cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Broad spectrum drug identification directly from urine, using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Background: Currently the rate-limiting step for mass spectrometric analysis of drugs in biological samples is sample preparation. Many gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) methods are specific for a certain class of compounds, requiring extraction and/or derivatization before analysis. The purpose of this study was to develop a broad spectrum liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) procedure that allowed for direct analysis of urine specimens with potential for quantitative analysis. Methods: We modified a commercially available column-switching instrument, the REMEDi HS from Bio-Rad Diagnostics, to make it compatible with atmospheric pressure ionization. The system we developed was based on electrospray ionization and used three LC columns to extract, purify, and separate drugs directly from urine specimens. Drugs and metabolites were tentatively identified on the basis of retention times and (M+H)+ ions. Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) was used to confirm the qualitative identification of suspected drugs, using data-dependent acquisition. For quantitative analysis, the cocaine metabolite benzoylecgonine was analyzed using isotope dilution and selected reaction monitoring. Results: Seventeen basic drugs from a variety of classes of compounds were identified directly from urine without the need for prior sample extraction, using LC and MS/MS. Quantitative analysis was demonstrated for benzoylecgonine. When benzoylecgonine-d3 was used as the internal standard, the method was linear from 30 to 10 000 μg/L (range tested). At these concentrations, the within-run accuracy was ± 10% of the target concentration, with CVs Conclusions: The ability to directly analyze urine for a wide variety of drug classes, combined with the sensitivity and specificity of LC/MS/MS makes this technique attractive for many clinical, forensic, and biotechnology applications.
gC1q Receptor Ligation Selectively Down-Regulates Human IL-12 Production through Activation of the Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase Pathway

gC1qR, a complement receptor for C1q, plays a pivotal role in the regulation of inflammatory and antiviral T cell responses. Several pathogens, including hepatitis C virus, exploit gC1qR-dependent regulatory pathways to manipulate host immunity. However, the molecular mechanism(s) of gC1qR signaling involved in regulating inflammatory responses remains unknown. We report the selective inhibition of TLR4-induced IL-12 production after cross-linking of gC1qR on the surface of macrophages and dendritic cells. Suppression of IL-12 did not result from increased IL-10 or TGF-β, but was dependent on PI3K activation. Activation of PI3K and subsequent phosphorylation of Akt define an intracellular pathway mediating gC1qR signaling and cross-talk with TLR4 signaling. This is the first report to identify signaling pathways used by gC1qR-mediated immune suppression, and it establishes a means of complement-mediated immune suppression to inhibit Th1 immunity crucial for clearing pathogenic infection.
A low-complexity loudness estimation algorithm

Audio processing applications such as rate determination, bandwidth extension, compression, and noise reduction make use of loudness metrics. Most loudness estimation algorithms are computationally expensive and often not suitable for real time applications. In this paper, we present a low-complexity loudness estimation algorithm applicable to both steady and time-varying sounds. The model computes an estimate of the excitation pattern by simultaneously pruning the frequency components and detector locations. Comparative results indicate that the proposed algorithm performs consistently well for different types of audio signals at a reduced complexity.
The Effects Of Calorie Count Display On Consumer Eating Behavior: Would It Solve The Obesity Problem? An Empirical Perspective

Obesity in the United States and around the world is getting to be of epidemic proportions, with major economic, social, and psychological impacts on society. Its impact is evident in cost of health care, opportunity cost of lower productivity, emotional and physical suffering, and shorter life expectancy. Although obesity is the result of individual behavior, efforts to reduce it are initiated by many concerned parties. The question is, how effective are these efforts? The researchers are interested in knowing individuals’ attitudes about these efforts, specifically, the latest regulation of displaying calorie counts on menus of restaurants and its effects on their behaviors. The survey also covered consumers’ opinions regarding obesity, its causes, and what can be done about it. Specifically, the purpose of this study is to determine the effects of calorie count display on consumers’ eating habits, consumers’ attitude towards obesity as a societal concern, and their views about who is to blame and who should do something about the obesity problem. The study surveyed 226 consumers in the Southern California area. Results are analyzed, discussed, and used as basis for making recommendations to all parties concerned (i.e., individuals and families, government agencies, healthcare organizations, and food companies and restaurants) regarding their role to reduce obesity and its adverse economic, social, and psychological impact on society.
A study of the detection of sperm antibody in cervical mucus with a modified immunobead method.

Objective To develop a new immunobead binding test (IBT) procedure that will detect sperm antibody in cervical mucus (CM), especially in very small samples of mucus. Design After the interaction of donor sperm with bromelin-dissolved CM, the motile sperm cells were separated from other cells and debris and then tested with a standard immunobead method. Setting The CM and serum samples were obtained from a sequence of referred patients who were sent to this testing laboratory. Patients There were 60 women who provided 64 samples of CM and 41 samples of blood serum. They were partners in infertile couples. Interventions None. Main Outcome Measure A useful distinction was made between positive and negative results for the mucus samples by this CM-IBT procedure. The usable samples of mucus could be as little as 0.05 g (wet weight). Results From the 60 women, seven mucus samples were positive; in the repeated testing, the same results were obtained with five of the six positive samples and seven of seven negative samples. Conclusion This method (CM-IBT) can be clinically useful for detecting sperm antibody in CM, especially because it is effective for tiny samples. In this method, the motile sperm cells are better separated from the debris after the incubation step. When the IBT was applied to the serum samples from the same woman, there was no correlation between serum-IBT and CM-IBT, showing that both materials must be tested.
The effects of scenario planning on participant perceptions of grief in organisational change

This study examines the relationship between scenario planning and participant perceptions of grief in organisational change. Scenario planning projects were designed and facilitated for each of the four organisations as part of an applied research project utilising quasi-experimental research methods. The literature review and theoretical framework in the study focused on the social relationships associated with: 1) resistance to change; 2) perceptions of complex change; 3) loss and grief; 4) coping skills and complex change in organisations. Utilising the scenario planning framework was hypothesised to decrease the amount of grief within the organisations experiencing significant grief and complex change. The findings of the study indicated the scenario planning intervention significantly increased participant reports of grief in organisational change processes. While this is contrary to research hypotheses, various possible explanations are offered, though additional research will be required to further understand the impact of scenario planning on grief management in organisations.
The Lesions in Experimental Infection with Bacterium Tularense

In 1911 McCoy1 discovered a disease among the ground squirrels of California the lesions of which resembled somewhat closely, at least in the gross features, those produced in rodents by Bacillus pestis. In 1912, with Chapin, McCoy2 reported the isolation of the microbic cause of these lesions, and to the organism he gave the name Bacterium tularense. This organism was exceedingly pathogenic for rodents and for monkeys, an observation which led McCoy to suggest in a letter to Wherry3 that it might be expected sooner or later to be encountered in human infections. This prophecy materialized: in 1914 Wherry and Lamb4 reported finding B. tularense in a case which they had been investigating for Dr. Vail,5 under the suspicion that it might be glanders. This first patient was a meat cutter in a restaurant. At the time of examination he was suffering from an acute ulcerative conjunctivitis, enlarged cervical lymph glands, fever, and prostration. Later, a second case was sent them by Dr. Sattler,6 in which the lesions and symptoms were identical with those observed in the first case.
Towards Augmented Fabrication: Combining Fabricated and Existing Objects

One of the main uses for digital fabrication systems is fabrication for use with existing objects. We call this paradigm "augmented fabrication." In this paper, we discuss the types of augmented fabrication activities that can take place, situate previous work into this context, and introduce Printy, an augmented fabrication system that allows novice users to fabricate fully-functional Internet-connected objects.
Pim1 Is a Novel Kinase That Phosphorylates eNOS at Ser-633 and Enhances Angiogenesis in Diabetic Mice

NO is produced by endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) whose function is modulated by posttranslational modifications such as phosphorylation and sumoylation. In this study, we identified Pim1 as a novel kinase that mediates eNOS phosphorylation at Ser633. The interaction between Pim1 and eNOS was demonstrated by co-immunoprecipitation studies in native human endothelial cells and Cos7 cells transiently transfected with eNOS and Pim1 cDNAs. In a vitro kinase assay using recombinant eNOS and Pim1, we demonstrate that Pim1 primarily phosphorylates eNOS at Ser633. Furthermore, co-transfection of Pim1 with eNOS markedly increased eNOS phosphorylation at Ser633 and substantially increased eNOS activity as determined by NO producton. Intriguingly, in response to VEGF stimulation, phosphorylation of eNOS at Ser633 in vascular ECs exhibits two distinct phases, including a transient phosphorylation occurring between 0 and 60 min and a sustained phosphorylation occurring between 2 h and 24 h, which are mediated by the PK...
Diagnosis of wheezing in infants

diagnosis is broad. For recurrent wheezing,especially colds and without other causes,a parental history of asthma,and physicians diagnosis of eczema or atopic dermatitis,and eosinophilia will increase the probability of a subsequent asthma diagnosis.Because objective measures of lung function are challenging to perform in infants,clinical signs and symptoms thus suggest the diagnosis of asthma.
BUILDING THE SOLUTION MECHANISMS TO COMFLICTS BETWEENMINING RIGHTS AND LAND RIGHTS

In order to address the comprehensive conflicts between Mining Rights and Land Rights in Daily life,this paper first clarifies the definitions of Mining Rights and Land Rights and their concrete spheres concerning the contents of Mining Rights and Land Rights from their subjects,privileges to obligations.Later,based on the clear definition and meaning of Mining Rights and Land Rights,this paper analyses the formation and characteristics of these conflicts from a legal perspective.Finally,value orientations in such conflicts are ascertained,and their solution mechanisms are constructed.
Analysis of Changlekang Combined with Blue Light Therapy in the Treatment of Neonatal Jaundice

Objective To observe the clinical effect of changlekang combined with blue light therapy in the treatment of jaundice of newborn. Methods 136 cases of neonatal jaundice in our hospital were divided into two groups and both were 68 cases:observation group and control group. The two groups were given warm, blue light treatment, supportive treatment, while observation group treated with changlekang. Results The effective rate of control group was 88.23%, significantly lower than that of observation group and the treatment time was significantly higher than the observation group. The average daily decline of the observation group was 65.43μmol/L,while control group was 49.99μmol/L. The serum bilirubin of observation group was significantly decreased and was lower than the control group. The difference was statistically significant(P 0.05). Conclusion Changlekang combined with blue light treatment improve the efficiency. The average hospitalization of observation group was 6.2 days, while control group was 8.4 days, having significant difference(P 0.05). Chang lekang can improve curative effect of treatment of newborn, shorten the hospitalization time, no adverse reaction, economical and practical and worthy of promotion.
A National Survey of the Educational Planning and Language Instruction Practices for Students with Moderate to Severe Disabilities Who are English Language Learners

This article examines findings from a national survey of a sample of special educators who serve students with moderate to severe disabilities who are English language learners (ELLs). The survey r...
Subpressor angiotensin II infusions do not stimulate sympathetic activity in humans

Angiotensin II (ANG II) exerts significant direct and indirect pressor and chronotropic effects in experimental animals. The indirect effects have been shown to be due to interactions with the sympathetic nervous system at several levels. To test the hypothesis that ANG II in subpressor doses enhances the activity of the sympathetic nervous system in humans either at rest or in response to a stimulus from baroreceptor unloading, we measured mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), plasma norepinephrine (NE), and plasma NE kinetics during infusions of ANG II at 2 ng.kg-1. min-1 [or 5% dextrose in water (D5/W) control in six healthy volunteers in the supine position and during 60 degrees head-up tilt. No changes in any measured variable occurred during either infusion in the supine position. During upright tilt with D5/W, HR increased (58 +/- 8.4 to 68 +/- 7.7 beats/min, P less than 0.005), MAP rose slightly (90 +/- 3.9 to 94 +/- 4.0 mmHg, P less than 0.005), and plasma NE increased (213 +/- 3.8 to 366 +/- 83 pg/ml, P less than 0.005). The responses of the variables to tilt during ANG II were not different from those with D5/W.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Arm Posture Tracking Using a Smartwatch

In this extended abstract, we present our current work in tracking arm postures using only one smartwatch. Our system fuses data from IMU sensors and observations from human kinematics into a hidden Markov model to continuously estimate the 3D arm posture. We hope with some additional work, this could become a useful underlay to a broad class of gesture-based applications. We also discuss potential future works along this direction.
Factor VIII assay proficiency assessment: experience in the USA.

: Data from the College of American Pathologists (CAP) surveys for Factor VIII:C assays from 1976–1982 are reviewed. The different instrument-reagent combinations are analyzed according to precision and sensitivity. The results of questionnaires on specific assay technic are also analyzed. There has been an increase in the number of laboratories performing the Factor VIII:C assay from 1976 to 1982. In general there was poor correlation between precision and sensitivity in most systems; however, newer instrument-reagent combinations from the same manufacturer have shown improvement in precision-sensitivity ratings. Questionnaire results revealed marked interlaboratory variation with respect to the technical aspects of factor assays. Recent introduction of recommended Factor VIII:C assay guidelines, international standards for Factor VIII:C concentrate and plasma, and newer, more precise instrument-reagent combinations should improve laboratory performance in Factor VIII:C assays.
Usefulness of Peripheral Blood Smears in Identifying the Causes of Anemia in Adults.

Abstract Anemia is common in hospital patients, being found in about half of the automated complete blood counts (CBCs) done on adults aged 20+ at our hospital. Often the reason for the anemia is immediately apparent (post-operative state, end stage renal disease without erythropoietin treatment), but often it is not. Many tests are available for the differential diagnosis of the causes of the anemia. Morphologic evaluation of a Wright-stained blood smear by a skilled observer is labor intensive, but sometimes useful in the differential diagnosis of anemia. When unexplained anemia is identified in a patient on the Medical Service at our teaching hospital, the ward team may also send an intern or a medical student to check out the smear. The potential diagnostic yield of any of these evaluations (the skilled observer, the intern, the student) is unknown. We did a prospective evaluation of 202 consecutive adults with initially unexplained anemia (Hb
Analyzing the Impact of Strategic Performance Management Systems and Role Ambiguity on Performance: A Qualitative Approach

This research questions the assumption that strategic performance measurement systems (SPMS) that define strategic goals at the individual job level reduce role ambiguity and ensure desired employee outcomes. Through qualitative research of both white-collar and blue-collar jobs, we seek to determine the types of jobs most amenable to SPMS guidance.
Relationship of Tarbush Leaf Surface Terpene Profile with Livestock Herbivory

Tarbush (Flourensia cernua DC.) is a Chihuahuan Desert shrub with a resinous leaf surface containing terpenes that may affect livestock herbivory. Cattle, sheep, and goats were densely stocked in paddocks containing tarbush in two consecutive years for six to nine days and defoliation of 160 plants was recorded daily. Plants were categorized as exhibiting high or low defoliation. Leaves were collected from these plants the third year for chemical analysis. A selection procedure was used to generate two variable sets closely related to defoliation category. One set contained 14 variables (dry matter, ash, α-pinene, sabinene, 3-carene, p-cymene, limonene, camphor, borneol, cis-jasmone, β-caryophyllene, α-humulene, ledene, and flourensadiol) and the other set contained 14 unidentified compounds. When subjected to multivariate analysis, each group distinguished between the two defoliation categories (P < 0.001 and P < 0.0019 for known and unknown variable sets, respectively). These data support the hypothesis that leaf surface chemistry of individual tarbush plants is related to extent of defoliation by livestock.
Abstract LB-100: Potential role of the splicing factor SF3B1 in epigenetic regulation

Driver mutations in splicing factors have been reported in multiple cancer types and SF3B1 is among the most frequently mutated splicing factors. The mechanism(s) of transformation associated with these mutations remain incompletely understood. The role of SF3B1 has been studied in splicing, but little is known about its effects on gene regulation outside of its splicing function in cancer. We identified SF3B1 as a potential epigenetic regulator in a whole genome siRNA screen for reactivation of aberrantly silenced genes alone or in synergy with DNMT inhibitors. This surprising link between splicing factors and epigenetic silencing by DNA methylation and chromatin deregulation could explain in part the effects of SF3B1 in cancer. To confirm this link, we studied effects of SF3B1 on gene expression and DNA methylation, and determined SF3B1 chromatin localization by ChIP-seq. We first used RNA-Seq data from all available Uveal Melanoma (UVM) and breast cancer patients in TCGA. Hierarchical cluster analyses of the UVM data showed distinct clusters with high expression of SF3B1 clustering independently of low SF3B1 expression in both cancer types. We identified genes co-regulated with SF3B1 expression in UVM and breast cancer and observed a significant overlap of 40% of upregulated genes (p 0.1, p 450,000) CpG sites tested. At promoter CpG sites, 197 CpG sites had significantly increased methylation (Δ β-value> 0.1, p Citation Format: Sandra Deliard, Yasuyuki Okamoto, Jozef Madzo, Jaroslav Jelinek, Jean-Pierre Issa. Potential role of the splicing factor SF3B1 in epigenetic regulation [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-100. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-LB-100
Security Providers: Obstacles to Effectiveness in Democracies

ABSTRACTTo usefully discuss security, one must analyze the security providers states utilize to enhance international and domestic security. These are the armed forces, police, and intelligence agencies. This paper analyzes the implications of democratization on the requirements—posited as strategies, resources, and coordination institutions—these providers require in order to achieve the goals civilian leaders set for them. In analyzing case studies of how nations implement six different tasks, it becomes clear that the absence, or weakness, in any of the requirements leads to serious weakness in implementation. Two findings from the case studies are particularly important for policy. First, presidents, who are elected directly and for fixed terms, may ignore or even abolish institutions, including national security councils, that are created to coordinate policy. Second, as civilians are in control, if they lack clear incentives they are not willing to provide the necessary requirements for the security...
In Vitro Induction of Cold Acclimation in Potato

Potatoes are cultivated primarily in the temperate zone of North America and Europe, and in the Andean highlands of South America. Unseasonal frosts are considered to be one of the major factors limiting potato production. In the temperate zone, a frost may occur during the early stages of spring growth, or during the fall when the potato plants are terminating growth but are still photosynthesizing (Mendoza and Estrada 1979). In the tropical highlands, a frost may occur any time during the growing season. Depending on the intensity of the frost, the entire potato plants may be killed or the foliage damaged resulting in reduced yield and delayed maturity (Li and Palta 1978). An increase in potato frost hardiness would benefit the world potato production in three ways: (1) An increase in frost tolerance of 2° to 3 °C would ensure in most cases a successful crop, this is especially significant for potato production in the Andean highlands. (2) The development of frost-tolerant clones would greatly expand potato crop production to areas which are currently marginal due to frosts. (3) In the temperate zones, production could be increased by extending the growing season. Potato plants would develop better root systems and have a longer period of photosynthesis if the growing season was extended.
PERCENT AFRICAN GENOMIC ANCESTRY AND LVEF AT PRESENTATION IN PERIPARTUM CARDIOMYOPATHY

Peripartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is more prevalent in African American (AA) women then in whites. Black women also present with a lower LVEF and have poorer outcomes. Whether racial differences in disease severity are genetically based or reflect differences in access to care remains unknown. The
Ambulatory surgery. . . how far can we go

Since its revival in the United States in the 1970s, ambulatory surgery, that intermediate level of care between inpatient and outpatient surgery (with immediate discharge of the patient), has grown phenomenally. During the past decade, the growth has been the result of new surgical techniques, improved anesthetic agents and practices that make such procedures safer, improved and better managed ambulatory surgical facilities, and regulations by government and third-party payers. Consequently, increased utilization of expanded ambulatory surgery appears almost unlimited in the foreseeable future.
Evaluating meniscus allograft transplant using a cost-effectiveness threshold analysis.

Abstract Background It is unknown if meniscal allograft transplant (MAT) delays progression of osteoarthritis (OA). Cost-effectiveness threshold analysis can demonstrate the necessary delay in OA progression required by MAT to be considered cost-effective compared to non-operative management. The purpose of this study is to identify the efficacy MAT requires in delaying progression to OA in previously meniscectomized knees in order to be considered cost-effective compared to non-operative treatment. A secondary goal is to demonstrate the influence of age and BMI on the required efficacy of MAT for cost-effectiveness. Methods A Markov model was developed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of MAT compared to non-operative management for patients with prior meniscectomy. Input parameters were identified in existing literature. Cost was derived from literature and The PearlDiver Patient Records Database. The required rate of OA progression was compared across treatment modalities to determine how effective MAT is required to be cost-effective. Results MAT needs to be 31% more effective in delaying OA compared to non-operative interventions in order to be cost-effective. MAT is most cost-effective in 20–29 year-old patients, requiring a 25% greater efficacy in delaying OA. Obesity (BMI 30–35) makes MAT less cost-effective when compared to non-obese patients; however, the difference in required efficacy in delaying OA among obese patient when compared to non-operative management is approximately 10%. Conclusions MAT needs to be approximately one-third more effective in delaying OA in previously meniscectomized knees to be considered cost-effective. Younger, non-obese patients have the lowest required efficacy of MAT to be cost-effective.
A Quantitative Study on the Effects of Studio Art Training on Proficiency in Statics

A study is described which seeks to quantify the benefits of studio art training on students’ analytical capabilities in a sophomore level statics course. Based on a drawing quality rubric developed for the study, it was shown that students’ drawings of a 3-D engineering system improved significantly after participating in a studio art module. Additionally, students who took part in the studio art module demonstrated better performance on a three-dimensional statics refresher problem than those who received no art training, six weeks after the studio art module was conducted.Copyright © 2018 by ASME
Introduction: Territorial National Identity in Russia’s “Buffer Zone”

Ethnic nationalism is acute in the former Soviet Union. Yet Azerbaijan and Moldova have used an extremely territorial definition of the nation extending citizenship to anyone born on their territory, a legal principle found primarily in the Americas. No such law exists in Georgia, the third country, which forms a “buffer zone” between Russia and the West. The three countries cannot forge closer links to the West due to Russia’s support of the “frozen” separatist conflicts on their territories. The book links this development to territorial integrity concerns; a multi-century historical context that had thwarted or facilitated ethnic collective identity; and geopolitical fears of dual citizenship. The ancient tension between ethnic and territorial collective identities helps understand Russia’s foreign policy, which, if “frozen conflicts” reignite, can bring it to the brink of war with the West, just as it happened during the Ukrainian events of 2014.
High-Quality Lithium Niobate Optomechanical Crystal

We demonstrate 1D lithium niobate optomechanical crystal with 1550 nm optical mode with quality factor 300,000 and 1.9 GHz mechanical mode with quality factor 37,000 at 4 Kelvin. The optomechanical coupling rate is measured to be $\text{g}_{0}=2\pi\times120$ kHz. © 2019 The Author(s)
The Lion’s Den: Zionism and the left from Hannah Arendt to Noam Chomsky

The Lion’s Den is Susie Linfield’s attempt to resolve a conflict that she, as a self-proclaimed liberal or progressive Zionist, has to contend with: why has Zionism become a dirty word that could n...
Social Media Outrage in Response to a School-Based Substance Use Survey: Qualitative Analysis.

Background: School-based alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use (ATOD) surveys are a common epidemiological means of understanding youth risk behaviors. They can be used to monitor national trends and provide data, in aggregate, to schools, communities, and states for the purposes of funding allocation, prevention programming, and other supportive infrastructure. However, such surveys sometimes are targeted by public criticism, and even legal action, often in response to a lack of perceived appropriateness. The ubiquity of social media has added the risk of potential online firestorms, or digital outrage events, to the hazards to be considered when administering such a survey. Little research has investigated the influence of online firestorms on public health survey administration, and no research has analyzed the content of such an occurrence. Analyzing this content will facilitate insights as to how practitioners can minimize the risk of generating outrage when conducting such surveys. Methods: Data were collected by archiving all public comments made in response to a news study about a school-based ATOD survey that was featured on a common social networking platform. Using the general inductive approach and elements of thematic analysis, two researchers followed a multi-step protocol to clean, categorize, and consolidate data, generating codes for all 207 responses. Results: In total, 133 comments were coded as oppositional to the survey and 74 were coded as supportive. Among the former, comments tended to reflect government-related concerns, conspiratorial or irrational thinking, issues of parental autonomy and privacy, fear of child protective services or police, issues with survey mechanisms, and reasoned disagreement. Among the latter, responses showed that posters perceived the ability to prevent abuse and neglect and support holistic health, surmised that opponents were hiding something, expressed reasoned support, or made factual statements about the survey. Consistent with research on moral outrage and digital firestorms, few comments (<10%) contained factual information about the survey; nearly half of the comments, both supportive and oppositional, were coded in categories that presupposed misinformation. Conclusions: The components of even a small online firestorm targeting a school-based ATOD survey are nuanced and complex. It is likely impossible to be fully insulated against the risk of outrage in response to this type of public health work; however, careful articulation of procedures, anticipating specific concerns, and two-way community-based interaction may reduce risk.
Readmissions Are Not What They Seem: Incidence and Classification of 30-Day Readmissions After Orthopedic Trauma Surgery.

Objectives To evaluate the causes of 30-day readmissions after orthopedic trauma surgery and classify them based on their relation to the index admission. Design Retrospective chart review. Setting One large, academic, medical center. Participants Patients admitted to a large, academic, medical center for a traumatic fracture injury over a 9-year period. Intervention Assignment of readmission classification. Main outcome measures Readmissions within 30 days of discharge were identified and classified into orthopedic complications, medical complications, and noncomplications. A χ test was performed to assess any difference in the proportion of readmissions between the hospital-reported readmission rate and the orthopedic complication readmission rate. Results One thousand nine hundred fifty-five patients who were admitted between 2011 and 2018 for an acute orthopedic trauma fracture injury were identified. Eighty-nine patients were readmitted within 30 days of discharge with an overall readmission rate of 4.55%. Within the 30-day readmission cohort, 30 (33.7%) were the direct result of orthopedic treatment complications, 36 (40.4%) were unrelated medical conditions, and 23 (25.8%) were noncomplications. Thus, the readmission rate directly due to orthopedic treatment complications was 1.53%. A χ test of homogeneity revealed a statistically significant difference between the hospital-reported readmission rate and the orthopedic-treatment complication readmission rate (P Conclusion The use of 30-day readmissions as a measure of hospital quality of care overreports the number of preventable readmissions and penalizes surgeons and hospitals for caring for patients with less optimal health. Level of evidence Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
A rodent model of partial intestinal diversion: a novel metabolic operation.

Abstract Background Metabolic surgery is safe and the most effective therapy for obesity and its co-morbidities. New procedures may allow for better tailoring of metabolic surgery to the individual patient. Objective To evaluate the impact, comparative effectiveness, and mechanisms of the partial intestinal diversion (PID), vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG), and the combination of PID and VSG on weight and glucose regulation. Setting University research facility, United States. Methods Three cohorts of high-fat diet-induced obese male rats were randomized to distal PID (DPID), proximal PID (PPID), VSG, VSG and DPID (VSG/DPID), or sham operation (Sham). Animals were followed for 11 (cohort 1) or 10 (cohorts 2 and 3) weeks. Outcomes included weight and composition, food intake, glucose metabolism, lipids, bile acids, and energy balance. Statistical comparisons were performed using Tukey’s multiple comparison test applied to analysis of variance. Results DPID and not PPID resulted in significant weight and body fat reductions relative to Sham. Improved glucose tolerance was seen in all surgical groups though this reached statistical significance for only DPID and VSG compared with Sham. Improvements in baseline glucose and insulin, corresponding insulin resistance, and plasma lipids were noted in DPID compared with Sham. Though the magnitude of weight and body composition changes and metabolic benefit tended to be larger for VSG relative to DPID, it only reached statistical significance for lipids. VSG and VSG/DPID resulted in similar outcomes. Markedly reduced food intake occurred after VSG and more modestly after DPID. Stool caloric content was higher in DPID relative to all groups. Conclusions DPID is an effective metabolic operation resulting in notable weight and fat loss and metabolic improvement relative to sham-operated rodents. Interestingly, combining VSG with DPID added little additional benefit to the effects of VSG.
A Cost-Effective Alternative to Dispensing Ag Ink for Highly Efficient Si Solar Cell Contacts

Cost-effective production of the solar cell, a semiconductor device which converts sunlight directly to electricity without any polluting by-products, will lead to widespread affordability of solar electricity. The solar cell uses silver (Ag) for its front contact, which is the second most expensive layer of the device. In order to decrease the cost, less Ag should be used, which can be achieved through inkjet printing as opposed to screen-printing technology, currently most common in the solar cell industry. Inkjet printing technology is appealing since it can produce finer gridlines, use less Ag, produce uniform gridlines (from cell to cell and on the same cell), and lower contact resistance on lowly doped emitters. In this work, the inkjet gridlines were fabricated in two ways: (i) inkjet seed/plate (IJSP) and (ii) inkjet seed/full-grid (IJSF). The IJSF contact is fabricated similarly to the screen-printed (SP) counterpart, while the IJSP contact requires the use of Ag plating solution to plate after high temperature contact firing. Through the electroluminescence (EL) measuring technique and the Suns-V OC measurements, similar performance metrics for the IJSF and SP contacts were obtained, while the IJSP contact had the weakest performance. With a total of 1.31% less overall metal coverage than the SP contact, the IJSF contact used less Ag while achieving the same performance.
Conformational States of Exchange Protein Directly Activated by cAMP (EPAC1) Revealed by Ensemble Modeling and Integrative Structural Biology.

Exchange proteins directly activated by cAMP (EPAC1 and EPAC2) are important allosteric regulators of cAMP-mediated signal transduction pathways. To understand the molecular mechanism of EPAC activation, we performed detailed Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) analysis of EPAC1 in its apo (inactive), cAMP-bound, and effector (Rap1b)-bound states. Our study demonstrates that we can model the solution structures of EPAC1 in each state using ensemble analysis and homology models derived from the crystal structures of EPAC2. The N-terminal domain of EPAC1, which is not conserved between EPAC1 and EPAC2, appears folded and interacts specifically with another component of EPAC1 in each state. The apo-EPAC1 state is a dynamic mixture of a compact (Rg = 32.9 A, 86%) and a more extended (Rg = 38.5 A, 13%) conformation. The cAMP-bound form of EPAC1 in the absence of Rap1 forms a dimer in solution; but its molecular structure is still compatible with the active EPAC1 conformation of the ternary complex model with cAMP and Rap1. Herein, we show that SAXS can elucidate the conformational states of EPAC1 activation as it proceeds from the compact, inactive apo conformation through a previously unknown intermediate-state, to the extended cAMP-bound form, and then binds to its effector (Rap1b) in a ternary complex.
Electrical Investigation of the Mechanism of Water Adsorption/Desorption by Natural Clinoptilolite Desiccant Used in Food Preservation

Zeolites are used as desiccant in the preservation of many type of vegetable foods (e.g., corns, onions, etc.). Natural clinoptilolite is a very abundant, inexpensive, nontoxic, regenerable, and environmentally friendly type of zeolite with good desiccant properties. Here, the water adsorption/desorption properties of natural clinoptilolite have been investigated by a novel technique based on a.c. electrical measurements. In particular, owing to the presence of extra-framework cations, zeolites are ionic conductors. The presence of water in the cationic site significantly changes the cation mobility, in fact owing to the strong electrostatic interaction acting between cations and the nucleophilic area in the 3D-framework, non-hydrated cations have a nearly zero mobility, while hydrated cations have a good mobility value at room temperature. Therefore, in a zeolite sample the carrier density (that can be simply determined by measuring the temporal evolution of the current intensity, I) increases during the isothermal process of water physical adsorption and such an increase is exactly corresponding to the adsorbed water increase. The type of law controlling the adsorption/desorption process can be established by monitoring the real time behavior of the relative current intensity (I/I0) moving in the sample surface biased by a sinusoidal voltage signal of 5kHz and exposed to a constant moisture atmosphere. This approach has been applied to a natural clinoptilolite slab exposed to a 75% humidity atmosphere at 25°C. An intergranular diffusion control was active at beginning of hydration because of the natural clinoptilolite fine-grained microstructure of lamellar texture, then a Lagergren pseudo-first-order kinetics took place. To confirm a reversible adsorption process and the possibility of re-using clinoptilolite as desiccant, the slab dehydration (by silicagel) was electrically monitored and an exponential kinetic law found.
Months of monotony – moments of mayhem: planning for the human role in a transitioning world of work

Events that can be characterized as hours of boredom which rapidly change into moments of terror, are now evolving into mere milliseconds of mayhem interjected into perhaps even months of monotony....
How do International Co-branding Alliances Affect Host Country Consumers’ Purchase Intention? An Abstract

As markets are increasingly dynamic with a rising variety from which customers can choose (Murray et al. 2011), brand-building activities have become top priority of management (Fischer et al. 2010). Strategic alliances have been receiving attention in the international market since the beginning of the twentieth century (e.g., Harrigan 1986; Lorange and Roos 1992; Faulkner 1995; Mackay 2007). The frequency of using strategic alliance has increased steadily over the past centuries. Companies have to input considerable effort to ensure a successful alliance. Brand alliance has an extensive popularity among various types of strategic alliance options. It is defined as a strategy in which: “two brands are deliberately paired with one another in a marketing context such as in advertisements, products, product placements, and distribution outlets” (Grossman 1997: 191). Previous literature has mainly focused on how companies like to use the co-branding strategy (e.g., Cooke and Ryan 2000; Ueltschy and Laroche 2004), on the motives behind using co-branding strategy (e.g., Mowery 1988; Hagedoorn 1993; Khanna 1996) and on the advantages of using co-branding strategy (e.g., Bernard and Ruth 1998; Rao et al. 1999; Washburn and Richard 2002). However, the role that the host country plays on the consumers has been overlooked despite the fact that previous research has shown that host country environments have a major influence on consumer buying intention (Bian and Forsythe 2012). The “global market” is made up of about 200 countries. Each country has its own consumer behavior, customs, lifestyle, and economy (Mooij and Hofstede 2010). Lin and Chen (2006) claimed that the Country of Origin (COO) is one of the factors that could significantly affect the consumers’ purchase intentions. Research has shown that differences in national culture can disrupt consumers’ attitudes towards the brand (Moon et al. 2008; Raymond and McClure 2001). By considering the moderating influence of host country context, this article expects to refine and extend our current understanding of the effect co-branding alliances have on consumer intention. These findings can potentially benefit MNEs, especially for luxury MNEs, in terms of providing strategic guidelines for them when they choose to use co-branding alliance in the future.
Flexible Over-Current Protection Scheme for Medium-Voltage WBG Power Modules in DPT Application

To improve the development of emerging medium-voltage Silicon-Carbide (SiC) devices, accurate and safe double pulse testing (DPT) stands are necessary in order to characterize their dynamic behavior. As high-current levels introduce risks to the test operator and may damage the expensive prototype devices, over-current protection should be added to the DPT configurations; with an emphasis that this protection should not compromise the measurement accuracy. This study describes the design of a reliable and reconfigurable over-current protection circuit with minimal stray inductance for medium-voltage SiC power modules. This proposed design takes the form of a solid-state circuit breaker with adjustable over-current setting to interrupt the current flow in the DPT power loop in case of a failure.
Bridging the Divisum: A Rare Case of Pancreaticopleural Fistula in the Setting of Complete Pancreatic Divisum Treated Endoscopically:

A pancreaticopleural fistula (PPF) is a rare complication of chronic pancreatitis that occurs either due to a pancreatic duct disruption or a pseudocyst extension. A pancreatic divisum, on the other hand, is a common anatomic variant of the pancreas that is rarely symptomatic. We describe a case of recurrent pleural effusion in a patient with a history of chronic pancreatitis. Investigations revealed the presence of a PPF and a concomitant complete pancreatic divisum. There was resolution of the pleural effusion on endoscopic therapy. This is the fourth reported case of a PPF in the setting of complete pancreatic divisum and the first reported case in a middle-aged female.
The Effectiveness of Special Education Training Programs for Parents of Children with Disabilities: A Systematic Literature Review

Family-professional partnership is an essential component of the special education process for children with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD). However, many families face barrie...
A theory of thermospheric dynamics—I: Diurnal and solar cycle variations

Abstract It is shown that the diurnal density and temperature variation within the thermosphere is generated not only by solar EUV heat input but also by a tidal wave from the lower atmosphere which penetrates into the thermosphere and predominates the diurnal variations below 250 km altitude. Assuming a tidal wave from below which is not dependent on solar activity and assuming solar EUV heat input to be proportional to the solar activity factor F10·7, the observed diurnal density variation and its dependence on solar activity can be explained and reproduced quantitatively with help of a two dimensional model between 100 and 400 km height. The calculated density agrees with the Jacchia model above 300 km and with observations made by Priester, May, King-Hele, Taeusch and by Marov below 250 km.
Detection of Biliverdin Reductase Activity

The conversion of biliverdin to the bile pigment bilirubin is catalyzed by biliverdin reductase, a cytosolic enzyme with two pH optima with different cofactors. The enzyme is assayed at pH 8.7 with NADPH as a cofactor and at 6.75 with NADH. The production of bilirubin is detected as described in this unit with a spectrophotometric assay. The enzyme can be qualitatively assayed by immunoblotting and changes in reductase isoform expression can be detected by two-dimensional electrophoresis.
The Fannie and Freddie Bailouts through the Corporate Lens

In August of 2012, the Department of Treasury redirected the profits of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac away from common shareholders and into the Treasury. Those shareholders have filed multiple lawsuits challenging this action. The complaints allege, among other claims, that the decision to wipe out equity violated the principles of corporate law. In this Essay — prepared for a symposium on the Future of Fannie and Freddie — we analyze that argument. We ask whether the shareholders of an ordinary public company could assert a similar claim under these circumstances. Those circumstances involve a lender of last resort converting a debt-like instrument to an equity-like instrument as means to protect its interests and the interests of other creditors. Indeed, our analysis of the financials of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac shows that they were easily characterized as insolvent in August of 2012. Because bankruptcy law and corporate law permit the directors of a firm to take actions to protect creditors when a firm approaches insolvency, the only relevant question is whether equity had any worth at the time of Treasury’s 2012 action. Just as there is no right to wipe out positive equity value, there is no obligation to force creditors to bear the full cost of risky gambles that might create it value where it does not otherwise exist. And in 2012, the creditors of Fannie and Freddie were bearing significant risk as the obligations of those entities mounted. We argue that the merits of any claim the shareholders can bring, therefore, turn entirely on the value of equity in August of 2012. We then conduct a basic valuation of the common stock of Fannie and Freddie and find that, under any reality-based scenario, the substantial obligations owed to Treasury and the implausibility of never-ending growth in housing markets rendered the shares worthless. To the degree that the private market analogy is apt, the shareholders’ corporate claims should, thus, fail.