cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An active-diode-based CMOS rectifier for biomedical power harvesting applications

A fully integrated and near lossless CMOS rectifier, intended for inductively powered electronic medical devices, is presented. By making use of high-performance active diodes fulfilling almost ideal switching (zero forward voltage drop) and circuit to be provided with negative resistance, the proposed design is able to achieve a maximum conversion efficiency of more than 90% when designed in a 0.18- µm standard CMOS process, without any special device requiring additional manufacturing procedures. As a result, the proposed design dramatically reduces the production cost. Estimations in all aspects regarding the performance of the rectifier are given in this paper. Experimental results from the fabricated chip are also included in this paper. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Crack propensity of porcelain laminate veneers: A simulated operatory evaluation.

Abstract Statement of problem. Anterior teeth are especially subject to the thermal variations of ingested food and drinks. Postoperative cracks of porcelain laminates are considered a possible consequence of polymerization shrinkage, function, and thermocycling. Purpose. This investigation was conducted to define the parameters associated with the development of cracks in porcelain veneers using cyclic thermal fatigue. Material and methods. Twenty-seven maxillary incisors were restored with porcelain laminate veneers and subjected to thermocycling (5°C to 50°C) for 1000 cycles. Ceramic cracks were reported for 11 of the 27 specimens. Teeth were sectioned and prepared for SEM analysis. Measurements of the ceramic and the luting composite thicknesses were performed for each specimen at different restoration locations (facial, incisal, and proximal). Results. No significant differences in the ceramic or the luting composite thicknesses were observed between cracked and uncracked specimens. However, significant differences were observed in the ratio of the ceramic and luting composite thicknesses. Most cracked samples exhibited a ratio at the facial location below 3.0 (2.6 ± 0.35), whereas most noncracked specimens were above this value (3.9 ± 0.19). Incisal and especially proximal measurements alone were not significantly different between cracked versus uncracked specimens. Ceramic was slightly thinner in the facial aspect than in the proximal aspect, which was also thinner than the incisal aspect. Composite in the facial aspect was thinner in the cervical area than in the incisal third of the tooth. Conclusions. Significant cyclic temperature changes can induce the development of flaws in porcelain veneers. Control of tooth reduction and the application of die spacers during laboratory procedures undoubtedly represent key elements; a sufficient and even thickness of ceramic combined with a minimal thickness of luting composite will provide the restoration with a favorable configuration with regard to crack propensity, namely, a ceramic and luting composite thickness ratio above 3. (J Prosthet Dent 1999;81: 327-34.)
Awareness in collaborative systems

The provision of awareness is an important aspect of developing useful and usable collaborative systems. This workshop will bring together researchers from around the world to discuss their approaches and to develop a coherent research strategy. The end result of this workshop will be a comprehensive research program for determining what type of awareness information is appropriate to particular situations, a set of proposed solutions, and a strategy to evaluate these solutions in the laboratory and in real world situations.
Glioblastoma of the cerebellum in children: report of five cases and review of the literature.

Cerebellar glioblastomas in children are rare. As a result, an optimal treatment strategy has not yet been identified. A review of the characteristics of the disease as well as the effectiveness of various therapeutic modalities would help in optimizing the treatment paradigm. We performed a detailed clinical, radiographic, and pathologic retrospective review of five patients (three boys and two girls, average age at presentation 7.2 years (range, 3–14 years)) and surveyed the literature for an additional 55 cases. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging usually revealed a large lesion with minimal edema, heterogeneous contrast enhancement, and a discrete border. Subtotal tumor resection was performed in two patients and gross total resection in three patients. Immunostaining of the tumor cells with antisera to glial fibrillary acidic protein and vimentin was variably positive. Adjuvant therapy included local radiation and chemotherapy in all followed patients. Tumor recurrence was seen in two patients. Patients were followed from 2 months to 3.5 years (mean, 12 months). Two patients were dead at last follow-up with a mean survival of 9.5 months. The prognosis for pediatric patients with cerebellar glioblastomas is dismal, even when compared to adult counterparts or other malignant posterior fossa tumors in children. Cerebellar glioblastomas have a tendency to recur and disseminate despite treatment with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. The poor outcomes seen with this tumor suggest that the optimal treatment strategy has yet to be elucidated and much work needs to be done.
Astrovirus Infection in Hatchling Turkeys: Histologic, Morphometric, and Ultrastructural Findings

In three separate experiments, 2- or 5-day-old commercial turkey poults were inoculated orally with astrovirus and examined for clinical signs and for gross and microscopic lesions over a period of 14 days. By day 2 postinoculation (PI), inoculated poults had developed diarrhea, generalized loss of intestinal tone, and dilated ceca that contained light-yellow fluid feces and gas; these changes persisted through day 10 PI. Mild crypt hyperplasia was the only change discernible by light microscopy, and it was first noted in the proximal jejunum on day 1 PI, in the distal jejunum and ileum on day 3 PI, and in the duodenum on day 5 PI. A significant (P < 0.05) increase in crypt depth and area was documented by image analysis on day 3 PI. Ultrastructural evaluation revealed intracytoplasmic aggregates of astrovirus in enterocytes on the sides and base of villi in the ileum and distal jejunum on day 3 PI. Based on the findings, it was concluded that astrovirus caused lesions and replicated in both upper and lower segments of the small intestine in turkey poults.
Evolution of Technology to Optimize the Delivery of Proton Therapy: The Third Generation

The evolution of proton therapy technology will lead to a new generation of systems that allow for greater accuracy and precision of the dose delivery and will be more compact. We envision that over the next 10-15 years, the quality of deliverable proton dose distributions in the patient will be pushed nearly toward the physical limit of proton therapy. Those future proton therapy systems will fit into treatment rooms of similar size as today's conventional radiation treatment rooms. At the same time, due to technological advancements, the cost of proton therapy will come down to the cost of advanced photon therapy. We discuss some of the technologies that will put these speculative improvements within reach.
De Novo Fear Conditioning Across Diagnostic Groups in the Affective Disorders: Evidence for Learning Impairments

De novo fear conditioning paradigms have served as a model for how clinical anxiety may be acquired and maintained. To further examine variable findings in the acquisition and extinction of fear responses between clinical and nonclinical samples, we assessed de novo fear conditioning outcomes in outpatients with either anxiety disorders or depression and healthy subjects recruited from the community. Overall, we found evidence for attenuated fear conditioning, as measured by skin conductance, among the patient sample, with significantly lower fear acquisition among patients with depression and posttraumatic stress disorder. These acquisition deficits were evident in both the simple (considering the CS+only) and differential (evaluating the CS+in relation to the CS-) paradigms. Examination of extinction outcomes were hampered by the low numbers of patients who achieved adequate conditioning, but the available data indicated slower extinction among the patient, primarily panic disorder, sample. Results are interpreted in the context of the cognitive deficits that are common to the anxiety and mood disorders, with attention to a range of potential factors, including mood comorbidity, higher-and lower-order cognitive processes and deficits, and medication use, that may modulate outcomes in fear conditioning studies, and, potentially, in exposure-based cognitive behavioral therapy.
Enzymatic activities of citrus leaves from plants re resistant and susceptible to citrus bacterial canker disease

Abstract The activities of catalase (EC 1.11.1.6; CAT), peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.7; POD), polyphenoloxidase (EC 1.10.3.1; PPO), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.49; G6PDH), 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.44; 6PGDH), isocitrate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.42; ICDH), and the total phenolic content in citrus leaves differing in susceptibility to infection by strains of Xanthomonas campestris pv. citri (Xcc) were determined. The levels of oxidative enzymes (CAT, POD and PPO), pentose-phosphate cycle enzymes (G6PDH and 6PGDH), and the total phenolic contents were higher in Xcc resistant plants (Yuzu, Dancy, Cleopatra, and Kawano Wase) than in susceptible plants (citrumelo, lemon, Rough lemon and grapefruit). However, the glycolysis-tricarboxylic acid cycle enzyme, ICDH, was lower in Xcc resistant plants than in susceptible plants.
The early grade reading assessment (EGRA): Its theoretical foundation, purpose, and limitations

Abstract The rise and widespread adoption of the early grade reading assessment (EGRA) has produced an ample supply of critics and converts. This paper seeks to clarify the purpose of EGRA and its limitations. EGRA was created to inform education systems and programmes and alone, is not an intervention. Designed to measure some of the foundational literacy skills that readers need for beginning reading, EGRA is a collection of subtasks, each with a specific purpose. This paper includes a description and rationale for each subtask, as well as the conceptual framework that underpins the assessment. Key results from multiple surveys provide informative, grounded examples of how the assessment results are being used to inform both classroom practice and system-level policy. We conclude with a brief discussion on the potential uses of EGRA and similar oral assessments of early learning for informing the monitoring of the post-2015 education indicators.
An experimental study of the temperature and stoichiometry dependence of diamond growth in low pressure flat flames

A study of the temperature and stoichiometry dependence of diamond synthesis in low pressure premixed acetylene-oxygen flames is presented. A specially designed low pressure flat flame operating at 40 Torr is employed to deposit diamond films uniformly over areas of at least 2 cm2. Under optimized conditions of substrate temperatures and flame equivalence ratios, high quality translucent diamond that is well faceted is synthesized exhibiting first-order Raman fullwidths (half maximum) of about 2.5 cm−1. Diamond growth rates under these optimum conditions are approximately 4 μm/h. The film growth rate is found to drop off substantially at high substrate temperatures, with little or no carbon deposited beyond a temperature of 1070 °C. The growth behavior in response to changes in flame equivalence ratio and substrate temperature is discussed in terms of the possible role that oxygen-containing species may have on surface chemistry. The results described here are also used to project a base cost for manufacturing diamond under these process conditions.
Transporting pharmacogenomics into clinical practice.

A very interesting and concise study by Clarke et al. in this month’s issue of the Journal highlights important principles about the genetic determinants of drug disposition and toxicity, and the impact of underlying liver disease on adverse events from medications. The findings provide an opportunity to consider the current state of our knowledge about how genetic variations affect drug metabolism (i.e., pharmacogenomics), and to highlight efforts being developed to integrate genetic information into the clinical care of patients. The Clarke study is the most recent work in a series of publications by the authors examining the behavior of the hepatic uptake transporter organic ion transporting polypeptide-1B1 (OATP1B1) in drug disposition. This well-characterized membrane transporter regulates the uptake of organic compounds from the circulation into the hepatocyte where they can be metabolized. OATP1B1 has a large number of genetic variants, or single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), that confer widely variable uptake activity by the transporter [1]; variants that confer reduced uptake lead to slower clearance of substrates, and therefore higher blood levels. That is exactly the case with several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that have been linked to increased risk of myopathy associated with statin drugs used to treat hypercholesterolemia [1–3]. While statins are remarkably safe in general, individuals with these variants can be at up to 20 times greater risk of myopathy. Moreover, because these transporters have hundreds of substrates, altered activity can also lead to many adverse drug-drug interactions, in addition to altering the pharmacokinetics of individual drugs [1]. As hepatologists know well, many patients with hypercholesterolemia who are treated with statins are also obese and have metabolic syndrome complicated by non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). These conditions introduce the confounding effect of underlying fatty liver disease, which may further alter hepatic drug metabolism [4–6]. Additionally, the increased adiposemass in these patients can lead to accumulation of lipophilic drugs in fat cells and hepatocytes. The Clarke study examines how these two important variables, namely the genetic regulation of OATP1B1 activity and
Neuro-urological manifestations of Parkinson's disease

This article highlights the urological manifestations of Parkinson's disease, the neurological pathways shared by Parkinson's and its urological diseases.
Discrete approximations to optimal control of infinite dimensional delay-differential inclusions with continuous initial conditions

This paper deals with the convergence of discrete approximations to the optimization problem (P) described by delay-differential inclusions in infinite dimensional spaces subject to general endpoints constraints. In the first part of the paper, discrete approximations to delay-differential inclusions are constructed using Euler finite difference method and the convergence of discrete approximations is proved. In the second part of the paper, a family of discrete optimization problems (PN) to (P) is constructed and the strong convergence of optimal solutions for (PN) to optimal solutions of (P) is discussed.
Cultural legacies and electoral performance of ethnic minority parties in post‐communist Europe

Although there are numerous contributions on ethnic electoral politics, relatively little research has been devoted to explain the scope of success of ethnic minority parties. This article addresses the issue within the bounds of post-communist Europe, paying particular attention to the effect of cultural legacies. It was confirmed, first of all, that ethnic parties are likely to emerge only if their titular minority has a number of voters larger than what is necessary to obtain parliamentary representation. Otherwise, the most successful were the ethnic parties representing the minorities characterised by legacy of regional domination, that is, those whose members had once enjoyed a dominant position as a ruling nation on a given territory (e.g. Hungarians in Slovakia). The second-successful were the parties representing homeland minorities, that is, those which have resided on a given area for more than two centuries, but have never been members of a ruling nation. The parties representing diaspora or immigrant minorities were the least successful. Further research could assess the importance of these factors in other regions of the world.
Exploring the Gender Gap in Referrals for Children with ADHD and Other Disruptive Behavior Disorders.

Objective: The current study examined the impact of the gender of children with ADHD on teachers’ perceptions toward inattentive, hyperactive, or oppositional behaviors, and how these perceptions r...
Hydraulic and diffusional permeabilities of isolated outer medullary descending vasa recta from the rat

Water permeates many microvessel walls via a pathway shared with small hydrophilic solutes and also via an exclusive water pathway. In outer medullary descending vasa recta (OMDVR), the relationship between diffusional permeabilities to water and sodium indicates the existence of an exclusive water pathway and suggests that of a shared pathway. We investigated the latter possibility by estimating hydraulic permeability (Lp) and diffusional permeability to [3H]raffinose (P(raf)) in isolated, perfused OMDVR. The product of hydraulic permeability and osmotic reflexion coefficient of albumin (Lp sigma a) was 1.56 +/- 0.19 x 10(-6) cm.s-1.mmHg-1 (n = 28), calculated from transmural volume fluxes induced by perfusate-to-bath differences in albumin oncotic pressure (delta IIa). P(raf) in the same vessels was 40.1 +/- 7.5 x 10(-5) cm/s when delta IIa was zero. In separate experiments, sigma a was at least 0.89 +/- 0.10 (n = 17). Lp sigma a correlates with P(raf), indicating that OMDVR contain a shared pathway for convection driven by delta IIa and for diffusion of small hydrophilic solutes.
Leveraging Computational Grid Technologies for Building a Secure and Manageable Power Grid

The US Power Industry is in the process of overhauling the power grid to make it more secure, reliable, and available. The IT systems that comprise a major part of this change need to address a number of security and management challenges for the data generated by power systems and for resources consumed by distributed applications. In this work we leverage the technologies developed by the computational grid to address these challenges. We identify striking similarities between the systems and use these similarities to suggest ways of addressing challenging problems; e.g., securing inter-control center communications and power grid infrastructures, and managing data and resources at control centers
Fiber-optic two-photon fluorescence and second harmonic generation endomicroscopy

We present updates on recent developments of a fully integrated, ultracompact fiberoptic scanning endomicroscope for nonlinear optical imaging. Approaches to significantly improve signal collection efficiency and resolution will be discussed.
Mood meter: counting smiles in the wild

In this study, we created and evaluated a computer vision based system that automatically encouraged, recognized and counted smiles on a college campus. During a ten-week installation, passersby were able to interact with the system at four public locations. The aggregated data was displayed in real time in various intuitive and interactive formats on a public website. We found privacy to be one of the main design constraints, and transparency to be the best strategy to gain participants' acceptance. In a survey (with 300 responses), participants reported that the system made them smile more than they expected, and it made them and others around them feel momentarily better. Quantitative analysis of the interactions revealed periodic patterns (e.g., more smiles during the weekends) and strong correlation with campus events (e.g., fewer smiles during exams, most smiles the day after graduation), reflecting the emotional responses of a large community.
A Circuit-based Photovoltaic Array Model for Power System Studies

Recent interest in distributed generation (DG) due to the opening of the electricity market and the need for alternatives to conventional fossil fuel-based electricity generation has revived interest in grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) systems. Studies need to be performed at the power system level to examine the impacts of grid-connected PV systems and several models for PV arrays have been proposed in the literature for this purpose. However, the complexities of these models and the difficulties of implementing them in software programs can be deterrents to their use. This paper proposes a simple, robust and flexible piecewise linear PV device model for dynamic and transient power system studies. The circuit-based nature of the model is beneficial because it facilitates understanding of the PV device and its behavior in the connected circuit. Software implementation is straightforward and it can even be constructed using standard software library components, as demonstrated using PSCAD/EMTDC.
Familial influences on internalizing symptomatology in Latino adolescents: an ecological analysis of parent mental health and acculturation dynamics

The aim of this study was to examine if family system dynamics (e.g., parent mental health, marriage quality, conflict, and cohesion) that have often been overlooked when studying Latino families play a more important role in predicting adolescent internalizing symptoms than acculturation processes. Data comes from the Latino Acculturation and Health Project, a longitudinal investigation of acculturation in Latino families in North Carolina and Arizona (Smokowski & Bacallao, 2006, 2010). Researchers conducted in-depth, community-based interviews with 258 Latino adolescents and 258 of their parents in metropolitan, small-town, and rural areas. Interviews were conducted at four time points at intervals of approximately 6 months. Parent and adolescent ratings of the adolescent's internalizing symptoms were used as the dependent variable in a longitudinal hierarchical linear model with a rater effects structure. Results showed that parent-adolescent conflict and parent mental health (fear/avoidance of social situations and humiliation sensitivity) were significant predictors of adolescent internalizing symptoms. Acculturation scales were not significant predictors; however, internalizing symptoms decreased with time spent in the United States. Females and adolescents from lower socioeconomic status families reported more internalizing symptoms, while participants who had been in the United States longer reported fewer internalizing symptoms. Implications were discussed.
Predictors of outcomes following catheter-based therapy for acute stroke.

Background Timely reperfusion directly impacts favorable neurologic outcomes in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. Most strokes present outside the 3–4.5 h window for intravenous thrombolysis (IV-tPA). Catheter-based therapy (CBT) is commonly used in patients not eligible for timely IV-tPa, but variables that predict good neurologic outcomes are poorly understood. Methods Results of 124 consecutive AIS patients who received CBT at Ochsner Medical Center from 2006 and 2012 are reported. A modified Rankin score (mRs) of ≤ 2 at 90 day post-CBT was used as the primary measurement of a good neurologic outcome. All-cause mortality during the index hospitalization, ≤30 days from treatment, and at 1 year were reported. Results are reported as those treated by Interventional Cardiologists (IC) or by Neurointerventionalists (NI). Results The mean age was 65 ± 16 years of which 48% (n = 52) were male. The mean NIHSS was 15.0 ± 7.5. Thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) ≥2 flow was achieved in 80% (n = 100). Good neurologic outcome was observed in 64% (n = 37 of 58) of patients 65 years or younger while in those older than 65, only 36% (n = 24 of 66) had the same outcome (P = 0.002). Mortality at 30 days for the two age groups were 21% (n = 12) vs. 50% (n = 33) (P = <0.001) respectively. A good neurologic outcome at 90 days was seen in 57% of patients with restoration of TICI ≥ 2 flow compared to 17% with TICI < 2 flow (P = <0.001). Those with failed reperfusion (TICI<2 flow) had 30-day mortality rate of 54% (13 of 24) vs. 20% (19 of 97) in those with TICI ≥ 2 flow (P = <0.001). At 90 days, there was no significant differences in patient outcomes between IC (n = 58) and NI (n = 66) treated patients. Conclusion Successful revascularization with CBT leads to a good neurologic outcome in selected stroke patients. Medical co-morbidities and increased age > 65 years contributed to poor outcomes. To support broadening the number of physicians qualified to perform catheter-based stroke interventions, this study demonstrates that IC participating on a stroke team achieve comparable outcomes to NI. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Magnetic resonance elastography and acoustic radiation force impulse for staging hepatic fibrosis: a meta-analysis.

Elastography is a non-invasive method to quantify fibrosis based on tissue mechanical properties. We performed a meta-analysis to assess the diagnostic accuracy of two such techniques: Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse Imaging (ARFI) or Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE) for staging hepatic fibrosis. Literature databases were searched until June 2013. Inclusion criteria were evaluation of MRE or ARFI, liver biopsy, and reported sensitivity and specificity. A random effects model was used to combine sensitivity and specificity, from which positive (LR+) and negative (LR−) likelihood ratios, diagnostic odds ratios, and area under receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC) were derived. Differences between MRE and ARFI were compared with t tests (P < 0.05 considered significant). Eleven MRE studies including 982 patients and fifteen ARFI studies including 2,128 patients were selected. AUROC for MRE staging fibrosis were 0.94, 0.97, 0.96, and 0.97 for F1–F4, respectively, whereas AUROC for ARFI staging were 0.82, 0.85, 0.94, and 0.94 for F1–F4, respectively. Significance was found in AUROC between MRE and ARFI for the diagnosis of stage 1 and 2 fibrosis. MRE is more accurate than ARFI with a higher combination of sensitivity, specificity, LR, and AUROC particularly in diagnosing early stages of hepatic fibrosis.
Let’s Get Serious! . . . Really?

As academics, we do work that is both serious and significant. Yet, being too serious can interfere with our performance and enjoyment of the knowledge creation and dissemination work we do as rese...
Influence of heavy metals on microbial growth kinetics including lag time: Mathematical modeling and experimental verification†

Heavy metals can significantly affect the kinetics of substrate biodegradation and microbial growth, including lag times and specific growth rates. A model to describe microbial metabolic lag as a function of the history of substrate concentration has been previously described by Wood et al. (Water Resour Res 31:553-563) and Ginn (Water Resour Res 35:1395-1408). In the present study, this model is extended by including the effect of heavy metals on metabolic lag by developing an inhibitor-dependent functional to account for the metabolic state of the microorganisms. The concentration of the inhibiting metal is explicitly incorporated into the functional. The validity of the model is tested against experimental data on the effects of zinc on Pseudomonas species isolated from Lake Coeur d'Alene sediments, Idaho, U.S.A., as well as the effects of nickel or cobalt on a mixed microbial culture collected from the aeration tank of a wastewater treatment plant in Athens, Greece. The simulations demonstrate the ability to incorporate the effect of metals on metabolism through lag, yield coefficient, and specific growth rates. The model includes growth limitation due to insufficient transfer of oxygen into the growth medium.
Numerical simulations of dynamic spacing and asperity contact of a shaped rail slider

Numerical simulations of dynamic spacing induced by a measured track topography and asperity contact is presented for the IBM MR-head three rail slider. The factored implicit scheme is modified for use with the shaped rail slider. The results show that the dynamic spacing consists of low frequency components and high frequency components that are due to, respectively, the waviness and the roughness of the track topography. When disk runout is considered and asperity contact is at the outer rail, the response depends on the location of the asperity with respect to the runout. However, when the asperity contact is at the center rail the response is similar at all locations on the runout. >
A new tricyclic triketone from tandem condensation reactions

Abstract Perhydrophenanthrene-1,5,10-trione (6) was isolated from the reaction of methyl 3-(carboxymethyl)cyclohexanone and cyclohexenone in a tandem Michael–Claisen reaction. NMR and X-ray analysis confirmed the structure of the product.
What Can We Learn from the Saga of Chitosan Gums in Hyperphosphatemia Therapy

Control of high serum phosphorus, a marker of poor outcome, is still a poorly achieved goal in dialysis therapy. Therefore, the 2009 study (Savica et al., J Am Soc Nephrol 20: 639–644, 2009) showing a significant drop of serum phosphate (2.35 mg/dl) after only 2 weeks of chewing a chitosan-containing gum two times per day was received with great hopes by the renal community. Chitosan is a polymer of glucosamine, similar to sevelamer, which allegedly would bind phosphate present in high concentrations in the saliva of renal patients. Recent randomized studies, however, have been unable to duplicate these results. A systematic and detailed quantitative analysis of the available data was performed. It concluded that the amount of chitosan contained in the chewing gum (20 mg) is too little to account for the originally observed reduction in serum phosphate and be of any use as a phosphate binding agent in the management of hyperphosphatemia. It was postulated that the original marked drop in serum phosphate may have been caused by the Hawthorne effect, which is frequently observed in nonrandomized clinical trials. Two important lessons derived from this analysis are emphasized. The first lesson is the demonstration of the importance of randomized, placebo-controlled studies in clinical research. If randomization had been performed in the original study, the Hawthorne effect would have been detected. The second lesson is showing the importance of quantitative analysis, which in this case, would have avoided the time and effort expended in several randomized clinical trials that eventually concluded the ineffectiveness of the chitosan-containing chewing gums as a phosphate binder.
Meclizine Preconditioning Protects the Kidney Against Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury

Abstract Global or local ischemia contributes to the pathogenesis of acute kidney injury (AKI). Currently there are no specific therapies to prevent AKI. Potentiation of glycolytic metabolism and attenuation of mitochondrial respiration may decrease cell injury and reduce reactive oxygen species generation from the mitochondria. Meclizine, an over-the-counter anti-nausea and -dizziness drug, was identified in a ‘nutrient-sensitized' chemical screen. Pretreatment with 100mg/kg of meclizine, 17h prior to ischemia protected mice from IRI. Serum creatinine levels at 24h after IRI were 0.13±0.06mg/dl (sham, n=3), 1.59±0.10mg/dl (vehicle, n=8) and 0.89±0.11mg/dl (meclizine, n=8). Kidney injury was significantly decreased in meclizine treated mice compared with vehicle group (p
Light Scattering Studies of Cataract

The early stages of cataract development are characterized by a progressive opacification which is due to increased light scattering within the lens. Our purpose is to establish the physico-chemical basis of this scattering. We have chosen the reversible phase transition cataract in the nucleus of the calf lens1 as a model system. In this cataract the nuclear opacification increases as the temperature decreases. We studied the development of the opacity in both the intact lens and the isolated cytoplasm.
Structure in the /sup 24/Mg(/sup 18/O,/sup 14/C)/sup 28/Si ground-state excitation function

The excitation function of the reaction /sup 24/Mg(/sup 18/O,/sup 14/C)/sup 28/Si(g.s.) has been measured at the second maximum of the angular distributions (theta/sub lab/ approx. = 5/sup 0/) from 39- to 65-MeV incident energies. Oscillatory structure in the excitation function is observed with peak-to-valley ratios equal to approx. 1.5. The angular distributions measured near the maxima of the excitation function decrease more rapidly toward large angles than squares of Legendre polynomials, suggesting a direct reaction process to be important. Standard distorted-wave Born-approximation calculations do fit the angular distributions quite well, but fail to reproduce the structure in the excitation function.
Stabilization of Collagen-Model, Triple-Helical Peptides for In Vitro and In Vivo Applications

The triple-helical structure of collagen has been accurately reproduced in numerous chemical and recombinant model systems. Triple-helical peptides and proteins have found application for dissecting collagen-stabilizing forces, isolating receptor- and protein-binding sites in collagen, mechanistic examination of collagenolytic proteases, and development of novel biomaterials. Introduction of native-like sequences into triple-helical constructs can reduce the thermal stability of the triple-helix to below that of the physiological environment. In turn, incorporation of nonnative amino acids and/or templates can enhance triple-helix stability. We presently describe approaches by which triple-helical structure can be modulated for use under physiological or near-physiological conditions.
Stability of Portable Rod-and-Frame Test Scores

Data were obtained on the Portable Rod-and-Frame Test for a sample of 31 college women. For a test-retest interval of approximately 9 mo. a stability coefficient of .84 was obtained. There was no difference between test and retest means of 2.15 (SD = 1.93) and 2.50 (SD = 2.12), respectively (t30 = 1.65). These findings provide evidence for the intraindividual stability of scores on the portable task.
Euroamerican Ethnic Literature in the 1980s

The ethnic novel is generally the tale of the stranger and his clash with America, the tale of a subculture, the tale of ethnic transplants who maintain their ethnic characteristics, or the exploration of the old and the new countries; it is the attempt to effect a balance between two ways of life with the writer's psyche. It follows, then, that a writer who is "ethnic" does not necessarily write an "ethnic book." For example, some novels by Bellow (The Adventures of Augie March), by Kosinski (The Painted Bird and Steps), by Nabokov (Pnin) could be considered "ethnic," while other books they wrote are not.
Lack of necessity of granuloctye-colony stimulating factor (GF) in Hodgkin's disease (HD) treated with ABVD

7515 Background: DI is important in the therapy of HD, and GF has been used to maintain DI. Recent data suggest that toxicity (bleomycin pulmonary toxicity [BPT]) is higher in patients (pts) who re...
Effect of an Alpha-2 Globulin Fraction on Antibody Formation in Rabbits and Mice.

SummaryThe effect on antibody production of an alpha-2 globulin fraction which has been reported to inhibit antibody formation was studied in rabbits and mice. Rabbits were immunized with I131 labeled HSA and the immune elimination and antibody production to HSA determined. Mice were injected with Cr51 labeled rat erythrocytes and the immune elimination followed. No difference in the immune response was found in rabbits and mice between control animals and animals receiving the alpha-2 globulin fraction.
Protean and Boundaryless Career Orientations: Meta-Analyses of Construct and Criterion Validity

Since the publication of scales to measure boundaryless and protean career orientations by Briscoe et al. (2006) and Baruch and Quick (2007), quantitative research on contemporary career developmen...
Statistical Aspects of Multinomial Probit Model Calibration

This chapter discusses the statistical aspects of multinomial probit (MNP) model calibration. Multinomial probit is the only discrete choice model in existence that, by admitting a full parameterization of the covariance matrix of the error terms, can capture properly the consequences of neglected attributes. In a nonMNP context, the assumptions are standard in most disaggregate demand modeling efforts to date as, with the MNL model, computer programs are prepared for linear-in-the-parameters specifications of the measured-attractiveness vector only. It is not easy to state a priori the effect of omitting an attribute from the true specification of a MNP model on the parameters associated with other attributes. However, under certain fairly general conditions, it is possible to correct the specification of a model to avoid errors. The problem is analogous to that of using a data set with some attributes missing in all the observations.
Three-dimensional microCT imaging of mouse development from early post-implantation to early postnatal stages

In this work, we report the use of iodine-contrast microCT to perform high-throughput 3D morphological analysis of mouse embryos and neonates between embryonic day 8.5 to postnatal day 3, with high spatial resolution up to 3µm/voxel. We show that mouse embryos at early stages can be imaged either within extra embryonic tissues such as the yolk sac or the decidua without physically disturbing the embryos. This method enables a full, undisturbed analysis of embryo turning, allantois development, vitelline vessels remodeling, yolk sac and early placenta development, which provides increased insights into early embryonic lethality in mutant lines. Moreover, these methods are inexpensive, simple to learn and do not require substantial processing time, making them ideal for high throughput analysis of mouse mutants with embryonic and early postnatal lethality.
The Structure of the Polycystic Kidney Disease Channel PKD2 in Lipid Nanodiscs

The Polycystic Kidney Disease 2 (Pkd2) gene is mutated in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), one of the most common human monogenic disorders. Here, we present the cryo-EM structure of PKD2 in lipid bilayers at 3.0 A resolution, which establishes PKD2 as a homotetrameric ion channel and provides insight into potential mechanisms for its activation. The PKD2 voltage-sensor domain retains two of four gating charges commonly found in those of voltage-gated ion channels. The PKD2 ion permeation pathway is constricted at the selectivity filter and near the cytoplasmic end of S6, suggesting that two gates regulate ion conduction. The extracellular domain of PKD2, a hotspot for ADPKD pathogenic mutations, contributes to channel assembly and strategically interacts with the transmembrane core, likely serving as a physical substrate for extracellular stimuli to allosterically gate the channel. Finally, our structure establishes the molecular basis for the majority of pathogenic mutations in Pkd2-related ADPKD.
Environmental stressors and lipid production in Dunaliella spp. II. Nutrients, pH, and light under optimal or low salinity

Fourteen strains within four species of the halophytic microalgal genus, Dunaliella, were rapidly screened for cellular lipid content during senescence using an adapted Nile Red technique. Four promising strains that exhibited both rapid population growth and high lipid content, including three strains of Dunaliella tertiolecta and one strain of D. viridis, were selected to attempt to enhance lipid production as total fatty acids (FAs) in bench-scale cultures (0.5–3.5 L) under environmental stressors including nutrient limitation or deprivation of inorganic nitrogen (nitrate, N) and/or phosphorus (P), pH stress (control—early senescent cultures, versus pH 10 or pH 7), a 12-h: 12-h light:dark (L:D) photoperiod versus continuous light, and enrichment versus no enrichment with carbon dioxide (± 4-h pulse daily of bubbling with CO2). These strains were also tested in mass culture (~ 150–175 L) to assess feasibility of scale-up. All but one strain had minimal lipid production during active growth, and increased lipid production under senescence. The unique strain Dunaliella viridis UTEX ZZ1150 produced high amounts of total FAs during active growth as well as senescence, whether in a 12:12 L:D photoperiod or under continuous light. High pH × low salinity, low pH (7), and continuous light + pulsed CO2 yielded the maximum total FA content of 56%, 43%, and 42% (dry weight basis), respectively, in comparison to controls (~ 10–25% total FAs). Under continuous light ± pulsed CO2, cells likely incorporated the excess carbon as FAs and other products. Low N and/or P under a 12:12 L:D photoperiod or continuous light, and a 12:12 L:D with pulsed CO2, did not significantly enhance total FA production in these strains. High intraspecific and interspecific variation in growth and lipid production were found in Dunaliella in response to each environmental stressor, suggesting fundamental metabolic differences.
Fauna Protection in a Sustainable University Campus: Bird-Window Collision Mitigation Strategies at Temple University

Philadelphia resides along the Atlantic Flyway bird migration route, and each spring and fall thousands of birds pass through Temple University. Campus buildings, especially those with highly reflective or transparent window glass, are prone to bird collisions. Birds do not see glass as a solid object, rather a reflection of their habitat or nothing at all. Birds collide with the windows and either die from impact or are injured and become easy prey. Utilizing student problem- and project-based learning (PPBL) opportunities, Temple University identified collision hotspots and implemented mitigation strategies, such as decorative window film, to reduce campus bird strikes. Temple also created awareness about its efforts to reduce bird deaths through collaborative projects, art installations, presentations and media coverage. This paper provides a case study of one urban university’s efforts to address bird-window collisions through independent research, curriculum infusion projects and campus awareness campaigns. The paper also provides recommendations for future research and work.
Analysis of Children's Queries and Click Behavior on Ranked Results and Their Thought Processes in Google Search

We investigate query characteristics and click behavior on SERPs of children in grades 6 and 8 (ages 11 and 13, respectively). We employ Retrospective Think-Aloud (RTA) protocol to elicit children's thought processes while clicking on results and to identify the sources of information that shaped these processes. We analyze the effect of grade level and task type on query characteristics and click behavior. Early findings show statistical significance across the three tasks in relation to query characteristics and between younger and older children in relation to query entry duration, count of web pages visited and count of result pages clicked on in SERPs. Our study confirms findings reported in previous research, including large-scale search logs studies, and reveals new findings in some areas.
Impact of an Antimicrobial Stewardship Program Led OPAT Program on Clinical Complications and Frequency of Hospital Readmissions

Background Treatment of serious bacterial infections with Outpatient Parenteral Antibiotic Therapy (OPAT) has provided patients (patients) the opportunity to complete treatment safely and effectively, while avoiding complications, and prolonged hospitalization. Despite the benefits, considerable risks with drug-related and central venous catheter (CVC)-related complications exist. We sought to improve clinical outcomes of our program by implementing intensive monitoring in partnership with our antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) with a goal of decreasing the frequency of complications as well as hospital readmission rates and lengths of stay (LOS).
Changes in pulmonary artery systolic pressure and right ventricular function in patients with end-stage renal disease on maintenance dialysis.

Background and Aims Pulmonary hypertension is common in patients with end-stage renal disease, and portends a poor prognosis. There are little data in this population, and previous studies have not evaluated quantitative changes in hemodynamics over time while on maintenance dialysis. This study sought to estimate changes in pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) and right ventricular function over time, and to predict PASP change using clinical variables routinely available at time of initial measurement, in patients on maintenance dialysis. Methods We retrospectively studied patients with end-stage renal disease at a university-affiliated dialysis center who had two separate echocardiograms 1-4 years apart. Results Seventy-six patients (65 hemodialysis, 11 peritoneal dialysis) were included. PASP was estimated by echocardiography. Baseline PASP was predicted by left-sided valvular disease, anemia, COPD, left-ventricular mass index, and hemodialysis modality (p=0.07 for modality). Average increase in PASP was 2.41 mmHg per year. Higher rates of PASP change were predicted by E/e’ ratio by tissue doppler on echocardiogram, diabetes mellitus, low LV mass, and left-sided valvular heart disease (p=0.07 for valvular disease). Patients with higher PASP had higher incidence of new-onset right ventricular dysfunction. Conclusion In patients with end-stage renal disease, PASP increases over time. Changes are moderately predictable. Higher PASP predicted development of right ventricular dysfunction.
Elemental Ingredients in the Macrophage Cocktail: Role of ZIP8 in Host Response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is a global epidemic caused by the infection of human macrophages with the world’s most deadly single bacterial pathogen, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb). M.tb resides in a phagosomal niche within macrophages, where trace element concentrations impact the immune response, bacterial metal metabolism, and bacterial survival. The manipulation of micronutrients is a critical mechanism of host defense against infection. In particular, the human zinc transporter Zrt-/Irt-like protein 8 (ZIP8), one of 14 ZIP family members, is important in the flux of divalent cations, including zinc, into the cytoplasm of macrophages. It also has been observed to exist on the membrane of cellular organelles, where it can serve as an efflux pump that transports zinc into the cytosol. ZIP8 is highly inducible in response to M.tb infection of macrophages, and we have observed its localization to the M.tb phagosome. The expression, localization, and function of ZIP8 and other divalent cation transporters within macrophages have important implications for TB prevention and dissemination and warrant further study. In particular, given the importance of zinc as an essential nutrient required for humans and M.tb, it is not yet clear whether ZIP-guided zinc transport serves as a host protective factor or, rather, is targeted by M.tb to enable its phagosomal survival.
Scalable kernel-based learning via low-rank approximation of lifted data

Despite their well-documented capability in modeling nonlinear functions, kernel methods fall short in large-scale learning tasks due to their excess memory and computational requirements. The present work introduces a novel kernel approximation approach from a dimensionality reduction point of view on virtual lifted data. The proposed framework accommodates feature extraction while considering limited storage and computational availability, and subsequently provides kernel approximation by a linear inner-product over the extracted features. Probabilistic guarantees on the generalization of the proposed task is provided, and efficient solvers with provable convergence guarantees are developed. By introducing a sampling step which precedes the dimensionality reduction task, the framework is further broadened to accommodate learning over large datasets. The connection between the novel method and Nystrom kernel approximation algorithm with its modifications is also presented. Empirical tests validate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.