cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bile-rich duodenal fluid as an indicator of biliary lipid composition and its applicability to detection of lithogenic bile.

A comparison was made of the lipid composition of duodenal and gallbladder bile in 10 patients with cholesterol gallstones and in 11 patients without. The lipid composition of duodenal and gallbladder bile was found to be similar in each patient. A phase diagram plot of the biliary lipid composition data showed that duodenal bile is also a valid indicator of the presence or absence of lithogenic bile. Also, based on the analysis of the duodenal lipids, a distinction could be made between the presence of calcium bilirubinate and that of cholesterol gallstones. Analysis of the lipids of duodenal bile should serve as a useful tool in studying the effect of various agents and factors on the metabolism of the biliary lipids.
Azide groups in higher oxidation state manganese cluster chemistry: from structural aesthetics to single-molecule magnets.

This Forum Article overviews the recent amalgamation of two long-established areas, manganese/oxo coordination cluster chemistry involving the higher MnII/MnIV oxidation states and transition-metal azide (N3−) chemistry. The combination of azide and alkoxide- or carboxylate-containing ligands in Mn chemistry has led to a variety of new polynuclear clusters, high-spin molecules, and single-molecule magnets, with metal nuclearities ranging from Mn4 to Mn32 and with ground-state spin values as large as S = 83/2. The organic bridging/chelating ligands are discussed separately as follows: (i) pyridyl alkoxides [the anions of 2-(hydroxymethyl)pyridine (hmpH), 2,6-pyridinedimethanol (pdmH2), and the gem-diol form of di-2-pyridyl ketone (dpkdH2)]; (ii) non-pyridyl alkoxides [the anions of 1,1,1-tris(hydroxymethyl)ethane (thmeH3), triethanolamine (teaH3), and N-methyldiethanolamine (mdaH2)]; (iii) other alcohols [the anions of 2,6-dihydroxymethyl-4-methylphenol (LH3) and Schiff bases]; (iv) pyridyl monoximes/dioxi...
Fetal ECG extraction from abdominal recordings using array signal processing

An algorithm to automatically locate QRS complexes in noninvasive fetal ECG signals is described and was entered in the PhysioNet/CinC 2013 “Noninvasive Fetal ECG” challenge. The algorithm is based on an iterative subspace decomposition and filtering of the maternal ECG components from the recordings of a set of electrodes placed on the mother's abdomen. Once the maternal components are removed, a novel merging technique is applied to merge the recordings and generate a signal with a higher SNR to perform fetal peak detection. The algorithm produces an annotation file for each data set containing the location of the fetal QRS complexes in that set. The final results indicate that the algorithm is able to detect fetal peaks under different scenarios and for variety of devices and signals encountered in clinical practice.
Forage selection by mule deer: does niche breadth increase with population density?

Effects of population density of mule deer Odocoileus hemionus on forage selection were investigated by comparing diet characteristics of two subpopulations of deer in southern California, USA, that differed in population density during winter. Quality of diet for deer, as indexed by faecal crude protein, was higher at the lowdensity site than at the high-density site in winter, when deer densities were different. Quality of diet was similar in summer when both areas had comparable densities of deer. Both outcomes are consistent with predictions from densitydependent selection of diets by deer. Dietary niche breadth, however, differed in a manner opposite to predictions of niche theory based on diet selection under an ideal-free distribution. During winter, when differences in density between the two study sites were pronounced, niche breadth along the dietary axis in the lowdensity area was twice that of the high-density site. Generalist herbivores feeding primarily on low-quality browse at high population density in winter would be expected to increase their dietary breadth by feeding on additional species of plants as they depleted their food supply. Mule deer in our study, however, decreased the breadth of their dietary niche as population density increased. We hypothesize that by rapidly eliminating high-quality forages from an area by heavy grazing, deer at higher population densities narrowed their dietary niche. Theoretical models for changes in niche dimensions, including the ideal-free distribution, need to consider such empirical outcomes.
Increased activation and cytokine secretion in B cells stimulated with leptin in aged humans

Aging is associated chronic inflammation and autoimmunity, and increased levels of leptin. Increased levels of leptin are associated with inflammation and autoimmunity. We have recently reported that leptin activates B cells to induce secretion of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Role of B cells and leptin in inflammation associated with aging has not been explored. In this study we demonstrate that leptin activates and induces significantly greater amount of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-10 by B cells from aged humans as compared to young controls. This is associated with increased leptin-induced phosphorylation of STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription-3) in B cells from aged humans as compared to young subjects. These data suggest that leptin-induced B cell-derived proinflammatory cytokines may play a role in chronic inflammation associated with human aging.
On doubly coprime fractional representations for linear time-varying systems

Linear time-varying systems, which accept state-space realizations with continuous and bounded entries, form a noncommutative ring. The subset of this ring, which is comprised of L/sub p/-stable systems, is a subring. Doubly coprime fractional representations for linear time-varying systems that belong to the subring of L/sub p/-stable systems are constructed from the state-space realization of the system considered. >
Detecting network intrusions via a statistical analysis of network packet characteristics

With the growing threat of abuse of network resources, it becomes increasingly important to be able to detect malformed packets on a network and estimate the damage they fan cause. In this paper, we collect and analyze all of the IP and TCP packets seen on a network that either violate existing standards or should not appear in modern internets. Our goal is to determine what these suspicions packets mean and evaluate what proportion of such packets can cause actual damage. Thus, we divide unusual packets obtained during our experiments into several categories depending on the severity of their consequences, including indirect consequences as a result of information gathering, and show the results. The traces analyzed were gathered at Ohio University's main Internet link, providing a massive amount of statistical data.
Computer-aided modeling and evaluation of reconfigurable VLSI processor arrays with VHDL

The authors present an integrated computer-aided design environment, the VAR (VHDL-based array reconfiguration) system, for the tasks of design, reconfiguration, simulation, and evaluation in an architecture modeled by VHDL. An easily diagnosable and reconfigurable two-dimensional defect-tolerant processing element (PE) switch lattice array is used as an example to illustrate the methodology of VAR. VAR allows the designers study and evaluate fault diagnosis and reconfiguration algorithms by inserting faults, which are generated based on manufacturing yield data, into the array and then locating the fault PEs as well as simulating the reconfiguration process. Thus, VAR can assist the designers in evaluating the different combinations of fault patterns, fault diagnosis algorithms, and reconfigurable architectures through a complete set of figures of merit which aim at architectural improvements. Extensive simulation and evaluation have been performed to demonstrate and support the effectiveness of VAR. >
Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and its emerging virulence.

Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) infections are an emerging problem in the United States and many parts of the world. These infections originate in communities as opposed to hospital-acquired MRSA (HA-MRSA) infections. If adequate measures are not taken to thoroughly understand and control its changing epidemiology and clinical presentation, it may become a significant public health problem in the near future.
A Novel Recovery Approach for Distributed Systems

In this paper, we have addressed the complex problem of reco very for concurrent failures in distributed computing environment. We have proposed a new approach in which we have dealt with effectively both orphan and lost messages. The proposed check pointing and recovery approaches enable a process to restart from its recent checkpoint and hence guarantees the least amount of recomputation after recovery. It also means that a process needs to save only its recent local checkpoint. The proposed value of the common check pointing interval enables an initiator process to log the minimum number of messages sent by each application process. The message complexity of the proposed check pointing algorithm as well as the recovery approach is O(n).
PRESIDENT'S ANNUAL STATE OF THE ACADEMY REPORT FEBRUARY 2005

The theme for the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology (AACN) for this past year was growth. In my yearly State of the Academy report, I will outline the many ways that AACN has grown as an...
Fringe shifts in multiple-beam Fizeau interferometry

A computer program was developed to compute the profile of multiple-beam Fizeau fringes and was tested against laboratory observations. By using the program as a tool for studying the behavior of the fringes, a simplified model of the fringe formation process was developed. The shifts of the fringes from their expected locations are caused primarily by a reduction in spatial frequency that is due to the oblique projection of the fringes onto the detector. The angle at which the fringes are inclined to the input beam of the interferometer may be calculated by using a phase law developed by Brossel [ Proc. Phys. Soc.59, 224 ( 1947)] and is independent of the reflectivity of the cavity. Once the orientations of the fringe planes and the detector are known, the fringe shifts may be calculated by using simple trigonometry. Although the absolute shift of a particular fringe may be an appreciable fraction of a fringe spacing, neighboring fringes have nearly identical shifts, making the relative fringe shift inconsequential. The finesse of the fringes may be increased by either tilting the Fizeau cavity or defocusing the detector optics. Unlike the tilt angle required to minimize the fringe shift, the tilt angle that maximizes the finesse is a strong function of the cavity reflectivity.
Verbal learning and memory following pediatric closed-head injury.

In this study, verbal learning and memory following pediatric closed-head injuries (CHI) using the children's version of the California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT). Participants included 47 children, ages 5–16 yr, with a history of CHI, and 47 matched, noninjured controls. Children with CHI performed more poorly than controls on the CVLT, although their deficits varied qualitatively as a function of injury severity. Those with mild/moderate injuries performed as well as controls on learning trials, but they recalled proportionally fewer words after a delay (although their recognition was intact). Severely injured children demonstrated deficits in learning, delayed recall, and recognition, compared to controls. The groups did not differ in learning characteristics, but children with severe CHI exhibited more intrusions than controls. Pediatric CHI are associated with specific disturbances in verbal learning and memory similar to those of adults with CHI but different from those of children with other developmental and neurological disorders. JINS , 1995, I , 78–87.)
Intertask communications in an integrated multirobot system

An integrated multirobot system (IMRS) consists of two or more robots, machinery, and sensors and is capable of executing almost all industrial processes with efficiency, flexibility, and reliability. Although the IMRS is motivated by an interesting application, it is essentially a distributed real-time processing system with various heterogeneous processes. To support a distributed modular architecture of the IMRS, low-level communication primitives are proposed along with their supporting language syntax which are typical of real-time concurrent programming languages. This is done by 1) carefully examining the generic structure and interactions of IMRS processes, 2) comparing and analyzing the primitives and syntax developed/proposed for general concurrent programming, and 3) using port-directed communications.
Micromeritics of Granular Pharmaceutical Solids II: Factors Involved in the Sieving of Pharmaceutical Granules

This report deals with basic studies concerned with the use of sieving as an accurate means of classifying granular pharmaceutical solids. Attention was focused on the effects of sieve shaker speed, initial load and particle size distribution of the granulation on the rate of particle size reduction and the cumulative per cent of material passing a sieve. The size and concentration of the smaller-than-mesh particles were shown to exert a profound influence on the equilibrium time of a sieve. Using a nest of sieves, an equilibrium time technique was developed to obtain the particle size distribution and permit calculation of various statistical parameters dependent on the observance of the log-normal law. An equilibrium time procedure such as developed here permits the quantitative classification of granular pharmaceutical solids by sieving, with a better assurance that separatio: has been achieved with the minimum of attrition.
Decrease in Behavioral Problems and Trauma Symptoms Among At-Risk Adopted Children Following Web-Based Trauma-Informed Parent Training Intervention.

Children who have experienced early adversities are at risk for behavioral problems and trauma symptoms. Using a two-group, pre–post intervention design, the authors evaluated the effectiveness of an online parent training for Trust-Based Relational Intervention, a trauma-informed, attachment-based intervention, in reducing behavioral problems and trauma symptoms in at-risk adopted children. Children of parents in the treatment group (n = 48) demonstrated significant decreases in behavioral problems and trauma symptoms after intervention. Scores for children in a matched-sample control group did not change. Findings suggest this intervention can effectively reduce behavioral problems and trauma symptoms in children with histories of adversities.
Effects of hyperglycemia on hepatic gluconeogenic flux during glycogen phosphorylase inhibition in the conscious dog

The aim of these studies was to investigate the effect of hyperglycemia with or without hyperinsulinemia on hepatic gluconeogenic flux, with the hypothesis that inhibition would be greatest with co...
An overview of efficiency enhancements with application to linear handset power amplifiers

A consequence of high spectral efficiency provided by second and third generation cellular systems is the requirement for linear power amplifiers in the transmitter unit of the mobile handset. The battery nature of the mobile phone emphasizes high amplifier efficiency for extending talk time and battery life. This represents an inherent trade-off between amplifier efficiency and linearity. Recent efforts have focused on considering alternative approaches with the goal of improving the efficiency/linearity performance trade-off compared to traditional single-ended Class A/B topologies. Some alternative approaches are examined here.
Dynorphin(1-13), a long-lasting inhibitor of opiate receptor binding in vitro.

The effect of dynorphin was determind on the binding of radioactive μ, δ and k ligands to mouse brain P2 fractions in vitro. The Bmax of high affinity sites of each ligand was lowered and the Kd was raised for k ligands. This suggests that the mode of interaction of dynorphin with brain is complex and may involve a site that allosterically affects the binding sites of other opiates.
Diagnostic Techniques: Ophthalmic Ultrasonography

Ophthalmic ultrasonography is essential for documentation, measurement, and differentiation of intraocular tumors. It is a safe, noninvasive diagnostic technique providing instant images for interpretation. This chapter provides a description of instrumentation and special examination techniques necessary for the documentation and measurement of intraocular tumors. Additionally, ultrasonographic findings of common intraocular lesions including iris and ciliary body melanoma, choroidal melanoma, choroidal hemangioma, metastatic and disciform lesions, and retinoblastoma are included.
Trust Protectors: Why They Have Become 'The Next Big Thing'

Settlors are increasingly naming trust protectors, particularly for trusts that may endure for many years, because of the possible need to amend the trust in light of changing laws and changing circumstances. Trust protectors have also become popular for trusts with beneficiaries who have an intellectual disability that may prevent them from enforcing their beneficial interest in the trust. The selection of a protector, the powers to be granted the protector and the standard of care required of the protector require thoughtful consideration. This Article also discusses the origin of trust protectors, their current statutory basis, and the few existing cases that analyze the legal status and role of a trust protector.
An evaluation of the Haema-Count MK-4S platelet counting system.

The Haema-Count MK-4S system consists of an electronic platelet particle detector and a low-speed centrifuge to prepare platelet-rich plasma. It had greater day-to-day and within-day precision than the phase chamber reference method. In general, it had a good agreement on patient specimens but, in common with other automatic platelet-counting instruments, it was affected by abnormal proteins and by extremes of platelet size. Centrifugation was more rapid and neater than sedimentation in the preparation of platelet-rich plasma. It was not uniformly more accurate, and at high counts may have caused small losses; but in cases of very slow erythrocyte sedimentation it yielded more accurate counts than those obtainable by sedimentation. Users of automatic systems should be alert to occasional spurious counts, and a suitable chamber method should be available to investigate results in disagreement with clinical findings or with the estimate on differential smear.
Toward an Inventory of Basic Trends and Patterns in Comparative and International Politics

Recent decades have seen a vast increase of research in international relations, as in all fields of political and social science. We have more facts and many more expressions of opinion, and we are facing increasingly serious problems of reorientation. We know that much in the world of relations among nations has changed and is still changing, but what is the nature of this change? Is the world becoming more international? Is it turning into one world in which even the United States and the Soviet Union are influencing each other ever more, or at least into two worlds of two rival and ever more tightly integrated Communist and non-Communist blocs? Is the nation-state being superseded by the rise of new continent-wide or ocean-wide treaty organizations or federations? And what is happening within most of the old and new nation-states, as they enter upon these new arrangements? Are their governments becoming more stable or less? Are their political and administrative capabilities rising or declining? Are power and prestige within these states shifting toward the elites or toward the masses of their populations? Are political controls of economic life in the long run growing or receding? Are we moving toward a world of "garrison states" or toward a world of "open societies," or is the world moving in uncharted directions for which not even images have yet been found? Surely, these seem sweeping questions. Scholars and men of affairs might be tempted to put them aside, and to turn their attention to the immediate business at hand. They may prefer the study of some particular conflict between two countries, or of the interests of this or that state, or of the merits of this or that policy at some particular moment. All serious questions, it has been argued, are particular and perhaps unique, and any broader and more general answers might be neither warranted nor wanted. Such a retreat into the exclusive study of small-scale and short-range problems is based upon a fallacy. We cannot think about particular problems without making assumptions about the general context of the world in which they occur. Usually these assumptions are intuitive and vague. We form some indefinite conception of how states of a particular size and type of government and culture are expected to behave at particular times and places, and we feel surprised when some particular country departs strikingly from these half-formed expectations. Clearly our analysis could gain a great deal if we tried to lift these vague types and models of political behavior into the light of consciousness, and if we
Stable expression and identification of GagPol gene from HIV-1 in HEK293

Aim:To construct a recombinant eukaryotic expression plasmid for stable expression of HIV-1 GagPol protein and to detect its expression in HEK293 in order to lay the foundation for further development HIV-1 VLP vaccine.Methods:HIV-1 GagPol gene was amplified by PCR, then subcloned into eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.1(-).The recombinant plasmid pcDNA3.1(-)/GagPol was transfected into HEK293 cell line ,and the expression of the GagPol gene was analyzed by Western Blot.Results: The successful construction of pcDNA3.1(-)/GagPol was verified by restrictive endonuclease assay, and the expression of GagPol gene was detected in the lysate of transfected HEK293 cells by Western Blot.Conclusion: The recombinant plasmid pcDNA3.1(-)/GagPol was successfully constructed and its stable expression in HEK293 cell line was also confirmed in the present study.
International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) Diagnosis Codes Can Identify Cerebral Venous Thrombosis in Hospitalized Adults.

Background:Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is a relatively rare and understudied disease. We sought to determine the accuracy of International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) di...
Neuroanatomical Abnormalities in Adolescent ADHD

Twenty-four adolescents with familial ADHD and 10 control youths underwent high-resolution structural MRI, and frontal lobe gyri and caudate were compared in a study at Stanford University and other US centers.
Small-signal gain measurements for highly doped and co-doped Er3+:YAG at 2.936μm

Abstract Direct small-signal gain measurements have been made for a 50% doped Er3+:YAG rods for the 2.936 μ m wavelength. We also provide gain measurements for 55% Er3+:YAG and co-doped 55% Er3+:YAG rods. Erbium doped solid-state lasers are typically used in a flash-pumped configuration, where the gain dynamics is highly dependent on the pump–pulse length. In this paper we have reported the small-signal gain over the pulse duration, along with average small-signal gain, so as to provide the laser-engineer with data to efficiently design the mid-IR laser system.
Precarity and guest work in U.S. tourism: J-1 and H-2B visa programs

Over the past couple decades, hotels and resorts in the United States have come to rely on the influx of foreign guest workers to meet labor demand during peak tourism seasons. In particular, emplo...
Abstract 408: Myocardial Knockdown of Mir-375 Attenuates Post-mi Inflammatory Response and Left Ventricular Dysfunction via Pdk-1-akt Signaling Axis

MicroRNAs are known to be dysregulated in the ischemic heart disease and have emerged as potential therapeutic targets for treatment of myocardial infarction (MI). Recently MicroRNA-375 has been shown to be up-regulated in humans with MI. In this study, we assessed whether inhibition of the miR-375 using an i.v.-delivered locked nucleic acid (LNA)-modified anti-miR (LNA-antimiR-375) can provide therapeutic benefit in mice with pre-existing pathological cardiac remodeling and dysfunction due to myocardial infarction (MI).After the induction of acute myocardial infarction, mice were treated with either control or LNA based miR-375 inhibitor, and inflammatory response, cardiomyocyte apoptosis and LV functional and structural remodeling changes were evaluated. Anti-miR-375 therapy significantly suppressed infiltration of inflammatory cells, expression of proinflammatory cytokines in the myocardium and cardiomyocyte apoptosis. These changes were associated with miR-375 mediated activation of 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1 (PDK-1) and downstream AKT phosphorylation on Thr-308. LNA anti-miR-375 therapy significantly improved LV functions, reduced infarct size, and attenuated infarct wall thinning. Moreover, LNA based miR-375 therapy significantly increased capillary density in the infarcted myocardium. Further, our in vitro studies demonstrated that miR-375 negatively regulates the expression of PDK-1 by directly targeting the 3’UTR of the PDK-1 transcript. Taken together, our studies demonstrate that anti miR-375 therapy suppresses inflammatory response, cardiomyocyte death and contributes to improved LV function and enhanced angiogenesis via activation of PDK-1/AKT signaling.
Abstract 3016: Identification of protein arginine methyltransferase 1 as novel epigenetic vulnerability in KRAS/p53 mutant PDAC primary patient models

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a rapidly progressing disease associated with less than 10% 5-year survival rate. Various treatment regimens failed to improve survival of PDAC patients, thus a critical need exists to identify druggable targets essential for tumor maintenance. We developed a powerful in vivo platform that enables the identification of new molecular drivers in the PDAC context where activating mutation of KRAS gene and loss of p53 dominate the genetic landscape. Through an in vivo loss of function screen performed in KRAS/p53 mutant PDAC primary patient models, we identify protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) as top scoring hit. This novel dependency in PDAC was subsequently validated in multiple PDAC models using both shRNA mediated as well as CRISPR base genetic inhibition and we demonstrated that PRMT1 knockdown induces a significant growth inhibition in vitro. Methylation of arginine 3 on histone H4 (H4R3me2a) as well as global arginine methylation was also evaluated and showed a dramatic reduction upon PRMT1 knockdown, correlating observed phenotype with target engagement. To further confirm a role for PRMT1 in tumor maintenance, we developed inducible PRMT1 knockdown in a primary patient model and showed a dramatic tumor growth inhibition (TGI) in vivo upon PRMT1 knockdown. PRMT1 is the primary enzyme responsible for arginine asymmetric demethylation, however other members of the Type I family are also involved in this process and we evaluated the role of protein arginine methyltransferase 4 (PRMT4) and 6 (PRMT6) in our workhorse model. Surprisingly, no significant phenotypic response was observed upon genetic inhibition of PRMT4 or PRMT6 suggesting no redundancy between different PRMT type I and a unique dependency on PRMT1. To strengthen and complement the genetic validation, we leveraged a PRMT Type I inhibitor and confirmed in vitro results as well as in vivo efficacy at tolerated doses (xenograft vs allograft). Key models have been prioritized in order to inform on PRMT1 dependency and to refine responder population. Our research has identified and validated for the first time an arginine methyltransferase as a novel genetic vulnerability in PDAC and strongly suggest PRMT1 as a new therapeutic opportunity in PDAC cancers. Citation Format: Virginia Giuliani, Bhavatarini Vangamudi, Erika Suzuki, Meredith Miller, Chiu-Yi Liu, Alessandro Carugo, Christopher Bristow, Guang Gao, Jing Han, Yuting Sun, Ningping Feng, Edward Chang, Joseph Marszalek, Jeffrey Kovacs, Maria Emilia Di Francesco, Carlo Toniatti, Timothy Heffernan, Philip Jones, Giulio Draetta. Identification of protein arginine methyltransferase 1 as novel epigenetic vulnerability in KRAS/p53 mutant PDAC primary patient models [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3016. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-3016
United Agricultural Cooperative: considering the sale of the agronomy division

This case study examines a common agricultural cooperative structure in the United States, namely that of a business which both sells farm supplies to its members and also markets, to others, the agricultural products of its members. The case concerns whether the United Agricultural Cooperative should sell the cooperative’s agronomy supply division. This division sells fertilizer, chemicals and seed. It also provides related services. The cooperative has received an acquisition inquiry from rapidly expanding agricultural retailer, Pinnacle Agricultural Holdings, LLC. The case allows readers to examine both detailed financial information as well as the cooperative’s political environment. The case ends with readers being asked to recommend a decision; namely should the cooperative sell the agronomy division or should it be kept? Professors can read the authors’ teaching note to learn recommended classroom teaching strategies and also to learn the actual decision which was made by this cooperative.
Risk-Assessment Score and Patient Optimization as Cost Predictors for Ventral Hernia Repair.

Background Ventral hernia repair (VHR) is associated with complications that significantly increase healthcare costs. This study explores the associations between hospital costs for VHR and surgical complication risk-assessment scores, need for cardiac or pulmonary evaluation, and smoking or obesity counseling. Study Design An IRB-approved retrospective study of patients having undergone open VHR over 3 years was performed. Ventral Hernia Risk Score (VHRS) for surgical site occurrence and surgical site infection, and the Ventral Hernia Working Group grade were calculated for each case. Also recorded were preoperative cardiology or pulmonary evaluations, smoking cessation and weight reduction counseling, and patient goal achievement. Hospital costs were obtained from the cost accounting system for the VHR hospitalization stratified by major clinical cost drivers. Univariate regression analyses were used to compare the predictive power of the risk scores. Multivariable analysis was performed to develop a cost prediction model. Results The mean cost of index VHR hospitalization was $20,700. Total and operating room costs correlated with increasing CDC wound class, VHRS surgical site infection score, VHRS surgical site occurrence score, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, and Ventral Hernia Working Group (all p Conclusions Ventral hernia repair hospital costs are more accurately predicted by CDC wound class than VHR risk scores. A straightforward 6-factor model predicted most cost variation for VHR.
Synthetic Studies toward the Tetrapetalones: Diastereoselective Construction of a Putative Intermediate

A strategy toward tetrapetalones was explored including a site-selective ethylenation of the silyl enol ether A to afford a quaternary stereocenter that serves in a stereogenic capacity. Regio- and diastereoselective reactions were observed in conjunction with the oxidative formation of cation B, which included subsequent selective formation of either carbon–oxygen or carbon–carbon bonds at the δ or ζ position on the seven-membered ring. The fourth ring was formed using a Stetter reaction.
Jestem tak wściekły, że zrobiłem transparent

Polish translation of Michaela Taussig's essay originally published as I'm So Angry I Made a Sign in "Critical Inquiry" 39 (2012).
Autism Spectrum Symptomatology in Children with Williams Syndrome Who Have Phrase Speech or Fluent Language

To characterize autism spectrum-related symptomatology in children with Williams syndrome (WS) with phrase speech or fluent language, the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule Module 2 or 3 was administered. The cutoff for autism spectrum was met by 35% (14/40) who completed Module 2 and 30% (18/60) who completed Module 3. Similarities and differences in socio-communicative strengths and weaknesses as a function of language ability were identified. Symptom severity was negatively associated with IQ for participants with phrase speech but not for those with fluent language. The findings suggest an elevated risk of ASD for individuals with WS relative to the general population and contribute to a more nuanced sense of the socio-communicative functioning of children with WS.
The Challenge of Pluralism: Articulating a Rationale for Religiously Diverse Urban Roman Catholic Schools in the United States

This essay explores the challenge of pluralism through an examination of religiously diverse urban Roman Catholic schools in the United States. Changes in student demographics have forced members of the sponsoring religious body to ask: Why should schools with a large number of non-Catholics be sponsored, often at great cost, by a church community with limited resources and expanding needs in other domains? Based on the belief that religious institutions must be seen in their particular historical, sociological and political context, the essay begins with a discussion of these issues. In that light, the author presents three rationales for continued support that emanate from the heart of contemporary Catholic thought: ecumenism, racial justice and solidarity. Finally, he offers reflections for a multi faith, international audience about the legitimation of religiously affiliated educational institutions.
Dyes with Segmental Mobility: Molecular Rotors

Molecular rotors are fluorescent molecules that are characterized by the ability to form twisted states through the rotation of one segment of the structure with respect to the rest of the molecule. Intramolecular rotation changes the ground- state and excited-state energies, and molecular rotors deexcite from the twisted state either without photon emission or with a different wavelength than from the LE state. Intramolecular rotation is strongly dependent on the solvent. Solvent polarity, hydrogen bond formation, isomerization, excimer formation, and steric hindrance are predominant forms of solvent-fluorophore interaction. Of highest importance is sterichindrance,becauseitlinksthesolvent'smicroviscositytotheformationrateof TICT states, which, in turn, determines the spectral emission. For this reason, molecular rotors have found a wide range of applications as fluorescent sensors of microviscosity and solvent free volume. Application examples include bulk viscos- ity measurement, probing dynamics of polymer formation, protein sensing and probing of protein aggregation, and microviscosity probing in living cells.
Rights-Based Approach to Working with Torture Survivors

This chapter starts by defining torture and identifying some of the recent definitional controversies and key contextual factors. The prime targets of torture, prevalence estimates, and common sequelae are discussed and the problem of US exceptionalism is explored. Torture is framed as a human rights violation and relevant international human rights mechanisms and tools are identified. Core principles of a rights-based approach (RBA) to clinical and forensic social work practice with survivors of state-sponsored torture within a US context are described and promoted in this chapter. Discussion of the United States’ use of torture is included, while drawing predominantly on cases of asylum seeking survivors in the USA who were tortured prior coming to the USA. Key roles for clinical social workers related to the implementation of the United Nations’ Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT) are explored. The chapter concludes with discussion of the importance of combating impunity and suggested class activities and resources.
Regulation des Pollensammelns

Einen Schlussel zum Verstandnis des Regelkreises, der die Polleneintragsrate von Honigbienenvolkern steuert, liefert die Erkenntnis, das bei Bienenvolkern das Pollenangebot viel groseren Schwankungen unterworfen ist als die Pollennachfrage (Abbildung 8.1). Das Pollenangebot — die auserhalb des Bienenstockes vorhandene Menge an Blutenstaub — kann von Tag zu Tag drastisch schwanken, je nachdem, welche Witterungsbedingungen herrschen und welche Blumen gerade bluhen. Man mache sich beispielsweise klar, was passiert, wenn wegen eines Wetterumschwungs auf einen warmen, sonnigen ein kuhler, regnerischer Tag folgt: dann bricht das ausere Pollenangebot des Bienenvolkes uber Nacht zusammen. Im Unterschied dazu andert sich die interne Nachfrage nach Pollen — die von den adulten Bienen und der Brut im Stock verzehrte Menge — nicht so massiv von einem Tag auf den anderen. Vielmehr verandert sich die taglich verzehrte Pollenmenge im Laufe des Sommers nur allmahlich und parallel zu Wachstum und Ruckgang der Population. Bienenvolker begegnen diesem Phanomen groserer Schwankungen beim Angebot als bei der Nachfrage, indem sie in ihrem Stock einen bescheidenen Vorrat von etwa einem Kilogramm Pollen anlegen (Abbildung 2.7). Diese Reserve genugt, um das Volk gegen eine etwa einwochige Unterbrechung der auseren Pollennachlieferung abzusichern, und ist deshalb gros genug, um ein Bienenvolk wahrend einer langeren Schlechtwetterperiode gut zu ernahren. Der Grund dafur, das Bienenvolker keine groseren Pollenvorrate einlagern — mehrere Kilogramm statt nur eines einzigen — besteht wahrscheinlich darin, das der Nutzen einer groseren Reserve (bessere Absicherung bei einer Unterbrechung der Pollennachlieferung) die „Kosten“ (bei gleich hohen Investitionen in den Wabenbau weniger verfugbare Zellen fur die Brutaufzucht und den Honigvorrat) nicht aufwiegt.
Differential Agglutination of Normal and Sensitized Sheep Erythrocytes by Sera of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

SummaryA differential sheep cell agglutination test is described wherein the agglutination titers of human serum for normal and sensitized sheep erythrocytes are compared. High differential titers have been found to occur almost solely with the sera of patients suffering from active rheumatoid arthritis. Some of the features of this serological phenomenon are pointed out, together with its possible practical applications.
Metaphysics Z.11 and Functionalism

Aristotle’s dialectical flirtation with compositional plasticity regarding humans in Metaphysics, Z.11 would appear to lend support to the claim that he subscribes to the idea that humans are functional kinds that supervene on their material constituents, more specifically that he subscribes to the idea that psychological states are functional states that supervene on physiological states. In the following I argue that it only appears so.
Productivity and irrigation requirements of halophytes grown with seawater in the Sonoran Desert

Native and exotic halophytes (genera Atriplex, Salicornia, Distichlis, Cressa, and Batis) were grown in field trials at Puerto Penasco, Sonora, Mexico using hypersaline (40‰) seawater for irrigation. The most productive halophyte species yielded 1364–1794 g dry weight per square meter per annum. The minimum effective water rate was 18 m/year, using undiluted seawater and the flood method of application. Using 10‰ artificial seawater and the sprinkler method of application, Salicornia bigelovii yielded over 1000 g DW/m2 with only 2·4 m of water. Atriplex plants were 12–17 per cent protein but ash content was also high. The economic feasibility of seawater agriculture will depend on introducing desirable crop characteristics into halophytes and developing efficient, high-frequency irrigation systems for seawater.
Chapter 11 – Manual Examinations

During the course of performing mobile forensic extractions, examiners will find the need to manually document various aspects of the examination. Forensic tools, utilities, programs, and other devices specifically designed to perform extractions do not always obtain all available artifacts. In almost all cases, the ability to document the evidence is not an embedded feature on the program. Locked USB ports, unsupported mobile devices, specific internal settings, enabled or disabled features, and the actual evidence itself are all reasons where documentation through screenshots, video, and still cameras would be warranted. Vendors have specifically designed hardware and software to be used exclusively for this purpose. Windows capture programs can also assist. The use of a simple digital camera, Microsoft Word, and a free PDF printing program can also aid agencies and private companies who want a cheaper alternative to manual examination. Manual examinations complement and augment the vast tools needed to perform mobile forensics.
Poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(d,l-lactic acid) micelles containing oligo(lactic acid)8-paclitaxel prodrug: In Vivo conversion and antitumor efficacy.

Abstract Poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly( d , l -lactic acid) (PEG-b-PLA) micelles affect drug solubilization, and a paclitaxel (PTX) loaded-PEG-b-PLA micelle (PTX-PM) is approved for cancer treatment due to injection safety and dose escalation (Genexol-PM®) compared to Taxol®. However, PTX-PM is unstable in blood, has rapid clearance, and causes dose-limiting toxicity. We have synthesized a prodrug for PTX (7-OH), using oligo(lactic acid) as a novel pro-moiety (o(LA)8-PTX) specifically for PEG-b-PLA micelles, gaining higher loading and slower release of o(LA)8-PTX over PTX. Notably, o(LA)8-PTX prodrug converts into PTX by a backbiting reaction in vitro, without requiring esterases. We hypothesize that o(LA)8-PTX-loaded PEG-b-PLA micelles (o(LA)8-PTX-PM) has a lower Cmax and higher plasma AUC than PTX-PM for improved therapeutic effectiveness. In Sprague-Dawley rats at 10 mg/kg, compared to o(LA)8-PTX-PM (10% w/w loading) and PTX-PM (10%), o(LA)8-PTX-PM (50% w/w loading) produces a 2- and 3-fold higher plasma AUC0–24 of PTX, lactic acid-PTX, and o(LA)2-PTX (o(LA)0-2-PTX), respectively. For o(LA)8-PTX-PM at 10 and 50% w/w loading, PTX and lactic acid-PTX are major bioactive metabolites, respectively. Fast prodrug conversion of o(LA)8-PTX in vivo versus in vitro (by backbiting) suggests that o(LA)8 is a good substrate for esterases. At 60 mg/kg (qwx3), o(LA)8-PTX-PM (50%) has higher antitumor activity than o(LA)8-PTX-PM (10%) and PTX-PM (10%) in a syngeneic 4T1-luc breast tumor model based on measurements of tumor volume, 4T1-luc breast tumor bioluminescence, and survival. Importantly, intravenous administration of o(LA)8-PTX-PM is well tolerated by BALB/c mice. In summary, oligo(lactic acid)8-PTX is more compatible than PTX with PEG-b-PLA micelles, more stable, and may expand the role of PEG-b-PLA micelles from “solubilizer” into “nanocarrier” for PTX as a next-generation taxane for cancer.
Appendiceal stump closure with polymeric clips is a reliable alternative to endostaplers

ObjectivePolymeric (Hem-o-lok) clips represent a novel technique with which to ligate the appendiceal stump following laparoscopic appendectomy. We compared the outcomes of using polymeric clips ve...
Electrowetting‐Mediated Transport to Produce Electrochemical Transistor Action in Nanopore Electrode Arrays

Understanding water behavior in confined volumes is important in applications ranging from water purification to healthcare devices. Especially relevant are wetting and dewetting phenomena which can be switched by external stimuli, such as light and electric fields. Here, these behaviors are exploited for electrochemical processing by voltage-directed ion transport in nanochannels contained within nanopore arrays in which each nanopore presents three electrodes. The top and middle electrodes (TE and ME) are in direct contact with the nanopore volume, but the bottom electrode (BE) is buried beneath a 70 nm silicon nitride (SiNx ) insulating layer. Electrochemical transistor operation is realized when small, defect-mediated channels are opened in the SiNx . These defect channels exhibit voltage-driven wetting that mediates the mass transport of redox species to/from the BE. When BE is held at a potential maintaining the defect channels in the wetted state, setting the potential of ME at either positive or negative overpotential results in strong electrochemical rectification with rectification factors up to 440. By directing the voltage-induced electrowetting of defect channels, these three-electrode nanopore structures can achieve precise gating and ion/molecule separation, and, as such, may be useful for applications such as water purification and drug delivery.
Feasibility of a Twitter Campaign to Promote HPV Vaccine Uptake Among racially/ethnically Diverse Young Adult Women Living in Public Housing

Uptake and completion of the HPV vaccine is suboptimal. This study assessed the feasibility of implementing a one-month Twitter campaign to promote knowledge about the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine among low-income women living in public housing. We recruited a convenience sample (n = 35) of women ages 18–26 years residing in low-come, public housing in Massachusetts. We assessed the feasibility and acceptability of a communication campaign that consisted of daily Twitter messages. Online surveys assessed changes in HPV knowledge, attitudes, and vaccine intentions before and after the campaign. Most believed that Twitter was an acceptable educational strategy and remained engaged with the campaign throughout the intervention. We observed no changes in HPV knowledge, perceived benefits of or barriers to vaccination, decision self-efficacy, or vaccine intentions after the campaign, although perceived risk for cervical cancer decreased. Twitter may be a feasible and acceptable method for promoting knowledge about the HPV vaccine, but more research is needed to understand how best to reach low-income women with low levels of vaccine uptake. Clinicaltrials.gov 1,603,045, retrospectively registered 0610/19.
Racial Disparities in STIs Among Adolescents in the USA

Adolescents, particularly females, young people of color, and those with lower socioeconomic status (SES), are disproportionately affected by sexual transmitted infections (STIs) in the USA. Gender and socioeconomic disparities in STIs are often more easily explained, but several alternative hypotheses have been posited in attempt to explain racial disparities in STIs in the USA. In this chapter, we will present five prominent hypotheses including (1) differences in sexual risk behaviors, (2) differences in STI risk among sexual networks, (3) SES-related inequities disproportionately experienced by minorities that reduce access/care, (4) SES/racial inequities that indirectly increase STIs through a psychosocial/behavioral mechanism, and (5) SES/racial inequities that directly increase STI susceptibility through biological stress regulatory systems. We conclude with considerations for healthcare providers in the context of sexual health services for racial minority adolescents including STI testing and treatment.
Engine Cadaver Lab: Hands-On Physics that Kicks Back

Previous generations of physics students learned how common machines work, as evidenced by their textbook illustrations (Fig. 1). Such understanding of machines that daily life depends on seems to be evaporating. In response, for two decades I have conducted an introductory physics “engine cadaver lab” (Figs. 2 and 3). It offers opportunities for hands-on engagement with concepts such as moment of inertia, center of mass, Faraday’s law, Bernoulli’s equation, engine efficiency, thermal expansion, etc. Unlike biologists, we put our cadavers back together!