cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modulation of Metabolism and Anti-HIV-1 Activity of Purine 2′,3′-Dideoxynucleosides by IMP Dehydrogenase Inhibitors

The dideoxynucleosides (ddNs) are having a substantial impact on the treatment of the human immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The purine 2′,3′-dideoxyadenosine and its deaminated product 2′,3′-dideoxyinosine are potent inhibitors of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in human T lymphocytes and monocytes/macrophages (1,2). The anti-HIV effects of these drugs are mediated by conversion to the 5′-triphosphate ddATP. This triphosphate has been shown to act as both an inhibitor and substrate of HIV reverse transcriptase (3). The basis for the selectivity of ddI against HIV replication is related to the finding that its active metabolite ddATP binds more efficiently to reverse transcriptase than any of the cellular DNA polymerases (4). Although ddNs differ only slightly from their natural counterparts, their metabolism in cells differ substantially from that of the normal nucleosides. This diversity has manifested itself as differences in both antiviral potency and toxicity. Thus, these results imply a critical role for the anabolic pathways in determining the antiviral effectiveness of nucleoside analogs in anti-HIV therapy.
Rate dependent effects of acute nicotine on risk taking in young adults are not related to ADHD diagnosis.

Abstract Beneficial effects of nicotine on cognition and behavioral control are hypothesized to relate to the high rates of cigarette smoking in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Given that ADHD is associated with both impulsivity and elevated risk taking, we hypothesized that nicotine modulates risk taking, as it does impulsivity. 26 non-smoking young adults (15 controls with normal impulsivity and 11 ADHD with high impulsivity) received 7 mg transdermal nicotine, 20 mg oral mecamylamine, and placebo on separate days, followed by the Balloon Analog Risk Task (BART). Statistical analyses found no group differences in baseline risk taking. Reexamination of the data using a median split on baseline risk taking, to create high (HRT) and low (LRT) risk taking groups, revealed significant effects of nicotinic drugs that differed by group. Nicotine reduced risk taking in HRT and mecamylamine increased risk taking in LRT. This finding supports the hypothesis that nicotinic receptor function modulates risk taking broadly, beyond those with ADHD, and is consistent with rate dependent cholinergic modulation of other cognitive functions. Further, the results demonstrate that high impulsivity is separable from high risk taking in young adults with ADHD, supporting the utility of these differential behavioral phenotypes for neurobiological studies.
Experimental results with two wireless power transfer systems

This paper describes two wireless power transfer systems. The Wireless Identification and Sensing Platform (WISP) is a platform for sensing and computation that is powered and read by a commercial off-the-shelf UHF (915MHz) RFID reader. WISPs are small sensor devices that consume on the order of 2uW to 2mW, and can be operated at distances of up to several meters from the reader. The second system harvests VHF or UHF energy from TV towers, with power available depending on range and broadcast transmit power. We report on an experiment in which 60uW is harvested at a range of about 4km.
Demographic processes limiting seedling recruitment in arid grassland restoration

Summary 1. Seeding is an important management tool in aridland restoration, but seeded species often fail to establish. Previous research has largely focused on the technical aspects of seeding with little effort directed at identifying demographic processes driving recruitment failures. 2. In tilled plots, in each of 3 years, we estimated life stage transition probabilities for three species commonly used in sage steppe restoration. We also took similar measurements on seed sown by managers following four major fires. 3. Point estimates and associated Bayesian confidence intervals demonstrated germination probabilities that were consistently high, averaging 0AE72. However, estimates suggest only 17 and 7% of the germinated seeds emerged in the tilled plots and fire sites, respectively. Following emergence, survival across the seedling, juvenile and adult transitions averaged 0AE72. This suggests the transition from a germinated seed to an emerged seedling was the major bottleneck in recruitment. Although most individuals died during emergence, this was not always the principal source of variation in recruitment across sites. 4. Synthesis and applications. Processes occurring after emergence, such as mortality during spring and summer drought, may contribute to site-to-site variation in recruitment but are unlikely to be the main causes of restoration failures. Instead, recruitment may largely be determined by processes occurring during emergence, such as freezing and thawing of the seedbed, development of physical soil crusts and pathogen attack on germinated seeds. Using tools such as seed coatings and soil amendments to manage processes inhibiting emergence and developing seed mixes with higher emergence probabilities are likely to greatly improve restoration outcomes in the sage steppe and similar aridland systems.
Association of inflammatory and endothelial cell activation biomarkers with acute kidney injury after sepsis

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a sequela of sepsis associated with increased morbidity and mortality. We sought to determine if individuals with elevated baseline levels of inflammation and endothelial cell activation are at increased risk for future AKI after sepsis. We conducted an analysis of individuals developing sepsis in the national 30,239 subject REGARDS cohort. Biomarkers measured at the beginning of an 8-year observation period included high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), E-selectin, inter-cellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and urinary Albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR). We defined subsequent sepsis as hospitalization for a serious infection with ≥2 Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) criteria. We excluded patients with prior dialysis or kidney transplantation, or those receiving less than two serum creatinine (sCr) measurements during hospitalization. We defined AKI as an increase in sCr ≥0.3 mg/dL from the initial sCr measurement, or the initiation of hemodialysis. Using logistic regression, we evaluated the associations between AKI and biomarker quartiles, adjusting for comorbidities. We identified 212 sepsis cases encompassing 41 (19.3%) AKI. Elapsed time from biomarker measurement to sepsis episode was 3.1 years (IQR 1.6-4.5). Compared with non-AKI, AKI individuals exhibited higher TNF-α (9.4 vs. 6.2 pg/mL, p = 0.003) and ACR (504.82 vs 61.81 mg/g, p < 0.001). hsCRP, IL-6, E-selectin, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 were similar between AKI and non-AKI. After adjustment for confounders, AKI after sepsis was more likely in those with higher E-selectin (adjusted ORs 2.91 (0.95-8.93), 1.99 (0.61-6.47), 4.01 (1.30-12.35), test of linear trend p = 0.04), and higher ACR (adjusted ORs 2.29 (0.99-5.30), 10.67 (3.46-32.90), test of linear trend p < 0.001). Baseline hsCRP, TNF-α, IL-6, VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 were not associated with AKI after sepsis. Elevated baseline levels of E-selectin and ACR are associated with future AKI in the setting of sepsis. Baseline inflammatory and endothelial activation biomarkers may be useful for predicting future risk of AKI in sepsis.
Trends in HLA antibody screening and identification and their role in transplantation

HLA testing has been a staple in transplantation since the recognition that antibodies, directed against lymphocytes, were associated with allograft failure. This seminal finding led to the discovery of the MHC and the appreciation of the importance of HLA testing in transplantation. Early approaches focused on the importance of HLA matching, and were an important aspect of deceased organ donor allocation. More recently, and as a direct result of improvements in immunosuppression, there has been a movement away from ‘matching’ as the driving force in organ allocation. By contrast, we are now challenged with selecting donor–recipient pairs based on acceptable mismatches. For patients devoid of HLA antibodies, this is not an issue. However, for patients with HLA alloantibodies, that is, the sensitized patient, we face significant challenges in assessing the repertoire of the HLA antibody reactivity they possess. Over the past several years, significant advances in HLA antibody detection have occurred. Solid...
Tantalizing evidence for caspase-like protein expression and activity in the cellular stress response of Archaea

An enigmatic feature of microbial evolution is the emergence of programmed cell death (PCD), a genetically controlled form of cell suicide triggered by environmental stimuli. Archaea, the second major prokaryotic domain of life, have been notably absent from the PCD inheritance discussion, due to a lack of genetic homologues. Using the model haloarchaeon Haloferax volcanii, we document extremely high caspase-specific activity and expression of immunoreactive proteins to human caspase 8 antisera, both of which were induced by salt stress and death and were abolished by in vivo addition of a broad-spectrum caspase inhibitor. Caspase inhibition severely impaired cell growth under low and high salt stress, demonstrating a critical role in the cellular stress response. In silico analysis of the H. volcanii proteome identified a subset of 18 potential target proteins containing a signature tetrapeptide caspase cleavage motif (IETD), some with putative roles in allosteric regulation, signal transduction, osmotic stress and cell communication. Detection of similarly high activity and expression in other haloarchaea (Halorubrum and Haloarcula) and in diverse members of Euryarchaeota (the methanogen Methanosarcina acetivorans and the hyperthermophile Pyrococcus furiosus) and Crenarchaeota (the acidophile Sulfolobus solfataricus) argue for a broad representation within the archaeal domain. By playing a role in normal cell function, caspase-like proteases in Archaea appear to have co-evolved with other metabolic pathways, broadening their biological roles beyond apoptosis and cell death.
Prison Tattoos as a Reflection of the Criminal Lifestyle

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between prison tattoos and the criminal lifestyle and recidivism. Participants consisted of 81 male inmates with prison tattoos (i.e., prison-themed or prison-made tattoos), 75 inmates with nonprison tattoos (e.g., animal tattoos, tattoos of ethnic origin), 52 male inmates with no tattoos, and 66 college students with tattoos. Results indicated that inmates with prison tattoos differed from inmates with nonprison tattoos, inmates without tattoos, and college students with tattoos with regard to criminal thinking styles, were at increased risk of recidivism, and presented more institutional behavioral problems, resulting in more disciplinary infractions. There were no significant differences between inmate groups with regard to number of convictions; however, additional group comparisons indicated that inmates with visible tattoos and antisocial-themed tattoos were at greater risk for recidivism and received more disciplinary infractions than inmates without visible or antisocial-themed tattoos. Implications of these findings are discussed.
A dynamic management scheme for real-time connections

Most of the solutions proposed to support real-time (i.e. guaranteed performance) communication services in packet-switching networks adopt a connection-oriented and reservation-oriented approach. In such an approach, resource allocation and route selection decisions are made before the start of the communication on the basis of resource availability and real-time network load at that time, and are usually kept for the duration of the communication. This rather static resource management approach has certain limitations: it does not take into account (a) the dynamicity of the communicating clients; (b) the dynamicity of the network state; and (c) the tradeoff between quality of service and network availability, thus affecting the availability and flexibility of the real-time network services. Availability is the ability of the network to accommodate as many real-time clients as possible, while flexibility is the ability to adapt the real-time services to changing network state and client demands. The authors present the dynamic connection management (DCM) scheme, which addresses these issues by providing the network with the capability to dynamically modify the performance parameters and the routes of any existing real-time connection. With these capabilities, DCM can be used to increase the availability and flexibility of the guaranteed performance service offered to the clients. >
The Impact of Group Cognitive Complexity on Group Satisfaction: A Person-Environment Fit Perspective

Groups have the potential to increase the satisfaction of their members (Campion, Medsker, & Higgs, 1993; Gladstein, 1984; Hackman, 1987; Katzell & Guzzo, 1983; Mason & Griffin, 2002, 2003). Thus, consideration of group characteristics in organizations is an important issue (Druckman & Bjork, 1991). In this study, the interactive influence of group cognitive complexity, task complexity, and group structure with satisfaction was analyzed. The findings suggest that when a task is complex, a decentralized structure leads to greater satisfaction than a centralized structure. Furthermore, groups lower in cognitive complexity were influenced more than complex groups by a mismatch between task complexity and group structure.
Cortical microcircuit determination through global perturbation and sparse sampling in grid cells

Under modern interrogation, famously well-studied neural circuits such as that for orientation tuning in V1 are steadily giving up their secrets, but quite basic questions about connectivity and dynamics, including whether most computation is done by lateral processing or by selective feedforward summation, remain unresolved. We show here that grid cells offer a particularly rich opportunity for dissecting the mechanistic underpinnings of a cortical circuit, through a strategy based on global circuit perturbation combined with sparse neural recordings. The strategy is based on the theoretical insight that small perturbations of circuit activity will result in characteristic quantal shifts in the spatial tuning relationships between grid cells, which should be observable from multi-single unit recordings of a small subsample of the population. The predicted shifts differ qualitatively across candidate recurrent network mechanisms, and also distinguish between recurrent versus feedforward mechanisms. More generally, the proposed strategy demonstrates how sparse neu- ral recordings coupled with global perturbation in the grid cell system can reveal much more about circuit mechanism as it relates to function than can full knowledge of network activity or of the synaptic connectivity matrix.
Evaluation of green solvents for a sustainable zein extraction from ethanol industry DDGS

Abstract Corn-ethanol industry in US alone generates about 35 Tg of Dried Distillers Grains with Solubles (DDGS) per year as co-product. DDGS is enriched with zein, a well-known corn protein. Vast potential of zein application in industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to bio-plastics resulted in a serious quest to develop process technologies for its extraction. A broad spectrum of primary, binary, ternary and tertiary solvents is available which can extract zein from DDGS. But most organic solvents are hazardous which limits their sustainable industrial-scale use. Our study evaluated green solvents: isopropanol, n-butanol, isobutanol, 2,3-butanediol (2,3-BDO), 1,4-butanediol, isoamyl alcohol, 1,3-dioxolane, 1,4-dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, acetic acid, lactic acid and ionic liquids [emim]Ac and [emim]Br for zein extraction. Isopropanol, 1,4-dioxane and 2,3-BDO showed promising results, with 75, 41 and 38% extraction efficiency, respectively. Operational parameters for efficient extraction such as temperature, pH and solvent-to-water ratio were subsequently optimized using response surface methodology for selected solvents. A combination of solvent to water volume ratio of 66:34, temperature of 77 °C and pH of 4.4 was found to be optimal for isopropanol, whereas 2,3-BDO worked best at solvent to water volume ratio of 73: 27, temperature of 85 °C and pH of 3.8. These results are encouraging and could lead to the development of green technology for efficient zein extraction.
Sterilizing Procedures and Agents, Antibiotics and Inhibitors in Mass Rearing of Insects

Months of costly effort may be wasted when disease strikes laboratory colonies of insects. High-density populations tend to maximize this threat by facilitating dispersion of microbes through crowding and lowered sanitation.
Effects of Cortisone and Antibiotics on Lethal Action of Endotoxins in Mice.

Summary1. Administration of cortisone prior to or simultaneously with a lethal dose of endotoxin consistently protected the majority of mice from death. There was no protection when cortisone was administered after endotoxin. 2. A transient bacteremia, presumably of intestinal origin, occurred in some animals a few hours after injection of endotoxin, but probably did not contribute significantly to death of the animals. 3. Antibiotics were capable of suppressing bacteremia, but with the exception of streptomycin, which irregularly gave some protection, did not influence mortality rate. 4. Injection of streptomycin or penicillin into animals previously treated with cortisone resulted in significantly higher mortality rates than in animals given cortisone alone. This interference by antibiotics with cortisone protection was demonstrable only when antibiotics were given after cortisone; simultaneous administration of both cortisone and antibiotic gave results which reflected only protective effects of cortis...
How Bad is it Doc? the Varying Predictions of ODE Cancer Growth Models

Cancer is the second most common cause of death in the US. While mathematical models are often used to predict progression of the disease and treatment outcomes, we don’t yet know how to accurately model tumor growth. Several ODE models (exponential, Mendelsohn, logistic, linear, surface, Bertalanff y, and Gompertz) have been proposed to model tumor growth. We examined the predictions of the models both for untreated growth and growth during treatment with chemotherapy. We compared the predicted maximum volume of the tumor, the doubling time, and the amount of chemotherapy needed to end tumor growth for each of the models and found that the predictions vary dramatically. This work highlights the need for detailed experiments to aid in choosing appropriate cancer growth models.
Analysis on IgM antibody against JEV among patients with acute meningitis/encephalitis syndrome in Jinan city from 2008 to 2011

Objective To understand the status of Japanese Encephalitis virus(JEV)infection among monitored patients with acute meningitis/encephalitis syndrome(AMES)in Jinan,and to provide practical basis for disease prevention.Methods Patients with AMES in 2 surveillance sentinel hospitals selected from each provincial,municipal and county hospitals were enrolled into the study from 2008 to 2011.Blood and CSF samples were collected for the detection of IgM antibody against JEV using ELISA.The test results were entered into AMES Project database(Epi Data),and were analyzed statistically by Epi Info software.Results A total of 1829 patients with AMES were enrolled from which 86.77%(1587/1829)blood samples and 70.53%(1290/1829)CSF samples were collected.229 patients were found to be anti-JEV IgM positive with the overall positive rate of 12.52%(229/1829).The positive rates of IgM in blood and CSF samples were 10.78%(171/1587)and 8.92%(115/1290),respectively.The seropositive rates were statistically different among patients from different regions(χ2=9.99,P0.01).The number of male cases was almost double that of female ones with the gender ratio of 1.81∶1.July to October was the peak season although patients could appear at any time of the year.Majority of patients(70.42%)were under 15 years old,accounting for 62.45% of total positive cases.There was a significant difference of seropositive rate between age group of under 15 and over 15 years old(χ2=6.18,P0.05)and a significant difference was also noticed by pairwise comparison of each age group(χ2=14.58,P0.05).Conclusions 12.52% of the AMES cases are positive for anti-JEV IgM,indicating that JEV is the major pathogen for AMES.Therefore,laboratory etiologic detection is very important to distinguish JEV infection from AMES and to provide critical evidence for clinical diagnosis and treatment.
Recent Advances in DOCK8 Immunodeficiency Syndrome

Since the discovery of the genetic basis of DOCK8 immunodeficiency syndrome (DIDS) in 2009, several hundred patients worldwide have been reported, validating and extending the initial clinical descriptions. Importantly, the beneficial role of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for this disease has emerged, providing impetus for improved diagnosis. Additionally, several groups have further elucidated the biological functions of DOCK8 in the immune system that help explain disease pathogenesis. Here, we summarize these recent developments.
Effect of intermittent infusions of glucose-containing crystalloid cardioplegic solution on myocardial tissue lactic acid and recovery of contractility.

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of single or intermittent infusions of cardioplegic solution with glucose (5 gm/L) or without glucose on myocardial tissue lactic acid and recovery of myocardial contractility following 80 minutes of total ischemia at 28° C in the isolated, blood-perfused, beating rabbit heart. Ischemia without cardioplegia increased tissue lactic acid (6.79 mg/gm tissue) above the control value (0.9 mg/gm tissue), p
Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide (PACAP), A Master Regulator in Central and Peripheral Stress Responses

The neuropeptide pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a master regulator of central and peripheral stress responses required to restore and maintain homeostasis. PACAP modulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in response to acute psychogenic but not systemic stressors, through activation of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) release to drive adrenal corticosterone (CORT) output. During direct high-frequency stimulation of the splanchnic nerve that is designed to mimic stress, PACAP regulates adrenomedullary catecholamine secretion. In addition to transmission, PACAP simultaneously facilitates the biosynthesis of adrenomedullary catecholamines through stimulus-secretion-synthesis coupling. During periods of chronic psychogenic stress, PACAP-mediated CORT elevation fails to desensitize and contributes to the development of maladaptive behaviors such as anxiety and depression. Based on these findings, PACAP regulates not only adaptive responses to stress but also maladaptive responses to sustained psychological stress. PACAP receptor antagonists could have therapeutic relevance in preventing hyperactivity of the HPA axis and offering protection against chronic stress-associated anxiety and depression.
Telelectures vs. workshops in continuing professional education. II. Statistical comparison of learning.

As a continuing educational technique, are telelectures as effective as workshops in producing learning? In this research, the two methods were compared.
A Multistate Toggle Switch Defines Fungal Cell Fates and Is Regulated by Synergistic Genetic Cues

Heritable epigenetic changes underlie the ability of cells to differentiate into distinct cell types. Here, we demonstrate that the fungal pathogen Candida tropicalis exhibits multipotency, undergoing stochastic and reversible switching between three cellular states. The three cell states exhibit unique cellular morphologies, growth rates, and global gene expression profiles. Genetic analysis identified six transcription factors that play key roles in regulating cell differentiation. In particular, we show that forced expression of Wor1 or Efg1 transcription factors can be used to manipulate transitions between all three cell states. A model for tristability is proposed in which Wor1 and Efg1 are self-activating but mutually antagonistic transcription factors, thereby forming a symmetrical self-activating toggle switch. We explicitly test this model and show that ectopic expression of WOR1 can induce white-to-hybrid-to-opaque switching, whereas ectopic expression of EFG1 drives switching in the opposite direction, from opaque-to-hybrid-to-white cell states. We also address the stability of induced cell states and demonstrate that stable differentiation events require ectopic gene expression in combination with chromatin-based cues. These studies therefore experimentally test a model of multistate stability and demonstrate that transcriptional circuits act synergistically with chromatin-based changes to drive cell state transitions. We also establish close mechanistic parallels between phenotypic switching in unicellular fungi and cell fate decisions during stem cell reprogramming.
Estrogens V: Xenoestrogens

This article is a revision of the previous edition article by James L. Wittliff, D. Alan Kerr II, and Sarah A. Andres, volume 2, pp 258–262, © 2005, Elsevier Inc.
Radiological Considerations of Asthma

Asthma is a clinical diagnosis and it is rare that it will be first recognized radiologically. There is no doubt that the usefulness and the accuracy of radiology depends on two factors: (1) the age of the patient, and (2) the severity and duration of the asthma. Nevertheless, it is possible to differentiate the chest radiograph of an asthmatic patient from that of a nonasthmatic, and to do so with considerable accuracy. The role of radiology in asthma is not to make the diagnosis but to assess the severity of the illness, demonstrate the complications (some of which may not be recognized clinically), and assess the progress of the patient during treatment and over the years.
Second autologous stem cell transplantation as a strategy for management of relapsed multiple myeloma.

8092 Background: High dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplant (SCT) remain an integral part of the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM). Despite the introduction of several new drugs, disease relapse remains inevitable and a second SCT often allows continued disease control. Methods: We examined the outcomes in 105 patients (pts) undergoing a second SCT (SCT2) for relapsed MM, from among 1033 pts receiving initial transplant between 1994 and 2009. Patients receiving an allogeneic SCT post SCT2 were not included in the survival analysis. Results: Median (range) age at SCT2 was 60 yrs (35-74) and the time between SCTs was 46 mos (10-130). The median follow-up was 5 yrs from SCT2. The median (range) number of regimens between the two SCTs and from diagnosis was 2 (0-7) and 3 (1-11), respectively. Conditioning regimen was Mel 200 in 85 (81%) pts. Median (range) CD34 cells infused was 4.6 (2.5-25 million/kg). Hospitalization was required for 53 pts (50%), median hospital stay was 7 days.. Median time to...
Accurate measurement of bone attenuation in PET-MR

258 Objectives PET-MR has attracted substantial interest due to its potential to utilize synergy between PET and MRI, especially in the neuroimaging field. One major technical challenge at present is the difficulty to accurately measure PET attenuation of bones using standard MR techniques. Ouyang et al. (doi:10.1109/tns.2013.2278624) have shown that bias can be high in the bones, even they are correctly segmented using ultrashort-TE (UTE) MR images. This is due to large intra- and inter-subject bone density variation. We here present a novel MR technique to measure bone photon attenuation that measures bone density. Methods A phantom was prepared using specimen cut from a cow tibia placed inside a glass jar 8.5 cm in diameter. The jar was filled with 5% gelatin gel doped with F-18. PET data was acquired on a Siemens Biograph 64 PET-CT scanner (CT was also acquired for reference); the MR was acquired separately on a Siemens Trio 3T MR after the radioactivity decayed away. A 3D zero-TE (ZTE) sequence with water and fat suppression (WASPI; Cao et al., doi:10.1002/mrm.21771) was used to acquire the fast-decaying proton signal from bone matrix for bone density measurement. A homemade transmit-receive quadrature RF coil was used to achieve fast switching from transmit to receive. Results In the WASPI MR images, signals from fat and water were suppressed, leaving only signals from protons in the immobile proteins in the bone matrix. The signal intensity of the bone was found to be approximately proportional to the bone density derived from CT Hounsfield units. PET images of the phantom were reconstructed using attenuation maps derived from standard MR-based AC (MRAC), WASPI-based AC (WAC), and CT-based AC (CTAC). The WAC images were found to have better agreement with CTAC images comparing to MRAC. Conclusions This preliminary work shows that continuous bone photon attenuation measurement can be achieved using WASPI MR. This technique has potential to be used for MR-based PET attenuation correction for PET-MR.
How Demanding Is the Duty of Assistance

Among Anglo-American philosophers, contemporary debates about global economic justice have often focused upon John Rawls’s Law of Peoples. While critics and advocates of this work disagree about its merits, there is wide agreement that, if today’s wealthiest societies acted in accordance with Rawls’s Duty of Assistance, there would be far less global poverty. I am skeptical of this claim. On my view, the Duty of Assistance is unlikely to require the kinds and amounts of assistance that would be sufficient to eradicate much global poverty. This is because the DA cannot require societies to rapidly or radically change their ways life, and because the kinds and amounts of assistance that are most likely to eradicate global poverty would cause rapid and radical changes to the ways of life of the societies that undertook them.
The Effect of Under-Dosing Prophylactic Antibiotics in the Care of Open Tibial Fractures.

Objectives To determine the frequency and effect of under-dosing prophylactic weight-based antibiotics in patients with open tibial fractures. We hypothesized that patients who did not receive appropriate weight-based dosing of prophylactic antibiotics would have higher rates of infection. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Level 1 Trauma Center. Patients/participants Patients 18 years of age or older with high-grade (Gustilo-Anderson type IIIA or IIIB) open extraarticular tibial fractures over a 5-year period. Main outcome The primary outcome was deep infection within one year of initial injury. Appropriate weight-based dosing of cefazolin was defined as: at least 1 g for patients 120 kg. Results Sixty-three patients met the inclusion criteria; 21 (33%) were under-dosed with cefazolin at the time of initial presentation. Among the 20 patients who subsequently developed deep infection, only 55% were appropriately dosed with cefazolin; of the patients who did not develop deep infection, 72% were appropriately dosed with cefazolin (P = 0.18). Univariate analysis revealed that hypertension was associated with infection (P = 0.049). Multivariable logistic regression analysis of infection due to all organisms did not reveal a statistically significant reduction in the odds of infection with appropriate weight-based dosing of cefazolin [Odds ratio = 0.42 (95% confidence interval, 0.12-1.48), P = 0.177]. Five of 7 (71%) of the gram positive, non-methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, infections occurred in patients who were under-dosed with cefazolin. Five (23.8%) of 21 patients who were under-dosed with cefazolin had gram-positive, non-methicillin-resistant S. aureus infections, compared to 2 (4.8%) of 42 patients who were appropriately dosed (P = 0.036). Conclusions Under-dosing of weight-based antibiotics in the treatment of open fractures is common. Appropriate weight-based dosing of cefazolin for prophylaxis in high-grade open tibial fractures reduces the frequency of infection due to cefazolin-sensitive organisms. Interestingly, organisms not susceptible to cefazolin were responsible for the majority of infections. The effect of under-dosing of cefazolin and other weight-based antibiotics deserves further investigation in larger studies. Level of evidence Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Strategies for sustainable funding: a metadata review of the independent library district model

Public libraries have seen a decline in public funding, relying on a mixture of external types of funding to keep services running. With state and local governments continuing to face financial pre...
Effects of Estate Tax Reform On Charitable Giving

This paper examines the effects of estate tax repeal on charitable giving. Using data from a variety of sources, we conclude that outright repeal would reduce giving at death by about $5 billion per year, and giving during life by a similar amount. The resulting decline in giving, $10 billion per year, represents about 5 percent of total giving and is roughly equivalent to annual grant-making by the 110 largest foundations.
Micropipette aspiration of guinea pig megakaryocytes: absence of fragmentation and dependence on maturation stage

Platelet release has been alternatively viewed as a fragmentation of platelet territories demarcated within the cytoplasm of mature megakaryocytes or as a later event involving segmentation of proplatelet pseudopodia extended from the cell. The mechanical constraints on platelet release were evaluated by measuring the resistance of guinea pig megakaryocytes to aspiration into micropipettes of similar diameter to the width of naturally forming proplatelet projections. Application of increasing negative pressure to the surface of the cells resulted in progressively longer extensions being drawn into the pipette until maximal extension lengths were reached. None of the passively aspirated cytoplasmic extensions fragmented off the cells even at the highest aspiration pressure under physiologic study conditions. The longest extensions were aspirated from megakaryocytes of the most advanced maturation stage, and a proportion of the mature cells yielded very long extensions over 50 mu and up to 150 mu in length. Surprisingly, the ease of aspiration did not correlate to cell size during any stage of maturation. The mechanical behavior of guinea pig megakaryocytes indicates a large availability of surface for extension in mature cells ideal for active proplatelet projection. The lack of mechanical fragility suggests that platelet release is a very late maturational event not yet initiated in the "mature" megakaryocytes available for study from marrow harvests.
The Pathobiology of Restenosis a Paradigm From Clinical and Experimental Studies

The phenomenon of restenosis following vascular interventional procedures continues to be a major obstacle to the long-term success of these procedures. Worldwide, thousands of coronary interventions are performed yearly, including percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), coronary stenting, as well as directional and rotational atherectomy. Although these procedures are generally equivalent in their acute success rate, variable amounts of clinical restenosis are noted, ranging from a low of 20% for intracoronary stenting to as high as 60% for atherectomy (1–2, 15). The same phenomenon in different form plagues the long-term success of whole organ transplantation.
The role of diffusion weighted imaging as supplement to dynamic contrast enhanced breast MRI: Can it help predict malignancy, histologic grade and recurrence?

Rationale and Objectives To evaluate the value of adding Diffusion Weighted Imaging (DWI) with Apparent Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) mapping to dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE-MRI) to distinguish benign from malignant pathology subtypes and tumor recurrence. Method and Materials In this retrospective IRB approved study, 956 consecutive patients underwent bilateral breast MRI between 1/2015 and 12/2015, with 156 BIRADS 4, 5, or 6 lesions detected in 111 patients. DWI imaging at B0, B100, B600, B1000 was performed with DCE-MRI. Values for diffusion and ADC images were recorded by two fellowship-trained breast radiologists. Mean ADC and signal intensity (SI) values were correlated with histology, tumor grade, hormone receptors (ER, PR, and HER-2)and Oncotype DX scores, when available. p ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Results Of 156 lesions, there were 59 (38%) benign lesions, 24 (15%) Ductal Carcinoma In-Situ, 47 (30%) Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC), 15 (10%) Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC) and 2 (2%) Mucinous carcinoma (MC), five (5%) mixed IDC and ILC, and four (4%) other, including tubular and rare types of malignancy. Mean ADC values for malignancy were significantly lower than for benign lesions (1085 ± 343 × 10−6 vs 1481 ± 276 × 10−6 mm2/s), which is highly predictive (area under curve = 0.82). In addition, tumors with PR negativity and Oncotype score ≥18 (intermediate to high risk for recurrence) demonstrated significantly lower ADC values. SI at B100 and B600 was helpful in distinguishing benign versus IDC. There was no significant correlation between ADC values and tumor grade or ER/HER2 status. Conclusion ADC value is important factor in distinguishing malignancy, differentiating tumors with higher Oncotype score, and PR negativity. Therefore, it can be used as an important tool to assist appropriate treatment selection.
Evaluation and Construction of Covering Arrays Utilizing Prior Information

Covering arrays are being increasingly used as a tool to determine test cases for testing complex engineered systems. The primary appeal of using covering arrays for this purpose is that they are an efficient way to construct test cases that are effective at precipitating failures that are due to the combination of several inputs. Test engineers often have prior knowledge about the system under test. We propose a method for evaluating and constructing covering arrays that utilizes prior information on the inputs. As a result, the resulting test suite can potentially increase the likelihood of precipitating a failure.
A computational thinking course accessible to non-stem majors

We describe the content, pedagogy and technology of a computational thinking course. While open to students in all majors, in practice the course serves students in predominantly non-STEM majors. We have seen the positive impact on student motivation of the data science context used in the course and the pedagogical value of the "cohort" model of collaborative peer learning. The technology includes a scaffolded programming environment for accessing curated real-world data sets.
A graphical interface for the dodge poetry festival archive

The Dodge Poetry Festival is a biennial four-day event at which American and international poets read their own poetry out loud to relatively large, attentive audiences. In this paper, we report on a prototype graphical interface designed to let users access high quality video recordings of these poetry readings. The goal is to create an interface that draws high school students in particular into the experience of listening to poetry. This prototype is the first step in a plan to build a working system for a small portion of the Archive collection that can then be realistically evaluated. From a historical perspective, the archive provides a high-quality record of poets of the late 20th and early 21st centuries reading their own poems and and discussing their work with festival attendees.
1846 Preparing for FLS: A Survey of Residents in Obstetrics and Gynecology

Study Objective Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) is a validated curriculum that uses laparoscopic simulation to prepare surgeons for the operating room. The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology has made FLS certification an eligibility requirement to take the certifying board exam for residents graduating in 2020 and onwards. The objective of this study is to describe the resident experience and to quantify test preparation for the FLS exam. Design This is a prospective observational study at a large academic medical center. Setting This study took place at UT Southwestern Medical Center between September 1, 2018 and March 31, 2019. Patients or Participants Second year residents in Obstetrics and Gynecology were invited to participate in the study if they had completed their initial FLS certification exam. Of 18 second year residents, 15 met eligibility criteria and all agreed to participate. Interventions Participants completed a two-page questionnaire about their preparation for the exam, including questions about practice time and repetitions for the five skills tasks and time spent watching the FLS-provided videos. Measurements and Main Results 15 residents completed the survey. Participants spent an average of 3 sessions practicing for an average of 2-3 hours per task. 11/15 residents rated the ligating loop the easiest task to master and 8/15 residents rated the precision cut most difficult. Residents viewed the training modules an average of 1.7 times. All 15 residents who took the exam passed. Conclusion FLS certification will soon be a requirement of all graduating US residents in Obstetrics & Gynecology. Residents and training programs will benefit from an understanding of the time and resources required to successfully take this exam. Our data suggests that residents spent upwards of 10 hours practicing to proficiency on the simulation tasks, in addition to viewing the training videos.
Regional Market Competition is Associated with Aneurysm Diameter at the Time of EVAR.

Background Local market competition has been previously associated with more aggressive surgical decision-making. For example, more local competition for organs is associated with acceptance of lower quality kidney offers in transplant surgery. We hypothesized that market competition would be associated with the size of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) at the time of elective endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Methods We included all elective EVARs reported in the Vascular Quality Initiative database (2012–2018). Small AAAs were defined as a maximum diameter Results Of 37,914 EVARs performed, 15,379 (40.6%) were for small AAAs. There was significant variation in proportion of EVARs performed for small AAAs across regions (P Conclusions Physician market concentration is independently associated with AAA diameter at time of elective EVAR. These data suggest that physician decision-making for EVAR is impacted by market competition.
Direction of arrival estimation in practical scenarios using moving standard deviation processing for localization and tracking with acoustic vector sensors

Abstract Typical direction of arrival (DOA) estimation is done with sensor arrays consisting of a great number of sensors. It is of interest to perform DOA estimation with few sensor locations. Acoustic vector sensors (AVS) provide one option for DOA estimation in applications where few sensor locations are required. The majority of AVS experiments have focused on stationary sources in laboratory environments where the source signature is known and controlled. Experiments in this paper have been conducted with in-air pressure-pressure (pp) AVS to track moving mechanical noise sources (ground vehicles) in real-world environments with various frequency content and signal to noise ratio. A moving standard deviation (MSD) algorithm has been used with AVS to estimate DOA at multiple sites. Azimuthal DOA accuracy has been shown to be dependent on ground-reflected paths for pp AVS with comparison to analytical models. Utilizing multiple AVS sites, in-air pp AVS are demonstrated to localize sources with complex signatures.
Change the Laminin, Change the Cardiomyocyte: Improve Untreatable Heart Failure.

No effective medical treatment exists for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), accounting for approximately half of all heart failure cases. The elevated passive myocardial stiffness in HFpEF is attributed to a combination of alterations in the extracellular matrix (ECM) collagen content and modifications in the sarcomeric protein titin. Here, we propose polylaminin, a biomimetic polymer of laminin, as a promising approach for manipulating the titin isoform shift and phosphorylation in cardiomyocytes. Exploring the pleiotropic effects of polylaminin may be a novel strategy for alleviating symptoms in HFpEF’s multifactorial pathophysiology.
Barriers to entry in the healthcare markets: Winners and Losers from certificate-of-need laws

Abstract In states with Certificate of Need (CON) laws, medical services providers must file an application and demonstrate community need before being permitted to start or expand a service. We examine CON laws for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and positron emission tomography (PET) scanners to test the hypothesis that the approval process favors established incumbent hospitals over new hospital entrants and nonhospital providers. Using Medicare claims data in 2013, we find that states with CON laws have 20 to 33% fewer providers, depending on the type of scanners to which the laws apply. As a result, residents of CON law states are 3.4–5.3 percentage points more likely to travel outside their home county to obtain imaging services than residents of non-CON states. In addition, there is a notable shift in the type of provider: CON laws are associated with 27–53% fewer scans by nonhospital providers per beneficiary, 23 to 70% fewer by new hospitals, but 6 to 21% more scans in older hospitals.
Prediction of Celiac Disease Severity and Associated Endocrine Morbidities through Deep Learning-based Image Analytics.

Abstract Objective Develop a deep learning-based methodology using the foundations of systems pathology to generate highly accurate predictive tools for complex gastrointestinal diseases, using celiac disease (CD) as a prototype. Design To predict the severity of CD, defined by Marsh–Oberhuber classification, we used deep learning to develop a model based on histopathologic features. Results The study was based on a pediatric cohort of 124 patients identified with different classes of CD severity. The model predicted CD with an overall 88.7% accuracy with the highest for Marsh IIIc (91.0%; 95% sensitivity; 91% specificity). The model identified EECs as a defining feature of children with Marsh IIIc CD and endocrinopathies which was confirmed using immunohistochemistry. Conclusion This deep learning image analysis platform has broad applications in disease treatment, management, and prognostication and paves the way for precision medicine. Summary What is already known about this subject? –Deep Learning has the potential to generate predictive models for complex gastrointestinal diseases. What are the new findings? –Our deep learning-based model used the foundations of systems pathology to generate a highly accurate predictive tool for complex gastrointestinal diseases, using a celiac disease (CD) pediatric cohort as a prototype. –The model predicated CD severity with high accuracy and identified enteroendocrine cells as a defining feature of children with severe CD and endocrinopathies. How might it impact on clinical practice in the foreseeable future? –Assessment of histopathological markers at the time of diagnosis that can predict risk of severity or complications can have broad applications in disease treatment, management, and prognostication and pave the way for precision medicine.