cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A new extended-release niacin (niaspan): efficacy, tolerability, and safety in hypercholesterolemic patients

Immediate-release niacin manifests beneficial effects in cardiovascular disease with respect to dyslipidemic states. It lowers low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, lipoprotein(a), and apoprotein B; at the same time, it increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, HDL2, and apoprotein A-I. However, use of crystalline niacin has drawbacks: therapy requires multidose regimens, and side effects include flushing and pruritus. Slowing absorption with sustained-release formulations succeeds in decreasing flushing and increasing tolerance, but increases in hepatic enzyme levels have raised safety concerns. A new extended-release, once-daily formulation of niacin (Niaspan) shows promise in minimizing flushing while avoiding hepatotoxicity. A multicenter, randomized, double-blind clinical trial of Niaspan enrolled 122 patients with confirmed diagnosis of primary dyslipidemia (LDL cholesterol >4.14 mmol/L [160 mg/dL] and triglycerides <9 mmol/L [800 mg/dL]) into 3 treatment groups: (1) Niaspan 1,000 mg/day; (2) Niaspan 2,000 mg/day; and (3) placebo. The primary treatment endpoint was LDL-cholesterol level. This endpoint was not significantly affected by placebo (0.2% increase), but Niaspan decreased LDL cholesterol by 5.8% (1,000 mg/day) and 14.6% (2,000 mg/day) (p <0.001). Likewise, with placebo there were significant changes in total cholesterol, triglycerides, lipoprotein(a), and apoprotein B, whereas both Niaspan 1,000 and 2,000 mg/day significantly (p <0.001) decreased these parameters. In addition, both Niaspan groups showed significant (p <0.001) increases in HDL cholesterol (17% and 23%, respectively), including HDL subfractions. With respect to flushing, 20% of the placebo group reported at least 1 episode, whereas 88% and 83% of the Niaspon 1,000- and 2,000-mg/day groups, respectively, reported episodes. There was no hepatotoxicity as liver enzyme levels remained within clinically accepted limits in all treatment groups. However, Niaspan 2,000 mg/day showed a significant increase in aspartate aminotransferase compared with baseline and placebo. This trial demonstrated a cholesterol-modifying effect of Niaspan consistent with those reported for niacin, but demonstrated a better tolerance for flushing. Moreover, in contrast to sustained-release formulations, Niaspan showed relatively mild hepatic effects.
Opioid Receptor Probes Derived from Cycloaddition of the Hallucinogen Natural Product Salvinorin A

As part of our continuing efforts toward more fully understanding the structure−activity relationships of the neoclerodane diterpene salvinorin A, we report the synthesis and biological characterization of unique cycloadducts through [4+2] Diels−Alder cycloaddition. Microwave-assisted methods were developed and successfully employed, aiding in functionalizing the chemically sensitive salvinorin A scaffold. This demonstrates the first reported results for both cycloaddition of the furan ring and functionalization via microwave-assisted methodology of the salvinorin A skeleton. The cycloadducts yielded herein introduce electron-withdrawing substituents and bulky aromatic groups into the C-12 position. Kappa opioid (KOP) receptor space was explored through aromatization of the bent oxanorbornadiene system possessed by the cycloadducts to a planar phenyl ring system. Although dimethyl- and diethylcarboxylate analogues 5 and 6 retain some affinity and selectivity for KOP receptors and are full agonists, their ...
Investment Selection in Complex Multinational Projects

Project executives believe complex multinational investment selection is complicated because there are many criteria to evaluate and the decision-making theories are difficult to implement in practice. The 2008 global recession has forced companies to rebalance existing programs and products. Thus, project selection is not merely a go/no-go decision for a single project but instead it is a multiple-criteria factor analysis of multiple new proposals — and whether to continue existing projects. Different selection approaches can produce opposite outcomes when applied to the same situation. Qualitative techniques such as managerial preferences or Delphi consensus building are subjective. Objective quantitative methods such as Markov analysis, linear programming and search heuristics are grounded on rigorous calculus theory, but they produce a single result (not priorities). Also, quantitative techniques may omit important managerial insight. This study demonstrates how qualitative and quantitative selection techniques can be combined for complex multinational investment decision making at a Virginia-USA-based coal mine company that generates electricity.
Progressives and Prohibitionists: Texas Democrats in the Wilson Era,

This prize-winning account offers a well-written narrative of the Democratic party in Texas during the years when Prohibition dominated the political scene.
Asymptotics of Perimeter-Minimizing Partitions

We prove that the least perimeter P(n) of a partition of a smooth, compact Riemannian surface into n regions of equal area A is asymptotic to n/2 times the perimeter of a planar regular hexagon of area A. Along the way, we derive tighter estimates for flat tori, Klein bottles, truncated cylinders, and Mobius bands.
Exploration of Backbone Space in Foldamers Containing α‐ and β‐Amino Acid Residues: Developing Protease‐Resistant Oligomers that Bind Tightly to the BH3‐Recognition Cleft of Bcl‐xL

Protein-protein interactions play crucial roles in cell-signaling events and are often implicated in human disease. Molecules that bind tightly to functional protein-surface sites and show high stability to degradative enzymes could be valuable pharmacological tools for dissection of cell-signaling networks and might ultimately lead to therapeutic agents. We recently described oligomers containing both alpha- and beta-amino acid residues that bind tightly to the BH3 recognition site of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-x(L). The oligomers with highest affinity had a nine-residue N-terminal segment with a 1:1 alpha:beta residue repeat and a six-residue C-terminal segment containing exclusively proteinogenic alpha-residues. The N-terminal portions of such (alpha/beta+alpha)-peptides are highly resistant to proteolysis, but the C-terminal alpha-segments are susceptible. This study emerged from efforts to modify the alpha-segment in an (alpha/beta+alpha)-peptide in a way that would diminish proteolytic degradation but retain high affinity for Bcl-x(L). Some of the oligomers reported here could prove useful in certain biological applications, particularly those for which extended incubation in a biological milieu is required.
Temperature Imaging of Vortex-Flame Interaction by Filtered Rayleigh Scattering

This paper describes the application of a filtered-Rayleigh-scattering (FRS) instrument for nonintrusive temperature imaging in a vortex-driven diffusion flame. The FRS technique provides quantitative, spatially correlated temperature data without the flow intrusion or time lag associated with physical probes. Use of a molecular iodine filter relaxes the requirement for clean, particulate-free flowfields and offers the potential for imaging near walls, test section windows and in sooty flames, all of which are preculded in conventional Rayleigh imaging, where background interference from these sources typically overwhelms the weak molecular scattering signal. For combustion applications, FRS allows for full-field temperature imaging without chemical seeding of the flowfield, which makes FRS an attractive alternative to other laser-based imaging methods such as planar laser-induced fluorescencs (PLIF). In this work, the details of our FRS imaging system are presented and temperature measurements from an acoustically forced diffusion flame are provided. The local Rayleigh crosssection is corrected using Raman imaging measurements of the methane fuel molecule, which are then correlated to other major species using a laminar flamelet approach. To our knowledge, this is the first report of joint Raman/FRS imaging for nonpremixed combustion. Measurements are presented from flames driven at 7.5 Hz, where a single vortexmore » stretches the flame, and at 90 Hz, where two consecutive vortices interact to cause a repeatable strain-induced flame-quenching event.« less
Building dispositions towards models and model-based reasoning in engineering education

This panel will address the challenge of promoting dispositions towards and mastery of model-based reasoning and modeling practices. Free-body, circuit, and multi-unit process diagrams are fundamental engineering tools for transforming poorly articulated and ill-constrained problems into manageable, solvable problems. For engineers in industry or research, free-form sketches commonly inform back-of-the-envelope estimations and calculations, while more formal diagrams and computational models are essential to design decision-making. This panel will explore the cognitive dimensions and learning challenges associated with modeling as a way of engaging and understanding the world. The panel will start with unpacking the cognitive demands/loads associated with transforming a text to a diagram. We will then present research on student modeling across a spectrum of first year courses to capstone design and across three sub-disciplines — biomedicai, chemical and aerospace engineering.
Craft Production, Exchange, and Political Power in the Pre-Incaic Andes

This article explores the relationship between craft production, exchange, and power in the pre-Incaic Andes, with a focus on recent archaeological evidence from Chavin, Nasca, Tiwanaku, Wari, and Moche. I argue that craft production and exchange in concert with materialized ideologies played vital roles in the development of political power in the Andes. In later state societies, craft production, exchange, and materialization were critical in maintaining and legitimizing established political power.
DSP approach to the design of nonlinear optical devices

Discrete-time signal processing (DSP) tools have been used to analyze numerous optical filter configurations in order to optimize their linear response. In this paper, we propose a DSP approach to design nonlinear optical devices by treating the desired nonlinear response in the weak perturbation limit as a discrete-time filter. Optimized discrete-time filters can be designed and then mapped onto a specific optical architecture to obtain the desired nonlinear response. This approach is systematic and intuitive for the design of nonlinear optical devices. We demonstrate this approach by designing autoregressive (AR) and autoregressive moving average (ARMA) lattice filters to obtain a nonlinear phase shift response.
The Pervasive Effects of Vested Interest on Attitude–Criterion Consistency in Political Judgment

Abstract The vested interest construct suggests that people act in attitudinally consistent ways on important issues of high hedonic relevance. Accordingly, vested individuals should endorse policies consistent with their attitudes. Symbolic politics holds self-interest unrelated to attitude and thus of little use. Three secondary analyses of national election data assessed the predictive utility of vested interest on policy-related issues. Consistent with expectations, Analysis 1 found vested interest to be unrelated to policy endorsement. However, Analysis 2 disclosed that vested interest significantly moderated attitude–endorsement consistency on beliefs regarding busing, health insurance, and government-guaranteed living standards. Analysis 3 investigated vested interest effects across three national election surveys and six policy issues. Without exception, vested interest significantly moderated the relationship between attitudes and policy endorsement. These results, obtained across a broad range of topics and respondents, suggest that vested interest is an important moderator of consistency between attitudes and policy endorsement.
Poly(L-glutamic acid)-paclitaxel conjugate is a potent enhancer of tumor radiocurability.

Abstract Purpose: Conjugating drugs with polymeric carriers is one way to improve selective delivery to tumors. Poly (L-glutamic acid)-paclitaxel (PG-TXL) is one such conjugate. Compared with paclitaxel, its uptake, tumor retention, and antitumor efficacy are increased. Initial studies showed that PG-TXL given 24 h before or after radiotherapy enhanced tumor growth delay significantly more than paclitaxel. To determine if PG-TXL-induced enhancement is obtained in a more clinically relevant setting, we investigated PG-TXL effects on tumor cure. Methods and Materials: Mice bearing 7-mm-diameter ovarian carcinomas were treated with PG-TXL at an equivalent paclitaxel dose of 80 mg/kg, single dose or 5 daily fractions of radiation or both PG-TXL and radiation. Treatment endpoint was TCD 50 (radiation dose yielding tumor control in 50% of mice). Acute radioresponse of jejunum, skin, and hair was determined for all treatments. Results: PG-TXL dramatically improved tumor radioresponse, reducing TCD 50 of single-dose irradiation from 53.9 (52.2–55.5) Gy to 7.5 (4.5–10.7) Gy, an enhancement factor (EF) of 7.2. The drug improved the efficacy of fractionated irradiation even more, reducing the TCD 50 of 66.6 (62.8–90.4) Gy total fractionated dose to only 7.9 (4.3–11.5) Gy, for an EF of 8.4. PG-TXL did not affect normal tissue radioresponse resulting from either single or fractionated irradiation. Conclusion: PG-TXL dramatically potentiated tumor radiocurability after single-dose or fractionated irradiation without affecting acute normal tissue injury. To our knowledge, PG-TXL increased the therapeutic ratio of radiotherapy more than that previously reported for other taxanes, thus, PG-TXL has a high potential to improve clinical radiotherapy.
Implementing on-line simulation upon the World-Wide Web

This paper addresses the implementation of advanced, on-line simulation experiments upon the World-Wide Web. The paper first discusses the system considered for this study. The paper then discusses the distributed object computing environment that has been employed in the study, including the specialized displays that would be accessed by a remote participant when viewing the on-line simulation analysis on the Web. Finally, directions for future research are outlined.
Combining Satellite Ocean Color and Hydrodynamic Model Uncertainties in Bio-Optical Forecasts

We describe an approach to produce short-term (1- to 3-day) forecasts of bio-optical properties by coupling moderate-resolution imaging spectroradiometer satellite (MODIS) ocean color imagery with a hydrodynamic model. The bio-optical property (chlorophyll in this case) is treated as a conservative tracer; the satellite distribution is advected forward in time using the current field from the hydrodynamic model. Uncertainties in both the satellite chlorophyll values and the currents from the circulation model impact the final forecast; we apply ensemble techniques to quantify the errors separately and in combination. For the ocean color imagery, we further apply ensemble techniques to partition the chlorophyll uncertainties into components due to atmospheric correction and bio-optical inversion, by applying noise to the near-infrared and visible band sets separately. The standard deviation for each ensemble suite provides an indication of uncertainty, or confidence in the satellite chlorophyll values and the hydrodynamic model current fields. By combining the two ensemble sets, we produce a final chlorophyll forecast field and associated uncertainty map that include both sets of uncertainties. We examine mean and individual forecast ensemble members (spread-skill statistics, RMS differences) to assess predictive value. This work represents a significant advancement in representing errors associated with satellite ocean color imagery and bio-optical forecasts.
Prospective Randomized Comparison of Standard Didactic Lecture Versus High-Fidelity Simulation for Radiology Resident Contrast Reaction Management Training

OBJECTIVE. The objective of our study was to assess whether high-fidelity simulation-based training is more effective than traditional didactic lecture to train radiology residents in the management of contrast reactions. SUBJECTS AND METHODS. This was a prospective study of 44 radiology residents randomized into a simulation group versus a lecture group. All residents attended a contrast reaction didactic lecture. Four months later, baseline knowledge was assessed with a written test, which we refer to as the “pretest.” After the pretest, the 21 residents in the lecture group attended a repeat didactic lecture and the 23 residents in the simulation group underwent high-fidelity simulation-based training with five contrast reaction scenarios. Next, all residents took a second written test, which we refer to as the “posttest.” Two months after the posttest, both groups took a third written test, which we refer to as the “delayed posttest,” and underwent performance testing with a high-fidelity severe contr...
Alternative domains and levels of understanding for software engineering assessment

Assessment usually involves a set of learning outcomes to be assessed and a set of performance levels used to rate achievement in each outcome. Ideally, an assessment approach would support assessment of engineering performance capabilities. This work in progress considers teaching for understanding as a basis for software engineering assessment, and finds that it has advantages over approaches based on Bloom's Taxonomy of Learning. Specific examples will be presented at the conference.
The Emerging Role of Biomarkers in Advanced Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Novel therapies, particularly those that target vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), have improved the treatment of advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The search continues for biomarkers that can predict which patients are most likely to benefit from these therapies. At the same time, new research is helping to define how clinical and histopathologic features, such as ethnicity and histologic subtype, influence treatment decisions. Numerous studies have assessed potential biomarkers that may predict outcomes following treatment with anti-EGFR therapies, including mutations in EGFR and KRAS genes, EGFR gene copy number by fluorescence in situ hybridization, and EGFR protein expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Although mounting evidence supports the role of EGFR mutations in selecting therapy in clinical practice, in other cases, the emerging data have painted a complex and often contradictory picture, making it difficult to foresee how this information could be used in clinical practice. The discrepancies in published reports may be because of differences in patient populations or variations in methodology for assessing biomarkers; they also may reflect our incomplete understanding of the role of the EGFR pathway in NSCLC. Further assessment of these and other novel biomarkers is warranted to help define which patients with advanced NSCLC may derive the most benefit from targeted therapies.
In situ visualization of thermal distortions of synchrotron radiation optics

Abstract We have developed a new in situ method to measure heating-induced distortions of the surface of the first monochromator crystal exposed to high-power white synchrotron radiation beam. The method is based on recording the image of a stationary grid of dots captured by a CCD camera as reflected from the surface of a crystal with and without a heat load. The three-dimensional surface profile (heat bump) is then reconstructed from the distortions of the original pattern. In experiments performed at the CHESS A2 wiggler beam line we measured the heat bumps with the heights of up to 600 nm produced by a wiggler beam with total power in the range of 15–60 W incident on the (1 1 1) Si crystal at various angles between 3° and 15°.
Testicular Lumicrine Factors Regulate ERK, STAT, and NFKB Pathways in the Initial Segment of the Rat Epididymis to Prevent Apoptosis

The initial segment of the epididymis is vital for male fertility; therefore, it is important to understand the mechanisms that regulate this important region. Deprival of testicular luminal fluid factors/lumicrine factors from the epididymis results in a wave of apoptosis in the initial segment. In this study, a combination of protein array and microarray analyses was used to examine the early changes in downstream signal transduction pathways following loss of lumicrine factors. We discovered the following cascade of events leading to the loss of protection and eventual apoptosis: in the first 6 h after loss of lumicrine factors, down-regulation of the ERK pathway components was observed at the mRNA expression and protein activity levels. Microarray analysis revealed that mRNA levels of several key components of the ERK pathway, Dusp6, Dusp5, and Etv5, decreased sharply, while the analysis from the protein array revealed a decline in the activities of MAP2K1/2 and MAPK1. Immunostaining of phospho-MAPK3/1 indicated that down-regulation of the ERK pathway was specific to the epithelial cells of the initial segment. Subsequently, after 12 h of loss of lumicrine factors, levels of mRNA expression of STAT and NFKB pathway components increased, mRNA levels of several genes encoding cell cycle inhibitors increased, and levels of protein expression of several proapoptotic phosphatases increased. Finally, after 18 h of loss of protection from lumicrine factors, apoptosis was observed. In conclusion, testicular lumicrine factors protect the cells of the initial segment by activating the ERK pathway, repressing STAT and NFKB pathways, and thereby preventing apoptosis.
Performance Analysis of Dynamic Spectrum Access Networks under Primary User Emulation Attacks

Primary user emulation attack (PUEA) is a denial of service (DoS) attack unique to dynamic spectrum access (DSA) networks. While there have been studies in the literature to detect and mitigate PUEA, the impact of PUEA on the call blocking and call dropping probabilities of users in secondary networks has not been studied. We present the first analysis to study the impact of PUEA on the secondary users in terms of call blocking and call dropping. We propose a three dimensional continuous time Markov chain (3D-CTMC) to model the channel occupancy in DSA networks. We use the 3D-CTMC to determine the call blocking and call dropping probabilities for secondary users. We validate our analysis with simulations. Results indicate that while PUEA does not affect the call blocking probability, it can increase the call dropping probability of secondary users by more than one order of magnitude. We also evaluate the call dropping performance of some of our previously proposed protocols to mitigate PUEA. We show that our protocols can improve the call dropping performance by about 40% for high traffic loads of malicious users and can provide almost the same performance as that of a system with no PUEA, when the malicious user traffic is low.
Medical sociology and health services research: past accomplishments and future policy challenges

The rising costs and inconsistent quality of health care in the United States have raised significant questions among professionals, policy makers, and the public about the way health services are being delivered. For the past 50 years, medical sociologists have made significant contributions in improving our understanding of the nature and impact of the organizations that constitute our health care system. In this article, we discuss three central findings in the sociology of health services: (1) health services in the U.S. are unequally distributed, contributing to health inequalities across status groups; (2) social institutions reproduce health care inequalities by constraining and enabling the actions of health service organizations, health care providers, and consumers; and (3) the structure and dynamics of health care organizations shape the quality, effectiveness, and outcomes of health services for different groups and communities. We conclude with a discussion of the policy implications of these findings for future health care reform efforts.
Materials for Fuel Cells

Because of their potential to reduce the environmental impact and geopolitical consequences of the use of fossil fuels, fuel cells have emerged as tantalizing alternatives to combustion engines. Like a combustion engine, a fuel cell uses some sort of chemical fuel as its energy source but, like a battery, the chemical energy is directly converted to electrical energy, without an often messy and relatively inefficient combustion step. In addition to high efficiency and low emissions, fuel cells are attractive for their modular and distributed nature, and zero noise pollution. They will also play an essential role in any future hydrogen fuel economy.
THE SYMBIOTIC BIRTH AND SPREAD OF PLASTIDS: HOW MANY TIMES AND WHODUNIT?

I discuss the evidence for a single origin of primary plastids in the context of a paper in this issue challenging this view, and I review recent evidence concerning the number of secondary plastid endosymbioses and the controversy over whether the relic plastid of apicomplexans is of red or green algal origin. A broad consensus has developed that the plastids of green algae, red algae, and glaucophytes arose from the same primary, cyanobacterial endosymbiosis. Although the analyses in this issue by Stiller and colleagues firmly undermine one of many sources of data, gene content similarities among plastid genomes used to argue for a monophyletic origin of primary plastids, the overall evidence still clearly favors monophyly. Nonetheless, this issue should not be considered settled and new data should be sought from better sampling of cyanobacteria and glaucophytes, from sequenced nuclear genomes, and from careful analysis of such key features as the plastid import apparatus. With respect to the number of secondary plastid symbioses, it is completely unclear as to whether the secondary plastids of euglenophytes and chlorarachniophytes arose by the same or two different algal endosymbioses. Recent analyses of certain plastid and nuclear genes support the chromalveolate hypothesis of Cavalier-Smith, namely, that the plastids of heterokonts, haptophytes, cryptophytes, dinoflagellates, and apicomplexans all arose from a common endosymbiosis involving a red alga. However, another recent paper presents intriguing conflicting data on this score for one of these groups— apicomplexans—arguing instead that they acquired their plastids from green algae.
Postpartum plasma exchange as adjunctive therapy for severe acute fatty liver of pregnancy.

Acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) is a rare disease of progressive hepatic insufficiency and secondary systemic compromise that poses significant fetal-maternal risk. Plasma exchange (PEX) is an effective bridge therapy to sustain liver function and enable hepatocellular regeneration to occur in nonpregnant patients following acute decompensation of a chronic liver disease or while awaiting liver transplantation. The application of PEX for patients with AFLP is a novel concept; since 1988 we have utilized postpartum PEX (PPEX) as adjunctive medical therapy for six patients with severe AFLP. Before PPEX initiation, four patients had signs and symptoms of encephalopathy, three required ventilatory support, five had advanced liver insufficiency, and all six were developing renal failure. PPEX was initiated 2–8 days following delivery and repeated (two to four times, mean = 3) at 24–48-h intervals thereafter. All patients responded with composite clinical (symptoms/signs) and laboratory improvement; the average length of hospitalization following final PPEX for five of six patients was 7 days. No significant PPEX-related complications occurred. PPEX utilization in patients with severe AFLP may enhance maternal recovery by preventing secondary sequelae from hepatic insufficiency until spontaneous healing can occur. Further study appears to be indicated to validate a role for PPEX as supportive therapy for puerperal patients with AFLP suffering multiorgan failure. J. Clin. Apheresis, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
POLLUTIONAL ASPECTS OF PESTICIDES IN NATURAL STREAMS

The extensive use of synthetic organic pesticides in this country during the past twenty-five years has resulted in widespread pollution of our water resources. An obvious detrimental effect of such pollution has been observed in the numerous fish kills that have occurred. The most widely used pesticides, and the ones that have been implicated in the vast majority of the pollutional episodes, are the chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides. These compounds, generally speaking, have almost no solubility in water, are subject to very slow microbial degradation if any at all, and are so resistent to natural degradation forces they can persist almost indefinitely in aqueous environments; characteristics that are all detrimental from a stream pollution standpoint. In addition, studies have shown that, as a group, the chlorinated hydrocarbons are more toxic to higher forms of aquatic life than other chemicals widely used for pest control. Because of these undesirable characteristics, present trends are to discontinue using these highly toxic, persistent compounds for pest control in outdoor areas. Legislation banning the sale of DDT has been introduced. Similar legislation controlling the use of several of the chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticides is probably the most effective way to reduce pollution.
Distributed control of uncertain systems using superpositions of linear operators

Control in the natural environment is difficult in part because of uncertainty in the effect of actions. Uncertainty can be due to added motor or sensory noise, unmodeled dynamics, or quantization of sensory feedback. Biological systems are faced with further difficulties, since control must be performed by networks of cooperating neurons and neural subsystems. Here, we propose a new mathematical framework for modeling and simulation of distributed control systems operating in an uncertain environment. Stochastic differential operators can be derived from the stochastic differential equation describing a system, and they map the current state density into the differential of the state density. Unlike discrete-time Markov update operators, stochastic differential operators combine linearly for a large class of linear and nonlinear systems, and therefore the combined effects of multiple controllable and uncontrollable subsystems can be predicted. Design using these operators yields systems whose statistical behavior can be specified throughout state-space. The relationship to Bayesian estimation and discrete-time Markov processes is described.
Empirical Comparative Law

I review the empirical comparative law literature with an emphasis on quantitative work. After situating the field and surveying its main applications to date, I turn to methodological issues. I discuss at length the obstacles to causal inference from comparative data, and caution against inappropriate use of instrumental variables and other techniques. Even if comparative data cannot identify any single causal theory, however, they are extremely important in narrowing down the set of plausible theories. I report progress in measurement design and suggest improvements in data analysis and interpretation using techniques from other fields, particularly growth econometrics.
Interactive computerized fruit and vegetable preference measure for African-American and Hispanic preschoolers.

Objective The objective of this study was to develop a computerized measure for assessing fruit, fruit juice and vegetable (FJV) preferences of African-American (AA) and Hispanic (H) preschool children.
The Phenomenon of Collective Action: Modeling Institutions as Structures of Care

This essay develops a theory of how institutions can work through the web of social relationships that exist in a place rather than through formal, bureaucratic lines of authority. In contrast to models that characterize institutions as organizational structures, roles, and patterns of exchange, this model depicts institutions as constituted primarily through the active working and reworking of relationships. Rather than adopt the network literature’s focus on the overall pattern of relationships and exchanges carried out between policy actors, the author focuses directly on the nature of the relationships themselves and portrays the institution as the playing out of these relationships, employing Carol Gilligan’s notion of care. The model of care is used to analyze the evolution, unraveling, and restoration of resource management systems on the Turtle Islands in Southeast Asia. The model provides lessons for institution building, especially for community-centered governance.
Privatizing Vocational Rehabilitation: Options for Increasing Individual Choice and Enhancing Competition

This paper will explore several options for increasing individual choice and expanding competition in the supply of rehabilitation services. Chief among these is a proposal for rehabilitation vouchers. Also considered are proposals for tax credits and federal loans for rehabilitation expenses and direct contracting for privately supplied rehabilitation services. The likely impact of these options on the well-being of people with disabilities as well as on program accountability, performance, and cost-effectiveness will be assessed.
Deciphering the physics and chemistry of perovskites with transmission electron microscopy

Perovskite oxides exhibit rich structural complexity and a broad range of functional properties, including ferroelectricity, ferromagnetism, and superconductivity. The development of aberration correction for the transmission electron microscope and concurrent progress in electron spectroscopy, electron holography, and other techniques has fueled rapid progress in the understanding of the physics and chemistry of these materials. New techniques based on the transmission electron microscope are first surveyed, and the applications of these techniques for the study of the structure, chemistry, electrostatics, and dynamics of perovskite oxides are then explored in detail, with a particular focus on ferroelectric materials.
Development and evaluation of quail breakfast sausage

Abstract The Japanese quail ( Coturnix japonica) is an underutilized source of meat and a rapid rise in the worldwide consumption of poultry meat products presents a great scope for new product development. This study assessed the influence of pea flour at two concentrations 15 g/kg and 25 g/kg on sensory and other physicochemical properties of sausages using quail meat. Addition of pea flour at 15 g/kg offered the benefits of lighter color, improved water holding capacity, water binding ability, and cook yield as compared to control. Sausages with 15 g/kg however, had hardness and Warner-Bratzler Shear Force (WBSF) greater than the control (p
On the effect of walking surface stiffness on inter-limb coordination in human walking: toward bilaterally informed robotic gait rehabilitation

Robotic devices have been utilized in gait rehabilitation but have only produced moderate results when compared to conventional physiotherapy. Because bipedal walking requires neural coupling and dynamic interactions between the legs, a fundamental understanding of the sensorimotor mechanisms of inter-leg coordination during walking, which are not well understood but are systematically explored in this study, is needed to inform robotic interventions in gait therapy. In this study we investigate mechanisms of inter-leg coordination by utilizing novel sensory perturbations created by real-time control of floor stiffness on a split-belt treadmill. We systematically alter the unilateral magnitude of the walking surface stiffness and the timing of these perturbations within the stance phase of the gait cycle, along with the level of body-weight support, while recording the kinematic and muscular response of the uperturbed leg. This provides new insight into the role of walking surface stiffness in inter-leg coordination during human walking. Both paired and unpaired unadjusted t-tests at the 95 % confidence level are used in the approriate scernario to determine statistical significance of the results. We present results of increased hip, knee, and ankle flexion, as well as increased tibialis anterior and soleus activation, in the unperturbed leg of healthy subjects that is repeatable and scalable with walking surface stiffness. The observed response was not impacted by the level of body-weight support provided, which suggests that walking surface stiffness is a unique stimulus in gait. In addition, we show that the activation of the tibialis anterior and soleus muscles is altered by the timing of the perturbations within the gait cycle. This paper characterizes the contralateral leg’s response to ipsilateral manipulations of the walking surface and establishes the importance of walking surface stiffness in inter-leg coordination during human walking.
Enhancement of antibody production by lysophosphatidylcholine and alkylglycerol

Inflammation products of normal and cancerous tissues, lysophosphatidylcholine and dodecylglycerol, were tested for their adjuvant effect on the antibody response. Mice treated with these agents and immunized with sheep erythrocytes simultaneously or at 3 days posttreatment developed a greatly enhanced antibody production as demonstrated by the Jerne plaque assay. Mice immunized at 3 days postadministration of agents did not significantly produce enhanced antibody-secreting cells as compared with those of mice simultaneously immunized. Since the mechanism of macrophage activation by lysophospholipids requires contribution of B and T cells, BALB/c-nu/nu mice treated with these agents and subsequently immunized with sheep erythrocytes did not produce antibodies. However, conditioned medium of in vitro-treated BALB/c-nu/nu B cells efficiently transmitted a signal to untreated BALB/c +/+ T cells for enhanced macrophage ingestion activity. This observation suggests that lysophospholipid-activated macrophages and T cells efficiently transmitted antigenic signal to the antibody-producing B cell population. Therefore, we conclude that these lipid metabolites have dual beneficial effects for the host by enhancing phagocytosis and antibody production. Thus, lysophosphatidylcholine and dodecylglycerol have potential practical application as adjuvants that could be administered separately or in combination with antigens.
HEMODYNAMIC DETERMINANTS OF SERUM CHLORIDE IN AMBULATORY PATIENTS WITH ADVANCED HEART FAILURE

Lower serum chloride (Cl) is associated with mortality in patients with heart failure and may be more prognostically relevant than sodium. However, the association of hemodynamics and Cl levels is unknown. 436 sequential patients with advanced chronic heart failure (ACHF) underwent invasive
Fecal Calprotectin to Screen for IBD

Van de Vijver E, Schreuder AB, Cnossen WR, et al. Safely ruling out inflammatory bowel disease in children and teenagers without referral for endoscopy. Arch Dis Child. 2012; 97 (12): 1014– 1018; doi: 10.1136/archdischild-2011-301206[OpenUrl][1][Abstract/FREE Full Text][2] Researchers in Belgium and the Netherlands conducted a diagnostic accuracy study to determine if the use of fecal calprotectin as a screening test for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) could reduce the number of children undergoing endoscopy. Participants included children and teens 6 to 18 years of age with abdominal complaints suggesting IBD who were evaluated in pediatric clinics of 6 general hospitals and 1 tertiary care hospital in northern Holland. Inclusion criteria included persistent diarrhea for >4 weeks or recurrent (>2 episodes in 6 months) abdominal pain and diarrhea, and at least 1 of the following: rectal bleeding, unintended weight loss, linear growth retardation, perianal symptoms (skin tag, fistula, fissure, or abscess), anemia, other extraintestinal manifestations (erythema nodosum, arthritis, uveitis), or increased inflammatory markers (ESR or CRP). At entry, a stool sample was … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DArch%2BDis%2BChild%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1136%252Farchdischild-2011-301206%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F23019289%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/ijlink?linkType=ABST&journalCode=archdischild&resid=97/12/1014&atom=%2Faapgrand%2F29%2F4%2F38.atom
232 IMPACT OF PATIENTS' UNDERSTANDING OF THEIR ASTHMA MEDICATIONS ON RESOURCE UTILIZATION

Introduction Asthma is a prevalent, chronic inflammatory disease. It is estimated that the annual cost of asthma related illness in the United States is 11.3 billion dollars. Focus on the prevention of exacerbations and sound patient education is paramount. Previous work has shown that patients seen in an emergency department for asthma-related symptoms have poor knowledge about basic asthma pathophysiology, but did not compare these patients to nonemergency department users or address knowledge of how asthma medications should be used (Meyer et al, 2001). Methods We surveyed adult patients with a diagnosis of asthma from 7 different outpatient sites. The questionnaire consisted of 21 questions on demographics, current asthma medication usage, understanding of asthma medications, frequency of symptoms, missed school and work, emergency department visits, hospitalizations, oral steroid usage, and type of treating physician. Results We present preliminary data on the first 89 patients surveyed. Of these patients, 65 were on inhaled preventative therapy. Interestingly, only 26 (40%) of these patients reported taking their preventative therapy correctly. We analyzed patients according to those correctly versus incorrectly taking inhaled preventative therapy. Patients in both groups felt that their doctors had spent enough time talking with them regarding their asthma therapy. Of the 65 patients, 5 had been admitted to the hospital over the last year. All of these patients were in the group taking inhaled preventative therapy incorrectly, p = .05. When looking at ER visits for patients in the two groups, 51% of patients in the incorrect group had used the ER in the last year, while only 15% of patients in the correct group had used the ER in the last year (OR = 5.81, p = .003). Conclusions In this small study it is clear that patients who report that they understand how to take their preventative therapy visit the ER significantly less frequently. These data suggest that time spent assuring that asthma patients understand their medication may lead to less downstream resource utilization. Further studies to investigate the direct correlation of office time dedicated to improving asthma knowledge and disease outcome are needed.
Assessment of the Predictive Value of the Modified Frailty Index for Clavien-Dindo Grade IV Critical Care Complications in Major Head and Neck Cancer Operations

Importance Functional status and physiologic deficits independent of age are being recognized for surgical risk stratification. Frailty is expressed as a combination of decreased physiologic reserve and multisystem impairments distinct from normal aging processes. Objective To assess the predictive value of the Modified Frailty Index (mFI) for Clavien-Dindo grade IV (CDIV) (intensive care unit–level complications) and grade V (mortality) after major head and neck oncologic surgery. Design, Setting, and Participants Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data. All major head and neck cancer operations data were obtained from the January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2013, American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program databases. Fifteen variables composed a previously validated mFI, with higher mFIs identifying more frail patients. Clavien-Dindo grade IV and mortality were defined using a preexisting mapping scheme from the Canadian Study of Health and Aging. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome measures were Clavien-Dindo Grade IV critical care complications and Grade V complications (mortality). Second outcomes included morbidity, readmission, and reoperation. Results There were 1193 major head and neck operations in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program databases, with 86 (7.2%) CDIV complications. The mean (SD) age of all patients was 63.4 (12.4) years, and 67.7% (807 of 1193) were male. Clavien-Dindo grade IV significantly increased from 4.6% (22 of 483) to 100% (1 of 1) from nonfrail to the frailest patients ( R2 = 0.79, P R2 = 0.46, P = .42). Overall morbidity was not significantly associated or correlated with the mFI. On cross tabulation, increases in the mFI led to more CDIV complications in patients undergoing glossectomy ( P = .03), mandibulectomy ( P = .02), or laryngectomy ( P = .002). Patients undergoing pharyngectomy or esophagectomy did not have significant increases in CDIV complications by the mFI. The coefficients of determination for each category were R2 = 0.62 for glossectomy, R2 = 0.72 for mandibulectomy, R2 = 0.97 for laryngectomy, R2 = 0.94 for pharyngectomy, and R2 = 1.00 for esophagectomy. On multivariable analysis, the mFI was associated with CDIV complications (odds ratio, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.15-2.37) but not mortality (odds ratio, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.34-1.76). Conclusions and Relevance The mFI is predictive of postoperative critical care support after surgery for head and neck cancer. Specifically, increases in mFIs were strongly associated with CDIV complications for glossectomy, mandibulectomy, and laryngectomy. Classifying patients by their functional status using the mFI may help predict outcomes after head and neck oncologic surgery.
Transorbital herniation: an unusual mechanism of intracranial decompression following trauma.

This case illustrates decompression of contused, edematous brain through a blow-in fracture of the orbital roof, causing a different form of brain herniation
Desafíos en el diseño de sistemas Ciber-Físicos

Los sistemas cyber-fisicos ─Cyber-Physical Systems CPS─ es un proceso que integra la computacion con los procesos fisicos. Los computadores embebidos, el monitoreo de redes y el control de procesos fisicos, usualmente tienen ciclos de retroalimentacion en los que los procesos fisicos afectan los calculos, y viceversa. En este articulo se examinan los desafios en el diseno de estos sistemas, y se plantea la cuestion de si la informatica y las tecnologias de redes actuales proporcionan una base adecuada para ellos. La conclusion es que para mejorar los procesos de diseno de estos sistemas no sera suficiente con elevar el nivel de abstraccion o verificar, formalmente o no, los disenos en los que se basan las abstracciones de hoy. El potencial social y economico de los CPS es mucho mayor de lo que hasta el momento se ha pensado; en todo el mundo se estan realizando grandes inversiones para desarrollar esta tecnologia, pero los retos son considerables. Para aprovechar todo el potencial de los CPS se tendran que reconstruir los procesos de las abstracciones informaticas y de las redes, y los procesos se deberan acoger en pleno a los principios de las dinamicas fisicas y de la computacion.