cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Political and Social Risk Amplification of GMOs

Risk is not a simple phenomenon; contrary to the arguments of frustrated scientists who claim evidentiary support for the development and release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), opponents of these organisms claim that the risks associated with their release are unacceptable. Obviously, the evaluation of risk is often contentious and ambiguous, and yet the phenomenon of how people actually evaluate risk is not widely known among scientists. Hence, we present a review of the literature on risk that underscores its complexity. Scholars argue the merits of different types of risk assessment, but most agree that the process is far more complex than simple cost/benefit analyses. Indeed, the literature presents a plethora of theories, ranging from economic and actuarial assessment to psychological and social assessments. We agree with the social constructionist view, and argue that opponents of GMOs have amplified the socially derived feelings of risk that the various stakeholders and publics harbour towards GMOs. We likewise conclude that GMO opponents are amplifying the factors of control and unknown risk. Keywords: social; political; synthesis
The Reliability of Visually Comparing Small Frontal Sinuses

Several studies have investigated frontal sinus comparison for personal identification. One study addressed the statistical reliability of correct identification using automated digital methods and resulted in a 96% accuracy rate. Missed matches with the digital methods generally involved small, less featured sinuses. This study investigates the hypothesis that human examiners may be able to more accurately identify correct matches than digital methods, even when the comparisons involve small frontal sinuses. Participants were provided two sets of 28 radiographs and were instructed to identify matching radiographs and list the radiographs that did not have a corresponding match. Overall, error rates were low, with correct associations identified at a rate of 0.983. No incorrect associations ("false positives") were made. Correct association rates were highest among participants "experienced" examining radiographs. Results support previous assertions that frontal sinus radiographs are a reliable means of personal identification even when the frontal sinuses are small.
CD4+ T-Helper Type 1 Cytokines and Trastuzumab Facilitate CD8+ T-cell Targeting of HER2/neu–Expressing Cancers

Vaccination strategies incorporating the immunodominant HLA-A2-restricted HER2/neu-derived peptide 369-377 (HER2369-377) are increasingly utilized in HER2/neu-expressing cancer patients. The failure of postvaccination HER2369-377-specific CD8(+) T cells to recognize HLA-A2(pos)HER2/neu-expressing cells in vitro, however, has been attributed to impaired MHC class I/HLA-A2 presentation observed in HER2/neu-overexpressing tumors. We reconcile this controversy by demonstrating that HER2369-377 is directly recognized by high functional-avidity HER2369-377-specific CD8(+) T cells-either genetically modified to express a novel HER2369-377 TCR or sensitized using HER2369-377-pulsed type 1-polarized dendritic cells (DC1)-on class I-abundant HER2(low), but not class I-deficient HER2(high), cancer cells. Importantly, a critical cooperation between CD4(+) T-helper type-1 (Th1) cytokines IFNγ/TNFα and HER2/neu-targeted antibody trastuzumab is necessary to restore class I expression in HER2(high) cancers, thereby facilitating recognition and lysis of these cells by HER2369-377-specific CD8(+) T cells. Concomitant induction of PD-L1 on HER2/neu-expressing cells by IFNγ/TNF and trastuzumab, however, has minimal impact on DC1-sensitized HER2369-377-CD8(+) T-cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Although activation of EGFR and HER3 signaling significantly abrogates IFNγ/TNFα and trastuzumab-induced class I restoration, EGFR/HER3 receptor blockade rescues class I expression and ensuing HER2369-377-CD8(+) cytotoxicity of HER2/neu-expressing cells. Thus, combinations of CD4(+) Th1 immune interventions and multivalent targeting of HER family members may be required for optimal anti-HER2/neu CD8(+) T-cell-directed immunotherapy.
Establishment of Functional Acinar-like Cultures from Human Salivary Glands

Disorders of human salivary glands resulting from therapeutic radiation treatment for head and neck cancers or from the autoimmune disease Sjogren syndrome (SS) frequently result in the reduction or complete loss of saliva secretion. Such irreversible dysfunction of the salivary glands is due to the impairment of acinar cells, the major glandular cells of protein, salt secretion, and fluid movement. Availability of primary epithelial cells from human salivary gland tissue is critical for studying the underlying mechanisms of these irreversible disorders. We applied 2 culture system techniques on human minor salivary gland epithelial cells (phmSG) and optimized the growth conditions to achieve the maintenance of phmSG in an acinar-like phenotype. These phmSG cells exhibited progenitor cell markers (keratin 5 and nanog) as well as acinar-specific markers-namely, α-amylase, cystatin C, TMEM16A, and NKCC1. Importantly, with an increase of the calcium concentration in the growth medium, these phmSG cells were further promoted to acinar-like cells in vitro, as indicated by an increase in AQP5 expression. In addition, these phmSG cells also demonstrated functional calcium mobilization, formation of epithelial monolayer with high transepithelial electrical resistance (TER), and polarized secretion of α-amylase secretion after β-adrenergic receptor stimulation. Taken together, suitable growth conditions have been established to isolate and support culture of acinar-like cells from the human salivary gland. These primary epithelial cells can be useful for study of molecular mechanisms involved in regulating the function of acinar cells and in the loss of salivary gland function in patients.
Methodology to link production and environmental risks of precision nitrogen management strategies in corn

Abstract A new decision support system called Apollo, which runs the CERES-Maize crop growth model, was used to study the corn ( Zea mays L. ) yield response and the nitrogen (N) dynamics of a cornfield in central Iowa, USA. The model was calibrated to minimize error between simulated and measured yield over five growing seasons. Model simulations were then completed for 13 spring-applied N rates in each of 100 grid cells with varying soil properties. For each N rate and grid cell, simulations were repeated for 37 years of historical weather information collected near the study site. Model runs provided the crop yield and unused N in the soil at harvest for all combinations of N rate, grid cell, and weather year. Using these simulated datasets, a methodology involving cumulative probability distributions was developed such that the yield and unused N resulting from each N rate applied in each grid cell could be directly linked according to their probability of occurrence over the 37 simulated growing seasons. These cumulative probability distributions were used to evaluate the economic and environmental risks of two alternate precision N management strategies for the study area. In the first strategy, N rates were selected to maximize the producer’s marginal net return in each grid cell. The environmental cost of this management strategy, in terms of N left behind, was determined to be 56.2 kg ha −1 on average over all grid cells. In the second strategy, N rates were selected to insure that the amount of N left in the soil at harvest would not exceed 40 kg ha −1 in 80% of growing seasons. The producer’s opportunity cost for reducing N rates to achieve this environmental objective was calculated to be $48.12 ha −1 on average over all grid cells. The overall goal of this work was to develop a methodology for directly contrasting the production and environmental concerns of N management in agricultural systems. In this way, N management plans can be designed to achieve a proper balance between production and environmental goals.
Emplacement-related fabric and multiple sheets in the Maiden Creek sill, Henry Mountains, Utah, USA

The Maiden Creek sill is a small intrusion (w 1k m 2 in map view) that is part of the Tertiary igneous complex of the Henry Mountains in southern Utah. Field relationships indicate that (1) this sill has a complex map view geometry, consisting of an elliptical main body from which radiate several finger-like lobes; (2) the intrusion is composed of two igneous sheets, presumably representing distinct magma pulses; and (3) the current exposure of the intrusion corresponds closely to the original intrusive geometry. These relationships allow us to examine in detail the relationships between fabric development, intrusive geometry, and emplacement processes in this intrusion. This sill was emplaced into the flat-lying sediments of the Colorado Plateau during a time of tectonic quiescence. Fabrics within the intrusion can therefore be interpreted in terms of igneous emplacement processes. Fabric data are derived from field measurements, image analysis, X-ray computed tomography, and anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility. In the center of each sheet, magmatic fabrics are subhorizontal and poorly defined. In the outermost 5‐15 cm of each sheet, solid-state fabrics are developed sub-parallel to the contact. The two distinct intrusive sheets have similar composition, thickness, and areal extent. We infer that emplacement of the first sheet established the initial map view geometry of the intrusion and the second sheet closely followed the contact between that first sheet and the host rock. The example of the Maiden Creek sill demonstrates that sheeted emplacement can be an important process even in the early stages of construction of small intrusions, in addition to other larger intrusions studied elsewhere. q 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Fluoride Ring‐Opening Kinetic Resolution of Terminal Epoxides: Preparation of (S)‐2‐Fluoro‐1‐Phenylethanol

(R,R)-(−)-N,N′-Bis(3,5-di-tert-butylsalicylidiene)-1,2-cyclohexanedaminocobalt(II) Styrene oxide 1.5-Diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-5-ene Benzoyl fluoride Sodium borohydride Keywords: Fluorides; Ring-opening; Epoxides; 2-Fluro-1-phenylethanolkinetic resolution; Desymmetrization; Waste disposal; Safety
Fostering university/industry partnerships through sponsored undergraduate design

Describes a mechanism for fostering a partnership between the university and industrial communities, with the aim of sponsoring undergraduate design projects. This paper addresses the contributions and commitments of the university and industrial participants, including financial arrangements, legal agreements, matching contributions, and research and design supervision and evaluation. Industrial partners sponsor real-world design projects which are supervised and evaluated by faculty and industry facilitators. Students benefit not only from the technical aspects of the project but from exposure to market and economic aspects, design limitations and environmental and legal factors. Students work both in the university and industrial setting. The participation of engineering professionals with the student design teams ensures that the project realizes both the industrial partner's engineering and financial goals as well as assistance in evaluating the academic content of the project. Projects must be realizable in the academic time-frame, and this paper describes how projects such as alternative solutions, exploratory projects or lower-priority projects best fit the concept. A brief description of projects undertaken during the last two years for IBM, Duke Power Co., Ingersoll-Rand Compressor Division, Florida Steel Drum Co., and Siecor Corp. is presented. The financial obligations, legal boilerplate and intellectual property concerns are discussed. The final section presents lessons learned from the project and what future plans are for expanding the program.
LACK OF APPROPRIATE BEHAVIORAL OR DEVELOPMENTAL RESPONSES BY MAYFLY LARVAE TO TROUT PREDATORS

Many organisms living in heterogeneous environments alter behaviors or morphology when developing in the presence of predators and subsequently incur associated sublethal fitness costs. Larvae of the mayfly Callibaetis ferrugineus hageni develop in beaver ponds with or without trout predators. We examined the potential sublethal fitness costs of developing in the presence of trout predators by comparing patterns of timing and size at emergence from ponds over two years, before and after manipulating trout densities. In addition, the behavior, timing, and size at emergence of larvae reared in mesocosms were compared between treatments with and without trout chemical cues. Timing of mayfly emergence and adult size was not affected by the manipulation of trout in the field, or by the presence of trout chemical cues in mesocosms. Observations of mayflies in mesocosms provided no evidence that predator cues induced antipredator behaviors, such as reduced activity or increased crypsis. Surprisingly, late instar larvae swam more frequently in the presence of trout cues during the middle of the day, a behavior that could increase their vulnerability to visually feeding predators. Thus, larvae did not exhibit any traits expected to increase survival in the presence of trout cues. The apparently maladaptive responses to trout may result from phylogenetic inertia or conflicting selection pressures encountered when developing in fishless habitats. The evolution of plasticity to trout in Callibaetis may be inhibited by frequent dispersal from fishless source populations.
PROTEIN METABOLISM AND PROTEIN RESERVES DURING ACUTE STERILE INFLAMMATION : HIGH PROTEIN INTAKE COMPENSATES FOR INCREASED CATABOLISM.

Adult dogs were given a proteinless diet plus casein, 80 calories/kilo, 0.4 gm. nitrogen/kilo/day. Sterile controlled inflammation was produced by subcutaneous injection of turpentine. The reaction is characterized by local swelling, induration, and abscess formation, terminated by rupture or incision after 3 to 5 days and by general reactions of malaise, fever, leucocytosis, and increased urinary nitrogen. For 3 to 6 days after turpentine the nitrogen intake was provided in seven experiments by amino acids given parenterally (a solution of the ten essential amino acids (Rose) plus glycine). A normal dog with a normal protein intake showed a negative nitrogen balance after turpentine—urinary nitrogen doubled even as in inflammation during fasting. A protein-depleted dog (low protein reserves produced by very low protein intake) given a normal protein intake after turpentine maintained nitrogen balance—urinary nitrogen rose only slightly. With a high (doubled) protein intake the depleted dog showed strongly positive balance. Normal dogs with high (doubled) protein intakes react to turpentine with doubled urinary nitrogen outputs on individual days and therefore are maintained in approximate nitrogen balance and weight balance. This end may be achieved equally well or better by oral feeding, when such is possible and absorption unimpaired. The increased nitrogen excretion after injury is again shown directly related to the state of body protein reserves. Increased catabolism not inhibition of anabolism best explains the excess urinary nitrogen. Protection during injury of valuable protein reserves appears possible through an adequate intake of protein nitrogen.
The Effects of Harvest Regulations on Behaviors of Duck Hunters

Uncertainty exists as to how duck harvest regulations influence waterfowl hunter behavior. We used the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Parts Collection Survey to examine how harvest regulations affected behaviors of Central Flyway duck hunters. We stratified hunters into ranked groups based on seasonal harvest and identified three periods (1975–1984, 1988–1993, 2002–2011) that represented different harvest regulations (moderate, restrictive, and liberal, respectively; season length and daily bag limits smallest in restrictive seasons and largest in liberal seasons). We examined variability of seven measures of duck hunter behaviors across the periods: days harvesting ducks, daily harvest, hunter mobility, mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) selectivity, gender selectivity, daily female mallard harvest, and timing of harvest. Hunters reported harvesting ducks on more days, at a higher efficiency, and in slightly more counties during liberal seasons relative to restrictive and moderate seasons. We provide evidenc...
Distributed modulation for cooperative wireless communications

This paper examines the modulation aspect for data forwarding in wireless relay networks. We consider both distributed coherent and distributed differential detection schemes to handle two different cases when the channel state information (CSI) can be reliably estimated at the receiving nodes and when it cannot. We analyze both amplify-and-forward and decode-and-forward relaying schemes and derive the corresponding average bit error rates (BER) in Rayleigh fading channels. Analysis and simulation results show that the discussed distributed coherent/differential scheme are capable of providing cooperative diversity gain at destination node, one of of an appealing features for distributed relaying systems.
SPEED: a stateless protocol for real-time communication in sensor networks

In this paper, we present a real-time communication protocol for sensor networks, called SPEED. The protocol provides three types of real-time communication services, namely, real-time unicast, real-time area-multicast and real-time area-anycast. SPEED is specifically tailored to be a stateless, localized algorithm with minimal control overhead End-to-end soft real-time communication is achieved by maintaining a desired delivery speed across the sensor network through a novel combination of feedback control and non-deterministic geographic forwarding. SPEED is a highly efficient and scalable protocol for sensor networks where the resources of each node are scarce. Theoretical analysis, simulation experiments and a real implementation on Berkeley motes are provided to validate our claims.
Light at the end of a nanohole

Over the last few years the extraordinary transmission of EM waves through sub-wavelength apertures in an opaque sheet has been demonstrated experimentally and explained theoretically. To add another twist to the field, investigators are now marrying the unusual properties of negative-index materials with enhanced transmission through small apertures. In A. Alu et al. (2004) presented at the Monterey conference, it discussed how (at least theoretically) layers of metamaterials sandwiching a sheet with a small hole might also enhance transmission without any periodic structure, e.g., grooves, on the sheet.
Oligodendrocytes Changing the Rules: Action Potentials in Glia and Oligodendrocytes Controlling Action Potentials

Two long-standing rules in cellular neuroscience must now be amended with the publication of two studies on myelin-forming glia in the CNS: 1) Neurons can no longer be considered the only cells that fire electric impulses in the brain. 2) Synapses between neurons are not the only way electrical information is regulated as it propagates through neural circuits: oligodendrocytes can cause rapid activity-dependent changes in spike latency. A category of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) has been identified that can fire action potentials, and their excitation is driven by synapses from axons. This finding has relevance to excitotoxicity in ischemia, but the normal function may be to regulate myelination according to functional activity in axons. A second study reveals that action potential propagation through CNS axons can be rapidly regulated by oligodendrocytes. Mature oligodendrocytes in the rat hippocampus are depolarized by theta burst stimulation of axons, and when the oligodendrocytes are depolarized by current injection in paired whole-cell recordings with CA1 pyramidal neurons, the latency of impulse conduction through the axons it ensheathes rapidly decreases. This unprecedented finding suggests a dynamic role for myelin in regulating impulse transmission through axons, promoting neural synchrony among the multiple axons under the domain of an individual oligodendrocyte.
Exploiting Natural Variation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae to Identify Genes for Increased Ethanol Resistance

Ethanol production from lignocellulosic biomass holds promise as an alternative fuel. However, industrial stresses, including ethanol stress, limit microbial fermentation and thus prevent cost competitiveness with fossil fuels. To identify novel engineering targets for increased ethanol tolerance, we took advantage of natural diversity in wild Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains. We previously showed that an S288c-derived lab strain cannot acquire higher ethanol tolerance after a mild ethanol pretreatment, which is distinct from other stresses. Here, we measured acquired ethanol tolerance in a large panel of wild strains and show that most strains can acquire higher tolerance after pretreatment. We exploited this major phenotypic difference to address the mechanism of acquired ethanol tolerance, by comparing the global gene expression response to 5% ethanol in S288c and two wild strains. Hundreds of genes showed variation in ethanol-dependent gene expression across strains. Computational analysis identified several transcription factor modules and known coregulated genes as differentially expressed, implicating genetic variation in the ethanol signaling pathway. We used this information to identify genes required for acquisition of ethanol tolerance in wild strains, including new genes and processes not previously linked to ethanol tolerance, and four genes that increase ethanol tolerance when overexpressed. Our approach shows that comparative genomics across natural isolates can quickly identify genes for industrial engineering while expanding our understanding of natural diversity.
Cationic polymerization of styrenes by activated covalent species. Direct 1H‐NMR observation of complexes of 1‐phenylethyl acetates with lewis acids

Complexes of boron trichloride, boron tribromide, and ethylaluminumdichloride with various acetates were directly observed by 1H-NMR. Complexes of secondary and tertiary acetates which model macromolecular active species in polymerization of styrene and isobutene are stable at −75°C, but decompose at temperatures above −30°C to yield corresponding chlorides or bromides. The stability of complexes depends on the Lewis acid, the alkyl group in the ester, and the structure of acetate. Rates of the bimolecular exchange of complexes with excess acetate were calculated from dynamic NMR to be kex = 2 × 101 L mol−1 s−1 (−65°C) and kex = 5 × 104 L mol−1 s−1 (−75°C) for 1-phenylethyl acetate with BCl3 and EtAlCl2, respectively.
Independent Women Scholars Write (Women's) Medieval History

Independent women scholars of the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries writing about medieval women had voices that were personal, individualistic, and unassuming; fortunately, they were also heard. As highly innovative thinkers, they introduced new interpretive dimensions into the study of history. Perhaps most importantly, they provided analysis of gender as a historical variant. Their work resulted in new interpretive insights, and they invented hermeneutic schemes without making any grandiose claims for innovation. Margaret Wade Labarge is one of this company.
Use of Palliative Care Services in a Tertiary Cancer Center

Background. Despiteincreasingprevalenceofpalliativecare (PC) services in cancer centers, most referrals to the service occur exceedingly late in the illness trajectory. Over the years, we have made several attempts to promote earlier patientaccesstoourPCprogram,suchaschangingthename ofourservicefromPCtosupportivecare(SC).Thisstudywas conducted to determine the use of PC/SC service over the past 8 years. Methods.We reviewed billing data for all PC/SC encounters. We examined five metrics for use: inpatient consultations as a percentage of hospital admissions, ratio of inpatient consulta
Model Study of Dense Jet in Flowing Fluid

Investigations were conducted in a 1:20-scale model to determine the geometry and mixing characteristics of a dense jet discharged vertically into a uniform cross-current. The resulting equations for the prediction of jet height, lateral spread, and plume dilution can be used by designers of desalination plant outfall systems in determining diffuser port size and spacing required to meet established water quality criteria. The dynamics of a dense plume heated to 10 deg C above the ambient current are the same as a nonheated plume of comparable density. Single-port test results can be superimposed to predict multiple-port diffuser characteristics. Diffusers have a distinct advantage over simple outfalls in diluting waste brine.
Array measurements of phases used in receiver-function calculations: Importance of scattering

Receiver-function methods utilize three-component teleseismic P coda to determine structure beneath seismographs. Most methods treat coda complexity as mode conversions and reflections off subhorizontal interfaces beneath the station, such as the Moho. This assumption is evaluated beneath a broadband array in the Kopet Dagh foothills, at Geyokcha, Turkmenistan, by applying array processing techniques to P coda waves at frequencies near 1 Hz. Beneath the Geyokcha array, horizontal components show signals that deviate significantly in slowness and bearing from predictions of a plane-layered Earth. Large phases arrive at the same time as the predicted Ps conversion from the Moho yet systematically come from a single azimuth (from NNE) and travel at phase velocities of 3 to 5 km/sec. The coda waves appear to be P -to- S converted waves from a near-surface scatterer. An inversion for scatterer location is developed and applied to 29 events. Most coda energy comes from a scatterer ∼16 km NNE of the array. This location is coincident with the range-bounding faults that separate Kopet Dagh mountains from adjacent basins. Thus, array analysis shows that signals potentially interpreted as Moho conversions are instead scattered from a near-surface structure. Although these results suggest caution is necessary in interpreting single-station receiver functions, particularly at high frequencies, they also demonstrate the power of array sampling in resolving lateral structure variations.
Findings from an HIV/AIDS programme for young women in two Nigerian cities: a short report.

This short report describes the findings from an HIV/AIDS programme for young women that was held in two Nigerian cities. Very little information is available on interventions that address the needs of young Nigerian women; a population that represents a high incidence and prevalence of HIV and AIDS. Responses were elicited from the programme participants through the use of pre-and post-test questionnaires, with a view to identifying effective health education strategies for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections including HIV/AIDS among young Nigerian women. Outcomes revealed low knowledge levels, poor attitudes and misconceptions about HIV/AIDS as well as widespread stigma. This indicates a continual need for the design and implementation of a comprehensive and culturally appropriate HIV/AIDS and sexual health program for young women in Nigeria which meets their needs. Keywords: Stigma, Nigeria, young women, HIV knowledge
The Influence of Shroud Curvature and Other Related Factors on Impeller Performance Characteristics

The paper discusses a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) study done to assess the influence of cover or shroud curvature on impeller performance. The paper describes the various designs and the CFD and finite element analyses (FEA) methods used. Aerodynamic and mechanical analysis results are presented for four impellers of varying cover curvature and axial length. Comments are offered regarding the mechanical issues that must be considered when increasing the length of impellers.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Engineering plastics from lignin

Low density polyurethane foams (ca. 2 lbs./cu. ft.) with acceptable strength and excellent flammability resistance properties were formulated with a commercial furan polyol containing 20% hydroxypropyl lignin derivative. Propylene oxide-modified lignin from two sources, kraft and organosolv lignin, were employed. The organosolv lignin derivative exhibited better foaming characteristics than the corresponding kraft lignin, which collapsed when the rising foam was touched for testing. The weight contribution of lignin derivative was limited to 20% by compatibility with the fluorocarbon blowing agent, and solubility in polyol. Preliminary tests encourage further research on structural materials containing hydroxypropyl lignin derivatives.
ANOVA and Elements of Experimental Design

In Chap. 10 we discussed the test of equality of means from two populations, H 0 : μ 1 =μ 2 . Under standard assumptions (normality and independence) the proper test statistic had t-distribution, and several tests (equal/different variances, paired/unpaired samples) shared the common name “two-sample ttests.”
Retinal Astrocytic Hamartoma

Retinal astrocytic hamartoma ((RAH) also known as retinal astrocytoma or phakoma) is a benign, minimally progressive, neoplastic lesion of the retinal nerve fiber layer caused by proliferation of glial cells.
Varieties of Voice-Hearing: Psychics and the Psychosis Continuum

Hearing voices that are not present is a prominent symptom of serious mental illness. However, these experiences may be common in the non-help-seeking population, leading some to propose the existence of a continuum of psychosis from health to disease. Thus far, research on this continuum has focused on what is impaired in help-seeking groups. Here we focus on protective factors in non-help-seeking voice-hearers. We introduce a new study population: clairaudient psychics who receive daily auditory messages. We conducted phenomenological interviews with these subjects, as well as with patients diagnosed with a psychotic disorder who hear voices, people with a diagnosis of a psychotic disorder who do not hear voices, and matched control subjects (without voices or a diagnosis). We found the hallucinatory experiences of psychic voice-hearers to be very similar to those of patients who were diagnosed. We employed techniques from forensic psychiatry to conclude that the psychics were not malingering. Critically, we found that this sample of non-help-seeking voice hearers were able to control the onset and offset of their voices, that they were less distressed by their voice-hearing experiences and that, the first time they admitted to voice-hearing, the reception by others was much more likely to be positive. Patients had much more negative voice-hearing experiences, were more likely to receive a negative reaction when sharing their voices with others for the first time, and this was subsequently more disruptive to their social relationships. We predict that this sub-population of healthy voice-hearers may have much to teach us about the neurobiology, cognitive psychology and ultimately the treatment of voices that are distressing.
Fluorescent incisionless cholangiography as a teaching tool for identification of Calot’s triangle

Intraoperative incisionless fluorescent cholangiogram (IOIFC) has been demonstrated to be a useful tool to increase the visualization of Calot’s triangle. This study evaluates the identification of extrahepatic biliary structures with IOIFC by medical students and surgery residents. Two pictures were taken, one with xenon light and one with near-infrared (NIR) light, at the same stage during dissection of Calot’s triangle in ten different cases of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). All twenty pictures were organized in a random fashion to remove any imagery bias. Twenty students and twenty residents were asked to identify the biliary anatomy. Medical students were able to accurately identify the cystic duct on an average 33.8 % under the xenon light versus 86 % under NIR light (p = 0.0001), the common hepatic duct (CHD) on an average 19 % under the xenon light versus 88.5 % under NIR light (p = 0.0001), and the junction on an average 24 % under xenon light versus 80.5 % under NIR light (p = 0.0001). Surgery residents were able to accurately identify the cystic duct on an average 40 % under the xenon light versus 99 % under NIR light (p = 0.0001), the CHD on an average 35 % under the xenon light versus 96 % under NIR light (p = 0.0001), and the junction on an average 24 % under the xenon light versus 95.5 % under NIR light (p = 0.0001). IOIFC increases the visualization of Calot’s triangle structures when compared to xenon light. IOIFC may be a useful teaching tool in residency programs to teach LC.
PI3K signaling pathway in normal B cells and indolent B-cell malignancies

In chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs), B-cell receptor signaling leads to activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway. Idelalisib, a PI3Kδ inhibitor was approved in 2014 by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in combination with rituximab for the treatment of patients with CLL for whom single-agent rituximab would be considered appropriate and as a single agent for patients with relapsed small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) and relapsed follicular lymphoma (FL). Following its approval, several trials investigating various PI3Kδ inhibitors as single agents or in combination with chemoimmunotherapy or other molecular targeted agents in CLL and indolent NHL (iNHL) have uncovered some severe autoimmune related toxicities. This review discusses and summarizes the biologic basis and the clinical experience of the PI3Kδ inhibitors in indolent B-cell malignancies.
Distributed fairness algorithms for local area networks with concurrent transmissions

In this work, it is shown how multiple nodes can access a ring network concurrently with spatial reuse and in a fair manner. Traditionally, most ring and bus networks do not allow spatial reuse, e.g., FDDI, DQDB (IEEE 802.6). Concurrent access with spatial reuse enables the simultaneous transmissions over disjoint segments of a bidirectional ring, and therefore, can significantly increase the effective throughput, by a factor of four or more.
Regioselective Synthesis of Unsymmetric Tetra- and Pentasubstituted Pyrenes with a Strategy for Primary C-Alkylation at the 2-Position

The synthesis of 1,2,4,5- and 1,2,9,10-tetrasubstituted and 1,2,4,5,8-pentasubsutituted pyrenes has been achieved by initially functionalizing the K-region of pyrene. Bromination, acylation, and formylation reactions afford high to moderate levels of regioselectivity, which facilitate the controlled introduction of other functional groups about 4,5-dimethoxypyrene. Access to 4,5-dimethoxypyren-1-ol and 9,10-dimethoxypyren-1-ol enabled a rare, C-2 primary alkyl substitution of pyrene.
Roll-to-roll fabrication of hierarchical superhydrophobic surfaces

In this letter, we report a roll-to-roll fabrication method to develop a hierarchical nanopatterned superhydrophobic surface. The hierarchical pattern includes a primary micropattern with an overlayed secondary nanopattern. The primary pattern of 15–30 μm length scales was fabricated through UV nanoimprint lithography. The secondary nanopattern of 20 nm size was generated through a subsequent scalable spray coating with hydrophobic silica nanoparticles to create a nanoscale random roughness over the primary pattern. The secondary nanocoating over the primary pattern resulted in an enhanced contact angle resulting in superhydrophobicity and reduced hysteresis. Freezing droplet measurements performed have demonstrated a fivefold increase in the time for the droplet to freeze on a superhydrophobic surface compared to a primary hydrophobic structure.
Effect of Resident and Fellow Involvement in Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery.

Background Adult spinal deformity (ASD) operations are complex and often require a multisurgeon team. Simultaneously, it is the responsibility of academic spine surgeons to train future complex spine surgeons. Our objective was to assess the effect of resident and fellow involvement (RFI) on ASD surgery in 4 areas: 1) perioperative outcomes, 2) length of stay (LOS), 3) discharge status, and 4) complications. Methods Adults undergoing thoracolumbar spinal deformity correction from 2008 to 2014 were identified in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Cases were divided into those with RFI and those with attendings only. Outcomes were operative time, transfusions, LOS, discharge status, and complications. Univariate and multivariable regression modeling was used. Covariates included preoperative comorbidities, specialty, and levels undergoing instrumentation. Results A total of 1471 patients underwent ASD surgery with RFI in 784 operations (53%). After multivariable regression modeling, RFI was independently associated with longer operations (β = 66.01 minutes; 95% confidence interval [CI], 35.82–96.19; P Conclusion RFI in ASD surgery was associated with increased operative time, the need for additional transfusions, longer LOS, and nonhome discharge. However, no increase in major, minor, or severe complications occurred. These data support the continued training of future deformity and complex spine surgeons without fear of worsening complications; however, areas of improvement exist.
Advaita Vedānta: The Science of Reality

This chapter presents an in-depth survey of Advaita Vedānta as an essential framework to unfold the profound message of the Gitā. To facilitate the comprehension of the text, it will review the key tenets of Vedānta, the earliest and the most refined science of Self-knowledge. This chapter also presents the Vedic ontology and epistemology to explain what is real and how we know what is real. If the first job of a leader is to define reality, as Max Depree once remarked, then understanding what is real can furnish important clues to defining the context and reality of leadership. The Gitā unfolds the vision of the Vedas, the world’s foremost and perhaps oldest wisdom texts. Advaita Vedānta represents the culmination of Vedic wisdom, both historically and philosophically.
SensorKnit: Architecting Textile Sensors with Machine Knitting

Abstract This article presents three classes of textile sensors exploiting resistive, piezoresistive, and capacitive properties of various textile structures enabled by machine knitting with conduc...
Washington State abdominal aortic aneurysm-related mortality shows a steady decline between 1996 and 2016.

Abstract Objective Management of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) has undergone considerable advances over the last two decades. Our aim was to evaluate AAA-related mortality trends in Washington State over a 21-year period and to assess variation in AAA-related mortality by sex, race, and county over the same time period. We hypothesized that a significant decrease in AAA-related mortality in Washington State would be noted. Methods Death certificate records were obtained from the Washington State Department of Health from 1996 to 2016. Records in which AAA was listed as an underlying or associated cause of death were selected for analysis. Age-standardized mortality rates for each year were calculated using the 2016 Washington State population as the standard. Mortality trends were compared by sex and race using linear regression. County-specific age-standardized ruptured AAA (rAAA) mortality rates were compared using a Kruskal-Wallis test. Results Of the 1,014,039 deaths occurring in Washington State during the study period, 4438 (0.4%) had AAA listed as an underlying or associated cause of death (66.1% male; 94.8% white; mean age at death, 79.4 ± 9.3 years). In 64.1% of the cases, AAA was listed as the underlying cause of death. AAA-related mortality rates decreased by 62.1% over the 21 years from 5.8 to 2.2 deaths per 100,000. Notably, there was a statistically significant decrease in rAAA-related mortality rates (from 3.2 to 0.95 per 100,000, a decrease of 0.12 deaths/100,000/year; 95% confidence interval, 0.11-0.14; r2 = 0.95). Men had a significantly steeper decrease in age-standardized AAA-related mortality rates with a 55% decrease (from 6.5 to 3.0 per 100,000) vs a 41% decrease (2.4 to 1.4 per 100,000) among women. Men were younger at the time of death than women (78.1 ± 9.4 years vs 81.9 ± 8.6 years, respectively; P Conclusions Age-standardized AAA-related mortality rate has decreased in Washington State between 1996 and 2016, with a notable decrease in the rAAA-related mortality rate. The decrease in AAA-related mortality rates varied by sex and race. Additionally, rAAA-related mortality rates differed between counties. These observations are a first step toward regional population assessments. Future work to understand the sources of variation can influence public health interventions on a state level.
Structural and pharmacological evaluation of a novel non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor as a promising long acting nanoformulation for treating HIV.

Abstract Combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) has been proven effective in inhibiting human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection and has significantly improved the health outcomes in acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients. The therapeutic benefits of cART have been challenged because of the toxicity and emergence of drug-resistant HIV-1 strains along with lifelong patient compliance resulting in non-adherence. These issues also hinder the clinical benefits of non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), which are one of the vital components of cART for the treatment of HIV-1 infection. In this study, using a computational and structural based drug design approach, we have discovered an effective HIV -1 NNRTI, compound I (Cmpd I) that is very potent in biochemical assays and which targets key residues in the allosteric binding pocket of wild-type (WT)-RT as revealed by structural studies. Furthermore, Cmpd I exhibited very potent antiviral activity in HIV-1 infected T cells, lacked cytotoxicity (therapeutic index >100,000), and no significant off-target effects were noted in pharmacological assays. To address the issue of non-adherence, we developed a long-acting nanoformulation of Cmpd I (Cmpd I-NP) using poly (lactide-coglycolide) (PLGA) particles. The pharmacokinetic studies of free and nanoformulated Cmpd I were carried out in BALB/c mice. Intraperitoneal administration of Cmpd I and Cmpd I-NP in BALB/c mice revealed prolonged serum residence time of 48 h and 30 days, respectively. The observed serum concentrations of Cmpd I in both cases were sufficient to provide >97% inhibition in HIV-1 infected T-cells. The significant antiviral activity along with favorable pharmacological and pharmacokinetic profile of Cmpd I, provide compelling and critical support for its further development as an anti-HIV therapeutic agent.
A Comparison of Guided Notes and Video Modules in an Online Course

The purpose of the study was to compare the effects of guided notes versus video modules as a supplement to textbook readings on student quiz scores and to evaluate the overall effectiveness of guided notes in a fully online course. A total of 15 graduate students, aged 22 to 30, participated in this study. The study combined an adapted alternating treatments design and a pretest-posttest design with all participants experienced in both teaching methods in the same sequence. The experimental conditions contained the textbook readings supplemented with guided notes versus video modules. Results indicated both guided notes and video modules were effective, but students' quiz scores were significantly higher under the video modules condition than the guided notes condition. No difference was found in students' perceived helpfulness of the materials, but the students enjoyed video modules significantly more than guided notes.
Universality for the Focusing Nonlinear Schrödinger Equation at the Gradient Catastrophe Point: Rational Breathers and Poles of the Tritronquée Solution to Painlevé I

The semiclassical (zero-dispersion) limit of solutions to the one-dimensional focusing nonlinear Schrodinger equation (NLS) is studied in a scaling neighborhood D of a point of gradient catastrophe ($x_0,t_0$). We consider a class of solutions, specified in the text, that decay as . The neighborhood D contains the region of modulated plane wave (with rapid phase oscillations), as well as the region of fast-amplitude oscillations (spikes). In this paper we establish the following universal behaviors of the NLS solutions q near the point of gradient catastrophe: (i) each spike has height and uniform shape of the rational breather solution to the NLS, scaled to the size ; (ii) the location of the spikes is determined by the poles of the tritronquee solution of the Painleve I (P1) equation through an explicit map between D and a region of the Painleve independent variable; (iii) if but lies away from the spikes, the asymptotics of the NLS solution is given by the plane wave approximation , with the correction term being expressed in terms of the tritronquee solution of P1. The relation with the conjecture of Dubrovin, Grava, and Klein about the behavior of solutions to the focusing NLS near a point of gradient catastrophe is discussed. We conjecture that the P1 hierarchy occurs at higher degenerate catastrophe points and that the amplitudes of the spikes are odd multiples of the amplitude at the corresponding catastrophe point. Our technique is based on the nonlinear steepest-descent method for matrix Riemann-Hilbert problems and discrete Schlesinger isomonodromic transformations. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Unintended consequences of health insurance: Affordable Care Act's free contraception mandate and risky sex

Health insurance is a primary driver of rising medical expenditures. Economic theory suggests that insurance induces an increase in risky behaviors, but previous empirical evidence is mixed. I use a mandate in the Affordable Care Act in which contraceptives were covered at zero cost to consumers to test for unintended effects of insurance on risky sex. Leveraging mandated zero cost-sharing for contraception and pre-policy insured rates as a measure of treatment intensity, I provide evidence that this 2012 policy reduced fertility but caused unintended consequences: a decline in condom use and a subsequent increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs). I discuss shortcomings of controlling for nonparallel pre-trends using state-trends, and I suggest an alternative to control for pre-trends directly in the context of dose-response difference-in-differences. Finally, estimates based on the 2010 dependent coverage mandate indicate health insurance provides an overall net positive effect on insurance and STI prevention.
Prescription analgesia and adjuvant use by pain severity at admission among nursing home residents with non-malignant pain

We estimated the use of prescribed analgesics and adjuvants among nursing home residents without cancer who reported pain at their admission assessment, in relation to resident-reported pain severity. Medicare Part D claims were used to define 3 classes of analgesics and 7 classes of potential adjuvants on the 21st day after nursing home admission (or the day of discharge for residents discharged before that date) among 180,780 residents with complete information admitted between January 1, 2011 and December 9, 2016, with no cancer diagnosis. Of these residents, 27.9% reported mild pain, 46.6% moderate pain, and 25.6% reported severe pain. The prevalence of residents in pain without Part D claims for prescribed analgesic and/or adjuvant medications was 47.3% among those reporting mild pain, 35.7% among those with moderate pain, and 24.8% among those in severe pain. Among residents reporting severe pain, 33% of those ≥ 85 years of age and 35% of those moderately cognitively impaired received no prescription analgesics/adjuvants. Use of all classes of prescribed analgesics and adjuvants increased with resident-reported pain severity, and the concomitant use of medications from multiple classes was common. Among nursing home residents with recognized pain, opportunities to improve the pharmacologic management of pain, especially among older residents, and those living with cognitive impairments exist.