cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Loved Ones’ End-of-Life and Existential Considerations as a Caregiver

This chapter explores end-of-life and existential considerations about illness, injury, or death and provides “helpful hints” and coping tools for the family system. It is divided into several subsections. First, using brain tumors as a prototype, the relatives’ practical and emotional preparation for the loved one’s impending death is delved into. Specific topics include advance directives, hospice care, anticipatory grief, denial, emotional preparedness, and presencing. Positive aspects of caregiving are appraised. Following this, grief reactions and coping techniques after the death of the loved one are examined in family members, including children. The mourning (or emotional reconstitution) and adjustment process after the death of a loved one is then discussed. The concept of “complicated grief” is touched upon. Fundamental existential constructs for caregivers and the family are derived from positive psychology and existential psychology and include: restructuring the assumptive world and lifestyles; integrating ambiguous loss and chronic sorrow; posttraumatic growth; new meaning in life; spirituality; hope; resiliency; learned optimism; as well as personal and family morale. A case study illustrates the therapeutic process and principles. The chapter also incorporates a number of multimedia resources to exemplify the constructs, including websites, songs, books, stories, plays, poetry, broadcasts, and films.
Experimental Evaluation of (L)Au Electron Donor Ability in Cationic Gold Carbene Complexes

29Si NMR spectroscopy was employed to evaluate the electron donor properties of the (L)Au fragments in the cationic gold (β,β-disilyl)vinylidene complexes [L = P(tBu)2o-biphenyl or NHC] relative to the p-substituted aryl group in the α-aryl-(β,β-disilyl)vinyl cations . Similarly, 19F NMR was employed to evaluate the σ- and π-electron donor properties of the (L)Au fragments in the neutral gold fluorophenyl complexes (L)Au(C6H4F) and in the cationic (fluorophenyl)methoxycarbene complexes [(L)AuC(OMe)(C6H4F)]+ SbF6- [L = P(t-Bu)2o-biphenyl or IPr] relative to the p-substituted aryl group of the protonated monofluorobenzophenones [(p-C6H4X)(C6H4F)COH]+ OTf-. The results of these studies indicate that relative to p-substituted aryl groups, the gold (L)Au fragments [L = P(t-Bu)2o-biphenyl or NHC] are significantly more inductively electron releasing and are comparable π-donors and for this reason, the extent of (L)Au → C1 electron donation in gold carbene complexes appears to exceed that provided by a p-(dimethyamino)phenyl group. Furthermore, the [L = P(tBu)2o-biphenyl]Au fragment is a nominally stronger electron donor than is the (IPr)Au fragment while both are significantly more inductively electron releasing than are the (PPh3)Au and [P(OMe)3]Au fragments.
Biofabrication Technologies for Developing In Vitro Tumor Models

Despite having yielded extensive breakthroughs in cancer research, traditional 2D cell cultures have limitations in studying cancer progression and metastasis and screening therapeutic candidates. 3D systems can allow cells to grow, migrate, and interact with each other and the surrounding matrix, resulting in more realistic constructs. Furthermore, interactions between host tissue and developing tumors influence the susceptibility of tumors to drug treatments. The past decade has seen a rapid advancement of the application of 3D cellular systems to cancer research. These 3D tumor models, or tumor organoids, occupy a range of distinct form factors, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, and appropriateness for particular applications. In this chapter we highlight the major categories of tumor organoids and the methods by which they are biofabricated, aiming to provide the reader with an overview of the types of tumor organoids currently employed in cancer research applications.
Perianal Dermatitis, Its Incidence, and Patterns of Topical Therapies in a Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Objective To define the incidence of perianal dermatitis (PD) and determine the usage pattern and cost efficacy of diaper products among neonates admitted to a level IV neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) including those with a diagnosis of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Methods A retrospective cohort study to evaluate neonates with PD based on number of orders for Aquaphor, Bagbalm, Desitin, Flanders, or Nystatin. Various demographic and clinical parameters were recorded. Usage patterns of these five products were analyzed, and their costs estimated. Subgroup analysis was performed among infants with NAS. Results Of 1,241 admissions, 56.2% had at least one diaper product ordered during their NICU stay, while 52.6% had multiple products ordered. Only 23.0% of all neonates had appropriate documentation of PD. The most common product ordered first was Aquaphor (64.3%), followed by Desitin (19.2%). Note that 86% term NAS infants had PD compared with 28% term non-NAS infants. The estimated product cost was $14,139 over 2 years, averaging $20 per patient. Conclusion Over half of NICU neonates were exposed to one or more diaper products, usually without documented PD diagnosis. Term NAS infants had three times higher incidence of PD than term non-NAS infants. The cost of diaper product use was significant, and possibly underestimated due to lack of documentation.
Risk Factors for Reaching the Post-Operative Transfusion Trigger in a Community Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty Population

Background Little data exist to evaluate an individual’s pre-operative risk of blood transfusion following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Our aim is to identify the risk factors associated with reaching the transfusion trigger of Hb <8 g/dL (TT8) following surgery and how perioperative tranexamic acid (TXA) affects that outcome. Methods Using a retrospective cohort study design, routine, unilateral TKAs performed between 2011 and 2013 in 19 hospitals were reviewed. Patients hospitalized ≤1 day or ≥4 days were excluded. Demographic data, clinical characteristics, and potential confounders were included in statistical models. Data were abstracted from electronic clinical and utilization databases. The main outcome was the risk of reaching the TT8. The primary exposure was use of single dose intravenous TXA. Logistic regression was used to model the adjusted association between TXA usage and post-operative risk of reaching TT8. Results A total of 10,518 TKAs met criteria; 2566 (24.3%) received TXA (+TXA). The proportion that reached the TT8 was 2.1% for + TXA and 5.3% for −TXA (P < .0001). Pre-operative Hb levels were associated with increasing odds of reaching the TT8. Increasing age was weakly associated with this outcome. The odds of reaching the TT8 were lower for patients who had received TXA, had increasing body mass index, and surgical duration in the third quartile. Conclusion Not receiving TXA within 24 hours of TKA and pre-operative Hb levels <13 g/dL were independently associated with the odds of reaching the post-operative TT8 following a primary TKA.
Deposition Dynamics of Rod-Shaped Colloids during Transport in Porous Media under Favorable Conditions.

A three-dimensional computational modeling study of the deposition dynamics of rod-shaped colloids during transport in porous media under favorable conditions (no energy barrier to deposition) is presented. The objective was to explore the influences of the particle shape on colloid transport and retention. During simulation, both translation and rotation of ellipsoidal particles were tracked and evaluated based on an analysis of all forces and torques acting on the particle. We observed that the shape was a key factor affecting colloid transport and attachment. Rod particles exhibited enhanced retention compared with spheres of equivalent volume in the size range greater than ∼200 nm. The shape effect was the most pronounced for particles around 200 nm to 1 μm under simulated conditions. The shape effect was also strongly dependent upon the fluid velocity; it was most significant at high velocity, but not so at very low velocity. The above-described shape effect on retention was directly related to parti...
Life Cycle Environmental Impacts of Disinfection Technologies Used in Small Drinking Water Systems

Small drinking water systems serve a fifth of the U.S. population and rely heavily on disinfection. While chlorine disinfection is common, there is interest in minimizing chemical addition, especially due to carcinogenic disinfection byproducts and chlorine-resistant pathogens, by using ultraviolet technologies; however, the relative, broader environmental impacts of these technologies are not well established, especially in the context of small (<10 000 people) water systems. The objective of this study was to identify environmental trade-offs between chlorine and ultraviolet disinfection via comparative life cycle assessment. The functional unit was the production of 1 m3 of drinking water to U.S. standards. Treatment included cartridge filtration followed by either chlorine disinfection or ultraviolet disinfection with chlorine residual addition. Environmental performance was evaluated for various chlorine contact zone materials (plastic, concrete, steel), ultraviolet validation factors (1.2 to 4.4), a...
Nematodes of the Subfamily Splendidofilariinae in the Subcutis and Coelomic Cavity of a Large Day Gecko, Phelsuma madagascariensis grandis

ABSTRACT A presumably captive-born, 3-year old, female large day gecko, Phelsuma madagascariensis grandis, presented with a subcutaneous mass that contained a nematode of the subfamily Spendidofilariinae. Eleven months later the gecko presented for anorexia and depression 28 d post egg-laying. Radiographs showing two poorly calcified eggs were suggestive of dystocia and an exploratory laparotomy was performed. Severe, non-septic coelomitis associated with nine nematodes in granulomatous capsules and a retained egg were discovered. All nematodes were found to be in the subfamily Splendidofilariinae that have not been reported previously in day geckos.
Acoustic Field-Assisted Particle Patterning for Smart Polymer Composite Fabrication in Stereolithography

Abstract By combining various materials that serve mechanical, electrical, chemical, and thermal functions with controlled local distributions, smart devices and machines with multiple functionalit...
The Role of Schools in Native American Language and Culture Revitalization: A Vision of Linguistic and Educational Sovereignty

This chapter takes as its starting point the status of Indigenous peoples as sovereigns and tribal sovereignty as the bedrock of self-government, self-education, and self-determination. We explore the implications of tribal sovereignty for policy and practice in Indigenous schooling, focusing on school-based language reclamation and maintenance. This is illustrated first through a historical discussion of Navajo- and Hawaiian-medium schooling, and then through two in-depth contemporary case studies of bi/multilingual education in the Southwestern United States: the Native American Community Academy and Puente de Hozhǫ Trilingual Public Magnet School. By creating new opportunities for children to learn in and through their heritage language and culture, these schools are elevating the scale or status of Indigenous languages in contemporary contexts and demonstrably changing expectations for Indigenous languages as vital, dynamic carriers of distinct Indigenous knowledge systems. The chapter concludes with a vision of Indigenous linguistic and educational sovereignty as a tool for and expression of self-determination and cultural continuance and survival.
The deconcentration of minority students attending bad schools: The role of housing affordability within school attendance zones containing good schools

Abstract One of the major concerns with public education in the U.S. is that black and Hispanic students are concentrated in low performing schools where most of the students come from poor families. Underlying this concern is evidence showing that minorities perform better on standardized exams if they attend non-poor schools. One strategy to deconcentrate minorities within poor or low performing schools is to open up affordable housing opportunities within better school attendance zones (SAZs). In this paper I examine the efficacy of this approach using data on Florida elementary schools. I find that shifts in the proportion of a school district's affordable units in favor of better SAZs decrease the concentration of both black and Hispanic students in bad schools. However, different types of affordable units matter depending on the race of students and the definition of what constitutes a good school.
An Intrinsic and Database-Free Authentication by Exploiting Process Variation in Back-End Capacitors

Detection of counterfeit chips has emerged as a crucial concern. Physically unclonable function (PUF)-based techniques are widely used for authentication; however, these require dedicated hardware and large signature database. In this paper, we show intrinsic and database-free authentication using back-end capacitors. The discussed technique simplifies authentication setup and reduces the test cost. We show that an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) can be modified for back-end capacitor-based authentication in addition to its regular functionality; hence, a dedicated authentication module is not necessary. Moreover, since back-end capacitors are quite insensitive to temperature and aging-induced variations than transistors, the discussed technique results in a more reliable authentication than transistor PUF-based authentication. Discussed authentication scheme manifests significant resilience against power supply instability. The modifications to conventional ADC incur 3.2% power overhead and 75% active-area overhead; however, arguably, the advantages of the discussed intrinsic and database-free authentication outweigh the overheads.
Estimation of Parameters

Among the most fundamental questions arising in statistics are questions which concern one or more unknown parameters. If you think a particular population is normally distributed, for example, you’ll need to determine μ and σ, the mean and variance for that population; or if you’re looking at a Poisson process, you’ll need λ, the average number of occurrences in a unit of time. If you have a problem that involves a Bernoulli trial (a geometric, binomial or negative binomial problem), you’ll need a value for the parameter p, the probability of success on one repetition of the trial.
Constructing a Biological State Space

Awareness of the existence of biological cells and an appreciation of cellular dimension are quite recent events in the history of science. In 1655 Hooke examined sections of cork with a compound microscope and described the small regular pores that he observed as “cells.” Subsequently, Leeuwenhoek, credited with making the use of the microscope practical, was first to observe protozoa in 1655 and bacteria in 1660. The awareness of the existence of substructures such as the nucleus had to wait until improvements in technology could increase the resolving power of the early microscopes; the nucleus was not described until 1833, when Brown was carefully studying the orchid. In 1835, Schleiden and Schwann proposed their cell theory, which is perhaps the fundamental principle of the science of cell biology, namely that the nucleated cell is the basic unit from which all plants and animals are built.
Vena Cava Filter Complications: Aortic Pseudoaneurysm Presenting as a Gastrointestinal Bleed.

Vena cava filters (VCFs) have been employed at a rapidly growing pace over the last two decades.1,2 In fact, VCFs are placed in patients in the United States at an estimated rate of 25 times that in Europe.3 Likewise, the number of reported complications from VCFs also has increased significantly.1,4 The growing collection of literature on VCFs has led to an increased awareness of potential adverse outcomes after filter insertion, and emphasis on appropriate prevention and treatment of these complications. We present an unusual case of abdominal aortic pseudoaneurysm resulting from VCF perforation in a young patient who presented with hematemesis.
Some generalized quadratic functional equations on monoids

We solve two Pexiderized extensions of the quadratic functional equation on monoids. The equation is extended by replacing the group inversion in the classical quadratic equation with an involution, which may be either homomorphic or anti-homomorphic. Also two extensions of the Drygas functional equation are solved in the same setting. In all results it is assumed that at least one unknown function is central.
Introduction to Perturbative QCD

QCD (Quantum Chromodynamics) is a candidate for the theory of strong interactions, and has attained some status as a part of the so-called “Standard Model”. I have restricted the scope of these introductory lectures from what is implied in the published title to perturbative aspects of the theory. Although this excludes most of the outstanding problems of the theory yet to be solved, what remains should provide the student with a well-defined and hopefully relevant set of calculations which may be compared with experiment. The level of these lectures is intended for students who have completed a graduate course in quantum mechanics including some relativistic material, and who have some familiarity with the Feynman diagram approach to perturbative calculations. The material has been taken from the following excellent reference books: “Gauge Theories of the Strong, Weak, and Electromagnetic Interactions”, by Chris Quigg, Number 56 in the Frontiers in Physics series, Benjamin/Cummings, 1983; “Introduction to Gauge Field Theory”, by D. Bailin and A. Love, Graduate Student Series in Physics, IOP Publishing, 1986; “Collider Physics”, by Vernon D. Barger and Roger J. N.Phillips, Number. 71 in the Frontiers in Physics series, Addison-Wesley, 1987; and “Applications of Perturbative QCD”, by Richard D. Field, Number 77 in the Frontiers in Physics series, Addison-Wesley, 1989. Lists of excellent reviews and original references may be found in these books.
CDH1 on Multigene Panel Testing: Look Before You Leap

Multigene panel testing (MGPT) has become a critical component of cancer risk assessment in clinical practice. As technology and access improve and costs decrease, more individuals than ever are undergoing MGPT for genetic evaluation. One gene that deserves special consideration when included on MGPT is CDH1, which codes for the cell-cell adhesion protein E-cadherin. Pathogenic and likely pathogenic germline variants in CDH1 have been associated with hereditary diffuse gastric cancer syndrome, and in highly penetrant families, testing for these variants is critical for proper risk management. However, recent data demonstrated that gastric cancer penetrance in unselected CDH1 carriers may be lower than expected. Further complicating matters are the lack of effective screening strategies for gastric cancer and recommendation for risk-reducing total gastrectomy in CDH1 carriers. Therefore, the discovery of an unexpected pathogenic or likely pathogenic CDH1 variant on multigene panel testing, when testing for CDH1 would not normally be considered based on personal or family history alone, creates dilemmas for both patients and providers. In this commentary, we highlight the potential for unexpected CDH1 variants on MGPT, outline the uncertainties associated with these variants, and emphasize the importance of pretest counseling regarding the potential for an unexpected CDH1 variant. Although CDH1 testing is often important for clinical decision-making, individuals and providers need to be aware of the potential for an unexpected CDH1 variant when CDH1 is included on MGPT for cancer risk assessment.
Functions of lysosomes in mammalian female reproductive system

The lysosome is the most acidic membrane-bound intracellular organelle. Lysosomal acidity is primarily maintained by vacuolar H+-ATPase (V-ATPase) and counter ion channels. There are >60 hydrolytic enzymes in the lysosome for its fundamental digestive role. Lysosomes also play important roles in endocytosis, exocytosis, autophagy, and cell death. Studies that have implicated roles of lysosomes in the female reproductive system are reviewed here. In the ovary, lysosomes are implicated in the preparation of free cholesterol for steroidogenesis and degradation of regulators of steroidogenesis, regulation of follicular atresia, follicle rupture during ovulation, luteal cell survival, and luteal regression. In the oviduct, lysosomes are involved in endocytosis of both serum and oviductal luminal components. In the uterus during the menstrual/estrous cycle, lysosomes are associated with endometrial secretion, apoptosis, and menstruation. In the uterus during early pregnancy, lysosomes are involved in the temporal and directional changes of endocytosis, uterine epithelial acidification upon embryo implantation initiation, and embryo-maternal mutual communications via extracellular vesicles. In the placenta, lysosomes are implicated in nutrient transport and placental separation from the uterus for parturition. In the mammary gland, lysosomes are important for mammary gland development and involution. These findings suggest/demonstrate functions of lysosomes in multiple processes of female reproduction, from ovulation to ovarian steroidogenesis for pregnancy maintenance, and from essential in utero nurturing of developing embryos/fetuses via embryo/fetal-maternal communications, to optional postpartum nurturing of newborns via lactation. Future studies using genetically or modified animal models and pharmacological approaches will provide novel insights into the functions and mechanisms of lysosomes in the mammalian female reproductive system.
Examining the Accountability-Performance Link: The Case of Citizen Oversight of Police

The public administration literature on the accountability-performance relationship depicts a mixed picture, with some studies arguing that accountability leads to a deterioration in performance an...
Integrative mRNA/miRNA expression analysis in healing human gingiva.

Background MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are implicated in the epigenetic regulation of complex biological processes. Their possible role in human oral wound healing, a process that differs from cutaneous wound healing by being faster and typically scar-free, has been unexplored. This report presents the miRNA expression profile of experimental human oral wounds and an integrative analysis of mRNA/miRNA expression. Methods Nine healthy volunteers provided standardized normal and 5-day healing palatal biopsies, used for next generation miRNA and mRNA sequencing analysis, correlation and network analysis, real-time PCR (qPCR) and immunohistochemistry. Results On average, 169 significantly regulated precursor miRNAs were detected, including 21 novel miRNAs, selectively confirmed by PCR. Hsa-miR-223-3p and hsa-miR-124-3p were, respectively, the most up- and downregulated miRNAs in healing gingiva. Hsa-miR-124-3p had the most predicted mRNA target interactions, with angiogenesis-related genes the most enriched. Correlation analysis showed the highest correlation between hsa-miR-181a-3p and SERPINB1; hsa-miR-223-5p and SLC2A3; hsa-miR-1301 and MS4A7. In addition, SERPINB1 mRNA had the most associations with differentially regulated miRNAs. IL33 was the only cytokine significantly correlated with miRNAs (ρ > 0.95). qPCR and immunohistochemistry verified the significant upregulation of SERPINB1 and IL33 in healing gingiva. Conclusions This study is the first to report on the miRNome of healing human gingiva and to provide an integrative analysis of miRNA/mRNA expression during human oral wound healing; the results offer novel insights into the participating molecular mechanisms and raise the possibility of SERPINB1 and IL-33 as potential wound healing therapeutic targets.
Can Continuity of Care Reduce Hospitalization Among Community-dwelling Older Adult Veterans Living With Dementia?

Background Hospitalization is a difficult experience, especially for patients with dementia. Understanding whether better continuity of care (COC) reduces hospitalizations can indicate interventions that might help curb hospitalizations. Objective To estimate the causal impact of COC on hospitalizations and different reasons for hospitalization among community-dwelling older veterans with dementia. Research design Population-based observational study using nationwide Veterans Health Administration data linked to Medicare claims in Fiscal Years (FYs) 2014-2015. To account for unobserved confounders we used an instrumental variable for COC-whether veteran changed residence by more than 10 miles. Subjects Community-dwelling veterans with dementia aged 66 and older, enrolled in Traditional Medicare (n=105,528). Measures Bice-Boxerman Continuity of Care (BBC) index (0-worst to 1-best COC); binary indicators of any hospitalization for all causes, for ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSCs) and for reasons grouped by major diagnostic category. Results The mean BBC in FY 2014 was 0.32 (SD, 0.23). In FY 2015 43.3% of the cohort veterans were hospitalized. A 0.1 higher BBC resulted in 2.4% (95% confidence interval, 0.5%-4.4%) lower probability of hospitalization for all causes. BBC was not associated with hospitalization for ACSCs. Grouped by major diagnostic category, a 0.1 higher BBC resulted in 3.8% (95% confidence interval, 2.1%-5.4%) lower probability of hospitalization for neuropsychiatric diseases/disorders, with no impact on hospitalizations for circulatory, respiratory, infectious, kidney and urinary, digestive, musculoskeletal, and endocrine-metabolic diseases/disorders. Conclusions Among community-dwelling older veterans with dementia, better COC resulted in less hospitalizations, and this effect was primarily due to less hospitalization for neuropsychiatric diseases/disorders but not hospitalization for ACSCs, or other hospitalization reasons.
The Role of the Left Septal Fascicle in Fascicular Arrhythmias: Clinical Presentation and Laboratory Evaluation.

Abstract Objectives This study describes a series of cases best explained by invoking the left septal fascicle (LSF) as a critical component of the arrhythmia circuit. Background Numerous anatomic studies have shown evidence of the LSF, but its precise role in the onset of arrhythmia is unclear. Methods This paper presents 5 cases that implicated the LSF as a critical component of arrhythmogenesis. Results The first case had ventricular fibrillation repeatedly documented after a single premature atrial complex, produced left-sided conduction delay and simultaneous earliest activation of the left anterior fascicle (LAF) and left posterior fascicle (LPF). The LSF was ablated, resulting in an arrhythmia cure. The second case showed narrow QRS morphology during fascicular re-entrant tachycardia. The earliest mid-septal diastolic potentials had distal-to-proximal activation suggesting an LSF as a retrograde common pathway. The third case, with multiple ectopic Purkinje-related premature complexes exhibited earliest Purkinje potentials in the mid-septum, with subsequent anterograde activation of the LAF and LPF. Ablation of the LSF eliminated the premature ventricular complexes (PVCs). The fourth case demonstrated LPF and LAF PVCs. The His-left bundle activation showed earliest potentials at the proximal insertion of the left bundle during LPF PVCs, as well as a distal-to-proximal activation pattern during LAF PVC, suggestive of LSF involvement. The fifth case had focal non–re-entrant fascicular beats successfully ablated over the LSF. Conclusions Involvement of the LSF is suspected with presentation of multiform fascicular and narrow QRS complex ventricular episodes of arrhythmia. Diagnoses and ablation require detailed mapping of the entire left sided conduction system.
Silver diamine fluoride and oral-health related quality of life: A network meta-analysis

Abstract Objective Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is an effective non-surgical treatment for dental caries which may also impact oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). The objective of this study was to conduct a network meta-analysis of SDF versus other standard of care therapies on OHRQoL. Data Sources Studies published in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, or Web of Science through March 2021 with no date or language restrictions. Study Selection Any randomized controlled trial, cohort, or case-control study that included silver diamine fluoride as either a single or combinative treatment for dental caries and a quantitatively measured outcome for oral health-related quality of life was included. Data Extraction and Synthesis Potentially eligible studies were screened by two independent reviewers trained in conducting systematic reviews. Studies meeting inclusion criteria underwent a full-text review with data being extracted using a standardized form, including publication details, study methodology, outcomes, assessors, and sample information. Studies underwent a risk of bias assessment and quality of evidence evaluation. Quantitative synthesis was performed using network meta-analysis. Main Outcome(s) and Measure(s) Oral health-related quality of life. Results 19 articles were returned following search strategies. Following screening, ten studies were evaluated for full-text eligibility and five were retained for meta-analyses. Studies included in quantitative synthesis were classified as a high degree of evidence, suggesting estimated effects are similar to true effects. Direct and indirect estimates from network meta-analysis indicated that OHRQoL in children was not significantly different when treated with SDF versus atraumatic restorations (d = 0.02, 95% CI = -0.32, 0.36) or placebo (d = 0.03, 95% CI = -0.16, 0.22). Conclusions Evidence from the literature consistently shows no discernible impact on OHRQoL across various non-surgical treatments for dental caries. Overall oral health-related quality of life may increase regardless of treatment protocol due to treatment of the underlying disease. Concerns over the staining of dental decay and oral mucosa resulting from treatment with silver diamine fluoride do not seem to affect OHRQoL.
Platelet membrane and stem cell exosome hybrids enhance cellular uptake and targeting to heart injury

Exosomes from mesenchymal stem cells have been largely studied as therapeutics to treat myocardial infarctions. However, exosomes injected for therapeutic purposes face a number of challenges, including competition from exosomes already in circulation, and the internalization/clearance by the mononuclear phagocyte system. In this study, we hybrid exosomes with platelet membranes to enhance their ability to target the injured heart and avoid being captured by macrophages. Furthermore, we found that encapsulation by the platelet membranes induces macropinocytosis, enhancing the cellular uptake of exosomes by endothelial cells and cardiomyocytes strikingly. In vivo studies showed that the cardiac targeting ability of hybrid exosomes in a mice model with myocardial infarction injury. Last, we tested cardiac functions and performed immunohistochemistry to confirm a better therapeutic effect of platelet membrane modified exosomes compared to non-modified exosomes. Our studies provide proof-of-concept data and a universal approach to enhance the binding and accumulation of exosomes in injured tissues.
Reconstructing essential active zone functions within a synapse

Active zones are molecular machines that control neurotransmitter release through synaptic vesicle docking and priming, and through coupling of these vesicles to Ca2+ entry. The complexity of active zone machinery has made it challenging to determine which mechanisms drive these roles in release. Here, we induce RIM+ELKS knockout to eliminate active zone scaffolding networks, and then reconstruct each active zone function. Re-expression of RIM1-Zn fingers positioned Munc13 on undocked vesicles and rendered them release-competent. Reconstitution of release-triggering required docking of these vesicles to Ca2+ channels. Fusing RIM1-Zn to CaVbeta4-subunits sufficed to restore docking, priming and release-triggering without reinstating active zone scaffolds. Hence, exocytotic activities of the 80 kDa CaVbeta4-Zn fusion protein bypassed the need for megadalton-sized secretory machines. These data define key mechanisms of active zone function, establish that fusion competence and docking are mechanistically separable, and reveal that active zone scaffolding networks are not required for release.
An Isoflavone from Soybean Roots Induces Sinorhizobium Fredii Strain USDA257 to Produce Pilus-Like Surface Appendages

Sinorhizobium fredii strain USDA257 nodulates the soybean cultivar Peking, but it fails to infect the cultivar McCall. Disruption of no1XWBTUV, a symbiosis plasmid locus, allows the bacterium to form nitrogen-fixing nodules on McCall. The flavonoid genistein induces expression of no1X and no1BTUV and the secretion of at least proteins from USDA257. We have discovered that this flavonoid signal also leads to the production of fibrillar, pilus-like appendages on the surface of the bacterial cell. We have purified these appendages and employed immunocytochemistry to show that three proteins, including No1X, are physically associated with them. These results were confirmed by Western blots with purified pilus proteins. The S. fredii proteins are immunologically distinct from HrpA, a structural protein from the Hrp pilus of Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato.
Liquidity and Expected Returns in a Multi-Factor Asset Pricing Model

Several empirical studies find that illiquid firms have higher expected returns than liquid firms. I argue that this result is a puzzle that has not been resolved yet. The liquidity premium is puzzling since investors can circumvent low liquidity by trading diversified funds of illiquid firms. I develop a model that shows how a combination of cross-sectional differences in liquidity and short sale constraints generates a risk premium for illiquid firms despite the ability of investors to trade illiquid firms in large liquid baskets.
EGF-Related Peptides and Their Receptors in Mammary Gland Development

The discovery of multiple EGF-like ligands and erbB receptors offers the potential for a highly diverse signaling system allowing specific ligand/receptor complexes to be created in response to a certain hormone(s) or stage of mammary development. The known erbB receptors and several of the erbB-related ligands are synthesized by the normal mammary gland and have different temporal and spatial expression patterns. For instance, cumulative findings support the concepts that the EGF receptor has an essential role in morphogenesis of the mammary gland and that activation of this receptor occurs in response to estradiol-stimulated synthesis of an EGF receptor ligand in mammary stromal cells. The importance of both epithelial and stromal mammary cells in the hormonal activation of erbB-related pathways is underscored in this review. Current experimental protocols that utilize erbB mutant mice or enable detection of phosphorylated erbB members and their proximal substrates should permit more precise identification of the pathways operative in the mammary gland.
Public Media 2.0

This paper argues for continuing public support for public media, but a dramatic transformation of the way that public media is conceived and structured. Specifically, media policy needs to focus more generally on public media, not public broadcasting. Public broadcast subsidies should be redeployed on a platform-neutral basis to support many kinds of media production and distribution. These subsidies should support podcasting as well as radio, citizen journalism as well as conventional journalism, and distributed systems of content creation as well as conventionally produced programming. What is needed is a system that focuses on supporting a wide range of noncommercial programs and services, and that promotes universal access to, and opportunity to engage with, quality media content. This chapter presents ideas for transitioning the system of public broadcasting to a system of digital public media, focusing on television. This transition involves at least three components: (1) restructuring the current system so that funds are diverted from the operation of broadcast facilities; (2) redefining the entities that are entitled to public media funding; and (3) revamping the system of copyright exemptions and licenses so that public media entities have access to content on reasonable terms, can distribute public media content across all platforms, and can make content available for citizen engagement and re-use.
Programmed Cell Death in Plants

Paradigms of the evolution of programmed cell death .John Gray, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toledo, Ohio, USA.Paradigms for programmed cell death in animals and plants.Martin B. Dickman, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Nebraska, USA and John C. Reed, The Burnham Institute, La Jolla, California, USA.Programmed cell death during seed development and germination.Daniel R. Gallie, Department of Biochemistry, University of California, Riverside, USA..Programmed cell death events during reproductive development.C. Daniel Riggs, Department of Botany, University of Toronto, Canada..Programmed cell death in development of plant vegetative tissue (leaf and root).Martin Huelskamp, Botanical Institute, University of Koln, Germany..Programmed cell death in xylem differentiation.Hiroo Fukuda and Keisuke Obara, Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo, Japan.Programmed cell death in plant senescence.Diego Orzaez, Plant Sciences Department, Wageningen University, The Netherlands and Antonio Granell, Instituto de Biologia Molecular y Celular de Plantas, CSIC-UPV, Valencia, Spain.Programmed cell death in plant response to abiotic stress.David E. Evans, Research School of Biological and Molecular Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK.Programmed cell death in plant response to biotic stress (pathogen attack).Alex Levine, Department of Plant Sciences, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel..Programmed cell death in plants: future perspectives, applications and methods.Ron Mittler, Department of Botany, Iowa State University, Ames, USA and Vladamir Shulaev, Virginia Bioinformatics Institute, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA.References.Index
Innate immunity and coagulation

Infection frequently elicits a coagulation response. Endotoxin triggers the formation of tissue factor initiating coagulation, down regulates anticoagulant mechanisms including the protein C pathway and heparin-like proteoglycans and up regulates plasminogen activator inhibitor. The overall physiological result of this is to promote coagulation through enhancing initiation, suppressing negative regulation and impairing fibrin removal. The response to infection also leads to tissue destruction. Nucleosomes and histones released from the injured cells trigger further inflammation, protection from the pathogen but further tissue injury leading to multi-organ failure. Such a complex response to infection presumably arises due to the role of coagulation in the control and clearance of the infectious agent.
Family and Kinship, History of

This essay examines the emergence of the history of the family as an interdisciplinary field in Europe and in the United States. It traces the field to its origins in France and England and its subsequent development in other European countries, Japan, and the United States. It discusses the characteristics of the field due to its origins from both historical demography and social and cultural history, particularly from the ‘new’ social history. The essay examines the various dimensions of the historical study of the family, starting with the discovery of the continuity of a nuclear household structure since pre-industrial society, and the presence of ‘modern’ characteristics of demographic behavior (such as family limitations) in Western Europe and North America, prior to industrialization. It proceeds to explore subsequent discoveries of the importance of kinship networks outside the household, and the salient role of kin in the process of industrialization and in adaptation to industrial life. Examining the development of scholarship in the History of the Family in the 1980s and 1990s, the essay traces the emergence of the life-course approach, in response to the need for a developmental perspective and its utility in examining the interaction of ‘individual time,’ ‘family time,’ and ‘historical time.’ The essay further examines the family's interaction with the process of industrialization. Contrary to prevailing myths about social breakdown, it emphasizes the family's role as an active agent in that process. In doing so, it discusses both the earlier stages of ‘proto-industrialization’ and the emergence of the factory system. In assessing the family's role as an active agent, it explores family strategies as an important process of family decision-making. Finally, the article examines critically, earlier studies of ‘grand’ changes in the family over time and the meaning of ‘modern’ family patterns. The article concludes with suggestions for continued and future research.
Agent Based Modeling and Austrian Analysis of Accident Law

The article of record as published may be located at http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1479987
DARK MATTER IN COSMOLOGY

The last two decades in cosmological research have been an exciting time, and produced an exciting product: we now have in hand a \standard model" of cosmology. While several aspects of this model remain mysterious, its predictions are in remarkable accord with a vast range of observational data. A key aspect of this model, and one of the aforementioned mysteries, is the dark matter: a cold, collisionless consituent of the universe with 30% of the cosmic energy density. In this article I broadly review the standard cosmological model, and the role and place of (non-baryonic) dark matter in it.
Photocyclization of an Enone to an Alkene: 6‐Methylbicyclo[4.2.0]Octan‐2‐One

Photocyclization of an enone to an alkene: 6-methylbicyclo[4.2.0]octan-2-one product: 6-methylbicyclo[4.2.0]octan-2-one Keywords: addition, to CC; annulation, carbocyclic-[4]; cyclization, cycloaddition; photochemical reactions; photochemical apparatus; photochemical apparatus
Transport properties of semiconducting nanocrystal arrays at low temperatures.

We study the electron transport in semiconducting nanocrystal arrays at temperatures T << E{sub c}, where E{sub c} is the charging energy for a single grain. In this temperature range the electron transport is dominated by co-tunneling processes. We discuss both elastic and inelastic co-tunneling and show that for semiconducting nanocrystal arrays the inelastic contribution is strongly suppressed at low temperatures. We also compare our results with available experimental data.
3‐Iodo‐1‐trimethylsilylpropyne

[78199-88-9] C6H11ISi (MW 238.16) InChI = 1S/C6H11ISi/c1-8(2,3)6-4-5-7/h5H2,1-3H3 InChIKey = GEWOCRSOOHMPED-UHFFFAOYSA-N (addition to aldehydes in the presence of tin(II) chloride or metallic tin and aluminum to provide α-hydroxyallenes and β-alkynic alcohols; propargylic alkylating agent) Alternate Name: (3-iodo-1-propynyl)trimethylsilane; trimethylsilylpropargyl iodide. Physical Data: bp 42 °C/2 mmHg. Solubility: typical reaction solvents are DMF, dichloromethane, THF. Analysis of Reagent Purity: 1H NMR.1 Preparative Methods: from Iodine and [3-(trimethylsilyl)-2-propynyl]-o-phenylene phosphite in dichloromethane (52%), or iodine and 3-(trimethylsilyl)-2-propyn-1-ol and Tri-n-butylphosphine (47%);1 from trimethylsilylpropargyl bromide and Sodium Iodide;2 by treatment of trimethyl(2-propynyl)stannane with Ethylmagnesium Bromide, Bromotrimethylsilane in THF followed by I2 in CCl4 (65–70%).3 Handling, Storage, and Precautions: the distilled trimethylsilylpropargyl iodide was found by 1H NMR to have decomposed to the extent of 20% after 5 d at −10 °C in the dark.1 Care should be taken when working with the tin derivative. Organostannane reagents are highly toxic and readily absorbed through the skin. Proper safety equipment (i.e. fume hood, gloves, protective eyewear) should be utilized when handling the organostannane derivative.4
Electronic evolution: from technical communication to knowledge management

With the rise of the World Wide Web, technical communication is undergoing a transformation. Part of this transformation is a result of a new discipline shaping the way knowledge itself is being disseminated. This new discipline is knowledge management, which involves three areas. 1. Business transformation involves enhancing how the enterprise operates by utilizing communications technology more effectively. Corporations are undergoing a business transformation and are incorporating new communication technologies, including the Web, to enhance their organizational learning effectiveness and to help enhance their global competitiveness. 2. Organizational Learning is a result of an enterprise reaching a point of metacognition, of being conscious of its processes, its decisions, and the skills of its knowledge workers. In the near future, a Universal Campus Network will allow knowledge workers to consume the best possible interactive courses and content via the Web any time, any place. 3. Through Web Enablement, Vannevar Bush's vision from the 1940's of a world-encompassing electronic research "collaboratorium" is finally a reality today (V. Bush, 1945). Those of us in education need to revitalize our mission as educators and as knowledge sharers and disseminators through the use of new communication technologies, including the Web. Those educational institutions unable to transform themselves may not survive the next wave of change brought about by further technology advancements.
Transforming growth factor-β regulates human retinal pigment epithelial cell phagocytosis by influencing a protein kinase C-dependent pathway

• Background: Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of many ocular diseases, including proliferative vitreoretinopathy. We examined the effect of TGF-β on the phagocytosis of rod outer segments by retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), which is a major function of RPE, and investigated the dependence of this effect on the protein kinase C (PKC) pathway. • Methods: Phagocytotic uptake of fluoresceinated bovine rod outer segments was determined by flow cytometry. RPE cells were treated with TGF-β1 or TGF-β2 and their effects on phagocytosis were examined. The effects of various PKC inhibitors (calphostin C, staurosporine, and extended exposure to phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, PMA) and a stimulator (brief exposure to PMA) on RPE phagocytosis was evaluated. • Results: Both TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 up-regulated RPE phagocytosis and PMA abolished the upregulating effect of TGF-β. In contrast, PKC inhibition by staurosporine and calphostin C resulted in increased phagocytosis. A combination of TGF-β and PKC inhibitor treatment did not produced any additive effect on phagocytosis. • Conclusion: We concluded that TGF-β up-regulates human RPE phagocytosis, but that this effect is counteracted by PKC activation. It is possible that this TGF-β-induced effect is due, in part, to a negative modulation of the PKC-dependent pathway.
The structure of the exocyst subunit Sec6p defines a conserved architecture with diverse roles

The exocyst is a conserved protein complex essential for trafficking secretory vesicles to the plasma membrane. The structure of the C-terminal domain of the exocyst subunit Sec6p reveals multiple helical bundles, which are structurally and topologically similar to Exo70p and the C-terminal domains of Exo84p and Sec15, despite <10% sequence identity. The helical bundles appear to be evolutionarily related molecular scaffolds that have diverged to create functionally distinct exocyst proteins.