cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stratification of predictive factors to assess resectability and surgical outcome in clinoidal meningioma

Abstract Objective Meningiomas of the clinoidal region pose significant surgical challenges due to their close proximity and intimate relation with surrounding critical neurovascular structures. Our aim was to describe our institution's experience with the management of clinoidal meningiomas, identify predictive factors and develop a comprehensive grading system to assess the extent of resection. Methods The medical records of 36 consecutive patients underwent surgery from 1995 to 2015 with clinoidal meningiomas were retrospectively reviewed. Using selected clinical features and tumor characteristics, a grading scale was devised and utilized to assess a degree of tumor resectability. The factors included: preoperative visual status(no visual loss=0, visual loss=1), tumor volume: small ( 3 =1), moderate (13.5–30cm 3 =2), and large (>30cm 3 =3),relationship with the internal carotid artery (no displacement=0, displacement=1, encasement=2, stenosis=3 and bilateral involvement=4) tumor extension into the cavernous sinus (yes=1, no=0) and invasion into the optic canal (yes=1, no=0), (defined as tumor beyond the falciform ligament). A grading system was designed using the total scores (10) in this classification and separating patients into two groups: group 1 with scores of 5 or less, group 2 with scores more than 5. Results The patients mean age at the time of intervention was 61 years. The tumor involved the cavernous sinus in 38.9% of patients and invaded the optic canal in 36% of cases. The patient presented with visual impairment in 89% of cases. Vision improved in 28% and remained stable in 63% of cases. The mean volume of a tumor was 16.99cm 3 . The most common approach involved pterional with or without anterior clinoidectomy. After stratification, group 1 consisting of 22 patients and in group 2, 14 patients. Gross total resection (Simpson Grade I or II) was achieved in 75% of surgeries and subtotal and partial resections were achieved in 25% of cases. Group 1 patients had higher gross total resection rate than group 2 ( p =0.009). Only optic canal involvement was significantly associated with the extent of resectabilty in a univariate analysis ( p =0.03). Four patients developed tumor recurrence with median recurrence duration of 89 months (53–204 months). Three patients underwent GKRS and one patient underwent repeat surgery at the time of recurrence. Conclusions A grading system can be employed in patients who present with clinoidal meningiomas and serve as an aid in planning an appropriate treatment strategy and establishing the prognosis. Radical resection can be planned in patients with favorable tumor criteria (groups 1) while a less aggressive surgical approach followed by stereotactic radiosurgery may be better suited for patients with less favorable tumor characteristics (group 2).
Abstract 298: Cytochrome P4501A1 Contributes to Nitric Oxide-Dependent Vasodilation and Blood Pressure Lowering on an Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid-Enriched Diet

Cytochrome P4501A1 (CYP1A1) stereospecifically metabolizes omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) to potent vasodilators in vitro. We have previously reported that CYP1A1 knockout (KO) mice are hypertensive and exhibit significantly reduced vasodilatory responses to the n-3 PUFAs, eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids. We next tested the hypothesis that CYP1A1 KO mice would exhibit significantly different vascular and blood pressure responses to diets enriched in n-3 versus n-6 PUFAs. CYP1A1 wildtype (WT) and KO mice were fed normal chow or diets enriched in either n-3 or n-6 PUFAs for 2 mo, and then blood pressure was assessed by radiotelemetry ± nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor (NG-nitro-L-Arginine). Acetylcholine (Ach)-mediated vasodilation was assessed in first order mesenteric arteries, and endothelial NOS and phospho-eNOS were measured in the aorta. We found that an n-3 enriched diet significantly reduced mean arterial pressure (MAP) in CYP1A1 KO mice (Chow: 116.0 ± 1.2; n-3 diet: 107.6 ± 1.5, p
Sorting Network Relaxations for Vector Permutation Problems

The Birkhoff polytope (the convex hull of the set of permutation matrices) is frequently invoked in formulating relaxations of optimization problems over permutations. The Birkhoff polytope is represented using $\Theta(n^2)$ variables and constraints, significantly more than the $n$ variables one could use to represent a permutation as a vector. Using a recent construction of Goemans (2010), we show that when optimizing over the convex hull of the permutation vectors (the permutahedron), we can reduce the number of variables and constraints to $\Theta(n \log n)$ in theory and $\Theta(n \log^2 n)$ in practice. We modify the recent convex formulation of the 2-SUM problem introduced by Fogel et al. (2013) to use this polytope, and demonstrate how we can attain results of similar quality in significantly less computational time for large $n$. To our knowledge, this is the first usage of Goemans' compact formulation of the permutahedron in a convex optimization problem. We also introduce a simpler regularization scheme for this convex formulation of the 2-SUM problem that yields good empirical results.
Simulation Study of Free-Energy Barriers in the Wetting Transition of an Oily Fluid on a Rough Surface with Reentrant Geometry

When in contact with a rough solid surface, fluids with low surface tension, such as oils and alkanes, have their lowest free energy in the fully wetted state. For applications where nonwetting by these phillic fluids is desired, some barrier must be introduced to maintain the nonwetted composite state. One way to create this free-energy barrier is to fabricate roughness with reentrant geometry, but the question remains as to whether the free-energy barrier is sufficiently high to prevent wetting. Our goal is to quantify the free-energy landscape for the wetting transition of an oily fluid on a surface of nails and identify significant surface features and conditions that maximize the wetting free-energy barrier (ΔGfwd*). This is a departure from most work on wetting, which focuses on the equilibrium composite and wetted states. We use boxed molecular dynamics (BXD) (Glowacki, D. R.; Paci, E.; Shalashilin, D. V. J. Phys. Chem. B2009, 113, 16603–16611) with a modified control scheme to evaluate both the th...
The Effect of Microstructural Variation on the Hydrogen Environment-Assisted Cracking of Monel K-500

The influence of microstructural variation on hydrogen environment-assisted cracking (HEAC) of Monel K-500 was evaluated using five nominally peak-aged lots of material tested under slow-rising stress intensity loading while immersed in NaCl solution under cathodic polarizations. Minimal variation in HEAC resistance among material lots was observed for an applied potential of −950 mVSCE (E app, vs saturated calomel), whereas lot-to-lot variability in the fracture morphology demonstrates a significant difference in the HEAC resistance at the less negative potential of −850 mVSCE, suggesting that relatively severe H environments produce sufficient crack-tip H to minimize the impact of metallurgical differences. Sensitivity analyses accomplished by varying the inputs used in decohesion-based, micromechanical models imply significant variations in HEAC resistance are possible for realistic changes in grain boundary toughness, hydrogen uptake behavior, and yield strength. Grain size, impurity segregation (including the effects of gettering elements), grain boundary character/connectivity, and crack path tortuosity are also considered in the context of HEAC susceptibility. Yield strength, global hydrogen content, as well as impurity segregation to grain boundaries, especially boron and sulfur, are speculatively considered to be the dominant contributions in determining HEAC resistance. Modifications that would incorporate the effects of grain boundary segregation are proposed for the K TH model; detailed validation of such changes require high-fidelity and quantitative inputs for the degree of grain boundary segregation. Regardless, fracture mechanics-based HEAC results, detailed microstructural characterization, and micromechanical modeling were successfully coupled to gain insights into the influences governing the microstructure-dependent HEAC susceptibility of Monel K-500.
Optimal treatment of superficial bladder cancer in 1994.

Bladder cancer, one of the first cancers associated with industrialization, is not unexpectedly increasing in incidence throughout the world. Despite the increasing incidence of bladder cancer, mortality has actually decreased in recent years. In advanced and metastatic bladder cancer, the platinum/methotrexate-based combination of chemotherapy may be responsible for this improved survival. However, chemotherapy appears not to have influenced survival in patients with superficial disease. Increasing evidence suggests that bacillus calmette-Guerin immunotherapy can reduce both disease progression and mortality.
Title to be Determined

This paper discusses the difference in FTTx deployment by incumbent telecommunications companies overlaying over a copper plant and new players with little existing infrastructure to utilize. The different constraints drive towards different physical architectures. Article not available.
Quantifying Barriers to Improvement of Treatment Satisfaction in Men With Erectile Dysfunction: Use of Person-Item Maps

Abstract Introduction Patient-reported outcomes are a valuable tool used to gauge treatment satisfaction in different conditions, including erectile dysfunction (ED). Aim To use person-item maps to quantify barriers to improvement of treatment satisfaction in men with ED. Methods Men 18 to 65 years old with documented ED received sildenafil 50 mg, sildenafil 100 mg, or placebo for 8 weeks in a double-blinded manner. Post hoc analyses were conducted on Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS) data (11 items rating treatment satisfaction; each item score range = 0–4). Main Outcome Measures Person-item maps were developed based on Rasch models. To quantify barriers to improvement of treatment satisfaction, responses to the 11 items of the EDITS questionnaire were dichotomized to indicate improvement (responses of 3 or 4 were combined to a score of 1) vs no change or worsening (responses of 0, 1, or 2 were combined to a score of 0). Results Analyses were conducted using data from 278 men who completed the EDITS questionnaire at the end of double-blinded treatment. The person-item map indicated that EDITS item 4 (ease of use of treatment) was the easiest barrier to overcome, whereas the most difficult barrier to improvement of treatment satisfaction was EDITS item 2 (degree to which treatment met expectations). Most men in the sildenafil 100-mg group endorsed most EDITS items, consistent with substantial improvement. The sildenafil 50-mg group was similar, but with smaller frequencies for endorsing improvement of the more difficult EDITS items. In contrast, men receiving placebo endorsed mainly the easiest EDITS items, with only a small number of men endorsing the difficult items. Conclusion A person-item map is a useful means for quantifying barriers to improvement of treatment satisfaction represented by EDITS items in patients with ED.
Cultural Factors in Responses to Rhythmic Stimuli

Abstract In recent decades the cognitive sciences have seen some remarkable developments that reflect shifting and broadening perspectives of the discipline. One is the recognition that cognition is shaped and formed by an intricate interplay of biological, environmental and experiential, that is, cultural factors. This realization has profited from a notable tradition of cultural and cross-cultural research in psychology with an initial research emphasis on social cognition, personality traits, cognitive styles, and so on. It has produced multiple lines of evidence for cultural differences engendering differences in psychological behavior, and, following the introduction of modern imaging methods (fMRI, EEG, MEG), has uncovered influences of cultural factors on various brain functions and activations of specific neural substrates, including low-level perceptual processes.
Outcomes of cardiac pacing in adult patients after a Fontan operation.

Background Cardiac pacing can be challenging after a Fontan operation, and limited data exist regarding pacing in adult Fontan patients. The objectives of our study were to determine risk factors for pacing and occurrence of device-related complications (DRCs) and pacemaker reinterventions. Methods We performed a retrospective review of Fontan patients from 1994 through 2014. We defined DRCs as lead failure, lead recall, cardiac perforation, lead thrombus/vegetation, or device-related infection, and cardiovascular adverse events (CAEs) as venous thrombosis, stroke, death, or heart transplant. Pacemaker reintervention was defined as lead failure or recall. Results Of 439 patients, 166 (38%) had pacemakers implanted (79 during childhood; 87, adulthood); 114 patients (69%) received epicardial leads initially, and 52 (31%), endocardial leads. Pacing was initially atrial in 52 patients (31%); ventricular, 30 (18%); or dual chamber, 84 (51%). There were 37 reinterventions (1.9% per year) and 48 DRCs (2.4% per year). Pacemaker implantation during childhood was a risk factor for DRCs (hazard ratio, 2.01 [CI, 1.22-5.63]; P = .03). There were 70 CAEs (venous thrombosis, 5; stroke, 11; transplant, 8; and death, 46), yielding a rate of 3.5% per year. DRCs, CAEs, and reintervention rates were comparable for patients with epicardial or endocardial leads. Conclusions More than one-third of adult Fontan patients referred to Mayo Clinic had pacemaker implantation. Epicardial leads were associated with high rate of pacemaker reinterventions but similar DRC rates in comparison to endocardial leads.
Do You See What I See? Family-Produced Photographs and the Transition to School

Through the use of photo-elicitation, this study explored the family perspective of the transition to kindergarten in lower-income households. Much research in this area brings a deficit-based approach to describing the families from lower-income backgrounds and their presumed lack of involvement in children’s early learning (Dockett & Perry, in Int J Early Years Educ 21(2):163–177, 2013). Countering that mainstream narrative, I desired to take a strengths-based approach to studying the variable ways in which lower-income families support this important school transition (Zigler & Bishop-Josef in Play = learning: how play motivates and enhances children’s cognitive and social-emotional growth. Oxford University Press, pp 15–35, 2006). Eight families from a larger study on the transition to school volunteered to participate in this photography project. Taking the ‘auto-driven’ approach (Clark-Ibanez, in Am Behav Sci 47:1507–1527, 2004), parents were in charge of capturing visual images of activities involving their children over the course of a week. Participants were then asked to explain how the images were connected to a child’s development or preparedness for school during a photo-elicitation interview. The study confirms that parents are the knowledgeable source when it comes to the lives of children and the transition to school. The photo-elicitation process empowered families to reveal family rituals and routines through visual images and interviews. The transition to school is just one of many social issues that may be addressed through visual imagery. This chapter describes the process of including participant-produced photographs in a study and how the findings bring insight to children’s early learning, while empowering families.
Time Horizon and Corporate Social Responsibility: Multi-layered Evidence from around the World

Drawing from agency and stakeholder/steward theories, we examine the effect of corporate ownership on corporate social responsibility (CSR) using a comprehensive firm dataset for 44 countries durin...
Elderly Man with Fever and Cough: TB or Not TB?

An 81-year-old man with a history of hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and psoriasis presented for admission to the hospital with productive cough, subjective fevers, chills, and malaise for 5 days. He had been treated for a similar episode approximately 10 months prior. At that time he was diagnosed with pneumonia, and he was prescribed azithromycin. While his symptoms subsequently improved, he was noted to have wheezing during the previous several months. The patient reported that he had been diagnosed with tuberculosis in his teens, treated only with home remedies. He denied weight loss, night sweats, sore throat, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. He had chronic, mild, bilateral lower extremity edema.
Causes of Shortness of Breath in the Acute Patient: A National Study

BACKGROUND Dyspnea is a common and ambiguous complaint that results in 3.4 million emergency department (ED) visits annually. While learners may encounter lists of differential diagnoses to consider while in training, often these lists are not empirically based. We sought to establish an evidence-based differential diagnosis for dyspnea and to determine whether normal vital signs can rule out a life-threatening diagnosis. METHODS We analyzed data from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey from 2005 to 2014 for ED visits with a chief complaint of dyspnea and tallied the principal discharge diagnosis. We included 10,170 sampled ED visits by adults with a chief complaint of dyspnea, representing nearly 42 million visits nationally. We then calculated the most common principal discharge diagnoses by age group and the frequency of abnormal respiratory vital signs in cases with life-threatening diagnoses. RESULTS The most represented age group was 45 to 64 years (31.6%). Most visits were discharged directly from the ED (57.5%), while 8.1% required admission to an intensive care unit (ICU). The most common diagnosis in patients aged 18 to 44 was acute asthma exacerbation (14.8%). Obstructive chronic bronchitis was the most common specified diagnosis in both patients ages 45 to 64 (11.1%) and patients ages 65 to 79 (12.4%), while congestive heart failure was the most common for patients ages 80 and over (15.9%). Respiratory vital signs were frequently normal in the 44.6% of visits that resulted in a potentially life-threatening diagnosis but corresponded to increased ICU utilization when abnormal. CONCLUSIONS For patients with dyspnea, the high utilization of ICUs highlights the importance of an accurate differential. The frequencies established here can be used as pretest probabilities in Bayesian analysis to improve the accuracy of differential diagnosis lists.
Genders, Races, and Religious Cultures in Modern American Poetry, 1908–1934: “Seismic orgasm”: sexual intercourse, its modern representations and politics

The only point at which the interests of the sexes merge — is the sexual embrace. Mina Loy, “Feminist Manifesto” (1914) No human act is natural in an unmediated way, and even the most apparently basic and primal, sexual acts, have been constructed of political and ideological meanings. From New Woman and other investigative perspectives, autonomous female desire, the nature and importance of orgasm, possible dangers and pleasures in sexuality were probed from before the very beginning of modernism. For depictions of heterosexual intercourse and sexual desire in modern poetry, Mina Loy's “Songs to Joannes” has both intellectual and historical primacy. It is the work of a certain New Woman subjectivity – “the modern, investigatory, subtly alive, defiantly free woman” (Gregory 1923, 151). Loy“s satiric, ironic, wickedly learned, and passionate voice goes far to destabilize lyric assumptions about the romance plot, female silence, and objectification. The first four sections were published in Others in 1915, and their pretty explicit allusions to lust, to “Pig Cupid … rooting” with its crypt word rutting , to scrotum and testicles (the male “skin-sac”), and to “abortions” startled and scandalized many readers. Loy sees sexuality as a complex of events and meanings, as a site of struggle between genders and among various historically situated desires. Other works besides Loy's – works by Stein, Lawrence, and Pound – draw on the discourses of New Woman/free love and narrate acts of sexual intercourse and even orgasm.
Greater Breastfeeding in Early Infancy Is Associated with Slower Weight Gain among High Birth Weight Infants.

Objective To examine whether feeding patterns from birth to age 6 months modify the association between birth weight and weight at 7-12 months of age. Study design Longitudinal mixed models were used to examine feeding trajectories across categories of birth weight and weight at 7-12 months of age in 1799 mother-infant dyads enrolled in the Infant Feeding Practices Study II. The percentage of breast milk received and the average daily formula consumption were calculated from birth to 6 months of age. Birth weights were classified as high (≥4000 g) and normal (≥2500 g and 1) or normal (z score ≤1). A secondary analysis was performed using categories defined by birth weight adjusted for gestational age percentiles (>90% and 10th-90th percentile). Results High birth weight (HBW) infants with high weights at 7-12 months of age demonstrated a rapid decline in the percentage of breast milk feedings compared with HBW infants with normal weights at 7-12 months of age. Normal birth weight infants with high weights at 7-12 months of age received a lower percentage of breast milk and had greater absolute intakes of formula than those with normal weights at 7-12 months of age; these associations did not vary over time. Results were similar when infants were categorized by birth weight percentiles. Conclusions A lower proportion of breast milk feedings was associated with excess weight at 7-12 months of age in HBW infants. These findings suggest an initial target for obesity prevention programs focusing on the first 6 months after birth.
A Biomechanical Comparison of the Arciero and LaPrade Reconstruction for Posterolateral Corner Knee Injuries.

Background:Injury to the posterolateral corner (PLC) of the knee requires reconstruction to restore coronal and rotary stability. Two commonly used procedures are the Arciero reconstruction techniq...
Evidence for a local reef eclipse in a shallow marine carbonate environment following the regional extinction of archaeocyaths in Laurentia (Stage 4, Cambrian)

Archaeocyathan sponges were the dominant metazoan framework builders during Series 2 of the Cambrian. After their near extinction during the Toyonian stage (middle Stage 4), this important ecological role was eventually filled by robustly skeletonized lithistid sponges. However, the exact timing of ecological restructuring is not well understood and was likely not contemporaneous across different paleocontinents. For example, reefs from the Wuliuan of China appear to show rapid replacement of archaeocyaths with lithistid sponges, yet the earliest occurrence of lithistids in Laurentia is not until the early Furongian. In this study, we explore the Mule Spring Limestone of Nevada, which contains shallow water carbonate environments from the immediate aftermath of the regional archaeocyathan extinction, for signs of reef-building activity. Within this formation, we find evidence of sparse microbial-built leolites and some potentially poorly preserved metazoan organisms. However, the totality of our field observations and thin-section point counts suggest that there was no substantial reef-building activity by either microbial or metazoan organisms within our study locality. Our data suggest the occurrence of a local reef eclipse during this interval for the locality investigated. We also incorporate geochemical proxies to determine paleoredox conditions, which suggest well-oxygenated marine conditions through the period of interest. Lack of hardground substrate is proposed as the cause for this gap in the reef record. These results show that a temporary loss of framework-building activity occurred after the regional extinction of archaeocyaths and demonstrates the ecological impact of losing framework builders on a reef environment.
Drosophila RpS12 controls translation, growth, and cell competition through Xrp1.

Whereas complete loss of Rp function is generally lethal, most heterozygous Rp mutants grow more slowly and are subject to competitive loss from mosaics tissues that also contain wild type cells. The rpS12 gene has a special role in the cell competition of other Ribosomal Protein (Rp) mutant cells in Drosophila. Elimination by cell competition is promoted by higher RpS12 levels and prevented by a specific rpS12 mis-sense mutation, identifying RpS12 as a key effector of cell competition due to mutations in other Rp genes. Here we show that RpS12 is also required for other aspects of Rp mutant phenotypes, including hundreds of gene expression changes that occur in ‘Minute’ Rp heterozygous wing imaginal discs, overall translation rate, and the overall rate of organismal development, all through the bZip protein Xrp1 that is one of the RpS12-regulated genes. Our findings outline the regulatory response to mutations affecting essential Rp genes that controls overall translation, growth, and cell competition, and which may contribute to cancer and other diseases.
The challenges and contradictions of Peru’s Proyecto Masivo de Energía Solar

Abstract This chapter analyzes the first off-grid solar energy auction carried out by the Peruvian government and the subsequent public–private partnership (PPP) formed with the winner of the auction. The aim is to show how unseen, disjointed contract elements may disrupt the visions and estimations made by PPP design committees, which may ultimately lead to this project’s failure to meet the expectations and needs of the historically neglected communities it is designed to serve. This chapter demonstrates how the state’s poor understanding of the ground-level complexities of off-grid solar energy provision is reflected in the proyecto masivo design. It argues that the limited technical and financial role allocated for the private firm, Ergon, has not properly accounted for the logistical and social challenges of providing solar energy service in remote communities of the country. This chapter also argues that the proyecto masivo contract strains the country’s energy public distribution companies with burdensome activities that these companies are unwilling to carry out and will ultimately cause them financial harm. Analysis of the proyecto masivo contract reveals how both the private and public companies are obligated to collaborate with one another, yet the duties allocated to each sector as well as the state-mandated remuneration levels tied to their responsibilities, ensure that each sector will operate with indifference toward the other. Analysis of the policies and procedures underlying infrastructure programs such as Peru’s proyecto masivo are crucial, as it bears a double burden in the global energy transition. It represents both a “planet-preserving” effort to fight climate change, while also striving to offer social and economic inclusion benefits to the country’s marginalized rural populations.
Intracoronary near-infrared spectroscopy—role and clinical applications

Intracoronary near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has been developed and validated for the detection of lipid-rich plaque in the coronary arteries. A combined NIRS and intravascular ultrasound catheter is currently in clinical use and has an emerging role in evaluating plaques both before and after percutaneous coronary intervention. NIRS has recently been shown to positively identify both vulnerable patients and vulnerable plaques. This review focuses on the principles and image interpretation of intracoronary NIRS, as well as its clinical applications, limitations, and future directions.
Undiscounted optimal growth with consumable capital and capital-intensive consumption goods

Abstract This paper presents a complete characterization of the optimal policy in a two sector undiscounted growth model. The model is an extension of the Leontief two sector model, which analyzes the optimal allocation of capital and labor to a consumption good sector and an investment good sector. The paper extends this framework to include consumable capital. Thus, the planner has preferences over the consumption good and the consumable capital. Future welfare levels are treated equally as current ones. Geometric techniques are applied to characterize the optimal policy if the consumption good is capital-intensive. The results suggest that if the initial capital stock is below a threshold level, that depends upon the consumption of capital, there is no convergence to the golden rule stock. Otherwise, an economy with a low level of capital produces only investment goods and an economy with a high level of capital produces only consumption goods. Depending on the value of the marginal rate of transformation of capital between today and tomorrow, the transition dynamics of middle range countries emerge: a country can take an infinite sequence of monotonic adjustment to the golden rule stock and attains a full utilization of factors each period, or an optimal program exhibits an infinite sequence of nonmonotonic fluctuations.
Latina college students’ experiences in STEM at Hispanic-Serving Institutions: framed within Latino critical race theory

In the last 20 years, Latina undergraduate college students have increased their enrollment and degree attainment. However, in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines L...
Assessing the costs of historical inaction on climate change

We consider alternative history scenarios in which explicit climate mitigation begins before the present day, estimating the total costs to date of delayed action. Considering a 2(1.5) degree Celsius stabilization target, peak costs are greater and reached sooner with a later start to mitigation, reaching 15(17)% of global GDP in 2085(2070) for a 1990 start and 18(35)% in 2080(2035) for a 2020 start. Further mitigation delay costs a best estimate of an additional 0.5(5) trillion dollars per year. Additional simulations show how optimal mitigation pathways evolve without imposing a warming limit, finding that median abatement levels and costs are not strongly dependent on start date. However, whereas 18(5) percent of optimal solutions starting in 1980 meet the 2(or 1.5) degree target, 5(or 0)% of 2020 simulations meet the goals. Discounted damages due to delayed mitigation action rise by 0.6 trillion US dollars per year in 2020.
Multidisciplinary Expertise for Exploration Medical System Design

The design of exploration class missions that send crews beyond low-Earth orbit has uncovered challenging crew health and performance (CHP) needs not previously faced in human spacef light. The engineers who design and build the medical systems integrated into a habitat and the clinicians who ultimately use those systems to provide care to astronauts must work together with a common language and design processes to effectively address such needs. This article proposes adapting systems engineering tools to provide a streamlined, thorough, and efficient method for communicating between clinical and engineering disciplines to advance human health and performance in space.
Platelet α-granules are required for occlusive high-shear-rate thrombosis

von Willebrand factor (VWF) is essential for the induction of arterial thrombosis. In this study, we investigated the critical role of platelet VWF in occlusive thrombosis formation at high shear in mice that do not express platelet VWF (Nbeal2-/-). Using in silico modeling, in vitro high-shear microfluidics, and an in vivo Folts model of arterial thrombosis we reproduced the platelet dynamics that occur under pathological flow in a stenosed vessel. Computational fluid dynamics (CFDs) simulated local hemodynamics in a stenosis based on arterial geometries. The model predicted shear rates, time course of platelet adhesion, and time to occlusion. These predictions were validated in vitro and in vivo. Occlusive thrombosis developed in wild-type control mice that had normal levels of plasma VWF and platelet VWF in vitro and in vivo. Occlusive thrombosis did not form in the Nbeal2-/- mice that had normal plasma VWF and an absence of platelet VWF. Occlusive thrombosis was corrected in Nbeal2-/- microfluidic assays by the addition of exogenous normal platelets with VWF. Combining model and experimental data, we demonstrated the necessary requirement of platelet VWF in α-granules in forming an occlusive thrombus under high shear. These results could inspire new pharmacological targets specific to pathological conditions and prevent arterial thrombosis.
THE DEEP SWIRE FIELD. I. 20 cm CONTINUUM RADIO OBSERVATIONS: A CROWDED SKY

We present results from deep radio observations taken with the Very Large Array at a center frequency of 1400 MHz covering a region of the Spitzer Wide-area InfraRed Extragalactic Survey of the Spitzer Legacy survey, centered at 10h46m00s, 59°01'00''(J2000). The reduction and cataloging of radio sources are described. An electronic catalog of the sources detected above 5σ is also presented. The survey presented is the deepest so far in terms of the radio source density on the sky. Perhaps surprisingly, the sources down to the bottom of the catalog appear to have median angular sizes still greater than 1 arcsec, like their cousins 10-100 times stronger. The shape of the differential log N-log S counts also seems to require a correction for the finite sizes of the sources to be self-consistent. If the log N-log S normalization remains constant at the lowest flux densities, there are about six sources per square arcminute at 15 μJy at 20 cm. Given the finite-source size this implies that we may reach the natural confusion limit near 1 μJy.
Coherent growth and characterization of van der Waals 1 T − VSe 2 layers on GaAs(111)B using molecular beam epitaxy

We report epitaxial growth of vanadium diselenide (${\mathrm{VSe}}_{2}$) thin films in the octahedrally coordinated (1T) structure on GaAs(111)B substrates by molecular beam epitaxy. Film thickness from a single monolayer (ML) up to 30 ML is demonstrated. Structural and chemical studies using x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, scanning tunneling microscopy, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicate high-quality thin films. Further studies show that monolayer ${\mathrm{VSe}}_{2}$ films on GaAs are not air stable and are susceptible to oxidation within a matter of hours, which indicates that a protective capping layer should be employed for device applications. This work demonstrates that ${\mathrm{VSe}}_{2}$, a candidate van der Waals material for possible spintronic and electronic applications, can be integrated with III-V semiconductors via epitaxial growth for two- and three-dimensional hybrid devices.
Effects of number scaling on entangled states in quantum mechanics

A summary of number structure scaling is followed by a description of the effects of number scaling in nonrelativistic quantum mechanics. The description extends earlier work to include the effects on the states of two or more interacting particles. Emphasis is placed on the effects on entangled states. The resulting scaling field is generalized to describe the effects on these states. It is also seen that one can use fiber bundles with fibers associated with single locations of the underlying space to describe the effects of scaling on arbitrary numbers of particles.
Modelling the time‐dependence of the TeV γ‐ray source at the Galactic Centre

The physical mechanism behind the TeV γ-ray source observed at the centre of the Galaxy is still unknown. One intriguing possibility is that the accretion flow on to the central supermassive black hole is responsible for accelerating protons to TeV energies which then diffuse outwards to interact with molecular gas at distances of ~1 pc. Here, we build on our earlier detailed calculations of the proton transport to consider the time and energy dependence of the TeV signal following a burst of particle acceleration at Sgr A * . We find that, due to the strong energy dependence of the proton diffusion, any variability in the particle acceleration rate will only be visible in the TeV signal after a delay of ~10 yr and only at energies of ≳10 TeV. If the accelerator is long-lived, it must have been running for at least 10 4 yr and have a hard proton injection spectrum of α = 0.75 (where dn/dE inj ∝ E -α ) in order to produce the correct amount of high-energy γ-ray flux. This rapid diffusion of high-energy protons also rules out the possibility that the observed TeV source is directly related to the period of increased activity of Sgr A* that ended ~ 100 yr ago. However, a good fit to the observed HESS data was found with α = 2.7 for the scenario of a brief (~few year long) burst of particle acceleration that occurred ~10 yr ago. If such bursts are common, then they will keep the TeV source energized and will likely produce spectral variability at ≳10 TeV on ≲5-yr time-scales. This model also implies that particle acceleration may be an important mechanism in reducing the radiative efficiency of weakly accreting black holes.
Daily Consumption of a Specially Formulated Essential Amino Acid-Based Dietary Supplement Improves Physical Performance in Older Adults With Low Physical Functioning

We have investigated the hypothesis that nutritional supplementation of the diet in low-physical-functioning older individuals with a specially formulated composition based on essential amino acids (EAAs) would improve physical function as compared to supplementation with the same amount of whey protein. A third group of comparable volunteers were given nutrition education but no supplementation of the diet. After 6 weeks of whey protein supplementation (n = 32), there was no effect on the distance walked in 6 minutes, but the distance walked improved significantly from the pre-value after 12 weeks of whey supplementation. EAA consumption (n = 28) significantly improved walking distance at both 6 and 12 weeks. The distance walked at 12 weeks (419.0 ± 25.0 m) was 35.4 m greater than the pre-value of 384.0 ± 23.0 m (p < .001). The increase in distance walked by the EAA group was also significantly greater than that in the whey group at both 6 and 12 weeks (p < .01). In contrast, a decrease in distance walked was observed in the control group (n = 32) (not statistically significant, NS). EAA supplementation also improved grip strength and leg strength, and decreased body weight and fat mass. Plasma low-density lipoprotein concentration was significantly reduced in the EAA group, as well as the concentration of macrophage migration inhibitory factor. There were no adverse responses in any groups, and compliance was greater than 95% in all individuals consuming supplements. We conclude that dietary supplementation with an EAA-based composition may be a beneficial therapy in older individuals with low physical functional capacity. Clinical Trials Registration Number: This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03424265-"Nutritional interventions in heart failure."
Species richness and interacting factors control invasibility of a marine community.

Anthropogenic vectors have moved marine species around the world leading to increased invasions and expanded species' ranges. The biotic resistance hypothesis of Elton (in The ecology of invasions ...
The clinical impact of the detection of potential etiologic pathogens of community-acquired pneumonia

The etiology of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is determined in less than half of the patients based on cultures of sputum and blood plus testing urine for the antigens of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Legionella pneumophila. This study added nasal polymerase chain reaction (PCR) probes for S. pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and respiratory viruses. Serum procalcitonin (PCT) levels were measured. Pathogens were identified in 78% of the patients. For detection of viruses, patients were randomized to either a 5-virus laboratory-generated PCR bundle or the 17-virus FilmArray PCR platform. The FilmArray PCR platform detected more viruses than the laboratory-generated bundle and did so in less than 2 hours. There were fewer days of antibiotic therapy, P = 0.003, in CAP patients with viral infections and a low serum PCT levels.
Microbial Studies on Shelf Life of Cabbage and Coleslaw

The microbiology of a common commercial type of coleslaw was investigated with the objective of extending its shelf life at refrigerator temperature by delaying microbiological spoilage. Cabbage, its principal ingredient, had a total bacterial count of about 105/g. Microbial growth in cabbage was prevented by storage at 1 C but not at 10 C or above. In coleslaw, the cabbage flora died and was replaced by the flora of the cultured sour cream contained in the dressing. At 14 C, the total count increased and the coleslaw deteriorated organoleptically. At 7 C, bacterial growth was suppressed but organoleptic deterioration occurred as rapidly as at 14 C. Thus, the deterioration was caused primarily by the physiological breakdown of plant tissue rather than by microorganisms, as was the original premise.
The Borderlands of Culture: Américo Paredes and the Transnational Imaginary

Reviewed Medium: book Authors: Ramon Saldivar Year: 2006 Pages: 524 Publisher: Duke University Press ISBN: 0-8223-3776-2 (hard cover). Prices: $89.95 USD(hard cover).
The Mental Health Field of Practice

The mental health field of practice has undergone vast changes in financing, services, workforce, policies, and structure over the past two decades. Part of these changes has been fueled by the enormous increase in acceptance of managed health care as national policy. One of the most significant shifts has been the reduction in the number of episodes that take place in psychiatric settings and the increase in those that occur in primary health care settings. In the past two decades, far more episodes of psychiatric care have been provided by primary care doctors than specialty practitioners. Another key change is the trend toward integrative care that encompasses mental health, substance use, and health. Despite these major changes, the mental health field generally remains a major source of employment, identity, and status for social workers. Social workers provide the majority of the workforce in mental health care in the United States. However, three major changes in the mental health field have shifted the locus of services from inpatient to outpatient and toward brief interventions based on evidence-based practices. These three changes are redefining and shaping the future of social work practice, education, and research in ways unforeseen just a decade ago. The contemporary challenge for the social work field is to determine how to remain current and value-driven as the entire field undergoes refinement and change. Keywords: field of practice; managed health care; primary health care; locus of care
Infection of peritoneal macrophages in vitro and in vivo with feline immunodeficiency virus

Abstract Macrophages were harvested from the peritoneal cavities of healthy specific-pathogen-free cats by saline lavage. Three days before collection, the peritoneal cavities were stimulated with glutaraldehyde-fixed Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells to induce greater numbers of macrophages and to begin the activation sequence. Peritoneal macrophages from cats stimulated once with yeast consisted mainly of small macrophages and a smaller number of larger activated macrophages. After several days in culture, many of the small macrophages became activated and a portion of the activated macrophages developed into multinucleated giant cells. Peritoneal cells from cats that were stimulated twice or three times with yeast at 3-week intervals consisted of a higher proportion of activated macrophages initially and produced more and larger multinuclear giant cells with time. Cultures of peritoneal cells stimulated once with yeast were easily infected in vitro with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and produced a transient burst of reverse transcriptase activity. After the initial burst of virus replication, the infection became latent. Even more multinucleated giant cells appeared after infection, and many of these cells fused with each other. Replicating virus could be rescued from the latently infected macrophages after 2 to 3 weeks of phorbol myristate acetate stimulation and cocultivation with T-lymphocyte-enriched peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Multiply stimulated peritoneal cells, which contained a much higher proportion of activated macrophages, could also be infected in vitro with FIV. The infection usually became latent, however, without going through an initial replicative stage. Peritoneal cells from chronically FIV-infected specific-pathogen-free cats contained a higher proportion of activated macrophages and were latently infected with FIV from the outset.
8 – Fractal Analysis of Binding and Dissociation Interactions of P38a Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Occurring on Biosensor Surfaces

This chapter reanalyzes the binding and dissociation kinetics of SB-203580 in solution to p38α immobilized on a Biacore sensor chip surface, and presents a fractal analysis of the kinetic data for binding and dissociation. Theory and the equations involved for the binding and the dissociation phases for analyte-receptor are applied to the p38α MAP kinase-small molecule inhibitor, SB–203580 interaction, and the diffusion of reactants towards fractal surfaces is reviewed and analyzed using single-fractal and dual-fractal analyses. The results of this test are discussed and displayed in the chapter. The predictive equations presented for the affinity as a function of the ratio of the fractal dimensions in the binding phase and the dissociation phase (for example, D f /D fd ), and temperature are of particular interest. These relationships provide and suggest a means by which the affinities may be manipulated in desired directions, at least for the p38α kinase–SB 203580 interactions.
Engaging the Present through the Past

The article suggests an innovative method of using local history and heritage to engage community members and learners of all ages. Historic Environment Education, led by the international organiza...
Superfluid films on a cylindrical surface

Superfluid films adsorbed on a cylindrical surface are studied. The superfluid density is calculated using a modification of the Kosterlitz-Thouless theory. There is no vortex unbinding transition because the vortex interaction is linear on long length scales. Thus the superfluid areal density, defined in terms of the real part of a response function, is nonzero for all T<Tλ. The superfluid density is anisotropic, differing for axial and azimuthal flows. Dissipation due to vortex motion is considered. The periodicity of the substrate leads to a zero frequency dissipation mechanism for flows in the axial direction.