cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of RET/PTC rearrangements in thyroid papillary carcinomas: effects of the detection methods and genetic heterogeneity.

Context: RET/PTC rearrangements have been reported in papillary thyroid carcinomas with variable frequency in studies that used different detection methods. Objective: Our objective was to determine the role of different detection methods and tumor genetic heterogeneity on RET/PTC detection. Design: Sixty-five papillary carcinomas were analyzed for RET/ PTC1 and RET/PTC3 using five detection methods: standard-sensitivity RT-PCR, high-sensitivity RT-PCR, real-time LightCycler RTPCR, Southern blot analysis, and fluorescence in situ hybridization. Results: RET/PTC rearrangements were detected by standard-sensitivity RT-PCR in 14 tumors. High-sensitivity RT-PCR detected RET/PTC in all of these and in 12 additional cases, where the levels of expression corresponded to one to five positive cells. Real-time LightCycler RT-PCR detected RET/PTC in 12 and Southern blot analysis in 11 tumors. By fluorescence in situ hybridization, 14 tumors were positive, including nine cases with 50–86% positive cells and five cases with 17–35% positive cells. Overall, nine (14%) tumors harbored clonal rearrangements, which were present in the majority of tumor cells and detected by all five methods. Five (8%) cases had subclonal rearrangements present in a smaller portion of tumor cells and detected by most methods. Twelve (18%) tumors had nonclonal RET/PTC that were detected only by high-sensitivity RT-PCR. No other mutations were found in tumors harboring clonal RET/PTC, whereas 60% of tumors with subclonal and 42% of tumors with nonclonal RET/PTC harbored additional mutations. Conclusions:Our data suggest that broad variability in the reported prevalence of RET/PTC rearrangement is at least in part a result of the use of different detection methods and tumor genetic heterogeneity. (J Clin Endocrinol Metab 91: 3603–3610, 2006)
Adenosine promotes vascular barrier function in hyperoxic lung injury.

Hyperoxic lung injury is characterized by cellular damage from high oxygen concentrations that lead to an inflammatory response in the lung with cellular infiltration and pulmonary edema. Adenosine is a signaling molecule that is generated extracellularly by CD73 in response to injury. Extracellular adenosine signals through cell surface receptors and has been found to be elevated and plays a protective role in acute injury situations. In particular, ADORA2B activation is protective in acute lung injury. However, little is known about the role of adenosine signaling in hyperoxic lung injury. We hypothesized that hyperoxia-induced lung injury leads to CD73-mediated increases in extracellular adenosine, which is protective through ADORA2B signaling pathways. To test this hypothesis, we exposed C57BL6, CD73 � /� , and Adora2B � /� mice to 95% oxygen or room air and examined markers of pulmonary inflammation, edema, and monitored lung histology. Hyperoxic exposure caused pulmonary inflammation and edema in association with elevations in lung adenosine levels. Loss of CD73-mediated extracellular adenosine production exacerbated pulmonary edema without affecting inflammatory cell counts. Furthermore, loss of the ADORA2B had similar results with worsening of pulmonary edema following hyperoxia exposure without affecting inflammatory cell infiltration. This loss of barrier function correlated with a decrease in occludin in pulmonary vasculature in CD73 � /� and Adora2B � /� mice following hyperoxia exposure. These results demonstrate that exposure to a hyperoxic environment causes lung injury associated with an increase in adenosine concentration, and elevated adenosine levels protect vascular barrier function in hyperoxic lung injury through the ADORA2B-dependent regulation of occludin.
Thorium and uranium in marine barite

Abstract Analyses of thorium and uranium from deep-sea barites and their sediments show that: (1) Marine barites concentrate thorium relative to their bulk sediments and appear to be growing near the sediment surface. However, some barites are found associated with ferromanganese deposits, and these barites, like continental varieties, are depleted in thorium and may reflect formation or alteration from effects of volcanic processes. (2) While marine barites show230Th/232Th depositional rates analogous to their sediments, they have distinctly lower isotope ratios which may reflect their formation from deep-sea or pore water. (3) Marine barites, like phillipsites and sea water, contain excess amounts of228Th and are probably undergoing a continuous exchange chemistry within the thorium series as the result of228Ra mobilization in the sedimentary column.
Investments and Property Rights in Russia: Evidence from Small Firms in Samara 1, 2

This study establishes empirically that the financial restrictions faced by micro and small entrepreneurs in Russia influence their investment decisions. Survey data from 305 entrepreneurs are used to identify credit market imperfections resulting from asymmetric information.
Vinca alkaloid-induced tubulin spiral formation correlates with cytotoxicity in the leukemic L1210 cell line.

The ability of a class of C-20' modified vinca alkaloid congeners to induce tubulin spiral formation was investigated relative to their ability to inhibit microtubule assembly, their cytotoxicity against a leukemic cell line, L1210, and their measured and calculated partition coefficients. These studies were prompted by the observation that the energetics of vinca alkaloid-induced tubulin spiral polymers, or spiraling potential, is inversely related to their clinical dosage and are aimed at the long-term goal of developing the ability to predict the cytotoxic and antineoplastic properties of antimitotic drugs. We demonstrate here that vinca-induced tubulin-spiraling potential is significantly correlated with cytotoxicity against L1210 cells. This is consistent with the size of spirals formed being proportional to the relaxation time for polymer redistribution, the lifetime of cell retention, and effects on microtubule ends and dynamics. Spiraling potential also correlates with calculated but not measured partition coefficients. Surprisingly, spiraling potential does not correlate with the ability to inhibit microtubule formation with purified tubulin or microtubule protein. For the set of C-20' modified compounds studied, the largest inhibitory effects on spiraling potential and cytotoxicity are caused by multiple sites of halogen (-F, -Cl) substitution with the introduction of increased rigidity in the ring. This suggests the C-20 ' position interacts with a hydrogen bond acceptor or an electrophilic region on the protein that electrostatically disfavors halogen substitutions. These studies are discussed in terms of the cellular mode of action of antimitotic drugs, particularly the importance of microtubule dynamics during mitosis and the factors that regulate those dynamics.
A unique role for the human amygdala in novelty detection

Previous research indicates that the amygdala and hippocampus are sensitive to novelty; however, two types of novelty can be distinguished – stimuli that are ordinary, but novel in the current context, and stimuli that are unusual. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we examined blood oxygen dependent level (BOLD) response of the human amygdala and hippocampus to novel, commonly seen objects versus novel unusual objects. When presented with the novel common stimuli, the BOLD signal increased significantly in both the amygdala and hippocampus. However, for the novel unusual stimuli, only the amygdala showed an increased response compared to the novel common stimuli. These findings suggest that the amygdala is distinctly responsive to novel unusual stimuli, making a unique contribution to the novelty detection circuit.
The Philippines before Martial Law: A Study in Politics and Administration

In the period following World War II before the declaration of martial law in the Philippines, politics and heavy demands for patronage affected the allocation of resources, the administrative process, and personnel policies in ways inimical to the interests of businessmen and technocrats. When faced with intense competition, politicians pressed to employ growing numbers of clients and proteges in local administration. Strong political machines were better able than weak machines to ignore pressures for social services benefitting largely the lower class. The level of political mobilization and size of the lower class increased expenditures on primary education, and expenditures on intermediate and secondary education grew as the percentage of the electorate that was lower class increased. To the dismay of business interests and technocrats, “wasteful” expenditures on local administration and social services were most institutionalized and difficult to cut, while expenditures on economic improvements proved more elastic.
Enhancing Innovation Through International Joint Venture Portfolios: From the Emerging Firm Perspective

Abstract Anecdotal evidence continues to suggest that many firms in emerging economies (EEs) lack innovation. To investigate how these firms might improve their innovation, the authors integrate resource dependence theory with network theory and the resource-based view to theorize that EE firms can advance their innovation by configuring their international joint venture (IJV) portfolio characteristics at the network and focal firm levels. The results indicate that an EE firm's innovation improves when structural hole positions in its IJV portfolio increase but decreases when network centrality increases. Such relationships are further contingent on two focal firm-level IJV portfolio characteristics: IJV portfolio size and IJV portfolio resource commitment.
Organic Contaminants in Canadian Municipal Sewage Sludge. Part II. Persistent Chlorinated Compounds and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons

Thirty-five sewage sludge samples collected across Canada were analyzed for 18 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 17 congeners of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and seven selected chlorinated compounds. Samples were prepared by accelerated solvent extraction and standard column cleanup procedures using silica gel and Florisil. Gas chromatography with electron-capture detection was used for the determination of PCBs. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry with electron-impact ionization and methane negative ion chemical ionization were used for the detection of PAHs and the chlorinated compounds, respectively. PAHs were detected in nearly all samples, with a total concentration ranging from 0.14 to 209 µg/g (median 3.65 µg/g) on a dry weight basis. Phenanthrene, fluoranthene and pyrene were present at the highest concentrations, with medians ranging from 0.56 to 0.58 µg/g. PCBs were also found in all samples, with a total PCB concentration ranging from 31 to 323 ng/g. The most abundant PCBs (congeners 52, 101 and 110) had median concentrations of 12 ng/g or above. While pentachlorobenzene and hexachlorobenzene were observed in all sludge, at low ng/g levels, no other less chlorinated benzenes have been detected in the same samples. Octachlorostyrene was only found in the Ontario samples, with concentrations ranging from 0.3 to 11.5 ng/g (median 0.9 ng/g). For the chlorinated insecticides, only p,p’-DDE, α- and γ-chlordane were found on a more regular basis, with median concentrations of 12.0, 0.4 and 0.8 ng/g, respectively. These results suggest that the above toxic chemicals are occurring in Canadian sewage samples and are persistent enough to survive the existing sewage treatment processes.
Deep venous thrombosis associated with caval extension of iliac stents

Background It is generally difficult to place an iliac vein stent precisely at the iliocaval junction with venographic control or even with intravascular ultrasound guidance. Furthermore, mechanical properties of the Wallstent (Boston Scientific, Marlborough, Mass) can predispose precisely placed stents to distal displacement or stent collapse. Our center has thus advocated extending Wallstents 3 to 5 cm into the inferior vena cava to prevent complications of missed proximal lesions or stent migration. This technique has gradually been accepted, and concerns of jailing of contralateral flow were not initially recognized. We analyzed deep venous thrombosis (DVT) incidence following iliocaval stenting with two alternative techniques: (1) Wallstents with 3- to 5-cm extension into the inferior vena cava; and (2) a modified Z-stent (Cook Medical, Bloomington, Ind) technique, in which overlapping Wallstents end at the iliac confluence and caval extension is performed with a Z-stent placed at the top of the stack. The function of the Z-stent is to provide improved radial force at the iliocaval confluence and to prevent jailing of contralateral flow with larger stent interstices. Methods There were 755 limbs with consecutive Wallstent caval extensions (2006-2010) and 982 limbs with Z-stent extensions (2011-2015) analyzed for DVT incidence postoperatively. Results Demographics were similar for both groups. Mean age was 56 and 58 years in the Wallstent and Z-stent groups, respectively. There was a female predominance (Wallstent, 69%; Z-stent, 67%) and a higher incidence of left-sided disease (Wallstent, 66%; Z-stent, 56%) in both groups. There was a slightly higher incidence of post-thrombotic disease in the Z-stent subgroup (Wallstent, 53%; Z-stent, 68%). Cumulative freedom from contralateral DVT was 99% and 90% in the Z-stent and Wallstent groups, respectively (P < .001) during the 5 years following stent placement. However, all three patients with DVT contralateral to a Z-stent actually had high placement of the Wallstent across the confluence. Thus, no patients with proper Z-stent technique had a contralateral DVT. Cumulative freedom from ipsilateral DVT was 97% and 82% in the Z-stent and Wallstent groups, respectively (P < .001) during the 5 years following stent placement. The decrease in incidence of ipsilateral DVT appeared to be attributable to decreased missed distal lesions with increased operator experience and not attributable to the Z-stent itself. Conclusions Contralateral DVT incidence was significantly lower with the Z-stent modification. In addition, the Z-stent modification provides greater radial strength at the iliac-caval confluence and simplifies simultaneous or sequential bilateral stenting. Use of proper technique and intravascular ultrasound is essential to limit the incidence of ipsilateral DVT.
Delayed Induction of Human NTE (PNPLA6) Rescues Neurodegeneration and Mobility Defects of Drosophila swiss cheese (sws) Mutants.

Human PNPLA6 gene encodes Neuropathy Target Esterase protein (NTE). PNPLA6 gene mutations cause hereditary spastic paraplegia (SPG39 HSP), Gordon-Holmes syndrome, Boucher-Neuhauser syndromes, Laurence-Moon syndrome, and Oliver-McFarlane syndrome. Mutations in the Drosophila NTE homolog swiss cheese (sws) cause early-onset, progressive behavioral defects and neurodegeneration characterized by vacuole formation. We investigated sws5 flies and show for the first time that this allele causes progressive vacuolar formation in the brain and progressive deterioration of negative geotaxis speed and endurance. We demonstrate that inducible, neuron-specific expression of full-length human wildtype NTE reduces vacuole formation and substantially rescues mobility. Indeed, neuron-specific expression of wildtype human NTE is capable of rescuing mobility defects after 10 days of adult life at 29°C, when significant degeneration has already occurred, and significantly extends longevity of mutants at 25°C. These results raise the exciting possibility that late induction of NTE function may reduce or ameliorate neurodegeneration in humans even after symptoms begin. In addition, these results highlight the utility of negative geotaxis endurance as a new assay for longitudinal tracking of degenerative phenotypes in Drosophila.
Phasing-Out of the Sugar Industry in Puerto Rico

This is the second in a series of papers dealing with the rise and fall of the commercial sugar industry in Puerto Rico (see Griffith, 1982). This paper has three major goals. Its first objective is to conduct a preliminary analysis of the space-time trajectory followed by an unfolding and then contraction of the Puerto Rican sugar industry. A more indepth analysis of this trajectory will be reported on subsequently. The second objective, which is a methodological one, is to construct a space-time data cube that will permit the exploration of the phasing-out of the Puerto Rican sugar industry. The third objective is to explore, in a preliminary fashion, features essential to the sketching of an optimal dynamic location-allocation trajectory for the mill closure sequence.
Why Would Anyone Want to Intentionally Embarrass me

Welcome to the world of intentional embarrassment. During our lives, you and I have experienced a variety of embarrassing situations. Maybe we dropped a drink on someone. Maybe we tripped over that demon crack in the sidewalk. Maybe we unknowingly walked in on someone who was using the bathroom. Or, maybe we felt empathic embarrassment when our best friend, sibling, child performed poorly on stage. Each of the above situations were more than likely accidental occurrences. However, during our lives, we may have been the recipient of an intentional act performed to cause us embarrassment. At other times, we may have been the intentional embarrassor of a deserving, or not so deserving, individual as exemplified by self-proclaimed embarrassors below (from Sharkey, 1990a)
Design, synthesis, and evaluation of novel 3,6-diaryl-4-aminoalkoxyquinolines as selective agonists of somatostatin receptor subtype 2.

Agonists of somatostatin receptor subtype 2 (sst2) have been proposed as therapeutics for the treatment of proliferative diabetic retinopathy and exudative age-related macular degeneration. An HTS screen identified 2-quinolones as weak agonists of sst2, and these were optimized to provide small molecules with sst2 binding and functional potency comparable to peptide agonists. Agonist 21 was shown to inhibit rat growth hormone secretion following systemic administration and to inhibit ocular neovascular lesion formation after local administration.
The enzymic synthesis of ganglioside: I. Brain uridine diphopphate D-galactose: N-acetyl-galactosaminyl-galactosyl-glucosyl-ceramide galactosyl transferase

An enzyme which catalyzes the transfer of galactose from UDP-galactose to galNAc-gal-glc-ceramide is described. The enzyme is found mainly in the nervous tissue of tadpole (Taylor and Kollros stage 17), adult frog, adult and 8 day old rat. The enzymic activity is localized in the 11,500 xg, 20,000 xg and 100,000 xg particles. The UDP-galactose: galNAc-gal-glc-ceramide from the particles by treatment with sodium desoxylcholate and Triton X-100. The pH optimum for the solubilized enyme is between 6.8 and 7.0 in cacodylate buffer, and the Km is 4.25 ×10−5 M. The enzymic reaction is proportional to time for 4 hr and to the amount of protein added. The product of the transferase reaction, using galNAc-gal-glc-ceramide. A pathway for the biosynthesis of brain gangliosides requiring UDP-galactose: galNAc-gal-glc-ceramide galactosyl transferase is proposed.
Cognitive Function and Pediatric Arachnoid Cyst

Neurocognitive and psychological functions were investigated in 35 consecutive children with arachnoid cyst (AC) and 35 healthy controls, in a study at Severance Children’s Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Cognitive Abilities Related to Driving Performance in a Simulator and Crashing on the Road

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between performances on standardized neuropsychological measures of cognitive abilities, simulated driving performance, and state crash records in drivers with cognitive decline due to aging and dementia. Participants were 202 experienced older adult drivers ages 55 years and older: 70 had mild dementia due to probable early Alzheimer’s disease and 132 had no neurologic disease. All completed a battery of neuropsychological tests and drove contemporaneously on a high fidelity simulator. The participants’ State Department of Transportation driving records were monitored for up to two years after testing. The simulator composite score, reflecting overall driving ability, was significantly correlated with overall cognitive ability, as indexed by the neuropsychology composite score, as well as with individual cognitive tests of attention, memory, visuospatial and visuomotor abilities. Drivers who crashed during an intersection incursion scenario performed significantly worse on the composite measure of cognitive function than those who successfully steered around the incurring vehicle. Crashers had specific cognitive deficits on measures of visuomotor abilities and attention. Memory test performances for both verbal information and visual material were associated with subsequent on-road crashes. These findings provide support for the validity of driving simulation as a safe means of evaluating a range of driving responses that cannot be tested on the road, and suggest that relatively simple and inexpensive neuropsychological tests of specific cognitive abilities could be used to help evaluate older drivers’ risk of unsafe driving.
Intelligent-Agent Architecture

This chapter describes the intelligent-agent architecture. The treatment presumes a world in which there is only one agent, and which, therefore, does not change except through the actions of that one agent. This assumption dramatically simplifies the presentation of many key architectural issues. A tropism is the tendency of an animal, or plant to act in response to an external stimulus. A class of agents, called tropistic agents, whose activity at any moment is determined entirely by their environments at that moment is examined. It is assumed that the agent's world can be in any one of a set S of states. Just as with sensory capabilities, different agents can have different effectory capabilities. One agent may be able to paint blocks but not move them, whereas another agent may be able to move blocks but not change their colors. To characterize these effectory capabilities, one assumes the existence of a set A of actions, all of which can be performed by the agent described.
The Long-Term Care of Patients with Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI)

Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is the end stage of peripheral artery disease (PAD). It encompasses <5 % of all cases of PAD, but its prognosis is poor. The 1-year mortality and major amputation rates range from 20 to 50 %. The treatment of the patient with CLI is complex. Its foundation is based on the development of three pillars, each of which represents diverse aspects and goals of therapy: medical, interventional, and surveillance. Medical management has a role in the treatment of risk factors for secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease, with a less established role in the treatment of symptoms and complications of severe limb hypoperfusion. Pharmacological agents may also have a role as adjuncts or alternatives in patients who are unsuitable for revascularization or those who have suboptimal results. Interventional therapies (surgical and endovascular) are the mainstay form of treatment in CLI and are directed to achieve revascularization, symptom control, wound healing, and limb salvage. Last but not least, the surveillance pillar of treatment is the one that is currently least well represented and represents the Achilles heel of contemporary CLI care, as most patients do not have a rigorous follow-up. It is intended to provide close follow-up and monitoring after revascularization and healing. At the first sign of decline or evidence of stalled progress, the patient should once again be promptly referred to the CLI team and the continuum of care reinitiated. Future directions include the development of biological therapies based on the use of growth factors, gene therapy, and stem cells, which are currently being investigated.
Initial Psychometric Validation of the Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Scar Cognition Scale

Given the growing literature on the detrimental psychological consequences of NSSI, it is surprising that scarce research has focused on the permanent physical consequences of NSSI, scarring to one's tissue (Burke et al. 2015; Lewis 2016). Indeed, with recent research suggesting that upwards of half of those with a history of NSSI bear scarring as a result of the behavior (Burke et al. 2016), the psychological implications of scarring are important to understand. Given preliminary literature suggesting that the vast majority of individuals who bear NSSI scars ascribe a great deal of meaning to their scarring, and that this meaning varies widely, a psychometrically sound scale is needed to comprehensively and systematically assess NSSI scar-related cognitions. The present study examined the psychometric properties of the Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Scar Cognition Scale (NSSI-SCS). A sample of 110 undergraduates with at least one scar from NSSI completed the NSSI-SCS as well as measures of concurrent and divergent validity. Exploratory Factor Analysis was conducted to determine the factor structure of the NSSI-SCS. Results indicated that a five-factor solution offered the best fit for the data. Psychometric analyses support the validity of the NSSI-SCS given evidence of concurrent validity, divergent validity, and reliability. Future research should examine the test-retest reliability of the NSSI-SCS, as well as its sensitivity to change, particularly in the context of treatment research.
The Evolution of Lateralized Motor Functions

Among the most influential and controversial theories on the evolutionary origins of human handedness (a population-level bias for use of the right hand) is the “Postural Origins Theory” proposed by MacNeilage and colleagues (1987). This theory challenges the view that handedness is a characteristic unique to humans, and suggests that the evolutionary precursor of human handedness first emerged in the prosimians, the earliest primates. To overcome problems of postural control when feeding, prosimians evolved a division of function between the hands. Specifically, they evolved a left-hand (right hemisphere) specialization for visually guided reaching and a complementary right-hand (left hemisphere) preference for holding onto a branch, thereby facilitating postural control. According to the postural origins theory, these original specializations lay the foundation for further divisions of function between the hemispheres for controlling performance in manual tasks, including a right-hand preference for the performance of fine motor tasks in humans (MacNeilage et al., 1987). The evolutionary account posited by MacNeilage et al. (1987) was challenged on two fronts. Some researchers maintained that handedness in primates is not analogous to handedness in humans (Annett, 1987; Corballis, 1987; Kolb and Fantie, 1987; Warren, 1987). Other researchers cited evidence of population-level biases for motor function in non-primate species, and asserted that hemispheric specialization for motor control must have evolved before the emergence of primates (Bradshaw, 1987; Denenberg, 1988).
Classical scaling and intermittency in strongly stratified Boussinesq turbulence

Classical scaling arguments of Kolmogorov, Oboukhov and Corrsin (KOC) are evaluated for turbulence strongly influenced by stable stratification. The simulations are of forced homogeneous stratified turbulence resolved on up to grid points with buoyancy Reynolds numbers of , 48 and 220. A simulation of isotropic homogeneous turbulence with a mean scalar gradient resolved on grid points is used as a benchmark. The Prandtl number is unity. The stratified flows exhibit KOC scaling only for second-order statistics when ; the law is not observed. At lower , the slope in the spectra occurs at wavenumbers where the bottleneck effect occurs in unstratified cases, and KOC scaling is not observed in any of the structure functions. For the probability density functions (p.d.f.s) of the scalar and kinetic energy dissipation rates, the lognormal model works as well for the stratified cases with and 220 as it does for the unstratified case. For lower , the dominance of the vertical derivatives results in the p.d.f.s of the dissipation rates tending towards bimodal. The p.d.f.s of the dissipation rates locally averaged over spheres with radius in the inertial range tend towards bimodal regardless of . There is no broad scaling range, but the intermittency exponents at length scales near the Taylor length are in the range of and for the velocity and scalar respectively.
Hypoxic hepatitis — its biochemical profile, causes and risk factors of mortality in critically-ill patients: A cohort study of 565 patients

Abstract Purpose A retrospective analysis of critically-ill patients with hypoxic hepatitis (HH) to characterize the biochemical profile and to identify predictors of mortality using the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III database. Methods HH was defined as a rapid increase in AST/ALT ≥ 800 IU/L after exclusion of other causes. We investigated the correlation between various clinical and laboratory parameters and mortality rates using regression models. Results Among 38,645 ICU-patients, 565 (1.46%) were diagnosed with HH; 57.9% were males; median age was 63 years. The unique biochemical profile of HH was confirmed; lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was higher than both ALT and AST; AST > ALT for the first 2 days then the ratio is reversed until recovery. All-cause hospital mortality was 44.1%. All-cause hospital mortality was 44.1%. On multivariate analysis, older age, higher SAPS-II, higher INR, higher bilirubin, higher LDH, acute kidney injury (AKI), and the need for vasopressors were independently associated with mortality. Conclusion Older age, higher SAPS-II, LDH, INR and bilirubin levels, concomitant AKI and the need for vasopressors were all factors associated with increased mortality. The diagnosis of HH was an important harbinger of mortality in this population, which appears to be driven mainly by the severity of the underlying conditions.
Conceptualizing Overtrust in Robots: Why Do People Trust a Robot That Previously Failed?

In this chapter, we present work that suggests people tend to be overly trusting and overly forgiving of robots in certain situations. In keeping with the theme of this book where intelligent systems help humans recover from errors, our work so far has focused on robots as guides in emergency situations. Our experiments show that, at best, human participants in our simulated emergencies focus on guidance provided by robots, regardless of a robot’s prior performance or other guidance information, and, at worst, believe that the robot is more capable than other sources of information. Even when the robots do break trust, a properly timed statement can convince a participant to follow it. Based on this evidence, we have conceptualized overtrust of robots using our previous framework of situational trust. We define two mechanisms in which people can overtrust robots: misjudging the abilities or intentions of the robot and misjudging the risk in the scenario. We discuss our prior work in light of this new reconceptualization to attempt to explain our previous results and encourage future work.
Medical Considerations in Children and Adolescents with Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are a group of psychiatric disorders with potentially fatal medical complications. Early integrated care including the family as well as pediatric medicine, nutrition, psychology and psychiatry is critical for improving prognosis and limiting negative outcomes. Mental health services are a critical component of treatment; timely weight restoration maximizes efficacy. Despite being relatively common, there are many misperceptions about eating disorders, their severity, and the associated morbidity and mortality. Opportunities exist within the medical and psychiatric communities for a better understanding of the complexity of diagnosing and treating patients with eating disorders.
Application of regression, variance, and density based global sensitivity methods to integrated VERA-CS and BISON simulations

Abstract Uncertainty quantification (UQ) and sensitivity analyses (SA) are performed for coupled simulations between VERA-CS, a coupled pin resolved neutron transport and subchannel thermal hydraulics code, and the fuel performance code BISON. The interface between VERA-CS and BISON is performed in a multiphysics environment known as the LOCA Toolkit for U.S. light water reactors (LOTUS) currently under development at Idaho National Laboratory (INL). A focus is placed on using a variety of SA measures, including two regression based (Pearson and Spearman), one variance based (Sobol indices), and three moment independent measures (Delta moment independent measures with L 1 , L 2 , and L ∞ norms). The problem under inspection is a single assembly depletion case for three fuel cycles. The figures of merit are the minimum departure from nucleate boiling ratio (MDNBR), maximum fuel centerline temperature (MFCT), and gap conductance at peak power (GCPP). SA results show MDNBR to be linear with consistent rankings throughout the fuel cycles. MFCT is linear, but with a change in rankings at the switch from open gap to closed gap models. GCPP is nonlinear at intermediate states that coincide with the onset of contact between fuel and cladding. These nonlinear states allow for the showcasing of higher order SA measures over first order methods.
Clinical PET/MRI: 2018 Update

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to provide an update on clinical PET/MRI, including current and developing clinical indications and technical developments. CONCLUSION. PET/MRI is evolving...
The Neuromuscular Junction—Basic Receptor Pharmacology

Shortly after the introduction of neuromuscular (NM) relaxants to clinical practice, it became apparent that certain pathological states were associated with both hyper- and hyposensitivity to the NM effects of depolarizing or agonist-type, and antagonist or nondepolarizing muscle relaxants (NDMR).1 (Depolarizing relaxants such as succinyicholine, SCh and decamethonium should be considered AChR agonists since their pharmacological actions are like acetylcholine (ACh) in that, at least initially, they stimulate AChRs. NDMRs such as dTC are competitive antagonists of the AChRs because they competitively inhibit the effects of ACh). Reports of cardiac arrest, following succinyicholine were also reported to occur in certain patients.2 The availability of quantitative assays for drug concentrations and receptors, together with electrophysiologic and immunologic techniques, have enabled investigators to correlate these alterations in sensitivity of muscle relaxants to pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes. My lecture will specifically focus on the qualitative and quantitative changes in the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) at the muscle membrane and its relationship to NM relaxant sensitivity. Pathological states, including iatrogenic factors, and the molecular mechanisms, which may play a role in these AChR changes, will be also discussed.
Dynamische Modellierung eines Rehwildbestandes in einem GIS

In dieser Studie wurde erstmals ein Computermodell fur Rehwild (Capreolus capreolus) in einem Geographischen Informationssystem (GIS) entwickelt und in einem Untersuchungsgebiet im Sudwesten Deutschlands getestet (Abb. 1). Hierfur wurde das Verfahren zur Bestimmung der Standortwertziffer nachUeckermann (29) programmiert und ein Populationsmodell neu entwickelt (21). Das Computermodell analysiert fur jedes Jahr die Standortwertziffer des Reviers (Tab. 3), wobei es Ortskenntnisse des Computernutzers integriert (Expertensystem). Zusammen mit der Jagdstatistik (Abb. 4) werden daraus die tatsachlichen Wilddichten berechnet (Abb. 5). Die jahrliche Berechnung ist notwendig, um dynamische Veranderungen des Habitats zu erfassen. Die Dynamik wird im Falle der Schonungen besonders deutlich (Abb. 3) die zu den Wiesenflachen hinzugefugt wurden (Abb. 2). Hierin unterscheidet sich das Computermodell vonUeckermanns Verfahren. Im Computermodell wurde der Zusammenhang zwischen real nutzbarer Zuwachsrate und Wilddichte quantifiziert (Tab. 2, Tab. 4). Die vorgestellten real nutzbaren Zuwachsraten fuhren zu einer uberzeugenden Modellierung des Rehwildbestandes im Untersuchungsgebietes (Abb. 5) und einem Vorschlag fur den zukunftigen Abschusplan (Abb.4). Bis zur Verwendung von Computermodellen und Geographischen Informationssystemen in der Jagdpraxis werden sicherlich noch einige Jahre vergehen. Diese Studie aber zeigt, das mit derartigen Modellen wichtige Erkenntnisse fur die Jagdwissenschaft erzielt werden konnen. Zunehmende Digitalisierung der Forstkarten durch die Forstverwaltung konnen einen breiteren Einsatz des vorgestellten Modelles in der Zukunft vereinfachen.
The Insulin Regimen That Works

BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes mellitus requires monitoring patients' glycemic control. Treatment must be escalated if glucose levels remain above the recommended goal in patients who are adherent to their current treatment. If glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels remain unmet with maximum doses as recommended by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) after adding basal insulin, but fasting blood glucose is at goal, one to three injections daily of rapid-acting insulin are typically added to the treatment plan to be injected prior to meals while continuing all other antihyperglycemic medications. OBJECTIVE To describe an effective method of intensifying insulin therapy based on patients' needs and abilities to self-manage their medications. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the case of a patient who was referred to the Endocrinology Specialty Clinic for diabetes management. RESULTS Diabetes control was improved after intensifying insulin therapy by adding once-daily rapid-acting insulin injections. CONCLUSIONS Intensifying insulin therapy by adding one dose of rapid-acting insulin prior to meals can improve HbA1c to < 7% in patients on maximum doses of basal insulin whose fasting blood glucose is at goal but whose HbA1c is above goal. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING Nurse practitioners must use current care guidelines supported by evidence-based literature to improve patients' outcomes. This case study supports ADA recommendations on early intensification of antihyperglycemic therapy in diabetic patients to decrease the risk of complications by achieving and maintaining HbA1c goals early.
Relationships between Microbial Indicators and Pathogens in Recreational Water Settings

Fecal pollution of recreational waters can cause scenic blight and pose a threat to public health, resulting in beach advisories and closures. Fecal indicator bacteria (total and fecal coliforms, Escherichia coli, and enterococci), and alternative indicators of fecal pollution (Clostridium perfringens and bacteriophages) are routinely used in the assessment of sanitary quality of recreational waters. However, fecal indicator bacteria (FIB), and alternative indicators are found in the gastrointestinal tract of humans, and many other animals and therefore are considered general indicators of fecal pollution. As such, there is room for improvement in terms of their use for informing risk assessment and remediation strategies. Microbial source tracking (MST) genetic markers are closely associated with animal hosts and are used to identify fecal pollution sources. In this review, we examine 73 papers generated over 40 years that reported the relationship between at least one indicator and one pathogen group or species. Nearly half of the reports did not include statistical analysis, while the remainder were almost equally split between those that observed statistically significant relationships and those that did not. Statistical significance was reported less frequently in marine and brackish waters compared to freshwater, and the number of statistically significant relationships was considerably higher in freshwater (p alternative indicators > MST markers > pathogens). Thus, while FIB, alternative indicators, and MST markers continue to be suitable indicators of fecal pollution, their relationship with waterborne pathogens, particularly viruses, is tenuous at best and influenced by many different factors such as frequency of detection, variable shedding rates, differential fate and transport characteristics, as well as a broad range of site-specific factors such as the potential for the presence of a complex mixture of multiple sources of fecal contamination and pathogens.
Interpretation and Understanding of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans Consumer Messages Among Low-Income Adults

AbstractObjective: The objective of this study was to determine the interpretation, understanding, and implementation of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) consumer messages among low-incom...
Sustainable Skies: How the Airline Industry is Addressing Climate Change

The aviation industry is a major emitter of greenhouse gases, which contribute to climate change and ultimately create weather patterns that adversely affect the airlines’ performance and efficiency. This paper provides an overview of the ways in which the airlines are both impacting and impacted by the climate, with recommendations on how industry leaders might create a more sustainable future for aviation. The primary target of this paper is the environmental policy-maker, however, aviation and sustainability enthusiasts may find useful ideas in the paper.
Development and Application of a Real-Time Reverse-Transcription PCR and Droplet Digital PCR Assays for the Direct Detection of Potato mop top virus in Soil.

Potato mop top virus (PMTV) is a continuing threat to potato production throughout the world. It has the potential to persist in the soil for long periods in the sporosori of its vector Spongospora...
The tumour microenvironment in pancreatic cancer — clinical challenges and opportunities

Metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal solid tumours despite the use of multi-agent conventional chemotherapy regimens. Such poor outcomes have fuelled ongoing efforts to exploit the tumour microenvironment (TME) for therapy, but strategies aimed at deconstructing the surrounding desmoplastic stroma and targeting the immunosuppressive pathways have largely failed. In fact, evidence has now shown that the stroma is multi-faceted, which illustrates the complexity of exploring features of the TME as isolated targets. In this Review, we describe ways in which the PDAC microenvironment has been targeted and note the current understanding of the clinical outcomes that have unexpectedly contradicted preclinical observations. We also consider the more sophisticated therapeutic strategies under active investigation - multi-modal treatment approaches and exploitation of biologically integrated targets - which aim to remodel the TME against PDAC.
Affordable but Inaccessible? Contraception Deserts in the US States

Context This article focuses on whether, and the extent to which, the resources made available by Title X-the only federal policy aimed specifically at reproductive health care-are equitably accessible. Here, equitable means that barriers to accessing services are lowest for those people who need them most. Methods The authors use geographic information systems (GIS) and statistical/spatial analysis (specifically the integrated two-step floating catchment area [I2SFCA] method) to study the spatial and nonspatial accessibility of Title X clinics in 2018. Findings The authors find that contraception deserts vary across the states, with between 17% and 53% of the state population living in a desert. Furthermore, they find that low-income people and people of color are more likely to live in certain types of contraception deserts. Conclusions The analyses reveal not only a wide range of sizes and shapes of contraception deserts across the US states but also a range of severity of inequity.
Determining the dose of oxalic acid applied via vaporization needed for the control of the honey bee (Apis mellifera) pest Varroa destructor

Oxalic acid (OA) is a natural compound that has been used to control the honey bee (Apis mellifera) pest Varroa destructor. One method of OA application gaining popularity among beekeepers in the U...
Biomass and height of Ascophyllum nodosum after two decades of continuous commercial harvesting in eastern Canada

With the increasing demand for seaweed resources worldwide, management must ensure that the harvest of wild seaweed stocks is sustainable. We evaluate the impact of over 25 years of commercial harvesting of Ascophyllum nodosum in eastern Canada by comparing the biomass and height of the seaweed in the late 1990s to the late 2010s over a broad spatial scale spanning the provinces of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. There has been no significant decrease in the biomass of A. nodosum in either province, and biomass has increased in some regions of New Brunswick during that period. The average height of A. nodosum has decreased by 7.8 cm in Nova Scotia while it increased by 13.8 cm in New Brunswick. Biomass of A. nodosum in unharvested sectors was 7% higher than that in harvested sectors while height of A. nodosum in unharvested sectors in New Brunswick is similar to the values observed in harvested sectors. Over the same period, water temperature has increased in both provinces and, in recent years, has at times exceeded the optimal growing temperature for A. nodosum within bays in Nova Scotia. We conclude that the current management and harvest of A. nodosum in eastern Canada are sustainable and maintain the biomass and height of A. nodosum beds but that control sites are necessary to offer adequate comparisons as environmental conditions are changing.
The Economics of Central Bank Digital Currency [Computing's Economics]

Central bank digital currency (CBDC) is emerging as the future of banking and payments. We analyze CBDCs’ benefits to consumers and the economy and some concerns associated with their use.
Feasibility of Performing Clinical Low Dose and Fast Brain PET Imaging Enabled by SiPM Digital Photon Counting PET/CT

383 Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility of performing low dose and fast brain FDG-PET imaging in clinical and clinical trials using SiPM digital photon counting (DPC) PET/CT. Materials and Methods: 10 oncology patients with breast cancer (BMI=33±7) were enrolled to assess neurometabolic changes and imaged before and after chemotherapy (interval=77±10 days). Low dose FDG brain PET (3.1±0.2mCi) was performed on a DPC PET/CT (Vereos, Philips) with 0.5, 1, 2 and 5 min frame durations compared to the standard of care (SOC) 10min frame duration. All data were reconstructed with 2mm isotropic voxels using TOF 3D-OSEM, and assessed with 90 brain regions using MIMSoftware and Atlas mapping. SUV & Z-Score were calculated. 3D-Hoffman phantom PET scans (0.5-10min, 0.6-2mCi FDG) were performed. Blind image reviews were performed by radiologists. Results: Compared to the 10min SOC PET, an average of 2.5±3.0%, 1.7±2.3%, 1.2±1.5% and 0.7±0.9% SUVmean difference across 90 regions of all patients were obtained for low dose PET of 0.5, 1, 2 and 5min, and no significant differences (p>0.05) in % change of therapy response were found for low dose brain PET of 1min (-7±22%), 2min (-6±22%) and 5min (-7±21%) except at 0.5 min (6±22%, p<0.01). When reducing the low dose PET below 1min acquisition times, noise appeared to be more noticeable within certain regions. We found robust Z-Scores (≤10% variances) for the 1-5min low dose PET compared to the SOC 10min’s. Hoffman phantom scans consistently revealed robust image quality and quantitative accuracy for all low dose PET ≥1min. Conclusions: The study quantitatively evaluated the feasibility of performing low dose brain FDG-PET (3mCi) with fast acquisition. Neuro brain FDG PET acquisition can be substantially accelerated using the emerging SiPM DPC PET to improve patient comfort, reduce motion artifacts and enable clinical brain trials requiring multiple time points of PET/CT scans.