cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Retaining Participants in Outpatient and Community-Based Health Studies: Researchers and Participants in Their Own Words

Loss to follow-up can introduce bias into research, making it difficult to develop inclusive evidence-based health policies and practice guidelines. We aimed to deepen understanding of reasons why participants leave or remain in longitudinal health studies. We interviewed 59 researchers and current and former research participants in six focus groups (n = 55) or interviews (n = 4) at three study centers in a large academic research institution. We used minimally structured interview guides and inductive thematic analysis to explore participant-level, study-level, and contextual participation barriers and facilitators. Four main themes emerged: transportation, incentives and motivation, caregiver concerns, and the social and physical environment. Themes shared crosscutting issues involving funding, flexibility, and relationships between researchers and research participants. Study-level and contextual factors appear to interact with participant characteristics, particularly socioeconomic status and disease severity to affect participant retention. Participants’ characteristics do not seem to be the main cause of study dropout. Researchers and funders might be able to address contextual and study factors in ways that reduce barriers to participation.
Advances Toward Life Estimation in Static Sealing

Life estimation for complex systems ultimately involves a suite of models for the various potential product failure modes. The advances in gasket test and analysis techniques presented in this paper lay the foundation fordevelopment of this future predictive capability. Static sealing performance factors of creep-relaxation, fatigue resistance, and leak rate are three principal determinants of application sealing success. This paper explores progress in each of these areas and presents concepts needed to integrate them into a coherent, probabilistic methodology.
A Discussion of Practical Steps to Harmonize Data Protection Rules Globally

While cloud computing holds tremendous potential to drive efficiency, cost-savings, innovation and growth in both public and private sectors, there are certain obstacles to rapid adoption around the world in both of these sectors. This paper identifies one of the key obstacles to achieving the full business and economic benefits of the cloud — concerns about data security and privacy and the lack of common, globally accepted mechanisms for dealing with these issues, while at the same time enabling the free flow of data across borders. Both of these — data security and the free flow of data across borders — are criteria of a healthy cloud computing environment. Many countries and regions are struggling to balance these requirements, and the result has been a diverse and complex set of rules and regulations with which it is extremely difficult and costly for multi-national companies to comply. Government efforts are underway in every region of the world to solve these challenges. The paper explores constructive ways for industry and government to collaborate on finding a solution. In particular we identify and discuss an international data security technical standard that is emerging as a potential reference template for harmonizing data protection laws globally.
Readability assessment of patient-provider electronic messages in a primary care setting

Background The high prevalence of limited health literacy among patients threatens the success of secure electronic messaging between patients from diverse populations and their providers. Objective The purpose of this study is to generate hypotheses about the readability of patient and provider electronic messages. Methods We collected 31 patient-provider e-mail exchanges ( n = 119 total messages) from a safety-net primary care clinic. We compared the messages’ mean word count and Flesch-Kincaid Grade Levels (FKGLs), calculated the frequency of provider messages below an FKGL = 8, and assessed readability concordance between patients’ and providers’ messages. Results Patients used more words in their initial e-mails compared to providers, but the FKGLs were similar, and 68% of provider messages were written below an FKGL = 8. Of 31 exchanges, 9 (29%) contained at least one patient message with an FKGL > 3 grade levels lower than the corresponding provider message(s). Conclusion Our study demonstrates that most providers are able to respond to patient electronic messages with a matching reading level.
Staining of leukocytes by the tetrazolium method: correlation of results with the leukocyte count and with the clinical classification.

(1) A method is described for the supravital staining of leukocytes with neotetrazolium chloride, using EDTA as the anticoagulant. (2) The reaction, as demonstrated by this method, is not dependent on any particular substrate and cannot be regarded as a function of specific dehydrogenase. It permits, however, the direct visualization of endogenous reductase activity. (3) The results, expressed as the percentage of leukocytes stained, show a relation to leukocytosis. Readings below 20 per cent are infrequently obtained with nonleukemic specimens when the leukocyte count exceeds 13,000/cu.mm. In leukemia low ratings are the rule, even in the presence of a high white blood count. In other diseases, including malignant lymphomas, the number of stained cells roughly parallels the elevation of the white blood count.
The framework of health care reform.

President Clinton's Health Security plan is a distinctively American synthesis. Like universal health insurance in other industrialized countries, it covers a comprehensive set of benefits for all citizens and makes health coverage a right of citizenship. But unlike most systems abroad, it offers consumers the opportunity to choose among private health plans. Like programs abroad, the Health Security plan establishes national limits on the growth of health costs for covered benefits. It places a distinctive emphasis, however, on helping consumers obtain value for money by requiring health plans to compete for enrollment on the basis of both price and service. . . .
The alpha angle as a predictor of contralateral slipped capital femoral epiphysis

Purpose Contralateral hip involvement in slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is common. Femoral head−neck asphericity, as measured by an elevated alpha angle, has not previously been assessed with respect to SCFE risk. Our aim was to assess the utility of the alpha angle in predicting contralateral SCFE.
A Simple Site Test Method of Time Constant (T_(d0)′) for Generators with Self-shunt Excitation

A simple site test method of time constant Td0′ for generators with self-shunt excitation system is studied.Through cutting off the source of trigger pulses for silicon-controlled rectifier(SCR),the discharge time constant of circuit consisting of the rotor winding,two conductive SCRs and the secondary side of excitation transformer,can be measured.This method shortens test duration,moreover the error is smaller than that of usual method.Rationality of the method is proved in theory of(linear)circuit superposition principle.And error analysis based on practical situation,indicates that the error of this method can satisfy engineering requirement.Finally,a site test example is given.The method can be applied to the units with self-shunt excitation system only if its automatic voltage regulator(AVR) is possible to cut off the source of trigger pulse for SCR.
Toward the fabrication of a NIF target via hemisphere joining

A design and a method for the fabrication of a NIF-sized beryllium capsule have been developed. The approach involves machining two halves of the 2.2 mm target from a piece of bulk beryllium copper alloy, joining the two halves under atmosphere, and finish machining the outer dimensions after joining. This design allows for the filling of the capsule either during joining or afterward using either permeation or a drill-and-plug technique. The capsules produced so far have had excellent bond joint quality and were dimensionally very close to the specifications. Needing improvement are the surface finishes, both interior and exterior of the shell.
Quantity and quality of communication during parental deployment: Links to adolescents’ functioning

ABSTRACTUsing an online survey methodology, we examined individual differences in distance communication between 75 adolescents and their deployed parents and found substantial individual differences in both the quantity and quality of their communication. We also examined the statistical associations between these features of distance communication and adolescents’ functioning, including emotional reactions following communication, health-related quality of life, and externalizing and internalizing problems. The quantity of communication of deployed parents with their adolescents was not associated with adolescents’ functioning, but more positive and less controlling communication was statistically associated with adolescents’ higher functioning. Implications for theory, practice, and future research are discussed.
Abstract 1057: Bioluminescent assays for investigating cellular energy metabolism

Cellular energy metabolism is recognized to have a central role in many cell processes and is an increasingly important area of study in many research fields such as cancer, immunology, obesity, diabetes and neurology. To facilitate these studies, we have taken advantage of key features of bioluminescence, such as increased sensitivity and wide assay windows, to develop assays for measuring energy metabolites. These assays are easy-to-use plate-based assays with streamlined protocols that require minimal cell sample processing. The assays can be used to measure consumption of major fuel sources such as glucose and glutamine from the cell medium, as well as lactate and glutamate secretion. The sensitivity (1-5pmol/sample), broad linear range (0.1-100 uM) and wide dynamic range (maximum signal-to-background > 100 fold) allow all four metabolites to be measured from the same sample of medium and over time, with earlier detection from fewer cells compared to other methods. The assays are also sensitive enough to detect intracellular levels of glutamine, glutamate and lactate and changes in those levels. Additional assays have been developed to measure glucose uptake and NAD/NADH levels in cells. Analysis of these metabolites provides information regarding the energetic state of the cell. In this poster we provide examples demonstrating the utility of these assays to detect a glycolytic shift in cancer cells, monitor cell growth and differentiation with associated changes in glucose uptake and glycolysis, and evaluate insulin sensitivity in primary adipocytes. Citation Format: Donna M. Leippe, Mary Sobol, Mike Valley, Natasha Karassina, Sarah Duellman, Jolanta Vidugiriene, Jim Cali. Bioluminescent assays for investigating cellular energy metabolism. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 1057.
Non-Finitely Generated Kernels

The Maurer-Weitzenbrock Theorem for linear \(\mathbb{G}_{a}\)-actions on affine space does not generalize to non-linear \(\mathbb{G}_{a}\)-actions. In 1990, Paul Roberts [359] gave the first examples of non-affine invariant rings for \(\mathbb{G}_{a}\)-actions on an affine space. These examples involved actions of \(\mathbb{G}_{a}\) on \(\mathbb{A}^{7}\) over a field k of characteristic zero, and are counterexamples to Hilbert’s Fourteenth Problem. Subsequent examples of \(\mathbb{G}_{a}\)-actions of non-finite type were constructed in Freudenburg [163] and in Daigle and Freudenburg [79] for \(\mathbb{A}^{6}\) and \(\mathbb{A}^{5}\), respectively.
Assessment of Drug Sensitivity in Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells from Acute Myelogenous Leukemia and Myelodysplastic Syndrome Ex Vivo

Current understanding suggests that malignant stem and progenitor cells must be reduced or eliminated for prolonged remissions in myeloid neoplasms such as acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Multicolor flow cytometry has been widely used to distinguish stem and myeloid progenitor cells from other populations in normal and malignant bone marrow. In this study, we present a method for assessing drug sensitivity in MDS and AML patient hematopoietic stem and myeloid progenitor cell populations ex vivo using the investigational Nedd8-activating enzyme inhibitor MLN4924 and standard-of-care agent cytarabine as examples. Utilizing a multicolor flow cytometry antibody panel for identification of hematopoietic stem cells, multipotent progenitors, common myeloid progenitors, granulocyte-monocyte progenitors, and megakaryocyte-erythroid progenitors present in mononuclear cell fractions isolated from bone marrow aspirates, we compare stem and progenitor cell counts after treatment for 24 hours with drug versus diluent. We demonstrate that MLN4924 exerts a cytotoxic effect on MDS and AML stem and progenitor cell populations, whereas cytarabine has more limited effects. Further application of this method for evaluating drug effects on these populations ex vivo and in vivo may inform rational design and selection of therapies in the clinical setting. Stem Cells Translational Medicine 2017;6:840-850.
Molecular Dynamics and Docking Studies on Neurotensin Receptor

In recent times, a significant portion of molecular simulation works have been focused on G-protein Coupled Receptors (GPCR). Given the fact that drug discovery paradigm has identified GPCR as important class as target membrane protein, molecular modelling of GPCR has itself become a unique area in the broad field of bio-molecular simulations. Atomistic simulation studies of GPCR provide rich information about ligand binding and the active conformation states related to onset of G-protein activation and downstream signaling. Starting with rhodopsin, the first GPCR to be reported for crystal structure, growing number of solved structures have opened up scopes for molecular simulation studies that potentially can assist novel design of high efficacy drugs molecules. In this presentation, we report our initial data on ongoing molecular docking and dynamics studies of the agonist-bound neurotension receptor. AMBER and GAFF force fields for organic molecules have been used to simulate the ligand/GPCR system under periodic boundary conditions. Three initial independent 50 ns molecular dynamics as well as docking studies show that natural agonist bound to the outer helical region has an unstable binding conformation in contrast to the agonist bound in the site embedded in intra-cellular helical region. Molecular docking using blind targeting of the X-ray protein structure also support our findings from initial molecular dynamics results. As neurotensin receptor is abundant both in brain and gastronomical regions, we are interested in active conformations of the receptor in physiological and acidic pH conditions. Delineation of energy and entropy in different constituent components in different pH medium by MM/PBSA and MM/GBSA techniques can provide information of neurotensin binding mode in different parts of human body.
Constitution and Identity

A widely held view has it that sometimes there is more than one thing in exactly the same place, as is the case, allegedly, with a clay statue. There is the statue, but there also is a piece of clay—both obviously in the same place yet distinct in virtue of their differing properties, if only modal ones. Those holding this view—pluralists—often describe the relation between such objects as one of constitution, with the piece of clay being said to constitute the statue. In the first part of this paper I consider ways in which the supposed relation of constitution may be understood. I conclude that the only coherent interpretation of ‘x constitutes y’ is one on which it is presupposed that x and y are identical. While this does not, by itself, show that pluralism is false, it is something that should make us suspicious of it. In the second part of the paper I propose a simple way with the temporal and modal facts the pluralist appeals to, showing that they do not force us into accepting his puzzling doctrine.
Abdominal Hysterectomy for Obese Patients

Obesity is becoming a challenging health problem worldwide and in the United States, where national estimates indicate that 35.5 % of the adult population is obese. Hysterectomy is one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures in the United States. More than half of the hysterectomy procedures in the United States are performed through laparotomy incisions. It is expected that this proportion is even higher in developing countries. Multiple research studies have shown an increased risk of perioperative morbidity for obese patient undergoing abdominal hysterectomy. If minimally invasive approach is not feasible for whatever reason, appropriate perioperative care should be employed to improve outcomes for obese women undergoing abdominal hysterectomy.
Complicating the theory of the male gaze: Hitchcock’s leading men

AbstractThis essay seeks to complicate Mulvey’s argument regarding the active/male gaze—passive/female subject in mainstream cinema by looking at how individual movie stars may complicate this power structure. Examining Vertigo and North by Northwest, this article demonstrates the complex and various ways that the star images of Jimmy Stewart and Cary Grant work to undermine their own power in Hitchcock’s films, often through the very act of gazing.
Endoscopic Corneal Neurotization: Technique and Initial Experience.

Purpose The authors describe a minimally invasive surgical technique to re-establish corneal sensibility in a patient with neurotrophic keratopathy with the supraorbital nerve harvested endoscopically. Methods Pedicled contralateral supraorbital nerve was harvested endoscopically through small eyelid crease and scalp incisions and transferred to the affected eye. Results Endoscopic corneal neurotization was successfully performed with restoration of corneal sensibility and corneal epithelial integrity. Conclusions The use of an endoscope allows for a minimally invasive approach to successful corneal neurotization with the supraorbital nerve.
Post hoc support vector machine learning for impedimetric biosensors based on weak protein-ligand interactions.

Impedimetric biosensors for measuring small molecules based on weak/transient interactions between bioreceptors and target analytes are a challenge for detection electronics, particularly in field studies or in the analysis of complex matrices. Protein–ligand binding sensors have enormous potential for biosensing, but achieving accuracy in complex solutions is a major challenge. There is a need for simple post hoc analytical tools that are not computationally expensive, yet provide near real time feedback on data derived from impedance spectra. Here, we show the use of a simple, open source support vector machine learning algorithm for analyzing impedimetric data in lieu of using equivalent circuit analysis. We demonstrate two different protein-based biosensors to show that the tool can be used for various applications. We conclude with a mobile phone-based demonstration focused on the measurement of acetone, an important biomarker related to the onset of diabetic ketoacidosis. In all conditions tested, the open source classifier was capable of performing as well as, or better, than the equivalent circuit analysis for characterizing weak/transient interactions between a model ligand (acetone) and a small chemosensory protein derived from the tsetse fly. In addition, the tool has a low computational requirement, facilitating use for mobile acquisition systems such as mobile phones. The protocol is deployed through Jupyter notebook (an open source computing environment available for mobile phone, tablet or computer use) and the code was written in Python. For each of the applications, we provide step-by-step instructions in English, Spanish, Mandarin and Portuguese to facilitate widespread use. All codes were based on scikit-learn, an open source software machine learning library in the Python language, and were processed in Jupyter notebook, an open-source web application for Python. The tool can easily be integrated with the mobile biosensor equipment for rapid detection, facilitating use by a broad range of impedimetric biosensor users. This post hoc analysis tool can serve as a launchpad for the convergence of nanobiosensors in planetary health monitoring applications based on mobile phone hardware.
Implementation and enhancement of Hilbert transform-based calibration in a K band FMCW radar for high-resolution security applications

This paper presents the design and calibration of a short-range, K band (18-26 GHz) frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar prototype with a theoretical range resolution of 2 cm, making it suitable for security screening applications. Additionally, this work examines the theoretical considerations for expanding the calibration algorithm for potential application in synthetic aperture radar (SAR). Radar based security scanners rely on large signal bandwidth to achieve range (depth) resolution capabilities on the order of a few centimeters; a system capable of 2 cm range resolution – an approximate requirement for a security sensor - must operate with 8 GHz of bandwidth. The radar presented in this paper uses commercially available off-the-shelf components to achieve the required bandwidth while minimizing prototyping cost. However, with 36% fractional bandwidth at 22 GHz, frequency dependent amplitude ripple and non-linear phase responses of the RF front end distort the radar signal, counteracting the benefit gained from wideband operation and degrading the attained resolution. The effects of this signal distortion are mitigated by implementing a Hilbert transform based calibration procedure that involves estimating the complex analytical signal of the measured radar response and then removing the unwanted components using a reference signal. Extending this algorithm for SAR requires recovering relative phase information that is lost during calibration and the procedure is discussed in this paper. At 2.5 m distance, the calibrated radar successfully resolves targets separated by 2.5 cm - a significant improvement from un-calibrated data wherein the same targets were indistinguishable even with 20 cm separation.
Separation Of Protein C From Cohn Fraction Iv-1 By Mini-Antibody

Human protein C (PC) is a natural anticoagulant, antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic in the bloodstream. PC deficiency can lead to abnormal blood clot formation inside blood vessels, possibly causing heart attack, stroke, skin necrosis, or even death. PC can be, therefore, a valuable therapeutic with little side effect, unlike the currently used anti-coagulants. To reduce the cost involved in immuno purification of PC from blood plasma, single chain variable fragments (mini-Mab) are being produced by recombinant E. coli using phagemid technique. As an economic means of purifying the PC specific mini-Mab, metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) purification process was also investigated. Then using the purified mini-Mab, the feasibility of PC purification from the Cohn Fraction IV-1 was examined. Cohn Fraction IV-1 is usually a discarded side-stream from the blood plasma fractionation of human serum albumin. It holds 90% of PC in plasma, but is very cheap. Preliminary study of PC purification from the Cohn Fraction IV-1 showed 16% purification yield using mini-Mab immobilized NHS-activated Sepharose. The economic analysis for PC purification using mini-Mab showed that the overall process was found to be tens of times cheaper than that using Mab.
Pancreas and Islet Development

The development of the pancreas and the pancreatic islets has been an area of particular scientific interest over the last several years as our attention has turned toward the possible engineering of progenitor cells and stem cells into pancreatic β cells and pancreatic islets. Pancreatic development is a highly complex process in which two morphologically distinct tissue types must derive from one simple epithelium. Although the parent endoderm from which the exocrine tissue (including acinar cells, centroacinar cells, and ducts) and the endocrine islets are derived appears to be homogeneous, it is clear that there are selected cells within the early endoderm that are destined to become either endocrine or nonendocrine lineages. The identification of these cells and the processes that determine whether or not they will become islets is of paramount importance to the engineering of stem cells into β cells. Moreover, there is a repertoire of events that allows these endocrine progenitor cells to disconnect from the epithelial lining during development. In this chapter we discuss the various key elements of basic pancreatic development. Specifically, we focus on the intercellular factors, such as growth factors, that may influence these developmental processes, as well as the important known intracellular transcription factors, which have been shown to establish a developmental hierarchy that determines lineage selection and cell fate.
EVOLUTION OF THE CARBONIC ANHYDRASE ISOZYMES

ABSTRACT . Portions of the primary sequences for the carbonic anhydrase isozymes (CA I and CA II) of man, five higher primates (chimpanzee, orangutan, vervet, rhesus macaque, and and baboon), two ruminants (ox and sheep), and a lagomorph (rabbit) have been compared. A maximum parsimony statistical method was used to determine the number of nucleotide substitutions occurring during the descent of CA I and CA II in these mammalian species. Over the past 90 million years, the rate of incorporation of mutational change appears to have been about twice as fast in the high-activity CA II isozymes as in the low-activity CA I isozymes. However, during the past 35 million years the evolutionary rate of the CA II enzymes of the higher primates seems to have decreased markedly. Over the same time period, the evolutionary rate of CA I does not appear to have changed significantly, with the exception of the human and chimpanzee enzymes where the rate has decelerated considerably. Preliminary studies on the carbonic anhydrases of 12 species of mammals and three species of birds suggest that the duplication which produced the carbonic anhydrase isozymes may have occurred early in mammalian evolution.
Modeling and Evaluating Traffic Flow at Sag Curves When Imposing Variable Speed Limits on Connected Vehicles

Sag curves, road segments where the gradient changes from downwards to upwards, generally reduce the roadway capacity and cause congestion. This results from a change in longitudinal driving behavi...
Compact Fracture Specimen for Characterization of Dental Composites

Dental composites are becoming increasingly popular due to their tooth-like color and appearance. Most short-term failures of dental composites are due to mechanical damage, such as cracking. Therefore, many of these failures might be prevented through the use of a self-healing dental composite. High-quality characterization is critical in the development of self-healing materials. Since healing creates uncertainty about the location of the crack-tip, tapered double cantilever beam (TDCB) specimens are often used for their crack length independence when measuring the fracture toughness and healing efficiency of self-healing materials. Because of the high cost of dental composite materials, small cost-effective TDCB samples, about one third of the standard size, were designed and optimized using rapid prototyping (Objet 3D Printer).
Development of a model of Ascaris Suum antigen-induced pulmonary inflammation in nonhuman primates

Airway inflammation is one of the hallmarks of asthma and can contribute to airway hyperresponsiveness. Using cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) that are naturally sensitized to Ascaris suum antigen in the wild, we developed a reproducible model of acute airway inflammation following segmental A.suum antigen challenge. A pediatric bronchoscope was used to perform bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) for the collection of BAL cells and fluid (BALF). The bronchoscope was also used for the administration of a segmental lung A.suum challenge. Baseline BAL was performed on one lung prior to segmental antigen challenge on the opposite lung. BAL on the challenged lung was performed 24 hours post-challenge to assess pulmonary inflammation. As compared to baseline lavage, a single airway challenge with A.suum antigen, at a dose of 0.50 or 0.75 mg/challenge, resulted in a reproducible pulmonary inflammation. The inflammation was characterized by an increase in total BAL cell counts and increased eosinophils. From concentrated BALF samples, taken 24 hours post A.suum antigen challenge, there was also a trend towards increased IL-5 and eotaxin as measured by ELISA. In some studies, animals were treated with two doses of the steroid, dexamethasone (DEX), 1 mg/kg by IM injection, prior to antigen challenge. In these studies, administration of DEX prior to antigen challenge prevented airway inflammation. These data show that segmental challenge with A. suum antigen produced an acute pulmonary eosinophilic inflammation that was prevented by pretreatment with the steroid, dexamethasone. This model should be useful for testing the efficacy of selected drug candidates, as compared to proven anti-inflammatory therapy, in blocking the pulmonary inflammatory response to A. suum in a large animal model.
Erosion rates of 3.5‐cm artificial urinary sphincter cuffs are similar to larger cuffs

Objective To compare long-term outcomes and erosion rates of 3.5-cm artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) cuffs vs larger cuffs amongst men with stress urinary incontinence (SUI), with and without a history of pelvic radiotherapy (RT). Patients and methods We reviewed the records of all men who underwent AUS placement by a single surgeon between September 2009 and June 2017 at our tertiary urban medical centre. A uniform perineal approach was used to ensure cuff placement around the most proximal corpus spongiosum after precise spongiosal measurement. Patients were stratified by cuff size and RT status, and patient demographics and surgical outcomes were analysed. Cases of AUS revision in which a new cuff was not placed were excluded. Success was defined as patient-reported pad use of ≤1 pad/day. Results Amongst 410 cases included in the analysis, the 3.5-cm cuff was used in 166 (40.5%), whilst 244 (59.5%) received larger cuffs (≥4.0 cm). Over a median follow-up of 50 months, there was AUS cuff erosion in 44 patients at a rate nearly identical in the 3.5-cm cuff (10.8%, 18/166) and the ≥4-cm cuff groups (10.7%, 26/244, P = 0.7). On multivariate logistic regression, clinical factors associated with AUS cuff erosion included a history of pelvic RT, prior AUS cuff erosion, prior urethroplasty, and a history of inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) placement. Patient demographics were similar between the cuff-size groups; including age, body mass index, comorbidities, smoking history, RT history, prior AUS, and prior IPP placement. Continence rates were high amongst all AUS patients, with similar success in both groups (82% for 3.5-cm cuff, 90% for ≥4-cm cuff, P = 0.1). Conclusions After 8 years of experience and extended follow-up, the outcomes of the 3.5-cm AUS cuff appear to be similar to ≥4-cm cuffs for effectiveness and rates of urethral erosion. RT patients have a higher risk of cuff erosion regardless of cuff size.
Situational action theory's self-control/morality interaction effects and the moderating influence of being female: a comparison of property and violent offending using a sample of juvenile delinquents

This study tests the interaction effects between self-control and morality that are proposed by situational action theory (SAT) and examines the ability of biological sex to condition those process...
Factors influencing malignant mesothelioma survival: a retrospective review of the National Mesothelioma Virtual Bank cohort.

Background : Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a rare but deadly malignancy with about 3,000 new cases being diagnosed each year in the US. Very few studies have been performed to analyze factors associated with mesothelioma survival, especially for peritoneal presentation. The overarching aim of this study is to examine survival of the cohort of patients with malignant mesothelioma enrolled in the National Mesothelioma Virtual Bank (NMVB). Methods: 888 cases of pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma cases were selected from the NMVB database, which houses data and associated biospecimens for over 1400 cases that were diagnosed from 1990 to 2017. Kaplan Meier’s method was performed for survival analysis. The association between prognostic factors and survival was estimated using Cox Hazard Regression method and using R software for analysis. Results: The median overall survival (OS) rate of all MM patients, including pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma cases is 15 months (14 months for pleural and 31 months for peritoneal). Significant prognostic factors associated with improved survival of malignant mesothelioma cases in this NMVB cohort were younger than 45, female gender, epithelioid histological subtype, stage I, peritoneal occurrence, and having combination treatment of surgical therapy with chemotherapy. Combined surgical and chemotherapy treatment was associated with improved survival of 23 months in comparison to single line therapies. Conclusions: There has not been improvement in the overall survival for patients with malignant mesothelioma over many years with current available treatment options. Our findings show that combined surgical and chemotherapy treatment in peritoneal mesothelioma is associated with improved survival compared to local therapy alone.
Diagnostic tools for immune causes of encephalitis.

Abstract Background Autoimmune encephalitis (AE) refers to a central nervous system (CNS) antibody-mediated entity characterized by a rapid onset behavioural and cognitive decline that can be associated with movement disorders, epileptic and dysautonomic features. Interestingly, it is thought to be as common as its infectious disease counterpart and can share some clinical, radiological, and laboratory findings. Objectives The aim is to describe the main clinical features of AE caused by antibodies targeting cell-surface neuronal agents and the diagnostic means to identify them. Paraneoplastic syndromes, associated with intracellular antibodies, will not be tackled in this review. Sources PubMed/MEDLINE were the sources. Content According to a recent population-based study, autoimmunity is one of the most frequent cause of encephalitis after infectious agents. Its diagnosis lies upon ‘classic' clinical features, which are dominated by neuropsychiatric symptoms and epileptic seizures. Cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) and serum autoantibody testing can confirm AE. Complementary examination with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and electroencephalogram (EEG) may be helpful for excluding other causes and managing seizures. In addition, exclusion of infectious and other origins must be considered. Implications AE misdiagnosis can lead to a delay in treatment onset and, thus, clinical worsening. In this sense, identifying the causative agent is of utmost importance. However, the absence of CSF or serum antibody detection does not exclude the diagnosis of AE. Despite extensive testing, many encephalitis cases remain of unknown origin. It is obvious that some autoantibodies have not yet been identified in AE. Since radiological and biological examinations are not always contributive, early symptom recognition might help to hasten the diagnostic process.
Experimental combination chemotherapy with thymidylate synthetase and ribonucleotide reductase inhibitors

The synergistic cytotoxic effects on exponentially growing 9L rat brain tumor cells of several inhibitors of thymidylate synthetase (TS) and ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) used in combination were investigated using a colony forming efficiency assay as the experimental endpoint. A 24 h treatment with nontoxic (0.1 µg/ml) or low (1.0 µg/ml) doses of 5-fluorouracil (FUra), 5-fluorodeoxyuridine, 5,8-dideazaisofolic acid, or 2′-deoxy-2′-fluoro-ara-uracil markedly enhanced cell kill caused by subsequent administration of 100 µg/ml hydroxyurea (HU) for 6 h. When a similar dose of HU or 1-formylisoquinoline thiosemicarbazone was administered for 6 h immediately after a 24 h treatment with either a 0.1 µg/ml or 1.0 µg/ml of FUra, a cell kill of approximately 1 log in addition to that caused by each drug alone was obtained. Thus a synergistic cell kill was consistently obtained when a low dose of TS inhibitors was administered 24 h before a 6 h treatment with another low dose of agents that act as RNR inhibitors. This synergism was not observed when FUra-treated cells were treated with methotrexate, 6-mercaptopurine, vincristine, or l,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea. Similarly, a 6 h treatment with 1 µg/ml of FUra of cells that had been treated for various periods with 100 µg/ml of HU did not increase cell kill more than that obtained with HU alone (30% cell kill).
Upregulation of tripeptidyl-peptidase 1 by 3-hydroxy-(2,2)-dimethyl butyrate, a brain endogenous ligand of PPARα: Implications for late-infantile Batten disease therapy

The late-infantile Batten disease or late-infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (LINCL) is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in the Cln2 gene leading to deficiency of lysosomal enzyme tripeptidyl peptidase 1 (TPP1). At present, available options for this fatal disorder are enzyme replacement therapy and gene therapy, which are extensively invasive and expensive. Our study demonstrates that 3-hydroxy-(2,2)-dimethyl butyrate (HDMB), a brain endogenous molecule, is capable of stimulating TPP1 expression and activity in mouse primary astrocytes and a neuronal cell line. HDMB activated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPARα), which, by forming heterodimer with Retinoid X receptor-α (RXRα), transcriptionally upregulated the Cln2 gene. Moreover, by using primary astrocytes from wild type, PPARα-/- and PPARβ-/- mice, we demonstrated that HDMB specifically required PPARα for inducing TPP1 expression. Finally, oral administration of HDMB to Cln2 heterozygous (Cln2+/-) mice led to a marked upregulation of TPP1 expression in the motor cortex and striatum in a PPARα-dependent fashion. Our study suggests that HDMB, a brain endogenous ligand of PPARα, might have therapeutic importance for LINCL treatment.
Characterization of Molecular Cluster Detection and Evaluation of Cluster Investigation Criteria Using Machine Learning Methods and Statewide Surveillance Data in Washington State

Molecular cluster detection can be used to interrupt HIV transmission but is dependent on identifying clusters where transmission is likely. We characterized molecular cluster detection in Washington State, evaluated the current cluster investigation criteria, and developed a criterion using machine learning. The population living with HIV (PLWH) in Washington State, those with an analyzable genotype sequences, and those in clusters were described across demographic characteristics from 2015 to2018. The relationship between 3- and 12-month cluster growth and demographic, clinical, and temporal predictors were described, and a random forest model was fit using data from 2016 to 2017. The ability of this model to identify clusters with future transmission was compared to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Washington state criteria in 2018. The population with a genotype was similar to all PLWH, but people in a cluster were disproportionately white, male, and men who have sex with men. The clusters selected for investigation by the random forest model grew on average 2.3 cases (95% CI 1.1-1.4) in 3 months, which was not significantly larger than the CDC criteria (2.0 cases, 95% CI 0.5-3.4). Disparities in the cases analyzed suggest that molecular cluster detection may not benefit all populations. Jurisdictions should use auxiliary data sources for prediction or continue using established investigation criteria.
Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock

Severe sepsis and septic shock involve clinical SIRS (systemic inflammatory response syndrome) with suspected or proven infection (blood culture not always positive) with cardiovascular involvement and dysfunction (septic shock) or multiple organ involvement (severe sepsis with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome). This chapter describes the step-by-step management of severe sepsis and septic shock.
Sports- or Physical Activity–Related Concussions and Feelings of Sadness or Hopelessness Among U.S. High School Students: Results From the 2017 Youth Behavior Risk Survey:

For this study, we explored the association between high school students' reported history of sport- or physical activity-related concussions and persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Data from the 2017 national Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS; N = 14,765) was used for this analysis. YRBS is administered to high school students throughout the country every 2 years. Findings from this study demonstrate that the prevalence of persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness was 36.4% among students who reported sustaining one or more concussions. Compared to students who did not report having sustained a concussion, the odds of persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness were significantly higher among students who had sustained one or more concussions (AOR = 1.41). These findings support the need for continued efforts by school nurses and other health care providers to identify students with a history of concussion and assess their mental health needs.
Learning hierarchy and displacing conviviality: time and subjectivity in the neoliberal kindergarten

This article argues that reading levels, a seemingly neutral aspect of literacy instruction of neoliberal schooling, initiate students into the symbolic templates of capitalism. I explore young chi...
Pemetrexed maintenance with or without pembrolizumab in non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer: A cross-trial comparison of KEYNOTE-189 versus PARAMOUNT, PRONOUNCE, and JVBL.

Abstract Objective To characterize the benefit-risk profile of pemetrexed and platinum in combination with pembrolizumab in patients with non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer in the KEYNOTE-189 study, with reference to historical pemetrexed maintenance data from the PARAMOUNT, PRONOUNCE, and JVBL randomized studies. Materials and methods To harmonize the treatment setting across the studies in our comparative analysis, we selected patients from KEYNOTE-189 who received ≥5 cycles of pemetrexed (pembrolizumab/pemetrexed/platinum, N = 310; placebo/pemetrexed/platinum, N = 135) and pooled data from PARAMOUNT (N = 359), PRONOUNCE (N = 98), and JVBL (N = 29) who received ≥5 cycles of pemetrexed (total, N = 486). For the 2 selected populations from KEYNOTE-189 and the pooled historical data, progression-free survival (PFS) was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier estimator and Cox proportional hazards model. Tumor response and grade ≥3 treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) for the aforementioned population were summarized by descriptive statistics. Results In the selected KEYNOTE-189 population with ≥5 cycles pemetrexed, median PFS was 9.3 months (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 9.0–11.1) in the pembrolizumab/pemetrexed/platinum arm and 6.6 months (95 % CI: 5.4–7.1) in the placebo/pemetrexed/platinum arm (unstratified hazard ratio: 0.53; 95 % CI: 0.42‒0.68; p ≤ 0.0001). In the pooled population with ≥5 cycles pemetrexed from historical trials, median PFS was 5.6 months (95 % CI: 4.6–5.8). Objective response rates were 58.7 % and 28.9 % in the pembrolizumab/pemetrexed/platinum and placebo/pemetrexed/platinum arms, respectively, of KEYNOTE-189 and 42.4 % in the pooled historical studies. The incidence of grade ≥3 TEAEs was similar in both arms of KEYNOTE-189 and in the pooled historical studies. Conclusion Improved PFS was shown with pembrolizumab/pemetrexed/platinum compared with placebo/pemetrexed/platinum in the patient group with pemetrexed maintenance (≥5 cycles) in KEYNOTE-189. The PFS and safety profile of the control arm in KEYNOTE-189 were comparable with historical pemetrexed maintenance data.
Differential effects of amplitude-modulated transcranial focused ultrasound on excitatory and inhibitory neurons

Although stimulation with ultrasound has been shown to modulate brain activity at multiple scales, it remains unclear whether transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation (tFUS) exerts its influence on specific cell types. Here we propose a novel form of tFUS where a continuous waveform is amplitude modulated (AM) at a slow rate (i.e., 40 Hz) targeting the temporal range of electrophysiological activity: AM-tFUS. We stimulated the rat hippocampus while recording multi-unit activity (MUA) followed by classification of spike waveforms into putative excitatory pyramidal cells and inhibitory interneurons. At low acoustic intensity, AM-tFUS selectively reduced firing rates of inhibitory interneurons. On the other hand, higher intensity AM-tFUS increased firing of putative excitatory neurons with no effect on inhibitory firing. Interestingly, firing rate was unchanged during AM-tFUS at intermediate intensity. Consistent with the observed changes in firing rate, power in the theta band (3-10 Hz) of the local field potential (LFP) decreased at low-intensity, was unchanged at intermediate intensity, and increased at higher intensity. Temperature increases at the AM-tFUS target were limited to 0.2 C. Our findings indicate that inhibitory interneurons exhibit greater sensitivity to ultrasound, and that cell-type specific neuromodulation may be achieved by calibrating the intensity of AM-tFUS.
Density Forecasts in Panel Data Models: A Semiparametric Bayesian Perspective

This paper constructs individual-specific density forecasts for a panel of firms or households using a dynamic linear model with common and heterogeneous coefficients and cross-sectional heteroskedasticity. The panel considered in this paper features a large cross-sectional dimension N but short time series T. Due to the short T, traditional methods have difficulty in disentangling the heterogeneous parameters from the shocks, which contaminates the estimates of the heterogeneous parameters. To tackle this problem, I assume that there is an underlying distribution of heterogeneous parameters, model this distribution nonparametrically allowing for correlation between heterogeneous parameters and initial conditions as well as individual-specific regressors, and then estimate this distribution by pooling the information from the whole cross-section together. Theoretically, I prove that both the estimated common parameters and the estimated distribution of the heterogeneous parameters achieve posterior consistency, and that the density forecasts asymptotically converge to the oracle forecast. Methodologically, I develop a simulation-based posterior sampling algorithm specifically addressing the nonparametric density estimation of unobserved heterogeneous parameters. Monte Carlo simulations and an application to young firm dynamics demonstrate improvements in density forecasts relative to alternative approaches.