cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Methodological and Analytic Considerations for Blood Biomarkers

Biomarkers typically evolve from a research setting to use in clinical care as evidence for their independent contribution to patient management accumulates. This evidence relies heavily on knowledge of the preanalytical, analytical, and postanalytical characteristics of the biomarker's measurement. For the preanalytical phase, considerations such specimen type, acceptable anticoagulants for blood samples, biologic variation and stability of the biomarker under various conditions are key. The analytical phase entails critical details for development and maintenance of assays having performance characteristics that are "fit for service" for the clinical application at hand. Often, these characteristics describe the ability to measure minute quantities in the biologic matrix used for measurement. Although techniques such as mass spectrometry are used effectively for biomarker discovery, routine quantification often relies on use of immunoassays; early in development, the most common immunoassay used is the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay format. As biomarkers evolve successfully, they will be adapted to large main laboratory platforms or, depending on the need for speed, point-of-care devices. Users must pay particular attention to performance parameters of assays they are considering for clinical implementation. These parameters include the limit of blank, a term used to describe the limit of analytical noise for an assay; limit of detection, which describes the lowest concentration that can reliably be discriminated from analytical noise; and perhaps most importantly, the limit of quantitation, which is the lowest concentration at which a biomarker can be reliably measured within some predefined specifications for total analytical error that is based on clinical requirements of the test. The postanalytical phase involves reporting biomarker values, which includes reporting units, any normalization factors, and interpretation. Standardization, a process that involves metrological traceability to a primary reference material and definitive measurement method, is important to assure that all biomarker values are transferable in the literature and across institutions. In the absence of standardization, assays can be harmonized using secondary reference materials so that biomarker values can be combined for meta-analysis and interpreted clinically with common reference and decision limit values.
Decision Making in Assessment and Early Intervention Planning

This article presents a series of decision trees to help in planning assessment and intervention with handicapped children between 3 months and 5 years of age. The decision trees consist of a series of assessment questions leading to suggestions for intervention. Steps in using the decision trees are described and a case example presented.
THE MANAGEMENT AND OUTCOME OF SPINAL IMPLANT INFECTIONS: CONTEMPORARY RETROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY

Background Spinal implant infections provide unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study to evaluate risk factors for treatment failure in patients with early- and late-onset spinal implant infections at the Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN) during 1994-2002. Results We identified 30 patients with early-onset spinal implant infection and 51 patients with late-onset spinal implant infection. Twenty-eight of 30 patients with early-onset infection were treated with debridement, implant retention, and antimicrobial therapy. The estimated 2-year cumulative probability of survival free of treatment failure for patients with early-onset infection was 71% (95% confidence interval [CI], 51%-85%). Thirty-two of 51 patients with late-onset infection were treated with implant removal. Their estimated 2-year cumulative probability of survival free of treatment failure was 84% (95% CI, 66%-93%). For patients with early-onset infections, receiving oral antimicrobial suppression therapy was associated with increased cumulative probability of survival (hazard ratio, 0.2; 95% CI, 0.1-0.7). For patients with late-onset infections, implant removal was associated with increased cumulative probability of survival (hazard ratio, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.1-0.7). Conclusions Early-onset spinal implant infections are successfully treated with debridement, implant retention, and parenteral followed by oral suppressive antimicrobial therapy. Implant removal is associated with successful outcomes in late-onset infections.
Test Fairness: Internal and External Investigations of Gender Bias in Mathematics Testing

What two major approaches have been used to study gender bias in test scores? How do statistical DIF detection methods differ? How does DIF screening of items affect mean score differences?
The Noble House in Colonial Puebla, Mexico: Descent, Inheritance, and the Nahua Tradition

Claude Levi-Strauss's concept of the 'house" has proven to be a viable alternative to traditional lineage theory in the study of many societies, and this paper applies the house concept to a Mesoamencan case. The teccalli, or noble house, was an important aspect of Nahua (Aztec) sociopolitical organization in prchispanic and early colonial central Mexico, particularly in the Puebla-Tlaxcala Valley. It is often characterized as a lineage with rights in land and commoner labor, yet the nature of descent, succession, and inheritance are little understood. Late colonial wills and lawsuits from the (formerly) Nahua community of Santiago Tecali in the Puebla-Tlaxcala Valley provide valuable insights into these matters that can also help us to understand earlier periods. It is argued that the Nahua noble house can be better understood as a house than as a lineage, [house, kinship, inheritance, Nahuas, Mesoamerica]
Entrepreneurs On Entrepreneurship: A Research Structure Based On 12 Practitioner Case Studies

The importance of entrepreneurship for economic growth and social advancement is well established, but most scholars do not agree on a structure for organizing its study. As a result, a great deal of scholarly effort in the field is often criticized as noncumulative, disorganized, and lacking predictive capability. Additionally, connections with important sub domains such as social and sustainable entrepreneurship are not well established. Advancement in the organization of the research domain can potentially lead to improved formulation of research questions, better selection of methodologies employed, and enhancements in the ability of researchers to deal more effectively with the multidisciplinary and process nature of the field. This paper uses qualitative research methodology to analyze data collected from semi structured interviews with practitioner entrepreneurs to advance a structure for future research in the field. A conceptual framework for organizing the research domain of entrepreneurship is developed through analysis of the insights and experiences from 12 case studies of practitioner entrepreneurs, leading to the identification of a proposed structure based upon four categorical dimensions of an entrepreneurship conceptual framework – procedural, typological, behavioral, and environmental.
Complete Genome Sequences of Two Outbreak Strains of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica Serovar Thompson Associated with Cilantro.

ABSTRACT Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Thompson strains RM1984 (CADPH-99A2334) and RM1986 (CADPH-99A2345) are associated with a 1999 outbreak in contaminated cilantro. We report here the complete genome sequences and annotation of these two S. Thompson strains. These genomes are distinct and provide additional data for our understanding of S. enterica.
Comparisons of dysphagia and quality of life (QOL) in comparable patients with HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer receiving chemo-irradiation or cetuximab-irradiation

Summary Purpose Compare functional outcomes of radiotherapy (RT) concurrent with cetuximab (cet-RT) or with chemotherapy (chemo-RT) for comparable, good prognosis patients with human papillomavirus related (HPV+) oropharyngeal cancer (OPC). Methods Outcomes of patients with stage III/IV HPV+ OPC patients with minimal smoking history and non-T4/N3/N2C, treated on prospective protocol of RT concurrent with cetuximab (cet-RT), were compared to similar patients on prospective chemo-RT protocols. In both groups, videofluoroscopy (VF), observer rated dysphagia (ORD), and validated QOL questionnaires: xerostomia questionnaire (XQ), head and neck QOL, and University of Washington QOL, were performed periodically and compared to pretreatment. Mixed effects models with adjustment for baseline assessed differences between groups. Results 26 cet-RT patients were compared to 27 chemo-RT patients with similar baseline characteristics. In the chemo-RT group, no recurrences occurred. In the cet-RT group, 1 patient had persistent microscopic disease on salvage neck dissection and 1 distant failure. Both groups had mild VF-based swallowing dysfunction pre-treatment, worsened at 3 months (P 0.11). For both groups ORD was very low pretreatment, worsened at 3 months and improved at 12 months, without differences between treatment groups (P = 0.26). QOL Summary and domain scores for eating were good pretreatment, worse at 3 mo, and then improved to near baseline at 12 months, without differences between the groups in any QOL domains (P > 0.10). Conclusion Both groups had excellent clinical outcomes without significant differences in objective or subjective functions. These data question using cetuximab instead of chemotherapy for treatment de-intensification for HPV+ OPC.
The Kinetic Mechanism of AAC(3)-IV Aminoglycoside Acetyltransferase from Escherichia coli

The aminoglycoside 3-N-acetyltransferase AAC(3)-IV from Escherichia coli exhibits a very broad aminoglycoside specificity, causing resistance to a large number of aminoglycosides, including the atypical veterinary antibiotic, apramycin. We report here on the characterization of the substrate specificity and kinetic mechanism of the acetyl transfer reaction catalyzed by AAC(3)-IV. The steady-state kinetic parameters revealed a narrow specificity for the acyl-donor and broad range of activity for aminoglycosides. AAC(3)-IV has the broadest substrate specificity of all AAC(3)'s studied to date. Dead-end inhibition and ITC experiments revealed that AAC(3)-IV follows a sequential, random bi-bi kinetic mechanism. The analysis of the pH dependence of the kinetic parameters revealed acid- and base-assisted catalysis and the existence of three additional ionizable groups involved in substrate binding. The magnitude of the solvent kinetic isotope effects suggests that a chemical step is at least partially rate limiting in the overall reaction.
Optics at the chip scale

Optics offers many potential advantages at short distances for interconnects and clock advantages. The rationale and some recent developments are summarized.
Sex differences in sleep: impact of biological sex and sex steroids

Men and women sleep differently. While much is known about the mechanisms that drive sleep, the reason for these sex differences in sleep behaviour is unknown and understudied. Historically, women and female animals are underrepresented in studies of sleep and its disorders. Nevertheless, there is a growing recognition of sex disparities in sleep and rhythm disorders. Women typically report poorer quality and more disrupted sleep across various stages of life. Findings from clinical and basic research studies strongly implicate a role for sex steroids in sleep modulation. Understanding how neuroendocrine mediators and sex differences influence sleep is central to advancing our understanding of sleep-related disorders. The investigation into sex differences and sex steroid modulation of sleep is in its infancy. Identifying the mechanisms underlying sex and gender differences in sleep will provide valuable insights leading to tailored therapeutics that benefit each sex. The goal of this review is to discuss our current understanding of how biological sex and sex steroids influence sleep behaviour from both the clinical and pre-clinical perspective.
Take Pen as Defence:On the Values of Idealism in 1990s

Idealism is a literary form that emphasizes the representation of the subjective ideal with a straight feeling exprssion. The values of idealism literature in the new period shows an essentially accordant trend with that of the social mainstream ideology. Since 1990, with further practice of social and economic reforms and the west nihilism’ impacts on the society, the values of idealismliterature hence deviated from that of the societal mainstream, and more and more sharp conflicts appeared. The position of idealism was fully shown in such aspects as their opposition of market economy values and their maintenance of the stability of values, traditional values, and oneness of value tropism.
Amino Acids and Nitrogen Compounds

The body relies on the regular intake of large amounts of amino acids, which are mostly chained together in peptides and proteins. Many of the different amino acids in foods can be converted into other amino acids. A few others, the essential amino acids, have to be consumed in sufficient amounts because they cannot be produced from other amino acids. A large number of transporters mediate the absorption of amino acids from digested food. An extensive network of metabolic pathways operates on the newly absorbed amino acids starting in the enterocytes of the small intestine and continuing throughout the body after a first pass through the liver. Amino acids serve as the starting material for many thousands of specific proteins and other compounds. The retention and utilization of amino acids is extremely efficient due to highly complex mechanisms in the intestines and kidneys; very little is lost by most healthy people. Humans can tolerate many days of no or low intake of amino acid sources. However, severe and ultimately deadly health consequences are unavoidable with prolonged amino acid (protein) deficiency, even when all other nutrients are available.
FRMD6 inhibits human glioblastoma growth and progression by negatively regulating activity of receptor tyrosine kinases

// Yin Xu 1 , Kaiqiang Wang 1 , Qin Yu 1 1 Department of Oncological Sciences Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA Correspondence to: Qin Yu, email: qin.yu@mssm.edu Keywords: FRMD6, glioblastoma, receptor tyrosine kinase, hippo signaling pathway, c-Met Received: March 10, 2016 Accepted: September 02, 2016 Published: September 20, 2016 ABSTRACT FRMD6 is an Ezrin/Radixin/Moesin (ERM) family protein and a human homologue of Drosophila expanded ( ex ). Ex functions in parallel of Drosophila merlin at upstream of the Hippo signaling pathway that controls proliferation, apoptosis, tissue regeneration, and tumorigenesis. Even though the core kinase cascade (MST1/2-Lats1/2-YAP/TAZ) of the Hippo pathway has been well established, its upstream regulators are not well understood. Merlin promotes activation of the Hippo pathway. However, the effect of FRMD6 on the Hippo pathway is controversial. Little is known about how FRMD6 functions and the potential role of FRMD in gliomagenesis and glioblastoma (GBM) progression. We demonstrate for the first time that FRMD6 is down-regulated in human GBM cells and tissues and that increased FRMD6 expression inhibits whereas FRMD6 knockdown promotes GBM cell proliferation/invasion in vitro and GBM growth/progression in vivo . Furthermore, we demonstrate that unlike increased expression of merlin, which enhances the stress induced activation of the Hippo pathway, increased FRMD6 expression displays little effect on the pathway. In contrast, we show that FRMD6 inhibits activation of a couple of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) including c-Met and PDGFR and their downstream Erk and AKT kinases. Moreover, we show that expression of constitutively active c-Met, the TPR-Met fusion protein, largely reverses the anti-GBM effect of FRMD6 in vivo , suggesting that FRMD6 functions at least partially through inhibiting activity of RTKs especially c-Met. These results establish a novel function of FRMD6 in inhibiting human GBM growth and progression and uncover a novel mechanism by which FRMD6 exerts its anti-GBM activity.
Restorative Justice from the Margins to the Center: The Emergence of a New Norm in School Discipline

Changing norms is a difficult process that requires society to discard previously held ideas, morals, and practices. In the case of school discipline, this means abandoning the long accepted practice of zero tolerance and its associated values, identities, and processes of punishment and exclusion. While there has been attention in the literature to changes in school discipline at the local, state, and federal levels — relative to zero tolerance — scholars have not engaged in inquires tracing the emergence of restorative justice, its consequent cascade, and institutionalization as a new norm. This Article aims to do just that. Since the 2000s restorative justice norm entrepreneurs have sought to challenge the social, political, and legal consequences of the school discipline policies grounded in punitive and exclusionary responses to student behavior. Their work has clarified, socialized, and institutionalized restorative justice in local contexts and led to key changes at the state and federal levels. Within diverse contexts, the identity and practice of restorative justice evolved and with it a “first generation” of research emerged. This early work was both descriptive and prescriptive presenting theoretical constructions and empirical findings. As restorative justice has repositioned from the margins to the center there is a need for a “second generation” of studies asking new questions about outcomes, practices, and implementation, but as importantly, how an ideational and normative shift has occurred to move what was once viewed as a ‘weaker alternative’ in discipline to one that is preferred over zero tolerance and exclusion. It is within this “second generation” of study that this Article is positioned. At its foundation this Article is motivated by and grounded in descriptive analysis that identifies and articulates a more integrated understanding of the evolution of school-based restorative justice in the United States. Thus, rather than focus on a single case study, especially given the limitations of one case study to make general inferences, it explores multiple accounts and sites of school-based restorative justice. Moreover, by presenting a range of examples it seeks to promote new directions in the restorative justice research agenda aimed at refining and improving theoretical and pragmatic propositions of how localized practices have catapulted to become widely accepted, applicable, and desirable nationally.
Apparent Aortic Stiffness in Children With Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Existence of Vascular Interdependency?

Background— Left ventricular dysfunction, mediated by ventricular interdependence, has been associated with negative outcomes in children with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Considering the dilation of the pulmonary arteries as a paramount sign of PAH, we hypothesized that the ascending aorta will present signs of apparent stiffness in children with PAH and that this effect may be because of mechanical interaction with the dilated main pulmonary artery (MPA). Methods and Results— Forty-two children with PAH and 26 age- and size-matched controls underwent comprehensive cardiac magnetic resonance evaluation. Assessment of aortic stiffness was evaluated by measuring pulse wave velocity, aortic strain, and distensibility. Children with PAH had significantly increased pulse wave velocity in the ascending aorta (3.4 versus 2.3 m/s for PAH and controls, respectively; P =0.001) and reduced aortic strain (23% versus 29%; P P =0.02). Indexed MPA diameter correlated with pulse wave velocity ( P =0.04) and with aortic strain ( P =0.02). The ratio of MPA to aortic size correlated with pulse wave velocity ( P =0.0098), strain ( P =0.0099), and distensibility ( P =0.015). Furthermore, aortic relative area change was associated with left ventricular ejection fraction ( P =0.045) and ventricular–vascular coupling ratio ( P =0.042). Conclusions— Pediatric PAH patients have increased apparent ascending aortic stiffness, which was strongly associated with the degree of MPA distension. We speculate that distension of the MPA may play a major role in limiting full aortic expansion during systole, which modulates left ventricular performance and impacts systemic hemodynamics in pediatric PAH.
PAÍS SECRETO DE JUAN MANUEL ROCA: PARA UNA POÉTICA DE LA VIOLENCIA

En la segunda mitad del siglo XX la violencia y el terror han imperado enLatinoamerica hasta el grado de propiciar, entre sus varias representacionesartisticas, el incremento de un modo poetico comprometido o “engage”(parautilizar dos de sus muchos nombres). Este tipo de lirica que gano carta deidentidad con la toma de conciencia de poetas vanguardistas como Neruda yVallejo, en Colombia habria de tomar fuerza desde los anos cuarenta, durante laepoca “la violencia” y los ciclos que siguieron de la misma. A partir de dichoperiodo, y despues, reconocidos poetas colombianos han respondido convariantes poeticas solidarias frente a la violencia gubernamental y civil. En estearticulo se estudiara una poesia mas actual de compromiso, presente en JuanManuel Roca, conocido por su obra “de imagenes originales de plena estampasurrealista en que lo cotidiano y la ensonacion se confluyen en cuadros liricos depanoramas nocturnos” (Aslstrum 68), quien se desvia de su estetica establecidapara adoptar en Pais secreto (1987) un modo y contenidos liricos mas historicos.
Introduction, Survey and Background Material

Game theory has emerged out of the growing need for scientists and economists to have better grasp of the real world in today’s technological revolution. Game theory deals with tactical interactions among multiple decision makers. These interactions can range from completely non-cooperative to completely cooperative. These decision makers are usually referred as players or agents. Each player either tries to maximize (in which case the objective function is a utility function or benefit function) or minimize (in which case the objective function is called a cost function or a loss function) using multiple alternatives (actions, or equivalently decision variable). If the players were able to enter into a cooperative agreement so that the selection of actions or decisions is done collectively and with full trust, so that all players would benefit to the extent possible, and no inefficiency would arise, then we would be in the realm of cooperative game theory. The issues of bargaining, coalition formation, excess utility distribution, etc. are of importance in cooperative game theory. However cooperative game theory will not be covered in this book. This book will only deal with non-cooperative game theory, where no cooperation is allowed among the players
Multifunctional GNS Nanoprobe Development and Characterization

The developed multifunctional GNS nanoprobe is illustrated in Fig. 2.1. The GNS nanoparticles were synthesized by using a seed-mediated and surfactant-free method (Yuan et al. Nanotechnology 23(075102):1–7, 2012 [1]). First, 12 nm gold nanosphere seeds were produced via the reduction of HAuCl4 (100 ml, 1 mM) by trisodium citrate (15 ml, 1% w/v) at boiling temperature in water solution. After that, GNS nanoparticles were synthesized by rapidly and simultaneously mixing AgNO3 (1 ml, 3 mM) and ascorbic acid (500 μl, 0.1 M) with 100 ml of solution containing 0.25 mM HauCl4, 1 mM HCl, and 1 ml of the 12 nm gold nanosphere seeds.
Recreation and Leisure in Modern Society, Second Edition. By Richard Kraus

(1980). Recreation and Leisure in Modern Society, Second Edition. By Richard Kraus. Journal of Leisure Research: Vol. 12, No. 3, pp. 289-291.
Impact of talker adaptation on speech processing and working memory

Talker adaptation is known to facilitate immediate speech recognition. However, it is unclear whether and how talker adaptation also facilitates working memory for speech. Using electroencephalography (EEG) during a delayed recall of digit span task, we investigated whether talker adaptation facilitates working memory performance. We also investigated whether neural alpha oscillatory power reflects facilitatory effects of talker adaptation. Listeners encoded sequences of seven randomly ordered digits, recalling them after a 5-s retention. Digit sequences were spoken by either a single talker or multiple talkers, and were presented at either faster or slower speech rates (0-ms vs. 500-ms inter-digit intervals). Overall, listeners responded faster and more accurately for single-talker sequences compared to multiple-talker sequences. Especially for the faster presentation rate, listeners were more efficient (faster and more accurate) in recalling sequences spoken by a single talker. For the faster presentation rate, processing digit sequences spoken by single vs. multiple talkers also elicited reduced alpha power during both speech encoding and working memory retention. These results suggest that talker adaptation reduces cognitive effort during both speech encoding and memory retention, thereby producing more efficient working memory for speech information, especially when listeners process speech rapidly.Talker adaptation is known to facilitate immediate speech recognition. However, it is unclear whether and how talker adaptation also facilitates working memory for speech. Using electroencephalography (EEG) during a delayed recall of digit span task, we investigated whether talker adaptation facilitates working memory performance. We also investigated whether neural alpha oscillatory power reflects facilitatory effects of talker adaptation. Listeners encoded sequences of seven randomly ordered digits, recalling them after a 5-s retention. Digit sequences were spoken by either a single talker or multiple talkers, and were presented at either faster or slower speech rates (0-ms vs. 500-ms inter-digit intervals). Overall, listeners responded faster and more accurately for single-talker sequences compared to multiple-talker sequences. Especially for the faster presentation rate, listeners were more efficient (faster and more accurate) in recalling sequences spoken by a single talker. For the faster presentati...
An Location-aware Authentication Scheme for Cross-domain Internet of Thing Systems

Internet of Things (IoT) is characterized by integrating heterogeneous devices and technologies with the Internet. It enables the computer network system to connect all kinds of physical objects and interact with the environment directly. However, this integration exposes IoT devices and systems to all kinds of cyber attacks which makes the security risk become the fundamental problem to address. Traditional standardized security solutions face scalability and flexibility issues on providing dynamic protections for the communications between the devices that belong to different security domains. In this paper, we propose reliable authentication scheme for resource constrained IoT devices in the context of distributed, cross-domain systems that are not directly operated by humans. The scheme utilizes an out-of-band channel to achieve effective and light-weight authentication. Finally, we build a prototype system to test the performance of proposed security scheme.
Proposed Role of a γ-Interferon Inducible Proteasome-Regulator in Antigen Presentation

The 26S complex and the proteasome (also called 20S protease or multicatalytic protease, MCP) are major extralysosomal proteases involved in the regulation of cytosolic protein levels in eukaryotic cells (Tanaka et al., 1992 for review see Rechsteiner et al., 1993; Peters, 1994). The proteasome (Fig. 1 A) is a very abundant cellular component representing up to 1% of the cytoplasmic protein. It has been found in all eukaryotes and also in the archaebacterium Thermoplasma acidophilum (Zwickl et al., 1991). Although proteasomes have not been reported in prokaryotes, structural studies and sequencing data suggest a possible evolutionary relationship between the prokaryotic Clp and Lon proteases (for review see Maurizi, 1992), and the eukaryotic 26S and proteasomes (Rechsteiner et al., 1993; Arribas and Castano, 1993). The proteasome complex (Fig. 1 A) exists as a high molecular mass multimer (700 kDa) composed of at least 28 noncovalently associated subunits (20-32 kDa). The subunits share considerable inter-subunit homology, and have been classified into two subgroups, α and s, according to their similarity to the α- and s-subunit of the archaebacterial proteasome (Zwickl et al., 1991). The subunits are arranged in four stacked heptameric rings to form a hollow cylinder of 11 x 16 nm (Peters et al., 1991). Electron microscopy studies place a subunits at each end of the cylinder whereas s subunits, possibly containing the catalytic sites, form the two central rings. Proteasomes exhibit at least three separate catalytic activities, termed trypsin-like, chymotrypsin-like, and glutamic-site-like (Pereira et al., 1992; Rivett, 1993). The regulation of these proteolytic sites as well as the exact subunit composition of the complexes are still unclear.
Wind Power as a Community Issue in Michigan

This report presents the opinions of Michigan local government leaders on issues related to wind energy. It looks at the prevalence of wind turbines in jurisdictions across the state, opinions about the benefits and drawbacks of wind energy, sources of support and opposition to local wind energy, and issues regarding local regulation of wind turbines. The findings in this report are based on a statewide survey of local government leaders in the Fall 2013 wave of the Michigan Public Policy Survey (MPPS).
Coherent η-meson production in the reaction π^{-}+^{3}He→η+t

The reaction {pi}{sup {minus}}+{sup 3}He{r arrow}{eta}+{ital t} has been observed by detecting {eta}{r arrow}2{gamma} decays. The observed forward-angle cross sections vary from {similar to}100 {mu}b/sr at 680 MeV/{ital c} to {similar to}2 {mu}b/sr at 590 MeV/{ital c}. Distorted-wave impulse-approximation calculations reproduce the shape but underestimate the magnitude of the observed cross section. These cross sections are approximately 100 times larger than those for the reaction {ital p}+{ital d}{r arrow}{eta}+{sup 3}He measured at similar {eta} center-of-mass energies.
Mo(0)-Mo(+4) ON ALUMINA CATALYSTS

The activation of materials made by deposing molybdenum hexacarbonyl on alumina leads to a series of catalysts various of which possess unusual activities or selectivities for a variety of reactions: metathesis of olefins, hydrogenation of olefins, hydrogenation of carbon monoxide, isotopic exchange between alkanes and deuterium, and the hydrogenolyses of alkanes and cyclopropane. The gas flow during activation (helium or hydrogen), the temperature of activation, and the degree of dehyroxylation of the alumina determine the oxidation number of molybdenum in the resulting catalysts and, consequently, its catalytic properties. What is equivalent to highly dispersed Mo(0) on dehydroxylated alumina is a particularly interesting catalyst. It can also be prepared by treatment of MoO 3 /Al 2 O 3 in hydrogen at 950°C.
History of measuring O2 and CO2 responses.

Quantitative analysis of the chemical interactions of CO 2 and O 2 on ventilation from early 20 th century to the present start with the amazingly steep CO 2 response found by Haldane and his pupils, proceed through discovery of the prime role of the H + ion and the discovery of carotid body chemoreception. The interaction of central and peripheral drives and changes with time and acute and chronic altitude exposure are still under investigation.
Determination of the Sediment Shear Speed Profiles from Phase and Group Velocity Dispersion Data of SH Wave

The geoacoustic properties of the sediments are important parameters for modeling acoustic propagation in the ocean. The geoacoustic parameters are the compressional and shear wave speed profiles, their attenuation and density. An inverse method for extracting the density and shear speed profiles in the sediment material from the phase velocity and group velocity dispersion relationships of SH waves is presented. The performance of this approach is studied using noise free and noisy synthetic data. The method is then applied to the group velocity dispersion relationship obtained from field data.
Concurrent review and patients confidentiality

Through a quick and cooperative approach to a new development in the financing of psychiatric care services, significant problems have been avoided. The issues of confidentiality, financial approval, and access to patient records were all addressed and successfully resolved by each party’s desire to arrive at a “win-win” solution. As future pressures increase regarding the financing and review of psychiatric and mental healthcare services, it’s important to develop cooperative, productive relationships which strive to understand the needs and pressures facing each side. Only then can cooperative, “win-win” solutions be possible. *** DIRECT SUPPORT *** A02FC021 00003
Concomitant behavioral and prefrontal cortex neuronal responses following acute and chronic methylphenidate exposure in adolescent and adult rats.

Abstract There is growing concern that the psychostimulant Methylphenidate (MPD) is being abused for cognitive enhancement and recreation by healthy adults and adolescents seeking to improve their work or academic performance. This study concomitantly recorded the behavioral and prefrontal cortex (PFC) neuronal activity in freely behaving animals exposed to acute and chronic MPD doses (0.6, 2.5, and 10.0 mg/kg MPD) in order to compare MPD effects on adult and adolescent rats. The PFC is one of the primary brain areas affected by MPD and the drug of choice for treating ADHD. Moreover, the PFC is one of the last brain areas to complete development, suggesting that the behavioral and neurophysiological response to MPD may differ in adolescents and adults. In both adult and adolescent animals, it was observed that the same repetitive (chronic) dose of either 0.6, 2.5, or 10.0 mg/kg MPD elicited behavioral sensitization in some animals and tolerance in others, experimental biomarkers indicating drug of abuse symptoms, and the majority of PFC units recorded in animals expressing behavioral sensitization or tolerance to chronic MPD exposure responded by increasing and decreasing their neuronal firing rate, respectively. Further, it was shown that high doses of 10.0 mg/kg MPD significantly modified adolescent behavioral activity but did not impact adults suggesting that adolescents may be more receptive to chronic MPD exposure. These findings raise concerns regarding the use and abuse of MPD in normal, healthy individuals and support the notion that the adolescent PFC is more susceptible than the adult PFC to neuromodulation from chronic MPD use.
Fathering from the margins: an intimate examination of black fatherhood

Over the course of several decades, cultural narratives of absentee fatherhood among black men have become popularized through media representations and public policy discourse such as Daniel Patri...
Macromolecular Interactions Between Neurons and Peripheral Glia in Cell Culture

It has become increasingly evident that development, maintenance, functional performance and repair. of neurons are extensively influenced by humoral and surface interactions with glial cells (Varon & Somjen, 1979; Varon & Manthorpe, 1981). In the past, neuroglia was viewed as providing physical scaffolding, insulation (myelin), and monitoring of chemical exchanges between blood and neurons. It has also been suggested that glial cells may remove excess K+ from the vicinity of firing neurons and dissipate it via intraglial and interglial (gap junctions) redistribution—thereby contributing to slow electrical activities of the brain and, possibly, the onset of epileptic foci. More recently, considerable evidence has been gathered both in vivo and in vitro that glial cells can take up and release neurotransmitters and other neuroactive molecules, suggesting another possible way for glial cells to regulate neuronal function or intervene in neuronal pathology. Conversely, K+ and transmitters may be viewed as microsignals from neurons to glia, causing the glial cells to change their own performance. It is only in the last decade, however, that serious attention has been given to macrosignals between neurons and glia, that is two-way communications mediated by macromolecular agents presented by one cell type to regulate behaviors of the other (Varon & Adler, 1981).
Restricting Intraoperative Fluid Volume Allows Earlier Return of Bowel Function After Colon and Rectal Surgery.

Abstract Background Return of bowel function (ROBF) after abdominal surgery is an important determinant of patient outcomes. The role of intraoperative fluids (IOFs) in colon surgery remains unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of IOF on ROBF in patients undergoing colon surgery. We hypothesized that minimizing IOFs allows earlier ROBF. Methods A 2-year (2016-2017) retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing elective colon resection was performed at our tertiary hospital using a protocol limiting IOF and postoperative narcotics. Patients were divided into two groups: preprotocol (2016) and postprotocol (PoP) (2017). Patients were matched using propensity score matching for age, gender, comorbidities, Anesthesiology Severity Score, indication for procedure, and procedure type. The outcome measured was ROBF. Secondary outcome measures were complication rates and hospital length of stay. Results A total of 360 patients were analyzed. After propensity matching, 90 patients (preprotocol: 45; PoP: 45) were included. The mean age was 62.2 ± 14.8 y, 43.3% male, and 44.4% of procedures were performed laparoscopically. There was no difference in demographics and comorbidities between groups. PoP patients received lower IOF (P = 0.036, 2016: 1198.8 ± 1096.5 mL, 2017: 2176.7 ± 1458.3 mL) and lower postoperative narcotics (P = 0.042). PoP patients had earlier ROBF 2[2-4], 4[3-5] (odds ratio: 1.18 [1.05-1.52], P = 0.04), shorter length of stay 3[2-5] d versus 5[4-7] (odds ratio: 1.11 [1.09-1.89], P = 0.043), and trended toward lower complication rates (P = 0.09). Conclusions IOF volume independently impacts ROBF after colon surgery. Restricting IOF allows for earlier bowel function and shorter hospital stay. Further studies defining optimum fluid management impacting ROBF may help optimize patient care.
Comprehensive men’s health and male infertility

There is increasing evidence that male infertility may be a harbinger of comorbid medical illness. Existing studies have shed light on associations between infertility and the prevalence of cardiovascular, metabolic, and oncologic disease, along with rates of hospitalization and overall mortality. Although theorized mechanisms include genetic, developmental, and behavioral precipitants, the exact nature of these associations remains unclear and warrants further investigation.
Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation Produces Fast H-Bond Dynamics in DMSO-Water Mixtures.

Liquid–liquid phase separation is common in complex mixtures, but the behavior of nanoconfined liquids is poorly understood from a physical perspective. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is an amphiphilic ...
CONTEMPORARY TREATMENT PATTERNS FOR NEWLY DIAGNOSED TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS IN PATIENTS WITH AND WITHOUT CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

Recent cardiovascular (CV) outcome trials have shown that certain glucagon-like peptide-1 analogues (GLP-1a) and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i) reduce adverse CV events in individuals with established CV disease (CVD). While current diabetes treatment guidelines recommend
The Lifecycle of the Plant Immune System

Throughout their life span, plants confront an endless barrage of pathogens and pests. To successfully defend against biotic threats, plants have evolved a complex immune system responsible for surveillance, perception, and the activation of defense. Plant immunity requires multiple signaling processes, the outcome of which vary according to the lifestyle of the invading pathogen(s). In short, these processes require the activation of host perception, the regulation of numerous signaling cascades, and transcriptome reprograming, all of which are highly dynamic in terms of temporal and spatial scales. At the same time, the development of a single immune event is subjective to the development of plant immune system, which is co-regulated by numerous processes, including plant ontogenesis and the host microbiome. In total, insight into each of these processes provides a fuller understanding of the mechanisms that govern plant-pathogen interactions. In this review, we will discuss the "lifecycle" of plant immunity: the development of individual events of defense, including both local and distal processes, as well as the development and regulation of the overall immune system by ontogenesis regulatory genes and environmental microbiota. In total, we will integrate the output of recent discoveries and theories, together with several hypothetical models, to present a dynamic portrait of plant immunity.
Abstract IA24: Interrogating therapy response and resistance in engineered preclinical models

The past decade has produced a vast amount of clinical sequencing data that have defined the genetic landscape of human cancers. We know with greater detail than ever the number and type of mutation in any given gene, yet we have a limited understanding of how this mutational heterogeneity impacts cancer initiation, progression, or therapeutic response. Thus, despite the enormous resources invested in genome sequencing, the vast amount of information gathered is uninformative as we simply do not know how most cancer-associated mutations dictate tumor behavior. Even extremely well-studied genes such as KRAS and APC harbor an array of mutational variants that may have significant prognostic and therapeutic relevance but remain scarcely characterized. Further complicating the challenge is the number of mutational combinations that impact cancer behavior. To meet this challenge, we develop and exploit new genetic technologies to engineer organoid and animal model systems that faithfully represent the mutational events in human cancer. We use these tools to determine how specific mutational variants in major oncogenic pathways shape cancer progression and influence cancer cell vulnerabilities and response to therapy. I will describe our efforts to understand the contribution of recurrent alterations in APC and KRAS, as well as our ongoing work to prospectively define mechanism of response and resistance to new WNT-targeted therapies now entering clinical trials. Citation Format: Lukas E. Dow. Interrogating therapy response and resistance in engineered preclinical models [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on the Evolving Landscape of Cancer Modeling; 2020 Mar 2-5; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(11 Suppl):Abstract nr IA24.
Dynamic response of an infinite thin plate loaded with concentrated masses

Abstract Thin plates with attached concentrated masses are considered. Time-harmonic flexural waves are generated by a force applied over a finite region of the plate. The problem of calculating the resulting plate response reduces to calculating the displacement of the masses, and this is done by solving a finite system of linear algebraic equations in the manner of previous work by Evans and Porter. Numerical results for two masses are presented and compared with finite element computations. Analytical results for N masses arranged around a circle concentric with a circular forcing region are obtained; it is shown that results for a corresponding thin solid ring are recovered as N goes to infinity. Similar results are obtained for a scattering problem, with an incident plane wave.
Stepping up to the plate: Making social equity a priority in public administration’s troubled times

The United States is built on and reinforced by exploitation and oppression, especially the genocide “of Native Americans, and the theft of their lands, and the extensive enslavement of Africans” (...
Pinpointing the Position of the Post-Asymptotic Giant Branch Star at the Core of RAFGL 2688 Using Polarimetric Imaging with NICMOS

The authors have used infrared polarimetric imaging with NICMOS to determine precisely the position of the star that illuminates (and presumably generated) the bipolar, preplanetary reflection nebula RAFGL 2688 (the Egg Nebula).
Electric field dynamics in an atmospheric pressure helium plasma jet impinging on a substrate

Time and spatially resolved electric field measurements by Stark polarization spectroscopy in a nanosecond pulsed atmospheric pressure helium jet operating in ambient air and impinging on a indium tin oxide coated glass slide are reported. An automatic fitting procedure of the Stark shifted spectra taking into consideration constraints regarding Stark components' positions and intensities as well as molecular nitrogen emission subtraction was implemented. This allowed electric field vector component measurements both in the gas phase and at the interface when the jet impinges on the substrate and during the development of a surface ionization wave. The obtained results show an increase in the axial electric field in the jet effluent in the gas phase with a peak magnitude from 12 to 18 kV cm−1 before the ionization wave impinges on the substrate. A steep electric field enhancement to a peak value of about 24 kV cm−1 was observed when the ionization wave impinges on the surface. A peak radial electric field of about 27 kV cm−1 was measured off-axis in the surface ionization wave. These results are consistent with previously reported modelling predictions. While Stark polarization spectroscopy is limited to electric field measurements from regions with emission, we illustrate that the capability to measure near surface electric fields in helium makes it a valuable complementary technique for the electric field-induced second harmonic (EFISH) technique.
Addressing Surgical Instrument Oversupply: A Focused Literature Review and Case-Study in Orthopedic Hand Surgery.

Background Instrument oversupply drives cost in the operating room (OR). We review previously reported methodologies for surgical instrument reduction and report a pilot methodology for optimizing instrument supply via ethnographic instrument tracking of thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) arthroplasties. Additionally, we report a cost analysis of instrument oversupply and potential savings of tray optimization methods. Methods Instrument utilization was tracked over 8 CMC arthroplasties conducted by 2 surgeons at an ambulatory surgery center of a large academic hospital. An optimized supply methodology was designed. A cost analysis was conducted using health-system-specific data and previously published research. Results After tracking instrument use in 8 CMC arthroplasties, a cumulative total of 59 out of the 120 instruments in the Hand & Foot (H&F) tray were used in at least 1 case. Two instruments were used in all cases, and another 20 instruments were used in at least 50% of the cases. Using a reduced tray with 59 instruments, potential cost savings for tray reduction in 60 cases were estimated to be $2086 without peel-packing and $2356 with peel-packing. The estimated cost savings were lower than those reported in literature due to a reduced scope and exclusion of OR time cost in the analysis. Conclusions Instrument oversupply drives cost at our institution's ambulatory surgery center. Ethnography is a cost-effective method to track instrument utilization and determine optimal tray composition for small services but is not scalable to large health systems. The time and cost required to observe sufficient surgeries to enable supply reduction to motivate the need for more efficient methods to determine instrument utility.