cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rubrics as catalysts for collaboration: a modest proposal

Abstract Rubrics have received increased attention in recent years in assessment and accountability efforts in higher education as tools that provide faculty with rigorous frameworks for translating authentic examples of student work into high-quality, useable data. These same tools may represent powerful vehicles for prompting and facilitating collaboration between faculty and assessment professionals, and for crossing disciplinary, institutional, and national borders. This article makes the case for such collaboration using the AAC&U VALUE rubrics, a collection of 15 rubrics developed by faculty and higher education professionals from across the United States. Examples from institutional and state-wide collaborations with the VALUE rubrics will be discussed, as well as their potential for future national and international collaborations.
Methods for measuring student response to stimulant medication: A meta-analytic review

Measuring student response to interventions has become an important role for school psychologists. Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are frequently treated with stimulant medication, but the response to the treatment is rarely adequately assessed. The current study examined the sensitivity of measures used to assess the outcomes of stimulant medication for children identified with ADHD using meta-analytic procedures. A total of 812 articles were reviewed with 35 being selected for the study based on a common treatment protocol of .3 to .5 mg/kg with a 2- to 8-week pre- and post-test interval. Measures were categorized as behavioral, psychological, or physiological. A total of 81 effect sizes were computed with a total unbiased estimate of effect of .53 and unbiased estimates of effect of .11 for physiological measures, .38 for psychological measures, and .56 for behavioral measures. Tests of homogeneity found nonsignificant results within each of the three categories. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Treatment of subepidermal immunobullous diseases

The subepidermal immunobullous diseases are a group of autoimmune blistering disorders of the skin and mucous membranes that share the common features of autoantibody deposition and blister formation at the dermal-epidermal junction or basement membrane. This group includes bullous pemphigoid, linear IgA disease, dermatitis herpetiformis, and epidermolysis bullosa acquisita, among others. Although these disorders share some common features, each disease is unique in its clinical presentation, histopathology, and immunofluorescence patterns, which allows for accurate diagnosis and disease-specific treatment strategy. Treatment of these disorders is complex and requires expert knowledge of disease pathogenesis. We review common treatment approaches for each of these disorders.
Wittgenstein and Synthetic A Priori Judgments

In On Certaintyl Wittgenstein refers to the 'foundations' (OC 41i) and to the 'scaffolding of our thoughts' (OC 2II). In these important passages Wittgenstein is occupied with a problem which concerns Kant in the Introduction to the Critique of Pure Reason.2 Having distinguished synthetic judgments from analytic judgments as those in which there is 'need to appeal to the testimony of experience in their support' (Bi i), Kant takes note of a peculiarity of some synthetic judgments. This peculiarity may be described most simply as the fact that some synthetic judgments are strictly universal rather than empirically universal. 'Empirical universality is only an arbitrary extension of a validity holding in most cases to one which holds in all' (B4). A true judgment which is empirically universal is contingently true. 'We can properly only say, therefore, that, so far as we have hitherto observed, there is no exception to this or that rule' (B4). 'Experience teaches us that a thing is so and so, but not that it cannot be otherwise' (B3). Hume's mistake, according to Kant, was to argue that all true universal synthetic judgments are contingently true, or true a posteriori (B5). But such universal judgments as 'every alteration must have a cause' seem necessarily and not contingently true. They have strict rather than empirical universality. This means among other things for Kant that for us they 'cannot be otherwise' (B3), that they are 'thought . . . in such a manner that no exception is allowed as possible' (B4). The fact that some judgments seem to have this characteristic, this apriority, is for Kant a problem which must be explained. He is concerned therefore not merely with the nature but with the possibility of a priori judgments. 'Now the proper problem of pure reason is contained in the question: How are a priori synthetic judgments possible?' (Bi9). This problem may be stated differently. Not everything that seems to be empirical knowledge is empirical knowledge. Empirical knowledge properly so-called is strictly contingent. But some universal judgments are not
A Diagnostic Technique for Particle Characterization Using Laser Light Extinction

Increased operations of aircraft, both commercial and military in hostile desert environments has increased the risk of micro sized particle ingestion into engines. The probability of increased sand and dust ingestion results in increased life cycle costs in addition to increased potential for performance loss. Thus the ability to accurately assess the amount of inlet debris would be useful for engine diagnostics and prognostic evaluation. Previous engine monitoring studies were based on particle measurements performed a posteriori. Thus there exists a need for in situ quantification of ingested particles. This paper describes the initial development of a line-of-sight optical technique to characterize the ingested particles at concentrations similar to those experienced by aircraft in brownout conditions using laser extinction with the end goal of producing an onboard aircraft diagnostic sensor. By measuring the amount of light that is transmitted due to the effects of scattering and absorption in the presence of particles over a range of concentrations, a relationship between particle diameters and the laser light extinction was obtained. This relationship was then used to obtain information on diameters and number densities of ingested particles. The particle size range of interest was chosen to be between 1–10 μm and the size distribution function was assumed to be lognormal. Tests were performed on polystyrene latex spheres of sizes 1.32 μm, 3.9 μm and 5.1 μm in water dispersions to measure diameters and concentrations. Measurements were performed over multiple wavelengths to obtain information on the size distribution and number density of particles. Results of tests presented in this paper establish the validity of the laser extinction technique to provide real time information of ingested particles and will serve as an impetus to carry out further research using this technique to characterize particles.© 2015 ASME
Executive function and verbal working memory in adolescents with closed head injury (CHI).

The relationship between executive function (EF) and working memory (WM) was studied in eight adolescents with closed head injury (CHI) and eight controls, matched for age, gender and socioeconomic status (SES). A cognitive-linguistic test (Scales of Cognitive Ability for Traumatic Brain Injury, SCATBI) was used to group CHI participants by severity. EF was tested with a measure of daily functioning (Pro-Ex) and WM was tested with a recognition memory task (RMT). When all subject test data were grouped, a positive linear correlation was found for the Pro-Ex and the RMT. A strongto-moderate positive correlation was found for components of the EF measure and the RMT. Severity of injury influenced test performance for both the EF and WM measures, with a significance between group effects found on the RMT task. Results indicate a relationship between executive function and working memory, severity of injury and test performance and the need to assess EF of CHI adolescents with a measure of daily functioning.
In vitro insertion of leader peptidase into Escherichia coli membrane vesicles.

Abstract Leader peptidase is an integral protein of the Escherichia coli cytoplasmic membrane whose topology is known. We have taken advantage of this knowledge and available mutants of this enzyme to develop a genetic test for a cell-free protein translocation reaction. We report that leader peptidase inserted into inverted plasma membrane vesicles in its correct transmembrane orientation. We have examined the in vitro membrane assembly characteristics of a variety of leader peptidase mutants and found that domains required for insertion in vivo are also necessary for insertion in vitro. These data demonstrate the physiological validity of the in vitro insertion reaction and strengthen the use of this in vitro protein translocation reaction for the dissection of this complex sorting pathway.
Elastic relaxation coefficients for a spherical cavity in a prestressed medium of arbitrary orientation

Archambeau gave elastic relaxation coefficients for a spherical cavity introduced into a pure shear prestress field. The technique is generalized to a stress field for which only the trace of σ_(ij)^(0) is zero. The coefficients are given for a general deviatoric prestress field of arbitrary orientation. They are then specialized to the case of a pure shear stress expressed in terms of the orientation angles commonly used in fault plane descriptions, i.e. dip and slip angle. The extension of this technique to an arbitrary homogeneous prestress field and its limitations are discussed.
Quality of life indicators and program evaluation

Social indicators and program evaluation research have much in common. Quality of ltfe work specifically raises the question of objective versus subjective variables, aggregate data versus distributional and individual issues, and the reference standards used in judgment and evaluation decisions. This articlepresentsperspectives on these issues from the orientation of quality of life research and proposes that these approaches have relevance for program evaluation work. Social indicators research is about the same age as evaluation research. Both have the same disciplinary origins in economics, sociology and social psychology. Both areas of activity are engaged in collecting statistics of direct normative interest, the assessment of social change or stability and the detection of factors effective in achieving social and policy goals. Historically, evaluation research has focused on specific programmatic efforts while social indicator research has tried to assess a wider mix of societal variables and contexts. Both, however, are interested in the complex structure of networks of interacting variables and the effects of directed policy and social programs in the flow of less purposeful social trends. Both expect the dissemination and understanding of their results to be followed by some cognitive shift with behavioral or policy consequences. Thus one can look for considerable overlap in the problems and issues arising in each area of research.
Intravital microscopy to study myocardial engraftment

Tissue engineering and stem cell transplantation are promising novel therapies for myocardial repair. A major barrier to cell survival after transplantation involves inadequate vascularization. Continuous observation of cardiac tissue engraftment and angiogenesis could help understand these processes and allow for identification of the optimal conditions for these therapeutic interventions. We investigated the ability of a skin-fold chamber model to allow for engraftment of differentiated myocardial tissue in mice. Neonatal atrial and ventricular tissues were implanted in the in vivo chambers. All myocardial implants had a high rate of engraftment (86–95%). Tissue engraftment was preceded by a ‘bleeding phase’ in both the atrial and ventricular implants. This occurred earlier in ventricular compared with atrial implants. Spontaneous contractions were observed after an average of 13 days after implantation in all chambers but occurred earlier in ventricular compared with atrial implants. The host cells surrounded the myocardial implants circumferentially, but have limited infiltration into these grafts. This is the first report of successful ectopic engraftment of differentiated myocardium using a skin-fold chamber. This model is invaluable for real-time observation of early angiogenesis and tissue growth during in vivo myocardial engineering and myocardial regeneration.
The SAGE-PAGE Trial: Do Family Genograms Make A Difference?

Background: Despite enthusiastic promotion of family genograms, the impact of routine use of this tool on clinical practice has not been systematically examined. The present study investigated whether doing a genogram, or having one available, makes physicians more sensitive to psychosocial issues or in other ways affects the physician-patient relationship or the process of clinical care. Methods: In a randomized clinical trial, patients visiting 5 physicians at an academic family practice center (n = 189) received a physician-administered genogram (PAGE); a self-administered genogram (SAGE), which the patient completed before seeing the physician; or no genogram. A fourth (baseline) group was tested without genograms prior to the randomized trial. Results: A nalyses of patients’ and physicians’ postencounter questionnaires showed no impact of genograms on how physicians think about and deal with clinical problems or how patients view the encounter with their physicians. Compared with control groups, neither patient- nor physician-administered genograms increased the physician’s (self-defined) understanding of the patient or the importance the physician attached to psychosocial issues in the case. A positive finding was that physicians considered genograms more relevant when they did them themselves. On the other hand, physician-administered genograms also increased the length of the encounter and were substantially less complete (conveying less information) than genograms completed by patients. Conclusions: The results leave open the possibility that genograms do make a difference when used routinely by residents or experts or in difficult cases when family assessment is indicated. While enthusiasm about genogram applications in family medicine is understandable, the clinical utility of this tool remains to be demonstrated scientifically.
Sudden Cardiac Death in the Soccer Field: A Retrospective Study in Young Soccer Players From 2000 to 2013

Soccer is the most popular sport in the world, with over 200 million active players. Sudden cardiac death (SCD) represents the most striking as well as the most common cause of death in the soccer field. Underlying cardiovascular pathologies predispose to life threatening ventricular arrhythmias and SCD in soccer players. Up to thousands to hundred thousands players might have an underlying condition that predisposes them for SCD. After several media striking SCD events in soccer players the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has made screening recommendations that are more thorough than the ones recommended for the American Heart Association and the European Society of Cardiology. We present a retrospective search through Internet databases that resulted in 54 soccer players with SCD events from 2000 until 2013. In this article, we will describe and discuss the conditions of those cases of SCD in order to provide more knowledge of the factors that may precipitate SCD in young soccer players.
Effect of Dietary Inclusion of Conjugated Linoleic Acid on Quality Indicators of Aged Pork Loin

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of dietary inclusion of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in hog feed on quality indicators of pork loins. A total of twenty barrows (PIC 380 x Cambrough 1025) were randomly paired, housed in pens, and fed 1% soybean oil or 1% CLA diet for 6 weeks. There were no significant differences in proximate composition of the pork loins (P > 0.05). Muscle pH increased and there were color changes over time (P < 0.05) which was independent of diet (P < 0.05). Shear force decreased over time (P=0.017), with CLA loins having lower shear force than the control (P = 0.032). These results indicate that CLA supplementation of finishing diets resulted in pork quality similar to that of traditional diets.
A wearable fingernail chemical sensing platform: pH sensing at your fingertips

This article demonstrates an example of a wearable chemical sensor based on a fingernail platform. Fingernails represent an attractive wearable platform, merging beauty products with chemical sensing, to enable monitoring of our surrounding environment. The new colorimetric pH fingernail sensor relies on coating artificial nails with a recognition layer consisted of pH indicators entrapped in a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) matrix. Such color changing fingernails offer fast and reversible response to pH changes, repeated use, and intense color change detected easily with naked eye. The PVC matrix prevents leaching out of the indicator molecules from the fingernail sensor toward such repeated use. The limited narrow working pH range of a single pH indicator has been addressed by multiplexing three different pH indicators: bromothymol blue (pH 6.0-7.6), bromocresol green (pH 3.8-5.4), and cresol red (pH 7.2-8.8), as demonstrated for analyses of real-life samples of acidic, neutral, and basic character. The new concept of an optical wearable chemical sensor on fingernail platforms can be expanded towards diverse analytes for various applications in connection to the judicious design of the recognition layer.
Individual Scapetribing and Responsibility Ascriptions

Individual scapetribing is identified as pointing the finger of blame at organizations (or groups, institutions, and systems) as a means of excusing or inaccurately ascribing responsibility for one's own actions and their consequences. This type of behavior is shown to be related to corporate scape-goating as described by Wilson (1993). The paper addresses responsibility ascriptions and the importance of corporate responsibility as a significantly influential multi-person system.
Co-GISAXS technique for investigating surface growth dynamics

Detailed quantitative measurement of surface dynamics during thin film growth is a major experimental challenge. Here x-ray photon correlation spectroscopy with coherent hard x rays is used in a grazing-incidence small-angle x-ray scattering (i.e., Co-GISAXS) geometry as a tool to investigate nanoscale surface dynamics during sputter deposition of a-Si and a-$\mathrm{WS}{\mathrm{i}}_{2}$ thin films. For both films, kinetic roughening during surface growth reaches a dynamic steady state at late times in which the intensity autocorrelation function ${g}_{2}(q,\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}t)$ becomes stationary. The ${g}_{2}(q,\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}t)$ functions exhibit compressed exponential behavior at all wavenumbers studied. The overall dynamics are complex, but the most surface sensitive sections of the structure factor and correlation time exhibit power law behaviors consistent with dynamical scaling.
Role deprivation in baccalaureate nursing students pre and post curriculum revision.

This study documents that the Role Deprivation of senior generic baccalaureate nursing students (n = 194) in a newly revised conceptually based, 8-term, health-oriented curriculum was significantly greater (p less than .05) than the role deprivation of senior baccalaureate nursing students (n = 174) in the same school when the program was based on a 10-term, medical model, illness-oriented curriculum. Role deprivation was measured by the Corwin (1960) Role Conception-Role Deprivation (RC-RD) Scale which was used extensively by Kramer in her studies (1969, 1970, 1974) of nurse's adjustment to the hospital work world. In these studies, Kramer used role deprivation as an indirect measure of reality shock. Unresolved reality shock leads to anger, frustration, and disillusionment that eventually can lead to exit from the profession (Kramer, 1974). Kramer has demonstrated that changes in learning experiences in an educational program can affect new graduates' adaptation to the hospital work world.
RIGHT OF EXISTENCE OF THE IGBO NATION: THE NIGERIAN CIVIL WAR EXPERIENCE (1966-1970)

This article on, “Right of Existence of the Igbo Nation of Nigeria : The Civil War Experience (1966-1970) is an attempt to educate the Igbos of the need to avoid any situation that would bring a repeat of their threat to existence as a people as happed during the Nigerian Civil war (1967-1970), following the 1966 coup. The article also aims at reminding Igbos, who experienced the war, of their dark day and months and those who did not witness the war either because they were not yet born or that they were too young to understand or appreciate what actually took place (the tears of the Igbo)to know what happened. Finally it aims at giving the general reader who many come across this article a greater insight into what he or she may have read or heard of at one time or the other, or desire to read when opportunity like this offers itself. The essay is divided into three main sections: section one discuses briefly, the Igbo Nation of Nigeria; Section two, the 1966-1967 pogrom; and section three, the 1967-1970 genocide, all direct to elimination of the Igbo Nation. The essay concludes by both advising and educating, the Igbo Nation on the danger of allowing what took place between 1966 and 1970 to repeat. This is so because the resentment of the Igbo by other ethic groups in Nigeria is as old as the history of Nigeria itself. The first attempt to eliminate the Igbo Nation out of existence and to create space for other ethnic groups did not materialise as planned. Who knows what would happen if any of such opportunities offers its self again:?
N-Arylacyl O-sulfonated aminoglycosides as novel inhibitors of human neutrophil elastase, cathepsin G and proteinase 3

The balance between neutrophil serine proteases (NSPs) and protease inhibitors (PIs) in the lung is a critical determinant for a number of chronic inflammatory lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis and acute lung injury. During activation at inflammatory sites, excessive release of NSPs such as human neutrophil elastase (HNE), proteinase 3 (Pr3) and cathepsin G (CatG), leads to destruction of the lung matrix and continued propagation of acute inflammation. Under normal conditions, PIs counteract these effects by inactivating NSPs; however, in chronic inflammatory lung diseases, there are insufficient amounts of PIs to mitigate damage. Therapeutic strategies are needed to modulate excessive NSP activity for the clinical management of chronic inflammatory lung diseases. In the study reported here, a panel of N-arylacyl O-sulfonated aminoglycosides was screened to identify inhibitors of the NSPs. Dose-dependent inhibitors for each individual serine protease were identified. Select compounds were found to inhibit multiple NSPs, including one lead structure that is shown to inhibit all three NSPs. Two lead compounds identified during the screen for each individual NSP were further characterized as partial mixed inhibitors of CatG. Concentration-dependent inhibition of protease-mediated detachment of lung epithelial cells is demonstrated.
Resistance to antivirals

The ability of viruses to develop resistance to antiviral agents is already a major concern with respect to HIV. This article reviews mechanisms and clinical correlates of antiviral resistance and alternative drugs for treatment of infections due to resistant strains of HIV, herpes simplex virus, cytomegalovirus, varicellazoster virus, and influenza A.
The effects of amrinone versus dobutamine on myocardial mechanics and energetics after hypothermic global ischemia

The effects on the postischemic myocardium of amrinone and dobutamine were studied in canine hearts that underwent 90 minutes of hypothermic (10° C) arrested ischemia. In an isolated heart preparation cross-circulated by a support dog, left ventricular pressure-volume loops were collected under a constant afterload based on a mock circulatory system and a range of preload conditions controlled by a computerized servo volume pump. Dobutamine (0, 5, 10, 15 Mg/kg per minute) and amrinone (0, 0.75, 1.5, 3.0 mg/kg) were tested in this order based on the weights of the support dogs in eight experiments. Changes in intrinsic myocardial contractility were analyzed as percent increases in the preload recruitable stroke work area from baselines. Dobutamine exhibited significant dose-related increases in the preload recruitable stroke work area. Amrinone did not produce significant increases in preload recruitable stroke work area at 0.75 mg/kg; amrinone's inotropic effect was equivalent to dobutamine, 5 μg/kg per minute at 1.5 mg/kg, and at the maximum dose (3.0 mg/kg) it was equivalent to dobutamine, 10 μg/kg per minute. The myocardial energetic efficiency was determined from the analysis of the myocardial oxygen consumption-pressure volume area relationship. The y intercept represents the basal metabolic oxygen requirement of the unloaded beating heart, and the slope is inversely proportional to the rate of energy conversion for increasing loading conditions. Dobutamine significantly increased the y intercepts, but it had no effects on the slopes. These changes demonstrate reduced myocardial efficiencies that are consistent with previous reports. Amrinone (0.75 and 1.50 mg/kg) did not result in change of the y intercepts and the slopes of myocardial oxygen consumption-pressure-volume area relationship from baseline conditions. The y intercept was increased with amrinone (3.0 mg/kg), although still not significantly higher than baseline and not to the extents of the dobutamine group. Dobutamine did not have any primary effect on coronary resistance, while amrinone significantly reduced coronary resistance in all loading conditions at 1.5 and 3.0 mg/kg. This study demonstrates that the inotropic effects of amrinone tested under this constant afterload preparation were lower than those of dobutamine. Amrinone has a superior profile of myocardial efficiency on the postischemic myocardium since it does not produce the oxygen-wasting effects of the traditional inotropic agents such as the beta agonists. This benefit, together with amrinone's coronary dilating effects, critically improves the supply/demand ratio that may be of importance in certain clinical situations. (J T horac C ardiovasc S urg 1993;105:1015-24)
La Amazonía en el imaginario norteamericano en tiempos de guerra

espanolEste ensayo describe el surgimiento de la Amazonia en el imaginario estadounidense durante la Segunda Guerra Mundial. Aunque la importanciageopolitica de la diversificacion de los mercados abastecedores de caucho y el desarrollo del caucho sintetico habian sido discutidos en los Estados Unidos antes del ataque a Pearl Harbor, la consecuente interdiccion japonesa a los mercados tradicionales del sudeste asiatico llevo a los cientificos y burocratas a apresurarse en la busqueda de alternativas. Al igual que en otras regiones de America Latina, las politicas de obtencion y abastecimiento, durante la guerra, dividieron a los progresistas partidarios del New Deal y a los conservadores fiscales. Sin embargo, la politica de la administracion norteamericana tambien formo y fue formada por mitos arraigados sobre las regiones y las poblaciones tropicales. Entonces, como ahora, la Amazonia era mucho mas que un lugar: para los americanos, era tambien un punto de inflamacion de las ansiedades mas profundas relativas a las cuestiones de raza, clase y nacion EnglishThis article describes the birth of the Amazonia in the American imaginary during the Second World War. Although the geo-political importance of the market diversification of the rubber supply and the development of synthetic rubber had been discussed in the United States before the attack onPearl Harbor, the consequent Japanese blockage to the traditional Southeast Asian markets drove scientists and bureaucrats to rush in the search for alternatives. The same as in other regions of Latin America, the policies of securing and supplying during the war, divided the Progressives that supported the New Deal and the fiscal conservatives. Notwithstanding, the policies of the American administration were influenced by myths about tropical regions and their populations while also helping to create them. Then, as now, the Amazonia was much more than a place- for Americans it was also a point where profound anxieties relative to race, class and nation exploded portuguesEsta dissertacao descreve o surgimento da Amazonia no imaginario estadunidense durante a Segunda Guerra Mundial. Mesmo que a importância geopolitica da diversificacao dos mercados abastecedores de borracha e o desenvolvimento da borracha sintetica ja tinham sido discutidos nos Estados Unidos antes do ataque a Pearl Harbor, a consequente interdicao japonesa aos mercados tradicionais do sudeste asiativo fez com que os cientificos e burocratas se apressassem na busca de alternativas. Igual que em outras regioes da America Latina, as politicas de obtencao e abastecimento, durante a guerra, dividiram aos progressistas partidarios do New Deal e aos conservadores fiscais. Porem, a politica da administracao estadunidense tambem formou e foi formada por mitos enraizados sobre as regioes e as populacoes tropicais. Tanto antes, como agora, a Amazonia era muito mais que um lugar: para os americanos, era tambem um ponto de inflamacao das mais profundas ansiedades relacionadas as questoes de raca, classe e nacao
Concise Synthesis of (2R,4R)-Monatin

Monatin, 4-hydroxy-4-(3-indolylmethyl)-glutamic acid, is a naturally occurring sweet amino acid. The (2R,4R)-monatin isomer has been found to be the sweetest among its four stereoisomers. A concise and efficient synthesis of (2R,4R)-monatin was accomplished by the alkylation of (4R)-N-tert-butoxycarbonyl (tBoc)-4-tert-butyldimethylsilyoxy-D-pyroglutamic acid methyl ester with tert-butyl 3-(bromomethyl)-1H-indole-1-carboxylate to give (4R)-N-tBoc-4-tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy-4-(N-tBoc-3-indolylmethyl)-D-pyroglutamic acid methyl ester, i.e., the lactam form of (2R,4R)-monatin with protecting groups. This was followed by the hydrolysis of the lactam ring and deprotection. The 4-hydroxyl D-pyroglutamic acid derivative was demonstrated to be a suitable precursor for the efficient preparation of (2R,4R)-monatin in high optical purity because the alkylation proceeded in regioselective and stereoselective manners at C4 to form appropriate asymmetric tetra-substituted carbon center; the resulting alkylated pyroglutamic acid derivative was then easily converted into the linear form of monatin.
Calciphylaxis in peritoneal dialysis patients: a single center cohort study.

Background Calciphylaxis is a rare but devastating condition in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Most research in the field of calciphylaxis is focused on hemodialysis (HD) patients; however, data on calciphylaxis incidence, risk factors, and mortality in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients are limited. Methods In this cohort study, we examined data from adult patients who initiated PD for ESRD management at our institute's PD unit from January 2001 to December 2015. Associations with the development of calciphylaxis were examined for clinical, laboratory, and medication exposures. Incidence of calciphylaxis and mortality in PD patients who developed calciphylaxis were analyzed. Treatments administered to treat calciphylaxis in PD patients were summarized. Results In this cohort of 63 patients, 7 patients developed calciphylaxis (incidence rate: 9.0 per 1,000 patient-years). Median age of PD patients who developed calciphylaxis was 50 years, 57% were white, 71% females, and 71% were previously on HD. Female sex, obesity, HD as a prior dialysis modality, recurrent hypotension, elevated time-averaged serum phosphorous levels, reduced time-averaged serum albumin levels, and warfarin therapy were associated with increased calciphylaxis risk in univariate logistic regression analyses. Intravenous sodium thiosulfate was administered in 57% of PD patients who developed calciphylaxis. One-year mortality in PD patients who developed calciphylaxis was 71% despite multimodal treatment including sodium thiosulfate, hyperbaric oxygen, cinacalcet, and wound debridement. Conclusion Calciphylaxis is a rare but frequently fatal condition in PD patients. Our study provides critical early insights into calciphylaxis incidence, risk factors, and prognosis in PD patients. Sample size and characteristics of patients included in our study limit generalizability to overall PD population and warrant examination in larger independent studies.
The evaluation and application of forward error coding

This report mainly talks about the forward error-correcting coding (FEC), evaluates its advantage and disadvantage and also illustrates the application of FEC coding. The first part of the essay introduces the principle of FEC. And introduces certain types of FEC: BCH code, CRC code and Turbo Code and compares these types of codes with their advantage and disadvantage. The second part of the essay illustrates the application of the FEC in internet and wireless communication. The last part of the essay makes the conclusion of the whole part.
Long-Term Effects of Incident Diabetes Mellitus on Cardiovascular Outcomes in People Treated for Hypertension The ALLHAT Diabetes Extension Study

Background—Thiazide-type diuretics are associated with an increased incidence of diabetes compared with other antihypertensive medications. In this study, we determined the long-term cardiovascular disease (CVD) consequences of incident diuretic-associated diabetes compared with the effects of incident diabetes associated with calcium channel blocker and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor use. Methods and Results—A total of 22 418 participants from the ALLHAT (Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial) with baseline diabetes, incident diabetes (7.5% with chlorthalidone, 5.6% with amlodipine, and 4.3% with lisinopril), or no diabetes at 2 years of in-trial follow-up were followed for a mean total of 6.9 years (2.9 years in-trial and 4 additional years posttrial) through the use of national databases. The primary outcome was CVD mortality (death from coronary heart disease [CHD], stroke, heart failure, or other CVD). Among other outcomes were all-cause mortality, non-C...
«Testes sunt ipsi, testis et erroris ipsius magister»: el musulmán como testigo en la polémica cristiana medieval

Varios autores cristianos del siglo XII (como el converso Pedro Alfonso de Huesca y el abad de Cluny, Pedro el Venerable) atacaron la tradicion musulmana junto con la judia. Sin embargo, en la segunda mitad del siglo XIII hay un cambio notable en la manera en que los autores cristianos comparan a los judios y a los musulmanes. A partir de la obra antijudia del dominico catalan Ramon Marti, se habla de los musulmanes y de los textos islamicos como “testigos” que afirman la verdad del dogma cristiano a traves de la fe islamica en Jesus como profeta verdadero y la adoracion de Maria en la tradicion musulmana. Este articulo hace un estudio de esta nueva retorica, que se repite en varias obras antijudias del siglo XIV, como el Mostrador de justicia del converso Alfonso de Valladolid y la obra polemica en latin del dominico Alfonso Buenhombre. Se conjetura aqui que esta imagen menos negativa del islam solo se encuentra en las polemicas antijudias entre 1250 y los primeros anos del siglo XV, y que el discurso antijudio cambio en el contexto de la critica anticonversa que se produjo a mitad de este siglo. En el nuevo contexto del siglo XV, la imagen islamica de Jesus ya no sirve como herramienta cristiana contra los judios, y el discurso polemico de los cristianos vuelve a criticar el islam tal y como se habia hecho en el siglo XII.
First observations on the behavior of the flightless anomalure (Zenkerella insignis)

The sole extant representative of the ancient family Zenkerellidae, the flightless anomalure (Zenkerella insignis), is one of the world's least studied mammals. No first-hand observations of its behavior and live appearance have been published to date. I report an observation of Z. insignis behavior, live appearance and habitat in the Central African Republic.
Towards Multiple User Active Authentication in Mobile Devices

Traditionally, practical authentication systems have considered only a single enrolled subject for verification. However, with the advent of mobile devices this paradigm has changed since a mobile device may be accessed by more than a single enrolled user. In this context, verification of multiple enrolled users has a practical importance. We address the issue of perfonnance degradation associated with multiple user authentication as compared to single user authentication. We interpret this problem in an open-set framework and introduce the notion of probability of negativity to alleviate the effect of multiple users in authentication. We further introduce a simple fusion scheme with the existing authentication methods to increase the intruder detection accuracy. Effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated using three publicly available face and touch gesture-based mobile active authentication datasets.
DNA and Protein Synthesis

This chapter begins with a discussion of genotype and phenotype and the existence of multiple forms of genes, the alleles, and organization into chromosomes. The structure of DNA is then reviewed, from the purine and pyrimidine bases attached to deoxyribose and phosphate. The chapter describes how these are strung together to make single-stranded DNA, and how this assembles to make double-stranded DNA. The hydrogen bonding that pairs adenosine with thymine and cytosine with guanine is shown. DNA replication is described. The various forms of RNA—ribosomal, transfer, messenger, small nuclear, and mitochondrial is then discussed. How these various RNAs are used to make proteins takes up most of the remainder of the chapter. What is meant by the “genetic code” is discussed, particularly that this is a system property and not a DNA or RNA property. The chapter then discusses how histones wrap up DNA and how the DNA can be unwrapped. The histone code is discussed.
Abstract 462: The Effect of Body Mass Index on Blood Pressure Varies by Race among Children Referred for Treatment of Obesity

Black school-aged children tend to have greater body mass index (BMI) and higher BP than their age-matched white peers. But few studies have considered racial differences in the magnitude of the effect of increasing BMI on BP among equally obese black and white children. We used a novel analytic technique to examine the influence of age and BMI on BP in children seen at a tertiary care center- based obesity clinic (POWER, Riley Hospital for Children, Indianapolis, IN). The study sample included 821 obese children (306 males, 515 females, 362 blacks, and 459 whites). The mean age of the study subjects was 11.72 ± 3.48 years, the mean BMI was 36.22 ± 8.51 kg/m2, and the mean systolic and diastolic BP were 109.36 ± 16.10 and 69.99 ± 10.48 mmHg, respectively. In comparison, blacks and whites were similar in age (11.89 vs 11.58; p=0.197); while black patients had higher mean BMI (37.32 vs 35.34 kg/m2; p=0.0010), and higher systolic BP% than whites (58.71 vs 50.72 mmHg; p=0.00062). Semiparametric regression models showed that while age and BMI were associated with systolic BP% in both race groups, black children had significantly higher BP% values as compared with white children of the same age and BMI (Fig 1). In conclusion, among children referred for treatment of obesity, there are race-dependent differences in the effect of BMI on blood pressure. Black children are at a significantly greater risk for having elevated BP as compared with their white peers of similar age and severity of obesity. Further research is needed to better understand this population-specific intensification of the adiposity effect on BP, as this has implications for clinical care and treatment of hypertension in black children.
Graphene-Reinforced Metal and Polymer Matrix Composites

Composites have tremendous applicability due to their excellent capabilities. The performance of composites mainly depends on the reinforcing material applied. Graphene is successful as an efficient reinforcing material due to its versatile as well as superior properties. Even at very low content, graphene can dramatically improve the properties of polymer and metal matrix composites. This article reviews the fabrication followed by mechanical and tribological properties of metal and polymer matrix composites filled with different kinds of graphene, including single-layer, multilayer, and functionalized graphene. Results reported to date in literature indicate that functionalized graphene or graphene oxide-polymer composites are promising materials offering significantly improved strength and frictional properties. A similar trend of improved properties has been observed in case of graphene-metal matrix composites. However, achieving higher graphene loading with uniform dispersion in metal matrix composites remains a challenge. Although graphene-reinforced composites face some challenges, such as understanding the graphene-matrix interaction or fabrication techniques, graphene-reinforced polymer and metal matrix composites have great potential for application in various fields due to their outstanding properties.
Wide Area Hierarchical Voltage Control to Improve Security Margin for Systems With High Wind Penetration

Due to growing environmental concerns, wind power has taken a larger share of the generation market. While the increase in wind generation provides diversification of the supply, it also undermines system reliability by introducing uncertainty in power supply and decreasing the maneuverability of the grid in terms of VAR absorbance and provision. To restore the reliability of high wind penetrated systems, this paper proposes hierarchical voltage control (HVC). The proposed pattern generalization methodology is based on principle component analysis and a three-layer feedback architecture utilizing online state estimation. The proposed control includes both steady-state and dynamic constraints. Governed by an optimization trained with cases representing operating snapshots and solved via an active-set algorithm adopting stepwise linearization, the proposed HVC provides efficiency and adaptability. As a result, the proposed control provides adequate system support under a wide range of contingencies and operating conditions to enhance grid reliability. Its capability to regulate yearly round operations in real time is validated using a reduced Western Electricity Coordinating Council power system model.
Antibodies to PfsEGXP, an Early Gametocyte-Enriched Phosphoprotein, Predict Decreased Plasmodium falciparum Gametocyte Density in Humans.

Background Antigametocyte-specific immune responses may regulate Plasmodium falciparum gametocyte density, providing the rationale for pursuing transmission-blocking vaccines (TBVs) that target gametocytes in the human host. Methods To identify novel antigametocyte TBV antigens, we interrogated the gametocyte proteome with our whole proteome differential screening method using plasma from a treatment-reinfection study conducted in western Kenya. At the start of the high-transmission season, 144 males (12-35 years) were enrolled and treated with quinine and doxycycline, peripheral venous blood samples were obtained, volunteers were observed, and weekly blood films were obtained for 18 weeks to quantify gametocytemia. Using plasma pooled from individuals with low versus high gametocyte carriage, we differentially screened a P falciparum gametocyte stage complementary deoxyribonucleic acid expression library. Results We identified 8 parasite genes uniquely recognized by gametocyte-resistant but not by gametocyte-susceptible individuals. Antibodies to one of these antigens, PfsEGXP, predicted lower gametocytemia measured over the 18-week transmission season (P = .021). When analyzed dichotomously, anti-PfsEGXP responders had 31% lower gametocyte density over 18 weeks of follow-up, compared with nonresponders (P = .04). Conclusions PfsEGXP is one of the first reported gametocyte-specific target of antibodies that predict decreased gametocyte density in humans and supports our novel TBV antigen discovery platform.
Angiogenesis Assays: Problems and Pitfalls

Many studies of angiogenesis inducers and inhibitors rely on in vitro or in vivo models as indicators of efficacy. However, as valuable as these models are, there are limitations to each one of these. This overview describes some of the principal methods now in use and discusses the advantages and some of the limitations of these methods. It is suggested that multiple assays, involving both in vitro and in vivo assays, are at present the best way to minimize the problems inherent in any specific assay.
Studies on Manganese uptake in Tilapia mossambica and Salmo gairdnerii

Tilapia mossambica fingerlings, 5 weeks of age, were reared in simulated fresh water medium which was either free of manganese or supplied with manganese at a concentration of 2.5 µg/l. They were fed synthetic diets which were either deficient (2.8 mg Mn/kg dry diet) or supplied with manganese (35.5 mg Mn/kg dry diet). The feeding tests were carried for 10 weeks. Best growth was obtained when the element was supplied in both food and water. When manganese was absent or was supplied only in water or food, the following symptoms were noted: (1) Poor growth, (2) reduced food consumption, (3) loss of equilibrium, and (4) increased mortality. From the results, the daily requirement for manganese by Tilapia for growth and development was calculated to be 1.7 mg/kg live fish.
Dangers of Overly Aggressive Blood Pressure Control

Recent US guidelines have changed the definition of hypertension to ≥ 130/80 mmHg and recommended more intense blood pressure (BP) targets. We summarize the evidence for intense BP treatment and discuss risks that must be considered when choosing treatment goals for individual patients. The SPRINT study reported that treating to a systolic BP target of 120 mmHg reduces cardiovascular outcomes in high-risk individuals, supporting more intensive BP reduction than previously recommended. However, recent observational studies have placed emphasis on the BP J-curve phenomenon, where low BPs are associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes, suggesting that overly aggressive BP targets may sometimes be harmful. We attempt to reconcile these apparent contradictions for the clinician. We also review other potential dangers of aggressive BP targets, including syncope, renal impairment, polypharmacy, drug interactions, subjective drug side-effects, and non-adherence. We suggest a personalized approach to BP drug management considering individual risks, benefits, and preferences when choosing therapeutic targets, recognizing that a goal of 130/80 mmHg should always be considered. Additionally, we recommend an intense focus on lifestyle changes and medication adherence.
Xenia – Debt at home, debt is always foreign:

The concerns of this article are twofold: first, it examines the nature of debt as a social and economic force that fosters conditions of alienation in persons and institutions. Debt is also consid...