cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Can Women’s Caucuses Solve Coordination Problems Among Women Legislators? Logic, Lessons, and Evidence from American State Legislatures

Chapter 6 of The Diversity Paradox: How Parties Limit the Role of Women in American Legislatures offers women's legislative caucuses as a potential solution to the problem of asymmetric tokenism in legislatures. Asymmetric tokenism is defined as follows: Consistent with the tokenism theory from sociology, men legislators decreasingly value their women colleagues as their numbers increase, but inconsistent with this theory, women legislators do not at the same time increasingly value their women colleagues. Previous chapters explain that women must coordinate with one another to be able to work together as their numbers grow. The current chapter argues that women's legislative caucuses can effectively overcome this coordination problem only under certain conditions. Using an original dataset of qualitative and quantitative descriptions of women's caucuses in 96 legislatures in 48 states, we show that, indeed, women's caucuses can solve the problem of asymmetric tokenism by helping women to recognize the benefits of cooperation. Specifically, the findings indicate that formal women's caucuses in lower chambers unequivocally increase the proportion of majority party women who receive committee chairs. Furthermore, evidence from upper chambers indicate that women's caucuses increase the proportion of women serving in committee chairs, but only when the proportion of women is neither too large nor too small.
Method for consensus analysis in group experts' judgments based on multiplicative judgment matrices

An analytic method is proposed to solve the problem of group experts' judgment consistency based on the preference information about multiplicative judgment matrices.First,several concepts of the multiplicative judgment matrix and its compatibility and consistency are introduced.Then,a judgment approach to the consensus of group experts' judgment and the improving approach to the non-consensus of group experts' judgment are also provided based on definitions of the consensus level of the preference of each alternative and the consensus index of group experts' judgment.Finally,a numerical example is given to illustrate the use of the proposed method.
Abstract B38: Behavioral and clinical correlates of hepatocellular carcinoma among residents of South Central Texas: A case-control study

Latinos in South Texas (STX) are disproportionately diagnosed with Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) compared to non-Hispanic whites (NHW) and Latinos in the U.S. The aims of this study were to characterize behavioral and clinical risk factors contributing to HCC incidence in our STX population. Methods: Controls and cases (104:51) were recruited from Bexar and 5 surrounding counties. Blood and urine samples were obtained from each subject and tested for liver function, Hepatitis B and C exposure, and blood/urine aflatoxin levels. Demographic and lifestyle data were obtained via questionnaire. Chi-squared and t-test analysis was utilized to determine bivariate case-control differences. Results: In bivariate analyses, HCC cases were older (57.3 vs. 49.7, p Conclusions: Findings confirm bivariate relationship between HCC incidence and risk factors in the general population. Citation Format: Amelie G. Ramirez, Edgar Munoz, Dorothy Long-Parma, Alan E.C. Holden, Allen M. Trevino, Timothy D. Phillips, Bradley Pollock. Behavioral and clinical correlates of hepatocellular carcinoma among residents of South Central Texas: A case-control study. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eighth AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 13-16, 2015; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2016;25(3 Suppl):Abstract nr B38.
Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes

Advice taking is central to making better decisions, but some individuals seem unwilling to use advice. The present research examined the relationship between narcissism and advice taking. In particular, we studied the mechanisms that explain why narcissists are dismissive of advice. In three studies, we found that narcissism and advice taking were negatively related, but only when measuring narcissism at the state level or when controlling for extraversion at the trait level. We also tested two mechanisms and found that confidence did not mediate the relationship; disregard for others did. In Study 4, partic- ipants were placed under different accountability pressures to affect self-enhancement. Results showed that the narcissism-advice taking relationship was strongly negative under process accountability. Taken together, these results suggest that narcissists eschew advice not because of greater confidence, but because they think others are incompetent and because they fail to reduce their self-enhancement when expecting to be assessed.
Crop biotechnology: a pivotal moment for global acceptance

The development and judicious use of agricultural biotechnology offers important contributions to food security and sustainability. Key contributions include improved yield, heightened pathogen and herbivore resistance, enhanced nutrient content, improved product quality, reduced spoilage, as well as entirely new traits. While a first wave of genetically engineered (GE) crop products has been commercialized and contributed to yield, other products – some posing significant benefits to target populations in the developing world – have become mired in controversy. Public misconception about nutritional and ecological risks, fears about multinational corporate dominance, as well as regulatory inaction have delayed the approval and use of GE crops. With new GE lines ready to pass through regulatory oversight, many of which originate from developing countries, we regard this as a pivotal moment for global acceptance of agricultural biotechnology. However, we note that some countries, international regulators, and even biotechnology companies seem willing to forego useful applications of GE crops. We conclude that educating and informing the public to combat misperception, and implementing review of regulatory guidelines based on decades of experience can help to realize the benefits of GE for food security, human well-being, and ecological sustainability.
Effect of Polymer Grafting Density on Mechanophore Activation at Heterointerfaces

Silica nanoparticles grafted with poly(methyl acrylate) chains whose anchor points are maleimide-anthracene cycloadducts were prepared at various grafting densities to demonstrate fundamental characteristics of mechanophore activation at heterointerfaces. The monotonically decreasing correlation between polymer grafting density and surface-bound maleimide-anthracene mechanophore activation was quantitatively elucidated and discussed. Presumably as a result of polymer–polymer interactions, polymer grafting density plays a significant role in heterogeneous mechanophore activation. The findings are a valuable guide in the design of efficient force-sensitive, damage-reporting polymer composites, where damage is often localized to the interface between the matrix and the reinforcing phase.
Seismic velocity structure of the metamorphic belt of central California

A seismic-refraction experiment was conducted in the Melones Reservoir region of the metamorphic belt of central California in May 1972. The experiment was designed to produce data for analyses by seismic-refraction-line and time-term methods. The belt is geologically complex. Three seismic-refraction lines of northwest bearing were made in and parallel to it. Useful data were recorded on them in the range 0 < Δ ≦ 75 km. These data appear as if the P waves were propagated by a layered structure. Rocks at the surface range from 1.7 km/sec to 5.0 km/sec in P -wave velocity. For depths of a few hundred meters, the rocks range regionally from 5.6 to 6.0 km/sec in P -wave velocity. In the range 20 ≦ Δ ≦ 75 km, the travel times for all three lines appear as if the P waves were propagated by a refractor of elevation 1.4 km below sea level that has a P -wave velocity of 6.3 km/sec. There is no evidence of dip. Notable travel-time deviations from this simple model correspond to P -wave paths on one of the lines that was made in and almost parallel to fault zones. The zones contain ultramafic rocks. The anomalies may be related to paths in these rocks that are above the 6.3-km/sec refractor. The time-term method is appropriate for reducing the data of regional extent, and it was so employed. Assumptions for anisotropy and isotropy were tested. The model of anisotropy fits the data much better than the more elementary one, and the statistical parameters of the fit are almost as low as the repeatability of the measurements. The slowest P -wave velocity (6.00 km/sec) is for directions in the azimuth bands 5° to 95° and 185° to 275°, and the fastest P -wave velocity (6.32 km/sec) is for azimuths of 140° and 320°, bearings which are approximately the trend of the belt. The correspondence of the directions suggests that the anisotropy might relate to structural features of the belt.
A New Genus and Species of Cecidomyiidae (Diptera) from Leaf Blister Galls on Ribes (Grossulariaceae) in North America

Abstract. Ribesia sarae Gagne, new genus, new species (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), is described from simple leaf blister galls on Ribes aureum (Grossulariaceae) from Montana, USA. The female abdomen of Ribesia is superficially similar to that of Cystiphora Kieffer and Sackenomyia Felt. The three genera are compared. Because of strong differences found in their male terminalia it appears that any similarities in the female abdomens are the result of convergence. Sackenomyia ribesifolia Fedotova 1987 from Ribes in Kazakhstan is a new combination in Ribesia.
Flood Stress as a Technique to Assess Preventive Insecticide and Fungicide Treatments for Protecting Trees against Ambrosia Beetles.

Ambrosia beetles tunnel into the heartwood of trees where they cultivate and feed upon a symbiotic fungus. We assessed the effectiveness of flood stress for making Cercis canadensis L. and Cornus florida L. trees attractive to attack as part of insecticide and fungicide efficacy trials conducted in Ohio and Virginia. Since female ambrosia beetles will not begin ovipositing until their symbiotic fungus is established within the host, we also assessed pre-treatment of trees with permethrin, azoxystrobin, and potassium phosphite on fungal establishment and beetle colonization success. Permethrin reduced attacks on flooded trees, yet no attacks occurred on any of the non-flooded trees. Fewer galleries created within flooded trees pre-treated with permethrin, azoxystrobin, and potassium phosphite contained the purported symbiotic fungus; foundress’ eggs were only detected in flooded but untreated trees. While pre-treatment with permethrin, azoxystrobin, and potassium phosphite can disrupt colonization success, maintaining tree health continues to be the most effective and sustainable management strategy.
WIM system calibration using AVI-equipped vehicles

This paper describes a method for calibrating weigh-in-motion (WIM) systems by comparing static and dynamic weights of vehicles through automatic vehicle identification (AVI). The AVI facilities developed for the heavy vehicle electronic license plate (HELP) project on the I-5 corridor was used for this purpose. The static axle load of AVI-equipped vehicles was obtained from the Oregon DOT for two sites, namely Woodburn South-bound and Ashland Northbound. The WIM load data was obtained from Lockheed IMS for all the WIM systems on the I-5 corridor. The data was analyzed to sort-out AVI numbers, dates and times of weighing. Time limits for traveling between sites were established to ensure that trucks had no time to stop and load/unload cargo between sites. Errors were calculated as the percent difference between WIM and static loads for individual axles/axle groups. Calibration factors were derived to set the mean axle weigh error to zero. Software was written to handle all calculations.
Osteoporosis in Primary Hyperparathyroidism: Considerations for Diagnosis and Treatment

Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder produced by micro-architectural changes in bone structure that reduce bone mass and quality, resulting in a high risk of traumatic and nontraumatic fractures with significant morbidity and mortality.
Evaluating Breathing Discomfort in the ICU: What Is the Goal?

Patients on ventilators experience a variety of discomforts: symptoms (dyspnea, fatigue, pain), emotions (depression, anxiety, panic), and feeling a lack of control, to name a few. Patients may (or may not) express this discomfort outwardly with agitation, restlessness, grimacing, or increase in
Perioperative Critical Care of the Patient with Liver Disease Undergoing Nonhepatic Surgery

Liver injury results from myriad insults including hepatotoxins and viral infections and congenital abnormalities. Individually or in combination these insults result in liver dysfunction which progresses to liver failure which causes multiple organ systems dysfunction and failure, which further impair liver function and result in death. The severity of liver dysfunction and risk of death calculations can be discerned by assessment of extrahepatic organ function. In addition to addressing individual and population benefit from liver transplantation, risk assessment by MELD can be used to address the risks of nonhepatic surgery. Furthermore, mitigation of liver injury and extrahepatic organ system dysfunction can prolong survival. In particular, attention to hemodynamics to optimize hepatic and renal perfusion and avoiding iatrogenic (ventilator-induced) lung injury and minimizing neuro-intoxicants are key to managing the patient with liver disease who is to undergo nonhepatic surgery.
Multivariable Self-Tuning Controller with Time Delay Compensation

Abstract An MIMO self-tuning controller with a Smith-Predictor-type, time delay compensator is proposed for processes with unknown or varying time delays. Simulation results confirm that the new method provides significant improvements over standard STCs designed using an expanded B matrix.
Exploring the binding mechanisms of diaminopimelic acid analogs to meso-diaminopimelate dehydrogenase by molecular modeling.

Abstract Meso-Diaminopimelic acid (meso-2,6-diamino-heptanedioic acid, DAP) is an important component of the cell wall of many bacteria. Meso-diaminopimelate dehydrogenase (m-Ddh) is a critical enzyme in the process of converting tetrahydrodipicolinate to DAP. Here, we are proposing that DAP analogs targeting m-Ddh may be considered as potential antibiotics. Four DAP analogs without significant structural change from DAP have been obtained and their inhibitory potencies against m-Ddh from the P. gingivalis strain W83 show significant differences from that of DAP. However, their inhibitory mechanisms as for how simple structural change influences the inhibitory potency remain unknown. Therefore, we employed molecular modeling methods to obtain insight into the inhibitory mechanisms of DAP and analogs with m-Ddh. The predicted binding mode of DAP was highly consistent with the experimental structural data and disclosed the important roles played by the binding pocket residues. According to our predictions, the isoxazoline ring of compounds 1 and 2 and the double bonds in compounds 3 and 4 had distinct influences on these compounds' binding to m-Ddh. This enriched understanding of the inhibitory mechanisms of DAP and these four analogs to m-Ddh has provided new and relevant information for future rational development of potent inhibitors targeting m-Ddh.
Semi-supervised Ranking

In this chapter, we introduce semi-supervised learning for ranking. The motivation of this topic comes from the fact that we can always collect a large number of unlabeled documents or queries at a low cost. It would be very helpful if one can leverage such unlabeled data in the learning-to-rank process. In this chapter, we mainly review a transductive approach and an inductive approach to this task, and discuss how to improve these approaches by taking the unique properties of ranking into consideration.
Reduction of cysteine-S-protecting groups by triisopropylsilane

Triisopropylsilane (TIS), a hindered hydrosilane, has long been utilized as a cation scavenger for the removal of amino acid protecting groups during peptide synthesis. However, its ability to actively remove S-protecting groups by serving as a reductant has largely been mischaracterized by the peptide community. Here, we provide strong evidence that TIS can act as a reducing agent to facilitate the removal of acetamidomethyl (Acm), 4-methoxybenzyl (Mob), and tert-butyl (But ) protecting groups from cysteine (Cys) residues in the presence of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) at 37 °C. The lability of the Cys protecting groups in TFA/TIS (98/2) in this study are in the order: Cys(Mob) > Cys(Acm) > Cys(But ), with Cys(Mob) being especially labile. Unexpectedly, we found that TIS promoted disulfide formation in addition to aiding in the removal of the protecting group. Our results raise the possibility of using TIS in orthogonal deprotection strategies of Cys-protecting groups following peptide synthesis as TIS can be viewed as a potential deprotection agent instead of merely a scavenger in deprotection cocktails based on our results. We also tested other common scavengers under these reaction conditions and found that thioanisole and triethylsilane were similarly effective as TIS in enhancing deprotection and catalyzing disulfide formation. Our findings reported herein show that careful consideration should be given to the type of scavenger used when it is desirable to preserve the Cys-protecting group. Additional consideration should be given to the concentration of scavenger, temperature of the reaction, and reaction time.
Reducing parental trauma and stress in neonatal intensive care: systematic review and meta-analysis of hospital interventions.

OBJECTIVE:To classify NICU interventions for parental distress and quantify their effectiveness.STUDY DESIGN:We systematically reviewed controlled studies published before 2017 measuring NICU parental distress, defined broad intervention categories, and used random-effects meta-analysis to quantify treatment effectiveness.RESULTS:Among 1643 unique records, 58 eligible trials predominantly studied mothers of preterm infants. Interventions tested in 22 randomized trials decreased parental distress (p < 0.001) and demonstrated improvement beyond 6 months (p < 0.005). In subgroup analyses, complementary/alternative medicine and family-centered instruction interventions each decreased distress symptoms (p < 0.01), with fathers and mothers improving to similar extents. Most psychotherapy studies decreased distress individually but did not qualify for meta-analysis as a group.CONCLUSION:NICU interventions modestly reduced parental distress. We identified family-centered instruction as a target for implementation and complementary/alternative medicine as a target for further study. Investigators must develop psychosocial interventions that serve NICU parents at large, including fathers and parents of full-term infants.
Abstract 230: The Efficacy of Diuretics in Hypertension Control When Multiple Agents Are Prescribed: The Importance of Adherence to the Hypertension Guidelines

Background: Hypertension (HTN) management has been updated in the 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines. The guidelines continued emphasizing on the use of diuretics, especially Chlorthalidone, as an essential c...
Propofol Infusion Therapy

Propofol (2, 6 diisopropyl phenol) is a mainstay of anesthetic care both as an induction agent, but also as an agent in sedation. But recent research has also suggested applications beyond these indications including uses for headaches and analgesia. Propofol causes potentiation of the GABA receptors and antagonism of the NMDA receptors.
Updated Electrochemical Model of Micro Photosynthetic Power Cells

This paper provides an interdisciplinary explanation of the operation of micro-photosynthetic cells (μ-PSCs). In this work, an advanced electrochemical model of μ-PSCs is proposed and validated. The developed electrochemical model for the simulation of μ-PSCs is based on knowledge accumulated from different fields such as chemical, biological and electrical sciences and on practical results. The photosynthesis and respiration of algae cells, as well as the effects of the irradiance, the day and night cycle, the temperature, and the pH of the solution, are included in the model. From the electrochemical model developed, a circuit level representation is derived. The validated electrochemical model is used to determine the maximum power point operation of μ-PSCs under various operating conditions. This provides an insight into designing efficient energy harvesters for μ-PSCs.
Kappa opioid agonists reduce oxycodone self-administration in male rhesus monkeys

Combinations of mu and kappa opioid receptor (KOR) agonists have been proposed as potential analgesic formulations with reduced abuse liability. The current studies extend previous work by investigating the typical KOR agonist, salvinorin A, and the atypical KOR agonist, nalfurafine, as deterrents of oxycodone self-administration using a progressive ratio (PR) schedule of reinforcement. In separate experiments, adult male rhesus monkeys (N = 4/experiment) were trained under a PR schedule of reinforcement to self-administer cocaine (0.1 mg/kg/injection) and saline on alternating days. Oxycodone (0.01–0.1 mg/kg/injection) alone and combined with salvinorin A (experiment 1; 0.006, 0.012 mg/kg/injection) or nalfurafine (experiment 2; 0.0001–0.00032 mg/kg/injection) were tested within the alternating cocaine and saline baseline. The mechanism of nalfurafine’s effects on oxycodone self-administration was investigated via pretreatment with the KOR antagonist, nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI; 10 mg/kg; i.m.). All subjects self-administered oxycodone alone above saline levels at sufficiently large doses, and combining salvinorin A or nalfurafine with oxycodone reduced the mean number of injections per session to saline levels (experiment 1) or to levels that were significantly lower than oxycodone alone (experiment 2). The ability of nalfurafine to reduce oxycodone self-administration was reversed by pretreatment with nor-BNI. These results demonstrate that KOR agonists, including the clinically used KOR agonist, nalfurafine, can punish self-administration of a prescription opioid analgesic, oxycodone, in rhesus monkeys and that nalfurafine’s punishing effect is KOR-dependent. Combinations of KOR agonists with prescription opioids may have reduced abuse liability.
3.13 – Vanadium Biochemistry

Vanadium is a trace element and exists in biological systems, both as a required element and as a mimic of other required metal ions or phosphorus. Several classes of enzymes contain vanadium in the active site, including vanadium-dependent haloperoxidases, vanadium-containing nitrogenases, and vanadium-binding proteins, vanabins. Haloperoxidases are well characterized because in addition to the mechanism by which they oxidize substrates they are also important in biotechnology and are used as oxidation catalysts. The vanadium-containing cofactor for nitrogenases has been characterized, as well as the vanabins. The mushrooms of the genus Amanita muscaria store vanadium as the only known vanadium-containing natural product amavadine, which is a non-oxovanadium(IV) compound with unique coordination chemistry. Several ascidians and fan worms accumulate vanadium mainly in its lower oxidation state + 3, and the role of the vanadium and the mechanism for bioprocessing are poorly understood. In addition to vanadium being a required component of proteins, it has been reported to have biological properties. For example, vanadium compounds have been shown to induce an insulin-enhancing response in diabetic animal model systems and human beings. This chapter summarizes these areas of bioinorganic chemistry relating to vanadium.
External dead space explains sex-differences in the ventilatory response to submaximal exercise in children with and without obesity

Abstract We compared the exercise ventilatory response (slope of the ventilation, VE and carbon dioxide production, VCO2 relationship) in boys and girls with and without obesity. 46 children with obesity (BMI percentile: 97.7 ± 1.4) and 27 children without obesity (BMI percentile: 55.1 ± 22.2) were included and divided into groups by sex (with obesity: 17 girls and 29 boys; without obesity: 13 girls and 14 boys). A 6 min constant load cycling test at 45 % of peak work rate was performed. The VE/VCO2 slope was similar (p = 0.67) between children with (32.7 ± 4.3) and without (32.2 ± 6.1) obesity; however, it was higher (p = 0.02) in girls (35.4 ± 5.6) than boys (32.6 ± 4.9). We also examined a corrected VE/VCO2 slope for the effects of mechanical dead space (VDM), by subtracting VDM from VE (VEcorr/VCO2 slope). The VEcorr/VCO2 slope remained similar (p = 0.37) between children with (26.8 ± 3.2) and without obesity (26.1 ± 3.1); however, no sex differences were observed (p = 0.13). Therefore, VDM should be accounted for before evaluating the VE/VCO2 slope, particularly when making between-sex comparisons.
The gene Pax4 is an essential regulator of pancreatic β-cell development

The Pax-gene family encodes a group of transcription factors characterized by the presence of a highly conserved DNA-binding motif, the paired domain. Pax proteins are key regulators of vertebrate organogenesis since they play major roles in embryonic pattern formation, cell proliferation and cell differentiation (Chi and Epstein, 2002; Dahl et al., 1997; Dohrman et al., 2000; Epstein et al., 1994). Indeed, mutations in Pax genes lead to profound defects in organisms as diverse as flies, mice and humans (Chi and Epstein, 2002; Dahl et al., 1997). To date, nine mammalian Pax genes are known and these are grouped into five different subclasses according to their structural similarities. One of these subclasses comprises two close homologues, Pax4 and Pax6, that contain a second DNA-binding domain: the homeodomain (Dahl et al., 1997; Dohrman et al., 2000). Previous studies showed that Pax4 is a crucial regulator of mammalian pancreas development since lack of its activity prevents the formation of mature pancreatic insulin-producing (beta) cells (Dohrman et al., 2000; Sosa-Pineda et al., 1997; Wang et al., 2004). Presently, it is not yet clear how Pax4 is specifically required for the development of beta cells. Nonetheless, evidence gathered from recent studies has begun to unravel important aspects of the molecular function of Pax4 in pancreatic endocrine cells. Here, I will try to summarize the results of different efforts aimed at understanding how Pax4 is required for both, beta cell development and beta cell function.
LGBTQ+ Homeless Young Adults and Sex Trafficking Vulnerability

The sexual exploitation of LGBTQ+ young adults and how to best serve this population is an emerging field of knowledge. In July 2015, a cross-sectional purposeful sampling design was used to recrui...
Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy in a Patient With Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Treated With Ocrelizumab Monotherapy.

Importance Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is an opportunistic infection caused by the JC virus that has no proven effective treatment. Although rare cases of PML have occurred with other anti-CD20 therapies, there had been no prior cases associated with ocrelizumab. Objective To report the first ever case of PML occurring with ocrelizumab monotherapy in a patient with progressive multiple sclerosis without prior immunomodulation. Design, Setting, and Participant This case was reported from an academic medical center. The patient had multiple sclerosis while receiving ocrelizumab monotherapy. Exposures Ocrelizumab monotherapy. Results A 78-year-old man with progressive multiple sclerosis treated with ocrelizumab monotherapy for 2 years presented with 2 weeks of progressive visual disturbance and confusion. Examination demonstrated a right homonymous hemianopia, and magnetic resonance imaging revealed an enlarging nonenhancing left parietal lesion without mass effect. Cerebrospinal fluid revealed 1000 copies/mL of JC virus, confirming the diagnosis of PML. Blood work on diagnosis revealed grade 2 lymphopenia, with absolute lymphocyte count of 710/μL, CD4 of 294/μL (reference range, 325-1251/μL), CD8 of 85/μL (reference range, 90-775/μL), CD19 of 1/μL, preserved CD4/CD8 ratio (3.45), and negative HIV serology. Retrospective absolute lymphocyte count revealed intermittent grade 1 lymphopenia that preceded ocrelizumab (absolute lymphocyte count range, 800-1200/μL). The patient’s symptoms progressed over weeks to involve bilateral visual loss, right-sided facial droop, and dysphasia. Ocrelizumab was discontinued and off-label pembrolizumab treatment was initiated. The patient nevertheless declined rapidly and ultimately died. PML was confirmed at autopsy. Conclusions and Relevance In this case report, PML occurrence was likely a result of the immunomodulatory function of ocrelizumab as well as age-related immunosenescence. This case report emphasizes the importance of a thorough discussion of the risks and benefits of ocrelizumab, especially in patients at higher risk for infections such as elderly patients.
Extreme hypercalcaemia caused by immobilisation due to acute spinal cord injury

Hypercalcaemia due to immobilisation is an uncommon diagnosis and requires extensive evaluation to rule out common causes of hypercalcaemia such as primary hyperparathyroidism and malignancy.We report an unusual case of profound hypercalcaemia due to immobilisation in a young man due to acute spinal cord ischaemia, leading to paraplegia. Other causes of hypercalcaemia were ruled out and elevated bone turnover markers supported our hypothesis. Conventional treatment with intravenous fluids, bisphosphonates and diuretics was insufficient. Subcutaneous calcitonin lowered the plasma calcium acutely and was continued for 8 weeks. Subsequent normocalcaemia was sustained for 2 years.
Moving towards less biased research

Bias, perhaps best described as ‘any process at any stage of inference which tends to produce results or conclusions that differ systematically from the truth,’ can pollute the entire spectrum of research, including its design, analysis, interpretation and reporting.1 It can taint entire bodies of research as much as it can individual studies.2 3 Given this extensive detrimental impact, effective efforts to combat bias are critically important to biomedical research’s goal of improving healthcare. Champions for such efforts can currently be found among individual investigators, journals, research sponsors and research regulators. The central focus of this essay is assessing the effectiveness of some of the efforts currently being championed and proposing new ones. Current efforts fall mainly into two domains, one meant to prevent bias and one meant to detect it. Much like a proverbial chain, efforts in either domain are hampered by their weakest components. Hence, it behoves us to constantly probe antibias tools so that we can identify weak components and seek ways to compensate for them. Further, given the high stakes—conclusions that align with rather than diverge from truth—it further behoves the biomedical research community to prioritise to the extent possible bias prevention over bias detection. The less likely any given study is to be tainted by bias, the fewer research publications reporting biased results there will be. The value of detected bias pales in comparison, for it extends only as far as those who are aware of that detection after the fact, meaning that biased conclusions at variance with the truth can mislead those unaware of the bias that taints them for as long as the affected publications endure. With these preliminary considerations about bias in mind, let us first examine some current antibias efforts and probe their weaknesses. Doing so will show why …
Energy Security, Economic Development and Global Warming: Addressing Short and Long Term Challenges (Seguridad Energética, Desarrollo Económico Y Calentamiento Global: Desafíos De Corto y Largo Plazo) (Spanish)

Energy security, economic development and averting global warming are conflicting objectives in a fossil fuel economy. In the long run, sustainable development requires a shift to renewable energy sources. In the short run the climate change problem requires swift action and different strategies. There is no “silver bullet” and a combination of technologies and strategies will be required to meet the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) requirements. The article develops one example based on ‘negative carbon’ using air capture of carbon dioxide for storage into geological sites and solid materials. When driven by energy produced by carbon-neutral sources (such as Concentrated Solar Power or CSP) this approach can co-produce electricity while reducing carbon concentration in the atmosphere (Jones 2008, 2008b, Chichilnisky 2008, Chichilnisky and Eisenberger, 2009, Chichilnisky and Eisenberger et. al., 2009). While providing additional energy the process makes fossil power plants net carbon sinks, however changing entirely the relationship between the three problems: in the short run it advances energy security and economic development while averting climate change. In the long run, the approach accelerates the transition to renewable sources of energy and is compatible with sustainable development. The article addresses short and long run challenges with this capability in the context of the economic incentives provided by the carbon market of the UN Kyoto Protocol, whose functioning is analyzed. We explore the implications for extending Kyoto’s Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) in a way that benefits most the developing nations in Latin America and Africa, and the global transition from a fossil to a renewable economy.
Local Growth Theory

What is the effect of factor mobility on income convergence? Why are population flows so persistent? Extending the neoclassical growth model to allow for mobile labor, in a long run steady state, individuals and firms receive equal levels of utility and profits across localities. But frictions in the form of a cost to installing capital proportional to the rate of gross investment and an analogous cost to moving proportional to the rate of net migration effect extended equilibrium transition paths during which rents will be associated with living and owning capital in some localities relative to others. The speed of income convergence depends mostly on capital mobility (i.e. the installation cost) and is relatively insensitive to the degree of labor mobility. Persistent population flows result from relatively small changes in local productivity or quality of life, even with very high labor mobility; but even when population is relatively distant from its steady-state level, wages and land prices remain relatively close to their steady-state levels. Local growth theory admits several other results. The speed of income convergence varies considerably in a neigborhood very close to the steady state. Consumption smoothing causes steady-state asset wealth and hence steady-state population density to be history dependent. Steady-state land prices rise at exactly the right rate to offset any flow of population from high productivity to high quality-of-life locales as per capita income rises.
Characterization of newborn fecal lipid.

Fecal lipid excretion was quantitated and analyzed in two groups of normal infants 3 to 11 days and 23 to 72 days of age. Total lipid excretion was similar in both groups averaging 10.8% of dietary intake. Fecal lipid was partitioned into four fractions: neutral lipids, insoluble divalent calcium soaps, ionized fatty acids and bound lipids. The neutral lipid fraction predominated in both groups, equalling 56 ± 5.3% (mean ± S.E.M.) of fecal lipid. It contained significant quantities of glycerides (13.6 ± 6.0% of the total lipid excreted). Calcium soaps comprised the other major fraction (25 ± 5.3%); analysis of this fraction by gas liquid chromatography showed that it contained primarily long-chain saturated fatty acids. The demonstration of glycerides in fecal lipid establishes that lipolysis is defective in newborn infants. Identification of long-chain saturated fatty acids in the calcium soap fraction documents the association between calcium and saturated fatty acid excretion. The presence of fecal monoglyceride, while conceivably the result of colonic bacterial hydrolysis of triglyceride, raises the possibility that lipid micellization and/or mucosal transport is insufficient for optimal lipid absorption. Thus, the intraluminal phase and possibly the mucosal phase of lipid absorption are not fully developed in the full-term newborn infant.
Percutaneous left ventricular support in cardiogenic shock and severe aortic regurgitation

Severe aortic regurgitation (AR) is a well-established contraindication to intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation therapy. We report two cases of medically refractory cardiogenic shock in patients with severe AR who were successfully bridged to surgical left ventricular assist device implantation by percutaneous left atrial to femoral artery mechanical bypass. Further investigation into the clinical utility of percutaneous mechanical support in the setting of AR and shock is required.
(An)Archiving after the Apocalypse: The Death Drive, Representation, and the Rise and Fall and Rise of Civilization in Miller’s A Canticle for Leibowitz

The notion of a nuclear apocalypse incites our imagination and terror as much as any biblical cataclysm—perhaps even more so, for, unlike the flood in Genesis or John’s vision of the end of the world in the Book of Revelation, a nuclear holocaust can be actuated by human hands. Certainly the prospect of a worldwide nuclear war influenced an entire generation of authors during the Cold War, including the American Walter M. Miller, Jr., who in 1959 wrote A Canticle for Leibowitz, a novel that envisions life after the ostensible end of the world—that is, after a devastating global nuclear war [read full article]...
The Evolution of Christian America: Christianity in Presidential Discourse, 1981–2013

Commentators have been quick to note the declining number of self-professed Christians in the United States and view this as the end of “Christian America.” Such observations are overstated, but it is clear that Christian America—understood as a communicative construct—is undergoing a substantial evolution. This article traces that evolution via a content analysis of every explicit mention of Christianity in presidential communications from 1981 to 2013—more than 2,200 mentions in all. We argue that shifts in religious identification, political engagement, and global affairs make it likely that recent presidents have altered their Christian discourse. In particular, we find that recent presidents have emphasized linkages between Christians and those of other faiths or no faith at all, but deemphasized linkages between Christianity and America’s heritage.
Prevention of Pressure Ulcers

Pressure ulcers (PU) cause significant morbidity in the frail elderly and neurologically impaired individuals. The cost of care may exceed $70,000 and treatment in the USA is estimated at $1.1 billion annually. New products and support surfaces are continually entering the marketplace. There has been heightened awareness of the problem and many evidence-based guidelines have been disseminated over the last decade. In spite of this there has been not been a dramatic decline in PU incidence worldwide.
THE ${\rm{Si}} (111)\mbox{-}(\sqrt{3} \times \sqrt{3})$R30°-Ag AND -Au SURFACE STRUCTURES FROM FIRST PRINCIPLES CALCULATIONS

The electronic and structural properties of the ${\rm{Si}} (111)\mbox{-}(\sqrt{3}\times \sqrt{3})$R30°-Ag and Au surfaces are investigated using first-principles total energy calculations. The structures of Au and Ag are in fact quite similar and belong to the same class of structural models. However, small variation in the structural details can give rise to quite different observed STM images, as revealed in the theoretical calculations.
Warped perspectives in time-frequency analysis

Unitary similarity transformations furnish a simple yet powerful vehicle for generating new classes of joint distributions based on concepts different from time, frequency, and scale. These new signal representations focus on the critical characteristics of large classes of signals and, hence, prove useful for representing and processing signals that are not well matched by current techniques. In particular, the authors construct distributions to match almost any one-to-one group delay or instantaneous frequency characteristic. Amazingly all distributions that have been used to illustrate more complicated generalized distribution design techniques can be generated using the unitary transformation method. >
Optimization of emergency response using higher order learning and clustering of 911 text messages

In real-time emergency response an accurate picture of the situation is needed quickly. Often during large-scale disasters, cell towers become overloaded, and the only way of communication is through text messages. It becomes important to gather information from text messages sent to emergency numbers in order to respond quickly and efficiently with life-saving efforts. In addition, responders are unable to manually handle the large volume of incoming texts. To add to this difficult problem, these data sources tend to be microtext. This research developed a methodology to summarize text messages sent during an emergency, including analysis of locations. The real-time disaster needs were then input into a mixed integer programming resource allocation model for distribution of resources for disaster aid. Prior research included resource allocation and text modeling, but the combination of the two is a novel application not only in this arena, but more broadly across domains.
From Femtochemistry to 4D Microscopy

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Nobel Prize for Femtochemistry, the field is overviewed with several classic examples and the new extension to Femtobiology. The revolutionary breakthrough in 4D electron microscopy is briefly introduced here and a new age to structural dynamics is rising on the horizon, an exciting time and a great opportunity for China and for the world.
An alternate stability analysis framework for adaptive control N

Abstract A proof is given for the uniform asymptotic stability of a class of pointwise-in-time stable systems of time-varying ordinary differential equations. The sufficient conditions for stability are shown to be naturally testable in a general adaptive control context. A weak form of robust identification is found to imply robust stability of the overall closed-loop adaptive control system.
Integrating sensing hydrogel microstructures into micropatterned hepatocellular cocultures.

In this paper we describe a microfabrication-derived approach for defining interactions between distinct groups of cells and integrating biosensors with cellular micropatterns. In this approach, photoresist lithography was employed to micropattern cell-adhesive ligand (collagen I) on silane-modified glass substrates. Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) photolithography was then used to fabricate hydrogel microstructures in registration with existing collagen I domains. A glass substrate modified in this manner had three types of micrpatterned regions: cell-adhesive collagen I domains, moderately adhesive silanized glass regions, and nonadhesive PEG hydrogel regions. Incubation of this substrate with primary rat hepatocytes or HepG2 cells resulted in attachment of hepatic cells on collagen I domains with no adhesion observed on silane-modified glass regions or hydrogel domains. 3T3 fibroblasts added onto the same surface attached on the glass regions around the hepatocytes, completing the coculture. Significantly,...
Occlusive hydrocolloid dressings decrease keratinocyte population growth fraction and clinical scale and skin thickness in active psoriatic plaques

Abstract Clinical studies suggest a therapeutic role for occlusion in the treatment of psoriasis. Previous studies, using multiparameter RNA DNA flow cytometric analysis of epidermal suspensions obtained from active plaques, demonstrated increased keratinocyte growth fraction which reversed with successful medical treatment. Because keratinocyte growth fraction reflected disease activity, it was used in this study in addition to clinical evaluations in order to determine the efficacy of occlusion in the treatment of psoriatic plaques. In each of 9 patients, scale, skin thickness and erythema were compared in one occluded and one control plaque using an analog scale. Both scale and skin thickness, but not erythema, were decreased after 2 weeks of occlusion. However after 10 weeks, no additional differences were seen when compared with assessments made after 2 weeks, suggesting that the benefits of occlusive therapy occurred early. After 10 weeks of occlusion, the keratinocyte growth fraction was significantly decreased in occluded plaques. This study demonstrates that occlusion plays a synergistic role with other therapeutic modalities in ameliorating psoriatic plaques.
Materials aspects of photoelectrochemical energy conversion

Stabilization of the light-harvesting semiconductor electrode is a key factor in the design of a photoelectrochemical (PEC) system for solar energy conversion. Approaches to circumvent the problem of PEC corrosion of these electrodes involve four major categories of materials: (a) the electrode materials themselves; (b) protective coatings; (c) catalysts; and (d) electrolytes. Wide band-gap semiconductors are candidates for electrode materials; however, their use hinges on devising effective means of sensitizing their photoresponse to wavelengths comprising the solar spectrum. These and related aspects in the design of PEC systems are reviewed in this article. Devices both of the regenerative type as well as photoelectrolysis approaches are considered.
Accuracy of a mitral valve segmentation method using J-splines for real-time 3D echocardiography data.

Patient-specific models of the heart’s mitral valve (MV) exhibit potential for surgical planning. While advances in 3D echocardiography (3DE) have provided adequate resolution to extract MV leaflet geometry, no study has quantitatively assessed the accuracy of their modeled leaflets vs. a ground-truth standard for temporal frames beyond systolic closure or for differing valvular dysfunctions. The accuracy of a 3DE-based segmentation methodology based on J-splines was assessed for porcine MVs with known 4D leaflet coordinates within a pulsatile simulator during closure, peak closure, and opening for a control, prolapsed, and billowing MV model. For all time points, the mean distance error between the segmented models and ground-truth data were 0.40 ± 0.32 mm, 0.52 ± 0.51 mm, and 0.74 ± 0.69 mm for the control, flail, and billowing models. For all models and temporal frames, 95% of the distance errors were below 1.64 mm. When applied to a patient data set, segmentation was able to confirm a regurgitant orifice and post-operative improvements in coaptation. This study provides an experimental platform for assessing the accuracy of an MV segmentation methodology at phases beyond systolic closure and for differing MV dysfunctions. Results demonstrate the accuracy of a MV segmentation methodology for the development of future surgical planning tools.