cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Religious Slaughter of Animals: International Efforts to Meet This Need Responsibly

The Jewish and Muslim communities have a set of dietary laws that control the food they eat. One of the most important components of these laws is how an animal is killed for food. In both communities there has been well-documented interest and concern for animal welfare, long before such concerns were fashionable in the Western world. Both groups traditionally use a cut at the neck to make the animal unconscious. The religious slaughter of animals is sometimes a challenge for the modern meat slaughter industry because the process is slower, requires more skill on the part of slaughterhouse and the slaughterman, requires more attention to the details of animal handling, and needs specialized equipment that is often expensive, especially for higher line speeds. But religious slaughter of animals also has some benefits such as the fact that the animal is killed by someone with religious training who cares about the animal, using a razor sharp knife that is free of nicks. Working with the religious communities, the OIE (World Health Organization for Animals), the American Veterinary Medicine Association and the North American Meat Institute have addressed these issues with the assistance of Dr. Temple Grandin, the preeminent authority in this area. With religious slaughter it is important to distinguish between unconsciousness (loss of the ability to feel pain) and insensibility (loss of all reflexes in the head). And it is also important for both the religious and scientific communities to work harder to be sure that best practices for religious slaughter are developed and then used.
Resilience Concepts for Architecting an Autonomous Military Vehicle System-of-Systems

Rapid advances in automation are allowing technology to replace tasks once performed by humans. Prototypes of autonomous military vehicles reveal a future system-of-systems with significant potential to positively enhance military operations. However, such a complex system of multiple autonomous vehicles will surely face perilous situations that, if the system is architected incorrectly, could doom the system. Resilience techniques exist to enable a system to face disruptions and continue operating within a specified manner; this paper explores techniques and ideas for applying resilience to such a system.
A New Element for Symmetrically Laminated Cross-Ply Beams based on a Higher-Order Theory

Abstract A new higher order finite element model for the analysis of symmetrically laminated cross-ply beams is presented. The model accounts for the continuity of the interlaminar shear stresses at the layer interfaces while keeping the number of degrees of freedom independent of the number of layers. The model also accounts for lateral strains. It is shown that in the analysis of short beams enforcement of the condition of continuous interlaminar shear stresses at the layer interfaces is important.
Acoustical Imaging of “Kissing Debond” Regions at the Interfaces of Adhesively Bonded Laminates

Adhesively bonded components are fabricated by bonding two or more laminates of homogeneous or heterogeneous materials with a suitable thin layer of adhesive. The load bearing strength of the component depends upon the bond quality. If a layer of oil film contaminates the adherend surfaces or there is air bubble or inadequate wetting of the surface by the adhesive or if fabrication is not done in a controlled clean environment, the bonded components will have areas of debonds which reduce the strength of the components. Use of such components in mission critical load bearing structures can lead to disaster. It is important to detect such debonds after the fabrication of the component and periodically thereafter, once the component is put into service.
TRANSFORMATION METHODS FOR BOUNDARY VALUE PROBLEMS

The theory of pseudodifferential and Fourier integral operators provides a very powerful tool for the examination of many questions concerning linear partial differential operators on manifolds. These methods have also been successfully applied to boundary value problems. Certain aspects of the standard theory of boundary value problems from this point of view are unsatisfactory however. For example the usual notion of wave-front set is not well-adapted to the microlocalization of distributions near the boundary. In particular in the treatment of the propagations of singularities for boundary value problems it was found necessary to introduce a new notion of wavefront set: $$W{F_b}\;(u)\; \subset \;T*M\; \cup \;T*\partial M$$ which was not universally applicable. In these lectures it is shown that WFb has a natural extension to all distributions on a manifold with boundary.
Improving sensitivity to eye gaze cues in autism using serious game technology: study protocol for a phase I randomised controlled trial

Introduction Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterised by impairments in social communication. Core symptoms are deficits in social looking behaviours, including limited visual attention to faces and sensitivity to eye gaze cues. We designed an intervention game using serious game mechanics for adolescents with ASD. It is designed to train individuals with ASD to discover that the eyes, and shifts in gaze specifically, provide information about the external world. We predict that the game will increase understanding of gaze cues and attention to faces. Methods and analysis The Social Games for Adolescents with Autism (SAGA) trial is a preliminary, randomised controlled trial comparing the intervention game with a waitlist control condition. 34 adolescents (10–18 years) with ASD with a Full-Scale IQ between 70 and 130 and a minimum second grade reading level, and their parents, will be randomly assigned (equally to intervention or the control condition) following baseline assessments. Intervention participants will be instructed to play the computer game at home on a computer for ~30 min, three times a week. All families are tested in the lab at baseline and approximately 2 months following randomisation in all measures. Primary outcomes are assessed with eye tracking to measure sensitivity to eye gaze cues and social visual attention to faces; secondary outcomes are assessed with questionnaires to measure social skills and autism-like behaviours. The analyses will focus on evaluating the feasibility, safety and preliminary effectiveness of the intervention. Ethics and dissemination SAGA is approved by the Institutional Review Board at Pennsylvania State University (00005097). Findings will be disseminated via scientific conferences and peer-reviewed journals and to participants via newsletter. The intervention game will be available to families in the control condition after the full data are collected and if analyses indicate that it is effective. Trial registration number NCT02968225.
Treating Older Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: A Personalized Approach

Median age at diagnosis for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is 72 years, and the number of older individuals affected by this condition is predicted to increase in the future as populations age. Contrary to common assumptions, CLL significantly affects the life expectancy of older individuals, frequently presenting at a more advanced stage and with more unfavorable features than in the younger population. Therefore, identifying the optimal treatment for these patients is a priority. Older patients with CLL are usually classified as fit, non-fit, or frail based on performance status and comorbidities, and several assessment tools can be used to make these evaluations. While supportive care is appropriate for frail patients, the remaining patients should be treated when indication criteria are met. Treatment options include chemoimmunotherapy, monoclonal antibody-based approaches (such as the use of rituximab, ofatumumab, or obinutuzumab) and, more recently, small molecules (such as ibrutinib, idelalisib, and venetoclax). The choice of treatment is guided by the patient’s performance status and co-morbidities and by the disease characteristics, such as chromosomal and molecular abnormalities, and in patients with recurrent disease also by the type of prior regimen, their tolerability, and duration of response.
Linkage of Human Apolipoprotein Ai, Ciii and Aiv Genes

Abstract The genes for two of the proteins of the plasma lipid transport system, apolipoprotein AI (apoAI) and CIII (apoCIII) have been shown to be closely linked in the human genome. To determine whether additional related genes are located in the vicinity of apoAI and apoCIII genes we cloned and extensively characterized approximately 30 kilobases (kb) of human genomic DNA containing these genes and their flanking sequences. Hybridization studies indicated that a non-repetitive DNA fragment located 12kb 3′ to ApoAI gene contains sequences homologous to a 1.8kb mRNA species in human fetal intestine and adult liver but not in fetal liver, kidney, heart, brain or muscle. A cDNA clone was isolated from an adult human liver library by hybridization homology to DNA sequences located 12kb 3′ to apoAI gene. The nucleotide sequences of this cDNA clone is 74.8% homologous to rat apolipoprotein AIV (apoAIV) cDNA and codes for a protein that is 58.6% identical to the rat apoAIV amino acid sequence. These results indicate that apoAI, apoCIII and apoAIV genes are closely linked in the human genome and suggest that all three of them derived from a common ancestral precursor.
When Do Computers Reduce the Value of Worker Persistence

Worker persistence – the ability to perform tasks consistently for long periods of time – is important in many occupations, particularly in routine occupations that value consistency of worker performance. However, computers are very persistent, potentially reducing the value of human persistence in occupations that are computerized. Using a well-defined measure of individual persistence across a nationally-representative 16-year sample of 4,235 individuals, we investigate the extent to which occupations value persistence in the presence of computers. In contrast to a broad replacement effect documented in other studies, we hypothesize and find evidence to support a distributional effect of computers and persistence. We find that, in routine jobs, the wage premium for human persistence diminishes with the degree of workplace computerization. Yet, in non-routine jobs, the premium does not diminish with computerization. Our findings add empirically-grounded nuance to the nature of workplace computerization, showing that persistent computers make persistent workers less valuable in routine occupations. These findings have important theoretical, policy and managerial implications for the future of work and workers.
The Effects of Performance Measurement on Community Development Spending Priorities: CDBG Meets GPRA

Since 1974 the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has administered the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program to invest over $100B dollars in America's low-income communities, through housing, job creation, public services, and other community development projects. Data on CDBG spending by activity type is examined, with the relative stability of spending priorities over the past seven years presented as evidence of the "New Federalism" at maturity: despite the fact that spending decisions are set at the local level by over 1,000 di erent community development oces, and without the bene t of an overarching federal strategy (or even much of a debate on one), the field has achieved a de facto consensus as to national priorities. The data can be further distinguished into an "Urban Entitlement" spending pattern seen in the larger cities (with strong spending for housing, infrastructure, and public services) and a "Statewide Program" pro le for smaller communities (prioritizing infrastructure and little else).At the same time, CDBG's "maturity" has brought with it additional challenges, unanticipated by the framers of the original block grant approach: namely, the creeping tide of performance measurement requirements for federal programs. With the passage of the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) in 1993 -- and the more recent attempts to implement these requirements at HUD in earnest, starting in 2006 -- CDBG managers are being increasingly pressed to measure and report the results of their spending decisions. While performance measurement is undoubtedly a necessary component of any management scheme and can be an important tool in generating support for public spending, the increased emphasis at HUD may have the e ect (unintended or otherwise) of altering the existing mix of activities to encourage more cities to adopt spending strategies closer to those seen in the "Statewide" pro file. (An apologetic postscript is also included, to ensure that HUD staff do not feel attacked by the author, who actually has a great deal of admiration and respect for them.)
Determining Optimal Time Interval Between Operative Hysteroscopy for Intrauterine Adhesions and Transfer of Single Euploid Embryos

Study Objective There is limited data assessing optimal timing between operative hysteroscopy for intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) and embryo transfer (ET). Prior studies have demonstrated an association between IUAs and infertility. This study aims to assess whether increasing time intervals between hysteroscopy for IUAs and ET affects pregnancy outcomes in the ideal study group of those undergoing euploid frozen ET. Design Retrospective cohort. Setting Academic center. Patients or Participants 375 women undergoing hysteroscopy prior to single euploid ET over a 3 year period. Interventions hysteroscopy for IUAs and single euploid ET. Measurements and Main Results 55.6% (n=99) had a diagnosis of IUAs and 44.4% (n=79) had normal intrauterine findings. Patients were stratified based on number of menstrual cycles (1, 2, or 3 cycles) between hysteroscopy and ET and categorized by outcome of pregnant, not pregnant, and ongoing pregnancy. Student's and nonparametric t-tests, and Chi-square tests were used with p There was no difference in baseline demographics between groups. In those undergoing hysteroscopy for IUAs, 68.7% were pregnant overall and 46.5% were ongoing. There were an insufficient number of patients undergoing ET 1 menstrual cycle after hysteroscopy for intrauterine adhesions to draw conclusions in this group. There was no difference in the pregnancy rate between groups who underwent ET after 2 or 3 menstrual cycles from hysteroscopy for IUAs as compared to those who waited a longer period or as compared to those who underwent diagnostic hysteroscopy. These same findings were also confirmed for the rate of ongoing pregnancy between groups. Conclusion The time between hysteroscopy for IUAs and single euploid ET did not have an effect on pregnancy outcome. Clinicians can proceed with ET as early as in the second menstrual cycle after hysteroscopy for IUAs. Further research is needed to examine patients undergoing ET in shorter intervals given small sample size.
Sonographic Diagnosis of a Mature Cystic Teratoma Resulting in Acute Torsion

Mature cystic teratomas are benign germ cell tumors and, depending on the size, may be at risk for torsion. These ovarian masses can cause the ovarian vasculature to twist upon itself and inhibit b...
JNK signaling is required for proper tangential migration and laminar allocation of cortical interneurons.

The precise migration of cortical interneurons is essential for the formation and function of cortical circuits, and disruptions to this key developmental process are implicated in the etiology of complex neurodevelopmental disorders, including schizophrenia, autism, and epilepsy. We recently identified the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway as an important mediator of cortical interneuron migration, regulating the proper timing of interneuron arrival into the cortical rudiment. In the current study, we demonstrate a vital role for JNK signaling at later stages of corticogenesis, when interneurons transition from tangential to radial modes of migration. Pharmacological inhibition of JNK signaling in ex vivo slice cultures caused cortical interneurons to rapidly depart from migratory streams and prematurely enter the cortical plate. Similarly, genetic loss of JNK function led to precocious stream departure ex vivo, and stream disruption, morphological changes, and abnormal allocation of cortical interneurons in vivo. These data suggest that JNK signaling facilitates the tangential migration and laminar deposition of cortical interneurons, and further implicates the JNK pathway as an important regulator of cortical development.
A Systematic Analysis of Accessibility in Computing Education Research

Recent interest in accessibility emphasizes including it in computer science curriculum as key to producing effective computing professionals. Despite a general consensus that teaching accessibility in computing curriculum is good, there exist few tools and resources to support instructors in higher education. To better understand the relationship between accessibility in curriculum and research, we conducted a systematic literature review of papers in computing education. We analyzed the papers for the courses accessibility is covered in, the topics that are covered and pedagogies and assessment approaches that are used. Across this body of work, we found a number of key learning objectives commonly covered in computing education research, though it appeared the research did not evenly cover these objectives throughout curricula, nor did the research systematically investigate how learning objectives were integrated. Based on these results, we offer suggestions for future directions of accessibility education research and curriculum building.
Time–Ionic Strength Superposition: A Unified Description of Chain RelaxationDynamics in Polyelectrolyte Complexes

Addition of salt speeds up chain relaxation dynamics in polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs), and time–salt superposition (TSS) approaches to describe the linear viscoelastic response of PECs are well-...
Traumatic Brain Injury Preserves Firing Rates but Disrupts Laminar Oscillatory Coupling and Neuronal Entrainment in Hippocampal CA1

While hippocampal-dependent learning and memory are particularly vulnerable to traumatic brain injury (TBI), the functional status of individual hippocampal neurons and their interactions with oscillations are unknown following injury. Using the most common rodent TBI model and laminar recordings in CA1, we found a significant reduction in oscillatory input into the radiatum layer of CA1 after TBI. Surprisingly, CA1 neurons maintained normal firing rates despite attenuated input, but did not maintain appropriate synchronization with this oscillatory input or with local high-frequency oscillations. Normal synchronization between these coordinating oscillations was also impaired. Simultaneous recordings of medial septal neurons known to participate in theta oscillations revealed increased GABAergic/glutamatergic firing rates postinjury under anesthesia, potentially because of a loss of modulating feedback from the hippocampus. These results suggest that TBI leads to a profound disruption of connectivity and oscillatory interactions, potentially disrupting the timing of CA1 neuronal ensembles that underlie aspects of learning and memory.
Leveraging Emergent Social Networks to Reduce Sedentary Behavior in Low-Income Parents With Preschool-Aged Children:

This study tested the hypothesis that parents participating in a pediatric obesity intervention who formed social network ties with a parent in the intervention arm would engage in more daily physi...
Intrapleural transplantation of allogeneic pancreatic islets achieves glycemic control in a diabetic non-human primate

Clinical islet transplantation has relied almost exclusively on intraportal administration of pancreatic islets, as it has been the only consistent approach to achieve robust graft function in human recipients. However, this approach suffers from significant loss of islet mass from a potent immediate blood-mediated inflammatory response (IBMIR) and a hypoxic environment. To avoid these negative aspects of the portal site, we explored an alternative approach in which allogeneic islets were transplanted into the intrapleural space of a non-human primate (NHP), treated with an immunosuppression regimen previously reported to secure routine survival and tolerance to allogeneic islets in NHP. Robust glycemic control and graft survival were achieved for the planned study period of >90 days. Our observations suggest the intrapleural space provides an attractive locale for islet transplantation due to its higher oxygen tension, ability to accommodate large transplant tissue volumes, and a lack of IBMIR-mediated islet damage. Our preliminary results reveal the promise of the intrapleural space as an alternative site for clinical islet transplantation in the treatment of type 1 diabetes.
The Effect of Thermal Radiation on Textile Materials: Part I

In considering the problem of protecting individuals from the effects of atomic weapons, the thermal properties of such weapons are a prime consideration, in their effect both the uncovered skin and the clothed parts of the body. In Glasstone’s handbook (1), “The Effects of Nuclear Weapons,” he has pictorially illustrated how the shape of clothing, its design or fabrication methods, and the properties inherent in the outer layer of clothing may all influence the severity of burn received by an individual exposed to the thermal radiation from an atomic weapon.
High-throughput print-to-screen (P2S) platform for combinatorial chemotherapy

This paper reports a microfluidic enabled print-to-screen (P2S) platform, which can achieve low-cost, high-throughput, high-precision printing with plug-and-play disposable cartridge, as well as parallel screening with minimized crosstalk. The performance of the P2S platform is characterized and, using this platform, the cell-killing performance of 3-out-of-10 drug combinations towards ovarian cancer cell is, for the first time, studied and as a result, 15 out of 175 drug combinations are newly identified to exert potent cancer cell toxicity. This demonstrates the potent applicability of P2S platform for combinatorial chemotherapy, which can greatly speed up the entire cycle of drug cocktail discovery.
The distribution of precipitation and the spread in tropical upper tropospheric temperature trends in CMIP5/AMIP simulations

Reconciling observations and simulations of tropical upper tropospheric temperature trends remains an important problem in climate science. Examining atmospheric models running over observed sea surface temperatures (SSTs), Flannaghan et al. (2014) show that this reconciliation is affected by the SST data set used and that a precipitation-weighted SST (PSST) is valuable in explaining this result. Here we show that even for Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5 AMIP) simulations forced with identical SSTs, tropical upper tropospheric temperature trends across models (and between ensemble members) show a substantial spread (standard deviation ∼10% of the average trend). About 60% of this spread between ensemble means, as well as deviations from the ensemble means, can be explained by PSST calculated from the time-evolving precipitation in each model run. Both PSST and atmospheric temperature trends show statistical evidence for systematic differences between models. We conclude that the response of precipitation patterns to changes in SST patterns is a significant source of uncertainty for tropical temperature trends.
Early hospital readmission after bariatric surgery

With the rise in bariatric procedures being performed nationwide and the growing focus on quality and outcome measures, reducing early hospital readmission (EHR) rates has garnered great clinical interest. The aim of this study was to identify the incidence, reasons, and risk factors for EHR after bariatric surgery. Using American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) dataset (2012–2013), patients with a diagnosis of obesity and body mass index ≥35 who underwent bariatric surgery were identified. EHR was defined as at least one hospitalization within 30 days of bariatric procedure. The association between readmission and patient factors was assessed using multivariable logistic regression analysis. In addition, reasons for readmission were sought. A total of 36,042 patients were identified. The overall EHR rate was 4.70 % [laparoscopic (lap) adjustable band 1.87 %, lap gastric bypass (GBP) 5.94 %, open GBP 7.86 %, and sleeve gastrectomy 3.73 %], and it occurred at the median of 11 days postoperatively. The rate of EHR significantly decreased from 2012 to 2013 (5.15 vs. 4.32 %, p < 0.001). The median age and BMI were 44 years and 44.7 kg/m2, respectively, 78.99 % were female, and 70.78 % were white. The most common reason for readmission was nausea/vomiting (12.95 %), followed by abdominal pain (11.75 %) and dehydration (10.54 %). On multivariable analysis, factors most strongly associated with readmission were procedure type (lap band: reference; open GBP: OR 3.78, 95 % CI 2.47–5.80; lap GBP 3.18, 2.39–4.22; sleeve gastrectomy: 2.03, 1.52–2.71; all p < 0.001), steroid use (1.82, 1.33–2.48, p < 0.001), pre-discharge complication (1.64, 1.20–2.24, p < 0.001), and black population (1.51, 1.34–1.71, p < 0.001). Bariatric centers should consider implementing standardized protocols for outpatient monitoring of patients identified to be at high risk of experiencing early readmission, which in turn would decrease overall costs and improve quality of care.
The lung clearance index correlates with markers of pulmonary deterioration in patients with cystic fibrosis

Background and aim: Lung clearance index (LCI) is obtained by multiple breath washout (MBW) and is a sensitive marker of early lung disease in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). LCI is increasingly used as an endpoint in clinical trials, although the knowledge of its prognostic value is limited. We aimed to show whether LCI is correlated with clinical markers of lung disease. Methods: In this prospective study 60 patients with CF in clinical stable condition underwent lung function tests, MBW and blood sampling. Infective exacerbations and decline in FEV1 during the study period (mean 3.1years) were recorded, Pearson9s correlation coefficients were calculated. Results: 59 Patients completed the study with a mean (range) age of 14.5 (8.9;21.9) years and FEV1%pred 87 (44;136)%. Conclusions: LCI and FEV1 both correlate well with clinical status and with known surrogate parameters of CF lung disease. This supports that LCI is a clinical relevant parameter and encourages its use as an endpoint in clinical trials in CF. Abbrevations: FEV1%pred: forced expiratory volume in 1 second percent predicted FEF75%pred: forced expiratory flow at 75 percent forced vital capacity VO2max%pred: maximal oxygen uptake percent predicted.
Power and Sample Size Calculations for Logistic Regression Tests for Differential Item Functioning.

Logistic regression is a popular method for detecting uniform and nonuniform differential item functioning (DIF) effects. Theoretical formulas for the power and sample size calculations are derived for likelihood ratio tests and Wald tests based on the asymptotic distribution of the maximum likelihood estimators for the logistic regression model. The power is related to the item response function (IRF) for the studied item, the latent trait distributions, and the sample sizes for the reference and focal groups. Simulation studies show that the theoretical values calculated from the formulas derived in the article are close to what are observed in the simulated data when the assumptions are satisfied. The robustness of the power formulas are studied with simulations when the assumptions are violated.
Effects of hormone replacement therapy on cardiovascular disease: an interview.

Interviewer: In brief, what are the beneficial effects of hormone replacement therapy in the postmenopausal woman? Dr. Whitehead: There are both shortand longterm benefits. Short-term benefits include symptomatic relief of hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dyspareunia and improvement in memory and concentration and reduction in anxiety and irritability. Data also indicate a relationship between skin health and thickness and estrogen. Long-term benefits are primarily the prevention of postmenopausal bone loss, with a resulting reduction in osteoporotic fractures, and reduced risk of arterial disease. Because of the comparative magnitude of risk, even a small reduction in cardiovascular risk may have more profound implications for general health care than huge reductions in osteoporotic fractures. Interviewer: What rate of reduction in the risk of arterial disease has been noted in women receiving postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy? Dr. Whitehead: That depends on which study you look at. Of the 15 to 16 reports in the literature, all but two have found a reduced risk of arterial disease; however, the rate of decrease ranges from 70% to 10%. We know that hormone replacement therapy has a very beneficial effect; we just don't yet know its magnitude. Interviewer: What estrogen dosages do you recommend in a patient requiring long-term hormone replacement therapy? Dr. Whitehead: For osteoporotic protection or prevention, I'd use 0.625 mg/day conjugated estrogens, but in a small percentage of women prevention is most probably not achieved with this dose. A minimum dosage of estradiol valerate would be 2 mg/ day. Good dose range studies on arterial disease protection have not been done; but here too, 0.625 mg/day conjugated estrogen appears satisfactory. Interviewer: Are beneficial arterial effects attributed to only the orally administered estrogens used in hor-
Direct serum injection high-performance liquid chromatographic method for the simultaneous determination of phenobarbital, carbamazepine and phenytoin.

Abstract A method is described for the simultaneous measurement of serum levels of three antiepileptic drugs, phenobarbital, phenytoin and carbamazepine, by direct injection high-performance liquid chromatography on a 25-cm Pinkerton TM internal surface reversed-phase (ISRP) column. Several commonly available compounds were tested and found not to co-chromatograph with the three drugs of interest or the internal standard, 5-( p -methylphenyl)-5-phenylhydantoin. Results obtained on patients' samples with this method compared well with those from enzyme-multiplied immunoassay technique (EMIT TM ).
Associations and prognostic interactions between circulating levels of hepcidin, ferritin and inflammatory cytokines in primary myelofibrosis

Iron homeostasis is dysregulated in primary myelofibrosis (PMF), given the high prevalence of anemia, need for red blood cell (RBC) transfusions, and disease-associated inflammatory state. We measured plasma hepcidin levels in 203 consecutive PMF patients at the time of first referral; hepcidin levels were significantly higher as compared to healthy controls (P 500 µg/L, higher dynamic international prognostic scoring system (DIPSS)-plus risk category, the presence of circulating blasts, age of >65 years, and leukocyte count of <4 × 10(9) /L. Increased hepcidin levels predicted for inferior survival independent of six out of the eight DIPSS-plus prognostic parameters (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.8; P = 0.02), but not when RBC transfusion requirement, hemoglobin of <10 g/dL, or increased serum ferritin were included in the Cox model. Multivariable analysis that considered the four overlapping prognostic variables revealed that increased hepcidin (HR = 1.9; P = 0.03) and increased ferritin (HR = 2.3; P = 0.04), but not hemoglobin of <10 g/dL or RBC transfusion requirement, independently retained their significance for predicting survival. Accordingly, increased levels of both hepcidin and serum ferritin (seen in 29% of patients) predicted inferior survival independent of DIPSS-plus or increased inflammatory cytokine levels (HR = 2.4; P = 0.002), and could be considered in future prognostic models for PMF.
Nonlinear Penetration of Upper-Hybrid Waves Induced by Parametric Instabilities of a Plasma in an Inhomogeneous Magnetic Field

It is observed that with a sufficiently large incident extraordinary wave amplitude, the electrostatic upper hybrid wave resulting from the mode conversion process at the resonant layer can scatter off the lower hybrid wave and penetrate through its original cutoff to a distance proportional to the product of the scale length and the square root of the mass ratio. A substantial number of energetic ions also appear in the resonant region which is well inside the plasma slab as a result of lower hybrid wave excitation.
Microfluidic valves based on TiO 2 coating with tunable surface wettability between super hydrophilic and super hydrophobic

A new simple microfluidic valve, which utilizes titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) nanoparticles tunable surface wettability between super hydrophilic and super hydrophobic to switch the valve on/off, is presented in this paper. TiO 2 nanoparticals are coated using liquid phase deposition (LPD) technique in the selected areas of silicon microchannels. After coating, a fresh TiO 2 film is super hydrophilic, and liquid can flow over the TiO 2 coated channel easily due to the capillary (valve open). After baking the channel covered with a PDMS film at 200 °C, the contact angle of the TiO 2 film increases to 154 degree quickly in 10 minutes, resulting in a stop of liquid flow at the TiO 2 film (valve closed). When the TiO 2 film is exposed to a UV illumination, the film becomes super hydrophilic, and the valve is open again. The switch duration of the microfluidic valve between on and off status is less than 15 minutes. This type of microfluidic valve provides potential applications to microfluidic systems, especially the lab-on-chip systems.
Fusion of chromatophores derived from Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides

Abstract Fusion of chromatophores, the photosynthetic membrane vesicles isolated from the intracytoplasmic membranes of Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides , was achieved by the use of poly(ethylene glycol) 6000 as fusogen. Ultracentrifugation, electron microscopy, intrinsic density and isotope labeling were used to demonstrate chromatophore fusion. Although studies of the flash-induced shift in the carotenoid absorbance spectrum indicated that the membrane was rendered leaky to ions by either the fusion procedure or the increased size of the fused products, the orientation and integrity of fused chromatophores were otherwise demonstrated to be identical to control chromatophores by freeze-fracture electron microscopy, proteolytic enzyme digestion, enzymatic radioiodination, and transfer of chromatophore phospholipids mediated by phospholipid exchange protein extracted from Rps. sphaeroides .
International offshoring of services: A parity study

Conventional wisdom suggests that firms engage in international offshoring of services primarily to reduce wage costs associated with a given service activity. Drawing on international business research on the costs of doing business abroad (CODBA), liability of foreignness (LOF), and institutional theory, we investigate the factors that contribute to the location choices for services offshoring activity, including wage differentials between the home and host countries. We find that consistent with a parity perspective but contrary to conventional expectations, a country is more likely to be a destination of services offshoring as the average wage of a country increases. We also find that education level and cultural similarity are significant drivers of offshoring location choices, again consistent with a parity perspective. This study contributes to debates about the economic impact of services offshoring by showing that firms locate offshoring facilities in destinations that are closer in wages to the home country and those with higher education levels and cultural similarity.
Functionalizing Polymer Surfaces by Field-Induced Migration of Copolymer Additives. 1. Role of Surface Energy Gradients

Field-induced migration of low surface tension polystyrene-b-poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PS-b-PDMS) block copolymer additives in a polystyrene (PS) host was investigated using a series of narrow molecular weight distribution polystyrenes (5 × 103 < Mw,PS < 2 × 107 g/mol). Dynamic contact angle analysis (DCA) and attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR−FTIR) spectroscopy measurements were used to characterize the surface chemical make-up of polymer/additive blends created by solvent casting, precipitation, and melt annealing processes. For all host PS molecular weights investigated, selective dimethyl siloxane (DMS) enrichment of the air/polymer interface was observed. Near saturation levels of DMS surface coverage were found in PS/PS-b-PDMS blends with bulk copolymer additive compositions as low as 2 wt %. The surface excess concentration of DMS groups ΔφDMS in these blends could be manipulated, however, by careful selection of the host PS and PS-b-PDMS additive molecular weight, annealin...
Preparation of thin films for use in generating neutral particle beams

Large-area, thin aluminum foils were prepared for use in beam neutralization experiments. The foils were made using either electron beams of resistance heating. Foil thickness and uniformity were determined using alpha particles. The foils perform very well when bombarded by energetic H/sup -/ ions. (DLC)
Mesoscale air quality studies with meteorological remote sensing systems

Abstract Remote sensors of various types have contributed increasingly over the past decade to studies of meteorological processes affecting air quality over mesoscale domains. Doppler sodars and lidars as well as newly emerging 915-MHz radar wind profiler technology are shown to describe well mean wind and temperature profiles. A number of air quality field research programmes have now deployed these instruments in various combinations in mesoscale experiments. Three studies provide examples for discussion of mean wind and temperature profiles. Unfortunately, many remote sensing instruments have not realized their full potential for measurement of turbulent momentum and heat fluxes as well as mixed-layer depth. A simple four-beam Doppler acoustic system provides a preliminary example of such potential applications. Furthermore, pattern-recognition methods, although subjective in nature, can be applied to time-height cross sections of reflectivity with the data of use in the interpretation of dispersion p...
Contribution of adenosine A2 receptors and cyclic adenosine monophosphate to protective ischemic preconditioning of sinusoidal endothelial cells against storage/reperfusion injury in rat livers

A brief period of liver ischemia decreases sinusoidal endothelial cell killing after cold liver storage and improves graft survival after liver transplantation, a phenomenon called ischemic preconditioning. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of sinusoidal endothelial cell protection after ischemic preconditioning. Livers were preconditioned by 5 minutes of ischemia and 5 minutes of reperfusion. Subsequently, livers were stored for 30 hours in cold University of Wisconsin (UW) solution and reperfused briefly with physiological buffer containing Trypan blue. Ischemic preconditioning decreased sinusoidal endothelial cell killing after storage/reperfusion, as assessed by Trypan blue staining of nonparenchymal cells. Adenosine A(2) receptor blockade prevented the protective effect of ischemic preconditioning. By contrast, adenosine A(1) receptor blockade did not prevent protective ischemic preconditioning. Other rat livers were treated with adenosine A(1) and A(2) receptor agonists or dibutyryl-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (DB-cAMP) before storage. The adenosine A(2) receptor agonist, CGS-21680, and DB-cAMP decreased sinusoidal endothelial cell killing to the same extent as ischemic preconditioning, but the adenosine A(1) receptor agonist, 2-chloro-N(6)-cyclopentyladenosine (CCPA), had no effect. The adenosine A(2) agonist and prostaglandin E(2), another agent that preconditions sinusoidal endothelial cells against storage/reperfusion injury, but not the adenosine A(1) agonist, increased cAMP levels in cultured sinusoidal endothelial cells. In conclusion, an adenosine A(2) receptor pathway coupled to increased cAMP mediates sinusoidal endothelial cell protection by ischemic preconditioning.
Does hospital diversification improve financial outcomes

Service or product diversification is a popular recommendation made to hospitals to increase profitability and reduce financial risk as they face a more hostile environment. This paper presents results from an empirical study of these claims. Using data from all California nonprofit hospitals, the study finds that diversification, regardless of whether it is related or unrelated to preexisting services, is not associated with either increased profitability or reduced financial risk. However, other variables that do have these effects are identified in the research. Future research should evaluate the effect of both the size of and the length of time since the initial diversifying investment on financial variables.
The effect of zinc deficiency on the tensile strength of healing surgical incisions in the integument of the rat.

SummaryThe tensile strength of a healing surgical incision in the integument of the zinc-deficient rat has been found to be significantly decreased 12 days after operation, compared to pair fed control rats.
Low Péclet number behavior of the transfer rate in packed beds

Abstract The asymptotic behavior of the mass-transfer coefficient in a packed bed reactor at low Peclet numbers is dependent upon how the coefficient is defined. A singular perturbation approach coupled with heuristic arguments is used to demonstrate that the film mass-transfer coefficient in deep beds approaches a constant value as the Peclet number decreases. The film coefficient is utilized in the one-dimensional model of a bed as a sink term in the governing equation. The volumetric, or effective, mass-transfer coefficient which relates the overall reactant conversion to a logarithmic mean concentration driving force, decreases linearly with the Peclet number as the Peclet number approaches zero. The distinction between the two coefficients is important in the low Peclet number region. Analogous results apply to beat transfer. Reported experimental data support these predicted trends. It has been, demonstrated that the low Peclet number behavior of the Sherwood number in a packed bed reactor is dependent upon its defining equation. A rigorous singular perturbation approach coupled with heuristic arguments indicates that for a deep bed the effective mass-transfer coefficient (defined by eqn 1) is directly proportional to the Peclet number. The film coefficient (defined by eqn 3) approaches a constant in the same limit. These conclusions are independent of the detailed geometric void structure in the bed.
The identification of trans-2-tetradecenoic acid in hydrolysates of lipid A from Escherichia coli.

Abstract The fatty acid composition of lipid A, 2-keto-3-deoxyoctonate-lipid A, and lipopolysaccharide from a heptose-deficient mutant of Escherichia coli, GR467, has been studied. The major fatty acids are lauric, myristic, and β-hydroxymyristic acids. Two previously unidentified fatty acids are also present and the amounts of these acids are dependent on the conditions of hydrolysis. Gas Chromatographic and mass spectral data identify the major unknown as trans-2-tetradecenoic acid and suggest that the minor unknown is 3-tetradecenoic acid. They are believed to be artifacts derived by dehydration from β-hydroxymyristic acid.
American Originals: Homemade Varieties of Christianity

In a work of striking breadth and clarity, Paul Conkin offers an even-handed and in-depth look at the major American-made forms of Christianity--a diverse group of religious traditions, each of which reflects a significant break from western Christian orthodoxy. Identifying six distinctive types, Conkin examines the major denominations representative of each original variety of American Christianity: restoration (Churches of Christ, Disciples of Christ); humanistic (Unitarians, Universalists); apocalyptic (Adventists, Jehovah's Witnesses); Mormon (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints); spiritual (Christian Science, Unity); and ecstatic (Holiness and Pentecostal denominations). Focusing on the early years and maturation of these groups, he discusses their founders and leaders, origins and Old World roots, and essential doctrines and practices. Conkin closes each chapter with a guide to further reading. The first comprehensive survey of these American originals, this book will serve as a valuable resource on a number of religious traditions whose members not only comprise a significant percentage of the American population but also make up an increasing proportion of Christian converts worldwide.
Obstetric complications predict treatment response in first-episode schizophrenia.

Background. Understanding the role of obstetric complications (OCs) in schizophrenia could potentially shed light on the heterogeneity in the aetiology and course of schizophrenia. Many investigators have reported an association between OCs and schizophrenia, but few have examined the association between OCs and treatment outcome. We investigated this question in a sample of patients studied during their first episode of schizophrenia, schizoaffective or schizophreniform disorder.Method. OC histories were obtained for 59 patients participating in the Hillside First Episode Study. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to estimate the effect of OCs on treatment response during the first episode of schizophrenia.Results. Twelve of the 59 patients (20%) had positive histories of OCs. This group exhibited lower rates of treatment response than those with negative OC histories (hazard ratio controlling for sex = 0·28; 95% CI = 0·13, 0·62). The positive OC group also had significantly greater lateral ventricle volume, baseline disorganization and number of live births. The effect of OC history on treatment response held when these three variables were controlled for.Conclusion. A history of obstetric complications predicted poor response to treatment in the first episode of schizophrenia. This large effect was based on a small sample of 59 patients. Thus, replication is called for.
Assessing outcomes of a stigma-reduction intervention with venue-based analysis

Purpose A randomized controlled trial with a matched design was conducted during October 2008 and February 2010, aiming at reducing HIV-related stigma in healthcare settings.
Mixed-integer programming approach for the synthesis of integrated process flowsheets

Abstract This paper discusses the problem of developing algorithmic methods for synthesizing chemical processes. It is shown that mixed-integer programming is the natural underlying tool for these types of methods. Mixed-integer linear programming models are reviewed for utility systems, heat-recovery networks and total processing systems. Various other applications are reviewed to show the versatility and scope of these types of techniques, as well as the shortcomings when other approaches are used. A brief outline for handling explicitly nonlinearities is also presented.