cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clinical trials in acute stroke: why have they not been successful?

Modeling of focal cerebral ischemia seeks to understand mechanisms of injury and to test agents as potential stroke therapies. However, modeling has been singularly unpredictable in ischemic cerebrovascular disease for a number of reasons related to the incompletely understood pathophysiology of ischemic stroke and to the characteristics of models prepared to mimic the clinical condition. The development of models of focal cerebral ischemia must take into account known species differences and idiosyncrasies, underlying vascular disease processes, the nature of thrombotic processes, cellular reactivities, the presence of co-stimulation (e.g., inflammation), the characteristics of immunologicals and reporter molecules, the coincident use of other pharmacologic modifiers (e.g., anesthesia), and stress. These elements are also potential contributors to cerebral tissue injury and its assessment but may affect other species differentially. On the other hand, study design issues have been shown to be particularly relevant to limiting development of some agents for clinical stroke treatment. Experience from experimental and clinical work on vascular active approaches (e.g., plasminogen activators) suggests that active dialogue regarding the relationships between clinical outcomes and outcomes in appropriate animal models is necessary. Success appears more likely when the model more closely matches the known human pathophysiology and the interventions applied in the models are definitely characterized in that species. Rather than moving directly to interventional studies in humans, the use of several appropriate animal models is encouraged where those models exist. Where not, careful consideration of study design and the biology of the disorder is a prerequisite.
Factors involved in the assembly of a functional molybdopyranopterin center in recombinant Comamonas acidovorans xanthine dehydrogenase.

Previous work from this laboratory has shown that the spectral and functional properties of a prokaryotic xanthine dehydrogenase from Comamonas acidovorans show some similarities to those of the well-characterized eukaryotic enzymes isolated from bovine milk and from chicken liver [Xiang, Q. & Edmondson, D.E. (1996) Biochemistry 35, 5441-5450]. Therefore, this system was chosen to study the factors involved in the expression of functional recombinant enzyme in Escherichia coli to provide insights into the assembly of the functional Mo-pyranopterin center. Genes xdhA and xdhB (encoding the two known subunits of the native enzyme) and putative genes xprA and ssuABC were sequenced. Heterologous expression of the xdhAB genes in E. coli JM109(DE3) produced active enzyme. The Mo content was 0.11-0.16 mol per αβ protomer, while the Fe and FAD levels were at stoichiometries similar to that of the native enzyme. The XDH activity increased sixfold when the culture was grown under conditions of low aeration (6 L.min - 1 ) as compared with high aeration (12 L.min - 1 ). Co-expression of the xdhAB genes with the Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA1522 (xdhC) gene increased the level of Mo incorporated into the expressed enzyme to a 1: 1 stoichiometry. Under these conditions, high levels of functional protein (2.284 U.mg - 1 and 8.039 mg.L - 1 of culture) were obtained independently of the level of culture aeration. Therefore, the assembly of a functional Mo-pyranopterin center in XDH requires the presence of a functional xdhC gene product. The purified, recombinant XDH shows spectral and kinetic properties identical to those of the native enzyme.
Should We Lengthen the School Term

This article examines the merits of proposals to increase the length of the school term. In reviewing studies of school time and learning, the article points out that there is considerable variation in how existing time is used and that inconsistent effects for time are often found. The research evidence is therefore argued not to support increases in the school term as a means of increasing student achievement.
Classification, Natural History, and Evolution of the Checkered Beetle Genus Pujoliclerus Pic (Coleoptera: Cleridae: Peloniinae)

Abstract The genus Pujoliclerus Pic is redefined to include 30 species as follows: Pujoliclerus helvinus Opitz, new species; Pujoliclerus maracayensis Opitz, new species; Pujoliclerus modestus Pic; Pujoliclerus prolatus Opitz, new species; Pujoliclerus bilineatus Opitz, new species; Pujoliclerus calceatus (Chevrolat); Pujoliclerus corumba Opitz, new species; Pujoliclerus flavolimbatus (Spinola); Pujoliclerus ovatus Opitz, new species; Pujoliclerus wappesi Opitz, new species; Pujoliclerus amplus Opitz, new species; Pujoliclerus flavoapicalus Opitz, new species; Pujoliclerus gilvus Opitz, new species; Pujoliclerus hermani Opitz, new species; Pujoliclerus orellana Opitz, new species; Pujoliclerus oxinus Opitz, new species; Pujoliclerus alajuela Opitz, new species; Pujoliclerus megacavus Opitz, new species; Pujoliclerus alboordinus Opitz, new species; Pujoliclerus apolegmus Opitz, new species; Pujoliclerus casselorum Opitz, new species; Pujoliclerus catarina Opitz, new species; Pujoliclerus macilentus Opitz, ...
Stable haptic interaction with switched virtual environments

This paper investigates haptic interaction with virtual environments composed of objects with diverse dynamic properties. Passivity is often used for stability analysis of haptic systems. We demonstrate that when the dynamics of the virtual environment during the interaction changes, the approaches using traditional notion of passivity for hybrid systems can be used to design stable interaction strategies for such systems.
Global reduction in wormhole k-ary n-cube networks with multidestination exchange worms

This paper presents a new approach to implement global reduction operations in wormhole k-ary n-cubes. The novelty lies in using multidestination message passing mechanism instead of single destination (unicast) messages. Using pairwise exchange worms along each dimension, it is shown that complete global reduction and barrier synchronization operations, as defined by the Message Passing Interface (MPI) standard, can be implemented with n communication start-ups as compared to 2n [log/sub 2/ k] start-ups required with unicast-based message passing. Analytical results for different values of communication startup time, system size, and data size are presented and compared with the unicast-based scheme. The analysis indicates that the proposed framework can be effectively used in wormhole-routed systems to achieve fast global reduction without a separate control network. >
An approach to membrane protein structure without crystals.

Abstract The lactose permease of Escherichia coli catalyzes coupled translocation of galactosides and H+ across the cell membrane. It is the best-characterized member of the Major Facilitator Superfamily, a related group of membrane proteins with 12 transmembrane domains that mediate transport of various substrates across cell membranes. Despite decades of effort and their functional importance in all kingdoms of life, no high-resolution structures have been solved for any member of this family. However, extensive biochemical, genetic, and biophysical studies on lactose permease have established its transmembrane topology, secondary structure, and numerous interhelical contacts. Here we demonstrate that this information is sufficient to calculate a structural model at the level of helix packing or better.
Progression of Clinical Signs in Severe Infant Botulism Therapeutic Implications

The clinical evaluation of nine patients with severe infant botulism revealed an identifiable progression of signs due to blockade of the cholinergic synapse similar to that described for competitive blocking agents. This predictable sequence reflects different "margins of safety" for muscles involved in repetitive activities, diaphragmatic function and movement of the extremities. It is important for the clinician to realize that return of peripheral motor activity does not signify a completely recovered cholinergic synapse. Instead of having a four- to five-fold margin of safety, the infant remains close to the point of neuromuscular blockade. Added insults or stress to neuromuscular transmission may precipitate respiratory failure. An understanding of the signs associated with progressive impairment of cholinergic synapses both during onset and during resolution of disease will allow safe care of the infant and will diminish the risk of iatrogenic complications. Evaluation of head control is the most sensitive physical finding indicative of return of adequate neuromuscular function and signifies that oral feedings can be reinstituted.
X-ray Elemental Mapping of Multi-Component Steels

Steels used in steam turbine applications are susceptible to temper embrittlement if operated at temperatures above 400°C. The cause of this embrittlement is the segregation of impurity elements, mainly phosphorus, to the prior austenite grain boundaries. Molybdenum can act as an effective scavenger for phosphorus, but the scavenging effect is lost when the molybdenum is precipitated in carbides during service at these elevated temperatures. Thus, the very slow temper embrittlement is controlled by the rates of alloy carbide formation, rather than by the diffusion of phosphorus. The presence of vanadium apparently retards the embrittlement process even more by interfering with the formation of the molybdenum-rich carbides. Vanadium carbonitrides, are small, only a few nanometers in size, and difficult to see by standard TEM contrast mechanisms. Analysis of segregating elements to the grain boundaries has to be carried out on areas which are devoid of precipitates, especially small V precipitates or other precipitates that could be interpreted as segregation rather than precipitation. One method of detecting precipitates in the matrix is by X-ray mapping areas of interest. This paper describes a new method of X-ray mapping of multi-component steels that have overlapping lines. The method has been found to be effective in removing thickness effects from the maps and discriminating between real and artificial compositional components, which are created by the overlapping lines.
Integrating virtual and physical context to support knowledge workers

The Kimura system augments and integrates independent tools into a pervasive computing system that monitors a user's interactions with the computer, an electronic whiteboard, and a variety of networked peripheral devices and data sources.
Incidence of parasitoids and parasitism of Bemisia tabaci (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) in numerous crops

Abstract Understanding the relationship of parasitoids with their insect hosts and crop plants is needed to develop good management strategies for Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), a whitefly pest. The abundance and establishment of parasitoids of B. tabaci B-biotype were tested with taxonomically diverse plants in the greenhouse (7 plant species) and in the field (16 plant species in Egypt). Greenhouse tests were conducted on plants free of whitefly nymphs to avoid this influence on parasitoid behavior, and field tests were conducted in crops with feral populations of B. tabaci. In the greenhouse, the parasitoid, Encarsia pergandiella Howard, was most abundant on Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walpers, followed by Gossypium hirsutum L. The propensity for this parasitoid to forage on the bottom leaf surface compared with the top surface varied among crops (45–90% were on the bottom leaf surface) and over time (≈50% were on the bottom leaf surface around sunrise, whereas ≈90% were on the bottom surface by mid-day). Inun...
Breast Cancer Survivor Advocacy at a University Hospital: Development of a Peer Support Program with Evaluation by Patients, Advocates, and Clinicians

Peer-to-peer support programs provide unique psychosocial and educational support for breast cancer patients. A Patient Survivor Advocacy (PSA) program was developed by the University of Wisconsin Breast Center (UWBC) to provide support for newly diagnosed patients from peers who had completed primary treatment. In this study, we evaluated patient, advocate, and clinician experience with the PSA program. A program matching volunteer peer advocates at least 1 year removed from primary treatment with newly diagnosed patients was developed. Peer advocates were recruited from the practices of UWBC clinicians and received in-person training on six dimensions of peer advocacy. Trained advocates were then paired based on demographic and medical history with new patients referred to the program. Survey assessment tools were distributed to assess peer advocate and patient satisfaction, as well as clinician experience. Forty patients have been matched with seven advocates, with contact largely by email (53 %) or phone (36 %). Patients and peer advocates reported satisfaction with the program. The majority of patients (92.9 %) reported that the program was “helpful” and that they would recommend the PSA program to another woman with breast cancer. All peer advocates (100 %) responded with a sense of achievement in their advocate roles. Clinicians noted challenges in referral to the program. Peer advocates can provide key emotional and psychosocial support to newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. The peer advocate, patient, and clinician feedback collected in this study will inform the future development of this program at our and peer institutions.
Hypoxia stimulates proliferation and interleukin-1α production in human vascular smooth muscle cells

Several lines of evidence indicate that hypoxia is a stimulus to vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation that occurs in pulmonary hypertension. The present study tested the hypothesis that...
Tectonics from topography: Procedures, promise, and pitfalls

Empirical observations from fl uvial systems across the globe reveal a consistent power-law scaling between channel slope and contributing drainage area. Theoretical arguments for both detachmentand transport-limited erosion regimes suggest that rock uplift rate should exert fi rst-order control on this scaling. Here we describe in detail a method for exploiting this relationship, in which topographic indices of longitudinal profi le shape and character are derived from digital topographic data. The stream profi le data can then be used to delineate breaks in scaling that may be associated with tectonic boundaries. The description of the method is followed by three case studies from varied tectonic settings. The case studies illustrate the power of stream profi le analysis in delineating spatial patterns of, and in some cases, temporal changes in, rock uplift rate. Owing to an incomplete understanding of river response to rock uplift, the method remains primarily a qualitative tool for neotectonic investigations; we conclude with a discussion of research needs that must be met before we can extract quantitative information about tectonics directly from topography.
Fighting to close the School of the Americas: Unintended consequences of successful activism

ABSTRACTThis article examines the structural and institutional changes that have occurred since the controversial United States School of the Americas (SOA) closed and its successor, the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHINSEC), opened in 2001. Placing these changes within a constructivist framework, the article uses the school as a case study to argue that human rights norm diffusion has both increased the amount of human rights in the curriculum and put the school in a much stronger institutional position than it had been. Human rights activists had successfully prompted change, but did not achieve their goal of closing the school. This article contributes to the literature by demonstrating how ideas about human rights can have important and lasting effects, but not always in ways that are either predictable or desirable for the political activists who spark them.
Individuals with Short-Term Life Expectancies Face Difficult Gift Planning Choices

In general, substantial transfer tax savings occur when individuals gift rather than bequeath property. These savings are complemented with modest income tax savings if the gifted property is income producing and the donor is in a higher tax bracket than the beneficiary. However, individuals with short-term life expectancies must consider two scenarios that could reverse these savings and result in tax losses: 1) death occurring within three years of gift and 2) death occurring in 2010 when estate taxes are eliminated under the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act (EGTRRA). The potential for tax losses is compounded by possible legislative action to extend EGTRRA beyond 2010 and by timing differences that cause the present value of tax savings/losses to differ substantially from their nominal values. This paper explores potential income tax savings and transfer tax savings/losses for gifting (as opposed to bequeathing) income producing property. We demonstrate the volatility of the savings/losses for taxpayers with short-term (1-7 years) life expectancies due to legislative action and the impact on the present value of these savings/losses due to timing differences and expected rates of return. Our calculations are based on income-producing property that does not appreciate in value (e.g. bonds). Conclusions are drawn from rates of return that vary from two to ten percent.
Digital Mammography and Screening for Coronary Artery Disease

Abstract Objectives This study sought to determine if breast arterial calcification (BAC) on digital mammography predicts coronary artery calcification (CAC). Background BAC is frequently noted but the quantitative relationships to CAC and risk factors are unknown. Methods A total of 292 women with digital mammography and nongated computed tomography was evaluated. BAC was quantitatively evaluated (0 to 12) and CAC was measured on computed tomography using a 0 to 12 score; they were correlated with each other and the Framingham Risk Score (FRS) and the 2013 Cholesterol Guidelines Pooled Cohort Equations (PCE). Results BAC was noted in 42.5% and was associated with increasing age (p 0 for CAC >0 were 63%, 76%, 70%, 69%, and 70%, respectively. All BAC variables were predictive of the CAC score (p 0 was 3.2 for BAC 4 to 12, 2.0 for age, and 2.2 for hypertension. The agreements of FRS risk categories with CAC and BAC risk categories were 57% for CAC and 55% for BAC; the agreement was 47% for PCE risk categories for CAC and 54% by BAC. BAC >0 had area under the curve of 0.73 for identification of women with CAC >0, equivalent to both FRS (0.72) and PCE (0.71). BAC >0 increased the area under the curve curves for FRS (0.72 to 0.77; p = 0.15) and PCE (0.71 to 0.76; p = 0.11) for the identification of high-risk (4 to 12) CAC. With the inclusion of 33 women with established CAD, BAC >0 was significantly additive to both FRS (p = 0.02) and PCE (p = 0.04) for high-risk CAC. Conclusions There is a strong quantitative association of BAC with CAC. BAC is superior to standard cardiovascular risk factors. BAC is equivalent to both the FRS and PCE for the identification of high-risk women and is additive when women with established CAD are included.
Use of Tungsten to Reduce Hand-Arm Vibration Exposure in Aircraft Manufacturing

Rivet guns and bucking bars, which are used to set rivets during assembly of aircraft, results in high magnitudes of hand-arm vibration exposure, increasing the risk of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders. The objective of this study was to identify rivet gun and bucking bar combinations that reduced vibration exposure and reduced muscle activity. A standard rivet gun and four vibration dampened rivet guns were assessed along with a traditional steel and vibration dampening tungsten bucking bar. Vibration dampened rivet guns resulted in lower vibration to “riveters”, however, use of these guns tended to result in higher vibration levels on the bucking bar. Tungsten bucking bars resulted in 34% less vibration on the bucking bar compared to the steel bar, as well as significantly less hand/wrist flexor muscle group activity. These findings indicate that to reduce overall vibration exposure, both the rivet gun vibration characteristics and the appropriate bucking bar material must be considered during ...
EVOLUTION OF THE WORLD FAUNA OF AQUATIC FREE-LIVING ARTHROPODS.

Is there a grand pattern to the evolution of global biota and ecological systems? This question, which has lately attracted much thought, can rather more easily be approached through considering the relative microcosm of a major taxonomic group evolving within a major adaptive zone. This paper examines the evolution of aquatic free-living arthropods, the occupants of one such adaptive zone, from the Cambrian to the present. Combining established ideas on arthropod evolution with new ideas on measurement, it first develops a quantitative measure of the morphological complexity of arthropod limb mechanisms which in turn provides a rough measure of ecological specialization for the respective animals. This measure is then applied to study of the evolution of the world fauna of aquatic free-living arthropods as reflected in the fossil record. The paper analyzes evolutionary patterns thus revealed, and tests the idea that, within an adaptive zone, the specialization of its occupants increases with their taxonomic diversity. Upshots from the study are surprising estimates for rates of taxonomic diversification and rough quantitative estimates for the percentage completeness of the fossil record through geologic time for taxa of different ranks. Simpson (1969) and May (1973) both wondered whether certain regularities in taxonomic diversity data from the fossil record might not reflect some grand strategy in the evolution of global ecological systems. Paleontologists have begun to further examine such patterns in the evolution of world biota and to interpret them in terms of the evolution of the ecological systems those biota may represent (e.g., Simpson, 1969; Valentine, 1969a,b, 1971, 1973a,b; Valentine and Moores, 1970, 1972; Flessa and Imbrie, 1971, 1973; Raup, 1972). The essence of the approach taken by Valentine and others are the beliefs that a biota is constituted as a hierarchy of taxonomically and ecologically structured systems, that taxonomic structure in some way reflects ecological structure, and that the history of a biota as a system can reliably be interpreted through analysis of data from the fossil record (Valentine, 1968). The kinds and number of kinds of organisms comprising a biota constitute its taxonomic structure. The functional relationships among organisms which, if strong enough, may unite populations, communities, and perhaps an entire biota
Gendered Social Capital in a Johannesburg Township.

ABSTRACTSocial capital research rarely takes a gendered approach. This article explores how black women and men from a marginalized community in Johannesburg, South Africa, rely on family, friends, and community members to survive and strategize for the future by utilizing social capital. The results from 30 semi-structured interviews and ego network mapping illustrate that gender moderates the type of social capital used and benefits associated with bonding and bridging social capital in important ways. This research builds upon knowledge of gendered advantages and disadvantages in social networks and informs researchers how women and men survive in pervasive poverty. I posit that identifying potential sources of support is an important consideration within social capital or any network research because the prospect of receiving assistance in the future undoubtedly alters the development of these individuals’ livelihood strategies.
The Choice of the Optimal Activity

Now let us characterize the choice of activity by the decision maker. In this chapter we shall assume that the decision maker knows that floods are generated by a Poisson process and that he knows what value µ takes. He thus knows all there is to know about the process exept when a flood will occur. A gambling analogue would be to enter a casino in Las Vegas where you knew the probability of winning in each of the available games, and you had to choose a game to play. This is in contrast to the next chapter where we assume that the landowner knows that floods are generated by a Poisson process but does not know what µ is.
Anoxic nitrate reduction coupled with iron oxidation and attenuation of dissolved arsenic and phosphate in a sand and gravel aquifer

Abstract Nitrate has become an increasingly abundant potential electron acceptor for Fe(II) oxidation in groundwater, but this redox couple has not been well characterized within aquifer settings. To investigate this reaction and some of its implications for redox-sensitive groundwater contaminants, we conducted an in situ field study in a wastewater-contaminated aquifer on Cape Cod. Long-term (15 year) geochemical monitoring within the contaminant plume indicated interacting zones with variable nitrate-, Fe(II)-, phosphate-, As(V)-, and As(III)-containing groundwater. Nitrate and phosphate were derived predominantly from wastewater disposal, whereas Fe(II), As(III), and As(V) were mobilized from the aquifer sediments. Multiple natural gradient, anoxic tracer tests were conducted in which nitrate and bromide were injected into nitrate-free, Fe(II)-containing groundwater. Prior to injection, aqueous Fe(II) concentrations were approximately 175 μM, but sorbed Fe(II) accounted for greater than 90% of the total reactive Fe(II) in the aquifer. Nitrate reduction was stimulated within 1 m of transport for 100 μM and 1000 μM nitrate additions, initially producing stoichiometric quantities of nitrous oxide (>300 μM N). In subsequent injections at the same site, nitrate was reduced even more rapidly and produced less nitrous oxide, especially over longer transport distances. Fe(II) and nitrate concentrations decreased together and were accompanied by Fe(III) oxyhydroxide precipitation and decreases in dissolved phosphate, As(III), and As(V) concentrations. Nitrate N and O isotope fractionation effects during nitrate reduction were approximately equal (e15N/e18O = 1.11) and were similar to those reported for laboratory studies of biological nitrate reduction, including denitrification, but unlike some reported effects on nitrate by denitrification in aquifers. All constituents affected by the in situ tracer experiments returned to pre-injection levels after several weeks. Additionally, Fe(II)-oxidizing, nitrate-reducing microbial enrichment cultures were obtained from aquifer sediments. Growth experiments with the cultures sequentially produced nitrite and nitrous oxide from nitrate while simultaneously oxidizing Fe(II). Field and culture results suggest that nitrogen oxide reduction and Fe(II) oxidation in the aquifer are a complex interaction of coupled biotic and abiotic reactions. Overall, the results of this study demonstrate that anoxic nitrate-dependent iron oxidation can occur in groundwater; that it could control iron speciation; and that the process can impact the mobility of other chemical species (e.g., phosphate and arsenic) not directly involved in the oxidation–reduction reaction.
An Environmental Justice Critique of Carceral Anti-ecology

The connections between prisons and environmental problems are not immediately obvious. In this chapter, we explore two dimensions we characterize in terms of “geopolitics” and “biopolitics.” Our approach emphasizes the vantage point of environmental justice (EJ) ethics. Of particular concern are two of the original seventeen “Principles of Environmental Justice” adopted at the first EJ Summit in October 1991, a historic gathering widely viewed as launching the network-building phase of the modern-day EJ movement and is seen today as one of the most successful and influential movements affecting environmental protection in the post-civil rights era (see Bullard 2005).
Estradiol Has Differential Effects on Acute Colonic Inflammation in the Presence and Absence of Estrogen Receptor β Expression.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) increases the risk of developing colon cancer. This risk is higher in men compared to women, implicating a role for female hormones in the protection against this disease. Studies from our laboratory demonstrated that estradiol (E2) protects against inflammation-associated colon tumor formation when administered following chemical carcinogen and induction of chronic colitis. This study seeks to better understand the effect of E2 on acute colitis in the presence and absence of estrogen receptor β (ERβ). Inflammation was induced by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid in wild-type (WT) and ERβ knockout (ERβKO) mice implanted with a control or E2-containing pellet and killed 5 days later. Inflammation and injury were scored by a pathologist. Apoptosis and proliferation were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Cytokines were measured by multiplex analysis. E2 treatment reduced inflammation in the middle colon in WT mice and the distal colon in ERβKO mice compared to control mice. WT mice had reduced IL-6, IL-12, IL-17, GM-CSF, IFN-γ, MCP-1, MIP-1α, and TNF-α, and ERβKO had reduced IL-6 and IFN-γ expression in response to E2. Injury scores were lower in E2-treated ERβKO mice compared to control ERβKO mice. ERβKO mice had increased proliferation in the basal third of crypts in the distal colon and decreased apoptosis in the proximal colon. These data suggest that E2 has differential protective effects against acute colitis in the presence or absence of ERβ and provide insight into how E2 may protect against IBD.
Laparoscopic Transabdominal Lateral Adrenalectomy

Most benign adrenal tumors and some small malignant adrenal tumors can be removed laparoscopically. The lateral transabdominal laparoscopic approach uses gravity to help medially rotate the liver (on the right) or the spleen and tail of pancreas (on the left). Initial dissection is to free the medial attachment of the adrenal gland, then identifying, clipping and cutting the adrenal vein, followed by dissecting the gland off the renal hilum. The tumor, adrenal gland and periadrenal tissues are removed en block.
A wrist-worn rotational energy harvester utilizing magnetically plucked {001} oriented bimorph PZT thin-film beams

A wrist-worn eccentric rotor-based energy harvester utilizing multiple magnetically plucked flower petal-shaped bimorph lead zirconate titanate (PZT) thin-film beams was designed and fabricated. The bimorph beams were formed by depositing {001} oriented PZT films up to 5.4 μm in thickness on both sides of a 50 μm thick nickel foil. The prototype was characterized with an analytical system-level model and a bench-top swing-arm test set-up. The prototype can achieve approximately 40 μW power output from a bench-top pseudo walking motion input. Further simulation suggests that improvement can be made by growing thicker PZT layers.
Increased Ocean Heat Convergence Into the High Latitudes With CO2 Doubling Enhances Polar-Amplified Warming

We isolate the role of the ocean in polar climate change by directly evaluating how changes in ocean dynamics with quasi-equilibrium CO2 doubling impact high-latitude climate. With CO2 doubling, the ocean heat flux convergence (OHFC) shifts poleward in winter in both hemispheres. Imposing this pattern of perturbed OHFC in a global climate model results in a poleward shift in ocean-to-atmosphere turbulent heat fluxes (both sensible and latent) and sea ice retreat; the high latitudes warm, while the midlatitudes cool, thereby amplifying polar warming. Furthermore, midlatitude cooling is propagated to the polar midtroposphere on isentropic surfaces, augmenting the (positive) lapse rate feedback at high latitudes. These results highlight the key role played by the partitioning of meridional energy transport changes between the atmosphere and ocean in high-latitude climate change.
Clustering Data Streams with Adaptive Forgetting

We present a new algorithm for discovering clusters in noisy data streams using dynamic and cluster-specific temporal decay factors. Our improvement helps identify and adapt to evolving trends by adapting the weighting of stream data based on both content attributes and temporal arrival patterns. Our experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can discover better quality clusters in noisy data streams with varying configurations and temporal dynamics.
Role of EGF receptor signaling on morphogenesis of eyelid and meibomian glands

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling has a pivotal role in the regulation of morphogenesis during development and maintenance of homeostasis in adult eyelid and its adnexa. Studies have demonstrated that during eyelid morphogenesis the EGFR signaling pathway is responsible for keratinocyte and mesenchymal cell proliferation and migration at the eyelid tip. For meibomian gland morphogenesis, EGFR signaling activation stimulates meibomian gland epithelial cell proliferation. EGFR signaling pathway functions through multiple downstream signals such as ERK, Rho/ROCK and integrin and is regulated by a variety of upstream signals including Adam17, GPR48 and FGFR signaling. Herein we review the literature that describe the role of EGFR and its related signaling pathways in eyelid and meibomian gland morphogenesis.
Managing Expectations: Delivering the Worst News in the Best Way?

In this issue, Weiss and Fiester's (2018) “From ‘Longshot’ to ‘Fantasy’: Obligations to Patients and Families When Last-Ditch Medical Efforts Fail” calls attention to the weight of clinician word c...
Ultrasound Fellowship Programs

Ultrasound fellowship provides the future leadership of ultrasound programs. Ultrasound management is a key component of an ultrasound fellowship training program, and must be integrated into the educational and administrative plan of the department. Key features of ultrasound fellowship management issues are discussed.
An Invitation to Unknowing.

Background/ContextThis essay is part of a special issue that emerged from a year-long faculty seminar at Teachers College, Columbia University. The seminar's purpose was to examine in fresh terms t...
[Hashimoto encephalopathy: steroid-sensitive encephalopathy in Hashimoto thyroiditis].

Als Hashimoto-Enzephalopathie wird eine steroid-sensitive, schubformig oder stetig progrediente Enzephalopathie bezeichnet, welche mit einer Hashimoto-Thyreoiditis assoziiert ist. Charakteristische klinische Befunde sind Verwirrtheit, epileptische Anfalle, Vigilanzminderung, schlaganfallahnliche Episoden, Myoklonien und Tremor. Die Liquordiagnostik zeigt meist eine Proteinerhohung ohne Pleozytose, das EEG generalisierte und umschriebene Verlangsamungen, seltener triphasische Wellen und epilepsietypische Potentiale; die zerebrale Bildgebung mittels CT oder MRT sowie die zerebrale Angiographie sind in der Regel normal. Wir stellen 2 Patientinnen im Alter von 55 und 77 Jahren vor, bei denen die Symptome einer Hashimoto-Enzephalopathie gut auf eine Behandlung mit Steroiden ansprachen, und geben einen Uberblick uber die Literatur.
A tensor product vector integral

Let X and Y be Banach spaces. An integration theory is presented which gives a concrete representation of the completion of the space of X-valued, simple functions for the mean convergence with respect to a Y-valued measure. Functions integrated take values in a locally convex space which contains a copy of X.
Safety Assessment in Pilot Studies When Zero Events Are Observed

Pilot studies in clinical research settings frequently focus on estimating the frequency of occurrence of certain adverse events. When zero such events are observed, the question of legitimate inference on the true event rate arises. The relationship between binomial and geometric distributions’ confidence intervals yields two useful graphical displays and interpretations for the event rate inference in this circumstance. The interval is also closely related to the Bayesian credible interval when the prior distribution for the event rate is uniform. In addition, the simple algebraic expression for the confidence bound is seen to be useful in the context of planning studies.
Electron capture and beta + decay of 147Tm.

With the use of an on-line mass separator, electron capture (EC) and [beta][sup +] decay of the direct proton emitter [sup 147]Tm was identified in a series of [sup 58]Ni+[sup 92]Mo irradiations. Characteristic Er [ital K][alpha] x rays and an 80.9-keV [gamma] ray were observed to decay with the half-life of [sup 147]Tm. The 80.9-keV [gamma] ray is proposed to be the transition connecting the first-excited ([ital d][sub 3/2]) and ground ([ital s][sub 1/2]) neutron-hole states in [sup 147]Er. The [sup 147]Tm (EC+[beta][sup +])-decay strength was deduced from [ital K] x-ray and annihilation radiation intensities. A comparison of this strength with the intensity of the 1.045-MeV proton peak leads to a [sup 147]Tm direct-proton-decay branch of 15(5)%.
Verteporfin photodynamic therapy in the rat model of choroidal neovascularization: angiographic and histologic characterization.

Purpose To develop a model of verteporfin photodynamic therapy (PDT) for experimental choroidal neovascularization CNV in the rat. Methods A laser injury model was used to induce experimental CNV in rats. The transit and accumulation of the photosensitizer verteporfin was assessed angiographically in CNV lesions, to determine the optimal time for delivery of light energy. The CNV lesions were then treated with verteporfin PDT, with two doses of verteporfin (3.0 and 6.0 mg/m(2)) and four activating doses of light energy (10, 25, 50, and 100 J/cm(2)). Closure of the CNV was assessed both angiographically and histologically. Verteporfin PDT was also performed on areas of normal choroid and retina at the two verteporfin doses and four light energy doses. The effect of these treatments on these structures was also assessed angiographically and histologically. Results Peak verteporfin intensities in the CNV were detected at 15 to 20 minutes after intravenous injection. Rates of closure of the CNV varied as a function of the dose of verteporfin and of the activating light energy. Angiographic closure of the CNV correlated with damage to the neovascular complex, as seen with light and electron microscopy. Damage to areas of normal choroid and retina treated with verteporfin PDT also varied as a function of the verteporfin and light energy doses. Conclusions Verteporfin PDT for experimental CNV in the rat is a feasible, effective, and reproducible model that can be used for testing the efficacy of adjunctive therapy to verteporfin PDT.
Cross-sectional areas of mid-ocean ridge axes bounding the Easter and Juan Fernandez microplates

We have calculated cross-sectional areas for the ridges bounding the Easter and Juan Fernandez microplates, 22°–28°S and 31°–35°S, obtaining accurate results where complete bathymetric data exist and estimates in other regions with partial bathymetric coverage and predicted bathymetry. We consider the reliability and usefulness of global predicted bathymetry in these calculations and the possible application of this dataset in other localities. The spreading rates on ridges bounding these microplates span the range from slow to superfast, allowing an investigation of ridge axis inflation over most of the rates active on Earth today. The across-axis areas of the Easter microplate ridge axes range from −29 km2 to 7 km2, while the Juan Fernandez ridge axis areas range from −27 km2 to 8 km2. Positive values correlate with regions usually interpreted as magmatically robust. Negative values arise from calculations in areas of propagating rift tips and deep grabens, such as Pito and Endeavor Deeps. Geochemical trends of Easter microplate axial basalts show decreasing MgO toward propagating rift tips and slight positive correlations between variables such as MgO vs. cross-sectional area, Na8.0 vs. axial depth, and Na8.0 vs. cross-sectional area. We document the decrease in the axial area approaching segment ends and propagating rift tips along both the West and East ridges of the microplates. On the Easter microplate both East and West ridge systems undergo large variations in spreading rate from >130 km Myr−1 to <50 km Myr−1. Inflation on these ridge segments is highly variable and only weakly correlated with spreading rate. On the Juan Fernandez microplate, West ridge spreading rates vary only between ∼115–140 km Myr−1 and are systematically faster than on the East ridge, where rates vary between ∼10–35 km Myr−1. Cross axis areas are systematically greater and significantly less variable on the faster spreading West ridge. Overall, compared to oceanic spreading centers bounding major plates with similar spreading rates, the axial areas are smaller on the microplate ridge systems, possibly because their rapidly changing configurations create a lag in the mantle response to the rigid plate boundary.
Sex differences in 90-day outcomes after mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke

Background It is largely unknown whether functional outcomes after mechanical thrombectomy for large vessel occlusion (LVO) ischemic strokes differ by sex in non-clinical trial populations. We investigated sex differences in 90-day outcomes among ischemic stroke patients receiving mechanical thrombectomy. Methods This was a prospective cohort of adults treated with mechanical thrombectomy for LVO at a single academic comprehensive stroke center from July 2015 to April 2017. Data on independence (mRS ≤2) at hospital discharge and 90 days were collected prospectively. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine the association between sex and 90-day independence, first adjusting for demographics, pre-stroke mRS, and NIHSS, then by co-morbidities and time to thrombectomy, and finally by vessel recanalization and use of intravenous thrombolysis. Results We included 279 patients, 52% of whom were female. Compared with males, females were older (median years (IQR) 81 (75–88) vs. 71.5 (60–81), P Conclusions In patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy for LVOs at a large comprehensive stroke center, females were less likely to be independent at 90 days. Future research should investigate contributors to poor outcomes post-discharge in females with LVOs, along with potential interventions to improve outcomes.
Approach-based Comparative and Predictor Analysis of 30-day Readmission, Reoperation, and Morbidity in Patients Undergoing Lumbar Interbody Fusion Using the ACS-NSQIP Dataset.

STUDY DESIGN A retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine the difference in 30-day readmission, reoperation, and morbidity for patients undergoing either posterior or anterior lumbar interbody fusion. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Despite increasing utilization of lumbar interbody fusion to treat spinal pathology, few studies compare outcomes by surgical approach, particularly using large nationally represented cohorts. METHODS Patients who underwent lumbar interbody fusion were identified using the NSQIP database. Rates of readmission, reoperation, morbidity, and associated predictors were compared between posterior/transforaminal (PLIF/TLIF) and anterior/lateral (ALIF/LLIF) lumbar interbody fusion using multivariate regression. Bonferroni-adjusted alpha-levels were utilized whereby variables were significant if their P values were less than the alpha-level or trending if their P values were between 0.05 and the alpha-level. RESULTS We identified 26,336 patients. PLIF/TLIF had greater operative time (P = 0.015), transfusion (P < 0.001), UTI (P = 0.008), and stroke/CVA (P = 0.026), but lower prolonged ventilation (P < 0.001) and DVT (P = 0.002) rates than ALIF/LLIF. PLIF/TLIF independently predicted greater morbidity on multivariate analysis (odds ratio: 1.155, P = 0.0019).In both groups, experiencing a complication and, in PLIF/TLIF, ASA-class ≥3 predicted readmission (P < 0.001). Increased age trended toward readmission in ALIF/LLIF (P = 0.003); increased white cell count (P = 0.003), dyspnea (P = 0.030), and COPD (P = 0.005) trended in PLIF/TLIF. In both groups, increased hospital stay and wound/site-related complication predicted reoperation (P < 0.001). Adjunctive posterolateral fusion predicted reduced reoperation in ALIF/LLIF (P = 0.0018). ASA-class ≥3 (P = 0.016) and age (P = 0.021) trended toward reoperation in PLIF/TLIF and ALIF/LLIF, respectively. In both groups, age, hospital stay, reduced hematocrit, dyspnea, ASA-class ≥3, posterolateral fusion, and revision surgery and, in PLIF/TLIF, bleeding disorder predicted morbidity (P < 0.001). Female sex (P = 0.010), diabetes (P = 0.042), COPD (P = 0.011), and disseminated cancer (P = 0.032) trended toward morbidity in PLIF/TLIF; obesity trended in PLIF/TLIF (P = 0.0022) and ALIF/LLIF (P = 0.020). CONCLUSION PLIF/TLIF was associated with a 15.5% increased odds of morbidity; readmission and reoperation were similar between approaches. Older age, higher ASA-class, and specific comorbidities predicted poorer 30-day outcomes, while procedural-related factors predicted only morbidity. These findings can guide surgical approach given specific factors. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3.
Utilization Patterns, Efficacy, and Complications of Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis Strategies in Primary Hip and Knee Arthroplasty as Reported by American Board of Orthopedic Surgery Part II Candidates.

Abstract Background Many strategies for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis following hip and knee arthroplasty exist, with extensive controversy regarding the optimum strategy to minimize risk of VTE and bleeding complications. Data from the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery Part II (oral) Examination case list database was analyzed to determine efficacy, complication rates, and prescribing patterns for different prophylactic strategies. Methods The American Board of Orthopedic Surgery case database was queried utilizing Current Procedural Terminology codes 27447 and 27130 for primary total knee and hip arthroplasty, respectively. Geographic region, patient age, gender, deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis strategy, and complications were obtained. Less aggressive prophylaxis patterns were considered if only aspirin and/or sequential compression devises were utilized. More aggressive VTE prophylaxis patterns were considered if any of low-molecular-weight heparin (enoxaparin), warfarin, rivaroxaban, fondaparinux, or other strategies was used. Results In total, 22,072 cases of primary joint arthroplasty were analyzed from 2014 to 2016. The national rate of less aggressive VTE prophylaxis strategies was 45.4%, while more aggressive strategies were used in 54.6% of patients. Significant regional differences in prophylactic strategy patterns exist between the 6 regions. The predominant less aggressive prophylaxis pattern was aspirin with sequential compression devises at 84.8% with 14.8% receiving aspirin alone. Use of less aggressive prophylaxis strategy was significantly associated with patients having no complications (95.5% vs 93.0%). Use of more aggressive prophylaxis patterns was associated with higher likelihood of mild thrombotic (0.9% vs 0.2%), mild bleeding (1.3% vs 0.4%), moderate thrombotic (1.2% vs 0.4%), moderate bleeding (2.7% vs 2.1%), severe thrombotic (0.1% vs 0.0%), severe bleeding events (1.2% vs 0.9%), infections (1.9% vs 1.3%), and death within 90 days (0.7% vs 0.3%). Similar results were found in subgroup analysis of total hip and knee arthroplasty patients. Conclusion It was not possible to ascertain the individual rationale for use of more aggressive VTE prophylaxis strategies; however, more aggressive strategies were associated with higher rates of bleeding and thrombotic complications. Less aggressive strategies were not associated with a higher rate of thrombosis. Level of Evidence Therapeutic Level III. Disclaimer All views expressed in the study are the sole views of the authors and do not represent the views of the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery.