cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Characterization of PEG Dimethacrylates and Their Hydrogels

Facile synthesis and detailed characterization of photopolymerizable and biocompatible poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylates (PEGDM) and poly(ethylene glycol) urethane-dimethacrylates (PEGUDM) are described. Poly(ethylene glycol)s of various molecular masses (Mn = 1000 to 8000 g/mol) were reacted with methacrylic anhydride or with 2-isocyanatoethyl methacrylate to form PEGDMs and PEGUDMs, respectively. PEGDMs were also prepared by a microwave-assisted route to achieve fast reaction conversions under solvent free conditions. Combined analyses of 1H NMR and MALDI-TOF MS confirmed the formation of prepolymers of high purity and narrow mass distribution (PD < 1.02). Aqueous solutions of the PEGDMs and PEGUDMs (10% and 20% by mass fraction) were photopolymerized to yield hydrogels. Bovine chondrocytes, seeded in the hydrogels, were used to assess the biocompatibility. Preliminary rheology and uniaxial compression measurements showed varied mechanical response, and biocompatibility studies showed that cells are...
Geometric and analytic views in existence theorems for optimal control. II. Distributed and boundary controls

Existence theorems are proved for Lagrange problems of optimization in a given domain G with possibly unbounded distributed controls in G and on the boundary of G, and with functional relations on G and on the boundary represented by closed operators, not necessarily linear. The case where the functional relations are partial differential equations is emphasized. Recent work concerning the reduction or elimination of seminormality requirements is taken into account. Many examples are given.
Neural basis of implicit memory for socio-emotional information in schizophrenia

Individuals with schizophrenia are impaired in processing social signals such as facial expressions of emotion. Perceiving facial expressions is a complex process that depends on a distributed neural network of regions involved in affective, cognitive, and visual processing. We examined repetition priming, a non-conscious form of perceptual learning, to explore the visual-perceptual processes associated with perceiving facial expression in people with schizophrenia. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was also employed to probe the sensitivity of face-responsive regions in the ventral pathway to the repetition of stimuli. Subjects viewed blocks of novel and repeated faces displaying fear expressions and neutral expressions and identified each face as male or female. Gender decisions were faster for repeated encoding relative to initial encoding of faces, indicating significant priming for facial expressions. Priming was normal in schizophrenia patients, but, as expected, recognition memory for the expressions was impaired. Neuroimaging findings showed that priming-related activation for patients was reduced in the left fusiform gyrus, relative to controls, regardless of facial expression. The findings suggest that schizophrenia patients have altered neural sensitivity in regions of the ventral visual processing stream that underlie early perceptual learning of objects and faces.
Small can be different

Theoretical investigations of size evolutionary patterns for multiply charged anionic metal clusters and solvation of sodium in water clusters are discussed. For Na clusters, energetic stability and electron decay channels are determined. Formation of a “surface Rydberg-like state” in Na(H2O) N , correlating with calculated and measured ionization potentials, is analyzed.
Interfaces in metal matrix composites

The interface region in a given composite has a great deal of importance in determining the ultimate properties of the composite. An interface is, by definition, a bidimensional region through whic...
Synthesis of a novel pH-responding polymer with pendant barbituric acid moieties

Abstract A simple method for the synthesis of pH-responding polymers containing barbituric acid moieties is described. The synthesis involves N-methyl-N′-(4-vinylbenzyl) urea (2) preparation and its polymerization in DMF using AIBN as the initiator to give poly(N-methyl-N′-(4-vinylbenzyl)urea) (4) with a number average molecular weight of 4.9×105 as determined by GPC. Cyclocondensation of urea with malonic acid in acetic acid/acetic anhydride affords the polymer (5) with pendant barbituric moieties. The pH-responding behavior of polymer 5 in water indicates that it has excellent pH-sensitivity at pH 6∼7. The potential and the versatility of this work are exciting and include the potential preparation of water-soluble polymers by modification of polyureas, metal chelating materials, and “smart” hydrogels upon crosslinking.
A study of glass fiber–epoxy composite interfaces

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was utilized to characterize the interfacial bonding in glass-fiber-reinforced composites. The pH of the treating solution significantly affects the interfacial chemical bonding. The natural pH of the solution gives the maximum interfacial bonding. The decrease of the interfacial bonding is due to the side reactions that occur when NaOH or HCl is added to the solution. The temperature of the curing process has little effect on the amount of the interfacial chemical bonding. We attribute this to the reaction rate constant of the interfacial reaction being much larger than that of the epoxy polymerization. From the hygrothermal behavior, we have found the amount of silane needed for hygrothermal condition is different from that for dry condition.
Disorder and Civilization: The Future(s) of Ukrainian Medicine

Post-socialist societies are full of uncertainty, fragmentation, and competing discourses on social justice (Steinberg and Wanner 2008; Zigon 2011). This article focuses on how Ukrainian physicians envision the future, present, and past of the health-care system and make sense of social change in their professional lives and society more broadly. The Ukrainian health- care system has remained largely untouched by post-socialist reforms, but it is nevertheless undergoing profound changes. These changes are occurring on the level of everyday practice and are shifting responsibility away from the state and onto the individual. The author traces how physicians navigate the persisting structures of the old system, and what hopes they carry for the present and the future. Post-socialist health care is bursting with competing interests, commitments, and notions of how health-care providers should re- late to each other, their patients, administrations, and the state in general. This article therefore draws on physicians' narratives of the disorder in health care through the interpretive prism of 'ruination … as a process that weighs on the future and shapes the present' and that represents a 'vital reconfi guration' (Stoler 2008: 194) or crafting of 'hope' (Lindquist 2006).
A Study of Small Molecule Absorption in Polydimethylsiloxane

While polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) has proven to be a popular material in the construction of microfluidic devices, the polymer network structure of PDMS makes it permeable to some molecules. This feature can be problematic for applications where thin PDMS walls are used to separate two different molecular streams or cell populations. Therefore, a better understanding of factors affecting small molecule absorption in PDMS is important for better design and operation of microfluidic devices.We report on studies of various factors in the absorption of fluorescent dyes in PDMS. Results show significant effects of thermal aging of PDMS on the absorption of the hydrophobic molecule Nile Red. In addition, the short-term hydrophobic recovery of the PDMS devices after being plasma bonded to a glass slide was investigated. Furthermore, we have tested the effects of aspiration and flushing, which show that the wetting property (hydrophilic or hydrophobic) of the flushing solvents can significantly affect the absorption of the Nile Red dye. Finally, parallel tests of PDMS absorption of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) were conducted with no absorption observed.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Elastic wave propagation in a porous laminated composite

Abstract An analysis is presented for linear elastic wave propagation normal to the laminations of a periodically laminated porous composite. The porosity is randomly distributed throughout one constituent and is composed of small spherical voids. This type of porosity is called randomly periodic and produces Rayleigh scattering where the wavelength of the incident wave is much larger than the void diameter. Porosity also reduces the wave speed in a constituent and thereby affects geometric dispersion. A dissipative equation of motion is developed for porous material that includes a porosity-dependent wave speed and a scattering term that provides spatial attenuation. This equation is then used for a constituent of a composite, and a dispersion relation and pulse solution are obtained to determine the significance of porosity in a laminated composite. It is concluded that Rayleigh scattering produces a small damping effect in far-field pulse shapes and small-void porosity can be adequately simulated with an effective wave speed.
Dominant Mutations (lex) in Escherichia coli K-12 Which Affect Radiation Sensitivity and Frequency of Ultraviolet Light-Induced Mutations

Three mutations, denoted lex-1, -2 and -3, which increase the sensitivity of Escherichia coli K-12 to ultraviolet light (UV) and ionizing radiation, have been found by three-factor transduction crosses to be closely linked to uvrA on the E. coli K-12 linkage map. Strains bearing these mutations do not appear to be defective in genetic recombination although in some conjugational crosses they may fail to produce a normal yield of genetic recombinants depending upon the time of mating and the marker selected. The mutagenic activity of UV is decreased in the mutant strains. After irradiation with UV, cultures of the strains degrade their deoxyribonucleic acid at a high rate, similar to recA(-) mutant strains. Stable lex(+)/lec(-) heterozygotes are found to have the mutant radiation-sensitive phenotype of haploid lex(-) strains.
ESTIMATION OF ALLOCATIVE INEFFICIENCY AND PRODUCTIVITY GROWTH WITH DYNAMIC ADJUSTMENT COSTS

A substantial literature has been generated on the estimation of allocative and technical inefficiency using static production, cost, profit, and distance functions. We develop a dynamic shadow distance system that integrates dynamic adjustment costs into a long-run shadow cost-minimization problem, which allows us to distinguish static allocative distortions from short-run inefficiencies that arise due to period-to-period adjustment costs. The set of estimating equations is comprised of the first-order conditions from the short-run shadow cost-minimization problem for the variable shadow input quantities, a set of Euler equations derived from subsequent shadow cost minimization with respect to the quasi-fixed inputs, and the input distance function, expressed in terms of shadow quantities. This system nests within it the static model with zero adjustment costs. Using panel data on U.S. electric utilities, we contrast the results of static and dynamic shadow distance systems. First, the zero-adjustment-co...
Sex, Age, and the Implementation of the Motor Voter Act: The 1996 Presidential Election

Objective. Among the existing studies of political participation, few discuss differences between men and women. Of those published, most have focused upon substantive policy preferences, perhaps noting women's newly dominant electoral presence but not probing its characteristics or limits. In this analysis we build on the work of Schlozman, Burns, and Verba (1994) by examining the compound effects of closing dates, state National Voter Registration Act implementation delay, and age upon women and men. Methods. Using the 1996 Current Population Survey Voter Supplement we compare the impact of legal obstacles among different age groups of men and women in the 1996 presidential election. Results. We find that legal restrictions do have a different impact on men and women, especially the youngest and oldest members of the latter group. Conclusions. The most significant implication of our work is that policy efforts aimed at further reducing legal barriers to political participation may facilitate women's growing electoral dominance.
Performance of threshold cointegration tests

In this paper, we examine and compare the performance of ordinary least squares (OLS) and instrumental variables (IVs) based single-equation Engle–Granger, error correction model (ECM), and autoregressive-distributed lag (ADL) threshold cointegration tests. Results are additionally compared with the system-equation OLS–ECM test. Finite sample properties of size and power are examined in simulations. The single-equation ECM test performs well, but has certain limitations to resolve. The system-equation ECM test has good power, but suffers from mild size distortions that lead to over-rejections. Overall, the single-equation OLS–ADL test has the most desirable properties among the OLS-based tests and the IV–ADL test has the most desirable properties among the IV-based tests. The IV-based tests are invariant to nuisance parameters and have a standard normal distribution in each case, while the OLS-based tests are non-standard so that critical values must be simulated in different models.
THE USE OF DYNAMIC MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING TO EVALUATE ORTHOTOPIC CONTINENT URINARY DIVERSION

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this study was to evaluate a dynamic magnetic resonance (MR) examination in patients after radical cystoprostatectomy with a neobladder. Methods All 12 subjects were studied with the injection of gadolinium diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA) and showed normal renal enhancement patterns and upper urinary tracts, except 1 patient who had mild right hydronephrosis. All neobladders were also visualized with gadolinium and 9 of 11 patients were able to void on command. There was close agreement in all cases with the MR findings and other imaging studies. Results A static and dynamic Cd-DTPA contrast medium MR did image the entire urinary system, similar to a computed tomographic scan or intravenous urogram. Renal function data, similar to a renal radioisotope scan, was obtained from the Gd-DTPA scans. A dynamic voiding study provided visualization of the lower genitourinary tract similar to a conventional voiding cystourethrogram. Conclusions We conclude that this single MR technique may provide information similar to that obtained from multiple standard imaging studies in the postoperative assessment of the radical cystectomy patient with a neobladder. It may be especially helpful in the presence of azotemia or contrast allergy.
Anti-inflammatory activity and neutrophil reductions mediated by the JAK1/JAK3 inhibitor, CP-690,550, in rat adjuvant-induced arthritis

Background The Janus kinase (JAK) family of tyrosine kinases includes JAK1, JAK2, JAK3 and TYK2, and is required for signaling through Type I and Type II cytokine receptors. CP-690,550 is a potent and selective JAK inhibitor currently in clinical trials for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other autoimmune disease indications. In RA trials, dose-dependent decreases in neutrophil counts (PBNC) were observed with CP-690,550 treatment. These studies were undertaken to better understand the relationship between JAK selectivity and PBNC decreases observed with CP-690,550 treatment.
Functional Neuromuscular Stimulation of the Respiratory Muscles for Patients With Spinal Cord Injury

Respiratory complication is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). These complications arise partly due to the loss of supraspinal control over expiratory and/or inspiratory muscles caused by SCI. Functional neuromuscular stimulation of the respiratory muscles has been used to restore inspiratory and respiratory functions to these patients, helping them to reduce the incidence of respiratory complications and to have more normal lives. This paper covers three types of techniques for respiratory muscle stimulation: functional electric stimulation, functional magnetic stimulation, and semiconductor-based microstimulator stimulation. Functional electrical stimulation has been used to restore breathing to patients with spinal cord injury for several decades. It is a mature and reliable technology, and there are several commercial systems available. Functional magnetic stimulation of the respiratory muscles has been demonstrated to be an effective tool for producing cough in patients with SCI for nearly a decade. This is a safe and noninvasive technology that is well tolerated by most subjects. Semiconductor-based microstimulators have been widely publicized in recent years, and several clinical applications have been demonstrated, including the applications for restoring cough and breathing. This technology may eventually play a major role in respiratory muscle pacing.
Statistical design for variation tolerance: key to continued Moore's law

Future high performance microprocessor design with technology scaling beyond 90nm will face a major challenge - parameter variations. Design practice will have to change from deterministic design to statistical design for variation tolerance. This paper discusses process, voltage and temperature variations, and their impact on circuits and microarchitecture. Possible solutions to reduce the impact of parameter variations on digital and analog circuits, and to achieve higher target frequencies are also presented.
Synthesis of 1,1-Disubstituted Alkenes via a Ru-Catalyzed Addition

The synthesis of 1,1-disubstituted alkenes typically involves reactions that lack atom economy such as olefination protocols. The use of various ruthenium complexes to effect the addition of terminal alkynes to alkenes is explored as an atom economical strategy. Two new ruthenium complexes have been discovered that effect this reaction at ambient temperature, cyclopentadienylruthenium (triphenylphosphine) camphorsulfonate and cyclopentadienylruthenium tris(acetonitrile) hexafluorophosphate. Using these complexes as catalysts, reactions proceed at ambient temperature in acetone or DMF, respectively. Regioselectivity favoring the formation of a 1,1-disubstituted over a 1,2-disubstituted alkene typically ranges from 9:1 to >25:1. The reaction demonstrates extraordinary chemoselectivity-even di- and trisubstituted alkenes such as present in the products do not compete with the starting monosubstituted alkene. Free hydroxyl groups as well as silyl and PMB ethers are tolerated as are ketones, esters, and amides. The mechanism of the reaction is believed to invoke formation of a metallacyclopentene. To account for the chemo- and regioselectivity, the initial formation of the metallacycle is believed to be reversible. While formation of the 2,5-disubstituted ruthenacyclopentene, which produces the linear product, is believed to be kinetically preferred, the rate of beta-hydrogen elimination from the 2,4-disubstituted ruthenacyclopentene, which produces the branched product, is believed to be faster. Thus, the competition between the rate of beta-hydrogen elimination and cycloreversion rationalizes the results.
Modeling Human Activity From Voxel Person Using Fuzzy Logic

As part of an interdisciplinary collaboration on elder-care monitoring, a sensor suite for the home has been augmented with video cameras. Multiple cameras are used to view the same environment and the world is quantized into nonoverlapping volume elements (voxels). Through the use of silhouettes, a privacy protected image representation of the human acquired from multiple cameras, a 3-D representation of the human is built in real time, called voxel person. Features are extracted from voxel person and fuzzy logic is used to reason about the membership degree of a predetermined number of states at each frame. Fuzzy logic enables human activity, which is inherently fuzzy and case-based, to be reliably modeled. Membership values provide the foundation for rejecting unknown activities, something that nearly all current approaches are insufficient in doing. We discuss temporal fuzzy confidence curves for the common elderly abnormal activity of falling. The automated system is also compared to a ground truth acquired by a human. The proposed soft computing activity analysis framework is extremely flexible. Rules can be modified, added, or removed, allowing per-resident customization based on knowledge about their cognitive and functionality ability. To the best of our knowledge, this is a new application of fuzzy logic in a novel approach to modeling and monitoring human activity, in particular, the well-being of an elderly resident, from video.
A Macroergonomic Usability Evaluation of Pre-filled Medication Syringes

Anesthesia providers experience high workload in the Operating Room (OR) environment due to the complex process of the self-filled medication syringes (SFS) medication preparation and administration. Improvements have been continuously made in order to ensure the safety of anesthesia medication management processes. One proposed way is to replace SFS with pre-filled medication syringes (PFS). This implementation is still in its infancy, therefore, there are opportunities to improve the design of PFS and facilitate their compatibility within the overall work system. This research took a macroergonomic perspective to examine the interactions end-users’ have with PFS within the working context. The purpose was to identify PFS’ usability problems and their potential effects on the anesthesia medication management process. Two human factors engineers conducted 27-hours of observation. Data was aggregated into three storyboard-style scenarios that described the prominent system vulnerabilities that exist when PFS are used. Based on the scenarios, design recommendations were proposed that enhance medication management safety and efficiency of workflow. It is concluded that while PFS are considerably more beneficial with respect to patient safety and providers’ workflow, they may introduce new unintended complications that need to be addressed.
Transcriptional response to alcohol exposure in Drosophila melanogaster

Background Alcoholism presents widespread social and human health problems. Alcohol sensitivity, the development of tolerance to alcohol and susceptibility to addiction vary in the population. Genetic factors that predispose to alcoholism remain largely unknown due to extensive genetic and environmental variation in human populations. Drosophila, however, allows studies on genetically identical individuals in controlled environments. Although addiction to alcohol has not been demonstrated in Drosophila, flies show responses to alcohol exposure that resemble human intoxication, including hyperactivity, loss of postural control, sedation, and exposure-dependent development of tolerance.
Shell splitting due to electric fields

Drift shells of trapped particles starting from a single field line in the earth's magnetic field may become separated owing to an electric field. By using the formalism of the shell-splitting function, this separation is calculated for an arbitrary curl-free time-independent electric field satisfying E.B = 0, with no limitation on the particle's longitudinal excursion. The effect of nondipole field components is also taken into account to the lowest order.
Was Wittgenstein Really Necessary

As a philosopher, I seem to qualify: I am a target for Wittgenstein’s onslaught against philosophers. I wonder what am I to do about it. Wittgenstein and his followers claim that metaphysics — with which I happen to be preoccupied — is a violation of grammar and of simple rules of clear thinking. I may accept the charge and be silent about any philosophical issue. I may, on the contrary, ignore their charge and continue with my work on metaphysics, which I find very interesting. Why, at all, should I pay any attention to those who claim that my activity is pointless?
The Commons of Knowledge: A Historical Perspective

In this paper prepared for the Miller Upton Forum on the Wealth and Well-Being of Nations, Joel Mokyr examines the ways in which “useful knowledge” — knowledge that can be applied to a wide variety of practical applications — is a common pool resource, and therefore presents all the problems associated with CPR management. The incentive problem with this particular CPR is not that it will be overused, but that it will be under-produced. Mokyr describes how intellectual societies of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries solved this problem by incentivizing the creation of useful knowledge even though there was usually no direct remuneration for doing so.
Developmental changes in glycogen content of primordial germ cells in chick embryo.

SummaryGlycogen containing tissue PGCs on the 2nd day of incubation appeared first in the splanchnic mesoderm posterior to the omphalomesenteric arteries. These cells originated from smaller circulating PGCs which contained less glycogen. The PGCs moved out of the capillaries, enlarging and accumulating glycogen as they did so, and migrated to the gonadal site. As these cells became located in the developing gonad they lost their glycogen. This loss of glycogen became evident on the 4th day, was marked on the 5th and by the 7th the majority were without glycogen.
Solid Rocket Motor Design Using a Modified Ant Colony Optimization Metaheuristic with Local Search Capability

A modified ant colony optimization (ACO) metaheuristic is integrated with a local search procedure to produce an algorithm that combines the ability of ACO to locate global optimum solutions with the local search intensification ability of Nelder and Mead’s simplex method to efficiently locate local optima within the solution space. Optimizer performance is evaluated according to two criteria : (1) “fitness function” accuracy, or how closely solutions are able to match a given “objective function”, and (2) convergence speed, which is based on how many calls to this function are required in order to reach the optimal solution found by the algorithm. Design of a star grain solid rocket motor (SRM) to match a specified chamber pressure vs. time curve is used as the objective function. The SRM performance model, supporting background information, algorithm details, and test results are described and future work possibilities are discussed.
Ethanol-prostaglandin interactions in contraction of vascular smooth muscle.

SummaryThe present results, using isolated rat aortic strips and portal vein segments, demonstrate that ethanol (5-430 mM) can both enhance and attenuate the contractile actions of a variety of prostaglandin (PG) compounds on at least two different types of vascular smooth muscle. At the very least, the present findings question the use of ethanol as a solvent when investigating the contractile actions of PG molecules on smooth muscle.The authors are grateful to both Dr. John E. Pike and Dr. John Babcock of the UpJohn Company for generously providing us with the prostaglandin compounds used in these studies.
Quantum-Mechanical Evaluation of π–π versus Substituent−π Interactions in π Stacking: Direct Evidence for the Wheeler–Houk Picture

The influence of substituents on π-stacking interactions has previously been explained by two competing hypotheses: a nonlocal effect in which tuning of the π density by the substituent alters the interaction (the Hunter–Sanders picture) or a local effect in which the direct interaction of the added substituent and changed polarity of the phenyl-substituent σ bond alter the interaction (the Wheeler–Houk picture). In this work, we applied the recently developed functional-group partition of symmetry-adapted perturbation theory (F-SAPT) to directly quantify these two effects in situ. The results show that both pictures contribute to the change in interaction energy but that the Wheeler–Houk picture is usually dominant.
Correlation Among Coronary CT Findings, Sex, and Events: Should We Wait to CONFIRM?∗

The significance of ischemic heart disease (IHD) in women was brought to the forefront nearly a decade ago with the realization that more women than men were dying from cardiovascular disease (CVD). In response, the American Heart Association (AHA) convened the Go Red For Women campaign to raise
An unusual personalized cough mixture from the early twentieth century.

There is no way at this point to determine the financial or marketing impact of the personalized cough mixture upon the Randall Drug Store. Nor can there be an estimate of the influence that the likeness of Dr. Randall's daughter on the label might have had upon sales or use of the product. However, in an era of uncertainty and naivete regarding health options in general and medicinal products in particular, it could be assumed that this photograph-adorned personalized cough mixture bottle would have been promoted in-store by Dr. Randall with confidence, and used with assurance by purchasers. This uniquely presented cough mixture was no doubt a point of pride for the pharmacist, as well as his lovely daughter.
Optical Coherence Tomography Findings After an Intravitreal Injection of Bevacizumab (Avastin®) for Macular Edema From Central Retinal Vein Occlusion

To determine whether bevacizumab could improve visual acuity and optical coherence tomography outcomes in a patient with macular edema from central retinal vein occlusion, an intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (1.0 mg) was given. Prior intravitreal injections of triamcinolone acetonide resulted in vision improvement but worsening cataract and borderline glaucoma. Within 1 week of the bevacizumab injection, visual acuity improved from 20/200 to 20/50 and optical coherence tomography revealed resolution of the cystic maculopathy. The improvements were maintained for at least 4 weeks. Intravitreal injections of bevacizumab may provide another treatment option for patients with macular edema from vein occlusions.
Current status of hormonal treatments for metastatic breast cancer in postmenopausal women.

Purpose/objectives To review hormonal treatments for advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Data sources Published manuscripts, oncology journals, and clinical experience. Data synthesis Traditionally, hormonal treatments have included surgery and manipulation of estrogen, progestin, or androgen levels. Selective aromatase inhibitors have the advantage of a low side effect profile and offer a new treatment option for advanced breast cancer. Conclusions New drug development has made a significant contribution to safe and effective oral treatments for advanced breast cancer with improved side effect profiles. Implications for nursing practice An increased awareness of hormonal treatments in advanced breast cancer will help nurses educate, counsel, and promote patient awareness and acceptance.
Thrombosis and hemostasis in women throughout the life span.

Beginning with a brief overview of normal thrombosis and hemostasis, this article discusses thrombosis and hemostasis in women from puberty until after menopause. The unique impact of hormones on thrombosis and hemostasis seen in the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, contraception, and postmeno­ pausal therapy, is discussed. Clin icians need to be aware of the impact these changes in hormones may have on thrombosis and hemostasis and incorporate these changes into the plan of care.
Transcatheter Embolization for the Treatment of Renal Trauma

This section provides a comprehensive procedural report for transcatheter embolization for the treatment of renal trauma procedure with up-to-date explanatory notes, synopsis of the indications, and contraindications and potential complications in an organized and practical format.
Percutaneous Pulmonary Valve Implantation-Associated Ventricular Tachycardia in Congenital Heart Disease.

Background Percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation (PPVI) is utilized for dysfunctional right ventricular outflow tracts (RVOT) to relieve obstruction, regurgitation, and RV dysfunction. PPVI has not been reported to induce arrhythmias. This study is the first to report the incidence of ventricular tachycardia (VT) after PPVI. Methods This was a retrospective study of all patients who had PPVI at a single institution. All patients were admitted after PPVI for overnight telemetry monitoring. Patients with no prior history of VT and newly detected VT within 24 hours post-PPVI were considered to have VT related to PPVI. Results In total, 79 patients had PPVI (age 17 ± 9 years, 66% tetralogy of Fallot/pulmonary atresia). PPVI-related VT was detected in 6 patients (7.5%). These patients had a lower BMI (17.5 ± 2.0 vs. 23.1 ± 6.6, P = 0.04). There was no difference in age, native conduit or percutaneous valve size, or change in the minimum diameter of the RVOT from pre- to post-PPVI. In the 6 patients, VT was non-sustained and monomorphic at rates between 120 and 170. Five started on β-blockers. No patient required surgical explantation of the valve. Over a median follow-up of 2 years, 4 have weaned off medications and all are free of recurrence of VT with normal Holters. Conclusions PPVI may be associated with transient VT in the acute peri-procedural period. Patients of smaller size may be more susceptible. All patients were managed conservatively and none of the patients had a recurrence, which is suggestive of a transient phenomenon.
The pennycress (Thlaspi arvense L.) nectary: structural and transcriptomic characterization.

Pennycress [Thlaspi arvense L (Brassicaceae)] is being domesticated as a renewable biodiesel feedstock that also provides crucial ecosystems services, including as a nutritional resource for pollinators. However, its flowers produce significantly less nectar than other crop relatives in the Brassicaceae. This study was undertaken to understand the basic biology of the pennycress nectary as an initial step toward the possibility of enhancing nectar output from its flowers. Pennycress flowers contain four equivalent nectaries located extrastaminally at the base of the insertion sites of short and long stamens. Like other Brassicaceae, the nectaries have open stomates on their surface, which likely serve as the sites of nectar secretion. The nectaries produce four distinct nectar droplets that accumulate in concave structures at the base of each of the four petals. To understand the molecular biology of the pennycress nectary, RNA was isolated from ‘immature’ (pre-secretory) and ‘mature’ (secretory) nectaries and subjected to RNA-seq. Approximately 184 M paired-end reads (368 M total reads) were de novo assembled into a total of 16,074 independent contigs, which mapped to 12,335 unique genes in the pennycress genome. Nearly 3700 genes were found to be differentially expressed between immature and mature nectaries and subjected to gene ontology and metabolic pathway analyses. Lastly, in silico analyses identified 158 pennycress orthologs to Arabidopsis genes with known enriched expression in nectaries. These nectary-enriched expression patterns were verified for select pennycress loci by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Pennycress nectaries are unique relative to those of other agriculturally important Brassicaceae, as they contain four equivalent nectaries that present their nectar in specialized cup-shaped structures at the base of the petals. In spite of these morphological differences, the genes underlying the regulation and production of nectar appear to be largely conserved between pennycress and Arabidopsis thaliana. These results provide a starting point for using forward and reverse genetics approaches to enhance nectar synthesis and secretion in pennycress.
Collagen heterogeneity within different growth regions of long bones of rachitic and non-rachitic chicks.

The different anatomical regions involved in osteogenesis in the chick long bone have been examined for heterogeneities in collagen structure that might relate to the mechanism of ossification. Experimentally induced lathyrism was employed to enhance collagen solubility, and vitamin D deficiency to allow accumulation of osteoid, the precursor of bone matrix. The extractable lathyritic collagens of the cartilaginous and osseous regions of growing long bones from rachitic and non-rachitic chicks were examined for α-chain type and amino acid composition. In both groups of animals the growth plate and cartilaginous regions of the epiphysis gave collagen molecules of the constitution [α1(II)]3, whereas the ossifying regions contained [α1(I)]2 α2. The degree of hydroxylation of the lysine moieties was increased by approximately 50% in the α1(I)-chain and α2-chain of rachitic bone collagen. Since uncalcified osteoid is greatly enriched in rachitic bone, it is concluded that the collagen of osteoid has the configuration [α1(I)]2 α2, similar to that of bone matrix, but has an elevated hydroxylysine content. The possible relationship of this difference to the mechanism of calcification is discussed.
A inquietante noção de risco: dissenso, dissonância e o fazer sentido para aprendizagem com estudantes

Este artigo problematiza a producao de estudantes em risco . Utilizando a discussao de Ranciere sobre dissenso, o autor argumenta que o que esta em risco nao sao os estudantes, mas as nocoes contemporâneas de senso comum sobre escola. Partindo desta perspectiva, os jeitos de conhecer e de ser dos estudantes rotulados como em risco provocam a descontinuidade nas ideias e ideais sobre o proposito e funcao da educacao escolar. Para criar este argumento, o autor conecta Ranciere e outras discussoes sobre a importância do dissenso para questionar a producao de sentidos, os perigos da ressonância no consenso e nas possibilidades de dissonância no dissenso. Essas declaracoes sao ainda seguidamente complicadas pela afirmacao de que a educacao e um esforco necessariamente arriscado e que todos os estudantes devem reconhecer-se em risco de aprender. O entendimento de que todos os estudantes estao em risco e significativo pois fornece simultaneamente um espaco para as constelacoes complexas de identidade dos estudantes serem negociadas com dignidade em experiencias de aprendizagem e cria um contexto menos punitivo em que as diferencas sao menos propensas a serem conceituadas como deficit.
The medial temporal lobe and memory

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the role of medial temporal lobe (MTL) structures—the hippocampus and surrounding parahippocampal, perirhinal, and entorhinal cortices—in memory processing and representation.. Particularly, bilateral damage to the MTL leads to impairments in declarative memory, long-term memory for general facts (semantic memory) and specific events (episodic memory). The MTL circuit is central to declarative memory, including the encoding, consolidation, and retrieval of episodic memories. The chapter focuses on the role of the MTL in episodic memory, first considering the relevant aspects of MTL anatomy and then considering neuropsychological and neuroimaging data in humans to understand the role of MTL in supporting memory for events. The chapter also illustrates neuropsychological and neuroimaging studies of human MTL that provides advanced understanding of the working of MTL in building memories of our daily experiences and subsequently, the retrieval of these memories to inform future goal-directed behavior.
3 – Particle Swarm Optimization in Civil Infrastructure Systems: State-of-the-Art Review

Particle swarm optimization (PSO), a metaheuristic search algorithm inspired by flocks of birds and schools of fish, has been highly successful in solving a wide range of difficult optimization problems. There has been an exponential growth in the number of publications reporting on the applications of PSO in diverse scientific fields including signal processing, graphics, robotics, and so on. As an optimization tool, PSO has seen similar success in the civil engineering arena, where it has been used in solving shape and size optimization problems in structural design, structural condition assessment and health monitoring, structural material characterization and modeling, transportation network design, traffic flow forecasting, traffic control, traffic accident forecasting, river stage prediction, design optimization of water/wastewater distribution networks, solving reservoir operation problems, parameter estimation/calibration of hydrological models, construction planning, scheduling and management, construction litigation, construction cost estimation and prediction, inverse parameter identification and geotechnical model calibration, slope stability analysis, pavement engineering, and so on. This chapter presents a state-of-the-art review of PSO applications in civil infrastructure systems reported mainly in archival journals and conference proceedings from 1995 (the year of PSO’s inception) until now.
Poster presentations: Tetralogy of fallot, imperforate anus, mullerian, renal, and cervical spine (Murcs) Anomalies in a 15 year old girl

Abstract BACKGROUND: Our patient is a 15-year-old African-American female with Tetrology of Fallot, imperforate anus, anomalous ureters, mullerian anomaly and fusion of cervical spine vertebra. METHODS: Case report, review of the literature. RESULTS: DM is a 15yo African American with a history of Tetrology of Fallot, imperforate anus and anomalous ureters, all of which were repaired in infancy. She presents to the UIC Pediatric and Adolescent Service with primary amenorrhea and cyclical abdominal pain. Office evaluation reveals a healthy young woman without phenotypic abnormalities and an apparently normal secondary sexual development. However, gynecologic exam demonstrates a shortened vagina without a bulging hymen. Magnetic resonance imaging reveals uterus didelphus, with uterine cervical anatomy not able to be delineated. Ultrasound reveals a cyst in the right ovary consistent with a corpus luteum; there is no evidence of a fluid collection in either horn of the uterus. Vaginoscopy reveals a blind vaginal pouch with no visible cervix. Spinal x-rays reveal partial fusion of the cervical spine at C2-3. Chromosomal analysis and molecular evaluation for fragile X show a normal karyotype (46,XX) with a normal, non-carrier FraX region. Endocrinologic studies were obtained: FSH 1.3, LH 3.0, prolactin 6, and estradiol of 85.2. A progesterone challenge was done but did not result in a withdrawal bleed. The patient was started on a GnRH agonist regimen for suppression of putative endometriosis, which is thought to be the source of her pain. Exploratory laparoscopy and possible hysterectomy will be offered in the near future. CONCLUSION: MURCS ( Mu llerian, R enal, C ervical S pine) is a well-described grouping of multi-organic, non-lethal abnormalities that are infrequently detected in women with menstrual abnormalities. Such women are usually characterized by normal chromosome complements and the absence of other malformations. However, the aforementioned constellation of anomalies has not been previously described in the literature. The association of MURCS with cardiac and anorectal abnormalities may be one of coincidence or may indicate that the abnormalities share common genetic or environmental (cellular or microbiologic) etiologies. Further studies and reports are needed to determine the potential etiological and clinical impact of our report.
Individual differences in emotion regulation goals: Does personality predict the reasons why people regulate their emotions?

Objective We investigated how the Big Five traits predict individual differences in five theoretically important emotion regulation goals that are commonly pursued-pro-hedonic, contra-hedonic, performance, pro-social, and impression management. Method We conducted two studies: (a) a large survey study consisting of undergraduates (N = 394; 18-25 years; 69% female; 56% European American) and community adults (N = 302; 19-74 years; 50% female; 75% European American) who completed a newly developed global measure of individual differences in emotion regulation goals and (b) a 9-day daily diary study with community adults (N = 272; 23-85 years; 50% female; 84% European American) who completed daily reports of emotion regulation goals. In both studies, participants completed a measure of the Big Five. Results Across global and daily measures, pro-hedonic goals and pro-social goals were positively associated with Agreeableness, performance goals were positively associated with Openness, and impression management goals were positively associated with Neuroticism. Globally, contra-hedonic goals were also negatively associated with Agreeableness and Conscientiousness. Conclusions The Big Five systematically predict the emotion regulation goals people typically pursue. These findings have important implications for understanding why people engage in certain forms of regulatory behavior and why personality has consequences for well-being.
The Effects of Food-Related Retail Ambient Scents on Healthy/Unhealthy Food Purchases: An Abstract

Retailers use ambient scent as a strategic tool to create an overall ambience and influence consumers. Food-related ambient scents are especially common in stores and restaurants. This research examines how indulgent (i.e., unhealthy) as opposed to non-indulgent (i.e., healthy) food-related ambient scents influence consumers’ food choices. The results of three field studies with children and adult consumers show that indulgent (vs. non-indulgent) food-related ambient scents lead to lower sales of unhealthy food items. Follow-up studies replicate this finding in the laboratory and provide evidence for cross-modal sensory compensation as the process driving the effects of indulgent food-related ambient scents on unhealthy food choices. Implications for retail design and consumer well-being are discussed.
Design Improvement of Dual Pole Synchronous Reluctance Motor

This paper presents design improvements and optimization of the dual-pole line start Synchronous Reluctance Motors (SynRM). Such motors are capable of operating in two different synchronous speeds without a drive unit, based on the pole-changing concept. The motor is started, accelerated and decelerated from one speed to another using squirrel cage bars. Thus, this paper aims to optimize the cage bars geometry to ensure a smooth starting as well as a smooth transition from one speed to another without compromising the steady state performance of the motor. The Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm coupled with Finite Element analysis (FEA) is used to optimize the motor's dynamic and steady-state performance. FEA is employed to generate data for training a system, in particular an Artificial Neural Network (ANN), which models the objective functions. Then, the objective functions are minimized via PSO.
Arabidopsis defense mutant ndr1-1 displays accelerated development and early flowering mediated by the hormone gibberellic acid.

Abstract NONRACE-SPECIFIC DISEASE RESISTANCE (NDR1) is a widely characterized gene that plays a key role in defense against multiple bacterial, fungal, oomycete and nematode plant pathogens. NDR1 is required for activation of resistance by multiple NB and LRR-containing (NLR) protein immune sensors and contributes to basal defense. The role of NDR1 in positively regulating salicylic acid (SA)-mediated plant defense responses is well documented. However, ndr1-1 plants flower earlier and show accelerated development in comparison to wild type (WT) Arabidopsis plants, indicating that NDR1 is a negative regulator of flowering and growth. Exogenous application of gibberellic acid (GA) further accelerates the early flowering phenotype in ndr1-1 plants, while the GA biosynthesis inhibitor paclobutrazol attenuated the early flowering phenotype of ndr1-1, but not to WT levels, suggesting partial resistance to paclobutrazol and enhanced GA response in ndr1-1 plants. Mass spectroscopy analyses confirmed that ndr1-1 plants have 30–40% higher levels of GA3 and GA4, while expression of various GA metabolic genes and major flowering regulatory genes is also altered in the ndr1-1 mutant. Taken together this study provides evidence of crosstalk between the ndr1-1-mediated defense and GA-regulated developmental programs in plants.