cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Critical Psychological States: An Underrepresented Component in Job Characteristics Model Research

The mediating role of the critical psychological states (CPS) in the job characteristics model was examined in two studies. Using Baron and Kenny’s (1986) approach for examining mediation hypotheses, results from Study 1: (1) supported the hypothesized linkages between the core job dimensions and the CPS, and between the CPS and attitudinal outcomes; (2) provided no support for the hypothesis that all three CPS must be experienced to m~Kirniz~ internal work motivation; (3) supported the present authors’ hypothesis that the CPS would explain signtm and (4) supported the present authors * hypothesis that the CPS are partial rather than complete mediator var~~b~es~ Using causal modeling analyst and another sample, results from Study 2 provided the strongest support for a job characteristics modeI that allowed the core job dimensions to have direct and indirect effects on personal and work outcomes, further supporting the Study 1 finding that the CPS were partial mediator variables. The general discussion centered on the implications the present findings have for future job characteristics model research.
Congenital Renal Dysplasia Predicts End Stage Renal Disease in Children with Posterior Urethral Valves

Abstract Purpose Obstructive uropathy secondary to posterior urethral valves (PUV) is still an important cause of end stage renal disease (ESRD) in children. The PURPOSE of this study is to analyze patients with PUV to determine risk factors that might be predictive for ultimate renal failure. Material and Methods A retrospective cohort study was performed of boys with posterior urethral valves from 1975 to 2005. Demographics, clinical details, and renal outcomes were abstracted from the medical record. Risk factors selected were high-grade VUR, nadir serum creatinine as a proxy for dysplasia, UTI, and severe bladder dysfunction requiring CIC. Risk factors were analyzed by univariate analysis and those achieving significance were then placed in a multi-variable logistic regression model. Results A total of 142 patients were identified, half of whom presented in the neonatal period. 119 patients had sufficient records for evaluation. The mean follow-up was 7.2 years. The number of patients progressing to ESRD was 15 at a mean age of 8.1 years. Of these patients, 93% initially presented with VUR and 87% required CIC. An elevated nadir creatinine was seen in 80%. Multi-variable analysis revealed that an elevated nadir creatinine (O.R. 71) and the presence of bladder dysfunction (O.R. 8.9) were independent risk factors for ESRD. VUR was also associated with an increased risk of ESRD (O.R. 2.0) but was not statistically significant. Urinary tract infections were not associated with ESRD. Conclusions Patients with posterior urethral valves and severe bladder dysfunction whose nadir creatinine remains elevated are at risk for deterioration of the upper urinary tracts requiring renal replacement therapy. It is unclear if high-grade vesico-ureteral reflux at diagnosis may also be a poor prognostic sign or actually reno-protective. Further analysis is necessary to evaluate the effects of early aggressive bladder management on renal outcomes.
Nonlinear coherent spectroscopy in the single molecule limit (Presentation Recording)

Detecting coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) signals from signal molecules is a longstanding experimental challenge. Driving the vibrational CARS response with surface plasmon fields has proven notoriously difficult due to strong background contributions, unfavorable heat dissipation and the phase dispersion of the plasmon modes in the ensemble. In this work we overcome previous experimental limitations and demonstrate time-resolved, vibrational CARS from molecules in the low copy number limit, down to the single molecule level. Our measurements, which are performed under ambient and non-electronic resonance conditions, establish that the coherent response from vibrational modes of individual molecules can be studied experimentally, opening up a new realm of molecular spectroscopic investigations.
Environmental Considerations in Design of Transmission Lines

The electric power industry has the real and important responsibility of facing up to the demands which have been created by the impact of our installations on the surroundings. Transmission line engineers have to consider alignment and tower appearance carefully in the design stage. The line must be integrated and blended with, and concealed by, the surrounding environment. Development of esthetically acceptable structures is of utmost importance.
Abstract T MP109: Tocotrienol Induces TIMP1 Expression and Pro-arteriogenic Remodeling of Cerebrovascular Collaterals

Introduction: Tocotrienols (TCT), lesser-known vitamin E family members, improve perfusion to brain tissue and attenuate stroke injury. Mechanisms underlying TCT improvement of collateral perfusion during ischemic stroke, however, remain unclear. Arteriogenesis is defined by the growth of functional collaterals in brain tissue where tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP1) is believed to play a key role in extracellular matrix remodeling. Objective/Hypothesis: We tested the effect of prophylactic TCT on arteriogenesis by measuring collateral diameter and quantity in stroke-affected brain. Gene and protein expression of TIMP1 was queried in isolated collaterals as a key regulator of arteriogenesis. We hypothesize that TCT increases collateral size and number, and induces TIMP1 expression in collaterals of stroke-affected brain. Methods: C57/BL6 mice (male, 5 wks) were orally gavaged daily with 50mg/kg body weight of TCT or volume matched placebo (n=12) for 10 wks prior to middle cerebral artery occl...
The Influence of Saving Objectives on Saving: First Response Versus Any Response for Objectives

Why do we save? Do saving decisions reflect personal needs to achieve goals in one’s life? This study examined the influence of six saving goals constructed both from Life-cycle hypothesis, and Maslow’s hierarchical theory of human needs. Even though traditional goals, such as retirement savings and precautionary savings, have been at the center of the academic debate on saving (Siegmann, 2002), empirical studies indicate that households can save for one or more reasons at the same time beyond the frequently analyzed goals (Warneryd, 1995). We tested both the first response goal (Model1) and the combined first through sixth response goals (Model2), while controlling for other household characteristics, expectations, and attitudes. The 1998-2007 Survey of Consumer Finances datasets were used for the analysis. The traditional goal, the retirement/security goal from the life cycle hypothesis, was the most commonly found goal, but the self-growth goal from Maslow’s theory was the least. However, in the multivariate analyses on both Model1 and Model2, the self-growth saving goal was the most influential goal leading households to save more than any other goals.
Capital Cost Minimization of Drainage Networks

This paper presents and compares three mathematical programming models for the optimization of drainage networks. The three models are based on two extensions of linear programming: separable-convex and mixed- integer programming. The first produces a continuous range of diameters while the second limits the solution to discrete commercially available sizes. It is shown that while the first can be formulated with pipes flowing full, the second must allow for partial flow. A solution which combines the use of both of these techniques can produce a minimum cost system with partially-full flows and commercially available diameters. This solution requires less computer time than those based strictly on mixed-integer programming. An example seven-link drainage network is designed by the three proposed methods and the results are reported in the paper.
Increased immediate postoperative hemorrhage in older and obese children after outpatient tonsillectomy

Abstract Introduction Postoperative hemorrhage is one of the serious complications of adenotonsillar surgery. This study seeks to investigate the relationship between post-tonsillectomy/adenotonsillectomy hemorrhage in the pediatric population and obesity, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), adenotonsillar hypertrophy (ATH), chronic tonsillitis (CT), and peritonsillar abscess (PTA) in the immediate post-operative setting. Methods The California Ambulatory Surgery Data for the years 2005–2011 were reviewed. The records of patients aged less than 18 years undergoing tonsillectomy (T) or adenotonsillectomy (AT) were extracted using relevant ICD-9 diagnosis codes. The association between hemorrhage and obesity, OSA, AH, CT, PTA, and patients’ demographics among surgeries performed in the outpatient setting was evaluated. Results A total of 138,998 procedures, 22,478 Ts and 116,520 ATs, were performed during 2005–2011, of which 3.0% were performed on obese children. Hemorrhage occurred in 156 cases (0.1%), and was associated with an age from 9 to 18 years (p = 0.01), and obesity (p = 0.02). There was no association between hemorrhage and gender (p = 0.8), OSA (p = 0.6), ATH (p = 0.5), CT (p = 0.35), PTA (p = 0.47), or T versus AT (p = 0.3). Multivariate analysis revealed that hemorrhage was about 2.3 times more likely to occur in obese children (odds ratio [OR] = 2.3; 95% Confidence Interval: 1.1–5.1; p = 0.03). Conclusions Obesity and older age are associated with an increased risk of immediate post-operative hemorrhage following tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy in the outpatient setting. Gender, OSA, ATH, CT, PTA, and T versus AT did not alter the risk of post-operative hemorrhage.
Fit Matters? Asymmetrical Impact of Effectiveness for Sponsors and Event Marketers

This sport marketing study establishes a clearer demarcation between an event sponsor and a sponsored event in relation to investigating the potential value of congruity. Based on 1,615 field surveys, we uncover the asymmetrical impact of event-sponsor fit on the title sponsor and sponsored professional cycling event. Specifically, the study reveals how consumers’ positive perceptions of the sponsor rise when they perceive greater fit with the event; yet, congruity does not influence consumers’ attitudes toward the event. That is, even when the event and sponsor are perceived as a mismatch, it does not impact how the attendee assesses the event. Event-sponsor fit makes for a stronger sponsorship investment, especially when the sponsor is seen as socially responsible. The tested model illustrates how the transfer of corporate social responsibility serves to bridge favorable attitudes toward the event with positive sponsor brand associations and purchasing intent for the sponsor’s brands.
On Sovereignty and Other Political Delusions

This book, small in size, big in ideas, important in its contribution, joins a growing literature that aims to reexamine one of the central concepts in politics and political theory. While much of ...
Case records of the Massachusetts General Hospital. Case 3-2013. A 72-year-old woman with abdominal pain and distention after peritoneal dialysis.

A 72-year-old woman from Southeast Asia with end-stage renal disease was admitted to the hospital with abdominal pain and vomiting. She had been receiving peritoneal dialysis, reportedly had had multiple episodes of peritonitis, and had recently switched to hemodialysis.
X-ray Absorption Study of Graphene Oxide and Transition Metal Oxide Nanocomposites.

The surface properties of the electrode materials play a crucial role in determining the performance and efficiency of energy storage devices. Graphene oxide and nanostructures of 3d transition metal oxides were synthesized for construction of electrodes in supercapacitors, and the electronic structure and oxidation states were probed using near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure. Understanding the chemistry of graphene oxide would provide valuable insight into its reactivity and properties as the graphene oxide transformation to reduced-graphene oxide is a key step in the synthesis of the electrode materials. Polarized behavior of the synchrotron X-rays and the angular dependency of the near-edge X-ray absorption fine structures (NEXAFS) have been utilized to study the orientation of the σ and π bonds of the graphene oxide and graphene oxide–metal oxide nanocomposites. The core-level transitions of individual metal oxides and that of the graphene oxide nanocomposite showed that the interaction of graph...
Effect of dietary fat and fatty acid on fecal excretion of a calcium oleate phosphate complex.

SummaryThe excretion of a calcium oleate-phosphate lipid complex in the feces of rats was studied under various dietary conditions. Diets containing 25% of either olive oil. corn oil. hydrogenated soybean oil, palmitic acid or oleic acid were compared with a fat-free basal diet. Oleic acid was approximately 70 times more effective in stimulating formation of lipid than either corn oil or olive oil. Palmitic acid had a very slight effect, whereas hydrogenated soybean oil had no effect. The absorption of oleic acid was much lower than that of palmitic acid, corn oil or olive oil, perhaps due to the formation of the lipid. The significance of the fecal lipid is discussed.
Inhibitory Actions of β-Diethylaminoethyl Diphenyl-n-Propyl Acetate (SKF 525-A) on Muscle Contraction

Summary1. SKF 525-A caused an increased tension in the isolated frog rectus abdominis muscle. After treatment with SKF 525-A the response to acetylcholine (ACh) was inhibited, and the inhibition could not be reversed by repeating washing of the muscle with fresh Ringer's solution. The inhibition differed from that observed with d-tubocurarine and atropine. 2. SKF 525-A had no direct effect in low concentrations on the isolated rabbit ileum, but it prevented spontaneous rhythmic activity in higher concentrations. It inhibited the effect of ACh on the gut and this inhibition was reversed by repeated washings with fresh Tyrode's solution. 3. SKF 525-A raised the threshold to direct electrical stimulation of the frog gastrocnemius muscle. 4. SKF 525-A inhibited the enzyme pseudocholinesterase. 5. These data are not fully explained, but the results indicate that SKF 525-A has properties which differ markedly from those previously reported concerning the inhibition of microsomal detoxifying enzymes.We wish to e...
Loss-Of-Functional Kir6.1 KATP Channel Mutations Induce Cell Apoptosis through ROS Production and Mitochondrial Dysfunction

INTRODUCTION: Hypoxia-induced apoptosis and arrhythmia are the important cause of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels are known to provide a functional linkage between the electrical activity of cell membrane and metabolism. The KCNJ8-encoded Kir6.1 KATP channel critically regulates vascular tone and cardiac adaptive response to systemic metabolic stressors, including sepsis. Previously, we reported two KCNJ8 mutations (E332del, V346I) in a large SIDS cohort that exhibited a marked loss-of-function phenotype, reduction of cell surface expression and increased cell death. Here we further investigate the effect of the mutants on apoptosis.METHODS AND RESULTS: HEK293 cells transfected with IRES-GFP constructs containing Kir6.1-WT or mutant (Kir6.1-E332del or Kir6.1-V346I) with SUR2A in a ratio of 1:1 for 48 hrs. For apoptosis assays, cells were stained with PE-Annexin V and 7-AAD, the apoptotic cells were measured by Flow-cytometry within gated GFP (+) cells. Caspase-3/7 activity was measured with Apo-ONE Homogenous caspase 3/7 assay kit. It showed the apoptotic ratio was significantly increased for mutants Kir6-1-E332del and Kir6.1-V346I compared to Kir6.1-WT. The Caspase-3/7 activity was also increased 1.5∼2.2 folds for Kir6.1-E332del and Kir6.1-V346I over Kir6.1-WT. Furthermore, the mitochondrial superoxide levels was measured by using MitoSOX Red and the basal level of superoxide were significantly higher in mutant Kir6.1-E332del and Kir6.1-V346I compared to Kir6.1-WT (p < 0.05). The mitochondrial membrane potential of Kir6.1-E332del, Kir6.1-V346I and Kir6.1-WT transfected cells were also measured by JC-1 staining with flow cytometry analysis. The results showed that the green fluorescent signal in the mutant cells were increased 1.5 ∼2.5 folds over Kir6.1-WT, indicating the mutants induced mitochondrial membrane damage.CONCLUSIONS: The loss-of-functional Kir6.1 KATP channel mutations found in SIDS cohort induce cell apoptosis through ROS production and mitochondrial dysfunction in heterologous expression system.
Vibrissal sensitivity in a harbor seal (Phoca vitulina).

Prior efforts to characterize the capabilities of the vibrissal system in seals have yielded conflicting results. Here, we measured the sensitivity of the vibrissal system of a harbor seal ( Phoca vitulina ) to directly coupled sinusoidal stimuli delivered by a vibrating plate. A trained seal was tested in a psychophysical paradigm to determine the smallest velocity that was detectable at nine frequencies ranging from 10 to 1000 Hz. The stimulus plate was driven by a vibration shaker and the velocity of the plate at each frequency–amplitude combination was calibrated with a laser vibrometer. To prevent cueing from other sensory stimuli, the seal was fitted with a blindfold and headphones playing broadband masking noise. The seal was sensitive to vibrations across the range of frequencies tested, with best sensitivity of 0.09 mm s−1 at 80 Hz. Velocity thresholds as a function of frequency showed a characteristic U-shaped curve with decreasing sensitivity below 20 Hz and above 250 Hz. To ground-truth the experimental setup, four human subjects were tested in the same paradigm using their thumb to contact the vibrating plate. Threshold measurements for the humans were similar to those of the seal, demonstrating comparable tactile sensitivity for their structurally different mechanoreceptive systems. The thresholds measured for the harbor seal in this study were about 100 times more sensitive than previous in-air measures of vibrissal sensitivity for this species. The results were similar to those reported by others for the detection of waterborne vibrations, but show an extended range of frequency sensitivity.
Characterization of C-terminal histidine-tagged human recombinant lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase.

Lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) is the plasma enzyme that catalyzes esterification of the sn -2 fatty acid of phospholipid to cholesterol. To facilitate the isola- tion of large quantities of LCAT and to assist in future structure-function studies, LCAT containing a carboxy- terminal histidine-tag (H6) was expressed in Chinese ham- ster ovary cells (CHO). A high level of CHO-hLCATH6 ex- pression ( < 15 mg L 2 1 ) was achieved over a 72-h period using 10 m M sodium butyrate to enhance transcription and PFX-CHO protein-free medium. The pure enzyme ( < 96%) was isolated by cobalt metal affinity chromatography with an activity yield of 82 6 26%. CHO-hLCATH6 and CHO- hLCAT species had identical specific activities (26 6 6 and 26 6 3 nmol CE formed m g 2 1 h 2 1 , respectively). The enzy- matic activity of CHO-hLCATH6 was stable at 4 8 C in excess of 60 days. Substrate saturation studies, using rHDL com- posed of 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl- sn -glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC), cholesterol, and apolipoprotein A-I (80:5:1) indi- cated that the app K m for CHO-hLCATH6, CHO-hLCAT, and purified plasma LCAT were nearly identical at < 2 m M substrate cholesterol. We conclude that carboxy-terminal histidine-tagged LCAT is a suitable replacement for both plasma LCAT and CHO-hLCAT. —Chisholm, J. W., A. K. Gebre, and J. S. Parks. Characterization of C-terminal histidine-tagged human recombinant lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase. J. Lipid Res. 1999. 40: 1512-1519.
Analysis of surveillance data on dengue mosquitoes in Kaijiang county,2010

Objective To identify the dynamics and distribution of the dengue mosquito population in Kaijiang county,Sichuan province for effective dengue fever control and prevention.Methods The container index of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes was examined at different habitats of Kaijiang county from June to October,2010.Adult mosquitoes were captured on human baits to calculate the adult mosquito density.Results The average container index of mosquito larvae was 6.25% after investigation of 2639 water containers and 165 positive habitats.This index ranged from 1.65% to 12.07% from June to October with difference between months(χ2=71.50,P0.01).As for different habitats,the highest index was found in special habitats(38.83%),followed by mountainous woods(18.18%),and farmland(16.53%),while others ranged between 2.40% to 6.69% in other places,with statistically significant differences(χ2=271.89,P0.01).As for containers,the highest index was found in waste tires(38.83%),while others ranged from 2.03% to 12.77% with statistical differences(χ2=216.05,P0.01).The overall adult density was 4.47/man-hour,which ranged between 2.67 to 6.50/man-hour from June to October but,there was no statistical difference between months(t=0.09-1.31,P0.05).The highest density was found in mountainous woods(9.60),followed by farmland(7.40) and special places(5.80),which were obviously higher than those in other environments(1.00-2.00)(t=2.78-3.64,P0.05).Conclusion As dengue mosquitoes,Ae.albopictus,were widely distributed in the county,it is important to implement prevention and control measures against the disease.
423 THE CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF BODY MASS INDEX IN THE INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

Introduction The prognostic significance of a high body mass index (BMI) in adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients is controversial. The currently used prognostic scoring systems for ICU patients do not include BMI. We hypothesized that obesity is associated with a higher morbidity and mortality. Methods We identified 376 patients (> 18 years) admitted to the ICU for > 3 days at OUHSC with the diagnosis of severe sepsis or trauma from January until August 2004 by review of hospital discharge logs; 56 with incomplete records were excluded. Clinical characteristics and outcome of the remaining 320 patients were determined by review of the medical record. We classified the patients as underweight (BMI 30). Data are mean ± SEM. Results Gender, ethnic background, vital signs, need for mechanical ventilation (MV), GCS and severity of illness scores were similar between obese and nonobese. Mortality was similar (31.7 vs. 32.5%, p = .8), but obese patients tended to have a longer ICU length of stay (LOS, 12.2 ± 1.1 vs. 10.4 ± 1.04, p = .17) and a longer duration of MV (7.4 ± 1 vs. 6.6 ± 1, p = .35). Trauma patients (n = 204) were younger than the medical (38.2 ± 1.2 vs. 54.6 ± 1.4 years, p Conclusion Obesity, which is common in the United States, may be associated with an increased ICU LOS and consequently increased health care costs.
Adaptation, History of

The author traces the historical development of adaptation in evolutionary theory from Lamarck’s 1809 theory, Darwin’s theory of natural selection, anti-Darwinian theories popular in the decades around 1900, and neo-Darwinian theory as elaborated by population genetics beginning in the 1920s. Evolutionary studies of adaptation dating from the ‘modern synthesis’ of the 1940s through the 1970s generated an ‘adaptationist program,’ which was severely criticized beginning in the late 1970s as idealistic and scientifically unsound. Progress in molecular genetics, evolutionary developmental biology, and precise reconstruction of phylogeny subsequently rescued evolutionary studies of adaptation from the discredited methods of the adaptationist program.
Genetic controls and cellular interactions in antibody formation.

Both thymus-derived lymphocytes (T cells) and bone marrow-derived lymphocytes (B cells) play critical roles in specific antibody responses to antigens. Genetic controls of the antibody response in mammals have been found to reside largely within the major histocompatibility complex where different genes appear to code for immune response (Ir), immune suppression (Is), and cell interaction (CI) molecules.
Contexts for teacher practice: (Re)Considering the role of context in interventions in early childhood teacher engagement with new approaches to shared book reading

Although the randomized controlled trial has been regarded as the sine qua non in recent years, we argue that understanding contexts for teacher practice is a critical factor in the implementation of intervention, but has often been overlooked in educational research design. In this paper, we argue that randomized trials may not be ideal for educational contexts that are multi-faceted, complex and often part of other community-based initiatives. To make this argument, we describe a study from “the context out,” a different lens than is typical in education research. In doing so, we consider how varied contexts create both constraints and affordances for teachers to engage in an intervention. Examining how teachers engage with new curricular practices, we focus closely on five early childhood centers in high poverty neighborhoods, using mixed methods to understand both the influence of the intervention as well as the conditions that either supported or thwarted changes in practice. Our findings suggest that context plays a major role in educational practice, which has important implications for approaches to research in the future. Given this reality, we argue that an understanding of the context in which an intervention takes place must be considered in any calculation of “what works” in classrooms.
CRISP: cooperation among smartphones to improve indoor position information

Accurate indoor location information remains a challenge without incorporating extensive fingerprinting approaches or sophisticated infrastructures within buildings. Nevertheless, modern smartphones are equipped with sensors and radios that can detect movement and can be used to predict location. Dead reckoning applications on a smartphone may attempt to track a person’s movement or locate a person within an indoor environment. Nevertheless, smartphone positioning applications continue to be inaccurate. We propose a new approach, CRISP—cooperating to improve smartphone positioning, which assumes that dead reckoning has inaccuracies, but leverages opportunities of the interaction of multiple smartphones. Each smartphone computes its own position, and then shares it with other nearby smartphones. The signal strengths of multiple radios that are used on smartphones estimate distances between the devices. While individual smartphones may provide some positioning (possibly inaccurate) information, accuracy may improve when several smartphones cooperate and share position information through multiple iterations. Via indoor experimentation and simulation, we evaluate our approach and believe it is promising as an inexpensive and passive means to improve position information without complex data training and fusion. The accuracy of CRISP is within a meter. In addition, CRISP possibly leads to better results for a number of applications, including exercise profiling.
Distributed decoupling of multiagent simple temporal problems

We propose a new distributed algorithm for decoupling the Multiagent Simple Temporal Network (MaSTN) problem. The agents cooperatively decouple the MaSTN while simultaneously optimizing a sum of concave objectives local to each agent. Several schedule flexibility measures are applicable in this framework. We pose the MaSTN decoupling problem as a distributed convex optimization problem subject to constraints having a block angular structure; we adapt existing variants of Alternating Direction Method of Multiplier (ADMM) type methods to perform decoupling optimally. The resulting algorithm is an iterative procedure that is guaranteed to converge. Communication only takes place between agents with temporal interdependences and the information exchanged between them is carried out in a privacy preserving manner. We present experimental results for the proposed method on problems of varying sizes, and demonstrate its effectiveness in terms of solving quality and computational cost.
Efficacy in the margins of NHL with ibrutinib.

In this issue of Blood, Noy et al report on the efficacy of single-agent ibrutinib in patients with relapsed or refractory marginal zone lymphoma (MZL). They demonstrate an overall response rate of 48% and a median progression-free survival of 14 months, establishing the Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor ibrutinib as a therapeutic option for this population.1
Reoperation and Medicare Expenditures After Laparoscopic Gastric Band Surgery.

Importance Following the US Food and Drug Administration approval for laparoscopic gastric band surgery in 2001, as many as 96 000 devices have been placed annually. The reported rates of reoperation range from 4% to 60% in short-term studies; however, to our knowledge, few long-term population-level data on outcomes or expenditures are known. Objective To describe the rate of device-related reoperations occurring after laparoscopic gastric band surgery as well as the associated payments in a longitudinal national cohort. Design, Settings, and Participants This retrospective review of 25 042 Medicare beneficiaries who underwent gastric band placement between 2006 and 2013 identifies gastric band–related reoperations, including device removal, device replacement, or revision to a different bariatric procedure (eg, a gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy). The rates of reoperation were risk adjusted using a multivariable logistic regression model that included patient age, sex, race/ethnicity, Elixhauser comorbidities, and the year that the operation was performed. Main Outcomes and Measures Rate of device-related reoperation nationally and across individual hospital referral regions. Thirty-day total episode Medicare payments to hospitals for the index operation and any subsequent reoperations. Results Of the 25 042 patients who underwent gastric band placement, 20 687 (82.61%) were white, 18 143 (72.45%) were women, and the mean age was 57.56 years. Patients (mean age, 57.5; 76.2% women) requiring reoperation had lower rates of hypertension (64.9% vs 73.4%; P P P Conclusions and Relevance Among Medicare beneficiaries undergoing gastric band surgery, device-related reoperation was common, costly, and varied widely across hospital referral regions. These findings suggest that payers should reconsider their coverage of the gastric band device.
Distributed situation-aware scheduling algorithm for network navigation

Network navigation is a promising paradigm enabling location-awareness in wireless networks. In a wireless navigation network, agents estimate their locations based on inter- and intra-node measurements. Due to the scarcity of wireless resources, it is critical to design scheduling algorithms that adaptively determine with whom and when an agent should perform inter-node measurements, in order to achieve both high navigation accuracy and efficient channel usage. This paper develops a framework for the design of distributed scheduling algorithms for asynchronous wireless navigation networks, in which the algorithm parameters are optimized based on the time evolution of agents' localization errors. The results lead to high-accuracy, efficient, and flexible network navigation.
INTERVENTION TO ALTER DIETARY CONSUMPTION TO A MEDITERRANEAN DIET IN AN AMERICAN CARDIOLOGY PATIENT POPULATION: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL OF COACHING DELIVERED VIA SMARTPHONE APP VERSUS TRADITIONAL COUNSELING

Randomized controlled trials conducted in Mediterranean countries demonstrate lower cardiovascular events with change to a Mediterranean diet. We tested the hypothesis that counseling supplied through a custom smartphone app (APP) will result in better adherence to a Mediterranean diet in a non-
The Integration of Vocal Communication and Biobehavioral State Regulation in Mammals: A Polyvagal Hypothesis

Abstract The coordination of mammalian physiological and emotional states with the production and reception of acoustic signals is a product of evolution. Informed by the Polyvagal Theory (Porges, 1995 , 2001, 2011 ), this chapter describes the integrated neural pathways that link the regulation of supradiaphragmatic organs with hearing sensitivity and vocalization production. We propose that these neural links evolved as part of a mammalian social engagement system that coordinates physiological states between conspecifics to optimize and signal defensive and prosocial emotional responses. We further posit that the transfer function of middle ear structures provides an evolutionary constraint on mammalian species-specific vocal signals of safety or danger. This information may serve as a guide for interpreting the adaptive signaling functions of the frequency and spectrotemporal properties of vocalizations. Illustrative examples from human infant cries, African elephant (Loxodonta africana) calls, and prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster) ultrasonic vocalizations are provided.
Characteristics of Adult Cigarette Smokers Who "Relight" and the Effects of Exposure to Tobacco Smoke Constituents.

Introduction About half of smokers relight their cigarette, a habit that is a risk factor for chronic bronchitis and possibly lung cancer. Little is known about the characteristics of smokers who relight and their dependence on nicotine. It is unknown whether relighting affects exposure to tobacco smoke constituents. This study examined the characteristics of relighters of usual brand cigarettes and whether relighting affects exposure to selected tobacco smoke constituents. Methods We explored relighting status and frequency, using baseline data from 248 adult smokers participating in studies of reduced nicotine cigarettes in relation to demographic and cigarette characteristics, smoking behaviors, nicotine dependence, biomarkers of exposure (exhaled carbon monoxide, blood cotinine), and biomarkers of oxidative stress (ratio of oxidized/reduced glutathione). Results 69.4% (n = 172) of subjects reported relighting, and they relit an average of five cigarettes out of 20. Both relighters and non-relighters smoked a mean of 20 cigarettes per day (p = .6). Relighting was significantly associated with higher nicotine dependence, use of longer rod cigarettes, older age, lower income, and unemployment. There were no significant associations between relighting and blood cotinine, exhaled carbon monoxide or measures of oxidized/reduced blood glutathione. Conclusions The majority of subjects were relighters, who had higher levels of nicotine dependence than non-relighters. Relighters had similar levels of plasma cotinine and exhaled carbon monoxide to non-relighters. Implications No study has compared the cigarette characteristics and biomarkers of exposure of adult cigarette smokers who relight with those who do not. Relighting behavior was common in our sample and was associated with low income, not currently working, higher nicotine dependence, cigarette rod length, daily cigarette use years, and a lifetime history of depressed mood.
Tax Court FLP Confusion: Mirowski

The article critiques the Tax Court's latest family limited partnership case, Mirowski, as well as the court's Bongard test, which is applied to determine whether or not an FLP falls within the bona fide sales exception of section 2036.
The role of emicizumab, a bispecific factor IXa- and factor X-directed antibody, for the prevention of bleeding episodes in patients with hemophilia A:

Hemophilia A, characterized by impaired or absent expression of factor VIII, has long been managed via direct factor replacement. Functionally, factor VIII acts as a cofactor for factor IXa and allows activation of factor X, which, in combination with factor V, generates thrombin. Bispecific antibodies such as emicizumab are recombinant, monoclonal antibodies capable of recognizing and binding to two distinct antigenic targets simultaneously; emicizumab binds factors IXa and X, resulting in spatial approximation and activation of factor X, thereby mimicking the actions of factor VIII. Critically, the presence of antifactor VIII antibodies, for example, inhibitors, impacts neither the mechanism nor the efficacy by which emicizumab functions. The results and interim analyses of the emicizumab clinical trials, HAVEN 1, 2, 3, and 4, are additionally reviewed and discussed.
Engaging the Materiality of the Archive in the Digital Age

This article asks how public audiences are negotiating the material world of archives and artifacts in the digital age. The digital age would seem to have diminished the physical experience of the ...
Peoples’ Experiences With Pouches (PEWP) Study: Ostomate–Provider Interactions:

Background:Minimal research focuses on interactions between providers and new ostomy patients. Studies show that provider communication is important for patient health outcomes.Objective:The purpos...
TAR INDEPENDENT ACTIVATION OF THE HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS IN PHORBOL ESTER STIMULATED T LYMPHOCYTES

Multiple regulatory elements in the human immunodeficiency virus long terminal repeat (HIV LTR) are required for activation of HIV gene expression. Previous transfection studies of HIV LTR constructs linked to the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase gene indicated that multiple regulatory regions including the enhancer, SP1, TATA and TAR regions were important for HIV gene expression. To characterize these regulatory elements further, mutations in these regions were inserted into both the 5' and 3' HIV LTRs and infectious proviral constructs were assembled. These constructs were transfected into either HeLa cells, Jurkat cells or U937 cells in both the presence and absence of phorbol esters which have previously been demonstrated to activate HIV gene expression. Viral gene expression was assayed by the level of p24 gag protein released from cultures transfected with the proviral constructs. Results in all cell lines indicated that mutations of the SP1, TATA and the TAR loop and stem secondary structure resulted in marked decreases in gene expression while mutations of the enhancer motif or TAR primary sequence resulted in only slight decreases. However, viruses containing mutations in either the TAR loop sequences or stem secondary structure which were very defective for gene expression in untreated Jurkat cells, gave nearly wild-type levels of gene expression in phorbol ester-treated Jurkat cells but not in phorbol ester-treated HeLa or U937 cells. High level gene expression of these TAR mutant constructs in phorbol ester-treated Jurkat cells was eliminated by second site mutations in the enhancer region or by disruption of the tat gene.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Targeting Hippo coactivator YAP1 through BET bromodomain inhibition in esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Hippo/YAP1 signaling is a major regulator of organ size, cancer stemness, and aggressive phenotype. Thus, targeting YAP1 may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for tumors with high YAP1 expression in esophageal cancer (EC). Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChiP) and quantitative ChiP-PCR were used to determine the regulation of the chromatin remodeling protein bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) on YAP1. The role of the bromodomain and extraterminal motif (BET) inhibitor JQ1, an established BRD4 inhibitor, on inhibition of YAP1 in EC cells was dissected using western blot, immunofluorescence, qPCR, and transient transfection. The antitumor activities of BET inhibitor were further examined by variety of functional assays, cell proliferation (MTS), tumorsphere, and ALDH1+ labeling in vitro and in vivo. Here, we show that BRD4 regulates YAP1 expression and transcription. ChiP assays revealed that BRD4 directly occupies YAP1 promoter and that JQ1 robustly blocks BRD4 binding to the YAP1 promoter. Consequently, JQ1 strongly suppresses constitutive or induced YAP1 expression and transcription in EC cells and YAP1/Tead downstream transcriptional activity. Intriguingly, radiation-resistant cells that acquire strong cancer stem cell traits and an aggressive phenotype can be effectively suppressed by JQ1 as assessed by cell proliferation, tumorsphere formation, and reduction in the ALDH1+ cells. Moreover, effects of JQ1 are synergistically amplified by the addition of docetaxel in vitro and in vivo. Our results demonstrate that BRD4 is a critical regulator of Hippo/YAP1 signaling and that BRD4 inhibitor JQ1 represents a new class of inhibitor of Hippo/YAP1 signaling, primarily targeting YAP1 high and therapy-resistant cancer cells enriched with cancer stem cell properties.
Transpedal approach for femoral-popliteal chronic total occlusions using the outback® elite re-entry device

Transpedal access is increasingly utilized for the treatment of peripheral artery disease (PAD). Femoral-popliteal artery chronic total occlusions (CTOs) are some of the most difficult lesion subsets that sometimes require the use of re-entry support devices during percutaneous intervention. Limited data is available on the use of re-entry devices when treating femoral-popliteal CTOs via transpedal access. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of using the Outback® Elite re-entry device for the treatment of femoral-popliteal CTOs via the transpedal approach in an outpatient based lab setting. Seventeen patients presented with femoral-popliteal CTOs in which treatment required the use of the Outback® Elite re-entry device. All procedures were performed in a single outpatient based lab. Patients were followed at 1 week and 1 month post-procedure, with lower extremity arterial duplex ultrasound assessment during the 1 month follow-up. The average patient age was 78 years-old, with 71% being males. Most patients presented with Rutherford class IV symptoms. Procedural success was achieved in all patients with no requirement to convert to femoral artery access in any of the cases. No immediate post-procedural complications nor at any time during follow-up were observed. Ultrasonography at 1 month follow-up showed patent intervention sites and access site vessels in all patients. The use of the Outback® Elite re-entry device for the treatment of femoral-popliteal CTOs via transpedal access is a feasible option and may have potential benefits by avoiding risks associated with traditional femoral artery access.
Clinical Outcomes of Patients With pT1-T2N0 Oral Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes in a cohort of patients with early-stage oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC). Materials and methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with pT1-T2N0 (American Joint Committee on Cancer [AJCC] seventh edition) OTSCC treated from 2000 to 2018. Two-year actuarial rates of local regional control, cancer-specific survival, and overall survival were calculated for the entire cohort and patients with/without adjuvant radiation. Results Ninety-six patients met the criteria with a median follow-up of 4 years; 14 had adjuvant radiation, while 82 had surgery alone. Two-year local regional control was 82.7% (75.4% to 90.8%) for the entire cohort, 84.9% (77.8% to 93.2%) for surgery only, and 70.7% (50.2% to 99.6%) for patients with adjuvant radiation. Two-year progression-free survival was 82.7% (75.3% to 90.8%). Of the 20 patients with recurrence, 11 (55%) were successfully salvaged. Conclusion Local regional recurrence remains modest in early-stage OTSCC, but salvage is possible with high survival rates. Level of evidence Level III-retrospective cohort study.
Rhinoplasty in the Older Adult.

BACKGROUND Rhinoplasty in older adults requires unique consideration of the aging nose. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature pertaining to rhinoplasty in the aging population, review the senior author's experience, and describe techniques aimed at addressing age-related features. It was hypothesized that consistent age-related nasal dysmorphology is described in the literature and standard rhinoplasty techniques may effectively address these changes. Furthermore, it was hypothesized that rhinoplasty is more commonly performed for posttraumatic and functional indications than for aesthetic reasons. METHODS A literature review including publications describing rhinoplasty in patients over 55 years old was conducted. Additionally, a retrospective review of the senior author's cases was performed. Pre- and postoperative photographs were used to compare anthropometric changes. Demographic factors, surgical indications, and operative details were collected. RESULTS Nine articles met the study criteria. Manifestations of the aging nose included soft tissue atrophy, bony fragility and resorption, tip ptosis, internal and external valve collapse, and worsening dorsal hump. Twenty-seven patients were included in this institutional review. Primary indication for rhinoplasty was posttraumatic deformity in 17 (63%) patients and nasal obstructive symptoms in 10 (37%) patients. Tip refinement and ptosis were addressed through tip grafts (70%), columellar struts (26%), and caudal septal extension grafts (67%). Nasal obstruction was relieved through septoplasty (96%), turbinate ablation (85%), and spreader grafts (70%). CONCLUSIONS This study presents a systematic review of rhinoplasty in the older adult as well as a retrospective review of the senior author's patients. Unique considerations specific to this population should be integrated into treatment planning. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4
Future Transport and Internet Technologies

Transportation and Internet Technologies have evolved dramatically during the last decade, laying solid foundation for the future generation of the Ubiquitous Internet access, omnipresent web technologies and ultimate automated information cyberspace. As a result, the current efforts in the research and development in the areas of Future Transportation and Next Generation of Internet Technologies promotes formation of inter-disciplinary international teams of experts, scientists, researchers and engineers to create a new generation of applications and technologies that will facilitate the future transportation system. The author discusses the current state of the art in the world of Telecommunications and Internet Technologies, new technological trends directions in the application in the Future Transportation.
Nervous system channelopathies.

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the structure and physiology of the channels and describes the effects of disorders of these channels on the function of the nervous system. The rapid expanding knowledge of molecular membrane structure has revealed the presence of membrane pores or channels that control the flow of ions in and out of the cell thus allowing for the depolarization and hyperpolarization of the cell. The channels are constituted of protein aggregates. These proteins are under genetic control; the genes for many of these channels have been cloned and their structure identified. In recent years, there has been an explosion in the identification of gene mutations causing human diseases. This has resulted in a better understanding of the role of molecular genetics in disorders of membrane excitability. There is yet no consensus in the classification of channelopathies. The chapter classifies these disorders in relation to the channel involved. Voltage gated ion channels participate in many aspects of signal transduction both in the central nervous system and in muscles, thus mutations in these channels may produce dysfunctions varying from myopathies to epilepsy.
Development of a modular docking sub-system for 12" class autonomous underwater vehicles

This work reports on the progress of our current docking design for the 12 3/4 inch class autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) to be built by Bluefin Robotics Inc. While there are existing docking systems demonstrated during a limited number of at-sea trials, and shown to have limited success as "proof of concept" research prototypes, the main objective of this docking design project is to design and build a docking system that is rugged and operable over a long duration. That means, cycle stress, corrosion, and bio fouling growth will be considered in the overall design. In This work, different design options will be presented and compared, followed by our docking design concept which combines the best features of all the existing options.