cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Objective assessment of endoscopic disease activity and mucosal healing

In patients with inflammatory bowel disease, mucosal healing is associated with improved clinical outcomes including prolonged remission, decreased hospitalizations and surgery, and decreased colorectal cancer risk. Objective assessment of endoscopic disease activity and treating to achieve mucosal healing is increasingly being incorporated as an endpoint in clinical trials and as part of standard clinical care. However currently there is no consensus on the definition of mucosal improvement and healing and there are limited validated endoscopic scoring systems available. This chapter discusses the role of endoscopy and mucosal disease activity in prognosticating the disease course and the benefits of achieving mucosal healing in IBD. In addition, we critically analyze the currently available endoscopic scoring systems from the point of view of clinical trials and clinical practice. Finally, we discuss how endoscopy and a “treat-to-target” approach may be utilized in clinical practice.
Stellar Customer Service: Training Library Staff to Exceed Expectations Edited, by Mou Chakraborty

Customer service in libraries is a core element of the profession, as evidenced by the plethora of service-oriented best practices, how-to guides, and assessment measures found in the academic lite...
Reactive Astrocytes Promote ALS-like Degeneration and Intracellular Protein Aggregation in Human Motor Neurons by Disrupting Autophagy through TGF-β1.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal and rapidly progressing motor neuron disease. Astrocytic factors are known to contribute to motor neuron degeneration and death in ALS. However, the role of astrocyte in promoting motor neuron protein aggregation, a disease hallmark of ALS, remains largely unclear. Here, using culture models of human motor neurons and primary astrocytes of different genotypes (wild-type or SOD1 mutant) and reactive states (non-reactive or reactive), we show that reactive astrocytes, regardless of their genotypes, reduce motor neuron health and lead to moderate neuronal loss. After prolonged co-cultures of up to 2 months, motor neurons show increased axonal and cytoplasmic protein inclusions characteristic of ALS. Reactive astrocytes induce protein aggregation in part by releasing transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), which disrupts motor neuron autophagy through the mTOR pathway. These results reveal the important contribution of reactive astrocytes in promoting aspects of ALS pathology independent of genetic influences.
Exploring the LiOH Formation Reaction Mechanism in Lithium–Air Batteries

Identifying the electronic factors that enhance or hinder the formation of primary discharge/charge products or secondary parasitic species is crucial for defining the fundamental chemical reactions that may take place within the complex electrolytic media of a lithium–air battery. For example, several reaction mechanisms have been proposed to explain the formation of the LiOH discharge product in the presence of LiI and water; however, none of these have been demonstrated or fully understood. A similar situation exists for the decomposition reaction, which leads toward molecular oxygen evolution. Herein we present a mechanistic theoretical study of the reactions taking place in the electrolytic media of a Li–O2 battery with dimethoxyethane (DME) in the presence of both water and the LiI additive. The results reveal that water is the most energetically favorable source of protons yielding LiOH. The effect of iodide in lithium peroxide bond scission can be ascribed to a halogen-bond interaction. The reacti...
Use of stainless steel implants in facial bone reconstruction

Stainless steel has adequate strength, flexibility, ductility, and bio-compatibility for most maxillofacial implant applications. In addition, it is relatively cheap and easy to manufacture. Stainless steel may be effectively used in the maxillofacial region in the form of wires, pins, and plates. This article presents a technique for using a transmalar Steinmann pin to secure a midface prosthesis in cases of bilateral midfacial, bilateral maxillectomy, and total rhinectomy defects. The stainless steel pin may serve as a stable long-term anchoring if used for retention rather than load bearing. This method offers the potential for single-stage reconstruction and allows for prosthesis removal to inspect the surgical defect for early evidence of recurrence.
Picturing immigration: how the media criminalizes immigrants

A growing body of evidence demonstrates that the way the press frames policy issues can foster fear, particularly with respect to portrayals of immigrants. Building on this research, we examine ima...
Superior gluteal free flap breast reconstruction.

The authors substantial experience with the superior gluteal free flap for breast reconstruction indicates that this is a more difficult but important free flap for breast reconstruction. Compared with the standard transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) free flap, it is a much less forgiving operation with many specific technical details. With careful attention to details on flap design, recipient vessel selection anastomsis, and flap insetting, the success rate and morbidity of the gluteal flap operation are highly acceptable. For patients unsuitable for the TRAM flap for autologous tissue reconstruction, this is a very valuable alternative. It can achieve some spectacular results in breast reconstruction in terms of volume, replacement, and projection—even in very thin patients.
Reproduction, Effects of Social Stress On*

External stressors may affect reproduction throughout the life cycle. Beginning at fertilization, external stress can affect rates of conception, implantation, abortion, stillbirth, and miscarriage. Prenatal stress can alter gestation length or weight, resulting in small babies and increasing neonatal mortality. Low birth weight predicts health throughout the life span, including subsequent reproduction.
Pathways to Understanding Virus-Host Metabolism Interactions

Viruses have vast diversity in terms of virion structure, genomic content, and host. All viruses, however, rely on host metabolism as none encode a metabolic network. Although virus-host metabolism interactions are critical to infection, little is understood regarding viral remodeling of its host metabolic network. Likewise, for most viruses, we have yet to identify if and how viruses govern the activity of metabolic pathways. Fortunately, metabolic analyses are becoming more accessible to virologist, thanks in large part to advances in mass spectrometry-based approaches. A brief overview of virus-metabolism interactions and the current state-of-the-art approaches to metabolomics, lipidomics and metabolic analyses are discussed. In the last several years, multiple metabolomic and lipidomic studies during virus infection have been reported. Products of the metabolic network support or limit infection. When considering how viruses interact with host metabolism it is critical for virologist to think beyond their copy of a Biochemistry textbook, as computational and analytical advances in recent years have led to novel discoveries in metabolism. Some of those advances and discoveries are introduced here, with a focus on the recent findings in virus-host metabolism interactions. Metabolism is important to viral infections beyond simply keeping a cell alive while the virus replicates. Recent advances in tools and methods to dissect metabolism during infection have led to novel findings in infection-induced changes in metabolism. Continued research is necessary to build comprehensive understanding of how viruses interact with their host’s metabolic network.
Intimate fields: a kit for e-literature

This paper discusses the development of Intimate Fields, an installation work that brings together “near field” technologies from markedly different eras to argue that secrecy, absence, and distance are constituting features of felt human intimacy. Looking back to the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, our project expands to digital technologies the concept of “the posy” and the practice of its creation and dissemination. Posies are short poems designed to be inscribed on gifted objects, most frequently rings. These bespoke accessories are meant to be worn on the body and to signify or transact amorous relations, act as memento mori, or even enable private and subversive modes of religious devotion. Posies and their objects were widely held to act as reminders of intimacy or as portals to memory. At the same time, the inscriptions themselves, particularly on courtship rings, are often generic and were collected and published in printed books for use and adaptation. By inter-animating today’s methods of near field communication and early modern wearables, this project explores how text and code technologies and the languages they carry can create, interrupt, or re-shape interpersonal connection.
We come for good: archaeology and tribal historic preservation at the Seminole tribe of Florida: edited by Paul N. Backhouse, Brent R. Weisman, and Mary Beth Rosebrough, Gainesville, University Press of Florida, 2017, xvi+381 pp., 29.95 (paperback), ISBN 13:978 0813064000.

We Come for Good is an engaging book focused on the diverse and nuanced operations of the Tribal Historic Preservation Office (THPO) at the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Emerging from a session at the...
What have we learned from coagulation laboratory participation in external quality programs

Coagulation laboratory external quality assurance (EQA) programs provide information that satisfies regulatory requirements and improves laboratory quality, patient care, and safety. In addition to the value to individual laboratories, data from EQA programs benefits the laboratory community in multiple ways by providing a snapshot of laboratory practice and summarizing the performance of various methods in identifying normal and abnormal specimens and the effects of therapies or interfering substances. This review article aims to summarize and provide examples of some of the important lessons learned from coagulation EQA data, including issues related to non-standardization, imprecision, and the effects of interfering substances.
Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma (PPARγ) Suppresses Inflammation and Bacterial Clearance during Influenza-Bacterial Super-Infection

Influenza virus is among the most common causes of respiratory illness worldwide and can be complicated by secondary bacterial pneumonia, a frequent cause of mortality. When influenza virus infects the lung, the innate immune response is activated, and interferons and inflammatory mediators are released. This “cytokine storm” is thought to play a role in influenza-induced lung pathogenesis. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) is a member of the nuclear hormone receptor super-family. PPARγ has numerous functions including enhancing lipid and glucose metabolism and cellular differentiation and suppressing inflammation. Synthetic PPARγ agonists (thiazolidinediones or glitazones) have been used clinically in the treatment of type II diabetes. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), diabetic participants taking rosiglitazone had an increased risk of mortality from influenza/pneumonia compared to those not taking the drug. We examined the effect of rosiglitazone treatment during influenza and secondary bacterial (Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus) pneumonia in mice. We found decreased influenza viral burden, decreased numbers of neutrophils and macrophages in bronchoalveolar lavage, and decreased production of cytokines and chemokines in influenza infected, rosiglitazone-treated mice when compared to controls. However, rosiglitazone treatment compromised bacterial clearance during influenza-bacterial super-infection. Both human and mouse data suggest that rosiglitazone treatment worsens the outcome of influenza-associated pneumonia.
Overuse Stewardship: An Ongoing Problem That Must Be Tackled.

In this issue of Pediatrics , Tchou et al1 perform a retrospective analysis of administrative data and find that children’s hospitals differ in their use of electrolyte testing for common inpatient conditions such as constipation and gastroenteritis. This should not come as a surprise. It is well established that children’s hospitals differ in management and outcomes for many common conditions.2 However, this study demonstrates a bigger problem. Hospitals have similar testing patterns across conditions, even after adjusting for patient factors. In other words, some hospitals test at either high or low rates regardless of the condition. As the authors state, there appears to be “a culture of testing.” The variability reported by Tchou et al1 is likely a function of both underuse and overuse. Whereas underuse is problematic, overuse of medical tests is a public health problem. It is an expensive and ethical problem affecting the health and well-being of entire hospitals and communities.3 The Congressional Budget Office estimates that doctors spend up to 5% of the national gross domestic product on … Address correspondence to Joel S. Tieder, MD, MPH, Division of General Pediatrics and Hospital Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Seattle Children’s Hospital, University of Washington School of Medicine, 4800 Sand Point Way, T-1201, Seattle, WA 98105. E-mail: joel.tieder{at}seattlechildrens.org
The right to intercultural education: students’ perspectives on schooling and opportunities for reconciliation through multicultural engagement in Bosnia and Herzegovina

ABSTRACTIn post-conflict societies, such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, education is recognised as a key factor in reconciliation. Yet the 1995 Dayton Peace Agreement set in process arrangements that m...
In Vivo Evaluation of Isoprenoid Triazole Bisphosphonate Inhibitors of Geranylgeranyl Diphosphate Synthase: Impact of Olefin Stereochemistry on Toxicity and Biodistribution

The enzyme geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (GGDPS) synthesizes the 20-carbon isoprenoid geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGPP) which is used in geranylgeranylation reactions. In multiple myeloma (MM) cells, we have demonstrated that GGDPS inhibitors disrupt Rab geranylgeranylation, leading to inhibition of monoclonal protein trafficking, induction of the unfolded protein response pathway (UPR) and apoptosis. We have previously reported preclinical studies with the GGDPS inhibitor VSW1198, which is a mixture of homogeranyl/homoneryl triazole bisphosphonates. Additional structure-function efforts have led to the development of the α-methylated derivatives RAM2093 (homogeranyl) and RAM2061 (homoneryl). As little is known regarding the impact of olefin stereochemistry on drug properties in vivo, we pursued additional preclinical evaluation of RAM2093 and RAM2061. In MM cell lines, both isomers induce activation of UPR/apoptotic markers in a concentration-dependent manner and with similar potency. Single dose testing in CD-1 mice identified a maximum tolerated dose of 0.5 mg/kg IV for RAM2061 and 0.3 mg/kg for RAM2093. Liver toxicity was the primary barrier to dose escalation for both compounds. Disruption of geranylgeranylation in vivo was confirmed following multi-dose administration of either compound. Pharmacokinetic studies revealed plasma terminal half-lives of 29.2 ± 6 h (RAM2061) and 22.1 ± 4 h (RAM2093). Relative to RAM2061, RAM2093 levels were significantly higher in liver tissue but not in other tissues. Using MM.1S flank xenografts we observed a significant reduction in tumor growth in mice treated with RAM2061 relative to controls. Collectively, these studies reveal olefin stereochemistry-dependent effects on GGDPS inhibitor biodistribution and confirm the in vivo efficacy of this novel therapeutic approach. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT These studies reveal olefin stereochemistry-dependent effects on the in vivo properties of two novel triazole bisphosphonate inhibitors of geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase and demonstrate the therapeutic potential of this class of inhibitors for the treatment of multiple myeloma.
Organized assembling of poly(ethylene glycol)-functionalized Janus nanoparticles induced by select alkali metal ions

Abstract Gold Janus nanoparticles were prepared by interfacial ligand exchange, with hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) ligands on one hemisphere and hydrophobic hexanethiolates on the other. Due to specific interaction of PEG with alkali metal ions, the Janus nanoparticles exhibited marked conformational changes forming organized ensembles in the presence of Na+ and K+, as manifested in dynamic light scattering, UV–vis absorption and transmission electron microscopic measurements, whereas no apparent variation was observed with other alkali metal ions (e.g., Li+, Rb+), bulk-exchange nanoparticles where the two types of capping ligands were homogeneously mixed on the nanoparticle surface, or nanoparticles capped with the PEG ligands alone. The ion complexation was further probed in NMR measurements. Results from this study indicate that select doping of alkali metal ions into PEG-functionalized nanoparticles may be used for controlled assembly of the Janus nanoparticles.
The Cost of Malnutrition in Total Joint Arthroplasty.

Abstract Background Malnutrition is a known risk factor for complications and adverse outcomes after elective total joint arthroplasty (TJA), but little is known about the burden this risk factor places on the healthcare system. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the 90-day impact of malnutrition on medical and surgical complications and understand the increase in global reimbursements associated with TJA in malnourished patients. Methods We queried a combined private-payer and Medicare database from 2007 to 2016 for TJA using International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision and Current Procedural Terminology codes. Patients with serum albumin level of Results 3053 protein malnourished patients receiving TJA were identified, and 12,202 matched protein nourished patients receiving TJA served as controls. At 90 days, the malnourished groups had increased risk for failure of multiple organ systems, periprosthetic joint infection, and reoperation. The mean 90-day increase in reimbursement was $3875 associated with performing a TJA on a protein malnourished patient (P Conclusion This study demonstrates an association between malnourished patients and postoperative complications as well as significantly increased reimbursements. Understanding the reimbursement increases at 90 days for TJA in protein malnourished patients is important in the era of bundled payments.
Chemical Liposculpture of the Chin

ATX-101, deoxycholic acid injection (DCA), is indicated for cosmetic reduction of moderate to severe submental fat. It works by inducing adipocytolysis and recruitment of neutrophils, macrophages, and fibroblasts, leading to long-lasting fat reduction and mild improvement in skin laxity through neocollagenesis. Procedure-specific side effects, which include submental alopecia, marginal mandibular nerve injury, and dysphagia, are both mild and transient. ATX-101 offers a pharmacologic, minimally invasive alternative to liposuction and other invasive surgical techniques in the treatment/reduction of undesired submental fat and improvement in submental profile.
Accuracy of Apple Watch fitness tracker for wheelchair use varies according to movement frequency and task

Abstract Objectives Individuals with disabilities have high prevalence of sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and cardiometabolic disease. Physical activity monitors (i.e., step counters) are ill-suited for tracking wheelchair pushes. The study purpose was to investigate the validity of a consumer-level fitness tracker (Apple Watch) designed for wheelchair users. Methods Validation study. A total of 15 wheelchair users with disabilities and 15 able-bodied individuals completed 3-min bouts of wheelchair propulsion on a treadmill and arm ergometry at pre-determined cadences as well as overground obstacle and Figure 8 courses. Tracker stroke counts were compared against direct observation. Results We found no interaction of tracker counts and ability status across all tasks (P ≥ 0.550), so results are presented for the combined sample. For treadmill tasks, Bland–Altman analysis (bias ± limits of agreement) showed good agreement for only higher-rate fixed-frequency tasks (−15 ± 48, −1 ± 14, 0 ± 5, and 0 ± 27 for low, moderate, high, and variable cadence, respectively). Mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) was 22%, 3%, 1%, and 6%, respectively. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) (95% confidence intervals) were −0.18 (−0.51–0.20), 0.47 (0.13–0.71), 0.98 (0.96–0.99), and 0.22 (−0.16–0.54). We found significant overestimation by the tracker at low frequency (P Conclusions Apple Watch is suitable for tracking high-frequency standardized (i.e., treadmill) pushing and arm ergometry but not low-frequency pushing or overground tasks.
The impact of donor breast milk on metabolic bone disease, postnatal growth, and neurodevelopmental outcomes at 18 months' corrected age.

BACKGROUND Preterm infants are at risk for metabolic bone disease (MBD). Analysis of donor breast milk (DBM) shows lower levels of macronutrients compared with mother's own milk (MOM). The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of MBD, rate of postnatal growth, and long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants fed predominantly MOM vs DBM. METHODS Retrospective observational study of infants born 70% of feeds with either MOM or DBM by 34 weeks' corrected age (CA). MBD was assessed using alkaline phosphatase (AlkPO4) levels and radiographic findings. Data was also collected on growth, feeding tolerance, and long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes. RESULTS A total of 210 infants were included (MOM =156 and DBM =54). The DBM group had higher AlkPO4 levels for the first 3 weeks of life (P < .01). Growth was similar between the groups, and both groups demonstrated catch-up growth after discharge. No difference was seen in feeding intolerance, incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis, or sepsis. The DBM group had lower cognitive (odds ratio [OR], 0.93 [0.88-0.98]; P < .01) and language (OR, 0.95 [0.90-0.99]; P < .01) scores at 18 months' CA. CONCLUSION Infants fed predominantly DBM had elevated AlkPO4 levels suggestive of MBD but did not develop osteopenia. Despite appropriate growth and comparable short-term outcomes, infants fed DBM had lower cognitive and language scores at 18 months' CA.
Computational framework for evaluating risk trade-offs in costs associated with Legionnaires’ Disease risk, energy, and scalding risk for hospital hot water systems

Legionella pneumophila are bacteria that when inhaled cause Legionnaires' disease (LD) and febrile illness Pontiac fever. As of 2014, LD is the most frequent cause of waterborne disease outbreaks due to drinking water exposure in the United States. The optimal temperature for the bacteria's growth is between 25–45 °C, and water heaters that are set within this range can become an environment for L. pneumophila to grow. The recommended water heater temperature varies across organizations, from 60 °C to kill L. pneumophila bacteria to 49 °C to prevent scalding and minimize energy costs. To evaluate these trade-offs, we have developed a computational framework for evaluating an optimal water heater temperature set point for reducing cost and health risks. This framework uses a quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) to assess the risk of infection from a single shower aerosol exposure in terms of disability-adjusted life years (DALY) and costs. The model demonstrated that the optimal water heater temperature set point for reducing cost and health risks was 55 °C or 48 °C for a common configuration of an electric water heater used in a hospital setting, using a subclinical infection or clinical severity infection dose response model, respectively. Based on these preliminary results, we expect this modeling framework will be able to provide useful insight into the optimal water heater temperature set point for hospitals based on their specific premise plumbing system configurations and constraints and can inform computational tools used to make site-specific decisions.
Affi-Gel Blue for nucleic acid removal and early enrichment of nucleotide binding proteins

Passage of an extract or supernatant fraction through a column of Affi-Gel Blue and batchwise elution can be a rapid and effective early procedure for removal of nucleic acid, concentration of the sample and purification of nucleotide binding proteins.
WellnessRules: A Web 3.0 Case Study in RuleML-Based Prolog-N3 Profile Interoperation

An interoperation study, WellnessRules, is described, where rules about wellness opportunities are created by participants in rule languages such as Prolog and N3, and translated within a wellness community using RuleML/XML. The wellness rules are centered around participants, as profiles, encoding knowledge about their activities conditional on the season, the time-of-day, the weather, etc. This distributed knowledge base extends FOAF profiles with a vocabulary and rules about wellness group networking. The communication between participants is organized through Rule Responder, permitting wellness-profile translation and distributed querying across engines. WellnessRules interoperates between rules and queries in the relational (Datalog) paradigm of the pure-Prolog subset of POSL and in the frame (F-logic) paradigm of N3. An evaluation of Rule Responder instantiated for WellnessRules revealed acceptable Web response times.
A Framework for Adaptive Crowd Query Processing.

Search engines can yield poor results for information retrieval tasks when they cannot interpret query predicates. Such predicates are better left for humans to evaluate. We propose an adaptive processing framework for deciding (a) which parts of a query should be processed by machines and (b) the order the crowd should process the remaining parts, optimizing for result quality and processing cost. We describe an algorithm and experimental results for the first framework component.
Generation and Persistence of Carcinogen-induced Repair Intermediates in Rat Liver DNA in Vivo

Chromatographic separation of native DNA from DNA containing single-stranded regions has been used to determine the relative concentrations of structural intermediates generated during chemically induced DNA repair. Single doses of each of ten compounds were administered to rats. After periods ranging from 90 min to 13 days, hepatic DNA was isolated and analyzed by stepwise elution from benzoylated diethylaminoethyl cellulose with 1.0 m NaCl followed by caffeine solution. The compounds used were benzo( a )pyrene, carbon tetrachloride, diethylnitrosamine, dimethylnitrosamine, ethyl methanesulfonate, galactosamine, N -hydroxy-2-acetylaminofluorene, methyl methanesulfonate, nitrosomorpholine, and β-propiolactone. Doses of the various agents and/or treatment times were restricted such that hepatic necrosis did not occur. No increase in the amount of caffeine-eluted DNA occurred after administration of carbon tetrachloride or galactosamine. All the remaining chemicals caused a dose-dependent increase in the proportion of hepatic DNA eluted from benzoylated diethylaminoethyl cellulose with caffeine. In most cases, the varying times required to produce maximal increase in the proportion of caffeine-eluted DNA could be related to the rate of metabolism of the carcinogens. A distinction could be made according to whether repair intermediates were detected only within 24 hr of administration (ethyl methanesulfonate, methyl methanesulfonate, and β-propiolactone) or were present for at least 3 days after treatment (diethylnitrosamine, dimethylnitrosamine, benzo( a )pyrene, N -hydroxy-2-acetylaminofluorene, and nitrosomorpholine). The data, considered with reference to previously ascribed modes of DNA repair for the respective adducts, suggest that base excision repair is immediately operative and rapidly completed in rat liver. However, reactions involved in the completion of nucleotide excision repair may be rate limiting, resulting in persistent structural damage to DNA. Implications of these findings for the use of benzoylated diethylaminoethyl cellulose chromatography as a carcinogen bioassay are considered.
The Classroom Can Be All Fun & Games

Different areas of study have developed “serious games”, videogames with a message beyond pure entertainment, to test the application of differing frameworks to particular problems. The video game PeaceMaker, created by ImpactGames, simulates the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and allows the participants to take on the role of either the Israeli Prime Minister or the Palestinian President. This simulation can be used as a teaching mechanism that allows students to gain hands-on experience in applying several dispute resolution concepts as they work toward achieving peace and winning the game. This article discusses the use of serious gaming in education and specifically the use of PeaceMaker to study theories and practices of conflict resolution. The article describes the PeaceMaker’s overall structure, function, and applicability in the classroom, as well as the theories and concepts of international conflict resolution that can be taught through its use.
BSW Autonomy Issues in Combined BSW/MSW Programs.

This article reports findings of a national survey of BSW directors in combined BSWIMSW programs that examined autonomy issues. Seven significant variables emerged differentiating programs reporting need for more autonomy from those reporting sufficient autonomy: dean/director support, fiscal equity, equity in distribution of faculty resources, teaching assignment authority, faculty support of the BSW program, gender of program director, and the existence of a designated faculty group for curriculum development and oversight. Implications for the development and management of combined social work programs are discussed.
Improving Latino Children's Early Language and Literacy Development: Key Features of Early Childhood Education within Family Literacy Programmes.

Noting the lack of research on how early childhood education (ECE) programmes within family literacy programmes influence Latino children's early language and literacy development, this study examined key features of ECE programmes, specifically teacher–child interactions and child engagement in language and literacy activities and how these features relate to Latino children's early language and literacy development. Participants were 181 Latino children (3–5 years old) from low-income families enrolled in 22 ECE programmes within family literacy programmes. Teacher–child interactions were of medium quality on socioemotional support and low quality on instructional quality. Latino children spent about 20% of their day engaged in language and literacy activities. Multilevel regression analysis results showed that the length of Latino children's engagement in language and literacy activities in ECE programmes was more strongly related to their English oral language skills and alphabet knowledge than the qu...
A comparison of an assessment/information-based group versus an assessment-only group: An investigation of drinking reduction with young adults

Abstract The use/abuse of alcohol leading to impaired driving, accidents and even fatalities is a major social concern. National data sets demonstrate that college students abuse alcohol. This research paper outlines a program designed to reduce levels of drinking and presents a format for evaluating its effectiveness. An experimental study (n = 55) was conducted to examine drinking patterns among full-time college students at four-year institutions to observe whether exposure to a personalized feedback pamphlet would reduce the amount of alcohol consumption between a treatment and nontreatment control group. The posttreatment drinking, as defined by the number of times a week participants consumed five or more drinks per setting, between groups was not statistically significant. However, posttreatment drinking, as defined by the average number of drinks consumed in a sitting, between groups was significant. While the treatment group demonstrated a greater decrease in the number of subscales, this differe...
ARGOS: dynamic composition of web services for goods movement analysis and planning (project highlights 2007)

Poster. We highlight the latest developments in the Argos project. First, we describe our approach to automatic workflow composition. Second, we discuss the validation of the freight estimation workflow. Third, we discuss some extensions of the model to residential land value analysis.
Appendix C: Turbulence and Refractive Index Fluctuations

This appendix contains sections titled: Laminar Flow and Turbulence Developed Turbulence Scalar Quantities Conserved in a Turbulence and Neutral, Stable, and Unstable Atmosphere Fluctuations of the Index of Refraction Structure Functions of a Conservative Scalar and the Index of Refraction Fluctuation The Energy Dissipation Rate ?> and the Energy Budget of Atmospheric Turbulence The Rate of Dissipation of the Fluctuation N Calculation of the Structure Constant Boundary Layer, Free Atmosphere, Large- and Small-Scale Turbulence The Structure Constant for the Index of Refraction in the Boundary Layer The Structure Constant C n for Free Atmosphere Relation between the Structure Constant C n and the Variance of the Index of Refraction Fluctuation
Searching for MeV-scale gauge bosons with IceCube

Light gauge bosons can lead to resonant interactions between high-energy astrophysical neutrinos and the cosmic neutrino background. We study this possibility in detail, considering the ability of IceCube to probe such scenarios. We find the most dramatic effects in models with a very light ${Z}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ (${m}_{{Z}^{\ensuremath{'}}}\ensuremath{\lesssim}10\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{MeV}$), which can induce a significant absorption feature at ${E}_{\ensuremath{\nu}}\ensuremath{\sim}5--10\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{TeV}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}({m}_{{Z}^{\ensuremath{'}}}/\mathrm{MeV}{)}^{2}$. In the case of the inverted hierarchy and a small sum of neutrino masses, such a light ${Z}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ can result in a broad and deep spectral feature at $\ensuremath{\sim}0.1--10\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{PeV}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}({m}_{{Z}^{\ensuremath{'}}}/\mathrm{MeV}{)}^{2}$. Current IceCube data already excludes this case for a ${Z}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ lighter than a few MeV and couplings greater than $g\ensuremath{\sim}1{0}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$. We emphasize that the ratio of neutrino flavors observed by IceCube can be used to further increase their sensitivity to ${Z}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ models and to other exotic physics scenarios.
Minimal residual disease in acute myelogenous leukaemia and myelodysplastic syndromes : a follow-up of patients in clinical remission

The majority of patients with acute myelogenous leukaemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) relapse, especially those with unfavourable cytogenetics. This study was designed to investigate the presence and frequency of minimal residual disease (MRD) in patients with AML or MDS (n = 35) and numerical abnormalities of chromosomes 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 17 and 18 in clinical remission by using a combination of fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS), fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) and labelling with bromodeoxyuridine (BUdR). The technique enables the detection of as few as three leukaemic cells in 105 normal cells. MRD was detected in 33/35 patients in complete remission (CR). 16 patients relapsed (8/11 with monosomy 7, 4/17 with trisomy 8, and 4/7 with other cytogenetic abnormalities) after a median of 4.8 months (range 3–13). Levels of MRD (P = 0.007) and proliferation index (P = 0.011) were significantly higher in patients with monosomy 7 than in patients with trisomy 8 or other cytogenetic abnormalities. The percentage of cells in S-phase, the number of abnormal cells and cytogenetic class were related to time to relapse (P = 0.001) with S-phase being the single most important prognostic factor (P = 0.0001). We conclude that the combination of FACS/FISH/BUdR, which determines the number, phenotype and proliferation rate of very rare leukaemic cells in patients with AML or MDS in clinical remission, provides information that is useful in the identification of patients with high and low likelihood of relapse.
Nonlinear Response of a Shallow Sandwich Shell With Compressible Core to Blast Loading

This paper investigates the nonlinear dynamic response of a shallow sandwich shell subject to blast loading with consideration of core compressibility. The shallow shell consists of two laminated composite or metallic face sheets and an orthotropic compressible core. Experimental results and finite element simulations in literature have shown that the core exhibits considerable compressibility when a sandwich panel is subjected to impulse loading. To address this issue properly in the analysis, a new nonlinear compressible core model is proposed in the current work. The system of governing equations is derived by means of Hamilton's principle in combination with the Reissner-Hellinger's variational principle. The analytical solution for the simply supported shallow shell is formulated using an extended Galerkin procedure combined with the Laplace transform. Numerical results are presented. These results demonstrate that this advanced sandwich model can capture the transient responses such as the stress shock wave effect and the differences in the transient behaviors of the face sheets and the core when a sandwich shadow shell is subjected to a blast loading. However, in the steady state dynamic stage, all the displacements of the face sheets and the core tend to be identical. This model can be further used to study the energy absorption ability of the core and the effects of different material and geometrical parameters on the behaviors of sandwich structures subject to blast loading.
Radiosynthesis of C-11 Labeled Auxin (3-Indolyl[1-11C]acetic Acid) and Its Derivatives from Gramine

3-Indolylacetic acid (IAA) is the major auxin in higher plants and plays a key role in plant growth and development. We report the rapid radiolabeling of the important plant hormone using carbon-11 (half life: 20.4 min) enabling in vivo imaging of its distribution and movement in whole plants. 3-Indolyl[1-11C]acetic acid was synthesized in 2-steps: (1) reaction of gramine with [11C]cyanide to give 3-indolyl[1-11C]acetonitrile in >99% radiochemical purity; (2) hydrolysis of the intermediate in aqueous sodium hydroxide solution to give 3-indolyl[1-11C]acetic acid in >98% radiochemical purity after HPLC purification. The overall nondecay corrected radiochemical yield was 28%, synthesis time was 68 min and specific activity was (0.7 mCi/nmol). Hydrolysis proceeded through the formation of 3-indolyl[1-11C]acetamide and by varying the temperature of this step, either C-11 labeled acid or amide were obtained. This procedure provides unexpectedly high C-11 incorporation in a short time and using a simple and selective hydrolysis without the need of an indole-nitrogen protecting group or a typical leaving group. Since 3-indolylacetonitrile and 3-indolylacetamide are also intermediates in the biosynthesis of IAA, and also function as auxins, this versatile reaction makes all three of these labeled compounds available for imaging studies in whole plants in vivo. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stress analysis of dies having multiple shrink rings

The finite element method was used to calculate stresses and deformations in metalworking tooling that utilizes shrink rings. This procedure provides a tool designer with an accurate method to compute the stresses in the tooling and to specify the shape of tooling for a net shape forming operation. This method includes effects that are not included in the classical design procedure, which is based on thick wall cylinder theory. The analysis presented here is applicable for one or multiple shrink rings.
Pupillary response to four concentrations of pilocarpine in normal subjects: application to testing for Adie tonic pupil.

Abstract PURPOSE: To determine the amount of pupillary constriction to four different concentrations of pilocarpine in normal human subjects and to determine if pupillary constriction correlates with bioavailability of the instilled concentrations. The amount of pupillary constriction to dilute pilocarpine is utilized as a diagnostic test for Adie tonic pupil as distinguished from a normal pupil response. DESIGN: Twenty healthy volunteers had automated binocular infrared pupillography in the dark after instillation of four different concentrations of dilute pilocarpine. Ocular penetration of eye drops was also assessed using 2% fluorescein sodium as a tracer. METHODS: Prospective institutional double-masked study of both eyes of twenty healthy volunteers, ten with brown irides, ten with blue irides, between the ages of 20–40 years. RESULTS: A pilocarpine dose-dependent curve showed decreased pupil size within 15 minutes, peaking at 30–60 minutes. No difference was noted between right and left eyes, iris color, or corneal permeability. CONCLUSIONS: Normal pupils constrict to dilute concentrations of pilocarpine (0.25% or 0.125%), but constrict insignificantly to concentrations of 0.0313% or 0.0625%. Pupil constriction with 0.0625% pilocarpine should distinguish an Adie pupil from normal. This confirms the utility of this simple office diagnostic procedure.
Regulatory dendritic cell therapy: From rodents to clinical application

Dendritic cells (DC) are highly-specialized, bone marrow-derived antigen-presenting cells that induce or regulate innate and adaptive immunity. Regulatory or “tolerogenic” DC play a crucial role in maintaining self tolerance in the healthy steady-state. These regulatory innate immune cells subvert naive or memory T cell responses by various mechanisms. Regulatory DC (DCreg) also exhibit the ability to induce or restore T cell tolerance in many animal models of autoimmune disease or transplant rejection. There is also evidence that adoptive transfer of DCreg can regulate T cell responses in non-human primates and humans. Important insights gained from in vitro studies and animal models have led recently to the development of clinical grade human DCreg, with potential to treat autoimmune disease or enhance transplant survival while reducing patient dependency on immunosuppressive drugs. Phase I trials have been conducted in type-1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, with results that emphasize the feasibility and safety of DCreg therapy. This mini-review will outline how observations made using animal models have been translated into human use, and discuss the challenges faced in further developing this form of regulatory immune cell therapy in the fields of autoimmunity and transplantation.
Calcium and the release from dormancy of freshwater sponge gemmules

Abstract Divalent cations (Zn, Mn, Ba, Sr) inhibit the development of dormant gemmules of the freshwater sponge Spongilla lacustris. This inhibition is overcome by calcium which can be interpreted to mean that this divalent ion is essential for germination (cell division) in this system. Inhibitory divalent cations have different effective concentrations which indicate differing binding affinities for sites which may normally bind calcium. Ethylene glycol bis(β-aminoethyl ether)N,N-tetraacetic acid does not effect gemmule development at 15°C but stimulates it at 4°C, indicating that a dislocation of endogenous calcium stimulates release from dormancy. Magnesium will only partially substitute for calcium in overcoming divalent cation inhibition implying a different specificity for this ion in gemule development. Calcium is also indicated as being essential for hatching (cell motility) in this system.
Pulse oximetry as a means of assessing bowel viability

Utilizing a pulse oximeter, oxygen saturation was determined in the periphery (tongue) and compared to the intestinal wall in a canine model. Segmental intestinal ischemia was then produced and the last obtainable pulse oximetry reading was marked with a suture on either end of the ischemic segment. Reexploration was performed within 48 hr and full thickness biopsies were taken in normal intestine and at various distances into the ischemic segment. Blinded evaluation of the biopsies showed that all biopsies taken within 1 cm of a normal pulse oximetry reading were normal, whereas at 3 cm into the ischemic segment 7 of 15 biopsies showed partial necrosis and 5 of 15 showed full thickness necrosis. We conclude that pulse oximetry of the intestinal wall is a valuable method of assessing intestinal viability in this model.
Catalytic-Adsorptive Stripping Voltammetric Measurements of Picomolar Levels of Platinum in the Presence of Hydroxylamine: How Low Can We Go?

Abstract The combination of adsorption and catalytic processes with advanced voltammetric measurement schemes constitutes the basis for one of the most sensitive analytical techniques. In this paper we describe an extremely sensitive catalytic-adsorptive stripping voltammetric protocol for ultratrace measurements of platinum. The method is based on coupling the adsorptive accumulation of the platinum formaldoxime with a hydrogen catalytic reaction. Such replacement of formazone with formaldoxime greatly enhances the catalytic response and offers a remarkably low detection limit of 2.5 × 10−13M platinum. A similar use of interfacial accumulation to amplify voltammetric hydrogen catalytic signals should lead to highly sensitive stripping schemes for other metals.
The Social Construction of Deviant Behavior in Homeless and Runaway Youth: Implications for Practice

This study examined the social construction of deviance in a sample of homeless and/or runaway youth in metropolitan Phoenix. In depth semi-structured interviews with 14 youth were conducted, and the data were transcribed and analyzed using a qualitative research computer program. The findings from the study point to an emerging theory, which suggests that ambiguous local policies relevant to homeless youth (e.g., trespassing, loitering) resulted in their selective enforcement by local security and police. Respondents described the ways that they adapted their behaviors to the environmental stressors resulting from these policies. Implications for practice are discussed.
Where have all the T cells gone

The majority of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCLs) consist of clonal proliferations of skin-trafficking T cells that are usually CD4+/CD45RO+/CCR4+/CLA+/CD26-. The malignant T cells frequently exhibit a Th2 cytokine profile with up-regulation of glutamate acetyltransferase 3 (GATA-3), enhanced
Review of fiber methods and applicability to fortified foods and supplements: choosing the correct method and interpreting results

Fiber is known to be an important part of our nutrition and has many positive health benefits, including weight management and maintaining heart health. In recent years, a number of new ingredients have been manufactured or isolated that are being used to increase the health benefits of a product. Some are used as prebiotics that stimulate the growth of the beneficial bacteria in the gut, or are used as replacements for sugars, starch, or fat in manufactured foods. Fiber supplements have also been produced that can be taken to provide additional fiber to the diet. The term “fiber” does not relate to a single analyte or entity, but instead relates to a multitude of components. This adds to the complexity of analytical testing as there are a number of AOAC International and AACC International official methods which have been validated and can be used. Although methods have been developed for specific fiber ingredients, a number of methods have also been developed to capture just “fiber”. These “fiber” methods will capture differing degrees of the different fiber ingredients, so knowledge of the fiber sources is critical. The net result is that a variety of testing approaches may be used, but caution must be exercised in order to ensure that the total fiber result is accurately determined. A critical review of available fiber methodology and possible testing approaches is presented, along with how to accurately interpret and understand results.