cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Polarization gating spectroscopy of normal-appearing duodenal mucosa to detect pancreatic cancer.

Background According to the field effect theory, by detecting microvasculature changes such as early increase in blood supply (EIBS) in the surrounding tissue, neoplastic lesions can be identified from a distance. Objective To determine the feasibility and efficacy of a fiberoptic probe containing novel polarization gating spectroscopy technology to identify patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAC) by the field effect theory. Design Prospective cohort (pilot) study. Setting Outpatient tertiary care center. Patients Adult (≥18 years) patients undergoing EGD-EUS were screened. Patients with PAC were included in the "cancer" group and patients without PAC were included in the "control" group. We excluded patients with other known malignancies and gastroduodenal premalignant lesions. Interventions and Main Outcome Measures Spectroscopic measurements of EIBS variables, such as deoxyhemoglobin concentration (DHb) and mean blood vessel radius (BVR), were obtained from 5 periampullary locations. The Mann-Whitney rank sum test was used for the statistical analysis ( P ≤ .05). Results Fourteen patients (mean age 72 years, 79% male) in the cancer group and 15 patients (mean age 63 years, 60% male) in the control group were included in the final analysis. At the ampullary site, both DHb ( P = .001) and BVR ( P = .03) were higher in PAC patients than in the control subjects. The DHb alone (92% sensitivity, 86% specificity) or in combination with BVR (92% sensitivity, 79% specificity) can differentiate PAC from control subjects with high accuracy. Limitations Small sample size, unmatched control subjects. Conclusions Spectroscopic measurements of EIBS by fiberoptic probes are feasible. Preliminary evidence suggests that in vivo measurement of normal-appearing duodenal tissue can differentiate PAC patients from a distance with high accuracy.
Gender differences in client-provider relationship as active ingredient in substance abuse treatment

The client–provider relationship is increasingly evaluated as an active ingredient in the delivery of substance abuse treatment services. This study examines gender differences in client–provider relationship as an important treatment ingredient affecting retention in treatment and reduced posttreatment substance use. The study uses data collected for the National Treatment Improvement Evaluation Study (NTIES), a prospective, cohort study of U.S. substance abuse treatment programs and their clients. Data on individual characteristics were collected at the pre-treatment interview; on client– provider relationship and services received at treatment exit; and on post-treatment drug use at 12 months post-treatment. The analytic sample consists of 3027 clients from 59 service delivery units (1922 men and 1105 women). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to assess the structural relations and causal connections between relationship and service variables and treatment outcome variables. Results indicate that a positive client–provider relationship is related directly to longer duration and reduced post-treatment drug use for the total sample and for men analyzed separately. For women, a positive client–provider relationship was related directly to treatment duration and only indirectly to reduced post-treatment drug use. The findings point to the significance of including client–provider relationship in service delivery models – both as a therapeutic element as well as an element facilitative of matching services to specific client needs.
Thresholds and Stability of Alternative Regimes in Shallow Prairie–Parkland Lakes of Central North America

Numerous studies have demonstrated alternative regimes in shallow lake ecosystems around the world, with one state dominated by submerged macrophytes and the other by phytoplankton. However, the stability of each regime, and thresholds at which lakes shift to the alternative regime, are poorly known. We used a cross-sectional analysis of 72 shallow lakes located in prairie and parkland areas of Minnesota, USA, during 2005 and 2006 to assess the occurrence of alternative regimes and shifts between them. Cluster analysis revealed two distinct groups of lakes characterized not only by different macrophyte abundance and chlorophyll a levels but also by different total phosphorus–chlorophyll a relationships. Thirtynine lakes were macrophyte- and 23 lakes phytoplankton-dominated in both years, whereas 10 sites shifted sharply between those regimes. We failed to detect a universal shifting threshold in terms of chlorophyll a or total phosphorus. However, 95% of the lakes with chlorophyll a concentrations less than 22 l gl -1 were in a clearwater regime, whereas 95% of the lakes with chlorophyll a higher than 31 l gl -1 were in a turbid regime. Total phosphorus less than 62 l gl -1 was an accurate predictor of lakes in a stable clearwater regime, whereas a large change in biomass of planktivores and benthivores between years was the only variable weakly related to regime shifts. Our results support the theoretical prediction that regime thresholds vary among lakes. We recommend that lake managers focus on improving resilience of clear regimes in shallow lakes by reducing nutrient loading, rather than attempting to identify and manage complex triggers of regime shifts.
Scholars and faculty members' lived experiences in online social networks

Abstract Research into faculty members' use of technology and social networking sites has largely focused upon pedagogical practice, at the expense of understanding user experiences with these technologies. Through phenomenological interviews with three faculty members, we investigate their lived experiences with social networking sites. Results point to a tension that exists between personal connection and professional responsibility, revolving around the essences of faculty members establishing personal and professional boundaries, maintaining appropriate and meaningful connections, structuring participation so that others see them in a certain light, and using their time efficiently. These findings highlight the synergies and tensions between online social networks and faculty identity: While social networking sites can be used for professional purposes, faculty members may resist or reject the values embedded in such tools, which they feel may impact the ways that they perceive themselves, their teaching, and their research.
Semicontinuous distillation for ethyl lactate production

A novel semicontinuous process for the production of ethyl lactate from ethanol and lactic acid is studied. The process utilizes a middle vessel integrated with a distillation column to perform a ternary separation of the reaction mixture. A pervaporation unit separates ethanol from water. This new form of process intensification is shown to be economically superior to traditional batch and continuous alternatives for a wide range of production rates. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008
Possible linkages of late-Holocene drought in the North American midcontinent to Pacific Decadal Oscillation and solar activity

oxygen-isotopic composition (d 18 O). The d 18 O record of the past � 3100 years reveals that droughts of greater severity and duration than during the 20th century occurred repeatedly, especially prior to 300 AD. Drought variability was anomalously low during the 20th century; � 90% of the variability values during the last 3100 years were greater than the 20th-century average. d 18 O is strongly correlated with the index of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) during the past 100 years, and periodicities of the lateHolocene d 18 O record are similar to those of the PDO. Furthermore, time series of d 18 O and atmospheric D 14 Ca re generally coherent after 700 AD. Both the Pacific climate and solar irradiance probably played a role in drought occurrence, but their effects were non-stationary through the late Holocene. Citation: Tian, J., D. M. Nelson, and F. S. Hu (2006), Possible linkages of late-Holocene drought in the North American midcontinent to Pacific Decadal Oscillation and solar activity, Geophys. Res. Lett., 33, L23702, doi:10.1029/ 2006GL028169.
On Constructing Finite, Finitely Subadditive Outer Measures, and Submodularity

Given a nonempty abstract set 𝑋, and a covering class 𝒞, and a finite, finitely subadditive outer measure 𝜈, we construct an outer measure 𝜈 and investigate conditions for 𝜈 to be submodular. We then consider several other set functions associated with 𝜈 and obtain conditions for equality of these functions on the lattice generated by 𝒞. Lastly, we describe a construction of a finite, finitely subadditive outer measure given an arbitrary family of subsets, ℬ, of 𝑋 and a nonnegative, finite set function 𝜏 defined on ℬ.
Effect of Cues to Increase Sound Pressure Level on Respiratory Kinematic Patterns during Connected Speech

Purpose This study examined the response of the respiratory system to 3 cues used to elicit increased vocal loudness to determine whether the effects of cueing, shown previously in sentence tasks, ...
The development and characterization of novel eosinophil-specific polyclonal antibody with pan-species specificity that includes humans☆

Abstract Rationale The availability of eosinophil-specific antibodies capable of identifying infiltrating eosinophils in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded FF-PE) tissues from humans and most animal model systems is limited. However, the omnipresence of eosinophils in mammals suggests that antibody reagents targeting conserved regions of granule proteins from any one mammal may have pan-species specificity. Methods Eosinophil secondary granule proteins (ESGPs) were purified from eosinophils of IL-5 transgenic mice and used, together with Freund's adjuvant, as the antigen to immunize rabbits. The resulting polyclonal serum was assessed by ELISA and immunohistochemistry with FF-PE sections. Results The polyclonal anti-mouse ESGP antisera displayed a unique ability to detect infiltrating tissue eosinophils from all of the mammalian species tested, including mice, rats, non-human primates, and guinea pigs. In addition, it was shown that this antisera was capable of specifically detecting eosinophils lung sections from asthma patients, even in cases where the blocks were collected more than 20 years ago. Conclusions Sequence conservation exists between one or more of the mouse ESGP genes and orthologues in other mammals as to allow pan-species epitope recognition by mouse total ESGP polyclonal antisera. This reagent uniquely recognizes eosinophils regardless of the species examined, including FF-PE human biopsy samples. This reagent is a novel and previously unavailable tool for the study of diseases associated with eosinophils.
Depletion of mammalian O6-alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase activity by O6-benzylguanine provides a means to evaluate the role of this protein in protection against carcinogenic and therapeutic alkylating agents

O6-Alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase was rapidly and irreversibly inactivated by exposure to O6-benzylguanine or the p-chlorobenzyl and p-methylbenzyl analogues. This inactivation was much more rapid than with O6-methylguanine: incubation with 2.5 microM O6-benzylguanine led to more than a 90% loss of activity within 10 min, whereas 0.2 mM O6-methylguanine for 60 min was required for the same reduction. O6-Benzylguanine was highly effective in depleting the alkyltransferase activity of cultured human colon tumor (HT29) cells. Complete loss of activity was produced within 15 min after addition of O6-benzylguanine to the culture medium and a maximal effect was obtained with 5 microM. In contrast, at least 100 microM O6-methylguanine for 4 hr was needed to get a maximal effect, and this reduced the alkyltransferase by only 80%. Pretreatment of HT29 cells with 10 microM O6-benzylguanine for 2 hr led to a dramatic increase in the cytotoxicity produced by the chemotherapeutic agents 1-(2-chloroethyl)-3-cyclohexyl-1-nitrosourea (CCNU) or 2-chloroethyl(methysulfonyl)methanesulfonate (Clomesone). Administration of O6-benzylguanine to mice at a dose of 10 mg/kg reduced alkyltransferase levels by more than 95% in both liver and kidney. These results indicate that depletion of the alkyltransferase by O6-benzylguanine may be used to investigate the role of the DNA repair protein in carcinogenesis and mutagenesis and that this treatment may be valuable to increase the chemotherapeutic effectiveness of chloroethylating agents.
The Drosophila CPEB homolog, orb, is required for oskar protein expression in oocytes.

Abstract The establishment of polarity axes in the Drosophila egg and embryo depends upon the localization and on-site expression of maternal mRNAs. The critical step in the targeting of posterior determinants is the localization of oskar ( osk ) mRNA to the pole and its on-site translation. Osk protein then recruits other posterior group gene products involved in the formation of pole plasm and in the localization and regulation of the posterior determinant, nanos. Here we have investigated the role of the Drosophila CPEB homolog, the orb gene, in the osk mRNA localization pathway. We demonstrate that the expression of Osk protein is dependent upon the orb gene. In strong orb mutants, Osk protein expression is undetectable, while in the hypomorphic mutant, orb mel , little or no on-site expression of Osk protein at the posterior pole is observed. The defects in Osk protein accumulation in orb mutant ovaries are correlated with a reduction in the length of the osk poly(A) tails. We show that osk mRNA is in immunoprecipitable complexes with Orb protein in ovaries and that the osk 3′ UTR can be UV cross-linked to Orb protein in ovarian extracts. These data suggest that Orb is required to activate the translation of osk mRNA and at that this may be accomplished by a mechanism similar to that used by the Xenopus CPEB protein to control translation of “masked” mRNAs.
Station Density Strategy for Monitoring Long-Term Climatic Change in the Contiguous United States

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is establishing the U.S. Climate Reference Network (CRN) to improve the capacity for observing climatic change and variability. A goal of this network is to provide homogeneous observations of temperature and precipitation from benchmark stations that can be coupled with historical observations for detection and attribution of climatic change. The purpose of this study was to estimate the number and distribution of U.S. CRN observing sites. The analysis was conducted by forming hypothetical networks from representative subsamples of stations in an existing higher-density baseline network. The objective was to have the differences between the annual temperature and precipitation trends computed from reducedsize networks and the full-size networks not greater than predetermined error limits. This analysis was performed on a grid cell basis to incorporate the expectation that a greater station density would be required to achieve the monitoring goals in areas with greater spatial gradients in trends. Monte Carlo resampling techniques were applied to stations within 2.58 latitude 3 3.58 longitude grid cells to successively lower the resolution compared to that in the reference or baseline network. Differences between 30-yr trends from lower-resolution networks and full-resolution networks were generated for each grid cell. Grid cell densities were determined separately for temperature and precipitation trends. In practice densities can be derived for any parameter and monitoring goal. A network of 327 stations for the contiguous United States satisfied a combined temperature-trend goal of 0.108C decade21 and a precipitation-trend goal of 2.0% of median precipitation per decade.
Cooperating with Wildlife: The Past, Present, and Future of Wildlife Federalism

States have traditionally played a significant role in managing wildlife, but play a very small role in implementing the Endangered Species Act, and an even smaller role with other federal wildlife statutes. The disconnect between the federal government and states (where the local knowledge is strongest) results in both inefficiencies and harmful incentives. While states and local governments are best positioned to manage local habitat, federal oversight is needed to ensure that our widely shared benefits (biodiversity) are not lost to a tragedy of the commons problem. Protection of vulnerable ecosystems is best served via a structure of overlapping federalism. Informally this is already happening, but cost efficiency may be improved via an effort to adaptively, but still more formally, allocate that overlap.
Multidimensional Analysis of 16 Glucose Isomers by Ion Mobility Spectrometry

Diastereomeric adducts comprising an enantiomerically pure monosaccharide analyte, a peptide, and/or an amino acid and a divalent metal ion (for 16 different monosaccharide isomers) are generated by electrospray ionization and analyzed by combined ion mobility spectrometry-mass spectrometry (IMS-MS) techniques. Mobility distributions of [l-Ser + M + H]+ (where l-Ser is l-serine and M is a given monosaccharide), [l-Phe-Gly + M + H]+ (where l-Phe-Gly is l-phenylalanine–glycine), and [MnII + (l-Phe-Gly – H) + M]+ complex ions are used to determine collision cross sections (ccs in A2), and groups of cross sections for different clusters are proposed as means of identifying the sugar isomers. Within one type of complex, variations in ccs do not always allow delineation between the 16 glucose isomers, but interestingly, when ccs of three different ions are combined as a spatial vector, enantiomers are partially resolved. As a result of this analysis, l-glucose, d-glucose, l-allose, d-allose, d-gulose, d-galacto...
Robust framework for quantitative analysis of optical mapping signals without filtering

Experimental studies with in-vitro isolated hearts using optical mapping techniques have had a significant impact on our understanding of cardiac electrophysiology. The trans-membrane voltage Vm, and intracellular free calcium concentration [Cai]+2 signals obtained from optical mapping experiments can often be corrupted with noise. This is mostly due to the small light intensities and very short exposure times when high speed cameras are used at frames rates of 500–1000 fps. In addition, for small preparations or recordings of small areas, the noise floor levels are even greater and can be comparable to the amplitude of the signal (S/N ≈1). In general strong spatial and temporal filtering is necessary to remove the noise at the expenses of signal degradation and loss of critical information especially at high frequencies that are of a particular interest. In this paper we present and analyze an oversampling image processing technique where due to the cycling processes in cardiac activity during steady state dynamics we are able to stack (sum up) the images recorded at specific equidistant time intervals. The stacking process reduces the noise effectively as the square root of the number of stacked images used. We show that no spatial or temporal filtering is needed to obtain useful data with the stacking technique that allows us to resolve information on a time scale only limited with a sampling rate.
5-millimeter Trocar-site Hernias After Laparoscopy Requiring Surgical Repair.

Trocar-site hernias are rare complications of laparoscopic surgery. Although trocar-site hernias occur more often at >10-mm sites, hernias can still develop at 5-mm sites after laparoscopy and can lead to serious complications. The primary objective of this review is to summarize the current medical literature pertaining to the clinical presentation and predisposing risk factors of trocar-site hernias at 5-mm sites after laparoscopy. A total of 295 publications were identified, 17 (5.76%) of which met the inclusion criteria. Twenty-seven patients with trocar-site hernias were identified after laparoscopic cases. The median age (interquartile range) for all adult patients with trocar-site hernias was 63 years (interquartile range, 39.5-66.5 years). Eight of the 18 patients (44.4%) undergoing gynecologic laparoscopy were parous although details of parity were not reported in most publications. Simple manual reduction or laparoscopic reduction with fascial closure (21 patients [84%]) was used more often compared with exploratory laparotomy (4 patients [16%], p < .001) to manage trocar-site hernias. There was no statistical difference in the location of trocar-site hernias (i.e., umbilical [14 patients, 56%] vs nonumbilical/lateral [11 patients, 44%], p = .12). Findings of this review suggest that increased operative times and excessive manipulation can extend 5-mm fascial incisions, thereby increasing the risk of trocar-site hernias. Parous women older than 60 years may have unrecognized fascial defects, which confer a higher risk of trocar-site hernias after laparoscopic surgery, even in the absence of incision manipulation or prolonged surgical duration. Such patients may benefit from closure of 5-mm fascial incisions although prospective data are required to validate the overall generalizability of this management strategy.
The Parasite Element of Natural Control of Injurious Insects and Its Control by Man

The paper summarizes the work in introducing parasites, points out some of the mistakes that have been made, and generalizes as to the principles involved in work of this kind. It has something to say about the expense involved in much of the previous work in this direction, showing that where there has been actual waste it has been due to ignorance or incompetence. Only the best trained experts should be allowed to take part in investigations leading up to international exchanges. In case of serious loss from introduced pests, studies of the parasites in the native home should be begun at once, and no expenditure consistent with rigidly scientific methods should be begrudged.
Anaerobic rat heart: effect of glucose and Krebs cycle metabolites on rate of beating.

SummaryPerfused rat hearts subjected to anoxia rapidly stopped beating and did not recover when restored to oxygen 65 min later. However, anoxic beating was promoted by glucose in a concentration dependent fashion; maximal response was achieved at 20 mM. Addition of insulin or select Krebs cycle metabolites to the glucose (5 mM) perfusing medium further elevated anaerobic beating.
A 1.7–2.2 GHz Compact Low Phase-Noise VCO Using a Widely-Tuned SIW Resonator

A 1.7-2.2 GHz low phase-noise voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) based on a widely-tuned substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) cavity resonator is presented. The frequency of the SIW resonator is tuned based on loading the cavity with three via posts and thus changing the field distribution inside the cavity. The widely-tunable SIW resonator is employed inside a reflective-type VCO structure resulting in a tuning range of 1.7-2.2 GHz ( ~ 26%) and a phase noise better than -109 dBc/Hz at a 100 kHz offset over the entire tuning range.
Subcritical Debonding of Multilayer Interconnect Structures: Temperature and Humidity Effects

Thin film structures may fail by progressive or time-dependent debonding at stresses far below those required for catastrophic failure. Previous work has shown that progressive debonding in a typical interconnect structure occurs either along the TiN/SiO 2 interface or parallel to this interface in the SiO 2 Such subcritical debonding was found to span several orders of magnitude of debond growth rates and occur at significantly reduced driving forces. The presence of SiO 2 at the failure location indicates that the mechanisms which give rise to stress corrosion cracking in bulk glasses may also play a role in the subcritical debonding behavior of multilayer interconnect structures. Accordingly, this work focuses on the effects of temperature and humidity on subcritical debonding and rationalizes them in terms of the relevant chemical reactions taking place at the debond tip.
Contemporary Pathogens of the Upper Respiratory Tract

The upper respiratory tract microbiology centers around pharyngitis. Issues of rapid detection of group A β-hemolytic streptococci along with concepts of scoring systems that limit the need for cultures have dominated the literature. Both approaches have serious limitations that indicate culture is still the first-line approach to pharyngitis. The role of Moraxella (Branhamella) catarrhalis in acute otitis media is discussed. Resurgence of Bordetella indicates a need for review of laboratory procedures.
Pseudocapacitive Properties of Two-Dimensional Surface Vanadia Phases Formed Spontaneously on Titania.

Pseudocapacitive properties of V2O5-based adsorbates supported on TiO2 nanoparticles, which form spontaneously as two-dimensional (2-D) nonautonomous surface phases (complexions) at thermodynamic equilibria, have been systematically measured. Surprisingly, surface amorphous films (SAFs), which form naturally at thermodynamic equilibria at 550–600 °C with self-regulating or “equilibrium” thicknesses on the order of 1 nm, exhibit superior electrochemical performance at moderate and high scan rates (20–500 mV/s) that are of prime importance for supercapacitor applications, as compared with submonolayer and monolayer adsorbates formed at lower equilibration temperatures. This study suggests a new direction to design and fabricate a novel class of supercapacitors and other functional devices via utilizing 2-D interfacial phases that can form spontaneously via facile, cost-effective, and highly scalable synthesis routes.
Evaluation of Uncertainty for Measurement Result of Standard Apparatus for Current Transformer

Regarding《JJF1059-1999》as the norm,the uncertainty for measurement result of the standard apparatus for current transformer is evaluated.In order to rationally indicate the dispersivity of measurement value specifically,the measurement results of ratio error and phase displacement of current transformer are evaluated with scientific approach,based on which the ability of calibration and measurement of the standard apparatus is determined and the veracity basis is provided with establishing the highest current standard for Shaanxi power system.
The Nitric Oxide-Mediated Regulation of Prostaglandin Signaling in Medicine

Nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase pathways share a number of similarities. NOS produces nitric oxide (NO) and COX generates prostaglandins. Two major forms of NOS and COX have been discovered to date: constitutive versus inducible forms. The constitutive forms play a role in housekeeping and physiological states, while the inducible forms are overexpressed under pathological conditions such as inflammation in a variety of cells, producing a large amount of NO or prostaglandins. The cross talk between the COX and NOS pathways was initially reported in 1993 when they demonstrated in a series of in vitro and in vivo studies that NO activates the COX enzymes to produce increased amounts of prostaglandins. Those studies led to the concept that COX enzymes represent important endogenous “receptor” targets for amplifying or modulating the multifaceted roles of NO in physiology and pathology. Since then, numerous studies have been undertaken to delineate the functional consequences of this interaction as well as the potential mechanism by which each pathway interacts. This review focuses in particular on recent advances in this field that extend our understanding of these two pathways under various systems.
Ligand Recognition by γδ T Cells

Publisher Summary Although γδ T cells can be triggered to secrete lymphokines and mount cytolytic responses in many experimental systems, and they are found to predominate in some pathological situations where αβ T cells are not very active, almost all of the well-defined cellular immune functions attributed to T cells are performed by αβ T cells. Mice that have only αβ T cells are immunocompromised when compared with mice that have both αβ and γδ T cells. This indicates that γδ T cells perform unique functions. In order to discern the function of γδ T cells in the immune system it is necessary to identify their recognition properties. Because αβ T cells recognize peptides derived from degraded protein antigens in association with the MHC molecules, it has been commonly assumed that γδ T cells follow the same pattern. However, even early on, it was clear that classical MHC molecules do not play major roles in γδ T-cell recognition; it was proposed that nonclassical MHC, heat-shock proteins, or asyet- unidentified surface molecules are playing the role(s). As self-presentation is difficult to assess, this chapter turns the question around and asks when γδ T-cell recognition does involve MHC molecules, do MHC molecules play a similar role as in αβ T-cell recognition; to what extent do the MHC bound peptides confer specificity, and what kind of antigen-processing pathway is required? The model systems studied are the recognition of a mouse classical MHC class II molecule IE k by the γδ T-cell clone LBK5 and the recognition of the nonclassical MHC molecule TL-T10 and T22 by G8.
Zhou Enlai Goes to Europe and Becomes a Communist

This chapter investigates how and why Zhou Enlai went to Europe and became a communist in Paris, as an essential background to understanding the birth of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Zhou’s role in it. The chapter provides the most accurate account in English of Zhou’s activities in Europe, which have been shrouded in mystery, including interesting episodes about his meetings with future Chinese leaders, such as Zhu De and Deng Xiaoping.
Distinguishing Isomeric Peptides: The Unimolecular Reactivity and Structures of (LeuPro)M+ and (ProLeu)M+ (M = Alkali Metal).

The unimolecular chemistries and structures of gas-phase (ProLeu)M+ and (LeuPro)M+ complexes when M = Li, Na, Rb, and Cs have been explored using a combination of SORI-CID, IRMPD spectroscopy, and computational methods. CID of both (LeuPro)M+ and (ProLeu)M+ showed identical fragmentation pathways and could not be differentiated. Two of the fragmentation routes of both peptides produced ions at the same nominal mass as (Pro)M+ and (Leu)M+, respectively. For the litiated peptides, experiments revealed identical IRMPD spectra for each of the m/z 122 and 138 ions coming from both peptides. Comparison with computed IR spectra identified them as the (Pro)Li+ and (Leu)Li+, and it is concluded that both zwitterionic and canonical forms of (Pro)Li+ exist in the ion population from CID of both (ProLeu)Li+ and (LeuPro)Li+. The two isomeric peptide complexes could be distinguished using IRMPD spectroscopy in both the fingerprint and the CH/NH/OH regions. The computed IR spectra for the lowest energy structures of eac...
Indigenous Peoples’ Responses to Conquest

While American students learn that Columbus’ first voyage to the western hemisphere set the stage for the creation of settler states that have become some of the most influential and pluralistic modern democracies in the twenty-first century, indigenous peoples living in those states today view that historical chapter with mixed appraisal. For many indigenous peoples who lived for centuries and millennia in these areas before the arrival of European settlers, the arrival of Europeans signaled a long period of struggle for their continued existence both physically and culturally. But they have never remained passive in the face of state-building in formerly colonized areas and their survival presents these democracies with new challenges arising from old injuries and their present effects and they have mobilized for political action to remedy historical injustices in local, state, regional, and international forums.
Is the Structure of Growth Different in Sub-Saharan Africa?

Taking advantage of the 2014 issue of the Povcalnet data and building on earlier works, this paper provides an anatomy of growth in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and compares it with that of the developing world (including or excluding SSA) during the three decades between the early 1980s and the early 2010s. We examined both the impact of the pattern of growth on poverty and inequality (the growthâ€“inequalityâ€“poverty (Gâ€“Iâ€“P) nexus); and the less studied reverse causal chain emanating from poverty to subsequent inequality and growth (the povertyâ€“inequalityâ€“growth (Pâ€“Iâ€“G) nexus). For the Gâ€“Iâ€“P nexus, we found that poverty reduction is becoming more responsive to income growth and improvement in inequality in SSA in the post-2007 years; though the responsiveness remains smaller in SSA than in the developing world (with or without SSA) throughout the three decades examined. For the Pâ€“Iâ€“G nexus, we found that SSA again differs from the rest of the developing world in that SSA countries with the highest initial poverty incidence appeared to grow subsequently fasterâ€”leading to poverty convergence; while the developing world (with or without SSA) experienced a lack of poverty convergence during the same time period. We hypothesise that the main cause of poverty convergence in SSA during 1978â€“2007 might be due to anti-poverty interventions by governments and foreign public and private aid inversely proportional to the depth of poverty.
Hospital incident command: First responders or receiving centers?

Objectives: (1) Propose a conceptual model of an alternative hospital incident management system (HIMS) that integrates concepts used by emergency operations centers (EOCs). (2) Compare HIMS to the standard hospital incident command system (HICS) model. Design: A quasi-experimental study was performed. Two identical tabletop incident scenarios were presented, one utilizing HICS and one using HIMS. Participants completed postexercise surveys for each tabletop. Surveys contained both knowledge and satisfaction questions. The Likert Scale (1 strongly disagree and 5 strongly agree) was utilized for satisfaction questions. Setting: The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), a level I trauma and academic center. Participants: N = 16; participants were members of MUSC's Emergency Management Committee. Participation was voluntary. Main Outcome Measures: (1) Knowledge of reporting structure within each model and (2) end-user satisfaction with model implementation. Results: Using the HIMS model, participants correctly answered reporting structure questions 63.75 percent of the time in comparison to the HICS model of 35 percent (p value 0.001). Statistical analysis of qualitative satisfaction data between the two models revealed that HIMS was preferred over the HICS, 87.5 and 33.5 percent, respectively. Conclusions: The HIMs model is a new application for hospital incident management. This article serves to introduce the concept. Using the established EOC framework, continued research in this area is needed to validate the proposed HIMS model and standardize its design.
Cardiovascular Disease Biomarkers and suPAR in Predicting Decline in Renal Function: A Prospective Cohort Study

Introduction Soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) strongly predicts outcomes and incident chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Whether the association between suPAR and CKD is a reflection of its overall association with chronic inflammation and poor CVD outcomes is unclear. We examined whether CVD biomarkers, including high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), fibrin-degradation products (FDPs), heat-shock protein 70 (HSP-70), and high-sensitivity troponin I (hs-TnI) were associated with a decline in kidney function in the Emory Cardiovascular Biobank cohort, in which suPAR levels were shown to be predictive of both incident CKD and CVD outcomes. Methods We measured suPAR, hs-CRP, HSP-70, FDP, and hs-TnI plasma levels in 3282 adults (mean age 63 years, 64% male, 75% estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] >60 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 ). Glomerular filtration rate was estimated using Chronic Kidney Disease–Epidemiology Collaboration (eGFR) at enrollment (n = 3282) and follow-up (n = 2672; median 3.5 years). Urine protein by dipstick at baseline was available for 1335 subjects. Results There was a weak correlation among biomarkers (r range: 0.17−0.28). hs-CRP, FDPs, hs-TnI, and suPAR were independently associated with baseline eGFR and proteinuria. The median yearly decline in eGFR was −0.6 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 . hs-CRP (β: −0.04; P = 0.46), FDPs (β: −0.13; P = 0.08), HSP-70 (β: 0.05; P = 0.84), or hs-TnI (β: −0.01; P = 0.76) were associated with eGFR decline. suPAR remained predictive of eGFR decline even after adjusting for all biomarkers. Discussion hs-CRP, FDP, HSP-70, and hs-TnI were not associated with eGFR decline. The specific association of suPAR with eGFR decline supported its involvement in pathways specific to the pathogenesis of kidney disease.
Using m-health tools to reduce the misuse of opioid pain relievers

Background Emergency department (ED) patients are among the many groups at risk for prescription drug overdose. There is limited research on how best to communicate with ED patients about options for pain management and the risks of opioids. The aim of this study is to pilot test a web-based, patient-centred educational programme that encourages the patient to have an informed discussion about pain medication options with their ED provider. Methods This multisite, randomised trial will evaluate an m-health programme designed to aid the patient in making an informed decision about their pain treatment. Patients reporting to the ED with an injury-related or pain- related chief complaint who agree to participate are randomised to receive the intervention programme, My Healthy Choices , or an attention-matched control. My Healthy Choices pairs tailored education with a patient decision aid to describe what opioid and non-opioid pain medications are, assess the patient9s risk factors for opioid-related adverse effects, and produce a tailored report that patients are encouraged to share with their doctor. Data are collected through surveys at three time points during the ED encounter (baseline, immediately after the intervention and just before discharge), and at a 6-week follow-up survey. The primary outcomes are whether the patient prefers an opioid pain reliever (OPR) and whether the patient takes an OPR. Discussion We hope this programme will facilitate patient-provider communication, as well as reduce the number of prescriptions written for OPRs and thus the number of patients exposed to prescription opioids and the associated risks of addiction and overdose. Trial registration number NCT03012087; Pre-results.
An automaton rover enabling long duration in-situ science in extreme environments

The Automaton Rover for Extreme Environments (AREE) is a NASA Innovative Advanced Concept (NIAC) funded study focused on enabling long duration science on Venus by replacing vulnerable electronics with an entirely mechanical design. By utilizing high temperature alloys, the rover would survive on the surface of Venus for weeks if not months. The rover concept harvests wind energy using a turbine and stores it in a constant force spring. The mobility system would be guided by a mechanical computer and logic system, programed to carry out the mission. It would collect basic science data such as wind speed, temperature, and seismic events. Communicating the data back to Earth is the most challenging aspect of the system design with multiple options being explored in a trade: a simple electronic high temperature transponder, a retroreflector target or inscribing phonograph style records to be launched via a balloon to a high altitude drone capable of transmitting the data back to Earth. AREE is not only a new exciting in-situ rover concept, but also a paradigm shift to conducting in-situ science in extreme environments. Traditional extreme environment vehicles collect as many diverse data points as possible in the short period of time before system failure. AREE breaks that trend by exploring what can be done with only a few basic scientific measurements, but recorded over long periods of time. In addition to Venus, the concept can be useful in other extreme environments in the solar system including Mercury, Jupiter's radiation belts, the interiors of gas giants, the mantle of the Earth and volcanoes throughout the solar system.
RE at 50, with a Focus on the Last 25 Years

This talk looks backward at how the requirements engineering field and mission have changed in the 25 years since RE'17.
Method of Multiple Scales

In the method of matched asymptotic expansions (Chapter 5), the solution is constructed in different regions that are then patched together to form a composite expansion. The method of multiple scales1, on the other hand, starts with a generalized version of a composite expansion. This involves separate coordinates for each region, which are considered to be independent of one another. Consequently, the given equation is transformed into a partial differential equation even if it was an ordinary differential equation to begin with. On the other hand, the method of multiple scales may also be viewed as a generalization of the method of strained parameters in that the relevant scales are given implicitly rather than explicitly in terms of the original variables (Kevorkian, 1966).
Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells in the pathogenesis of periodontitis: potential novel treatment strategies.

INTRODUCTION Periodontal diseases are polymicrobial inflammatory disorders of the tissue, ligament, and bone structures supporting teeth. Periodontitis (inflammation with corresponding loss of attachment) affects 40-50% of adults. Recently, members of the Triggering Receptor on Myeloid Cell (TREM) family have been studied to determine their relationship to these diseases. Areas covered: TREM-1 is a receptor expressed on the surface of PMNs, monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, and keratinocytes upregulated in the presence of periodontal inflammation. TREM-1 expression can be upregulated by oral bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis that can be abrogated by a sub-antimicrobial dose of doxycycline. When cleaved from the cell surface, a soluble form of TREM-1 (sTREM-1) can be used as a biomarker of inflammation and might also provide a link between oral and systemic inflammation. While less understood, TREM-2 has a role in osteoclastogenesis which could contribute to the alveolar bone destruction seen in more advanced periodontitis. Expert commentary: Additional studies to simulate biofilm microenvironment in TREM research are warranted. Longitudinal studies determining TREM-1, sTREM-1, and TREM-2 levels in tissues over time and progression of periodontal diseases would provide valuable information in the role of TREM receptors as indicators of or contributors to the disease process.
Using IBM watson cloud services to build natural language processing solutions to leverage chat tools

Chat tools are changing the way companies engage with customers. On the one hand, these tools have tremendous benefits. They can provide an excellent experience for customers who have questions or who are having trouble. Also, analyzing historical chat conversations can help a company understand customer needs and make better business decisions. On the other hand, keeping up with a large volume of live chat messages can be difficult. And easy-to-use tools for handling those messages - using natural language processing (NLP) techniques, for example, without having to build components by hand - have not been generally available. This paper describes our experience using IBM Watson cloud services to build cognitive solutions for processing chat messages. In this paper, we share five lessons we learned while building our solutions.
Impact on and of the Journal of Consumer Satisfaction, Dissatisfaction, and Complaining Behavior: A 30 Year Retrospective

On the 30th anniversary of its first publication, this article focuses on the people and practices that have shaped the Journal of Consumer Satisfaction, Dissatisfaction, and Complaining Behavior. It also focuses on the influence that the journal has had on our understanding of consumer satisfaction and dissatisfaction. The article suggests that the journal has not only developed knowledge about how consumer satisfaction is created, dissatisfaction avoided; it has also applied that understanding to enhance the value of the journal itself.
Big Data, Equality, Privacy, and Digital Ethics

Whether its data-driven policing, trending-topic algorithms, security breaches, or American politics, the concept of big data continues to dominate policy discussions, news headlines, and industry ...
Multihospital Chain Acquisitions and Competition in Local Health Care Markets

This paper examines the determinants of multi-hospital acquisitions in California during a period of increased competition, 1984–1993. Evidence is examined for differences by chain type in acquisition preferences in the face of increased competitive pressure. Significant differences are found among chain types (for-profit, non-profit, and church). All three types appear to position themselves through acquisitions to obtain multiple-hospital holdings within local markets, with the non-profit type exhibiting the greatest tendency. Such positioning may enhance efficiency in payor contracting and increase market power, lowering competition in the long run.
An elementary social studies teacher׳s quest to develop democratic citizens: The boundaries of ambitious teaching

Abstract Developing informed and participatory citizens is one of the aims of the National Council for the Social Studies’ (NCSS) vision of civic education. However, when aspiring to meet the call for meaningful civic education, teachers may find themselves at odds with other goals of accountability-driven school environments, creating contexts in which ambitious teaching becomes the answer to instilling democratic citizenship in students. The purpose of this study is to document the experience of such an ambitious teacher, chronicling a fifth-grade teacher׳s quest for ensuring her students’ access to civic education in an urban, highly-structured, and accountability-based school environment. Through describing her teaching philosophy, instructional strategies, and experience with administration hampering her ability to promote civic education, a pattern of ambitious social studies teaching commensurate with existing literature is supported and questioned.