cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Variation in metabolic responses to meal challenges differing in glycemic index in healthy women: Is it meaningful?

Background: Established clinical tests are commonly used in disease diagnosis, but tools that enhance identification of metabolic dysfunctions are needed. This study was conducted to identify typical and atypical metabolite temporal patterns in response to paired meal challenge tests. Design: Metabolic responses to high and low glycemic index (GI) meals were tested in 24 healthy pre-menopausal women, aged 20-50 y, with BMI of 25-30 kg/m 2 using a cross-over design. On test days, blood glucose, insulin, leptin and non-esterified fatty acids were measured after an overnight fasting, and for 8 h following test meal consumption. The data were range scaled, and multivariate statistics were used to assess the presence of distinct response groups to the meal challenge tests. Results: As expected, participants showed higher circulating glucose and insulin in response to the high GI compared to the low GI meal challenge. However, using range-scaling and Principal Component Analysis, three distinct groups were identified based on differential responses to the paired challenges. Members of the most populated group (n = 18) displayed little deviation from the expected response to the two meal challenges. Two minor groups (n = 3/group) with distinct responses were observed, one suggestive of sub-clinical insulin resistance, and the other suggestive of hyperleptinemia. Conclusions: The differential responses of glucose, insulin and leptin to low and high glycemic test meals revealed three response groups. Dietary intervention studies traditionally evaluate group responses, and aim to identify the overall effect in the population studied. In contrast, our study analyzed the variance in the meal challenge responses, using an integrated physiological approach, rather than a reductionist approach. This phenotyping approach may be useful for detecting subclinical metabolic dysfunctions, and it could contribute to improved personalized nutrition management. This study is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov, record #200210295
Strategic Lobbying: Demonstrating How Legislative Context Affects Interest Groups' Lobbying Tactics

Do interest groups strategically select lobbying tactics in response to the legislative context of policies they wish to influence? As rational actors, interest groups should be keen to spend their resources wisely by responding strategically to legislative contexts. This research suggests a theoretical and empirical framework and attempts to explain variations in interest group behavior at the policy level. The empirical design associates direct and indirect interest group lobbying activities with specific policies and tests the hypothesis that interest groups use legislative context as a part of their decision calculus when considering how to lobby Congress. I find that measures of legislative context are important components of models of direct and indirect lobbying.
Modeling of multiconverter more electric ship power systems using the generalized state space averaging method

Based on the more electric ship (MES) concept, conventional mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic power transfer systems are replaced by electrical systems in different sea vehicles. Considering different levels of power requirements of various electrical loads and for the achievement of compact, light, safe, and efficient power supplies, implementation of multiconverter power electronics based power systems is the most feasible option in the development of advanced navy vehicles. This paper presents a modular approach for the modeling and simulation of multiconverter MES power systems based on the generalized state space averaging method. MES power systems may consist of many individual converters connected together to form large and complex systems. In addition to simplifying the analysis procedure, by using the proposed method, time step for analysis of the system can be increased. Therefore, required computation time and computer memory for complex systems can be reduced considerably. In this paper, after introducing the proposed approach, results of applying the method to a representative system are presented. Experimental results are also provided to verify the proposed technique.
THE LIMITS OF JUDICIAL POWER Trade-Environment Disputes in the GATT/WTO and the EU

This article analyzes the politics of supranational dispute resolution, focusing on trade-environment disputes in the context of the European Union (EU) and General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade/W...
Impact of substrate glycoside linkage and elemental sulfur on bioenergetics of and hydrogen production by the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus.

uous culture at a dilution rate of 0.45 h 1 at 90°C. In the absence of S 0 , cellobiose-grown cells generated twice as much protein and had 50%-higher specific H2 generation rates than maltose-grown cultures. Addition of S 0 to maltose-grown cultures boosted cell protein production fourfold and shifted gas production completely from H2 to H2S. In contrast, the presence of S 0 in cellobiose-grown cells caused only a 1.3-fold increase in protein production and an incomplete shift from H2 to H2S production, with 2.5 times more H2 than H2S formed. Transcriptional response analysis revealed that many genes and operons known to be involved in -o r -glucan uptake and processing were up-regulated in an S 0 -independent manner. Most differentially transcribed open reading frames (ORFs) responding to S 0 in cellobiose-grown cells also responded to S 0 in maltose-grown cells; these ORFs included ORFs encoding a membrane-bound oxidoreductase complex (MBX) and two hypothetical proteins (PF2025 and PF2026). However, additional genes (242 genes; 108 genes were up-regulated and 134 genes were down-regulated) were differentially transcribed when S 0 was present in the medium of maltose-grown cells, indicating that there were different cellular responses to the two sugars. These results indicate that carbohydrate characteristics (e.g., glycoside linkage) have a major impact on S 0 metabolism and hydrogen production in P. furiosus. Furthermore, such issues need to be considered in designing and implementing metabolic strategies for production of biofuel by fermentative anaerobes.
NHC‐Containing Manganese(I) Electrocatalysts for the Two‐Electron Reduction of CO2

The synthesis and characterization of the first catalytic manganese N-heterocyclic carbene complexes are reported: MnBr(N-methyl-N′-2-pyridylbenzimidazol-2-ylidine)(CO)3 and MnBr(N-methyl-N′-2-pyridylimidazol-2-ylidine)(CO)3. Both new species mediate the reduction of CO2 to CO following two-electron reduction of the MnI center, as observed with preparative scale electrolysis and verified with 13CO2. The two-electron reduction of these species occurs at a single potential, rather than in two sequential steps separated by hundreds of millivolts, as is the case for previously reported MnBr(2,2′-bipyridine)(CO)3. Catalytic current enhancement is observed at voltages similar to MnBr(2,2′-bipyridine)(CO)3.
Diagnostic and Prognostic Utility of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Light-Chain Cardiac Amyloidosis

Although the presence of abnormal late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) in cardiac amyloidosis has been well established, its prognostic implication and utility to identify cardiac involvement in patients with systemic amyloidosis is unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic and prognostic significance of cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging in patients with amyloid light-chain amyloidosis but unknown cardiac involvement. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging with LGE was performed in 28 patients with systemic amyloidosis. The presence of cardiac amyloidosis was determined by separate clinical evaluation. The performance of LGE for the prediction of cardiac amyloidosis and prognostic implications of LGE were determined. LGE was observed in 19 patients (68%). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of LGE for the identification of clinical cardiac involvement were 86%, 86%, 95%, and 67%, respectively. During a median follow-up period of 29 months, there were 5 deaths (82% survival). LGE itself did not predict survival (p = 0.62). LGE volume was positively correlated with serum level of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP; R = 0.64, p < or =0.001), and in multivariate analysis, LGE volume proved the strongest independent predictor of BNP. BNP was correlated with New York Heart Association class (p = 0.03). Reduced right ventricular end-diastolic volume (p <0.01) and stroke volume (p = 0.02) were associated with mortality. In conclusion, in patients with systemic amyloidosis, LGE is highly sensitive and specific for the identification of cardiac involvement but does not predict survival. LGE is strongly correlated with heart failure severity as assessed by BNP.
Both CD4+ and CD8+ T Cells Can Mediate Vaccine-Induced Protection against Coccidioides immitis Infection in Mice

To determine which lymphocytes are required for vaccine-induced immunity to coccidioidomycosis, we used a temperature-sensitive mutant of Coccidioides immitis to immunize mice lacking subsets of lymphocytes or specific cytokines and infected the mice 4 weeks later with virulent C. immitis. After 2 weeks, we determined the number of fungi in their lungs and spleens. Vaccine-induced immunity required alpha beta T lymphocytes. beta -2 microglobulin knockout (KO) mice were protected by immunization, and we transferred protection using CD4+ T cells from immunized mice. However, vaccination also protected CD4+ KO mice, which suggests that CD8+ T cells played a role in vaccine-induced immunity, even though they were not required. We adaptively transferred protection using spleen cells from immunized CD4+ KO mice to nonimmune B6 mice, but CD8+ -depleted spleen cells did not protect against infection. Recipients of spleen cells from immunized CD4+ KO mice had 6 times more tumor necrosis factor (TNF)- alpha mRNA in their lungs than did mice that received nonimmune spleen cells, and TNF receptor-1 KO mice were not fully protected by immunization. These results show that both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells can protect against coccidioidomycosis and that TNF- alpha is a necessary component of the acquired immune response.
The Genus Collinsia. Xvii. a Cytogenetic Study of Radiation-Induced Reciprocal Translocations in C. Heterophylla.

Four reciprocal translocations involving two nonhomologous chromosomes and one involving three nonhomologous chromosomes were obtained either from plants of Collinsia heterophylla (n = 7) at the prebud stage or from seed which has been exposed to ionizing radiation from an x-ray source or from a cobalt therapy unit. The interchange complexes occurred either as a ring or chain but rarely as bivalents at metaphase I; the rings and chains displayed a directed orientation at this stage. Although the percentage of stainable pollen grains and the number of seed per capsule were reduced in plants with an interchange complex, the plants were not semisterile; plants with an interchange complex of six chromosomes had a lower-set than plants with an interchange complex of four chromosomes. Five of the seven chromosomes in the complement are involved in the five reciprocal translocations. The gene for white flower is linked with two different reciprocal translocations which have one chromosome in common. The chromosomes of this species are assumed to have a terminal or subterminal chiasma- forming segment in each arm. To account for the different types of interchange complex obtained after colchicine treatment or exposure to ionizing radiation, it is assumed that the former treatmentmore » is responsible for chromosome breaks in the chiasma-forming segments and the latter for breaks in the segment of the chromosome proximal to the centromere. (auth)« less
Adaptive polling algorithm for PCF mode of IEEE 802.11 wireless LANs

An adaptive PCF polling algorithm based on recent polling feedback is proposed to improve the medium utilisation rate of IEEE 802.11 wireless LANs. It is compatible with the IEEE 802.11 standard and requires a simple extension. Simulation studies show that the PCF performance can be improved in terms of the successful poll rate and the aggregate throughput.
PREDICTING QUALITY OF LIFE OF YOUTHS AFTER THEY LEAVE SPECIAL EDUCATION HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS

A subsample of 713 students was selected from a nationwide stratified probability sample of 8,404 students with disabilities attending U.S. high schools in 1985. In-school and out-of-school information about these students was obtained in 1987 from their school records, school personnel, and parents. Conventional item analysis procedures were used to construct three quality-of-life composites—esteem, independence, and support—from 17 questionnaire variables. These composites were related to 28 geo-economic, family, demographic, cognitive, disability, and school program variables using a canonical correlation. The sum of three redundancy coefficients from the canonical analysis indicated that the predictors accounted for 36.9% of the variance in the three quality-of-life composites taken in concert, from which 5.3% was attributed uniquely to school program variables. The three canonical dimensions were labeled “general competence,” “sensory disability,” and “valued support” because of the patterns of quali...
Allowing Independent Forensic Evaluations for Guantánamo Detainees

President Obama has pledged to review all cases prosecuted through the Guantanamo Military Commissions established under President George N. Bush. Such commissions, however, may have limited independent psychiatric evaluations for Guantanamo defendants. This article explores the legal foundations for evaluating Guantanamo detainees, analyzes the decisions of commissions through discussions with defense attorneys involved in the cases, and considers the medicolegal consequences of the Guantanamo commissions. Recommendations are offered to safeguard the ethical soundness of future forensic consultations.
A Kenyan mission hospital.

In this article Karen Ruthman of the Massachusetts Medical School tells of her 2-month visit to a large rural mission hospital in Chogoria Kenya. This rural region possesses fertile lands and is inhabited by families who own small tracts of land. To a US-trained physician the hospital atmosphere is alien. Even when the ward has been cleaned there remains a pervasive odor. The hospital can seem chaotic. In the pediatric units patients share a bed. The mothers or siblings often live in the hospital with the sick infant providing most of the nursing care. Diagnoses are made quickly without extensive records. The kenyan staff believes it unwise to spend resources and effort on patients who even if resuscitated will not lead productive lives preferring to devote their energies to preventing a patient from lapsing into a critical condition. The hospital walls abound with posters promoting family planning. The number of wives and children determine the wealth and status of a man and women need children to help them work in the fields. Since men are less receptive to family planning the hospital targets services to women. The hospital however does not encourage the use of barrier methods since they require the cooperation of the man. Unfortunately the clinic does not encourage the use of condoms even if the woman is at risk of AIDS. Noting that she was disappointed with the hospitals view of family planning Ruthman enthusiastically tells of a community-based family planning program she witnesses a program which encourages the use of condoms and male participation and which appears to be overcoming cultural barriers to family planning.
Are Anesthesia Providers Ready for Hypnosis? Anesthesia Providers’ Attitudes Toward Hypnotherapy

This study sought to measure current attitudes toward hypnosis among anesthesia providers using an in-person survey distributed at a single grand rounds at a single academic teaching hospital. One hundred twenty-six anesthesia providers (anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists) were included in this study. A 10-question Institutional Review Board (IRB)-approved questionnaire was developed. One hundred twenty-six (73% of providers at the meeting) anesthesia providers completed the survey. Of the respondents, 54 (43%) were anesthesiologists, 42 (33%) were trainees (interns/residents/fellows) in anesthesia, and 30 (24%) were nurse anesthetists. Over 70% of providers, at each level of training, rated their knowledge of hypnosis as either below average or having no knowledge. Fifty-two (42%) providers agreed or strongly agreed that hypnotherapy has a place in the clinical practice of anesthesia, while 103 (83%) believed that positive suggestion has a place in the clinical practice of anesthesia (p < .0001). Common reasons cited against using hypnosis were that it is too time consuming (41%) and requires special training (34%). Only three respondents (2%) believed that there were no reasons for using hypnosis in their practice. These data suggest that there is a self-reported lack of knowledge about hypnosis among anesthesia providers, although many anesthesia providers are open to the use of hypnosis in their clinical practice. Anesthesia providers are more likely to support the use of positive suggestion in their practice than hypnosis. Practical concerns should be addressed if hypnosis and therapeutic verbal techniques are to gain more widespread use.
Rate Constant and Mechanism of the Reaction Cl + CFCl2H → CFCl2 + HCl over the Temperature Range 298–670 K in N2 or N2/O2 Diluent

The rate constant of the reaction Cl + CFCl2H (k1) has been measured relative to the established rate constant for the reaction Cl + CH4 (k2) at 760 Torr. The measurements were carried out in Pyrex reactors using a mixture of CFCl2H, CH4, and Cl2 in either N2 or N2/O2 diluent. Reactants and products were quantified by GC/FID analysis. Cl atoms were generated by irradiation of the mixture with 360 nm light to dissociate the Cl2 for temperatures up to ∼550 K. At higher temperature, the Cl2 dissociated thermally, and no irradiation was used. Over the temperature range 298–670 K, k1 is consistently a factor of ∼5 smaller than that of k2 with a nearly identical temperature dependence. The optimum non-Arrhenius rate constant is represented by the expression k1 = 1.14 × 10–22 T3.49 e–241/T cm3 molecule–1 s–1 with an estimated uncertainty of ±15% including uncertainty in the reference reaction. CFCl3 formed from the reaction CFCl2 + Cl2 (k3) is the sole product in N2 diluent. In ∼20% O2 at 298 K, the CFCl3 produc...
Development of a Research Facility to Study the Flow Field in an APU-Style Inlet

For the many applications of gas turbine engines installed with APU-style inlets such as unmanned aerial vehicles, auxiliary power units, and helicopters, the inlet swirl distortion created from these complicated inlet systems has become a major performance and operability concern. To improve the design of the APU-style inlet systems, better understanding of the flow field and the mechanism for swirl development is necessary. This paper describes the development of a research facility at Purdue University, in cooperation with Honeywell, that provides relevant flow rates through an APU-style inlet such that detailed measurements can be taken in the flow field. A subcritical air ejector is used to continuously flow the inlet at desired corrected mass flow rates. A PID control method is used to maintain the stable operation of the flow system. The steady performance of this system is quantified, and the method used to improve the operation steadiness is described. The facility provides stable operation of the inlet over a wide range of corrected mass flow rate from 1.0 lbm/s to 5.5 lbm/s, which matches the Reynolds number and Mach number in the real engine operating environments and enables further research in resolving the detailed flow field and understanding of the swirl development inside the APU-style inlet.
Cloning of Size-Selected Human Immunoglobulin Heavy-Chain Rearrangements from Third Complementarity-Determining Region Fingerprint Profiles

Methods have been developed to rapidly visualize the size distribution of third complementarity-determining regions (CDR3) in immunoglobulin (Ig) and T-cell receptor (TCR) molecules. DNA fragments ...
Predisposition to gastric erosions in the rat: behavioral and nutritional effects of early maternal separation.

After early maternal deprivation (on postnatal day 15), the incidence of restraint- induced gastric erosions on day 30 increases to approximately 5 times that of rats separated at the customary (day 21) weaning age. These data suggest that factors in the mother-infant relationship during postnatal development in young rats can influence later susceptibility or resistance to gastric erosions. We present a series of experiments to test whether loss of behavioral interaction with the mother or loss of maternal milk results in this increase in gastric erosion susceptibility. The results show that the absence of maternal milk, rather than behavioral deprivation, is primarily responsible for the increase in susceptibility after early maternal separation. However, behavioral interaction with the mother can additionally modify this susceptibility.
AC Electrokinetic Stirring and Focusing of Nanoparticles

Immunoassay-based sensors rely on specific antigen-antibody binding for identification of proteins. These sensors have applications in both clinical laboratories for medical diagnostics, and in research laboratories for highly-multiplexed testing. In these cases, throughput is a key consideration. One factor limiting test duration is diffusion of analyte to the reporter. An incubation step of minutes to hours is required for diffusion-limited reactions to reach detectable levels. These tests are usually performed at centralized labs where high throughput is achieved through robotics and highly parallel assays. However, if the assay could be moved from a centralized lab to the point of care, the test could be much faster, as well as smaller, while maintaining high sensitivity.
How reported usefulness modifies the association between neighborhood supports and walking behavior

Neighborhood supports have been associated with walking, but this association may be modified by reports about the usefulness of these supports for promoting walking. This study examined the association between reported presence of neighborhood supports and walking and whether usefulness modified this association in a nationwide sample of U.S. adults. Measures of reported presence and use or potential use (i.e., usefulness) of neighborhood supports (shops within walking distance, transit stops, sidewalks, parks, interesting things to look at, well-lit at night, low crime rate, and cars following speed limit) were examined in 3973 adults who completed the 2014 SummerStyles survey. Multinomial regression models were used to examine the association between presence of supports with walking frequency (frequently, sometimes, rarely (referent)) and the role usefulness had on this association. The interaction term between reported presence and usefulness was significant for all supports (p<0.05). For adults who reported a support as useful, a positive association between presence of the support and walking frequency was observed for all supports. For adults who did not report a support as useful, the association between presence of the support and walking frequency was null for most supports and negative for sidewalks, well-lit at night, and low crime rate. The association between presence of neighborhood supports and walking is modified by reported usefulness of the support. Tailoring initiatives to meet a community's supply of and affinity for neighborhood supports may help initiatives designed to promote walking and walkable communities succeed.
Faith and Boundaries: “Newcomers and Strangers”

Blood boiled at Aquinnah in 1812 when news broke that Zachariah Howwoswee Jr. and Simon Mayhew had submitted a petition to Boston claiming to represent the ten so-called “few remaining Indians of Gayhead.” In it they asserted that the Wampanoags “used to get along quite peaceably and well … [but] now there are so many Negroes and Molattoes got in among us, who are proud, lazy, and do not do right, and hurt us very much, & we cannot help ourselves.” The only way to protect the besieged Natives, Howwoswee and Mayhew contended, was for Massachusetts to place Aquinnah under new guardians, namely themselves. These underhanded men had attempted several land grabs over the last twenty years, only to be defeated at every turn. Now, with Howwoswee sunken in debt and Mayhew overconfident following his election as Chilmark's representative to the state legislature, they hatched this new scheme with the obvious purpose of engrossing Wampanoag territory. Aquinnah professed shock at the petition's “absurditites,” but no one could have been surprised that race had finally entered the community's politics. Recently, a stark shortage of Indian men had forced growing numbers of Indian women to marry outsiders, a disproportionate number of whom were “blacks” and “mulattoes” since segregationist workplace conditions, laws, and customs grouped Natives with other “people of color.” Although there were scattered examples of Wampanoags pairing with African American slaves stretching back several years, this was the first time open marriages took places in such large numbers, thereby presenting the Indian communities in which the “mixed” couples lived with a host of formidable challenges: Could a non-Indian participate in local government?
The Diplomacy of Disaster: Losing the Falklands

Stable and effective though the Thatcher-Carrington partnership appeared to be, it was destroyed by an unexpected event. Argentina invaded the Falkland Islands on 2 April 1982 and the dependency of South Georgia the following day. The small British garrisons offered brief resistance in both cases, causing fatalities but suffering none themselves, and then surrendered to greatly superior forces. They, together with the governor of the colony and anyone else who wished to leave, were then taken off the Islands by the Argentinians and provided with safe passage to Uruguay. After a brief hesitation, the British government demanded that the Argentinians leave the Islands and resume negotiations, and it also declared its willingness to use force should they refuse. Carrington resigned, accepting formal responsibility for the disaster, although it is clear from their respective memoirs that neither Carrington nor Thatcher thought him particularly to blame. And while a response was prepared, a passionate debate developed in Britain as to what had gone wrong and who was to blame.
Spectroscopic and Photophysical Characterization of Fluorescent Chemosensors for Monosaccharides Based on N-Phenylboronic Acid Derivatives of 1,8-Naphthalimide

Spectroscopic and photophysical properties of two fluorescent probes for monosaccharides are presented. Probes are based on the N-phenyl-1,8-naphthalimide structure having the boronic acid group [R-B(OH)2] in ortho in one case, and meta in the other case, positions of the N-phenyl group. Formation of the anionic form of the boronic acid group [R-B(OH)−3] induced a substantial decrease of the steady-state fluorescence of both compounds. Because no change in the fluorescence lifetime from the neutral to the anionic forms is observed, static quenching resulting from photoinduced electron transfer from the anionic form of the boronic acid is used to explain the decrease of the emission intensity. Both compounds show substantial decreases of their fluorescence intensity in the presence of sugars. In addition, this decrease of the fluorescence intensity is associated with an increase of the fluorescence lifetime for the ortho derivative while no effect on the lifetime is observed for the meta derivative. Both photoinduced electron transfer and steric hindrance are discussed to correlate the observed results.
A Long Way in a Short Time: States' Progress on Health Care Coverage and Access, 2013–2015

Issue: The Affordable Care Act’s policy reforms sought to expand health insurance coverage and make health care more affordable. As the nation prepares for policy changes under a new administration, we assess recent gains and challenges. Goal: To compare access to affordable health care across the U.S. between 2013 and 2015. Methods: Analysis of most recent publicly available data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Key findings and conclusions: Between 2013 and 2015, uninsured rates for adults ages 19 to 64 declined in all states and by at least 3 percentage points in 48 states and the District of Columbia. For children, uninsured rates declined by at least 2 percentage points in 28 states. The share of adults age 18 and older who reported forgoing a visit to the doctor when needed because of costs dropped by at least 2 percentage points in 38 states and D.C. In contrast, there was little progress in expanding access to dental care for adults, which is not a required benefit under the ACA. These findings illustrate the impact that policy can have on access to care and offer a focal point for assessing future policy changes.
No digital divide? Technology use among homeless adults

Homeless adults experience increased risk of negative health outcomes, and technology-based interventions may provide an opportunity for improving health in this population. However, little is known about homeless adults' technology access and use. Utilizing data from a study of 421 homeless adults moving into PSH, this paper presents descriptive technology findings, and compares results to age-matched general population data. The vast majority (94%) currently owned a cell phone, although there was considerable past 3-month turnover in phones (56%) and phone numbers (55%). More than half currently owned a smartphone, and 86% of those used Android operating systems. Most (85%) used a cell phone daily, 76% used text messaging, and 51% accessed the Internet on their cell phone. One-third reported no past 3-month Internet use. These findings suggest that digital technology may be a feasible means of disseminating health and wellness programs to this at-risk population, though important caveats are discussed.
Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Direct Portal Pressure Measurement Using a Digital Pressure Wire with Real-Time Remote Display: A Survival Study.

Abstract Background: Portal hypertension is necessary for the development of most clinical complications of cirrhosis. We recently reported a novel, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided technique for...
Acceptability of In Utero Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for Sickle Cell Disease

Background. In utero hematopoietic cell transplantation (IUHCT) has curative potential for sickle cell disease (SCD) but carries a risk of fetal demise. Methods. We assessed the conditions under wh...
Variation of thermal conductivity of DPPC lipid bilayer membranes around the phase transition temperature

Given their amphiphilic nature and chemical structure, phospholipids exhibit a strong thermotropic and lyotropic phase behaviour in an aqueous environment. Around the phase transition temperature, phospholipids transform from a gel-like state to a fluid crystalline structure. In this transition, many key characteristics of the lipid bilayers such as structure and thermal properties alter. In this study, we employed atomistic simulation techniques to study the structure and underlying mechanisms of heat transfer in dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) lipid bilayers around the fluid–gel phase transformation. To investigate this phenomenon, we performed non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations for a range of different temperature gradients. The results show that the thermal properties of the DPPC bilayer are highly dependent on the temperature gradient. Higher temperature gradients cause an increase in the thermal conductivity of the DPPC lipid bilayer. We also found that the thermal conductivity of DPPC is lowest at the transition temperature whereby one lipid leaflet is in the gel phase and the other is in the liquid crystalline phase. This is essentially related to a growth in thermal resistance between the two leaflets of lipid at the transition temperature. These results provide significant new insights into developing new thermal insulation for engineering applications.
All Wrapped Up: Environmental Effects on Myelination

To date, studies have demonstrated the dynamic influence of exogenous environmental stimuli on multiple regions of the brain. This environmental influence positively and negatively impacts programs governing myelination, and acts on myelinating oligodendrocyte (OL) cells across the human lifespan. Developmentally, environmental manipulation of OL progenitor cells (OPCs) has profound effects on the establishment of functional cognitive, sensory, and motor programs. Furthermore, central nervous system (CNS) myelin remains an adaptive entity in adulthood, sensitive to environmentally induced structural changes. Here, we discuss the role of environmental stimuli on mechanisms governing programs of CNS myelination under normal and pathological conditions. Importantly, we highlight how these extrinsic cues can influence the intrinsic power of myelin plasticity to promote functional recovery.
Reprocessable polyhydroxyurethane networks exhibiting full property recovery and concurrent associative and dissociative dynamic chemistry: Via transcarbamoylation and reversible cyclic carbonate aminolysis

We discovered that polyhydroxyurethane (PHU) networks synthesized in the presence of a catalyst from five-membered cyclic carbonates are intrinsically reprocessable with full property recovery via transcarbamoylation exchange reactions and reversible cyclic carbonate aminolysis. Through a judicious choice of monomers, we demonstrated that PHU networks can be recycled multiple times with full property retention. The presence of reversible reactions in addition to exchange reactions in PHU network reprocessing should spur reconsideration of the underlying reprocessing chemistries associated with some dynamic covalent polymer networks which have been ascribed solely to exchange reactions. With excellent reprocessability, this synthetic framework also serves as a sustainable non-isocyanate-based alternative to traditional polyurethane (PU) networks.
Definite integral registers using infinitesimals

Abstract I propose a theoretical model of representation registers for definite integral notation. The two registers, adding up pieces (AUP) and multiplicatively-based summation (MBS), are developed from modes of interpreting integral notation identified by S. Jones (2015). In this model, the AUP register affords modeling with definite integral notation, while the MBS register affords sense-making with and evaluation of integrals. These registers are illustrated in the context of a Calculus I class that used an informal infinitesimals approach; in this class differentials such as dx directly represented infinitesimal quantities instead of serving as a reminder of a quantity that existed before a limit was taken. Theoretical implications of extending Duval’s register theory (2006) in this way are also explored.
Dynamic Balance Is Related to Physiological Impairments in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis.

Abstract Objectives To compare physiological impairments between persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) with a history of falls and persons with MS without a history of falls, and to investigate the association between physiological impairments and dynamic balance. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting University motion analysis laboratory. Participants Persons with MS (N=55; 27 recurrent fallers and 28 nonfallers). Participants were classified as fallers if they self-reported ≥2 falls in the previous 6 months. Interventions None. Main Outcome Measures Physiological impairment was assessed with sensorimotor delays, spasticity, plantar cutaneous sensation, and the sensory, cerebellar, and pyramidal subscales of the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). Dynamic balance was assessed using the average and variability of margin of stability and variability of trunk accelerations. Results Compared with nonfallers, fallers had lower plantar sensation, longer sensorimotor delays, more spasticity, and more impairment in the pyramidal and cerebellar subscales of the EDSS. Additionally, these impairments were all moderately to strongly correlated with worse dynamic balance. Conclusions This study highlights the multifactorial nature of instability in persons with MS. A better understanding of the physiological mechanisms of dynamic instability in persons with MS can be used to improve methods of monitoring disease progression, identifying which impairments to target through interventions, and appropriately evaluating intervention efficacy.
A Sulfonate-Functionalized Viologen Enabling Neutral Cation Exchange, Aqueous Organic Redox Flow Batteries toward Renewable Energy Storage

Redox flow batteries using synthetically tunable and resource abundant organic molecules have gained increasing attention for large-scale energy storage. Herein we report a sulfonate-functionalized viologen molecule, 1,1′-bis(3-sulfonatopropyl)-4,4′-bipyridinium, (SPr)2V, as an anolyte in neutral aqueous organic redox flow batteries (AORFBs) functioning through a cation charge-transfer mechanism. Demonstrated (SPr)2V/KI AORFBs manifested high current performance from 40 to 100 mA/cm2 with up to 71% energy efficiency. In extended cycling studies, the (SPr)2V/KI redox flow battery delivered stable cycling performance at 60 mA/cm2, up to 67% energy efficiency, and 99.99% capacity retention per cycle. Density functional theory modeling of the electrostatic charge surface of (SPr)2V and its charged state, [(SPr)2V]–1, suggests charge repulsion and size exclusion enable their compatibility with a cation exchange membrane. The present findings expand the battery design of neutral viologen AORFBs and represent an...
Organic Secondary Ion Intensity and Analyte Concentration

Secondary ion emission from organic analyte-glycerol solutions is an important process in the qualitative analysis of involatile organic compounds. Quantitative relationships between analyte concentration and secondary ion intensity are difficult to evaluate because while the analyte is involatile, glycerol evaporates in vacuum. Quantitative measurement of volatile analytes dissolved in glycerol is, however, possible because evaporation of glycerol is unaffected by the presence of a volatile analyte at low concentrations. Secondly, volatile analytes such as amines may be introduced via gas phase onto the glycerol surface and the amine concentration should follow Henry’s Law; there should be a linear correlation between amine pressure, controlled via an inlet system and its concentration on the glycerol surface.
Water Management Institutions

To understand how institutions impact the operation of complex water systems, this chapter first reviews definitions of the term “institution” in the literature and in common usage. In U.S. Government reports the term is used frequently as a synonym for “organization.” But not all organizations are institutions and not all institutions are organizations! The definition used here draws on concepts of sociology and stresses the process of institutionalization, suggesting that an institution is the structured outcome of a process by which values (norms) are articulated, arranged, communicated, and applied. There is continuity over time, and influence or control on the behavior of persons involved with the institution but who may not have participated in the process of institutionalization. In the analysis of complex water system operations, it is necessary to consider how cultural norms, societal rules, values people pursue, individual group, community and organization behavior, as well as structures and organizations that determine and support regularized social interaction have become institutionalized and continue dynamically to change and evolve.
Heterogeneity of caffeine- and bradykinin-sensitive Ca2+ stores in vascular endothelial cells

The filling state of Ca2+ stores in endothelial cells regulates Ca2+ entry. The functional relationship between the major Ca2+ stores [i.e. Ins(1,4,5)P3-sensitive (= bradykinin-sensitive stores, 'BsS') and caffeine-sensitive stores] is unknown. In pig right-coronary-artery endothelial cells, caffeine failed to release Ca2+ in 68% of the cells (quiet-responders), but increased bradykinin (Bk)-induced Ca2+ release 2.5-fold. In Bk-pre-stimulated cells, caffeine increased Ca2+ release upon a second stimulation with Bk 3.2-fold. In quiet-responders caffeine alone did not affect net Ca2+ storage, whereas Bk or caffeine followed by Bk decreased the intracellular Ca2+ pool to 45% and 15%, respectively. Blockade of the endoplasmic-reticulum Ca2+ pump by thapsigargin unmasked the effect of caffeine in quiet-responders, resulting in a transient increase in intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). In 37% of the cells caffeine alone transiently increased [Ca2+]i and depleted BsS. This study suggests a heterogeneity in functional organization of endothelial Ca2+ stores. In quiet-responders, caffeine translocates Ca2+ towards the BsS, whereas in overt-responders caffeine empties the BsS.
Detailed use case points (DUCPs): a size metric automatically countable from sequence and class diagrams

Sequence and class diagrams are widely used to model the behavioral and structural aspects of a software system. A size metric that is defined automatically countable from sequence and class diagrams boosts both the efficiency and the accuracy of size estimation by producing reproducible software size measurements. To fulfill the purposes, a size metric called Detailed Use Case Points (DUCPs) is proposed based on the information automatically derived from sequence and class diagrams. The automation is largely supported by our proposed user-system interaction model (USIM) that fills the gap between the system abstraction by the sizing model and the metamodels of the UML diagrams. The effectiveness of our proposed size metric in project effort estimation is validated by an empirical study of 22 historical projects.
Ladderane phospholipids form a densely packed membrane with normal hydrazine and anomalously low proton/hydroxide permeability

Ladderane lipids are unique to anaerobic ammonium-oxidizing (anammox) bacteria and are enriched in the membrane of the anammoxosome, an organelle thought to compartmentalize the anammox process, which involves the toxic intermediate hydrazine (N2H4). Due to the slow growth rate of anammox bacteria and difficulty of isolating pure ladderane lipids, experimental evidence of the biological function of ladderanes is lacking. We have synthesized two natural and one unnatural ladderane phosphatidylcholine lipids and compared their thermotropic properties in self-assembled bilayers to distinguish between [3]- and [5]-ladderane function. We developed a hydrazine transmembrane diffusion assay using a water-soluble derivative of a hydrazine sensor and determined that ladderane membranes are as permeable to hydrazine as straight-chain lipid bilayers. However, pH equilibration across ladderane membranes occurs 5–10 times more slowly than across straight-chain lipid membranes. Langmuir monolayer analysis and the rates of fluorescence recovery after photobleaching suggest that dense ladderane packing may preclude formation of proton/hydroxide-conducting water wires. These data support the hypothesis that ladderanes prevent the breakdown of the proton motive force rather than blocking hydrazine transmembrane diffusion in anammox bacteria.
From Child Maltreatment to Adolescent Substance Use: Different Pathways for Males and Females?:

This study uses data from the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect (LONGSCAN) project to assess the relationships between childhood physical abuse/sexual abuse and adolescent substance u...
Power Modulated Fiber-Optic Loop Sensor: Theoretical and Experimental Investigation

This paper is focused on discussing a power modulation-based sensor created using a single-mode optical fiber. The sensing principle allows making displacement measurements with high accuracy and in a large measurement range due to the presence of resonance peaks in the transmitted intensity. A theoretical model is developed for the fiber-optic loop sensor and is validated with experimental data. The results show close matching between theoretical predictions and experimental results, allowing the use of the sensor for displacement measurement.
Laparoscopic restorative proctocolectomy: case-matched comparative study with open restorative proctocolectomy

PURPOSE: A laparoscopic approach to restorative proctocolectomy is new and has not been compared recently with the traditional open procedure. By using prospectively gathered data, laparoscopic and open restorative proctocolectomy procedures in mucosal ulcerative colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis patients were compared by using a case-matched design. METHODS: Forty patients, composing 20 consecutive laparoscopic cases (13 mucosal ulcerative colitis, 7 familial adenomatous polyposis), were matched for age, gender, and body mass index with 20 open cases (13 mucosal ulcerative colitis, 7 familial adenomatous polyposis) performed during the same time period. Mucosal ulcerative colitis patients were also matched for severity of disease by using hemoglobin and albumin levels, whole blood count, and steroid dependency. A loop ileostomy was made in 12 of 13 laparoscopic mucosal ulcerative colitis patients, all open mucosal ulcerative colitis patients, and no familial adenomatous polyposis patients. RESULTS: The median age was 25 (range, 9–61) years. There were no intraoperative complications in either group and no conversions in the laparoscopic group. The operative times (median, range) were significantly longer in laparoscopic cases (330, 180–480 minutes)vs. open cases (230, 180–300 minutes),P<0.001. Bowel function returned more quickly in laparoscopic cases (2, 1–8 days)vs. open cases (4, 1–13 days),P=0.03; and the length of stay was shorter in laparoscopic cases (7, 4–14 days)vs. open cases (8, 6–17 days),P=0.02. For diverted patients, the median length of stay was reduced by two days in laparoscopic cases (6, 4–14 days)vs. open cases (8, 6–17 days),P=0.01. Complications occurred in 4 of 20 laparoscopic patients (3 obstruction/ileus and 1 pelvic abscess) and 5 of 20 open patients (2 obstruction and ileus, 1 each anastomotic leak and abscess, peptic ulceration, and episode of dehydration). CONCLUSIONS: Return of intestinal function and length of stay are reduced in the laparoscopic group compared with open group. A laparoscopic approach to restorative proctocolectomy has the potential of becoming an appealing alternative to conventional restorative proctocolectomy surgery.