cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of green nanocatalysts and industrially important green reactions

Abstract There is a growing interest in applying green chemistry for nanocatalysis applications. On the basis of a Scifinder Scholar search, the field of applying green chemistry to catalysis with nanoparticles has undergone an explosive growth from year 2002 to present. It can be seen that green chemistry applied to nanocatalysis is a relatively hot area with much room for growth. I discuss several review articles written about the use of green nanocatalysts as well as green reactions. I discuss studies involving the synthesis of green nanocatalysts and application of metal nanocatalysts in green reactions. I have organized the discussion of green nanocatalysts by the type of nanoparticles that are synthesized and used as catalysts. I have organized discussions of green reactions by the type of green reaction that is being conducted. Overall, our review article discusses developments in new types of green nanocatalysts as well as developments in green catalytic reactions.
Targeted deletion of matrix metalloproteinase-9 attenuates left ventricular enlargement and collagen accumulation after experimental myocardial infarction

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is prominently overexpressed after myocardial infarction (MI). We tested the hypothesis that mice with targeted deletion of MMP9 have less left ventricular (LV) dilation after experimental MI than do sibling wild-type (WT) mice. Animals that survived ligation of the left coronary artery underwent echocardiographic studies after MI; all analyses were performed without knowledge of mouse genotype. By day 8, MMP9 knockout (KO) mice had significantly smaller increases in end-diastolic and end-systolic ventricular dimensions at both midpapillary and apical levels, compared with infarcted WT mice; these differences persisted at 15 days after MI. MMP-9 KO mice had less collagen accumulation in the infarcted area than did WT mice, and they showed enhanced expression of MMP-2, MMP-13, and TIMP-1 and a reduced number of macrophages. We conclude that targeted deletion of the MMP9 gene attenuates LV dilation after experimental MI in mice. The decrease in collagen accumulation and the enhanced expression of other MMPs suggest that MMP-9 plays a prominent role in extracellular matrix remodeling after MI.
The Waffle Phenomenon: Negative Evaluations of Those Who Shift Attitudinally1

The past two presidential campaigns have been filed with charges that the Democratic nominee “changed his mind” on various issues. The present research explored the possibility that negative evaluations may be produced by attitude change per se. In the first experiment, subjects responded to a stranger whose attitudes remained stable or who changed his attitudes over a period of two months vs. one year. Individuals who changed their attitudes were generally evaluated more negatively than those whose attitudes remained stable; the amount of time over which the change occurred produced no effect. A second expcriment sought to determine if the direction of change (toward increased or decreased similarity with subjects) influenced evaluations of a stranger. Attitude change which resulted in decreased similarity was rated most negatively. Even when a stranger changed his attitudes in the direction of greater similarity with subjects, however, he was still regarded as less decisive, less reliable, and a worse leader than was an individual with stable attitudes. This negative evaluation of attitude change was labeled the “waffle phenomenon”, and the implications for political candidates were discussed.
Geographical Variation in Responses to Photoperiod and Temperature by Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) During and After Dormancy

The intensity of diapause has a distinct seasonal pattern in the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say). During August, temperature and photoperiod only slightly affected the very intense diapause in field populations. By summer's end, diapause intensity diminishes, but photoperiod and temperature maintain diapause. Subsequently, the beetles lose their responsiveness to photoperiod at high temperatures (approximately 200c), but at low temperatures (18-15°C) the beetles remain photoperiodically sensitive after emerg­ ing from the soil and initiating oviposition in the spring. Mated females that overwinter can lay fertile eggs without mating in the spring. Populations from climatically different areas in New York state (Riverhead, Long Island and Freeville, Upstate New York) have similar thermal thresholds (approximately 12°C) for reproductive development after dormancy. However, the Riverhead population has a less intense diapause and lower thermal require­ ments for initiating oviposition (K = 135 HDD12 (heat-degree daysl) than the Freeville population (K = 213 HDD,.). This diversity results in large differences in the timing of vernal emergence and oviposition at the two sites. The results suggest that natural selection acts on both the timing of emergence and oviposition after dormancy and on the variation in the occurrence of the events. EVOLUTIONARY ANALYSES of life histories generally are undertaken from demographic or genetic view­ points; seldom do they include physiological con­ siderations. However, physiological processes are the vital connection between the ecological expres­ sion of life history traits that determine fitness, and the components of population genetics that con­ stitute heritability and genetic covariances (Stearns 1983, Tauber & Tauber 1986). When physiological aspects are neglected, life history studies offer an incomplete and static view of the dynamic inter­ actions between populations, organisms, and the environment. Seasonality is a primary environmental variable that influences the expression of life history traits. The environmental cues that regulate reproduc­ tion, development, migration, and dormancy, and the physiological responses to these cues change with seasons. Thus, comparative studies of the eco­ physiological interactions between organisms and their seasonal environments give a vital dimension to the understanding of evolutionary processes. The Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa de­ cemlineata (Say), is an excellent subject for eco­ physiological investigations of how life histories
The effect of buprenorphine on isoflurane minimum alveolar concentration in dogs

Abstract Objective To determine the effect of intravenous (IV) buprenorphine on the isoflurane (ISO) minimum alveolar concentration (ISOMAC) in dogs. Study design Randomized, crossover, design. Animals Six healthy, adult (2–3 years old), intact dogs (two males and four females) weighing 7.4–11.0 kg. Methods Each dog was studied on three occasions, 1 week apart, and baseline ISOMAC (MACB) was determined on each occasion. ISOMAC was defined as the mean of the end-tidal ISO concentrations that prevented and allowed purposeful movement in response to a noxious stimulus. After MACB determination, dogs were randomly given buprenorphine (BUP) at either 0.01, 0.05 or 0.1 mg kg−1 IV, and ISOMAC was determined at two time periods after BUP administration. The first post-treatment determination (MACT1) was initiated 45 minutes after BUP administration and the second determination (MACT2) was initiated 4 hours after BUP administration. MAC values were determined in duplicate and the mean values were used for statistical analysis. Results Isoflurane minimum alveolar concentration was decreased at 141 minutes (the time of MACT1 determination) by 25%, 35%, and 27% after administration of BUP at 0.01, 0.05, and 0.1 mg kg−1, respectively (p ≤ 0.05). The MAC reductions were not statistically different among doses. The reductions in ISOMAC at 342 minutes (the time of MACT2 determination) ranged from 13 to 16%, and were not statistically different among doses. Conclusions and clinical significance Buprenorphine at 0.01, 0.05, and 0.1 mg kg−1 significantly decreased ISOMAC in dogs at 141 minutes but not at 342 minutes. When using BUP for MAC reduction re-dosing may be required for procedures of long duration, and there may be no advantage to using the 0.1 mg kg−1 dose.
Pervasive computing: vision and challenges

This article discusses the challenges in computer systems research posed by the emerging field of pervasive computing. It first examines the relationship of this new field to its predecessors: distributed systems and mobile computing. It then identifies four new research thrusts: effective use of smart spaces, invisibility, localized scalability, and masking uneven conditioning. Next, it sketches a couple of hypothetical pervasive computing scenarios, and uses them to identify key capabilities missing from today's systems. The article closes with a discussion of the research necessary to develop these capabilities.
Magnetically Controlled Switches for Optoelectronics Networking: The Problem, Available Technology, New Implementations

This paper introduces some physical layer requirements of electro-optical as well as all optical networking. Due to the huge volume of data that is transmitted on these networks, there is a need for high-speed switching with effective switching in the nanosecond regime or better. While such switches exist for electronic media, they have been challenging for optical applications. Taking the recent developments in magneto-optical switches into consideration, there is a pressing need for fast switching of highly inductive loads. The state-of-the-art as well as the trends and needs for high speed switching in optical networks are presented. Some of the newest developments in the small-scale high-speed switching for electro-optical and all optical light path applications will also be presented. Experimental results of the newly developed switches at our program are presented and discussed. Based on the results, system requirements are identified and some shortcomings of the initial system are addressed. Possible improvements to the overall light-trail system are proposed and discussed
The Development of an In-Vivo Active Pressure Monitoring System

Medical examinations often extract localized symptoms rather than systemic observations and snap shots rather than continuous monitoring. Using these methodologies, one cannot discretely analyze how a patient’s lifestyle affects his/her physiological conditions and if additional symptoms occur under various stimuli. We present a minimally invasive implantable pressure sensing system that actively monitors long-term physiological changes in real-time. Specifically, we investigate pressure changes in the upper urinary tract per degree of obstruction. Our system integrates three components: a miniaturized sensor module, a lightweight embedded central processing unit with battery, and a PDA. Our tether-free system measures pressure continuously for forty-eight hours and actively transmits an outgoing signal from an implanted sensor node to a remote PDA twenty feet away. The software in this in-vivo system is remotely reconfigurable and can be updated when needed. Preliminary experimental results of the in-vivo pressure system demonstrate how it can wirelessly transmit pressure readings measuring 0 to 1 PSI with an accuracy of 0.02 PSI. The challenges in biocompatible packaging, transducer drift, power management, and in-vivo signal transmission are discussed. This research brings researchers a step closer to continuous, real-time systemic monitoring that will allow one to analyze the dynamic human physiology.
Documenting stress in caregivers of transplantation patients: initial evidence of HPA dysregulation.

There is growing evidence linking caregiver stress with an increased risk for morbidity and mortality. While the emotional and practical burden experienced by caregivers is well established, the physiological changes that may affect the caregiver's health are less understood. This study sought to compare self-reported stress, anxiety and depression along with neuroendocrine and immune markers of stress among adult caregivers of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation patients during the acute transplant recovery period to matched non-caregivers controls. Biomarkers and self-reported data were collected at three points during the patient's HSCT: (1) before transplant, (2) after initial transplantation discharge (±7 days) and (3) 6 weeks after initial transplantation discharge. Mixed linear modeling was used to examine differences by group and time. Twenty-one caregivers and 20 controls completed all study procedures. The majority of caregivers were female (57% or 57.1%) and married (95.2%), with a mean age of 52 ± 11.4 years. Caregiver perceived stress, anxiety and depression scores were significantly higher than controls (p 0.05) for either group. Caregivers had significantly lower serum cortisol levels than controls at both discharge (p = 0.013; ES = 0.81) and 6 weeks after discharge (p = 0.028; ES = 0.72) but exhibited no significant relationship between self-reported stress and serum cortisol. In addition, caregivers showed a significant inverse relationship between stress and epinephrine levels (r(s)=-0.654, p = 0.021). These findings support the evidence of the caregiving experience being stressful. The counter-intuitive relationship between cortisol and epinephrine might suggest dysregulation of the HPA axis and central nervous system but additional research on the physiological impact of caregiving is warranted.
Quantitative comparison of food niches in some freshwater zooplankton : A multi-tracer-cell approach.

The abilities of some zooplankton (rotifers, cladocerans, copepods) to ingest different sizes and kinds of food cells were quantified by determining the relative efficiencies with which they ingested nine tracer-cell types, ranging from a coccoid bacterium (0.45 μm3) to the alga Cryptomonas erosa (800-920 μm3). These efficiencies were obtained by dividing the clearance rate of each zooplankton group (species population, developmental stage or size class of a species population) on each 32P-labeled cell type by that of a simultaneously-offered, 33P-labeled, standard cell type - Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Similarities of efficiency patterns on these cell types (food niches) between all possible pairs of the 17 zooplankton groups from 4 ecosystems were determined by calculating correlation coefficients. Although the utilization of the tested cell types may vary greatly within a species, three feeding guilds could be distinguished - based primarily on the efficiencies with which the smallest cell types were ingested. Guild I (Poyarthra vulgaris, Keratella crassa, Diaptomus minutus nauplii) ate the smallest cells (<4 μm diameter) (bacterium, Synechococcus, Nannochloris) and Ankistrodesmus very ineffifently but the three Cryptomonas species very efficiently. Guild II (Bosmina longirostris, D. minutus copepodites and Adults) had higher efficiencies on Synechococcus, Nannochloris, Ankistrodesmus, Stichococcus, and Stephanodiscus than guild I but similarly low ones on the bacterium and high ones on the Cryptomonas species. Guild III (Conochilus inicornis, Keratella cochlearis, Ceriodaphnia quadrangula, Diaphanosoma leuchtembergianum) differed from guilds I and II in having uniformly high efficiencies on all the small cells as well ad the larger ones. Principal component analysis of the matrix of correlation coefficients provided objective confirmation of the three guilds and provided a visual representation of the food niches of the 17 zooplankton groups in 3-dimensional space.
The Role of Nanoscale Silicon in Optical Interconnects

The semiconductor industry association roadmap has identified interconnects as a major barrier to progress starting in 2010. Optical interconnects (OI) offer an attractive solution for chip-to-chip communications, however there is no general agreement on how to design them. Eventually, OI may also perform a large amount of intra-chip clocking and signaling, which implies that any chip-to-chip OI system must be designed to be compatible with intra-chip OI, from the points of view of manufacturability, architecture, and device design. We are exploring the use of nanoscale silicon for OI. This paper reports progress toward the demonstration of two basic building blocks of an OI system, namely a Si laser and a Si-based modulator.
Sequential Monte Carlo methods for stochastic volatility models: a review

Abstract We review the SequentialMonte Carlo (SMC) methods, also known as particle filters, for estimation and pricing in stochastic volatility models with general noises.
Cultivating citizenship, equity, and social inclusion? Putting civic agriculture into practice through urban farming

Civic agriculture is an approach to agriculture and food production that—in contrast with the industrial food system—is embedded in local environmental, social, and economic contexts. Alongside proliferation of the alternative food projects that characterize civic agriculture, growing literature critiques how their implementation runs counter to the ideal of civic agriculture. This study assesses the relevance of three such critiques to urban farming, aiming to understand how different farming models balance civic and economic exchange, prioritize food justice, and create socially inclusive spaces. Using a case study approach that incorporated interviews, participant observation, and document review, I compare two urban farms in Baltimore, Maryland—a “community farm” that emphasizes community engagement, and a “commercial farm” that focuses on job creation. Findings reveal the community farm prioritizes civic participation and food access for low-income residents, and strives to create socially inclusive space. However, the farmers’ “outsider” status challenges community engagement efforts. The commercial farm focuses on financial sustainability rather than participatory processes or food equity, reflecting the use of food production as a means toward community development rather than propagation of a food citizenry. Both farms meet authentic needs that contribute to neighborhood improvement, though findings suggest a lack of interest by residents in obtaining urban farm food, raising concerns about its appeal and accessibility to diverse consumers. Though not equally participatory, equitable, or social inclusive, both farms exemplify projects physically and philosophically rooted in the local social context, necessary characteristics for promoting civic engagement with the food system.
Interpretation of the Difficulty of New Hospital Accounting System:Financial Assistance,Scientific and Educational Project Expenditures and Accounting Treatment

The New Hospital Accounting System has five difficulties.Among them,financial assistance,scientific and educational project expenditures and accounting treatment to be hedge funds is one of the five difficult subjects.However,the accounting of these subjects is very complex and hard to be understood.In order to help hospitals accounting staff control their accounting methods carefully,deep interpretation is made.
A Quick Checkout Method for Self-excitation of Generators and Its Application

Generator self-excitation is a resonance phenomenon due to parameter coordination of the periodically changing generator-stator inductance and the external circuit capacitance,and it is crucial for a power system getting recovery quickly in its black start to make a judgment reliably and quickly whether a generator self-excitation would happen or not as the generator is with no-load long lines in the black start.According to the black start programs of China Southern Power Grid,the critical line lengths of generator self-excitation are calculated by EMTP program in this paper,and a quick checkout method of such excitation is given and verified based on the practical criterions.
Curvature control of soft orthotics via low cost solid-state optics

A soft orthotic with position control enabled via embedded optical fiber is presented. The design, manufacture, and integration of both the pneumatically powered actuators and optical sensors are described. This orthotic actuator-sensor pair is self-contained and worn on a human finger. When un-powered, the elastomeric actuator allows facile movement and, when pneumatically actuated, the orthotic causes bending of the wearer's finger. Position control is achieved by measurement of signal intensity from a light-emitting diode (LED) input traveling through an embedded optical fiber—greater curvature results in increased light intensity. Both the static and dynamic states are monitored via the optical sensor and the prescribed curvatures are achieved accurately and with stability by a gain-scheduled proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller implemented by applying pulse-width-modulation (PWM) signals to a solenoid valve to adjust the internal pressure of the actuator.
Clinical Information Systems - From Yesterday to Tomorrow.

Objectives: To review the history of clinical information systems over the past twenty-five years and project anticipated changes to those systems over the next twenty-five years. Methods: Over 250 Medline references about clinical information systems, quality of patient care, and patient safety were reviewed. Books, Web resources, and the author's personal experience with developing the HELP system were also used. Results: There have been dramatic improvements in the use and acceptance of clinical computing systems and Electronic Health Records (EHRs), especially in the United States. Although there are still challenges with the implementation of such systems, the rate of progress has been remarkable. Over the next twenty-five years, there will remain many important opportunities and challenges. These opportunities include understanding complex clinical computing issues that must be studied, understood and optimized. Dramatic improvements in quality of care and patient safety must be anticipated as a result of the use of clinical information systems. These improvements will result from a closer involvement of clinical informaticians in the optimization of patient care processes. Conclusions: Clinical information systems and computerized clinical decision support have made contributions to medicine in the past. Therefore, by using better medical knowledge, optimized clinical information systems, and computerized clinical decision, we will enable dramatic improvements in both the quality and safety of patient care in the next twenty-five years.
Dance? I Can’t Dance! Developing an Understanding of Mental Models Through Line Dancing

Mental models guide our attitudes and direct our actions. Senge defined a mental model as a deeply ingrained set of assumptions, generalizations, or images that influence how we understand and resp...
US and territory telemedicine policies: identifying gaps in perinatal care.

Background Perinatal regionalization is a system of maternal and neonatal risk-appropriate health care delivery in which resources are ideally allocated for mothers and newborns during pregnancy, labor and delivery, and postpartum, in order to deliver appropriate care. Typically, perinatal risk-appropriate care is provided in-person, but with the advancement of technologies, the opportunity to provide care remotely has emerged. Telemedicine provides distance-based care to patients by consultation, diagnosis, and treatment in rural or remote US jurisdictions (states and territories). Objective We sought to summarize the telemedicine policies of states and territories and assess if maternal and neonatal risk-appropriate care is specified. Study Design We conducted a 2014 systematic World Wide Web–based review of publicly available rules, statutes, regulations, laws, planning documents, and program descriptions among US jurisdictions (N = 59) on telemedicine care. Policies including language on the topics of consultation, diagnosis, or treatment, and those specific to maternal and neonatal risk-appropriate care were categorized for analysis. Results Overall, 36 jurisdictions (32 states; 3 territories; and District of Columbia) (61%) had telemedicine policies with language referencing consultation, diagnosis, or treatment; 29 (49%) referenced consultation, 30 (51%) referenced diagnosis, and 35 (59%) referenced treatment. In all, 26 jurisdictions (22 states; 3 territories; and District of Columbia) (44%), referenced all topics. Only 3 jurisdictions (3 states; 0 territories) (5%), had policy language specifically addressing perinatal care. Conclusion The majority of states have published telemedicine policies, but few specify policy language for perinatal risk-appropriate care. By ensuring that language specific to the perinatal population is included in telemedicine policies, access to maternal and neonatal care can be increased in rural, remote, and resource-challenged jurisdictions.
Neural mechanisms of information storage in visual short-term memory

The capacity to briefly memorize fleeting sensory information supports visual search and behavioral interactions with relevant stimuli in the environment. Traditionally, studies investigating the neural basis of visual short term memory (STM) have focused on the role of prefrontal cortex (PFC) in exerting executive control over what information is stored and how it is adaptively used to guide behavior. However, the neural substrates that support the actual storage of content-specific information in STM are more controversial, with some attributing this function to PFC and others to the specialized areas of early visual cortex that initially encode incoming sensory stimuli. In contrast to these traditional views, I will review evidence suggesting that content-specific information can be flexibly maintained in areas across the cortical hierarchy ranging from early visual cortex to PFC. While the factors that determine exactly where content-specific information is represented are not yet entirely clear, recognizing the importance of task-demands and better understanding the operation of non-spiking neural codes may help to constrain new theories about how memories are maintained at different resolutions, across different timescales, and in the presence of distracting information.
Identifiable Characteristics and Potentially Malleable Beliefs Predict Stigmatizing Attributions Toward Persons With Alzheimer's Disease Dementia: Results of a Survey of the U.S. General Public.

The general public's views can influence whether people with Alzheimer's disease (AD) experience stigma. The purpose of this study was to understand what characteristics in the general public are associated with stigmatizing attributions. A random sample of adults from the general population read a vignette about a man with mild Alzheimer's disease dementia and completed a modified Family Stigma in Alzheimer's Disease Scale (FS-ADS). Multivariable ordered logistic regressions were used to examine relationships between personal characteristics and FS-ADS ratings. Older respondents expected that persons with AD would receive less support (OR = 0.82, p = .001), have social interactions limited by others (OR = 1.13, p = .04), and face institutional discrimination (OR = 1.13, p = .04). Females reported stronger feelings of pity (OR = 1.57, p = .03) and weaker reactions to negative aesthetic features (OR = 0.67, p = .05). Those who believed strongly that AD was a mental illness rated symptoms more severely (OR = 1.78, p = .007). Identifiable characteristics and beliefs in the general public are related to stigmatizing attributions toward AD. To reduce AD stigma, public health messaging campaigns can tailor information to subpopulations, recognizable by their age, gender, and beliefs.
Abstract P122: Characterization of Ventricular Assist Device Mediated Sensitization in the Bridge to Heart Transplant Patient

Purpose: To clarify patterns of anti-HLA antibody expression (sensitization) occurring in patients bridged to transplantation (BTT) with ventricular assist devices (VADs). Methods: The study is a retrospective review of 68 patients undergoing BTT with either Heartmate II (HMII) axial flow LVAD or paracorporal BIVAD from January 2007 to July 2010 at UCLA Medical Center. Results: Five of 15 (33.3%) HMII pts became sensitized during treatment compared to 29 of 53 (54.7%) BIVAD patients, p=0.24. Table 1 shows common etiologies for patient sensitization of which only PRBC transfusion was statistically significant. [table 1] Multiple variable analysis comparing BIVAD vs. HMII while controlling for previous cardiac surgery, pregnancy, and PRBC transfusion demonstrated an Odds Ratio of 5.20, p=0.029 (robust variance estimator). Of sensitized patients, all 5 (100%) of the HMII patients had pre-existing antibodies prior to VAD placement compared to 11 of 29 (62.1%) BIVAD patients, p=0.016. Maximum cumulative MFIs for BIVAD were 46,259 ± 66,349 vs. 42540 ± 12840 for HMII, p=0.90. Time to maximum antibody expression was shorter for the HMII group (34 ± 28 days vs. 5.8 ± 9 days, p=0.04). Conclusion: BIVADs were associated with a five fold increased risk for sensitization when accounting for other risk factors. HMII patients required pre-sensitization to express antibodies during their treatment interval whereas BIVAD patients developed de novo antibodies. Although the peak cumulative MFIs were similar for both VAD types, the days to reach this peak were significantly less in the HMII group. These data suggest that sensitization in HMII patients may not be due to antigenic stimulation from the device itself.
Absence of Bikini, or the Cold War Boyology in William Golding’s Lord of the Flies

This article argues that running through William Golding’s Lord of the Flies (1954), there is a historical subtext of “Bikini”—that is, Bikini as an emblem of twofold reification of colonial histor...
Sizing of patent ductus arteriosus in adults for transcatheter closure using the balloon pull‐through technique

Objectives To describe a novel balloon sizing technique used during adult transcatheter patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure. In addition, to determine the clinical and procedural outcomes in six patients who underwent PDA balloon sizing with subsequent deployment of a PDA occluder device. Background Transcatheter PDA closure in adults has excellent safety and procedural outcomes. However, PDA sizing in adults can be challenging due to variable defect size, high flow state, or anatomical complexity. We describe a series of six cases where the balloon- pull through technique was successfully performed for PDA sizing prior to transcatheter closure. Methods Consecutive adult patients undergoing adult PDA closure at our institution were studied retrospectively. A partially inflated sizing balloon was pulled through the defect from the aorta into the pulmonary artery and the balloon waist diameter was measured. Procedural success and clinical outcomes were obtained. Results Six adult patients underwent successful balloon pull-through technique for PDA sizing during transcatheter PDA closure, since conventional angiography often gave suboptimal opacification of the defect. All PDAs were treated with closure devices based on balloon PDA sizing with complete closure and no complications. In three patients that underwent preprocedure computed tomography, the balloon size matched the CT derived measurements. Conclusion The balloon pull-through technique for PDA sizing is a safe and accurate sizing modality in adults undergoing transcatheter PDA closure.
Factors Associated With Progression of Barrett's Esophagus: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background & Aims Endoscopic surveillance of patients with Barrett's esophagus (BE) is inefficient. Risk stratification of patients might improve the effectiveness of surveillance. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify factors associated with progression of BE without dysplasia or BE with low-grade dysplasia (LGD) to high-grade dysplasia or esophageal adenocarcinoma. Methods We performed a systematic search of databases through May 2016 to identify cohort studies of patients with baseline BE without dysplasia or BE with LGD that reported predictors of progression. Pooled estimates (odds ratios) of associations of age, sex, smoking, alcohol use, obesity, baseline LGD, segment length, and medication use with progression were calculated. Results We identified 20 studies, reporting 1231 events in 74943 patients. The studies associated BE progression with increasing age (12 studies; odds ratio [OR], 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01–1.05), male sex (11 studies; OR, 2.16; 95% CI, 1.84–2.53), ever smoking (current or past, 8 studies; OR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.09–1.98), and increasing BE segment length (10 studies; OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.16–1.36), with a low degree of heterogeneity. LGD was associated with a 4-fold increase in risk of BE progression (11 studies; OR, 4.25; 95% CI, 2.58–7.0). Use of proton pump inhibitors (4 studies; OR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.32–0.96) or statins (3 studies; OR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.31–0.73) were associated with lower risk of BE progression. Alcohol use and obesity did not associate with risk of progression. Conclusions In a systematic review and meta-analysis, we associated older age, male sex, smoking, longer BE segment, and LGD with risk of progression of BE. Individuals with these features should undergo more intensive surveillance or endoscopic therapy. Smoking is a modifiable risk factor for cancer prevention in patients with BE.
Methods for Synthesis of Funding Agency & Publisher Data

Research analyzing the relationship between grants and publications as outcomes in has in the past been challenged by the general disconnect between information systems which track awards, and those which track published research. However, changing systems and data curation practices have created opportunities in which unified grant and publication data can help us to better understand the research lifecycle. More, specifically, the indexing of funding acknowledgements by bibliographic databases has become an established practice, and provides a means for programmatically building links to connect award records to publication data. This work illustrates the enrichment of grant award records from the U.S. National Science Foundation with direct links to publication data extracted from Web of Science. The usefulness of the bridged data is demonstrated through computation of acknowledgement lag, defined as the time elapsed between when a grant is awarded and when an article is published which acknowledges support from that grant. The application of a categorization schema furthermore shows that research disciplines are very different in terms of the lag time between awards and publications. Furthermore, the results found that in some cases, awards continued to be acknowledged by publications decades later.
Cyclic AMP-producing chemogenetic activation of indirect pathway striatal projection neurons and the downstream effects on the globus pallidus and subthalamic nucleus in freely moving mice.

The indirect pathway striatal medium spiny projection neurons (iMSNs) are critical to motor and cognitive brain functions. These neurons express a high level of cAMP-increasing adenosine A2a receptors (A2aRs). However, the potential effects of cAMP production on iMSN spiking activity have not been established, and recording identified iMSNs in freely moving animals is challenging. Here we show that in the transgenic mice expressing cAMP-producing G protein Gs-coupled designer receptor exclusively activated by designer drug (Gs-DREADD) in iMSNs, the baseline spike firing in MSNs is normal, indicating DREADD expression does not affect the normal physiology of these neurons. Intraperitoneal (IP) injection of the DREADD agonist clozapine-N-oxide (CNO; 2.5 mg/kg) increased the spike firing in 50% of the recorded MSNs. However, CNO did not affect MSN firing in Gs-DREADD negative mice. We also found that CNO injection inhibited the spike firing of globus pallidus external segment (GPe) neurons in Gs-DREADD positive mice, further indicating CNO excitation of iMSNs. Temporally coincident with these effects on spiking firing in the indirect pathway, CNO injection selectively inhibited locomotion in D2 Gs-DREADD mice. Taken together, our results strongly suggest that cAMP production in iMSNs can increase iMSN spiking activity and cause motor inhibition, thus addressing a long-standing question about the cellular functions of the cAMP-producing A2aRs in iMSNs. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Oxidative nitrene transfer from azides to alkynes via Ti(ii)/Ti(iv) redox catalysis: Formal [2+2+1] synthesis of pyrroles

Catalytic oxidative nitrene transfer from azides with the early transition metals is rare, and has not been observed without the support of redox noninnocent spectator ligands. Here, we report the formal [2+2+1] coupling of azides and alkynes via TiII/TiIV redox catalysis from simple Ti halide imido precatalysts. These reactions yield polysubstituted N-alkyl pyrroles, including N-benzyl protected pyrroles and rare examples of very electron rich pentaalkyl pyrroles. Mechanistic analysis reveals that [2+2+1] reactions with bulky azides have different mechanistic features from previously-reported reactions using azobenzene as a nitrene source.
A Developmental Analysis of Suckling in the Rat

Suckling and its development in the newly born rat has been the subject of a burst of research activity in which several investigators in my own laboratory have played an important role. In this article I want to review this research because I believe it is relevant to the study of behavioral development among all mammalian newborn. Although mammals are classified by the possession of mammary glands they could equally well be classified by the capacity for suckling possessed by the young. The development of this capacity and its decline are principal features of infancy among mammalian young and play a central role in their behavioral development.
Movement and Liminality at the Margins: The Wandering Poor in Eighteenth-Century Massachusetts

This chapter explores the social and historical processes that allowed the small piece of land at a place called “the Parting Ways” in Plymouth, Massachusetts, to become a haven for several transient families and later several free African-American families. Using the theoretical concept of liminality to guide my analysis, I examine both the practice of “warning out” poor individuals and families and the communal landholding practices of colonial Massachusetts. “Warning out” created a class of economically disadvantaged people who never fit into the rigid cultural, social, and legal boundaries of eighteenth-century Massachusetts society. And the landholding practices allowed for shifting ways to use, own, and live on land within the law. I argue here that the ability of the Parting Ways site to function as a refuge for members of society’s unfortunate was directly related to the liminal status of the property and its eventual inhabitants. The “betwixt and between” status of people and place afforded social, political, and legal flexibility and mobility that enabled the transient families to settle at Parting Ways while they remained unwanted elsewhere.
Cortical evoked responses associated with arousal from sleep.

STUDY OBJECTIVE To determine if low-level intermittent auditory stimuli have the potential to disrupt sleep during 24-h recordings, we assessed arousal occurrence to varying stimulus intensities. Additionally, if stimulus-generated evoked response potential (ERP) components provide a metric of underlying cortical state, then a particular ERP structure may precede an arousal. DESIGN Physiological electrodes measuring EEG, EKG, and EMG were implanted into 5 adult female Sprague-Dawley rats. We delivered auditory stimuli of varying intensities (50-75 dBa sound pressure level SPL) at random intervals of 6-12 s over a 24-hour period. Recordings were divided into 2-s epochs and scored for sleep/wake state. Following each stimulus, we identified whether the animal stayed asleep or woke. We then sorted the stimuli depending on prior and post-stimulus state, and measured ERP components. RESULTS Auditory stimuli did not produce a significant increase in the number of arousals compared to silent control periods. Overall, arousal from REM sleep occurred more often compared to quiet sleep. ERPs preceding an arousal had decreased mean area and shorter N1 latency. CONCLUSION Low level auditory stimuli did not fragment animal sleep since we observed no significant change in arousal occurrence. Arousals that occurred within 4 s of a stimulus exhibited an ERP mean area and latency had features similar to ERPs generated during wake, indicating that the underlying cortical tissue state may contribute to physiological conditions required for arousal.
Residents-as-teachers programs in psychiatry: a systematic review.

Methods: The published English-language literature was searched using PubMed, Social Sciences Index, and PsycINFO databases, with key search words including: residents, teaching skills, residents as teachers, psychiatry, and assessments. Both RCT and controlled, nonrandomized trials of residents’ teaching programs directed to enhance residents’ teaching skills were selected and critically appraised. Results: Of 13 trials identified and reviewed, most included residents in internal medicine. Only one included psychiatry residents and assessed their ability to teach interviewing skills to medical students. Along with other studies, this study demonstrated improvement in residents’ teaching skills. Overall, interventions and outcome measures were heterogeneous while the quality of methodologies varied. Five studies were of higher quality, representing examples of quality educational research. Several described group differences, blinding, good follow-up, and use of valid, reliable tools. Conclusions: Only one trial exists that incorporated psychiatry residents. Significant opportunity to advance educational research in this field exists. Psychiatry residency program directors should incorporate high-quality methodologies and can benefit from the findings of trials in other disciplines.
Vancomycin associated acute kidney injury in pediatric patients.

Introduction Vancomycin associated acute kidney injury (vAKI) is a well known complication in pediatric patients. Identification and characterization of the incidence and risk factors for vAKI in the pediatric population would assist clinicians in potentially preventing or mitigating vAKI. Methods and materials A 6 year retrospective cohort study was designed. Patients were included if they were < 19 years of age, received vancomycin as inpatients, and had a baseline SCr and one other SCr drawn during and up to 72 hours after the discontinuation of vancomycin. Data collection included patient demographics, vancomycin doses and length of therapy, vancomycin serum concentrations, and concomitant medications. The Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria were used to characterize acute kidney injury. Descriptive statistical methods were used and ordinal logistic regression was employed to determine variables significantly associated with vAKI. Results A total of 7,095 patients met study criteria (55.4% male, median age 4.1 years (IQR 0.67–11.2 years)). Mechanical ventilation was used in 7.9% (n = 563) and mortality was 4.9% (n = 344). A total of 153 concomitant medications were identified. A median of 5 (IQR 3–7) SCr values were obtained and median SCr prior to vancomycin was 0.39 (IQR 0.28–0.57) mg/dL (CrCl 134±58 mL/min/1.73m2). Vancomycin was administered for a median of 2 (IQR 1–3) days (14.9±1.6 mg/kg/dose). vAKI was present in 12.2% (n = 862: KDIGO stage 1 (8.30%, n = 589), KDIGO stage 2 (1.94%, n = 138) KDIGO stage 3 (1.89%, n = 134)). Mean vancomycin serum concentration at 6–8 hours after a dose for patients with vAKI (10.7±8.9 mg/L) was significantly, but not clinically different for patients with no vAKI (7.5±6.3 mg/L). (p<0.05) Ordinal logistic regression identified total dose of vancomycin, vancomycin administration in the intensive care unit, and concomitant medication administration as significant for vAKI. In particular, concomitant administration of several different medications, including nafcillin, clindamycin, and acetazolamide, were noted for strong associations with vAKI. (p<0.05) Conclusions Moderate to severe acute kidney injury due to vancomycin is infrequent in children and associated with concomitant medication use and total dose of vancomycin. Serum vancomycin concentrations are not useful predictors of vAKI in the pediatric population.
Understanding wellhead ignition as a blowout response

Abstract Voluntary ignition of the exiting oil-gas mixture may be an acceptable response to a possible well blowout if the burning could be shown to be nearly 100% efficient. Oil-gas mixture burning is a very complex phenomenon. The efficiency of such burning depends on many parameters, which include the ratio of gas to oil, the size and velocity of oil droplets, thermo-physical properties of the oil and gas, the presence of water or other fire depressants, etc. Motivated by these considerations, in this work, the first part provides a review of the independent study based on the available literature to understand the key models/sub-models in determining the burning efficiency of well ignition. Then, instead of accurate modeling of this complex well ignition phenomenon, simplified models are used to systematically understand the extreme limits of key parameters and variables for capturing the worst case consequence. Lastly, we apply the proposed method to a well on artificial drilling islands in the Beaufort Sea, off the northern coast of Alaska.
On the zeroes of half-integral weight Eisenstein series on Γ0(4)

We locate all but O(klog k) zeroes of the half integral weight Eisenstein series E∞(z,k) of Γ0(4) for k sufficiently large. To do this, we relate E∞(z,k) to Γ0(4)’s other Eisenstein series, E0(z,k)...
Public and Technical Interdependence: Regulatory Controversy, Out-Law Discourse, and the Messy Case of Olestra

This essay characterizes regulatory controversy through communicative practices that bridge the technical and public spheres of argument. The case of Procter & Gamble's efforts to gain approval and consumers for the fat substitute olestra, opposed by the Center for Science in the Public Interest, serves as a vehicle for exploring the nature of regulatory controversy and the interdependence of public and technical argument. Out-law discourse, a discourse of dissent, ignores conventional standards of argument and is invited in regulatory controversy when extant arenas for argument are not flexible enough to accommodate dissent. This out-law discourse is explored through the tactics of objection and counteranalysis, and the essay concludes that regulatory controversy actually places a greater burden on corporate actors than on their out-law opponents.
Accuracy of Wind Observations from Open-Ocean Buoys: Correction for Flow Distortion

AbstractThe comparison of equivalent neutral winds obtained from (i) four WHOI buoys in the subtropics and (ii) scatterometer estimates at those locations reveals a root-mean-square (RMS) differenc...
18 – Production Optimization

Publisher Summary Production optimization means determination and implementation of the optimum values of parameters in the production system to maximize hydrocarbon production rate (or discounted revenue) or to minimize operating cost under various technical and economical constraints. Because a system can be defined differently, the production optimization can be performed at different levels such as well level, platform/ facility level, and field level. This chapter describes production optimization of systems defined as naturally flowing well, gas-lifted well, sucker rod-pumped well, separator, pipeline network, gas lift facility, oil, and gas production fields. The chapter presents the principles of production optimization of well, facility, and field levels. While well- and facility-level optimization computations can be carried out using nodal analysis approach, field-level computations frequently require simulators with simultaneous solvers. Production optimization is driven by production economics.