cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor-induced mice liver defatting: A novel strategy to enable transplantation of steatotic livers.

Moderate macrovesicular steatosis (>30%), which is present in almost 50% of livers considered for transplantation, increases the risk of primary graft dysfunction. Our previously published data showed that glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is protective against high-fat diet (HFD)-induced hepatic steatosis in mice. Hence, we hypothesized that perfusion of steatotic livers with GDNF may reduce liver fat content before transplantation. Livers from 8 weeks of regular diet (RD) and of HFD-fed mice were perfused ex vivo for 4 hours with either vehicle, GDNF, or a previously described defatting cocktail. The liver's residual fat was quantified colorimetrically using a triglyceride (TG) assay kit and by Oil Red O (ORO) and Nile red/Hoechst staining. Liver tissue injury was assessed by using a lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity assay. In vitro induction of lipolysis in HepG2 cells was assessed by measuring glycerol and free fatty acid release. ORO staining showed significantly more steatosis in livers from HFD-fed mice compared with RD-fed mice (P < 0.001). HFD livers perfused with GDNF had significantly less steatosis than those not perfused (P = 0.001) or perfused with vehicle (P < 0.05). GDNF is equally effective in steatotic liver defatting compared to the defatting cocktail; however, GDNF induces less liver damage than the defatting cocktail. These observations were consistent with data obtained from assessment of liver TG content. Assessment of liver injury revealed significant hepatocyte injury in livers perfused with the control defatting cocktail but no evidence of injury in livers perfused with either GDNF or vehicle. In vitro, GDNF reduced TG accumulation in HepG2 cells and stimulated increased TG lipolysis. In conclusion, GDNF can decrease mice liver fat content to an acceptable range and could be a potential defatting agent before liver transplantation.
UPPER ORDOVICIAN CRINOIDS FROM THE PLATTEVILLE LIMESTONE OF NORTHEASTERN IOWA

Abstract The Platteville crinoid fauna of northeastern Iowa consists of six species: Abludoglyptocrinus charltoni (Kolata, 1975), Carabocrinus sp. Kolata, 1975, Cupulocrinus plattevillensis Kolata, 1975, Ectenocrinus simplex (Hall, 1847), Merocrinus britonensis Kolata, 1975, and Porocrinus pentagonius Meek and Worthen, 1865. Other echinoderms include an unidentified cyclocystoid and several rhombiferan and crinoid plates. The echinoderms are mostly associated with a variety of passive suspension and filter feeders, principally brachiopods and bryozoans. Complete crowns and columns are available for the porocrinid and cupulocrinid, which lived at elevations of 28 and 50–60 mm above the seafloor, respectively. Although entire stems are not preserved, specimens from other stratigraphic units suggest that Abludoglyptocrinus charltoni, Ectenocrinus simplex, and Merocrinus britonensis occupied higher areas above the seafloor. The elevation of the carabocrinid is not known. The cyclocystoid was located on the se...
Influence of Live Weight Gain During the Winter Grazing Period on Subsequent Grazing and Feedlot Performance1

Abstract Crossbred steer (n = 297) and heifer (n = 125) calves were used in three experiments to determine the impact of restrictive ADG during the winter grazing period on subsequent BW gains. Calves were born in the spring, weaned in the fall, and transported from Northwest Arkansas (360 km; Experiments 1 and 2) or Southwest Texas (880 km; Experiment 3) to Central Oklahoma for grazing and finishing. Upon arrival, calves were assigned to one of the following treatments: 1) grazing winter wheat pasture, 2) grazing dormant tallgrass native prairie plus supplemental CP, or 3) limit fed a high-energy diet (Experiment 3 only). In March, winter stocker treatments (121 d) were ended, and calves grazed cool season grasses (76 d) until June when the feedlot phase began. In the feedlot phase, calves were either assigned to a conventional total confinement finishing system or to a warm-season grass pasture managed under intensive early stocking (9.9 calves/ha) followed by ad libitum access to a high-energy diet. In Experiments 1 and 2, calves on dormant native pasture gained less (P
Moderation of Islamic Political Parties and the Impact on Society

Moderation manifests itself in the tendencies of the Islamist parties to engage in more pluralist politics, tone down their religious rhetoric, embrace free market economies, open to debate the absoluteness of religious texts, albeit in different combinations and degrees. The explanations for this have mostly either focused on the role of inclusion and repression in the political processes or the role of the business sector, therefore ended up emphasizing the elites as the determining social actors. Thus the major line of thought tends to leave out the larger popular sectors both within the Islamist movements, if not represents them as the obedient followers of the political and economic elites. This paper aims to bring in the often neglected terrain of grass roots politics both within the Islamist movements and in the wider domain of ideologically ambivalent popular sectors by looking at the interaction between the movements and the people. In order to bring in this perspective, this paper examines the impact of the Islamist political party on the society and questions whether the ideological and behavioral transformations of the party leads to a wider electoral base in the society and through which they culminate into an ideational shift among the popular sectors, hence making moderation a source for more enhanced diffusion of party's goals and values. The governing Justice and Development Party (AKP) of Turkey is the case study through which these questions are examined.
Ancillary technics with laparoscopy.

Laparoscopic examinations were performed on 228 patients under endotracheal anesthesia with controlled ventilation. Laparoscopies were performed for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures including biopsies of ovaries tubes uterii adhesions and fluid aspirations. Tubal sterilizations were done on 75 patients.
Particle Size Effects on Ice Crystal Accretion

This paper describes the commissioning of a new test apparatus intended to simulate an inner-compressor duct bleed slot. It also identifies, for the first time, that ice crystal particle size plays an important role in the ice crystal phenomenon. Data and sample images of accretion are presented for wet bulb temperatures near freezing. The effect of wet bulb temperature and particle size on the natural melting of ice crystals is investigated. In addition, the erosion of surface accretion by ice crystal particles is discussed.
Maintenance of hyperprolactinemia by gonadal steroids in androgen-sterilized and spontaneously constant-estrus rats.

SummarySerum prolactin concentrations in constant-estrus rats sterilized by a single injection of testosterone proprionate on the third day of life and in adult female rats, spontaneously constant-estrus, were compared to levels in adult normal cyclic female rats. Prolactin levels were much greater in androgen-sterilized females (235 ±18 ng/ml) and in spontaneously constant-estrus females (165 ± 17 ng/ml) than in normal cyclic estrus rats (30± 7 ng/ml). In order to demonstrate the role of en-dogenously produced ovarian estrogen in maintaining the high levels of prolactin, ovariectomy was performed on both groups of constant-estrus animals. Bilateral ovariectomy for one and three weeks resulted in a marked decrease in prolactin levels in both experimental groups. These results show that prolactin levels are elevated in androgen-sterilized and spontaneously constant-estrus rats and that the continuous release of estrogen observed in these animals is acting on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis to promote prola...
Intracranial Inflammatory Pseudotumor: A Report of Two Cases (P03.142)

Objective: To present two unique cases of CNS inflammatory pseudotumor (IP-CNS). Background Inflammatory pseudotumors (IP9s) are benign lesions characterized by polyclonal mononuclear infiltrate (predominantly T cells, histiocytes and plasma cells) and fibrosis. IP-CNS is a rare entity with about 50 cases reported so far, and may represent a heterogeneous entity of chronic inflammatory diseases of yet unknown etiology. The treatment consists of surgical resection. There is no consensus on the treatment of unresectable lesions. Corticosteroids, radiation therapy, and immunosuppression have shown variable success. Design/Methods: Case 1: A 22 year old man presented with intermittent headaches, blurry vision, and papilledema. Case 2: A 24 year old woman presented with right leg weakness, numbness and headaches. Her brain MRI demonstrated an enhancing mass in the left frontoparietal, parasagittal area. The mass was resected and pathology suggested IP-CNS. She was treated with a tapering dose of prednisone. Three years later she presented with right sided hearing loss and increasing headaches. Results: Case 1: Brain MRI showed an enhancing pineal mass with infiltration of bilateral thalami and obstruction of the Sylvian aqueduct, resulting in obstructive hydrocephalus. Endoscopic third ventriculocisternostomy was performed. Biopsy showed massive infiltration by polyclonal lymphocytes, plasma cells and histiocytes mainly in a perivascular distribution. There was dramatic clinical and radiological response to treatment with maintenance rituximab over 4 years of follow up. Case 2: Repeat MRI showed a new soft tissue mass in the right mastoid extending to the middle cranial fossa. Biopsy of the mastoid lesion showed dense proliferation of polyclonal lymphocytes mature plasma cells, histiocytes and fibroblasts in a perivascular pattern. Conclusions: We present for the first time IP-CNS lesions that presented with a mastoid lesion and a pineal lesion with mesencephalic and bilateral diencephalic extension. We also show that rituximab is a potentially effective treatment in some of these patients. Disclosure: Dr. Shah has nothing to disclose. Dr. Javed has received personal compensation for activities with Teva Neuroscience, Bayer Pharmaceuticals, Serono, Inc., Novartis, Questcor and Biogen Idec as a consultant and/or speaker. Dr. Lukas has received personal compensation for activities with American Physician Institute and EBSCO. Dr. Rezania has nothing to disclose.
206 ACHIEVING TREATMENT GOALS IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE

National guidelines (K/DOQI) have been established for therapeutic goals in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The purpose of this study was to determine whether these treatment goals can be achieved in a dedicated clinic for patients with CKD stages 4 and 5 and to identify predictors for treatment failure. We performed a single center, cross-sectional study of 268 patients scheduled to be seen between 01/01/2004 and 08/31/2004 in the CKD clinic at a large teaching hospital serving mainly minority populations (41% African American, 47% Hispanic). A total of 70 patients were excluded because they had previously started dialysis, did not attend any clinic visit, or had no laboratory data available. Of the remaining 198 patients, 61 had been seen for 6 months or less and fewer than 4 nephrology encounters; these were called “community patients.” The remainder had been seen for more than 6 months and had more than 4 nephrology encounters; these were categorized as “CKD clinic patients.” The glomerular filtration rate was estimated using the modified Levy formula to classify patients as having CKD stage 4 (GFR 15-29 mL/min/1.73 m2) or stage 5 (GFR 25%, odds ratio [OR] 5.1), being a community patient (OR 4.3), need for dialysis (OR 3.3), being younger than 60 years of age (OR 2.6), having CKD Stage 5 (OR 2.5), and being African American (OR 2.3). These parameters with the exception of CKD stage were also significant predictors of treatment failure by logistic regression. In conclusion, achieving K/DOQI treatment goals is a challenging task. Early referral to a dedicated CKD clinic improves the ability to achieve K/DOQI targets in CKD patients, and raising awareness of CKD among Primary Care Providers may improve outcomes. Socioeconomic barriers to medical care have to be identified and addressed, and patient education is a critical component of CKD care. Finally, timely start of dialysis remains a key issue.
Cyclosporine augments renal mitochondrial function in vivo and reduces renal blood flow.

The in vivo action of cyclosporine A (CS) on rat renal cortical mitochondria was investigated. CS (30 mg.kg-1.day-1) given orally to rats for 30 days caused an augmentation of renal mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. The ADP-stimulated respiratory rate was increased by 37.0% with glutamate plus malate as respiratory substrates (P less than 0.025) but not with succinate-supported respiration, indicating enhancement of mitochondrial complex I activity. This reaction may be a response to the 32.5% reduction of renal blood (P less than 0.005) in the CS-treated group, possibly serving to maximize ATP synthesis during ischemia. Ligation-induced decreases in renal blood flow also resulted in enhancement of mitochondrial complex I activity.
Initial strain energy-based thermo-elastoviscoplastic two-parameter damage–self-healing models for bituminous composites—Part I: Formulations

The initial strain energy-based thermo-elastoviscoplastic two-parameter damage–self-healing formulations for asphalt concrete materials are proposed and implemented for numerical simulations of exp...
IL-17A enhances IL-13 activity by enhancing IL-13–induced signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 activation

Background Increased IL-17A production has been associated with more severe asthma; however, the mechanisms whereby IL-17A can contribute to IL-13–driven pathology in asthmatic patients remain unclear. Objective We sought to gain mechanistic insight into how IL-17A can influence IL-13–driven responses. Methods The effect of IL-17A on IL-13–induced airway hyperresponsiveness, gene expression, mucus hypersecretion, and airway inflammation was assessed by using in vivo models of IL-13–induced lung pathology and in vitro culture of murine fibroblast cell lines and primary fibroblasts and human epithelial cell lines or primary human epithelial cells exposed to IL-13, IL-17A, or both. Results Compared with mice given intratracheal IL-13 alone, those exposed to IL-13 and IL-17A had augmented airway hyperresponsiveness, mucus production, airway inflammation, and IL-13–induced gene expression. In vitro , IL-17A enhanced IL-13–induced gene expression in asthma-relevant murine and human cells. In contrast to the exacerbating influence of IL-17A on IL-13–induced responses, coexposure to IL-13 inhibited IL-17A–driven antimicrobial gene expression in vivo and in vitro . Mechanistically, in both primary human and murine cells, the IL-17A–driven increase in IL-13–induced gene expression was associated with enhanced IL-13–driven signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 activation. Conclusions Our data suggest that IL-17A contributes to asthma pathophysiology by increasing the capacity of IL-13 to activate intracellular signaling pathways, such as signal transducer and activator of transcription 6. These data represent the first mechanistic explanation of how IL-17A can directly contribute to the pathogenesis of IL-13–driven pathology.
Brain treatments and creativity.

the antipsychotic drugs that cause movement disorders, tend to slow people down, both in their movements and in their thinking. In fact, in the “early” days of psychopharmacology, animal testing for anti-schizophrenic drugs focused on the drug’s ability to slow the animals and make them less inquisitive. Likewise the presumed benefit of frontal lobotomies was reduced agitation, often reduced movement in general, probably due largely to apathy. Dopamine receptor blockade, the cardinal neurotransmitter effect shared by all anti-psychotic drugs, probably produces apathy or at least some degree of indifference, in the patients I see. This is why they were used on political prisoners in the Soviet Union. In Parkinson’s disease (PD), a dopamine depleting disorder, we think we see a reduction in “risk seeking behavior,” that some have opined is related to the reduced dopamine. I doubt that apathy and creativity can coexist. In her article, my friend cites medical conditions thought to be linked to creativity: hypomania and temporal lobe epilepsy. The link may be anecdotal (Dostoyevsky) or by clinical research (see articles by Norman Geschwind, MD), and those linked by popular opinion, particularly certain recreational drugs. (Think of Coleridge and his opium article on brain disease and creativity which brought up an interesting point that I had never considered seriously, namely, the potential side effect of reducing creativity in patients who we put on brain-active drugs. The article focused on people who suffered from mental illness (Can J Psychiatry 2011;56;132) but there’s no reason the point doesn’t carry over to any brain disorder. While many of us are familiar with the eccentricities of friends or relatives with major mental illnesses, few of these people are very creative, simply because few people are very creative. Mental illness may be associated with creativity, particularly mania, when not out of control, but, as Sylvia Plath noted, “When you are insane, you are busy being insane – all the time…When I was crazy, that’s all I was.” While I am not a psychiatrist, I have seen a large number of people with major psychiatric illnesses, and her personal observation rings true. My patients form a highly select group. They all have movement disorders. This does not mean that the psychiatric patients with movement disorder side effects of their medications were poorly treated. Sometimes side effects are unavoidable. However, those patients I‘ve seen haven’t seemed particularly creative. Neuroleptics,
Building secure and robust microgrids: an overview of technical and security concerns

Microgrids are modern, localised versions of the centralised utility grid. They have been gaining popularity due to the increased power demand and the development of various renewable resources. In this paper, we present the technical and security challenges faced by modern microgrid implementations in ensuring interoperability, reliability, and security in the network.
Forensic Aspects of Cardiovascular Pathology

Abstract Identifying the cause of sudden unexpected cardiac death requires not only examination of the heart but also a complete autopsy with toxicology analysis, thorough scene investigation, including activities and behaviors at the time of unresponsiveness, and review of the medical history for the decedent as well as the family. Documentation of pathologic changes as well as artifacts of medical intervention and postmortem changes will allow for accurate determination of cause of death. In cases where gross and microscopic examination are normal and circumstances, history, and toxicology do not explain death, genetic analysis particularly for cardiac channelopathies but also for other alterations may elucidate the cause of sudden cardiac death. Consultation with a cardiac pathologist will allow for thorough examination and documentation in complex cases where the expertise will aid in understanding of pathologic processes and the extent of disease.
The Use of Data in Developing Theory: Scientifically Acceptable or Alchemy?

Researchers have always been faced with the temptation of exploring data bases to discover atheoretical relationships. The advent of the computer 25 years ago, made this process easier. Today the process is made even easier by increasingly sophisticated quantitative techniques. This article uses the philosophy of science to address the questions concerning the circumstances that make it acceptable to explore data bases without a strong theoretical perspective.
'Cuba Nos Une': Ending the Cuban Adjustment Act

Because opportunity costs and expenditures continue to take their toll on the American economy, and prospects for growth within Cuba, many Cuban Americans are calling for an end to benefits and special treatment. Pundits believe that the American government should end special benefits for Cubans, which may help to reduce incentives for Cubans crossing Latin American and Mexican borders heading for the United States at a rate of more than 13,000 each year, which does not exceed the 20,000 visas annually reserved for Cubans. These exoduses are closely linked to lucrative, yet dangerous, human trafficking operations, meanwhile each report of refugees at sea that instigates a search by the U.S. Coast Guard costs any from a couple of thousand dollars per hour for helicopter searches and tens of thousands of dollars for the use of a small plane (i.e. C130) to search. Ending benefits not only reduces Cubans’ interest in violating American immigration policies by working with human traffickers, it could allow Americans an opportunity appropriately to allocate resources to drug interdiction and prevention of terrorism at the border rather than focusing on droves of Cubans demanding benefits and residency. At this time in Cuban-American political history, American policies need not encourage international violations that negate Cuba’s sovereignty, but rather, the United States should reform immigration policies to benefit both nations and their people. This article discusses these five issues in detail. Section Three discusses money wasted on persecuting the Cuban Five, and political missteps created by the United States in response to the Cuban Five. Section Four outlines special citizenship processes applicable only to Cubans entering the United States; and Section Five explains entitlements to benefits possessed by Cuban Americans. Section Six explains relationships between human trafficking, Cubans, and homeland security. Section Seven concludes that for the foregoing reasons, now is the time to discontinue special treatment of Cuban refugees in the United States, end wasteful spending practices, and invest in strategies that benefit relations between the United States and Cuba.
You Spin Me Right Round: A Within-Person Examination of Affect Spin and Voluntary Work Behavior

The current study extends prior research on emotional dynamics within the workplace by examining workplace correlates of within-person affect spin—a form of variability in affect states. Drawing from affective events theory, the current study tests both concurrent and lagged associations between work events, daily affect spin, mood, and daily voluntary workplace behaviors in a 2-week daily diary study of 114 working adults. Multilevel analyses demonstrated that levels of daily affect spin were higher on days in which employees experienced mixed work events (i.e., both positive and negative work events on the same day) compared to days with only positive work events or no work events. Results revealed that daily affect spin was indirectly related to daily organizational citizenship behavior through lower pleasant mood. Lagged analyses suggest the effects of daily spin on mood and voluntary work behaviors may not carry over to the next day. Our findings build upon prior between-person research on affect spi...
Constitutive expression of steel factor gene by human stromal cells

Steel factor (SF), the ligand for c-kit, is an essential regulator of normal hematopoiesis, melanogenesis, gametogenesis, and mast-cell growth and development. Hematopoietic stromal cells are important sources of SF, because inactivation of SF in mice results in defects in the support function of hematopoietic stromal cells. To identify specific cells that produce, and factors that govern the expression of the different isoforms of SF in human hematopoiesis, we quantified levels of SF mRNA and membrane-bound protein in human stromal cells before and after exposure to recombinant human interleukin (IL)-1 alpha, a cytokine known to induce the expression of a variety of hematopoietic growth factors. In addition, because stromal cells in longterm bone marrow cultures (LTBMC) are supportive of hematopoietic progenitor cell survival in vitro, while umbilical vein endothelial cells (EC) and diploid fibroblasts (DF) are not, we also sought to test the hypothesis that SF gene expression would differ in cells from LTBMC when compared with EC or DF. Using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction amplification (RT-PCR), ribonuclease protection assays (RPA), and Northern blot analysis, SF was found to be constitutively transcribed in EC, DF, and LTBMC. IL-1 alpha neither induced accumulation of SF mRNA nor altered the ratio of exon 6+ to exon 6- transcripts in these stromal cells. By Northern blot analysis, the predominant SF mRNA species was shown to be 5.6 kb; a minor population of 3.6 kb was also found. Low levels of membrane-bound SF protein were found to be constitutively expressed by all three types of stromal cells, and were not regulated by IL-1 alpha. We conclude that the unique capacity of LTBMC to support in vitro hematopoiesis, when compared with EC or DF, cannot be explained on the basis of qualitative or quantitative differences in SF gene expression in these cells.
Aggregate Elasticity, Crystal Structure, and Tableting Performance for p-Aminobenzoic Acid and a Series of Its Benzoate Esters

The tableting performance for p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and a series of its benzoate esters with increasing alkyl chain length (methyl-, ethyl-, and n-butyl) was determined over a broad range of compaction pressures. The crystalline structure of methyl benzoate (Me-PABA) exhibits no slip systems and does not form viable compacts under any compaction pressure. The ethyl (Et-PABA) and n-butyl (Bu-PABA) esters each have a similar, corrugated-layer structure that displays a prominent slip plane and improves material plasticity at low compaction pressure. The compact tensile strength for Et-PABA is superior to that for Bu-PABA; however, neither material achieved a tensile strength greater than 2 MPa over the compression range studied. Complementary studies with powder Brillouin light scattering (BLS) show the maxima of the shear wave, acoustic frequency distribution red shift in an order consistent with both the observed tabletability and attachment energy calculations. Moreover, zero-porosity aggregate elast...
On the Obfuscation of Image Sensor Fingerprints

To date, there have been several attempts to utilize sensor noise for device identification and authentication. Most of these developments have taken place in mobile image sensors, accelerometers, and microphones. The ramifications of isolating sensor fingerprints is that any third party, utilizing multiple sources, may effectively track the mobile movements of a user without the use of cookies. Sensor fingerprints, especially that of images, could pose quite a challenge to applications and websites that promise online anonymity in picture sharing. This paper describes the threat potential as well as the required steps to remedy said vulnerability. It then suggests the potential for widespread implementation in a more diverse span of fields.
Using Video Mashup to deliver personalized video services in IMS networks

This paper investigates methods for dynamically composing video streams (Video Mashup) to support the delivery of personalized multimedia communication services from an IMS network.
Multi-rate observer design using asynchronous inter-sample output predictions

In this paper, the problem of observer design in linear multi-output systems with asynchronous sampling is addressed. The proposed multi-rate observer is based on a continuous-time Luenberger observer design coupled with an inter-sample predictor for each sampled measurement, which generates an estimate of the output in between consecutive measurements. The sampling times are not necessarily uniformly spaced, but there exists a maximum sampling period among all the sensors. Sufficient and explicit conditions are derived to guarantee exponential stability of the multi-rate observer. The proposed framework of multi-rate observer design is applied to estimate the amount of active catalyst sites in a gas-phase polyethylene reactor, with a convergence rate that is comparable to the case of continuous measurements.
Of Time, Work, and Family

There are signs that employers in the United States are beginning to recognize and respond to work-family problems created by jobs that demand long hours, a high proportion of facetime (visible time at work), and rigid schedules. Aside from numerous examples in the popular press, Morgan and Tucker’s (1991, p. 14) Companies that Care provides a virtual cornucopia of examples of how “companies of every size, in every region of the country, and in almost every industry” have responded to challenges posed by contemporary work forces. A review of their handbook would suggest that flexible work hours, part-time work, job-sharing, and working at home—practices that are collectively called “flexibility”—are becoming widespread and popular. Consider some specific claims (pp. 332–333):
LiMn2O4 Surface Chemistry Evolution during Cycling Revealed by in Situ Auger Electron Spectroscopy and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy.

This work utilizes in situ electrochemical and analytical characterization during cycling of LiMn2O4 (LMO) equilibrated at different potentials in an ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) environment. The LMO reacts with organic molecules in the vacuum to form a high surface concentration of Li2CO3 (≈50% C) during initial charging to 4.05 V. Charging to higher potentials reduces the overall Li2CO3 concentration (≈15% C). Discharging to 3.0 V increases the Li2CO3 concentration (≈30% C) and over discharging to 0.1 V again reduces its concentration (≈15% C). This behavior is reproducible over 5 cycles. The model geometry utilized suggests that oxygen from LMO can participate in redox of carbon, where LMO contributes oxygen to form the carbonate in the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). Similar results were obtained from samples cycled ex situ, suggesting that the model in situ geometry provides reasonably representative information about surface chemistry evolution. Carbon redox at LMO and the inherent voltage instability...
Four elephants in the room: A reflective analysis of the wailing rage displayed by Baltimore youth after Freddie Gray’s death

Eliminating health disparities is our ethical and generational responsibility to protect and promote the health of all Americans. However, we cannot effectively eliminate health disparities in the ...
Synthetic Lubricant Base Stock

Conventional lubricants are formulated using mineral base stocks, which are refined from petroleum and contain many chemical species. Although mineral base stocks serve general-purpose lubricants well, they cannot be optimized for specific performance features. Modern machines and equipment are increasingly designed to operate under more severe conditions, to require less maintenance, to have improved longevity and better energy efficiency. Sometimes, conventional lubricants based on mineral base stocks fail to meet these elevated performance requirements. Synthetic lubricants using tailored synthetic base stocks are designed to meet these higher performance needs and can provide superior performance and economic benefits over conventional lubricants.
Multilingualism and emergent selves: context, languages, and the anti-ought-to self

This study examines motivation and multilingualism using quantitative data from 468 language learners in China. More precisely, the point of inquiry was to investigate the language-specificity of t...
Long term stability of a HIV-1 neutralizing monoclonal antibody using isothermal calorimetry.

Abstract Different factors affect the long term stability of monoclonal antibodies, among them denaturation or partial denaturation that is often followed by aggregation. Isothermal calorimetry is capable of quantifying the kinetics of denaturation/aggregation of an antibody by measuring the heat that is released or absorbed by the process over a period of days or weeks, at temperatures below its denaturation temperature, Tm. The denaturation/aggregation kinetics of the anti-HIV monoclonal antibody VRC07-523LS was measured by isothermal calorimetry at different concentrations in four different formulation buffers. The measurements were performed at ten degrees below Tm, as determined by differential scanning calorimetry. The formation of aggregates was also followed by size exclusion chromatography at 5 °C, 25 °C and 40 °C over a period of 8–36 weeks. It was observed that the rates measured by isothermal calorimetry correlate quantitatively with those measured by size exclusion chromatography. Since isothermal calorimetry experiments are performed over a period of ten days, it can become a valuable tool for a fast prediction of the best formulations.
Trends in Geriatrics Graduate Medical Education Programs and Positions, 2001 to 2018.

It is no secret that the average age of the U.S. population is increasing, and this has special significance for the U.S. health care system. The number of individuals above 65 years old is predict...
Iṣlāḥ al-Manāẓir

Abū Yūsūf Ya‘qūb ibn Ishāq al-Kindī said in the “Correction of the Book of Optics” in proposition 60 [that] [of] magnitudes with equal [speed of] motion, such as [magnitudes] AB, GD [moving] on parallel lines such as [lines] BT, DI, [and] cutting the perpendicular such as EW issued from the eye at right angles,the one closer to the eye, which is BA, is seen at times faster than the farther one, when it is directed toward the perpendicular, at times equal to it, when its beginning [partis end at the perpendicular, 9 and at other times slower [than it], when it crosses the perpendicular.
On the Regulation of β2 Integrins

β2 integrins (Leu-CAMs, CD11/CD18) are three heterodimeric surface membrane glycoprotein receptors which mediate a large number of divalentcation- dependent cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion functions in leukocytes.1 Each heterodimer (Figure 1) consists of a distinct ex subunit (CD11a, CD11b or CD11c) noncovalently associated with a single β subunit (CD18). CD11a/CD18 is expressed on all leukocytes. CD11b and CD11c expression is restricted to myelomonocytic cells and NK cells.
Emerging Thermal Issues in Geotechnical Engineering

Application of changes in temperature to soils and rocks may lead to a wide range of flow processes and physical phenomena. This chapter focuses on the fundamental aspects of coupled heat transfer and water flow in saturated and unsaturated soils and rocks, thermal pressurization of pore fluids, thermal volume change, thermal softening of the preconsolidation stress, thermal hydro-shearing, and desiccation cracking. Established applications are also presented, including energy piles, barriers for radioactive waste repositories, and thermal energy storage. Emerging research areas including the role of thermal processes in climate change and elevated temperature landfills are also discussed.
Can Audit Committee Expertise Increase External Auditors' Litigation Risk? The Moderating Effect of Audit Committee Independence

This study examines whether the perceived independence and financial expertise of audit committee members affect external auditors' exposure to legal liability. We use an experiment in which potential jurors make judgments about auditor independence and legal liability for a case involving an audit failure. We find that perceptions of audit committee independence from management are positively associated with judgments of auditor independence and negatively associated with auditor liability. However, financial expertise of audit committee members can be a double‐edged sword. Our experiment finds that judgments of auditor liability are higher when the audit committee is perceived to have higher financial expertise but lower independence from management. In assessing litigation risk of current and prospective clients, auditors may want to carefully consider the independence of audit committee members from management, particularly when audit committee members have financial expertise. In the event of an audit failure, the financial expertise of nonindependent audit committee members can negatively affect jurors' perceptions of auditor independence and liability. Les competences financieres du comite d’audit peuvent‐elles accroitre le risque de litige auquel sont exposes les auditeurs externes? L’effet moderateur de l’independance du comite d’audit Les auteures se demandent si l’independance percue et les competences financieres des membres du comite d’audit influent sur le risque de litige auquel sont exposes les auditeurs externes. Elles procedent a une experience dans laquelle des jures potentiels portent des jugements au sujet de l’independance des auditeurs et de leur responsabilite juridique relativement a un cas d’echec de l’audit. Elles constatent que les perceptions quant a l’independance du comite d’audit a l’endroit de la direction sont en relation positive avec les jugements relatifs a l’independance des auditeurs et en relation negative avec la responsabilite juridique des auditeurs. Les competences financieres des membres du comite d’audit peuvent toutefois etre une arme a double tranchant. L’experience menee par les auteures revele que la responsabilite juridique des auditeurs est jugee plus elevee lorsque le comite d’audit est percu comme ayant des competences financieres superieures mais une independance moindre a l’endroit de la direction. Dans l’evaluation du risque de litige associe aux clients actuels et potentiels, il se peut que les auditeurs souhaitent examiner attentivement l’independance des membres du comite d’audit a l’endroit de la direction, en particulier si les membres du comite d’audit possedent des competences financieres. En cas d’echec de l’audit, les competences financieres des membres du comite d’audit qui ne sont pas independants peuvent avoir une incidence negative sur la facon dont les jures percoivent l’independance et la responsabilite juridique des auditeurs.
Level of knoweldge among mothers of preschool children regarding habit formation and its impact on personality development

Habit is acquired through repetition in thinking and acting in the same way a number of times which makes the thought and action a part of the habit. A descriptive research design was adopted to assess the level of knowledge among mother’s of preschool children regarding habit formation and its impact on personality development. Sixty mothers where selected by convenient sampling method. The finding shows that the knowledge of mothers of preschool children were divided as adequate, moderate & inadequate among which 1 (1.67%) mothers had adequate knowledge, 49 (81.67%) mothers has moderate knowledge and 10 (16.67%) had inadequate knowledge. The study revealed that most of the mothers had moderate level of knowledge regarding habit formation and its impact on personality development.
Role of early amniotomy with induced labor: a systematic review of literature and meta-analysis.

Abstract Objective The aim of the present meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of early amniotomy performed during induction of labor. Data sources The Medline, Embase, and Web-of-Science databases (from conception to end-of-search date December 31st, 2018) were systematically searched. Study eligibility criteria Randomized controlled trials that compared the performance of early amniotomy (performed before active phase of labor) to spontaneous or late amniotomy were eligible for inclusion. Eligible studies were limited to studies published as full articles available in the English language and included patients with a singleton viable fetus at term undergoing induction of labor for any indication. Study appraisal and synthesis methods Data were pooled using the random effects and fixed effects model after assessing for the presence of heterogeneity. Risk of bias for each included study was assessed based on the criteria outlined in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Primary outcomes were cesarean delivery and time to delivery. Secondary outcomes were intrapartum infectious morbidity, operative delivery, indication for cesarean, cord prolapse, uterine hyperstimulation, meconium stained amniotic fluid, and neonatal intensive care unit admission. A sub-analysis that included only nulliparous patients was performed for the primary outcomes. Results There were a total of 7 studies identified that met the inclusion criteria and these studies reported on 1775 patients. The early and late/spontaneous amniotomy groups included 884 and 891 patients, respectively. Patients who had an early amniotomy had a shorter time to delivery (mean difference -3.62 hours, 95% CI: -6.09, -1.16). When limiting the analysis to the 866 nulliparous women, early amniotomy was associated with a 5 hours shorter time to delivery compared to late amniotomy (mean difference -5.12 hours, 95% CI: -8.47, -1.76, I2=89%). There was no difference in the rate of cesarean delivery (RR: 1.09, 95% CI: 0.80, 1.49) or intrapartum infectious morbidity (RR: 1.42, 95% CI: 0.77, 2.61) between the two groups. There was no differences in any of the other secondary outcomes evaluated. Conclusions Early amniotomy during induction of labor is associated with faster time to delivery without any evidence of adverse perinatal outcomes.
Classical Simulation of High Temperature Quantum Ising Models.

We consider generalized quantum Ising models, including those which could describe disordered materials or quantum annealers, and we prove that for all temperatures above a system-size independent threshold the path integral Monte Carlo method based on worldline heat-bath updates always mixes to stationarity in time $\mathcal{O}(n \log n)$ for an $n$ qubit system, and therefore provides a fully polynomial-time approximation scheme for the partition function. This result holds whenever the temperature is greater than four plus twice the maximum interaction degree (valence) over all qubits, measured in units of the local coupling strength. For example, this implies that the classical simulation of the thermal state of a superconducting device modeling a frustrated quantum Ising model with maximum valence of 6 and coupling strengths of 1 GHz is always possible at temperatures above 800 mK. Despite the quantum system being at high temperature, the classical spin system resulting from the quantum-to-classical mapping contains strong couplings which cause the single-site Glauber dynamics to mix slowly, therefore this result depends on the use of worldline updates (which are a form of cluster updates that can be implemented efficiently). This result places definite constraints on the temperatures required for a quantum advantage in analog quantum simulation with various NISQ devices based on equilibrium states of quantum Ising models.
Acute Bilateral Knee Pain in a Dialysis Patient with Severe Secondary Hyperparathyroidism

### Case Answer A 27 year-old woman with hypertension, focal glomerular sclerosis, and ESKD had been on in-center hemodialysis for 4 years. Her monthly laboratory values revealed persistent elevation of the serum intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) (1500 pg/ml), despite dietary phosphate restriction, phosphate binders, and high doses of paricalcitol. During the previous year, she had missed several scheduled surgery appointments for a parathyroidectomy. While walking down stairs, the patient fell, immediately experienced severe bilateral knee pain, and was unable to stand up. She was seen in the emergency room, where she was noted to …
Idiopathic vocal fold paralysis in two adolescent patients with neurofibromatosis type 2

Abstract Objectives Neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) is an autosomal dominant condition presenting with bilateral vestibular schwannomas and other neural tumors. Vocal fold paralysis (VFP) in NF2 patients is typically due to compression of the vagus nerve at the cerebellopontine angle (CPA) or vagal injury during tumor surgery. Idiopathic VFP in these patients has not been reported. Methods Case series. Results A 15 year old female with NF2 presenting with dyspnea and dysphonia was found to have left VFP and right vocal fold paresis narrowing her glottic airway. She had no history of surgery for CPA tumors, and bilateral vestibular schwannomas were stable on imaging and not compressing the vagus nerves. Symptoms improved with voice and respiratory retraining therapy. She remains under close observation and may require surgical intervention to relieve glottic airway obstruction should her right vocal fold become immobile. A 14-year-old male with NF2 presenting with new onset dysphonia was found to have left VFP. He had undergone surgery for a right facial neuroma and right eye enucleation 7 years prior. His left CPA tumors were stable on imaging and not compressing the vagus nerve. He has undergone two in-office injection laryngoplasties and voice therapy with improvement in dysphonia. He will be a candidate for medialization thyroplasty as an adult if his right vocal fold remains mobile. Conclusions Currently there are no reports of idiopathic VFP in patients with NF2. Given these patients’ young age and the progressive nature of NF2, they are managed with temporary interventions and observation.
Assessing the 5×-Multiplier Calculation to Reduce Discharge Opioid Prescription Volumes After Inpatient Surgery.

This case-control study examines the rates of refills under 2 separate strategies for opioid prescribing after operations in a hepatopancreatobiliary surgery department.
Curriculum renewal in the time of COVID‐19: The Washington University School of Medicine Story

Washington University School of Medicine began a curriculum renewal process in 2017 with a goal of implementing the Gateway Curriculum in 2020. In this article, we describe the vision of this curriculum and the infrastructure that was built to support it. We also describe the impact of COVID-19 on the legacy curriculum and the Gateway Curriculum as well as the lessons learned to date.
Social Theory of International Politics: “Ideas all the way down?”: on the constitution of power and interest

In post-war scholarship the starting point for most theorizing about international politics has been power and national interest, with power understood ultimately as military capability and interest as an egoistic desire for power, security, or wealth. This is usually identified with a Realist approach to the subject. While conceding the importance of power and interest, in the early 1980s Neoliberals began to argue that international institutions also play a significant role in international politics. Neorealists and Neoliberals disagree about their relative weight, but they would probably agree that together the three factors explain most of the variance in international outcomes. Moreover, although adherents of neither approach tend to call themselves “materialists,” both Neorealists and Neoliberals routinely refer to power and interest, and sometimes even institutions, as “material” factors. Against this materialist consensus a number of IR scholars today are emphasizing a fourth factor, “ideas.” This focus goes back at least to Snyder, Bruck, and Sapin, who pioneered a tradition of cognitivist research on the role of belief systems and perceptions in foreign policy decision-making. But it has really taken off in the last decade with multiple lines of theorizing, both mainstream and critical, about identity, ideology, discourse, culture, and, simply, ideas. In other words, materialist assumptions are no longer unproblematic in IR theory, and materialist scholars are facing a resurgent idealism that puts the question of “what difference do ideas make?” clearly on the table. There are two ways to approach this question, and thus two ways to frame the idealism-materialism debate.
Hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma associated with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis by a possible paraneoplastic process

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is a low-grade, malignant vascular neoplasm that frequently involves the liver, lungs, bone, and soft tissue. Although not commonly associated with a paraneop...