cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Association of Early Post-Discharge Follow-Up by a Primary Care Physician and 30-Day Rehospitalization Among Older Adults

Background Rehospitalizations within 30 days of discharge are responsible for a large portion of healthcare spending. One approach to preventing rehospitalizations is early follow-up, usually defined as an office visit with a primary care physician within 7 days of discharge--an approach that is being incentivized by health plans. However, evidence regarding its effectiveness is limited. Objective We aimed to determine whether an office visit with a primary care physician within 7 days after discharge is associated with 30-day rehospitalization. Design This was an observational study set within a randomized trial. Participants The study included patients age 65 and older receiving care from a multi-specialty group practice and discharged from hospital to home between 26 August 2010 and 25 August 2011. To control for confounding, we identified characteristics of patients and hospital stays that are predictive of rehospitalization, and also developed high-dimensional propensity scores. Analyses used Cox proportional hazards models and took into account varying amounts of opportunity time for office visits. Main measures We looked at 30-day rehospitalizations at any hospital. Key results Of 3,661 patients discharged to home during the study year, 707 (19.3%) were rehospitalized within 30 days. Patients receiving an office visit within 7 days numbered 1,808 (49.4%), and of these, 1,000 (27.3%) were with a primary care physician. In models predicting rehospitalization, stratified on deciles of propensity score and controlling for additional confounders, the hazard ratios associated with office visits with a primary care physician within 7 days were 0.98 (95% CI 0.80, 1.21); for visits with any physician, the hazard ratio was HR 1.04, (95% CI 0.87, 1.25). Conclusions We found no protective effect for office visits within 7 days. Such visits may need to be specifically focused on a range of issues related to the specific reasons why patients are rehospitalized. It is likely that outpatient visits will need to be set within comprehensive transition programs.
Biological actions and mechanism of action of calbindin in the process of apoptosis

Although it was originally proposed that the major role of calbindin is to facilitate the vitamin D dependent movement of calcium through the cytosolic compartment of the intestinal or renal cell, we found that calbindin also has a major role in different cell types in protecting against apoptotic cell death. Calbindin, which buffers calcium, can inhibit apoptosis induced by different proapoptotic stimuli. Expression of calbindin-D(28k) in neural cell suppressed the proapoptotic actions of presenilin-1, which is causally linked to familial Alzheimer's disease, by preventing calcium mediated mitochondrial damage and the subsequent release of cytochrome c. Calbindin, by buffering intracellular calcium can also protect HEK 293 kidney cells from parathyroid hormone induced apoptosis that was found to be mediated by a phospholipase C dependent increase in intracellular calcium. In addition, cytokine mediated destruction of pancreatic beta cells can be prevented by calbindin. Induction by cytokines of nitric oxide, peroxynitrite and lipid hydroperoxide production was significantly decreased in calbindin expressing beta cells. Thus, calbindin-D(28k), by inhibiting free radical formation, can protect islet beta cells from autoimmune destruction in type 1 diabetes. Calbindin-D(28k) can also protect against apoptosis in bone cells. Calbindin was found to block apoptosis in osteocytic and osteoblastic cells. Our findings suggest that calbindin is capable of directly inhibiting the activity of caspase-3, a common downstream effector of multiple apoptotic signaling pathways, and that this inhibition results in an inhibition of tumor necrosis factor (TNFalpha) and glucocorticoid induced apoptosis in bone cells. Thus, while part of calbindin's protective effect may result from buffering rises in intracellular calcium, other mechanisms of action, such as inhibition of caspase activity, also play a significant role in the prevention of apoptosis by calbindin-D(28k). These findings have implications for the prevention of degeneration in different cell types and therefore could prove important for the therapeutic intervention of many diseases, including diabetes and osteoporosis.
Optimal Discrete-Time Static Output-Feedback Design: a w'-Domain Approach

An alternative design methodology in the w'-domain for a discrete-time optimal control is presented in this paper. The proposed method is used to solve optimal static output-feedback design for sampled-data systems. The overall scheme involves the development of a system transformation from the z-domain to the w'-domain in state-space formula and an equivalent quadratic cost functional. A one-to-one relationship between stabilizing feedback gains in the w'-domain and in the z-domain has been established. The attractive feature of this procedure is that design solutions are entirely amenable to continuous-time domain techniques. The optimal output-feedback gain obtained from the minimization of an equivalent cost functional expressed in the w'-domain yields, as expected, the same optimum solution as the one obtained in the traditional z-domain formulation. The procedure is demonstrated by the synthesis of a stability augmentation system for a commercial transport in the longitudinal axis.
THE ORIGINS, DEVELOPMENT, AND POSSIBLE DECLINE OF THE MODERN STATE

▪ Abstract Some contemporary states seem subject to aggregational dynamics that bring them together in larger regional associations, whereas others fall prey to centrifugal forces that pull them apart. The autonomy of all states has been drawn into question by the globalization of trade and finance. For these reasons, scholars have returned to examining the historical origins and development of the modern state in the hope that this may shed light on its future, and on the process through which new logics of organization may be emerging that might displace the state. This essay discusses various accounts of the emergence and development of the modern state, comparing security, economic, and institutionalist approaches. It then links these approaches to insights regarding contemporary statehood. Arguments regarding the autonomy of the state must be distinguished from discussions of territorial sovereignty as a constitutive principle of international relations. The latter, juridical notion of sovereignty as...
Discrete mechanics and optimal control applied to the compass gait biped

This paper presents a methodology for generating locally optimal control policies for simple hybrid mechanical systems, and illustrates the method on the compass gait biped. Principles from discrete mechanics are utilized to generate optimal control policies as solutions of constrained nonlinear optimization problems. In the context of bipedal walking, this procedure provides a comparative measure of the suboptimality of existing control policies. Furthermore, our methodology can be used as a control design tool; to demonstrate this, we minimize the specific cost of transport of periodic orbits for the compass gait biped, both in the fully actuated and underactuated case.
A simplified method for the prediction of multicomponent adsorption equilibria from single gas isotherms

The ideal adsorbed solution theory of Myers and Prausnitz (7) provides an accurate and thermodynamically consistent method for predicting multicomponent adsorption equilibria. The major difficulty in the application of this theory lies in the calculation of the spreading pressure curves for the pure adsorbates. The purpose of this article is to show that in many cases of practical interest, the spreading pressure calculations may be greatly simplified or altogether eliminated with little or no loss in the accuracy of the calculations. The problem of adsorption azeotropy is also briefly discussed.
Frontline--Cross-cultural aspects of beauty.

The ever changing concept of beauty is elusive, surrounds us from birth and permeates our daily lives. This concept of beauty is affected by personal, interpersonal, cultural, and political issues. Arts and sciences have tried to define it to no avail as it continues to evolve. Human beings can recognize attractiveness in the other from an early age. Some favor culture as the reason behind this recognition believing that beauty and attractiveness in the other is a learned concept. Others favor an inborn capacity that allows human beings from very early to differentiate among what can be considered attractive versus unattractive in others’ faces (Etcoff, 2000). Even if we learn or are born to differentiate facial characteristics in others from an early age, an aspect that would facilitate attachment to the care taker, the meaning of such capacity for differentiation is still acquired in the context of interpersonal relationships. By the time human beings develop the capacity to determine their own concept of beauty and its influence on personality development, they have already been exposed to personal, interpersonal, political, and cultural concepts of beauty that can affect their sense of selfworth in a deep and at times immovable manner. It is this last aspect of beauty that we will explore in these papers. In the first of these articles, Ruth Lijtmaer introduces the concept of beauty by discussing it in the context of human aging, culture, and theories of beauty. Her concise review of pertinent literature frames the theoretical and clinical discussion of her patient’s personal struggle to try to resolve her inner conflicts through the beautification of her physical self with the help of plastic surgery. Maternal deprivation, competition with a “beautiful sibling,” and responsibility for the care of aging parents were among the dynamic issues that highlighted the treatment. Slow but steady exploration of such conflicted interpersonal relationships in the context of a sensitive therapeutic relationship allowed for
Optimization-based design and implementation of multidimensional zero-phase IIR filters

This paper considers multidimensional infinite-impulse response (IIR) filters that are iteratively implemented. The focus is on zero-phase filters with symmetric polynomials in the numerator and denominator of the multivariable transfer function. A rigorous optimization-based design of the filter is considered. Transfer function magnitude specifications, convergence speed requirements for the iterative implementation, and spatial decay of the filter impulse response (which defines the boundary condition influence in the spatial domain of the filtered signal) are all formulated as optimization constraints. When the denominator of the zero-phase IIR filter is strictly positive, these frequency domain specifications can be cast as a linear program and then efficiently solved. The method is illustrated with two two-dimensional IIR filter design examples.
Use of Mind-Body Medicine and Improved Self-Rated Health: Results from a National Survey

Background: Among the 20% of US adults who use mind-body (MB) medicine, half also use other types of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Our prior work showed that CAM use is associated with better selfreported health. However, little is known about the association between the use of MB therapies and perceptions of health. Method: Objective: To determine the association between the use of mind-body therapies and self-rated health. Design: We analyzed cross-sectional data from the 2007 US National Health Interview Survey (n=23,393). We partitioned the CAM-user respondents into 3 mutually exclusive groups: 1. MB-only, 2. Both MB and Non-MB-CAM (MB-Plus), and 3. Non-MB-CAM only. We used multivariable logistic regression to model the likelihoods of respondents’ reporting ‘Excellent’ health and reporting ‘Better’ health than the prior year. We controlled for socio-demographic, clinical and behavioral confounders and evaluated the models. Results: 8% of U.S. adults used MB-Only, 18% used non-MB-CAM, and 10% used both. Compared to users of Non-MBCAM, users of MB-Only (adjusted-OR=1.13,95%CI=[0.96,1.33]) and MB-Plus (adjusted-OR=1.09,95%CI=[0.94,1.26]) were not significantly more likely to report ‘Excellent health’. However, compared to users of Non-MB-CAM, users of MBPlus were more likely (adjusted-OR=1.48,95%CI=[1.28,1.71]) to report ‘Better’ health over the prior year while users of MB alone were not. Conclusion: Respondents who used MB in addition to other CAM therapies were significantly more likely to report improvement in self-rated health over the prior year. Large prospective trials are needed to establish whether MB therapies, used as an adjunctive treatment with other CAM, will lead to improvement in health.
Integrated Metabolomics and Genomics: Systems Approaches to Biomarkers and Mechanisms of Cardiovascular Disease

The genetic architecture underlying the heritability of cardiovascular disease is incompletely understood. Metabolomics is an emerging technology platform that has shown early success in identifying biomarkers and mechanisms of common chronic diseases. Integration of metabolomics, genetics, and other omics platforms in a systems biology approach holds potential for elucidating novel genetic markers and mechanisms for cardiovascular disease. We review important studies that have used metabolomic profiling in cardiometabolic diseases, approaches for integrating metabolomics with genetics and other molecular profiling platforms, and key studies showing the potential for such studies in deciphering cardiovascular disease genetics, biomarkers, and mechanisms.
TAVR: temporal-aural-visual representation for representing imperceptible spatial information

Designing a technology tool to support learners better conceptualize the imperceptible scale has been a challenging research topic for learning technology researchers. Because of the limits in human visual sense and cognitive capacity, visual representations have not been successful in representing such scales. To address this issue, I designed a computer-based simulation that incorporates a multimodal (temporal-aural-visual) representation (TAVR). In my dissertation I assess the successfulness of TAVR and potential design options.
Civic Culture Meets the Digital Divide: The Role of Community Electronic Networks

The concept of social capital reflects the norms and social relations embedded in the social structure of societies that enable people to coordinate community action to achieve desired goals. Our research focuses on the role that norms of cooperation and civic and political culture play in addressing the "digital divide" in computer use and Internet access. We review evidence from mail surveys of randomly selected respondents in two rural Minnesota communities as well as qualitative focus group and archival evidence suggesting that the communities have adopted different approaches to technology diffusion. Whether information technology is viewed as a public or private good depends in part on the civic culture of a community.
Reality editor: programming smarter objects

The Reality Editor is a system that supports editing the behavior and interfaces of socalled "smarter objects", i.e. objects or devices that have an embedded processor and communication capability. Using augmented reality techniques, the Reality Editor maps graphical elements directly on top of the tangible interfaces found on physical objects, such as push buttons or knobs. The Reality Editor allows flexible reprogramming of the interfaces and behavior of the objects as well as defining relationships between smarter objects in order to easily create new functionalities. This paper describes the different functionalities of the Reality Editor and presents several examples.
Similarity or inference for assessing relevance in information retrieval

The primary objective of an information retrieval system is to provide the user with relevant documents given the user's query. Numerous approaches to determining a document's relevance have been proposed based on the underlying retrieval model. In the paper, similarity-based and inference-based IR models are examined. A fuzzy information retrieval model is presented such that assessing document relevancy is based on the user's interpretation of the query term weights. The close relationship between the similarity-based and inference-based IR models is investigated in the context of the fuzzy information retrieval model.
Simulation of amide I' band profiles of trans polyproline based on an excitonic coupling model

Abstract We measured the amide I′ band profile of the IR, isotropic Raman, anisotropic Raman, and Vibrational Circular Dichroism spectrum of poly- l -proline in D 2 O. The band shapes were modeled by using an algorithm that exploits the delocalized character of the excited vibrational states [R. Schweitzer-Stenner, J. Phys. Chem. B. 108 (2004) 16965]. The band shapes could be quantitatively reproduced by invoking the polyproline II or 3 1 -helix conformation for all peptide residues. This corroborates the notion that the combined use of the above spectroscopies is an ideal tool to discriminate different conformations associated with the so-called random coil state of peptides.
60 GHz Indoor Networking through Flexible Beams: A Link-Level Profiling

60 GHz technology holds tremendous potential to upgrade wireless link throughput to Gbps level. To overcome inherent vulnerability to attenuation, 60 GHz radios communicate by forming highly-directional electronically-steerable beams. Standards like IEEE 802.11ad have tailored MAC/PHY protocols to such flexible-beam 60 GHz networks. However, lack of a reconfigurable platform has thwarted a realistic proof-of-concept evaluation. In this paper, we conduct an in-depth measurement of indoor 60 GHz networks using a first-of-its-kind software-radio platform. Our measurement focuses on the link-level behavior with three major perspectives: (i) coverage and bit-rate of a single link, and implications for 60 GHz MIMO; (ii) impact of beam-steering on network performance, particularly under human blockage and device mobility; (iii) spatial reuse between flexible beams. Our study dispels some common myths, and reveals key challenges in maintaining robust flexible-beam connection. We propose new principles that can tackle such challenges based on unique properties of 60 GHz channel and cognitive capability of 60 GHz links.
Resource graphs for modeling large-scale, highly congested systems

Simulations often execute too slowly to be effective tools for decision-making. In particular, this problem has been found in semiconductor manufacturing where conventional job-driven simulation models explicitly track each lot of wafers as it progresses through the system. While a job-driven simulation model offers some advantages, they inherently execute slowly. This paper explicitly defines resource-driven modeling. Here jobs are implicitly tracked through their resource usage. Resource-driven simulations typically run much faster than job-driven simulations. This speed-up is insensitive to congestion and is most dramatic when the system is highly congested and therefore most interesting to the analyst. There can also be a significant reduction in memory footprint. However, there is a potential tradeoff in information loss.
Observed solar modulation of galactic cosmic ray intensity in the outer heliosphere, 1997-2001

[1] Instruments on Pioneer 10, Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 measure galactic cosmic ray intensity (>80 MeV/nucleon) as the spacecraft move along their solar system escape trajectories. As of 1 June 2001, their respective heliocentric radial distances were 78 AU (in approximately the antapex direction from the Sun), 81 AU and 64 AU (the latter two in approximately the apex direction). The principal finding of this paper is that all three spacecraft were still under the delayed influence of increasing solar activity during cycle 23 and were, therefore, inside the modulation boundary of the heliosphere. Also the combined evidence favors essential antapex-apex symmetry in the large scale modulation medium. The contents of this paper are generally concordant with studies by other groups of authors but are unique in the inclusion of the recent four years of antapex data from Pioneer 10.
Persistent Mispricing in Mutual Funds: The Case of Real Estate

Executive Summary.When mutual funds and related investment companies are unable to compute an accurate net asset value, unintended wealth transfers will occur among fund investors. Previous researc...
US Energy Security from the Cleantech Revolution: Promise and Pitfalls

This paper asks whether US energy security can be improved through the adoption of two clean technologies that require resources in which the US is not abundant and will likely import. It shows that energy interdependence can succeed in enhancing US energy security where policies of self-sufficiency have failed. However, this largely depends on the nature of the energy resource being traded as well as who the US is procuring it from. Interdependence doesn't necessarily bring about peace between two nations, particularly when energy is traded. Thus, it's important for the US to diversify its types of fuel as well as its suppliers in order to minimize costs as well as its exposure to economic and geopolitical shocks in the global energy market. The US can measure whether diversification is being done effectively through the total cost and total risk of its energy portfolio. The two clean technologies examined, nuclear power and lithium-ion batteries for next-generation hybrid and electric cars, yield positive diversification effects on the US energy portfolio and enhance its energy security.
Spectral sensitivity and behavioral response to light quality in the German cockroach (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae)

The German cockroach has color vision. Electroretinograms of the dorsal part of the compound eye defined two peaks of sensitivity, a major one in the blue-green portion of the spectrum (490 nm) and a minor one in the ultraviolet (UV) (365 nm). However, actographic analysis indicated that UV light stimulated the highest levels of locomotor activity, a startle response to the onset of light in dark-adapted males. Green light stimulated ca. 30% as much activity as UV; gold and red did not affect locomotion. Because gold light provides more illumination than red, and apparently does not affect cockroach locomotion, it is recommended for observing and videorecording their nocturnal activity.
Modulation of the Growth Per Cycle in Atomic Layer Deposition Using Reversible Surface Functionalization

A methodology to modulate precursor-surface reactivity and tailor the growth per cycle in Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) is described. Our approach relies on in situ surface functionalization to control the density of reactive sites on the growing surface using the sequential dosing of a surface inhibitor, the ALD precursor, and the coreactant. Here we apply this methodology to ALD processes based on alkyl, cyclopentadienyl, halide, alkylamido, alkoxide, and beta-diketonate precursors, and a wide-range of inhibitors, including alkyl alcohols, ketones, carboxylic acids, and beta-diketones, in all cases resulting in a modulation of the growth per cycle because of the presence of functional groups on the surface. Mechanistic studies carried out using in situ quartz crystal microbalance and in situ surface- and gas phase-infrared absorption spectroscopy show that the underlying mechanism can be more complex than the surface site-blocking previously invoked to explain growth inhibition during chemical vapor dep...
Clinical analysis of severe hand-foot-mouth disease

Objective To summarize the clinical features of hand-foot-mouth disease,explore early intervention measures,and prevent patients transforming from mild symptoms to severe symptoms.Methods The clinical data of 128 children with HFMD were analyzed retrospectively.Results Of the 128 children,81 were male and 47 were female,with the male to female ratio of 1.72 ︰ 1 and the maximum onset age of 5 years old.Children aging 0 to 3 years old were the majority,accounting for 90.6%.Most children's fever duration sustained for ≥ 3 days,showing drowsiness,irritation,startle and other neurological manifestations.Fecal and intestinal tract virus type 71test found 128 positive patients(100%).Conclusion Patients with severe symptoms and acute severe symptoms were mainly infected with EV71,mostly aging from 1 to 5 years old,especially from 1 to 2 years old.For children with HFMD,vital signs should be monitored closely,acute severe patients should be detected early and early intervention should be implemented in order to reduce the case fatality rate and improve patients' prognosis.
Classroom Activities to Engage Students and Promote Critical Thinking about Genetic Regulation of Bacterial Quorum Sensing.

We developed an interactive activity to mimic bacterial quorum sensing, and a classroom worksheet to promote critical thinking about genetic regulation of the lux operon. The interactive quorum sensing activity engages students and provides a direct visualization of how population density functions to influence light production in bacteria. The worksheet activity consists of practice problems that require students to apply basic knowledge of the lux operon in order to make predictions about genetic complementation experiments, and students must evaluate how genetic mutations in the lux operon affect gene expression and overall phenotype. The worksheet promotes critical thinking and problem solving skills, and emphasizes the roles of diffusible signaling molecules, regulatory proteins, and structural proteins in quorum sensing.
Neuroblastoma: the challenge and frustration.

This article reviews some of the advances made in the study of the biology of neuroblastoma. Guidelines are presented for its diagnosis and investigation. Treatment approaches are summarized.
The Bad Boys of Bethel as Sacrilegious Type

The tale in 2 Kings 2 about what happened to the prophet Elisha on his way from Jericho up to Bethel is hauntingly brief: approached by some little boys Open image in new window from the city who jeer at him, chanting ‘Go up, you baldhead’(v. 23b), he turns, sees them, curses them in Yahweh’s name, and two shebears emerge from the woods and maul 42 of the boys Open image in new window Afterwards, as reported in the verse that completes the pericope 2.23–25, he proceeds ‘from there’ to Mount Carmel, and thence back to Samaria.
The Nuclear Matrix: Past and Present

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the structure and function of the nuclear matrix. The nuclear matrix is firmly connected to the extensive network of intermediate filaments occupying the cytoplasmic space and anchoring on the outer surface of the nuclear lamina. The nuclear matrix and intermediate filaments are integrated into a single cell-wide structure that retains the overall geometry and appearance of the intact cell. Changes in nuclear matrix protein composition have also been observed during development. The fetal rat calvarial osteoblast has become an important in vitro developmental system for studying phenotype-specific gene expression. Six nuclear matrix proteins have been reported in human colon adenocarcinoma tumor samples which were absent from normal colon tissue. Such malignancy-specific nuclear matrix proteins may have considerable diagnostic value and may help to explain the changes in nuclear structure that accompany malignancy. The studies on rat osteosarcoma cells suggested that these tumor cells are expressing matrix proteins normally expressed only at earlier developmental stages in the osteoblast lineage.
Clinical Update on Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika: What We Know at the Time of Article Submission

Objective Mosquito-borne diseases pose a threat to individual health and population health on both a local and a global level. The threat is even more exaggerated during disasters, whether manmade or environmental. With the recent Zika virus outbreak, it is important to highlight other infections that can mimic the Zika virus and to better understand what can be done as public health officials and health care providers. Methods This article reviews the recent literature on the Zika virus as well as chikungunya virus and dengue virus. Results The present findings give a better understanding of the similarities and differences between the 3 infections in terms of their characteristics, clinical presentation, diagnosis methodology, and treatment and what can be done for prevention. Additionally, the article highlights a special population that has received much focus in the latest outbreak, the pregnant individual. Conclusion Education and training are instrumental in controlling the outbreak, and early detection can be lifesaving. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2017;11:290–299).
Sex Hormones as Modulators of Liver Tumor Development

The induction of hepatocellular tumors depends upon the nature of the chemical agent (1), its requirement for activation to ultimate carcinogenic moiety (2), enzymatic competence of tissue(s) to activate the procarcinogen (3–5), the interaction of ultimate carcinogenic moiety with specific macromolecular site(s) (6,7), the rate of removal of the formed adduct(s) (8), the degree of macromolecular repair (9,10), caloric intake (11–13), immune competence, and hormonal environment of the host (14–17), The interplay of all these factors contribute in varying degrees to the neoplastic expression in the liver. The species, strain (18), age at treatment (19), and sex (19) of the animals may influence the degree of the agent’s activation. In addition, the age at treatment may affect the macromolecular damage-repair ratio and consequently the degree of fixation of the residual macromolecular lesion(s) (20).
The rate of creatine synthesis in the isolated, perfused rat liver.

The classical investigations of Borsook and Dubnoff showed that creatine is synthesized in the liver (l-3). From these studies carried out in vitro on homogenates and liver slices, no definitive conclusions may be drawn concerning the rate at which creatine is synthesized in viwo. Furthermore, recent studies have indicated that creatine may also be synthesized in organs other than the liver (4,5). In the past few years, interest in creatine metabolism has been renewed, particularly since it appears that creatine synthesis may be regulated by the creatine content in the diet (6-9). Although the experimental results suggest that creatine synthesis may be controlled indirectly by the level of transamidinase in the kidney (7, 8, lo), the effect of creatine intake on the hepatic synthesis of creatine from glycocyamine has not been measured directly. In the present investigation, the rate at which creatine is synthesized from glycocyamine in the isolated perfused liver has been determined under two experimental conditions: (u) in the presence of precursors at levels normally present in blood and (b) in the presence of high concentrations of precursors added to the perfusion. The rate at which creatine is synthesized in the isolated perfused liver taken from rats fed a diet containing 2% creatine for 5 days was also determined. Finally, extrahepatic creatine synthesis was studied in the surviving eviscerated rat after surgical removal of all abdominal viscera.
The Future of Targeting FLT3 Activation in AML

Internal tandem duplications (ITD) and tyrosine-kinase domain (TKD) mutations of the FMS-like tyrosine-kinase 3 (FLT3) can be found in up to one third of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and confer a poor prognosis. First discovered 20 years ago, these mutations were identified as viable therapeutic targets, and FLT3 tyrosine-kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have been in development for the last decade with steadily increasing potency. However, FLT3-mutated AML often acquires resistance to the growing armamentarium of FLT3 inhibitors through a variety of mechanisms. In this review, we discuss the distinct clinical phenotype of FLT3-mutated AML, historically and currently available therapeutics, mechanisms of resistance, ongoing trials, and future outlook at treatment strategies.
Cultivating a mindset of civic engagement among young adolescents

Abstract This study explored early stages of civic engagement among 48 young adolescents by examining what they think about as a result of participating in various civic learning activities during a summer civics camp, and whether or not this thinking varied based on participants’ entering civic profiles. Participant thinking was assessed through concept maps. Based on survey data, participants were classified into entering profiles of civic development: justice-oriented or participatory youth; civically purposeful or not, and civically involved or not. Findings show that, of the eight camp activities studied, interactions with guest speakers from various community agencies were most likely to generate thinking about knowledge and civic action. Participant thinking did not differentiate in any consistent ways based on whether or not they were justice-oriented. However, there were differences in thinking when participants were classified by presence or absence of civic purpose and civic involvement.
Time-continuous open quantum walks (Conference Presentation)

Continuous-time open quantum walks (CTOQW) are introduced as the formulation of quantum dynamical semigroups of trace-preserving and completely positive linear maps (or quantum Markov semigroups) on graphs. We show that a CTOQW always converges to a steady state regardless of the initial state when a graph is connected. When the graph is both connected and regular, it is shown that the steady state is the maximally mixed state. The difference of long-time behaviors between CTOQW and other two continuous-time processes on graphs is exemplified. The examples demonstrate that the structure of a graph can affect a quantum coherence effect on CTOQW through a long time run. Precisely, a quantum coherence effect persists throughout the evolution of the CTOQW when the underlying topology is certain irregular graphs (such as a path or a star as shown in the examples). In contrast, a quantum coherence effect will eventually vanish from the open quantum system when the underlying topology is a regular graph (such as a cycle).
Evaluation of Primary Reaction Pathways in Thin-Film Pyrolysis of Glucose Using 13C Labeling and Real-Time Monitoring

There recently has been progress on the fundamental understanding of fast pyrolysis as a promising strategy for biorenewable energy. An example of this progress is the dissection of bulk-sum models into individual molecular reactions as an effort to explain and predict the product yields in biomass pyrolysis. However, rigorous efforts have been scarce to experimentally validate each molecular reaction in pyrolysis. In this work, we evaluate molecular reaction mechanisms in the pyrolysis of glucose labeled with 13C on the C-1, C-3, or C-6 position. We adopt a novel experimental system that we have recently developed to study isothermal reaction kinetics with a very short reactor residence time (∼0.2 s) in virtual real time, which is ideally suited to correlate the results with primary reactions in theoretical modeling. We were able to support the previously proposed primary reaction mechanism for C4H8O4 (erythrose) but reject those for C3H6O3 (dihydroxyacetone and glyceraldehyde) and C3H6O2 (acetol). Alter...
Impact of Ethical Information Resources on Independently Licensed Counselors

A random sample of 430 independently licensed counselors evaluated 4 ethical information interventions in the context of 16 boundary-crossing scenarios. Results indicated that counselors have serious reservations about any form of boundary crossing. They reported mostly reviewing various codes of ethics, reviewing state laws and rules, consulting with others, working from gut instincts, and reflecting on personal experience when confronted with boundary-crossing issues. Participants clearly preferred streamlined ethical information interventions.
Mental Status Examination

Accurate diagnosis of psychopathology and effective psychological treatment depends upon the collection and systematic organization of observations about your patient’s mental and physical state. The Mental Status Examination (MSE) is the evaluation process by which the necessary observations are obtained and recorded.
Coupling of thioamides with 4-bromocrotonate esters and subsequent conjugate addition for the rapid one-pot synthesis of functionalized thiazolines

Abstract An efficient one-pot synthesis of functionalized thiazolines via the coupling of thioamides with 4-bromocrotonate esters is described. A range of aryl- and alkyl-thioamides with various substitutions are well-tolerated. Additionally, the presence of the exocyclic ester functionality provides a convenient handle for the synthesis of more complex thiazoline-containing natural products and biologically-relevant compounds.
Technical note: nonrigid registration for laparoscopic liver surgery using sparse intraoperative data

Soft tissue deformation can be a major source of error for image-guided interventions. Deformations associated with laparoscopic liver surgery can be substantially different from those concomitant with open approaches due to intraoperative practices such as abdominal insufflation and variable degrees of mobilization from the supporting ligaments of the liver. This technical note outlines recent contributions towards nonrigid registration for laparoscopic liver surgery published in the Journal of Medical Imaging special issue on image-guided procedures, robotic interventions, and modeling [10]. In particular, we review (1) a characterization of intraoperative liver deformation from clinically-acquired sparse digitizations of the organ surface through a series of laparoscopic-to-open conversions, and (2) a novel deformation correction strategy that leverages a set of control points placed across anatomical regions of mechanical support provided to the organ. Perturbations of these control points on a finite element model were used to iteratively reconstruct the intraoperative deformed organ shape from sparse measurements of the liver surface. These characterization and correction methods for laparoscopic deformation were applied to a retrospective clinical series of 25 laparoscopic-to-open conversions performed under image guidance and a phantom validation framework.
Contralateral prophylactic mastectomy rate and predictive factors among patients with breast cancer who underwent multigene panel testing for hereditary cancer.

Although multigene panel testing is increasingly common in patients with cancer, the relationship between its use among breast cancer patients with non-BRCA mutations or variants of uncertain significance (VUS) and disease management decisions has not been well described. This study evaluated the rate and predictive factors of CPM patients who underwent multigene panel testing. Three hundred and fourteen patients with breast cancer who underwent multigene panel testing between 2014 and 2017 were included in the analysis. Of the 314 patients, 70 elected CPM. Election of CPM by gene status was as follows: BRCA carriers (42.3%), non-BRCA carriers (30.1%), and VUS (10.6%). CPM election rates did not differ between non-BRCA carriers and BRCA carriers (P = 0.6205). Among non-BRCA carriers, negative hormone receptor status was associated with CPM (P = 0.0115). For those with a VUS, hormone receptor status was not associated with CPM (P = 0.1879). Although the rate of CPM between BRCA carriers and non-BRCA carriers was not significantly different, the predictors of CPM were different in each group. Our analyses shed the light on the increasing use of CPM among patients who are non-BRCA carriers as well those with a VUS. Our study elucidates the differing predictive factors of CPM election among BRCA carriers, non-BRCA carries, and those with a VUS. Our findings reveal the need for providers to be cognizant that non-BRCA genes and VUS drive women to elect CPM despite the lack of data for contralateral breast cancer risk associated with these genes.
United Nations: Political Aspects

An international organization, the United Nations emerged from World War II as a means for preserving peace and promoting human welfare. Its design owes much to the League of Nations. Limited by the familiar concept of sovereign states, restrained only by recommendations and treaty law to which they consent, the United Nations exercises novel governing functions in proposing behavioral standards for its member and in its occasional coercive coalitions to maintain peace as well as exercising some executive capacity. It displays political characteristics, including power ranking, creation of standards and law, agenda setting, coalition formation, interorganizational alliances and resource allocation. Over the years, expanding with the end of colonial regimes to universal membership, it has mirrored the Cold War and the changing state system; brought new topics, such as environmental protection and women's rights, to global attention; drafted human rights and other law; promoted economic development; and reacted to civil society organizations. It also treated issues posed primarily within national polities, e.g., deprivation of human rights; failed governments and internal armed conflicts; and humanitarian relief. Study of the United Nations has greatly varied in intensity and method, relying on theories of international organization and on contextual, historical, and legal approaches.
Chapter 1 Linear algebra and matrix methods in econometrics

Publisher Summary Vectors and matrices played a minor role in the econometric literature published before Second World War, but they have become an indispensable tool in the past several decades. Part of this development results from the importance of matrix tools for the statistical component of econometrics; another reason is the increased use of matrix algebra in the economic theory underlying econometric relations. This chapter presents a selective survey of both areas. It reviews the concepts of linear dependence and orthogonality of vectors and the rank of a matrix. A major reason related to the usefulness of matrix methods is that many topics in econometrics have a multivariate character. The chapter illustrates the convenience of matrices for linear systems. The expression “linear algebra” should not be interpreted in the sense that matrices are useful for linear systems only. Vectors and matrices are important in the statistical component of econometrics. A general method of estimation is maximum likelihood (ML) that can be shown to have certain optimal properties for large samples under relatively weak conditions. The derivation of the ML estimates and their large sample covariance matrix involves the information matrix, which is (apart from sign) the expectation of the matrix of second-order derivatives of the log-likelihood function with respect to the parameters. The prominence of ML estimation in recent years has greatly contributed to the increased use of matrix methods in econometrics.
Overview of Invasive Fungal Disease in Oncology Patients

The spectrum of invasive fungal disease has changed considerably in the past 2 decade. Since early 1990s, triazole prophylaxis has resulted in a significant decline in cases of invasive candidiasis among patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and those with acute leukemia. Recently, reduced rates of invasive mold disease following echinocandin and antimold triazoles use during the high-risk periods have ushered optimism. This trend in effective drug-mediated prevention has not been without setbacks including unexpected toxicity due to drug–drug interaction, and difficult-to-treat breakthrough fungal disease due to previously uncommon yeasts and filamentous fungi. The rise in virulent non-albicans Candida species and non-Aspergillus molds has, to some extent, compromised the recent advances in early diagnosis and effective antifungal therapy. As the understanding of hosts’ genetic (polymorphisms) vulnerability to fungal ­disease improves, next generation of diagnostic assays (DNA proliferation, microarray and other technologies) gain ­clinical validation, approach toward mitigating underlying immune defects with recombinant cytokines, strategies to restore innate and adaptive immune dysfunction become feasible, and target-specific effective antineoplastic therapy is introduced in the cancer fighting armamentarium; these accomplishments in a new era for improved outcomes in cancer patients who are susceptible to invasive fungal disease.
Participatory design: the third space in HCI

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .166Just Add Users and Stir? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .166Major Bibliographic Sources for Participatory Design . . .167
Towards Unifying Protein Evolution Theory

There are many proposed models for protein domain evolution. The main contention [1], however, is between divergent [2] and convergent [3] models of evolution. Divergent evolution proposes that there was an ancestor to all domains that we see today and consequently all domains are historically related to each other. Convergent evolution claims that chance is largely responsible for the appearance of new kinds of domains. Convergent evolution explains the prevalence of certain types of structures by stating that those structures are more favorable and are often recycled for different functions. The distinction between convergent and divergent evolution is neither abstract nor purely academic. If divergent evolution is the primary model responsible for the appearance of new domains, then it is possible to reconstruct lineages of domains, follow structural change, and predict contextual functional ranges that occur due to well-defined evolutionary pressures. However, if convergent evolution is the main driving force behind the appearance of new structures and functions, in principle there should be no discernable structure–function relationship. An important step in understanding evolution is the quantification of dominant evolution scenario(s) as theoretical background for derivation of the structure–function correlation. Here, we describe recent advances in this direction.