cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Signaling of noncomprehension in communication breakdowns in fragile X syndrome, Down syndrome, and autism spectrum disorder

Abstract The ability to indicate a failure to understand a message is a critical pragmatic (social) language skill for managing communication breakdowns and supporting successful communicative exchanges. The current study examined the ability to signal noncomprehension across different types of confusing message conditions in children and adolescents with fragile X syndrome (FXS), Down syndrome (DS), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and typical development (TD). Controlling for nonverbal mental age and receptive vocabulary skills, youth with comorbid FXS and ASD and those with DS were less likely than TD controls to signal noncomprehension of confusing messages. Youth with FXS without ASD and those with idiopathic ASD did not differ from controls. No sex differences were detected in any group. Findings contribute to current knowledge of pragmatic profiles in different forms of genetically-based neurodevelopmental disorders associated with intellectual disability, and the role of sex in the expression of such profiles. Learning outcomes Upon completion of this article, readers will have learned about: (1) the social-communicative profiles of youth with FXS, DS, and ASD, (2) the importance of signaling noncomprehension in response to a confusing message, and (3) the similarities and differences in noncomprehension signaling in youth with FXS (with and without ASD), DS, idiopathic ASD, and TD.
Optimal interpolation of satellite and ground data for irradiance nowcasting at city scales

Abstract We use a Bayesian method, optimal interpolation, to improve satellite derived irradiance estimates at city-scales using ground sensor data. Optimal interpolation requires error covariances in the satellite estimates and ground data, which define how information from the sensor locations is distributed across a large area. We describe three methods to choose such covariances, including a covariance parameterization that depends on the relative cloudiness between locations. Results are computed with ground data from 22 sensors over a 75 × 80 km area centered on Tucson, AZ, using two satellite derived irradiance models. The improvements in standard error metrics for both satellite models indicate that our approach is applicable to additional satellite derived irradiance models. We also show that optimal interpolation can nearly eliminate mean bias error and improve the root mean squared error by 50%.
Scanning and transmission electron microscopic findings during RPE wound healing in vivo.

Objective: To examine the scanning (SEM)and transmission (TEM) electron microscopic features of an in vivo rabbit model of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) wound healing. Methods: Hydraulic debridement of the RPE was performed in one eye of each of 35 pigmented rabbits using a pars plana vitrectomy approach. Five of the 35 eyes were examined by either SEM or TEM on each of the following postoperative days: 0, 2, 4, 7, 14, 28 and 56. Results: TEM revealed that hydraulic RPE debridement results in only focal damage to the RPE basement membrane portion of Bruch‘s membrane and that this damage is repaired by day 7 without ultrastructural sequelae. SEM and TEM disclosed that the RPE cells at the margin of the debrided bed become flattened and enlarged and evolve a cytoskeletal reorganization with altered apical-basal polarity consistent with the development of a migrating phenotype. This is followed by gradual restoration to a more normal stationary RPE phenotype after initial closure (reepithelialization) of the RPE defect on day7. RPE hyperplasia also occurs and may contribute to this repair process. Tight junctions are re-established among the apical surfaces of monolayered and multilayered RPE cells by day 7, coinciding with the restoration of the blood outer retinal barrier. Conclusion: Hydraulic debridement of the RPE in vivo is a useful investigational model that provides important insight into the pathogenesis of outer retinal disorders and their treatment with suchtechniques as submacular surgery or RPE transplantation.
Photochemistry of Products of the Aqueous Reaction of Methylglyoxal with Ammonium Sulfate

Aqueous reactions of methylglyoxal (MG) and glyoxal with ammonium sulfate (AS) produce light-absorbing compounds (chromophores) and may serve as a source of atmospheric secondary “brown carbon” (BrC). The molecular composition of these chromophores is ambiguous, and their transformation due to exposure to solar UV radiation is not well understood. We examined the molecular composition, mass absorption coefficients, and fluorescence spectra of BrC samples produced by the evaporation of aqueous MG/AS solutions. Chromatograms of BrC produced by evaporation were different from those of BrC produced by slow MG/AS reaction in water, highlighting the substantial sensitivity of BrC to its formation conditions. The BrC samples were characterized before and after their exposure to broadband (270–390 nm) UV radiation. Irradiation led to rapid photobleaching, a decrease in the characteristic 280 nm absorption band, a complete loss of fluorescence, and a dramatic change in molecular composition. By comparing the compo...
Black silicon based iris with reduced light scattering and reflection

This paper reports the fabrication and the characterization of a black silicon based iris that shows significant reduction in the unwanted stray light due to scattering and reflection on the iris surfaces. The iris was characterized by recording the far-field diffraction pattern at a 532-nm wavelength. The intensity at dark rings is reduced by a factor of up to 5, which makes the bright 0th order disk much sharper.
An integrated solution for the aircraft taxi and gate assignment problems

Airlines incur a number of costs associated with moving freight or passengers for one point to another. To manage and control these costs, airlines are constantly looking for areas or opportunities...
Robustness and evolvability of recombination in linear genetic programming

The effect of neutrality on evolutionary search is known to be crucially dependent on the distribution of genotypes over phenotypes. Quantitatively characterizing robustness and evolvability in genotype and phenotype spaces greatly helps to understand the influence of neutrality on Genetic Programming. Most existing robustness and evolvability studies focus on mutations with a lack of investigation of recombinational operations. Here, we extend a previously proposed quantitative approach of measuring mutational robustness and evolvability in Linear GP. By considering a simple LGP system that has a compact representation and enumerable genotype and phenotype spaces, we quantitatively characterize the robustness and evolvability of recombination at the phenotypic level. In this simple yet representative LGP system, we show that recombinational properties are correlated with mutational properties. Utilizing a population evolution experiment, we demonstrate that recombination significantly accelerates the evolutionary search process and particularly promotes robust phenotypes that innovative phenotypic explorations.
Protecting the confidentiality of sexually active adolescents.

Doctors should do everything they can to protect an adolescent's confidentiality, but lying to the patient's parents is not acceptable.
Critical Reading of Contracts

Although we talk about drafting contracts, this skill always involves reading the contract, especially when the drafter starts with a form or model. Reading theory makes a very simple but especially useful point – we use different skills to read different texts. This article urges that the skill of reading contracts be taught in the Contracts class, and discusses some of the advantages of this method of instruction.
Plasma protein binding and distribution characteristics of drugs as indices of their hemodialyzability

The dialysis clearance, plasma protein binding, and distribution (expressed as volume of distribution) characteristics of a drug were evaluated as predictive indices of the efficiency of hemodialysis in removing drug from the body. Dialysis clearance correlated poorly with the fraction of drug in the body removed by hemodialysis. The best predictive measure of hemodialysis efficiency was obtained by a nonlinear model relating the ratio of the percent of free drug in the plasma and the volume of distribution of the drug to the fraction removed. Knowledge of the binding and distribution characteristics of a drug provides insight into the dialyzability of a drug which in turn may assist in coming to decisions on the necessity of dose adjustments for patients on chronic hemodialysis and the rational use of hemodialysis in the treatment of drug intoxication.
Failing to notice? Uneven teachers’ attention to boys and girls in the classroom

This paper analyzes whether teachers’ attention to boys and girls differs in low-performing schools in Chile, where large gender gaps in test scores are also observed. We coded 237 videotaped classes of fourth graders, identifying specific behaviors of teachers toward boys and girls. The results show a general imbalance in teachers’ attention and interactions favoring boys. Gender attention gap is correlated with lower scores in math for girls on Chile’s national standardized test (SIMCE). The gender attention gap was also greater in general in classrooms in which teachers had overall worse interactions with students, as measured by the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS). The evidence in this paper contributes to the discussion about whether traditional measures of teacher–student interactions really capture all that matters for learning. O12, J16, I2
Beyond Turing: Intelligent Agents Centered on the User.

Most research on intelligent agents centers on the agent and not on the user. We look at the origins of agent-centric research for slot-filling, gaming and chatbot agents. We then argue that it is important to concentrate more on the user. After reviewing relevant literature, some approaches for creating and assessing user-centric systems are proposed.
Rising trends in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma incidence and mortality: getting at the root cause.

Several epidemiologic studies over the years have demonstrated that there is a worldwide increase in the incidence of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) (1-5). Given the aggressive biology of ICC and poor survival, it is not surprising that the mortality rate mirrors the incidence rate (6).
The preparative scale separation and the identification of constituents of anthraquinone-derived dye mixtures

Two colored-smoke grenades, red and violet, were detonated and the particulate and vapour phase portions were collected and analyzed. The original dye mixes were also analyzed for comparison. The chloroform-soluble portion of each dye mix was fractionated by liquid chromatography on silica gel as was the original red dye mix, while the original violet smoke mix was fractionated by differential solubility. Major components were collected in essentially pure fractions while the impurities were concentrated in other fractions. The dye portion of the red smoke mix was substantially unchanged on combusion, with the major component remaining as 1-methylaminoanthraquinone. A significant amount (>5%) of 1-aminoanthraquinone was formed, however. The dye portion of the violet smoke mix was quantitatively converted from 1,4-diamino-2,3-dihydroanthraquinone to 1,4-diaminoanthraquinone upon combustion. The nonvolatile and/or chloroform-insoluble portions consisted mainly of sodium and potassium chlorides, elemental sulfur, and undifferentiated carbonaceous matter. Major constituents of the vapor phases were carbon disulfide, toluene, C2-benzenes, styrene, chloromethylbenzene and naphthalene. Alipatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, alkylbenzenes, and thiophenes, as well as a number of other compounds were detected in smaller quantities.
Compressive sampling optimization for user signal parameter estimation in massive MIMO systems

Abstract As the most promising technology in wireless communications, massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) faces a significant challenge in practical implementation because of the high complexity and cost involved in deploying a separate front-end circuit for each antenna. In this paper, we apply the compressive sampling technique to reduce the number of required front-end circuits in the analog domain and the computational complexity in the digital domain. Unlike the commonly adopted random projections, we exploit the a priori probability distribution of the user positions to optimize the compressive sampling strategy, so as to maximize the mutual information between the compressed measurements and the direction-of-arrival (DOA) of user signals. With the optimized compressive sampling strategy, we further propose a compressive sampling Capon spatial spectrum estimator for DOA estimation. In addition, the user signal power is estimated by solving a compressed measurement covariance matrix fitting problem. Furthermore, the user signal waveforms are estimated from a robust adaptive beamformer through the reconstruction of an interference-plus-noise compressed covariance matrix. Simulation results clearly demonstrate the performance advantages of the proposed techniques for user signal parameter estimation as compared to existing techniques.
Evolution of Outbreak-Causing Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae ST258 at a Tertiary Care Hospital over 8 Years.

ABSTRACT Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) strains belonging to sequence type 258 (ST258) are frequent causes of hospital-associated outbreaks and are a major contributor to the spread of carbapenemases. This genetic lineage emerged several decades ago and remains a major global health care challenge. In this study, genomic epidemiology was used to investigate the emergence, evolution, and persistence of ST258 carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae outbreak-causing lineages at a large tertiary care hospital over 8 years. A time-based phylogenetic analysis of 136 ST258 isolates demonstrated the succession of multiple genetically distinct ST258 sublineages over the 8-year period. Ongoing genomic surveillance identified the emergence and persistence of several distinct clonal ST258 populations. Patterns of multidrug resistance determinants and plasmid replicons were consistent with continued evolution and persistence of these populations. Five ST258 outbreaks were documented, including three that were caused by the same clonal lineage. Mutations in genes encoding effectors of biofilm production and iron acquisition were identified among persistent clones. Two emergent lineages bearing K. pneumoniae integrative conjugative element 10 (ICEKp10) and harboring yersiniabactin and colibactin virulence factors were identified. The results show how distinct ST258 subpopulations have evolved and persisted within the same hospital over nearly a decade. IMPORTANCE The carbapenem class of antibiotics is invaluable for the treatment of selected multidrug-resistant Gram-negative pathogens. The continued transmission of carbapenem-resistant bacteria such as ST258 K. pneumoniae is of serious global public health concern, as treatment options for these infections are limited. This genomic epidemiologic investigation traced the natural history of ST258 K. pneumoniae in a single health care setting over nearly a decade. We found that distinct ST258 subpopulations have caused both device-associated and ward-associated outbreaks, and some of these populations remain endemic within our hospital to the present day. The finding of virulence determinants among emergent ST258 clones supports the idea of convergent evolution of drug-resistant and virulent CRKP strains and highlights the need for continued surveillance, prevention, and control efforts to address emergent and evolving ST258 populations in the health care setting.
GP234 Thrombolysis of arterial ischaemic stroke in an eight month old: the first irish case

Paediatric arterial ischaemic stroke (AIS) is a potentially fatal condition with serious long term neurological sequelae. The rate of paediatric ischaemic stroke is 1.6 – 3.3 per 100,000 and 61% of these children are left with long term neurological difficulties. Thrombolysis guidelines for children were introduced in May 2017 by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH). However, these guidelines were developed for children from the age of eight and up, and may be used on a case by case basis for children from the age of two to eight years. There is very limited data on the use of thrombolysis in children of any age, particularly in the under two age group. Here we present the first case of AIS thrombolysis in an under two year old in Ireland. An eight-month old boy presented with a two-and-a-half-hour history of decreased movement of his left side. Importantly, his mother had noted the exact time symptoms commenced. His brain imaging showed a large right sided area of ischaemia in the territory of the middle cerebral artery (MCA), and a narrowed right internal carotid artery (ICA); no haemorrhage was seen. He was brought to intensive care and thrombolysis was commenced with alteplase and heparin. Methylprednisolone was also given as the narrowing of the ICA was felt to be inflammatory. Other investigations, including echocardiogram, homocysteine level, thrombophilia screen and varicella titres, were all negative. He has recovered well. He is back on full oral feeds and has learned to walk. He is right hand dominant, with no left sided neglect. He has no speech delay and has been discharged by both physiotherapy and occupational therapy. Enrolling children in randomised controlled trials to assess AIS treatment and outcomes remains extremely difficult, as evidenced by the Thrombolysis in Pediatric Stroke (TIPS) study, which was closed by the National Institute for Health (NIH) after only thrombolysing one patient despite recruiting 43. The issues centre on delays in presentation (usually outside the thrombolysis window), and in delayed recognition of AIS in emergency departments by clinicians. This case highlights the need for continued research in this area as it demonstrates that successful outcomes are possible after thrombolysis of AIS.
Evaluating Respiratory Therapist Perspectives on a Combination IS and PEP Device for Post-Op Patients

Background: Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC) can affect patient outcomes, mortality rates, length of hospital stay, readmission rates, and healthcare costs. Incentive spirometry (IS) and positive expiratory pressure (PEP) are often prescribed postoperatively for lung expansion and secretion clearance, respectively, and may reduce PPCs. The incentive positive expiratory pressure (iPEP) device combines the functions of both IS and PEP. The purpose of this study was to explore the beliefs and perceived effectiveness of the iPEP device versus the combination of a traditional IS device and PEP device among respiratory therapists (RT) who provide postoperative care to patients. Methods: Each participant attended an in-service on the use of the iPEP conducted by the researchers. The in-service utilized educational resources available from the iPEP device manufacturer. Following the in-service, RTs completed a survey regarding perceived effectiveness, ease of use and patient adherence for the iPEP as compared to IS and PEP devices. Descriptive statistics were used to answer the research questions. Results: The study was reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board. Following the in-service, 43 completed surveys were returned. RTs preferred iPEP over traditional IS and PEP with 77.5% recommending iPEP for use in postoperative patients. RTs rated the iPEP highly (mean >3.8) in all seven categories surveyed on a 5-point Likert scale. Participants commented that the use of one device to complete two therapies may increase patient adherence and decrease treatment time, but had concerns with the inability to change resistance of PEP oscillation, the increased number of steps to use iPEP, and the need for patients to have strong breath control for proper use of therapy. Conclusions: RTs believe the iPEP may be beneficial to address PPCs, which suggests that evaluating patient preference for postoperative devices and determining clinical benefit of the iPEP are important next steps. Disclosures: None.
Raman Spectroscopy for Biomedical Applications: From Label-free Cancer Cell Sorting to Imaging

This work presents the use of a Raman-based device and its integration/correlation with ultrasensitive microscopies (surface-enhanced Raman microscopy and confocal microscopy) for the molecular imaging and classification of normal lymphocytic B-cell and different leukemia cells from peripheral blood samples. The label-free Raman approach allowed for categorization of leukocytes into their respective lineage based on the biochemical information provided by Raman spectra. Furthermore, the single-point Raman analysis permitted the accurate discrimination of normal B-cells and leukemia-transformed cell lines (RS4;11, REH, MN60 cells), and more significantly, between leukemia cells in different differentiation/maturation stages. Raman imaging successfully and without cell destruction provided non-destructively information on the cell morphology, similarly to the standard May Grunwald-Giemsa histochemical staining protocol, but without the requirements for sample preparation. Finally, the specific analysis of the leukemic cell membrane by surface enhanced Raman scattering is shown. The reported results are promising for the development of a Raman-based protocol for the diagnosis and the complete morphofunctional assessment of cancer cells.
Predictors of Survival after Yttrium-90 Radioembolization of Chemotherapy-Refractory Hepatic Metastases from Breast Cancer

Abstract Purpose To determine predictors of survival after transarterial radioembolization of hepatic metastases from breast cancer. Materials and Methods Twenty-four patients with chemotherapy-refractory hepatic metastases from breast cancer who underwent radioembolization from 2013 to 2018 were evaluated based on various demographic and clinical factors before and after treatment. Overall survival (OS) was estimated by Kaplan–Meier method. Log-rank analysis was performed to determine predictors of prolonged OS from the time of first radioembolization and first hepatic metastasis diagnosis. Results Median OS times were 35.4 and 48.6 months from first radioembolization and time of hepatic metastasis diagnosis, respectively. Radioembolization within 6 months of hepatic metastasis diagnosis was a positive predictor of survival from first radioembolization, with median OS of 38.9 months vs 22.1 months for others (P = .033). Estrogen receptor (ER)–positive status predicted prolonged survival (38.6 months for ER+ vs 5.4 months for ER−; P = .005). The presence of abdominal pain predicted poor median OS: 12.8 months vs 38.6 months for others (P Conclusions In patients with metastatic breast cancer, radioembolization within 6 months of hepatic metastasis diagnosis and ER+ status appear to be positive predictors of prolonged survival. Conversely, baseline abdominal pain, baseline ascites, and treatment-related grade ≥ 2 toxicity at 3 months after treatment appear to be negative predictors of OS.
Optimal robust tracking by state feedback: infinite horizon

The existence and implementation of optimal robust state-feedback controllers that achieve optimal tracking over the infinite horizon is considered. The objective is to minimise over all times the ...
Efficacy and costs of a workplace wellness programme.

BACKGROUND Research investigating the efficacy of workplace wellness programmes to promote exercise, and by extension, reduce obesity and increase productivity has proliferated in recent years. Although preliminary work is encouraging, more work is needed. AIMS To evaluate the effects and overall cost of a workplace exercise programme on multiple physical outcomes, including body mass index, aerobic fitness and muscular fitness. METHODS Data from the Bruin Health Improvement Programme .5 (BHIP) between August 2013 and July 2018 were analysed. BHIP is a 12-week workplace wellness programme that assesses multiple areas of physical and mental health. For this study, changes in weight, waist-to-hip ratio, aerobic fitness and muscular endurance were analysed using paired samples t-tests and chi-squared tests. Using results from a prior analysis of Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, the estimated medical expenditure savings associated with weight loss were also analysed. RESULTS A total of 518 participants (84% female) took part in the BHIP programme (mean age = 41 years, SD = 1.17). There were significant decreases in all anthropometric indices and significant increases in all fitness outcomes (P < 0.01) from baseline to follow-up. Estimated programme cost per participant, per session was $473 US Dollars (USD), and weight loss is estimated to reduce annual medical care costs by ~$2200 USD. CONCLUSIONS Results showed significant improvements in all physical outcomes of interest. Additionally, there appears to be an inverse relationship between improvements in employee health and employer healthcare costs. Strengths, limitations and future directions are discussed.
Signal and Image Processing in Biomedical Photoacoustic Imaging: A Review

Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) is a powerful imaging modality that relies on the PA effect. PAI works on the principle of electromagnetic energy absorption by the exogenous contrast agents and/or endogenous molecules present in the biological tissue, consequently generating ultrasound waves. PAI combines a high optical contrast with a high acoustic spatiotemporal resolution, allowing the non-invasive visualization of absorbers in deep structures. However, due to the optical diffusion and ultrasound attenuation in heterogeneous turbid biological tissue, the quality of the PA images deteriorates. Therefore, signal and image-processing techniques are imperative in PAI to provide high-quality images with detailed structural and functional information in deep tissues. Here, we review various signal and image processing techniques that have been developed/implemented in PAI. Our goal is to highlight the importance of image computing in photoacoustic imaging.
Quantifying publication rates and time to publication for urologic oncology podium presentations.

357Background: The American Urological Association (AUA) annual meetings serve as a large platform for unpublished research. Among the selected abstracts, podium presentations represent the most im...
Prevalence and predictors of obesity-related cancers among racial/ethnic groups with metabolic syndrome.

Background Obesity-related cancer (ORC) is associated with higher amounts of body fat, which could increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). A significant factor associated with CVD is metabolic syndrome (MetS), and MetS prevalence differs by race/ethnicity. The purpose of this study was to compare the prevalence and predictors of ORCs by race/ethnicity among adults (>18) with MetS. Methods This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study using data from the 1999–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). A chi-square test was performed to determine differences in ORC prevalence between non-Hispanic White (NHW), non-Hispanic Black (NHB), and Hispanic participants with MetS. A multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate predictors (race, sex, income, insurance, education, marital status, and smoking status) of ORC among adults with MetS. Results Of the 1,554 adults, the prevalence of ORC was 30.6% among NHWs, 51.3% in NHBs, and 54.1% in Hispanics (p = <0.001). Females were 6.27 times more likely to have an ORC compared to males (95% CI = 4.95–14.11). Compared to NHWs, NHBs were 2.1 times more likely to have an ORC (95% CI = 1.40–3.38); and Hispanics were 2.5 times more likely (95% CI = 1.39–4.77). For every 1-year unit increase in age, the odds of ORC increased by 3% (95% CI = 1.00–1.05). Conclusions Among NHANES participants with MetS, the prevalence of ORCs was significantly higher in NHBs and Hispanics, females, and older adults with MetS. Future studies, by race/ethnicity, are warranted on mortality risk of persons with MetS and ORC.
Imaging of the Symptomatic Breast

Breast symptoms are of concern to women not only because of the symptom itself but the fear that it may be caused by an underlying breast cancer. Two of the most common presenting breast complaints are a breast lump and breast pain. A breast lump discovered on self-examination or during clinical examination is evaluated by a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound. The incidence of breast cancer in a patient with a breast lump can be significant in older women and as high as 13% in women over 50 years of age. Breast pain when non-focal and in the absence of an associated physical finding or when cyclical does not require imaging. Focal breast pain, especially if associated with a breast lump, is evaluated with a diagnostic mammogram and/or an ultrasound. Other breast symptoms prompting a physician visit include an abnormal nipple discharge, abnormalities of the nipple-areolar complex, non-puerperal mastitis, and axillary abnormalities. Skin erythema and skin thickening in absence of an underlying infection should be evaluated for the rare inflammatory breast cancer. Breast implant-associated symptoms may be related to disruption of the implant and the extremely rare implant-associated lymphoma. Palpable breast lumps Nipple discharge Nipple areola complex Non-puerperal mastitis Breast pain Inflammatory breast cancer Breast implant-associated symptoms Axilla
Comparison of Autologous Breast Reconstruction Complications by Type of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Regimen.

BACKGROUND Neoadjuvant chemotherapy before mastectomy helps reduce tumor burden and pathologic response in breast cancer. Limited evidence exists regarding how neoadjuvant chemotherapy impacts outcomes following microvascular breast reconstruction. This study examines the effects of neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimens and schedules on microvascular breast reconstruction complication rates and also assesses the effects of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on circulating immune cells related to wound healing. METHODS Patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy and microvascular breast reconstruction at Yale New Haven Hospital between 2013 and 2018 were identified. Demographic variables, oncologic history, chemotherapy regimens, and complication profiles were collected. Chemotherapy regimens were stratified by inclusion of anthracycline and order of taxane administration. Chi-square, Fisher's exact, and t tests were used for univariate analysis. Multivariate binary logistic regression was used to control for covariates. RESULTS One hundred patients met inclusion criteria. On multivariate analysis, the administration of taxane first in an anthracycline-containing chemotherapy sequence was associated with increased complications (OR, 3.521; p = 0.012), particularly fat necrosis (OR, 2.481; p = 0.040). In the logistic regression model evaluating the effect of the taxane-first regimen on complication rates, the area under the curve was estimated to be 0.760 (p < 0.0001), particularly fat necrosis 0.635 (p < 0.05). The dosage of chemotherapy, number of days between neoadjuvant chemotherapy completion and surgery, and number of circulating immune cells did not significantly differ among patients who experienced complications. CONCLUSIONS Taxane-first, anthracycline-containing neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimens were associated with increased complications, particularly fat necrosis. The increased postreconstruction complication risk must be weighed against the benefits of taxane-first regimens in improving tumor outcome. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic, III.
Men, Models, Methods, and Machines in Hydrologic Analysis

In searching for understanding of an hydrologic mechanism, or in analyzing a particular hydrologic situation to obtain a quantitative practical answer, the human element is represented by the hydro...
An experimental study of momentum and heavy particle transport in a trellised agricultural canopy

Abstract Turbulent particle dispersion in plant canopies plays an important role in many agricultural and forestry ecosystems. Most research on dispersion in plant canopies has focused on dispersal patterns in homogeneous dense canopies and/or on patterns far from the source. To study near-source particle dispersion in a sparse agricultural canopy, a series of point-source particle release events was conducted in a commercial vineyard. Analysis of the wind velocity data indicated that the majority of the flow in the open spaces between the vine rows was channeled parallel to the vine rows regardless of the direction of the mean wind above the canopy. Although this channeling led to significant turning of the mean velocity, profiles of turbulent statistics taken at times when the above-canopy winds were nearly parallel to the vine rows showed similar behavior to canopy flow profiles in previous studies. The particle release events were conducted using fluorescent microspheres with similar physical characteristics to the spores of multiple airborne fungal pathogens of grapes (diameter = 10–45 μm, density = 1.0 g/cm3). Microspheres were released from two vertical positions within the canopy and monitored using a dense three dimensional impaction trap array in the near-source region (1–5 canopy heights downwind). The shape of the microsphere plumes was strongly impacted by the flow channeling within the canopy. Specifically, the plumes’ maximum concentrations were typically channelled down the aisle in which they originated. The spanwise concentration profile also tended to be skewed from the release aisle toward the mean wind direction above the canopy. This was believed to be caused by the wind directional shear created by the difference between the mean wind direction above the canopy and the vine row direction as well as the filtering effects of the plants themselves.
Applied Multivariate Data Analysis

Multivariate data / Mathematical and statistical background / Exploring multivariate data graphically / Exploratory factor analysis / Correspondence analysis / Multidimensional scaling / Cluster analysis / Latent class analysis / Discriminant function analysis / Multivariate dependencies / Classical multivariate inference / Longitudinal data / Problems of measurement error / Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation models.
Stimulation of polyunsaturated fatty acid oxidation in myocytes by regulating its cellular uptake: On the rate limiting step of polyunsaturated fatty acid oxidation in heart

In order to investigate the regulation of polyunsaturated fatty acid oxidation in the heart, the effect of the phosphodiesterase inhibitor enoximone on the oxidation of [1-14C] arachidonic acid, and [1-14C] arachidonyl-CoA, were studied in adult rat myocytes, and isolated rat heart mitochondria. Enoximone stimulated arachidonate oxidation by 94%, at a concentration of 0.25 mM. The apparent Vmax value of arachidonate oxidation in the presence of enoximone (6.98 nmol/mg protein/30 min), was approximately 75% higher than the value observed with the control (4.0 nmol/mg protein/30 min) in isolated myocytes. Also, enoximone stimulated arachidonate uptake by 27% at a concentration of 0.25 mM. On the other hand, enoximone had no effect on the oxidation of [1-14C] arachidonyl-CoA in isolated rat heart mitochondria. These results suggest that the oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids in myocytes is regulated by the rate of uptake of these acids across sarcolemmal membranes.
Time Heals All: How Much and for Whom?

One hundred and seventy-six children aged 5-14 years and their mothers participated in a longitudinal study of children exposed to differing levels of parental conflict and violence. Both accumulation and habituation models of change over 11 months were considered. In general, results fit better with an accumulation model of effect. While trauma symptoms and behavior problems declined across follow-up, school performance also declined. For exposed children, protective factors appear to be male gender, attending more treatment sessions, and the lack of ongoing violence. Results are consistent with previous longitudinal studies of exposed children.
Abstract MP58: Association Between Plasma Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Level and Risk of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in ARIC: a Mendelian Randomization Study

Introduction: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Observational epidemiological studies demonstrated that circulating level of LDL cholesterol is positively associated with AAA risk. However, a causal link between LDL and risk of AAA is still unclear. Hypothesis: There is a causal relationship between plasma LDL and risk of AAA, which can be demonstrated by a Mendelian randomization (MR) approach. Methods: Using a gene score for LDL as an instrumental variable (IV), we conducted a large MR study to investigate the association between plasma level of LDL and risk of AAA in 8,967 European Americans in the ARIC Study. Twelve SNPs that were reported in a published genome-wide association study for LDL and not associated with other lipids or total cholesterol (TC) were selected. A weighted LDL gene score was created as the sum of the number of risk alleles of the selected SNPs multiplied by the SNP-specific effect size on LDL obtained from the literature and then divided by the total number of SNPs. For participants who took antihyperlipidemic medication, a constant was added to their plasma LDL value to account for the effect of medication. A total of 262 clinical AAA cases were ascertained through hospital discharge diagnoses or death certificates during 23 years of follow-up. The IV-predicted risk for AAA per 1 SD increment of LDL was assessed using an IV probit model adjusted for age, sex, field center, and 10 principal components to account for population stratification. A probit regression model adjusted for known risk factors and other lipids was also performed to confirm the association between LDL and AAA risk at the phenotype level. Results: Using the LDL gene score as an IV for LDL, a positive association was observed between plasma LDL and the predicted risk of AAA. Each 1 SD increase in LDL (instrumented by the LDL gene score) was associated with an average increase of 10% (95% CI=0.1%- 20%) in the risk of AAA. The strength of the LDL gene score as an IV was adequate (F-statistic = 20), and this score was not related to other risk factors for AAA, including other lipids. Similar results were observed after we removed participants who took antihyperlipidemic medications. The positive association based on the LDL gene score was concordant in direction with the association between LDL level and AAA without gene score (average increase in the risk of AAA per 1 SD increment in LDL = 0.6%, 95%CI=0.3 %-1%). We conducted a sensitivity analysis by adding SNPs related to TC. This new score was marginally correlated with triglycerides and reduced the adequacy of MR model to below statistical significance. Conclusion: Our finding supports a causal relationship between plasma level of LDL and AAA risk, with higher LDL level leading to a higher AAA risk.
Distributed protocols for multi-agent coalition formation: a negotiation perspective

We investigate collaborative multi-agent systems and how they can use simple, scalable negotiation protocols to coordinate in a fully decentralized manner. Specifically, we study multi-agent distributed coalition formation. We summarize our past and ongoing research on collaborative coalition formation and describe our original distributed coalition formation algorithm. The present paper focuses on negotiation-based view of coalition formation in collaborative Multi-Agent Systems (MAS). While negotiation protocols have been extensively studied in the context of competitive, self-interested agents, we argue that negotiation-based approach may be potentially very useful in the context of collaborative agents, as well --- as long as those agents, due to limitations of their sensing and communication abilities, have different views of and preferences over the states of the world. In particular, we show that our coalition formation algorithm has several important, highly desirable properties when viewed as a negotiation protocol.
Structural and functional changes of myosin during development: comparison with adult fast, slow and cardiac myosin.

Abstract ATPase (Ca2+ and K+ activated) activity of myosin prepared from muscles of 3–4 week rabbit embryos (EM) is slighly lower than that of adult fast muscle myosin (FM), but in contrast to the less active adult slow muscle myosin (SM) is stable on exposure to pH 9.2. Studies of the time course, by means of Na dodecyl-SO4 polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, of changes in the pattern of polypeptides released by tryptic digestion show that in this regard EM is closest to SM. The light chain complement of EM appears identical with that of FM rather than of SM or cardiac myosin (CM) by the criteria of coelectrophoresis and removal by 5,5′-dithio-2-dinitrobenzoate treatment of LC2 except that the relative amount of LC3 is less in EM than in FM. The staining pattern of light meromyosin (EMM) paracrystals prepared from EM is distinct from either the FM, SM or CM LMM staining pattern. These studies suggest that different genes are involved in the coding for embryonic and adult heavy chains.
History of Microorganisms in Food

Although it is extremely difficult to pinpoint the precise beginnings of human awareness of the presence and role of microorganisms in foods, the available evidence indicates that this knowledge preceded the establishment of bacteriology or microbiology as a science. The era prior to the establishment of bacteriology as a science may be designated the prescientific era. This era may be further divided into what has been called the food-gathering period and the food-producing period. The former covers the time from human origin over 1 million years ago up to 8000 years ago. During this period, humans were presumably carnivorous, with plant foods coming into their diet later in this period. It is also during this period that foods were first cooked.
Grades of freedom: Augustine and Descartes

Abstract: While Augustine distinguishes free choice from true liberty, his account of human freedom implies further distinctions which Augustine himself does not make explicit. More importantly, Augustine regards these distinct types of freedom as qualitatively different; some are clearly superior to others. Descartes also distinguishes qualitatively different types of freedom, and does so in a way that parallels Augustine's view. I here argue that Augustine divides freedom into four qualitatively distinct grades, and then demonstrate that Descartes’ account of freedom is a rationalist adaptation of the theory of free choice found in Augustine.
Transcriptional regulation of the virA and virG genes of Agrobacterium tumefaciens.

Abstract We have used transcriptional and translational fusions between various vir gene promoters and the lacZ gene to study the regulation of vir genes. Like other vir promoters, the virA promoter was induced by acetosyringone in a virA virG-dependent fashion. In addition to being induced by acetosyringone, the virG promoter was partially induced by acidic growth conditions and by starvation for inorganic phosphate. These two conditions appeared to act synergistically. The response to low pH and to phosphate starvation occurred in the absence of the Ti plasmid and must therefore have been mediated by chromosomal genes. Two transposon-generated mutations were obtained which attenuated induction by low pH. One of these transposons was cloned along with flanking DNA; the flanking DNA was sequenced (858 base pairs total), and the predicted amino acid sequence showed homology with a family of proteins including the Rhizobium leguminosarum nodI gene, many of whose members bind ATP and have been implicated in active transport systems. These results are discussed as possible explanations for previous observations that the induction of the octopine vir regulon (i) occurs only in acidic media and (ii) shows hyperbolic kinetics after a long lag phase.
Development of receptive field properties in the visual cortex of rabbits subjected to early epileptiform cortical discharges

We examined the effects of early epileptiform activity on development of visuocortical receptive fields in the rabbit. Aqueous penicillin was injected twice a day into a cannula implanted over the monocular area of one visual cortex. Drug administration was begun on postnatal day 8-9 and continued until postnatal day 24-30. Concomitant with the penicillin injections a mixture of penicillin and penicillinase was similarly applied to the monocular area of the contralateral control cortex. Interictal discharges were routinely observed only from the penicillin-treated or epileptic cortex. Single-unit recordings made on postnatal day 25-31 revealed that in the neuronal population adjacent to the cortical penicillin focus percentages of receptive field types were severely altered relative to control cortex percentages. Epileptic cortex showed an abnormally high percentage of no response type cells together with an abnormally low percentage of complex and oriented-directional type cells. These abnormalities were greater closer to the penicillin focus than further from it. Epileptic visual cortex receptive field percentages are compared with those for the neonatal rabbit and the rabbit subjected to early monocular deprivation. One interpretation of our results is that development of complex and oriented-directional type cells is impeded by epileptogenic disruption of organized geniculostriate activity.
High-pressure extraction and delignification of red spruce with binary and ternary mixtures of acetic acid, water, and supercritical carbon dioxide☆

Abstract High-pressure extractions and delignification of red spruce have been carried out using acetic acid-water, acetic acid-carbon dioxide, and acetic acid-water-carbon dioxide mixtures. Effect of solvent composition (from 0 to 100% acetic acid), pressure (from 1.4 to 25 MPa), temperature (from 120 to 180 °C), and extraction time (from 0.5 to 3 h) has been studied. Extent of delignification has been determined by chemical (acid insoluble fraction), spectroscopic (FTIR), and microscopic (SEM) evaluations. With acetic acid-water binary mixtures containing 73 mol % (90 vol %) acetic acid, high delignification levels (in the range from 70 to 95%) were achieved with relatively high yields (60 to 50%, respectively). The physical properties of the pulp obtained with this mixture were comparable to conventional pulps. Breaking length and burst index were around 7.8 km and 4.3 kPa m 2 g −1 , respectively. In extractions with acetic acid-carbon dioxide and acetic acid-water-carbon dioxide mixtures, extent of dissolution and delignification levels were, however, lower.
New directions in maternal attachment research.

Abstract Early exchanges between a mother and her infant are the foundation on which future human relationships are built. Maternal attachment studies underscore the significance of this early interactional phenomenon and suggest that the attachment process may have underpinnings in the prenatal period. This article presents an overview of recent findings in maternal attachment research. Special emphasis is placed on measurement instruments and findings associated with prenatal maternal attachment.