cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Replicative culture in vitro of pancreatic epithelial oval cells derived from rats after copper deficiency-induced acinar cell depletion

Procedures for the isolation and in vitro maintenance of oval (periductular) cells obtained from pancreas of rats maintained on copper-deficient diet for 8 wk are described. Oval cells grew readily in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum, and have been continuously propagated in culture for 6 mo. through 10 passages. Morphologically, these cells showed epithelial features characterized by frequent cell junctions, microvilli, intermediate filaments, and attempted lumen formation. These cells were negative for y-glutamyltranspeptidase but stained positively with OV-6 antibodies. Chromosomal analysis revealed hyperdiploid pattern with a model number of 68. These pancreatic oval cells of rat pancreas should serve as a valuable tool for establishing subcloned cell lines for the study of transdifferentiation and in establishing the stem-cell potential.
Differential reactivity of saliva from 'tasters' and 'non-tasters' of 6-n-propylthiouracil.

IN a previous publication1 a difference in reactivity between the saliva of ‘tasters’ and ‘non-tasters’ towards 6-n-propylthiouracil was reported. This communication attempts further to describe the above phenomenon and to relate the data thus obtained to the mechanism of taste in general and to taste-blindness in particular.
Cell model theory of homogeneous fluidization: Density and viscosity behavior

As a step toward a unified treatment of particulately fluidized beds, a statistical-thermodynamic approach has been investigated, with the smoothed potential cell theory of pure liquids used to establish an equation of state and a collisional-viscosity relation. This treatment has correlated well with experimental data on liquid-fluidized beds, and the same method gives reasonable predictions for gas-fluidized beds. A parameter equivalent to thermodynamic temperature has been identified for fluidized beds, which depends solely upon fluid properties and includes the three-halves power of superficial velocity. This approach should be of value for interpreting other liquidlike properties of fluidized systems.
Thauera butanivorans sp. nov., a C2-C9 alkane-oxidizing bacterium previously referred to as 'Pseudomonas butanovora'.

The placement of ‘Pseudomonas butanovora’ in the genus Thauera was proposed previously, based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, upon further studies of taxonomical characteristics. In this study, physiological characteristics and DNA–DNA reassociation data are presented and the transfer of ‘P. butanovora’ to the genus Thauera is proposed. The original description of the strain (strain Bu-B1211) indicated that it was capable of denitrification but not anaerobic growth. ‘P. butanovora’ is capable of anaerobic respiration and growth, utilizing nitrate as a terminal electron acceptor during the oxidation of organic acids and alcohols, but not aromatic hydrocarbons or open-chain terpenoids. The total fatty acid composition supported the assignment of strain Bu-B1211 to the Betaproteobacteria and resembled that of members of the genus Thauera. The combination of 16S rRNA gene phylogenetic evidence, physiological and taxonomical characteristics and DNA–DNA reassociation data supported the placement of ‘Pseudomonas butanovora’ Bu-B1211 in the genus Thauera as representing a novel species, for which the name Thauera butanivorans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Bu-B1211T (=IAM 12574T=ATCC 43655T=DSM 2080T).
An overview of minimalist instruction

The minimalist approach to instructional design is discussed. The main idea is to support what users themselves feel they need to do in order to learn, rather than trying to convince them that they need to do other things. Typical and troublesome problems that plague new users are discussed. Some of the experimental minimalist training materials that have been designed and tested are reviewed. An example application dealing with online training for new users, and future research directions are also discussed. >
Nature versus Nurture in Ventral Visual Cortex : A Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study of Twins

Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we estimated neural activity in twins to study genetic influences on the cortical response to categories of visual stimuli (faces, places, and pseudowords) that are known to elicit distinct patterns of activity in ventral visual cortex. The neural activity patterns in monozygotic twins were significantly more similar than in dizygotic twins for the face and place stimuli, but there was no effect of zygosity for pseudowords (or chairs, a control category). These results demonstrate that genetics play a significant role in determining the cortical response to faces and places, but play a significantly smaller role (if any) in the response to orthographic stimuli.
On the Importance of Atomic Fluctuations, Protein Flexibility, and Solvent in Ion Permeation

Proteins, including ion channels, often are described in terms of some average structure and pictured as rigid entities immersed in a featureless solvent continuum. This simplified view, which provides for a convenient representation of the protein's overall structure, incurs the risk of deemphasizing important features underlying protein function, such as thermal fluctuations in the atom positions and the discreteness of the solvent molecules. These factors become particularly important in the case of ion movement through narrow pores, where the magnitude of the thermal fluctuations may be comparable to the ion pore atom separations, such that the strength of the ion channel interactions may vary dramatically as a function of the instantaneous configuration of the ion and the surrounding protein and pore water. Descriptions of ion permeation through narrow pores, which employ static protein structures and a macroscopic continuum dielectric solvent, thus face fundamental difficulties. We illustrate this using simple model calculations based on the gramicidin A and KcsA potassium channels, which show that thermal atomic fluctuations lead to energy profiles that vary by tens of kcal/mol. Consequently, within the framework of a rigid pore model, ion-channel energetics is extremely sensitive to the choice of experimental structure and how the space-dependent dielectric constant is assigned. Given these observations, the significance of any description based on a rigid structure appears limited. Creating a conducting channel model from one single structure requires substantial and arbitrary engineering of the model parameters, making it difficult for such approaches to contribute to our understanding of ion permeation at a microscopic level.
Changes in carotene content of maize treated with propionic and acetic acids

Abstract Yellow maize with 22·5 per cent moisture content was harvested, treated with up to 1 per cent of either propionic acid or acetic acid, and stored at 28°C. The most effective mold control and the slowest losses of β-carotene occurred in maize treated with 0·6% propionic acid or 0·9% acetic acid. Lower application rates resulted in a greater decline in β-carotene, followed by an increase which was usually associated with mold growth.
Application of local design-for-reliability techniques for reducing wear-out degradation of CMOS combinational logic circuits

Based on reliability simulation and reliability hotspot identification with simulator ARET, a concept of local design-for-reliability is proposed and a detailed redesign algorithm has been developed for CMOS digital circuits under device degradation mechanisms, such as hot-carrier and gate oxide wear-out. This algorithm improves circuit overall reliability by modifying channel length of hotspot gate and channel widths of some other gates around hotspot iteratively. By performing local redesign for reliability, circuit reliability can be significantly improved, while the originally designed overall circuit performance is still maintained.
C-X-C motif chemokine 12 influences the development of extramedullary hematopoiesis in the spleens of myelofibrosis patients

Myelofibrosis (MF) is characterized by the constitutive mobilization of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) and hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC) and the establishment of extramedullary hematopoiesis. The mechanisms underlying this abnormal HSC/HPC trafficking pattern remain poorly understood. We demonstrated that both splenic and peripheral blood (PB) MF CD34(+) cells equally share a defective ability to home to the marrow, but not to the spleens, of NOD/LtSz-Prkdc(scid) mice. This trafficking pattern could not be attributed to discordant expression of integrins or chemokine receptors other than the downregulation of C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 by both PB and splenic MF CD34(+) cells. The number of both splenic MF CD34(+) cells and HPCs that migrated toward splenic MF plasma was, however, significantly greater than the number that migrated toward PB MF plasma. The concentration of the intact HSC/HPC chemoattractant C-X-C motif chemokine 12 (CXCL12) was greater in splenic MF plasma than PB MF plasma, as quantified using mass spectrometry. Functionally inactive truncated products of CXCL12, which are the product of proteolytic degradation by serine proteases, were detected at similar levels in both splenic and PB MF plasma. Treatment with an anti-CXCL12 neutralizing antibody resulted in a reduction in the degree of migration of splenic MF CD34(+) cells toward both PB and splenic MF plasma, validating the role of CXCL12 as a functional chemoattractant. Our data indicate that the MF splenic microenvironment is characterized by increased levels of intact, functional CXCL12, which contributes to the localization of MF CD34(+) cells to the spleen and the establishment of extramedullary hematopoiesis.
A Journey Through Chemical Dynamics

The charge with the invitation to write this autobiographical article was to describe what led me to a career in science and to choose the specific topics and scientific directions I have pursued. This is thus a very personal story and by no means a scientific review of the work that is mentioned. As will be clear, this journey was not an orderly, well-thought-out plan, but just "happened," one step after the other.
Flow and Composition of Afferent Mammary Gland Lymph

Abstract Afferent mammary lymphatic flow was characterized in conscious lactating cows during milking and prior to, during, and after intramammary infusion of endotoxins. Lymph flow (13 to 45ml/h) was pulsatile with monophasic and multiphasic episodes. Flow resulted from 62 to 67 episodes per h. Episodes varied from 1 to 53s in duration. Maximum instantaneous flow ranged from 163 to 245 μ l/s. Flow did not increase consistently during milking. Lymph flow increased (5.5- to 8-fold) during endotoxin-induced mastitis. Flow rates were elevated for up to 48h after infusion of endotoxin. Compositional comparisons between afferent mammary lymph and blood plasma showed distinct differences. Lymph contained 7, 6, and 10 times less protein, albumin, and globulin, respectively, than did plasma. Glucose concentrations were equivalent. Lymph had 17 times less cholesterol and about one-half as much triglyceride and calcium as did plasma. γ -Glutamyl-transaminase and aspartate transaminase were substantially higher in plasma than in lymph. Afferent mammary lymph has unique compositional characteristics. The lymph ducts contained an intrinsic mechanism for lymph movement. Moreover, this mechanism was altered by inflammation. The techniques herein provide a better understanding of the mammary lymphatic system.
Effect of Catalyst Oxidation State and Structure on Thiophene Hydrodesulfurization over Model Molybdenum Catalysts

Abstract Activity and product selectivity have been measured for thiophene hydrodesulfurization (HDS) over model silica-supported molybdenum catalysts at a pressure of 1 atm and at temperatures ranging from 398 to 673 K. The model catalysts feature isolated molybdenum atoms in the +2, +4, and +6 oxidation states and molybdenum dimers with each molybdenum atom in the +4 oxidation state. Silica-supported MoS 2 , prepared by deposition and decomposition of (NH 4 ) 2 MoS 4 , was used for reference. There is a correlation between thiophene HDS activity and molybdenum oxidation state, with Mo(II) most active. Thiophene HDS activity does not show a significant structure dependence for isolated Mo(IV) versus dimeric Mo(IV) catalysts. Activation energies of 51.5 and 49.9 kJ/mol were determined for thiophene HDS over Mo(II) and MoS 2 /SiO 2 catalysts, respectively. Butane and butenes are the major products of thiophene HDS with little butadiene detected. Activity and selectivity trends suggest the HDS reaction is initiated by η l binding of thiophene on the supported metal catalysts.
Return to Sumatra: 1957,1997

In this article, I reflect on how ethnography has changed between my 1957 fieldwork in a Toba Batak village in Sumatra, Indonesia, and my return visit in 1997. I argue that current issues of transnationalism and globalization are as significant in what is seemingly the most traditional of anthropological sites, a mountain village in Southeast Asia, as in more modern worldly settings. I discuss culture and ethnography, and I explore different experiential meanings of the term village.
Culture, Age, and Subjective Well-Being Health, Functionality, and the Infrastructure of Eldercare in Comparative Perspective

Health and functionality are main factors promoting well-being across the life course and especially in old age. However, health and functionality are subject to cultural interpretation and are by no means universal in meaning and in their impacts on human lives. Data from Africa, Ireland, the United States, and Hong Kong demonstrate the complexities in the relationships between culture, aging, health, functionality, and well-being. Implications for eldercare in specific contexts of differing wealth, levels of technology, and a political economy of aging are discussed.
Early determinants of development: a lipid perspective

This article results from an International Life Sciences Institute workshop on early nutritional determinants of health and development. The presentation on lipids focused mainly on the longer-chain products of the essential fatty acids, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3), and cognitive development as among the most studied lipids and outcomes, respectively, in early human nutrition. Because there have been several recent reviews on this topic, the present review takes a broader perspective with respect to both early development and lipids: an expanded research agenda is plausible on the basis of observations from some human studies and from animal studies. Other lipids known to be provided in variable amounts to infants through human milk are cholesterol and gangliosides. Short sections address the current state of knowledge and some questions that could be pursued.
Adipose tissue and the effects of fat and calories on breast tumorigenesis in rats

A high fat diet fed ad libitum will promote breast tumorigenesis in rats while caloric restriction of the same high fat diet counteracts this promotional effect. The present study examined the effects of dietary fat and calorie intake on adipose tissue weight and fatty acid composition and on tumor incidence and development. The sites of adipose tissue chosen were the mammary fat pad, representing adipose tissue in the immediate location of the studied tumor, and the abdominal fat depot which in humans has been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. High (20% corn oil) and low (5% corn oil) fat test diets were offered ad libitum and at 40% restriction levels. In agreement with prior studies, caloric restriction of both high and low fat diets led to marked decreases in tumor incidence (63 to 68% versus 21%), tumor burden (1.84 to 2.05 versus 0.37 to 0.43 tumors/rat), and tumor weight (7.1 to 11.9 versus 1.4 to 2.2 g) at the time of sacrifice (133 days post-DMBA). While final body weights were reduced in proportion to the level of caloric restriction (290 to 291 g versus 184 to 201 g), abdominal fat (8.8 to 9.2 versus 0.9 to 1.6 g), and mammary fat weights (3.1 to 4.1 versus 0.7 to 2.0 g) were reduced markedly in association with the decrease in tumorigenesis. While both tumor and mammary fat were enriched with linoleate reflecting the fatty acid composition of dietary fat, the ratio of arachidonic acid to linoleic acid was higher in tumor tissue than in surrounding normal mammary tissue in both the phospholipid (0.78 versus 0.18) and neutral lipid fractions (0.22 versus 0.03). These observations are consistent with the concept that increases in fat tissue mass in abdominal and mammary fat depots may mediate some of the promotional effects of high fat and high calorie diets. Restriction of dietary fat and calories to reduce body fat and strategies to modify the composition of stored lipids in fat depots may offer nutritional approaches to breast cancer prevention and treatment.
Chronic pain after vasectomy: a diagnostic and treatment dilemma

Vasectomy is a very common operation and has been accepted as a method of family planning by ≈ 42 million couples worldwide. While it is usually a well-tolerated and highly effective form of birth control, it has a risk of significant morbidity in ≈ 1% of patients [1]. One particularly troubling complication after vasectomy is chronic testicular pain, which has been defined as intermittent or constant, unilateral or bilateral testicular pain for ≥ 3 months. The pain is intense enough to interfere with the patient’s daily activities and prompts him to seek medical attention [2]. The definition of chronic testicular pain after vasectomy has developed with time, as have the names of this syndrome. Various terms have been applied to this condition, including postvasectomy orchalgia, congestive epididymitis, and chronic testicular pain. Currently the syndrome is generally termed postvasectomy pain syndrome (PVPS) [3]. In this article we review the salient diagnostic and therapeutic features of this vexing medical problem.
Multiple laser spots for camera-space objectives

This paper discusses advancements in the speed of a semi-autonomous, calibration-free robot-control system which uses camera-space manipulation. Robust and precise vision-based manipulation using camera-space manipulation requires the establishment of 2-dimensional camera-space objectives in each uncalibrated camera which are consistent with the task objectives. The increased speed in the system stems from the rapid placement of common points for the determination of compatible manuever objectives in the image planes of each of the participant, widely separated, uncalibrated cameras. The previous system used a single-spot laser pointer mounted on a two-axis pan/tilt unit to create the common points in each of the participating cameras. In a time consuming process, the pan/tilt unit servoed the laser spot to each of the specified locations in a selection camera. The current, improved system uses structured lighting to create a grid of laser spots from a single laser beam; thus an entire grid of laser spots is created in a fraction of the time. Strategies for the detection of the laser spots in the two-dimensional image planes of each camera and the matching of spots among cameras will be discussed. In regions of greater surface curvature more laser spots are needed to be placed to capture better the local curvature of the workpiece. This is achieved by a user-prescribed density of laser spots, as well as user-specified interpolation model. The interpolation model is used for the determination of the image plane task objectives of the participant cameras from targets specified in the selection camera using a number of the common points. For relatively flat regions a linear model is used whereas a quadratic model may be employed for regions of higher curvature. This paper also presents results using the new system which demonstrate its speed and high level of accuracy in the positioning and orientation of an end effector with respect to a three dimensional body of arbitrary position and orientation.
Navigating Multiple Identities Across Multiple Boundaries A Cross-Level Model of Organizational Identification

Much of the existing research on organizational identification presumes a singular, central organizational identity with which individuals may come to identify rather than explicitly recognizing the multiple dimensions of identity likely embodied in the organization as well as the multi-dimensional nature of individual identity. In this cross-level, multi-method research, we provide a boundary perspective on identity and identification to illuminate the complex processes by which an organization manages a hybrid identity and individuals manage multiple personal identities within a hybrid identity context, and the impact this process has on organizational identification and member loyalty. The results show that organizational actions to integrate the hybrid identity create high- and low-status factions resulting in different levels of identification and member loyalty.
SNR Enhancement in Segmented Perpendicular Media

In this paper, we present a systematic micromagnetic modeling investigation on the segmented perpendicular thin film media. Segmented medium with inserted exchange breaking layers not only enables tunability of the crystalline anisotropy at each segment through the medium thickness, but also enables a continuous tuning of the inter-segment ferromagnetic exchange coupling strength. It is found that the switching field distribution can be significantly narrowed by optimizing the inter-segment coupling. This is because for a three-segment grain, the switching field dependence on the anisotropy field variation of the segment with highest anisotropy field can be substantially suppressed with adequate inter-segment coupling. Recording simulation shows that optimizing the inter-segment coupling strength combined with the optimization of anisotropy field for each segment, significant SNR enhancement can be achieved. Although optimizing the inter-segment coupling does yield reduction of the energy barrier, it also reduces the switching field in proportion, such that the anisotropy strength can be engineered with sufficient thermal stability. It is argued that as long as the grain size is smaller than half of the bit length, segmenting the medium grains presents an alternative and likely more effective approach than that of reducing the grain size for increasing the area density capability.
Interest Rate Derivatives Pricing with Volatility Smile

The volatility “smile” or “skew” observed in the S&P 500 index options has been one of the main drivers for the development of new option pricing models since the seminal works of Black and Scholes (J Polit Econ 81:637–654, 1973) and Merton (Bell J Econ Manag Sci 4:141–183, 1973). The literature on interest rate derivatives, however, has mainly focused on at-the-money interest rate options. This paper advances the literature on interest rate derivatives in several aspects. First, we present systematic evidence on volatility smiles in interest rate caps over a wide range of moneyness and maturities. Second, we discuss the pricing and hedging of interest rate caps under dynamic term structure models (DTSMs). We show that even some of the most sophisticated DTSMs have serious difficulties in pricing and hedging caps and cap straddles, even though they capture bond yields well. Furthermore, at-the-money straddle hedging errors are highly correlated with cap-implied volatilities and can explain a large fraction of hedging errors of all caps and straddles across moneyness and maturities. These findings strongly suggest the existence of systematic unspanned factors related to stochastic volatility in interest rate derivatives markets. Third, we develop multifactor Heath–Jarrow–Morton (HJM) models with stochastic volatility and jumps to capture the smile in interest rate caps. We show that although a three-factor stochastic volatility model can price at-the-money caps well, significant negative jumps in interest rates are needed to capture the smile. Finally, we present nonparametric evidence on the economic determinants of the volatility smile. We show that the forward densities depend significantly on the slope and volatility of LIBOR rates and that mortgage refinance activities have strong impacts on the shape of the volatility smile. These results provide nonparametric evidence of unspanned stochastic volatility and suggest that the unspanned factors could be partly driven by activities in the mortgage markets.
High sensitivity polymerase chain reaction assay for active and latent feline herpesvirus- infections in domestic cats

A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was developed and used to detect feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1) in conjunctival and oropharyngeal swabs, and in latently infected tissues (trigeminal ganglia, optic nerves, optic chiasma, olfactory bulbs and corneas) collected from 10 experimentally infected cats. There was good agreement between parallel tests of the swab specimens by PCR and virus isolation assay during the phase of acute, latent and recurrent disease episodes (kappa=0.63, P<0.001). The PCR reliably detected ≤240 copies of FHV-1 template DNA, significantly improving upon previously published PCR assays for the agent.
Identification and Characterization of Novel Estrogen Receptor-β-Sparing Antiprogestins

The steroid hormones estrogen and progesterone together regulate the development and maintenance of the female reproductive system. The actions of these two hormones are mediated by their respective nuclear receptors located within overlapping cell populations in target organs. The molecular mechanism of action of these two hormones has been defined to a large extent using estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) antagonists. In the case of ER, the available antagonists are highly receptor selective. With respect to PR, however, the available antiprogestins also interact with the receptors for glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and androgens. Whereas these cross-reactivities can usually be managed in studies of female reproductive function, it is the recent demonstration that RU486 is an effective antagonist of the beta-isoform of ER that suggested the need for more selective antiprogestins. In this study, we used cell-based transcriptional assays combined with screens using coactivator peptide analogs to identify two novel classes of antiprogestins that distinguish themselves from the antiprogestin RU486 in the manner they interact with PR. One class exhibits the characteristics of a pure antiprogestin in that its members bind to the receptor and induce a conformational change that prevents the presentation of two potential coactivator binding surfaces on the protein. The second class of compounds distinguish themselves from RU486 in that they are ERbeta sparing. When tested in vivo the ER-sparing antiprogestins were as effective as RU486 in suppressing superovulation. It is anticipated that the availability of these new antiprogestins will advance the studies of PR pharmacology in a manner similar to how the availability of selective ER modulators has helped the study of ER action.
SAS 58, Audit Firm Size, And The Incidence Of Uncertainties In Audit Reports: An Empirical Study

This study develops and investigates two hypotheses: (1) that adoption of SAS 58 should be associated with an increase in the incidence of uncertainties referenced in the audit reports of small audit firms and (2) that there should be no change in the incidence of uncertainties referenced by large audit firms. The empirical results support both hypotheses. The main implication is that standard-setting bodies need to begin giving consideration to the possibility of size-related differences in the effects of changes in auditing standards.
Short-term effects of a 1990s-era property tax limit: Panel evidence on Oregon's measure 5

Since the early 1990s, a number of states have imposed limitations on local public school revenues and expenditures. I consider the effects of this trend, which has been likened to the "local prope...
Millet System is Alive: Path-Dependency in Turkish and Cypriot Minority Incorporation Patterns

The paper argues that the legacy of the Ottoman 'millet system' still bases identity policies and problems in contemporary Turkey and Cyprus. The Ottoman millet system recognized diversity institutionally and created a political environment for the reproduction of diverse cultures to a certain extent. However, given the complexity of contemporary politics and increasingly pluralized aspects of identity, millet system does not provide a promising ground to satisfy the demands of certain identity groups and to build political legitimacy and nation-wide solidarity; because millet system (1) does not appreciate the inherent value of diversity, but accepts it as an inevitable fact; (2) defines diversity narrowly around the notion of religion; (3) does not recognize intra-community diversity; and (4) promotes strict authority hierarchies within and between identity groups.
Methods in Social Neuroscience, edited by Eddie Harmon-Jones and Jennifer Beer

SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGISTS HAVE INCREASINGLY begun to integrate biological measures into their research over the past 20 years, in an attempt to better understand and predict behavior. This field, Social...
A NEW SPECIFIC ANTIDOTE FOR ORGANIC PHOSPHATE ESTER POISONING

As the organic phosphate esters become more widely used, particularly in the home, intoxication from accidental ingestion will no doubt increase. For this reason a discussion of the toxic effects and treatment is presented. The signs, symptoms and treatment are summarized in the Tables.
Unbound Bilirubin and Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder in Late Preterm and Term Infants with Severe Jaundice

Objective This study evaluates whether unbound bilirubin is a better predictor of auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD) than total serum bilirubin (TSB) or the bilirubin:albumin molar ratio (BAMR) in late preterm and term neonates with severe jaundice (TSB ≥20 mg/dL or TSB that met exchange transfusion criteria). Study design Infants ≥34 weeks' gestation with severe jaundice during the first 2 weeks of life were eligible for the prospective observational study. A comprehensive auditory evaluation was performed within 72 hours of peak TSB. ANSD was defined as absent or abnormal auditory brainstem evoked response waveform morphology at 80-decibel click intensity in the presence of normal outer hair cell function. TSB, serum albumin, and unbound bilirubin were measured using the colorimetric, bromocresol green, and modified peroxidase method, respectively. Results Five of 44 infants developed ANSD. By logistic regression, peak unbound bilirubin but not peak TSB or peak BAMR was associated with ANSD (OR, 4.6; 95% CI, 1.6-13.5; P = .002). On comparing receiver operating characteristic curves, the area under the curve for unbound bilirubin (0.92) was significantly greater ( P = .04) compared with the area under the curve for TSB (0.50) or BAMR (0.62). Conclusions Unbound bilirubin is a more sensitive and specific predictor of ANSD than TSB or BAMR in late preterm and term infants with severe jaundice.
Anger and Military Veterans

Anger problems are most evident in veterans who are diagnosed with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and have been exposed to combat. Because of the institutionalized role anger plays in military training, identity, and culture, anger problems are also an issue for former soldiers who have neither PTSD nor combat experience. Consequently, anger problems are an issue for many veterans whose inability to manage and express their anger constructively inhibits psychosocial functioning in multiple areas, including personal relationships, employment, self-esteem, and behavioral self-control. Empirically supported group interventions addressing this issue adhere to the principles of evidence-based practice and are particularly important given the current geopolitical climate. This paper reviews some of the current literature on clinical interventions for veterans experiencing anger problems and acknowledges the increasingly important role social workers are playing as mental health service providers to veterans with anger problems at institutions such as the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Measuring reactive hyperemia in the lower limb using near-infrared spectroscopy

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has been used to measure reactive hyperemia following a vascular occlusion. However, the procedures and methods of analysis used have varied. The purpose of the present study is to identify reproducible methods for measuring reactive hyperemia using HbO2 NIRS signals in the calf and foot. Healthy participants (10 male, 10 female) aged 19 to 28 years performed one of two tests: reproducibility trials or elevation protocol (30 and 60 cm limb elevation above the heart). The time to 50% reperfusion (T1/2) and the second (R2q) quartile rates of reperfusion were found to be the most reproducible parameters (coefficient of variation= 7.12 to 14.1%). The time to 95% reperfusion (T95) was 12.7% more reproducible on average than the previously reported parameter of time to peak hyperemia. Measures of reperfusion time and rate slowed with increasing limb elevation. Correlations were identified between the calf and foot in the measurements of R2q (R2 = 0.713, p = 0.021), T1/2 (R2 = 0.673, p = 0.033), and T95 (R2 = 0.792, p = 0.006). Half and 95% recovery times and second and third quartile rates expressed good reproducibility and sensitivity to change with reduced perfusion pressure. NIRS measures of reactive hyperemia have the potential to evaluate microvascular perfusion in clinical populations.
CICERO, LEG. 1.6: ‘PLEASURABLE’ ANNALS? *

quamobrem aggredere, quaesumus, et sume ad hanc rem tempus, quae est a nostris hominibus adhuc aut ignorata aut relicta. nam post annales pontificum maximorum, quibus nihil potest esse iucundius, si aut ad Fabium aut ad eum qui tibi semper in ore est, Catonem, aut ad Pisonem aut ad Fannium aut ad Vennonium uenias, quamquam ex his alius alio plus habet uirium, tamen quid tam exile quam isti omnes? 3 iucundius ω : iucundius Davies : ieiunius Ursinus : nudius Rob. Steph. The manuscript reading iucundius has had a few defenders, but nearly all editors have chosen to emend, and of the several emendations proposed, the favourite has been Orsini's ieiunius , adopted recently in Jonathan Powell's Oxford Classical Text, in Andrew Dyck's magisterial commentary, and in the new edition of the fragments of the Roman historians. Although the emendation can now be considered canonical, it is nevertheless worthwhile to restate and augment the arguments for retaining the manuscript reading.
Chemical grafting of silane end-functionalized polymer on silicon surfaces

X-ray and neutron reflectivity was used to determine the kinetics of adsorption and characterize the concentration profile of a low molecular weight trichlorosilane end- functionalized polystyrene adsorbed onto polished silicon wafers. Higher adsorbed amounts were obtained from a cyclohexane solution of the polymer rather than toluene, with kinetics that followed a stretched exponential behavior. For moderately high grafting densities the polymer concentration profile in deuterated toluene (a good solvent) was best modelled using a small tailed parabola. In deuterated cyclohexane (a poor solvent) the brush profile steepened but was substantially smoother than a step, while in D2O (a non-solvent) it became step-like.
Oxybutynin chloride combined with intermittent clean catheterization in the treatment of myelomeningocele patients.

AbstractOxybutynin chloride has been used with intermittent clean catheterization to achieve urinary continence in 21 of 25 myelomeningocele patients (84 per cent success rate). The regimen, results, problems and implications of this new method of treatment are discussed.
A Win-Win Peer Mentoring and Tutoring Program: A Collaborative Model

The Big Buddies' Program is a unique peer mentoring and tutoring project that was able to simultaneously address major service effectiveness issues at three local community organizations. Through a collaborative effort, these agencies designed this innovative approach for preventing school dropout, increasing youth's interest in volunteerism, and expanding real-world learning experiences for university undergraduate students in social work. The article outlines in detail the program set-up, selection of participants, schedule and location of buddy time, content of mentor/tutor training, coordination of the program, use of materials with plans, and the program evaluation design. Future implications of the model are provided along with guidelines for duplicating this innovative collaborative approach in other communities.
3D Printing a Susceptibility Assay for Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria

In this issue of Chem , Glatzel et al. have developed a 3D-printing-based system to quantifiably assess the susceptibility of pathogens to antibiotics—administered either independently or in combination with other antibiotics—in an important step toward providing rapid, multiplex drug screening.
The Gesture as an Autonomous Nonlinear Dynamical System

ABSTRACTWe propose a theory of how the speech gesture determines change in a functionally relevant variable of vocal tract state (e.g., constriction degree). A core postulate of the theory is that the gesture determines how the variable evolves in time independent of any executive timekeeper. That is, the theory involves intrinsic timing of speech gestures. We compare the theory against others in which an executive timekeeper determines change in vocal tract state. Theories that employ an executive timekeeper have been proposed to correct for disparities between theoretically predicted and experimentally observed velocity profiles. Such theories of extrinsic timing make the gesture a nonautonomous dynamical system. For a nonautonomous dynamical system, the change in state depends not just on the state but also on time. We show that this nonautonomous extension makes surprisingly weak kinematic predictions both qualitatively and quantitatively. We propose instead that the gesture is a theoretically simpler...
Stress and strain mapping of micro-domain bundles in barium titanate using electron backscatter diffraction

Cross-correlation of electron backscatter diffraction patterns has been used to generate stress and strain maps of a single crystal of tetragonal barium titanate (BaTiO3) containing bundles of small, (0.2–5) μm, a- and c-domains separated by 90° domain boundaries. The strains peaked at the domain boundaries, and approximately equal, but opposite, values were observed in the a- and c-domains; the peak strain magnitudes were slightly less than half the tetragonal distortion of BaTiO3, about 0.004, consistent with a tendency to a cubic structure at domain boundaries. The strain state was dominated by two normal strains: in-plane, perpendicular to domain wall intersections with the surface, and out-of-plane, perpendicular to the surface. In distinction to larger, lamellar domains, significant shear strains were also observed. Stress maps were constructed from strain maps using a method that does not require zero stress at reference locations. Peak in-plane normal stresses of approximately 700 MPa were observed. The variation of the stress component parallel to the domain walls was used to determine numerically a microstructurally based stress intensity factor for crack propagation perpendicular to the domain walls. The conditions for stable micro-crack formation in the microstructural stress field and unstable crack propagation under the action of a superposed applied stress were considered in the context of multi-layer ceramic capacitor reliability.
Ensemble modeling of stochastic unsteady open-channel flow in terms of its time–space evolutionary probability distribution – Part 1: theoretical development

Abstract. The Saint-Venant equations are commonly used as the governing equations to solve for modeling the spatially varied unsteady flow in open channels. The presence of uncertainties in the channel or flow parameters renders these equations stochastic, thus requiring their solution in a stochastic framework in order to quantify the ensemble behavior and the variability of the process. While the Monte Carlo approach can be used for such a solution, its computational expense and its large number of simulations act to its disadvantage. This study proposes, explains, and derives a new methodology for solving the stochastic Saint-Venant equations in only one shot, without the need for a large number of simulations. The proposed methodology is derived by developing the nonlocal Lagrangian–Eulerian Fokker–Planck equation of the characteristic form of the stochastic Saint-Venant equations for an open-channel flow process, with an uncertain roughness coefficient. A numerical method for its solution is subsequently devised. The application and validation of this methodology are provided in a companion paper, in which the statistical results computed by the proposed methodology are compared against the results obtained by the Monte Carlo approach.
Immune checkpoint inhibitors in large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma: current status.

// Aman Chauhan 1 , Susanne M. Arnold 1 , Jill Kolesar 1 , Hala Elnakat Thomas 2 , Mark Evers 1 and Lowell Anthony 1 1 Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA 2 University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA Correspondence to: Aman Chauhan, email: aman.chauhan@uky.edu Keywords: large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma; high grade neuroendocrine carcinoma; immune checkpoint inhibitors Received: December 23, 2017 Accepted: February 13, 2018 Epub: February 22, 2018 Published: March 06, 2018 ABSTRACT Introduction: Large cell neuroendocrine carcinomas (LCNEC) are a group of rare high grade neuroendocrine tumors that often behave clinically like small cell carcinoma (SCLC) and are treated as such. No major advancement in the management of these tumors has occurred in the last 30 years. Methods: We present a case series of three cases from Markey Cancer center along with a review of 13 published cases in the literature wherein immune-checkpoint inhibitors were utilized in the management of LCNEC. Results: Immune-checkpoint inhibitors might have clinical activity in LCNEC. Conclusion: Role of immune-checkpoint inhibitors should be explored in prospective LCNEC clinical trials. We summarize current evidence regarding use of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of LCNEC.
Plaque Calcification: An Important Predictor of Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum Treatment Outcomes for Men With Peyronie's Disease

Abstract Objective To compare outcomes of men with or without calcified plaques undergoing collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH) injections for Peyronie's disease (PD) and identify predictors of CCH success. Materials and Methods From March 2014 through January 2017, data were prospectively collected on 192 patients who underwent 1-4 cycles of CCH for the treatment of PD. Of these, 115 completed ≥2 CCH cycles and had data on curvature assessment. The primary outcome was the percentage of men with >20% improvement in composite curvature. Univariate analysis was performed to compare rate of success based on patient and disease characteristics, and multivariate logistic regression was used to identify predictors of successful treatment. Results Calcified plaques were identified in 34 of 115 (30%) patients. Patients with calcified plaque were younger, had longer duration of disease, and higher rates of significant erectile dysfunction. On multivariate logistic regression controlling for calcification and degrees composite curvature, noncalcified plaque (odds ratio 2.50; 95% confidence interval 1.06-6.00; P = .03) and curvature ≥60° (odds ratio 5.01; 95% confidence interval 1.34-21.62; P = .02) were found to be significant predictors of ≥20% improvement in composite curvature. When differentiated by calcification severity, those with no calcification achieved significant improvements in curvature (28.1° vs 10.3°, P = .04), compared to moderate (shadowing) or severe (>1 cm). Conclusion Plaque calcification is associated with a significantly lower rate of success of CCH therapy for PD, while greater baseline curvature is associated with increased odds of successful curvature improvement.
Ophthalmic Vascular Events after Primary Unilateral Intra-arterial Chemotherapy for Retinoblastoma in Early and Recent Eras.

PURPOSE To assess risk factors for ophthalmic vascular events after intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) for retinoblastoma. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. PARTICIPANTS Patients who received unilateral IAC as primary treatment for retinoblastoma from January 1, 2009, to November 30, 2017, at a single center. METHODS Records were reviewed for patient demographics, tumor features, IAC parameters, and treatment-related vascular events in the early IAC era (2009-2011) compared with the recent era (2012-2017) using the t test and Fisher exact test. Change in event rates over time was assessed using Poisson regression analysis, with Spearman's rho used to test correlation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Rate of IAC-induced ophthalmic vascular events. RESULTS There were 243 chemotherapy infusions in 76 eyes of 76 patients, divided into early (22 eyes, 57 infusions) and recent (54 eyes, 186 infusions) eras. Intra-arterial chemotherapy consisted of melphalan (243 infusions), topotecan (124 infusions), and carboplatin (9 infusions). A comparison (early vs. recent era) revealed fewer mean number of infusions (2.6 vs. 3.4, P = 0.02) with similar mean patient age and presenting tumor features. Event rates decreased over time (P < 0.01), with fewer ophthalmic vascular events (early era vs. recent era) in the recent era (59% vs. 9% per eye, 23% vs. 3% per infusion, P < 0.01), including peripheral retinal nonperfusion (5% vs. 2% per eye, P = 0.50), vitreous hemorrhage (9% vs. 2%, P = 0.20), subretinal hemorrhage (0% vs. 2%, P = 0.99), branch retinal vein occlusion (5% vs. 0%, P = 0.29), choroidal ischemia (14% vs. 4%, P = 0.14), and ophthalmic artery spasm/occlusion (27% vs. 0%, P < 0.01). Events did not correlate to patient age (P = 0.75), tumor diameter (P = 0.32), tumor thickness (P = 0.59), or cumulative dosage of melphalan (P = 0.13) or topotecan (P = 0.59). There were no IAC-induced vascular events in 72 infusions of 21 consecutively treated eyes in 2016 to 2017. CONCLUSIONS Ophthalmic vascular events after IAC have decreased from the early era (2009-2011) through the current era (2012-2017) at this center. Experience performing this highly specialized procedure could be an important factor predicting IAC-related vascular events.
Methodology and Bias in Assessing Compliance with a Surgical Safety Checklist

Article-at-a-Glance Background Surgical safety checklists, such as the perioperative time-out, have been shown to improve performance on a variety of patient safety measures. A variety of methods have been used to assess compliance with the perioperative time-out, but no standardized methodology with a reliable observer group currently exists. An observation-based methodology was used to assess time-out compliance at an academic medical center. Methods A single observer group made up of medical students and nurses recorded compliance with each of the 11 standardized items of the time-out. A total of 193 time-out procedures were observed, 48 by medical students and 145 by nurses. Results One item (procedure to be performed) achieved > 95% compliance. Three items (surgical site; availability of necessary blood products, implants, devices; and start of antibiotics) achieved 80%–95% compliance. Seven items achieved p Conclusions In our cohort of observed time-outs, the compliance rate was low, calling into question time-out quality, and, more importantly, patient safety. Measures must be taken by large hospitals to regularly audit time-out compliance and create effective programming to improve perfomance. Although observational assessment is an effective method to assess compliance with surgical safety checklists, observer group bias has the potential to skew results.