cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Complications of Pelvic Mesh Excision Surgery Using the Clavien-Dindo Classification System

Purpose: We describe and categorize complications using the Clavien-Dindo classification system in patients who underwent vaginal mesh excision surgery.Materials and Methods: With institutional review board approval we retrospectively reviewed the records of 277 patients who underwent vaginal mesh extraction between 2007 and 2015 at a single institution. Surgical complications were stratified using the Clavien-Dindo classification system. Complications were perioperative (prior to discharge) or postoperative (within 90 days). Indications for initial mesh placement, mesh revision procedure, time to resolution and medical comorbidities were assessed.Results: Of the 277 patients 47.3% had at least 1 surgical complication, including multiple complications in 7.2%. A total of 155 complications were identified, which were grade II in 49.0% of cases, grade I in 25.8%, grade IIIb in 18.7%, grade IIIa in 5.2% and grade IVa in 1.3%. No grade IVb or V complications were identified. The indication for initial mesh pl...
Postpartum Depression, Risk Factors, and Child’s Home Environment Among Mothers in a Home Visiting Program

This paper provides an in-depth description of predictors of elevated postpartum depression (PPD) symptoms among mothers identified as high risk for committing child maltreatment in a home visiting program. We also examine how elevated PPD symptoms in early postpartum affect subsequent maternal child interactions in the home environment, a key measure of home visiting programs. Secondary data analysis was conducted using a sample (n = 4979) from a Healthy Families America program. Multiple linear regression models examined predictors of elevated PPD symptoms and logistic regression models determined the effect of elevated PPD symptoms on the home environment. Elevated PPD symptoms at 3 months postpartum were predicted by elevated depressive symptoms prenatally (OR = 4.34, 95% CI [3.46, 5.45]) and being unemployed (OR = 1.37, 95% CI [1.18, 1.58]). Being African American (OR = .83, 95% CI [.69, .99]) or not having English as first language (OR = .51, 95% CI [.32, .83]) were associated with decreased odds of elevated PPD symptoms. In turn, elevated PPD symptoms were associated with decreased overall home environment functioning at 12 months (β = −.87, 95% CI [−1.48, −.26]), particularly in the domains of maternal acceptance (β = −.19, 95% CI [−.36, −.03]) and involvement (β = −.24, 95% CI [−.39, −.08]). Elevated PPD symptoms may have long-term impact on home environment, including negative effects on mother's acceptance of and involvement with her child. Early screenings and treatment for PPD among mothers at risk for committing child maltreatment are supported
Educational Curriculum Leadership as "Currere" and Praxis.

ABSTRACTThe article provides a century-long sociocultural history as it relates to curriculum and educational leadership. Not every historical dialogue between the two fields has been productive: that is, in addition to holding this complicated conversation, there needs to be a focus on the meanings of the public good inside national contexts, in our case, the U.S. Therefore, combining the histories of curriculum and educational leadership requires what William Pinar called currere, and our critiques move from theory and practice to praxis.
Quality Indicators for Systematic Reviews in Behavioral Disorders

Special education researchers, practitioners, and policy makers continue to work toward developing and implementing empirically supported practices and policies to address the academic, social, and...
DeepSim: Cluster Level Behavioral Simulation Model for Deep Learning

We are witnessing an explosion of AI based use cases driving the computer industry, and especially datacenter and server architectures. As Intel faces fierce competition in this emerging technology space, it is important that architecture definitions and directions are driven with data from proper tools and methodologies, and insights are drawn from end-to-end holistic analysis at the datacenter levels. In this paper, we introduce DeepSim, a cluster-level behavioral simulation model for deep learning. DeepSim, which is based on the Intel CoFluent simulation framework, uses timed behavioral models to simulate complex interworking between compute nodes, networking, and storage at the datacenter level, providing a realistic performance model of a real-world image recognition applications based on the popular Deep Learning Framework Caffe. The end-to-end simulation data from DeepSim provides insight which can be used for architecture analysis driving future datacenter architecture directions. DeepSim enables scalable system design, deployment, and capacity planning through accurate performance insights. Results from preliminary scaling studies (e.g. node scaling and network scaling) and what-if analyses (e.g., Xeon with HBM and Xeon Phi with dual OPA) are presented in this paper. The simulation results are correlated well with empirical measurements, achieving an accuracy of 95%.
Passive vs. Active Targeting: An Update of the EPR Role in Drug Delivery to Tumors

A variety of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) currently used for cancer treatment are cytotoxic, and show nonspecific distribution when administered systemically resulting in toxicity to normal tissues, hence limiting their clinical application. To overcome these challenges, nanocarriers such as liposomes and micelles have been widely used to deliver APIs for cancer chemotherapy. Delivery of nanocarriers is achieved either via “passive targeting” owing to the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect or via “active targeting” due to the presence of various ligands on the surface of nanocarriers, such as antibodies, peptides, etc. Numerous factors are involved in successful delivery of chemotherapeutic agents; these depend on the tumor microenvironment, formulation factors such as choice of ligand use, physiochemical properties of the nanocarriers, and the choice of target. In this chapter, we discuss the fundamentals of EPR effect, factors affecting passive and active targeting, and current clinical update of various actively and passively targeted liposomes and micelles.
Ion Scattering Spectroscopy for Microstructural Analysis

The knowledge of surface composition and its relation to other materials properties is becoming more important as new techniques make this information available. One of the most recent developments for this type of surface analysis is the ion scattering spectrometer (ISS). This instrument is unique in several aspects, foremost of which is its ability to determine the elemental constituents in the outermost atomic surface layer. In ion scattering spectrometry, a surface is bombarded with a beam of noble gas ions and then the energies of the scattered ions are analyzed. A certain fraction of these ions experience binary elastic collisions with the surface atoms, and the ions energies after such collisions, enabling the surface atoms to be identified. Hence, by recording the energy spectra of the scattered binary ions, surface atoms in the first atomic layer are detected and identified. With ISS, it is possible to determine not only the composition of the outermost atomic layer, but also the composition of successive deeper layers into the specimen. Thus, the composition as a function of depth, a depth profile, can be established. The realization of this technique was made possible by advancements in ultrahigh vacuum and ion optics technology over the last decade.
Forced displacements and the environment: Its place in national and international climate agenda.

Abstract Countries in the East African region have for decades been synonymous with natural disasters, conflicts and severe environmental degradation. About 10 million out of the 65.6 million displaced persons globally are found in this region. This paper presents an empirical analysis of environmental impacts caused by forced displacements in five East African countries. Contrary to a widely-held opinion, there is sufficient anecdotal and empirical evidence depicting environmental damage caused by refugees and/or Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). A spatial analysis of current and former refugee and/or IDP camps in these five countries suggests the formation of “deforestation clusters” with concentrations of camps that compound environmental impacts. Technological advancements such as remote sensing capabilities can provide the means for assessing and implementing environmental protection measures. This paper recommends environmental care in humanitarian settings be considered an integral part of the Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and climate change/variability agenda, based on cost- and responsibility-sharing, employing technology, and incorporating appropriate monitoring tools.
Efficacy and Safety of Further Lowering of Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol in Patients Starting With Very Low Levels: A Meta-analysis

Importance In the Cholesterol Treatment Trialists Collaboration (CTTC), in patients starting with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels of approximately 3.4 mmol/L (131.5 mg/dL), there was a 22% reduction in major vascular events per 1-mmol/L (38.7-mg/dL) lowering of LDL-C. The magnitude of clinical benefit of further LDL-C lowering in patients already with very low LDL-C levels remains debated. Objective To evaluate efficacy and safety of further lowering LDL-C levels in patient populations presenting with median LDL-C levels of 1.8 mmol/L (70 mg/dL) or less. Data Sources and Study Selection The CTTC was used for statin data. For nonstatin therapy, Medline database was searched (2015-April 2018). Key inclusion criteria were a randomized, double-blind, controlled cardiovascular outcome trial of LDL-C lowering with data in populations starting with LDL-C levels averaging 1.8 mmol/L (70 mg/dL) or less. Data Extraction and Synthesis Two authors independently extracted data into standardized data sheets, and data were analyzed using meta-analysis. Main Outcomes and Measures The risk ratio (RR) of major vascular events (a composite of coronary heart death, myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, or coronary revascularization) per 1-mmol/L (38.7-mg/dL) reduction in LDL-C level. Results In the subgroup of patients from the CTTC meta-analysis of statins with a mean LDL-C in the control arm of 1.7 mmol/L (65.7 mg/dL), 1922 major vascular events occurred and the RR for major vascular events per 1-mmol/L (38.7-mg/dL) reduction in LDL-C was 0.78 (95% CI, 0.65-0.94). For 3 trials of nonstatin LDL-C–lowering therapies added to statins, there were 50 627 patients, the median LDL-C in the control arms ranged from 1.6 mmol/L to 1.8 mmol/L (63 mg/dL to 70 mg/dL), and 9570 major vascular events occurred. Nonstatin therapy lowered LDL-C by 0.3 to 1.2 mmol/L (11 mg/dL to 45 mg/dL), and the RR for major vascular events per 1-mmol/L (38.7-mg/dL) reduction in LDL-C was 0.79 (95% CI, 0.70-0.88). For statins and nonstatins combined, the RR was 0.79 (95% CI, 0.71-0.87; P Conclusions and Relevance There is a consistent relative risk reduction in major vascular events per change in LDL-C in patient populations starting as low as a median of 1.6 mmol/L (63 mg/dL) and achieving levels as low as a median of 0.5 mmol/L (21 mg/dL), with no observed offsetting adverse effects. These data suggest further lowering of LDL-C beyond the lowest current targets would further reduce cardiovascular risk.
Poor Left Ventricular Unloading is Associated with Increased Mortality after Continuous Flow Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation

Purpose The role of routine right heart catheterization (RHC) to evaluate for left ventricular (LV) unloading remains unclear in patients with continuous flow left ventricular assist devices (CF-LVAD). We hypothesized that persistently elevated pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) would be associated with increased mortality on CF-LVAD support. Methods A single center continuous flow LVAD cohort (n=451) was queried for patients with follow-up RHC data at 6 months +/- 3 months (n=179). To determine the relationship between follow-up PCWP and mortality, a multivariable cox regression analysis was performed. Results The mean age of the study cohort was 57±13 years. 79% (141/179) were males, 56% (101/179) had ischemic cardiomyopathy and 74% (133/179) were designated bridge to transplant (BTT). The median follow-up time on LVAD support after RHC was 4.4 years. The only pre-implant variables that were associated with elevated PCWP in the multivariate analysis were renal function and BMI (each 2.5 unit increase in BMI was associated with an adjusted 0.6 mmHg increase in follow-up PCWP, 95% CI 0.2-0.9 mmHg, p=0.004; each 0.5 mg/dL increase in creatinine was associated with a 1.2 mmHg increase in follow-up PCWP, 95% CI 0.4-2.1, p=0.003). In the final multivariate models, each 5 mmHg increase in PCWP at the time of RHC was associated with a 22% increase in the hazards rate of death during follow-up (adjusted HR 1.2, 95% CI 1.01-1.47, p=0.039). All models were adjusted for age, sex, INTERMACS profile, body mass index, bridge to transplant status and renal function. Conclusion Incomplete LV unloading following CF-LVAD implantation is associated with increased all-cause mortality. Our results emphasize the importance of invasive hemodynamic optimization in this patient population. Further studies are warranted to determine the optimal filling pressures in patients with CF-LVAD.
AN ELASTIC NEUTRON DIFFRACTION STUDY OF TRANSFORMING AND NON-TRANSFORMING SINGLE CRYSTAL ZrV2†

The mosaic spread of single crystal ZrV2 is unusually narrow, ~ 1′ from room temperature to 130K. For non-transforming perfect single crystal the mosaic gradually increases to ~ 1.86′ at 4.2K; for transforming, twinned single crystal the room temperature mosaic is maintained to 110K, then increases to 2.76′ at 94K when the crystal transforms to a mixed cubic (30%) and rhombohedral state (70%). The onset of the electronic instability (~ 100K) is accompanied by an increase in diffuse scattering background which, for the twinned crystal, peaks at the structural transformation. The electronic instability coupled to the localized lattice stress appears to be the driving mechanism for the transformation.
Restriction fragment length polymorphisms as genetic markers in soybean, Glycine max (L.) merrill

Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphisms (RFLP) have been identified between widely distant cultivars (‘Minsoy’ and ‘Noir 1 ’) of soybean Glycine max (L.) Merrill. Using as probes randomly chosen clones of DNA, one in five probes revealed a polymorphism. More than half of these polymorphisms appear to result from rearrangements of the genomic DNA. Twenty seven markers were analyzed for linkage in F2 plants. Eleven of these markers were contained in four linkage groups. Five cultivars were compared in a search for new alleles. When RFLP markers corresponding to low copy DNA were used to analyze three other cultivars — ‘Sooty’, ‘Forrest’ and ‘Mandarin (Ottawa)’ — few new alleles were found. Using these probes, five different markers could be used to differentiate the five cultivars. Complex probes, which correspond to repeated DNA, revealed different polymorphisms in different cultivars and a single such probe could be used to distinguish the five cultivars from each other.
Hardness of Approximation Between P and NP

Nash equilibrium is the central solution concept in Game Theory. Since Nash's original paper in 1951, it has found countless applications in modeling strategic behavior of traders in markets, (human) drivers and (electronic) routers in congested networks, nations in nuclear disarmament negotiations, and more. A decade ago, the relevance of this solution concept was called into question by computer scientists, who proved (under appropriate complexity assumptions) that computing a Nash equilibrium is an intractable problem. And if centralized, specially designed algorithms cannot find Nash equilibria, why should we expect distributed, selfish agents to converge to one? The remaining hope was that at least approximate Nash equilibria can be efficiently computed. Understanding whether there is an efficient algorithm for approximate Nash equilibrium has been the central open problem in this field for the past decade. In this book, we provide strong evidence that even finding an approximate Nash equilibrium is intractable. We prove several intractability theorems for different settings (two-player games and many-player games) and models (computational complexity, query complexity, and communication complexity). In particular, our main result is that under a plausible and natural complexity assumption ("Exponential Time Hypothesis for PPAD"), there is no polynomial-time algorithm for finding an approximate Nash equilibrium in two-player games. The problem of approximate Nash equilibrium in a two-player game poses a unique technical challenge: it is a member of the class PPAD, which captures the complexity of several fundamental total problems, i.e., problems that always have a solution; and it also admits a quasipolynomial time algorithm. Either property alone is believed to place this problem far below NP-hard problems in the complexity hierarchy; having both simultaneously places it just above P, at what can be called the frontier of intractability. Indeed, the tools we develop in this book to advance on this frontier are useful for proving hardness of approximation of several other important problems whose complexity lies between P and NP: Brouwer's fixed point, market equilibrium, CourseMatch (A-CEEI), densest k-subgraph, community detection, VC dimension and Littlestone dimension, and signaling in zero-sum games.
Correlation Between Laminar Wall Shear Stress and Growth of Unruptured Cerebral Aneurysms: In Vivo Assessment.

Background Cerebral aneurysm growth is significantly associated with aneurysm rupture, but risk factors for aneurysm growth are not well characterized. It is believed that altered intracranial hemodynamics may contribute to the pathophysiology of aneurysm growth, but these mechanisms are not fully understood. Objective Here, we assess the correlation between growth of unruptured cerebral aneurysms over time and average laminar shear stress on the wall of the parent vessel proximal to the aneurysm. Methods Patients with unruptured, untreated cerebral aneurysms followed over time at our institution between 2005 and 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were included if at least 1 quantitative magnetic resonance angiography study was performed at baseline and follow-up. The nonparametric Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test was used to compare mean parent vessel−laminar wall shear stress (PV-LWSS) proximal to the aneurysm in growing versus stable aneurysms. Change in PV-LWSS over time was evaluated using the 1-way repeated measures analysis of variance test. Results Thirty-three patients with 45 total aneurysms were included (63% female, mean age 60 years). Four patients presented with aneurysm growth over time. Unstable aneurysms had significantly higher PV-LWSS compared with stable aneurysms at the time of first diagnosis (29.3 vs. 13.1 dynes/cm2, P = 0.02) and at 1-year follow-up (25.8 vs. 12.3 dynes/cm2, P = 0.05). Conclusions The subset of unruptured cerebral aneurysms that demonstrate growth over time has a significantly higher mean PV-LWSS than stable aneurysms, as measured by quantitative magnetic resonance angiography. This information at the time of diagnosis may help predict future aneurysm growth, stratify rupture risk, and identify those aneurysms that should undergo prophylactic treatment.
The Dark Side of Big Data: Personal Privacy, Data Security, and Price Discrimination

New information technologies enable big data collection, analysis, and forecasting. Based on big data, firms now have the capability to manipulate consumers, deliver personalized advertisements, and apply price discrimination policies. On the other hand, concerns about personal privacy and data security arise with big data. This chapter discusses concerns regarding the dark side of big data through observations of results for consumers led by firms sharing and using these data.
Relationship between alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency and ascending aortic distention

Introduction: Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency (AATD), better known for its lung and liver disease manifestations, has also been linked to aneurysmal disease arising from increased elastin breakdown. Aim: To investigate the relationship between AATD and ascending aortic distention. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study performed at a tertiary academic centre. Patients with computed tomography (CT) scans and panlobular emphysema due to AATD (AATD group) or non-AATD-associated emphysema (control group) were identified and patient demographics, including age and sex, were recorded. The diameter of the mid ascending aorta was measured from outer wall to outer wall using non-gated axial CT scans, with or without contrast. Mean diameter for each group was calculated and compared using a two-sample t-test. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between ascending aortic diameter and age. Results: Patients with AATD (n=51) were approximately 10 years younger than those in the control group (n=96; mean age: 55±9.5 vs 65±7.2 years, respectively). There was no difference in mean aortic diameter (3.34±0.43 vs 3.37±0.39 cm; p=0.68), and no within gender difference in diameter (males: 3.49±0.45 vs 3.5±0.39 cm, p=0.9; females: 3.14±0.32 vs 3.18±0.31 cm, p=0.68) between the AATD and control groups, respectively. Aortic diameter significantly increased with age in the AATD group (r=0.43, p=0.0016); a relationship that was not seen in the control group (r=0.16; p=0.11). Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first controlled study to assess the relationship between AATD and ascending aortic diameter, and suggests AATD is associated with accelerated aortic wall degeneration.
Central venous catheter-related thrombosis in children and adults

Abstract Central venous catheters (CVC) have revolutionized the care of patients requiring long-term venous access. With increasing use of CVCs, the incidence of catheter-related thrombosis (CRT) has been on the rise. CRT constitutes 10% of all deep venous thromboses (DVT) in adults and 50–80% of all DVTs among children. The incidence of CRT varies significantly based on patient characteristics, catheter-related factors and the steps involved in the process of catheter insertion. Multiple risk factors have been associated with a higher risk of CRT, including older age, hospitalization, CVC insertion in the subclavian vein, left-sided CVC insertion, longer duration of catheter, catheter-to-vein ratio > 0.45, and type of CVC. A majority of patients with CRT are asymptomatic. Duplex ultrasound is the initial diagnostic modality of choice, though other modalities like CT angiography and MRV may be necessary for certain CRT locations. Current guidelines recommend maintaining a catheter unless nonfunctional or unneeded, in addition to systemic anticoagulation. Data guiding anticoagulant management specific to upper extremity VTE is lacking, and practice is mostly extrapolated from data on lower extremities. Further studies are required to establish evidence-based guidelines in the management of adults and children with CRT, and in particular the role of direct oral anticoagulants. In this review, we describe the knowledge gaps that exist in multiple aspects of CRT and the need for large collaborative studies to improve the care of patients with CRT.
E-006 Multiple flow-related intracranial aneurysms in the setting of contralateral carotid occlusion: a case report and review of the literature

Background Severe stenosis or occlusion of one internal carotid artery (ICA) may result in increased demand and altered hemodynamics in the contralateral ICA, thus increasing the risk of IA (intracranial aneurysm) formation in the distribution of the non-stenotic artery. The prevalence of IA is higher in patients with ICA stenosis, likely due to alterations in intracranial hemodynamics. We present a patient with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage who was found to have multiple flow-related left-sided anterior circulation IA and a chronic right ICA occlusion. We discuss our patient, the considerations for management in this challenging clinical scenario, and review the literature as it pertains to the association of ICA stenosis and IA. Case presentation A 50-year-old female with a chronic asymptomatic right ICA occlusion presented with diffuse subarachnoid hemorrhage. Emergent angiography revealed left-sided A1-A2 junction, paraclinoid, left middle cerebral artery (MCA) bifurcation, and left anterior temporal artery aneurysms. Brisk filling of the right anterior circulation via the anterior communicating artery (ACOM) was also identified, signifying increased demand on the left ICA circulation. Treatment/Result Complete obliteration of the A1-A2 junction, paraclinoid, and MCA bifurcation aneurysms was achieved with coil embolization. The anterior temporal artery aneurysm was obliterated with clipping approximately 6 weeks following the hemorrhage. All coiled aneurysms remained obliterated at the time of the 6-week follow-up angiogram. The patient made a complete neurologic recovery and is living independently. Six-month follow-up MRA showed complete occlusion of all treated aneurysms. Conclusion A review of published case reports/studies of patients with concurrent ICA stenosis and IA revealed a higher number of patients with multiple aneurysms contralateral (25%) to, rather than ipsilateral to (6%), the ICA stenosis. We present a patient with a chronic asymptomatic right ICA occlusion and aneurysmal SAH, who was found to have multiple, likely flow-related, left-sided anterior circulation aneurysms. All aneurysms were obliterated with a combination of endovascular and microsurgical techniques and the patient made a complete recovery. Disclosures M. Mathkour: None. E. McCormack: None. C. Werner: None. P. Amenta: None.
Pathologic validation of an yttrium-90 trans-arterial radioembolization dosimetry: a case report.

Yttrium-90 (Y-90) trans-arterial radioembolization (TARE) is used in the management of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). During the last 5 years, dosimetry software has been developed to allow for a more rigorous approach of dose prescription in Y-90 TARE. We present here a case study of a 77-year-old woman diagnosed with HCC, who underwent a Y-90 TARE as a bridge procedure to liver resection. This clinical scenario represents a unique opportunity to illustrate the predictive value of dosimetric findings correlating dosimetry with pathological findings. In this case, Y-90 TARE dosimetry was predictive of treatment response in which the tumor received a mean dose of 156 Gy and demonstrated a complete pathologic response.
Carbon isotopic composition of plant waxes, bulk organics and carbonates from soils of the Serengeti grasslands

Abstract The carbon isotopic composition of different carbon-bearing materials, organic and inorganic, is commonly used to reconstruct distributions of tropical C4 grasslands. However, no study of modern soils has yet combined carbon isotopic compositions (δ13C) of bulk soil organic matter (SOM), soil carbonate (SC), plant wax n-alkanes (alk) and n-alkanoic acids (acid) to allow for comparison between all four materials. Here, we studied carbonate-precipitating, grassland soils across the Serengeti ecosystem, Tanzania to directly compare δ13C values of these four materials using samples from 11 sites along a NW–SE transect and depth profiles at each location. Among the soil carbonates found at 9 sites, the δ13C results (δ13CSC mean = 0.5 ‰, 1σ = 0.8‰, n = 70 nodules collected), denote C4 grasses exclusively, but soil carbonates are absent from two of the three sites with trees. Organics were measured at all 11 sites including bulk (δ13CSOM −13.1 ± 1.8‰) and plant wax biomarkers (e.g., δ13C29alk −23.5 ± 3.1, δ13C31alk −22.2 ± 2.0, δ13C33alk −21.9 ± 1.8, δ13C28acid −19.1 ± 2.1‰, δ13C30acid −21.1 ± 2.6‰, and δ13C32acid −20.1 ± 1.7‰). δ13C values in organic materials record the dominance of C4 grasses at the sampled sites. Surface samples are more negative than those at depth at most sites, reflecting changes in atmospheric composition and surficial inputs in recent decades, and degradation at depth over centuries. We found significant correlations between each of the organic proxies, but the δ13C29alk is overly responsive to tree inputs (greater C29 concentration and 13C-depletion relative to other homologues), whereas the δ13C31alk, δ13C33alk and δ13C32acid are robust recorders of vegetation cover. Of all materials considered (plant wax, SOM and soil carbonates), plant wax n-alkanes and n-alkanoic acids have the broadest applicability, extending to non-carbonate bearing soils, and to lacustrine and marine sedimentary archives.
Comparing mortality in patients with carbapenemase-producing carbapenem resistant Enterobacterales and non-carbapenemase-producing carbapenem resistant Enterobacterales bacteremia

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) are classified as either carbapenemase-producing CRE (CP-CRE) or non-carbapenemase-producing CRE (non-CP-CRE) based on their mechanism of carbapenem resistance. Few studies have compared outcomes associated with each type of infection. We attempted to determine if either CRE subset is associated with increased mortality. We performed a retrospective observational study to collect demographic, clinical and outcomes data to compare patients with CP-CRE and non-CP-CRE bacteremia. Of 146 cases analyzed, 88/146 (60%) were CP-CRE and 58/146 (40%) were non-CP-CRE. Patients with CP-CRE bacteremia were less likely to receive active empiric or targeted antibiotic therapy. Non-CP-CRE bacteremia was associated with a 2.4 times higher hazard of death at 30 days after bacteremia onset compared to CP-CRE (HR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.2, 4.6). Patients with non-CP-CRE bacteremia had a higher hazard of death at 30 days after bacteremia onset compared to those with CP-CRE bacteremia.
Pricing in a Duopoly with Observational Learning

We look at the problem of pricing in a duopoly with observational learning. Prior literature shows that when the number of customers in a monopoly is sufficiently large and the monopolist is sufficiently patient, an informational cascade always happens; furthermore, the probability that the cascade is wrong, i.e., virtually all customers receive negative utility ex post, is always positive. We find similar results in a duopoly with static pricing. Interestingly, and in contrast to the previous literature, we show that in a duopoly with dynamic pricing, there are equilibria in which no cascade happens. More importantly, we show that a wrong cascade cannot happen in equilibrium. Our results could explain why, in practice, cascades, and specifically wrong cascades, are not as common as prior literature has predicted.
Family composition and symptom severity among Veterans with comorbid PTSD and substance use disorders.

Abstract Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorders (SUD) frequently co-occur and affect a substantial proportion of military Veterans. Although the impact of parental PTSD and SUD on child development is well-documented, little is known about the influence of family composition on PTSD/SUD symptom severity. The present study investigated children in the home as an independent risk factor for symptom severity in a sample of treatment-seeking Veterans (N = 94; 92% male) with comorbid PTSD/SUD. Twenty-seven percent of the sample had minor children (age 18 or younger) living in the home. Veterans with children in the home evidenced significantly higher PTSD symptomatology as measured by the Clinical Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS; M = 82.65 vs. M = 72.17; t = − 2.18; p t = − 2.35, p 2 = .07) in PTSD severity after accounting for a range of covariates; however, having children in the home did not account for unique variance in substance use. Directions for future research as well as potential clinical implications for parents seeking treatment for PTSD/SUD are discussed.
Can Near-infrared Spectroscopy Detect and Differentiate Implant-associated Biofilms?

Background Established bacterial diagnostic techniques for orthopaedic-related infections rely on a combination of imperfect tests that often can lead to negative culture results. Spectroscopy is a tool that potentially could aid in rapid detection and differentiation of bacteria in implant-associated infections.
SU-E-T-688: Secondary MU Calculation for Flattening Filter Free (FFF) Photon Beams

Purpose: A secondary monitor unit (MU) checking algorithm was developed for flattening-filter free (FFF) photon beams. Conventional algorithms are based on the equivalent-square method to calculate the dose per MU. This is invalid because of the non-uniform profile of the FFF beam. An empirical point-spread kernel based algorithm that was previously developed was commissioned for a Varian TrueBeam FFF beam. Methods: Benchmark values at various off-axis points are checked for dose per MU and compared to the algorithm-calculated values for 6 and 10 MV FFF beams. Various SSD, jaw openings, and off-axis points were measured for each energy beam. The MU calculation program is then compared to Eclipse calculations for patient plans. Results: It was found that the developed MU calculating algorithm can be used as a secondary MU check for FFF photon beams for the TrueBeam. The calculated dose per MU were within 2% of the measured value for various beam settings. Varian Clinac benchmark values were also compared to the calculations. Conclusion: This work demonstrates the successful commissioning of a secondary MU calculation algorithm for photon FFF beams at 6 and 10 MV.
Saddlepoints and von Neumann Minimax Theorem

This section introduces the basic properties of two-person zero-sum (TPZS) games and presents their general solution concepts. Keywords: two-person zero-sum games; pure strategy; mixed strategy; saddlepoint; minimax theorem; solution concept
Further Purification and Properties of Neurospora Nitrate Reductase

Abstract Neurospora crassa (5297a) NADPH-nitrate reductase (NADPH:nitrate oxidoreductase, EC 1.6.6.2), a soluble, sulfhydryl-containing protein with FAD, a cytochrome b designated cytochrome b557 (N. crassa), and molybdenum as prosthetic groups, has been purified 500-fold by procedures including pH adjustment, ammonium sulfate fractionation of the resultant supernatant solution, phase separation to remove nucleic acids, diethylaminoethyl cellulose chromatography, hydroxylapatite chromatography, and, finally, Sephadex G-200 gel filtration. Other enzymatic activities associated with NADPH-nitrate reductase throughout the purification and maintaining a proportional relationship with it are NADPH-cytochrome c reductase, FADH2-nitrate reductase, and reduced methyl viologen-nitrate reductase. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the most highly purified enzyme preparations yielded a major buffalo black-staining zone containing the above enzymatic activities, a somewhat smaller zone, and several faint zones. In unstained gels, a red zone, which was apparently due to the presence of cytochrome b557, was visible at the position corresponding to the major buffalo black-staining zone. By the use of sucrose density gradient centrifugation, a relative s20, w0.725 value of 8.0 for the nitrate reductase was found, and with Sephadex G-200 gel filtration techniques, a Stokes radius of 70 A was determined. From the relationship, mol wt = 6πeNas/(1 - vp), a molecular weight of 228,000 was calculated, assuming v = 0.725 cc per g. All enzymatic activities associated with nitrate reductase are heat-labile but to varying degrees, with the NADPH-nitrate and -cytochrome c reductases being most sensitive, and FADH2- and reduced methyl viologen-nitrate reductase activities being progressively less so, in that order. The reduced methyl viologen-nitrate reductase activity showed a marked increase in activity as the NADPH activities declined. The cytochrome b557 associated with nitrate reductase activity shows a typical cytochrome b type visible absorption spectrum at liquid nitrogen temperature and is a protoporphyrin IX heme as judged from the spectrum of its pyridine hemochromogen derivative. Studies with the inhibitor, p-hydroxymercuribenzoate, reveal the presence of one or more readily accessible sulfhydryl groups functioning between NADPH and FAD. FADH2-nitrate reductase and reduced methyl viologen-nitrate reductase are considerably less sensitive to this —SH reagent. Inhibition by metal-binding agents has suggested the possible involvement of a second metal moiety (in addition to the molybdenum), functioning earlier in the electron transfer scheme. No negative feedback phenomena at the enzymatic level could be found with the variety of nitrogen compounds tested.
Recursive functions in group theory

On developpe les representations des fonctions recursives partielles et les ensembles recursivement enumerables par des equations dans les groupes a presentation finie. On obtient une nouvelle caracterisation des groupes a engendrement fini avec des problemes de mots solubles
Observation of flux flow in superconducting YBa2Cu3O7- delta films.

Measurements of field-induced changes of the a-b plane surface resistance of high-quality (g${10}^{10}$ A/${\mathrm{m}}^{2}$ at 77 K and B=0) ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{7\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\delta}}}$ films at 12.92 GHz reveal flux-flow resistivity at temperatures several degrees below the superconducting onset temperature. Flux-flow resistivity is identified by its temperature dependence and dependence on the Lorentz force. The results are compared to the surface resistance theory of Coffey and Clem, which includes a model for pinning.
Politics by Principle, Not Interest: Towards Nondiscriminatory Democracy

"Politics by principle is that which modern politics is not. What we observe is 'politics by interest', whether in the form of explicitly discriminatory treatment (rewarding or punishing) of particular groupings of citizens or of some elitist-dirigiste classification of citizens into the deserving or non-deserving on the basis of a presumed superior wisdom about what is really 'good' for us all. The proper principle for politics is that of generalization of generality." -- James M Buchanan, from the Preface. In his foreword, Hartmut Kliemt sums up the main objective of James M Buchanan and Roger Congleton's 'Politics by Principle': "Imposing constitutional constraints on majoritarian politics such that a more principled pattern might emerge must be a political aim of high priority for all who wish for free and responsible citizens to live together peacefully as political equals under the rule of general laws. Buchanan and Congleton's efforts to revive the classical liberal agenda in Politics by Principle, Not Interest are of the greatest interest in that regard. And this interest is not merely a theoretical one. "As James Buchanan notes in introducing his co-author Roger Congleton, 'Politics by Principle, Not Interest' "embodies the working out and presentation of a single idea...the extension and application of the generality principle to majoritarian politics. "After laying out the theory, Buchanan and Congleton attempt to work it out in practical political reality. Buchanan notes that "it is much easier to discuss the generality principle as an abstract ideal than it is to define the precise conditions for its satisfaction in any particular setting. "Not daunted by the difficulty of the task, the two authors succeed brilliantly in applying the generality principle to the political arena. They are interested not in laying down precise do's and don'ts for politics, but in pointing out the ideal of nondiscriminatory governance and calling for constitutional constraints on political action so it conforms more closely to the generality norm.
AMPK regulates innate immune signaling and viral control through ULK-1 dependent decrease of STING expression (INM7P.430)

The host protein STING has been shown to be essential for recognition of both viral and intracellular bacterial pathogens, but its regulation remains unclear. Previously, we have described how mitochondrial membrane potential regulates STING-dependent IFN-β induction. The kinase activity of AMPK is controlled by cellular metabolism and intracellular calcium concentration. The goal of our study was to examine whether STING-dependent signaling is regulated by AMPK. Addition of an intracellular calcium chelator or an AMPK inhibitor suppressed IFN-β induction in mouse macrophages stimulated with the STING-dependent ligand DMXAA. Similarly, mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFS) lacking AMPK alpha failed to up-regulate IFN-β after DMXAA treatment. Additionally, these AMPK-/- MEFS failed to activate the IRF3-kinase TBK-1 and phosphorylate the transcription factor IRF3 after DMXAA treatment, confirming that STING-dependent signaling is AMPK-dependent. Loss of AMPK led to constitutive activation of the known STING negative regulator ULK-1 and a decrease in the basal level of STING protein. As a result, AMPK-/- MEFS exhibit impaired control of Vesicular Stomatitis Virus, a virus sensed by STING. ULK-1 has been shown to phosphorylate and degrade STING in the presence of dsDNA through the sensor protein cGAS. But in WT MEFS, STING was degraded in response to DMXAA in a cGAS- and ULK-1- independent manner, illustrating a novel regulatory pathway for this crucial signaling protein.
A Walsh transform-neural network method for estimating the size distribution of bubbles in a liquid

An edge detected two-dimensional image of bubbles dispersed in a flowing liquid was captured in a 256-by-256 pixel window. The image produced was a binary image. Upon consideration of the merits of different spectral transform methods, a Manz sequency ordered Walsh transform was chosen to obtain the power spectrum of the bubble image. Using the spectrum as the input to a three-layer neural network the bubble size distribution was predicted. Histograms showing bubble size distributions were the target outputs corresponding to sets of inputs. Neural network training involved using backpropagation in conjunction with a wide range of deviations. Bubble positions within the photograph were also varied. The input-output training pairs were simulated from images generated with known distributions and used to train the backpropagation network. The trained network was then tested using unseen images and the results were excellent. >
Client-transparent fault-tolerant Web service

Most of the existing fault tolerance schemes for Web servers detect server failure and route future client requests to backup servers. These techniques typically do not provide transparent handling of requests whose processing was in progress when the failure occurred. Thus, the system may fail to provide the user with confirmation for a requested transaction or clear indication that the transaction was not performed. We describe a client-transparent fault tolerance scheme for Web servers that ensures correct handling of requests in progress at the time of server failure. The scheme is based on a standby backup server and simple proxies. The error handling mechanisms of TCP are used to multicast requests to the primary and backup as well as to reliably deliver replies from a server that may fail while sending the reply. Our scheme does not involve OS kernel changes or use of user-level TCP implementations and requires minimal changes to the Web server software.
The effects of rotation on radiographic evaluation of the tibiofibular syndesmosis.

Radiographs of 12 normal cadaveric lower extremities were prepared with each extremity in seven increments of axial rotation, ranging from 5° of external rotation to 25° of internal rotation. The t...
A Semantic Agent Framework for Cyber-Physical Systems

The development of accurate models for cyber-physical systems (CPSs) is hampered by the complexity of these systems, fundamental differences in the operation of cyber and physical components, and significant interdependencies among these components. Agent-based modeling shows promise in overcoming these challenges, due to the flexibility of software agents as autonomous and intelligent decision-making components. Semantic agent systems are even more capable, as the structure they provide facilitates the extraction of meaningful content from the data provided to the software agents. In this book chapter, we present a multi-agent model for a CPS, where the semantic capabilities are underpinned by sensor networks that provide information about the physical operation to the cyber infrastructure. As a specific example of the semantic interpretation of raw sensor data streams, we present a failure detection ontology for an intelligent water distribution network as a model CPS. The ontology represents physical entities in the CPS, as well as the information extraction, analysis and processing that takes place in relation to these entities. The chapter concludes with introduction of a semantic agent framework for CPS, and presentation of a sample implementation of the framework using C++.
The Infinite Size Variational Matrix Product State Algorithm

Chapter 7 discusses algorithms using matrix product states (MPSs) as variational ansatze for finding eigenstates and time evolution of 1D quantum systems with a finite number of sites.
The role of fas ligand in vivo as a cause and regulator of pathogenesis.

Abstract Recent studies have significantly advanced our understanding of the physiological and pathogenic functions of Fas and Fas ligand (FasL) in vivo. In particular, roles for Fas–FasL interactions both in the induction and regulation of organ-specific autoimmune diseases have been defined and in some cases the specific targets and effectors of these interactions have been identified. Understanding the dynamic role of the Fas–FasL pathway in autoimmunity will provide insight into how best to modulate this interaction to achieve therapeutic benefits.
Dynamic pressure patterns in the hands of olive baboons (Papio anubis) during terrestrial locomotion: implications for cercopithecoid primate hand morphology

Habitually terrestrial monkeys adopt digitigrade hand postures at slow speeds to increase effective forelimb length and reduce distal limb joint moments. As these primates move faster, however, their hands transition to a more palmigrade posture, which is likely associated with the inability of wrist and hand joints to resist higher ground reaction forces (GRF) associated with faster speeds. Transitioning to a palmigrade posture may serve to distribute GRFs over a larger surface area (i.e., increased palmar contact), ultimately reducing stresses in fragile hand bones. To test this hypothesis, dynamic palmar pressure data were collected on two adult baboons (Papio anubis) walking, running, and galloping across a runway integrated with a dynamic pressure mat (20 steps each; speed range: 0.46-4.0 m/s). Peak GRF, contact area, peak pressure, and pressure-time integral were quantified in two regions of the hand: fingers and palms (including metacarpal heads). At slower speeds with lower GRFs, the baboons use digitigrade postures resulting in small palmar contact area (largely across the metacarpal heads). At faster speeds with higher GRFs, they used less digitigrade hand postures resulting in increased palmar contact area. Finger contact area did not change across speeds. Despite higher GRFs at faster speeds, metacarpal pressure was moderated across speeds due to increased palmar contact area as animals transitioned from digitigrady to palmigrady. In contrast, the pressure in the fingers increased with faster speeds. Results indicate that the transition from digitigrady to palmigrady distributes increased forces over a larger palmar surface area. Such dynamic changes in palmar pressure likely moderate strain in the gracile bones of the hand, a structure that is integral not only for locomotion, but also feeding and social behaviors in primates.