cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Detection of stimulus organization: Evidence of intelligence-related differences*

Utilizing checkerboard-like stimulus patterns varying with respect to symmetry and number of adjacencies, the effects of stimulus structure on the performances of mentally retarded and nonretarded subjects on a rapid-presentation match-to-sample task were examined. The disparity between target and distractor stimuli was manipulated across high, low, and moderate levels of stimulus organization. Consistent with previous findings (i.e., Caruso & Detterman, 1983) , detection rates for the two groups were equivalent at both high and low levels of distractor organization. Of particular importance, however, was that intelligence-related performance differences were evident only with distractors of intermediate organization. The influence of stimulus structure on stimulus detectability, and the implications of these findings for explaining intelligence-related differences across a wide range of tasks are discussed.
Percutaneous Cystolithotomy with Endotracheal Tube Tract Dilation After Urinary Tract Reconstruction

AbstractPurpose: The effectiveness of a percutaneous approach to intact removal of large calculi from the urinary reservoir after urinary tract reconstruction was reviewed.Materials and Methods: The original site of the reservoir drainage tube was used for percutaneous access. After dilation of the tract to 34F a number 10 endotracheal tube was advanced through the tract, and the balloon (diameter up to 43 mm.) was inflated. The rigid nephroscope was then passed through the tract and calculi were removed intact without the need for ultrasonic or electrohydraulic lithotripsy.Results: Removal of single or multiple reservoir calculi attempted in 4 patients was successful in 3. Patients were discharged home within 2 days.Conclusions: The technique of over dilation of the percutaneous tract allows removal of multiple large calculi in select patients without the need for lithotripsy.
Episodic Neurologic Disorders: Syndromes, Genes, and Mechanisms

Many neurologic diseases cause discrete episodic impairment in contrast with progressive deterioration. The symptoms of these episodic disorders exhibit striking variety. Herein we review what is known of the phenotypes, genetics, and pathophysiology of episodic neurologic disorders. Of these, most are genetically complex, with unknown or polygenic inheritance. In contrast, a fascinating panoply of episodic disorders exhibit Mendelian inheritance. We classify episodic Mendelian disorders according to the primary neuroanatomical location affected: skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle, neuromuscular junction, peripheral nerve, or central nervous system (CNS). Most known Mendelian mutations alter genes that encode membrane-bound ion channels. These mutations cause ion channel dysfunction, which ultimately leads to altered membrane excitability as manifested by episodic disease. Other Mendelian disease genes encode proteins essential for ion channel trafficking or stability. These observations have cemented the channelopathy paradigm, in which episodic disorders are conceptualized as disorders of ion channels. However, we expand on this paradigm to propose that dysfunction at the synaptic and neuronal circuit levels may underlie some episodic neurologic entities.
Gas-phase acidities of the 20 protein amino acids

Abstract The gas-phase acidities of the 20 protein amino acids (PAAs) have been determined using an electrospray ionization–quadrupole ion trap instrument. Three different methods were used to determine both the absolute acidities and the relative acidity ordering of the PAAs. The extended kinetic method was used to determine absolute acidities for all 20 PAAs with substituted carboxylic acids and substituted phenols as reference acids. Acidities were obtained with an average uncertainty of ±10 kJ/mol, which is large compared to some of the differences between amino acids with similar acidities. To determine the relative acidity ordering, single-reference kinetic method experiments were performed using both the reference acids from the absolute acidity studies and tryptophan and threonine as reference acids. Additional ordering information was obtained from kinetic method experiments in which proton-bound dimer ions comprising pairs of amino acids were generated and dissociated in the ion trap. The recommended acidity ordering is Gly
Frequency stabilization of lasers by locking to an atomic isoclinic point

To overcome the temperature sensitivity of lasers locked to Doppler-broadened transitions, we propose a scheme in which the laser is locked to an isoclinic point of the atom's spectrum: a frequency at which the first derivative of the absorption spectrum does not change upon a physical change of the sample. Here, we demonstrate that an isoclinic point exists in the Rb87 D 1 spectrum at 795 nm, and that it is located midway between the F g =2 → F e =1 and F g =2 → Fe=2 transitions. Locking a VCSEL diode laser to this isoclinic point, we have been able to demonstrate a very low sensitivity of the locked laser's frequency to temperature variations of the atomic vapor.
Temporal Decorrelation Studies for Vegetation Parameter Estimation with Space-Borne Radars

The SAR/InSAR component of the NASA DesdynI mission for measuring vertical vegetation structure from space consists of four possible approaches. These include the use of radar backscatter to estimate biomass, to employ PolInSAR relative phase for measuring the vertical extent, the use of interferometric phase and a ground reference, or the use of interferometric correlation magnitude alone. Temporal decorrelation is a significant contributor to decorrelation of interferometric echoes and is not always separable from volumetric decorrelation hence contributing to uncertainties in vegetation parameter estimates obtained using just correlation magnitude. In this text we analyze data that is close to the best case scenario for isolating temporal decorrelation. With almost zero baseline and a repeat pass of one day, SIR-C data over the eastern US serves as our case study of temporal decorrelation.
Comparison of theory and experiments for reflection from microcontoured surfaces

Abstract Scattering from microcontoured surfaces, with length scales on the order of the wavelength of the incident radiant energy, requires consideration of electromagnetic scattering theory. A rigorous first principle formulation to predict the bidirectional reflectivity for microcontoured or periodically profiled surfaces is presented. The focus of this investigation is on general scattering phenomena from such surfaces, on the specific experimental findings reported, and on previously reported experimental results that have not been predicted. Experimental data for the bidirectional reflectivity from nickel surfaces with sinusoidal and triangular profiles, and for chrome specimens with rectangular profiles, are presented. Comparisons between the reported experimental results and other measurements indicate very good agreement between the theoretical predictions and the experimental findings.
Multiplexed microfluidic enzyme assays for simultaneous detection of lipolysis products from adipocytes

Microfluidics has enabled new cell biology experiments. Incorporating chemical monitoring of cellular secretion into chips offers the potential to increase information content and utility of such systems. In this work, an integrated, multilayer polydimethylsiloxane microfluidic chip was developed to simultaneously measure fatty acids and glycerol secreted from cultured adipocytes on chip in near real time. Approximately 48,000 adipocytes were loaded into a cell chamber in a reversibly sealed chip. Cells were perfused at 0.75 μL/min. Cell perfusate was split and directed to separate, continuously operating fluorescent enzyme assay channel networks. The fluorescent assay products were detected simultaneously near the outlet of the chip. The fatty acid and glycerol assays had linear dynamic ranges of 150 and 110 μM and limit of detection (LOD) of 6 and 5 μM, respectively. Surface modifications including pretreatment with sodium dodecyl sulfate were utilized to prevent adsorption of fatty acids to the chip surface. Using the chip, basal fatty acid and glycerol concentrations ranged from 0.18 to 0.7 nmol × 106 cell−1 min−1 and from 0.23 to 0.85 nmol × 106 cell−1 min−1, respectively. Using valves built into the chip, the perfusion solution was switched to add 20 μM isoproterenol, a β-adrenergic agonist, which stimulates the release of glycerol and fatty acids in adipocytes. This manipulation resulted in a rapid and stable 1.5- to 6.0-fold increase of non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) and glycerol. The ratio of NEFA:glycerol released increased with adipocyte age. These experiments illustrate the potential for performing multiple real-time assays on cells in culture using microfluidic devices.
Activated protein C resistance and lupus anticoagulant in pregnancy

Thrombophilias, both inherited and acquired, have been reported to be associated with thromboembolic events and severe obstetric complications. This case report examines the case of a patient with two thrombophilias, activated protein C resistance secondary to Factor V Leiden mutation and lupus anticoagulant.
Total colectomy versus limited colonic resection for acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding

Abstract Background: Acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding (ALGB) of the colon can be problematic to diagnose. The purpose of this study was to review our experience with ALGBs and to determine any differences between limited colon resection (LCR) and total/subtotal colon resection (TCR). Methods: A retrospective study located 77 patients with ALGB, who required 2 or more units of packed red blood cells prior to surgery, and who were taken to the operating room from 1987 to 1997. Results: Fifty LCRs and 27 TCRs were performed during this 10-year period. Recurrent bleeding was significantly more common in the LCR group than in the TCR group (18% versus 4%). Morbidity and mortality were not significantly different. Conclusions: Owing to the misconception of a higher morbidity with TCR, it has been considered a “last resort” instead of a more expeditious therapy with similar morbidities and mortalities. TCR should be considered more often in the management of these patients.
Methylation profile and amplification of proto-oncogenes in rat pancreas induced with phytoestrogens

Specific gene hypermethylation has been shown in DNA from neonatal rats exposed to the phytoestrogens, coumestrol, and equol. The pancreas is an organ in which estrogen receptors have been shown to be present. Studies have correlated the development of acute pancreatitis with rising levels of human estrogen binding proteins. Neonatal rats were dosed with 10 or 100 {mu}g of coumestrol or equol on postnatal day (PND) 1-10. The animals were sacrificed at Day 15. The pancreas was excised and pancreatic acinar cells isolated for molecular analysis. DNA was isolated from the cells by lysis in TEN-9 buffer supplemented with proteinase K and 0.1% SDS. High molecular weight (HMW) DNA was digested with the methylated DNA specific restriction enzymes, Hpa II and Msp I, for determination of methylation profiles. Both coumestrol and equol at high doses caused hypermethylation of the c-H-ras proto-oncogene. No hypermethylation or hypomethylation was observed in the proto-oncogenes, c-myc or c-fos. Methylation is thought to be an epigenetic mechanism involved in the activation (hypomethylation) or inactivation (hypermethylation) of cellular genes which are known to play a role in carcinogenesis. Epidemiology studies have shown that equol may have anti-carcinogenic effects on some hormone-dependent cancers. Additional studies are needed tomore » further understand the role of phytoestrogens and methylation in relation to pancreatic disorders. 15 refs., 4 figs.« less
Metastatic renal cell carcinoma presenting as a hemorrhoid.

Abstract Metastatic, noncolorectal carcinoma involving the anal canal is exceptionally rare, with only 3 cases being described in the medical literature. We report the case of a 53-year-old man wit...
Crystallization Stages of the Bishop Tuff Magma Body Recorded in Crystal Textures in Pumice Clasts

The Bishop Tuff is a giant silicic ignimbrite erupted at 0.76 Ma in eastern California, USA. Five pumice clasts from the late-erupted Bishop Tuff (Aeolian Buttes) were studied in an effort to better understand the pre- and syn-eruptive history of the Bishop magma body and place constraints on the timescales of its existence. This study complements and expands on a previous study that focused on early-erupted Bishop Tuff pumice clasts. Bulk densities of pumice clasts were measured using an immersion method, and phenocryst crystal contents were determined using a sieving and winnowing procedure. X-ray tomography was used to obtain qualitative and quantitative textural information, particularly crystal size distributions (CSDs). We have determined CSDs for crystals ranging in size from {approx}10 to {approx}1000 {micro}m for three groups of mineral phases: magnetite ({+-}ilmenite), pyroxene + biotite, quartz + feldspar. Similar to early-erupted pumice, late-erupted pumice bulk density and crystal contents are positively correlated, and comparison of crystal fraction vs size trends suggests that the proportion of large crystals is the primary control on crystallinity. Porosity is negatively correlated with crystal content, which is difficult to reconcile with closed-system crystallization. Magnetite and pyroxene + biotite size distributions are fractal in nature, often attributedmore » to fragmentation; however, crystals are mostly whole and euhedral, such that an alternative mechanism is necessary to explain these distributions. Quartz + feldspar size distributions are kinked, with a shallow-sloped log-linear section describing large crystals (> 140 {micro}m) and a steep-sloped log-linear section describing small crystals (< 140 {micro}m). We interpret these two crystal populations as resulting from a shift in crystallization regime. We suggest that the shallow-sloped section describes a pre-eruptive quartz + feldspar growth-dominated regime, whereas the steep-sloped section represents a population that grew during a nucleation-dominated regime that began as a result of decompression at the onset of eruption. Timescales of quartz growth calculated from the slopes of these two segments of the size distributions indicate that the pre-eruptive crystal population grew on timescales on the order of millennia and may describe the timescale of crystallization of the Bishop magma body. The syn-eruptive population gives timescales of < 1-2 years (but possibly much less) and probably marks the onset of eruptive decompression.« less
The Integrated Skin Exam film: An educational intervention to promote early detection of melanoma by medical students

Background Knowledge of the skin cancer examination (SCE) and its practice remain relevant competency gaps among medical students. Objective We elaborate on a method of SCE known as the Integrated Skin Exam and discuss the development of an instructional film that illustrates its principles. We assess the tool's effect on knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions related to the SCE. Methods Second-year students among 8 randomized schools viewed the film and completed pre-post questionnaires. Results After viewing The Integrated Skin Exam film, students demonstrated improved melanoma knowledge, including identification of high-risk demographic groups (61% vs 42.9%, P P P P P P P Limitations Longitudinal impact of the film was not assessed. Conclusion The Integrated Skin Exam film introduces an integrated approach to the SCE that addresses knowledge gaps, mitigates perceived barriers, and augments intention related to practice of the SCE.
Heterogeneous Vancomycin Resistance in Staphylococcus Aureus: A Review of Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Clinical Significance

OBJECTIVE:To provide an overview of heterogeneously glycopeptide intermediate Staphylococcus aureus, its epidemiology, methods of diagnosis, and clinical relevance.DATA SOURCES:Literature was retrieved in December 2009 through Academic Search Premier, Alt-Health Watch, MEDLINE, OVID, and PubMed, using the search terms heterogeneous glycopeptide-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus, hGISA, hVISA, vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus, GISA, and VISA (from 2003 to December 2009). Additional references were obtained through review of publication citations.STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION:All articles retrieved through the literature search and reference review were evaluated for inclusion in this review.DATA SYNTHESIS:Heterogeneously glycopeptide-intermediate S. aureus (hGISA) has been shown to significantly complicate treatment for patients with bacteremia and often escapes detection in clinical laboratories. Population analysis profile area under the curve ratio (PAP-AUC) is considered to be the g...
RNA interference on chromosomes.

Transcriptional silencing in fission yeast requires several core components of the RNA interference machinery. A new study suggests that the recently discovered RNA-induced initiation of transcriptional gene silencing complex binds stably to silent chromatin, where it recruits short interfering RNAs and destroys nascent RNA molecules in cis.
Benefits of the DPT

To the Editor: I write to commend Dr Rothstein on his precise analysis of the Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in our current clinical environment. In his April article entitled “Education at the Crossroads: For Today's Practice, the DPT,” he highlighted the need to rigorously prepare contemporary graduates to function in a complex, dynamic health care environment. His subsequent commentary in May, “Education at the Crossroads: Which Paths for the DPT?” skillfully addressed points of contingency regarding, and defined a place for, the DPT degree in its intended environment—clinical practice. Reading Dr Rothstein's first analysis prompted me to recognize the benefits I have enjoyed as a DPT student.… [ ARTICLE][1] [ ARTICLE][2] [1]: /lookup/volpage/78/358?iss=4 [2]: /lookup/volpage/78/454?iss=5
Comparing Alternative Institutional Paths to Patent Reform

[enter Abstract Body]In light of the significant cost of legal change in an economic climate that can little afford wasted expense it has become imperative to re-examine costs associated with alternative avenues for achieving legal reform. This is particularly true in areas such as patent law which involve complex and interrelated bodies of statutory law, common law and agency regulation that are closely intertwined with private market practices - leaving open multiple options for change through processes with divergent characteristics and costs. Change in the law does not happen instantaneously or in a vacuum, yet the cost and consequences of transition are frequently neglected in considerations of legal change. Despite vigorous and prolonged debate over the content of patent reform, for example, Congress and commentators alike have failed to address the transition costs associated with legislating change and to explore institutional choice for changing the law as a way of managing these costs. Bridging a gap in the literature on legal change and, more specifically, patent law change, I propose an approach in which alternative mechanisms for patent law change are characterized and compared solely in terms of selected characteristics likely to influence transition cost. The variables selected are variance, specificity, speed and participation - dimensions of legal process that are both likely to differ across alternative institutional processes and to have a significant impact on transition costs. This approach provides a systematic way of examining the cost consequences of institutional choice in enacting law change. Examples are drawn from the current patent reform bill to illustrate how careful institutional choice might result in lower transition costs and to suggest when judicial decision making or private market norms and standards might become more attractive mechanisms than legislation for bringing about patent law change. I also suggest, however, that the current political climate, characterized by high expectations of strong leadership and broad economic change, may alter and even reduce some of the comparative costs of legislating change. If Congress is serious about reforming patent law in order to reap economic gain, it should not ignore its own opportunities for cost savings through careful process design.
Influence of the Concentration of Iodoacetic Acid Upon Excitability and Chemical Changes in Muscle

Summary1. There is conclusive evidence that iotloacetic acid slows the rate of lactic acid production in the anaerobic recovery period, and the slowing is in proportion to the concentration of the poison. 2. Iodoacetic acid does not accelerate removal of lactate under anaerobic conditions.
Dynamic Modeling and Prototyping for Low-Frequency Piezoelectric MEMS Vibration Energy Scavenging: VibES

The advancement in the field of wireless electronics for use in embedded systems and control system technologies is limited by the availability of efficient and portable power generation system. Harvesting ambient energy provides an excellent option to energize these low power wireless electronic applications. Low frequency vibrational energy scavenging of microelectromechanical system (MEMS) utilizing piezoelectric power generation can effectively serve this purpose. Initial fabrication has been carried out in terms of PZT film characterization, initial testing to verify the piezoelectric nature of the as coated PZT film, optimization of 125 μm thick nickel electroplating, and innovative cantilever release process based on inductively coupled plasma etching (Bosch Process) to increase the yield of working cantilever arrays on a die. An optimized process flow for the prototype fabrication was proposed and lead zirconium titanate (PZT) thin film deposition by sol-gel was characterized on three different bottom electrodes. The net effective yield in terms of working cantilevers on a die was increased to about 80% of over 500 cantilevers on a die. X-ray diffraction results revealed the perovskite phase formation of the as-coated PZT film with a [111] predominant crystal orientation. The as-coated PZT film was poled and the initial testing confirmed the piezoelectric nature of the film. The desired cantilever configuration was modeled such that its natural frequency lies approximately in the 200 Hz range while ensuring that the maximum stress generated in the structure does not exceed the yield strength of the material both in the static stage and in the dynamic stage. It was observed that positioning of the mass was a significant factor influencing the natural frequency of the structure. The analysis was performed for cantilever configurations made of silica, PZT, and nickel in which the effect of the thinner layers (electrodes) has been ignored. It was found that this configuration yields a natural frequency of 255 Hz which lies in the desired range of frequency (100-500 Hz).Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Standard rearing technique of Aedes albopictus in the laboratory

Objective To develop standard laboratory rearing techniques for Aedes albopictus in order to provide consistent,quality,standardized testing insects for use in pesticide experiments. Methods Using standard rearing techniques,the mosquitoes were bred under controlled rearing conditions. The reliability of multiregional rearing was examined based on the weight of female adults 3 days after eclosion from three batches of mosquitoes. Results All three batches resulting from standard rearing techniques yielded qualified Ae. albopictus based on the average weight,with high repeatability and low relative deviation(8.28%) of weights. As shown from the average weights of mosquitoes bred using different dietary formulas,all three approaches were applicable to different regions and the relative deviation was low(7.69%) . Conclusion The rearing technique was repeatable and effective in developing weight-uniform Ae. albopictus for pesticide experiments.
Epidemiology characteristics of school norovirus gastroenteritis outbreaks in Zhejiang Province

Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics and trend of norovirus gastroenteritis outbreaks in Zhejiang school,and to suggest the prevention and control priorities. Methods Descriptive epidemiological analysis was conducted on the incidence data of norovirus gastroenteritis outbreaks through the public health emergency surveillance system in Zhejiang from January 2011 to January 2015,and comparison was made with the national data during the same period and the data in Zhejiang from2004 to 2010. Results There were 20 outbreaks of norovirus gastroenteritis outbreaks with 1929 cases during 2011- 2015 in schools of Zhejiang province. The outbreaks almost occurred in primary and senior middle school,involving students aged 15- 19.The sex ratio of male and female was 1. 13∶ 1. Among 20 outbreaks,19 were induced by norovirus GⅡ infections,only 1 was induced by norovirus G I and GⅡ infections. Six outbreaks were caused by contaminated barrelled water,six were caused by tableware pollution,three were caused by close-contact with cases or contaminated items,two were caused by possible contaminated food,and another three for unknown reasons. Conclusion Outbreaks of school norovirus gastroenteritis usually occur during winter and spring in Zhejiang province,and the epidemic of disease was mainly associated with contaminated barrelled water,tableware and food polluted by norovirus.
A PRELIMINARY STUDY ON THE STRATIGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION AND ZOOGEOGRAPHICAL PROVINCE OF THE ORDOVICIAN CORALS OF CHINA

The earliest corals belonging to three sharply divergent phylogenetic branches of Anthozoa——Tabulata, Heliolitoidea and Rugosa appeared in the late Middle Ordovician (Pagoda stage) of China. In the Middle Ordovician, coral fauna from South China is characterized by Tabulata (Eofletcheria, Reuschia, Rhabdotetradium, Lichenaria, Amsassia, Fletcheriella, Troedssonites), Heliolitoidea (Protaraea, Plasmoporella, Heliolites, Proheliolites (?), Jiangshanolites) and Rugosa (Yohophyllum, Mingnanophyllum, Brachyelasma, Calostylis, Palaeophyllum, Favistella), while that from North China, by Rugosa (Favistella, Tryplasma) and Tabulata (Lichenaria, Catenipora). For the Upper Ordovician, the following tabulate, heliolitoid and rugose coral genera are characteristic of South China. Tabulata (Agetolites, Agetolitella, Calapoecia, Sarcinula, Reuschia, Eofletcheriella, Fletcheriella, Eofletcheria, Rhabdotetra dium, Tctradium, Catenipora, Kolymopora, Palaeofavosites, Nyctopora etc.); Heliolitoidea (Taeniolites, Stelliporella, Parastelliporella, Wormsipora, Neowormsipora, Acdalopora, Proheliolites, Heliolites, Propora, Plasmoporella, Sibiriolites, Neosibiriolites, Protaraea, Cosmiolithus, Palaeoporites etc.); Rugosa (Streptelasma, Brachyelasma, Lambeophyllum, Grewingkia, Favistella, Ditoecholasma, Sinkiangolasma, Tryplasma, Cantrillia, Neocantrillia, Cystocantrillia, Palaeophyllum etc.). At the same time, North China is characterized by Tabulata (Catenipora, Amsassia, Billingsaria, Saffordophyllum, Nyctopora, Palaeofavosites) and Heliolitoidea (Plasmoporella, Cyrtophyllum, Pycnolithus), in addition to abundant rugose genus. Favistella. Considering the distribution of the Ordovician corals in general, and the restriction of the Sarcinulids, Proporids and Agetolitids to South China in particular, we are convinced of the existence, at that time, of two faunal provinces, namely, South China and North China provinces. The South China province. In the Middle Ordovician, the coral fauna comprises Yohophyllum and Calostylis with Tabulata (Reuschia, Troedssonites) and the abundance of Plasmoporella. In the Upper Ordovician, one of the most characteristic features is the considerable development and distribution of Agetolitids (Agetolites, Agetolitella), Proporids (Plasmoporella), and Taeniolitids (Taeniolites) mixed with the Baltic Sarcinula, Proheliolites, Wormsipora and the North Americian-Siberian Calapoecia, Rhabdotetradium, Tetradium, Sibiriolites Favistella etc. The coral fauna of South China should occupy then an independent zoogeographical province. The North China province. During the Middle and Upper Ordovician, this province is characterized by various Lichenariids (Lichenaria, Amsassia, Saffordophyllum, Nyctopora), Favistellids (Favistella) as well as representatives of the genus Cyrtophyllem. They are most closely related to the faunas of the North Americian-Siberian province.
Survey of nutritional status in newly hospitalized patients with stage III or stage IV pressure ulcers.

Objective To examine the nutritional status of newly hospitalized patients with Stage III or Stage IV pressure ulcers. Design Descriptive survey. Study participants 405 newly admitted hospitalized non-ICU patients were eligible for inclusion in the study. Patients included in the study had Stage III or Stage IV pressure ulcers on their trunk, had weight indices available, and had prealbumin levels measured. One hundred and twenty patients were included in the analysis. Interventions and main outcome measures Measurements of weight, prealbumin and albumin levels, nutritional intake, type of diet, gender, age, type of pressure ulcer, and type of residence prior to admission. Results Analysis of the data revealed that a majority of the patients were elderly, had a Stage III sacral ulcer, were below their usual body weight, had a low prealbumin level, and were not taking in enough nutrition to meet their needs. Conclusion The results of this study suggest that a majority of newly hospitalized patients with severe pressure ulcers are malnourished and aggressive nutritional therapy may be warranted.
Stereotactic surgery in the management of intracranial disorders

Fifty-six stereotactic procedures (thirty-eight stereotactic biopsies, 13 stereotactic craniotomies, and 5 implantations of intracranial catheters) were performed on 54 patients at the University of Missouri between 1990 and 1994. In 89.5% of cases a definitive diagnosis was made by stereotactic biopsy with a major complication rate of 2.6%, rates comparable to other published series. Stereotactic craniotomy was associated with no mortality and minimal morbidity. Stereotactic surgery is a safe and effective technique that improves the management of many intracranial disorders.
Predicting complications in partial nephrectomy for T1a tumours: does approach matter?

Objectives To assess differences in complications after robot-assisted (RAPN) and open partial nephrectomy (OPN) among experienced surgeons. Patients and Methods We identified patients in our institutional review board-approved, prospectively maintained database who underwent OPN or RAPN for management of unifocal, T1a renal tumours at our institution between January 2011 and August 2015. The primary outcome measure was the rate of 30-day overall postoperative complications. Baseline patient factors, tumour characteristics and peri-operative factors, including approach, were evaluated to assess the risk of complications. Results Patients who underwent OPN were found to have a higher rate of overall complications (30.3% vs 18.2%; P = 0.038), with wound complications accounting for the majority of these events (11.8% vs 1.8%; P < 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed the open approach to be an independent predictor of overall complications (odds ratio 1.58, 95% confidence interval 1.03–2.43; P = 0.035). Major limitations of the study include its retrospective design and potential lack of generalizability. Conclusions The open surgical approach predicts a higher rate of overall complications after partial nephrectomy for unifocal, T1a renal tumours. For experienced surgeons, the morbidity associated with nephron-sparing surgery may be incrementally improved using the robot-assisted approach.
Epilogue: Journey’s End… or Is It?

Well, emerging researcher, you’ve been on quite a wild ride. Take a moment to ponder all you have accomplished. Developing a research question, formulating and implementing a methodology, and analyzing the data stretched your creativity, judgment, and perspective. But these feats, notable as they are, pale in comparison to writing your report.
Street Foods: Traditional Microenterprise in a Modernizing World

Action-research projects focused on poor women both collect information and design interventions to improve their livelihood. This approach is illustrated by studying street food vendors in Iloilo, Philippines. Findings document the importance of street foods as a source of income and of food. Interventions to improve both safe food handling and income were proposed and tested in Iloilo and Manila; a revisit after a decade shows their long-term impact on the vendors. Overall, this and six other studies comprising the street food project influenced policy changes by municipal, national, and international agencies and organizations. The conclusions challenge theoretical assumptions held by economists concerning the informal sector and by feminists regarding the family.
Neotropical Birds Online – A new resource for Caribbean ornithologists and birders

The Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology is pleased to announce the release of Neotropical Birds Online (neotropical.birds.cornell.edu/home), a new online resource for life history accounts of Neotropical birds. The scope of Neotropical Birds Online is all bird species that regularly occur in the Western Hemisphere, from Mexico and the Caribbean south to southernmost South America. The emphasis is on species that breed within this region, but the long term goal is to provide accounts for all species that occur regularly in the region.
On the mobility of carriers at semi-coherent oxide heterointerfaces

In the quest to develop new materials with enhanced ionic conductivity for battery and fuel cell applications, nano-structured oxides have attracted attention. Experimental reports indicate that oxide heterointerfaces can lead to enhanced ionic conductivity, but these same reports cannot elucidate the origin of this enhancement, often vaguely referring to pipe diffusion at misfit dislocations as a potential explanation. However, this highlights the need to understand the role of misfit dislocation structure at semi-coherent oxide heterointerfaces in modifying carrier mobilities. Here, we use atomistic and kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) simulations to develop a model of oxygen vacancy migration at SrTiO3/MgO interfaces, chosen because the misfit dislocation structure can be modified by changing the termination chemistry. We use atomistic simulations to determine the energetics of oxygen vacancies at both SrO and TiO2 terminated interfaces, which are then used as the basis of the KMC simulations. While this model is approximate (as revealed by select nudged elastic band calculations), it highlights the role of the misfit dislocation structure in modifying the oxygen vacancy dynamics. We find that oxygen vacancy mobility is significantly reduced at either interface, with slight differences at each interface due to the differing misfit dislocation structure. We conclude that if such semi-coherent oxide heterointerfaces induce enhanced ionic conductivity, it is not a consequence of higher carrier mobility.
Perampanel overdose causing a prolonged coma.

Sir,Perampanel is a novel, non-competitive, amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazlepropionic acid (AMPA) glutamate receptor antagonist that was approved for use in 2012 as an adjunctive therapy for the...
Pharmacology of G-Protein-linked Signaling in Cardiac Fibroblasts

The responses of CFs to individual hormones are beginning to be cataloged (Tables II, III and IV). It is not yet known whether CFs from subjects with cardiovascular diseases differ from “normal” CFs. Actions of hormones are likely much more complex in vivo than in vitro, as the example of β-adrenergic agonists makes clear. In addition, cross-talk amongst signaling pathways when cells are stimulated by multiple agonists complicates the picture and the overall responses. Moreover, although elevated cyclic AMP reduces collagen synthesis by CFs in culture, other components of the ECM, such as fibronectin, seem to be derived from genes with cyclic AMP response elements (CREs). Despite these complexities we believe that activation and blockade of cell surface receptors, especially G-protein linked, could be fruitful way of manipulating CF function in vivo.
Preclinical development of tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte therapy for metastatic colorectal cancer.

95Background: Immunotherapy has become an effective cancer therapy, particularly in the case of checkpoint blockade and adoptive T-cell therapy (ACT). ACT exploits the presence of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) by exponentially expanding their numbers ex vivo and re-infusing them into the patient in an autologous setting. With the effectiveness of TIL therapy already well established in multiple phase II studies in melanoma, there is a push to translate it to other cancers in need of improved therapies. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a cancer where the presence of TIL has been strongly correlated with increased survival. Metastatic CRC (mCRC) has a poor outcome with median overall survival of less than 3 years. At present anti-PD1 therapy is only active in the small subset of mCRC patients (4%) that are MSI-high. We sought to evaluate the ability to generate and characterize TIL from patients with mCRC to provide a rationale for future TIL therapy in this disease. Methods: To assess the feasibility of u...
Faithful Are the Wounds of a Friend

This chapter familiarizes the reader with the actions and personality traits of the Prophet Gad as a template for how a follower can effectively speak truth to power. It also explores the preferred communication styles of various leaders—which is critical to the process if the follower wants the message to be heard—and the four essential elements that give the articulator of truth a competitive edge. Complementary historical cases help to understand how a coalition within an entity can magnify the message of truth. To move from theory to practice, the reader is placed in the boardroom of a company on the brink of a flawed executive decision.
Research on the Handwriting Character Recognition Technology Based on the Image Statistical Characteristics

The research on the image pattern recognition has always been a hot topic. In this paper, the automatic identification technology of image is studied, the research contents include image preprocessing, image feature extraction and image content identification. BP neural network is used for the research on the image content identification. The processing methods in this article include the following steps, first, the pre-processing of the image. Including image de-noising and feature extraction; second, training the BP neural network with the processed handwriting character image; third, the recognition test of the unknown handwritten character. 95% recognition accuracy is realized, and the research has some practical application value.
Size-Dependent Physical and Electrochemical Properties of Two-Dimensional MXene Flakes

Two-dimensional (2D) particles, including transition metal carbides (MXenes), often exhibit large lateral-size polydispersity in delaminated colloidal solutions. This heterogeneity results in challenges when conducting fundamental studies, such as investigating correlations between properties and the 2D flake size. To resolve this challenge, we have developed solution-processable techniques to control and sort 2D titanium carbide (Ti3C2Tx) MXene flakes after synthesis based on sonication and density gradient centrifugation, respectively. By tuning the sonication conditions, Ti3C2Tx flakes with varied lateral sizes, ranging from 0.1 to ∼5 μm, can be obtained. Furthermore, density gradient centrifugation was used to sort Ti3C2Tx flakes with different lateral sizes into more monodisperse fractions. These processing techniques allow for the characterization of size-dependent optical and electronic properties by measuring the absorption spectra and film conductivity, respectively. Additionally, by testing the ...
Factor VII Antibody-neutralizing Material in Hereditary and Acquired Factor VII Deficiency

Evidence is provided for the existence of at least two types of hereditary factor VII deficiency. In one type there is synthesis of a protein which neutralizes a factor VII antibody but lacks coagulant activity. In the second type, no factor VII antibody neutralizing material is present. Evidence is also provided for the existence of two types of acquired factor VII deficiency. Apparently, low factor VII activity in liver disease results from decreased synthesis of factor VII protein. In contrast, warfarin administration or vitamin K deficiency leads to the synthesis of factor VII protein that lacks clotting activity.
Nitroxide Radical Adducts in Biology: Chemistry, Applications, and Pitfalls

Spin trapping is a technique in which a reactive free radical reacts with a double bond of a diamagnetic compound, the spin trap, to form a less reactive free radical, the spin adduct. Spin trapping is often necessary when the primary free radical cannot be observed by conventional ESR either because of low concentration or very short radical relaxation times which lead to very broad lines (Janzen, 1980).
Political Dimensions of Regional Economic Development

The developing countries face great challenges today. Population growth is excessive, resources are scarce, technology is outdated, the labor force is untrained, and capital formation is weak because of low income. These countries pay for imported capital since they must pay for the high import cost of energy. On the other hand, they allocate large sums of money for military expenditures even though their own people are starving.
The Crisis of World Order and the Constitutive Regime of the International System

Statespersons, scholars, and commentators of every political persuasion agree that we are currently witnessing a crisis of world order. It is widely assumed that the co-called ‘Liberal World Order’ that the United States constructed in the post-World War II years is collapsing. This Article interrogates and challenges this claim. This Article examines what it means to speak of ‘world order’. It argues that to understand the notion of ‘world order’, it is necessary to investigate the normative foundations of the international system. Therefore, this Article develops a theoretical construct that I call the Constitutive Regime of the International System to conceptualize the notion of world order. It argues that the international system is predicated on and governed by a Constitutive Regime that embodies a grand worldview – i.e. a theory of world order – that prescribes policies, practices, and rules of international law that are considered necessary for maintaining global order and stability. This regime, which is designed by the Great Powers of each historical epoch, shapes international and domestic politics. It determines the criteria and preconditions of statehood, thereby affecting how societies are organized and governed. It promotes certain methods for the conduct of world politics, and it establishes mechanisms for international lawmaking, thus providing the constitutive foundation of international law. A crisis of world order occurs when these basic normative assumptions about the nature of the international system and the processes of global governance are challenged. Having provided a conceptual framework for understanding the notion of ‘world order’, this Article then challenges the claim that the post-World War II ‘Liberal World Order’ is currently in a period of crisis. It argues that, beginning in the 1970s, the Liberal World Order of the post-World War II era was replaced by a neoliberal world order – in other words, a neoliberal Constitutive Regime. This Article shows how this neoliberal Constitutive Regime shaped virtually every aspect of world politics and provided the normative foundation of globalization during the closing decades of the twentieth century. The Article concludes with a discussion of the origins of the current crisis of world order and a reflection on the future of world order in an era of increased Great Power competition.
Nonlocal interactions in the ( d , p ) surrogate method for ( n , γ ) reactions

Background: Single-neutron transfer reactions populating states in the continuum are interesting both for structure and astrophysics. In their description often global optical potentials are used for the nucleon-target interactions, and these interactions are typically local. In our work, we study the effects of nonlocality in $(d,p)$ reactions populating continuum states. This work is similar to that of Titus and Nunes [Phys. Rev. C 89, 034609 (2014)] but now for transfer to the continuum.Purpose: A theory for computing cross sections for inclusive processes $A(d,p)X$ was explored in Potel et al. [Phys. Rev. C 92, 034611 (2015)]. Therein, local optical potentials were used to describe the nucleon-target effective interaction. The goal of the present work is to extend the theory developed in Potel et al. (2015) to investigate the effects of including nonlocality in the effective interaction on the relevant reaction observables.Method: We implement the $R$-matrix method to solve the nonlocal equations both for the nucleon wave functions and the propagator. We then apply the method to systematically study the inclusive process of $(d,p)$ on $^{16}\mathrm{O}, ^{40}\mathrm{Ca}, ^{48}\mathrm{Ca}$, and $^{208}\mathrm{Pb}$ at 10, 20, and 50 MeV. We compare the results obtained when nonlocal interactions are used with those obtained when local equivalent interactions are included.Results: We find that nonlocality affects different pieces of the model in complex ways. The competition between the reduction of the propagator and the neutron wave function in the region of interest and the increase of the magnitude of the interaction produces varying effects on the cross section. Depending on the beam energy and the target, the nonelastic breakup can either increase or decrease. Effects on the heavier targets can be as large as $85%$.Conclusions: While the nonelastic transfer cross section for each final spin state can change considerably, the main prediction of the model [Potel et al. (2015)], namely the shape of the spin distributions, remains largely unaltered by nonlocality.
A LITERATURALIZAÇÃO DAS CIÊNCIAS NO CONTEXTO ACADÊMICO – UNILASALLE: HIBRIDISMO DAS LINGUAGENS E METÁFORAS EPISTÊMICAS

O contexto atual e contemporâneo e cibercultural, sendo necessario reconfigurar as praticas pedagogicas na educacao, especificamente na educacao On-line. Assim, para haver congruencia entre as praticas pedagogicas e as tecnologias digitais (TD), na Universidade La Salle (UNILASALLE) construimos a releitura da “Alice do Pais das Maravilhas” para a “Alice na Contemporaneidade”, em uma historia narrada no E-book: “Educacao, Tecnologias e Cibercultura”, para disciplina de mesmo nome, componente curricular do curso de Pedagogia. No E-book abordamos elementos fantasticos e cientificos para explorar a realidade. Assim, refletiremos sobre como o Hibridismo das Linguagens e as Metaforas Epistemicas, contempladas no E-book, potencializam o processo de aprendizagem dos estudantes. A metodologia delimitada para essa pesquisa e Estudo de Caso, a partir da exploracao do E-book na integra com os estudantes do semestre de 2018-1. No desenvolver deste artigo distinguiremos a modalidade EAD e a Educacao On-line, para melhor compreensao do nosso proposito, descrevendo sobre como a narrativa do E-book e tecida pela literaturalizacao das ciencias. Por meio da analise dos dados empiricos, evidenciamos que os estudantes utilizam esses elementos para a construcao do conhecimento, atribuindo significado aos conteudos e as TD.Palavras-Chave: Literaturalizacao das Ciencias; Hibridismo das Linguagens, Metaforas Epistemicas.