cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of Bypassing Agents in Patients With Hemophilia and Inhibitors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract Background Activated prothrombin complex concentrate (aPCC) and recombinant Factor VIIa (rFVIIa) are 2 bypassing agents commonly used for treating acute bleeds in hemophiliac patients with inhibitors. A wide range of efficacy rates for aPCC and rFVIIa have been reported in a number of single-armed and randomized controlled comparative studies. Objective The aims of this study were to compare the clinical efficacy of aPCC and rFVIIa using a classic meta-analytic approach and to explore the role of study characteristics as covariates in a meta-analysis of previously published clinical studies in hemophiliac patients with antibodies to the missing Factor VIII or IX. Methods A systematic search was conducted to identify studies on the efficacy of aPCC and rFVIIa 90 and 270 μg/kg for treating joint bleeds. The efficacy rates with aPCC and rFVIIa were pooled separately, assuming fixed or random effects. Subgroup analyses were conducted to pool the efficacy rates for bleeds evaluated at 8–12, 18–27, and 36–72 hours after the start of the initial infusion. Meta-regression was used to investigate the association between pooled efficacy rates and study characteristics. Results Although only 2 studies directly compared the efficacy of aPCC and rFVIIa, data from ∼2392 joint bleeding episodes from 19 studies were included. The pooled efficacy rates were 80.8% with aPCC and 68.4% with rFVIIa (90 μg/kg, 72.0%; 270 μg/kg, 55.7%). The pooled efficacy rates with aPCC at 8–12, 18–27, and 36–72 hours were 49.2%, 70.2%, and 90.9%, respectively. The corresponding pooled rates with rFVIIa 90 μg/kg were 66.6%, 70.7%, and 77.7%. No significant differences were found between the pooled efficacy rates with aPCC and rFVIIa overall or at any of the time points evaluated. Positive associations were found between reported efficacy and duration of follow-up and the number of bleeds evaluated. Conclusions Given the paucity of high-quality studies, the findings from the present review and meta-analysis suggest no conclusive evidence that aPCC or rFVIIa is significantly more efficacious than the other in the treatment of joint bleeding episodes in hemophiliac patients with inhibitors.
Microfabricated device for arterial wall and atherosclerotic plaque penetration

Percutaneous coronary intervention is currently used to treat coronary atherosclerosis but is plagued by restenosis. The atherosclerotic plaque acts as a barrier, preventing the delivery of drugs or gene therapy to prevent restenosis. The authors hypothesize that microfabricated probes, manufactured using silicon fabrication technology, can penetrate through atherosclerotic plaque, creating paths for therapeutic delivery. Two sets of microfabricated probes (65/spl plusmn/15 and 140/spl plusmn/20 /spl mu/m) were deployed in normal and atherosclerotic rabbit iliac artery segments (n=5 each) under distention pressures of 100, 200, 300, and 500 mmHg, to simulate deployed stents. The tissues were fixed while the probes remained in place and analyzed using standard SEM, TEM and light microscopy techniques to evaluate the extent and nature of vessel penetration. In healthy tissue, microprobes are able to pierce the internal elastic lamina and penetrate the media, with the highest probes nearly reaching the media/adventitia boundary. Atherosclerotic plaque is pierced by microprobes at all intraluminal pressures examined. These results indicate that microprobes may serve as a technique to penetrate the atherosclerotic plaque for the purpose of delivering therapeutics beyond the plaque.
Estimated pulmonary artery systolic pressure and sickle cell disease: a meta-analysis and systematic review.

Summary Many studies report estimated pulmonary artery systolic pressure (ePASP) in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) screened by echocardiography. To better understand the prevalence and outcomes of elevated ePASP in clinically stable SCD patients, we conducted a random-effects meta-analysis. A total of 45 studies, representing 15 countries and including 6109 individuals, met our inclusion criteria. In most (70%) studies, elevated ePASP was defined by a tricuspid regurgitant velocity of 2·5 m/s. The prevalence of elevated ePASP was 21% (17–26%) in children and 30% (26–35%) in adults. After adjustment for sex, SCD genotype, haemoglobin, hydroxycarbamide (hydroxyurea) treatment, country and publication year, age remained associated with elevated ePASP, yielding a 12% (0·4–23%) higher adjusted prevalence in adults. Few studies reported 6-min walk tests or mortality outcomes, and estimates were highly heterogeneous. In random effects meta-analyses, patients with elevated ePASP walked an estimated 30·4 (6·9–53·9) metres less than those without elevated ePASP and had an associated mortality hazard ratio of 4·9 (2·4–9·7).
Arthritis and Calcium-Containing Crystals An Overview

In 1961, I found that aspiration of the acutely inflamed knee joints of two patients with acute arthritis yielded crystals having the following properties by compensated polarized light microscopy: weak positive birefringence, inclined extinction, and resistance to uricase [ 1]. By contrast, the crystals contained within chalk from a gouty tophus possessed: a needlelike shape, strong negative birefringence, axial extinction, and disappeared when incubated with highly purified uricase. This prompted the conclusion that joints could harbor two different kinds of crystals, one of which was not sodium urate. Both types of crystals were found predominantly within polymorphonuclear leukocytes during an acute attack [2]. As the acute episodes associated with the nonurate crystals were goutlike, they were called “pseudogout” [3].
Distributed-parameter filtering and estimation with dynamic measurements and multiple time domains

This paper presents two methods of dealing with time delayed measurements in optimal state estimation. For measurements with pure time delays, we develop a procedure which first transfers the delayed measurement back in time by the amount of pure delay. Then, using optimal estimation techniques, we make a best estimate of the current state based upon these past measurements. We also present a method to adjoin the measurement dynamics to an optimal estimator. We present this new transformation by considering measurement dynamics as constraints upon the system. The paper also demonstrates how singular perturbation can be used to simplify optimal state estimation. Then finally, the three techniques are applied to a system with two time scales in the states, one time scale and a pure time delay in the measurement.
Structure and stability effects of mutations designed to increase the primary sequence symmetry within the core region of a beta-trefoil.

Human acidic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-1) is a member of the β-trefoil hyperfamily and exhibits a characteristic threefold symmetry of the tertiary structure. However, evidence of this symmetry is not readily apparent at the level of the primary sequence. This suggests that while selective pressures may exist to retain (or converge upon) a symmetric tertiary structure, other selective pressures have resulted in divergence of the primary sequence during evolution. Using intra-chain and homologue sequence comparisons for 19 members of this family of proteins, we have designed mutants of FGF-1 that constrain a subset of core-packing residues to threefold symmetry at the level of the primary sequence. The consequences of these mutations regarding structure and stability were evaluated using a combination of X-ray crystallography and differential scanning calorimetry. The mutational effects on structure and stability can be rationalized through the characterization of "microcavities" within the core detected using a 1.0Å probe radius. The results show that the symmetric constraint within the primary sequence is compatible with a well-packed core and near wild-type stability. However, despite the general maintenance of overall thermal stability, a noticeable increase in non-two-state denaturation follows the increase in primary sequence symmetry. Therefore, properties of folding, rather than stability, may contribute to the selective pressure for asymmetric primary core sequences within symmetric protein architectures.
Financial Implications of Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilation (NPPV)

Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) is effective in the treatment of acute and chronic respiratory failure. However, the costs and financial balance between costs and diagnosis-related group (DRG) reimbursement for patients with moderate to severe respiratory failure treated with NPPV are unknown. We examined the costs and DRG reimbursement for 27 patients receiving Medicare referred with moderately severe respiratory failure for NPPV to the ventilator rehabilitation unit (VRU) at Temple University Hospital. This unit is one of four Health Care Financing Administration chronic ventilator-dependent demonstration sites that evaluates patients for NPPV, instructs them in home NPPV use, emphasizes rehabilitation, and uses strict cost accounting methods. Nineteen patients were treated with NPPV in the ICU and then referred to the VRU, and 8 patients were directly admitted for NPPV to the VRU. Patients were (mean±SE) 69±9 years age, 14 had severe COPD, and 13 had various restrictive disorders. All were hypercapneic at the time of hospital admission (restrictive 60 ±15; obstructive 67 ±3 mm Hg, PaCO 2 ) with impaired lung mechanics and limited functional status. Patients averaged 8± 15 days in the ICU, or 8±4.7 days on the medical floor prior to VRU transfer. The VRU length of stay averaged 20±18 days, for a total length of stay of 29±21 days. After implementation of NPPV, all patients had an improvement in gas exchange while spontaneously breathing and functional status that was maintained in follow-up. At 1 and 2 years of follow-up, 74% and 63% of patients were alive, respectively. Eleven patients were admitted with DRG 475 (respiratory system diagnosis with ventilator support); however, 16 of 27 patients were admitted across five different non-475 DRG codes with reimbursement rates ranging from $2,673 to $4,215. After DRG and outlier reimbursement, a total deficit of $261,948 remained (average deficit $9,701 per patient). However, individual patient deficits ranged from $1,113 to $32,892. Eighty-two percent of patients treated with NPPV incurred substantial financial losses that were underreimbursed across all assigned DRGs, including DRG 475, the highest-weighted DRG. We conclude that patients with moderate to severe respiratory failure receiving NPPV demonstrate an improvement in functional status and gas exchange that is maintained in follow-up. In addition, patients treated with NPPV incur high costs that are currently underreimbursed by the present DRG system. Newer DRG payment scales that recognize NPPV as specific treatment should be implemented. (CHEST 1995; 108:475-81)
Preparation of the Carbon Fiber/Cu Alloy Matrix Self-Lubricating Composite Materials

Using 663-tin bronze, Ni, W, nanoAl2O3, MoS2, graphite, CaF2, and Ni coated graphite as the matrix alloy powder, in which copper-coated carbon fiber of 5%, 7%, 9%, 11% and 13% in volume fraction were added as the reinforcing phase, a novel type carbon fiber/copper-matrix self-lubricating composite materials was prepared by means of powder metallurgy. The results indicate that the mechanical properties of the composite materials are improved after adding copper-coated carbon fibers. The composite materials reach optimal overall mechanical performance under testing when the volume fraction of the added copper-coated carbon fibers is 11%.: with a hardness of 57.8 HV and a compressive strength of 222 MPa. The addition of carbon fiber also improved the friction and wear properties of the composite materials. Increasing the volume fraction of fiber, was found to increase the wear resistance and improve self-lubricating performance. A volume fraction of 11% gave a friction coefficient of 0.09 and abrasion loss of 4mg.
Contralateral electrodiagnosis in patients with abnormal median distal sensory latency

Background We hypothesized that electrodiagnostic evidence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) on the contralateral, less-severe side correlates with disease severity.
Microbial provinces in the subseafloor

The rocks and sediments of the oceanic subsurface represent a diverse mosaic of environments potentially inhabited by microorganisms. Understanding microbial ecosystems in subseafloor environments confounds standard ecological descriptions in part because we have difficulty elucidating and describing the scale of relevant processes. Habitat characteristics impact microbial activities and growth, which in turn affect microbial diversity, net production, and global biogeochemical cycles. Herein we provide descriptions of subseafloor microbial provinces, broadly defined as geologically and geographically coherent regions of the subseafloor that may serve as potential microbial habitats. The purpose of this review is to summarize and refine criteria for the definition and delineation of distinct subseafloor microbial habitats to aid in their exploration. This review and the criteria we outline aim to develop a unified framework to improve our understanding of subseafloor microbial ecology, enable quantificati...
Ord's Kangaroo Rats in North-Central Kansas: Habitat Associations and Unexpected Locations

During 1976–2003, we trapped small mammals in a wide array of herbaceous and wooded habitats in northeastern Russell Co. and western Lincoln Co., Kansas. Herein, we focus on the distribution and habitat associations including soil association of captures and direct observations of Ord's kangaroo rat (Dipodomys ordii) in this small geographical area of north-central Kansas. In contrast to our expectation that all kangaroo rats would be observed or captured on the sandy soils of flood plains, we also observed and captured them in loamy upland sites as well as areas where both uplands and flood plains were present in the Saline River valley. Most kangaroo rats (n = 43; 1.75 individuals/1,000 trap nights [TN]) were recorded in traps in the Saline River valley during 1985–1986; many fewer (n = 3; 0.04 individuals/1,000 TN) were captured in loamy sites north and outside of the Saline River valley during other years. In the Saline River valley, we captured kangaroo rats in wheat fields, plum-cedar plantings, fal...
An Efficient Transform Method for Asian Option Pricing

This paper introduces a novel method to price arithmetic Asian options in Levy-driven models, with discrete and continuous averaging, by expanding on the approach of sequential characteristic function recovery. By utilizing frame duality and a FFT-based implementation of density projection, we obtain rapidly converging value approximations to high precision, consistently resulting in a 10- to 100-fold time reduction compared to state-of-the-art procedures. Theoretical convergence rates are confirmed by an in-depth analysis of error propagation. Formulas for Greeks are provided, in addition to generalized averaging and in-progress option pricing.
93Nb Solid State NMR of High Surface Area Niobium Oxides

The local environment of niobium in oxides reflects the perturbations in bond strength that affect the acidity of oxygen atoms in the structure. To understand the relationship between metal environment and properties, 93Nb solid state NMR has been used to measure the electric field gradient and chemical shift anisotropy for layered niobates with either alkali cations or protons at the material surface. In order to determine these parameters, a variety of techniques have been applied to extract information for the multiple environments located in these oxides. Variable offset cumulative echo spectra were collected on static samples at multiple magnetic fields, 4.7 T, 9.4 T and 14.1 T. RAPT enhanced QPASS data were collected at 9.4 T to extract quadrupolar-coupling information without the influence of chemical shift anisotropy. Data from KCa2Nb3O10 and an acid exchanged form was collected and two distinct quadrupolar environments were observed. Acid exchange altered the isotropic chemical shift but did not significantly affect the electric field gradient or the chemical shift anisotropy.
Proof without Words: The Law of Cosines

(1990). Proof without Words: The Law of Cosines. Mathematics Magazine: Vol. 63, No. 5, pp. 342-342.
Studies of acoustic target with two equilateral triangle arrays

The acoustic target can form a larger test area easly,and it is commonly used to test the vertical target dispersion of projectiles with large caliber.The measurement precision of the acoustic target is affected by the velocity changes of the sound waves in the air.In order to avoid the influence of the speed of sound wave,a double-triangle array model is adopted in the measuring formulas,in which sound wave velocity is not needed.The whole test system is composed by double-triangular arrays,a multi-channel data acquisition instrument,and a PC.And the structure of the test system is compact and reliable.The test precision is verified by the real firing.If the area of the target is within 2 m×2 m,the errors from the impacting points to the projectile is about ±10 mm.
E7208: A randomized phase II trial of irinotecan and cetuximab (IC) versus IC plus ramucirumab (ICR) in second-line therapy of KRAS wild-type colorectal cancer (CRC).

TPS793 Background: Anti-angiogenic therapy for CRC has been accepted as standard therapy with approval of bevacizumab (bev) in both first-line and second-line settings. At the time this study was started, the benefit of continuing an anti-angiogenic in second line therapy was unproven. Ramucirumab (RAM, IMC 1121b) is a humanized antibody directed against the VEGF-R2 receptor, which may prove to have different activity compared to anti-VEGF antibody (bev). Additionally, while combining the anti-EGFR antibody, cetuximab (CMAB), with bev in first-line unselected patients was not effective, it is unknown whether the same may be true with RAM plus CMAB in a second-line setting for KRAS-selected patients. Methods: The study was designed as a randomized phase II trial with 147 patients assigned to IC = irinotecan (I) 180 mg/m2 IV plus CMAB 500 mg/m2 IV q2w versus ICR = IC plus RAM 8 mg/kg IV q2w. Eligibility included prior treatment on one prior oxaliplatin and bev-containing regimen and progression within 42 da...
Magnetic resonance findings in a patient with internuclear ophthalmoplegia. Neuroradiological-clinical correlation.

A 49-year-old female presented with symptoms compatible with internuclear ophthalmoplegia. Magnetic resonance using T2-weighted images showed an eccentric area of high signal intensity in the mid pons corresponding to the right medial longitudinal fasciculus. Magnetic resonance is the method of choice when internuclear ophthalmoplegia is suspected. The findings should be differentiated from the normal central hyperintensity called the "pseudo MLF hyperintensity."
Age Differences and the Arts

The elderly responded to paintings in the same ways as the young (Chapter 15). But would they also do as well across the arts? How many old people paint or play an instrument, let us say, compared to the number of youngsters who do? Are there age differences in attendance at the theater and concerts, or visits to art museums? More generally, do interests in and attitudes toward the arts differ for the young and old? Comparisons between the young and old on these broad fronts extend the book’s focus from artists and paintings to the arts in general. Nevertheless, the focus remains on aging, cognitive and other kinds of late-life development, and creativity in old age. If aging non-artists’ relationship to the arts in general is as positive as their reactions to paintings (Chapter 15), and parallels the affirmative findings for old artists (Parts III and IV), then another foundation is laid for an optimistic outlook on aging.
Near-theoretical fracture strengths in native and oxidized silicon nanowires

In this letter, fracture strengths σ f of native and oxidized silicon nanowires (SiNWs) were determined via atomic force microscopy bending experiments and nonlinear finite element analysis. In the native SiNWs, σ f in the Si was comparable to the theoretical strength of Si〈111〉, ≈22 GPa. In the oxidized SiNWs, σ f in the SiO2 was comparable to the theoretical strength of SiO2, ≈6 to 12 GPa. The results indicate a change in the failure mechanism between native SiNWs, in which fracture originated via inter-atomic bond breaking or atomic-scale defects in the Si, and oxidized SiNWs, in which fracture initiated from surface roughness or nano-scale defects in the SiO2.
Lyme Neuroborreliosis and Alice in Wonderland Syndrome

Pediatric neurologists at the Floating Hospital, Tufts University, Boston, MA report a 7-year-old boy with Alice in Wonderland syndrome associated with Lyme disease.
A graph-theoretic model of single point mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator

Cystic fibrosis is one of the most prevalent inherited diseases. This disease is caused by a mutation in a membrane protein, the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). CFTR is known to function as a chloride channel that regulates the viscosity of mucus that lines the ducts of a number of organs. The most prevalent mutation of CFTR is located in one of two nucleotide binding domains, namely, the nucleotide binding domain one (NBD1). However, some mutations in nucleotide binding domain two (NBD2) can equally cause cystic fibrosis. In this work, a graph-theoretic model is built for NBD2. Using this model for NBD2, we examine the consequences of single point mutations on NBD2. We collate the wildtype structure with eight of the most prevalent mutations and observe how the NBD2 is affected by each of these mutations.
Metabolic Effects of Intermittent Fasting.

The objective of this review is to provide an overview of intermittent fasting regimens, summarize the evidence on the health benefits of intermittent fasting, and discuss physiological mechanisms by which intermittent fasting might lead to improved health outcomes. A MEDLINE search was performed using PubMed and the terms “intermittent fasting,” “fasting,” “time-restricted feeding,” and “food timing.” Modified fasting regimens appear to promote weight loss and may improve metabolic health. Several lines of evidence also support the hypothesis that eating patterns that reduce or eliminate nighttime eating and prolong nightly fasting intervals may result in sustained improvements in human health. Intermittent fasting regimens are hypothesized to influence metabolic regulation via effects on (a) circadian biology, (b) the gut microbiome, and (c) modifiable lifestyle behaviors, such as sleep. If proven to be efficacious, these eating regimens offer promising nonpharmacological approaches to improving health ...
Business intelligence from Twitter for the television media: A case study

Twitter, the social network service, is a rich source of information on customer response to a live event such as a television show. In this paper we present a case study where we analyzed publicly available tweets that were posted when a popular TV show was aired for the first time in a season. We use standard text-mining techniques to answer questions such as, what were the main themes during the show, what drove the popularity of the show and what were the kind of viewers who were tweeting on the show. This kind of business intelligence can be used by content producers in improving future shows, in targeted marketing to audience, in gathering competitive intelligence and many other ways.
Pain Catastrophizing, rather than Vital Signs, Associated with Pain Intensity in Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department for Pain

This study examined the relationships of self-reported pain intensity with vital signs, pain catastrophizing, and state anxiety in patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) for acute pain, exacerbations of chronic pain, or acute pain with concurrent chronic (combined) pain, comparing the pattern of relationships among these three pain groups. One hundred fifty-eight patients presenting to the ED for pain were recruited. Vital signs and self-reported pain intensity were obtained at triage, then participants completed self-report measures of pain catastrophizing, state anxiety, and demographic information. No significant associations were found between vital signs and pain intensity at triage in any of the pain groups. Pain catastrophizing was significantly associated with self-reported pain intensity in the acute pain group (r = .34, p < .05) and combined pain group (r = .30, p < .05), and state anxiety was significantly associated with self-reported pain intensity in with the acute pain group (r = .27, p < .05). When pain catastrophizing and state anxiety were used in a stepwise multiple regression analysis to predict self-reported pain intensity in the acute pain group, only pain catastrophizing emerged as a unique predictor (β = .405, p < .01). Consistent with previous research, vital signs were not associated with self-reported pain intensity in patients presenting to the ED for pain, including those with chronic pain. Given the significant association of pain catastrophizing and pain intensity among patients presenting to the ED for acute pain, brief measurement of pain catastrophizing may inform pain treatment in the ED.
Intraoperative optical intrinsic signal imaging: a clinical tool for functional brain mapping

Optical imaging of intrinsic signals (OIS) is a well-established neuroimaging modality by which functional cortical activity is mapped by detecting activity-related changes in cortical light reflectance. Light reflectance changes are detected by a charged-coupled device camera that captures images of the exposed cortex both at rest and during activity. Although to date OIS has only been used for research purposes, intraoperative OIS (iOIS) holds promise as a clinical mapping tool. In general, iOIS demonstrates good spatial correlation with electrocortical stimulation mapping (ECSM) and other electrophysiological modalities. Additionally, iOIS offers high spatial resolution (in microns), does not make contact with the surface of the brain, and introduces no potentially harmful compounds. Moreover, mapping is relatively rapid. The authors review the potential contribution of iOIS to the intraoperative environment. Specifically, they review iOIS methodology, discuss signal origin, compare OIS with other functional mapping modalities, and explain its potential benefits and limitations. They propose that iOIS may, in the future, be used in conjunction with ECSM to improve the resolution and accuracy of intraoperative mapping, decrease total time of intraoperative mapping, and possibly improve neurological outcomes. Additional studies will be required to quantify the sensitivity and specificity of optical maps relative to ECSM before it can be implemented clinically.
Antiprotozoal Agents (African Trypanosomiasis, Chagas Disease, and Leishmaniasis)

The parasitic diseases human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), Chagas disease, and leishmaniasis collectively are a daily threat to more than 550 million people in Mexico, Central America, South America, sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, Indonesia, and India. Collectively, these three diseases cause nearly 150 000 deaths annually. These diseases are caused by unicellular trypanosomatid parasites of the genera Trypanosoma brucei, Trypanosoma cruzi, and Leishmania sp. Unfortunately, drug therapy for these diseases has not changed significantly in the past 50 years. Currently used agents are far less than satisfactory due to extreme toxicity, or the emergence of resistant parasitic strains. Drug discovery efforts against trypanosomatid diseases are limited, either because infected persons in underdeveloped areas cannot afford therapy, or because the infected population is too small to justify the required research expenditures. Efforts to fight parasitic diseases in Third World Nations are often hampered by economic issues and political turmoil, virtually assuring that the world's most impoverished people will continue to bear the major burden of parasitic disease. Clearly, there is a need for new antiinfective agents that are potent, nontoxic, and inexpensive to manufacture. In this chapter, the etiology of these diseases and their current treatment are described. The chapter also deals with medicinal chemistry aspects of efforts to identify new drug targets for parasitic diseases, and to produce novel inhibitors of trypanosomatid growth for use as antiparasitic agents.
Immunologische Aspekte des Alterns

Die Ergebnisse epidemiologischer und klinischer Studien zeigen, das der Mensch mit zunehmendem Lebensalter anfalliger fur bestimmte Infektionen, fur Autoimmunkrankheiten und fur neoplastische Erkrankungen wird. Experimentelle Studien geben Hinweise darauf, das altersbedingte Veranderungen im Immunsystem in erheblichem Mase zur Steigerung der Anfalligkeit fur die genannten Krankheitsgruppen beitragen (75).
Non-aqueous neptunium and plutonium redox behaviour in THF – access to a rare Np(III) synthetic precursor

Solvent exchange of NpCl4(DME)2 with THF proceeds simply to yield NpCl4(THF)3, whereas PuCl4(DME)2 is unstable in THF, partially decomposing to the mixed valent [PuIIICl2(THF)5][PuIVCl5(THF)] salt. Reduction of NpCl4(THF)3 with CsC8 ultimately afforded NpCl3(py)4, the only example of a structurally characterized solvated Np(iii) halide. The method demonstrates a route to a well-defined Np(iii) starting material without the need to employ scarcely available Np metal.
A Comparison of Power Management Mechanisms: P-States vs. Node-Level Power Cap Control

Large-scale HPC systems increasingly incorporate sophisticated power management control mechanisms. While these mechanisms are potentially useful for performing energy and/or power-aware job scheduling and resource management (EPA JSRM), greater understanding of their operation and performance impact on real-world applications is required before they can be applied effectively in practice. In this paper, we compare static p-state control to static node-level power cap control on a Cray XC system. Empirical experiments are performed to evaluate node-to-node performance and power usage variability for the two mechanisms. We find that static p-state control produces more predictable and higher performance characteristics than static node-level power cap control at a given power level. However, this performance benefit is at the cost of less predictable power usage. Static node-level power cap control produces predictable power usage but with more variable performance characteristics. Our results are not intended to show that one mechanism is better than the other. Rather, our results demonstrate that the mechanisms are complementary to one another and highlight their potential for combined use in achieving effective EPA JSRM solutions.
Exploring Trade-Offs Between Learning and Productivity in Crowdsourced History

Crowdsourcing more complex and creative tasks is seen as a desirable goal for both employers and workers, but these tasks traditionally require domain expertise. Employers can recruit only expert workers, but this approach does not scale well. Alternatively, employers can decompose complex tasks into simpler micro-tasks, but some domains, such as historical analysis, cannot be easily modularized in this way. A third approach is to train workers to learn the domain expertise. This approach offers clear benefits to workers, but is perceived as costly or infeasible for employers. In this paper, we explore the trade-offs between learning and productivity in training crowd workers to analyze historical documents. We compare CrowdSCIM, a novel approach that teaches historical thinking skills to crowd workers, with two crowd learning techniques from prior work and a baseline. Our evaluation (n=360) shows that CrowdSCIM allows workers to learn domain expertise while producing work of equal or higher quality versus other conditions, but efficiency is slightly lower.
Marocanization of Dutch Islamophobia and Radicalization of Dutch Moroccans

Why have more Dutch-Moroccan youth joined ISIS than any other ethnic group in the Netherlands? How can scholars interpret this radicalisation in light of the rising anti-Moroccan rhetoric of the Party for Freedom (PVV)? Through deconstructing the political manifestos, speeches and bills of the Party for Freedom, I will determine what specifically constitutes Dutch Islamophobia, compare the Dutch example to Islamophobia in other European states, and analyse the arguments that are used to legitimise hatred against Islam and Muslims, especially Moroccan Muslims, in the Netherlands. Due to the globalisation of the PVV party-model, not understanding how these xenophobic political structures affect marginalised populations will consequently catalyse transnational radicalisation and increase the associated societal costs.
Inflammatory Reaction Secondary to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy Mimicking a Post-Operative Brain Abscess

Background Immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized the treatment of many cancers, including melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, and renal cell carcinoma. These therapeutics increase the activity of T cells against neoplastic cells, although the immune response generated also has the potential to target normal cells, resulting in immune related adverse events (irAEs). Most irAEs occur outside of the nervous system, but cases of limbic encephalitis, hypophysitis, optic neuritis, and pseudoprogression have been reported. Case Description Here, we present a case of an intracranial irAE after neoadjuvant stereotactic radiosurgery and craniotomy for resection of a left parietal lobe metastasis. The patient presented with headache, right-sided apraxia, and a pronator drift 2 weeks after surgery. Imaging findings were suggestive of an intracranial abscess. The lack of fever, normal white blood cell count, and benign clinical appearance in the setting of combination nivolumab and ipilimumab therapy argued in favor of an irAE, however. After initiation of dexamethasone, the neurologic deficits resolved and the magnetic resonance imaging of the brain normalized over 7 weeks. Conclusions This is the first report of an acute surgical-site irAE after stereotactic radiosurgery and craniotomy in a patient receiving nivolumab and ipilimumab. These immune-mediated responses can be treated with corticosteroids and close observation.
Deep learning for automated defect detection in high-reliability electronic parts

Recent advances in deep learning have shown promising results for anomaly detection that can be applied to the problem of defect detection in electronic parts. In this work, we train a deep learning model with Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) to detect anomalies in images of X-ray CT scans. The GANs detections can then be reviewed by an analyst to confirm the presence or absence of a defect in a scan, significantly reducing the amount of time required to analyze X-Ray CT scans. We employ a trained GAN via a system referred to in the literature as an AnoGAN. We train the AnoGAN on images of X-Ray CT scans from normal, non-defective components until it is capable of generating images that are indistinguishable from genuine part scans. Once trained, we query the AnoGAN with an image of an X-ray CT scan that is known to contain a defect, such as a crack or a void. By sampling the GANs latent space, we generate an image that is as visually close to the query image as possible. Because the AnoGAN has learned a distribution over non-defective parts, it can only produce images without defects. By taking the difference between the query image and the generated image, we are able to highlight anomalous areas in the defective part. We hypothesize that this work can be used to improve speed and accuracy for quality assurance of manufactured parts by applying machine learning to non-destructive imaging.
Genetic Factors, Adherence to Healthy Lifestyle Behavior, and Risk of Invasive Breast Cancer Among Women in the UK Biobank.

Background Breast cancer is considered to result from a combination of genetic and lifestyle-related factors, but the degree to which an overall healthy lifestyle may attenuate the impact of multiple genetic variants on invasive breast cancer risk remains equivocal. Methods Using Cox proportional hazards regression models, we examined the association of a modified healthy lifestyle index (HLI) with risk of invasive breast cancer by genetic risk group among 146 326 women from the UK Biobank. We generated an HLI score based on a combination of diet, physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption and anthropometry, and a polygenic risk score (PRS) using 304 breast cancer-associated genetic loci. Results Among premenopausal and postmenopausal women, a favorable lifestyle (highest tertile) was associated with 22% and 31% reductions in invasive breast cancer risk, respectively (hazard ratio [HR]high vs low = 0.78, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.64 to 0.94; HRhigh vs low = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.63 to 0.77, respectively), whereas a high PRS (highest tertile) was associated with more than a doubling in the risk in both groups. For premenopausal women, the greatest risk reduction in association with the HLI was seen among those with a high PRS (HRhigh vs low = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.75 to 0.95). In postmenopausal women, those with a favorable lifestyle had 30%, 29%, and 32% reductions in risk of invasive breast cancer in the low, intermediate, and high PRS groups, respectively (HRhigh vs low = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.56 to 0.88; HRhigh vs low = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.59 to 0.84; and HRhigh vs low = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.59 to 0.78, respectively). There was an additive but not multiplicative interaction between the HLI score and PRS for postmenopausal and, to a lesser extent, premenopausal women. Conclusion Our findings support the view that an overall healthy lifestyle may attenuate the impact of genetic factors on invasive breast cancer risk among women of European ancestry.
Transmission of Images With Ultrasonic Elastic Shear Waves on a Metallic Pipe Using Amplitude Shift Keying Protocol

Transmission of information using ultrasonic elastic waves on existing metallic pipes provides an alternative communication option across physical barriers in a highly partitioned industrial complex, such as a nuclear facility. This work investigates the feasibility of the transmission of digital images over metallic pipes. Ultrasonic communication systems for transmission of images on a nuclear-grade stainless steel pipe were assembled for bench-scale demonstration. Information carriers in this system are refracted shear waves transmitted and received with piezoelectric transducers (PZTs) operating at 2-MHz nominal frequency. The refraction and propagation of ultrasonic shear waves were modeled with COMSOL software. An amplitude shift keying (ASK) communication protocol for image transmission was developed and implemented in the GNURadio software-defined radio (SDR) environment. Digital information was converted to analog ultrasonic signals using Red Pitaya electronic boards. The performance of the ASK protocol is evaluated at the output of every block in the GNURadio program by monitoring the transmission of select characters. Using the ASK communication protocol, the transmission of the 32-KB image was demonstrated at 2-Kbps bitrate across 6-ft-long stainless steel pipe. Preliminary evaluation of ultrasonic communication on the piping of a nuclear facility, such as signal transmission on bent pipes, was performed with COMSOL computer simulations.
Electron Transfer in Nitrogenase

Nitrogenase is the only enzyme capable of reducing N2 to NH3. This challenging reaction requires the coordinated transfer of multiple electrons from the reductase, Fe-protein, to the catalytic component, MoFe-protein, in an ATP-dependent fashion. In the last two decades, there have been significant advances in our understanding of how nitrogenase orchestrates electron transfer (ET) from the Fe-protein to the catalytic site of MoFe-protein and how energy from ATP hydrolysis transduces the ET processes. In this review, we summarize these advances, with focus on the structural and thermodynamic redox properties of nitrogenase component proteins and their complexes, as well as on new insights regarding the mechanism of ET reactions during catalysis and how they are coupled to ATP hydrolysis. We also discuss recently developed chemical, photochemical, and electrochemical methods for uncoupling substrate reduction from ATP hydrolysis, which may provide new avenues for studying the catalytic mechanism of nitrogenase.
Jellyfish-Like Hydrogels for Transparent, Self-Healing and Ultra-Strechabile Sensors and Actuators

We present the synthesis and characterizations of jellyfish inspired biomimetic hydrogels for potential applications in transparent, self-healing, and ultra-stretchable sensors and actuators. Compared to the state-of-art, this work achieved five distinctive advancements: (1) highly transparent with ∼85% transmittance within the visible light range; (2) ultra-stretchable without mechanical failure under more than 1100% applied strain; (3) excellent self-healing capability with broken pieces fully amended visually in 24 hours and piezoresistive gauge factor increased from 1.4 to 2.3; (4) highly adhesive with the self-bonding property, and (5) demonstrations of strain sensing and mechanical actuating for various potential applications.
Using a simplified version of a common surgical grading scale for acetabular labral tears improves the utility of preoperative hip MRI for femoroacetabular impingement.

To evaluate whether a commonly used surgical grading scale, when applied to acetabular labral findings on MRI, could improve preoperative planning and counseling for patients undergoing hip arthroscopy. We evaluated 76 clinical MRIs performed on patients with femoroacetabular impingement. Three musculoskeletal radiologists and one musculoskeletal fellow reviewed each scan in a blinded fashion, classifying the acetabular labrum from 12:00 to 4:00 using the Beck scale, a common surgical grading scale. Clinical correlation was provided via surgical examination and classification. Reliability was determined between readers and between reader and surgical data using Cohen’s kappa and Krippendorff’s alpha at each clock position and for the worst grading for each scan. In addition, a simplified version of the scale comprised of only two grades, potentially reparable and not potentially reparable, was evaluated. When the scale was simplified into categories of potentially reparable and not potentially reparable, the sensitivity was excellent, ranging from 85.5 to 96%. Observer agreement when using individual Beck grades was found to range from poor to fair; Kappa ranged from 0.03 to 0.19, and Alpha ranged from − 0.27 to 0.22. The simplified version of the Beck labral scale when applied to MRI is a highly sensitive predictor of potentially reparable labral pathology while excluding normal and grossly degenerative tissue. Use of this scale provides clinically relevant information that can drive preoperative planning and improve patient counseling. It does so in a standardized fashion that can be applied across practice sites and without additional cost.
Simulating the Autonomous Future: A Look at Virtual Vehicle Environments and How to Validate Simulation Using Public Data Sets

The rapid evolution of autonomous vehicles (AVs) has exposed the need for fast-paced development and testing processes of a variety of perception, planning, and control algorithms. To expedite development, the AV industry and researchers leverage virtual vehicle environments to simulate a range of test scenarios that may otherwise be costly or difficult to conduct on a real test track. However, the various virtual environments may have different results depending on the fidelity of various simulation features, such as vehicle dynamics, sensor simulation, and environment recreation. This tutorial article examines a proposed framework for constructing, parameterizing, and validating a virtual vehicle environment using an existing AV data set. First, an overview of several open source and commercially available simulation tools, including their associated workflows, for scene and scenario creation is presented. Next, various open AV data sets are examined to inform the data set selection for the validation framework. Then, an example workflow of recreating a real-world scene from the selected data set in a simulation tool with various emulated sensors parameterized to match the data set is demonstrated. Finally, an example AV-perception algorithm is subjected to data streams from virtual and real-world environments and suggested metrics for analyzing the results are discussed.
Oncologic safety of Autologous Fat Grafting in Breast Reconstruction

Autologous fat grafting is a useful adjunct to breast reconstruction to address contour changes, volume loss, and deformity. More recent benefits observed include mitigation of pain and inflammation. Although there is no clinical evidence to suggest an increased risk in recurrence or new cancer development in fat grafting for breast reconstruction, the oncologic safety of grafting has come into question. Adipose tissue grafts contain progenitor cells and immunomodulatory cytokines, which may induce vasculogenesis or tumor progression or recurrence at the site. Although these are all theoretical concerns, there is a discrepancy between basic science research and clinical outcomes studies. In this review, the authors summarize available literature regarding three important controversies in fat grafting for oncologic breast reconstruction: the interaction of graft component cells, such as adipose-derived stem cells, with cancer cells; the concern of fat grafting interference with breast cancer screening and detection; and clinical evidence regarding the oncologic safety of fat grafting following breast cancer treatment.