cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prospective comparison of external sphincter balloon dilatation and prosthesis placement with external sphincterotomy in spinal cord injured men

Abstract The purpose of our investigation was to compare external sphincterotomy, the traditional method of treatment of detrusor-external sphincter dyssynergia (DESD), with two newer methods, balloon dilatation or internal stenting of the external sphincter. Sixty-one spinal cord injured (SCI) men were prospectively evaluated. The indications for treatment were DESD and voiding pressure greater than 60cmH 2 O demonstrated during video-urodynamic study. Twenty patients were treated with balloon dilatation of the external sphincter, 26 with an internal stent prosthesis, and 15 with traditional external sphincterotomy. Age and duration of SCI were similar among the three treatment groups. A significant decrease in both voiding pressure and residual urine from presurgery levels persisted during the follow-up period of 3 to 26 months (mean, 15 months) in all three groups. Bladder capacity remained constant, renal function improved or stabilized, and autonomic dysreflexia (AD) improved in all three groups. Ballon dilatation and prosthesis placement are associated with a significantly shorter length of surgery ( p = 0.045), length of hospitalization ( p = 0.005), decrease in hospitalization cost ( p = 0.01), and decrease in hemoglobin postoperatively ( p = 0.046) when compared to external sphincterotomy. Complications of stent insertion included device migration (three patients) and secondary bladder neck obstruction (two patients). In the balloon dilatation group, three recurrent sphincter obstructions, one case of bleeding requiring transfusion, and one case of bulbous urethral stricture occurred. After external sphincterotomy, two patients developed recurrent obstruction, two required blood transfusion, and 1 patient noted erectile dysfunction. Balloon dilatation and prosthesis placement both proved to be as effective as external sphincterotomy in the treatment of DESD. Each of these newer methods was technically easier, less time consuming, and more cost efficient than the traditional sphincter ablation procedure.
CHILDHOOD SIBLING AGGREGATION OF CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE RISK FACTOR VARIABLES IN A BIRACIAL COMMUNITY

To analyze aggregation of risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD), the authors studied 4538 children from the biracial community of Bogalusa, Louisiana. Of these children ranging in age from two to 18 years, 2535 had at least one sibling, permitting the calculation of F-ratios and intraclass correlation coefficients. Those calculations revealed statistically signigicant F-ratios for all anthropometric, blood pressure and lipid variables studied. Of the lipoprotein variables studied only alpha-lipoprotein showed no statistically significant aggregation (for black children). The analysis failed to reveal any significant differences in intraclass correlations between black and white children.
The Role of Present Time Perspective in Predicting Early Adolescent Violence

This study investigated the role of present and future time perspectives, and their relationships with subjective norms and beliefs regarding violence, in predicting violent behaviors among urban middle school students in the Midwestern United States. Although present time perspective covaried with subjective norms and beliefs, each made a unique prediction of self-reported violent behaviors. Future time perspective was not a significant predictor when accounting for these relationships. In addition, present orientation moderated the relationship between subjective norms and beliefs and rates of violent behaviors; those with higher present orientations exhibited stronger associations. We replicated this pattern of results in data from new participants in a subsequent wave of the study. Interventions that explicitly address issues related to time perspective may be effective in reducing early adolescent violence.
The Impact of Continuous Quality Improvement on a System's Healthcare Costs.

In this month’s edition of Pediatrics , Lion et al1 share with us their research on improving inpatient care through the adoption of a wide array of “clinical standard work” products. Overall, this research has led to system-wide decreased lengths of stay as well as decreased costs per hospitalization. At the same time, readmission rates have not increased, and the investigators show that patient-reported quality of life remains the same. This outcome is … Address correspondence to Stephen T. Lawless, MD, MBA, Nemours/Alfred I. DuPont Hospital for Children, 1600 Rockland Rd, Wilmington, DE 19803. E-mail: slawless{at}nemours.org
EARLY RECOVERY OF LEFT VENTRICULAR EJECTION FRACTION AFTER COREVALVE TAVR: FINDINGS FROM THE COREVALVE PIVOTAL TRIALS

Approximately 1/3 of patients with symptomatic aortic stenosis have reduced left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) prior to transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). The incidence, predictors and significance of LVEF recovery after CoreValve TAVR have not been described. We studied 156
DriveBlue: Traffic Incident Prediction through Single Site Bluetooth

Transportation authorities, and traffic management aim to have a free-flow traffic on highways as well as in cities. This paper proposes DriveBlue, a real time system that uses Bluetooth adapters in a single site to predict traffic incidents in various conditions (e.g. congestion), and inform the responsible authorities. DriveBlue leverages the capabilities of co-located Bluetooth adapters to monitors vehicles on roads, categorize them, analyze their behavior over time, and reports any suspicious change. Moreover, DriveBlue has a simple design that is scalable using the infrastructure currently deployed by transportation authorities. In our experiments, we collected real data from highways to evaluate the feasibility of using single site Bluetooth adapters for transportation applications. DriveBlue spotted almost 10 devices per minute, and showed an accuracy of approximately 80% in detecting vehicle's motion.
Spatial emission profiles for flagging matrix interferences in axial-viewing inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry: 2. Statistical protocol.

A statistical protocol was developed and verified for automated signaling of matrix interferences in inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). Spatial emission profiles in ICP-AES are versatile indicators for flagging matrix interference. A family of calibration curves is first generated by measurements of standard solutions at different spatial locations in the plasma. The determined-concentration profile of the analyte along a spatial measurement axis of the plasma is then obtained by analyzing the sample at each spatial location by reference to the respective calibration curve. The absence or presence of a matrix interference is gauged from the shape of the determined-concentration profile of the analyte. A flat determined-concentration profile indicates absence of matrix interference, whereas a dissimilar (i.e., curved) concentration profile offers a clear warning signal that the analytical results are compromised by interferences. The developed protocol automatically classifi...
Ambigere: The Euro-American Picaro and the Native American Trickster

The Trickster-incorrigible, insatiable, deceptive, comic and transforming-is a nearly ubiquitous figure in world tribal literatures. He seems to have an especially prominent position in the oral traditions of Native Americans. The epithet Trickster has also been applied to certain popular culture heroes and Euro-American literary characters as well: the Romantic outlaw, the con man, and particularly the fictional picaro. In fact, Barbara Babcock-Abrahams explicitly associates the trickster and the picaro, even asserting that Trickster tales might well be termed "picaresque" (Tolerated 159). In their Literature of the American Indian, an anthology intended to be a text, Sanders and Peek make a similar association (66). To be sure, there are general similarities between Trickster and the picaro that make them appear to be blood brothers: both are heroes of adventures recounted episodically; both are roguish travelers whose transgressions against moral and civil strictures place them in marginal relationship to their societies; both are said to be ambiguous figures; and both seem to serve satirical ends. However, there are such fundamental differences between the two, growing from their respective cultures' ontologies, and, of course, social configurations, that the similarities pale and it is clear that we are looking at two quite different characters. By examining the common ground of their comedy, marginality, and "ambiguity," I will contrast the picaro and the trickster so as to suggest how the latter is a distinctive dramatization of the Native American view of life. Most importantly, we can see in the Native American trickster an openness to life's multiplicity and paradoxes largely missing in the modern Euro-American moral tradition.1 To begin then, perhaps the marginality of the characters to their societies is the trait from which all others proceed. Certainly, in both Trickster tales and picaresque fiction, the fact that the protagonists live at the edge of society's respectable environs (morally and in terms often of actual social status) or even act beyond such frontiers is the vehicle for much of the humor in the stories, but the characters' marginality is of quite different sorts and the humor is thus directed to different ends. In the picaresque novel, society, not human society in
Undetected lymph node metastases in presumed early stage NSCLC SABR patients

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT, also called stereotactic ablative body radiation SABR) is the treatment of choice for many patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), including those who are unfit for surgery or refuse surgery.Areas covered: In an effort to develop optimal staging for the evaluation of SBRT candidates, we review the performance of available lymph node staging methods, as well as risk factors for lymph node involvement. Pubmed was searched to identify relevant literature. Current staging methods for NSCLC, including Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography(PET/CT) and endobronchial ultra sound (EBUS), have limited sensitivities.Expert commentary: There are several factors, including primary tumor location, tumor size, and histology that are possibly associated with the sensitivity of PET/CT to detect mediastinal lymph node metastasis. Small lymph node metastases typically remain undetected by PET/CT. Therefore invasive nodal stagin...
The strategy of finding fungicides.

An old English proverb says that, “You get what you ask for.” The fungicides we have are those we have asked for. Unless we change the form of asking occasionally, we shall run out of candidates. This is strategy.
Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis: The Pediatric Experience

AbstractContinuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis has become a highly acclaimed method of maintenance therapy in the management of end stage renal disease in childhood. This type of dialysis affords freedom and comfort, and lessens dependence. Furthermore, the over-all reduction in hospital-related cost of this therapy currently has made continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis the recommended procedure of choice at our institution.From July 1980 through May 1986 we offered this form of therapy to 45 patients between 4 days and 17 years old. A total of 68 Tenckhoff catheters were placed. Reasons for catheter removal included persistent peritonitis, tunnel infection, catheter leakage, catheter obstruction, successful kidney transplant, motivational failure, midline nephrectomy and death.Patient and parent instruction and indoctrination were critical factors in catheter survival. Our experience with the specific technical aspects of insertion documented that the single cuff, coiled Tenckhoff catheter and l...
An Empirical Study on Governance Characteristics and Performance of High-Tech Corporations

This paper carries out an empirical study on corporate governance characteristics and performance of high-tech corporations. Our conclusion shows that among the severely competitive high-tech corporations, ROE is significantly positively correlated with Tobin’s Q; the average salary of executives, the stock ownership of executives and institutions are significantly positively correlated with ROE. And the degree of equity restriction is significantly positively correlated with Tobin’s Q. In order to improve corporate performance, we need to consummate the corporate governance.
TerraKids: An Interactive Web Site where Kids Learn about Saving the Environment.

‘‘Hey, Mom …, Mom! Let’s get this one!!!’’ An excited 8-year-old Seth held out a light bulb package he had pulled from the store shelf and continued his pitch, ‘‘The bulbs have an Energy Star 1 rating, last a lot longer, and the package is biodegradable—it’ll be gone in 10 weeks!’’ Mom couldn’t resist the earnest look on Seth’s face as he added, ‘‘And they’ll help our score on TerraKids!’’ She put the package in their basket. ‘‘TerraKids’’ is the name of a Web site that is, for the present, purely fictional. It is a safe, secure site where 8- to 12-year-old kids become catalysts for a greener Earth by learning about the environment and the role they and their families can play in reducing global warming. Although users of any age come to
Invited paper: Resilient and energy-secure power management

We present an industrial design perspective on power management. We focus primarily on server and mainframe class processors. However, recent advances in very low voltage (VLV) research in support of cognitive platforms of the future are also considered. A particular focus is on the special attention that needs to be placed on resilience and energy-secure design principles. The paper discusses how reliability gaps in power management hardware and/or algorithms can expose gaps in security in terms of so-called power attacks. We discuss current industrial practice and describe key challenges that need to be addressed by the research community in this regard. This is designed to be a tutorial-style survey and analysis paper.
Assessment of RELAP5/MOD3.2 for startup transients in a natural circulation test facility

Abstract System level analysis codes have been proved effective tools for accident analysis and other transient analysis in nuclear reactors. With increasing interests in the natural circulation flow driven systems, flow instabilities occurring under low power and low pressure conditions have been receiving more research attention. This work aims to demonstrate the performance of one of the most widely used system codes, i.e., RELAP5, in simulating startup transients, as well as its capability to predict flow instabilities. The experimental database was acquired from a well-scaled natural circulation test facility, which was designed to investigate the startup flow instabilities for a BWR-type Novel Modular Reactor (NMR-50). The startup simulations by RELAP5/MOD3.2 code were compared with various thermal-hydraulics measurements including system pressure, temperature, natural circulation flow rate, and void fraction, etc. In addition, two power ramp rates were applied in the startup simulations to study heating rate effects on flow instabilities. In general, the RELAP5 code can consistently simulate the two startup transients and predict two flow instabilities, i.e., flashing instability and density wave oscillations, occurred in the natural circulation test facility at low pressures. The predicted natural circulation flow velocities had a good agreement with the measurements. However, the RELAP5 could underpredict void fractions in the heated section when the system is under thermal non-equilibrium conditions at low power and low pressure.
High-power cyclotron autoresonance maser (carm) experiments

CARM's[1] are attractive sources for applications such as electron cyclotron resonance heating (ECRH) of fusion plas- mas and driving high gradient RF accelerators. For ECRH applications oscillators in the 140-280 GHz range with high average power (>1 MW) are required. For accelerator driver applications, amplifiers or phased-locked oscillators at frequencies in the 11-33 GHz range with high-peak power (>100 MW) are required. In this paper, results of two dif- ferent MW-power-level CARM experiments are presented: a 28 GHz long-pulse (lps) Bragg oscillator experiment and a 17 GHz short-pulse (50 ns) amplifier experiment.
Ethanol Induced Disordering of Pancreatic Acinar Cell Endoplasmic Reticulum: An ER Stress/Defective Unfolded Protein Response Model.

Background & Aims Heavy alcohol drinking is associated with pancreatitis, whereas moderate intake lowers the risk. Mice fed ethanol long term show no pancreas damage unless adaptive/protective responses mediating proteostasis are disrupted. Pancreatic acini synthesize digestive enzymes (largely serine hydrolases) in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), where perturbations (eg, alcohol consumption) activate adaptive unfolded protein responses orchestrated by spliced X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1). Here, we examined ethanol-induced early structural changes in pancreatic ER proteins. Methods Wild-type and Xbp1+/- mice were fed control and ethanol diets, then tissues were homogenized and fractionated. ER proteins were labeled with a cysteine-reactive probe, isotope-coded affinity tag to obtain a novel pancreatic redox ER proteome. Specific labeling of active serine hydrolases in ER with fluorophosphonate desthiobiotin also was characterized proteomically. Protein structural perturbation by redox changes was evaluated further in molecular dynamic simulations. Results Ethanol feeding and Xbp1 genetic inhibition altered ER redox balance and destabilized key proteins. Proteomic data and molecular dynamic simulations of Carboxyl ester lipase (Cel), a unique serine hydrolase active within ER, showed an uncoupled disulfide bond involving Cel Cys266, Cel dimerization, ER retention, and complex formation in ethanol-fed, XBP1-deficient mice. Conclusions Results documented in ethanol-fed mice lacking sufficient spliced XBP1 illustrate consequences of ER stress extended by preventing unfolded protein response from fully restoring pancreatic acinar cell proteostasis during ethanol-induced redox challenge. In this model, orderly protein folding and transport to the secretory pathway were disrupted, and abundant molecules including Cel with perturbed structures were retained in ER, promoting ER stress-related pancreas pathology.
Prevalence and variability in reporting of clinically actionable incidental findings on attenuation-correction CT scans in a veteran population.

Myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) often employs attenuation-correction computed tomography (CTAC) to reduce attenuation artifacts and improve specificity. While there is no specific guideline on how they should be reported, incidental noncardiac findings identified on these scans may be clinically significant. The prevalence of these findings in veterans is not currently known. In addition, variability in reporting these findings may depend on the interpreting physician’s specialty. To guide future decision-making, CTACs in veterans referred for MPI were prospectively evaluated in a quality-control project for a set of prespecified actionable incidental findings by cardiologists and a radiologist. On the 771 scans performed over eight months, 285 incidental noncardiac findings were identified by the interpreting cardiologists and 378 were identified by the interpreting radiologist. Pulmonary nodules were the most common occurring in 20% of studies read by the radiologist. Interreader agreements between cardiologists and the radiologist were poor for pulmonary nodules ≥ 10 mm and hiatal hernias; fair for pulmonary nodules < 10 mm, extracardiac masses, and aortic aneurysms; and moderate for pleural plaques. Incidental noncardiac findings on CTACs are common in our veteran population. Overall interobserver agreement in identifying these findings between cardiologists and radiologists is fair. Specific guidelines are needed on how CTACs should be read and reported.
Driving with drug-resistant and controlled seizures from a patient's perspective: Assessment of attitudes and practices.

Abstract Background Driving restrictions in epilepsy are intended to safeguard public and personal safety; however, these limitations inhibit socialization, restrict employment, and reduce self-esteem in patients with seizures. A large proportion of patients with seizures continue to drive, and factors leading to noncompliance with driving regulations are poorly understood. Thus, the patients' perspective on driving safety is not incorporated into the existing counseling tools on driving safety in epilepsy. The present study assessed social, economic, and psychological perceptions related to driving restrictions in patients with refractory and pharmacotherapy-controlled seizures at the single epilepsy center and identified impediments for safe driving. Methods Data were obtained from an anonymous survey completed by 25 adult patients in the presurgical group (PG) with refractory epilepsy and 46 patients in the ambulatory group (AG) with confirmed epilepsy which did not meet criteria for refractoriness. The questionnaire (administered via Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap)) addressed seizure and driving history, knowledge of driving restrictions, and social consequences of losing driving privileges. Results Eighty-seven percent of all responders experienced seizures with alteration of awareness; however, 34% of patients continued to drive during the time when they were legally restricted, and 6% had accidents related to seizures. All responders reported their seizure status accurately to the treating physician, and 93% understood state-based driving restrictions. The median time from the last seizure was shorter, and the duration of last driving restriction was longer in the PG compared with the AG (1 vs. 20 weeks, and 12 vs. 24 weeks, respectively). Despite that, the proportions of patients driving at the time of survey were not significantly different between the two groups. Nearly 80% of all patients stated that driving restrictions reduced their quality of life, and 70% believed that these restrictions carry a social stigma. Employment was chosen to be the most affected by driving restrictions from a list of four social domains by the majority of patients in both groups. Notably, the employment rate was 26% higher in the AG compared with the PG. The lack of public transportation was regarded as a hurdle by more than 60% of patients in each group with greater than two-thirds of patients relying on other drivers for transportation. Conclusions These findings suggest that patients with refractory and pharmacotherapy-controlled seizures are similarly likely to drive a vehicle, disregarding a practitioner's advice and state restrictions. The lack of public transportation is a shared constraint and likely leads to reduced compliance with driving regulations. Driving restrictions carry social stigma and limit the employment of patients with epilepsy, regardless of the refractory seizure status.
The Utility of Measuring Intentions to Use Best Practices: A Longitudinal Study Among Teachers Supporting Students With Autism.

Background School-based interventions can result in profound social, behavioral, and academic improvement for students with autism, but teachers rarely implement them. It is important to understand why this occurs and use this information to increase the use of evidence-based practices. Toward this goal, 2 proof-of-construct studies demonstrate the theoretical and methodological advantages of measuring behavioral intentions to use specific practices. Methods Two observational studies enrolled public school teachers who work with students with autism. The studies measure the strength of teachers' intentions to use each of 4 different evidence-based practices, assess variability in intentions, and test whether intentions predict future teacher behavior. Results In adjusted analyses, intentions to use a specific evidence-based practice were strongly associated with subsequent use (adjusted odds ratio = 5.2). The proportion of teachers who reported strong intentions varied from a low of 33% to a high of 66%, depending on the practice. Conclusions The findings illustrate that the strength of intentions, which varies depending on the specific practice, can predict implementation. More generally, the studies demonstrate how measures of intention can aid efforts to identify implementation barriers. The approach taken can be applied to study implementation of any practices designed to improve student health.
Group Communication Treatment for Individuals with PPA and Their Partners.

Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a neurodegenerative syndrome characterized by insidious language deterioration. This young-onset disorder leaves adults with reduced communication skills for participation in social activities. There is limited evidence regarding group treatment for individuals with PPA, though the principles of chronic aphasia groups can be applied to this clinical population. We developed a PPA group treatment model incorporating compensatory strategies from augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), communication partner training from aphasia rehabilitation, and systematic instruction from dementia management. Six modules were designed and delivered to people with PPA and their communication partners in a university clinic setting over a 6-week period. Treatment was provided by graduate clinicians with supervision from a certified speech–language pathologist and faculty member. Primary treatment goals were to provide education about PPA symptoms and progression; to increase practice and use of multimodal communication by people with PPA; and to establish an environment where people with PPA and their partners could connect for training and support. We present pre/post comparisons and satisfaction data provided by five individuals with PPA and their partners in the group. Results suggest that group training is an effective service delivery model. Participants reported gains in both knowledge about PPA and in using many different modalities to communicate. The new compensatory strategies learned provide tools for maintenance and improvement of language use. Participants saw increased confidence and participation in daily activities, and highlighted the value of the PPA group for individuals with this relatively rare condition and their family members.
Homo Sapiens, Homo Faber, Homo Socians: Technology and the Social Animal

Modern technology is a pinnacle of human progress, the perfection of reason mirrored in design. It maintains that bit of Enlightenment hubris captured in the term Homo sapiens. Why, then, does it seem easier to design technology than to make decisions about how to use it? That technologies can puzzle or disappoint or seem out of control, is explained — by their opponents — as temporary yet resoluble oversights of rational solutions, or — by their supporters — as the failure to demonstrate to all concerned the reasons that the benefits outweigh the costs. (In spite of the acronym MAD, nuclear armaments debates are conducted in this vein). Alternatively, some of our technologies may puzzle, disappoint, or seem out of control because the model of human nature is inappropriate. Despite economic, hedonic, and normative justifications, the technology or its implementation somehow doesn’t ‘make sense’ or ‘feel right’.
Data on Human Biochemical Genetics

In Table 1 human enzymopathies, disorders in which a deficient activity of a specific enzyme have been demonstrated in man, are given. Synonyms are shown in parentheses. In cases where different enzymopathies result in a common phenotype the condition is enclosed in quotation marks (i.e. “adrenal hyperplasia”). An asterisk indicates enzymopathies in which the presumed enzyme deficiency has not been directly confirmed by enzyme assay. Table 1 is modified from McKusick (1971a) with additions and deletions.
Troy Davis, Lawrence Brewer, and Timothy McVeigh Should Still Be Alive: Certainty, Innocence, and the High Cost of Death and Immorality

This article discusses the morality of the death penalty in regards to Troy Davis, Lawrence Brewer, and Timothy McVeigh.
Electrical Maturation of the Mouse Oocyte

This article compares three kinds of oocytes from Fl hybrid mice: germinal vesicle oocytes from 10–20 day mice, GV oocytes from 12 week, superovulated mice, and first polar body oocytes from 12 week, superovulated or normal estrus mice. All oocytes have two voltage-dependent currents: an inward, inactivating current (Ca), and an outward, non-inactivating current (K). In 1.5 mM external Ca, the Ca currents increase with growth and development; the averages are -2.9, -12.4, and -13.8 uA/cm2, for the three respect stages. Thus the increase in Ca current precedes nuclear maturation.
Search and Recognition: Spin Glass Engineering as an Approach to Protein Structure Prediction

Protein folding is perhaps the most complex process that can be usefully described in purely atomistic terms.1, 2 In order to function, a protein generally must take on a specific three-dimensional structure. It is, at present, unknown how this process occurs in the living cell. It is possible and, indeed, likely, that for many proteins, special biological machinery and catalysts are necessary for this process. However, it is also known that for some smaller proteins, this process of folding into a well defined structure can occur spontaneously in the absence of special biological machinery. In principle, this in vitro folding process can be studied using the ideas of physics and chemistry alone. A huge diversity of states of varying stabilities can occur in the folding process. It is important then to attack the problem of understanding protein folding by seeking a language that can reconcile diversity and stability.
Modification of a Commercial Phase Shifter for Cryogenic Applications

Conventional radio frequency matching techniques using silicon-based phase shifters operate well at ambient temperatures, but will perform poorly in cryogenic environments due to carrier freeze-out. However, varactors made from gallium arsenide retain carrier mobility at such temperatures. This paper describes the modification and evaluation of a commercial phase shifter operating in the UHF frequency range for cryogenic applications.
Effect of adjuvant therapy on resected gallbladder adenocarcinoma: A propensity score matched analysis of national data.

e15669Background: There is a paucity of data and no consensus regarding administration of adjuvant therapy after resection of gallbladder cancer. In the absence of a completed clinical trial, we re...
Implementing a classroom management package in an urban middle school: A case study

AbstractPrevious research has shown that a classroom management package can be used to prevent challenging behaviors and promote positive student behavior. Replicating and extending previous resear...
Antibody-suppressor CD8+ T Cells Require CXCR5.

Background We previously reported the novel activity of alloprimed CD8 T cells that suppress posttransplant alloantibody production. The purpose of the study is to investigate the expression and role of CXCR5 on antibody-suppressor CD8 T-cell function. Methods C57BL/6 mice were transplanted with FVB/N hepatocytes. Alloprimed CD8 T cells were retrieved on day 7 from hepatocyte transplant recipients. Unsorted or flow-sorted (CXCR5CXCR3 and CXCR3CXCR5) alloprimed CD8 T-cell subsets were analyzed for in vitro cytotoxicity and capacity to inhibit in vivo alloantibody production following adoptive transfer into C57BL/6 or high alloantibody-producing CD8 knock out (KO) hepatocyte transplant recipients. Alloantibody titer was assessed in CD8 KO mice reconstituted with naive CD8 T cells retrieved from C57BL/6, CXCR5 KO, or CXCR3 KO mice. Antibody suppression by ovalbumin (OVA)-primed monoclonal OVA-specific t-cell receptor transgenic CD8+ T cells (OT-I) CXCR5 or CXCR3 CD8 T-cell subsets was also investigated. Results Alloprimed CXCR5CXCR3CD8 T cells mediated in vitro cytotoxicity of alloprimed "self" B cells, while CXCR3CXCR5CD8 T cells did not. Only flow-sorted alloprimed CXCR5CXCR3CD8 T cells (not flow-sorted alloprimed CXCR3CXCR5CD8 T cells) suppressed alloantibody production and enhanced graft survival when transferred into transplant recipients. Unlike CD8 T cells from wild-type or CXCR3 KO mice, CD8 T cells from CXCR5 KO mice do not develop alloantibody-suppressor function. Similarly, only flow-sorted CXCR5CXCR3 (and not CXCR3CXCR5) OVA-primed OT-I CD8 T cells mediated in vivo suppression of anti-OVA antibody production. Conclusions These data support the conclusion that expression of CXCR5 by antigen-primed CD8 T cells is critical for the function of antibody-suppressor CD8 T cells.
A Machine for Living In: Ubiquitous Sensing to Explore the Home as a Site of Intimate Life

A Machine for Living In is a multi-layered digital media artwork using newly available computational and sensing tools to study the home as a site of intimate life. The project has two distinct phases: the construction and inhabitation of a functional smart home system, followed by an exhibition of processed data as a multi-part digital art installation. For ACM Designing Interactive Systems / Creativity and Cognition 2019, A Machine for Living In is installed as a multi-element piece in the gallery space consisting of a sensor narrative video, overhead camera video, and digital audio. All data were originally recorded in the artist's home over a period of weeks, and here are filtered through diverse processes of machine perception. In a process of joint human-machine authorship, this system produces a complex portrait of the home: as a space of language, intimacy, bodily practice, and quotidian narrative.
Bacterial Indicators of Viruses

The association between human enteric viruses and disease is well established. However, determining the presence of all of the many types of viruses that are pathogenic to humans in food and water is not practical at this time. Because enteric bacteria are usual inhabitants of the human intestinal tract, they have been used as indicators of fecal pollution and the possible presence of enteric viruses. Several different types of bacteria have been considered for use as indicators. Currently, most tests for indicator microorganisms rely on the detection of lactose-fermenting bacteria (coliforms, fecal coliforms, E. coli). Food and water samples with relatively high levels of these bacteria have frequently been found to contain bacterial and viral pathogens. However, viral pathogens have also been found in food and water samples with no or acceptable levels of indicator bacteria. It may be necessary to supplement tests for bacterial indicators with tests for other indicators, such as bacteriophages (see Chapter 8). Also, it may be desirable to determine the source of indicators, at least to the extent of determining if they are from human or non-human sources. This may lead to a better correlation between the presence of human indicator bacteria and human enteric viruses.
Reconstruction of a Thoracic Spine Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma with Antibiotic Impregnated Poly-methyl Methacrylate: A Case Report

A 58-year-old female presented to the hospital with respiratory distress several days after a right hallux amputation. A new lytic lesion within the fourth thoracic (T4) vertebral body and mediastinal lymphadenopathy was noted on chest computed tomography scan. A bone biopsy was performed, revealing bone and collagenous fragments only. Two months later, new imaging revealed approximately 60% lytic destruction of the T4 vertebral body with new right pedicle involvement. Surgical treatment was offered. Intraoperative frozen pathology indicated a hemangioma. An intralesional debulking and stabilization was performed. The right T4 nerve was sacrificed to gain access to the entire vertebral body. Curettage was then used to push the tumor away from the spinal canal into the vertebral body. The spine was reconstructed with 5-10mm beads of Simplex P bone cement (Stryker®, Kalamazoo, MI) which contained 40 grams of poly-methyl methacrylate and 1 gram of tobramycin. Five months after resection, the patient presented with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings of recurrent disease at T4 and spread to the adjacent T5 vertebral body with lytic changes. At 18 months following her second debulking surgery and radiation treatment, the patient was doing well with no pain or numbness. Long-term imaging compared to the patient’s preoperative imaging displayed improvement in spinal debulking with minimal residual enhancement of tumor despite significant artifact.
Alcohol is a predictor of mortality in motor vehicle collisions.

Abstract Introduction It is well recognized that driving while intoxicated increases the probability of a motor-vehicle collision (MVC). The effect of alcohol on the chance of surviving the MVC is less clear. Method: Using data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) we conducted analyses for the outcome of mortality using alcohol and other variables as predictors. We also selected alcohol positive (AP) and alcohol negative (AN) persons from the same MVC and vehicle to control for confounding characteristics. Results: The odds ratio (OR) for mortality for alcohol positive drivers was 2.57, (p
Race/Ethnic Differences in Spatial Distance Between Adult Children and Their Mothers

Objective This brief study examines race/ethnic differences in geographic distance to mothers among adults in the U.S. Background Race/ethnic differences in rates of adult children living with their mothers in the U.S. are well documented but spatial distances beyond shared housing are not. Method Spatial distances between residential locations of adults 25 and older and their biological mothers are estimated using the 2013 Panel Study of Income Dynamics for Hispanics, blacks, and whites. Multinomial logistic regression models and nonlinear decomposition techniques are used to assess the role of demographic factors, socioeconomic status, and health of the child and mother in accounting for race/ethnic differences in adult child-mother proximity. Results Blacks are more likely than whites to live with their mother and more likely to live within 30 miles but not coresident, whereas whites are more likely to live more than 500 miles away. Geographic proximity to mother is distinct for Hispanics with nearly one-third having their mother outside the U.S. Demographic, socioeconomic, and health factors account for the fact that blacks are about twice as likely as whites to live with their mother but do not fully account for large white-black differences in proximity outside the household. The single most important factor accounting for white-black differences is marital status for coresidence but education for proximity in the U.S. beyond coresidence. Conclusion New national estimates illustrate the complexity of race/ethnic differences in proximity to mothers that are not reflected in studies of coresidence.
Explosive sensing with insect-based biorobots

Abstract Stand-off chemical sensing is an important capability with applications in several domains including homeland security. Engineered devices for this task, popularly referred to as electronic noses, have limited capacity compared to the broad-spectrum abilities of the biological olfactory system. Therefore, we propose a hybrid bio-electronic solution that directly takes advantage of the rich repertoire of olfactory sensors and sophisticated neural computational framework available in an insect olfactory system. We show that select subsets of neurons in the locust (Schistocerca americana) brain were activated upon exposure to various explosive chemical species (such as DNT and TNT). Responses from an ensemble of neurons provided a unique, multivariate fingerprint that allowed discrimination of explosive vapors from non-explosive chemical species and from each other. Notably, target chemical recognition could be achieved within a few hundred milliseconds of exposure. In sum, our study provides the first demonstration of how biological olfactory systems (sensors and computations) can be hijacked to develop a cyborg chemical sensing approach.
Circadian activity patterns of mammalian predators and prey in Costa Rica

Temporal niche shifts can shape predator-prey interactions by enabling predator avoidance, enhancing feeding success, and reducing competition among predators. Using a community-based conservation approach, we investigated temporal niche partitioning of mammalian predators and prey across 12 long-term camera trap surveys in the Pacific slope and Talamanca Cordillera of Costa Rica. Temporal overlap and segregation were investigated between predator-prey and predator-predator pairs using overlap analysis, circular statistics, and relative abundance after accounting for differences in habitat, season, and human impact among sites. We made the assumption that predators select abundant prey and adjust their activity to maximize their temporal overlap, thus we predicted that abundant prey with high overlap would be preferred prey species for that predator. We also predicted that similar-sized pairs of predator species with the greatest potential for competitive interactions would have the highest temporal segregation. Our results supported the existence of temporal niche separation among the eight species of predators-the smaller Leopardus felids (ocelot, margay, oncilla) were primarily nocturnal, the largest felids (jaguar and puma) and coyote were cathemeral, and the smaller jaguarundi and tayra were mostly diurnal. Most prey species (67%) were primarily nocturnal versus diurnal or cathemeral (33%). Hierarchical clustering identified relationships among species with the most similar activity patterns. We discuss the primary prey and competitor species predicted for each of the eight predators. Contrary to our prediction, the activity pattern of similar-sized intraguild competitors overlapped more than dissimilar-sized competitors, suggesting that similar-sized predators are hunting the same prey at the same time. From this we conclude that prey availability is more important than competition in determining circadian activity patterns of Neotropical predators. Our results indicate the presence of a delicate balance of tropical food webs that may be disrupted by overhunting, leading to a depauperate community consisting of ubiquitous generalists and endangered specialists. With Central America a hotspot for hunting-induced "empty forests," community-based conservation approaches may offer the best road to reduce illegal hunting and maintain the biodiversity and community structure of tropical forest systems.
Citations: Suggestions for Citing Authority Without Distracting the Reader

In this column for Kentucky Bar Association's magazine (BB (2) keep citations at the end of the sentence; (3) use explanatory parentheticals to explain the significance of citations, but not to replace text; and (4) avoid unnecessary repetition.
Performance Analysis of Distributed Intelligent Reflective Surface Aided Communications

In this paper, the performance of a distributed intelligent reflective surface (IRS)-aided communication system is investigated. To this end, the optimal signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) achievable through the direct and reflected channels is quantified by controlling the phase-shifts of the distributed IRS. This optimal SNR is statistically characterized by deriving tight approximations to the exact probability density function and cumulative distribution function for Nakagami- $m$ fading. Thereby, the outage probability and achievable rate bounds are derived in closed-form, and they are validated via Monte-Carlo simulations. Our numerical results reveal that the distributed IRS-aided communication set-ups can boost the outage and rate performance of wireless systems.
Porfimer Sodium Versus PS785 for Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) of Lung Cancer Xenografts in Mice.

Abstract Background Lung cancer is the greatest cause of cancer mortality in the United States, necessitating ongoing improvements in current treatment techniques. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) involves the interaction between a photosensitizer, light, and oxygen. The resulting release of reactive oxygen species causes tumor necrosis. It has been used as an endoscopic technique for the palliation of lung cancer. Porfimer sodium (Photofrin) is the only Food and Drug Administration–approved photosensitizer for PDT but has limited depth of penetration and produces prolonged skin phototoxicity. Multiple newer photosensitizers are in development, including PS785. The effectiveness of PS785 was compared with porfimer sodium in the treatment of human lung cancer xenografts in mice. Methods Human non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) xenografts were established in severe combined immunodeficient mice and grouped into small (3-5 mm) and large tumors (6-10 mm). PS785 or porfimer sodium was administered intravenously, and PDT was executed at 24, 48, or 72 h after injection. The primary endpoint was the delay of tumor regrowth after PDT. Results Porfimer sodium and PS785 produced statistically similar delays of tumor regrowth after PDT when small tumors were treated at 24 and 48 h. At 72 h, PS785 performed better in small tumors. However, for large tumors, PS785 produced no delay in tumor regrowth at any time point. Conclusions PS785 and porfimer sodium were able to effectively treat NSCLC to a depth of ≤5 mm. However, porfimer sodium was more effective in treating NSCLC tumors to a depth of 6-10 mm. Further efforts are required to produce photosensitizers that will facilitate PDT of larger tumors.
Does the U.S. Navy's reliance on objective standards prevent discrimination in promotions and retentions?

To prevent discrimination, the U.S. Navy enlisted-personnel promotion process relies primarily on objective measures. However, it also uses the subjective opinion of a sailor’s superior. The Navy’s promotion and retention process involves two successive decisions: The Navy decides whether to promote an individual, and conditional on that decision, the sailor decides whether to stay. Using estimates of these correlated decision-making processes, we find that during 1997–2008, Blacks and Hispanics were less likely to be promoted than Whites, especially during wartime. The Navy’s decision-making affects Blacks’ differential promotion rates by twice as much as differences in the groups’ characteristics. However, Nonwhite retention probabilities, even when not promoted, are higher than for Whites, in part because they have fewer opportunities in the civilian market. Females have lower promotion rates than males and slightly lower retention rates during wartime.
Method for Accurate and Efficient Eye Diagram Prediction of Nonlinear High-Speed Links

Signaling analysis of nonlinear high-speed circuits is challenging because it cannot rely on linear time-invariant principles, whereas an exhaustive nonlinear simulation is computationally prohibitive for low bit error rates. To find the worst-case eye, an exhaustive approach requires nonlinear simulations of $2^m$ bit patterns for a channel of $m$ -bit memory. In this article, we represent the nonlinear responses to the $2^m$ inputs by a rank- $k$ matrix, where $k$ denotes the number of distinct waveforms in the responses for a prescribed accuracy, which is much smaller than $2^m$ . We further develop a fast full cross approximation algorithm to find the rank- $k$ model with a low complexity independent of $2^m$ . Simulations of large-scale real-world nonlinear circuits with an over 100-bit channel memory demonstrate the accuracy, efficiency, and capacity of the proposed work.