cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Amiloride Inhibition of γ-Aminobutyric AcidAReceptors Depends upon the α Subunit Subtype

γ-Aminobutyric acidA (GABAA) receptors (GABARs) are responsible for most fast inhibitory neurotransmission in the mammalian brain. The GABARs contain several allosteric modulatory sites, many of which are useful clinically. The activity of most of these modulators depends upon the subunit composition of the receptor. The diuretic amiloride was previously reported to inhibit GABARs in frog sensory neurons. We measured its effects on recombinant GABARs to determine its mechanism of action at mammalian receptors and to examine the effect of subunit composition. Amiloride acted primarily as a competitive antagonist, reducing the sensitivity of the receptor to GABA without affecting the maximal current amplitude. Receptors containing an α6 subunit were about 10-fold more sensitive to amiloride than those containing other α subunits. In contrast, the identity of the β or γ subtype had little effect on amiloride sensitivity. Although several other modulators have specific effects at α6-containing receptors, amiloride is the first inhibitor to be reported with no additional dependence on the identity of the β or γ subunit. Therefore, it probably represents a unique modulatory site on the GABAR, which could be useful for developing drugs targeting these receptors. The selective activity of amiloride could also be helpful for isolating the contribution of receptors composed of α6 subtypes in heterogeneous native GABAR populations.
Hydrothermal Synthesis and Characterization of ThO 2 , U x Th 1-x O 2 , and UO x

Hydrothermal synthesis of ThO2, UxTh1-xO2, and UOx at temperatures between 670°C and 700°C has been demonstrated. Synthesis at these temperatures is 50-80°C below prior growth studies and represents a new lower bound of successful growth. ThO2 single crystals of dimensions 6.49mm x 4.89mm x 3.89 mm and weighing 0.633g have been synthesized at average growth rates near 0.125mm/week. Single crystal UxTh1-xO2 crystals with mole fractions up to x≈0.30 have also been grown. The largest alloyed crystal with mole fraction x≈0.23 has dimensions of 2.97mm x 3.23mm x ∼3mm and recorded average growth rates near 0.2mm/week. Four structures were solved from X-ray diffraction data and their crystallographic data reported here. Rocking curve analysis determined a dislocation density of 1.2×109 cm-2.
THE USE OF AFFINITY CHROMATOGRAPHY IN THE STUDY OF PROTEIN FOLDING

This article, which includes handwritten notes by Anfinsen, provided an overview of the use of affinity chromatography in the study of protein folding and its importance for vaccine production. Anfinsen briefly reviewed the use of affinity chromatography as a tool in the study of the interaction between peptides and antibodies, noting that at times the technique revealed that fragments of a protein molecule bind with monospecific antibodies, thus indicating that those fragments, which otherwise appeared to lack structure, occupied an ordered structure for at least a portion of their existence.
Promoting an Affirming, Competent Practice With Older Lesbian and Gay Adults

The American Psychological Association’s Practice Guidelines for older adults and for lesbian and gay (LG) clients encourage psychologists to increase their awareness of the unique stressors faced by older LG adults. Psychologists are increasingly likely to see an older LG client in their practice as the number of LG elders is expected to swell to nearly 7 million within the next decade, in tandem with the aging of the general population. This article promotes LG-affirming practice and competence by reviewing issues related to stigma and discrimination, physical, sexual, and mental health disparities, legal issues, and barriers in long-term care, as well the capacity for adaptation and resilience evident in many LG older adults. The importance of racial and ethnic group membership and age cohort in the experience of aging among LG adults is discussed. Case examples, resources, and recommendations for practice, advocacy, and research related to LG aging also are provided.
Tolerance of Western Corn Rootworm Larvae (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) to 6-Methoxy-2-benzoxazolinone, a Corn Semiochemical for Larval Host Location

6-Methoxy-2-benzoxazolinone (MBOA) and 2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-l,4-benzoxazin-3-one (DIMBOA), its natural precursor, are toxic to many insect species. We studied the possible toxicity of MBOA, a host-location semiochemical for western corn rootworm larvae, to larvae of this species. DIMBOA previously was shown by other workers to be toxic to frst-instar western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte. Using methods that previously showed DIMBOA to be toxic, we found that MBOA had no toxic effects on larvae of the western corn rootworm. The tolerance of western corn rootworm larvae to MBOA is consistent with the putative role of this benzoxazolinone as a semiochemical for the species.
Development of the Research Competencies Scale.

The authors present the development of the Research Competencies Scale (RCS). The purpose of this article is threefold: (a) present a rationale for the RCS, (b) review statistical analysis procedur...
Evaluation of the interrelationships among lactose and protein sources in diets for segregated early-weaned pigs

We conducted two experiments to evaluate the interactions among lactose and protein sources in diets for segregated early-weaned pigs. In Exp. 1, 360 barrows (initially 5.3 kg and 19 +/- 2 d of age) were fed diets containing crystalline lactose (0, 20, and 40%), spray-dried animal plasma (0 and 7.5%), and soybean meal (0 and 20%) in a 3 x 2 x 2 factorial arrangement. We used a blend of select menhaden fish meal and casein to replace the lysine provided by soybean meal or animal plasma. Diets contained 1.7% total lysine and were fed from d 0 to 14 after weaning. Pigs were fed a common diet from d 14 to 34. From d 0 to 14 after weaning, ADG and ADFI increased with increasing dietary lactose when the diet contained soybean meal but decreased when soybean meal was not in the diet (lactose x soybean meal, P < .05 and .10, respectively). Pigs fed animal plasma had increased (P < .05) ADG and ADFI from d 0 to 14 but decreased (P < .05) ADG from d 14 to 34. In Exp. 2, 324 barrows (initially 3.7 kg and 10 +/- 2 d of age) were fed diets from d 0 to 10 similar to those used in Exp. 1 with the exception that extruded soy protein concentrate replaced the lysine provided by soybean meal or animal plasma. From d 0 to 10 after weaning, increasing lactose improved (linear, P < .05) ADG and ADFI, and pigs fed animal plasma had higher ADFI (P < .05). In conclusion, soybean meal had no negative effect on ADG; however, animal plasma and lactose increased ADG and ADFI for pigs weaned between 10 and 19 d of age.
Quantitative analysis of Aloe vera mucilaginous polysaccharide in commercial Aloe vera products

A quantitative method using size exclusion chromatographic (SEC) analysis was performed to determine the concentration of Aloe vera mucilaginous polysaccharide (AVMP) in 18 selected commercial preparations. Of the 18 preparations studied, 9 contained quantitatable amounts of AVMP at 0.22 to 1.30 mg/mL, and 2 showed trace amounts (<0.2 mg/mL). Seven preparations showed no detectable levels of AVMP. The method may be adapted to standardize these and similar preparations.
Calculation of small distances

Tables are presented which facilitate the calculation of small distances between points on the earth's surface whose latitudes and longitudes are given, for mean latitudes from 30° to 40°. The error does not exceed one-tenth of a kilometer in 500 kilometers, and may be reduced by applying specified corrections.
Review and Conclusions

This chapter wraps up the book by providing a review of the major themes and points addressed in each chapter followed by some additional perspective on the social consequences of economic thinking. The book considers under what conditions free enterprise and civil liberties can thrive, and what kind of policy changes can be implemented to effectively address quasi-stagnation in the best interest of the larger society. Issues of economic resiliency, role of government, political power and democracy, and income distribution are considered.
Optical bio sensor using graphene nano ribbons

Recently, photo conductive properties of Graphene have been explored theoretically in [1] and experimentally in [2, 3]. In this paper we propose to build an optical bio sensor using Graphene Nano Ribbon (GNR). It is known that the band gap of GNR is controlled by the width of ribbon. The relation between the band gap and the width of the GNR is given by equation (1).
Impact of User Mobility on D2D Caching Networks

The mismatch between user demand and service supply creates a congestion in mobile wireless networks. The literature has a strong evidence that user behavior is highly predictable. Taking advantage of user demand predictability allows the carrier to apply proactive caching in order to smooth out the network load. Moreover, harnessing the information about user mobility enhances carrier's caching decision and minimizes the incurred service cost. The information about users' trajectories allows the carrier to predict their availability in some popular locations which experience high demand. Finding an optimal caching strategy alleviates the network congestion in these locations and improves the overall network performance. We introduce a system model where the carrier takes a decision to proactively cache some of the requested data items in users' devices. Users are equipped with D2D communication which is used to share cached data items between them in these popular locations. Users get reward to compensate their memory usage and battery consumption. Although caching helps users to save some of their payment, this reward promotes them to participate in the proposed model. We establish a lower bound on the proactive service cost which yields some insights on how user demand and mobility statistics affect carrier's caching decision.
Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in testicular cancer survivors (TCS): Do unmet needs resolve with routine care?

56Background: Unmet needs for intervention are common among cancer survivors, but may go unidentified and unaddressed in routine care, leading to poorer outcomes. PROs are becoming the standard of care at many treatment facilities and have been shown to be feasible and to potentially improve outcomes. However, communication of PROs to providers may be a necessary step in this process. We examined the prevalence and stability of unmet needs over a one-year time period in a sample of TCS to determine whether these resolve over time in routine care. As well, we examined the relationship of unmet needs to symptoms of anxiety and depression. Methods: Ninety-nine consecutive TCS were recruited from an ongoing survivorship clinic. Participants completed assessments of demographics, unmet needs, and anxiety and depression (HADS) prior to their visit and at a one year interval. To ensure routine care, providers were unaware of the results of unmet need screening. Results: Participants were primarily white (94%), e...
Infection prevention using affinity polymer-coated, synthetic meshes in a pig hernia model.

Abstract Background Given concern for hernia mesh infection, surgeons often use biologic mesh which may provide reduced risk of infection but at the cost of decreased repair durability. We evaluated mesh coating to provide sustained release of antibiotics to prevent prosthetic mesh infection and also allow a durable repair. Materials and methods Cyclodextrin-based polymer was crosslinked onto multifilament polyester mesh and loaded with vancomycin (1.75 mg/cm2). Pigs received modified meshes (n = 6) or normal, untreated meshes (n = 4), which were implanted into acute 10 × 5 cm ventral hernia, then directly inoculated with 106 colony-forming unit (CFU) of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). These were compared to animals receiving normal, uninfected mesh. All mesh was secured in an underlay bridge manner, and after 30 d, the abdominal wall was removed for quantitative bacterial culture and biomechanical analysis. Results All animals survived 30 d. All six animals with coated mesh cleared MRSA infection. The four control animals did not clear MRSA (P = 0.005). Quantitative bacterial load was higher in standard mesh versus drug-delivery mesh group (2.34 × 104 versus 80.9 CFU/gm). These data were log10-transformed and analyzed by Welch's t-test (P = 0.001). Minimum number of CFUs detectable by assay (300) was used instead of zero. Biomechanical analysis of controls (1.82 N/mm infected; 1.71 N/mm uninfected) showed no difference to the modified meshes (1.31 N/mm) in tissue integration (P = 0.15). Conclusions We successfully prevented synthetic mesh infection in a pig model using a cyclodextrin-based polymer to locally deliver vancomycin to the hernia repair site and clearing antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Polymer coating did not impact the strength of the hernia repair.
Analysis of pseudoprogression after proton or photon therapy of 99 patients with low grade and anaplastic glioma.

Abstract Background and purpose Proton therapy is increasingly used to treat primary brain tumors. There is concern for higher rates of pseudoprogression (PsP) after protons compared to photons. The purposes of this study are to compare the rate of PsP after proton vs. photon therapy for grade II and III gliomas and to identify factors associated with the development of PsP. Materials and methods Ninety-nine patients age >18 years with grade II or III glioma treated with photons or protons were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic data, IDH and 1p19q status, and treatment factors were analyzed for association with PsP, progression free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Results Sixty-five patients were treated with photons and 34 with protons. Among those with oligodendroglioma, PsP developed in 6/42 photon-treated patients (14.3%) and 4/25 proton-treated patients (16%, p = 1.00). Among those with astrocytoma, PsP developed in 3/23 photon-treated patients (13%) and 1/9 proton-treated patients (11.1%, p = 1.00). There was no difference in PsP rate based on radiation type, radiation dose, tumor grade, 1p19q codeletion, or IDH status. PsP occurred earlier in oligodendroglioma patients treated with protons compared to photons, 48 days vs. 131 days, p Conclusions Patients with oligodendroglioma but not astrocytoma develop PsP earlier after protons compared to photons. PsP was associated with better PFS.
Following Particle-Particle Mixing in Atmospheric Secondary Organic Aerosols by Using Isotopically Labeled Terpenes

Summary We used unlabeled and deuterium-labeled precursors to generate and characterize secondary organic aerosol (SOA), a class of atmospheric constituents that rank among the least understood in the climate system, while circumventing the typical problems caused by spectral similarity of SOA mass fragments in aerosol mass spectrometry. We used highly sensitive single-particle mass spectrometers to measure mixing via semi-volatile gas-phase exchange between SOA from biogenic precursors (terpenes) and an anthropogenic precursor (toluene). These are common laboratory mimics for ambient SOA. The experiments showed that particles derived from isoprene and α-pinene ozonolysis undergo fast exchange via evaporation and condensation of semi-volatile constituents without any signs of diffusion limitations, even when the relative humidity (RH) is
Is big data driving cooperation in the c-suite? The evolving relationship between the chief marketing officer and chief information officer

AbstractThe chief marketing officer (CMO) and chief information officer (CIO) often fight for recognition and impact on strategic decision-making within the top management team – if they are includ...
Silage storage runoff characterization: Annual nutrient loading rate and first flush analysis of bunker silos

Abstract Bunker silos produce a runoff that is a source of nutrient loss and a threat to surface water quality. Little information is available on the water quality of stormwater produced from bunker silos. This research evaluated the runoff characteristics from six horizontal bunker facilities at dairy farms to determine runoff water quality and nutrient loading throughout a storm and annual nutrient losses. On average, at 50% of the cumulative runoff volume the difference between cumulative nutrient load and volume did not exceed 20%, which is a threshold required for a first flush scenario (cumulative loads of P and N were 1.5 to 4.5% and −2.8 to 4.0% greater than cumulative volume, respectively). During the storage of silage in horizontal bunker silos an estimated 0.3 to 1.8% of ensiled P and 0.4 to 1.7% of ensiled N was lost annually with silage runoff. Assessment of a theoretical dairy farm in WI has a calculated runoff loss from horizontal feed storage of 30% and 55% of the total farmstead N and P runoff losses, respectively. Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) loading from bunker silos were relatively consistent throughout a storm with no evidence of a first flush scenario. Annual variability in low flow N and P concentrations were impacted by the production of silage leachate, and bunkers with subsurface collection reduced the nutrient concentrations in overflow runoff. Dairy bunkers provide an opportunity to decrease nutrient loading, through management of a small land base, as compared to other farmstead runoff areas. Reducing the amount of silage runoff lost from dairy farms has strong potential for N and P conservation.
STEREOCONTROL VIA CYCLIZATION REACTIONS

Abstract Electrophilic addition to chiral alkenes generates two new stereorelationships: one arises from the anti specificity of the addition reaction itself, and the other is the relationship between the new chiral centers and the ones present in the alkene substrate. A direct way to control this latter relationship is to couple the electrophilic addition reaction with a cyclization process. Such a strategy is useful for controlling both acyclic and cyclic stereorelationships in synthesis. A number of specific cyclization reactions will be discussed, as well as their application to the construction of precursors and subunits of a variety of macrolide and polyether natural products.
Uncertainty in Water Quality Data

Abstract Water quality data are collected to provide information to assist in the understanding and managing of water resources. The usefulness of water quality data collected is inversely related to the amount of uncertainty in the data. Data uncertainty may be defined as a state of doubt in how representative observed values are of the true population characteristics. Data uncertainty may be estimated as a function of both sampling and nonsampling errors. Sampling errors result from the sampling network design (location and frequency of sample collection) which samples only a subset of the total population. Nonsampling errors result from the process of measuring the amount of water quality material present. The measurement process may be divided into sample collection and laboratory analysis. Sample collection includes the physical procedure for obtaining, storing, and transporting a water sample for later analysis. Laboratory analysis consists of some method of estimating the amount (concentration) of a given material in the water sample. Presented here is a general discussion of the sources of water quality data uncertainty, a method to estimate data uncertainty in water quality variables, and the implications of uncertainty in water quality data.
Beyond BCG: Taxanes

Many patients undergoing intravesical therapy for superficial bladder cancer will fail initial treatment; therefore additional bladder-sparing options are needed for these patients. The taxanes are potentially ideal agents for intravesical therapy as they have demonstrated efficacy as systemic agents and have little systemic absorption due to a large molecular weight. Early clinical research indicates minimal toxicities associated with the use of taxanes as an intravesical treatment. These agents may yet play an important role in the intravesical treatment of bladder cancer.
Primary Production: The Foundation of Ecosystems

Primary production provides the organic carbon that supports the metabolism of ecosystems. Understanding the pathways that organic carbon follows through an ecosystem leads to distinctions among gross primary production, net primary production, and net ecosystem production. Primary production is regulated by factors such as light, temperature, herbivory, and the supply of water and nutrients. Models of primary production in ecosystems must consider multiple limiting processes. Net primary productivity varies widely among ecosystems from tens to thousands of grams carbon per year. The most immediate fate of net primary production is either consumption by herbivores or conversion to detritus with the relative rates of these two processes varying among ecosystems. Ultimately, most primary production is converted back to CO 2 via respiration; however, some residual carbon accumulates in biomass and refractory organic matter. The storage and fate of this unrespired carbon is important in understanding ecosystems as carbon sources and sinks.
Persuasion and Semantic Network Structure: Testing Message Effects of Attribute Centrality on Decision Making under Uncertainty

Bringing together probabilistic persuasion theory and semantic network models, past research introduced the number and strength of direct connections in a semantic network as a theory-based criteri...
Fetal enzyme replacement and stem cell transplantation in murine Sly syndrome targeting microglia

Mucopolysaccharidosis type 7 (MPS7) is a lysosomal storage disorder resulting in multi-organ dysfunction and in utero demise. Post-natal enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are unable to address neurologic manifestations because of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). We study whether in utero ERT (IUERT) or HSCT (IUHSCT) can penetrate the BBB, targeting microglia as they are enriched in the missing enzyme. Prior IUERT work showed neurologic benefit - we now aim to analyze the extent of microglial engraftment, and to provide a permanent enzyme source with IUHSCT. We treated MPS7 fetuses at E14.5 with IUERT or IUHSCT. Following injection of missing glucuronidase (GUS), performed flow cytometry for enzyme activity on brain at E18. Controls included GUS injection in adult mice. We stained brains for CD68 (to quantify microglial inflammation). We bred CX3CR1-GFP donor mice (engrafted microglia express CX3CR1 and are therefore green on histology) and transplanted fetal liver mononuclear cells, initially into wild-type mice. Chimeric brains then underwent immunofluorescent staining for microglial markers. We injected 46 fetuses with enzyme or PBS control. 6 of 7 treated homozygous fetuses had detectable enzyme activity (24.6 ± 9.5% of microglia, some with wild-type activity levels). Accordingly, CD68 staining showed decreased brain inflammation. In contrast, 6 adult homozygous mice were treated, and none developed detectable brain GUS activity. We transplanted 5 litters of wild-type mice, and 9 mice engrafted (8.5±2.2% multilineage chimerism in blood and bone marrow). In chimeric mice at 3 weeks, transplanted stem cells co-stained with GFP and Iba1, indicating engraftment into the brain as microglia. These experiments suggest that IUERT can penetrate the BBB and decrease brain inflammation. IUHSCT results in microglial engraftment and increasing chimerism may further improve results. These findings support in utero therapy for MPS7, for which we are currently developing a clinical protocol.
A UNIQUE APPROACH TO AN INFECTED HEART: WHO YOU GONNA CALL?

Device extraction is indicated for cardiac implantable electronic device infections. Open removal is preferred to decrease the risk of embolization with large masses, though not always feasible in critically ill patients. We report the use of a vacuum-based device (AngioVac) for debulking of a
“Oliver Was So Drunk with the Philtre of His Power; He Had Grown Corrupt:” Sir Henry Vane’s Political Theology

This study examines the theological writings of and contemporary responses to Sir. Henry Vane (1613–1662). An advocate for religious tolerance, Vane was a leading Parliamentarian during the English...
Nicotinic treatment of post-chemotherapy subjective cognitive impairment: a pilot study

Persistent chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment (pCRCI) is commonly reported following cancer treatment and negatively affects quality of life; however, there is currently no pharmacological treatment indicated for pCRCI. This pilot study obtained preliminary data regarding the use of transdermal nicotine patches as a therapeutic strategy for women with pCRCI to (1) reduce subjective cognitive complaints and (2) enhance objective cognitive performance in breast, colon, lymphoma, or ovarian cancer survivors with pCRCI. Participants were randomized to either placebo (n = 11) or transdermal nicotine (n = 11) for 6 weeks, followed by 2 weeks of treatment withdrawal for a total of 8 weeks. Participants were assessed using both subjective and objective measures of cognitive functioning at five visits before, during, and after treatment. Over the course of the study, women in both groups improved substantially in severity of self-reported cognitive complaints measured by Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Cognitive Function Perceived Cognitive Impairments regardless of treatment arm. Additionally, objective cognitive performance measures improved in both groups; however, there was no significant difference in improvement between groups. Due to a large placebo response, we were unable to determine if a drug effect was present. However, we did observe substantial improvement in self-reported cognitive symptoms, likely resulting from factors related to participation in the trial rather than specific drug treatment effects. The study was registered with clinicaltrials.gov (trial registration: NCT02312943). These results suggest that women with pCRCI can exhibit improvement in subjective cognition, with attention paid to symptoms and close follow-up over a short period of time.
OBG: Communication between mother, doctor and nurse in hospital obstetrics

(1966). OBG: Communication between mother, doctor and nurse in hospital obstetrics. Hospital Topics: Vol. 44, No. 3, pp. 102-107.
The preemptive voice of enemy images: The before-and-after motif in news coverage of women homegrown terrorists:

This essay is about images of the enemy. But a particular enemy and a peculiar motif of representation: the woman homegrown terrorist and the before-and-after image as they appear in US online and ...
Parvovirus Capsid-Antibody Complex Structures Reveal Conservation of Antigenic Epitopes Across the Family

The parvoviruses are small nonenveloped single stranded DNA viruses that constitute members that range from apathogenic to pathogenic in humans and animals. The infection with a parvovirus results in the generation of antibodies against the viral capsid by the host immune system to eliminate the virus and to prevent re-infection. For members currently either being developed as delivery vectors for gene therapy applications or as oncolytic biologics for tumor therapy, efforts are aimed at combating the detrimental effects of pre-existing or post-treatment antibodies that can eliminate therapeutic benefits. Therefore, understanding antigenic epitopes of parvoviruses can provide crucial information for the development of vaccination applications and engineering novel capsids able to escape antibody recognition. This review aims to capture the information for the binding regions of ∼30 capsid-antibody complex structures of different parvovirus capsids determined to date by cryo-electron microscopy and three-dimensional image reconstruction. The comparison of all complex structures revealed the conservation of antigenic regions among parvoviruses from different genera despite low sequence identity and indicates that the available data can be used across the family for vaccine development and capsid engineering.
A Socioeconomic Edge Effect: Rational Crime in Small Areas of Sharp Socioeconomic Contrast:

Objectives:To determine whether criminogenic “edges,” as defined by crime pattern theory, exist at points of sharp contrast of socioeconomic status (SES).Methods:The study uses a quasi-experimental...
Validation of neonatal and paediatric antimicrobial stewardship treatment algorithms in rapid diagnostic-detected bacteraemia.

OBJECTIVES Blood culture rapid diagnostic testing (RDT) aids in early organism identification and resistance gene detection. This information allows quicker transition to tailored antimicrobial therapy, improved patient outcomes and prevention of antimicrobial resistance. An antimicrobial treatment algorithm based on RDT results and local antibiograms can serve as a valuable clinical decision-support tool. This study assessed the proportion of appropriate antibiotic therapy recommendations using a novel paediatric RDT-guided treatment algorithm compared with standard care (SC) in paediatric bacteraemia. METHODS This was a retrospective, observational study of admitted paediatric patients who received antibiotics for RDT-confirmed bacteraemia. Appropriateness of SC was compared with algorithm-recommended treatment. Antimicrobial appropriateness was defined as in vitro susceptibility to the organism identified through traditional microbiology. Clinical appropriateness took into consideration the ability to tailor therapy within 12 h of RDT results. Appropriateness was evaluated by two blinded, independent reviewers. KEY FINDINGS Eighty-six blood cultures were included with 15 unique Gram-positive and Gram-negative species or genus identified. Comparative antimicrobial appropriateness of SC and algorithm-recommended treatment was 94.2% (81/86) and 100% (86/86), respectively (P = 0.06). Clinical assessment determined 39.5% (34/86) of SC patients were on appropriate therapy within 12 h of RDT result. Algorithm-recommended therapy was clinically appropriate in 97.7% (84/86) of patients (P < 0.001). There was a median time savings of 42.7 h (IQR 40.6, 49.4) for the patients able to be de-escalated as compared with waiting on final sensitivities. CONCLUSIONS Algorithm-guided treatment may allow most patients to be de-escalated to organism-tailored therapy earlier in their therapeutic course.
Deep learning to explain and design complex nanophotonic structures

A central challenge in the development of nanophotonic structures and metamaterials is identifying the optimal design for a target functionality and understanding the physical mechanisms that enable the optimized device’s capabilities. In this talk, we will describe deep learning-driven strategies to both design complex nanophotonic structures, including across multiple device categories, as well as understand their behavior. We will highlight potential pathways to making deep learning a tool for global inverse design across multiple device categories, while also opening up the 'black box' of the machine learning algorithm to understand why a particular optimized design works well.
Predicting olfactory loss in chronic rhinosinusitis using machine learning.

OBJECTIVE Compare machine learning (ML)-based predictive analytics methods to traditional logistic regression in classification of olfactory dysfunction in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS-OD) and identify predictors within a large multi-institutional cohort of refractory CRS patients. METHODS Adult CRS patients enrolled in a prospective, multi-institutional, observational cohort study were assessed for baseline CRS-OD using a smell identification test (SIT) or brief SIT (bSIT). Four different ML methods were compared to traditional logistic regression for classification of CRS normosmics versus CRS-OD. RESULTS Data were collected for 611 study participants who met inclusion criteria between 2011 April and 2015 July. Thirty-four percent of enrolled patients demonstrated olfactory loss on psychophysical testing. Differences between CRS normosmics and those with smell loss included objective disease measures (CT and endoscopy scores), age, sex, prior surgeries, socioeconomic status, steroid use, polyp presence, asthma, and aspirin sensitivity. Most ML methods performed favorably in terms of predictive ability. Top predictors include factors previously reported in the literature, as well as several socioeconomic factors. CONCLUSION Olfactory dysfunction is a variable phenomenon in CRS patients. ML methods perform well compared to traditional logistic regression in classification of normosmia versus smell loss in CRS, and are able to include numerous risk factors into prediction models. Several actionable features were identified as risk factors for CRS-OD. These results suggest that ML methods may be useful for current understanding and future study of hyposmia secondary to sinonasal disease, the most common cause of persistent olfactory loss in the general population.
Monocarboxylate Transporter-2 Expression Restricts Tumor Growth in a Murine Model of Lung Cancer: A Multi-Omic Analysis.

Monocarboxylate transporter 2 (MCT2) is a major high-affinity pyruvate transporter encoded by the SLC16A7 gene, and is associated with glucose metabolism and cancer. Changes in the gut microbiota and host immune system are associated with many diseases, including cancer. Using conditionally expressed MCT2 in mice and the TC1 lung carcinoma model, we examined the effects of MCT2 on lung cancer tumor growth and local invasion, while also evaluating potential effects on fecal microbiome, plasma metabolome, and bulk RNA-sequencing of tumor macrophages. Conditional MCT2 mice were generated in our laboratory using MCT2loxP mouse intercrossed with mCre-Tg mouse to generate MCT2loxP/loxP; Cre+ mouse (MCT2 KO). Male MCT2 KO mice (8 weeks old) were treated with tamoxifen (0.18 mg/g BW) KO or vehicle (CO), and then injected with mouse lung carcinoma TC1 cells (10 × 105/mouse) in the left flank. Body weight, tumor size and weight, and local tumor invasion were assessed. Fecal DNA samples were extracted using PowerFecal kits and bacterial 16S rRNA amplicons were also performed. Fecal and plasma samples were used for GC−MS Polar, as well as non-targeted UHPLC-MS/MS, and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) were subjected to bulk RNAseq. Tamoxifen-treated MCT2 KO mice showed significantly higher tumor weight and size, as well as evidence of local invasion beyond the capsule compared with the controls. PCoA and hierarchical clustering analyses of the fecal and plasma metabolomics, as well as microbiota, revealed a distinct separation between the two groups. KO TAMs showed distinct metabolic pathways including the Acetyl-coA metabolic process, activation of immune response, b-cell activation and differentiation, cAMP-mediated signaling, glucose and glutamate processes, and T-cell differentiation and response to oxidative stress. Multi-Omic approaches reveal a substantial role for MCT2 in the host response to TC1 lung carcinoma that may involve alterations in the gut and systemic metabolome, along with TAM-related metabolic pathway. These findings provide initial opportunities for potential delineation of oncometabolic immunomodulatory therapeutic approaches.
Travel Kinematics in Virtual Reality Increases Learning Efficiency

Virtual reality (VR) computer interfaces show promise for improving societal communication and representation of information due to their unique ability to be placed spatially around the user in three-dimensional (3D) space. This opens new possibilities for presentation and user interaction with the target information, and may be especially impactful for the education of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professionals. Simulations and visualizations have been shown in research studies to improve the efficiency of STEM learners compared to the less sensorimotor rich learning mediums of live instruction and textbook reading. Yet, learning science research into immersive computer simulation environments for educational applications remains limited. To address this research gap, we analyzed a fundamental VR interface capability, virtual environmental traversal, and its impact on participants' learning. We altered the traversal ability between two groups of STEM learners within the same virtual environment and compared their performance. Findings point that VR computer interfaces, regardless of environmental traversal, are suitable STEM learning environments, but that environmental traversal can increase learning efficiency.
The public health impacts of surface coal mining

Abstract The current paper reviews published evidence on the public health impacts of surface coal mining. Particular attention is paid to recent evidence for a form of surface mining practiced in the United States, namely mountaintop removal mining. Studies from other parts of the world are also briefly described. Evidence is presented that documents epidemiological disease patterns for populations living in proximity to surface mining. Environmental evidence has shown that surface waters and biota are harmed by mountaintop removal, while other environmental studies have shown water and air pollution exist in residential areas close to mining. Studies that are able to directly link environmental exposure, dose, and biological impact are urgently needed. Although direct mechanistic links are not well understood, the weight of the evidence reinforces previous science-based calls to discontinue mountaintop removal mining due to its environmental and public health risks.
Pulsed gas breakdown with high overvoltages in argon and air

Summary form only given. Fast gas breakdown with formative times in the sub-nanosecond regime is of interest for pulsed power switching and UWB applications. Use of coaxial transmission lines with conical sections connected to a test gap enables to apply fast voltage pulses to the gap, as well as the simultaneous measurement of voltage across and current through the gap. For small pulse amplitudes, with risetimes of 400 ps, a tip-plane geometry is used, with radii of curvature of 0.5 /spl mu/m. At pulse amplitudes of 5 kV, and macroscopic field enhancements on the order of 1000, delay times between current and voltage of less than 200 ps for pressures larger than 100 torr are observed, in both argon and dry air. Corresponding current risetimes I/(dI/dt) are less than 100 ps. Using a high voltage pulser (RADAN 303B with pulse slicer SN4, risetime 150 ps at 150 kV amplitude) enables the comparison of formative times for the tip-plane geometry with those of more homogeneous field distributions in the gap.
"No performance in surgery more interesting and satisfactory": Harvey Cushing and his experience with spinal cord tumors at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. Historical vignette

Although Harvey Cushing was a neurosurgical pioneer, his work on the spine remains largely unknown. In fact, other than his own publications, Cushing's patients with pathological lesions of the spine who were treated while he was at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, including those with spinal cord tumors, have never been previously described. The authors report on 7 patients with spinal cord tumors that Cushing treated surgically between 1898 and 1911: 2 extradural, 3 intradural extramedullary, and 2 intramedullary tumors. The authors also describe 10 patients in whom Cushing performed an "exploratory laminectomy" expecting to find a tumor, but in whom no oncological pathological entity was found. Cushing's spine surgeries were limited by challenges in making the correct diagnosis, lack of surgical precedent, and difficulty in achieving adequate intraoperative hemostasis. Other than briefly mentioning 2 of the 4 adult patients in his landmark monograph on meningiomas, these cases-both those involving tumors and those in which he performed exploratory laminectomies--have never been published before. Moreover, these cases illustrate the evolution that Harvey Cushing underwent as a spine surgeon.
Fair and comprehensive methodology for comparing hardware performance of fourteen round two SHA-3 candidates using FPGAs

Performance in hardware has been demonstrated to be an important factor in the evaluation of candidates for cryptographic standards. Up to now, no consensus exists on how such an evaluation should be performed in order to make it fair, transparent, practical, and acceptable for the majority of the cryptographic community. In this paper, we formulate a proposal for a fair and comprehensive evaluation methodology, and apply it to the comparison of hardware performance of 14 Round 2 SHA-3 candidates. The most important aspects of our methodology include the definition of clear performance metrics, the development of a uniform and practical interface, generation of multiple sets of results for several representative FPGA families from two major vendors, and the application of a simple procedure to convert multiple sets of results into a single ranking.
Application of an integrated surface water‐groundwater model to multi‐aquifers modeling in Choushui River alluvial fan, Taiwan

This research proposes a combination of SWAT and MODFLOW, MD-SWAT-MODFLOW, to address the multi-aquifers condition in Choushui River alluvial fan, Taiwan. The natural recharge and unidentified pumping/recharge are separately estimated. The model identifies the monthly pumping/recharge rates in multi-aquifers so that the daily streamflow can be simulated correctly. A multi-aquifers condition means a subsurface formation composed of at least the unconfined aquifer, the confined aquifer, and an in-between aquitard. In such a case, the variation of groundwater level is related to pumping/recharge activities in vertically adjacent aquifer and the river-aquifer interaction. Both factors in turn affect the streamflow performance. Results show that MD-SWAT-MODFLOW performs better than SWAT alone in terms of simulated streamflow, especially during low flow period, when pumping/recharge rates are properly estimated. A sensitivity analysis of individual parameter suggests that the vertical leakance may be the most sensitive among all investigated MODFLOW parameters in terms of the estimated pumping/recharge among aquifers, and the Latin-Hypercube-One-factor-At-a-Time sensitivity analysis indicates that the hydraulic conductivity of channel is the most sensitive to the model performance. It also points out the necessity to simultaneously estimate pumping/recharge rates in multi-aquifers. The estimated net pumping rate can be treated as a lower bound of the actual local pumping rate. As a whole, the model provides the spatio-temporal groundwater use, which gives the authorities insights to manage groundwater resources. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of lunar cycle on the precipitation in India

[1] Scientists for different regions of the world have indicated the impact of lunar cycle on different climatic parameters including precipitation. In the present study the impact of the lunar cycle on the precipitation in India has been analyzed. Daily precipitation records were assembled for 129 stations spread across the subcontinent for the time period 1910 to 2000. The results of the study indicate a general tendency towards the increased occurrences of precipitation a few days after the full moon in the interiors. The west coast of India showed tendency towards higher precipitation amounts in the ascending phase of the lunar cycle.
Is There a Sex or Race Difference in Stroke Mortality

Objectives: We sought to confirm previous studies for the presence and direction of sex and race difference in stroke mortality. Methods: Administrative data for 40,450 Medicare beneficiaries who were hospitalized in 1994 to 1996 with acute stroke were used in regression analyses to study sex and race differences in 1-year all-cause mortality among patients with different types of stroke and cause-specific mortality in patients with all types of stroke combined. Hazard ratios were adjusted for age, sex or race, state, year of index stroke, past stroke, subsequent stroke, and fatal coexisting conditions excluding cerebrovascular diseases. Results: Men with ischemic cerebral infarction, nonspecific stroke, or all types of stroke combined were at 21% to 35% higher risk of all-cause mortality than women, but there was no sex difference among patients with subarachnoid or intracerebral hemorrhage. Nonwhite patients with ischemic cerebral infarction had 11% higher all-cause mortality than white patients, but there were no race differences after adjustments for fatal coexisting conditions. Compared with women, mortality was higher in men with all types of stroke regardless of the cause of death. There was higher risk of death caused by cerebrovascular diseases in white patients with all types of stroke combined, but the risk of death caused by cardiovascular diseases other than ischemic heart disease was higher in nonwhite patients. Conclusions: There was no sex or race difference in all-cause mortality in patients with hemorrhagic stroke and higher risk in men with ischemic and nonspecific stroke. Relatively higher risk of mortality caused by cerebrovascular diseases was found in men and white patients.
Serial dictatorship and Pareto optimality

Abstract In a deterministic allocation problem in which each agent is entitled to receive exactly one object, an allocation is Pareto optimal if and only if it is the outcome of a serial dictatorship. We extend the definition of serial dictatorship to settings in which some agents may be entitled to receive more than one object, and study the efficiency and uniqueness properties of the equilibrium allocations. We prove that subgame perfect equilibrium allocations of serial dictatorship games are not necessarily Pareto optimal; and generally not all Pareto optima can be implemented as subgame perfect equilibrium allocations of serial dictatorship games, except in the 2-agent separable preference case. Moreover, serial dictatorship games do not necessarily have unique subgame perfect equilibrium allocations, except in the 2-agent case, hence their outcomes are indeterminate and manipulable.
Sympathy, evolution, and The Economist☆

Abstract Why did the classical economists’ doctrine of innate human sociability and the problem of factions disappear? The social Darwinists who clustered around The Economist regarded sympathy, the social glue of small groups, as an impediment to racial perfection that allowed the “unfit” to survive. Classical political economists responded to the problem of factions by proposing that sympathetic concerns be extended to those outside the faction. Social Darwinists advocated narrowing sympathetic concerns. Although social Darwinism faded, sympathy was not returned to its early prominence and economists lost the ability to explain small group formation and the tyranny of the minority.