cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Successful Completion of the Pilot Phase of a Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy to No Further Axillary Staging in Patients with Clinical T1-T2 N0 Breast Cancer and Normal Axillary Ultrasound

Background Axillary surgery is not considered therapeutic in patients with clinical T1-T2 N0 breast cancer. The importance of axillary staging is eroding in an era in which tumor biology, as defined by biomarker and gene expression profile, is increasingly important in medical decision making. We hypothesized that axillary ultrasound (AUS) is a noninvasive alternative to sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), and AUS could replace SLNB without compromising patient care. Study Design Patients with clinical T1-T2 N0 breast cancer and normal AUS were eligible for enrollment. Subjects were randomized to no further axillary staging (arm 1) vs SLNB (arm 2). Descriptive statistics were used to describe the results of the pilot phase of the randomized controlled trial. Results Sixty-eight subjects were enrolled in the pilot phase of the trial (34 subjects in arm 1, no further staging; 32 subjects in arm 2, SLNB; and 2 subjects voluntarily withdrew from the trial). The median age was 61 years (range 40 to 80 years) in arm 1 and 59 years (range 31 to 81 years) in arm 2, and there were no significant clinical or pathologic differences between the arms. Median follow-up was 17 months (range 1 to 32 months). The negative predictive value (NPV) of AUS for identification of clinically significant axillary disease (>2.0 mm) was 96.9%. No axillary recurrences have been observed in either arm. Conclusions Successful completion of the pilot phase of the randomized controlled trial confirms the feasibility of the study design, and provides prospective evidence supporting the ability of AUS to exclude clinically significant disease in the axilla. The results provide strong support for a phase 2 randomized controlled trial.
Introduction to Flexoelectricity: Its Discovery and Basic Concepts

Flexoelectricity – what is it? How does it arise in liquid crystals? What are its consequences? What role does it play in liquid crystal phases, structures, and textures? How is it measured? What is its role, both realized and potential, in applications of liquid crystals? How was it discovered and what is its history in the context of the development of liquid crystal science and technology in the last 50 years? The name flexoelectricity clearly indicates the dual role of curvature distortions and electrical effects in liquid crystals, but just how are these two fundamental sets of concepts related by this phenomenon? This book attempts to lay out the answers to these questions, with a combination of broad reviews and focused insights into the role of flexoelectricity in the science and technology of liquid crystals. In this introduction there is first a little informal review of history along with some general comments on the fundamentals and the special challenges presented by this phenomenon, and then there is a brief sketch of the chapters of this book. As a graduate student in the Division of Engineering and Applied Physics at Harvard University in the late 1960s, I was introduced to liquid crystals by David Turnbull, who suggested that I read Sir Frederick Charles Frank’s 1958 paper on the theory of symmetry, elasticity, and defects in liquid crystals. This paper introduced me to symmetry arguments as a powerful way of analyzing a system, and it made a deep impression on me. As I began working on liquid crystals, I soon came to realize that understanding molecular structure was crucial to understanding these systems, again an idea strongly suggested by Frank’s paper. I was soon fortunate enough to set up a collaboration with a young organic chemist at Harvard, Dave
Imaging of Phase Objects using Partially Coherent Illumination

Screening high-power laser optics for light intensifying phase objects that cause laserinduced damage on downstream optics is critical to sustaining laser operation. Identifying such flaws on large-apertures is quite challenging since they are relatively small and invisible to conventional inspection methods. A Linescan Phase Differential Imaging (LPDI) system was developed to rapidly identify these flaws on large-aperture optics within a single full-aperture dark-field image. We describe a two-step production phase object screening process consisting of LPDI mapping and image analysis, followed by high-resolution interferometry and propagation based evaluation of the downstream damage potential of identified flaws. An image simulation code capable of modeling the LPDI partially coherent illumination was used to optimize its phase object sensitivity.
Weekly e-mailed teaching tips and reading material influence teaching among general surgery residents.

Abstract Background A nonintrusive e-mail reminder incorporating teaching tips and manuscripts was developed to supplement resident-as-teacher curricula. Methods Ten high-yield manuscripts and 10 teaching tips exemplifying the themes of mentorship or role modeling, teaching methods, adult learning theory, feedback, and the resident role of teaching were distributed to general surgery house staff through a weekly e-mail series. House staff completed surveys before and after the 20-week e-mail series. Results Thirty (43%) and 28 (40%) respondents completed the pre-e-mail and post-e-mail survey, respectively. Residents found teaching tips to be more helpful than manuscripts. Weekly e-mail reminders were “just right” in frequency according to 74% of respondents. Forty percent of residents felt the weekly e-mails helped them teach more often and 50% of residents changed their teaching style. Conclusions Weekly reminders are an easy way to encourage resident teaching without a significant resident time commitment. Residents typically find teaching tips to be more useful than manuscripts.
Microbial Quality of Foods Produced by an Enhanced Cook-Chill System in a Hospita1

A total of 1,137 samples representing 77 cook-chill food products were analyzed during a 27-month period. Vacuum-packaged food samples from the same production batch of regular diets or products modified for low sodium, low fat, diabetic, or strained diets were analyzed before and after storage at 1 ± 1°Cfor up to 21 days in a hospital's food bank. Samples were analyzed for aerobic counts at 26°C and 35°C and for coliforms, staphylococci, Bacillus cereus , Clostridium perfringens , Escherichia coli , E. coli O157:H7, Listeria spp., Salmonella spp. and Staphylococcus aureus . None of the samples contained C. perfringens , E. coli , E. coli O157:H7, or Salmonella . Listeria was isolated from one production batch of asparagus which had been inadequately heated and cooled due to overloading of the vat. S. aureus was isolated (<100 CFU/g) from 2 samples (beef roast, stewed tomatoes) and B. cereus was isolated (<100 CFU/g) from several pasta and bean products. Low-fat products had higher (P < 0.05) aerobic populations than products modified for low sodium, low fat, diabetic, or strained diets. No differences were obtained between the before- and after-storage populations. Over 92% of the samples had aerobic populations of 3 log CFU/g or less and 98% had populations of 4 log CFU/g or less. All except 2 samples had coliform populations of 1 log CFU/g or less and all samples had staphylococci populations of 3 log CFU/g or less. Under the conditions of this study, the microbial quality of vacuum-packaged foods properly produced by an enhanced cook-chill system was acceptable after food storage at 1 ± 1°Cfor up to 21 days.
Abstract 4119: Inhibition of PORCN prolongs metastasis free survival in a mouse model of Ewing sarcoma

Metastatic disease is the most important factor in determining the survival of patients with Ewing sarcoma (ES). Although intensive cytotoxic chemotherapy has improved the survival of patients with localized disease, the survival rate for patients with metastatic disease remains dismal, and the most pressing unmet need in ES is to prevent and treat metastasis better. The Wnt signaling pathway is a key regulator of a number of cellular functions associated with metastasis, including proliferation, motility, and stem cell self-renewal. A single enzyme, Porcupine (Porcn), mediates post-translational palmitoylation of Wnt ligands, and it9s activity is required for secretion of all 17 Wnt ligands, making it an attractive target for a pan-Wnt inhibitor. We have studied the effect of LGK974, a potent, selective, Porcn inhibitor, on Ewing sarcoma metastasis. In vitro, we have observed that LGK974 does not affect proliferation or sarcosphere formation, but inhibits migration of ES cell lines through the suppression of expression of multiple transcriptional regulators of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT). In our orthotopic implantation/amputation mouse model, single agent LGK974 treatment leads to significant delay in formation of lung metastasis following amputation of the affected leg, without a significant effect on primary tumor growth. This delay leads to a significant post-amputation survival benefit in multiple xenografts. In LGK974 treated xenografts, the expression of multiple EMT related transcription factors were observed to be suppressed. Furthermore, in tail vein injection models, LGK974 did not produce a survival benefit, suggesting that LGK974 effects Ewing sarcoma metastasis by inhibiting early steps in the metastatic cascade, such as migration and invasion. Our findings strongly implicate Wnt signaling in the early steps of ES metastasis and demonstrate that LGK974 has the potential to significantly improve the survival of ES patients through the specific inhibition of metastasis. Citation Format: Masanori Hayashi, Alissa C. Baker, Seth D. Goldstein, Catherine M. Albert, Kyle W. Jackson, David M. Loeb. Inhibition of PORCN prolongs metastasis free survival in a mouse model of Ewing sarcoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 4119.
An Overview of School Bullying

In this chapter, Rosen, Scott, and DeOrnellas define bullying, identify different subtypes of peer aggression, and discuss prevalence rates with attention to gender and grade level. Both being bullied and bullying others are associated with negative physical health, mental health, and school outcomes, and the literature outlining these associations is presented. The majority of bullying incidents occur in the school setting, and thus school staff plays a critical role in the identification, prevention, and intervention of bullying behaviors. This chapter introduces the overarching theme of how multiple perspectives of key school staff (i.e., teachers, principals, school resource officers, school psychologists/counselors, nurses, and coaches) can provide a more complete understanding of this phenomenon, which can in turn lead to the development of more effective prevention and intervention programs.
Optimal radiologic position of an umbilical venous catheter tip as determined by echocardiography in very low birth weight newborns.

OBJECTIVE To compare chest X-ray with echocardiogram (ECHO) in the localization of an umbilical venous catheter (UVC) tip in very low birth weight infants (VLBW). Secondary objectives determined the association between techniques for tip placement by the vertebral body level on X-ray, as well as the length of the thoracic inferior vena cava-right atrial (TIVC-RA) junction by ECHO. STUDY DESIGN Prospective, sequentially enrolled, masked, single regional perinatal center study. Shortly after birth, one or more anterior-posterior X-rays were ordered by the clinical team to verify that the UVC tip was fixed in the central right atrium (cRA) or at the TIVC-RA junction. An echocardiogram was performed as soon as possible after the last X-ray and UVC tip location was interpreted by a pediatric cardiologist. The pediatric radiologist and cardiologist were masked with regard to each other's reading. RESULTS The newborns (n = 51) were 27 (±3) weeks by gestational age with birth weights of 1029 (±288) grams (mean±SD). The radiologist read 50 UVC tips (98%) in the cRA or TIVC-RA junction and 1 (2%) in the LA. The cardiologist read 22 (43%) in the cRA or TIVC-RA, 21 (41%) in the LA and 8 (16%) tips could not be located in the heart. When the UVC tip was interpreted by X-ray as located in the TIVC-RA junction 8/29 (28%) were in the LA by echocardiogram. There was no agreement between vertebral level and tip position in the TIVC-RA junction, RA or LA. The TIVC-RA junction measured 6±1 mm and correlated with birth weight r = 0.54 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION In VLBW newborns, placement of the UVC tip into the cRA or TIVC-RA junction by X-ray does not avoid misplacement in the left atrium as demonstrated by echocardiography. For VLBW infants, it is suggested that echocardiography may be helpful in verifying that the original placement or migration of the UVC tip into the LA has not occurred.
A double commutant relation in the Calkin algebra on the Bergman space

Abstract Let T be the Toeplitz algebra on the Bergman space L a 2 ( B , d v ) of the unit ball in C n . We show that the image of T in the Calkin algebra satisfies the double commutant relation: π ( T ) = { π ( T ) } ″ . This is a surprising result, for it is the opposite of what happens in the Hardy-space case [16] , [17] .
Bone mineral density and body composition in children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVE Children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) are exposed to fluctuating cortisol and androgen levels. The effects these hormonal states have on bone mineral density (BMD) and body composition are not well studied. The study's objective was to compare BMD and body composition, including visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and Android:Gynoid (A:G) ratio, in children with CAH vs healthy age-matched, sex-matched and BMI-matched controls. DESIGN Total body BMD (TBMD) Z-scores were adjusted for height-for-age Z-scores (TBMDHAZ). Hydrocortisone dose (mg/m2/d) was averaged over the past year. Bone age Z-scores were used as a surrogate for long-term androgen exposure in cases. Statistical analyses comparing cases and controls accounted for matched groups using mixed linear models. PATIENTS Forty-two cases with CAH (average age 12.3 years [SE 3]; 17 males) and 101 controls underwent a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan. RESULTS Children with CAH had lower TBMD (0.81 vs 1.27, P = .003) and TBMDHAZ Z-scores (-0.51 vs -0.01, P = .001) than controls. In CAH cases, TBMD and TBMDHAZ Z-scores were positively correlated with bone age Z-scores (r = .63, P < .0001; r = .51, P = .001, respectively) but were not associated with HC dose. VAT and the A:G ratio did not differ significantly between children with CAH and controls and neither was associated with HC dose.VAT was not associated with bone age Z-score. CONCLUSION Lower BMD was observed in CAH cases compared with controls although no differences in body composition were identified. Among CAH cases, increased chronic androgen exposure, as measured by bone age Z-scores, was associated with higher BMD but was not associated with VAT.
Políticas de diversificación económica

Este trabajo comienza por documentar que no todos los paises en desarrollo concentran sus exportaciones en productos intensivos en recursos naturales o en mano de obra barata, y que aquellos que tambien exportan algunos productos propios de paises desarrollados tienden a crecer mas rapidamente, con aparente independencia de su capital humano y su calidad institucional. Para esto se utiliza un indice que mide para cada pais el grado en que presenta ese tipo de mezcla en sus exportaciones. Este es un fenomeno idiosincrasico, que parece estar ligado a las facilidades para emprender la produccion y exportacion de productos nuevos. De alli que haya un espacio para politicas de estimulos, acompanadas de capacidad gubernamental de reconocer intentos fallidos y cesar de subsidiarlos. Por el aludido caracter idiosincrasico del fenomeno no es posible dar recetas universales, pero si se explora una decena de principios para ser tenidos en cuenta al disenar la politica de cada pais.
Robust Tunable Transcriptional Oscillators Using Dynamic Inversion

We present a theory and associated algorithms to synthesize controllers that may be used to build robust tunable oscillations in biological networks. As an illustration, we build robust tunable oscillations in the celebrated repressilator synthesized by Elowitz and Leibler. The desired oscillations in a set of mRNA’s and proteins are obtained by injecting an oscillatory input as a reference and by synthesizing a dynamic inversion based tracking controller. This approach ensures that the repressilator can exhibit oscillations irrespective of (1) the maximum number of proteins per cell and (2) the ratio of the protein lifetimes to the mRNA lifetimes. The frequency and the amplitude of at least one output (either mRNA or protein) can now be controlled arbitrarily. In addition, we characterize the \({\fancyscript{L}}_2\) gain stability of this 3-node network and generalize it to the case of \(N\)-node networks.
Why bioethics? On the anamnesis of meaning in medicine

The history of bioethics rests upon the assumption that, given the growing complexity of medicine, the function of ethics is, first of all, normative: ethics is supposed to help in the solution of concrete problems, and to do so systematically, by relying upon a defined set of principles and rules. The scientific character of such an approach to bioethics complements the very understanding of modern medicine as itself increasingly scientific and technical, that is, as oriented toward the production of effects. Although careful scientific attention to the patho-physiology of disease has unquestionably yielded marvelous advances in modern medicine, its positivist reduction has also created a mind-set that brackets questions of meaning, themselves highly significant to human well-being and to the ethical aspects ofmedicine. The paper claims that, rather than sharing in the "suspension of meaning" pursued by medicine for the sake of scientific objectivity, the main task of bioethics consists in a retrieval, or "anamnesis", of the very questions medicine seems to suspend: the significance of illness and disease, of birth, suffering and death, and of the service to the ethos of generosity that sustains the healing professions. Also, the paper offers a cultural "etiology" of "the suspension of meaning" in bioethics. In addition to a critical integration of positivistic attitudes in medicine and the reduction of moral discourse to the normative, one must mention the basic presumption of a cultural situation that, in the name of post-modernity, raises serious doubts against the possibility of engaging in questions of meaning across moral boundaries. As an alternative, the paper calls for a moral reflection that begins neither with the application of normative principles, nor with an attitude of resignation towards the pursuit of the good; rather with a free and open confrontation with clinical experience that attends to the moral meaning of concrete situations, recognizing that formal modes of logical argumentation are only derivative functions of the moral language, and, thus, cannot exhaust the broad spectrum of ethical discourse in bioethics.
Price Discrimination in Competitive Environments

This chapter surveys recent theoretical developments in the intersection of price discrimination and imperfect competition, emphasizing how the introduction of competition fundamentally alters some well-established results derived from models of monopoly pricing.
LA phonospirometry technique compared to pediatric respiratory assessment measure and peak expiratory flow measurement as a novel technique to assess the severity of an asthma exacerbation.

Objective: Asthma is a common chronic disease treated in emergency departments. The measurements of Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) and Pediatric Respiratory Assessment Measure (PRAM) scores have been recommended as objective techniques in the assessment of acute asthma exacerbations, but have multiple barriers limiting their use. The Los Angeles phonospirometry technique is an easier, trans-cultural technique. The technique assesses dyspnea by measuring how many seconds a child is able to chant "LA LA LA" in a single breath. The objective of this study is to determine the correlation of this technique with PEF measurements and PRAM scores in children with acute asthma exacerbations, both before and after nebulized bronchodilator treatment. Methods: A convenient sample of children aged 5-17 years being treated for asthma in the ED was enrolled. Phonospirometry, PRAM, and PEF measurements were obtained through pre and post inhaled bronchodilator treatments. The highest values from each measurement were correlated using Spearman's correlation coefficient. Results: A total of 91 children were enrolled. The correlations at pre-treatment, after first, second, and third treatments between phonospirometry and PEF were 0.38 (p 0.05), respectively; and between PEF and PRAM were -0.6 (p < 0.01), -0.54 (p < 0.001), -0.38 (p < 0.01), and -0.36 (p - 0.05), respectively. Conclusions: This novel technique correlates mild to moderately with PEF, and shows promising aide in the assessment of children with acute asthma exacerbations.
Disrupting the LINC complex in smooth muscle cells reduces aortic disease in a mouse model of Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome

Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome is a disorder of premature aging in children caused by de novo mutations in LMNA that lead to the synthesis of an internally truncated form of prelamin A (commonly called progerin). The production of progerin causes multiple disease phenotypes, including an unusual vascular phenotype characterized by the loss of smooth muscle cells in the arterial media and fibrosis of the adventitia. We show that progerin expression, combined with mechanical stress, promotes smooth muscle cell death. Disrupting the linker of the nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton (LINC) complex in smooth muscle cells ameliorates the toxic effects of progerin on smooth muscle cells and limits the accompanying adventitial fibrosis.
Effects of formulation composition on the characteristics of mucoadhesive films prepared by hot-melt extrusion technology

Objectives To investigate the effects of formulation composition on the physico-chemical and drug release properties of mucoadhesive buccal films prepared by melt extrusion technology, using a response surface methodology. Methods Salbutamol sulphate, an antiasthmatic drug was used for this study. Klucel hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC) EF (film-forming polymer), Benecel hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) K-15M (drug release retardant) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) 4500 (plasticiser) were the three independent factors utilised for the study. The responses were fitted to a full quadratic model and P-values for each of the factors were used to determine their significance on the film characteristics. Key findings Films were successfully extruded using the corotating twin-screw extruder. The torque during extrusion was found to be significantly affected by all the three factors and no interaction between factors was observed. A significant interaction was observed between HPC and PEG 4500 for stiffness of films. For disintegration time and swelling index, a significant interaction was found between HPC and HPMC. The in vitro % drug release was directly correlated with HPMC content and not with other factors and varied from 69-89% at 4 h. Conclusions The influence of extrusion process and formulation parameters on salbutamol sulphate films was elucidated, indicating the use of melt extrusion as a feasible method for film preparation.
Electrocardiographic findings in peripartum cardiomyopathy

Background There is limited data on electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities and their prognostic significance in women with peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM). We sought to characterize ECG findings in PPCM and explore the association of ECG findings with myocardial recovery and clinical outcomes. Hypothesis We hypothesized that ECG indicators of myocardial remodeling would portend worse systolic function and outcomes. Methods Standard 12-lead ECGs were obtained at enrollment in the Investigations of Pregnancy-Associated Cardiomyopathy study and analyzed for 88 women. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was measured by echocardiography at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Women were followed for clinical events (death, mechanical circulatory support, and/or cardiac transplantation) until 1 year. Results Half of women had an "abnormal" ECG, defined as atrial abnormality, ventricular hypertrophy, ST-segment deviation, and/or bundle branch block. Women with left atrial abnormality (LAA) had lower LVEF at 6 months (44% vs 52%, P = 0.02) and 12 months (46% vs 54%, P = 0.03). LAA also predicted decreased event-free survival at 1 year (76% vs 97%, P = 0.008). Neither left ventricular hypertrophy by ECG nor T-wave abnormalities predicted outcomes. A normal ECG was associated with recovery in LVEF to ≥50% (84% vs 49%, P = 0.001) and event-free survival at 1 year (100% vs 85%, P = 0.01). Conclusions ECG abnormalities are common in women with PPCM, but a normal ECG does not rule out the presence of PPCM. LAA predicted lower likelihood of myocardial recovery and event-free survival, and a normal ECG predicted favorable event-free survival.
Laparoscopic Heller Myotomy: A Fundoplication Is Necessary to Control Gastroesophageal Reflux.

Background: Achalasia is a rare esophageal motility disorder that causes progressive dysphagia and regurgitation. The aim of treatment for achalasia is to provide symptom relief by reducing esophageal outflow resistance by disrupting the muscles at the level of the esophagogastric junction to allow esophageal emptying by gravity. Methods: A review of the literature concerning laparoscopic treatment of esophageal achalasia. Results: Surgical myotomy with partial fundoplication is very effective in relieving symptoms, and is able to strike a balance between relief of symptoms and control of abnormal reflux. Conclusions: Since reflux of gastric contents into the aperistaltic esophagus can cause esophagitis, peptic strictures, Barrett's esophagus, and even esophageal carcinoma, the addition of a partial fundoplication is very important. The choice of partial fundoplication is based on surgeons' preference and expertise.
A multilevel meta-analysis of effects of negative stereotypes of blacks in media on consumers’ attitudes

This meta-analysis of 49 studies, yielding 88 effect sizes (n = 10,215), examined the effect of negative stereotypes of Blacks in media on consumers’ attitudes. The results from the multilevel mode...
Infection-induced endothelial amyloids impair memory

Patients with nosocomial pneumonia exhibit elevated levels of neurotoxic amyloid and tau proteins in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). In vitro studies indicate that pulmonary endothelium infected with clinical isolates of either Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, or Staphylococcus aureus produces and releases cytotoxic amyloid and tau proteins. However, the effects of the pulmonary endothelium-derived amyloid and tau proteins on brain function have not been elucidated. Here, we show that P. aeruginosa infection elicits accumulation of detergent insoluble tau protein in the mouse brain and inhibits synaptic plasticity. Mice receiving endothelium-derived amyloid and tau proteins via intracerebroventricular injection exhibit a learning and memory deficit in object recognition, fear conditioning, and Morris water maze studies. We compared endothelial supernatants obtained after the endothelia were infected with P. aeruginosa possessing an intact [P. aeruginosa isolated from patient 103 (PA103) supernatant] or defective [mutant strain of P. aeruginosa lacking a functional type 3 secretion system needle tip complex (ΔPcrV) supernatant] type 3 secretion system. Whereas the PA103 supernatant impaired working memory, the ΔPcrV supernatant had no effect. Immunodepleting amyloid or tau proteins from the PA103 supernatant with the A11 or T22 antibodies, respectively, overtly rescued working memory. Recordings from hippocampal slices treated with endothelial supernatants or CSF from patients with or without nosocomial pneumonia indicated that endothelium-derived neurotoxins disrupted the postsynaptic synaptic response. Taken together, these results establish a plausible mechanism for the neurologic sequelae consequent to nosocomial bacterial pneumonia.-Balczon, R., Pittet, J.-F., Wagener, B. M., Moser, S. A., Voth, S., Vorhees, C. V., Williams, M. T., Bridges, J. P., Alvarez, D. F., Koloteva, A., Xu, Y., Zha, X.-M., Audia, J. P., Stevens, T., Lin, M. T. Infection-induced endothelial amyloids impair memory.
A Clustering Approach for Consumer Baselining and Anomaly Detection in Transactive Control

The arrival of smart grid technologies has enabled the implementation of advanced grid control applications aimed at improving overall grid reliability and operational efficiency. The new controls are supported by advanced digital devices and communication networks that often possess inherent vulnerabilities, exposing the grid infrastructure to threat actors. Transactive control is one such smart grid application, wherein active participation of end-use customers in electricity markets is enabled by providing the flexibility to consume energy based on the dynamic price of power. Manipulation of signals exchanged in this control system will diminish the benefits of the application, thereby highlighting the need for control system cybersecurity. In this paper, we present a data-driven approach to building bad-data detection algorithms for transactive control security. Specifically, our solution characterizes end-user market participation using clustering techniques to create a baseline for normal system operation. We then show the application of these clusters to detect malicious behavior during real-time system operation. Our initial results show the promise this approach has towards enhancing the security of transactive control systems.
Effect of Merger on Market Price and Product Quality: American and US Airways

In this paper, I analyze the effect of the merger between American Airlines (AA) and US Airways (US) on market price and product quality. I use difference-in-differences analysis (DID) as the identification strategy. The DID analysis shows that the price has decreased and that the decrease in price is larger in bigger city-pair markets. Smaller city-pair markets have not benefited from reduction in price. Price has increased in the smaller markets due to the merger. Slot divestiture also has been helpful in reducing the price. The DID analysis also shows that the merger has no significant effect on the frequency of flights or on the number of seats. Delay in arrival and delay in departure have increased, while the merger has a significant effect in reducing the number of canceled flights.
Fecal incontinence in chronic diarrhea

Abstract Patients with chronic diarrhea and fecal incontinence are unable to retain as much rectally infused saline as patients without incontinence. We explored the effect of training such a patient to retain rectally infused saline. The patient was a 31-yr-old female with chronic diarrhea of obscure etiology who had daily episodes of fecal incontinence which markedly restricted her lifestyle. Training was accomplished by urging the patient to retain as much of a 25-min rectal infusion of 1500 ml saline as possible. After 10 training sessions, the patient increased her ability to hold rectally infused saline almost sevenfold. This increase was well maintained over 10 wk. In spite of continued diarrhea, the patient's incontinence did not recur after the first week of training, and she was able to resume a normal life. Anal sphincter pressure and a test of continence for a solid sphere did not change during or after training. This simple training technique has potential as a treatment for disabling fecal incontinence in patients with chronic diarrhea.
Red oak seedlings as indicators of deer browse pressure: Gauging the outcome of different white‐tailed deer management approaches

After decades of high deer populations, North American forests have lost much of their previous biodiversity. Any landscape-level recovery requires substantial reductions in deer herds, but modern societies and wildlife management agencies appear unable to devise appropriate solutions to this chronic ecological and human health crisis. We evaluated the effectiveness of fertility control and hunting in reducing deer impacts at Cornell University. We estimated spring deer populations and planted Quercus rubra seedlings to assess deer browse pressure, rodent attack, and other factors compromising seedling performance. Oak seedlings protected in cages grew well, but deer annually browsed ≥60% of unprotected seedlings. Despite female sterilization rates of >90%, the deer population remained stable. Neither sterilization nor recreational hunting reduced deer browse rates and neither appears able to achieve reductions in deer populations or their impacts. We eliminated deer sterilization and recreational hunting in a core management area in favor of allowing volunteer archers to shoot deer over bait, including at night. This resulted in a substantial reduction in the deer population and a linear decline in browse rates as a function of spring deer abundance. Public trust stewardship of North American landscapes will require a fundamental overhaul in deer management to provide for a brighter future, and oak seedlings may be a promising metric to assess success. These changes will require intense public debate and may require new approaches such as regulated commercial hunting, natural dispersal, or intentional release of important deer predators (e.g., wolves and mountain lions). Such drastic changes in deer management will be highly controversial, and at present, likely difficult to implement in North America. However, the future of our forest ecosystems and their associated biodiversity will depend on evidence to guide change in landscape management and stewardship.
Method to Obtain Pattern of Breathing in Senescent Mice through Unrestrained Barometric Plethysmography

Unrestrained barometric plethysmography (UBP) is a method for quantifying the pattern of breathing in mice, where breathing frequency, tidal volume, and minute ventilation are routinely reported. Moreover, information can be collected regarding the neural output of breathing, including the existence of central apneas and augmented breaths. An important consideration for UBP is obtaining a breathing segment with a minimal impact of anxious or active behaviors, to elucidate the response to breathing challenges. Here, we present a protocol that allows for short, quiet baselines to be obtained in aged mice, comparable to waiting for longer bouts of quiet breathing. The use of shorter time segments is valuable, as some strains of mice may be increasingly excitable or anxious, and longer periods of quiet breathing may not be achieved within a reasonable timeframe. We placed 22 month-old mice in a UBP chamber and compared four 15 s quiet breathing segments between minutes 60–120 to a longer 10 min quiet breathing period that took 2–3 h to acquire. We also obtained counts of central apneas and augmented breaths prior to the quiet breathing segments, following a 30 min familiarization period. We show that 10 min of quiet breathing is comparable to using a much shorter 15 s duration. Additionally, the time leading up to these 15 s quiet breathing segments can be used to gather data regarding apneas of central origin. This protocol allows investigators to collect pattern-of-breathing data in a set amount of time and makes quiet baseline measures feasible for mice that may exhibit increased amounts of excitable behavior. The UBP methodology itself provides a useful and noninvasive way to collect pattern-of-breathing data and allows for mice to be tested over several time points.
Field Testing and Cost–Benefit Evaluation of Corrosion-Protective Coatings on Winter Maintenance Equipment in the State of Ohio

Abstract Although current estimates suggest that the United States corrosion costs reach more than $500 billion dollars each year, the adoption of corrosion-control practices will reduce these cost...
Perceptions of Quantitative and Affective Meaning from Humanoid Robot Hand Gestures

People use their hands in a variety of ways to communicate information along with speech during face-to-face conversation. Humanoid robots designed to converse with people need to be able to use their hands in similar ways, both to increase the naturalness of the interaction and to communicate additional information in the same way people do. However, there are few studies of the particular meanings that people derive from robot hand gestures, particularly for more abstract gestures such as so-called metaphoric gestures that may be used to communicate quantitative or affective information. We conducted an exhaustive study of the 51 hand gestures built into a commercial humanoid robot to determine the quantitative and affective meaning that people derive from observing them without accompanying speech. We find that hypotheses relating gesture envelope parameters (e.g., height, distance from body) to metaphorically corresponding quantitative and affective concepts are largely supported.
[8] Surface chemical techniques in membrane fusion

Publisher Summary An experimental method to detect the fusion of lipid vesicles to lipid monolayers is described in this chapter. Various methods used to monitor the fusion of phospholipid membranes are outlined. When divalent ion concentrations are increased in the presence of a certain amount of phosphatidylserine/phosphatidylcholine (1:1) vesicles, the surface tension of the phosphatidylserine monolayer does not show any appreciable change until a certain concentration of the divalent ion is attained. At or above this concentration, which is called “threshold concentration,” the surface tension reduces sharply toward a value of zero for the upward force. This sharp decrease in surface tension is not observed when only phospholipid vesicles or divalent ions are present in the subphase of the monolayer. The concentration of phospholipid vesicles in solution greatly affected the rate of reduction of the surface tension of the monolayer but only slightly influenced the magnitude of the threshold concentration. Higher vesicle concentrations enhanced the rate of reduction of the surface tension and lowered slightly the magnitude of the threshold concentration of divalent ions.
Fulminating Ulcerative Colitis With Marked Colonic Dilation: A Clinicopathologic Study

Extreme distention of the colon occurring during a fulminating attack of ulcerative colitis is a rare complication of the disease. Isolated references to it are found in case records of the Massachusetts General Hos­ pital for 1933,1 1937,2 and 1941. 3 Chisholm 4 reported a case with necropsy findings in 1946. Madison and Bargen,5 Jobb and Finkelstein,6 and Cohn and colleagues 7 reported individual cases with roentgen findings and data on survival of patients on a program of medical management. More recently, larger series of cases have been reported by several observers. Seven cases were described by Lumb and col­ leagues B in 1955, with particular attention being given to the pathologic aspects of the disease. The radiologic aspects as well as additional pathologic data in 26 cases were presented by McConnell and col­ leagues9 in 1958. The clinical course of the
Slow nocturnal home hemodialysis at the Wellesley Hospital.

To alleviate the overcrowding of in-center hemodialysis (HD) facilities, we have developed slow nocturnal home hemodialysis (SNHHD), an innovative form of renal replacement therapy. SNHHD is performed 5 to 7 nights/week for 8 hours, during sleep, with a blood flow of 300 mL/min and a dialysate flow of 100 mL/min. The vascular access is by means of the Uldall-Cook catheter, which allows for easy patient access with low infection rates. Special precautions were taken to prevent accidental disconnection during sleep. Dialysis functions were monitored via a modem from the patient's home to the SNHHD center and have proven valuable in increasing patient confidence. The removal of urea, phosphate, and B 2 microglobulin (B 2 M) during 1 week of SNHHD greatly exceeds that of thrice weekly conventional HD. Five patients have completed training and have been successfully performing SNHHD for 6 to 16 months. All patients have discontinued phosphate binders and increased dietary phosphate intake. Four out of five patients report sleeping soundly and experience greatly increased energy and stamina. Repeated in situ reuse of the dialyzer and the blood lines will reduce the patient's work and make SNHHD a very inexpensive modality.
The role and scope of retrieval nurse practitioners in the UK.

Background The first independent paediatric retrieval nurse practitioners (RNP) in the UK and Europe were appointed in 2006 in one hospital Trust. Since then, many have been appointed around the UK but the range of responsibility and scope of the role is unknown as well as possible geographical variability. Aim The aim of this paper is to explore the role and scope of paediatric retrieval nurse practitioners in the United Kingdom (UK). Method A two part questionnaire was sent to all RNPs identified by the regional retrieval/transport centres. Information was sought about the role and scope of RNPs and how the role may have changed since appointment. RNPs were asked to self-assess their own ability in a variety of technical and leadership skills. Conclusion The majority of respondents felt their role had expanded since appointment. RNPs reported that they would now lead the team for any critically ill infant or child where previously they were retrieving stable or high dependency patients. Other expansions of their role included being on a middle grade tier of the medical rota, asked to undertake aeromedical transfers, providing the withdrawal of care at referring centres and non-medical independent prescribing. Relevance to Practice This survey has revealed the changing role and scope of RNPs in the UK but most importantly, the increased responsibility of the roles. Over 80% of RNPs rated their leadership skills between proficient and expert on Benner's Novice to Expert Continuum (Benner, 1984).
Background particle size distributions over North America

The data presented in this paper demonstrate that very clean air, generally considered to be confined to remote oceanic regions, is not uncommon deep in the interiors of the North American continent.
Screening for Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit: A Single-Institution Analysis of 1,013 Lower Respiratory Tract Cultures

Abstract Background: Refinement of criteria for both screening and initiation of empiric therapy in ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) will minimize antibiotic overuse. We hypothesized that variables within the commonly used Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score (CPIS) have unfavorable test performance characteristics. Methods: Consecutive bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cultures obtained from surgical intensive care unit patients were abstracted (2009–2012). Ventilator-associated pneumonia was defined as ≥105 cfu/mL. The CPIS both without (CPISclinical) and with (CPISclinical+GS) the result of gram stain (GS) was calculated. Test performance characteristics for the sample, as well as several subgroups, were compared. Results: One thousand thirteen lower respiratory tract cultures from 492 patients were analyzed; 438 (43.2%) of cultures were classified as VAP, and 310 of 492 patients (62.4%) had ≥1 episode of VAP. Both CPISclinical and CPISclinical+GS had poor discrimination for VAP (Receiver-operating chara...
"Contra toda forma de opresión": Sexo, política y clases medias juveniles en las revistas de humor de los primeros ´70

This article explores how the magazines devoted to political and cultural humor in the early 1970s became a source of self-reflection for a readership, or “social space,” that emerged around them. Through the analysis of the most important of these magazines, Satiricon, it is possible to show that in socio-demographic terms that social space was made of youth, middle-class, and intellectualized groups, who could at the same time laugh and make laugh—chiefly when the magazines highlighted the inconsistencies in their sexual and political experiences. The magazines elaborated on many inconsistencies: the calls to sex education interwoven with persisting old sexual
Stomatal Patterning: SERKs Put the Mouths in Their Right Place

Plants have stomata, mouth-like pores on their surface, to adjust to environmental changes such as temperature and humidity to ensure optimum physiology and metabolism. A new study adds a key player, SERK, to the signal-sensing apparatus to inform where stomata are to be formed on the leaf.
Are new neurons formed in the brains of adult mammals

In an autoradiographic investigation, the production of brain lesions in rats was combined with intracranial injection of thymidine-H(3). Nuclei of numerous glia cells were found labeled in brain regions associated with the traumatized areas. In addition, some neurons and neuroblasts showed labeling, suggesting the possibility of proliferation of neurons in adult rats.
Clinical Intervention in the Postmodern World

ABSTRACT Postmodernism is a philosophy that has begun to influence many areas of study. In this paper, the impact of postmodernism on clinical practice is examined. Basically, dualism is undermined by postmodernism. As a result, reality is understood to constitute a ‘language game’. In terms of clinical practice, the notion of intervention must be reconceptualized. Health and illness, in short, must be assessed in terms of the assumptions a client accepts regarding the nature of reality.
Secondary ESD clamp circuit for CDM protection of over 6 Gbit/s SerDes application in 40 nm CMOS

Abstract Novel secondary ESD clamp solutions to boost CDM robustness for both RX (input) and TX (output) circuits along with dual diode of primary ESD clamp to meet over 6-Gbit/s SerDes are presented. For RX circuit, active PMOS clamp with no voltage overshoot is used as secondary clamp to GND. For TX circuit, by constructing a secondary ESD path through the pre-driver and pumping-up the gate node of the main-driver using output impedance of pre-driver, an additional series resistor deteriorating SerDes performance is not needed for secondary clamp.