cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Follow-Up of the Patient with an Implanted Cardiac Defibrillator

Since the initial development of the implantable defibrillator in the 1970s by Michel Mirowski, and commercial introduction in 1985, national surveys and industry analysts have estimated that more than 160,000 implants have been performed in the United States (1). Multicenter randomized trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) for reducing mortality in high-risk patient groups (2,3). It has been estimated that more than 700,000 patients are eligible for an ICD in the United States. The newest generation of ICDs are capable of defibrillation of ventricular fibrillation, pace termination of ventricular tachycardia, single or dual chamber pacing, and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) depending on the model. In addition, ICDs now have multiple additional features including extensive programming options, detailed event histories, and real-time telemetry. Unfortunately, even with the most recent generation of ICDs, adverse clinical events such as inappropriate detection (providing tachycardia therapy when no ventricular arrhythmia was present) and lead failures remain relatively common, approaching 50% in the first 2 years (4,5). In addition, a multicenter study that analyzed terminal events in patients with first-generation ICDs, found that approximately 15% of patients who had sudden death presumed secondary to arrhythmias had ICDs that indicated battery depletion (5,6). Finally during 2005 a number of well publicized recalls for potentially fatal device malfunction caused both the public and physicians to question the reliability of ICD therapy. This chapter reviews the basic follow-up of ICDs, and how to troubleshoot an ICD suspected of malfunction.
Therapeutic Alliance, Perceived Treatment Barriers, and Therapeutic Change in the Treatment of Children with Conduct Problems

We examined two emergent processes in treatment (parent-therapist alliance and perceived barriers to treatment participation) in parent management training for children (N = 234, 55 girls and 179 boys, ages 4–14) referred clinically for oppositional, aggressive, and antisocial behavior. We predicted that two parent characteristics (interpersonal relationships and quality of daily life) evaluated prior to treatment would predict quality of the therapeutic alliance and perceived barriers during treatment. Alliance and perceived barriers were significantly related to treatment outcome. Stronger alliance and fewer perceived barriers were associated with greater therapeutic change. Interpersonal relationships and quality of daily life, each represented with multiple measures, predicted quality of the therapeutic alliance and perceived barriers during treatment. Alliance and barriers continued to predict therapeutic change even after controlling for pretreatment predictors of these emergent processes.
Knockdown of the Chromatin Remodeling Gene Brahma by RNA Interference Reduces Reproductive Fitness and Lifespan in Common Bed Bug (Hemiptera: Cimicidae)

The common bed bug, Cimex lectularius L. (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) is a nuisance household pest causing significant medical and economic impacts. RNA interference (RNAi) of genes that are involved in vital physiological processes can serve as potential RNAi targets for insect control. Brahma is an ATPase subunit of a chromatin-remodeling complex involved in transcription of several genes for cellular processes, most importantly the homeotic genes. In this study, we used a microinjection technique to deliver double stranded RNA into female bed bugs. Delivery of 0.05 and 0.5 µg/insect of brahma dsRNA directly into hemocele resulted substantial reduction in oviposition. Eggs laid by bed bugs receiving both doses of brahma dsRNA exhibited significantly lower hatching percentage as compared to controls. In addition, brahma RNAi in female bed bugs caused significant mortality. Our results disclosed the potential of brahma RNAi to suppress bed bug population through injection of specific dsRNA, suggesting a critical function of this gene in bed bugs' reproduction and survival. Based on our data, brahma can be a promising RNAi target for suppression of bed bug population.
Development and Course of Scars in the Comparison of Age-Related Macular Degeneration Treatments Trials.

Purpose To describe risk factors for scar formation and changes to fibrotic scar through 5 years in the Comparison of Age-related Macular Degeneration Treatments Trials (CATT). Design Multicenter, prospective cohort study. Participants A total of 1061 subjects in CATT. Methods Color photographic and fluorescein angiographic images from baseline and 1, 2, and 5 years were evaluated. Incidence of scar formation was estimated with Kaplan–Meier curves. Risk factors were assessed with Cox regression models. Main Outcome Measures Scar formation, fibrotic scar area, and macular atrophy associated with fibrotic scar ("atrophy"). Results Cumulative proportion of eyes with scar was 32%, 46%, and 56% at years 1, 2, and 5, respectively. Baseline factors associated with increased risk (adjusted hazards ratio [aHR] and 95% confidence interval [CI]) were classic choroidal neovascularization (CNV) (aHR, 4.49; 95% CI, 3.34–6.04) versus occult, hemorrhage >1 disc area (DA) (aHR, 2.28; 95% CI, 1.49–3.47) versus no hemorrhage, retinal thickness >212 μm (aHR, 2.58; 95% CI, 1.69–3.94) versus 275 μm (aHR, 2.64; 95% CI, 1.81–3.84) versus ≤75 μm, subretinal fluid thickness >25 μm (aHR, 1.31; 95% CI, 0.97–1.75) versus no fluid, visual acuity (VA) in fellow eye 20/20 (aHR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.25–2.36) versus 20/50 or worse, retinal pigment epithelium elevation absence (aHR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.21–2.41), and subretinal hyperreflective material (aHR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.25–2.36). Among 68 eyes that developed fibrotic scar at year 1, VA decreased by a mean of additional 13 letters between years 1 and 5. Mean scar area was 1.2, 1.2, and 1.9 DA at 1, 2, and 5 years, respectively. Atrophy was present in 18%, 24%, and 54% of these eyes at years 1, 2, and 5, respectively; the mean areas were 1.6, 2.0, and 3.1 DA, respectively. Atrophy replaced fibrotic scar in 8 eyes at year 5. There was no significant correlation between scar growth and atrophy growth. The rate of growth for both was similar between the clinical trial and observation periods. Conclusions Several morphologic features, including classic CNV and large hemorrhage, are associated with scar formation. Rate of new scar formation declined after 2 years. Most fibrotic scars and accompanying macular atrophy expanded over time, reducing VA.
Photochemical Addition Reactions in the Benzo(b)Thiophene, Benzo(b)Furan, and Indole Series

Benzo(b)thiophene (1), benzo(b)furan (2), and indole (3) are a group of fused aromatic heterocyclic compounds related to naphthalene.(1) All are natural products. Benzo(b)thiophene* was discovered by Boes(2) and represents as much as 12%–15% of the sulfur content of the crude naphthalene fraction of some coal tars. It has also been isolated in various oil shales.(3) Benzo(b)furan, called coumarone in older literature, is also found in coal tar and was synthesized first by Fittig and Ebert.† Benzo(b)furan derivatives have many pharmacodynamic applications including use as pesticides, bactericides, and antibiotics. A major group of natural benzo(b)furans, the furocoumarins, are used as skin photosensitizers. Psoralens are particularly active, with 8-methoxypsoralen being used in many suntan lotions and in skin dyes—particularly in Middle Eastern countries.
Absence seizures associated with panic attacks initially misdiagnosed as temporal lobe epilepsy: the importance of prolonged EEG monitoring in diagnosis.

Abstract While temporal lobe epilepsy is often considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with anxiety or panic disorders, other types of epilepsy can confound the presentation or treatment of adults with panic disorders. The cases of two patients are presented who were initially thought to have temporal lobe epilepsy producing panic attacks, but who were subsequently found to have primary generalized seizures. The clinical implications are discussed.
Quantile Treatment Effects in the Presence of Covariates

This paper proposes a method to estimate unconditional quantile treatment effects (QTEs) given one or more treatment variables, which may be discrete or continuous, even when it is necessary to con...
Glucose- and Fructose-Induced Toxicity in the Liver and Brain

Glucose is metabolized by visceral organs and brain for producing energy. In contrast, fructose is primarily metabolized by the liver. Unlike glucose, fructose is not utilized by the brain and does not stimulate insulin secretion due to its hepatic metabolism and the low level of expression of the fructose transporter GLUT5 in pancreatic β-cells. Metabolism of fructose differs from glucose due to the involvement of different transporters and enzymes. Although enzymes of glucose metabolism are efficiently regulated by ATP, but fructokinase, the enzyme that generates fructose-1-phosphate is not regulated by ATP. A high flux of fructose to the liver perturbs glucose metabolism and glucose uptake pathways leading to a significant enhancement in the rate of de novo lipogenesis and triglyceride (TAG) synthesis. These metabolic alterations may be responsible for the induction of insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. The phosphorylation of fructose also leads to ATP deletion and increase in AMP levels, which is metabolized to uric acid, a metabolite that may promote hypertension. High levels of fructose also promote the generation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). These abnormalities contribute to the pathogenesis of oxidative stress in obesity, diabetes, MetS, fatty liver disease, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders.
Impact of low-kVp scan technique on oral contrast density at abdominopelvic CT.

To assess quantitative and qualitative effects of kVp on oral contrast density. Three readers retrospectively reviewed 100 CT scans performed at a range of high- and low-energy settings, independently determining their preferred window and level settings for evaluation of the oral-contrast-opacified bowel. Contrast density was also assessed quantitatively in the stomach, jejunum, and ileum. Subsequently, a range of oral contrast dilutions were imaged at varying kVp’s in a commercially available CIRS tissue equivalent phantom model. In the retrospective patient study, mean oral contrast density increased significantly in the ileum compared to the jejunum (455.2 and 308.8 HU, respectively, p < 0.01). Similar findings were seen in patients regardless of patients’ weight. Mean oral contrast density was higher on lower-energy scans, requiring more window/level adjustment. An oral contrast iodine concentration of 5.82–7.77 mg I/mL most closely approximated a target oral contrast density of 200 HU. Oral contrast density is strongly influenced by kVp, supporting use of more dilute oral contrast when using lower-kVp techniques.
MODERNIZATION OF TRAINING OF NAVAL SPECIALISTS AT HIGHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

The article is devoted to the search for conceptual approaches to solving the problem of constructing a new model of training officer personnel for the fleet, adapted to the standards and principles of NATO. This article, based on the consideration of the training models of the naval specialist, where the external factor is the educational environment, which forms the request for content, quality and methodology of military education, determines the main factors that are the basis of a perspective model of training a military seaman. Using the method of comparing the study of the educational environment of the existing and prospective model of training a naval specialist testifies that consideration of this process is necessary from the standpoint of the system approach, considering that the future officer will have to act in the conditions of wars (military conflicts) of the fourth generation where the line between the troops and people erases intentionally, namely: the environment changes itself under the influence of social, political, cultural and historical factors. The main directions of modernization of educational environment are: generalization, systematization and comprehension of the experience of formation and development of the system of military education of the former member states of the Organization of Warsaw Pact; the study of the process of the transformation of theoretical and methodological approaches to create a modern system of military education, based on the best world and domestic educational traditions; the change of the mentality of all the subjects of the educational activity, rethinking ...
Magnetic resonance imaging and histopathological evaluation of equine oblique sesamoidean ligaments.

BACKGROUND Pathology involving the oblique sesamoidean ligaments (OSLs) is commonly diagnosed during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the equine distal limb. Presence of striations within the ligament and magic angle artefact can result in an incorrect diagnosis of pathological change. No studies have been performed using histopathology, the gold standard, to corroborate their imaging diagnosis. OBJECTIVES (a) To determine which MRI characteristics are associated with normal vs abnormal OSLs and (b) to evaluate the ability of MRI to correctly identify abnormal vs normal oblique sesamoidean ligaments using histopathology as the gold standard. STUDY DESIGN Observational, cross-sectional study. METHODS Cadaver limbs (n = 77) were obtained from horses (n = 21) subjected to euthanasia at the hospital. MRI and histopathology was performed on each of the limbs. MRI scoring was performed for multiple MRI characteristics, and each limb was deemed normal or abnormal. Histopathology scoring was performed to give an overall score of normal or abnormal. Mixed model logistic regression was performed to evaluate which MRI characteristics were associated with normal vs abnormal OSLs using backwards elimination and a significance level of <0.1. Sensitivity and specificity were also calculated. RESULTS The sensitivity and specificity of MRI to correctly identify abnormal OSLs was 81% (95% CI 54%-96%) and 90% (95% CI 79%-96%) respectively. Based on logistic regression, increased cross-sectional area at the origin (OR: 26.77, 95% CI 1.1-4640, P = .07), increased ligament hyperintensity (OR: 9.59, 95% CI 1.23-155; P = .04) and reduction in striations (increased hypointensity score) (OR: 7.8, 95% CI 0.72-218, P = .07) were associated with abnormal OSL. MAIN LIMITATIONS Lameness exam was not performed on any of the horses prior to euthanasia. Findings can only be applied to chronic, degenerative changes, rather than an acute injury. CONCLUSIONS Increased cross-sectional area and changes in the signal intensity are associated with pathology within the OSLs. Medial to lateral size asymmetry and striation pattern variation can occur in histologically normal OSLs and should be interpreted with caution if other signs of pathology are absent.
The role of vascular function on exercise capacity in health and disease.

Three sentinel parameters of aerobic performance are the maximal oxygen uptake ( V O 2 max ), critical power (CP) and speed of the V O 2 kinetics following exercise onset. Of these, the latter is, perhaps, the cardinal test of integrated function along the O2 transport pathway from lungs to skeletal muscle mitochondria. Fast V O 2 kinetics demands that the cardiovascular system distributes exercise-induced blood flow elevations among and within those vascular beds subserving the contracting muscle(s). Ideally, this process must occur at least as rapidly as mitochondrial metabolism elevates V O 2 . Chronic disease and ageing create an O2 delivery (i.e. blood flow × arterial [O2 ], Q O 2 ) dependency that slows V O 2 kinetics, decreasing CP and V O 2 max , increasing the O2 deficit and sowing the seeds of exercise intolerance. Exercise training, in contrast, does the opposite. Within the context of these three parameters (see Graphical Abstract), this brief review examines the training-induced plasticity of key elements in the O2 transport pathway. It asks how structural and functional vascular adaptations accelerate and redistribute muscle Q O 2 and thus defend microvascular O2 partial pressures and capillary blood-myocyte O2 diffusion across a ∼100-fold range of muscle V O 2 values. Recent discoveries, especially in the muscle microcirculation and Q O 2 -to- V O 2 heterogeneity, are integrated with the O2 transport pathway to appreciate how local and systemic vascular control helps defend V O 2 kinetics and determine CP and V O 2 max in health and how vascular dysfunction in disease predicates exercise intolerance. Finally, the latest evidence that nitrate supplementation improves vascular and therefore aerobic function in health and disease is presented.
Comparison of Schistosoma japonicum development between single sexual infection and double sexual infection in mice and rabbits

OBJECTIVE To observe the development of Schistosoma japonicum after single sexual infection and double sexual infection respectively. METHODS A single Oncomelania hupensis snail was infected by a single schistosome miracidium. The larva were induced and released from the snail after 60-day incubation at 26 ℃. The mice were infected by the larva (single sexual infection) and dissected 40 days after the infection. All the worms were collected and the sex of the larvae was determined by the sex of the adult worms. Then, the mice and rabbits were infected by single sex of larvae (single sexual infection) and double sex of larvae (double sexual infection) respectively. The mice and the rabbits were dissected 40 days after the infection. All the worms were collected and measured under a microscope. RESULTS All the male or female worms were collected from the mice and rabbits after single sexual infection. There were three main forms of worms after dissection of double sexual infection of mice and rabbits: folded mature male and female, male or female. Few folded male and immature female were found. Only the double sexual larva infected mice or rabbits had schistosome eggs in the liver and the liver had typical schistosome egg nodules. The single sexual larva infected mice or rabbits had no schistosome eggs or schistosome egg nodules in the liver tissues. The single male larva could develop to worms with the testis, and with a little smaller size compared to the mature folded male, while the single sexual infection female worm could not develop to the mature stage with much thinner and smaller compared to the mature folded female. CONCLUSIONS The male or female worms from single sexual infection are smaller than those from double sexual infection (mature worms - folded male and female). So it is necessary to check single sex worms in vessels of intestinal mucosa thoroughly in the sentinel mice when no schistosome eggs were found in the liver.
Multilevel Runtime Security and Safety Monitoring for Cyber Physical Systems using Model-based Engineering

Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) are heterogeneous in nature and are composed of numerous components and embedded subsystems that are interacting with each other and with the physical world. The interaction of hardware and software components at each level, expose them to attack surfaces, which need novel methods to secure against. To ensure safety and security of high integrity CPSs, we present a multilevel runtime monitor approach where there are monitors at each level of processing and integration. In the proposed multi-level monitoring framework, some monitoring properties are formally defined using Event Calculus. We then demonstrate the need for multilevel monitors for faster detection and isolation of attacks by performing data attack and fault injection on a Simulink CPS model.
Art Intervention in the Community Context: Community-Based Art Practice as an Inspiration for Creative Tourism

Seeking satisfaction in self-development and the creation of self-identity has emerged as a desired transformation experience in the discussion of creative tourism. To delve into what has driven the need and motivation for such a transformation experience, the author has employed the case study of Taiwan community-based art practice (CAP) as an analytical approach to conceptualize the idea of self-change within creative tourism. By anchoring the discussion of self-identity construction in relation to a transformation experience, this article provides examples that illustrate how art practice within the context of community serves as a vehicle to fulfill the satisfaction of self-development. In addition to the conceptualization of self-development in the context of creative tourism, the article also explores the features of community art practice as a method to mobilize community change and extend the notion of contemporary arts to a social change agenda.
The Adoption and Impact on Performance of an Automated Outcomes Feedback Application for Tomosynthesis Screening Mammography

Abstract Objective To evaluate a tomosynthesis screening mammography automated outcomes feedback application’s adoption and impact on performance. Methods This prospective intervention study evaluated a feedback application that provided mammographers subsequent imaging and pathology results for patients that radiologists had personally recalled from screening. Deployed to 13 academic and 5 private practice attending radiologists, adoption was studied from March 29, 2018, to March 20, 2019. Radiologists indicated if reviewed feedback would influence future clinical decisions. For a subset of eight academic radiologists consistently interpreting screening mammograms during the study, performance metrics were compared pre-intervention (January 1, 2016, to September 30, 2017) and post-intervention (October 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018). Abnormal interpretation rate, positive predictive value of biopsies performed, sensitivity, specificity, and cancer detection rate were compared using Pearson’s χ2 test. Logistic regression models were fit, adjusting for age, race, breast density, prior comparison, breast cancer history, and radiologist. Results The 18 radiologists reviewed 68.5% (1,398 of 2,042) of available feedback cases and indicated that 17.4% of cases (243 of 1,398) could influence future decisions. For the eight academic radiologist subset, after multivariable adjustment with comparison to pre-intervention, average abnormal interpretation rate decreased (from 7.5% to 6.7%, adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.86, P Conclusions Radiologists used a screening mammography automated outcomes feedback application. Its use decreased false-positive examinations, without evidence of reduced cancer detection.
Estimating Crop Coefficients Using Linear and Deep Stochastic Configuration Networks Models and UAV-Based Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI)

Crop coefficient (K c ) methods have been commonly used for evapotranspiration estimation. Researchers estimate K c as a function of the vegetation index because of similarities between the K c curve and the vegetation index curve. A linear regression model is usually developed between the K c and the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) derived from satellite imagery. However, the spatial resolution of satellite imagery is in the range of meters or greater, which is often not enough for crops with clumped canopy structures, such as trees, and vines. In this study, the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) were used to collect high-resolution images in an experimental pomegranate orchard located at the USDA-ARS, San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Sciences Center, Parlier, CA. The NDVI values were derived from UAV images. The K c values were measured from a weighing lysimeter in the pomegranate field. The relationship between the NDVI and K c was established by using both a linear regression model and a deep stochastic configuration networks (DeepSCNs) model. Results show that the linear regression model has an R2 and RMSE value of 0.975 and 0.05, respectively. The DeepSCNs regression model has an R2 and RMSE value of 0.995 and 0.046, respectively. The DeepSCNs model showed improved performance than the linear regression model in predicting K c from NDVI.
A Gamified, Social Media–Inspired, Web-Based Personalized Normative Feedback Alcohol Intervention for Lesbian, Bisexual, and Queer-Identified Women: Protocol for a Hybrid Trial

Background: Sexual minority women are more likely to drink alcohol, engage in heavy drinking, and experience alcohol-related problems than heterosexual women. However, culturally tailored interventions for this population have been slow to emerge. Objective: This type 1 effectiveness-implementation trial examines the feasibility and efficacy of a gamified, culturally tailored, personalized normative feedback (PNF) alcohol intervention for sexual minority women who psychologically identify as lesbian, bisexual, or queer (LBQ). Methods: The core components of a PNF intervention were delivered within LezParlay, a fun, social media–inspired, digital competition designed to challenge negative stereotypes about LBQ women and increase visibility. The competition was advertised on the web through social media platforms and collaboration with LBQ community organizations. After 2 rounds of play by a large cohort of LBQ women, a subsample of 500 drinkers already taking part in the competition were invited to participate in the evaluation study. Study participants were randomized to receive 1 of 3 unique sequences of PNF (ie, alcohol and stigma coping, alcohol and control, or control topics only) over 2 intervention rounds. Randomization was fully automated by the web app, and both researchers and participants were blinded. Results: Analyses will evaluate whether PNF on alcohol use reduces participants’ drinking and negative consequences at 2 and 4 months postintervention; examine whether providing PNF on stigma-coping behaviors, in addition to alcohol use, further reduces alcohol use and consequences beyond PNF on alcohol alone; identify mediators and moderators of intervention efficacy; and examine broader LezParlay app engagement, acceptability, and perceived benefits. Conclusions: This incognito intervention approach is uniquely oriented toward engaging and preventing alcohol-related risks among community populations of LBQ women who may view their heavy drinking as normative and not in need of change because of the visibility of alcohol use in sexual minority community spaces. Thus, this intervention strategy diverges from, and is intended to complement, more intensive programs being developed to meet the needs of LBQ women already motivated to reduce their consumption. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03884478; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03884478
Surgical team familiarity and waste generation in the operating room.

Abstract Background Wastage of surgical supplies results from inappropriate anticipation of surgical needs in the operating room and contributes to avoidable healthcare costs. Methods A retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of 28,768 elective cases at the University of Chicago Medical Center from 2016 through 2018 was conducted. Attending surgeon-scrub nurse and surgeon-circulating nurse familiarity scores were calculated. Odds of surgical waste generation based on surgeon-scrub nurse and surgeon-circulating nurse familiarity were estimated through multivariate logistic regression modeling. Results Teams in the third and fourth quartiles of surgeon-scrub familiarity were significantly associated with reduced odds of waste (odds ratios 0.80 [p = 0.003] and 0.83 [p = 0.030], respectively). There was no significant reduction of odds of waste generation as surgeon-circulator familiarity increased. Conclusions Greater surgeon-scrub familiarity was associated with lower risk of waste generation. Cost savings may be realized through supporting staffing schedules that promote consistency of surgeon-scrub teams.
U.S. trends in elective and emergent major abdominal surgical procedures from 2002 to 2014 in older adults.

BACKGROUND The U.S. population is aging and projected to undergo an increasing number of general surgical procedures. However, recent trends in the frequency of major abdominal procedures in older adults are currently unknown as improvements in non-operative interventions may obviate the need for major surgery. Thus, we evaluated the trends of major abdominal surgical procedures in older adults in the United States. METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort study using the National Inpatient Sample from 2002 to 2014 with trend analysis using National Cancer Institute's Joinpoint Trend Analysis Software. We identified the average annual percent change (AAPC) in the yearly frequency of major abdominal surgical procedures in older adults (≥50 years of age). RESULTS Our cohort included a total of 3,951,947 survey-weighted discharges that included a major abdominal surgery in adults ≥50 years of age between 2002 and 2014. Of these discharges, 2,529,507 (64.0%) were for elective abdominal surgeries, 2,062,835 (52.0%) were for female patients, and mean (SD) age was 61.4 (15.9) years. The frequency of major abdominal procedures (elective and emergent) decreased for adults aged 65-74 (AAPC: -1.43, -1.75, -1.11, p 85 (AAPC = -3.53; -4.57, -2.48: p < 0.0001). All age groups showed decreases in emergent procedures in 50-64 (AAPC = -1.76, -2.00, -1.52, p < 0.0001), 65-74 (AAPC = -3.59, -4.03, -3.14, p < 0.0001), 75-84 (AAPC = -3.90, -4.34, -3.46, p < 0.0001), ≥85 (AAPC = -4.58, -4.98, -4.17, p < 0.0001) age groups. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this cohort of older adults, the frequency of emergent and elective major abdominal procedures in adults ≥65 years of age decreased with significant variation among individual procedure types. Future studies are needed to identify the generalizability of our findings to other surgical procedures.
Keynes’s Concept of Uncertainty Has Absolutely Nothing to Do with the Post Keynesian or Heterodox (J. Robinson, G. L. S. Shackle, P. Davidson, R. Skidelsky, R. O’Donnell) Concept of Fundamental, Radical, or Irreducible Uncertainty: Uncertainty Was Always Defined as a Range by Keynes so that It Always Came in Degrees

Keynes’s concept of uncertainty from his 1908 Cambridge Fellowship dissertation to his death in 1946 was a range concept like probability-it could be measured on the unit interval between 0 and 1[0,1]. Uncertainty was an inverse function of what Keynes defined to be the evidential weight of the argument, which was specified formally by Keynes over two chapters of his A Treatise on Probability, chapters 6 and 26 as V=V(a/h) =V(a/h1, h2, h3, h4……hn, hn+1….) =w, 0≤w≤1, where w=K/[K+I] and 1-w=I/[K+I] when K=knowledge and I =Ignorance. The erroneous Heterodox, Post Keynesian version is V(a/h)=V = K/(K+I),0≤V≤1. All Post Keynesian and heterodox economists reject Keynes’s formulation, which requires mathematical modeling that is non linear and non additive. Post Keynesian and Heterodox economists(PKHE) accept, instead, a definition of radical, fundamental or irreducible uncertainty that is equivalent to Keynes’s definition of ignorance, where w=0, which is an extreme outlier for Keynes that has limited relevance only in the far and distant future. Ignorance does not come in degrees and hence can’t be modeled mathematically, statistically, probabilistically or logically because w=0. The initial proponent of this anti-Keynes definition of uncertainty was Joan Robinson, an extraordinary mathematical illiterate, who had no idea about anything Keynes was talking about in either the A Treatise on Probability or General Theory. Keynes only realized this only after his exchanges with J. Robinson in September to November, 1936, available in Volume 14 of CWJMK on pp.134-148. The basic PKHE attack on formal, mathematical, technical modeling, which Keynes always viewed as being only approximations to reality, so that models could never be true, can be traced directly to J. Robinson. PKHE confuse Keynes’s work in this area with J. Robinson’s work, which was characterized by Keynes as being “nonsense” in his letter of November 9th ,1936.
Cardiac changes following arteriovenous fistula creation in a mouse model.

Background:Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation may negatively affect cardiac structure and function and impact cardiovascular mortality. The objective of this study was to develop and characterize...
Antitrust and the Judicial Virtues

Although commentators frequently debate how judges should decide antitrust cases substantively, little attention has been paid to theories of judicial virtue in antitrust decision making. This essay considers four pairings of virtues: (1) striving for substantive purity versus conceding to institutional realism; (2) incrementalism versus generalism; (3) presenting a unified face versus candidly conceding differences among judges on an appellate panel; and (4) adhering strictly to stare decisis versus freely updating precedents to reflect evolving economic learning or conditions. While recognizing the complexities that sometimes pull judges in the opposite direction, this Article gives the nod to institutional realism, incrementalism, candor, and relatively unconstrained updating of precedent.
Tissue Transglutaminase: A Unique GTP-Binding/GTPase

Publisher Summary One of the most interesting biochemical features of TGase-2 is the fact that it shares sites for GTP-binding/GTP hydrolysis and acyl transferase activities on the same polypeptide chain. This chapter shows how the binding of guanine nucleotides to the rat TGase-2 negatively impacts its transamidation activity. A potentially important regulatory feature exhibited by TGase-2 is its responsiveness to Ca 2+ . The increased TGase-2 transamidation activity associated with some human cancer cells can contribute to oncogenesis by promoting drug-resistance. The study reviews many important questions surrounding the function of TGase-2 that are aimed at understanding the functional significance of its GTP-binding/GTP-hydrolytic cycle. There have been a number of suggestions that TGase-2 functions as a signal transducer, mediating the stimulation of phospholipase C activity by the α1-adrenergic receptor, as well as by the oxytocin and thrombaxin receptors. These shed important new light on the growth and survival of cells, and how these processes go awry during the development of the malignant state.
X-ray ionization and the chemistry of the Orion molecular cloud

The collection of unusually strong stellar X-ray sources in the vicinity of the Orion molecular cloud together bathe the gas with such an intensity of X-rays that they, rather than cosmic rays, dominate the ionization and heating of the gas. We present estimates of the ionization rate and the elevation in temperature, and discuss the consequences for the gas chemistry. Strong small-scale inhomogeneities in molecular abundances and temperature are a distinguishing feature of ionization by stellar X-rays.
Performance Characterization of Reactive Visual Systems

We consider the class of projector-camera systems that adaptively image and illuminate a dynamic environment. Examples include adaptive front lighting in vehicles, dynamic stage performance lighting, adaptive dynamic range imaging and volumetric displays. A simulator is developed to explore the design space of such Reactive Visual Systems. Simulations are conducted to characterize system performance by analyzing the effects of end-to-end latency, jitter, and prediction algorithm complexity. Key operating points are identified where systems with simple prediction algorithms can outperform systems with more complex prediction algorithms. Based on the lessons learned from simulations, a low latency and low jitter, tight closed-loop reactive visual system is built. For the first time, we measure end-to-end latency, perform jitter analysis, investigate various prediction algorithms and their effect on system performance, compare our system's performance to previous work, and demonstrate dis-illumination of falling snow-like particles and photography of fast moving scenes.
The impact of aging on cerebral vasomotor reactivity to carbon dioxide (1069.5)

The objective of this study was to determine the age-related differences in cerebral vasomotor reactivity (CVMR) to carbon dioxide. Methods: 92 healthy adults aged 23-77 underwent measurements of c...
Irreversibility, Uncertainty, and Learning: Portraits of Adaptation to Long-Term Climate Change

The usefulness of adaptation strategies to changing climate depends on the characteristics of the system that must adapt. Divergent views on whether climate change will seriously affect society and what society can do about it can be traced, in part, to divergent views on these characteristics of systems. Issues of scale and how impacts are measured are also important. We identify a set of fundamental characteristics of natural systems and social systems that help to make underlying assumptions in climate change adaptation studies explicit. These are: Short-run autonomous flexibility; short-run non-autonomous flexibility; knowledge and capacity to undertake short-run actions; long-run autonomous flexibility; long-run non-autonomous flexibility; and knowledge and capacity to plan for and undertake adaptations that require changes in long-lived assets. Applications to crop agriculture and ecosystems illustrate how these portraits can be used. We find that if empirical research is to resolve questions of adaptability, more careful specification of the exact measure of impact and far richer models of the process of adaptation, able to test implicit assumptions in much of the existing empirical research, are needed.
Cell-Cell Recognition in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: Regulation of Mating-Specific Adhesion

Abstract Mating-specific adhesion between haploid yeast cells of opposite mating type (a and α) was studied by using a quantitative agar plate assay. Washed a and α cells that had not previously been exposed to their respective opposite mating type (“naive” cells) adhered relatively weakly. In water, only 5 to 10% of the a cells stuck tightly enough to α cells to give rise subsequently to diploid clones on the assay plates. Under optimum conditions (pH 6 to 7, at least 0.1 M Nacl or 0.01 M Mg2+), there was about 20% adhesion. Nevertheless, this weak binding defined a mating type-specific interaction because, even under optimum conditions, the homologous interactions (a with a and α with α) yielded only 3 to 5% cohesion. In contrast to these results, washed cells that had been preincubated in the cell-free culture medium of their opposite mating type (“preconditioned” cells) adhered quite strongly. The degree of adhesion between preconditioned cells (40 to 50%) was essentially unaffected by extremes of ionic strength, pH, and temperature and by the absence of divalent cation. This strong interaction was also mating type specific since cohesion between preconditioned cells of like mating type was only about 5%. The increase in agglutinability was obtained if only the a cells were preconditioned and could be induced by highly purified preparations of natural or synthetically prepared α-factor, an oligopeptide pheromone released by the α cells. The appearance of increased adhesiveness was blocked by an inhibitor of RNA synthesis and by an inhibitor of protein synthesis, but not by an inhibitor of polysaccharide synthesis. Adhesion between preconditioned cells could be inhibited by pretreatment with functionally univalent succinylated concanavalin A or with extracts from preconditioned cells of the opposite mating type. These results confirm in a quantitative manner that the recognition between conjugating cells of S. cerevisiae is a developmentally regulated event that is under the control of the mating type locus.
Quantification of a Minimum Detectable Soiling Level to Affect Photovoltaic Devices by Natural and Simulated Soils

Soil accumulation on photovoltaic (PV) modules presents a challenge to long-term performance prediction and lifetime estimates due to the inherent difficulty in quantifying small changes over an extended period. Low mass loadings of soil are a common occurrence but remain difficult to quantify. In order to more accurately describe the specific effects of sparse soil films on PV systems, we have expanded upon an earlier technique to measure the optical losses due to an artificially applied obscurant film. A synthetic soil analog was sprayed onto glass coupons at very brief intervals with a high-volume, low-pressure pneumatic sprayer. Light transmission through the grime film was evaluated using a quantum efficiency test stand and UV/vis spectroscopy. A 0.1-g/m $^2$ grime loading was determined to be the limit of mass measurement sensitivity, which is similar to some reports of daily soil accumulation. Predictable, linear decreases in transmission were observed for samples with a mass loading between 0.1 and 0.5 g/m $^2$ . A similar change was observed for soiled coupons from an outdoor monitoring station. Collected soil from the field coupons was analyzed to develop a compositional analog for indoor studies. Natural and synthetic soils produced similar decreases in transmission.
Neil Kraus. (2013). Majoritarian Cities: Policy Making and Inequality in Urban Politics. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press. 288 pages. $65.00 (hardcover).

What drives local policy decisions? In Majoritarian Cities: Policy Making and Inequality in Urban Politics, political scientist Neil Kraus counters the idea, so pervasive in the study of urban poli...
On the insignificance of Herschel's sunspot correlation

[1] We examine William Herschel's hypothesis that solar-cycle variation of the Sun's irradiance has a modulating effect on the Earth's climate and that this is, specifically, manifested as an anticorrelation between sunspot number and the market price of wheat. Since Herschel first proposed his hypothesis in 1801, it has been regarded with both interest and skepticism. Recently, reports have been published that either support Herschel's hypothesis or rely on its validity. As a test of Herschel's hypothesis, we seek to reject a null hypothesis of a statistically random correlation between historical sunspot numbers, wheat prices in London and the United States, and wheat farm yields in the United States. We employ binary-correlation, Pearson-correlation, and frequency-domain methods. We test our methods using a historical geomagnetic activity index, well known to be causally correlated with sunspot number. As expected, the measured correlation between sunspot number and geomagnetic activity would be an unlikely realization of random data; the correlation is “statistically significant.” On the other hand, measured correlations between sunspot number and wheat price and wheat yield data would be very likely realizations of random data; these correlations are “insignificant.” Therefore, Herschel's hypothesis must be regarded with skepticism. We compare and contrast our results with those of other researchers. We discuss procedures for evaluating hypotheses that are formulated from historical data.
Neurorestoration by physical exercise: Moving forward

Although a good deal is known about the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease and information is emerging about its cause, there are no pharmacological treatments shown to have a significant, sustained capacity to prevent or attenuate the condition. However, accumulating clinical evidence suggests that physical exercise can provide this much needed treatment, and studies of animal models of the dopamine deficiency associated with the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease further support this hypothesis. Thus, in our collaborative research efforts, we seek to understand the biological basis for exercise-induced protection in order to assist in the development of a safe and clinically effective intervention based on increased physical activity. In addition, we recognize that some individuals cannot or will not engage in physical exercise, and believe that mechanistic studies of exercise-induced protection will provide insights into the development of drugs that could emulate its effects. Using toxins that induce a deficiency of dopamine, we have affirmed that physical exercise can reduce behavioral and neurobiological deficits induced by such toxins, and suggest that these neuroprotective effects are likely to involve the activation of signaling cascades by neurotrophic factors such as glial cell line derived neurotrophic factor.
Dual regulation of AP-2α transcriptional activation by poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) is a co-activator for AP-2α (activator protein 2α)-mediated transcriptional activation. In the present study, we find that the role of PARP-1 in AP-2α transcription is distinctly dualistic with opposing effects. Separate regions of PARP-1 interact with AP-2α and independently control its transcriptional activation. The C-terminus containing the catalytic domain strongly interacts with AP-2α, whereas low-affinity binding is seen in the middle region, which includes the breast-cancer susceptibility gene 1 C-terminal domain and automodification region. The middle region enhances AP-2α transcription. Even portions of this region independently interact and have partial effects on transcription. The catalytic domain strongly poly-(ADP-ribosyl)ates AP-2α. This modification, on the other hand, affects its DNA binding. 3-Aminobenzamide and 6(5H)-phenanthridinone that inhibit the enzymic activity significantly enhance the binding of AP-2α to its target sequence and increase its transcriptional activity. The enzymic activity of PARP-1 is known to be induced by stress conditions that damage cellular DNA, and the poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation of target proteins is transient in nature with a half-life of less than a minute. We hypothesize that PARP-1 enhances the transcriptional activity of AP-2α in normal circumstances, whereas its enzymic activity is used as a temporary shut-off mechanism during unfavourable conditions.
Scanning electron microscopy of exfoliated malignant and non-malignant human urothelial cells.

Midstream urine samles were taken from 35 patients with histologically diagnosed urinary bladder carcinoma, from 27 patients without history or sign of malignancy or infection in the urinary tract, and from eight patients with cystitis. The urine was filtered through Millipore® filters, or Nuclepore® filters, pore size 5.0 μm, on which the cells were caught. From the same patients biopsies were obtained from different anatomic regions of the urinary bladders as well as from the carcinomas that were present. The filters and the biopsies were examined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The exfoliated cells trapped on the filters were in good morphological condition. Identical characteristics of the cell surface morphology were recognized in the biopsies and the exfoliated cells from each patient. In non-malignant cases the cells displayed the regional morphological characteristics of the urinary bladder. Bacteria and an increased number of red and white blood cells were attached to the cell surface of...