cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Latex nanosphere delivery system (LNDS): novel nanometer-sized carriers of fluorescent dyes and active agents selectively target neuronal subpopulations via uptake and retrograde transport.

A wide range of latex particles are described which are capable of carrying high concentrations of fluorescent dyes, drugs, and photoactive agents selectively to subpopulations of neurons in vitro and in vivo. Particle size, charge, and concentration were all found to influence uptake into cultured neurons or retrograde transport in vivo. Chromophore loadings of greater than 14% (w/w) were obtained. Incorporation of a photoactivated dye (chlorin %) into the polymer did not compromise the ability of the dye to produce singlet oxygen following light exposure. We refer to this unique family of latex particles as the latex nanosphere delivery system (LNDS). The LNDS will be usefull for studies of neuroanatomy and nervous system development, as well as general areas of biomedical research where it is desirable to selectively label subpopulations of cells. The LNDS also offers a means of providing targeted delivery of drugs or photoactive agents to selected subpopulations of cells; this will allow experimentation not currently possible using any existent methodology.
A Test of the Equality of Closed-Ended and Open-Ended Contingent Valuations

A test is developed to find whether open‐ended and closed‐ended contingent valuation mechanisms lead to significantly different results. The test is based on joint estimation of willingness to pay responses to open‐ and closed‐ended questions asked of the same sample of individuals. In a public good example, individuals do respond differently depending on question format. Possible explanations include different incentives for strategic behavior and respondents' lack of familiarity with the open‐ended question type. No differences in willingness to pay were found in a private good example.
Glia and pain: Is chronic pain a gliopathy?

Activation of glial cells and neuro–glial interactions are emerging as key mechanisms underlying chronic pain. Accumulating evidence has implicated 3 types of glial cells in the development and maintenance of chronic pain: microglia and astrocytes of the central nervous system (CNS), and satellite glial cells of the dorsal root and trigeminal ganglia. Painful syndromes are associated with different glial activation states: (1) glial reaction (ie, upregulation of glial markers such as IBA1 and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and/or morphological changes, including hypertrophy, proliferation, and modifications of glial networks); (2) phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways; (3) upregulation of adenosine triphosphate and chemokine receptors and hemichannels and downregulation of glutamate transporters; and (4) synthesis and release of glial mediators (eg, cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and proteases) to the extracellular space. Although widely detected in chronic pain resulting from nerve trauma, inflammation, cancer, and chemotherapy in rodents, and more recently, human immunodeficiency virus-associated neuropathy in human beings, glial reaction (activation state 1) is not thought to mediate pain sensitivity directly. Instead, activation states 2 to 4 have been demonstrated to enhance pain sensitivity via a number of synergistic neuro–glial interactions. Glial mediators have been shown to powerfully modulate excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission at presynaptic, postsynaptic, and extrasynaptic sites. Glial activation also occurs in acute pain conditions, and acute opioid treatment activates peripheral glia to mask opioid analgesia. Thus, chronic pain could be a result of ‘‘gliopathy,’’ that is, dysregulation of glial functions in the central and peripheral nervous system. In this review, we provide an update on recent advances and discuss remaining questions.
Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer: Where Should We Go From Here?

At diagnosis, 30% to 35% of patients with pancreatic cancer present with locally advanced unresectable disease (LAPC.) The natural history of this stage of cancer may be different from that of metastatic disease with an important contribution from complications of local spread. A recent rapid autopsy series of patients with pancreatic cancer from Johns Hopkins Hospital (Baltimore, MD) identified 30% who succumbed to locally destructive disease without evidence of progression at distant sites. 2 Chemoradiotherapy has been a component of therapy for LAPC based on a few small studies in the 1980s that used ineffective systemic therapies and older radiation techniques. 3-5 As we develop better systemic therapies for this disease, refine radiation techniques, and begin to better understand its molecular biology,oneimportantquestionishowtooptimizethemultimodality therapy of LAPC. The phase III study by Loehrer et al 1 that accompanies this editorial is one of the few prospectively randomized controlled trials in LAPC to address the role of radiation therapy in this disease. Led by the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) in the United States, the study tested the superiority of concurrent gemcitabineandradiationtherapyovergemcitabinealone.Unfortunately, thestudywasterminatedbecauseofpoorpatientaccrualwithonly74 patientsoutofaplannedtotalof316.Theoverallsurvivalofpatients— the primary end point of this study—was superior in those treated withconcurrentweeklygemcitabine(600mg/m 2 )andradiation(50.4 Gy)comparedwiththosewhoreceivedstandarddoseandscheduleof gemcitabine alone (11.1 months v 9.2 months). The survival curves started to separate after 6 months on study when the majority of patientsinbotharmshadprogressivediseaseandhadcompletedmost of their planned therapy. However,aswouldbeexpectedfromtherelativelysmallnumber of patients in the study, there were wide and overlapping CIs around the median survival times that must be considered in interpreting the results of the study and validity of its outcome. Moreover, the progression-free survival was not different between the two arms of the study. Because of the limited statistical power due to incomplete patient accrual, therefore, these results would appear not to support for a level of evidence that impacts standard of care. The inability to accrue on a phase III study asking an important clinical question must be a cause for major concern to the US Intergroup as it plans future studies in this disease. However, one explains thelackofenthusiasmtosupportthisstudybypracticingoncologists,
Space and Time Filtering of Remotely Sensed Velocity Turbulence

Abstract It is well known that the width of a clear-air Doppler radar spectrum can be used to estimate the small-scale variability of the wind. To do this accurately requires that all contributions to the spectral width be accounted for. Recently, an approximate formula for correcting Doppler spectral widths for spatial and temporal filtering effects was proposed. The formula assumes independent additive contributions to the spectral width from the inherent volume averaging of the radar-sampling volume and the finite measurement interval. In the present paper the approximate formula is compared to an exact triple-integral formulation in which the spatial and temporal effects are shown to be coupled in a nonlinear fashion. The required integrations are evaluated numerically and are carried out over the full range of scales in wavenumber space, in contrast to earlier work, where truncated forms of isotropic, inertial-subrange spectral forms were used to obtain a simple, closed-form expression. Comparisons s...
EST and microarray analysis of horn development in Onthophagus beetles.

Background The origin of novel traits and their subsequent diversification represent central themes in evo-devo and evolutionary ecology. Here we explore the genetic and genomic basis of a class of traits that is both novel and highly diverse, in a group of organisms that is ecologically complex and experimentally tractable: horned beetles.
Methodology for assessing adaptive cruise control behavior

This paper reports on nonintrusive methods for characterizing the longitudinal performance of vehicles equipped with adaptive cruise control (ACC) systems. It reports the experimental set-up and procedures for measuring ACC system performance, followed by the modeling and simulation of the measured ACC performance. To further assess the interaction of ACC vehicles with human-controlled traffic, microscopic simulation involving both a human-driver model and an ACC model is discussed.
How transfer prices can affect a supply chain strategic decision

One of the most important decisions in global supply chain management is whether to outsource or in-source production. This decision is made by reference to a set of quantitative and qualitative models. However, one factor has frequently been overlooked: the tax consequences that result from multi-national company transfer prices. The purpose of this paper is to fill the void by: 1) explaining how transfer prices affect tax obligations; 2) discussing the arm's length standard that governs global transfer pricing; 3) demonstrating how global tax differentials can affect the offshoring decision. We conclude with suggestions for future research.
Eros and Modernization: Sylvester Graham, Health Reform, and the Origins of Victorian Sexuality in America

Examining the social and intellectual changes that produced a Victorian attitude toward sexuality in America, this book focuses on a loose alliance of reformers who fearing disorder and the weakening of traditional institutions, advocated better health habits and stricter sexual morality.
Computerized clinical decision support for medication prescribing and utilization in pediatrics.

Background and objective Accurate and informed prescribing is essential to ensure the safe and effective use of medications in pediatric patients. Computerized clinical decision support (CCDS) functionalities have been embedded into computerized physician order entry systems with the aim of ensuring accurate and informed medication prescribing. Owing to a lack of comprehensive analysis of the existing literature, this review was undertaken to analyze the effect of CCDS implementation on medication prescribing and use in pediatrics. Materials and methods A literature search was performed using keywords in PubMed to identify research studies with outcomes related to the implementation of medication-related CCDS functionalities. Results and discussion Various CCDS functionalities have been implemented in pediatric patients leading to different results. Medication dosing calculators have decreased calculation errors. Alert-based CCDS functionalities, such as duplicate therapy and medication allergy checking, may generate excessive alerts. Medication interaction CCDS has been minimally studied in pediatrics. Medication dosing support has decreased adverse drug events, but has also been associated with high override rates. Use of medication order sets have improved guideline adherence. Guideline-based treatment recommendations generated by CCDS functionalities have had variable influence on appropriate medication use, with few studies available demonstrating improved patient outcomes due to CCDS use. Conclusion Although certain medication-related CCDS functionalities have shown benefit in medication prescribing for pediatric patients, others have resulted in high override rates and inconsistent or unknown impact on patient care. Further studies analyzing the effect of individual CCDS functionalities on safe and effective prescribing and medication use are required.
Convolutions of planar harmonic convex mappings

Ruscheweyh and Sheil-Small proved that convexity is preserved under the convolution of univalent analytic mappings in K. However, when we consider the convolution of univalent harmonic convex mappings in , this property does not hold. In fact, such convolutions may not be univalent. We establish some results concerning the convolution of univalent harmonic convex mappings provided that it is locally univalent. In particular, we show that the convolution of a right half-plane mapping in with either another right half-plane mapping or a vertical strip mapping in is convex in the direction of the real axis. Further, we give a condition under which the convolution of a vertical strip mapping in with itself will be convex in the direction of the real axis
An Asian Monetary Fund in the Making

This paper examines the pooled regional financial mechanism created in East Asia pursuant to the ASEAN 3 Chiang Mai Initiative. It examines the origins of the new facility and discusses the near-term challenges that its architects will face in creating a credible and effective mechanism for delivering liquidity support. It argues that although technical hurdles exist, the most important impediments involve political contestation among member states and the need for the fund to interact constructively with markets and external players, including the IMF.
Giving alcohol to alcoholics. An evaluation

A group of 14 alcoholic patients received beverage alcohol in progressively reduced amounts for up to 32 days. At a 6-month follow-up the group had fared at least as well, if not better, than a sim...
Fully Dense Yttrium-Substituted Hydroxyapatite Coatings with Aligned Crystal Domains

Continuous yttrium-substituted hydroxyapatite (Y-HAP) coatings on titanium substrates were produced by an electrochemical/hydrothermal method. Hydroxyapatite seeds were first deposited on the titan...
Thyroxine and Triiodothyronine Influence Cultured Thyroid Cells: Alterations of Morphology and Mucosubstances

SummaryFurther experimentation with the steer thyroid cell line indicates that the formation of “follicles” is enhanced by exposure to 8.9 × 10-7M thyroxine (T4) or triiodothyronine (T3) for 96 hr. The production of mucosubstances by the cultured thyroid cells is also increased by treating with T4 or T3, effects demonstrable after staining with PAS-alcian blue at pH 2.5. It is suggested that these in vitro effects bear on morphological organization and synthetic activity of the thyroid gland as well as on autoregulation and intraglandular homeo-stasis that may occur in situ.
Complete Genome Sequence and Methylome Analysis of Bacillus Strain X1

Bacillus strain X1 is the source strain for the restriction enzyme BstXI. Its complete sequence and full methylome was determined using single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing.
Chapter 18. Disorders of Lipid Metabolism

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the recent advances in disorders of lipid metabolism. Two new hypotheses on plaque development have been proposed. Once plaque formation has been initiated, the lesion may remain fixed, regress or become a nidus for deposited cholesterol. An increase of 100 mg percent in serum cholesterol gave a 50% increase in intimal plasma lipoproteins (LP)-bound cholesterol, but did not appear to increase the unbound cholesterol. The finding that in normal aortic intima there is intact LP which appears to be in equilibrium with plasma LP has prompted to suggest that the arterial LP cholesterol pool should be more accessible to metabolic and exchange processes than the unbound cholesterol pool. The perifibrous lipid in normal intima, the pool of amorphous atheroma lipid under raised plaques and the lipid within fat-filled cells in fatty streaks are no longer in the form of intact LP in equilibrium with plasma LP, but represent unbound cholesterol. Evidence in man suggests that cholesterol enters the plasma in the free form and is esterified within the plasma by the action of lecithin:cholesterol acyl transferase (LCAT) for which the preferred substrates are high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and lecithin. LCAT indirectly reduces the unesterified cholesterol and lecithin of plasma LP other than HDL, by virtue of the non-enzymatic equilibration of these lipids among other LP.
Measurement of Group Velocity Distortion due to Ultrafast Index of Refraction Transients

The interaction of a linearly polarized laser pulse with an anisotropic molecular gas exerts a torque on molecules not initially aligned with the polarization direction [1]. Laser pulses shorter than the molecular rotation time will impulsively excite a rotational wave packet composed of a superposition of rotational eigenstates. The rotational wave packet periodically collapses and revives, producing ultrafast transients in the index of refraction [2],[3]. A time-delayed ultrafast probe pulse propagating in the ultrafast index transient accumulates a phase modulation that depends on the particular shape of the rotational revival. Strong temporal phase modulation may be applied to the probe pulse by extending the interaction length with a hollow core fiber. This large phase modulation leads to substantial spectral changes in the probe pulse and has been applied to produce transform-limited pulses both temporally compressed [4] and stretched [5].
The Impact of Patronage and Polarization on Participation and Program Survival

We now turn to the impact of patronage and polarization on two separate domains: (1) participation by parents in CMS and (2) the political survival of the programs. In terms of the former, patronage and polarization had common effects. They reduced participation in CMS in general, and consequently the likelihood of spillovers—though each through different mechanisms.
Neostriatal GABAergic Interneurons Mediate Cholinergic Inhibition of Spiny Projection Neurons

Synchronous optogenetic activation of striatal cholinergic interneurons ex vivo produces a disynaptic inhibition of spiny projection neurons composed of biophysically distinct GABAAfast and GABAAslow components. This has been shown to be due, at least in part, to activation of nicotinic receptors on GABAergic NPY-neurogliaform interneurons that monosynaptically inhibit striatal spiny projection neurons. Recently, it has been proposed that a significant proportion of this inhibition is actually mediated by activation of presynaptic nicotinic receptors on nigrostriatal terminals that evoke GABA release from the terminals of the dopaminergic nigrostriatal pathway. To disambiguate these the two mechanisms, we crossed mice in which channelrhodopsin is endogenously expressed in cholinergic neurons with Htr3a-Cre mice, in which Cre is selectively targeted to several populations of striatal GABAergic interneurons, including the striatal NPY-neurogliaform interneuron. Htr3a-Cre mice were then virally transduced to express halorhodopsin to allow activation of channelrhodopsin and halorhodopsin, individually or simultaneously. Thus we were able to optogenetically disconnect the interneuron-spiny projection neuron (SPN) cell circuit on a trial-by-trial basis. As expected, optogenetic activation of cholinergic interneurons produced inhibitory currents in SPNs. During simultaneous inhibition of GABAergic interneurons with halorhodopsin, we observed a large, sometimes near complete reduction in both fast and slow components of the cholinergic-evoked inhibition, and a delay in IPSC latency. This demonstrates that the majority of cholinergic-evoked striatal GABAergic inhibition is derived from GABAergic interneurons. These results also reinforce the notion that a semiautonomous circuit of striatal GABAergic interneurons is responsible for transmitting behaviorally relevant cholinergic signals to spiny projection neurons. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The circuitry between neurons of the striatum has been recently described to be far more complex than originally imagined. One example of this phenomenon is that striatal cholinergic interneurons have been shown to provide intrinsic nicotinic excitation of local GABAergic interneurons, which then inhibit the projection neurons of the striatum. As deficits of cholinergic interneurons are reported in patients with Tourette syndrome, the normal functions of these interneurons are of great interest. Whether this novel route of nicotinic input constitutes a major output of cholinergic interneurons remains unknown. The study addressed this question using excitatory and inhibitory optogenetic technology, so that cholinergic interneurons could be selectively activated and GABAergic interneurons selectively inhibited to determine the causal relationship in this circuit.
On Developing the Learning Game for Graph Theory: A New Design Model Considering the Learners' Reflexiveness

This paper is to describe a new approach for designing the game-based learning educational system with the consideration regarding the learners' reflexiveness. In this study, an important graph theory topic: Understanding Hamilton graphs is the learning topic and the K-12 students and college students are the targeted learners. Since the learners are unfamiliar with this topic, a learning game is designed for facilitating the learning process. We proposed a new model for design and developing the game. In this model, the framework and functions for increasing the learners' reflexiveness are added to help the learner. We use the model to design a learning game for Hamilton cycle. We invited a group of college students and a group of elementary students to play the game and to learn the concept. The experiments and evaluation showed the design is robust for helping learning.
Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction: A Kidney Disorder?

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a frustrating problem. Although stiffening of the heart is common and can be frequently demonstrated, other mechanisms have been implicated to account for the common symptoms of exertional dyspnea and intolerance. However, what remains common to eventually all patients with HFpEF is what defines heart failure clinically, namely, volume overload. Surprisingly, why there is avidity for salt and water in HFpEF remains largely unexplored. In heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, consistent and predictable hemodynamic abnormalities lead to activation and sustained stimulation of neurohormonal systems that result in renal retention of sodium and water. Interruption of this cascade slows disease progression in the heart and reduces clinical events, such as heart failure hospitalizations, a clinical marker of salt and water retention. In contrast, there is no unifying paradigm for the tendency toward volume overload in HFpEF. The centrality of neurohormonal activation in HFpEF as an explanation is debatable. First, most invasive hemodynamic studies of HFpEF (excluding pure forms of HFpEF such as restrictive cardiomyopathies) do not find low cardiac output or arterial underfilling, accepted stimuli for salt and water retention. Second, limited studies that have directly measured sodium and fluid avid neurohormones provide conflicting data. Moreover, although natriuretic peptides often are elevated, the magnitude of elevation is often modest, particularly when viewed relative to the degree of volume overload. Three, antagonism of multiple …
Mark cancer cells for CTL attack through coating with viral antigenic peptides CTLs kill tumor with viral peptides

S coating tumor cells with foreign antigenic peptide may render coated tumor susceptible to immune recognition and elimination, thereby bypassing immune tolerance. Here we create a therapeutic chimeric protein comprised of a tumor-homing module fused to a functional cargo domain containing foreign antigenic peptide. The tumor-homing module is comprised of mesothelin-specific single chain variable fragment that specifically binds to mesothelin, commonly overexpressed in ovarian tumors. The functional cargo domain is comprised of Fc (IgG2a) protein and MHC class I-restricted foreign CD8+ T cell epitope flanked by furin cleavage sites, which can be recognized by furin highly expressed in the tumor microenvironment. We show that our therapeutic protein specifically loaded antigenic epitope onto MHC class I of bound tumor cells, rendering them susceptible to antigen-specific CD8+ T cell-mediated killing for potent antitumor effects in vitro and in vivo. Our findings have important implications for bypassing immune tolerance to enhance cancer immunotherapy.
A Comparative Study of the Fuel Pressure and Temperature Effects on the GDi Multi-Hole Spray

The gasoline direct injection (GDi) engine cold-start emissions of unburned hydrocarbons (UHC) and particulate emissions, prior to the full catalyst warm-up, are a substantial source of engine emissions and the primary challenge to meet the Euro6D and US Tier5 emission regulations. Figure 1 presents typical accumulated particulate emissions from a GDi engine, with homogeneous combustion operation, under the new European drive cycle (NEDC). It illustrates the large proportion of particulate emissions during the engine cold-start phase.
Prostaglandin E2 Is a Potent Regulator of Vertebrate Hematopoietic Stem Cell Homeostasis.

Abstract Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) give rise to each of the blood lineages found in the adult vertebrate. Definitive HSCs are derived during embryogenesis in the aorta-gonad-mesonephros (AGM) region and subsequently colonize the niche in fetal and adult hematopoietic organs. To identify regulators of this process, a library of biologically active compounds was screened for effects on zebrafish HSC development. Embryos were exposed to individual chemicals (2498) from the 5-somite stage until 36 hpf, then processed by whole-mount in situ hybridization for the expression of HSC markers cmyb and runx1. Exposure to 47 of the compounds reduced the number of runx1+cmyb+ HSCs, while 35 increased this cell population. Several chemicals isolated in the screen were known to affect the prostaglandin (PG) synthesis pathway. Prostaglandin (PG) precursors, mead acid and linoleic acid, expanded HSCs, while fenbufen and celecoxib, inhibitors of cyclooxygenase (cox) activity, reduced HSC number. An examination of blood and vessel specific molecular markers demonstrated that angiogenesis was not altered significantly in treated embryos, illustrating the specific effect on HSCs. Exposure to exogenous PGE2 modestly increased HSCs, while use of a long-acting version of PGE2, 16,16-dimethylPGE2 (dmPGE2), markedly enhanced HSC number. Incubation of zebrafish embryos with known cox inhibitors confirmed the observation that inhibition of PG synthesis reduces HSCs. Injection of morpholino oligonucleotides designed against cox1, cox2 and PGE synthase inhibited the formation of HSCs in a dose dependent fashion, verifying that signaling through PGE2 is regulating AGM HSC number. Using CD41:GFP;LMO2:DsRed bigenic zebrafish, the modulation of HSCs following exposure to dmPGE2 or indomethacin was documented in vivo by confocal microscopy. Exposure to dmPGE2 following irradiation of adult fish induced HSC gene expression and enhanced hematopoietic recovery, indicating that PGE2 also functions in regulating adult marrow HSC homeostasis. Incubation of murine embryonic stem cells with PGE2 during embryoid body differentiation resulted in a dose-dependent increase of hematopoietic colonies in methylcellulose, while indomethacin exposure inhibited colony formation, demonstrating that the function of PGE2 in HSC regulation is conserved in mammals. Furthermore, ex vivo treatment of murine bone marrow with dmPGE2 resulted in a 2-fold increase in CFU-S number and enhanced the frequency of multi-lineage engrafting HSCs more than 3-fold in a limiting dilution competitive repopulation assay. The identification of the prostaglandin synthesis pathway as a potent regulator of vertebrate hematopoietic stem cell homeostasis has major implications for new treatments of diseases such as anemia and leukemia.
Comparison of rapid MMP-8 and interleukin-6 point-of-care tests to identify intra-amniotic inflammation/infection and impending preterm delivery in patients with preterm labor and intact membranes*

AbstractObjective: Among patients presenting with preterm labor and intact membranes, those with intra-amniotic inflammation have adverse obstetrical and neonatal outcomes. The diagnosis of intra-amniotic inflammation can easily be made by detecting an elevated concentration of the cytokine interleukin (IL)-6 or the enzyme neutrophil collagenase, also known as matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8. The diagnostic performances of MMP-8 and IL-6 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay tests are similar. Recently, a rapid test has become available for point-of-care determination of either MMP-8 or IL-6. The objectives of this study were to compare the diagnostic indices and predictive values between the rapid MMP-8 and IL-6 tests for the identification of intra-amniotic inflammation in patients with preterm labor and intact membranes.Materials and methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study including 124 women with singleton pregnancies who presented with symptoms of preterm labor and underwent transabdominal am...
Nanophotonic phased array for visible light image projection

We demonstrate the first large-scale integrated nanophotonic phased array for visible wavelengths in a silicon nitride platform. The array consists of 32×32 optical antenna elements designed to project complex intensity patterns in the far field at a wavelength of λ = 635 nm.
Design, synthesis, and evaluation of heparan sulfate mimicking glycopolymers for inhibiting heparanase activity

Heparanase is an enzyme which cleaves heparan sulfate (HS) polysaccharides of the extracellular matrix. It is a regulator of tumor behavior, plays a key role in kidney related diseases and autoimmune diabetes. We report herein the use of computational studies to extract the natural HS-heparanase interactions as a template for the design of HS mimicking glycopolymers. Upon evaluation, a glycopolymer with 12 repeating units was determined to be the most potent inhibitor and to have tight-binding characteristics. This glycopolymer also lacks anticoagulant activity.
Untrodden Ground: How Presidents Interpret the Constitution. By Harold H. Bruff. (Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press, 2015. Pp. 550. $55.00.)

Of the forty‐four US presidents, twenty‐five of them have been lawyers, so there is a certain logic to the author's lawyerly approach in his new study of the presidency, which spans the entire peri...
Cardiac complications associated with HSCT

This chapter focuses on cardiotoxicity that may occur during the peri- or early post-HSCT period. The long-term cardiac sequelae associated with HSCT are addressed in Chap. 26. Cardiac complications may be related to the toxic effects of the conditioning regimen, radiation, prior exposure to cardiotoxic agents, infections, and graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). HSCT-associated cardiac complications include heart failure, arrhythmias, pericarditis, myocarditis, endocarditis, pericardial effusion, and cardiac tamponade. Cardiac complications may occur acutely during the peri-HSCT period (as defined as the time during conditioning through engraftment) or may be delayed by weeks to years. With the exception of sinus tachycardia, cardiac complications are rare during the peri-HSCT period. However, when they do occur, they are usually life-threatening because heart failure, cardiac tamponade, and dysrhythmias are the most common early cardiac complications. More frequently, the manifestations of the cardiac damage acquired during the peri-HSCT period may be delayed for years, requiring lifelong cardiac monitoring (at least annually with ECHO and ECG) for all post-HSCT patients who are at risk.
Rehabilitation Referral for Patients With Irreversible Vision Impairment Seen in a Public Safety-Net Eye Clinic.

Importance The prevalence of irreversible vision impairment in the United States is expected to increase by 2050. Vision rehabilitation is the primary treatment option. Clinical trials have established its efficacy in improving quality of life. Yet studies indicate that patients experience many barriers to accessing low-vision care. Objectives To examine the rate of referral for low-vision rehabilitation services by resident and attending ophthalmologists for adults with irreversible vision impairment and to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of patients about vision rehabilitation. Design, Setting, and Participants Cross-sectional study with enrollment from June 20, 2016, to January 31, 2017, of 143 adults 18 years or older seen in a publicly funded, comprehensive eye clinic in Jefferson County, Alabama, and having 1 or both eyes with irreversible vision impairment (visual acuity was defined as 20/60 or worse) per the electronic health record. Exposures Demographic characteristics; patient questionnaire on knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about vision rehabilitation; general cognitive status (Short Orientation-Memory-Concentration test); depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9); health literacy (Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine, Revised [REALM-R]); and self-reported difficulty in everyday activities. Main Outcomes and Measures Proportion of patients with irreversible vision impairment who were referred by ophthalmologists to low-vision rehabilitation services per the electronic health record. Results Of 143 patients enrolled with irreversible vision impairment in 1 or both eyes, the mean (SD) age was 55.4 (11.1) years and 68 (47.6%) were women. Most patients were African American (123 [86.0%]), uninsured (88 [61.5%]), and unemployed (92 [64.3%]); on average, they had normal cognitive status, minor depressive symptoms, and limited health literacy. As noted in the electronic health record, the rate of referral for low-vision rehabilitation services was 11.4% for patients with irreversible bilateral vision impairment (4 of 35 patients) and 1.9% for those with unilateral impairment (2 of 108). Most patients with bilateral (31 of 34 [91.2%]) and unilateral (90 of 97 [92.8%]) impairment indicated that they were bothered by their vision impairment, and most reported difficulty with reading (33 of 34 patients [97.1%] who were bilaterally impaired vs 85 of 104 [81.7%] who were unilaterally impaired). Conclusions and Relevance Results of this study suggest a need to better educate ophthalmologists and residents in ophthalmology about referrals to low-vision rehabilitation services for patients with irreversible vision impairment.
Domain structures and Prco antisite point defects in double-perovskite PrBaCo2O5+δ and PrBa0.8Ca0.2Co2O5+δ.

Abstract Owing to the excellent mixed-ionic and electronic conductivity and fast oxygen kinetics at reduced temperature ( °C), double-perovskite oxides such as PrBaCo2O5+δ exhibit excellent properties as an oxygen electrode for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), we revealed high-density antiphase domain boundaries (APBs) and 90° domain walls in PrBaCo2O5+δ grains. Besides the regular lamellar 90° domain walls in {021} planes, irregular fine 90° domains are attached to the curved APBs. Electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) reveals the composition variation across some of the 90° domain walls. There are fewer Co and more Ba ions approaching the 90° domain walls, while the changes in Pr and O ions are not detectable. We assume that the extra Ba2+ cations replace the Pr3+ cations, while the Pr3+ cations go to the Co site to form PrCo antisite point defects and become Pr4+. In this case, the Pr4+ cations will help to balance the local charges and have compatible ionic radius with that of Co3+. The local strain field around the 90° domain walls play a crucial role in the stabilization of such PrCo antisite point defects. The antisite point defects have been observed in our high-resolution TEM images and aberration-corrected high-angle annular dark-field (HAADF) scanning TEM images. After Ca2+ doped into PrBaCo2O5+δ to improve the structure stability, we observed tweed structures in the PrBa0.8Ca0.2Co2O5+δ grain. The tweed structure is composed of high-density intersected needle-shaped 90° domain walls, which is linked to a strong local strain field and composition variation. Even when the temperature is increased to 750 °C, the domain structures are still stable as revealed by our in situ TEM investigation. Therefore, the influence of the domain structures and the PrCo antisite defects on the ionic and electric conductivities must be considered.
Experimental and Theoretical Investigations of Stick-Slip Friction Mechanisms

We review the theoretical origins of stick-slip friction and describe recent experimental results on model surfaces that clarify its different origins.
Elicitation by Critiquing: Applications to Computer Network Defense:

With an increasing frequency of data breaches suffered by organizations, computer network defense (CND) is becoming an increasingly important concern. With understanding of how cybersecurity professionals engage in the cognitive aspects of their work, human factors researchers and practitioners can improve tools and training. By optimizing the tools and training network defenders rely on to detect and respond to novel network threats, the cybersecurity workforce will be strengthened. While cognitive task analysis (CTA) is well-positioned to represent the cognitive work of CND, we identify challenges practitioners are likely to encounter in the field. Through a review of published CTAs in CND and other domains, we provide guidance for future CTA efforts in CND. Finally, we present an argument for the use of Elicitation by Critiquing (EBC) and demonstrate its efficacy in mitigating the challenges of applying CTA in CND.
External iliac pseudoaneurysm secondary to medial wall penetration of an acetabular screw: a rare cause of total hip arthroplasty failure 15 years after implantation

Vascular injury as a result of total hip arthroplasty (THA) represents an uncommon complication. Although these injuries typically present acutely, delayed presentation has been reported. In this case, a 70-year-old female presented with groin pain and medial thigh numbness 15 years after a left THA. After initially being misdiagnosed, repeat imaging revealed a large external iliac pseudoaneurysm as a result of a transacetabular screw penetrating the medial acetabular wall. The patient underwent staged endovascular exclusion of the pseudoaneurysm, percutaneous drainage, and revision THA. She had resolution of her symptoms. To our knowledge, this is the only reported case of a late vascular injury related to an aseptic THA with well-fixed components. Staged treatment with endovascular exclusion and revision THA is a viable approach.
Supplemental intracanopy far-red radiation to red LED light improves fruit quality attributes of greenhouse tomatoes

Abstract Off-season greenhouse tomatoes have a poor reputation relative to their in-season, field-grown counterparts. Previously, we reported that supplemental intracanopy far-red (700–800 nm, FR) radiation in addition to red (600–700 nm, R) light with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) significantly decreased fruit water content compared to R LEDs alone and high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps, the most common supplemental lighting used in commercial greenhouses. We hypothesize that supplemental R + FR LEDs during production improves fruit quality attributes (i.e., physicochemical properties, mineral concentrations, and sensory properties) in greenhouse tomatoes compared to R LEDs and HPS lamps. Both intracanopy LED lights increased fruit yield and biomass compared to HPS lamps. R LEDs increased dry matter ratio and improved overall physicochemical proprieties such as total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), and pH; however, R + FR LEDs had more significant effects on all measured attributes than did R LEDs. Similarly, R LEDs increased potassium, magnesium, and calcium content in whole fruit by 30, 74, and 40% compared to HPS lamps, and the addition of FR to R LEDs further increased sodium (Na) content and concentration. Consumer sensory panelists rated higher for sensory attributes (aroma, sweetness, acidity, and texture) of R + FR LED-supplemented tomatoes on a hedonic scale compared to R LED-supplemented ones. Importantly, HPS lamp-supplemented tomatoes had the least desirable quality attributes even when compared at the same ripe stage as LED-supplemented ones. Energy use efficiency (EUE) was not different between R + FR LEDs and R LEDs, which was 5 times higher than that of HPS lamps. Our results demonstrate for the first time that fruit quality attributes of greenhouse tomatoes can be improved by supplemental intracanopy lighting with R + FR LEDs to a degree that consumer panelists could perceive the differences. Therefore, we conclude that supplemental R + FR LEDs is indispensable for improving fruit quality of greenhouse tomatoes during off-season production.
Cartilage Tissue Engineering

Synovial joints allow for the articulation of long bones within a fluid-filled cavity. Articular cartilage is a connective tissue covering the ends of bones that functions as a load-bearing, low-friction, and wear-resistant surface to facilitate joint movement. Synovial fluid (SF) is the viscous liquid found inside synovial joints that functions as a biomechanical lubricant. The extracellular matrix of cartilage allows for load-bearing during joint motion, while the viscous and lubricating properties of SF reduce cartilage wear. The homeostasis of these tissues is dependent on mechanobiology – cell populations receiving mechanical cues to guide biosynthesis and thereby alter their microenvironment and tissue-scale mechanical properties. This chapter includes tissue engineering approaches to the in vitro development of articular cartilage and SF for the treatment and study of damaged synovial joints. First, the composition, structure, and function of cartilage and SF are discussed, followed by the mechanical properties of these tissues and the theoretical models that have been used to describe them. Next, the effects of mechanical stimuli on chondrocyte biosynthesis and pathological changes in SF composition are covered. Finally, advances in the tissue engineering of cartilaginous tissue and SF are reviewed, focusing on the mechanobiology of chondrocytes in tissue-engineered constructs.
Detection of stress functional responses in bacterial populations under dry soil conditions show potential microbial mechanisms to resist drought conditions

Abstract Climate change is predicted to have a negative effect on the grasslands of the United States and will be detrimental to the economy and environment. The changing precipitation levels would also have an effect on the structural and functional potential of associated soil microbiome communities, which in turn will regulate the health of the plants during stressful conditions. In this study, we applied metagenomics analyses to capture the responses of the bacterial populations under drier soil conditions. We collected soil from two sites (dry and wet) at the Konza Long-Term Ecological Research field station in Kansas, which had characteristic features of the native prairies. Soil drying resulted in a significant shift in the bacterial population at the community level. Following that, fifteen bacterial genomes were short-listed based on the availability in the public database, higher relative abundance in dry soils than in wet, and also according to their contributions in drier soil. The potential microbial mechanisms were elucidated when an in-depth analysis of the functional genes was performed. Translation elongation factor EF-Tu, thiamine biosynthesis protein, and catalase were identified as a part of the overall stress functional responses in the bacterial population in this study. We speculate that these identified bacterial populations are important for maintaining the health of the soil under dry conditions. Genes and/or pathways found in this study provide insights into microbial mechanisms that these bacterial populations might employ to resist challenging drought conditions.
Two Surgical Approaches to the Removal of the Essure Contraceptive Device

Study Objective We first review the Essure contraceptive device composition in order to aid in the understanding of proper removal. We present two safe and effective techniques for Essure removal and demonstrate the importance of individualizing and modifying the surgical approach based on intraoperative findings. Design Video presentation of techniques of Essure removal. Setting An ambulatory surgery center associated with an urban academic medical center. Patients or Participants Demonstration of presented techniques in a 35-year-old multiparous patient with bilateral Essure device in place for five years, complaining of pelvic pain and dyspareunia, desiring removal of the device. Interventions Laparoscopically, the Essure device was palpated in the right fallopian tube and a salpingostomy was created, revealing the Essure coils. The device was grasped and taking care to stabilize the proximal tube and avoid excess traction, the coils were extracted until all parts were accounted for. Attention was then turned to the left fallopian tube; the Essure device was not palpable and thus the decision was made to proceed with hysteroscopic removal. Hysteroscopically, the device was seen at the left tubal ostia and using grasping forceps the Essure device was removed from the tube. All components of the Essure device were accounted for and complete removal was ensured. Measurements and Main Results N/A Conclusion Successful removal of the Essure contraceptive device may be performed by a laparoscopic or hysteroscopic approach. The choice of technique may need to be modified based on surgical intraoperative findings. Therefore, familiarity with various surgical approaches in addition to knowledge of the structure of the Essure device is critical to ensure complete removal.
A Multisite Quality Improvement Initiative to Enhance the Adoption of Screening Practices for Intimate Partner Violence Into Routine Primary Care for Women Veterans.

ObjectiveThe Veterans Health Administration established comprehensive women’s health clinics (CWHCs) to provide coordinated, high-quality primary care to women veterans. Intimate partner violence (...
Election Fraud and Political Survival of Subnational Actors: A Case of Russia

The political survival of governors in Russia largely depends on their ability to address the Kremlin's electoral needs during the federal elections. To ensure their own political survival and address Kremlin's electoral needs, the governors can resort to election fraud in both parliamentary and presidential elections. This research aims to study the degree to which election fraud helps governors to extend their terms in office by analyzing three major periods: 2000-2005 electoral period, when the governors were elected by their regional electorate; 2005-2012 appointment period, when the governors were appointed by the Kremlin; 2012-present post-appointment electoral period, when the gubernatorial elections were restored. In this paper I develop the theory of gubernatorial survival in Russia, formulate research hypotheses and test said hypotheses using a Cox proportional hazards model, which includes finite mixture estimates and last digits in percentages tests as primary measures of election fraud.
Ghana in COVID-19 pandemic

This paper focuses on how COVID-19 is affecting Ghana and how the government’s response to the pandemic impacts on the people. It highlights the challenges faced by a developing economy with a frag...
A Preliminary Thermal Model of the LHe-Based SCAPE Cryostat

The SCAPE (SuperConducting Arbitrarily Polarizing Emitter) undulator is under development at the Advanced Photon Source (APS). This new undulator requires a cryostat that will be designed based on expected heat loads. For instance, the expected heating of the beam chamber by electron beam is estimated to be at a level of 182 W – much higher than in planar SCUs. This and other challenges require careful thermal analysis of the LHe-based SCAPE cryostat. A detailed thermal model of the LHe-based SCAPE cryostat has been created in ANSYS. This paper presents calculated cooling capacity and temperatures of the SCAPE cryostat for the static and dynamic heat loads.
Effects of Injury Pattern and Treatment on Case Length and Disposition for Hand Injuries Treated Under a Workers' Compensation Claim

Background:In treating occupational hand injuries under workers’ compensation, the 2 most important goals are to maximize patient function, ideally to preinjury levels, and permit a timely return t...