cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
P-014 arts (ace-retriever technique for stroke): initial clinical experience

Background The development of a new generation of highly navigable large bore aspiration catheters and retriever devices, dedicated to the revascularization of large intracranial vessel occlusions in the context of acute ischemic stroke (AIS), has improved recanalization rates and time, with significant impact on clinical outcomes. We report a retrospectively collected clinical data utilizing a new recanalization technique based on combined large lumen aspiration catheter and partially resheathed stent retrievers for thrombectomy (ARTS: ACE-Retriever Technique for Stroke). Methods A retrospective data analysis was performed to identify patients with acute ischemic stroke treated at our institution with ARTS for occluded large cerebral vessels recanalization. The study was conducted between July 2013 and October 2014 at a single high volume stroke center. Procedural and clinical data were captured for analysis, including recanalization rate, post-treatment National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, discharge 90 day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score, and mortality. Results 40 patients (average age of 64.5 years, range 90–20 years; 24 F:16 M) were found that met the inclusion criteria for this retrospective study. The ARTS was successful in achieving Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) 2b or 3 revascularization in 97.5% of cases (TICI 2b = 18 pts, TICI 3 = 21 pts). The average time from groin puncture to at least TICI 2b recanalization was 62 min. In patients with successful recanalization, admitted with median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of 16.7 (6.0–29.0), was observed a value improvement to a median NIHSS score at discharge of 3.4 (0–13.0). In eight patients (20%), the association of a carotid bifurcation severe stenosis/occlusion and intracranial large vessel occlusion (tandem lesions), required a carotid stent deployment along the cervical segment of the internal carotid artery. A 3 month follow-up Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) value of 0–2 was observed in 48.5% of the successfully treated patients (average 2.6). Two patients were lost to follow-up. No procedure related deaths were observed. Conclusions Mechanical thrombectomy utilizing combined 5 MAX ACE aspiration catheter and Stent Retrievers Technique for Stroke treatment (ARTS) is a fast, safe and effective method for endovascular recanalization of large vessel occlusions presenting within the context of AIS. Disclosures F. Massari: None. N. Henninger: None. J. Lozano: None. M. Howk: None. M. Perras: None. C. Brooks: None. M. Gounis: 1; C; NIH, Philips Healthcare, Covidien, Codman, Stryker, Wyss Institute, Tay Sachs Foundation. 2; C; Stryker (fee per hour). A. Wakhloo: 1; C; Philips Medical. 2; C; Stryker. 3; C; Harvard Postgraduate Course, Miami Baptist Vascular Institute. A. Puri: 1; C; Stryker. 2; C; Codman, Covidien.
Theory for optimization of two-photon-resonant sum-frequency mixing in Hg

Previously we showed1 that two-photon-resonant sum- and difference-frequency mixing in Hg vapor is a practical means of generating coherent light over the 140-120- and 230-185-nm wavelength ranges. Here we consider optimization of the conversion efficiency for such a two-photon-resonant mixing process in general and for generation of 130.2-nm atomic oxygen resonance light in particular. We predict that conversion efficiencies (defined as the energy of the sum frequency divided by the total input light energy) of 5-10% should be possible for 130.2-nm production using unfocused mixing beams. This prediction is being tested in experiments at Spectra Technologies, Inc. Their results are described in a companion paper.
The Half Empty Question for Socio-Cognitive Interventions.

The studies in this special section of the Journal of Educational Psychology present a variety of social−psychological interventions across large numbers of classrooms and populations. They show notable benefits for many students at risk for low performance. This is the glass half-full interpretation, and we consider the strengths of the articles from this vantage. When viewed collectively, however, the results also raise a number of basic questions, the most pressing of which is, why do the interventions only benefit a particular population, when there are reasons to believe most students might benefit? This is the glass half-empty interpretation. We consider the limitations of each study from this vantage. We argue that although these studies provide important contributions, in all cases better measures and theories are necessary. We identify two related questions for the field: Why do these interventions show selective effects and fail to generalize to all students? Second, why do these very different interventions, presumably involving different psychological mechanisms, consistently result in similar selective effects? To answer these questions, a grand challenge for the field is to develop better instrumentation that can capture relevant behaviors and attitudes over time, and how these vary across context and population. With improved instrumentation, efficacy studies could rest on a much stronger foundation that would yield more confidence as to the broad benefits and replicability of large-scale social–cognitive interventions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)
The dynamics of bidirectional thought

ABSTRACTHigh-level judgement and decision-making tasks display dynamic bidirectional relationships in which salient cues determine how responses are evaluated by decision-makers, and these responses in turn determine the cues that are considered. In this paper, we propose Kosko's bidirectional associative memory (BAM) network, a minimal two-layer recurrent neural network, as a mathematically tractable toy model with which the properties of existing bidirectional models, and the behavioural implications of these properties, can be studied. We first derive results regarding the dynamics of the BAM network, and then show how these results can be used to provide an analytically sound explanation for a number of important findings, including coherence shifts in judgement and choice, anchoring effects, and reference point effects.
Revision of the genus Pselaphomorphus Motschulsky, 1855 (Staphylinidae, Pselaphinae: Jubini). Corrections.

In my revision of the genus Pselaphomorphus Motschulsky, 1855 (Vasquez-Velez 2016) the depository of the holotype of P. cayennensis Vasquez-Velez, 2016 was not listed. As a result, the requirements of Article 16.4.2 of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature 1999) have not been met, making the name unavailable. This note aims at correcting the earlier mistake: the holotype of P. cayennensis is deposited at the Museum of natural history ( Museum d’histoire naturelle ), Geneva, Switzerland.
Metabolic Effects of Endotoxin

Endotoxins, derived from gram-negative organisms, elicit a variety of effects in the host. Notable among these are the immunologic and anti-tumor effects, disseminated intravascular coagulopathies, the release of a large array of leukocyte-derived mediators, metabolic and endocrine alterations, etc. Many of these effects have been discussed extensively elsewhere in this monograph e.g., immunologic, anti-tumor effects, mediators. The aim of this communication is to briefly summarize the metabolic alterations affecting carbohydrate homeostasis following endotoxin administration. We will focus primarily on experimental results obtained in our own laboratories, fully recognizing that major contributions by other laboratories have continuously modified our own thinking.
Masturbatory Behavior in College Youth

AbstractA number of areas of investigation are relevant to the consideration of adolescent and young adult masturbatory practices. First it is necessary to determine the incidences and rates of the activity. Currently there is a genuine lack of data on masturbatory incidences and frequencies and thus a need to do some “social accounting.” How common is masturbation among contemporary youth? How frequently do they masturbate? These are the principle questions addressed in this paper. In addition to incidences and rates, we examine trends in masturbatory conduct: do the incidences and frequencies of the activity change over time? The specific time periods that are examined are (1) retrospectively reported high school masturbatory behavior and (2) masturbation during each year in college.
Flexible and transparent pH monitoring system with NFC communication for wound monitoring applications

This paper reports on a non-invasive, flexible, and wireless pH sensing system for monitoring wound healing progress and identifying the possibility of infection at an early stage. The device consists of a disposable, flexible pH sensor interfaced with a custom-designed, flexible, battery-less and reusable wireless (13.5 MHz, near field communication) data transmitting platform. The sensing electrodes are fabricated by low-cost direct laser scribing of ITO films, resulting in optically transparent sensors which allows for visual inspection of the wound. The sensor accurately measures a physiologically relevant range of pH 4–10 with an average sensitivity of −55 mV/pH.
Reduction of Mechanical Sensitivity in Alkyl Nitrate Explosives through Efficient Crystal Packing

We report the nitration of tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane to tris(nitromethyl)-aminomethane (2) and its corresponding hydrogen chloride (3) and hydrogen bromide (4) salts. While both 3 and 4 conglomerate into tetramers, there are significant differences in the packing of those tetrameric units. In both 3 and 4 the tetrameric units arrange in a hexagonal pattern, but in 3 the units adopt alternating orientations leading to severe interlocking of the alkyl nitrate groups. This ultimately leads to a 2-fold decrease in the mechanical sensitivity of 4 relative to 3 and suggests that utilizing anion size may lead to more efficient packing arrangements and reduced mechanical sensitivity in energetic salts.
Abstract 1483: Alteration of miR-186 expression modifies inflammatory markers in normal epithelial and prostate cancer cell models

Dysregulation of miRNAs and chronic inflammation are strongly implicated in the development of various malignancies, including prostate cancer (PCa). Previously, our lab identified several inflammatory and immune response sequence variants in CCL5 and CCR5 significantly modified PCa risk. Recently, we propose an oncogenic role for miR-186-5p based on its up-regulation in serum from PCa patients and metastatic PCa cell lines. Moreover, miR-186-5p inhibition reduced proliferation, anchorage independent growth and invasion in metastatic PC cells (PC3, MDA-PCA-2b). We hypothesize dysregulation of inflammatory and immune response markers may enhance immune surveillance leading to a reduced aggressive tumor phenotype. Following modulations in miRNA-186 levels in normal prostate epithelial (RWPE1) and metastatic PCa (PC3) cell lines, we evaluated alterations in mRNA expression using micro-array analysis. Ectopic expression of miRNA-186 in the RWPE1 resulted in a 1.3-2.6-fold down-regulation in TLR2, IRAK2, CCL20, IL1RAP, IL1RAP, IL15, and IL17RD (FDR p-value â‰¥7.8x10-06). Whereas, inhibition of miR-186 in PC3 cells corresponded with a 1.4-fold up-regulation of IL18R1 (p=0.0095). Notably, these inflammatory markers are involved in cell invasion (TLR2), apoptosis (IL17RD), tumorigenesis (TLR2, IRAK2) and autoimmune diseases (CCL20). Validation of these targets is underway using qRT-PCR, western blots and luciferase reporter assays. We will assess the mechanism by which these miR-186 targets suppress aggressive cancer behavior using knock-out and knock-in cell and ultimately animal models. Future studies may identify inflammatory targets that may guide immune therapies for the effective treatment of aggressive prostate cancer. Citation Format: Suman Suman, Dominique Z. Jones-Reed, M. L. Schmidt, Geoffrey J. Clark, Carolyn Klinge, Shirish Barve, Kevin S. Kimbro, La Creis R. Kidd. Alteration of miR-186 expression modifies inflammatory markers in normal epithelial and prostate cancer cell models [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1483. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-1483
Abstract 6149: Relationship of Metabolic Syndrome to Incident Aortic Valve Calcium and Aortic Valve Calcium Progression: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) recently has been associated with increased risks for prevalent aortic valve calcium (AVC), aortic stenosis progression, and bioprosthetic aortic valve degeneration. However, it is not known whether MetS is associated with increased risks for the development of new (“incident”) AVC or for progression of established AVC, as assessed by serial computed tomography (CT) scans. The relationships of MetS or its components, as well as of diabetes mellitus (DM) to risks for incident AVC or AVC progression were studied among participants with CT scans performed at baseline and at either Year 2 or Year 3 examinations in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA). Of 5,723 MESA participants meeting criteria for inclusion, 1,674 had MetS by Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) III criteria, while 761 had DM. Among the 5,123 participants without baseline AVC, risks for incident (“new”) AVC were increased significantly for MetS in men (adjusted OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.24 to 3.00) or DM (adjusted OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.35 to 3.83), but not in women. Among the 600 participants with baseline AVC, MetS was associated with significantly increased AVC progression in men [median Agatston AVC score increase = 13.1 (95% CI 3.4 to 26.5) Agatston units/year, p
Racial/Ethnic Differences in Prevalence Trends for Heroin use and Non-Medical use of Prescription Opioids Among Entrants to Opioid Treatment Programs, 2005–2016

Recent data suggest an increase in use of heroin and non-medical use of prescription opioids (POs) in the United States, but it is unclear if these trends are consistent across racial/ethnic groups. In a nationwide prevalence study, 69,140 patients newly admitted to an opioid treatment program (OTP) completed a brief self-administered survey of past month heroin use and PO misuse from January 2005 through September 2016. We calculated heroin use and PO misuse prevalence rates, and prevalence rate ratios of Black and Latino OTP entrants compared to White entrants over time. Initially, Black and Latino respondents reported much higher prevalence of heroin use and much lower prevalence of PO misuse than White respondents. Heroin use increased among White respondents, while it decreased among Black respondents, resulting in rates that were no longer significantly different. PO misuse prevalence decreased among White respondents while it increased among Black respondents, but remained significantly higher among White respondents. Heroin use decreased and PO misuse increased among Latino respondents during the late 2000s, but these trends largely reversed in more recent years. Among OTP entrants, racially/ethnically disparate rates of heroin use, and to a lesser extent, of PO misuse have become more similar over time. These trends were stronger when analysis was restricted to OTP entrants who either had no previous OTP history or were younger. To understand potential impacts of interventions to deter PO misuse and to maximize the effectiveness of OTPs it is important to consider potential changes in opioid use across racial/ethnic groups.
Recurrence of IgA nephropathy after kidney transplantation in steroid continuation versus early steroid‐withdrawal regimens: a retrospective analysis of the UNOS/OPTN database

In the past 20 years, there has been an increase in use of steroid-withdrawal regimens in kidney transplantation. However, steroid withdrawal may be associated with an increased risk of recurrent IgA nephropathy (IgAN). Using United Network of (Organ Sharing/Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network) UNOS/OPTN data, we analyzed adult patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) due to IgAN who received their first kidney transplant between 2000 and 2014. For the primary outcome, we used a competing risk analysis to compare the cumulative incidence of graft loss due to IgAN recurrence between early steroid-withdrawal (ESW) and steroid continuation groups. The secondary outcomes were patient survival and death-censored graft survival (DCGS). A total of 9690 recipients were included (2831 in ESW group and 6859 in steroid continuation group). In total, 1238 recipients experienced graft loss, of which 191 (15.43%) were due to IgAN recurrence. In multivariable analysis, steroid use was associated with a decreased risk of recurrence (subdistribution hazard ratio 0.666, 95% CI 0.482-0.921; P = 0.014). Patient survival and DCGS were not different between the two groups. In the USA, ESW in transplant for ESRD due to IgAN is associated with a higher risk of graft loss due to disease recurrence. Future prospective studies are warranted to further address which patients with IgAN would benefit from steroid continuation.
A Supercluster of Neutralizing Epitopes at the Interface of Ricin's Enzymatic (RTA) and Binding (RTB) Subunits.

As part of an effort to engineer ricin antitoxins and immunotherapies, we previously produced and characterized a collection of phage-displayed, heavy chain-only antibodies (VHHs) from alpacas that had been immunized with ricin antigens. In our initial screens, we identified nine VHHs directed against ricin toxin’s binding subunit (RTB), but only one, JIZ-B7, had toxin-neutralizing activity. Linking JIZ-B7 to different VHHs against ricin’s enzymatic subunit (RTA) resulted in several bispecific antibodies with potent toxin-neutralizing activity in vitro and in vivo. JIZ-B7 may therefore be an integral component of a future VHH-based neutralizing agent (VNA) for ricin toxin. In this study, we now localize, using competitive ELISA, JIZ-B7’s epitope to a region of RTB’s domain 2 sandwiched between the high-affinity galactose/N-acetylgalactosamine (Gal/GalNAc)-binding site and the boundary of a neutralizing hotspot on RTA known as cluster II. Analysis of additional RTB (n = 8)- and holotoxin (n = 4)-specific VHHs from a recent series of screens identified a “supercluster” of neutralizing epitopes at the RTA-RTB interface. Among the VHHs tested, toxin-neutralizing activity was most closely associated with epitope proximity to RTA, and not interference with RTB’s ability to engage Gal/GalNAc receptors. We conclude that JIZ-B7 is representative of a larger group of potent toxin-neutralizing antibodies, possibly including many described in the literature dating back several decades, that recognize tertiary and possibly quaternary epitopes located at the RTA-RTB interface and that target a region of vulnerability on ricin toxin.
The Sixth Transmembrane Segment Is a Major Gating Component of the TMEM16A Calcium-Activated Chloride Channel

Calcium-activated chloride channels (CaCCs) formed by TMEM16A or TMEM16B are broadly expressed in the nervous system, smooth muscles, exocrine glands, and other tissues. With two calcium-binding sites and a pore within each monomer, the dimeric CaCC exhibits voltage-dependent calcium sensitivity. Channel activity also depends on the identity of permeant anions. To understand how CaCC regulates neuronal signaling and how CaCC is, in turn, modulated by neuronal activity, we examined the molecular basis of CaCC gating. Here, we report that voltage modulation of TMEM16A-CaCC involves voltage-dependent occupancy of calcium- and anion-binding site(s) within the membrane electric field as well as a voltage-dependent conformational change intrinsic to the channel protein. These gating modalities all critically depend on the sixth transmembrane segment.
Holistic Leadership: A New Paradigm for Fulfilled Leaders

This chapter presents a holistic approach to the art and science of leadership. Traditional approaches to leadership rarely provide any permeating or systematic framework to garner a sense of higher purpose or nurture deeper moral and spiritual dimensions of leaders. Learning to be an effective leader requires an integral transformation on the continuum of self, spirit, and service. Holistic leadership fosters the integral development of a leader’s personality in all its dimensions—physical, psychological, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual. It is a moral and spiritual journey whose guiding compass is found within a leader’s soul. The first step in that journey is marked by self-knowledge. Guided by self-knowledge, holistic leaders express their authentic self in all that they do and attain fulfillment by serving for the good of others.
Parkinson’s Disease in Humans and in Nonhuman Primate Aging and Neurotoxin Models

Abstract In the last decade, our understanding of Parkinson's disease (PD) has significantly changed. As such, PD modeling and testing in nonhuman primates (NHPs) is evolving too. In this chapter, we describe how PD is envisioned today and how to translate this perspective to our review of available aging and neurotoxin NHP models of PD. Typical motor and nonmotor features and neurodegenerative changes in humans with PD are described, as are prodromal symptoms that may identify a preclinical stage of the disease. As old age is the single largest risk factor for developing PD, the effect of aging on NHPs and their susceptibility to neurotoxic agents has been investigated in relationship to PD susceptibility. Studied in both Old World and New World monkeys, PD symptoms can be mimicked by the neurotoxins 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) or 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-pyridine (MPTP). Depending on their method of administration, these neurotoxins produce PD models that differ in some of the symptoms, extent, and stability. MPTP models are the most frequently used to reproduce the typical levodopa-responsive parkinsonian motor syndrome associated with dopamine depletion in the nigrostriatal system. They have been widely used in evaluating PD therapies. Increased awareness regarding PD complexity has driven the reevaluation of these models, looking for clues on understanding nonmotor symptoms and mechanisms of neurodegeneration.
Clinical Importance of Blood Cultures

The presence of bacteremia and fungemia is an indication of the failure of the host’s immune system to localize infection at its primary focus or of the physician’s failure to remove, drain, or sterilize that focus. This article reviews the ability of the microbiology laboratory to detect bloodstream infections quickly and efficiently.
The Forensic Stage: Arguing behind closed doors

Characters in New Comedy sometimes convene to discuss epiklerate marriages and to argue over the necessity of divorce. Smikrines in Act 1 of Aspis reports the advice of friends that he should marry an epikleros (184-86); in Act n, he discusses the issue with his brother. Another Smikrines, this one appearing in a lacunose scene of Epitrepontes , discusses divorce with his son-in-law (637–99); in the following act, father and daughter take up the issue. In the opening scene of Stichus , Antipho reports that friends have advised him to dissolve his daughters5 marriages (128); he relays this information to his children while urging them to divorce. The characters in these scenes typically dispute the competing claims of law and fairness. Do their arguments reflect those used “behind closed doors” in Athens – or are they dramatically idiosyncratic and distortions of social and legal realities? In an earlier chapter we examined arguments used in private arbitrations and reconciliations in Athens. We concluded that disputants may have used arguments of fairness more frequently in cases where they sought compensation above restitution and where the law did not seem to cover an alleged offense (chapter 3.1.C). Not all out-of-court settlements in the orators, however, carry along with them the paraphernalia of arbitration; frequently settlements are alluded to without mentioning the presence of a mediating figure. Often they are presented as bribery; occasionally a different basis for agreement can be glimpsed. By incorporating such instances as these into our quarry of evidence, we enlarge our material for comparison with the private arrangements made by the disputants of New Comedy.
Explaining accommodation and resistance in Kentucky

A primary tenet of critical theory is that capitalism and economicinequality produces crimes of resistance and crimes of accommodation andthus excessive social control. Although most tests of this paradigm focus onthe urban poor or people of color as oppressed groups, this paper addressesKentucky counties as aggregate groups suffering from industrial exploitation,economic oppression and excessive social control. We hypothesize that thecapitalist exploitation and colonization of the region's natural resources willlead to crimes of resistance, or marijuana cultivation, and crimes ofaccommodation, or child maltreatment. Findings reveal that exploitativeeconomic conditions within Kentucky counties increase marijuanaproduction while only physical exploitation of the labor force affects childmaltreatment.
Toward a Science of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory and Practice

The aim of this chapter is to propose how clinical psychology and especially psychotherapy can be practiced as a scientific profession rather than as an art. Clinical psychology and psychotherapy practices may reach a scientific level, provided there are changes in these mental health disciplines from an artistic/charlatan to a professional/scientific paradigm. The former paradigm has dominantly governed, uncritically condoned, predominantly controlled, and even encouraged and valued those artistic practices in the last century. The latter professional/scientific paradigm, advocated in this chapter and in this entire volume, requires an objective evaluation of interventions based on replicable, cumulative standard operating procedures.
INDOOR AIRPOLLUTANTS ANDRESPIRATORY HEALTH IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (UAE)

Background and Aims:In the last forty years, the UAE has undergone rapid transition to become an industrialized nation. Little is known about theindoor air pollutant exposures and potential health ...
Quantitative Fundus Autofluorescence in Smokers Compared to Non-smokers

Abstract Increased fundus autofluorescence is directly related to increased RPE lipofuscin deposition in the retina and has been observed in eyes with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Smoking is the most significant modifiable risk factor for the development and progression of AMD, in which one of the main mechanisms is oxidative damage from smoking leading to RPE cell toxicity. The relationship between smoking and autofluorescence is not established and could provide insight into pathogenic mechanism of AMD. Therefore, our objective was to compare quantitative fundus autofluorescence (qAF) in the retinae of healthy non-smokers to smokers. We conducted a cross-sectional study at the 2016 Minnesota State Fair. Participants self-reported past medical and ocular history and underwent eye examination as well as qAF imaging with Spectralis confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope (cSLO) equipped with an internal fluorescent reference. Two sets of images were obtained per eye. Stepwise multiple mixed effects regression model was used to examine the relationship between mean qAF values and smoking status. We enrolled 105 individuals (54 smokers, 61 females, mean age 41 years with range 18–78 years old). Fundus autofluorescence images were analyzable for 85 of 105 individuals contributing 161 eyes (80 right, 81 left). The repeatability coefficients between the first set and second set of images were ±21% of their mean qAF values. Older age and female gender were independently associated with higher qAF. Positive smoking history tended to result in higher qAF values after adjusting for age and gender but was not statistically significant (0.118, 95%CI -0.003, 0.240, P = 0.056). Among smokers, the number of pack-years smoked was not significantly associated with higher qAF. Our study's results are consistent with existing literature in which older age is predictive of intensified autofluorescence, while smoking history does not have as important of an impact on autofluorescence as hypothesized. Several large epidemiological studies have shown that smoking is significantly associated with AMD, and qAF is likely not the appropriate modality to clinically assess smoking's impact on retinae.
An Exploration of Quality Service in Brewing Sector

ABSTRACTOver the past three decades, there has been a spectacular change in the industrial performance and composition of the US brewing industry. Although the industry has faced conflicting report...
Advice taking by groups: The effects of consensus seeking and member opinion differences:

Individuals often underutilize the advice they receive from others, a phenomenon known as egocentric advice discounting. Recent research suggests that this tendency may be even stronger in groups (...
Retention loss of reversed-phase chromatographic columns using 100% aqueous mobile phases from fundamental insights to best practice.

Abstract This work deals with experimental investigations pertaining to the impact of chemical (electrolyte concentration from 0 to 100 mM, dissolved nitrogen gas from 0 to 6.7 × 10 − 4 M in water; surface chemistry including hexylphenyl, polyphenyl, C30, C18, and C8; surface coverage in C18-bonded chains from 1.5 to 3.5 µmol/m2; presence of surface dopant), physical (hydrostatic pressure of water from 50 to 500 bar; temperature from 27 ∘C to 75 ∘C), and structural parameters (average pore size from 50 A to 400 A; pore connectivity) on the dewetting kinetics of water from the hydrophobic mesopores of particles packed in RPLC columns. The results are explained from physico-chemical viewpoints involving intrusion and extrusion Laplace pressures, advancing and receding contact angles, surface tension of water, vapor pressure of water, 3D reconstruction of the actual mesoporous structure, pore connectivity, and the hysteresis in nitrogen adsorption and desorption isotherm onto reversed-phase chromatographic materials. A model of water dewetting consistent with the observations and the physical interpretations is then proposed. Finally, the most relevant practical solutions (pressurizing the column in absence of flow, pore size enlargement, using phenyl-bonded phase, polar embedded or surface doped C18-bonded phases, reducing the C18 surface coverage, doping the silica surface, lengthening of the alkyl-bonded chains, applying low temperatures, purging and degassing the mobile phase with helium gas) are suggested in order to eliminate or at least minimize the retention loss of RPLC columns when using fully aqueous mobile phases.
Assessment of Ecosystem Services and Capabilities of Communities from different Scales and Niches - Implications on Sustainability Goals

Ecosystems are complex compendia of biotic and abiotic components and characterized by exchanges of energy and mass. Via the actions and functions of the resident components which assemble into communities, ecosystems provide both direct/indirect tangible and intangible services to human society as well as the natural world. This holds true for ecosystems which cut across various scales and niches. Various frameworks have been devised to categorize and evaluate the services provided by ecosystems and/or their components. In this study, the services elicited by three specific communities occupying different ecosystem niches and having distinct scalar resolution are assessed. Firstly, the microbial communities which reside in the mammalian gut ecosystem, the microbial communities in the soil and the indigenous/local communities who inhabit the ecosystems comprising their traditional landscapes. Further, the roles and functions of these diverse communities, separated by scale and mostly and largely contributing to the homeostasis and functionality of their corresponding ecosystems, are evaluated. The services rendered by these communities are then mapped to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Finally, the importance of these communities in maximizing social, economic and ecological capital is pointed out.
A Capacity-Aware Distributed Denial-of-Service Attack in Low-Power and Lossy Networks

Low-Power and Lossy Network (LLN) is composed of embedded devices with limited power, memory, and processing resources. LLN has a wide variety of applications including industrial monitoring, connected home, health care, urban sensor networks and environmental monitoring. LLN uses Routing Protocol for Low-power and lossy networks (RPL) protocol. The RPL maintains directed acyclic graphs for routing packets. By exploiting some features, a Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attack can be conducted easily. DDoS attacks are very popular and well studied in the context of the Internet, but not in the context of LLNs. In this paper, we propose a powerful DDoS attack framework in LLNs. We formulate the attack as an optimization problem for selecting an optimal set of attackers and their targeted neighbors constrained by a limited link bandwidth. We propose an optimal solution by transforming the optimization problem into a max-flow problem. We provide simulations to support our model.
Theoretical Impact of Manufacturing Tolerance on Lithium-Ion Electrode and Cell Physical Properties

The range of electrode porosity, electrode internal void volume, cell capacity, and capacity ratio that result from electrode coating and calendering tolerance can play a considerable role in cell-to-cell and lot-to-lot performance variation. Based on a coating loading tolerance of ±0.4 mg/cm2 and calender tolerance of ±3.0 μm, the resulting theoretical range of physical properties was investigated. For a target positive electrode porosity of 30%, the resulting porosity can range from 19.6% to 38.6%. To account for this variation during the manufacturing process, as much as 41% excess or as little as 59% of the target electrolyte quantity should be added to cells to match the positive electrode void volume. Similar results are reported for a negative electrode of 40% target porosity, where a range from 30.8% to 48.0% porosity is possible. For the negative electrode as little as 72% up to 28% excess electrolyte should be added to fill the internal void space. Although the results are specific to each electrode composition, density, chemistry, and loading the presented process highlight the possible variability of the produced parts. These results are further magnified as cell design moves toward higher power applications with thinner electrode coatings.
Individual Participation in Organizational Information Commons

This research extended earlier public goods research on individual incentives to use an organizational information commons that was based in Marwell and Oliver's (1993) collective action model. A revised theoretical model that incorporated team-level social influence and technology-specific competence was proposed. The model was tested using online survey data from 150 individuals in 13 work groups across 5 organizations. The research demonstrated that perceived team member behavior and technology-specific competence were positively related to individual use of intranets, over and above the collective level influences modeled in earlier research. These findings supported a more “socialized” model of individuals' motivations to participate in organizational information sharing via collective repositories and suggested that management could boost levels of intranet usage through group level social influence and technology-specific training.
The Utility of Preoperative HbA1c as a Standardized Protocol in Elective Carpal Tunnel Release: A Retrospective Review of Clinical Outcomes:

Background: In an effort to reduce surgical complications, some institutions have implemented universal hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) screening for all preoperative patients. However, the value of HbA1c screening for predicting clinically meaningful complications after elective carpal tunnel release (CTR) remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinically meaningful predicative value of HbA1c screening on postoperative complications following elective CTR. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of 790 patients who underwent CTR was performed. All patients had an HbA1c screening performed, regardless of whether they underwent the diagnosis for diabetes or not. Primary outcomes were overall complication rate, rates of major complications (readmission or reoperation), and rates of minor complications (surgical site infection and wound dehiscence). Patients were stratified into 3 groups based on HbA1c: HbA1c 8. Results: The overall complication rate for all groups was 4.8%. Rates of major complications were 0.4% for readmission and 0.1% for reoperation. For minor complications, the odds ratio (OR) for the HbA1c 7-8 group was 0.6 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.14-1.77), and for the HbA1c >8 group, the OR was 1.6 (95% CI, 0.66-3.60). All minor complications resolved with outpatient treatment. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups for any comparisons. Conclusions: Elective CTR has a low complication rate. Routine preoperative screening of HbA1c is of little value in predicting clinically meaningful complications.
Outcomes and Health Care Resource Utilization of Adult Bacterial Meningitis in the United States.

Abstract Objective: To examine the longitudinal healthcare resource utilization of bacterial meningitis in the United States, quantify in-hospital mortality and the incidence of downstream complications. Methods: Using IBM MarketScan®, we retrieved data on adult patients with a diagnosis of bacterial meningitis admitted to a US hospital between 2008-2015. Patients were stratified into groups: (1) with/without prior head trauma/neurosurgical complications, (2) nosocomial/community acquisition, and (3) gram negative/positive bacteria. Cost data were collected for up to 2 years and analyzed with descriptive statistics and longitudinal modeling. Results: Among 4,496 patients with bacterial meningitis, 16.5% and 4.6% had preceding neurosurgical complications and head injuries, respectively. Lumbar punctures were performed in 37.3% of patients without prior trauma/complications who went on to develop nosocomial meningitis, and those with prior head injuries or complications had longer initial hospital stays (17.0 days vs. 8.0 days). Within a month of diagnosis, 29.2% of bacterial meningitis patients had experienced downstream complications, most commonly hydrocephalus (12.7%). The worst 30-day mortality was due to Tuberculous (12.3%) and Streptococcal meningitis (7.2%). Overall, prior head trauma and complications were associated with higher costs. Community-acquired bacterial meningitis had lower median baseline costs relative to the nosocomial group (no head trauma/complication: $17,152 vs. $82,778; head trauma/complication: $92,428 vs. $168,309) but higher median costs within 3 months of diagnosis (no head trauma/complication: $47,911 vs. $34,202; head trauma/complication: $89,207 vs. $58,947). All costs demonstrated a sharp decline thereafter. Conclusions: Bacterial meningitis remains costly and devastating, especially for those who experience traumatic head injuries or have a complicated progress after neurosurgery.
Small, Short, Oblique Patellar Tunnels for Patellar Fixation Do Not Increase Fracture Risk or Complications in MPFL Reconstruction: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background:Large (4.5 mm) and/or transpatellar bone tunnels have been associated with patellar fracture after medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction. To avoid this outcome, many surge...
Localization of the LQR Feedback Kernel in Spatially-Invariant Problems over Sobolev Spaces

We consider the LQR controller design problem for spatially-invariant systems on the real line where the state space is a Sobolev space. Such problems arise when dealing with systems describing wave or beam-bending motion. We demonstrate that the optimal state feedback is a spatial convolution operator with an exponentially decaying kernel, enabling implementation with a localized architecture. We generalize analogous results for the L 2 setting and provide a rigorous explanation of numerical results previously observed in the Sobolev space setting. The main tool utilized is a transformation from a Sobolev to an L 2 space, which is constructed from a spectral factorization of the spatial frequency weighting matrix of the Sobolev norm. We show the equivalence of the two problems in terms of the solvability conditions of the LQR problem. As a case study, we analyze the wave equation; we provide analytical expressions for the dependence of the decay rate of the optimal LQR feedback convolution kernel on wave speed and the LQR cost weights.
Unfavourable interactions enable stability

Use of polymer and small-molecule semiconductors with relatively poor miscibility helps the long-term stability of the morphology and photovoltaic performance of bulk heterojunction films used in organic solar cells.
Pogrom: Kishinev and the tilt of history: by Steven J. Zipperstein, New York, Liveright Publishing Corporation, 2018, 261 pp., $27.95 (hbk), ISBN: 978-1-63149-269-3

This book is much more than an examination of the 1903 pogrom in Kishinev. It is also an exploration of the afterlife of one incident of horrific anti-Jewish violence that helped to define public o...
Safety of MRI in the localization of implanted intracranial electrodes for refractory epilepsy.

Background and purpose This is an observational study to evaluate the safety of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to localize subdural grids and depth electrodes in patients with refractory epilepsy using a 1.5 Tesla MR scanner. Methods We implemented an optimized MRI protocol providing adequate image quality for the assessment of subdural grids and depth electrodes, while minimizing the specific absorption rate (SAR). We reviewed all MRI studies performed in patients with subdural grids and depth electrodes between January 2010 and October 2018. Image quality was graded as acceptable or nonacceptable for the assessment of intracranial device positioning. We reviewed the medical record and any imaging obtained after intracranial implant removal for adverse event or complication occurring during and after the procedure. Results Ninety-nine patients with refractory epilepsy underwent MRI scans using a magnetization-prepared rapid acquisition of gradient echo sequence and a transmit-receive head coil with depth electrodes and subdural grids in place. Two patients underwent two separate depth electrode implantations for a total of 101 procedures and MRI scans. No clinical adverse events were reported during or immediately after imaging. Image quality was graded as acceptable for 97 MRI scans. Review of follow-up CT and MRI studies after implant removal, available for 70 patients, did not demonstrate unexpected complications in 69 patients. Conclusion In our experience, a low SAR MRI protocol can be used to safely localize intracranial subdural grids and depth electrode in patients with refractory epilepsy.
Optimizing Social Distancing Policies: A Dynamic Programming Approach for Coupled High and Low Risk Populations

Abstract Background Decision makers may use social distancing to reduce transmission between risk groups in a pandemic scenario like Covid-19. However, it may result in both financial, mental, and social costs. Given these tradeoffs, it is unclear when and who needs to social distance over the course of a pandemic when policies are allowed to change dynamically over time and vary across different risk groups (e.g., older versus younger individuals face different Covid-19 risks). In this study, we examine the optimal time to implement social distancing to optimize social utility, using Covid-19 as an example. Methodology We propose using a Markov decision process (MDP) model that incorporates transmission dynamics of an age-stratified SEIR compartmental model to identify the optimal social distancing policy for each risk group over time. We parameterize the model using population-based tracking data on Covid-19 within the US. We compare results of two cases: allowing the social distancing policy to vary only over time, or over both time and population (by risk group). To examine the robustness of our results, we perform sensitivity analysis on patient costs, transmission rates, clearance rates, mortality rates. Results Our model framework can be used to effectively evaluate dynamic policies while disease transmission and progression occurs. When the policy cannot vary by subpopulation, the optimal policy is to implement social distancing for a limited duration at the beginning of the epidemic; when the policy can vary by subpopulation, our results suggest that some subgroups (older adults) may never need to socially distance. This result may occur because older adults occupy a relatively small proportion of the total population and have less contact with others even without social distancing. Conclusion Our results show that the additional flexibility of allowing social distancing policies to vary over time and across the population can generate substantial utility gain even when only two patient risk groups are considered. MDP frameworks may help generate helpful insights for policymakers. Our results suggest that social distancing for high-contact but low-risk individuals (e.g., such as younger adults) may be more beneficial in some settings than doing so for low-contact but high-risk individuals (e.g., older adults).
Divergent fates of antigen-specific CD8+ T cell clones in mice with acute leukemia

Summary The existence of a dysfunctional CD8+ T cell state in cancer is well established. However, the degree to which CD8+ T cell fates are influenced by the context in which they encounter cognate tumor antigen is less clear. We previously demonstrated that CD8+ T cells reactive to a model leukemia antigen were deleted by antigen cross-presenting type 1 conventional dendritic cells (cDC1s). Here, through a study of T cell receptor (TCR) transgenic CD8+ T cells (TCRTg101) reactive to a native C1498 leukemia cell antigen, we uncover a different mode of T cell tolerance in which TCRTg101 undergo progressive expansion and differentiation into an exhausted state. Antigen encounter by TCRTg101 requires leukemia cell major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-I expression and is independent of DCs, implying that leukemia cells directly mediate the exhausted TCRTg101 phenotype. Collectively, our data reveal that leukemia antigens are presented to CD8+ T cells via discrete pathways, leading to distinct tolerant states.