cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of head trauma from motor vehicle accidents on Parkinson's disease

During 1 year we monitored changes in clinical disability scores in 10 patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) who sustained head trauma from motor vehicle accidents. Disability significantly increased immediately after trauma, but returned to baseline levels in subsequent weeks. These patients' signs deteriorated over the subsequent year, but this decline was equivalent to that of a matched control group with PD who did not have a motor vehicle accident or trauma. Based on these data, we conclude that trauma or stress caused by motor vehicle accidents can transiently exacerbate parkinsonian dysfunction without causing persistent increased disability or an alteration in disease course.
Response to AMA's Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs draft report on "Ethical guidance for physicians and the profession with respect to industry support for professional education in medicine".

In late May, the Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs (CEJA) of the American Medical Association (AMA) released a draft report (henceforth “The Report”) to provide “ethical guidance for physicians and the profession with respect to industry support for professional education in medicine.[1]” The report concluded that because “industry support of professional education has raised concerns that threaten the integrity of medicine's educational function….individual physicians and institutions of medicine…must not accept industry funding to support professional educational activities.[1]” Enactment of these regulations will have profound practical consequences for medical education, and stakeholders concerned about these effects should address them in detail. My intention here, however, is to challenge the fundamental beliefs underlying The Report that transcend medical education to affect medical practice and medical research in general. These beliefs are that commerce in general is detrimental to medical professionalism and that “medicine” and “commerce” have sufficiently misaligned interests to justifying their segregation from one another. Such segregation is increasingly becoming policy in academic medical centers in the form of severe prophylactic laws impinging on physicians' freedom of association and action, and similar rules are under consideration in state legislatures and in the Congress. An article by Brennan and colleagues[2] in JAMA, and prominently cited by The Report, frames the basis of the CEJA's Report and of emerging academic health center regulations. This article has been the most influential example of a burgeoning literature emerging in the late 1980s declaring any situation involving healthcare providers receiving payment in money or kind from private companies a “conflict of interest.” The Brennan article broke new ground not only in the severity of its anticommercial sentiments, but also in its insistence that disclosure of financial conflicts of interest is insufficient to control their adverse effects and that therefore these conflicts must be eliminated. The eliminative mechanisms recommended were to channel all corporate support for research and education through academic health center administrations to allocate at their discretion and to curtail at such centers all corporate detailing, gifting, and provision to physicians of product samples. The Report reiterates this reasoning and goes beyond Brennan and colleagues' recommendations to demand eradication of corporate support for all medical education. I first show that Brennan and colleagues and the derivative Report failed to place their “concerns” in terms of a balanced risk-benefit assessment, and that such an analysis does not support their assumptions or the recommendations. I then argue that Brennan and colleagues and The Report based their conclusions on an arbitrary, obsolete, and frankly untenable definition of professionalism.
Differential Prefrontal Response during Natural and Synthetic Speech Perception: An fNIR Based Neuroergonomics Study

Synthetic speech has a growing role in human computer interaction and automated systems with the emergence of ubiquitous computing such as smart phones, car multimedia control and navigation systems. Cognitive processing costs associated with comprehension of synthetic speech relative to comprehension of natural speech have been demonstrated with behavioral (reaction time, accuracy, etc.) and self-reported (ratings, etc.) measures. In this neuroergonomics study, we have used optical brain imaging (fNIR: functional near infrared spectroscopy) to capture the brain activation of participants while they were listening to speech with varied quality, as well as natural speech. Results indicated a differential hemodynamic response with speech quality. As fNIR systems are safe, portable and record brain activation in real world settings, fNIR is a practical and minimally intrusive assessment tool for user experience researchers and can provide an objective metric for the design and development of next generation synthetic speech systems.
An Efficient Algorithm for the 0-1 Knapsack Problem

In this note we present an efficient algorithm for the 0-1 knapsack problem and announce the availability of a callable FORTRAN subroutine which solves this problem. Computational results show that 50 variable problems can be solved in an average of 4 milliseconds and 200 variable problems in an average of 7 milliseconds on an IBM 360/91.
Modeling action-level satisfaction for search task satisfaction prediction

Search satisfaction is a property of a user's search process. Understanding it is critical for search providers to evaluate the performance and improve the effectiveness of search engines. Existing methods model search satisfaction holistically at the search-task level, ignoring important dependencies between action-level satisfaction and overall task satisfaction. We hypothesize that searchers' latent action-level satisfaction (i.e., whether they believe they were satisfied with the results of a query or click) influences their observed search behaviors and contributes to overall search satisfaction. We conjecture that by modeling search satisfaction at the action level, we can build more complete and more accurate predictors of search-task satisfaction. To do this, we develop a latent structural learning method, whereby rich structured features and dependency relations unique to search satisfaction prediction are explored. Using in-situ search satisfaction judgments provided by searchers, we show that there is significant value in modeling action-level satisfaction in search-task satisfaction prediction. In addition, experimental results on large-scale logs from Bing.com demonstrate clear benefit from using inferred action satisfaction labels for other applications such as document relevance estimation and query suggestion.
Poor, Black, Learning Disabled, and Graduating: An Investigation of Factors and Processes Associated With School Completion Among High-Risk Urban Youth

This qualitative investigation examines factors and processes associated with high school graduation in a high-risk urban context. Participants include 11 graduating seniors with learning disabilities, all of whom are African American from low-income backgrounds. These youth are interviewed on multiple occasions to determine how protective factors and processes contribute to their school persistence. Case studies of these youth indicate that there are a number of important factors and processes that they believe contributed to their ability to complete high school in an environment where approximately 80% of youth fail to complete school with their incoming freshman class. Broad themes associated with school persistence among these youth include individual, family, peer, and teacher factors. Specific processes underlying these themes are examined, and the implications of these findings for teachers and other school professionals are discussed.
Design of a Closely Spaced, Folded Yagi Antenna

A closely spaced, folded Yagi antenna design is proposed for achieving high gain in a physically compact size. It is shown that a three-element Yagi can achieve a realized gain of more than 6.7 dB, despite the fact that the spacing between the elements is only 0.02lambda. The simulation results are verified by measurements using a monopole version of the design at 1 GHz. The antenna design is then evaluated at 8 MHz over a lossy ground for potential applications in HF skywave transmission
Interactive Effects of Dietary Copper, Water Copper, and Eimeria spp. Infection on Growth, Water Intake, and Plasma and Liver Copper Concentrations of Poults

Abstract The effects of dietary Cu, water Cu, and coccidial infection on poult growth performance and selected tissue mineral concentrations were investigated in a 10-d experiment using 200 5-d-old Nicholas toms (five replicates of 5 poults each; initial weight = 85 g). Uninfected and coccidiosis-infected (Eimeria meleagrimitis, Eimeria dispersa, Eimeria adenoeides, and Eimeria gallopavonis; cocci) poults were assigned to two levels of dietary Cu [Basal (B) and B + 204 mg Cu/kg diet on Days 1 to 10] and two levels of water Cu (0 and 103 mg Cu/kg water on Days 6 to 10). Dietary Cu and water Cu (main effects) did not affect (P > .10) gain, feed intake, gain:feed, water intake, hemoglobin, hematocrit, or liver Fe and Zn concentrations. Dietary Cu and water Cu increased (P
Responses of leaf nitrogen concentration and specific leaf area to atmospheric CO2 enrichment: a retrospective synthesis across 62 species

Knowledge of leaf responses to elevated atmospheric [CO2] (CO2 concentration) is integral to understanding interactions between vegetation and global change. This work deals with responses of leaf mass-based nitrogen concentration (Nm) and specific leaf area (SLA). It assesses the statistical significance of factors perceived as influential on the responses, and quantifies how the responses vary with the significant factors identified, based on 170 data cases of 62 species compiled from the literature. Resultant equations capture about 41% of the variance in the data for percent responses of Nm and SLA, or about 95% of the variance for Nm and SLA at 57–320% normal [CO2]; these performance statistics also hold for leaf area-based N concentration and specific leaf weight. The equations generalize that: (i) both Nm and SLA decline as [CO2] increases; (ii) proportional decline of Nm is greater with deciduous woody species and with plants of normally low Nm, increases with pot size in growth chamber and greenhouse settings and with temperature and photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD), and is mitigated by N fertilization; and (iii) proportional decline of SLA depends on pot size and PPFD similarly to Nm, increases with leaf life span and water vapour pressure deficit in enclosed experiments, and decreases with prolonged exposure to elevated [CO2] among broadleaf woody species in field conditions. The results highlight great uncertainty in the percent-response data and reveal the potential feasibility to estimate Nm and SLA at various magnitudes of elevated [CO2] from a few key plant and environmental factors of broad data bases.
Abuse in Mexican Older Adults with Long-Term Disability: National Prevalence and Associated Factors.

Objectives To determine the prevalence of self-reported abuse in elderly Mexican adults with long-term disabilities and to identify associated risk factors. Design Secondary analysis of the Perception of Disability in Mexican Population 2010 survey. Setting Mexico. Participants Individuals aged 60 and older with long-term disabilities without cognitive decline (N = 1,089). Measurements The elder abuse variable was constructed from the 21 questions included in the survey that assessed the presence of physical, psychological, sexual, and financial exploitation. Independent variables included demographic characteristics, self-rated health, disability (number of functional domains or basic activities), multimorbidity, emotional symptoms, health resources used, and informal help. Results The prevalence of elder abuse was 32.1%. The most frequent type of abuse was psychological (28.1%). Nearly 58% of respondents reported one type of abuse, 34% reported two types, and 8% reported more than three types. The most common combination of two types of abuse was psychological with financial exploitation. Variables associated with the presence of psychological, physical, and sexual abuse (conflict abuse) were age 80 and older, 9 or more years of education, unemployment, negative self-rated health, three or more disabilities, emotional symptoms, and history of hospitalization. Financial exploitation was associated with age 80 and older, being married or living with a partner, 9 or more years of education, unemployment, living in an urban area, negative self-rated health, three or more disabilities, emotional symptoms, and history of hospitalization. Conclusion The prevalence of abuse in elderly Mexican adults with long-term disabilities is high. Associated factors were level of education, number of disabilities, and health status. Further studies should explore the applicability of these results to other populations.
The classical-spin Bethe-Peierls-Weiss method—I. Simple ferro- and antiferromagnetics

Abstract An approximate Bethe-Peierls-Weiss calculation is presented in which the spin operators are replaced by classical vectors. The resulting thermodynamic quantities, such as the transition temperature, susceptibility, specific heat, short range order, etc. are found to agree well with the quantum-mechanical results for simple ferromagnetics and antiferromagnetics, and with experiment where possible. The simplicity of the method suggests that it would be a useful substitute for the quantum-mechanical model, as an alternative to the Ising model or the molecular field theory, which appear to be less accurate.
Development of a Multi-Step Synthesis and Workup Sequence for an Integrated, Continuous Manufacturing Process of a Pharmaceutical

The development and operation of the synthesis and workup steps of a fully integrated, continuous manufacturing plant for synthesizing aliskiren, a small molecule pharmaceutical, are presented. The plant started with advanced intermediates, two synthetic steps away from the final active pharmaceutical ingredient, and ended with finished tablets. The entire process was run on several occasions, with the data presented herein corresponding to a 240 h run at a nominal throughput of 41 g h–1 of aliskiren. The first reaction was performed solvent-free in a molten condition at a high temperature, achieving high yields (90%) and avoiding solid handling and a long residence time (due to higher concentrations compared to dilute conditions when run at lower temperatures in a solvent). The resulting stream was worked-up inline using liquid–liquid extraction with membrane-based separators that were scaled-up from microfluidic designs. The second reaction involved a Boc deprotection, using aqueous HCl that was rapidly...
Jagged Tiling for Intra-tile Parallelism and Fine-Grain Multithreading

In this paper, we have developed a novel methodology that takes into consideration multithreaded many-core designs to better utilize memory/processing resources and improve memory residence on tileable applications. It takes advantage of polyhedral analysis and transformation in the form of PLUTO [6], combined with a highly optimized fine grain tile runtime to exploit parallelism at all levels. The main contributions of this paper include the introduction of multi-hierarchical tiling techniques that increases intra tile parallelism; and a data-flow inspired runtime library that allows the expression of parallel tiles with an efficient synchronization registry. Our current implementation shows performance improvements on an Intel Xeon Phi board up to 32.25 % against instances produced by state-of-the-art compiler frameworks for selected stencil applications.
[Systemic therapy of muscle invasive bladder cancer - an update].

Das Urothelkarzinom ist ein haufiger Tumor mit steigender Inzidenz weltweit und einem Altersgipfel in der siebten Dekade. Die lokal fortgeschrittene Erkrankung zeigt ein hohes Risiko fur die Entwicklung von Metastasen. Eine neoadjuvante, platinumhaltige Chemotherapie zeigt ein verbessertes Gesamtuberleben versus alleiniger Zystektomie. Die Therapie mit der Kombination von Cisplatin/Gemzitabine zeigt im metastasiertem Setting, bei deutlich geringerer Nebenwirkungsrate, aquivalente Ansprechraten zu M-VAC. Es werden dringend neue Therapiekonzepte zur Verbesserung des Gesamtuberlebens benotigt.
Theory of thermal transport in multilayer hexagonal boron nitride and nanotubes

We present a theory for the lattice thermal conductivity ${\ensuremath{\kappa}}_{L}$ of single-walled boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) and multilayer hexagonal boron nitride (MLBN), which is based on an exact numerical solution of the phonon Boltzmann equation. Coupling between layers in MLBN and nanotube curvature in BNNTs each break a phonon scattering selection rule found in single-layer hexagonal boron nitride (SLBN), which reduces ${\ensuremath{\kappa}}_{L}$ in these systems. We show that out-of-plane flexural phonons in MLBN and out-of-tube phonons in BNNTs provide large contributions to ${\ensuremath{\kappa}}_{L}$, qualitatively similar to multilayer graphene (MLG) and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). However, we find that the ${\ensuremath{\kappa}}_{L}$'s in BNNTs and MLBN are considerably smaller compared to similar SWCNTs and MLG structures because of stronger anharmonic phonon scattering in the former. A large and strongly temperature-dependent isotope effect is found reflecting the interplay between anharmonic and isotope scattering phonons. Finally, we also demonstrate convergence of BNNTs into SLBN for large-diameter nanotubes and MLBN to bulk hexagonal boron nitride within a few layers.
Information exchange requirements for building walk-through energy audits

Energy audits are generally considered the initial step of energy retrofits projects, paving the way for more detailed energy analysis and design. However, there are few standards to define the input and output data for energy auditing, making it difficult to leverage the data from an energy audit in the initial feasibility stage. Moreover, with the increasing use of building information modeling, the information exchange should be aligned with the future potential to support building information modeling implementation. This article describes the research on a standardized data structure for walk-through energy audits to help define the information exchange between energy audit data collection and energy analysis tools, namely EnergyPlus. The building information modeling-enabled energy modeling information exchange requirements were also compared with the current energy audit data structure to identify the gaps and overlaps. This research found that only 41% of collected data could be transferred for en...
Automated urinary glucose analyses.

The concentration of glucose in urine specimens can be measured by continuous flow colorimetry (AutoAnalyzer) using Sumner’s clinitrosalicylic acid reagent. The urine sample is mixed with the dinitrosalicylic acid reagent, incubated at 90 C. for 5 to 7 min., and dialyzed into water. The absorbance of the sample peaks is measured at 525 nm. Peak heights follow Beer’s law up to a glucose concentration of 8 Gm. per dl. of urine. The manifold can be miniaturized with a 6.1 ml. heating bath and a 3-inch U-groove dialyzer. Sixty to 80 samples can be analyzed per hour.
The Nature and Origin of the Central Constant Emission Component of Eta Carinae

The campaign observations of the evolved super massive binary system, η Car, revealed an apparently non-variable X-ray emission component, which was observable only around periastron when the wind-wind colliding (WWC) X-ray emission from the binary system dropped. This central constant emission (CCE) component originates from hot thermal plasma at >50 million degrees Kelvin confined within ∼0.2′′ (∼460 AU at 2.3 kpc) of the binary system. The emission suffers weak X-ray absorption at N H ∼3 − 5 × 10 22 cm −2 , so that the plasma should be in front of the binary system. These results suggest that the CCE plasma is thermalized by collision of the secondary wind with the primary wind shell ejected a few orbital cycles before and that it fills the foreground cavity carved by the wind of the secondary star. An apparent change of the line of sight absorption between 2003 and 2009 may suggest a change of the mass loss rate of the primary star around that time.
Inflammasomes: Key Mediators of Lung Immunity

Inflammasomes are key inflammatory signaling platforms that detect microbial substances, sterile environmental insults, and molecules derived from host cells. Activation of the inflammasome promotes caspase-1-mediated secretion of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 and pyroptosis. Recent developments in this field demonstrate the crucial role of the inflammasome in a wide range of disease models. Although inflammasomes are a crucial part of host defense mechanisms against pathogens, the exuberant immune response resulting from inflammasome activation also contributes to the development of various diseases. As ongoing studies further elucidate the regulation and function of the inflammasome, more evidence has emerged that the inflammasome appears to play a pivotal role in the development of multiple inflammatory diseases. Here, we discuss recent insights into how inflammasomes are regulated to activate caspase-1 and implicated in human diseases. We also review the contributions of the inflammasome to pulmonary diseases.
Recurrence Expectation for Earthquakes in Eastern North America South of 50°N Latitude

Gumbel’s method of extremes is used to estimate average recurrence intervals for four areas: eastern North America south of 50° N latitude, eastern United States, sixteen seaboard states and nine industrialized states (20, 44, 98 and 250 years, respectively, for magnitude 5.8). The next large earthquake in eastern North America is likely to occur in a place that has not experienced even a moderate earthquake because past large earthquakes have tended to occur at places with no history of significant earthquakes. The rate of occurrence of very large earthquakes in the eastern United States has been lower for the past 48 years than previously, leading to the expectation that a magnitude 5.8 or larger earthquake may occur somewhere soon.
Semantic Web Reloaded: An Update on the Progress of Semantic Web technologies

Our Kunstliche Intelligenz edition from July 2003 focussed on a few novel technologies that can be subsumed by two words: ‘‘Semantic Web’’. Now, 13 years thereafter we would like to feature an update. Semantic Web—reloaded if you wish. The first edition came out a few years after the development of important technologies in this area such as OWL or DL reasoning engines. OWL resulted from a quasi merger between OIL (Ontology Inference Layer, a European proposal) and DAML (DARPA Agent Markup Language, the American counterpart). Examples for DL-reasoning engines are FaCT or RACER, just to name a few. SPARQL, the important query language that is used nowadays to query ontologies wasn’t even around until later, emerging in 2008. The 03/2003 special issue also featured two interviews with key figures from the community: James Hendler, at that time Computer Science Professor and Head of Semantic Web and Agents Research at the University of Maryland and Patrick Hayes, a Senior Research Scientist at IHMC in Pensacola, FL. I re-read the independently created interviews remembering asking them about the future of Semantic Web technologies. One of the questions was: ‘‘What can we expect in the next 2, 5, and 10 years and what are the steps to fulfill these goals?’’ Here is a rundown from what the two experts answered with regard to the expectations in 10 years: James Hendler: ‘‘In ten years we will see this (Semantic Web, editorial office) as a technology that is pervasive, it is just part of the Web.’’ Patrick Hayes answered this question more reluctantly, mentioning that ten years is a long way to think ahead. Nevertheless he said: ‘‘I think, the Semantic Web will be integrated into, a part of, the Web; most people wont see a difference. Looking back, people will wonder how anyone managed to live without intelligent software agents’’. It is up to you— the reader—to find out whether those predictions became reality. The Kunstliche Intelligenz delivers new material in form of this special issue. I think it is fair to say that our guest editors Profs Birte Glimm and Heiner Stuckenschmidt started to work in the areas of Semantic Web technologies around the time of the publication of the first Semantic Web special issue in our journal. Heiner Stuckenschmidt even contributed with an article. One could even argue that they built their career on Semantic Web technologies. We couldn’t think of better Guest-Editors for this special issue. And now it is time to wish you a pleasant reading with the new issue of Kunstliche Intelligenz—Semantic Web Reloaded!
The muscles of the upper airways.

SUMMARY 1. The upper airways are a complex structure with multiple functions; many of the muscles participate in the act of respiration. 2. The neural control of upper airway muscles is distinct from that of chest wall muscles under a variety of circumstances. 3. Coordinated activation of upper airway muscles, both regionally and inter-regionally, results in changes in upper airway size and resistance, alterations in the route of airflow, and increases in the ability of the airways to resist collapse. 4. Several disorders have now been described in which neuromuscular drive abnormalities and/or mechanical dysfunction of the upper airways occur, resulting in clinical disease.
Understanding Compassion Fatigue in Healthcare Providers: A Review of Current Literature

Purpose The purpose of this integrative review was to identify, review, synthesize, and analyze the existing literature addressing compassion fatigue (CF) in healthcare providers (HCPs), with careful attention to provider role and practice area. CF needs to be better understood to identify, prevent, and treat it before it becomes problematic for HCPs. CF is representative of the cost of caring and results in physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms that contribute to the decision of the HCP to leave the profession. Methods A literature search, guided by search terms related to CF, was conducted using the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and PubMed encompassing publications between 2005 and 2015. The selected literature was then systemically reviewed and synthesized for this narrative review. Results These preliminary searches resulted in 307 articles, of which 43 met inclusion criteria. These 43 articles were reviewed and reported that CF and related concepts (CF and RCs) were pervasive and affected a wide variety of HCPs working in many clinical settings; however, advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), respiratory therapists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists were not well represented. The literature provided information regarding prevalence, risk factors, prevention measures, and symptoms of CF and RCs. Conclusions While CF and RCs have been explored in a myriad of medical professionals, there is little published regarding APRNs, respiratory therapists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists. More research is needed to evaluate for the presence of CF in HCPs working in a variety of settings and the degree to which it affects personal and professional well-being, including interactions with patients, patient outcomes, and the quality of professional life. Additionally, as the definition and use of the term compassion fatigue has evolved, a need for a well-developed concept analysis has also become evident. Clinical Relevance A better understanding of current research on CF through narrative review, development of a concept analysis, and further exploration of its impact on HCPs has the potential to improve the overall well-being of HCPs, ultimately leading to better patient care and retention within the profession.
Advancing Technology Demands Intellectual Modesty

As long as effective technologies of social control did not exist, many schemes for utopia were impossible even to attempt in practice. Following the Industrial Revolution and the advances made in the technologies of biopower, attempting utopia is no longer impossible, even if it does require minute control over human bodies. The results were nothing like what comprehensive social planners imagined, and modern political theory therefore stands amid the ruins of much that went before it. The works of John Rawls and Robert Nozick are examined briefly in this context, paying particular attention to the modest argumentation in each. The rise of dystopian literature reflects this trend; utopian and dystopian literature are contrasted, and dystopias are found to be more intellectually modest, in that they diagnose a potential problem, but need not refashion all of society and may not offer any solutions at all. Suggestions are offered for the crafting of political programs in an epistemologically uncertain and technologically advancing world.
Politics without Party

The Corn Law crisis of 1846 signalled a deep rift within the Tory party and a jostling for leadership among the Whigs. At the centre of this breakdown of ideological unity and party discipline was Palmerston. He had already captured the public’s attention with his flamboyant foreign policy, independent mindedness and outspoken defence of British interests. By mid-century, it was obvious that he would play a central role as political parties struggled through the 1847 parliamentary elections, with neither the Whigs nor Tories enjoying working majorities in the House of Commons. The Tory numbers rose to 306 after the 1852 elections, but still fell short of a majority.1 A sign of Palmerston’s tactical influence was seen in the growing rivalry between himself and Lord John Russell for liberal opinion in Parliament and the country. Since becoming Prime Minister in 1846, Russell had been defending his Foreign Secretary from those who sought his dismissal, including the Queen and his detractors in the Cabinet. But he could do little else, knowing that without the popular Palmerston the ministry would fall. The Whigs had owed their political life to the split in the Tory opposition and to support from radicals and Irish nationalists. Russell, as leader of the Whigs, struggled to claim the leadership of this liberal phalanx, but it was Palmerston who had already won their hearts. Although the vote of confidence in the Don Pacifico affair had sustained the Whigs in office temporarily, there was no mistake that this was a victory for Palmerston and not for Russell’s Cabinet. Nor could a victory be found in Palmerston’s dismissal in December 1851, since it prefigured within weeks Russell’s own end at the hands of Palmerston’s ‘tit-for-tat’ motion defeating the Whigs’ Militia Bill.
Epicardial adipose tissue microbial colonization and inflammasome activation in acute coronary syndrome

Abstract Background Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) has a close functional and anatomic relationship with epicardial coronary arteries. Accumulating evidence suggests that host microbiome alterations may play a role in several inflammatory/immune disorders, triggering a robust proinflammatory response also involving interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and the NALP3 inflammasome. In the current study, we explore the hypothesis that in patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (ACS), EAT contains potentially pro-atherosclerotic bacteria that might elicit inflammasome activation. Methods EAT samples were obtained during coronary artery bypass grafting from ACS ( n =18) and effort stable angina (SA; n =16) patients, and as controls, from patients with angiographically normal coronary arteries undergoing surgery for mitral insufficiency (MVD; n =13). In all patients, NALP3 and proIL-1β mRNA expressions were evaluated with qRT-PCR. In 3 patients from each group, EAT microbiota composition was determined using next-generation sequencing technologies. Results In EAT, mRNA expression of both NALP3 and pro-IL1β was significantly higher in ACS than in SA and MVD ( P =0.028 and P =0.005, respectively). A broad range of bacterial species ( n =76) was identified in both ACS and SA, with different predominant species. In contrast, microbial DNA was barely observed in MVD. Conclusions Our study demonstrated the presence of bacterial DNA directly into EAT, surrounding diseased coronary arteries, of patients with ACS. Furthermore, ACS is associated with NALP3/inflammasome pathway activation in EAT. Our data suggest that the EAT environment is susceptible to microbial colonization that might stimulate a proinflammatory response. These findings add new elements to the pathogenesis of ACS and suggest novel therapeutic targets.
ANTIPROTON REACTIONS AND CHARM (WITH AND WITHOUT NUCLEI)

The availability of pure, high intensity, ultra-high energy resolution antiproton beams in the 0.1 to 10 GeV/c range has made it possible to make precision studies of few-quark systems and the interactions between them. Proton-antiproton interaction can now be studied with precision heretofore achieved only in the study of the proton-proton interaction. It has become possible to test scaling predictions of perturbative QCD, e.g., for the proton form-factor in the time-like region. Precision measurements of the spectra of qq mesons with charm and beauty quarks are leading to deeper understanding of the quark-quark interactions. Rather unusual and exotic effects are predicted when charmonium is embedded in nuclei. Some of these new developments are described and the feasibility of several nuclear experiments is examined.
Classification of Tissue Samples Using Microarrays

Classification of tissue samples is an important aspect of disease diagnosis and treatment (Golub et al. 1999; Liao and Chin 2007; Zhu and Hastie 2004). Conventional diagnosis of disease has been based on examination of the morphological appearance of stained tissue specimens under light microscopy. However, this method is subjective and highly depends on trained pathologists. Microarray technology offers an alternative approach of disease diagnosis, and it can be more objective and accurate than the conventional diagnosis.
The effect of pre-cure bracket movement on shear bond strength during placement of orthodontic brackets, an in vitro study.

Background The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of linear and rotational pre-cure bracket displacement during the bonding procedure on shear bond strength (SBS) of orthodontic brackets. Material and Methods Stainless steel orthodontic premolar brackets were bonded to the buccal surfaces of 50 human pre-molars with a conventional two-step bonding protocol. Extracted human pre-molars were divided into 5 groups (n=10/group). In the Control Group, the brackets were bonded with no pre-cure bracket displacement or rotation. The Rotation Group was bonded with 45 degrees of pre-cure rotation. The Displacement Group was bonded with 2mm pre-cure linear displacement. The Rotation-Displacement Group was bonded with pre-cure movements of 45o counter-clockwise rotation and 2mm displacement. The Slippage Group was bonded with 2mm each of mesial and distal pre-cure linear displacement. Photo-activation was carried out on the lateral sides of the bracket. Shear debonding force was measured, 24 hours after initial bonding, with an Instron universal testing machine using a knife-edged chisel. Data was analyzed using one-way ANOVA test. Adhesive Remnant Index (ARI) was scored under 15x magnification. The ARI data was analyzed using the Chi-square test (p -value < 0.05). Results No statistically significant differences were detected among the control and experimental groups (p = 0.331). The rotation and displacement group showed the highest mean SBS than all other groups. Mean SBS for all groups were above the clinically acceptable range. No statistically significant differences were detected in ARI scores among groups (p = 0.071). Conclusions Linear and rotational pre-cure bracket displacements do not appear to effect the shear bond strength of orthodontic brackets. Key words:Shear bond strength, orthodontic bracket, displacement, rotation, adhesive remnant index, pre-cure movement.
Bariatric Surgery and Time to Total Joint Arthroplasty: Does It Affect Readmission and Complication Rates?

Bariatric surgery is frequently recommended prior to total joint arthroplasty (TJA) for morbidly obese patients with end-stage arthropathy. Current published data on the efficacy of bariatric surgery for preoperative medical optimization has yielded mixed results, and the effect of time from bariatric surgery to TJA on the preoperative risk profile is not well defined. Our study evaluated the effect of time from bariatric surgery to TJA on 90-day complication and readmission rates. We utilized the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) California State Inpatient Database (SID) to identify patients who underwent TJA following bariatric surgery between 2007 and 2011. Primary endpoints were 90-day complication rates and all-cause 90-day readmission rates following TJA. We identified 330 cases of bariatric surgery followed by total hip arthroplasty (THA) and 1017 cases followed by total knee arthroplasty (TKA). There were no significant demographic differences among patients who underwent TJA greater than or less than 6 months after bariatric surgery. Patients undergoing THA more than 6 months after bariatric surgery were significantly less likely to be readmitted within 90 days for any cause. There was no association between time from bariatric surgery to THA or TKA and 90-day complications. Delaying THA at least 6 months after bariatric surgery may help reduce the rate of 90-day readmissions in this high-risk patient population. Arthroplasty surgeons recommending bariatric surgery as preoperative risk modification should consider the patient’s overall nutritional status, medical comorbidities, and overall response to surgery prior to booking for TJA.
Utilization of host polyamines in alternatively activated macrophages promotes chronic infection by Brucella abortus.

Treatment of intracellular bacterial pathogens with antibiotic therapy often requires a long course of multiple drugs. A barrier to developing strategies that enhance antibiotic efficacy against these pathogens is our poor understanding of the intracellular nutritional environment that maintains bacterial persistence. The intracellular pathogen Brucella abortus survives and replicates preferentially in alternatively activated macrophages (AAMs); however, knowledge of the metabolic adaptations promoting exploitation of this niche is limited. Here we show that one mechanism promoting enhanced survival in AAMs is a shift in macrophage arginine utilization from production of nitric oxide (NO) to biosynthesis of polyamines, induced by interleukin 4 (IL-4)/IL-13 treatment. Production of polyamines by infected AAMs promoted both intracellular survival of B. abortus and chronic infection in mice, as inhibition of macrophage polyamine synthesis or inactivation of the putative putrescine transporter encoded by potIHGF reduced both intracellular survival in AAMs and persistence in mice. These results demonstrate that increased intracellular availability of polyamines induced by arginase-1 expression in IL-4/IL-13-induced AAMs promotes chronic persistence of B. abortus within this niche and suggest that targeting of this pathway may aid in eradicating chronic infection.
Some effects of tool geometric features on friction stir weld response parameters

Pin geometries (shape, dimensions, and surface features) have significant effects on friction stir welding, dictating, to some extent, the material flow which in turn affects process variables and ...
Postscript: New British Questions or 2019 And All That!

William Caruthers Sellars and Robert Yeatman famously satirized the teaching of the history of England in 1930. A fresh version of their work is long overdue, perhaps with the provisional title 201...
Contact system: a vascular biology modulator with anticoagulant, profibrinolytic, antiadhesive, and proinflammatory attributes

THE KALLIKREIN-KININ system was first recognized as a plasma and tissue proteolytic system responsible for the liberation of the vasoactive, proinflammatory mediator, bradykinin (BK).[1][1] BK, a nonapeptide released from kininogens by kallikreins, could reproduce many of the characteristics of an
Next Street, LLC

Next Street Financial, LLC was a modern merchant bank that provided high quality advisory services and capital to small- and mid-sized inner city businesses. Next Street was a for-profit business that aimed to increase the growth, profitability and success of its client companies, thereby enhancing economic development, wealth and job creation in the inner city. The advisory component of its mission seemed well underway but raising a fund to directly finance client companies had proved challenging. As Next Street considered expanding its capacity to help clients achieve their growth potential, the firm was deciding between raising a fund or focusing its resources on expanding its abilities to more effectively help its clients obtain financing from other institutions.Learning Objective: The case examines the difficulty of raising capital to fund growth opportunities in smaller inner city companies.
Lifestyles, Energy, and Sustainability: The Exploration of Constraints

Long term solution to sustainable energy consumption lies in the radical change of consumption patterns characteristic of industrialized economies. Required change may be out of reach under the conditions of global capitalism and huge income inequality among world economies.
Assessing ecological effects of glacial meltwater on lakes fed by the Greenland Ice Sheet: The role of nutrient subsidies and turbidity

Meltwater discharge from the Greenland Ice Sheet (GrIS) exports sediment, solutes, total phosphorus (TP), dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN), and other macro- and micronutrients to associated aquat...
Understanding Interconnectedness From the Military Nurse Perspective.

Background: Nurses who serve in the military have a unique perspective on nursing and health care delivery that nurtures wholeness and inspires peace and healing on a global scale. Purpose: The pur...
Mobile mental health interventions for trauma survivors.

In our special issue exploring the applications of mobile technologies to the field of traumatic stress, we invited teams of authors whose work addresses some of the emerging potential for helping those exposed to traumatic events and highlights some of what we consider to be future critical challenges if that potential is to be realized. Those challenges include making sure that mobile tools reach the millions of individuals exposed to trauma, increasing evaluation efforts and improving methods of evaluating the process and outcomes of interventions, and finding ways to accomplish the widespread implementation of technology interventions in ways that effectively engage end users, mental health providers, and systems of mental health care.
Evaluation of the impact of cachexia on clinical outcomes in aggressive lymphoma.

Cancer cachexia is a state of involuntary weight loss and altered body composition triggered by an underlying malignancy. We sought to correlate measures of cachexia with clinical outcomes in aggressive lymphomas and to identify biological pathways involved in the cachexia phenotype for possible druggable targets. Radiographic measures of cachexia were collected in a retrospective cohort of 109 patients with aggressive B-cell lymphoma and followed for clinical outcome. We found males with sarcopenia had reduced progression-free survival (5·4 vs. 72·3 months, P < 0·0005) and overall survival (OS; 30·2 months vs. not reached, NR, P = 0·02); males with adipopenia also had decreased OS (21·6 months vs. NR, P = 0·04). A trend for increased OS was observed in female sarcopenics only (32·8 months vs. NR, P = 0·08). Additionally, we analysed a prospective cohort of 14 patients for differences in circulating molecular targets involved in various biological pathways. There was a significant correlation with cachexia for reduced serum levels of mediators within the glucose utilization [insulin -like growth factor (IGF)-binding protein 6, P = 0·04; IGF-1, P = 0·02], inflammation (lymphotoxin-like inducible protein that competes with glycoprotein D for herpesvirus entry on T cells; LIGHT, P = 0·005), and energy intake/expenditure (leptin, P = 0·004). We conclude that cachexia in patients with aggressive lymphomas has sex-specific prognostic utility and correlates with measurable changes in metabolism and immune function.
Critical Race Theory v. Deficit Models

ABSTRACTThis article is a response to Amanda Lewis, Margaret Hagerman, and Tyrone Forman's the Sociology of Race & Racism: Key Concepts, Contributions & Debates. Sociology and education, like any s...
Stereosequenced crystalline polyhydroxyalkanoates from diastereomeric monomer mixtures

Stereoselective polymerization of chiral or prochiral monomers is a powerful method to produce high-performance stereoregular crystalline polymeric materials. However, for monomers with two stereogenic centers, it is generally necessary to separate diastereomers before polymerization, resulting in substantial material loss and added energy cost associated with the separation and purification process. Here we report a diastereoselective polymerization methodology enabled by catalysts that directly polymerize mixtures of eight-membered diolide (8DL) monomers with varying starting ratios of chiral racemic (rac) and achiral meso diastereomers into stereosequenced crystalline polyhydroxyalkanoates with isotactic and syndiotactic stereodiblock or stereotapered block microstructures. These polymers show enhanced ductility and toughness relative to polymers of pure rac-8DL, subject to tuning by variation of the diastereomeric ratio and structure of the 8DL monomers.
Synchronous Pulmonary Adenocarcinomas

Objectives To determine concordance/discordance between morphology and molecular testing (MT) among synchronous pulmonary carcinomas using targeted next generation sequencing (NGS), with and without comprehensive molecular review (CMR), vs analyses of multiple singe genes (non-NGS). Methods Results of morphologic and MT assessment were classified as concordant, discordant, or indeterminate. For discordant cases, comprehensive histologic assessment (CHA) was performed. Results Forty-seven cases with 108 synchronous tumors were identified and underwent MT (NGS, n = 23 and non-NGS, n = 24). Histology and MT were concordant, discordant, and indeterminate in 53% (25/47), 21% (10/47), and 26% (12/47) of cases, respectively. CHA of the 10 discordant cases revised results of three cases. Conclusions There is discordance between histology and MT in a subset of cases and MT provides an objective surrogate for staging synchronous tumors. A limited gene panel is sufficient for objectively assessing a relationship if the driver mutations are distinct. Relatedness of mutations require CMR with a larger NGS panel (eg, 50 genes).
Matrix molecules and their ligands

Abstract The extracellular matrix (ECM) dictates cell behavior and controls tissue structure and organization. Tissues finely tune their unique ECM biochemical and biomechanical properties through the production of different matrix molecules including collagens, elastin, fibronectin, laminin, and proteoglycans. Cells assemble these components to shape the ECM architecture and form tissue-specific niches that are required for proper cell function and the maintenance of tissue homeostasis. Thus a detailed understanding of ECM organization, dynamics, and cell interactions enables engineers to design ECM mimics that contain the necessary signals to elicit desired cell behaviors and optimize the performance of engineered tissues.