with primary tumors
Relationship between individual categories of adverse childhood experience and diabetes in adulthood in a sample of US adults: Does it differ by gender?

Abstract Aims ACEs are known to increase risk for diabetes in adulthood. However, little is known about the differential impact of individual ACE categories on diabetes risk, and whether this relationship is gender specific. Methods Data from the 2011 BRFSS was used in this study. Participants included 48,526 adults who completed the ACE module across 5 states. Using logistic regression, we examined the odds of diabetes in adulthood related to eight individual categories of ACEs: sexual abuse, physical abuse, verbal abuse, mental illness, substance abuse, incarceration, separation/divorce, and violence. A gender interaction term was included to test if this relationship varied between men and women. Results In adjusted analyses, sexual abuse (OR 1.57, CI 1.240; 1.995) had the strongest positive association followed by verbal (OR 1.29, CI 1.117; 1.484) and physical abuse (OR 1.26, CI 1.040; 1.516). Having a parent with mental illness was also significantly associated with increased odds of diabetes (OR 1.19, CI 0.996; 1.416). No interaction between ACEs and diabetes status by gender in any of the eight categories was found. Conclusions Overall, this study found that four ACE categories were significantly associated with increased odds of diabetes in adulthood with sexual abuse being the strongest predictor.
Mitral balloon valvotomy for patients with mitral stenosis in atrial fibrillation: Immediate and long-term results

AbstractOBJECTIVESThe purpose of this study was to examine the effect of atrial fibrillation (AF) on the immediate and long-term outcome of patients undergoing percutaneous mitral balloon valvulopl...
Prospects for a Robust Cortical Recording Interface

Abstract The development of a stable intracortical recording electrode has tremendous implications for the rapidly expanding field of neuroprosthetics and, more broadly, brain–machine interfaces (BMIs). A variety of microelectrode designs have been developed during the past two decades, with the ultimate goal to produce a minimally invasive electrode with high spatial resolution. Currently, the majority of BMI tasks rely on intracortical (invasively implanted) microelectrodes that demonstrate poor chronic neural recording performance and reliability, thus limiting BMI from reaching its full potential for use in mainstream clinical applications. While a number of failure modes have been studied, the neuroinflammatory response, in particular, has received significant attention. In this chapter, the motivation, progress, challenges, and prospects for chronically stable intracortical recording electrodes are discussed.
Versatile metal reactor for high-temperature and high-pressure trifluoromethylation of carbon-rich substrates

Abstract A new, easily scalable reactor for trifluoromethylation of carbon-rich thermally stable substrates has been designed, built, and tested in this work. This reactor can withstand temperatures up to 520 °C and pressures up to 10 6 Torr (20,000 psi). Several proof-of-concept experiments with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and fullerenes were performed and the results: product distributions, percent conversion of the starting material to useful products, etc., were compared to other synthetic methods. The results of the trifluoromethylation of fullerenes, C 60 and C 70 , were shown to produce predominantly thermodynamically stable compounds, S 6 -C 60 (CF 3 ) 12 , C 1 -C 70 (CF 3 ) 10 , and C s -C 70 (CF 3 ) 8 , and thus the new reactor can be considered a viable, safe, and economical tool to target the production of these compounds.
BATS RECOVERING FROM WHITE-NOSE SYNDROME ELEVATE METABOLIC RATE DURING WING HEALING IN SPRING.

Abstract: Host responses to infection with novel pathogens are costly and require trade-offs among physiologic systems. One such pathogen is the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd) that causes white-nose syndrome (WNS) and has led to mass mortality of hibernating bats in eastern North America. Although infection with Pd does not always result in death, we hypothesized that bats that survive infection suffer significant consequences that negatively impact the ability of females to reproduce. To understand the physiologic consequences of surviving infection with Pd, we assessed differences in wing damage, mass-specific resting metabolic rate, and reproductive rate between little brown myotis (Myotis lucifugus) that survived a winter in captivity after inoculation with Pd (WNS survivors) and comparable, uninfected bats. Survivors of WNS had significantly more damaged wing tissue and displayed elevated mass-specific metabolic rates compared with Pd-uninfected bats after emergence from hibernation. The W...
Smartphone as a research platform for hearing study and hearing aid applications

Smartphones are widely available and used by many people. Portability, processing power and useful features of smartphone, such as audio input/output and wire/wireless connectivity, offer unique opportunity to use smartphone as an open source research platform capable of implementing in real time many computationally intensive adaptive signal processing algorithms aimed at improving hearing study and hearing aid applications. In this paper, we present an overview of several adaptive algorithms developed for classifying the background noise, suppressing the noise, and enhancing the speech in different noisy environments. The proposed algorithms for hearing aid applications can run on existing smartphones such as the Android-based and iOS-based smartphones in real time. Objective and subjective test results are presented illustrating the performance of proposed algorithms running on smartphones in real time.
Secretory IgA and Direct Killing of Shigella by Serum Components

Shigellosis is an enteric infection in which bacteria are restricted to the intestinal lumen and mucosa, and deeper systemic invasion is rare, even in nonimmune individuals. Spontaneous recovery is common, and subsequent resistance to reinfection may occur, but field trials with parenteral vaccines have shown systemic antibodies to be nonprotective. However, the effectiveness of oral vaccines suggests that local or intestinal immunity may exist. Since previous studies have shown large quantities of secretory IgA to be present in Shigella diarrhea stools (1), it seems possible that local immunity may be mediated by this immunoglobulin. The following studies investigate direct serum killing as one possible mechanism through which secretory IgA could exert an anti-Shigella effect.
The older homosexual:: current concepts of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender older Americans

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender older adults require a comprehensive medical, behavioral, mental health, and social support evaluation as do all elders. Open communication and minimizing barriers in both the patient-provider relationship and throughout the continuum of care settings offer a safe environment for current and future care. Special attention should be given to ensure proper knowledge of social support systems including durable power of attorneys, housing and financial planning, and community services available.
Lasing Effects In Ultrasmall Silicon Nanoparticles

We pulverize crystalline silicon using an electrochemical treatment that involves gradually immersing the wafer into a bath of HF and H2O2 while arranging for an electrical current to skim the top skin of the wafer [1]. H2O2 catalyzes the etching producing ultra small structures and cleans impurities and produces a higher electronic and chemical quality with an ideal hydrogen termination and no oxygen [4]. This process erodes the surface layer, producing weakly interconnected nanostructures. The wafer is then immersed in an ultrasound bath [1], causing the fragile nanostrucrured network to crumble into particles. The procedure produces a family of discrete size SinHx particles that are 1.0 (Si29H24), 1.67 (Si123), 2.15, 2.9, and 3.7 nm in diameter which can be consequently separated [5]. This is unlike the abundance spectrum of uncapped clusters Sin that has been known to exhibit no discrete magic numbers for n >20. The smallest four are ultra bright blue, green, yellow, and red luminescent particles respectively. A thin graphite grid is immersed in the colloid of the 1 nm particles and imaged by high- resolution TEM [3] as shown in Fig. 1. Electron photo spectroscopy shown in Figure 2 shows that the particles are composed of silicon with less than 10 percent oxygen.
Knowledge without safety

The safety principle is the view that, roughly, if one knows that p, p could not easily have been false. It is common for safety theorists to relativize safety to belief-formation methods. In this paper, I argue that there is no fixed principle of method-individuation that can stand up to scrutiny. I examine various ways to individuate methods and argue that all of them are subject to serious counterexamples. In the end, I conclude by considering some alternative ways to preserve the insight behind safety without invoking a fixed principle of method-individuation.
TCT-337 The Effect of Transcatheter Laceration of Degenerated Bioprosthetic Valve Leaflets on the Likelihood of leaflet thrombosis following Transcatheter Aortic Valve-in-Valve Implantation: A Computational Simulation Study

Leaflet thrombosis following transcatheter aortic valve-in-valve (ViV) is an increasingly recognized complication. We have previously shown that the geometric confinement of transcatheter aortic valves (TAVs), introduced by the leaflet and frame of degenerated bioprosthesis, disturbs the natural
Navigation Application Programming Interface Route Fuel Saving Opportunity Assessment on Large-Scale Real-World Travel Data for Conventional Vehicles and Hybrid Electric Vehicles

The green-routing strategy instructing a vehicle to select a fuel-efficient route benefits the current transportation system with fuel-saving opportunities. This paper introduces a navigation appli...
Lowering the Risk of Sexual Assault: What Campuses Need to Know About Effective Prevention Programming

Numerous media reports, documentaries, public service campaigns, campus safety summits, and scholarly articles have addressed this question in recent years (see Banyard, Plante, & Moynihan, 2004; I...
Machine learning-based fracture-hit detection algorithm using LFDAS signal

Abstract Low-frequency distributed acoustic sensing (LFDAS) signal has been used to detect fracture hits at offset monitor wells during hydraulic fracturing operations. Typically, fracture hits are...
Assessing the Differences in Measurement of Degree of Spondylolisthesis Between Supine MRI and Erect X-Ray: An Institutional Analysis of 255 Cases.

Background Degenerative spondylolisthesis is the displacement of one vertebral body over the adjacent one. While standing and flexion-extension X-rays are preferred for determining listhesis, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often utilized to assess the compression of nerve root or spinal cord. Objective To investigate the difference in radiographic measurements of spondylolisthesis between X-rays and MRI. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the records and radiographic images of patients with a confirmed diagnosis of spondylolisthesis undergoing operation in 2016. Primary variable of interest was the degree of slippage as per the Meyerding method. Agreement between the 2 reviewers was assessed using the 2-way intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for slippage percentage and Cohen's Kappa for grade. Agreement of Meyerding grade between the 2 imaging techniques was assessed using Cohen's Kappa, while the slip percentage measured for each technique was compared using a Bland-Altman (BA) plot, mean difference (MD), and 1-way ICC. Results A total of 255 cases were analyzed. ICC between the 2 reviewers was found to be 0.75 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.64-0.83, P Conclusion Our results demonstrate the discrepancy of spondylolisthesis grade measurements between weight-bearing X-ray and nonweight-bearing MRI. Careful evaluation of both imaging technique is warranted to determine the final severity of pathology and tailoring of management plan.
Anemia Is Negatively Correlated with Cardiac Index in Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia(HHT) Patients with Liver Arteriovascular Malformations (AVMs)

OBJECTIVE:Patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) and liver arteriovascular malformations (AVMs) may develop high output cardiac failure. Iron deficiency anemia is common in HHT patients and is believed to adversely impact cardiac index (CI) but has not been systemically studied in this population. We performed a retrospective study to assess the relationships among hemoglobin, iron, and CI. METHOD:Chart records were reviewed of HHT patients with liver AVMs who were seen at Yale HHT Center from 2003-2019 and who had undergone cardiac catheterization with calculation of CI. For each patient, clinical history, laboratory studies, and CI were recorded. All variables were categorized according to median of interquartile range and analyzed using Spearman's correlation coefficients. RESULT:Seventeen patients with HHT and liver AVMs were identified who had undergone cardiac catheterization. Median age was 68 years (range, 36-85); 15 were female and 2 males. Median values of hemoglobin, ferritin, and CI were 10.6 g/ld., 35 ng/mL, and 4.77L/m/m2, respectively. A statistically significant, inverse correlation between hemoglobin and CI was observed (R = -0.45, P = 0.03). Serum iron and CI were also negatively correlated although the association was not significant (R = -0.3, P = 0.17). No significant correlation of serum ferritin with CI was seen (R = 0.05, P = 0.8). CONCLUSION:Anemia is negatively correlated with CI in HHT patients with liver AVMs. The impact of iron indices on CI is uncertain and partly limited by our small sample size. Larger studies incorporating multivariable analyses are warranted. Download : Download high-res image (70KB) Download : Download full-size image Figure . Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Poultry Breeding Research in North America

Poultry breeding research in the United States is conducted by industry and by State and Federal research groups. The primary interests of private industry are understandably dictated to a great ex...
INCLUSIVE GROWTH BY MEANS OF SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY CHAINS: A CASE STUDY OF THE DABBAWALAS OF MUMBAI, INDIA: George, B (2018). Inclusive Growth By Means Of Sustainable Supply Chains: A Case Study Of The Dabbawalas Of Mumbai, India. Inclusive growth by means of sustainable supply chains: A Case study of the Dabbawalas of Mumbai, India. International Journal of Entrepreneurial Knowledge 6(2), 5-11. doi: 10.2478/IJEK-2018-0010

As India emerges to become a major player in the global economy, it is essential to understand some of the unique business models that have emerged interacting with its cultural economy and found a place in its developmental trajectory. Of these, the dabbawalas of Mumbai is worth a special mention. The dabbawalas constitute a lunchbox delivery and return system that delivers hot lunches from homes and restaurants to people at work in India. Based on primary research and more recent literature, this paper provides updated perspectives on the dabbawala business with special focus on the sustainability of their business model. It discusses the dabbawala system performance along multiple aspects of sustainability. The basis of competitive advantage of the dabbawala business model is presented an emergent phenomenon from the cultural logic of the ecosystem.
The Use of AlloMap and AlloSure in Combined Heart-Kidney Transplantation

Purpose Kidney disease is a common comorbidity seen in heart disease, and so the number of patients undergoing combined heart-kidney transplantation (HKT) continues to increase, as well as the number of waitlisted patients for HKT. Recent evidence suggests a favorable immunomodulatory effect for combined HKT, making these patients ideal candidates for non-invasive monitoring for rejection and injury. The use of gene-expression profile testing (AlloMap®) in HKT recipients vs heat transplant (HT) alone has remained uncertain with earlier reports suggesting higher values in HKT, while more recent reports suggesting equivocal results between the two. Additionally, the profile of donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) (AlloSure®) in HKT has not yet been evaluated. Methods The Utility of dd-cfDNA in Association with Gene Expression Profiling (D-OAR) registry is a prospective, observation study of HT recipients monitored with AlloMap and AlloSure. The D-OAR registry and prospectively collected data from UCLA Medical Center were assessed for patients who underwent HKT with associated AlloSure and AlloMap scores and compared to patients who underwent HT alone. The cumulative distribution functions of AlloMap and AlloSure scores were stratified by HT vs. HKT. Patients with CMV and acute cellular rejection (≥2R) were excluded from the analysis. Results There were 300 HT recipients and 14 HKT recipients. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. The median AlloMap and AlloSure scores for HT recipients (N=300) were 29 and 0.09% respectively, while for HKT recipients (N=14) AlloMap and AlloSure scores were 33.5 and 0.41% respectively. See table 1 Conclusion There were slightly higher AlloMap scores in HKT vs HT patients, while AlloSure results in HKT were significantly higher. Further work to establish baseline parameters and understand changes to these parameters during rejection episodes would benefit HKT patients by allowing non-invasive monitoring for rejection and graft injury.
ASTRO Radiation Therapy Summary of the ASCO-ASTRO-SSO Guideline on Management of Hereditary Breast Cancer.

Abstract Purpose To develop a summary of recommendations regarding locoregional management of patients with breast cancer and germline mutations in breast cancer susceptibility genes based on the American Society of Clinical Oncology/American Society for Radiation Oncology/Society of Surgical Oncology Guideline on Management of Hereditary Breast Cancer. Methods The American Society of Clinical Oncology, American Society for Radiation Oncology, and Society of Surgical Oncology convened an expert panel to develop recommendations based on a systematic review of the literature and a formal consensus process. A total of 58 articles met the eligibility criteria and formed the evidentiary basis for the locoregional therapy recommendations. Additionally, 6 randomized controlled trials of systemic therapy also met eligibility criteria. Results A joint evidence-based guideline was developed by a multidisciplinary panel, which has been separately published. From this guideline, the radiation-oncologist authors of the panel extracted pertinent surgical and radiation-specific recommendations of findings that are hereby presented. Conclusions Patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer and BRCA1/2 mutations may be considered for breast conserving therapy (BCT), expecting similar rates of local control of the index cancer as noncarriers. The significant risk of contralateral breast cancer in these women (especially younger women), coupled with the higher risk of new cancers in the ipsilateral breast, warrant discussion of bilateral mastectomy. For women with mutations in BRCA1/2 or moderate-penetrance genes who are eligible for mastectomy, nipple-sparing mastectomy is a reasonable approach. There is no evidence of increased toxicity or contralateral breast cancer events from radiation exposure in BRCA1/2 carriers. Patients with mutations in moderate-risk genes should be offered BCT as one choice after appropriate counseling. Radiation therapy should not be withheld in ATM carriers if BCT is planned. For patients with germline TP53 mutations, mastectomy is advised and radiation therapy is contraindicated except for those with a significant risk of locoregional recurrence.
China's Trade with Africa and the Middle East: A Tale of Markets, Politics, and Resources

Trade between China, Africa and the Middle East has rapidly expanded over the past thirty years. However, the economic relations between China and these countries has displayed a remarkable amount of diversity across countries, over time, and for different kinds of trade. I utilize this heterogeneity to analyze the determinants of Chinese trade with 65 countries in Africa and the Middle East over the period 1985-2008. I find that Chinese trade is influenced by three factors: access to local markets, securing natural resources, and foreign policy as proxied by a country's diplomatic relations with Taiwan. The presence of an export processing zone and Chinese FDI act as gateways for imports of differentiated goods from China. China also appears to be using trade as a political tool, as countries that recognize Taiwan have significantly less trade with China, though trade rapidly increases once a country severs relations with Taiwan. Interestingly, exports of homogeneous goods to China appear to be unaffected by the Taiwan issue, perhaps suggesting that China's need for natural resources trumps any foreign policy considerations. The heterogeneity of trade determinants is an important result given the rather monolithic treatment Africa often gets in the existing literature.
Brincar de Escolinha: relatos de brincadeiras infantis de professoras dos anos iniciais do ensino fundamental e os amanhãs pós-feministas

Not only do many little girls in the United States and elsewhere play school, but when they grow up, they sometimes become teachers, at which point the story of playing school takes on a new narrative and discursive function. Using narrative and performance theories, and discourse analysis, we analyze stories about playing school told as part of a multi-site qualitative study of new and pre-service American elementary teachers’ life histories. We examined these narratives with one eye on pop culture and mid to late 1990s girlhood, and the other on the use to which the game of playing school is put both discursively and in practice. Implications for teacher preparation and professional identity, as well as the gendered face of teachers’ work, conclude the paper.
Serum albumin and total protein concentration in the tear film of horses with healthy or diseased eyes

Objective To determine total protein content (TPC) and serum albumin levels in the tears of horses with healthy or diseased eyes. Animals studied Forty-two horses with healthy eyes and 11 horses with unilateral (n = 10) or bilateral (n = 1) ocular disease. Procedure Each eye underwent an ophthalmic examination including detailed conjunctivitis scoring and tear collection with Schirmer strips. TPC and serum albumin levels were quantified in tear samples and compared among healthy eyes, affected eyes, and contralateral unaffected eyes. The impact of the following variables on lacrimal protein levels were assessed: age, breed, and sex (healthy eyes), as well as conjunctivitis score (diseased eyes). Results Lacrimal TPC ranged from 7.0 to 19.5 mg/mL in healthy eyes, while serum albumin ranged from 71.1 to 711.3 µg/mL (~1.6% of TPC) and was higher in tears of aged and female horses (P ≤ .033). Eyes with ocular disease had significantly greater (P ≤ .001) serum albumin in tears (median 679.6 µg/mL) compared to contralateral unaffected eyes (130.0 µg/mL) and eyes of the reference population (200.7 µg/mL). However, lacrimal TPC did not differ significantly among the 3 groups. Scoring of palpebral conjunctival hyperemia trended toward a positive association with serum albumin in tears (r = 0.49, P = .062). Conclusions The protein profile in equine tears differs in health and disease. Serum albumin in tears increases with ocular disease and, similar to other species, might serve as a biomarker for ocular insult in horses. Future studies could investigate the protein levels in horses with specific ocular conditions and help determine the biological importance of albumin on the equine ocular surface.
Enhanced coping and self-efficacy in caregivers of stem cell transplant recipients: Identifying mechanisms of a multimodal psychosocial intervention.

Background In a recent trial, a 6-session intervention (BMT-CARE) integrating medical information with cognitive-behavioral strategies improved quality of life (QOL), mood, coping skills, and self-efficacy for family/friend caregivers of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) recipients. This study examined whether improvements in coping and self-efficacy mediated the intervention effects on QOL and mood. Methods From December 2017 to April 2019, 100 caregivers of HCT recipients were enrolled into a randomized clinical trial of BMT-CARE versus usual care. Caregivers completed self-report measures of QOL (CareGiver Oncology Quality of Life questionnaire), depression and anxiety symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), coping skills (Measure of Current Status), and self-efficacy (Cancer Self-Efficacy Scale-Transplant) at enrollment (before HCT) and 60 days after HCT. Causal mediation regression models were used to examine whether changes in coping and self-efficacy mediated intervention effects on QOL as well as depression and anxiety symptoms. Results Improvements in 60-day QOL in patients assigned to BMT-CARE were partially mediated by improved coping and self-efficacy (indirect effect, 6.93; SE, 1.85; 95% CI, 3.71-11.05). Similarly, reductions in 60-day depression and anxiety symptoms were partially mediated by improved coping and self-efficacy (indirect effect for depression, -1.19; SE, 0.42; 95% CI, -2.23 to -0.53; indirect effect for anxiety, -1.46; SE, 0.55; 95% CI, -2.52 to -0.43). Combined improvements in coping and self-efficacy accounted for 67%, 80%, and 39% of the total intervention effects on QOL and depression and anxiety symptoms, respectively. Conclusions Coping and self-efficacy are essential components of a brief psychosocial intervention that improves QOL and mood for caregivers of HCT recipients during the acute recovery period. Lay summary A 6-session program (BMT-CARE) focused on providing medical information, caregiving skills, and self-care and coping strategies has been previously reported to improve the quality of life and mood of caregivers of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients in comparison with caregivers who receive care as usual. Using statistical models, this study suggests that learning coping skills and improving self-efficacy are the most essential components of this program that likely lead to better quality of life and mood for caregivers.
Simulating a Transmission Assessment Survey: An evaluation of current methods used in determining the elimination of the neglected tropical disease, Lymphatic Filariasis.

Abstract Introduction The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends Transmission Assessment Surveys (TAS) to determine when an evaluation unit (EU) has achieved and maintains sustained elimination of transmission of the vector-borne macroparasitic disease causing Lymphatic Filariasis (LF). As these decisions are based on combining data from multiple survey units within an EU, it is not clear how the underlying cluster-level variation in outcomes influence the current TAS decisions made at the larger areal unit of a filarial EU. We simulate LF infection distribution in an EU and compare three methods for assessing whether LF elimination has occurred based on currently recommended decision thresholds and sampling methods. Methods We simulate an EU divided into clusters of varying size and disease prevalence. We produce 1000 samples according to LF TAS examples and guidelines set by the WHO and compare three decision-making approaches: LQAS (recommended by WHO), One-sided interval estimate (CI), and nth order statistic (MAX). Summary statistics demonstrating the pass rate for the EU under various disease transmission conditions are generated using a versatile macro. Results As the LF prevalence shrinks, the LQAS and CI approaches produce increasingly likely “pass” results for an EU where some cluster units may still have a high likelihood of transmissibility. The MAX provides an alternative that increases the likelihood of correctly determining a passing condition when the whole area has a low likelihood of transmission. LQAS and CI approaches designed to estimate the EU prevalence miss hot-spots that will continue to transmit infection while the MAX approach eliminates poor decisions by focusing on identifying clusters with high risk of transmission. Conclusions Current TAS methodology has a fundamental flaw that may often result in false predictions of LF transmission interruption throughout an EU. Modifying the TAS methodology for addressing results from extreme clusters rather than being based on mean prevalence over an affected area will result in greater success for global elimination of LF.
Biological and Physical Interactions at Local Ocean Scales: Coupled Systems

Physical and biogeochemical processes that influence primary production set Earth’s carbon and heat budgets. While these processes have long been the focus of research, high resolution models to investigate local phenomena have only recently been developed, and two-way coupling between oceanic physics and biology is only recently getting attention due to computational power. With these new developments, it is possible to study the mechanisms through which these processes interact at both global and regional scales to shape Earth’s climate, which is the goal of this paper. This paper introduces oceanic physical phenomena at submesoscales to global scales – like mixed layer depth and turbulent structures – and the relationship of smaller scale events with biological factors. It discusses the implications of these relationships for primary production. After an introductory explanation of turbulence, primarily in the form of eddies and fronts, and the effects of internal instability and surface forcing, this paper emphasizes the contributions of those phenomena (turbulence, internal instability, and surface forcing) to vertical velocities and the influence of vertical transport on biology. Next, it introduces biogeochemical feedbacks, concerning both large scale population dynamics and increased absorption of radiation at the submesoscale, to consider their impacts on physical dynamics and regional climates. Finally, the paper compiles equations of irradiance and variables of significance, suggesting terms that could produce meaningful responses to variations in phytoplankton populations. The paper highlights the importance of understanding physical-biogeochemical relationships and suggests directions for future research, particularly areas related to global warming or abrupt climate change.
Markups and Inequality

We study the aggregate and distributional impact of product market interventions and profit taxes using a model of firm dynamics, credit constraints and incomplete markets. A key ingredient of our model is that markups are endogenous so that the markup a producer charges depends on the amount of competition it faces. We show that size-dependent subsidies that remove the distortions due to markup dispersion lead to sizable welfare gains and reduce inequality, even though they increase firm concentration and long-run misallocation. In contrast, policies that reduce concentration lead to large output, TFP and welfare losses and increase inequality. A tax on profits greatly depresses the incentives to create new firms, reducing labor demand, after-tax wages and welfare. Institutional subscribers to the NBER working paper series, and residents of developing countries may download this paper without additional charge at www.nber.org.