cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Economic effects of prolonged clopidogrel therapy after percutaneous coronary intervention

Objectives This study examined the incremental cost-effectiveness of extending clopidogrel therapy from one month to one year after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in an unselected, heterogeneous patient population. Background Clinical trials suggest that prolonging clopidogrel therapy for up to one year after PCI reduces downstream cardiac events. However, clopidogrel therapy is costly and may increase bleeding risk. Methods Using decision analysis, we compared the outcomes and cost of prolonging clopidogrel treatment from one month to one year after PCI with the alternative strategy of discontinuing therapy one month after the procedure. Event rates were based on 3,976 PCI patients who were treated between January 1999 and December 2001 at the Duke Medical Center and received no more than one month of clopidogrel after the procedure. Baseline characteristics and event rates were obtained from Duke clinical information systems. The effect of prolonged clopidogrel therapy on event rates was based on the Clopidogrel for the Reduction of Events During Observation (CREDO) trial per-protocol data. Unit costs and the effect of myocardial infarction (MI) on life expectancy were based on published sources. Results Extending clopidogrel therapy from one month to one year after PCI cost $879 per patient and reduced the risk of MI by 2.6%. Assuming MI decreases life expectancy by two years, prolonged therapy would cost $15,696 per year of life saved. Economic attractiveness of therapy varied with baseline risk, the effect of prolonged therapy on MI risk, and the price of clopidogrel. Conclusions Prolonging clopidogrel therapy for one year after PCI is economically attractive, particularly in high-risk patients.
Spirituality, wellness, and quality of life

Abstract Spirituality generally relates to better mental health, greater well-being, and higher quality of life. Physical health and medical outcomes may also be affected. Besides its connection with health, there are several practical reasons why health professionals ought to inquire about spirituality, particularly in patients with serious or chronic illness. Spiritual beliefs influence medical decisions that affect health care, may conflict with medical care, and can influence the doctor–patient relationship either positively or negatively. Support from the faith community can help patients cope better with difficult health stressors, may improve early detection of disease, and can enhance compliance with medical treatment. Although important for all patients, spiritual issues are particularly important for women, the elderly, the chronically ill, the disabled, and members of certain ethnic groups.
The Effect of Neuromuscular Training on the Incidence of Knee Injury in Female Athletes A Prospective Study

To prospectively evaluate the effect of neuromuscular training on the incidence of knee injury in female athletes, we monitored two groups of female athletes, one trained before sports participation and the other not trained, and a group of untrained male athletes throughout the high school soccer, volleyball, and basketball seasons. Weekly reports included the number of practice and competition exposures and mechanism of injury. There were 14 serious knee injuries in the 1263 athletes tracked through the study. Ten of 463 untrained female athletes sustained serious knee injuries (8 noncontact), 2 of 366 trained female athletes sustained serious knee injuries (0 noncontact), and 2 of 434 male athletes sustained serious knee injuries (1 noncontact). The knee injury incidence per 1000 athlete-exposures was 0.43 in untrained female athletes, 0.12 in trained female athletes, and 0.09 in male athletes (P = 0.02, chi-square analysis). Untrained female athletes had a 3.6 times higher incidence of knee injury than trained female athletes (P = 0.05) and 4.8 times higher than male athletes (P = 0.03). The incidence of knee injury in trained female athletes was not significantly different from that in untrained male athletes (P = 0.86). The difference in the incidence of noncontact injuries between the female groups was also significant (P = 0.01). This prospective study demonstrated a decreased incidence of knee injury in female athletes after a specific plyometric training program.
Incomplete barriers to mitochondrial gene flow between pheromone races of the North American pine engraver, Ips pini (Say) (Coleoptera, Scolytidae)

The pine engraver Ips pini (Say) is known to include three pheromone races, but gene flow between these races has not been investigated. We used maternally inherited mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variation to infer gene flow between 22 widely distributed North American populations of I. pini for a total of 217 individuals, based on 354 bp of the cytochrome oxidase I gene. Gene flow was estimated cladistically as migrants per generation (Nm) and as haplotype variation between populations (Nst). Three distinct mtDNA haplotype lineages, generally corresponding to eastern (I), Rocky Mountain (II) and western (III) regions of North America, were resolved with a total of 34 distinct I. pini haplotypes. The distributions of these lineages were largely congruent with the geographical ranges of the 'New York', 'California' and 'Idaho–Montana' pheromone races. Only individuals with lineage I mtDNA were observed among eastern populations, whereas individuals with lineage II or III mtDNA predominated among western populations. Gene flow (Nm and Nst) was generally moderate between all populations. However, the presence of lineage I mtDNA on the eastern side of western North America and the absence of lineage II and III mtDNA in eastern North America suggest directional gene flow from east to west. These results indicate that female-controlled assortative mating among pheromone races may disrupt gene flow between conspecifics, reflecting incomplete pre-mating barriers.
Pharmacokinetics of a sustained-release trimazosin tablet formulation

Abstract Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of a trimazosin sustained-release tablet (SRT) formulation (300 mg) were studied in healthy volunteers. In the first study of 12 subjects, the bioequivalence of trimazosin, 100 mg, in a standard tablet (ST) and in a capsule was demonstrated. After that, the bioavailability of one SRT (300 mg) was compared with that of the STs, (100 mg three times a day), in 19 subjects. Maximum plasma concentration (C max ) after SRT (8.1 ± 3.0 mg/L) was significantly lower than that observed after ST (13.5 ± 2.3 mg/L), time to peak was strongly delayed by a factor 7, and the time when plasma concentrations were higher than half of C max (t Cmax2) was longer (10.4 ± 3.2 vs 2.3 ± 0.6 hours, p ∞ ) was about 65% of the ST. At the seventh dose, after single daily doses of the SRT in 12 subjects, the mean C max values were not significantly higher than after the first dose (8.6 ± 3.2 mg/L vs 7.7 ± 2.2 mg/L), t Cmax2 values were the same (10.4 hours), and the AUC 0–24 hr was comparable to AUC ∞ calculated after the first dose. Steady-state plasma concentration of trimazosin was obtained rapidly. No accumulation of trimazosin or its metabolite occurred.
Contribution of alveolar type II cell–derived cyclooxygenase-2 to basal airway function, lung inflammation, and lung fibrosis

Cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 has been shown to be involved in regulating basal airway function, bacterial LPS-induced airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and lung inflammation, and bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis; however, the cellular source of COX-2 that underlies these effects is unknown. We generated mice with alveolar type II (ATII) cell-specific knockdown of COX-2 (AT2CC(-/-)), to examine the role of ATII cell-derived prostaglandins (PGs) in these processes. Specific knockdown of COX-2 was confirmed by real-time RT-PCR and Western blot analyses. LC/MS/MS analysis showed that ATII cells produced PGs. Basal airway responsiveness of AT2CC(-/-) mice was decreased compared to that of wild-type (WT) mice. LPS-induced hypothermic response, infiltration of inflammatory cells into the airway, and lung inflammation were enhanced in AT2CC(-/-) mice relative to WT controls; however, LPS-induced AHR and proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine expression were similar between the genotypes. After 21 d of bleomycin administration, AT2CC(-/-) mice behaved in a manner similar to WT mice. Thus, ATII cell-derived COX-2 plays an important role in regulating basal airway function and LPS-induced lung inflammation, but does not play a role in bleomycin-induced fibrosis. These findings provide insight into the cellular source of COX-2 related to these lung phenotypes.
Do all languages have the same grammar

Languages seem to have as many similarities in their structure as they have dierences. While it is not quite true that all languages have the same grammar, it is much closer to being true than you might have thought.
Process for Massage Therapy Practice and Essential Assessment

Summary Background Little evidence exists about processes in massage therapy practice. Investigating current frameworks is warranted. This qualitative study is a secondary data analysis using grounded theory to understand how massage therapy experts describe massage therapy practice. Methods 31 massage therapy experts were invited to a 2-day symposium to discuss best practices for the profession. Through qualitative analysis, memoing, and discussion, the data were summarized into themes. Results Three themes were identified around massage therapy practice: 1) client centered, 2) structure for practice, and 3) influencing factors. Each theme is clarified and expanded. Discussion Conceptual models were developed for research and clinical practice and a definition for massage therapy practice was identified. Challenges and limitations are discussed. Conclusion The goal of providing these models is to give massage therapists tools to deliver the best possible care. The models need testing to see if they help advance the profession.
An Investigation of the Electron Escape Time within a Biased AlGaN/GaN Quantum Well

In this paper, the electron escape time from an Al.25Ga.75N/GaN/Al.25Ga.75N quantum well system is calculated as a function of electric field. The calculation includes the piezoelectric field induced by the material system, the continuous density of states within a quantum well as a result of the applied electric field, the change in the group velocity and the proper partitioning of between the tunneling and thermionic emission currents. The calculation of the escape time is achieved by solving Schroedinger equation, through the logarithmic derivative of the wavefunctions, and Poisson’s equation self-consistently.
Time-Resolved Measurements of the Aero-Optic Effects of a Compressible Shear Layer

Experimental data are presented of time-resolved optical wavefront measurements through a two-dimensional, weakly compressible, subsonic shear layer. The measurements were obtained in the University of Notre Dame's compressible shear layer wind tunnel (CSWLT), which is capable of generating high-speed shear-layer flows up to Mach 1.0 that can also be regularized using mechanical forcing applied at the trailing edge of the splitter plate between the high and low-speed flows. Experimental data are also presented demonstrating the use of a Phase-Lock-Loop (PLL) controller to detect and lock on to the phase of the shear-layer optical aberration; this kind of PLL control would be used to synchronize a deformable mirror with the shear-layer aberration, as part of a feedforward adaptive-optic correction for the optical effect of the shear layer.
Characterization Of Well Seals Using An Ultrasonic Method

A downhole ultrasonic method was modified and used to test water well seals. The method analyzes reflections of ultrasonic waves off interfaces to determine the presence of different materials between the casing and formation. The method of waveform analysis was modified for thicker well casings. Indices for characterizing waveforms were compared, and delineation between water and bentonite grout was improved. Laboratory tests using sand as an annular material also led to changes in the method of interpretation. Test results from two water wells are presented. Bentonite grout and sand were detected in the armulus of both wells.
Polymer-Derived Si3N4/BN Composites

Partially crystalline silicon nitride, with a specific surface area greater than 200 m2/g, is obtained by the pyrolysis of an organometallic, polymeric precursor under NH3 to 1000 °C. Additional heating to 1400 °C under N2 produces alpha-Si3N4. The addition of up to 15% h-BN was found to affect the coarsening characteristics of amorphous silicon nitride by promoting surface area reduction and suppressing crystallinity. By combining Si3N4 and BN molecular and polymeric precursors prior to ceramic conversion, or incorporating Si, N, and B into a single preceramic polymer, the relative proportion and crystallinity of the ceramic phases can be controlled in the resulting Si3N4/BN composites.
Where are we today with personalized medicine

The use of pharmacogenetics information is central to the concept of personalized medicine. Understanding pharmacogenetic differences in drug response and tolerability has been investigated mainly through the study of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic processes. The hope and promise of pharmacogenetic testing has led to the commercial availability of several testing products. With the exception of the relationship between certain types of adverse drug reactions and immune response genes such as the human leukocyte antigen, a growing body of research has not yet established the clinical utility of pharmacogenetics testing. Variance in findings from pharmacogenetics studies conducted to date may be due to epistasis (gene-gene and gene-environment interactions), epigenetics (non-DNA sequence-related heredity), or other genetic factors, which have been largely unexplored in pharmacogenetics research.
The Moose of Isle Royale: An Unnatural Condition?

The now iconic moose of Isle Royale National Park arrived on the island sometime between 1910 and 1915. Prior to that period there is no evidence of moose in either naturalist reports or in the archaeological history of the island. Early naturalists—while observing the moose during their first 20 years on the island—noted both their dramatic expansion, and equally dramatic population crash in the 1930s, see Figure 1. Around 1950, and just as the moose were rebounding, wolves crossed a frozen Lake Superior and began what is now one of our most emblematic predator/prey systems. Recently, the wolves on Isle Royale appear headed for local extinction. Calls to repopulate the island have renewed the vigorous debate surrounding what is and what is not wild about Isle Royale.
Substituted Bis-THF Protease Inhibitors with Improved Potency against Highly Resistant Mature HIV-1 Protease PR20

An extremely drug resistant mutant of HIV-1 protease (PR) bearing 20 mutations (PR20) has been studied with two potent antiviral investigational inhibitors. GRL-5010A and GRL-4410A were designed to introduce hydrogen bond interactions with the flexible flaps of the PR by incorporating gem-difluorines and alkoxy, respectively, at the C4 position of the bis-THF of darunavir. PR20 provides an excellent model for high level resistance, since clinical inhibitors are >1000-fold less active on PR20 than on wild-type enzyme. GRL-5010A and GRL-4410A show inhibition constants of 4.3 ± 7.0 and 1.7 ± 1.8 nM, respectively, for PR20, compared to the binding affinity of 41 ± 1 nM measured for darunavir. Crystal structures of PR20 in complexes with the two inhibitors confirmed the new hydrogen bond interactions with Gly 48 in the flap of the enzyme. The two new compounds are more effective than darunavir in inhibiting mature PR20 and show promise for further development of antiviral agents targeting highly resistant PR m...
Body Integrated Programmable Joints Interface

Physical interfaces with actuation capability enable the design of wearable devices that augment human physical capabilities. Extra machine joints integrated to our biological body may allow us to achieve additional skills through programmatic reconfiguration of the joints. To that end, we present a wearable multi-joint interface that offers "synergistic interactions" by providing additional fingers, structural supports, and physical user interfaces. Motions of the machine joints can be controlled via interfacing with our muscle signals, as a direct extension of our body. On the basis of implemented applications, we demonstrate our design guidelines for creating a desirable human-machine synergy -- that enhances our innate capabilities, not replacing or obstructing, and also without enforcing the augmentation. Finally we describe technical details of our muscle-based control method and implementations of the presented applications.
P4: CIRCULATING MIRNA PROFILES POINT TO DYSREGULATION IN TGFBETA/SMAD3 TUMOR SUPPRESSOR SIGNATURE IN BRCA POSITIVE BREAST CANCER PATIENTS

Purpose of Study Over 240,000 individuals are diagnosed with breast cancer (BrCa) of which 12,000 individuals carry BRCA germline mutations. MicroRNA dysregulation is common in malignancy and may correlate with germline mutations. Aims: 1. Analyze microRNAs in patients with breast cancer with or without BRCA germ line mutations, with and without cancer. 2. Identify molecular BRCA mutant patients to deduct reasons for accelerated malignancy. Methods Used We analyzed plasma miR expression from 94 br cancer patients (41 BRCA positive) relative to 24 normal controls. All samples were collected between 2010 and 2014 and survival data was known for all cancer patients. TaqMan Open Array panel was used to simultaneously run hundreds of microRNA assays in the Applied Biosystem Open array real time PCR. Using AB open array real time PCR, 756 miRNA species were detected. Two-sample t-test was used for all 2-sample comparison and ANOVA followed by Tukey HSD post-hoc test to compare the miRs mean differences. All tests were 2-tailed and results with a p Summary of Results BRCA+underexpressed hsa-mir-10a and hsa-mir-376c and over-expressed Hsa- mir- 326 and Hsa-mir-143 relative to BRCA-; p Using Coremine data mining linking genes and diseases differentially expressed circulating miRs are linked to tumor suppressor TGFbeta/SMAD3. Conclusions The early onset of breast cancer in BRCA mutant patients may recapitulate the pro-oncogenic effects of TGF-β. The context dependent SMAD3 binding & tumor suppression TGF-β effects are abrogated in BRCA mutant patients. TGF-β/Smad3 tumor-suppressor signature suppresses local inflammation in the tumor microenvironment.
Influence of mitochondrial function on feed efficiency of broilers with and without growth enhancing levels of minerals supplementation during a coccidiosis challenge

Mitochondrial conversion of energy as NADH and FADH to ATP is an important contributor to energy supply accounting for approximately 20-30% of resting energy requirements (Owen et al., 1978; Zurlo et al., 1990). Therefore changes in mitochondrial efficiency will have large impacts on energetic and feed efficiency (Bottje and Carstens, 2008). Broiler chickens have more efficient muscle mitochondria than laying chickens and this is correlated with their higher feed efficiency and increased growth rates (Bottje et al., 2002). But, it is unknown how diet (mineral levels) affects mitochondrial efficiency in chickens. In 2005, Fariss et al. showed protection from oxidative stress by administration of antioxidants such as vitamin E and ubiquinone. Copper and Zinc are known as minerals that have antibiotic and antioxidant properties by reducing the effects of secondary bacterial infection and macromolecular damage by free radicals through the action of superoxide dismutase (Nonn et al., 2003). Understanding the role of mitochondrial efficiency in feed efficiency will aid in feeding decisions and selection of broilers that are more energetically efficient to optimize nutrient use. More energetically efficient broilers will reduce feed intake and costs of production leading to improved feed efficiency and sustainability. This research will assess the influence of feeding increasing levels of antioxidant supplements (copper or zinc) on mitochondrial efficiency and feed efficiency in 21 day old broiler chicks during a coccidiosis challenge.
Management of malignant solid tumors in children.

Multidisciplinary approaches are vital in the treatment of these malignant tumors. Accurate diagnosis and staging must precede any attempt at therapy. Improved pediatric surgical techniques, supervoltage radiotherapy, and the availability of effective chemotherapeutic agents have all contributed to better results.
REVIEW AND PROSPECTUS

Any discussions of artificial intelligence must either be conducted at a very technical level, or must come to grips with the question of how the study of thinking machines should or could influence one's philosophical and psychological concepts. It is generally agreed that intelligent behavior can only be produced by a system of information processing elements; feature detectors, theorem provers, and decision makers. A body of scientists and philosophers, known loosely as general systems theorists, has asserted that there are nontrivial laws about how such systems must be organized. If the assertion is true, then systems theory ought to be applicable to the organization of intelligent machines as well as the organization of intelligent biological, social, and physical systems. A more intuitive but perhaps more useful application of general systems theory has been suggested by Simon. He points out that all complex systems that work have certain features: the most conspicuous being hierarchical organization of components, decomposability of the total system into separate subsystems, and repeated use of similar components.
The Role of Metabolomics in the Study of Kidney Diseases and in the Development of Diagnostic Tools

Summary Metabolomics, or biochemical profiling, is closely integrated with genomics and proteomics. The metabonome is the complete collection of small molecule metabolites or chemicals ( Renal cells in particular are known to have a widely fluctuating process of metabolism, and renal disease in particular seems amenable to elucidation via metabolomics. Tubular cells and cells of the collecting ducts for instance, are known to function differently and display altered cell metabolism in response to factors, such as renal osmolarity and oxygen gradients. As the cell is constantly exchanging metabolites with the various fluid compartments of the body, changes in cell metabolism are often reflected by changes of the metabolite patterns in bodily fluids, such as plasma and urine. The analysis of metabolite patterns in urine and plasma is an attractive concept as these fluids are easily accessible, and could allow for the detection and monitoring of a disease or drug effect with high sensitivity and specificity. It is felt that with the more detailed information provided by metabolomics, the location of the injury also could be gleaned through analysis of the altered metabolic profile. Although there is no doubt that metabolomics has great potential to advance our understanding of kidney diseases and drug effects, to advance clinical diagnostics, and to be an important tool in the individualization of treatment, as of today the impact of metabolomics on clinical practice has been relatively small. Reasons include the complexity of developing molecular markers into diagnostic tools ranging from discovery, mechanistic, and clinical qualification to regulatory approval.
The development of dialect classification across the lifespan

Abstract The current study investigated the developmental trajectory of listeners’ ability to perceive regional dialect variation in American English using a free classification paradigm. Listeners ranged in age from 4 years old through late adulthood. In two experiments, listeners sorted a set of talkers into groups based on where the talkers were from. Talkers from four regional dialects of American English (Midland, New England, Northern, Southern) were presented. The results showed that some of even the youngest listeners (4- to 5-year-olds) were able to separate New England talkers from talkers from other regions, providing evidence that they perceived dialect variation and exhibited some level of sociolinguistic competence. Moreover, children׳s dialect perception abilities showed incremental improvement through childhood and adolescence, with major developmental improvements in dialect classification accuracy observed in middle childhood (between the ages of 7 and 8 years), late childhood (between 11 and 12 years), and in the teenage years (between 15 and 16 years), when adult-like abilities were reached. The overall results have implications for the experimental methods suitable to gauge young children׳s sociolinguistic knowledge and for our understanding of the time course of children׳s development of sociolinguistic competence, particularly their acquisition of the social significance of linguistic variation.
Development of epitaxial 2- and 3-junction III-V/Si solar cells

Recent work in the development and demonstration of dual- and triple-junction III-V/Si solar cells, with active Si subcells, is presented. This work includes development efforts spanning the full range of associated materials and device components: Si and metamorphic III-V subcells, III-V/Si heteroepitaxial integration, metamorphic III-V buffers, metamorphic III-V tunnel junctions, and full device integration and processing. To date, GaAs 0.75 P 0.25 /Si two-terminal dual-junction and Ga 0.56 ln 0.44 P/GaAs 0.90 P 0.10 /Si triple-junction devices have been demonstrated for the first time; refinement and optimization efforts are in progress.
Single-cell topological RNA-seq analysis reveals insights into cellular differentiation and development

Analysis of RNA-seq data from individual developing mouse motor neuron cells with topological data analysis sheds light on crucial cell-fate decisions during neurogenesis. Transcriptional programs control cellular lineage commitment and differentiation during development. Understanding of cell fate has been advanced by studying single-cell RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) but is limited by the assumptions of current analytic methods regarding the structure of data. We present single-cell topological data analysis (scTDA), an algorithm for topology-based computational analyses to study temporal, unbiased transcriptional regulation. Unlike other methods, scTDA is a nonlinear, model-independent, unsupervised statistical framework that can characterize transient cellular states. We applied scTDA to the analysis of murine embryonic stem cell (mESC) differentiation in vitro in response to inducers of motor neuron differentiation. scTDA resolved asynchrony and continuity in cellular identity over time and identified four transient states (pluripotent, precursor, progenitor, and fully differentiated cells) based on changes in stage-dependent combinations of transcription factors, RNA-binding proteins, and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). scTDA can be applied to study asynchronous cellular responses to either developmental cues or environmental perturbations.
GENETIC ANALYSIS OF CAROTENOGENESIS IN RHODOPSEUDOMONAS CAPSULATA

Abstract Seven genes specifically affecting carotenogenesis have been identified in the photosynthetic bacterium Rhodopseudomonas capsulata . A metabolic grid for carotenogenesis is consistent with the accumulation pattern of intermediates in these mutants. Mutants that accumulate no carotenoids have been isolated, and their light-harvesting polypeptides examined. These observations are consistent with a role for uncomplexed polypeptides in regulation of carotenogenesis. Two genetic exchange systems suitable for mapping are available in R. capsulata : capsduction and conjugation. Capsduction is mediated by the gene transfer agent of this species, and it is an excellent tool for fine structure mapping. Conjugation is mediated by a promiscuous plasmid with enhanced chromosome mobilizing ability, pBLM2. R-prime derivatives of pBLM2 have been isolated that incorporate a 40 megadalton block of DNA carrying the genes for photopigments and photopigment-binding proteins. The R. capsulata DNA carried on the R-prime has been cloned using recombinant DNA techniques, and the restriction fragments bearing the genes for carotenogenesis have been identified.
A Novel Protocol Obviates Endoscope Sampling for Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae: Experience of a Center with a Prior Outbreak.

Numerous published outbreaks, including one from our institution, have described endoscope-associated transmission of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs). Individual centers have adopted their own protocols to address this issue, including endoscope culture and sequestration. Endoscope culturing has drawbacks and may allow residual bacteria, including MDROs, to go undetected after high-level disinfection. To report the outcome of our novel protocol, which does not utilize endoscope culturing, to address our outbreak. All patients undergoing procedures with elevator-containing endoscopes were asked to permit performance of a rectal swab. All endoscopes underwent high-level disinfection according to updated manufacturer’s guidance. Additionally, ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization was done in the high-risk settings of (1) positive response to a pre-procedure risk stratification questionnaire, (2) positive or indeterminate CRE polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from rectal swab, (3) refusal to consent for PCR or questionnaire, (4) purulent cholangitis or infected pancreatic fluid collections. Two endoscopes per weekend were sterilized on a rotational basis. From September 1, 2015 to April 30, 2016, 556 endoscopy sessions were performed using elevator-containing endoscopes. Prompted EtO sterilization was done on 46 (8.3%) instances, 3 from positive/indeterminate PCR tests out of 530 samples (0.6%). No CRE transmission was observed during the study period. Damage or altered performance of endoscopes related to EtO was not observed. In this pilot study, prompted EtO sterilization in high-risk patients has thus far eliminated endoscope-associated MDRO transmission, although no CRE infections were noted throughout the institution during the study period. Further studies and a larger patient sample will be required to validate these findings.
Origins of sinister rumors: A preference for threat-related material in the supply and demand of information

Abstract Many rumors convey information about potential danger, even when these dangers are very unlikely. In four studies, we examine whether micro-processes of cultural transmission explain the spread of threat-related information. Three studies using transmission chain protocols suggest a) that there is indeed a preference for the deliberate transmission of threat-related information over other material, b) that it is not caused by a general negativity or emotionality bias, and c) that it is not eliminated when threats are presented as very unlikely. A forced-choice study on similar material shows the same preference when participants have to select information to acquire rather than transmit. So the cultural success of threat-related material may be explained by transmission biases, rooted in evolved threat-detection and error-management systems, that affect both supply and demand of information.
Genome-Based Computational Vaccine Discovery by Reverse Vaccinology

Reverse vaccinology starts with bioinformatics analysis of genome sequences to predict best vaccine candidates. With more and more genomes sequenced for any given microbial pathogens, reverse vaccinology becomes an emerging and important vaccine development strategy. Different criteria have been designed for reverse vaccinology prediction, ranging from the prediction of protein subcellular localization, transmembrane helices, adhesin probability, to pangenome sequence conservation prediction. The prediction of MHC class I and class II binding epitopes is also a critical feature for ranking protein antigenicity. Vaxign is the first web-based software program that targets for vaccine design using the genome-wide reverse vaccinology strategy and epitope prediction. As a use case study, Vaxign was used to predict protein targets for vaccine development against infections with virulent Francisella tularensis. In total 12 outer membrane proteins from F. tularensis strain SCHU S4 were predicted to be adhesins and conserved within seven other strains of F. tularensis subspecies tularensis, holarctica, mediasiatica, and novicida. Among them, an extracellular lipoprotein FTT0482c is absent from F. philomiragia. MHC class I epitopes predicted by the Vaxign/Vaxitop program overlaps with the results predicted by the IEDB consensus prediction method. Compared to the IEDB method, a smaller number of epitope hits are typically predicted by Vaxign/Vaxitop (P-value < 0.05).
Significance of Milk Fat in Milk Powder

The production of milk powder involves dehydration via evaporation and spray drying, followed by packaging and storage. The two principal types of milk powders produced directly frommilk or skimmilk arewhole (full-cream) milk powder (WMP) and skimmed milk powder (SMP; or non-fat dry milk, NDM). There are three types of SMP—low-heat, medium-heat, and highheat—that are classiWed based on the level of undenatured whey proteins (whey protein nitrogen, WPN index), which is a direct result of the level of heat treatment given to milk/concentrate during powder manufacture. The WPN index for low-heat, medium-heat and high-heat powders is, respectively, 6:0, 1.51–6.0 and 1:5mg WPN/g (ADPI, 2002). Other dried milk products containing fat are buttermilk powder (BMP), fat-Wlled milk powder, cream powder, retentate powder, and cheese powder. The majority of milk powder produced worldwide is in countries with a temperate climate and a relatively large dairy industry. The powder is exported mostly to tropical and developing countries in which the dairy industry is not well developed and facilities for cooling and handling fresh milk are inadequate. In milk powderproducing countries, some of the milk powder is used in a variety of dairy and food applications (e.g., ice cream, cheese, infant formulae, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk). Milk powder is also used as an ingredient in bakery products, processed meats, soups, etc. The function of milk powder in these products is inXuenced by the components of the powder, primarily protein (casein or whey proteins), fat and lactose. The signiWcance of milk fat in milk powder is the subject of this review, and it is focused on WMP.
Intentional systems and the artificial intelligence (ai) hermeneutic network: agency and intentionality in expressive computational systems

Human interaction with technical artifacts is often mediated by treating them as if they are alive. We exclaim "my car doesn't want to start," or "my computer loves to crash." Of increasing cultural importance are software systems designed explicitly to perform tasks and/or exhibit complex behaviors usually deemed as intentional human phenomena, including creating, improvising, and learning. Compared to the instrumental programs (e.g., Adobe Photoshop), these intentional systems (e.g., George Lewis' musical system Voyager) seem to produce output that is "about" certain things in the world rather than the mere execution of algorithmic rules. This dissertation investigates such phenomena with two central research questions: (1) How is system intentionality formed? and (2) What are the design implications for building systems that utilize such intentionality as an expressive resource. In the discourse of artificial intelligence (AI) practice, system intentionality is typically seen as a technical and ontological property of a computer program, emerging from its underlying algorithms and knowledge engineering. Distilling from the areas of hermeneutics, actor-network theory, cognitive semantics theory, and philosophy of mind, this dissertation proposes a humanistic and interpretive framework called the AI hermeneutic network. It accentuates that system intentionality is narrated and interpreted by its human creators and users in their socio-cultural settings. Special attention is paid to system authors' discursive strategies, a constitutive component of AI, embedded in their source code and technical literature. The utility of the framework is demonstrated by a close analytical reading of a full-scale AI system, Copycat. The theoretical discovery leads to new design strategies, namely scale of intentionality and agency play. They provide insights for using system intentionality and agency as expressive resources that can be used to convey meanings and express ideas. The fruits of these insights are illustrated by a stream of consciousness literature inspired interactive narrative project Memory, Reverie Machine, co-developed using Harrell's GRIOT system. It portrays a protagonist whose intentionality and agency vary dynamically in service of narrative needs.
Effect of Bilayer Disruption on Transdermal Transport of Low-Molecular Weight Hydrophobic Solutes

Purpose. Applications of transdermal drug delivery are limited by low skin permeability. Several chemicals have been used to enhance transdermal drug transport, many of which enhance skin permeability by disordering lipid bilayers. The objective of this study was to develop a mathematical model to describe the effect of bilayer disrupting agents on skin permeability to low molecular weight hydrophobic drugs.
Harnessing the Oxidative Power of Monooxygenases through Electrochemistry.

A newly designed bioinspired electrocatalyst unlocks the oxidative power of dioxygen to functionalize unactivated C−H bonds and olefins.
Wavelet-domain reverse time migration image enhancement using inversion-based imaging condition

ABSTRACTReverse time migration (RTM) is implemented by solving the two-way wave equation using recorded data as boundary conditions. The full wave equation can simulate wave propagation in all dire...
Erlotinib as first-line treatment for untreated advance stage NSCLC with good prognosis

7178 Background: Erlotinib demonstrated improved survival in previously treated NSCLC, but did not affect survival in untreated NSCLC when used with concurrent chemotherapy. A potential hypothesis ...
Channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, nutrition in the United States: A historical perspective

Although a concerted effort in catfish nutrition research in the United States did not begin until the late 1950s/early 1960s, the genesis of both the catfish industry and catfish nutrition research is rooted in studies conducted early in the 20th century. Thus, a historical view delineating the progression of channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, nutrition from 1900 to the present is given. Notable nutrition research programs, as well as significant events and accomplishments, will be examined.
Role of dopamine and selective dopamine receptor agonists on mouse ductus arteriosus tone and responsiveness.

Background Indomethacin treatment for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is associated with acute kidney injury (AKI). Fenoldopam, a dopamine (DA) DA1-like receptor agonist dilates the renal vasculature and may preserve renal function during indomethacin treatment. However, limited information exists on DA receptor-mediated signaling in the ductus and fenoldopam may prevent ductus closure given its vasodilatory nature. Methods DA receptor expression in CD-1 mouse vessels was analyzed by qPCR and immunohistochemistry. Concentration-response curves were established using pressure myography. Pretreatment with SCH23390 (DA1-like receptor antagonist), phentolamine (α -adrenergic receptor antagonist) or indomethacin addressed mechanisms for DA-induced changes. Fenoldopam's effects on postnatal ductus closure were evaluated in vivo. Results DA1 receptors were expressed equally in ductus and aorta. High-dose DA induced modest vasoconstriction under newborn O2 conditions. Phentolamine inhibited DA-induced constriction, while SCH23390 augmented constriction, consistent with a vasodilatory role for DA1 receptors. Despite this, fenoldopam had little effect on ductus tone nor indomethacin- or O2-induced constriction and did not impair postnatal closure in vivo. Conclusion(s) DA receptors are present in the ductus but have limited physiologic effects. DA-induced ductus vasoconstriction is mediated via α-adrenergic pathways. The absence of DA1-mediated impairment of ductus closure supports the study of potential role for fenoldopam during PDA treatment.
The American Mind Is Dead, Long Live the American Mind

The story of American intellectual history has a mythic quality: a slow beginning, a rise to great heights, and a precipitous fall. Early in the twentieth century, the study of American history and literature grew in American colleges and universities, after many years of teaching European ideas in lieu of an American canon. Then, from a literature department arose Vernon Louis Parrington and from an American studies department Perry Miller—their writing compelling, learned, and suggestive. Their books and their students established the new field of American intellectual history, drawing readers far and wide into their interpretations of how not just individuals but entire peoples had “minds” that hovered above society, transmitting ideas from the past and changing with the times. Miller pioneered this approach with The New England Mind: The Seventeenth Century, which became required reading for historians for decades—and ever since, for Puritan specialists. Miller used the published sermons of the most prominent theologians—and their European sources—to describe a crisis in Puritan thought over the character of their faith and therefore purpose. The concept of the regional or national mind became so popular that when Parrington's student Henry Steele Commager published The American Mind at mid-century, the book met a hungry public and went into eight printings in seven years.
Fixation of the central nervous system for electron microscopy by aldehyde perfusion

Glutaraldehyde, formaldehyde, and osmium tetroxide perfusion fixation of the central nervous system of rats were compared and evaluated. Aldehyde fixation was considered superior to the direct osmium tetroxide fixation with respect to methodological considerations and at least equal with respect to fixation criteria. Use of gas mixture, prewash, vasodilator drugs, and low temperature perfusate were not found necessary with aldehyde perfusion. A very close cell-to-cell membrane relationship is universally found, restricting the extracellular space to considerably less than that previously reported. The possible significance of the general absence of extracellular space is discussed. Certain ultrastructural differences of osmium tetroxide and aldehyde perfusion fixation are described. An attempt also has been made to visualize the first signs of perfusion fixation through a hole in the skull during perfusion.
Health and Demographic Impact on COVID-19 Infection and Mortality in US Counties

Abstract Introduction With the pandemic of COVID-19, the number of confirmed cases and related deaths are increasing in the US. We aimed to understand the potential impact of health and demographic factors on the infection and mortality rates of COVID-19 at the population level. Methods We collected total number of confirmed cases and deaths related to COVID-19 at the county level in the US from January 21, 2020 to April 23, 2020. We extracted health and demographic measures for each US county. Multivariable linear mixed effects models were used to investigate potential correlations of health and demographic characteristics with the infection and mortality rates of COVID-19 in US counties. Results Our models showed that several health and demographic factors were positively correlated with the infection rate of COVID-19, such as low education level and percentage of Black. In contrast, several factors, including percentage of smokers and percentage of food insecure, were negatively correlated with the infection rate of COVID-19. While the number of days since first confirmed case and the infection rate of COVID-19 were negatively correlated with the mortality rate of COVID-19, percentage of elders (65 and above) and percentage of rural were positively correlated with the mortality rate of COVID-19. Conclusions At the population level, health and demographic factors could impact the infection and mortality rates of COVID-19 in US counties.
Local and Global Stratification Analysis in Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) Studies Using LocStra

We are interested in the analysis of local and global population stratification in WGS studies. We present a new R package (locStra) that utilizes the covariance matrix, the genomic relationship matrix, and the unweighted/weighted genetic Jaccard similarity matrix in order to assess population substructure. The package allows one to use a tailored sliding window approach, for instance using user-defined window sizes and metrics, in order to compare local and global similarity matrices. A technique to select the window size is proposed. Population stratification with locStra is efficient due to its C++ implementation which fully exploits sparse matrix algebra. The runtime for the genome-wide computation of all local similarity matrices does typically not exceed one hour for realistic study sizes. This makes an unprecedented investigation of local stratification across the entire genome possible. We apply our package to the 1,000 Genomes Project.
Ebola Response Priorities in the Time of Covid-19.

Ebola Response Priorities in the Time of Covid-19 Although the 10th outbreak of Ebola virus disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo was declared over in late June 2020, additional cases attribu...
Utilization fraction of rhinoplasty instrument sets: Model for efficient use of surgical instruments.

Abstract Objectives Recognize the avoidable costs incurred due to overpacking of rhinoplasty instrument trays. Reduce rhinoplasty instrument trays by including only instruments used frequently. Establish methods to reduce trays prepared for other otolaryngologic procedures. Methods This is a prospective study. The study evaluates the specific use of instruments opened for rhinoplasty procedures at the New York Eye & Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai. Instruments were counted in 10 rhinoplasty cases. Usage rate was calculated for each instrument. Additionally, all instruments used in at least 20% of cases were noted. This “20%” threshold was used to create new rhinoplasty tray inventories more reflective of actual instrument usage. Some instruments above the 20% threshold were included in multiples (i.e. two Adson Brown forceps vs. one curved iris scissor). Results 189 instruments were opened, and 32 instruments were used on average in each rhinoplasty. 55 instruments were used in at least 20% of cases. The 55 “high usage” instruments were used to create new, reduced rhinoplasty tray inventory lists. Based on our analysis, a new rhinoplasty tray inventory was created comprised of 68 instruments, a 64% reduction from 189. Conclusion Instruments are sterilized and packed in gross excess for rhinoplasty procedures. Previously published figures estimate re-sterilization costs of $0.51 to $0.77 per instrument. Reduction in instruments opened from 189 to 68 is expected to lead to cost savings ranging from $62 to $93 per case, yielding a savings between $6200 and $9300 per 100 cases performed. Level of Evidence: II-3.