cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ocular oscillations generated by coupling of brainstem excitatory and inhibitory saccadic burst neurons

The human saccadic system is potentially unstable and may oscillate if the burst neurons, which generate saccades, are not inhibited by omnipause neurons. A previous study showed that combined saccade vergence movements can evoke oscillations in normal subjects. We set out to determine: 1) whether similar oscillations can be recorded during other paradigms associated with inhibition of omnipause neurons; 2) whether lesions of the fastigial nuclei disrupt such oscillations; and 3) whether such oscillations can be reproduced using a model based on the coupling of excitatory and inhibitory burst neurons. We recorded saccadic oscillations during vergence movements, com- bined saccade-vergence movements, vertical saccades, pure vergence and blinks in three normal subjects, and in a patient with saccadic hypermetria due to a surgical lesion affecting both fastigial nuclei. During combined saccade- vergence, normal subjects and the cerebellar patient developed small-amplitude (0.1-0.5°), high-frequency (27-35 Hz), conjugate horizontal saccadic oscillations. Oscillations of a similar amplitude and frequency occurred during blinks, pure vergence and vertical saccades. One normal subject could generate saccadic oscillations voluntarily (~0.7° amplitude, 25 Hz) during sustained convergence. Previous models proposed that high-fre- quency eye oscillations produced by the saccadic system (saccadic oscillations), occur because of a delay in a negative feedback loop around high-gain, excitatory burst neurons in the brainstem. The feedback included the cerebellar fastigial nuclei. We propose another model that accounts for saccadic oscillations based on 1) coupling of excitatory and inhibitory burst neurons in the brainstem and 2) the hypothesis that burst neurons show post- inhibitory rebound discharge. When omnipause neurons are inhibited (as during saccades, saccade-vergence move- ments and blinks), this new model simulates oscillations with amplitudes and frequencies comparable to those in normal human subjects. The finding of saccadic oscilla- tions in the cerebellar patient is compatible with the new model but not with the recent models including the fastigial nuclei in the classic negative-feedback loop model. Our model proposes a novel mechanism for generating oscillations in the oculomotor system and perhaps in other motor systems too.
Urinomas protect renal function in posterior urethral valves—a population based study

Abstract Background/Purpose Urinomas have been thought to protect renal function in boys with posterior urethral valves (PUVs), although recent reports have disputed this. This study tested the hypothesis that urinomas protect global renal function in boys with PUV. Methods A retrospective analysis of all boys with PUV presenting to a tertiary unit derived from a region with an estimated population of 5.5 million was performed. Comparisons of the initial nadir creatinine, current creatinine, and renal status score (RSS) were made between those with and without urinomas. The RSS was derived from nephrology assessment of current renal status (0 = normal to 4=end-stage renal failure or transplantation). Results were given as median (range), except for RSS, which was given as mean ± SEM. P ≤ .05 was regarded as significant. Results During 1989-2009, 9 of 89 PUV boys were diagnosed with urinomas. Initial nadir creatinine was statistically lower in boys with urinomas (31 [18-44] vs 45 [20-574] μ mol/L, P P = .59). Follow-up creatinine was significantly lower in urinoma boys (44 [25-77] vs 61 [29-1227] μ mol/L, P P Conclusion This population-based study of PUV boys demonstrates that urinomas reduce nadir creatinine and significantly protect long-term global renal function.
I Can Do It Better on the Computer: The Effects of Technology-Enabled Scaffolding on Young Writers' Composition

The purpose of this study was to examine how a Web-based software program impacted lower elementarystudents' composition of personal narratives when using a supported paragraph activity. The subjects in this experiment were first and second grade students in a multi-age classroom in a low socio-economic urban community. The participants were asked to write a story in a Web-based environment on a supported paragraph activity. They were later asked to type a story in the Web-based environment on a free-writing activity. Finally, students were asked to compose a story through the traditional paper and pencil means. Students' personal narratives were scored using rubrics that examined both narrative genre characteristics and writing conventions. Overall findings indicate that students wrote more, incorporated more genre specific characteristics, and demonstrated conventional writing skills on the supported writing assignment.
Derivatives of the characteristic polynomial, trace, and determinant with respect to a matrix

Matrix calculus [2], [7] is used to derive formulas for the derivatives of the coefficients of the characteristic polynomial with respect to any matrix of physical parameters. Two of these derivatives may be related to the matrix derivatives of the determinant and the negative trace. The use of these derivative formulas is restricted to "nonderogatory" matrices. This is a large class of matrices which includes all matrices with nonrepeated eigenvalues. The use and validity of the formulas is demonstrated by showing that they provide a correct and well-known result for a particular special case. Higher order matrix derivatives are easily obtained once formulas for the first-order derivatives are known.
Fast Initial Response Control Charts For Accounting Activities

Although Six Sigma was developed to improve processes in a manufacturing environment, its use has expanded to many other areas including accounting and finance. We propose that control charts, originally used as tools for monitoring short-run manufacturing processes, can be effectively used in the Control Stage of Six Sigma projects designed to improve accounting processes with sparse data. We describe four of these control charts: (1) pre-control charts; (2) Shewhart control charts with dramatically reduced average run lengths (ARLs); (3) Cumulative Sum (CUSUM) control charts with fast initial response (FIR) enhancements; and (4) Exponentially Weighted Moving Averages (EWMA) control charts with FIR enhancements. We provide examples of FIR enhancements to CUSUM and EWMA control charts that can result in quicker detection of small shifts in the mean of accounting data.
Latency constrained device positioning using a visible light communication two-phase received signal strength - angle of arrival algorithm

In positioning systems there is a fundamental tradeoff between accuracy and latency. A latency constrained optimization algorithm is proposed to be employed in conjunction with a prior published two-phase algorithm for estimating the location of a mobile node over the visible light channel. Instead of solely relying on triangulation, the mobile nodes estimate their locations through a two phase algorithm in which they firstly exploit the signal strength observables with unique IDs to establish a coarse estimate, and secondly use the azimuth and elevation observables to establish a fine estimate. In many cases, the fine estimate will improve upon the coarse estimate; however when triangulation fails, the algorithm yields the coarse estimate rather than a localization failure. Since the environment model relies on the primary requirement of adequate illumination, the number of LED anchors, and transmit power for communication functions are determined. The advantage of the two-phase algorithm is that it provides a framework to provide rapid RSS based positional estimates with accuracies bounded to within the illumination projection radius (48 cm median) of the distributed luminaries (anchor nodes) within less than 17 nanoseconds while requiring only a single luminaire in its field of view. However, when there are a sufficient number of luminaires in view the positioning algorithm can further improve the accuracy (14 cm median) through application of triangulation via angle of arrival measurements, at the expense of latency (upto tenths of seconds). The proposed framework allows a fundamental trade of accuracy and latency to be made depending on the observable parameters known to the positioning algorithm at run time.
Investigating Young Children’s Perceptions of Body Size and Healthy Habits

Attitudes and biases toward body size perceived as fat and body size perceived as thin are present in young children (Cramer and Steinwert in J Appl Dev Psychol 19(3):429–451, 1998; Worobey and Worobey in Body Image 11:171–174, 2014). However, the information children have regarding body size and ways to modify body size might not be accurate, which could lead to negative health outcomes. To collect information for developing strategies to prevent such health outcomes, this study explored children’s perceptions towards body size, factors they believed contribute to body size differences, and strategies they indicated as necessary to make changes in body size. Forty-eight children from 1st grade and 3rd grade were interviewed. The majority of children were aware that the quality and quantity of food influences body size. They expressed similar strategies to change body size; however, some of their strategies were extremely unhealthy. Children in this group prefer an average body size rather than the thinnest size body from the selections presented. Information obtained from the study demonstrated the importance of guiding children to establish appropriate eating and healthy habits that might ultimately prevent extreme behaviors and health problems. It is crucial to help all children realize the importance of maintaining a healthy body rather than an overly thin body.
Dexamethasone Release from Within Engineered Cartilage as a Chondroprotective Strategy Against Interleukin-1α.

While significant progress has been made toward engineering functional cartilage constructs with mechanical properties suitable for in vivo loading, the impact on these grafts of inflammatory cytokines, chemical factors that are elevated with trauma or osteoarthritis, is poorly understood. Previous work has shown dexamethasone to be a critical compound for cultivating cartilage with functional properties, while also providing chondroprotection from proinflammatory cytokines. This study tested the hypothesis that the incorporation of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) (75:25) microspheres that release dexamethasone from within chondrocyte-seeded agarose hydrogel constructs would promote development of constructs with functional properties and protect constructs from the deleterious effects of interleukin-1α (IL-1α). After 28 days of growth culture, experimental groups were treated with IL-1α (10 ng/mL) for 7 days. Reaching native equilibrium moduli and proteoglycan levels, dexamethasone-loaded microspher...
DNS study on role of linearly unstable modes in flow transition

Flow transition from laminar to turbulent flow is widely considered as caused by linear unstable modes through absolute or convective instability. However, our DNS study shows that is not the case. In our previous AIAA paper, the nature of flow transition is described as an inherent property of fluid flow that fluid cannot tolerate shear layer and shear must transfer to rotation when the Reynolds number is large, which will lead to flow transition. In the current DNS study, two inflow disturbances, 2D T-S waves and 2D+3D T-S waves, are tested separately and carefully compared. The development of disturbances and late flow transition are investigated by DNS. It is found that the late flow transition are all caused by shear layer instability including the vortex ring formation, multilevel shear layers, multiple level sweeps and ejections. The role of all unstable modes are same which is to trigger the vorticity rollup and change the base flow profile to have inflection points. Since all disturbances, like dust, gust, noise, mosquito, fly, sands, etc., can trigger the vorticity rollup, the idea to use control of linear modes to control flow transition is hard to get success and the key issue is to avoid the vorticity rollup, like use of suctions.
Some Observations and Comments on the Laboulbeniales

(1955). Some Observations and Comments on the Laboulbeniales. Mycologia: Vol. 47, No. 1, pp. 1-12.
Sexual and Gender Diversity Within the Black Men Who Have Sex with Men HIV Epidemiological Category

Epidemiological categories not only reflect existing frameworks for public health, but also reify how subpopulations are defined, understood, and targeted for interventions. The sweeping categorization of Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) used in HIV research and intervention work is one such example. The current paper builds upon previous critiques of the “MSM” nomenclature by delineating the sexual and gender diversity embedded in the term as it pertains specifically to Black peoples. The emphasis is on developing greater specificity about the sociocultural and structural factors that may be shared among these subgroups, such as racism and poverty, and the factors that are likely to distinguish the groups, such as levels of sexual minority identification; access to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) services and community; and experiences with anti-bisexual or anti-transgender bias. The aim then is to provide a framework for HIV health policy work for Black sexual minority cisgender men (SMCM) and gender minorities (GMs).
Investigation on β-lactamase residues in milk and milk products in Foshan urban area

[Objective]To understand the residues ofβ-lactamase? in milk and milk products in Foshan City,provide scientific basis for strengthening the quality control of milk and milk products.[Methods]250 samples of milk and milk products were collected from markets of Foshan urban area,and the residues ofβ-lactamase were tested by plate assay,iodimetry and Peni-ase sensor kit.[Results]The positive rate of sterilized milk,milk powder and bulk raw milk was respectively 8.00%,7.14% and 28.75%,and the difference was significant(χ2= 19.68,P 0.05).The positive rate of plate assay,iodimetry and Peni-ase sensor kit was respectively 15.21%,17.37% and 17.92%,and there was not significant difference(χ2= 0.45,P 0.05).[Conclusion]The positive rate of β-lactamase in bulk raw milk is high in Foshan City.The relevant departments should strengthen the quality monitoring in related products,improve the market supervision and take effective measures,to prevent the artificial antibiotic-free milk in market and protect the health of people.
Method for best solution to series multiplication model

In order to get the best solution to series multiplication model,this paper the model and its current solutions were investigated.According to the analysis of the model and its restriction,a new solution,called weighted factor-balance arithmetic was proposed.This arithmetic was useful under only one restriction.Weighted factor-balance arithmetic was a method improved based on analysing the dynamical programming arithmetic.When to use this arithmetic to get the best solution to the model,needed to figure out the sum of the exponents first.According to the weight factors of exponents of the target function,the best solution was obtained by weighing the restriction directly.After the analysis being contrasted with current solutions,it was further proved that weighted factor-balance arithmetic was an effective method which reduced the process and contracted the calculation quantity.
Effects of beta-hydroxybutyrate on oxidative metabolism and phosphorylation potential in canine heart in vivo.

beta-Hydroxy-butyrate (HBA) is an effective substrate for mitochondrial respiration (MVO2) in the heart. Myocardial HBA oxidation is associated with high mitochondrial NADH and an inhibition of gly...
Social Efficiency, Beauty, and the World’s Work

In the years before the First World War, art education and the normal art school entered a period of retrenchment, retreating from the rhetoric of cultural uplift in the flood tide of a great movement for industrial education. Governor William Douglas appointed the Commission on Industrial and Technical Education—or Douglas Commission, as it was known—in June 1905, charging nine commissioners to investigate educational needs for ‘different grades of skill and responsibility in the various industries of the Commonwealth.’ The commission held public hearings in different parts of the state to gain information on leading industries: agriculture, boots and shoes, building trades, clothing, electrical apparatus, furniture, printing and bookbinding, textiles, and watchmaking.
Fate of Petroleum Pollutants in Arctic Ecosystems

Both experimental oil release field studies, in Arctic tundra, freshwater, and marine ecosystems, and follow-up studies after Arctic and subarctic oil spillages indicate long persistence times for hydrocarbon contaminants and slow rates of microbial biodegradation. The slow rates of petroleum biodegradation in Arctic ecosystems are not due to a lack of indigenous hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms since virtually all Arctic ecosystems contain numbers of naturally occurring populations of hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms, and generally numbers of hydrocarbon degraders increase following addition of oil. Low temperatures alone also can not explain the limited rates of hydrocarbon biodegradation. Rather the limitation to microbial degradation of petroleum hydrocarbons in Arctic ecosystems appears to be due to the combination of several factors, including the availability of nitrogen, phosphorus, and oxygen. Although the potential for hydrocarbon degradation exists, the actual rates of hydrocarbon biodegradation in Arctic ecosystems are slow; microbial hydrocarbon degradation can decontaminate Arctic ecosystems but the time frame after a major spillage will be decades rather than years.
Exploring the mildest thermodynamic conditions for the inverse design of hydrogenation catalysts

D green catalysts is the key for the development of next-generation technologies to convert biomass molecules into liquid fuels or other value-added chemicals. Recently, a few hydrogenation catalysts have been developed to effectively drive biomass conversions. However, designing hydrogenation catalysts that can work under mild conditions such as low pressure, low temperature, and green solvent remains a challenge. To provide the insights for designing greener hydrogenation catalysts, we explored the thermodynamics conditions (e.g., temperature, pressure, and solvents) for various hydrogenation or hydrogenolysis reaction based on biomass model compounds, by combining the Ab initio quantum chemistry calculations and experimental explorations. Our results show that thermodynamically it is indeed possible to design greener catalysts (e.g., robust and economic catalysts that work under mild conditions) for converting biomass molecules into value-added chemicals. In addition, we showed that optimal hydrogenation catalysts could be sought under the guidance of inverse design methods.
A meta-analysis of children’s self-reports of dietary intake

Objective: Although research studies increasingly use children as primary reporters in dietary assessments, it is unclear how well children’s self-reported intake correlates with independently validated reports of their intake; this meta-analysis assesses that correlation.Design: Moderators of the correlation between self-reported and independently validated intake were predicted a priori: type of dietary intake assessment (24 h recall, food diary and food frequency questionnaires), validation measures, parental assistance and age. Online databases were searched for articles published from 1990 to 2014 that compared children’s self-reports of dietary intake to validated observations of food intake in children age 4–16.Main outcome measures: Summary effect size Pearson r between children’s self-reported dietary intake and independently validated dietary intake were calculated.Results: In k = 32 samples from 23 studies, a statistically significant correlation (r = .48, Z = 7.26, p < .001) was found between ...
Similarities and Differences in Occurrence and Temporal Fluctuations in Glyphosate and Atrazine in Small Midwestern Streams (USA) During the 2013 Growing Season

Abstract Glyphosate and atrazine are the most intensively used herbicides in the United States. Although there is abundant spatial and temporal information on atrazine occurrence at regional scales, there are far fewer data for glyphosate, and studies that compare the two herbicides are rare. We investigated temporal patterns in glyphosate and atrazine concentrations measured weekly during the 2013 growing season in 100 small streams in the Midwestern United States. Glyphosate was detected in 44% of samples (method reporting level 0.2 μg/L); atrazine was detected above a threshold of 0.2 μg/L in 54% of samples. Glyphosate was detected more frequently in 12 urban streams than in 88 agricultural streams, and at concentrations similar to those in streams with high agricultural land use (> 40% row crop) in the watershed. In contrast, atrazine was detected more frequently and at higher concentrations in agricultural streams than in urban streams. The maximum concentration of glyphosate measured at most urban sites exceeded the maximum atrazine concentration, whereas at agricultural sites the reverse was true. Measurement at a 2-day interval at 8 sites in northern Missouri revealed that transport of both herbicide compounds appeared to be controlled by spring flush, that peak concentration duration was brief, but that peaks in atrazine concentrations were of longer duration than those of glyphosate. The 2-day sampling also indicated that weekly sampling is unlikely to capture peak concentrations of glyphosate and atrazine.
Axial confinement in the monolithic integrated self-rolled-up vertical SiN x microring resonator on a ridge waveguide

Effective axial confinement to the self-rolled-up SiNx microtube was incorporated to form a vertical microring resonator. 3× wider FSR was observed in the monolithically integrated vertical microring coupler and a silicon nitride ridge waveguide.
Synthetic, Multi-Deuteriated Cholesterol as a Quantitative Probe of the Formation of Cholesterol Oxidation Products

The synthesis of 24, 24, 25, 26, 26, 26, 27, 27, 27 - 2H9 - cholesterol is described. A method for use of the compound as an internal monitor for determination of the origin of oxidation products of cholesterol and their quantitation in naturally occurring media is discussed. In the analytical procedure the labeled cholesterol is added to the sample immediately upon collection thus subjecting the labeled and unlabeled substrates to identical oxidation conditions during the analyte isolation process and corrects for procedural artifacts. Conventional capillary gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) have been used. Quantitation with an accuracy of 5% or better at the low part per million level for some of the common oxidation products is demonstrated.
Compact, Highly Efficient, and Fully Flexible Circularly Polarized Antenna Enabled by Silver Nanowires for Wireless Body-Area Networks

A compact and flexible circularly polarized (CP) wearable antenna is introduced for wireless body-area network systems at the 2.4 GHz industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) band, which is implemented by employing a low-loss composite of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and silver nanowires (AgNWs). The circularly polarized radiation is enabled by placing a planar linearly polarized loop monopole above a finite anisotropic artificial ground plane. By truncating the anisotropic artificial ground plane to contain only 2 by 2 unit cells, an integrated antenna with a compact form factor of 0.41 λ 0 × 0.41 λ 0 × 0.045 λ 0 is obtained, all while possessing an improved angular coverage of CP radiation. A flexible prototype was fabricated and characterized, experimentally achieving S 11 <− 15 dB, an axial ratio of less than 3 dB, a gain of around 5.2 dBi, and a wide CP angular coverage in the targeted ISM band. Furthermore, this antenna is compared to a conventional CP patch antenna of the same physical size, which is also comprised of the same PDMS and AgNW composite. The results of this comparison reveal that the proposed antenna has much more stable performance under bending and human body loading, as well as a lower specific absorption rate. In all, the demonstrated wearable antenna offers a compact, flexible, and robust solution which makes it a strong candidate for future integration into body-area networks that require efficient off-body communications.
A cold-atom quantum memory for long distance quantum networks

A long-distance quantum network that could enable distributed quantum computing and unconditionally secure communication will require a quantum memory capable of supporting entanglement swapping over long distances. The memory qubit must preserve its entanglement to the communication qubit sent to a repeater for at least long enough to swap entanglement with an adjacent node. The most important figures-of-merit for a quantum memory are: fidelity, entanglement rate, and memory lifetime. Though many varieties of memories and repeaters are currently being researched (for a review see [1]) it remains an outstanding challenge to develop one that simultaneously meets all the necessary criteria to enable a practical long distance quantum network. We propose to use laser-cooled and trapped rubidium atoms, with Rydberg excitations, coupled to an optical cavity, to address these issues.
Spirituality, Virtue, and Character: A Model for Therapist Collaboration in Long-Term Growth

This chapter discusses spirituality, virtue, and character. In the 12-step tradition, spirituality has a venerable history and is at the heart of its various manifestations. Spirituality represents a language system for many clients who participate in mutual-help programs. Spirituality is a metaphor that relates to the client's worldview, and metaphors are crucial motivators that advance healing. Self-regulation has many benefits for psychological functioning. Research indicates that self-regulation is related to school and professional achievement, marital stability, longevity, well-being, and physical health. The first approach reviews virtue, which introduced the term into our ethical system. The second approach reviews virtue from the standpoint of ancient spirituality, particularly the early Christian. The third approach is the self-regulation theory, which attempts to incorporate virtue as a relevant construct for modem psychology. Virtue is person-driven and represents internalization of the moral rules that facilitate living together. Without virtue, people would put their individual self-interests before that of the larger social good. To develop virtue, however, people require a key strength―namely, self-control. Finally, this chapter attempts to assist clinicians by providing a model that can locate client's spiritual concerns, so that therapists can feel knowledgeable and comfortable about their clinical decisions.
Winning the Battle of Seattle: State Response to Perceived Crisis:

This article examines the nature of police violence in the context of social discord. Using the anti-World Trade Organization protests as a backdrop, it delineates and applies Stark's (1968) theory...
Uninsured Migrants: Health Insurance Coverage and Access to Care Among Mexican Return Migrants.

Background Despite an expansive body of research on health and access to medical care among Mexican immigrants in the United States, research on return migrants focuses primarily on their labor market mobility and contributions to local development. Objective Motivated by recent scholarship that documents poor mental and physical health among Mexican return migrants, this study investigates return migrants' health insurance coverage and access to medical care. Methods I use descriptive and multivariate techniques to analyze data from the 2009 and 2014 rounds of Mexico's National Survey of Demographic Dynamics (ENADID, combined n=632,678). Results Analyses reveal a large and persistent gap between recent return migrants and non-migrants, despite rising overall health coverage in Mexico. Multivariate analyses suggest that unemployment among recent arrivals contributes to their lack of insurance. Relative to non-migrants, recently returned migrants rely disproportionately on private clinics, pharmacies, self-medication, or have no regular source of care. Mediation analysis suggests that returnees' high rate of uninsurance contributes to their inadequate access to care. Conclusion This study reveals limited access to medical care among the growing population of Mexican return migrants, highlighting the need for targeted policies to facilitate successful reintegration and ensure access to vital resources such as health care.
Timeliness in Notification of Critical Vascular Laboratory Test Results is Part of Quality Assurance

IntroductionRegulatory and accrediting bodies, including Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Vascular Laboratories, require a policy for timely notification of caregivers with potenti...
The staff and patient perspectives on compliance with mechanical prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism.

Abstract Background This study evaluated the accuracy of assessment and compliance with proper use of intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) devices before and after implementation of education, accountability, and oversight measures for health care providers. Methods Prospective analysis of randomly selected, emergently hospitalized adult patients was performed (group 1). IPC use was observed by random visual inspections. These patients underwent independent venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk assessments by the admitting service and a VTE consult service. Mechanical prophylaxis orders were subsequently reviewed. Next, strategies to improve compliance were implemented. One year later, prospective analysis of a similar cohort (group 2) was performed, followed by surveys of staff and patients to identify barriers to compliance. Results In group 1, VTE risk assessments were accurate and IPC was appropriately ordered. Of patients who needed IPC, 24 had IPC correctly applied and 72 did not. In group 2, VTE risk assessments were accurate and IPC was appropriately ordered. Of patients who needed IPC, 26 had IPC correctly applied and 74 did not. Surveys revealed that most providers are aware of the indications, order appropriately, and make efforts to ensure application. Most nurses reported that orders were placed and that IPC was applied. Most patients claimed to have knowledge of VTE and IPC use, but half reported that they were not educated and complained of sleep interference. Conclusions Even with implementation of strategies to improve compliance, most patients do not receive adequate mechanical prophylaxis. Health care providers appropriately order prophylactic measures but do not follow up to ensure application. Discomfort and lack of education of the patient were important barriers to prophylaxis.
Laparoscopic Stoma Reversal

Since the introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the surgical approach to many intra-abdominal diseases has dramatically changed. Laparoscopic colectomy is now widely performed for both benign and malignant conditions. Recently, many skilled surgeons have started applying laparoscopic techniques when performing stoma reversal. Laparoscopic stoma reversal can be technically demanding, but if performed by experienced surgeons, operative trauma may be minimized and the advantages of minimally invasive surgery still observed. In this chapter, I will describe the technical aspects of laparoscopic stoma reversal as well as highlight various options including stoma reversal after Hartmann’s pouch creation and ileostomy takedown with bowel anastomosis.
An In Vitro Model for Studying Interactions Between Mouse Trophoblast and Uterine Epithelial Cells

Even a cursory examination of the published attempts to devise an in vitro implantation system for mammalian embryos reveals that there have been two distinct approaches (Table I). One approach involves the use of complex tissues to mimic as closely as possible the natural conditions of the embryo or invasive cells. The other approach uses single cells in order to identify specific cellular and molecular events.
Hybrid classification of sphincter of Oddi dysfunction based on simplified Milwaukee criteria: effect of marginal serum liver and pancreas test elevations.

To date, when using the Milwaukee classification for sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD), one cannot accurately classify patients with marginal elevations in laboratory tests; ie, 1.5 × ULN or dilated ducts, while SOD III patients had pain only. Hybrid patients had pain and marginal laboratory elevations <1.5 × ULN, with normal duct diameters. Drainage times, frequency, duration, and propagation were not assessed. Sphincter of Oddi manometry (SOM) was performed in each case, and the frequency of abnormal biliary and/or pancreatic basal sphincter pressure was compared, with respect to type II, III, and hybrid SOD. Successful SOM was obtained in 113/114 patients: Abnormal basal sphincter pressure was found in 65, 89, and 43% of type II, hybrid, and type III SOD, respectively. We found no statistical difference between type II and hybrid patients. In contrast, there was statistical difference between types II and III patients and between type III and hybrid patients. In conclusion, there was no significant difference in the frequency of elevated basal sphincter pressure in SOD type II versus hybrid, and thus they should be considered as one group.
Prevention of Preterm Delivery

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses prevention of preterm delivery. Preterm delivery accounts for the majority of perinatal morbidity and mortality in most countries. Stress probably plays the most important role in increasing the risk for preterm labor. Numerous studies identify a strong relationship between prematurity and situations that cause stress. Socioeconomic status is a factor that is frequently used to identify the patient at risk for a variety of health problems. The mechanism by which socioeconomic status influences the incidence of prematurity is not well understood, but it is probably related to the interaction of the excessive use of tobacco, suboptimal nutrition, poor personal hygiene, and in some cases certain types of work habits. Inadequate prenatal care results in a failure to correct these adverse factors, thus allowing them to have an even greater effect.
The Incoherence Argument and the Notion of Relative Truth

Epistemological relativism has been defended by a variety of thinkers stretching back at least as far as Protagoras. For just as long, however, others have thought the doctrine to be incoherent because selfrefuting. This is perhaps the most fundamental challenge faced by the relativist. The present investigation begins, therefore, by considering the status of the incoherence charge.
The Stability of Physician-Specific Episode Costs for Urologic Cancer Surgery: Implications for Urologists Under the Merit-Based Incentive Program.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the stability of physician-specific episode payments for prostatectomy, nephrectomy, and cystectomy in the context of value-based purchasing programs, such as the merit-based incentive payment system. METHODS We utilized Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results-Medicare data to identify patients aged 66-99 who underwent a prostatectomy, nephrectomy, or cystectomy from 2008 to 2012. We calculated each surgeon's average 90-day episode payment by procedure. Next, we examined payment differences between the most and least expensive quartile providers. For the most expensive quartile of physicians in 2010, we examined their spending quartile in 2011. Finally, we evaluated the correlation in spending over time and across procedures. RESULTS We identified 14,585 patients who underwent surgery by one of 1895 unique clinicians. Differences in payments between the highest and lowest quartiles were $5881, $17,714, and $40,288 for prostatectomy, nephrectomy, and cystectomy, respectively. Only 39%, 16%, and 13% of physicians that were in the highest spending quartile for prostatectomy, nephrectomy, and cystectomy in 2010 were also in the most expensive quartile in 2011. Although we observed weak correlation in year-to-year spending for prostatectomy (0.108, P = .033 to .270, P < .001), annual payments for nephrectomy and cystectomy were not significantly correlated. Finally, there was minimal correlation in surgeon spending across procedures. CONCLUSION There is wide variation in physician-specific episode payments for prostatectomy, nephrectomy, and cystectomy. However, physician spending patterns are not stable over time or across procedures, raising concerns about the ability of the cost-based measures in merit-based incentive payment system to change physician behavior and reliably distinguish those providing less efficient or lower quality care.
Low Complexity Dynamic Soft-Output Sphere Decoding Based on LLR Clipping and Scaled Euclidean Distances

Sphere Decoding provides a computationally efficient method of solving the maximum-likelihood detection problem in multiple-input multiple-output communication systems. However, the average computational complexity is normally fixed based on an error criteria before hand, meaning that regardless of if the channel conditions support the information rate or a much higher one, the overall complexity does not change. In this paper, we adapt a maximum a-posteriori probability based sphere decoder to support a converging dynamic complexity using the information rate of the system, the receiver signal-to-noise ratio and maximum theoretical capacity with negligible computational overhead.
Development of a Brief Screening Tool for Early Literacy Skills in Preschool Children.

Abstract Background Preschool children develop early literacy skills (ELS) needed for reading acquisition. Screening for delayed ELS could trigger interventions to prevent reading problems. Objective To develop a brief screening test for ELS delays, the Early Literacy Skills Assessment Tool (ELSAT). Methods This study included 4-year-old, typically developing, English language–predominant children attending preschool. The ELSAT comprised 63 items relating to 3 main ELS domains and was piloted with 21 children. After we excluded items that were nondiscriminatory, 57 items remained and were administered to 96 children. Items were compared with reference measures of ELS (Get Ready to Read–Revised), and language (Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-4 and Phonological Awareness from the Comprehensive Test of Phonological Processing-2). Within-domain reliability was calculated for each of the 3 ELS domains and item correlations between all ELSAT items and the reference measures were calculated. Results A final set of 10 items was retained that represented all 3 ELS domains and that maximized correlations with reference measures. Cronbach alpha for the refined 10-item ELSAT was 0.868; correlations between individual items and a composite of the reference measures ranged from 0.409 to 0.617 (all Ps Conclusions The 10-item ELSAT shows strong psychometric properties and with further validation may prove valuable in screening preschool children for ELS delays.
Onset patterns and course of myalgic encephalomyelitis/ chronic fatigue syndrome

Background: Epidemiologic studies of myalgic encephalomyelitis/ chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) have examined different aspects of this disease separately but few have explored them together. Objective: Describe ME/CFS onset and course in one United States-based cohort. Methods: One hundred and fifty subjects fitting Fukuda 1994 CFS criteria completed a detailed survey concerning the initial and subsequent stages of their illness. Descriptive statistics, graphs, and tables were used to illustrate prevalence and patterns of characteristics. Results: The most common peri-onset events reported by subjects were infection-related episodes (64%), stressful incidents (39%), and exposure to environmental toxins (20%). For 38% of subjects, more than 6 months elapsed from experiencing any initial symptom to developing the set of symptoms comprising their ME/CFS. Over time, the 12 most common symptoms persisted but declined in prevalence, with fatigue, unrefreshing sleep, exertion-related sickness, and flu-like symptoms declining the most (by 20-25%). Conversely, cognitive symptoms changed the least in prevalence, rising in symptom ranking. Pregnancy, menopause, and menstrual cycles exacerbated many women's symptoms. Fatigue-related function was not associated with duration of illness or age; during the worst periods of their illness, 48% of subjects could not engage in any productive activity. At the time of survey, 47% were unable to work and only 4% felt their condition was improving steadily with the majority (59%) describing a fluctuating course. Ninety-seven percent suffered from at least one other illness: anxiety (48%), depression (43%), fibromyalgia (39%), irritable bowel syndrome (38%), and migraine headaches (37%) were the most diagnosed conditions. Thirteen percent came from families where at least one other first-degree relative was also afflicted, rising to 27% when chronic fatigue of unclear etiology was included. Conclusions: This paper offers a broad epidemiologic overview of one ME/CFS cohort in the United States. While most of our findings are consistent with prior studies, we highlight underexamined aspects of this condition (e.g., the evolution of symptoms) and propose new interpretations of findings. Studying these aspects can offer insight and solutions to the diagnosis, etiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of this condition.
Coda: The Exonerated Womb

The coda offers a brief conclusion to the work on wombs the book has explored. It demonstrates how the womb and its humors are often blamed for ailments in medical literature but exonerated in Shakespeare’s plays. While the female body was demarcated by its excess—appetite, words, fluids, sexuality, imagination—in early modern medicine, Shakespeare’s plays repeatedly celebrate the womb as a fertile, creative, and powerful space wherein lineage is corroborated. Allowing women to have agency because of—not in spite of—the womb becomes a common feature of Shakespeare’s canon; wherein female characters use the period’s medical notions to further their own desires. The coda also invites future scholarship to explore research into the intersection between performance and the humors, affect theory, and emotions.
Functional Effects of GDNFon Dopamine Neurons in Animal Models of Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is one of the most common neurological disorders of the elderly. It is characterized by a progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra (SN) with a subsequent loss of dopamine (DA) input to the striatum (Hornykiewicz and Kish, 1987; Graybiel et al, 1990). This loss leads to the cardinal symptoms of bradykinesia, rigidity, resting tremor, and akinesia seen in PD (Hornykiewicz and Kish, 1987). Various clinical strategies have been employed in order to alleviate the symptoms of this disease, and can be grouped into two basic categories. The first involves the restoration of midbrain DA levels, either pharmacologically through drugs such as levodopa, or by transplantation of DA-producing cells into the striatum. The second approach attempts to normalize motor function by targeting downstream neuronal pathways that are affected by the loss of DA. These include surgical treatments such as the pallidotomy, as well as pharmacological treatment with anticholinergic drugs. The relative benefits and drawbacks of these approaches have been reviewed previously, and will not be discussed in this review (Iacono et al., 1994; Mizuno et al., 1995; Charles and Davis, 1996).
Modification of lactoferrin by peroxynitrite reduces its antibacterial activity and changes protein structure

Lactoferrin (LF) is a multifunctional protein that plays important physiological roles as one of the most concentrated proteins in many human and other mammalian fluids and tissues. In particular, LF provides antibacterial properties to human milk, saliva, and tear fluid. LF also protects against stress-induced lipid peroxidation at inflammation sites through its iron-binding ability. Previous studies have shown that LF can be efficiently nitrated via biologically relevant mediators such as peroxynitrite (ONOO- ), which are also present at high intracellular concentrations during inflammation and nitrosative stress. Here, we examine changes in antibacterial properties and structure of LF following ONOO- treatment. The reaction induces nitration of tyrosine and tryptophan residues, which are commonly used as biomarker molecules for several diseases. Treatment with ONOO- at a 10/1 M ratio of ONOO- to tyrosine inhibited all antibacterial activity exhibited by native LF. Secondary structural changes in LF were assessed using circular dichroism spectroscopy. Nitration products with and without the addition of Fe3+ show significant reduction in alpha-helical properties, suggesting partial protein unfolding. Iron-binding capacity of LF was also reduced after treatment with ONOO- , suggesting a decreased ability of LF to protect against cellular damage. LC-MS/MS spectrometry was used to identify LF peptide fragments nitrated by ONOO- , including tyrosine residue Y92 located in the iron-binding region. These results suggest that posttranslational modification of LF by ONOO- could be an important pathway to exacerbate infection, for example, in inflamed tissues and to reduce the ability of LF to act as an immune responder and decrease oxidative damage.
Efficacy of Flecainide in Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia Is Mutation-Independent but Reduced by Calcium Overload.

Background: The dual Na+ and cardia Ca2+-release channel inhibitor Flecainide (FLEC) is effective in patients with catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT), a disease caused by mutations in cardiac Ca2+-release channels (RyR2), calsequestrin (Casq2) or calmodulin. FLEC suppresses spontaneous Ca2+ waves in Casq2-knockout (KO) myocytes, a CPVT model. However, a report failed to find FLEC efficacy against Ca2+ waves in another CPVT model, RyR2-R4496C heterozygous mice, raising the possibility that FLEC efficacy may be mutation dependent. Objective: To address this controversy, we compared FLEC in Casq2-KO and RyR2-R4496C myocytes and mice under identical conditions. Methods: After 30min exposure to FLEC (6μM) or vehicle (VEH), spontaneous Ca2+ waves were quantified during a 40s pause after 1Hz pacing train in the presence of isoproterenol (ISO, 1μM). FLEC efficacy was also tested in vivo using a low dose (LOW: 3mg/kg ISO + 60mg/kg caffeine) or a high dose catecholamine challenge (HIGH: 3mg/kg ISO + 120mg/kg caffeine). Results: In myocytes, FLEC efficacy was strongly dependent on extracellular [Ca2+]. At 2mM Ca2+, only Casq2-KO myocytes exhibited Ca2+ waves, which were strongly suppressed by FLEC. At 3mM Ca2+, both groups had similar frequent Ca2+ waves. The efficacy of FLEC had reduced in Casq2-KO myocytes but was not effective in RyR2-R4496C myocytes. Analogous to the results in myocytes, RyR2-R4496C mice (n=12) had significantly lower arrhythmia scores than Casq2 KO mice (N=9), but the pattern of FLEC efficacy was similar in both groups (i.e., reduced FLEC efficacy after high dose catecholamine challenge). Conclusion: FLEC inhibits Ca2+ waves in RyR2-R4496C myocytes, indicating that RyR2 channel block by FLEC is not mutation-specific. However, FLEC efficacy in myocytes and in vivo is reduced by Ca2+ overload (extracellular [Ca2+] or Caffeine-induced), which could explain conflicting literature reports.