cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Response to docetaxel (D)/carboplatin (C)-based chemotherapy as first- and second-line therapy in patients with metastatic hormone-refractory prostate cancer (HRPC)

5156 Background: Effective treatment options for HRPC patients are limited. We evaluated efficacy of D/C-based chemotherapy as first- and second-line chemotherapy. Methods: We retrospectively ident...
SHAHRYAR, GIOCONDO, KOṮE˙RVIKY THREE VERSIONS OF THE MOTIF OF THE FAITHLESS WOMAN

Gleaning in popular literature is oftentimes fraught with surprises, a sufficient reward, as it were, for the curious reader. So it was that I chanced to come across another exemplum of a successful tale's mysterious ubiquity: the tale which is known as "Shahryar and His Brother" in the Thousand and One Nights (frame story), and the story oi "Giocondo" in Ariosto's Orlando Furioso (Canto xxviii). This time it came to me from India, where so many of them belong by birthright, as we often think. Since no direct source-influence can be implied, as we shall see, the coincidence is of interest to us mainly if we succeed in analyzing the nature of the various versions and deriving any enlightenment from their differences. Yet, a more precise reason for this study is the opportunity to straighten out a detail of information, and to develop a point of interpretation. The motif of the various tales consists of proving by typical examples the universal, chronic, a priori faithlessness of woman. Let us see how it develops in the three major texts, by the essential lines concerning our comparison. ,,King Shahryar, lord of India and China, longs for a reunion with his brother Shahzaman, lord of Samarkand, and invites him to his court. The latter sets forth, but having to return temporarily to his home to get a jewel he had forgotten, accidentally discovers his wife's infidelity. He does justice to the adulterers and then proceeds to his brother's, at whose court he, accidentally again, will have a vicarious consolation in beholding, from a palace window, the Queen lying, in her turn, with another man than the King: what is more, a slobbering blackamoor. He unveils the matter to the brother only after his insistence. The outcome of these coupled misfortunes is the decision of Shahryar and Shahzaman to leave the
The Phytophagous Insect Fauna of the Ragweed, Ambrosia chamissonis , in Southern Californi

Phytophagous insects representing 6 orders, 27 families, and 55 species are reported as comprising the insect fauna of Ambrosia chamissonis (Lessing) Greene (Compositae) in southern California. Most insects found attacking this native ragweed were euryphagous, ectophagous, sap- and foliage-feeding species. Nearly half reproduced on this plant. Nine (20%) of the 44 associates identified to species were stenophagous, their host plants apparently confined to the tribe Heliantheae. Ten (23%) of these were minor or major pests of cultivars.
Amine Superbases Stabilized by Extended Hydrogen Bond Networks

Extended hydrogen-bonding networks as a mechanism for creating superbases is explored through six different amine scaffolds: linear acenes, cyclohexane, decalin, triptycene, adamantane, and [2.2]pa...
Effect of Continuous Rotation on the Efficacy of Partial Liquid (Perflubron) Breathing in Canine Acute Lung Injury

Perfluorocarbons are liquids characterized by relatively low surface tension (10 to 20 dyne/cm) and high oxygen solubility (Clark, 1985). Liquid breathing can significantly improve gas exchange in animals with acute lung injury or surfactant deficiency (Calderwood et al., 1973; Shaffer et al., 1976, 1983a, 1983b, 1984). In several of the studies by Shaffer et al. (1976, 1983a, 1984), after drainage of most perfluorocarbon from the lung and conversion to gas breathing, improvements in arterial PO2 and lung mechanics persisted, suggesting that residual perfluorocarbon in the lung may have functioned as an artificial surfactant. The use of gas breathing combined with partial lung doses of perfluorocarbon has recently received increased attention, with positive results seen both in animal models of restrictive lung disease and in premature human infants (Curtis et al., 1993a; Greenspan et al., 1990; Richman et al., 1993; Tiitiincii et al., 1993). We previously tested the effects of sequential doses of perflubron (LiquiVent’’, Alliance Pharmaceutical Inc.) from one-sixth of FRC up to full FRC in dogs with severe oleic acid induced lung injury (Curtis et al., 1993b). Moderate improvements in PaO2 occurred after 50% lung filling, with the largest increases in PaO2 seen after complete lung filling. We speculated that, similar to the situation seen with bolus surfactant administration (Lewis et al., 1993), perflubron may not be homogeneously distributed in acutely injured lungs. The high density of perflubron (1.9 g/ml) would also favor a selectively dependent distribution. This study tested the hypothesis that continuous physical rotation of the subject would improve distribution of perflubron within the lungs, and produce greater improvements of PaO2 and compliance at smaller perflubron doses. To achieve this rotation, a mechanical bed commonly used in intensive care settings (to prevent the complications of immobility (Choi, 1992)) was employed. Rotated, oleic-acid injured dogs did (R/PFB) or did not (R/CON) receive serial doses of perflubron and were compared to our two previously studied non-rotated groups (NR/CON and NR/PFB).
Effect of T4-induced cardiac hypertrophy on O2 supply-consumption balance during normoxia and hypoxia

The purpose of this study was to determine if thyroxine-induced hypertrophic hearts can maintain an adequate O2 supply-consumption balance both at rest and under hypoxic stress. New Zealand White rabbits were given 0.5 mg/kg L-thyroxine (T4) for 3 or 16 days, and a third group served as a control. Chests were opened under anesthesia, and myocardial blood flow was determined using microspheres. In half of these animals, microspectrophotometric determinations were made on left ventricular arterial and venous O2 saturation, and by combining this data with blood flows, O2 consumption was determined. The other animals were then subjected to hypoxia (8% O2 in N2), and flows and O2 consumption were again determined. T4 increased arterial pressure and heart rate in normoxic animals and also increased myocardial blood flow 65 and 210% for 3- and 16-day T4 groups, respectively, with no regional differences. O2 extraction was also increased in T4 animals. O2 consumption increased 134 and 280% in 3- and 16-day T4 groups. Only normoxic saline controls had a regional O2 consumption difference with subendocardial O2 consumption higher than subepicardial values. When compared with their respective normoxic groups, blood flow increased 49 and 101% for the hypoxic 3- and 16-day T4 groups. Hypoxia had no effect on saline control blood flow. Hypoxia decreased O2 extraction 29 and 41%, respectively, in the 3- and 16-day T4 groups and was unchanged in saline controls.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
A Talbot–Lau X-Ray Deflectometer as a High-Energy Density Plasma Diagnostic

We present the development and advancement of the Talbot–Lau X-ray deflectometry (TXD) single-image phase-retrieval technique, for high-energy density (HED) plasma diagnostics. The Talbot–Lau interferometer has been benchmarked as an electron density diagnostic for low- $Z$ objects ( $Z ) at the X-ray energies of 8 and 17 keV. A laser driven X-ray backlighter was used at the multi-tera watt laser facility in order to obtain electron density measurements. We measured X-ray refraction and retrieved sharp and smooth density gradients with source-limited spatial resolution. Since TXD can use extended, incoherent, line, or continuum X-ray sources, a wide range of X-ray backlighters can be used, driven from laser or pulsed power systems. Laboratory results indicate potential for simultaneous retrieval of: electron density maps through refraction and attenuation, material mixing through elemental composition, and instabilities through scatter images. Experiments using a 17-keV backlighter to characterize a planar shock are planned to test the TXD technique on an HED plasma environment.
Rolling in P-selectin-deficient mice is reduced but not eliminated in the dorsal skin

P-selectin-mediated rolling is believed to be important in the recruitment of leukocytes to tissue after ischemia-reperfusion injury. The dorsal skin chamber was used to examine differences in the rolling and stable adhesion of circulating leukocytes in subcutaneous (SC) vessels of P-selectin-deficient and age-matched wild-type mice, both under basal conditions and after ischemia-reperfusion. Rolling in the postcapillary venules in SC tissue of P-selectin-deficient mice was significantly lower than that in wild-type mice under the basal conditions and post-ischemia-reperfusion (P < .05), but was not eliminated by the deletion of the P-selectin gene. No significant difference between P-selectin-deficient and wild-type mice in shear rate or leukocyte-endothelial adhesion was observed up to 24 hours after ischemia-reperfusion. These results show that P-selectin-mediated rolling is not a prerequisite for ischemia-reperfusion-induced leukocyte-endothelial adhesion in the skin.
The behavior of liquid nitrogen during pumpdown

Modelling of liquid cryogen behavior during pump down has been based on equilibrium theory which is not able to predict the nonsteady-state conditions which occur during the rapid depressurization typical of the pumpdown conditions. As the need continues to grow for the design and development of large scale cryogenic systems for terrestrial and space applications, it becomes important to accurately predict the performance of these systems under the transient conditions that occur during filling, venting, and pumpdown. While the cryogenic fluids of most interest are oxygen, hydrogen, and helium, for convenience we have developed a program of study to obtain a model of the transient behavior of cryogens based on the behavior of liquid nitrogen. We will develop a model which uses heat and mass transfer data during pumpdown to obtain heat and mass transfer coefficients for the liquid nitrogen. In this paper we provide a theoretical analysis representative of the processes to be analyzed in the experiment. This model will be used for comparison to future results.
"It Just Consumes Your Life": Quality of Life for Informal Caregivers of Diverse Older Adults With Late-Life Disability.

Little is known about the quality of life (QoL) for informal caregivers of disabled older adults aged 65+ with diverse backgrounds. Forty-two caregivers were interviewed in English and Cantonese ab...
Radioembolization: Identifying and Managing Anatomic Variants

Radioembolization treatment carries the risk of non-target embolization as well as of incomplete treatment. The distribution of microspheres reflects the arterial vascular territory subtended by the injected arteries. Thus, it is important to recognize anatomic variants in hepatic arterial anatomy. These variants include congenital accessory and replaced arteries supplying portions of the liver and the tumors within, as well as parasitized non-hepatic arteries recruited to supply arterial blood to intrahepatic tumors. Several different strategies allow more safe and complete radioembolization preparation and treatment in the presence of these variants. Consolidation or redistribution of flow may be performed to simplify or to increase the safety of microsphere administration. Likewise, parasitized extrahepatic vessels may be embolized to restore intrahepatic flow to tumors, thus, limiting risk for non-target embolization and increasing completeness of treatment. Both scenarios require close attention to tumor blood supply and recognition of arterial variants.
Therapeutic Application of Monoclonal Antibodies in Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a heterogeneous inflammatory demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system (CNS). People with MS typically have a relapsing remitting disease course, with episodic neurological dysfunction corresponding to inflammation in the brain or spinal cord. Some relapsing patients develop a secondary progressive disease course, with accumulation of disability over time, yet other people with MS only experience a primary progressive course. Over the past 20 years, 14 immunomodulatory therapies have been approved in MS in order to reduce the frequency of inflammatory relapses and prevent CNS damage. Of the available types of therapies, the monoclonal antibodies are generally the most effective at dampening MS disease activity. In this review we will discuss the development of effective monoclonal antibody therapies coinciding with a better understanding of the complex immunopathogenesis of MS, both successes and failures, as well as targets for future development that address the mechanisms underlying progressive disease.
Preoperative Ultrasound-Guided Wire Localization of the Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve.

Background Difficulty and sometimes inability to find the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) intraoperatively is well known. Variabilities in the course of the nerve are well documented in the literature. In a previous paper, we defined a tight fascial canal that completely surrounds the LFCN in the proximal thigh. These 2 factors sometimes render finding the nerve intraoperatively, to treat meralgia paresthetica, very challenging. Objective To explore the use of preoperative ultrasound to minimize operative time and eliminate situations in which the nerve is not found. Methods Since 2011, we have used preoperative ultrasound-guided wire localization (USWL) in 19 cases to facilitate finding the nerve intraoperatively. Data were collected prospectively with recording of the timing from skin incision to identifying the LFCN; this will be referred to as the skin-to-nerve time. Results In 2 cases, the localization was incorrect. In the 17 cases in which the LFCN was correctly localized, the skin-to-nerve time ranged from 3 min to 19 min. The mean was 8.5 min, and the median was 8 min. Conclusion Preoperative USWL is a useful technique that minimizes the time needed to find the LFCN. For the less experienced surgeon, it is extremely valuable. For the experienced surgeon, it can identify anatomical abnormalities such as duplicate nerves, which may not be readily recognizable without ultrasound. Collaboration between the surgeon and the radiologist is very important, especially in the early cases.
How to Design a Phase I Trial of an Anticancer Botanical

Phase I trials are an important part of traditional drug development in oncology. Such trials address two key issues: safety and dose. Currently, there is a dearth of phase I trials of anticancer botanicals. This may result from the apparently widespread view that a history of human use precludes the need for early-phase study. However, the safe use of a botanical by the population at large does not guarantee safety when the botanical is used in combination with other agents in the complex medical setting of oncology. Several cases of unpredictable adverse events have been recorded following the use of botanicals by cancer patients. We propose a simple, robust design for phase I trials of anticancer botanicals. This design incorporates important characteristics of botanical medicines including low toxicity, prior data on a likely safe dose, a limit on the highest dose it is feasible to administer, and the unknown relationship between dose-toxicity and dose-response curves. Two principal design features are the use of predetermined dose levels and the direct measurement of a response endpoint such as survival or immunity. This response end point can be used to determine the optimal dose if toxicity is acceptable at all dose levels. Increasing the use of phase I methodology would ensure a more systematic development of botanicals as anticancer agents. This would likely increase the chance that at least one such agent would be proven to extend lives.
Interventions in GARCE Branching Processes with Application to Ebola Virus Data

In hindsight, even a cursory look may have revealed substantial growth of the 2014 Ebola infection and death cases in West Africa before drastic interventions showed an effect in late 2014. Yet a timely assessment as to whether an intervention has a sufficient impact to stabilize and eventually end an outbreak is equally important as early detection and accurate prediction of the magnitude of the outbreak several months before it spins out of control. To this aim, we consider an intervention effect in the GARCE branching process model, proposed by Hueter, that was successful to early detect the magnitude of the outbreak when data became available in early 2014. This model provides a novel and simple approach to branching processes that allows for time-varying random environments and instances of peak growth and near extinction-type rates as seen in Ebola viruses, tuberculosis infections, and infectious diseases. We present results on the survival and extinction behaviours, characterization of the phase transition between the subcritical and supercritical phases, and a sufficient condition for escape from supercriticality upon a level shift intervention. Intervention analysis of the Ebola outbreak data are presented and findings on the outbreak’s estimated phase and intervention effect are discussed.
Analyte sampling in paper biosensors powered by graphite-based light absorption

In this paper we exploit graphite's thermal absorption properties to drive the process of analyte sampling in paper-based biosensors. Graphite structures can be easily patterned or drawn on paper using a standard pencil and selective heating of the patterned layers can be remotely achieved using a light source. The resulting thermal gradient manifests itself as concentration gradients across the paper substrate which then triggers the flow of analyte to the selective areas. In this paper we have validated this hypothesis using a prototype made out of a low-cost filter paper substrate and a 300mW 808nm remote infrared laser source. Compared to a control paper substrate, we show an increase in temperature by more than 70°C (from 50°C to 120°C) in areas where the graphite is patterned. As a result the proposed prototype is also shown to demonstrate a higher sample-flow rate compared to the control. We anticipate that the proposed remote triggering of sample acquisition would be useful for different variants of paper-based biosensors that need to be integrated inside the food-package.
Primate Photopic Sine-Wave Flicker ERG: Vector Modeling Analysis of Component Origins Using Glutamate Analogs

Purpose To study how the photoreceptoral and postreceptoral ON- and OFF-components contribute to the photopic sine-wave flicker ERG in the monkey by isolating the components with glutamate analogs. Methods Monkey photopic flicker ERGs were elicited with sine wave stimuli (mean luminance, 2.66 log cd/m(2); 80% modulation depth, on a 40 cd/m(2) white background) and were recorded for stimulus frequencies of 4 Hz to 64 Hz, before and after intravitreal injection of DL-2-amino-4-phosphonobutyric acid (APB) and cis-2, 3-piperidinedicarboxylic acid (PDA) that block ON- and OFF-bipolar activity, respectively. The amplitude and phase of the fundamental component were analyzed. Results The flicker response amplitudes increased after APB, for frequencies of 6 Hz to 32 Hz. The further addition of PDA to isolate the photoreceptor component resulted in a relatively small residual response that decreased monotonically from 4 Hz to 32 Hz. The postsynaptic APB (ON-) and PDA (OFF-) sensitive components were isolated by subtraction and were characterized by amplitude and phase vectors. The ON- and OFF-components were larger than the initial control responses for stimuli of 8 Hz to 40 Hz. These two components had a frequency-dependent phase difference of 160 degrees to 230 degrees; normally, they interfere with each other and reduce their net contribution. The phase difference between ON- and OFF-components was nearly 180 degrees for a 10-Hz stimulus, and the phase cancellation caused a prominent dip in amplitude at this frequency. Conclusions These results indicate that postreceptoral ON- and OFF-components contribute substantially to the sine-wave flicker ERG, especially at higher stimulus frequencies. Because of phase cancellation, they mask each other in the net response in a frequency dependent fashion. The photoreceptor contribution is greater than the net postsynaptic component only for frequencies of approximately less than or equal to 10 Hz. These results can be summarized by a vector model that may be useful for interpreting changes resulting from retinal disease.
EFFECT OF CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE ON PROGRESSION OF AORTIC STENOSIS

Progression of Aortic Stenosis (AS) is variable between individuals and incompletely understood. Hypoxia promotes valve neoangiogenesis and calcification in vitro. We hypothesized that AS would progress more rapidly in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) 100 consecutive
Fluorescent labeling of endogenous platelets for intravital microscopy: Effects on platelet function

Objective Monitoring endogenous platelets during intravital microscopy often involves two approaches: fluorescently labeled antibodies or genetic models of platelet-specific fluorescent protein expression. Due to limited data available on platelet functional changes induced by these methods, we compared functional effects of these methods on platelets. Methods Platelet aggregation to collagen and thrombin, and collagen matrix-mediated platelet adhesion/aggregation under flow were tested. We assessed platelets from mice expressing EYFP on platelets (Cre(+)), littermate controls (Cre(-)), C57BL/6 mice, and platelets from vehicle control and x-488 treatment. We utilized intravital microscopy to monitor platelets in vivo using Cre(+) mice and x-488 treatment. Results Both genetic and antibody-based approaches yielded substantial platelet-specific fluorescence. Platelets from Cre(+) and Cre(-) mice behaved similarly in aggregation and adhesion/aggregation under flow. However, they exhibited significantly enhanced aggregation and higher adhesion/aggregation as compared to platelets from C57BL/6 mice. Compared to vehicle control, x-488 platelet labeling did not induce significant functional changes in vitro. Both methods of platelet labeling provided satisfactory platelet detectability in vivo. Conclusions x-488 antibody labeling of platelets induced less alteration of platelet function than genetic approaches under our experimental conditions and seems more suitable for monitoring of endogenous platelets.
Mixed Ionic Liquid Improves Electrolyte Dynamics in Supercapacitors

Well-tailored mixtures of distinct ionic liquids can act as optimal electrolytes that extend the operating electrochemical window and improve charge storage density in supercapacitors. Here, we explore two room-temperature ionic liquids, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (EmimTFSI) and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (EmimBF4). We study their electric double-layer behavior in the neat state and as binary mixtures on the external surfaces of onion-like carbon electrodes using quasielastic neutron scattering (QENS) and classical density functional theory techniques. Computational results reveal that a mixture with 4:1 EmimTFSI/EmimBF4 volume ratio displaces the larger [TFSI–] anions with smaller [BF4–] ions, leading to an excess adsorption of [Emim+] cations near the electrode surface. These findings are corroborated by the manifestation of nonuniform ion diffusivity change, complementing the description of structural modifications with changing composition, from QE...
A case of cutaneous metastasis mimicking herpes zoster rash.

Abstract Cutaneous metastasis is a rare occurrence and often is confused with infectious etiology most commonly herpes zoster rash. We present a case 49 year old male with history of metastatic colon cancer with persistent dermatomal vesicular rash that thought to be due to herpes zoster. A skin biopsy eventually revealed malignant cells.
Normal Red Cell Metabolism and the Influences of Age and the Plasma Environment

It has been long recognized that the three functional units of the human erythrocyte — a) the membrane, b) the hemoglobin and, c) the soluble intracellular enzymes, co-factors, and substrates, act in an interrelated fashion. It is now becoming increasingly clear that this interrelationship is directed in a single-minded fashion towards the primary and unique function of the erythrocyte, that of oxygen and carbon dioxide transport.
Democracy in an Adaptive Polity: Normative Dilemmas

One criterion of democracy is that laws and policies are rooted in the will of the people. The conventional system of elected representatives was created to secure that linkage. Looking at important but neglected spheres of politics there is actually operating a much more agile system of linkage, including linkage to non-citizens. I discuss two dilemmas that emerge from that agility: how to make the links democratic if they are changing dynamically, and how to define ‘the people’ whose will and interests matter. In conclusion I raise the possibility that it may be time to think about polities not as just reformed nation-states, but as dynamic political actors.
Map Plasticity and Recovery from Stroke

The anatomy and physiology of the cerebral cortex in adult mammals is adaptive and can be altered over the course of hours to days to weeks based on behavioral demands. In the motor cortex, as new motor skills are learned, cellular and network organization is altered to accommodate the new function. Similarly, after injury, as might occur in stroke, the remaining motor cortical network undergoes extensive changes in an apparent attempt to recover lost functions. Several new interventional approaches to improve recovery are now being developed and are based primarily on our growing knowledge about underlying neuroplasticity mechanisms.
Low-dispersion electrokinetic flows for expanded separation channels in microfluidic systems:: Multiple faceted interfaces

A novel methodology to design on-chip conduction channels is presented for expansion of low-dispersion separation channels. Designs are examined using two-dimensional numerical solutions of the Laplace equation with a Monte Carlo technique to model diffusion. The design technique relies on trigonometric relations that apply for ideal electrokinetic flows. Flows are rotated and stretched along the abrupt interface between adjacent regions having differing specific permeability. Multiple interfaces can be placed in series along a channel. The resulting channels can be expanded to extreme widths while minimizing dispersion of injected analyte bands. These channels can provide a long path length for line-of-sight optical absorption measurements. Expanded sections can be reduced to enable point detection at the exit section of the channel. Designed to be shallow, these channels have extreme aspect ratios in the wide section, greatly increasing the surface-to-volume ratio to increase heat removal and decrease unwanted pressure-driven flow. The use of multiple interfaces is demonstrated by considering several three-interface designs. Faceted flow splitters can be constructed to divide channels into any number of exit channels while minimizing dispersion. The resulting manifolds can be used to construct medians for structural support in wide, shallow channels.
Net-section based approach for fatigue crack growth characterization using compact tension specimen: Physical correlation of mean stress or stress ratio effects

Abstract A new approach is demonstrated here for the correlation of fatigue crack growth (FCG) data, generated using compact tension (CT) specimens, for various mean stress levels or stress ratios (R) of testing. The approach uses the change in the cyclic strain energy of the net-section as a parameter to correlate fatigue crack growth rates. The derivation of the change in net-section strain energy, for the CT specimen, is demonstrated here on the basis of energy principles of solid mechanics. The total change in net-section strain energy is determined as the sum of the changes in the tension and the bending strain energy components, arising from the tensile stress and the bending moment acting on the net-section of the CT specimen. This leads to a compact physical equation for the change in cyclic strain energy, which is expressed as a direct function of applied cyclic load level, crack length, stress ratio, and specimen dimensions. Extensive experimental evaluations, using the data for steels, copper and titanium alloys, were conducted and are presented here to show that the change in net-section strain energy can successfully correlate the fatigue crack growth for various stress ratios or mean stress levels. The present work provides a new direction for physically-based characterizations of fatigue crack growth data generated using CT specimens.
Velopharyngeal Structure and Function: A Model for Biomechanical Analysis

Publisher Summary This chapter presents a model for biomechanical analysis. Velopharyngeal function is essential to normal speech, deglutition, and respiration. During speech, the velopharyngeal valve serves to control the linkage between the nasal cavities and the oral cavity. In doing so, it controls the nasal–oral resonance balance and the degree to which intraoral breath pressure can be developed for the production of consonants. During deglutition, this valve serves to prevent nasal regurgitation. During respiration, the velopharyngeal valve must be open to permit the filtering and temperature- and humidity-regulating functions of the nasal structures. A thorough understanding of the anatomy and morphology of any physiologic mechanism should precede attempts to investigate physiologic parameters. The human body can be viewed as a biomechanical organism that, like any other mechanical device, has functions that are determined, in part, by the structure of its components and their interrelationships. Thus, while function cannot be exactly defined by structure, structure defines the limits within which function must occur.
Organizational Deception: Lies at Work

Lies cost money and careers, destroy trust, and at times may increase perceptions of power. According to a 2016 study conducted by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), the “typical organization loses 5% of annual revenues to fraud” (ACFE, 2016, p. 4). In the cases of Enron and the Bernard Madoff Ponzi scheme, thousands of people lost their jobs and/or their life savings. The major impacts of corporate deception, however, may begin in the little lies told between subordinate–superior and co-worker dyads. In a self-report study, 45% of employees from multiple organizations stated that they have lied to someone in their organization, yet few of these lies were ever caught (Lindsey, Dunbar, & Russell, 2011). This chapter, then, is an effort to examine the research in organizational deception from two levels—the organizational/corporate or macro-level and the interpersonal/interactional or micro-level. Corporate-level deception is explored through strategic ambiguity (Eisenberg, 1984), fraud, deception in advertising, and suggestions for reducing deception at the corporate level. Research from the interpersonal level of organizations is discussed with a focus on how and why organizational members lie, followed by suggestions on reducing lies in organizational interpersonal relationships and recommendations for future research.
MORTALITY ANALYSIS IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING REVASCULARIZATION FOR INFRAINGUINAL ARTERY: INSIGHTS FROM NETWORK META-ANALYSIS

Risk of death after paclitaxel related devices for infrainguinal artery disease is actively debated and current evidences are conflicting regarding the association with mortality and paclitaxel. Our aim of this study was elucidating whether paclitaxel related devices increased the risk of death of
Transcriptome-Wide Combinatorial RNA Structure Probing in Living Cells

RNA molecules can fold into complex structures and interact with trans-acting factors to control their biology. Recent methods have been focused on developing novel tools to measure RNA structure transcriptome-wide, but their utility to study and predict RNA-protein interactions or RNA processing has been limited thus far. Here, we extend these studies with the first transcriptome-wide mapping method for cataloging RNA solvent accessibility, icLASER. By combining solvent accessibility (icLASER) with RNA flexibility (icSHAPE) data, we efficiently predict RNA-protein interactions transcriptome-wide and catalog RNA polyadenylation sites by RNA structure alone. These studies showcase the power of merging complementary methods to measure RNA structure inside cells and its utility for predicting transcriptome-wide interactions that are critical for control of and regulation by RNA structure. We envision such approaches can be applied to studying different cell types or cells under varying conditions, using RNA structure and footprinting to characterize cellular interactions and processing involving RNA.
HLA Allosensitization in Patients on Continuous Flow LVAD Support: Are Patients at Increased Risk?

Purpose Allosensitization poses a challenge in identifying appropriate donors for patients (pts) awaiting cardiac transplantation. Continuous flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD) can induce significant allosensitization to human leucocyte antigens (HLA). With advances in surgical approaches and improved LVAD hemocompatibility, the prevalence of allosensitization is not well studied. We evaluated the development of allosensitization in a contemporary LVAD cohort including centrifugal and axial LVADs. Methods In consecutive pts who underwent LVAD in a single center from 2014 to 2018, we examined HLA immune status prior to LVAD and at time of transplant if less than one year or up to one year of LVAD support. Serum alloantibodies were detected with single-antigen beads using a Luminex platform. HLA allosensitization was defined as having a calculated panel reactive antibody (cPRA) >10%. LVAD-associated allosensitization was defined as having a cPRA >10% and cPRA Results A total of 50 pts who underwent LVAD implantation as bridge to transplant had available cPRA prior to and after LVAD implantation. Mean follow up was 268±91 days. Mean age was 53±13 years, and 26% were female. 18 pts (36%) had centrifugal LVAD. At 1 year, 28 pts (56%) were transplanted, 18 pts (36%) remained on LVAD support, and 4 pts (8%) expired. Of the 50 patients, 14% (n=7) had PRA over 10%. Though the proportion of patients with allosensitization after LVAD increased to 24%, this was not statistically significant (Fig 1A&B). Eight pts had LVAD-associated allosensitization, and in this group, type of device (centrifugal vs axial) was not associated with allosensitization. Conclusion In our single-center, contemporary cohort, allosensitization before LVAD was not common. LVAD associated allosensitization occurred in about one-fifth of patients.
Seasonal asymmetry of equatorial East African rainfall projections: understanding differences between the response of the long rains and the short rains to increased greenhouse gases

Ensemble simulations with a regional climate model on a large domain and 30-km resolution are used to understand why projected precipitation changes under greenhouse gas-forcing are asymmetric across seasons in equatorial East Africa, with rainfall increasing during the short rains (October through December) but not during the long rains (March through May). The model captures an accurate simulation of observed East African precipitation improving over coupled GCM simulations. Future simulations are generated by increasing atmospheric CO2 according to the RCP8.5 scenario and adding anomalies to observed SSTs as well as initial and lateral boundary conditions derived from coupled GCM simulations. In November, simulated rainfall rates increase by approximately one-third over much of equatorial East Africa by the mid-twenty-first century, and double by the end of the century. The long rains are not significantly increased. The difference in the seasonal response is attributed to differences in the background state. The East African short rains are greatest in November, more than 1 month after the autumnal equinox, when the climatological basic state is in a solstitial pattern. The well-defined heat low over southern Africa and the South Indian Ocean subtropical high to its east are intensified, leading to enhanced moisture convergence over equatorial East Africa. In contrast, the long rains are near their maximum on the vernal equinox, with a continental thermal low centered near the equator that is insensitive to twenty-first century greenhouse gas-induced changes in the subtropical atmospheric hydrodynamics.
Temperature effect on mechanical response of flash-sintered ZnO by in-situ compression tests

Abstract ZnO has been widely used for various industrial applications. Compared to the extensive investigations on the functional properties of ZnO, the mechanical behavior of ZnO is less well understood. Here we investigated temperature-dependent deformation mechanisms of flash-sintered and conventionally sintered ZnO by in-situ microcompression test up to 600 °C. When tested at room temperature, prominent transgranular cracking occurred in the flash-sintered ZnO at a flow stress of 1.2 GPa, higher than that for the conventionally sintered ZnO (0.9 GPa). A high density of dislocations formed near grain boundaries and fracture surfaces led to the high strength and work-hardening capability in the flash-sintered ZnO. At 200 °C, the flow stress of the flash-sintered ZnO decreased to 0.7 GPa, and the fracture mode evolved to intergranular cracking. When compressed at 400 °C, severe deformation localized at the pillar top was dominated by grain boundary-mediated processes. At 600 °C, plastically deformed grains and intergranular cracks increased prominently, accompanied by a decrease in the density of geometrically necessary dislocation. This study shed lights on understanding the influence of the flash sintering process on the mechanical behaviors of ZnO.
The endpoint perturbed Brascamp–Lieb inequalities with examples

We prove the folklore endpoint multilinear kj-plane conjecture originating in a paper of Bennett, Carbery and Tao where the almost sharp multilinear Kakeya estimate was proved. Along the way we prove a more general result, namely the endpoint multilinear kj-variety theorem. Finally, we generalize our results to the endpoint perturbed Brascamp–Lieb inequalities using techniques in earlier sections.
Direct observation of negative differential resistance in WS2 homojunction

Vertical tunneling junctions showing negative differential resistance (NDR) are realized in WS2 homojunction devices. Mono-/multilayered single crystalline WS2 is grown using chemical vapor deposition. NDR is observed through resonant tunneling in Au/bi-layer WS2/Au and Pt/few-layered WS2/Au tunneling junctions by back-gating at room temperature. While two-dimensional materials have been a central focus of materials research during the past decade, exploiting novel properties in diverse layers of these materials is emerging with new designs for electronic devices. Our results pave the way for novel resonant tunneling devices presenting a route to fabricate homojunction WS2 with simple fabrication techniques.
Oral Tradition and Identity

Oral tradition has long provided historians with an enticing source in reconstructing Africa’s past, and has also been the subject of continuing debate over the last several decades. The historicity of African oral tradition is exhaustively debated by generations of scholars, but its folkloric significance has been either dismissed or understudied. The social features of African oral tradition are not merely a background for Africa’s history, but they are an integral component of its communities’ folkloric communication with vital symbolic inflections. The emphasis of this paper therefore is the actions of storytelling; the concepts of history and historicity and the modalities of performances of oral tradition, in the construction of the past and identities across Africa. The first part of the chapter reviews the literature on the uses of oral tradition in historical reconstruction and the second part illustrates how oral tradition is enmeshed with multiple folkloric practices such as rites of passages, autobiographies, and historical experiences of people. As the comparative cases across Africa provided in this section indicate, the ubiquity of oral tradition stems from multiple forms of folkloric expressions about how people remember their pasts. This remembering constitutes the production of folkloric knowledge about the past, which poetically reveals highly entangled emotionally evocative collective experiences, strategies, and ideologies of the actors in the performance contexts. This lends critical insight into the art of oral tradition as a poetic discourse of identity and self in the African societies’ folklore.
Comparing the deformation mechanism in 316 L stainless steel fabricated by hybrid and additive manufacturing

Abstract This study rationalizes the relatively higher elongation with minimal strength drop of 316L stainless steel (316LSS) manufactured using the hybrid approach in comparison to a fully additive approach followed by machining. It was found that twinning was the dominant deformation mechanism in 316LSS produced by both additive and hybrid approaches. The relatively lower fraction of twins in the as-fabricated state of hybrid approach compared to a fully additive approach resulted in delaying the onset of steady-state strain hardening rate to higher strain levels, thereby resulting in an overall increase in elongation to failure.
Enhanced Molecular Diffusivity through Destructive Interference between Electrostatic and Osmotic Forces

Molecular charge asymmetrically distributed in a diffusing tagged particle causes a nonzero electrostatic force balanced by an opposing van der Waals (vdW) force. Fluctuations of electrostatic and vdW forces are highly correlated, and they destructively interfere in the force variance. This phenomenology is caused by the formation of a structurally frozen hydration layer for a particle diffusing in water and is responsible for a substantial speedup of translational diffusion compared to traditional theories of dielectric friction. Diffusion of proteins is insensitive to charge mutations, while smaller particles with asymmetric charge distribution can show a strong dependence of translational and rotational diffusion on molecular charge. Dielectric calculations of the electrostatic force require low values of ≃5 for the effective dielectric constant of interfacial water to be consistent with simulations.
Distinct response of gross primary productivity in five terrestrial biomes to precipitation variability

Climate change will impact precipitation variability, potentially accelerating climate-terrestrial carbon feedbacks. However, the response of ecosystems to precipitation variability is difficult to constrain due to myriad physiological and abiotic variables that limit terrestrial productivity. Based on a combination of satellite imagery and a global network of daily precipitation data, we present here a statistical framework to isolate the impact of precipitation variability on the gross primary productivity of five biomes that collectively account for 50% of global land area. The productivity of mesic grasslands and forests decreases by ~28% and ~7% (respectively) in response to more irregular rain within the year, while the sensitivity is halved in response to higher year-to-year variability. Xeric grasslands are similarly impacted by intra-annual rainfall variance, but they show an increase in productivity with higher interannual rainfall variability. Conversely, the productivity of boreal forests increases under higher variability on both timescales. We conclude that projected changes in precipitation variability will have a measurable global impact on the terrestrial carbon sink. Grasslands and forests respond differently to changes in rainfall variability in a changing climate, which could affect the terrestrial carbon sink, suggests this statistical analysis of rainfall responses in five biomes.
Exploiting Multi-step Sample Trajectories for Approximate Value Iteration

Approximate value iteration methods for reinforcement learning (RL) generalize experience from limited samples across large state-action spaces. The function approximators used in such methods typically introduce errors in value estimation which can harm the quality of the learned value functions. We present a new batch-mode, off-policy, approximate value iteration algorithm called Trajectory Fitted Q-Iteration (TFQI). This approach uses the sequential relationship between samples within a trajectory, a set of samples gathered sequentially from the problem domain, to lessen the adverse influence of approximation errors while deriving long-term value. We provide a detailed description of the TFQI approach and an empirical study that analyzes the impact of our method on two well-known RL benchmarks. Our experiments demonstrate this approach has significant benefits including: better learned policy performance, improved convergence, and some decreased sensitivity to the choice of function approximation.
Expression of Ia Antigens and Ir Gene Function During Differentiation of Bone Marrow Derived Macrophage

The expression of Ia antigens on macrophage (MO) and their function in antigen recognition by T cells has been demonstrated by several groups (1–3). However, not all MO express these antigens and recent investigations have demonstrated that expression of Ia antigens can be regulated by a factor(s) released from immune lymphocytes (4, 5). The heterogeneity of MO is proposed to be regulated by environmental influences which at present are poorly understood.
A Review of Poison Detection in Human Organs

This is the third edition of an excellent textbook on analytical toxicology. Those of us who have used the first edition (1963), 150 pages, and the second edition (1969), 280 pages, will be pleased with this enlarged and revised edition. About half the book is devoted to general toxicological information including emergency hospital toxicology, drug abuse screening, and analysis of blood, urine, liver, gastric content, brain, and kidney. The last half of the book is devoted to monographs on the analysis of specific substances. There are over 500 references; most are very recent. Of particular value are the interpretations of results.
Treatment of AVM-Associated Epilepsy and the Factors Influencing Outcomes.

erebrovascular etiologies, including arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), account for up to 15% cases of C epilepsy (7). The risks of hemorrhage associated with these lesions have been well documented; however, the treatment of seizures in patients harboring cerebral AVMs is less well studied (16). Epilepsy is the most common clinical manifestation of unruptured AVMs and second only to hemorrhage in those with ruptures (12). Crawford et al. (4) studied the factors associated with AVMs that increase the likelihood of seizures and found that, overall, the incidence was low, with just 6% carrying a diagnosis of epilepsy before hemorrhage. This is in contrast to prior studies that cited an incidence of 17%e40% in unruptured AVMs (11, 13). Turjman et al. (16) reported their findings on seizure risk related to the angioarchitecture of the AVMs and found that superficial location with feeding by the external carotid artery, or a temporoparietal superficial location and feeding by the middle cerebral artery, were more predictive of epilepsy, an expected result when considering that proximity to cortex results in a more epileptogenic state. Most of these patients present with a first-time seizure; however, up to 43% of patients with newly diagnosed AVMs present with recurrent seizures (9).