cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Distinct modes of modulation of GABAergic transmission by Group I metabotropic glutamate receptors in rat entorhinal cortex.

Activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) modulates synaptic transmission, whereas the roles of mGluRs in GABAergic transmission in the entorhinal cortex (EC) are elusive. Here, we examined the effects of mGluRs on GABAergic transmission onto the principal neurons in the superficial layers of the EC. Bath application of DHPG, a selective Group I mGluR agonist, increased the frequency and amplitude of spontaneous IPSCs (sIPSCs) whereas application of DCG-IV, an agonist for Group II mGluRs or L-AP4, an agonist for Group III mGluRs failed to change significantly sIPSC frequency and amplitude. Bath application of DHPG failed to change significantly the frequency and amplitude of miniature IPSCs (mIPSCs) recorded in the presence of tetradotoxin but significantly reduced the amplitude of IPSCs evoked by extracellular field stimulation or in synaptically connected interneuron-pyramidal neuron pairs in layer III of the EC. DHPG increased the frequency but reduced the amplitude of APs recorded from entorhinal interneurons. Bath application of DHPG generated membrane depolarization and increased the input resistance of GABAergic interneurons. DHPG-mediated depolarization of GABAergic interneurons was mediated by inhibition of background K+ channels which are insensitive to extracellular Cs+, TEA, 4-AP, and Ba2+. DHPG-induced facilitation of sIPSCs was mediated by mGluR5 and required the function of Gαq but was independent of phospholipase C activity. Elevation of synaptic glutamate concentration by bath application of glutamate transporter inhibitors significantly increased sIPSC frequency and amplitude demonstrating a physiological role of mGluRs in GABAergic transmission. Our results provide a cellular and molecular mechanism to explain the physiological and pathological roles of mGluRs in the EC. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Reliability MicroKernel: Providing Application-Aware Reliability in the OS

This paper describes the reliability MicroKernel (RMK) framework, a loadable kernel module (or a device driver) for providing application-aware reliability, and dynamically configuring reliability mechanisms. Characteristics of application/system execution are exploited transparently through application-aware reliability techniques to achieve low-latency detection, and low-overhead checkpointing. The RMK prototype is implemented in both Linux, and Windows; and it supports detection of application/OS failures, and transparent application checkpointing. Experiment results show that the system hang detection and application hang detection, which exploit characteristics of application, and system behavior, can achieve high coverage (100% observed in our experiments) with a low false positive rate. Moreover, the performance overhead of RMK, and its detection/checkpointing mechanisms, is small: 0.6% for application hang detection, and 0.1% for transparent application checkpointing in the experiments.
Asking the Unaskable – Thinking the Unthinkable

Posing questions and critically examining the current state of affairs across the spectrum are essential to large-scale quality improvement. The questions we are about to pose are not intended to be gratuitously provocative; they must be addressed to get an accurate assessment of where the system is gridlocked, which interests are aligned or misaligned with a quality agenda and what measures must be taken to move forward. Moreover, the great majority of the questions will come as no surprise to those experienced with the system’s dynamics and frustrated by the inability to act. If we want to accelerate change and improve performance on a larger scale, we have to do things differently. We means the principal actors in the system – governments, regulatory agencies, organizations, boards and senior managers, professional groups etc. All have either legal or moral authority to demand and promote quality care; some have both. Collectively, we have the power to make healthcare accountable for quality and to implement policies and practices that are fully aligned with a quality agenda. A major obstacle to progress is the failure to ask ourselves the wicked questions that will lead to a deep exploration of assumptions we make. Without exploring our assumptions, we will continue to be hostage to our indifference to failure and be unable to reach our improvement potential. Exposing these assumptions can be both uncomfortable and a relief. It is uncomfortable because the conclusions we draw and the beliefs we adopt based on our assumptions often seem to be “the truth” – obvious, acceptable and defensible. They guide us to do and say “the right things.” By engaging people in dialogue, wicked questions invite exploration into inconsistencies in thought that have held us back from achieving our purpose, and can be used to promote a search for local solutions to organizational challenges. This opinion piece poses questions to the main protagonists.
Optical surface spin-waves in the Heisenberg ferromagnet

Abstract An optical-like surface spin-wave branch lying above the bulk spectrum exists for the Heisenburg nearest neighbour exchange coupled ferromagnet when the surface exchange parameter exceeds that of the bulk.
Software Support for Environmentally Benign Mold Making Process and Operations

To face increasing concerns about energy and environmental impact in product manufacturing, effective estimation of the processes’ impact is necessary as a way of improvement. In this paper, software support is suggested for the mold making process. We analyzed energy consumption in two major operations in mold making, computer numerically controlled (CNC) milling and electric discharge machining (EDM). Software tools were developed to evaluate possible energy consumption and environmental impact among different process plans. Estimation based on nominal conditions can lead to underestimation due to changing conditions of machining. By the software support, more reliable estimation was achieved with considering various operational parameters and conditions.
Computational screening of metal-organic frameworks for xenon/krypton separation

A variety of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with varying linkers, topologies, pore sizes, and metal atoms were screened for xenon/krypton separation using grand canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulations. The results indicate that small pores with strong adsorption sites are desired to preferentially adsorb xenon over krypton in multicomponent adsorption. However, if the pore size is too small, it can significantly limit overall gas uptake, which is undesirable. Based on our simulations, MOF-505 was identified as a promising material due to its increased xenon selectivity over a wider pressure range compared with other MOFs investigated. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2011
Properties of Minimum Action Curves

In this chapter we study the properties of minimum action curves, often focusing on a specific subclass of actions. First we show which points minimizing curves can pass “in infinite length.” Then we find for a certain type of Hamiltonian actions that the action of the drift vector field’s flowlines vanishes, and that bending curves into the direction of the drift reduces their action. As a consequence, we then prove the non-existence of minimizers in some situations, and we show that minimizers leading from one attractor of the drift to another have to pass a saddle point on the separatrix between the two basins of attraction.
Somali Counter-Piracy Operations: A Blueprint for Southeast Asia?

Statistics released last month by the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) shows a steady decline in pirate attacks from Somalia. At the same time, incidents around Indonesia, once referred to as 'most pirate infested area', have risen. This short article explores a few similarities and differences between pirate attacks off the Somali coast and around the Strait of Malacca.
Grain dust-induced lung inflammation is reduced byRhodobacter sphaeroides diphosphoryl lipid A

To further determine the importance of endotoxin in grain dust-induced inflammation of the lower respiratory tract, we evaluated the efficacy of pentaacylated diphosphoryl lipid A derived from the ...
Motorcycle Swing Arm Development and Refinement Using Response Optimization

The purpose of this project is to develop a motorcycle rear swing arm using finite element analysis and response optimization. This paper aims to discuss the specific features, benefits, and precautions when using design optimization to develop a specific project. Design Optimization has been an evolving process for many years. The latest versions of finite element software allow users to develop, analyze, and optimize structural designs within one program quickly and efficiently. A single shock absorber mounted close to the chassis and centrally located was the design selected to be analyzed. The design was selected for use in a variety of motorcycle types. This project consisted of a unique set of design attributes that were ideal to exemplify design optimization techniques. Static structural models were created to refine the design before using response optimization. These models finalized the material selection and initial sizes. A central composite design type was generated with selected boundary conditions for four parametric dimensions of the model. The ideal design of this component would include the resulting stress below a safe allowable value, minimal deflection, and the least amount of weight. It is evident that these three parameters will oppose one another as geometry is changed. Conceptually, an ideal candidate can be created that is a balance of the three parameters. Using the parameters of the selected candidate, a new model was generated for analysis. The final model was further refined by removing unnecessary material that was identified in the structural models.The first step in a thorough optimization is generating an appropriate amount of design parameter values that are an acceptable representation of all the possible outcomes, or design of experiments (DOE). The DOE tool used to generate the parameters in this project was central composite design (CCD), since it is the most appropriate for second order response models [1]. The second order relationship was confirmed using a trade-off plot. The two level, four input parameter DOE produces twenty five potential candidates that were refined using response surface. The response surface method used in this design process [2,3] to make judgement calls on the final design is examined during this development, and proves useful. Initial static structural models are created and used to set up the model for optimization. Material selection was also accomplished in this phase of development. This process aides in the overall design process by identifying areas of concern as well as the range of parameters that will be analyzed. Multiple acceptable candidates were selected through the use of the optimization tools and a final candidate was selected based on the output of the design attributes and the values of the corresponding parametric geometry. The final selection was also made with the consideration for cost, ease of fabrication, and standardization.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
The effect of salinity on in-situ generated CO2 gas: Simulations and experiments

Carbon dioxide (CO2 ) injection has been used as a commercial process for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) since the 1970's. Recently, a new in-situ CO2 gas generation technology has been developed but not well studied. We conducted experiments to observe the dynamics of the system with different temperatures, injection sequences of chemical agents, chemical additives, and behavior of CO2 generation with respect to these varying factors and comparison of the actual CO2 pressure with the calculated values. Experiments on generation of CO2 gas as a result of reactions of gas forming and gas yielding solutions were carried out. It is shown that the injection sequence of the chemicals affects the reaction characteristics, but the total amount of CO2 gas generated does not vary significantly. Regardless of the injected solution (either gas forming or gas yielding) the maximum attainable pressures are less than the calculated pressures as a result of chemical equilibrium in the system; so this difference should be considered while calculating the size of the slug in the field applications. The brine concentration has an impact on CO2 solubility in water and so on CO2 pressure. Because of this impact, brine concentration of formation water should be considered in addition to the brine which is introduced to the system by the reaction.© 2006 ASME
Trachyonychia and Twenty-Nail Dystrophy: A Comprehensive Review and Discussion of Diagnostic Accuracy.

Background/Aims: The term trachyonychia, also known as twenty-nail dystrophy, is used to describe thin, brittle nails with excessive longitudinal ridging. The term twenty-nail dystrophy has been incorrectly applied to other conditions that can affect all twenty nails. Therefore, we have conducted a comprehensive review of the clinical features of trachyonychia and have included a discussion regarding the diagnostic accuracy of this condition in the literature. Methods: In November and December 2015, we conducted a thorough literature search using the following search terms: ‘trachyonychia', ‘twenty nail dystrophy', and ‘sandpaper nails'. Articles that reported the epidemiology, disease associations, clinical presentation, histopathology, and treatment options for trachyonychia were included. Particular attention was given to case reports to identify misdiagnosed cases of twenty-nail dystrophy. Results: Our preliminary search yielded 184 results with 72 unique articles ultimately selected for review. Excluded articles included 27 articles in languages other than English, 18 commentaries or reviews, and 67 irrelevant articles. Twelve additional articles described nail abnormalities clinically different from trachyonychia. Conclusion: Many other conditions can cause widespread nail dystrophy. The specific characteristics of trachyonychia need to be considered to make the diagnosis of twenty-nail dystrophy.
Gray Matter Heterotopia:CT Diagnosis

Objective To analyze the CT appearances and the classification of gray matter heterotopia.Methods The clinical and CT data of 26 cases with gray matter heterotopia were retrospectively reviewed,11 were males and 15 were females,ranged in age from 2 days to 9 years with a mean of 2.6 years.Results The classification of heterotopia included:(1)Subependymal heterotopia in 14,5 cases with encephaloceles,1 case with Dandy-Walker malformation and 1 case with arachnoid cyst of cisterna megna.(2)Subcortical heterotopia in 7,4 cases with callosal agenesis were accompanied.(3)Band heterotopia in 5.Conclusion CT scan can not only reveal the appearances of the subependymal,subcortical and band types heterotopia,but also show other associated abnormalities.
Intraoperative ultrasound guidance for intrauterine endoscopic surgery

Intraoperative US guidance for intrauterine endoscopic procedures appears to offer a noninvasive means of assessing the precision and adequacy of resectoscopic myomectomy and to provide the exact location of the instruments within the uterine cavity and uterine wall. A combination of intrauterine endoscopic procedures and intraoperative US guidance provides an accurate method to guide resectoscopic myomectomies and endometrial resection and to prevent inadvertent uterine perforation. Intraoperative imaging may have an application for other intrauterine endoscopic procedures and may preclude the need for simultaneous laparoscopy.
Neutrophils accentuate ischemia-reperfusion injury in isolated perfused rat kidneys.

The contribution of neutrophils to reperfusion injury after ischemia is not known. To determine the effect of neutrophils on the function of ischemic kidneys, we added purified human neutrophils during perfusion of isolated ischemic or nonischemic rat kidneys. Reperfusion of ischemic kidneys with neutrophils caused a distinct morphological lesion of vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells and more functional injury than reperfusion with buffered albumin alone; with neutrophils, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was 113 +/- 7 microliter.min-1.g-1, tubular sodium reabsorption (TNa) was 72 +/- 2%; without neutrophils, GFR was 222 +/- 18 microliter.min-1.g-1; TNa was 90 +/- 2%; both P less than 0.01 vs. reperfusion with neutrophils. In contrast, addition of neutrophils did not injure control kidneys, unless the neutrophil activator, phorbol myristate acetate, was also added. Two experiments suggested that O2 metabolites contributed to neutrophil-mediated injury to ischemic kidneys. First, reperfusion of ischemic kidneys with O2 metabolite-deficient neutrophils from a patient with chronic granulomatous disease did not cause more injury than reperfusion with buffered albumin alone. Second, simultaneous addition of the O2 metabolite scavenger, catalase, prevented the GFR and TNa decreases caused by neutrophils but did not decrease injury in the absence of neutrophils. We conclude that neutrophils by an O2 metabolite-dependent mechanism contribute to ischemia-reperfusion injury in the isolated perfused kidney.
Clinical factors predict surgical outcomes in pediatric MRI-negative drug-resistant epilepsy

Abstract Purpose Lack of a potentially epileptogenic lesion on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a poor prognostic marker for epilepsy surgery. We present a single-center series of childhood-onset MRI-negative drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) and analyze surgical outcomes and predictors. Methods Children with MRI-negative DRE who had resective surgery from January 2007 to December 2013 were identified using an institutional database. Relevant clinical, neurophysiological, imaging, and surgical data was extracted. The primary outcome measure was seizure freedom. Predictors of seizure freedom were obtained using multivariate logistic regression. Results Out of 47 children with MRI-negative DRE, 12 (25.5%) were seizure free (International League Against Epilepsy [ILAE] outcome class I), after mean follow-up of 2.75 (±1.72) years. Seizure-free proportion was significantly higher in patients with single seizure semiology and concordant ictal EEG (50.0% vs. 15.2%, p =0.025). Multivariate analysis using only non-invasive pre-surgical data showed that children with daily seizures (OR 0.02, 95% CI Conclusion Surgical outcomes in children with MRI-negative DRE are determined by clinical factors including seizure frequency, age of onset of seizures, and number of failed AEDs.
Pharmacoeconomics of PCSK9 inhibitors in 103 hypercholesterolemic patients referred for diagnosis and treatment to a cholesterol treatment center

PCSK9 inhibitor therapy has been approved by the FDA as an adjunct to diet-maximal tolerated cholesterol lowering drug therapy for adults with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) or clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) with suboptimal LDL cholesterol (LDLC) lowering despite maximal diet-drug therapy. With an estimated ~24million of US hypercholesterolemic patients potentially eligible for PCSK9 inhibitors, costing ~ $14,300/patient/year, it is important to assess health-care savings arising from PCSK9 inhibitors vs ASCVD cost. In 103 patients with HeFH, and/or ASCVD and/or suboptimal LDLC lowering despite maximally tolerated diet-drug therapy, we assessed pharmacoeconomics of PCSK9 inhibitor therapy with lowering of LDLC. For HeFH diagnosis, we applied Simon Broome’s or WHO Dutch Lipid Criteria (score >8). Estimates of direct and indirect costs for ASCVD events were calculated using American Heart Association (AHA), U.S. DHHS, Healthcare Bluebook, and BMC Health Services Research databases. We used the ACC/AHA 10-year ASCVD risk calculator to estimate 10-year ASCVD risk and estimated corresponding direct and indirect costs. Assuming a 50 % reduction in ASCVD events on PCSK9 inhibitors, we calculated direct and indirect health-care savings. We started 103 patients (58 [56 %] women and 45 [44 %] men), on either alirocumab (62 %) or evolocumab (38 %), median age 63, BMI 29.0, and LDLC 149 mg/dl. Of the 103 patients, 28 had both HeFH and ASCVD, 33 with only ASCVD, 33 with only HeFH, and 9 had neither. Of the 103 patients, 61 had a first ASCVD event at median age 55 and on best tolerated cholesterol-lowering therapy median LDLC was 137 mg/dl. In these 61 patients, total direct costs attributable to ASCVD were $8,904,361 ($4,328,623 direct, $4,575,738 indirect), the median 10-year risk of a new CVD event was calculated to be 13.1 % with total cost $1,654,758. Assuming a 50 % reduction in ASCVD events on PCSK9 inhibitors in our 61 patients, $4,452,180 would have been saved in the past; and future 10-year savings would be $1,123,345. In the 61 CVD patients, net costs/patient/year were estimated to be $7,000 in the past, with future 10-year intervention net costs/patient/year being $12,459, both below the $50,000/year quality adjusted life-year gained by PCSK9 inhibitor therapy.
We Are Woke: A Collaborative Critical Autoethnography of Three “Womxn” of Color Graduate Students in Higher Education

This critical collaborative autoethnography examines how three “womxn” of color (Asian American, Latina, and African American) graduate students experience and resist intersectional racism and sexism in higher education. The authors reflect on their individual journeys to “wokeness” and share their collective process of cultivating a community of “sista” scholars integral to their wellness, wokeness, and persistence in an oppressive educational system.
Tests of Simple Slopes in Multiple Regression Models with an Interaction: Comparison of Four Approaches

In multiple regression researchers often follow up significant tests of the interaction between continuous predictors X and Z with tests of the simple slope of Y on X at different sample-estimated values of the moderator Z (e.g., ±1 SD from the mean of Z). We show analytically that when X and Z are randomly sampled from the population, the variance expression of the simple slope at sample-estimated values of Z differs from the traditional variance expression obtained when the values of X and Z are fixed. A simulation study using randomly sampled predictors compared four approaches: (a) the Aiken and West ( 1991 ) test of simple slopes at fixed population values of Z, (b) the Aiken and West test at sample-estimated values of Z, (c) a 95% percentile bootstrap confidence interval approach, and (d) a fully Bayesian approach with diffuse priors. The results showed that approach (b) led to inflated Type 1 error rates and 95% confidence intervals with inadequate coverage rates, whereas other approaches maintained acceptable Type 1 error rates and adequate coverage of confidence intervals. Approach (c) had asymmetric rejection rates at small sample sizes. We used an empirical data set to illustrate these approaches.
Summary and Perspectives

Jan M. Rabaey Summary and Perspectives Slide 13.1 In this book, we have been exploring a broad range of technologies to address the power and energy challenges in digital integrated circuit design. Many of these techniques have only been developed over the past decade or so. Yet, one cannot help wondering where the future may lead us. In this last chapter, we present some short summary of the developments in low-power design over the past years, where the state-of-the-art is today, and what may be in store for tomorrow.
Suspected penile fracture: to operate or not to operate?

Distinguishing penile ecchymosis from a true penile fracture, or a rupture through the tunical albuginea, can be a challenging clinical conundrum. A penile fracture typically occurs in the setting of blunt penile trauma to the erect penis, most often during sexual intercourse or masturbation. The characteristic symptoms of penile fracture are a “snapping” or “popping” sound, penile pain, and immediate detumescence followed by ecchymosis and swelling of the penile shaft (1).
Beyond bombshells: the new action heroine in popular culture

Jeffrey A. Brown, an Associate Professor at Bowling Green State University, surveys a long list of action films, television shows, comics, and books in Beyond Bombshells: The New Action Heroine in ...
Prediction of calorific values, moisture, ash, carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur content of pine tree biomass using near infrared spectroscopy:

Loblolly (Pinus taeda) and slash (Pinus elliottii) pine tree biomass are significant renewable energy resources for bioenergy industries in the Southeastern United States. There is a great need for...
Deficit irrigation and surface residue cover effects on dry bean yield, in-season soil water content and irrigation water use efficiency in western Nebraska high plains

Abstract Considering ground water pumping restrictions and unpredictable amount of water available for irrigation from year to year, Nebraska Panhandle producers are facing a challenge to reduce their irrigation water usage and practice deficit irrigation. Among irrigated crops in the region, dry bean (a major cash crop and critical to crop rotation systems) has relatively low water use and is capable to withstand periods of stress. Consequently, two experiments within six consecutive growing seasons (2010–2015) were conducted to determine the impacts of multiple irrigation scenarios (full irrigation, deficit irrigation, and rainfed) and two soil surface conditions (bare soil versus crop residue) on dry bean production, irrigation water use efficiency, and temporal soil water dynamic within the crop root zone. Dry bean yield ranged from 0.41 to 4.07 Mg ha−1 during the six years of the study (2010–2015). The results (2012–2015) indicated that reducing irrigation water by 25% on average increased irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) by 26% and only caused 6% yield reduction in relative to the full irrigation treatment scenario. However, applying only 50% crop evapotranspiration requirement (ETc) resulted in significant yield reduction (30% reduction on average) in 5 out of 6 years compared to the full irrigation treatment (p
Primary Succession on Mount St. Helens: Rates, Determinism, and Alternative States

We explored vegetation recovery on primary surfaces after the 1980 eruption including whether different communities might exist under similar conditions. Data were from repeat sampling of permanent plots, grids and depressions that formed during the eruption (potholes). We assessed succession rates using turnover, community similarity and trajectory complexity. We estimated turnover from community type change, while information theory described trajectory complexity. Similarity between repeat samples assessed succession rate. Succession vectors defined by detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) of repeatedly measured plots assessed floristic change. We determined the degree to which habitat variables predicted species composition using redundancy analysis. We tested the hypothesis that only one CT could occupy a particular habitat type (HT) by comparing species composition within CTs and HTs.
SciApps: a cloud-based platform for reproducible bioinformatics workflows.

Motivation The rapid accumulation of both sequence and phenotype data generated by high-throughput methods has increased the need to store and analyze data on distributed storage and computing systems. Efficient data management across these heterogeneous systems requires a workflow management system to simplify the task of analysis through automation and make large-scale bioinformatics analyses accessible and reproducible. Results We developed SciApps, a web-based platform for reproducible bioinformatics workflows. The platform is designed to automate the execution of modular Agave apps and support execution of workflows on local clusters or in a cloud. Two workflows, one for association and one for annotation, are provided as exemplar scientific use cases. Availability and implementation https://www.sciapps.org. Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Phase-contrast diffuse optical tomography pilot results in the breast.

Rationale and Objectives We sought to investigate the utility of phase-contrast diffuse optical tomography (PCDOT) for differentiation of malignant and benign breast masses in humans and to compare PCDOT with conventional diffuse optical tomography (DOT) for analysis of breast masses in humans. Materials and Methods Thirty-five breast masses were imaged in 33 patients (mean age, 51 years; range, 22–80) using PCDOT. Images characterizing the tissue refractive index, and absorption and scattering coefficients of breast masses were obtained with a finite element-based reconstruction algorithm. Theses images were then analyzed and compared with the biopsy/pathology results for all the cases examined. Results Malignant lesions tended to have a decreased refractive index, allowing them to be discriminated from benign lesions in most cases, whereas absorption and scattering images were unable to accurately discriminate benign from malignant lesions. The sensitivity, specificity, false-positive value, and overall accuracy for refractive index imaging were 81.8%, 70.8%, 29.2%, and 74.3%, respectively. The accuracy of refractive index imaging increases with increasing patient age. Conclusion Refractive index is a new parameter for optical imaging that may be helpful in differentiating between malignant and benign masses in the breast.
Inositols—Potential roles in insulin action and in diabetes: Evidence from insulin-resistant nonhuman primates

Myoinositol is an essential component of all animal cells and is found in plants, fungi, and some bacteria.1 According to Billington,2 myoinositol was first identified in cardiac muscle by Scherer in 1850. It is a component of membrane phospholipids, and the function of these membrane phosphoinositides may prove to be important to the action of insulin, as discussed later. Myoinositol, a cyclitol, is the most common of the nine isomers of hexahydroxycyclohexane. Two stereoisomers of myoinositol are D-chiroinositol and L-chiroinositol. In humans myoinositol is found mainly either in its free form or covalently bound to phospholipid, with three principal forms: phosphatidylinositol (PI), phosphatidylinositol-4-P (PIP or PI-4-P), or phosphatidylinositol 4,5-P2 (PI-4,5-P2 or PIP2). The structures of myoinositol, of D-chiroinositol, and of several phosphatidylinositols are shown in Figure 1.
PREVENTING DVT FOLLOWING TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT: A REVIEW OF RECENT CLINICAL TRIALS

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) following total hip or knee arthroplasty is a frequent complication which can cause fatal pulmonary embolism (PE). Although many different approaches to its prevention have been attempted, low-dose warfarin has become the standard treatment for the prevention of thromboembolic disease following total hip and knee arthroplasty. Although subcutaneous heparin can reduce the incidence of thromboembolic disease, it has been associated with excessive bleeding complications. The introduction of low molecular weight heparins promises fewer bleeding complications with efficacy equal to that of warfarin. We wish to report the results of a randomized, prospective study comparing a low molecular weight heparin with low dose warfarin in the prevention of thromboembolic disease following total knee arthroplasty (TKA).
Role of Soil Organic Acids in Mineral Weathering Processes

The soluble organic acids in soils consist largely of complex mixtures of polymeric compounds referred to collectively as fulvic and humic acids. These compounds are relatively refractory, and are broken down only slowly by microorganisms. Low-molecular-mass acids (e.g., acetic, oxalic, formic) exist in dynamic balance: they are rapidly produced and consumed by microorganisms. Their concentrations may be quite high where rapid decomposition of plant material is taking place, and in microenvironments adjacent to roots and fungal hyphae, but are generally low (typically less than 1 mM) in bulk soil solution. Concentrations of organic acids are generally highest in the organic layer at the top of the soil profile and decrease with depth. Particularly high concentrations of dissolved organic acids occur in peatlands and waterlogged soils.
Electronic Properties and 13C NMR Structural Study of Y3N@C88

In this paper, we report the synthesis, purification, 13C NMR, and other characterization studies of Y3N@C88. The 13C NMR, UV−vis, and chromatographic data suggest an Y3N@C88 having an IPR-allowed cage with D2(35)-C88 symmetry. In earlier density functional theory (DFT) computational and X-ray crystallographic studies, it was reported that lanthanide (A3N)6+ clusters are stabilized in D2(35)-C88 symmetry cages and have reduced HOMO−LUMO gaps relative to other trimetallic nitride endohedral metallofullerene cage systems, for example, A3N@C80. In this paper, we report that the nonlanthanide (Y3N)6+ cluster in the D2(35)-C88 cage exhibits a HOMO−LUMO gap consistent with other lanthanide A3N@C88 molecules based on electrochemical measurements and DFT computational studies. These results suggest that the reduced HOMO−LUMO gap of A3N@C88 systems is a property dominated by the D2(35)-C88 carbon cage and not f-orbital lanthanide electronic metal cluster (A3N)6+ orbital participation.
Teaching e-commerce in an information systems program: striking a balance between business models and implementations

This paper provides details on the development of the course "Electronic Commerce" in an information system graduate program in a Liberal Arts and Sciences university. While an "e-commerce" course in management information systems programs normally focuses on the business side (e.g., managerial, organizational, technological, social, ethic, legal, or international issues) and a related Internet or Web application development course in information technology or computer science programs generally emphasizes on the technique side (implementation, security, etc.) of Web-based, database driven application development, it is sometimes more appropriate and very important to strike a good balance between the theory/issues related to e-commerce and implementation/development of e-commerce systems in an information systems program. The author developed the course by integrating multi-tier architecture, Web technologies, and open source software (Apache, PHP and My SQL) into the teaching materials of the course as well as incorporating the managerial/business contents. Some challenging issues related to implementation are also discussed in this paper.
Sheaf Theory as a Mathematical Foundation for Distributed Applications Involving Heterogeneous Data Sets

The goal of the present article is to demonstrate a mathematical modeling for distributed applications. The present paper applies tools from topology and sheaf theory as an appropriate mathematical modeling to reflect interactions among elements of distributed applications resources. Simplicial complexes are topological models for the network structure. Behavior of the objects in distributed network system are represented by sheaves. This modelling is applied for the study of the wild fire threat.
Atretic anomalous left subclavian artery as part of an unusual vascular ring

In this report, a unique case of a symptomatic vascular ring formed by right aortic arch, aberrant left subclavian artery, and left ligamentum arteriosus in which there is atresia of the proximal left subclavian artery is described. Imaging modalities were non-diagnostic and the patient was sent to surgery based on strong clinical suspicion. Her anatomy was delineated in the operating room and the ring was successfully repaired.
Post Mastectomy Radiation for Stage II Breast Cancer Patients with T1/T2 Lesions

Objective Post mastectomy radiation (PMR) is usually recommended for T3 or N2 breast cancer (BC). The role of PMR for stage II BC with T1/T2 lesions remains controversial. The aim of this study was to assess the role of PMR in this subgroup of patients. Materials and Methods A retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database of all stage II BC patients treated with mastectomy at our institution between the years 2005-2008 was performed. Demographics, disease-free survival rates were compared between the patients receiving radiation vs. those who were not irradiated. Results Eighty-two patients underwent mastectomies for stage II disease with a T1/T2 lesion. Twenty-two of those (27%) received PMR. Loco regional recurrence (LRR) occurred only in the non -irradiated (NR) group. A Kaplan Meier analysis of time to LRR in the NR group was performed. Mean time to local failure was 78.9 months, 6% at 3 years and 13% at 5 years. The time to LRR was significantly lower in the estrogen receptor (ER) negative group compared to the ER positive group (64 vs. 82 months, p=0.029). LRR free rate at 5 years was 100% in low grade tumors vs. 53% in high grade tumors, (p=0.001). In a Cox regression multivariate analysis none of those factors maintained significance. Conclusion ER negative status, high grade and node negativity were associated with LRR. A prospective trial randomizing stage II BC patients with T1/T2 lesions, negative hormone receptors and high-grade tumors to PMR following mastectomy arm vs. no radiation arm is recommended.
Work-Related Musculoskeletal Discomfort and Injury in Craniofacial and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

Introduction Long, complex surgical procedures with non-ergonomic postures, headlights, loupe magnification, and microscope use may put craniofacial and maxillofacial surgeons at an increased risk of work-related musculoskeletal discomfort (WRMD). Identifying the prevalence and impact of WRMD may guide preventive strategies to prolong well-being, job satisfaction, and career duration. Methods A 31-question survey was designed to evaluate WRMD. The survey was sent to American Society of Craniofacial Surgeons and American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons members. The survey was created and distributed electronically through a private survey research center (Qualtrics Survey Software). Results There were 95 respondents (23.75% response rate): 75% male, 56% aged 31 to 50 years old, and 73% in academic practice. On a scale of 0 to 10 (0 no pain, 10 worst pain), WRMD for surgery without loupes/microscope had a median of 3, with loupes 4, and with microscope 5. Pain was most common in the neck. Pain within 4 hours of surgery was present in 55% and 38% feared pain would influence future surgical performance. Surgeon discomfort affects posture (72%), stamina (32%), sleep (28%), surgical speed (24%), relationships (18%), and concentration (17%). Medical treatment for discomfort was sought by 22%. Time off work for treatment occurred in 9%. Conclusion The WRMD can affect many aspects of a craniofacial or maxillofacial surgeon's life and has the potential to shorten or end a career. Occupational health and surgical ergonomics should be emphasized during surgical training and in surgical practice.
Hybrid Beam-forming Smart Antenna for 5G Networks

In this paper, we have proposed the design and simulation results of a Ka band smart antenna. Antenna is designed at the center frequency of 28 GHz. At 28 GHz path loss is high due to the atmospheric absorption and high gain antennas are required to mitigate the path loss. Based on our recently awarded patent, we have proposed a simple and cost effective beam-steering approach. We are using a hybrid of phased array and switched parasitic array approach for beamsteering. Antenna design consists of two circular arrays of six parasitic elements and an active element. Phase shifter is used to introduce a phase shift between excitation currents to the antenna element. Designed antenna has a gain of 10 dBi.
The variable impact of positive lymph nodes in cervical cancer: Implications of the new FIGO staging system

Abstract Objective The 2018 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging system for cervical cancer changed from a clinical system to a clinical/pathologic/radiologic system with stages IIIC1 and IIIC2 indicating positive pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodes, respectively. We evaluated the National Cancer Database (NCDB) for the impact on survival of lymph node metastases (LNM). Methods The NCDB from 2004 to 2015 was queried for patients with cervical cancer, yielding 115,819 patients. Patients with FIGO IVB (22,569), non-adeno/squamous cell histologies (5,909), unknown nodal status (60,695), or unknown survival time (9,473) were excluded. Survival was compared using Cox proportional hazard model based on nodal status. Univariate (UVA) and multivariate analyses (MVA) were done for the overall cohort, followed by UVA by individual stage. Results In 17,173 eligible patients, LNM negatively affected survival (UVA IIIC1 Hazard Ratio [HR] 2.0, p Conclusion In this study, LNM negatively affects prognosis in cervical cancer. The impact on survival varies by T stage with the greatest effect seen in stage T1B with IIIC2 disease.
10.7 A 0.26mm 2 DPD-Less Quadrature Digital Transmitter With 30dB P out Range in 65nm CMOS

Digital transmitters (DTX) or digital power amplifiers (DPA) based on RF digital-to-analog converters (DAC) are optimal for wireless transmitters in CMOS due to the small chip area, low power consumption, and ability to evolve with scaling of the transistor feature size. A DTX integrates all functions of a conventional transmitter into a single RFDAC that directly converts digital bits to RF signals (Fig. 10.7.1) [1]–[3]. It consists of digital circuits (e.g., switches, logic gates, etc.) and passive devices rather than traditional mixed-signal, frequency mixing, gain and output stages. Due to switching operation the power scales ∞CV2f, which benefits from CMOS scaling. In this work, a quadrature switched-capacitor (SC) DTX is presented that can achieve 30dB output power $(P_{OUT})$ range, utilizing no external phase modulator or digital pre-distortion (DPD). The DTX utilizes three linearization techniques and can transmit a 1024-QAM signal with up to 40MHz bandwidth.
Milliscale Features Increase Friction of Soft Skin in Lubricated Contact

Real world environments, such as kitchens, present objects covered in viscous fluids: soap, oil, water, etc. Understanding and designing for slippery and submerged contact, where fluid lubrication is present, is a continuing challenge in the robotics community. Contact area, bending stiffness, and the presence of a viscous fluid affect friction. This work focuses on milliscale features (3 to 20 mm in size) of soft urethane skin on smooth, flat surfaces. We characterize the friction of soft skins, with varying size, and therefore bending stiffness, of cylindrical features, all with the same nominal contact area. In addition, a new method of frustrated total internal reflection with dye is introduced to visualize lubricated contact. We find that a small number of milliscale fingertip features maximizes friction force in the presence of lubrication, as compared both to un-patterned and many-featured skin designs. This holds true for a robotic gripper test, when pinching glass submerged in oil.
Inter-organizational relations in transnational environmental and women’s activism: multilateralists, pragmatists, and rejectionists

Recent decades have seen dramatic changes in the ways activists cooperate with and challenge other global actors. Here, we argue that activist organizations’ aims and timing of founding influence t...
Carbonyl-to-Alkyne Electron Donation Effects in up to 10-nm-Long, Unimolecular Oligo(p-phenylene ethynylenes).

We synthesized some of the longest unimolecular oligo(p-phenylene ethynylenes) (OPEs), which are fully substituted with electron-withdrawing ester groups. An iterative convergent/divergent (a.k.a. iterative exponential growth – IEG) strategy based on Sonogashira couplings was utilized to access these sequence-defined macromolecules with up to 16 repeating units and 32 ester substituents. The carbonyl groups of the ester substituents interact with the triple bonds of the OPEs, leading to (i) unusual, angled triple bonds with increased rotational barrier, (ii) enhanced conformational disorder, and (iii) associated broadening of the UV/Vis absorption spectrum. Our results demonstrate that fully air-stable, unimolecular OPEs with ester groups can readily be accessed with IEG chemistry, providing new macromolecular backbones with unique geometrical, conformational, and photophysical properties.
Upper Middle Class Support for the Idea of Family Allowances

There is a newly arisen opportunity for reassessment and redirection of children's policy using non-ideological, pragmatic solutions. Middle class attitudes toward family allowances are crucial to the implementation of the proposed solutions. This paper presents preliminary data indicating that current middle class attitudes are favorable toward the idea of family allowances. Potential explanations of this phenomenon are presented along with policy implications
Social Benefits in Urban China: Determinants and Impact on Income Inequality in 1988 and 2002

The growing income inequality in China since the economic reforms has attracted considerable attention. Official statistics show that China’s Gini coefficient rose from 0.33 in 1980 to 0.40 in 1994 and to 0.46 in 2000 (Chang 2002). Using the largest national household survey data conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Wu and Perloff (2004) find that the Gini coefficient of income increased from 0.31 in 1985 to 0.42 in 2001. This seems to conform with the Kuznets curve, in that economic growth and development are initially associated with increasing inequality.1
Colonic motor activity in acute colitis in conscious dogs

The changes in motor activity of the colon during acute colitis were investigated in six conscious dogs. The motor activity was recorded with seven straingauge transducers. Colitis was induced in the entire colon by luminal perfusion of acetic acid. The dogs exhibited urgency and diarrhea with mucus and blood during colitis. The mucosa was diffusely erythematous and friable and there were scattered ulcerations over the mucosal surface. The motor activity of the colon changed in several ways during colitis: (a) the total duration per hour and the mean duration of contractile states decreased significantly; (b) the cycle length of colonic migrating motor complexes was significantly prolonged, and the nonmigrating motor complexes were almost completely absent; and (d) the incidence of giant migrating contractions increased significantly. About half of the giant migrating contractions were followed by defecation. The remaining expelled mucus or gas. Sometimes, a migrating motor complex in the colon was also followed by defecation; this was never observed in the normal state. The motor activity of the colon was still decreased and the cycle length prolonged 21 days after induction of colitis. However, the dogs were asymptomatic at this time and the mucosa looked normal at colonoscopy. The incidence of giant migrating contractions was also normal at this time. It was concluded that the dog is a good model for the study of colitis because of the similarity of symptoms with human ulcerative colitis. The phasic contractions of the colon decreases during colitis but the incidence of giant migrating contractions is increased. The diarrhea in colitis may primarily be due to the large number of giant migrating contractions in the middle and the distal colon.