cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
H/ 2 H Exchange Mass Spectrometry of Protein Complexes

Amide proton exchange is one of the oldest methods for probing the structure of proteins in solution (Linderstrom-Lang, 1955). Initially, experiments involved the monitoring of tritium incorporation into whole proteins. Later, NMR spectroscopists developed methods for monitoring the exchange of deuterons (NMR-silent nuclei) for protons (NMR-active nuclei) and NMR has been widely used for monitoring amide proton exchange to study protein folding. The first attempt to study a protein–protein interaction by monitoring amide proton exchange usingNMRwas reported in 1990 by Paterson et al.
3D printed optical phantoms and deep tissue imaging for in vivo applications including oral surgery

Progress in developing optical imaging for biomedical applications requires customizable and often complex objects known as "phantoms" for testing, evaluation, and calibration. This work demonstrates that 3D printing is an ideal method for fabricating such objects, allowing intricate inhomogeneities to be placed at exact locations in complex or anatomically realistic geometries, a process that is difficult or impossible using molds. We show printed mouse phantoms we have fabricated for developing deep tissue fluorescence imaging methods, and measurements of both their optical and mechanical properties. Additionally, we present a printed phantom of the human mouth that we use to develop an artery localization method to assist in oral surgery.
Clarithromycin, pomalidomide, and dexamethasone (ClaPD) in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.

8036 Background: Clarithromycin has been shown to enhance anti-myeloma activity of lenalidomide+dexamethasone in the upfront treatment of multiple myeloma (MM). Pomalidomide is an immunomodulatory ...
A World of Constellations in the Night Sky

Look up in any modern city and you may only see a few or a dozen stars. Travel to the country, and the sky is filled with stars, of a wide variety of colors and brightness, arrayed across the sky with a mysterious splendor as it has for thousands of years. Our reaction to this sky is primal and universal. The night sky can bring us strong feelings – “A feeling of falling from a great height” as Carl Sagan describes, or perhaps the reaction of Emily Dickson in which she describes how she knows poetry – “I feel physically as if the top of my head were taken off.”
The natural and capital infrastructure of potential post-electrification wealth creation in Kenya

It is widely accepted that electricity is an important element for improving levels of human development and wealth creation in rural areas. Yet, little research has explored the conditions under which electrification could lead to wealth creation post-electrification. Using Kenya as a case study, this paper uses natural capital (NC) and infrastructural capital (IC) data to compare the enabling environments under which electrification could lead to wealth creation (and persistent demand for electricity) post-electrification. We use multiple spatial data sets to create three different metrics for NC and IC and use them to create a micro-enterprise development index (MED index). NC data is composed of water body data (major rivers and access to irrigation infrastructure), soil data (soil quality and agro-ecological potential), and agricultural data (crop intensity and diversity). IC is composed of spatial data spanning major towns, first and second tier roads, electricity infrastructure (transmission grid, location of government, and entrepreneur run off-grid electrification projects), population density, access to education, trade centers (markets), healthcare, and access to financial services. We perform feature scaling on NC and IC data and use them to create a MED index, which we use to represent the potential for rural micro-enterprises to create wealth, post-electrification. We compare this spatial proxy to a nightlights GDP per capita proxy developed by the World Bank in 2015 and provide a discussion highlighting the benefits and drawbacks of our approach and of using nightlights as a single metric for wealth in rural areas. In Kenya, infrastructural capital follows natural capital. Regions with greater natural capital have relatively higher development and penetration of infrastructural capital. We observe a large discrepancy between our MED index and the nightlights income proxy, which could be caused by an underestimate of economic activity by nightlights, and an overestimate by the MED index, being that it is a measure of “potential” wealth (as opposed to current wealth). A spatial aggregation of natural and infrastructural capital, and nightlights data, could be an accurate demand-side input for electrification supply-side models including grid-expansion and off-grid strategies.
Central inhibition of DNA methylation improves lipopolysaccharide-induced sickness behavior in mice

DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) regulate gene expression by catalyzing DNA methylation but their role in the brain in regulating sickness behavior induced by neuroinflammation is not known. Therefore, we sought to determine the central effects of demethylation of DNA with a DMNT inhibitor on sickness behavior induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Adult C57 BL/6J mice (age 3–6 months) were implanted with an intracerebroventricular (ICV) cannula, and after 7 days of recovery were injected ICV with saline vehicle or the DMNT inhibitor zebularine (300 ng/μl). Saline vehicle or LPS (10 ng/μl) was injected ICV 30 min later. Burrowing behavior and body weight were measured at 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48 h to assess sickness behavior. LPS reduced burrowing behavior in mice (p
Constructive Mathematics Is Seemingly Simple but There Are Still Open Problems: Kreisel's Observation Explained

In his correspondence with Grigory Mints, the famous logician Georg Kreisel noticed that many results of constructive mathematics seem easier-to-prove than the corresponding classical (non-constructive) results { although he noted that these results are still far from being simple and the corresponding open problems are challenging. In this paper, we provide a possible explanation for this empirical observation. Mathematics Subject Classication: 03A10, 03F60
Non-metallic inclusions in 17-4PH stainless steel parts produced by selective laser melting

Abstract The character, morphology and distribution of inclusions has been studied in additively manufactured 17-4PH stainless steel parts produced from gas-atomized powder by selective laser melting. A combination of advanced electron microscopy techniques has been used to show that such parts contain oxide inclusions ranging from a few nm to tens of μm across. The coarser inclusions have morphologies that mimic the oxides which accumulate between melt tracks at the build surface, suggesting that these inclusions are incorporated into the build during deposition of subsequent layers. Such features could have deleterious anisotropic effects upon the fatigue and fracture resistance of the built parts. The finer inclusions are equi-axed, reside preferentially at grain boundaries, and could inhibit grain growth during processing via Zener pinning effects. The chemistries of the inclusions include elements such as Al that are not part of the alloy specification. This indicates that the inclusions are exogenous defects that are entrained in the melt during gas atomization due to interactions with the crucible or nozzle materials. Examples of encapsulated oxide material in the powder feedstock support this explanation. These observations highlight the need for careful control of powder pedigree when using additive manufacturing for critical structural components.
A functional splice variant associated with decreased asthma risk abolishes the ability of gasdermin B to induce epithelial cell pyroptosis

Background Genetic variants in the chromosomal region 17q21 are consistently associated with asthma. However, mechanistic studies have not yet linked any of the associated variants to a function that could influence asthma, and as a result, the identity of the asthma gene(s) remains elusive. Objectives We sought to identify and characterize functional variants in the 17q21 locus. Methods We used the Exome Aggregation Consortium browser to identify coding (amino acid–changing) variants in the 17q21 locus. We obtained asthma association measures for these variants in both the Genetic Epidemiology Research in Adult Health and Aging (GERA) cohort (16,274 cases and 38,269 matched controls) and the EVE Consortium study (5,303 asthma cases and 12,560 individuals). Gene expression and protein localization were determined by quantitative RT-PCR and fluorescence immunostaining, respectively. Molecular and cellular studies were performed to determine the functional effects of coding variants. Results Two coding variants (rs2305480 and rs11078928) of the gasdermin B ( GSDMB ) gene in the 17q21 locus were associated with lower asthma risk in both GERA (odds ratio, 0.92; P = 1.01 × 10 −6 ) and EVE (odds ratio, 0.85; joint P EVE = 1.31 × 10 −13 ). In GERA, rs11078928 had a minor allele frequency (MAF) of 0.45 in unaffected (nonasthmatic) controls and 0.43 in asthma cases. For European Americans in EVE, the MAF of rs2305480 was 0.45 for controls and 0.39 for cases; for all EVE subjects, the MAF was 0.32 for controls and 0.27 for cases. GSDMB is highly expressed in differentiated airway epithelial cells, including the ciliated cells. We found that, when the GSDMB protein is cleaved by inflammatory caspase-1 to release its N-terminal fragment, potent pyroptotic cell death is induced. The splice variant rs11078928 deletes the entire exon 6, which encodes 13 amino acids in the critical N-terminus, and abolishes the pyroptotic activity of the GSDMB protein. Conclusions Our study identified a functional asthma variant in the GSDMB gene of the 17q21 locus and implicates GSDMB-mediated epithelial cell pyroptosis in pathogenesis.
Camptothecins in the Treatment of Lung Cancer

Since 1987 lung cancer has been the leading cause of cancer death in both men and women. In 2003 an estimated 171,900 new cases of lung cancer were diagnosed in the United States, and an estimated 157,200 deaths occurred from the disease. The incidence rate of lung cancer is declining in men, from a high of 102.1 per 100,000 in 1984 to 81.1 per 100,000 in 1999. In the late 1990s the incidence of lung cancer seen in women, which had been steadily rising, leveled off to the current incidence rate of 52.4 per 100,000. Overall, the 1-year survival rates for lung cancer have increased from 34% in 1975 to 42% in 1998, mainly because of improvements in surgical techniques. However, the 5-year relative survival rate for all stages is only 15% (1).
A Population Viability Analysis for Sharp-Tailed Grouse to Inform Reintroductions

Abstract Sharp-tailed grouse Tympanuchus phasianellus were effectively extirpated from western Montana during the last century as a result of settlement by Euro-Americans. Recent interest in reesta...
More Effective Contextualization of CS Education Research: A Pair-Programming Example

This position paper discusses the need for greater inclusion of context in papers describing computer science education research. This inspiration arose from our efforts to compare our experiences with pair programming in an introductory computer science course with experiences described in the literature. We quickly observed that the behaviors associated with the term "pair programming" and the contexts can differ greatly between universities and yet the phrase pair programming is often used with no further explanation.A brief literature survey is used to demonstrate differences in the implementation of pair programming and the context that might impact the results. We identify attributes that are likely appropriate for much CS education research, as well as specifically consider relevant attributes for research involving pair programming. This anchors our paper and demonstrates specific attributes that require consideration beyond the general computer science classroom.Our goal is to foster conversations on providing appropriate context in computer science education research. We argue that by providing such context, studies can be more easily replicated or distinguished, a greater understanding of attributes influencing the research can be gained, and other educators can more easily determine the relevance of the research to their classroom environment.
THE EFFECTS OF POSTURAL AND ANATOMICAL ALIGNMENT ON SPEED, POWER, AND ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE IN MALE COLLEGIATE ATHLETES: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL.

Background Many human beings are strongly influenced by right-sided dominance. This may cause potentially pathologic or dysfunctional asymmetries within the innominates of the pelvis, which in turn influences movement throughout the body including the glenohumeral (GH), vertebral, femoral acetabular (FA), sacroiliac, and costovertebral joints. Techniques based upon the science of Postural Restoration® may help correct these asymmetries and improve multiple physiological and mechanical aspects of sports performance. Purpose To examine difference between non-manual, Postural Restoration® exercises and traditional postural interventions on anatomical alignment, available range of motion and symmetry, and speed and power in active college-aged males. Study design Randomized control trial, pretest-posttest control group design. Methods 25 male collegiate students (age = 21 ± 3 years) who met the ACSM guidelines to be considered physically active were chosen to participate. Participants completed a vertical jump test using a power analyzer (Tendo Sport, Lexington, SC, USA) and the pro agility test. Anatomical alignment was assessed through an adduction drop test, extension drop test, and standard goniometric measurements including femoral acetabular external rotation (ER), internal rotation (IR), flexion, and abduction, and glenohumeral internal rotation. Participants were randomly assigned to either non-manual, Postural Restoration® techniques or traditional posture improvement exercises. Following a four-week intervention period, participants were reassessed using the same aforementioned outcomes completed pre-intervention. Results Participants who completed the non-manual, Postural Restoration® techniques demonstrated significant improvements in pro-agility scores (-0.03 ± 0.10 seconds; p=0.0005). Neither set of interventions improved vertical jump scores (Treatment: + 35.7 ± 288.02 W, p=0.1000; Control: -10.08 ± 301.04 W, p=0.381). Areas of anatomical alignment that demonstrated significant change included the treatment group for FA IR (p=0.010) and FA abduction (p=0.035) symmetry and the left adduction drop test (p=0.039). Conclusion Non-manual exercise techniques based upon the science of Postural Restoration® may equalize asymmetries present in FA internal rotation and hip abduction. Improvements in symmetry of joint motion may indicate a restoration of neutrality of the pelvis and femoroacetabular joints. By improving anatomical alignment, through establishing a neutral pelvis, athletes may demonstrate improved neuromechanical efficiency, and kinesthetic control of multi-directional motions required for enhanced sports performance markers. Level of evidence 1b.
Mutual Information Reveals a 6 Base Pair Signal in Noncoding DNA

Abstract Background Coding DNA in eukaryotes shows a prominent periodicity at 3–base pair (bp) because of the nonuniform use of bases at the three codon positions. This periodicity can also be interpreted as a correlation between bases at a distance of 3–bp, which in turn implies enhanced predictability at that distance as well as at integer multiples of 3 bp. This study examined possible similar dependencies between nucleotide positions in human promoter region sequences. It is possible that such noncoding sequences might show enhanced predictability at various distances other than 3 bps because of the ubiquitousness of repetitive patterns such as Short Tandem Repeats (STR). It is also possible that the 3D conformational requirements of helical DNA could induce a dependency between bps occupying certain relative positions. Mutual Information (MI), an information–theoretic quantity that can be interpreted as a measure of correlation or predictability between two sequence positions, was used to probe promoter sequences in Homo sapiens. Coding DNA sequences were also probed as a methodological control. Results The MI measure showed a clear 3–bp signal with integer harmonics in coding DNA sequences. This shows that the MI measure is sensitive to a known repetitive signal in coding DNA sequences. MI in promoter sequences fell with increasing distance between two positions, but also showed an unexpected and significant rise at a distance of 6–bp (i.e., between the first and the seventh bases in a sequence). Harmonic intrusion of a 3–bp signal from coding DNA was ruled out as an explanation for this 6–bp signal in promoter DNA. Purposely misaligning the promoter sequences had essentially no effect on the increased correlation at a distance of 6 bp. Conclusions Human promoter DNA sequences shows enhanced predictability (i.e., increased mutual information) between a given position and a position 6 bp downstream. This signal runs counter to the general fall in mutual information as the distance between positions increases. The increased correlation at a distance of 6 bp does not depend on the precise alignment of the sequences. Possible explanations for this enhanced predictability are discussed.
Research progress in detection of pollution of heavy metals in cigarettes

Heavy metal pollution in the process of cigarettes production and processing was caused by different kinds oftobaccos with different preparation technology and supplementary material. And national criteria for heavy metal content in acigarette haven't been made so far. However,lots of researches about the detection methods for heavy metal in cigarettes havebeen found at home and abroad. The source and the pollution ways of heavy metal in cigarettes were summarized in this paper.The pretreatment technology of heavy metal detection consisted of dry digestion,wet digestion,microwave digestion andultrasonic extraction. The detection methods of heavy metal in cigarettes were AAS,AFS,IC and CP-MS. The advantages and disadvantages of the semethods was compared,and the development trend ofdetection technology in the future is predicted.
Having a Change of Heart: Reversing the Suicidal Proclivities of Cardiac Myocytes

The molecular and cellular basis for cardiac remodeling have been difficult to establish. Transcriptional analysis and genetic manipulation of the mouse heart have revealed expression of a molecular program for cardiac myocyte suicide under conditions of myocardial injury or hemodynamic stress. Interrupting the cardiomyocyte suicide program by selective ablation of inducible apoptosis genes has proven to be remarkably effective in preventing remodeling and heart failure following myocardial infarction. Since these apoptotic genes are similarly dysregulated in human heart disease, the stage is set for a new era of therapeutics targeting cardiac suicide genes and their products.
Role of inflammasomes in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease and therapeutics

Inflammasomes are a group of multimolecular intracellular complexes assembled around several innate immune proteins. Recognition of a diverse range of microbial, stress and damage signals by inflammasomes results in direct activation of caspase-1, which subsequently induces the only known form of secretion of active interleukin-1β and interleukin-18. Although the importance of interleukin-1β in the periodontium is not questioned, the impact of inflammasomes in periodontal disease and its potential for therapeutics in periodontology is still in its very early stages. Increasing evidence in preclinical models and human data strongly implicate the involvement of inflammasomes in a number of inflammatory, autoinflammatory and autoimmune disorders. Here we review: (a) the currently known inflammasome functions, (b) clinical/preclinical data supporting inflammasome involvement in the context of periodontal and comorbid diseases and (c) potential therapies targeting inflammasomes. To clarify further the inflammasome involvement in periodontitis, we present analyses of data from a large clinical study (n = 5809) that measured the gingival crevicular fluid-interleukin-1β and grouped the participants based on current periodontal disease classifications. We review data on 4910 European-Americans that correlate 16 polymorphisms in the interleukin-1B region with high gingival crevicular fluid-interleukin-1β levels. We show that inflammasome components are increased in diseased periodontal tissues and that the caspase-1 inhibitor, VX-765, inhibits ~50% of alveolar bone loss in experimental periodontitis. The literature review further supports that although patients clinically present with the same phenotype, the disease that develops probably has different underlying biological pathways. The current data indicate that inflammasomes have a role in periodontal disease pathogenesis. Understanding the contribution of different inflammasomes to disease development and distinct patient susceptibility will probably translate into improved, personalized therapies.
Comparing Medical Comorbidities Between Opioid and Cocaine Users: A Data Mining Approach.

Background Prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs) are instrumental in controlling opioid misuse, but opioid users have increasingly shifted to cocaine, creating a different set of medical problems. While opioid use results in multiple medical comorbidities, findings of the existing studies reported single comorbidities rather than a set, and furthermore, those findings are often conflicting because of the lack of controlling for other substances in the analysis when combined use of substance creates synergistic effects. On the other hand, the findings from cocaine use are mainly related to kidney and heart problems, which lack specificity. Because medical comorbidities from opioid and cocaine use are very different, it is imperative to investigate medical comorbidities from opioids and cocaine in order to minimize negative effects from PDMPs. Therefore, this study attempts to discover sets of medical comorbidities from opioid and cocaine use by controlling for other substances in the analysis. Methods A data mining technique, association rule mining algorithm, was employed to discover sets of medical comorbidities using electronic medical records. This method is ideal to discover co-occurring medical comorbidities. Findings Opioid use was associated with a set of [high diastolic blood pressure (DBP), abnormal specific gravity], [high body mass index (BMI), low blood gas] among others. Cocaine use correlated with [high creatine kinase (CK), high blood urea nitrogen (BUN)], [high CK, cardiopulmonary] among others. Conclusion The findings of this study addresses some of the conflicting findings by eliminating multidrug and reports sets of medical comorbidities from opioid and cocaine use.
Hospital mortality and long-term mortality among hospitalized patients with various admission serum ionized calcium levels

We conducted a single-center historical cohort study to evaluate the association between admission serum ionized calcium and mortality in hospitalized patients. We included hospitalized patients fr...
Cassini INMS measurements of Enceladus plume density

During six encounters between 2008 and 2013, the Cassini Ion and Neutral Mass Spectrometer (INMS) made in situ measurements deep within the Enceladus plumes. Throughout each encounter, those measurements contained density variations that reflected the nature of the source, particularly of the high-velocity jets. Since the dominant constituent of the vapor, H2O, interacted with the walls of the INMS inlet, we track changes in the external vapor density by using more-volatile species that responded promptly to those changes. However, the most-abundant volatiles, at 28 u and 44 u, behaved differently from each other in the plume. At least a portion of their differences may be attributed to mass-dependent thermal velocity that affects Mach number in the high-velocity jets. Variations between volatiles place an emphasis on modeling as a means to construct overall plume density from the volatile densities and to investigate the velocity, gas temperature, and location of the jets. Ice grains, entering the INMS aperture add complexity and uncertainty to the physical interpretation of the data because the grains modified the INMS measurements. A comparison of data from the last three encounters, E14, E17, and E18, are consistent with the VIMS observation of variability in jet production and a slower, more diffuse gas flux from the four sulci or tiger stripes. We provide and describe the INMS data, its processing, and its uncertainty.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in the pediatric population - who should go on, and who should not.

Purpose of review The role of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), a method of providing cardiorespiratory support in instances of cardiac or respiratory failure, in neonates and children continues to expand and evolve. This review details the current landscape of ECMO as it applies to neonates and children. Recent findings Specifically, this review provides the most recent evidence for which patients should be considered for the various forms of ECMO including venovenous ECMO, venoarterial-ECMO, and extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Specific topics to be discussed include indications and contraindications for the different types of ECMO in neonates and children, anticoagulation strategies and ways to monitor end-organ function, outcomes specific to the different types and populations with a focus on meaningful survival to discharge and neurologic outcomes, and consideration of special populations such as low birth weight infants, traumatically injured patients, and children who received recent bone marrow transplants. This review also discusses still unanswered questions surrounding the most appropriate use of ECMO as its role and applications continue to evolve. Summary With rapidly increasing utilization of ECMO, neonatologists and pediatricians should be aware of the most recent evidence guiding its indications, applications, and limitations.
FILTERED RAYLEIGH AND RELIEF IMAGING OF VELOCITY, TEMPERATURE, AND DENSITY IN HYPERSONIC FLOWS FOR THE STUDY OF BOUNDARY lAYERS, SHOCK STRUCTURES, MIXING PHENOMENA, AND THE ACQUISITION OF IN-FLIGHT AIR DATA

We describe here several new techniques which have potential for quantitative diagnostics in hypersonic flow fields. In particular, RELIEF flow tagging of oxygen and Rayleigh scattering are examined. Both have been implemented in a 200 mm x 200 mm high Reynolds number flow facility at Mach 3 and show great promise of being extended into the hypersonic range. Filtered Rayleigh Scattering is an especially attractive approach to hypersonic measurement in both ground-test facilities and on in-flight vehicles.
Pathological Conversion of Mouse Perivascular Adipose Tissue by Notch Activation.

Objective: Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) surrounding arteries supports healthy vascular function. During obesity, PVAT loses its vasoprotective effect. We study pathological conversion of PVAT...
“all temperate and civilized governments;” A Brief History of Just Compensation in the Nineteenth Century

This article explores the origins of the “just compensation” principle, the rationale behind the compensation requirement, and attempts to define the scope of “just compensation” throughout the Nineteenth Century. It traces the sources of the compensation requirement when property is acquired by eminent domain to English common law and the influence of natural law theorists. Courts in the United States early took the position that payment of compensation was a fundamental principle of universal application even if written constitutions contained no express compensation provision. The Fifth Amendment takings clause was seen as simply an affirmation of this overarching principle. The compensation norm was understood as a matter of “natural equity,” so that the burden of public projects was shared by the community as a whole rather than fall upon a single individual. Moreover, from the outset courts insisted that the determination of the amount of just compensation was a question for the judiciary, and that the legislature could not fix the measure of compensation. The article examines at length the evolution of “just compensation” during the Nineteenth Century. Where an entire parcel was taken, courts gravitated to the fair market value as the appropriate standard for compensation. Yet ascertaining fair market value posed difficulties, and many commentators charged that this standard did not provide adequate compensation to owners. Partial takings presented even more complicated problems. Lawmakers commonly mandated that in such cases the alleged benefits resulting from a project to the remaining land should be offset against the loss suffered by the owner, thus reducing any monetary compensation. Critics argued that supposed advantages were often illusory or inequitably benefited the entire community not the particular owner. The article probes the constitutional issues, as well as the confusion and uncertainty, arising from the offset of benefits. It also considers and questions the contested subsidy thesis, which holds that the offset of benefits amounted to a subsidy to transportation companies, especially railroads, by minimizing the expense of acquiring rights of way by eminent domain. Noting a gap between judicial rhetoric extolling the importance of private property and the frequent practice of awarding inadequate compensation when property was taken by eminent domain, the article concludes by suggesting that undercompensation was a legacy of the Nineteenth Century. In this connection, it looks at some recent cases in which courts stopped short of awarding full compensation.
Large Molecule Decomposition Products of Electrolytes and Additives Revealed by On-Electrode Chromatography and MALDI

The solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) produced by the decomposition of electrolyte has critical impact on battery performance. However, the precise makeup of SEI including the composition of organic species is one of the least understood aspects of lithium-ion batteries. Here, we probe the SEIs using Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Time of Flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) assisted by on-electrode chromatography. MALDI is suitable for characterization of organic and polymer molecules but is inconvenient to couple with chromatography methods. This study employs on-electrode chromatography which utilizes the electrode itself as stationary phase for fractionating the molecules on the electrode surfaces, successfully introducing chromatography separation approaches for MALDI. With on-electrode chromatography, SEI components were characterized by MALDI directly on the electrodes. Large molecule decomposition products of carbonate electrolytes containing vinylene carbonate and methacrylate additives are unambiguously illustrated. This work provides a simple, powerful and universal solution for identification of the organic components in SEIs.
Healthcare Resource Utilization in Inguinal Hernia Repair: A Three-Year Cost Evaluation of Truven Health Marketscan Research Databases.

ABSTRACT Background Inguinal hernia repair is the most commonly performed elective operation in the United States, with over 800,000 cases annually. While clinical outcomes comparing laparoscopic versus open techniques have been well documented, there is little data comparing costs associated with these techniques. This study evaluates the cost of healthcare resources during the 90-d postoperative period following inguinal hernia repair. Methods We analyzed data from the Truven Health MarketScan Research Databases. Adult patients with an ICD-9 or CPT code for inguinal hernia repair from 2012 to 2014 were included. Patients with continuous enrollment for 6 mo prior to surgery and 6 mo after surgery were analyzed. Related healthcare service costs (readmission and/or ER visit and/or outpatient visit) were calculated by clinical classification software and generalized linear modeling was used to compare healthcare utilization between groups. Results 124,582 cases were identified (open = 84,535; lap = 40,047). Index surgery cost was 41% higher in laparoscopic cases. The cost for readmission was close to $25,000 and similar between both groups, but the laparoscopic group were 12% less likely to be readmitted for surgical complications within 90-d when compared to the open group. Cost of bilateral laparoscopic repair is less than that of serial unilateral open repairs. Conclusion Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair carries a higher index surgery cost than open repair. However, open repair has an increased rate of readmission. To maximize value, efforts should be directed at minimizing readmissions and improving identification of bilateral hernias at the time of initial presentation.
A scoping review of the use of exercise-based upper extremity injury prevention programs for industrial workers

Abstract Study Design This study is a scoping review. Introduction Exercise-based upper extremity injury prevention programs are used by employers to reduce the cost of work-related injuries in the industrial work setting. Purpose of the Study The purpose of the study was to identify, report, and evaluate all published literature that describes exercise-based upper extremity injury prevention programs used with an industrial workforce. Methods A systematic search of Medline, ProQuest, Pubmed, and Worldcat databases was performed. Data extracted included the type of outcome tool used, the outcome that was measured, the components of the exercise program, and the effectiveness toward reducing injury. Results 14 studies were included in the final analysis and summary. 12 articles included strengthening (85%) 10 included stretching (71%), 2 included health coaching (14%), and 2 included work simulation (14%). The most prevalent treatment approach was combined stretching and strengthening which accounted for 5 of the 14 studies, or 36%. The intervention period ranged from 4 weeks to 1 year and the program frequency ranged from before every work shift to weekly performance. There were 22 different outcome measures with health condition reported in 12 of 14 studies (86%) and function reported in 7 of 14 studies (50%). Discussion and Conclusions Although many of the studies showed positive benefits to the exercise program, there is a wide variance in the current literature regarding the implementation, supervision, and exercise components of an upper extremity injury prevention program in an industrial work setting. Because there is no commonly-accepted exercise program, a conclusion regarding effectiveness cannot be generalized outside of the environment, supervision requirements, frequency, and duration in which the research was performed. There is a need for improved reporting techniques and a preferred program to be replicated across multiple work settings in order to allow generalizability of findings.
Assessment of three SERS approaches for studying E. Coli O157:H7 susceptibility to ampicillin

Antibiotic resistant bacteria pose an increasing threat to global public health, and it is essential that effective detection methods for identifying these organisms. This study assesses the ability of three different analytical approaches that were developed using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) to differentiate between antibiotic sensitive and resistant bacteria based on their responses to ampicillin exposure, using Escherichia coli O157:H7 as a model bacterium. The approaches tested in this study included a conventional SERS approach of mixing a droplet of bacterial culture with gold nanoparticles, extracellular matrix analysis, and in situ mapping of bacterial cells on a filter membrane. All three of the SERS techniques were able to differentiate between the sensitive and resistant bacterial strains based on peak intensity changes associated with compounds released by the bacteria in response to antibiotic exposure, with extracellular matrix analysis and filter mapping both observed to be more effective than the conventional approach. However, there were significant differences between the spectra obtained from the different techniques and the potential advantages and disadvantages of each approach should be considered when used in the future. This study shows that SERS can be an effective technique for rapid and efficient assessment of ampicillin sensitivity in E. coli, and more work should be done to explore these analytical approaches with other types of bacterial samples.
On the role of thermal stress and fluid pressure in triggering seismic and aseismic faulting at the Brawley Geothermal Field, California.

Abstract Surface deformation and earthquake swarms are correlated in space and time with operations at the Brawley geothermal field in southern California. The seismicity culminated in 2012, about 2 years after the onset of geothermal activity, with a M5.4 earthquake. These earthquakes occurred at a >5km depth, much larger than the ∼1km reach of the geothermal wells, raising questions about the triggering mechanism. Surface deformation shows that aseismic slip on a normal fault intersecting the geothermal reservoir preceded the swarm and possibly triggered it. In this study, we resort to geomechanical modeling to investigate how the sequence of aseismic and seismic slip unfolded. The modeling accounts for thermo- and poro-elastic stress changes induced by the geothermal operations and allows for inelastic deformation and faulting of the reservoir and surrounding medium. The simulation successfully reproduces the flow rates and well-head pressures reported by the operator as well as the measured surface subsidence. By varying the model parameters, we show that the surface subsidence is due to thermal contraction and normal faulting. The fault reactivation is driven by pressure changes and thermal unclamping. The pressure-driven reactivation is rapid and influences a larger area, while the temperature-driven reactivation is more gradual and more localized near the injection wells. In our simulation, aseismic normal faulting driven by the geothermal operation leads to elastic stress release via yielding and faulting within the reservoir volume and, conversely, to stress build-up beneath the reservoir, where the 2012 swarm developed. Such a stress transfer provides a plausible explanation for the 2012 Brawley swarm. Our study shows how a geothermal operation can, in principle, contribute to seismic hazard mitigation through the aseismic release of tectonic stresses within a geothermal field but points to the difficulty of mitigating the hazard posed by stress transfers in the surrounding area.
Chemical Haptics: Rendering Haptic Sensations via Topical Stimulants

We propose a new class of haptic devices that provide haptic sensations by delivering liquid-stimulants to the user's skin; we call this chemical haptics. Upon absorbing these stimulants, which contain safe and small doses of key active ingredients, receptors in the user's skin are chemically triggered, rendering distinct haptic sensations. We identified five chemicals that can render lasting haptic sensations: tingling (sanshool), numbing (lidocaine), stinging (cinnamaldehyde), warming (capsaicin), and cooling (menthol). To enable the application of our novel approach in a variety of settings (such as VR), we engineered a self-contained wearable that can be worn anywhere on the user's skin (e.g., face, arms, legs). Implemented as a soft silicone patch, our device uses micropumps to push the liquid stimulants through channels that are open to the user's skin, enabling topical stimulants to be absorbed by the skin as they pass through. Our approach presents two unique benefits. First, it enables sensations, such as numbing, not possible with existing haptic devices. Second, our approach offers a new pathway, via the skin's chemical receptors, for achieving multiple haptic sensations using a single actuator, which would otherwise require combining multiple actuators (e.g., Peltier, vibration motors, electro-tactile stimulation). We evaluated our approach by means of two studies. In our first study, we characterized the temporal profiles of sensations elicited by each chemical. Using these insights, we designed five interactive VR experiences utilizing chemical haptics, and in our second user study, participants rated these VR experiences with chemical haptics as more immersive than without. Finally, as the first work exploring the use of chemical haptics on the skin, we offer recommendations to designers for how they may employ our approach for their interactive experiences.
Congenital Diaphragm of the Common Hepatic Duct

Summary This is a report of a patient with a congenital diaphragm of the common hepatic duct. The patient at 20 years of age died from secondary biliary cirrhosis and its complications.
Crashing the Party: An Experimental Investigation of Strategic Voting in Primary Elections

The effect of primary formats on voting behavior and candidatefortune has been the topic of recent political, academic andlegal arguments. We address these debates by examining voterbehavior and election outcomes across primary systems in thelaboratory. While we find the rate of strategic voting isgenerally low, the rate varies across primary formats and thepotential impact on election outcomes differs fromconventional perceptions. Results suggest that more openprimary systems generate more strategic voting, but contraryto conventional wisdom, more open systems do not necessarilylead to more moderate election winners.
Children of Divorce

Abstract The following study examines the personality differences in children (101 undergraduates) from divorced as compared to intact homes. The Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire (MPQ) was used to ascertain these differences. Though no overall differences were found, parental relationship, as described by the participant, was found to effect reserved and positive behavior. Significant results were ob tained for gender differences as well. The results contained in this paper lend support to other studies that suggest that the negative effects of divorce are not necessarily related to the divorce itself, but to other factors related to the child's socio emotional development.
Clinical and pathological characteristics of hepatotoxicity associated with occupational exposure to dimethylformamide

The clinical characteristics, laboratory results, and liver biopsy findings of seven workers with toxic liver injury associated with exposure to several solvents, including substantial levels of the widely used solvent dimethylformamide, are presented. Three patients had short exposure (less than 3 months), four long exposure (greater than 1 year). Among those with brief exposure, symptoms included anorexia, abdominal pain, and disulfiram-type reaction. Aminotransferases were markedly elevated with the ratio of alanine aminotransferase to aspartate aminotransferase always greater than 1. Liver biopsy showed focal hepatocellular necrosis and microvesicular steatosis with prominence of smooth endoplasmic reticulum, complex lysosomes, and pleomorphic mitochondria with crystalline inclusions. Among workers with long exposure, symptoms were minimal and enzyme elevations modest. Biopsies showed macrovesicular steatosis, pleomorphic mitochondria without crystalloids, and prominent smooth endoplasmic reticulum, but no evidence of persisting acute injury or fibrosis. Abnormal aminotransferases in both groups may persist for months after removal from exposure, but progression to cirrhosis in continually exposed workers was not observed. We conclude that exposure of these workers to solvents, chiefly dimethylformamide, may result in two variants of toxic liver injury with subtle clinical, laboratory, and morphological features. This may be readily overlooked if occupational history and biopsy histology are not carefully evaluated.
Origins of systemic lupus erythematosus: genes, environment, and host immune response

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) appears to be a consequence of immune dysfunction mediated by errors in self-recognition that cause autoimmunity. A component of the environmental origin of SLE was suggested by data showing that the earliest autoantibody recognition structure in the anti-Sm response was very similar to and cross-reacted with Epstein–Barr virus nuclear antigen-1 (EBNA-1). Subsequently, an earliest epitope of the anti-Ro system has been identified and this structure also imitates a structure of EBNA-1. The initial structures bound by anti-Sm and anti-Ro generate SLE-like autoimmunity in animals immunized with these peptides. In pediatric SLE, anti-EBNA-1 is more frequently present and its fine specificity is qualitatively more diverse in SLE than in normals. Anti-EBNA-1 responses also precede the onset of SLE. The well-known association of Epstein–Barr virus infection with SLE may be present because of the particular immunoregulatory details of the anti-EBNA-1 response in SLE patients. The genetic origins of SLE are the other major component of SLE etiology. At this time, to our knowledge, 11 genetic linkages have been both established and independently confirmed. For three of these linkages, an associated candidate gene is known. They are located in the human genome as follows: 1q23 (FcγRIIIA), 1q41, 2q34, 2q37 (PDCD-1), 4p16, 5p15, 6p21 (HLA-DR), 10q22, 11p13, 11q14, and 16q13. Genetic effects tend to concentrate in the major human racial groups (e.g. 1q23, 2q34, 11p13, and 11q14 dominate in African-Americans). Some clinical and laboratory features of SLE have powerful genetic influences and can be used to generate genetic homogeneity (e.g. nephritis with 2q34 and 10q22, hemolytic anemia with 11q14, and pedigrees multiplex for self-reported rheumatoid arthritis with 5p15). The origins of SLE are obviously complicated and involve multiple influences from the environment, the host immune response, perhaps involving EBNA-1, and the genetic constitution of the patient.