cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Atomoxetine for the Treatment of ADHD in Incarcerated Adolescents

Effective interventions for adolescents with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the correctional setting may improve care during incarceration, decrease risk of substance relapse, and reduce recidivism after release from the correctional setting of these individuals. The present report delineates the epidemiology of adolescent ADHD in the correctional setting and its association with substance use disorders and comorbid psychiatric illnesses. Evidence suggests that adolescents with ADHD have a higher risk of arrest and incarceration during adulthood. The present report examines evidence related to efficacy of atomoxetine, a nonstimulant medication for the treatment of adolescent ADHD, and presents data from a case series evaluating the effectiveness of atomoxetine for the treatment of adolescent ADHD in the Connecticut correctional setting. The results from the case series suggest that atomoxetine is effective for the treatment of adolescent ADHD in the context of significant past substance use. In summary, adolescents with ADHD have an elevated risk of incarceration and developing substance use disorders. The present review and pilot case series suggest that atomoxetine is an effective treatment for adolescents with ADHD in the correctional setting.
Radioimmunoassay of conjugated cholyl bile acids in serum.

A rapid, sensitive, specific, and valid radioimmunoassay for conjugated cholyl bile acids has been developed. It uses antiserum, produced in rabbits, to cholylglycine coupled by amide linkage to bovine serum albumin. In a radioimmunoassay system, [3H]cholylglycine and antibody reached equilibrium in 1 hr at 42 C. Bound antigen was precipitated by polyethylene glycol, and the free antigen in the supernate was determined by liquid scintillation spectrometry. The displacement curve was linear when the percentage binding of tracer was plotted against logarithmic increase of unlabeled cholylglycine from 5 to 80 pmoles. The antibody bound cholylglycine and cholyltaurine similarly but showed much less affinity for conjugated dihydroxy bile acids or unconjugated bile acids. Cholesterol and hormonal steroids were not bound. The final assay method used less than 0.1 ml of serum and was validated by showing close agreement between radioimmunoassay values and those determined by gas liquid chromatography. In 40 fasting normal subjects, serum levels of immunoreactive conjugated cholyl bile acids were less than 1 μΜ (0.54 ± 0.04 μΜ, mean ± se ). This method should be useful for assessing hepatic function in health and disease.
Aging and Rejuvenation: Insights from Rusty Gage, Leonard Guarente, and Amy Wagers.

From the Editor: As the theme of this special issue is centered on ‘Aging and Rejuvenation’, we collected pointed insights on the timeliness of this topic of discussion as well as on some of the directions in which this research area appears to be headed. What are some of the global views on aging and which concepts should we be thinking about? Trends in Molecular Medicine posed several questions to three experts in the field who have a formidable grasp on age-related diseases and the concept of rejuvenation.
Evaluation of Nucleic Acid Preservation Cards for West Nile Virus Testing in Dead Birds.

The California West Nile virus (WNV) Dead Bird Surveillance Program (DBSP) is an important component of WNV surveillance in the state. We evaluated FTA™ and RNASound™ cards as an alternative method for sampling dead birds for WNV molecular testing as these cards allow for more cost effective, rapid, and safer diagnostic sampling than the shipment of bird carcasses. To evaluate accuracy of results among avian sampling regimes, Reverse-Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) results from FTA™ and RNASound™ cards were compared with results from kidney tissue, brain tissue, or oral swabs in lysis buffer in 2012–2013. In addition, RT-PCR results were compared with results from oral swabs tested by rapid antigen tests (RAMP™ and VecTOR™). While test results from the cards were not as sensitive as kidney tissue testing, they were more likely to provide accurate results than rapid antigen tests, and detected WNV in corvids as well as in other passerines, raptors, and waterfowl. Overall, WNV RT-PCR cycle threshold (Ct) scores from the cards were higher than those from tissue testing, but both card products displayed high sensitivity and specificity. American Crow samples provided the highest sensitivity. The cards also proved to be easier and more convenient vehicles for collecting and shipping samples, and in 2014 our program launched use of RNASound™ cards in the DBSP. Both FTA™ and RNASound™ products displayed 96% agreement with tissue results and are an adequate alternative sampling method for WNV dead bird testing.
Behavioral Effects of Clomipramine on Prepubertal Boys With Autistic Disorder and Severe Mental Retardation

In an open nonblind clinical trial, clomipramine was administered to five previously medicated prepubertal boys with autistic disorder and severe mental retardation unmanageable due to behavior and motor problems. Although all five boys initially displayed marked behavioral symptom reduction, they developed behavioral newotoxicity necessitating discontinuation of clomipramine for all five and immediate hospitalization for three. Serious adverse effects included increased seizure frequency and symptoms of a serotonin syndrome. Our findings indicate that clomipramine enhances adaptive behavior and produces serious adverse effects in severely retarded autistic children whose symptoms were complicated by dyskinesias.
Energy-water nexus: Balancing the tradeoffs between two-level decision makers

Abstract Energy-water nexus has substantially increased importance in the recent years. Synergistic approaches based on systems-analysis and mathematical models are critical for helping decision makers better understand the interrelationships and tradeoffs between energy and water. In energy-water nexus management, various decision makers with different goals and preferences, which are often conflicting, are involved. These decision makers may have different controlling power over the management objectives and the decisions. They make decisions sequentially from the upper level to the lower level, challenging decision making in energy-water nexus. In order to address such planning issues, a bi-level decision model is developed, which improves upon the existing studies by integration of bi-level programming into energy-water nexus management. The developed model represents a methodological contribution to the challenge of sequential decision-making in energy-water nexus through provision of an integrated modeling framework/tool. An interactive fuzzy optimization methodology is introduced to seek a satisfactory solution to meet the overall satisfaction of the two-level decision makers. The tradeoffs between the two-level decision makers in energy-water nexus management are effectively addressed and quantified. Application of the proposed model to a synthetic example problem has demonstrated its applicability in practical energy-water nexus management. Optimal solutions for electricity generation, fuel supply, water supply including groundwater, surface water and recycled water, capacity expansion of the power plants, and GHG emission control are generated. These analyses are capable of helping decision makers or stakeholders adjust their tolerances to make informed decisions to achieve the overall satisfaction of energy-water nexus management where bi-level sequential decision making process is involved.
TREATMENT OF DIABETES MELLITUS IN A GOLDEN LION TAMARIN (LEONTOPITHECUS ROSALIA) WITH THE GLUCAGON-LIKE PEPTIDE-1 MIMETIC EXENATIDE.

Abstract An 8-yr-old male golden lion tamarin (Leontopithecus rosalia) was diagnosed with diabetes mellitus based on hyperglycemia and persistent glycosuria. Initial treatment consisted of the oral antihyperglycemic medications glipizide and metformin that resulted in decreased blood glucose concentrations; however, marked glycosuria persisted. Insufficient improvement on oral antihyperglycemic therapy and poor feasibility of daily subcutaneous insulin therapy led to an investigation into an alternative therapy with extended-release exenatide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) mimetic, at a dosage of 0.13 mg/kg subcutaneously once per month. Following treatment with exenatide, the persistent glycosuria resolved, the animal maintained normal blood glucose concentrations, and had lower serum fructosamine concentrations compared to pretreatment levels. Based on these findings, extended-release exenatide could be considered as a therapeutic option in nonhuman primates with diabetes mellitus that do not respon...
A Vulnerable Moment

It was in the first month of my internal medicine residency when I clearly killed my first patient.
Direct observation of a p-τ curve in a slant stacked wave field

abstract The well known Wiechert-Herglotz technique for computing a velocity-depth profile from refraction seismograms uses data in the form of ray parameter as a function of intercept time (a p-τ curve). The technique of slant stacking used by reflection seismologists automatically produces a p-τ curve from a common shot profile, thereby bypassing arbitrary travel-time picking and several intermediate calculations of previous methods. Successful preliminary results are presented for both synthetic and real data. This method deteriorates for widely separated geophones and where a number of apparent sources with low inter-source coherency coexist in a single profile, but is capable of completely sorting out triplications in data with less extreme contrasts without human intervention.
Acculturation and post-migration psychological symptoms among Iraqi refugees: A path analysis

Refugees frequently experience symptoms of posttraumatic stress and depression, which impede their acculturation in the new host country where they are resettling. There are few longitudinal studies investigating predictors of mental health and acculturation during the early postmigration period. We conducted a longitudinal study of 298 Iraqi refugees, assessing them upon arrival to the U.S. and 1 year after migration. Premigration trauma was associated with increased PTSD and depressive symptoms at baseline, and with decreased acculturation 1 year later. Resilience was associated with depressive symptoms at 1-year follow-up, but not with other resettlement outcomes (PTSD symptoms, English-language skills, or acculturation). PTSD and depressive symptoms at baseline predicted the same symptoms at 1-year follow-up, but not any other resettlement outcomes. The number of chronic diseases at baseline predicted worse PTSD and depressive symptoms, acculturation, and English language skills at 1-year follow up. Postmigratory exposure to daily stressors and less social support predicted worse 1-year outcomes. Results suggest that interventions that aim to improve mental health and promote acculturation among refugees should assess their history of trauma, chronic disorders, and psychological symptoms soon after migration, and promptly provide opportunities for social support. (PsycINFO Database Record
Abstract WP157: Stroke Risk Factors for Women With Preeclampsia in New York State, 2008-2012: a Case Control Study

Introduction: Pregnancy-associated stroke (PAS) remains among the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality. Up to 20% of women with PAS have preeclampsia or eclampsia (PEC). However, PEC is relatively common (∼3.4% of pregnancies), while PAS is rare (∼20 per 100,000 deliveries). It is not clear what risk factors differentiate women with PEC who develop PAS. Hypothesis: Identifying risk factors for stroke in women with PEC could help identify women at highest risk for PAS. Methods: We used the 2008-2012 New York State Department of Health Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS) inpatient sample database to identify pregnant or postpartum women (APR MDC 14) aged 12-50 with mild to severe preeclampsia (642.4x-642.5x) or eclampsia (642.6x). We compared non-stroke PEC patients (controls) to those with ischemic (ICD-9 433.xx, 434.xx, 436), ICH (ICD-9 431), SAH (ICD-9 430), and non-specified pregnancy-related strokes, including post-partum stroke (ICD-9 671.7, 674.0-674.4). Risk factors included delivery type (C-section vs vaginal), age, multigravida, primary hypercoagulable state, pre-existing diabetes, obesity and migraine. The associations between risk factors and stroke were evaluated using generalized estimating equation logistic regression adjusting for patients’ re-hospitalizations to calculate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (OR, 95%CI) for stroke . Results: There were 85 stroke cases and 41,634 PEC controls without stroke. A majority of strokes in PEC patients occurred postpartum (n=76, 89.4%). Stroke patients were more likely to have eclampsia (OR: 24.7, 95%CI: 15.6-39.3) or severe pre-eclampsia (OR: 1.6, 95%CI: 1.0-2.5) compared to non-stroke patients. In multivariable analyses, being multigravida (OR: 1.4, 95%CI 1.3-1.6), primary hypercoagulable state (OR:2.1, 95%CI 1.8-2.4) and migraine (OR 2.3, 95%CI 2.1-2.5) were also risk factors for stroke. Conclusions: Women with eclampsia were at at the highest risk for pregnancy-associated stroke. Several other risk factors for stroke in women with preeclampsia may also help identify women who warrant closer monitoring for neurological symptoms in the peripartum period.
Studying political communication on Twitter: the case for small data

Big data has dramatically changed the study of political communications online as researchers access massive feeds of data on social media behavior, networks, and language. However, the nature political communication remains inherently message-driven, where the composition, timing, and metaphor are necessary components of the overall message. This article surveys research on political communication on Twitter and classifies it into seven subjective domains of research. The methodological approaches that have been applied toward these domains include quantitative technique studying the size, shape, profile of the networks and their nodes; large-scale data mining techniques applied to study the contents of Twitter messaging; and qualitative methods for in-depth study of messages. Showing that qualitative research methods have extended our understanding of political communications domains, we propose that small data approaches, through interpretive analysis and commentary by human readers, can be coupled with large-scale data analysis for deeper, contextual understanding of political messaging.
Seeing Precarity: Rhetorical Citizenship, Global Images, and Rhetorical Ethics in the Global Classroom

This chapter examines how transnational networks and rhetorics condition the ways students perceive rhetorical and ethical obligations toward others and draws together work in visual culture and rhetoric to develop an understanding of rhetorical citizenship as a process of critical spectatorship. The chapter argues for the role of critical spectatorship as a process of transnational rhetorical citizenship. Drawing on contemporary theories of spectatorship, photography, and visual rhetoric, as well as examples from rhetoric classes, the chapter explores rhetorical strategies for enabling students to navigate the difficult ground between representation, ethics, and rhetorical efficacy.
Developmental instability of the cerebellum and its relevance to Down syndrome.

It has been recognized for many years that cerebellar abnormalities are frequently observed in association with Down syndrome (DS). An important question to be asked about these and other findings in DS is whether their occurrence (i) is attributable to specific loci on the triplicated chromosome or chromosomal segment or (ii) derives from exaggerated responses secondary to the genetic imbalance resulting from trisomy (Ts). Recently, similar cerebellar alterations were observed in subjects with DS and in Ts65Dn mice (Baxter et al., 2000), mice segmentally trisomic for a portion of chromosome 16, which is homologous for loci on the long arm of human chromosome 21. It was concluded by these authors that the occurrence of similar cerebellar changes in DS and in the DS mouse model resulted from triplication of these homologous loci in the two trisomic organisms, i.e. cerebellar development is affected similarly by homologous loci in each species. They wrote that their study of Ts65Dn mice “correctly predicts an analagous pathology in humans” ... and that... “The candidate region of genes on chromosome 21 affecting cerebellar development in DS is therefore delimited to the subset of genes whose orthologs are at dosage imbalance in Ts65Dn mice, providing the first localization of genes affecting a neuroanatomical phenotype in DS.” Findings described in this review suggest otherwise — that cerebellar findings in DS and in the Ts65Dn mouse are a result of exaggerated vulnerability in general of the cerebellum to disturbing events and that liability to expression of response(s) is exacerbated by trisomy. This conclusion is based on the following: (i) the cerebellum has an extended postnatal development; (ii) numerous genetic, environmental, epigenetic and metabolic conditions express cerebellar changes similar to those observed in Down syndrome; (iii) most if not all chromosomal imbalance syndromes express similar cerebellar abnormalities; (iv) the cerebellum is particularly sensitive to diverse toxic agents which may act prenatally, postnatally and/or in the mature organism; and (v) cerebellar abnormalities similar to those found in Ts65Dn mice have been described in Tsl9 mice which have no segments homologous to any segment of human chromosome 21. An unavoidable conclusion from the review is that triplication of specific loci on 21q is an unlikely explanation for the cerebellar findings in DS. A simple positive control, in which the effect of triplication of loci other than those in question on a specific phenotype, should be used in experiments comparing human and experimental trisomies. As pointed out many years ago by Lorke and his coworkers (Lorke et al., 1989; Lorke, 1994; Lorke and Albrecht, 1994) similar phenotypic findings in the presence of different trisomies in the same species would suggest that the trisomic state itself rather than the gene content of a particular trisomy is responsible for the genesis of traits at issue.
Demographic, clinical and geographical factors associated with lack of receipt of recommended chemotherapy.

e13563Background: There have been significant advances in the systemic treatment of breast cancer over the past decade. Identifying factors associated with disparities in the receipt of chemotherap...
NMR-based metabolomic approach to differentiate organic and conventional Italian honey

Abstract Honey represents a well appreciated food product endowed with several beneficial properties. In these last decades organic agriculture highly impacted social and political thought involving also honey production. To the best of our knowledge, no studies are present in literature focusing the differentiation of organic and conventional honeys. The present study demonstrated the capability of the combined use of 1H NMR spectroscopy and chemometrics, to address this important issue. Specifically Italian polyflower, chestnut and acacia honeys have been differentiated on the basis of the water soluble compounds, by taking the advantage of the application of Orthogonal Signal Correction (OSC) filters on 1H NMR data leading to highlight molecules responsible for sample differentiation. Succinate and acetate resulted the common compounds characterizing all conventional honey samples along with other different metabolites specific of each botanical origins, while a higher content of kynurate was observed for organic chestnut honeys. Moreover the HMF content was quantified by 1H NMR to evaluate sample freshness, thus confirming the content largely below the acceptance limit of 40 mg kg−1 for all samples.
Numerical analysis of Bragg polarization gratings

Here we study Bragg regime polarization gratings (PGs) using an anisotropic rigorous coupled-wave analysis method. We simulate the most important diffraction properties without paraxial approximation, including the angular, spectral, and polarization responses. We first focus on the angular and spectral bandwidths of the transmissive and reflective Bragg PGs optimized for normal incidence. The effects of material birefringence and average index of refraction were investigated. Second, we examine the nonideal Bragg PGs with nonplanar director profiles and identified degradation in optical performance due to the high tilt of the liquid crystal director. Third, we simulate the polarization response of both types of Bragg PGs and observed complicated angular dependence of the polarization output. Qualitatively, good agreement can be observed between the simulation results and prior experimental work. Finally, we fit the measured angular and polarization data to retrieve actual grating parameters and demonstrated excellent quantitative correspondence, which can be particularly useful in closing the gap between design and fabrication.
Human Survival Motor Neuron genes generate a vast repertoire of circular RNAs

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) perform diverse functions, including the regulation of transcription, translation, peptide synthesis, macromolecular sequestration and trafficking. Inverted Alu repeats capable of forming RNA:RNA duplexes that bring splice sites together for backsplicing are known to facilitate circRNA generation. However, higher limits of circRNAs produced by a single Alu-rich gene are currently not predictable due to limitations of amplification and analyses. Here, using a tailored approach, we report a surprising diversity of exon-containing circRNAs generated by the Alu-rich Survival Motor Neuron (SMN) genes that code for SMN, an essential multifunctional protein in humans. We show that expression of the vast repertoire of SMN circRNAs is universal. Several of the identified circRNAs harbor novel exons derived from both intronic and intergenic sequences. A comparison with mouse Smn circRNAs underscored a clear impact of primate-specific Alu elements on shaping the overall repertoire of human SMN circRNAs. We show the role of DHX9, an RNA helicase, in splicing regulation of several SMN exons that are preferentially incorporated into circRNAs. Our results suggest self- and cross-regulation of biogenesis of various SMN circRNAs. These findings bring a novel perspective towards a better understanding of SMN gene function.
New technologies and applications in infant B cell immunology.

The human immune system changes dramatically with age, and early life exposures to pathogens and environmental antigens begin the formation of immune memory which influences subsequent responses later in life. To study infant immunity, sample-sparing experimental methods that extract maximal data from small samples of blood or other tissues are needed; fortunately, recent developments in high-throughput sequencing and multiplexed labeling and measurement of markers on cells are well-suited to these tasks. Here, we review some recent studies of infant immune responses to infectious disease, highlighting similarities and differences between infants and adults, and identifying important questions for future research. Recent clinical trials in food allergy have revealed the critical role of immunological events in the first year of life that determine an individual’s risk of developing peanut allergy; these also warrant thorough evaluation using the new immune monitoring tools.
Seismic evaluation of repaired multi-column bridge bent using static and dynamic analysis

Abstract Simulation of the cyclic response of a structurally deficient as-built reinforced concrete three-column bridge bent is conducted. The bent had deficient seismic details and was previously tested under cyclic loads in the field; damage included concrete crushing and longitudinal steel buckling at the column ends. A fiber-based bridge bent model is developed in OpenSees which includes soil-structure interaction (SSI) using simplified springs. The in-situ test of the as-built bent is used to validate the model. Subsequently, the damaged bent is conceptually repaired with a carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) enlarged column cross-section, denoted as “CFRP donut”, which includes a CFRP shell, headed steel bars, nonshrink concrete and a steel collar at the column bottom ends; CFRP composite jackets are employed above the CFRP donut to increase column shear and confinement. Design guidelines of the repair using a simplified strut-and-tie model (STM) are presented. A comparison of the as-built and repaired bridge bents under nonlinear static pushover analysis, incremental dynamic analysis (IDA), and fragility analysis using 22 far-field ground motions shows that the repair method is successful.
Polytrauma Transitional Rehabilitation in the Veterans Administration: Implementing the Principles of Person-Centered, Participation-Oriented Rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVE To review principles of person-centered, participation-oriented (PCPO) rehabilitation and introduce their implementation in Veterans Administration (VA) Polytrauma Transitional Rehabilitation Programs (PTRPs). BACKGROUND Post-hospital rehabilitation for individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI) has evolved toward PCPO rehabilitation, an approach that makes participation goals identified by the person served and his or her significant others the primary focus of rehabilitation. Goals to reduce impairments and increase activities contribute to the achievement of primary participation goals. Research, primarily in the nonveteran population, confirms the effectiveness of PCPO rehabilitation. OVERVIEW In the civilian sector, PCPO programs are generally provided locally or regionally in outpatient or community settings to individuals with moderate-severe ABI associated with other traumatic injuries and comorbidities. Because of the geographical dispersion of veterans, the VA provides these services in residential centers serving larger geographical areas. The group of veterans served more often has sustained milder traumatic ABI associated with neuropsychiatric comorbidities, particularly posttraumatic stress disorder and depression. Measuring progress and outcome is important to establish a feedback loop for process improvement. VA PTRPs use state-of-the-science standardized outcome measures and methods for identifying successful cases, that is, the minimal clinically important difference. Vocational reintegration is an important element of PCPO rehabilitation. Articles in this special section detail the development and effectiveness of PTRPs.
Phillis Wheatley Chooses Freedom: History, Poetry, and the Ideals of the American Revolution

In Phillis Wheatley Chooses Freedom: History, Poetry, and the Ideals of the American Revolution, historian G. J. Barker-Benfield provides fresh insights into the life of an African American woman w...
Cost Implications of Varying the Surgical Setting and Anesthesia Type for De Quervain Release Surgery.

Background First extensor compartment release is a common surgical procedure that represents a financial burden to the health care system. Questions/Purposes Study questions included (1) whether surgical encounter costs differ based upon surgical setting (operating room [OR] vs. procedure room [PR]) or (2) based upon anesthesia choice (local only, Bier's block [BB], monitored anesthesia care [MAC], or general [GA]) for De Quervain release (DQR). Patients and Methods Consecutive adult patients undergoing isolated unilateral DQR at a single academic medical center were identified retrospectively by Current Procedural Terminology code (25000). Using our institution's information technology value tools, we calculated total direct costs for each surgical encounter. Costs were adjusted to January 2016 dollars using the Consumer Price Index, normalized using each participant's surgical encounter cost divided by the median cost in the PR group, then compared across each group using Kruskal–Wallis and Nemenyi's post hoc pair-wise tests. Multivariable gamma regression analysis with a log link was performed to identify factors associated with surgical costs. QuickDASH (disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and the hand) scores were compared using a t-test at final follow-up. Results Among 58 included patients, 29% (17/58) were treated in the PR and 71% (41/58) in the OR. Compared with local only in the PR, all other groups were significantly more costly. Multivariable gamma regression indicated that use of OR/BB, OR/MAC, or OR/GA independently led to 211, 222, and 357% greater surgical costs as compared with the PR with local only while controlling for provider and patient age. Furthermore, QuickDASH scores were similar between PR and OR groups at final follow-up. Conclusion Performing DQR in the PR setting under local only anesthesia yields greater value than the OR, as patient-reported outcomes are similar despite significantly lower surgical costs. Level of Evidence This is a Level III, cost analysis study.
Image-guided resection of lumbar monostotic fibrous dysplasia: A case report and technical note.

Background Monostotic fibrous dysplasia rarely involves the lumbar spine. Although its optimal surgical management is unknown, some recommend complete resection to decrease the likelihood of future recurrence. Case description A 41-year-old female presented with fibrous dysplasia involving the right L4 lamina and spinous process. Following image-guided en bloc resection, the patient remained asymptomatic without evidence of recurrence 8 months later. Conclusion Image-guided excision of monostotic fibrous dysplasia involving the right L4 lamina and spinous process was successfully performed without clinical or radiographic evidence of recurrence within 8 postoperative months.
African Swine Fever Virus CD2v protein promotes β-Interferon expression and apoptosis in swine cells

African swine fever (ASF) is a disease of swine characterized by massive lymphocyte depletion in lymphatic tissues due to apoptosis of B and T cells, most likely triggered by proteins or factors secreted by infected adjacent macrophages. Here we describe a role for the ASF virus (ASFV) protein CD2v in apoptosis induction in lymphocytes. CD2v is a viral homolog of host CD2 that has been implicated in viral virulence and immunomodulation in vitro; however, its actual function remains unknown. We show that CD2v is secreted into culture medium of CD2v-expressing swine cells; and expression of- or treatment with CD2v led to significant induction of IFN-β/ISGs transcription and antiviral state. CD2v expression led to enhanced NF-κB-p65 nuclear translocation in these cultures and incubation with a NF-κB inhibitor reduced CD2v-induced NF-κB-p65 nuclear translocation and IFN-β transcription. We show that CD2v binds CD58, the natural CD2 ligand, and that CD58 siRNA knock-down results in significant reduction in NF-κB-p65 nuclear translocation and IFN-β transcription. Treatment of swine PBMC with purified CD2v led to enhanced NF-κB-p65 nuclear translocation and induction of IFN-β transcription. Further, induction of caspase-3 and PARP1 cleavage was observed in these swine PBMC at later times, providing a mechanism for CD2v-induced apoptosis of lymphocytes. Finally, IFN-β induction and NF-κB activation was inhibited in swine PBMC treated with purified CD2v pre-incubated with antibodies against CD2v. Overall, our results indicate that ASFV CD2v is an immunomodulatory protein that, by promoting lymphocyte apoptosis, may contribute to bystander lymphocyte depletion observed during ASFV infection in pigs.
Metabolic abnormalities in G6PC3-deficient human neutrophils result in severe functional defects

Severe congenital neutropenia type 4 (SCN-4) is an autosomal recessive condition in which mutations in the G6PC3 gene encoding for the catalytic 3 subunit of glucose-6-phosphatase-β result in neutropenia, neutrophil dysfunction, and other syndromic features. We report a child with SCN-4 caused by compound heterozygous mutations in G6PC3, a previously identified missense mutation in exon 6 (c.758G>A[p.R235H]), and a novel missense mutation in exon 2 (c.325G>A[p.G109S]). The patient had recurrent bacterial infections, inflammatory bowel disease, neutropenia, and intermittent thrombocytopenia. Administration of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) resolved the neutropenia and allowed for detailed evaluation of human neutrophil function. Random and directed migration by the patient's neutrophils was severely diminished. Associated with this were defects in CD11b expression and F-actin assembly. Bactericidal activity at bacteria/neutrophil ratios >1:1 was also diminished and was associated with attenuated ingestion. Superoxide anion generation was <25% of control values, but phox proteins appeared quantitatively normal. Extensive metabolomics analysis at steady state and upon incubation with stable isotope-labeled tracers (U-13C-glucose, 13C,15N-glutamine, and U-13C-fructose) demonstrated dramatic impairments in early glycolysis (hexose phosphate levels), hexosemonophosphate shunt (required for the generation of the NADPH), and the total adenylate pool, which could explain the dramatic cell dysfunction displayed by the patient's neutrophils. Preliminary experiments with fructose supplementation to bypass the enzyme block demonstrated that the metabolic profile could be reversed, but was not sustained long enough for functional improvement. In human deficiency of G6PC3, metabolic defects resulting from the enzyme deficiency account for diverse neutrophil functional defects and present a major risk of infection.
The Effects of Physician and Hospital Integration on Medicare Beneficiaries' Health Outcomes

We consider whether hospital acquisitions of physicians lead to improved clinical outcomes for Medicare patients aged 65 and older. The analysis combines 2005-2012 Medicare fee-forservice and enrol...
Evolution in size and structural order for incipient soot formed at flame temperatures greater than 2100 K

Abstract Soot formed in flames hotter than conventional combustion applications is expected to undergo unique formation processes and develop a carbon structure distinct from typical soot. A complementary experimental and modeling approach is reported here to assess flame temperature and equivalence ratio effects for soot formed in the higher-temperature regime (1950 K
Evaluation of the Patient

The evaluation of the patient with inflammatory myopathy takes into account the history, physical findings, and ancillary examinations, including laboratory assessment, electromyography, imaging studies, and muscle biopsy. Weakness and its pattern of presentation are the cardinal features. Rash should also be evaluated, if present. Beyond these systems, the possibility of pulmonary, gastrointestinal, or cardiac involvement should be considered and vascular abnormalities, as well as calcification, noted. In active disease, elevation of the activities of certain enzymes in the serum (e.g., creatine kinase) and of serum myoglobin will reflect their loss from muscle tissue and may serve as guides to disease severity or course. Clinical evaluation of these elements, carried out in an ongoing manner, can be used to assess progress and response to therapy.
Postoperative timing of computed tomography scans for abscess in pediatric appendicitis

Abstract Background One-quarter to one half of pediatric appendicitis patients present with ruptured appendicitis and about 3%–25% go on to form postoperative intra-abdominal abscesses. The optimal timing of postoperative imaging for suspected abscess formation has been a subject of debate. Methods All patients who underwent appendectomy for complex appendicitis and were not discharged before postoperative day (POD) #5 from April 2012–October 2014 were identified. Patients were stratified into groups for comparison as follows: group 1 had postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans before POD#7 ( n = 26) and group 2 did not ( n = 169). Group 2 was further divided into those who were afebrile (group 2a, n = 106) or febrile (group 2b, n = 63) at POD#5. Results A total of 195 patients met criteria. Early use of CT scans resulted in more drainage procedures (group 1, 73.1% versus group 2b, 28.6%, P versus 9.5%). The groups had equivalent lengths of stay (11.9 versus 9.8 d, P = 0.10) and readmission rates due to abscesses (19.2% group 1 versus 6.3%, group 2b, P = 0.12) with no septic events. In total, 130 of the 169 patients (76.9%) in group 2 had resolution of symptoms before discharge without intervention with readmission for abscess in only 5.9%. Conclusions Waiting until POD#7 before scanning led to fewer drainage procedures and recurrent CT scans without increasing length of stay or readmission rates. Most complex appendicitis patients still admitted at POD#5 had resolution of symptoms without need for intervention.
Pluralism in Legal Education at the American University of Afghanistan

This paper provides an overview of the new law program at AUAF, from the establishment of the first law courses to today's full law degree. One significant observation to take from AUAF is that the law program pursues a uniquely heterodox and poly-jural approach to legal education where civil law, Islamic law, and traditional justice each form integral components of the curriculum. Hopefully, detailing the law program will provide insights for similar rule of law endeavors in developing and conflict regions. Part II of the Article provides an overview of legal pluralism in Afghanistan. Even a cursory glance at Afghanistan's legal history reveals the normative legal tensions between civil law, Islamic law, and traditional justice. Each of these traditions commands a certain level of authority in Afghanistan. Part III of the article explains how the notion of legal tradition, rather than legal system, serves as a better basis for legal education. By temporarily leaving the jurisdictional constraints on law in Afghanistan and entering the realm of legal traditions, students can view law as part of a vast repertoire of normative information, where no tradition has pre-eminence and conversations across traditions are possible. Part IV of the article details the law program at AUAF. Significantly, the program is poly-jural, providing students with significant exposure to civil law, Islamic law, and traditional justice. AUAF does not adopt the approach of many Afghan universities where instruction follows a law-as-rule approach. Rather, by utilizing the notion of legal traditions, students are encouraged to reflect on the analytical ambiguity inherent to law that facilitates its ability to change and evolve. The article ends with some preliminary reflections on the challenge of implementing the program at AUAF.
Relational Closure and the Rank Function

In this chapter we introduce two ideas important for the work to follow. The first of these is relational closure. In later chapters we will be especially interested in sets that are transitive. While there exist sets that are not transitive every set has a transitive extension. Indeed, every set has a smallest transitive extension which we call its transitive closure.
Editor’s Note: My Architect (1930-2007)

For years, I was constructing myself to build a house. And he was busy with his work. In childhood, Construction toys for building model houses, Crafting boards, glue, and scissors, Carpentry wood, saw, nails, and hammer, Brushes, watercolors, oil paints, and canvasses planted the joy of architecture in my heart. And he was busy with his work. In the primary and secondary schools, And then in Tehran University's Technical College (of civil engineering), and U.C. Berkeley's Department of Architecture, Arithmetic classes, and those on geometry and mathematics, Classes on algebra and spatial geometry, Design classes, and courses on drafting and architectural styles, Planted the techniques of architecture in my hands. And he was busy with his work. The uprisings of homeless construction workers, Raising new questions in my head, on the other side of the earth, Planted the critique of architecture in my mind. And he was busy with his work. Advancements in industry and technology, in printing and computer systems, Planted the art of architecture in my words. And he was busy with his work. Dialogue and research with professors in sociology, world-systems studies, and beyond, Planted the notion of "human architecture" in my thoughts. And he was busy with his work. Following much curiosity, doubts, and uncertainties, Following relentless toil, pains, and suffering, I thought that I should separate my ways from his, That I should separate my pocket from his coins, So as not to remain a tool in his hands, My heart and life dependent on his water and bread. And he was busy with his work. Yet, the more I struggled and searched within, To build a life apart from him, The more I found all my heart, brain, and blood are his, All my words, hands, life, and works are his. How can I take pride in being independent of him, When, from the cradle to the grave, I have been the house and he, the architect? It was he who bought me the toys, And the crafting and painting tools. It was he who bought me the education, And the tools for sharing my thoughts. So, I kissed him and said: "Dear father. You and I are parts of the same life-time. "Either, divided, we become the means for the oppression of and by others, "Or, as your name 'ahad' ('one') implies, together we can share in designing and building a better humanity." And we got busy with our work. (1995) O Man, you think you own the world, Yet, death is chasing you day and night. What you ate were eaten by the ants, and what you took, taken by the grave. Among the inheritance you leave, what you gave up is what you actually own. The above short poem adorned the house of my beloved father, the late Mohammed (Ahad) Tamdjidi ... expressing the values of a pure heart. He passed away, quite unexpectely, on August 26, 2007, in Tehran, Iran. Despite his success at work, and his tireless diligence, my father always remembered the passing nature of life and the need to devote it and his resources to helping others in need. He was a father to many, and not just to us--a father to the young and the old, to relatives and non-relatives alike, to friends and strangers. …
Traumatic aneurysm of left anterior descending coronary artery with fistulous opening into left ventricle and left ventricular aneurysm after stab wound of chest: Report of case with successful surgical repair

Abstract A patient survived a stab wound of the heart, and an aneurysm of the left anterior descending coronary artery developed with a fistulous communication into the left ventricle and a postinfarction ventricular aneurysm. All lesions were successfully repaired by surgery 4 years later. Preoperatively the patient suffered from angina pectoris presumably due to a coronary arterial “steal syndrome” and recurrent myocardial infarction presumably due to coronary embolism from thrombi formed within the coronary aneurysm. The combination of a coronary arterial aneurysm and a coronary arterial-left ventricular fistula produced a diastolic murmur that disappeared after surgery.
New spreading codes and detection algorithms for low complexity post-coded OFDM systems

Coded OFDM systems are generally employed to overcome the symbol recovery problem in uncoded OFDM systems that is caused due to loss of diversity in uncoded OFDM systems. In this paper, we extend our recent research work on low complexity post-coded OFDM (PC-OFDM) systems. We consider new spreading codes and detection algorithms for PC-OFDM in this paper. PC-OFDM systems introduce frequency diversity in an efficient manner so that the overall computation cost of the system can be significantly reduced. We discuss the design principles of spreading codes for PC-OFDM systems and obtain code construction criterion for minimum error performance. We propose two spreading codes based on these principles. We also investigate different choices for receiver structures suitable for PC-OFDM and compare their performance through simulations on IEEE UWB channels.
Compilando y extendiendo la historia de la eugenesia en el mundo latino: avances y ausencias

VALLEJO, Gustavo; MIRANDA, Marisa (compiladores) (2005), Darwinismo social yeugenesia en el mundo latino. Buenos Aires: Siglo XXI, 670 paginas. VALLEJO, Gustavo; MIRANDA, Marisa (compiladores) (2007), Politicas del cuerpo:Estrategias modernas de normalizacion del individuo y la sociedad. Buenos Aires:Siglo XXI, 568 paginas.
The impact of static stress change, dynamic stress change, and the background stress on aftershock focal mechanisms

The focal mechanisms of earthquakes in Southern California before and after four M ≥ 6.7 main shocks provide insight into how fault systems respond to stress and changes in stress. The main shock static stress changes have two observed impacts on the seismicity: changing the focal mechanisms in a given location to favor those aligned with the static stress change and changing the spatial distribution of seismicity to favor locations where the static stress change aligns with the background stress. The aftershock focal mechanisms are significantly aligned with the static stress changes for absolute stress changes of ≥ 0.02 MPa, for up to ~20 years following the main shock. The dynamic stress changes have similar, although smaller, effects on the local focal mechanisms and the spatial seismicity distribution. Dynamic stress effects are best observed at long periods (30–60 s) and for metrics based on repeated stress cycling in the same direction. This implies that dynamic triggering operates, at least in part, through cyclic shear stress loading in the direction of fault slip. The background stress also strongly controls both the preshock and aftershock mechanisms. While most aftershock mechanisms are well oriented in the background stress field, 10% of aftershocks are identified as poorly oriented outliers, which may indicate limited heterogeneity in the postmain shock stress field. The fault plane orientations of the outliers are well oriented in the background stress, while their slip directions are not, implying that the background stress restricts the distribution of available fault planes.
Those Blinking Single Molecules

Recent advances in optical techniques have permitted researchers to probe the behavior of single molecules in a solid or liquid sample. In his Perspective, Moerner discusses work published in the same issue by Vanden Bout et al. in which single-molecule methods were used to study the phenomenon of molecular blinking. In many cases, single molecules have been observed to emit flickering fluorescent light. The work examines this phenomenon in light-emitting polymer materials.
Examining the Works of Neil Gaiman: Children Don’t Need Their Literature Dumbo’d Down.

Previous generations of works that have targeted the tween or “middle-reader” audience have often tended merely to be a continuation of the early reader genre - somewhat bland, Disneyfied works that reinforced the ideas of children as lesser beings than adults (or even Young Adults), needing protection from scary thoughts and ideas and, by extension, who are considered unable or incapable of delving deeper into their text. However, in Coraline and other works, we see that Neil Gaiman’s literature for children reaches for darker and more fully developed plots and characters. This trend helps move popular books for children away from Disneyfied reflections of life toward a more critical and thought-provoking literary experience at a young age.