cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estimating yield potential in temperate high-yielding, direct-seeded US rice production systems

Abstract Accurate estimation of a crop’s yield potential (Yp) is critical to addressing long-term food security via identification of the exploitable yield gap. Due to lack of field data, efforts to quantify crop yield potential typically rely on crop models. Using the ORYZA rice crop model, we sought to estimate Yp of irrigated rice for two widely used rice varieties (M-206 and CXL745) in three major US rice-producing regions that together represent some of the highest yielding rice regions of the world. Three major issues with the crop model had to be addressed to achieve acceptable simulation of Yp; first, the model simulated leaf area index (LAI) and biomass agreed poorly for all direct-seeded systems using default settings; second, cold-induced sterility and associated yield losses were poorly simulated for environments with a large diurnal temperature variation; lastly, simulated Yp was sensitive to the specified definition of physiological maturity. Except for the simulation of cold-induced sterility, all issues could be remedied within the existing model structure. In contrast, simulation of cold-induced sterility posed a continuing challenge to accurate simulation—one that will likely require changes to ORYZA's formulation. Estimates of Yp from the modified model were validated against large multi-year data sets of experimental yields covering the majority of US rice production areas. Validation showed the adjusted model simulated Yp well, with most top yields falling within 85% of Yp for both varieties (77% and 78% observed yields within 15% of Yp for CXL745 and M-206 respectively). Maximum estimated Yp was 14.3 (range of 8.2–14.5) and 14.5 (range of 8.7–15.3) t ha‐1 for the Southern US and CA, respectively.
Determination of lamotrigine in human plasma by HPLC

Objective To establish a high-performance liquid chromatogramphy to determine lamotrigine in the plasma. Methods The analytical column was SunFire C18(4.6 mm×250 mm, 5 μm). The mobile phase was composed of water-acetonitrile- triethylamine(64.5 :35 :0.5, v/v/v, pH = 6.5) at 1.0 mL · min- 1. The detection wavelength was 237 nm. Plasma samples were extracted with ethylacetate-dichloromethane(75 :25, v/v). Results The lamotrigine had a good linearity at 0.312 5- 40.0 μg · mL- 1(Y = 0.047 2X + 0.069 3, r2= 0.999 2), and the relative recovery was 82%- 105%. Both the interday and intraday relative standard deviations were less than 5%. Conclusion The method is rapid, sensitive and suitable for clinical therapeutic drug monitoring.
Pain management in critically ill patients: a review of multimodal treatment options.

Pain management for critically ill patients provides physicians with the challenge of maximizing patient comfort while avoiding the risks that arise with oversedation. Preventing oversedation has become increasingly important as we better understand the negative impact it has on patients’ experiences and outcomes. Current research suggests that oversedation can result in complications such as thromboembolism, pulmonary compromise, immunosuppression and delirium. Fortunately, the analgesic options available for physicians to limit these complications are growing as more treatment modalities are being researched and implemented in the intensive care unit. Our goal is to outline some of the effective and widely utilized tools available to physicians to appropriately and safely manage pain while avoiding oversedation in the critically ill population.
THE PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION OF SPEECH CLINICIANS IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

The professional education of speech clinicians who work in the public schools is influenced by the requirements for certification by state departments of education and by the American Speech and Hearing Association. The professional competencies needed by speech clinicians in the public schools are essentially no different from those needed by clinicians who work in other settings. All clinicians need basic information about normal communicative processes, and professional information and skills in speech disorders. In addition, the clinician working in the schools will need some orientation to public school procedures.
Pediatric thyroid nodules: A single center experience.

Abstract Objectives 1. Analyze our center's experience with thyroid nodules. 2. Evaluate the efficacy of fine needle biopsy. 3. Compare our experience with the 2015 ATA guidelines. Methods IRB approved retrospective chart review from July 1993–July 2014 at a tertiary pediatric institution. Patients under age 21 with documented thyroid nodules who underwent fine needle aspiration, and/or thyroidectomy were included. Results 126 patients were identified. 84.1% (n = 106) were female. Age range was 12 months–20 years. The average age was 13.3 ± 4.1 years. The nodules ranged from 0.5 cm to 6 cm 53.9% (n = 68) had a fine needle biopsy done. 42.6% (n = 29) fine needle biopsies were benign, 26.5% (n = 18) were non-diagnostic, 13.2% (n = 9) were classified as “atypia”, 0.09% (n = 6) were consistent with thyroiditis, and 0.09% (n = 6) were suspicious for papillary carcinoma. 78.6% (n = 99) underwent surgery. 7 patients with “benign” needle biopsies underwent surgery: all had follicular adenoma. 7 patients with “atypia” needle biopsies underwent surgery: one patient had papillary thyroid cancer. 8 patients with non-diagnostic needle biopsies underwent surgery: one patient had papillary thyroid cancer. All the patients with needle biopsy suspicious for papillary carcinoma had papillary carcinoma on final pathology. 99 patients underwent surgery: 14.1% (n = 14) had papillary carcinoma and 2% (n = 2) had medullary carcinoma. Conclusion Our review of pediatric thyroid nodules at our institution supports data previously reported. 84% of identified patients were female, supporting previous data that nodules are more prevalent in the female population. Of the 126 patients identified, 12.7% had thyroid carcinoma, supporting the 7–25% range described in previous literature. Our institution showed a high positive predictive value of FNA for papillary thyroid carcinoma.
Breath hydrogen testing as a physiology laboratory exercise for medical students.

Breath hydrogen testing (BHT) is a simple and reliable method for identifying impaired carbohydrate absorption. We describe a laboratory exercise in physiology for medical students using BHT as the...
Osmolality and other chemical determinations in postmortem human vitreous humor

The measurement of osmotic pressure in blood and urine has been used extensively in clinical investigation and is beginning to be available as a diagnostic test in the hospital laboratory [1–4]. It is dependent on the number of solute particles in solution, rather than their shape, weight, or charge. The determination of the freezing point depression of a solution gives a good estimate of the number of particles and is the basis for the calculation of the osmolality. Serum osmolality has a normal range of 275 to 295 mOsm/kg, with electrolytes, particularly sodium, contributing over 90 percent of this value. Glucose, nonprotein nitrogen, and protein substances make up a large portion of the remainder. The average osmolality of urine ranges from 300 to 1090 mOsm/kg, varies with dietary intake, and is generally higher in males [3]. The mean value for cerebrospinal fluid osmolality in fifty living patients was found to be 281 mOsm/kg, and the range of values extended from 269 to 304 mOsm/kg [5]. Postmortem spinal fluid studies to date have not included osmolality determinations.
Megacystis-Microcolon-Intestinal Hypoperistalsis Syndrome: Case Report and Review of the Literature

AbstractWe report a case of the megacystis-microcolon-intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome and review the literature. Generally, this disease affects female neonates and is usually fatal within the first year of life. All patients have microcolon megacystis, intestinal hypoperistalsis, abdominal distension and dilated small bowel. Although the dilated bowel and urinary tract suggest an obstruction, such is not usually the case and surgical intervention is not always necessary. The abdominal distension results primarily from distension of the urinary tract.
Competing Visions: A Post Keynesian Summing Up

At the outset of this book it was noted that the charge of “incoherence” is widely used to diminish and dismiss Post Keynesian economics. The previous twelve chapters have demonstrated the falsity of this charge, and shown that Post Keynesian macroeconomics represents a distinctive body of thought that rests on reasoned and logically consistent foundations. An appropriate closure calls for rising above specific details, and focusing on the profound theoretical and policy differences that flow from the Post Keynesian vision of macroeconomics as compared with the competing visions offered by new classical, neo-Keynesian, and new Keynesian macroeconomics.
A Brief Overview of Techniques for Modulating Neuroendocrine and Other Neural Systems

The history of experimental approaches to the nervous system forms the backdrop for new opportunities of using stem cell technologies in neuroendocrine systems. The emphasis of this chapter is on attempts at therapeutic maneuvers.
Incidence and Growth of Geographic Atrophy during 5 Years of Comparison of Age-Related Macular Degeneration Treatments Trials.

Purpose To estimate the incidence, size, and growth rate of geographic atrophy (GA) during 5 years of follow-up among participants in the Comparison of Age-Related Macular Degeneration Treatments Trials (CATT). Design Cohort within a clinical trial. Participants Participants included in CATT. Methods A total of 1185 CATT participants were randomly assigned to ranibizumab or bevacizumab treatment and to 3 treatment regimens. Participants were released from protocol treatment at 2 years and examined at approximately 5 years (N = 647). Two masked graders assessed the presence and size of GA in digital color photographs (CPs) and fluorescein angiograms (FAs) taken at baseline and years 1, 2, and 5. Cox proportional hazard models were used to identify risk factors for incidence of GA. Annual change in the square root of the total area of GA was the measure of growth. Multivariate linear mixed models including baseline demographic, treatment, and ocular characteristics on CP/FA and optical coherence tomography (OCT) as candidate risk factors were used to estimate adjusted growth rates, standard errors (SEs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Main Outcome Measures Geographic atrophy incidence and growth rate. Results Among the 1011 participants who did not have GA at baseline and had follow-up images gradable for GA, the cumulative incidence was 12% at 1 year, 17% at 2 years, and 38% at 5 years. At baseline, older age, hypercholesterolemia, worse visual acuity, larger choroidal neovascularization (CNV) area, retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP) lesion, GA in the fellow eye, and intraretinal fluid were associated with a higher risk of incident GA. Thicker subretinal tissue complex and presence of subretinal fluid were associated with less GA development. The overall GA growth rate was 0.33 mm/year (SE, 0.02 mm/year). Eyes treated with ranibizumab in the first 2 years of the clinical trial had a higher growth rate than eyes treated with bevacizumab (adjusted growth rate, 0.38 vs. 0.28 mm/year; P = 0.009). Geographic atrophy in the fellow eye, hemorrhage, and absence of sub–retinal pigment epithelium fluid at baseline were associated with a higher growth rate. Conclusions Development of GA is common 5 years after initiating therapy. Several risk factors identified at 2 years of follow-up persist at 5 years of follow-up.
Throughput improvement with setup reduction focusing on process identification

We improved throughput by reducing operational loss that occurs owing to the process condition change in semiconductor manufacturing equipments. As a result of Equipment Engineering System (EES) data analysis, we found that it took time from several to ten percent of Raw Processing Time to adjust etchers Electrostatic Chuck (ESC) temperature. Controlling ESC temperature of each recipe based on process flow and process information, and processing the same ESC temperature process consecutively for a certain period have resulted in throughput improvement in etching process by up to 7 percent and by 4 percent on average.
Prognostic Significance of Early Rehospitalization After Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy

Short-term complications, particularly rehospitalization, after a diagnosis of takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) are poorly described. We sought to characterize the rates, causes, clinical associations, and prognostic implications of early rehospitalization in this patient population. We performed a retrospective observational study of all adult subjects diagnosed with TTC at an academic tertiary care hospital from 2005 to 2015. The primary outcome was rehospitalization within 30 days of index discharge. Multivariable logistic regression was used to test for association between clinical variables and rehospitalization. Association between rehospitalization and survival after index discharge was assessed as a secondary outcome using a multivariable Cox proportional hazard model. Two hundred sixty-three subjects met the inclusion criteria for the study. There were 38 rehospitalizations among 32 subjects (12%). Ninety-five percent of rehospitalizations were due to nonheart failure causes, and 76% were related to noncardiovascular complaints. In multivariable analysis, recent hospitalization before TTC diagnosis and increased length of index hospitalization were associated with greater risk of rehospitalization (odds ratio 4.58, 95% CI 1.97 to 10.65, p
STS, TCM, and Other Shi 勢 (Situated Dispositions of Power/Knowledge)

Reading John Law and Wen-yuan Lin's “Provincializing STS,” I can only suppose that I am expected to engage with it as a cultural anthropologist who has studied the social life of traditional Chines...
Porous Silicon Multilayer Mirrors and Microcavity Resonators for Optoelectronic Applications

Porous silicon multilayer structures are easily manufactured using a periodic current density square pulse during the electrochemical dissolution process. The difference in porosity profile, corresponding to a variation in current density, is attributed to a difference in refractive index. Manipulating the difference in refractive index, high quality optical filters can be made with a maximum reflectivity peak ˜ 100%. The next logical step to further exploit these optical mirrors is to incorporate them into an LED device. The benefit of adding a multilayer mirror below a luminescent film of porous silicon is to significantly reduce the amount of light loss to the silicon substrate and increase the light output. However, oxidation is required to stabilize the as-anodized porous silicon film. This disrupts the overall index profile of the multilayer stack, causing the peak reflectance to blue shift. This phenomenon must be quantified and accounted before device implementation. We present a detailed study on the effects of oxidation temperature, gas environment, and annealing time of porous silicon multilayer structures in a device configuration.
When God Is a Moral Accountant: Requests and Dilemmas of Accountability in US Medical Relief in Madagascar

This chapter examines how Lutheran aid workers in Minneapolis/St. Paul and Antananarivo, Madagascar, who have participated in a 30-year-old religiously based medical aid partnership, perceive and practice accountability work. In what ways are religious and bureaucratic–neoliberal reasoning on moral accountability combined or reconfigured and with what effects? By examining accountability work as a series of requests informed by culturally specific moral notions of subjectivity, value, and gift exchange, this chapter traces how accountability work draws attention to already existing tensions between mutuality and inequality in the global communion. It considers how religious humanitarians uniquely negotiate such problems, as accountability work – an example of what Mariella Pandolfi calls a “mobile” form of “humanitarian governance” – has become a mainstay of religious aid programs seeking to professionalize their operations.
CMOS Analog Implementation of a Discrete-Time 9-Tap FIR Filter with Circular Buffer Architecture

This paper presents the design and simulation of a 9-Tap CMOS Analog Discrete-Time Finite Impulse Response (FIR) Filter system. This unique design features a Circular Buffer Architecture which achieves high sampling rate that can be easily expanded to improve speed and extended to higher order filters. Novel area-efficient four quadrant CMOS analog adder and multiplier circuits are employed to respond for high frequency and wide linear range inputs. The layout for all circuits has been realized using the design tool MAGIC with a 1.2 μm CMOS process. The performance for each circuit and the whole system are characterized using HSPICE simulation based on the extracted MAGIC netlist. The 9-tap filter was designed to achieve 5 MHz sampling rate. The implemented design requires a total chip area of 1690.9 μm by 2134.2 μm and ±5 volt power supply.
MBAA International Annual Conference 2017

MBAA International brings together twelve organizations to discuss research in business education. Over 900 attendees gathered in Chicago to network and share best practices and new ideas.
PO-334 Identification of shared lineage programs across high-grade glioma subtypes by single-cell RNA-seq

Introduction In glioblastoma (GBM), a subset of stem-like cells that have the ability to propagate tumours underlie therapeutic resistance. Stem-like cells with either astrocytic or oligodendrocytic phenotypes have been described. However, the full complement of cell types found in gliomas and their lineage relationship to these progenitors is unknown. Material and methods We profiled the transcriptomes of ~30 000 single cells from 12 primary GBM biopsies via single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) using the 10x Genomics and Fluidigm C1 platforms. Results and discussions Unsupervised clustering revealed two recurrent transcriptional programs associated with either the astrocytic (e.g. AQP4 , CLU , GFAP ) or oligodendrocytic (e.g. HES6 , OLIG1 , OLIG2 ) lineages. Principle component analyses within these cell groups revealed differentiation gradients. Stemness markers CD44 and CHI3L1 mark the apex of the astrocytic lineage, while OLIG2 and PDGFRA mark the apex of the oligodendrocytic lineage. Conversely, markers of differentiated astrocytes such as ALDOC and of differentiated oligodendrocytes such as TMSB4X were enriched at the trunk of the respective lineages. We found these two lineage hierarchies in most tumours, indicating a co-evolution of glioma cells from two independent stem cell populations within the same tumour. High expression of hypoxic markers ( ADM , EPAS1 , VEGFA ) was almost exclusively found in astrocyte-like cells. While oligodendrocyte progenitor cell (OPC)-like cells were mostly actively cycling, astrocytic stem cells were mostly quiescent. Conclusion Our study sheds light on intra-tumour heterogeneity and lineage relationship. Given that GBMs are composed of cells resembling the astrocytic and cells resembling the oligodendrocytic lineage suggests that combined therapy targeting stem-like cells from both populations might be effective in GBM treatment.
Investigating the role of dem resolution and accuracy on flood inundation mapping

Topography plays an important role in the accuracy of flood inundation maps. Most current flood inundation maps are created using topographic information derived from Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data. Although LiDAR data are very accurate, handling of very high resolution Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) from LiDAR can be computationally challenging and expensive in long river reaches. As a result, the DEMs from LiDAR are sometimes resampled to coarser resolutions to expedite the creation and processing of flood inundation maps. The first objective of this study is to quantify the errors arising from DEM properties such as resolution and accuracy on flood inundation maps using the principle of resampling and error analysis. The results show that water surface elevations and flood inundation area have a linear relationship with the DEM resolution and accuracy. The second objective of this study is to use the linear relationship between the flood inundation extent and the DEM resolution or accuracy to create an approach for developing more accurate flood inundation maps by modeling the spatial distribution of errors using less accurate and coarser resolution DEMs. The results show that the hydraulic modeling outputs obtained from coarser resolution DEM using this approach are comparable to the results obtained using high resolution accurate DEMs. The accuracy of flood inundation maps can be improved significantly by modeling the spatial distribution of DEM errors. Therefore, by using the approach developed in this study, it is possible to obtain more accurate flood maps from less accurate topographic data in areas where LiDAR or any other form of accurate topography information is not available.
A microbiological method for the determination of choline by use of a mutant of Neurospora

Previous communications from this laboratory have described the production of biochemical mutants in the mold Neurospora by means of ultraviolet and x-rays (1, 2). Such mutants are characterized by the inability to carry out specific chemical syntheses which normally occur in the unmutated, or wild type, strain. In each case which has been genetically analyzed the failure of the synthesis has been found to be related to the mutation of a single gene. The strain to be described, known as No. 34486, or cholineless, arose from a culture of wild type Neurospora crassa which had been irradiated with ultraviolet light. It was found to be unable to grow in a medium containing only salts, sugar, and biotin, but it grew normally on the addition of a mixture of water-soluble vitamins. When the components of the mixture were tested singly, it was found that the addition of choline alone permitted normal growth. Up to the present, no completely satisfactory method for the determination of choline in natural products and tissue extracts has been described. Chemical methods, such as precipitation of the reineckate, lack specificity, while the biological method of Fletcher, Best, and Solandt (3) is time-consuming and difficult, and “possesses many dangerous pitfalls for the chemist” (4). The whole subject has been critically reviewed by Best and Lucas (4). It was therefore of interest to determine whether the Neurospora mutant is a suitable test organism in a quantitative assay for choline. The experiments to be described show that this is the case and form the basis of a simple, sensitive, and specific method for the determination of choline in natural products. By this procedure it is possible to determine choline in a concentration of 0.02 mg. per liter; routine analyses can be run on 100 mg. samples of material.
Maternal physical activity prior to and during pregnancy does not moderate the relationship between maternal body mass index and infant macrosomia.

Abstract Objectives Maternal body mass index (BMI) is a significant determinant of infant macrosomia. Given the strong metabolic effects of physical activity (PA), independent of body mass, it is unclear as to whether maternal PA may affect the risk of delivering a macrosomic infant. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine if maternal PA moderates the relationship between maternal BMI and infant macrosomia. Design Cross-sectional study using data from the National Maternal and Infant Health Survey (1988). Methods Women with singleton pregnancies, delivering term (37–44 weeks), live-birth infants (n = 6390) were included in the analyses. Multiple logistic regression models were performed to determine the moderating effects of maternal self-reported PA in the preconception and prenatal periods on the risk of infant macrosomia after adjusting for maternal age, race/ethnicity, gestational age and weight gain, smoking and alcohol use, and infant sex. Results Mothers were on average 25 years of age and nearly 25% were overweight or obese. Prevalence of macrosomia was 9%. Overweight or obese women had increased odds of delivering a macrosomic infant (OR = 1.69, p Conclusions Maternal BMI was a significant predictor of infant macrosomia. However, mothers participating in at least 90 min of PA per week in the preconception or prenatal periods did not moderate this association. More rigorous study designs and precise measurements of maternal PA and neonatal size are warranted.
Structure–property relationships on thiolate-protected gold nanoclusters

Since their discovery, thiolate-protected gold nanoclusters (Aun(SR)m) have garnered a lot of interest due to their fascinating properties and “magic-number” stability. However, models describing the thermodynamic stability and electronic properties of these nanostructures as a function of their size are missing in the literature. Herein, we employ first principles calculations to rationalize the stability of fifteen experimentally determined gold nanoclusters in conjunction with a recently developed thermodynamic stability theory on small Au nanoclusters (≤102 Au atoms). Our results demonstrate that the thermodynamic stability theory can capture the stability of large, atomically precise nanoclusters, Au279(SR)84, Au246(SR)80, and Au146(SR)57, suggesting its applicability over larger cluster size regimes than its original development. Importantly, we develop structure–property relationships on Au nanoclusters, connecting their ionization potential and electron affinity to the number of gold atoms within the nanocluster. Altogether, a computational scheme is described that can aid experimental efforts towards a property-specific, targeted synthesis of gold nanoclusters.
Modeling Tube Clearance and Bounding the Effect of Friction in Concentric Tube Robot Kinematics

The shape of a concentric tube robot depends not only on the relative rotations and translations of its constituent tubes, but also on the history of relative tube displacements. Existing mechanics-based models neglect all history-dependent phenomena with the result that when calibrated on experimental data collected over a robot's workspace, the maximum tip position error can exceed 8 mm for a 200-mm-long robot. In this paper, we develop a model that computes the bounding kinematic solutions in which Coulomb friction is acting either to maximize or minimize the relative twisting between each pair of contacting tubes. The path histories associated with these limiting cases correspond to first performing all tube translations and then performing relative tube rotations of sufficient angle so that the maximum Coulomb friction force is obtained along the interface of each contacting tube pair. The robot tip configurations produced by these path histories are shown experimentally to bound position error with respect to the estimated frictionless model compared to path histories comprised of translation or mixed translation and rotation. Intertube friction forces and torques are computed as proportional to the intertube contact forces. To compute these contact forces, the standard zero-clearance assumption that constrains the concentrically combined tubes to possess the same centerline is relaxed. The effects of clearance and friction are explored through numerical and physical experiments and it is shown that friction can explain much of the prediction error observed in existing models. This model is not intended for real-time control, but rather for path planning—to provide error bounds and to inform how the ordering of tube rotations and translations can be used to reduce the effect of friction.
Controlled Design of Phase- and Size-Tunable MonodisperseNi 2 P Nanoparticles in a Phosphonium-Based Ionic Liquidthrough Response Surface Methodology

Nanoparticles of nickel phosphide are finding wide ranging utility as catalysts for hydrodesulfurization, hydrogen evolution reaction, and hydrodeoxygenation of bio-oils. Herein, we present a methodology to tailor monodisperse nickel phosphide nanoparticles in terms of size and phase through the use of a statistical response surface methodology. Colloidal nickel phosphide nanoparticles were synthesized by replacing octadecene (ODE), a commonly used organic solvent, by a more sustainable phosphonium-based ionic liquid (IL). The replacement of ODE with the phosphonium-based IL resulted in faster crystallization at lower temperatures to yield phase-pure, monodisperse Ni2P nanoparticles. Using a first-order design, the PPh3/Ni precursor ratio was identified as the most critical factor influencing the resulting size and phase of the nanoparticles. Optimization using a Doehlert matrix for second-order design yielded a second-degree polynomial equation used to predict the mean diameter of the nanoparticles (over...
Comparative Analysis of Established Risk Scores and Novel Hemodynamic Metrics in Predicting Right Ventricular Failure in Left Ventricular Assist Device Patients.

ABSTRACT Background Right ventricular failure (RVF) portends poor outcomes after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. Although numerous RVF predictive models have been developed, there are few independent comparative analyses of these risk models. Methods and Results RVF was defined as use of inotropes for >14 days, inhaled pulmonary vasodilators for >48 hours or unplanned right ventricular mechanical support postoperatively during the index hospitalization. Risk models were evaluated for the primary outcome of RVF by means of logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curves. Among 93 LVAD patients with complete data from 2011 to 2016, the Michigan RVF score (C = 0.74 [95% CI 0.61–0.87]; P = .0004) was the only risk model to demonstrate significant discrimination for RVF, compared with newer risk scores (Utah, Pitt, EuroMACS). Among individual hemodynamic/echocardiographic metrics, preoperative right ventricular dysfunction (C = 0.72 [95% CI 0.58–0.85]; P = .0022) also demonstrated significant discrimination of RVF. The Michigan RVF score was also the best predictor of in-hospital mortality (C = 0.67 [95% CI 0.52–0.83]; P = .0319) and 3-year survival (Kaplan-Meier log-rank 0.0135). Conclusions In external validation analysis, the more established Michigan RVF score—which emphasizes preoperative hemodynamic instability and target end-organ dysfunction—performed best, albeit modestly, in predicting RVF and demonstrated association with in-hospital and long-term mortality.
ADI-PEG 20 plus docetaxel (DOC) in men with castrate resistant prostate cancer (CRPC): Results from a phase Ib trial.

e16116 Background: ADI-PEG20 is a pegylated enzyme that degrades arginine, a required amino acid in argininosuccinate synthetase (ASS) deficient tumors. Immunohistochemical staining suggests most p...
The Feminist Reference Desk: Concepts, Critiques, and Conversations

Column description. Books reviewed in he Professional Reading column will fit one or more of the following topics: reference and research services, user education, information literacy, personnel m...
Enrichment and Proteomic Characterization of the Cyst Wall from In Vitro Toxoplasma gondii Cysts.

ABSTRACT The tissue cyst of Toxoplasma gondii, found in latent infection, serves a critical role in both transmission and reactivation of this organism. Within infected cells, slowly replicating parasites (bradyzoites) are surrounded by a cyst matrix, cyst wall, and cyst membrane. The cyst wall is clearly delineated by ultrastructural analysis; however, the composition and function of this layer in host-parasite interactions are not fully understood. In order to understand the composition of the cyst wall, a proteomic analysis of purified cyst wall fragments, that were enriched with Percoll gradients and subsequently immunoprecipitated with CST1 antibody, was performed. Known cyst wall proteins, such as CST1, BPK1, MCP4, MAG1, GRA2, GRA3, and GRA5, were identified in this preparation by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). In addition, dense granule proteins (GRAs) not previously shown to associate with the cyst wall, as well as uncharacterized hypothetical proteins, were identified in this cyst wall preparation. Several of these hypothetical cyst wall (CST) proteins were epitope tagged, and immunofluorescence assays confirmed their localization as novel cyst matrix and cyst wall proteins. Expression of two of these newly identified cyst wall proteins was eliminated by gene knockout (CST2-KO and CST3-KO). CST2-KO parasites were highly attenuated in virulence and did not establish detectable cyst burdens. This targeted proteomic approach allowed the identification of new components of the cyst wall that probably have roles in the parasite/host interface. IMPORTANCEToxoplasma gondii is a highly prevalent parasite worldwide that presents life-threatening risks to immunocompromised and pregnant individuals. Whereas the life stage responsible for acute infection can be treated, the life stage responsible for chronic infection is refractory to currently available therapeutics. Little is known about the protein composition of the cyst wall, an amorphous structure formed by parasites that is suspected to facilitate persistence within muscle and nervous tissue during chronic (latent) infection. By implementing a refined approach to selectively purify cyst wall fragments, we identified several known and novel cyst wall proteins from our sample preparations. We confirmed the localizations of several proteins from this data set and identified one that is involved in parasite virulence. These data will propel further studies on cyst wall structure and function, leading to therapeutic strategies that can eliminate the chronic infection stage.
The Downing of a C-130 and Host-State Utilization of the American Armenian Community

This study examines the relationship between the Soviet shooting down of the C-130 aircraft over Soviet Armenia in September 1958 and the investigations spearheaded by Samuel Klaus, Special Assista...
Caspase-8 restricts antiviral CD8 T cell hyperaccumulation.

The magnitude of CD8 T cell responses against viruses is checked by the balance of proliferation and death. Caspase-8 (CASP8) has the potential to influence response characteristics through initiation of apoptosis, suppression of necroptosis, and modulation of cell death-independent signal transduction. Mice deficient in CASP8 and RIPK3 (Casp8 -/- Ripk3 -/- ) mount enhanced peak CD8 T cell levels against the natural mouse pathogen murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) or the human pathogen herpes simplex virus-1 compared with littermate control RIPK3-deficient or WT C57BL/6 mice, suggesting an impact of CASP8 on the magnitude of antiviral CD8 T cell expansion and not on contraction. The higher peak response to MCMV in Casp8 -/- Ripk3 -/- mice resulted from accumulation of greater numbers of terminally differentiated KLRG1hi effector CD8 T cell subsets. Antiviral Casp8 -/- Ripk3 -/- T cells exhibited enhanced proliferation when splenocytes were transferred into WT recipient mice. Thus, cell-autonomous CASP8 normally restricts CD8 T cell proliferation following T cell receptor activation in response to foreign antigen. Memory inflation is a hallmark quality of the T cell response to cytomegalovirus infection. Surprisingly, MCMV-specific memory inflation was not sustained long-term in Casp8 -/- Ripk3 -/- mice even though these mice retained immunity to secondary challenge. In addition, the accumulation of abnormal B220+CD3+ T cells in these viable CASP8-deficient mice was reduced by chronic MCMV infection. Combined, these data brings to light the cell death-independent role of CASP8 during CD8 T cell expansion in mice lacking the confounding impact of RIPK3-mediated necroptosis.
Transitions to Capitalism in Early Modern Europe: Economies in the Era of Early Globalization, c. 1450 – c. 1820

Between the end of the Middle Ages and the early nineteenth century, the long-established structures and practices of European trade, agriculture, and industry were disparately but profoundly transformed. Revised, updated, and expanded, this second edition of Transitions to Capitalism in Early Modern Europe narrates and analyses the diverse trends that greatly enlarged European commerce, permanently modified rural and urban production, gave birth to new social classes, remade consumer habits, and altered global economic geographies, culminating in capitalist industrial revolution. Broad in chronological and geographical scope and explicitly comparative, Robert S. DuPlessis' book introduces readers to a wealth of information drawn from throughout Eastern, Western and Mediterranean Europe, as well as to classic interpretations, current debates, new scholarship, and suggestions for further reading.
Validation of the StepWatch activity monitor in individuals with vestibular disorders.

ABSTRACTPurpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the accuracy of the StepWatch Activity Monitor (SAM in measuring step count for individuals with vestibular disorders.Materials and Meth...
Media Coverage in English, Chinese and Japanese

As soon as Japanese troops committed atrocities in Nanjing, English media provided front-page coverage about what happened in the city. Five American and British correspondents, Archibald Trojan Steele of The Chicago Daily News, Frank Tillman Durdin of The New York Times, Charles Yates McDaniel of the Associated Press, Arthur von Briesen Menken of the Paramount Newsreel, and Leslie C. Smith of Reuters, remained inside the walled city and witnessed the initial stage of the massacre.
Rates of hospitalization for community-acquired pneumonia among US adults: A systematic review

BACKGROUND Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is associated with significant disease burden in adults but has not been measured uniformly. Reconciling differences across studies is critical for understanding the true burden of CAP. METHODS We performed a systematic literature review of the incidence of hospitalized CAP among US adults and described the impact of key study characteristics on these estimates. RESULTS After review of 8361 articles as of January 31, 2019, we identified 28 studies with 41 unique estimates of hospitalized CAP incidence. Among adults ≥65 years of age, annual rates of hospitalized CAP ranged from 847 to 3500 per 100,000 persons with median = 1830. Rates were lower in studies that excluded patients with healthcare-associated (but community-onset) pneumonia (HCAP; median = 2003 vs 1286; P = 0.02) or immunocompromising conditions (median = 1895 vs 1409; P = 0.27) compared to those that did not. Rates of CAP were also lower in studies that used more restrictive criteria for diagnosing pneumonia (eg, pneumonia coded in any diagnosis position [median = 2270] vs pneumonia coded in the first position only [median = 1375] in studies of administrative claims; P = 0.02). For adults <65 years of age, rates of CAP were lower (range: 89 to 1138 per 100,000; median = 199). CONCLUSIONS CAP causes a significant disease burden among adults, particularly among those ≥65 years of age. Commonly-applied exclusion criteria (eg, persons with HCAP or immunocompromising conditions) or restrictive case definitions (eg, only including pneumonias coded in the primary diagnosis position) have led to systematic underestimation of CAP incidence in many previous studies. In studies that did not apply these restrictive criteria, the rate of hospitalization was approximately 2000 per 100,000 annually. Understanding the true burden of adult CAP is critical for highlighting the ongoing need for expanded prevention programs, including vaccination.
Continuous deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus may not modulate beta bursts in patients with Parkinson’s disease

Abstract Background Neural oscillations represent synchronous neuronal activation and are ubiquitous throughout the brain. Oscillatory activity often includes brief high-amplitude bursts in addition to background oscillations, and burst activity may predict performance on working memory, motor, and comprehension tasks. Objective We evaluated beta burst activity as a possible biomarker for motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease (PD). The relationship between beta amplitude dynamics and motor symptoms is critical for adaptive DBS for treatment of PD. Methods We applied threshold-based and support vector machine (SVM) analyses of burst parameters to a defined on/off oscillator and to intraoperative recordings of local field potentials from the subthalamic nucleus of 16 awake patients with PD. Results Filtering and time-frequency analysis techniques critically influenced the accuracy of identifying burst activity. Threshold-based analysis lead to biased results in the presence of changes in long-term beta amplitude and accurate quantification of bursts with thresholds required unknowable a priori knowledge of the time in bursts. We therefore implemented an SVM analysis, and we did not observe changes in burst fraction, rate, or duration with the application of cDBS in the participant data, even though SVM analysis was able to correctly identify bursts of the defined on/off oscillator. Conclusion Our results suggest that cDBS of the STN may not change beta burst activity. Additionally, threshold-based analysis can bias the fraction of time spent in bursts. Improved analysis strategies for continuous and adaptive DBS may achieve improved symptom control and reduce side-effects.
The Effect of Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System Inhibition on Morbidity and Mortality during Long-Term Continuous-Flow Left Ventricular Assist Device Support

Purpose Inhibition of the renin angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) improves survival and reduces adverse cardiac events in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, but the benefit is not well-defined following left ventricular assist device (LVAD). Methods We analyzed the ISHLT IMACS registry for adults with a primary, continuous-flow LVAD from January 2013 to September 2017 who were alive at post-operative month 3 without a major adverse event, and categorized patients according to treatment at month 3 with an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker (ACEI/ARB), mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA), or neither (noRAAS). Results Of 11,494 patients included, 50% were treated with ACEI/ARB and 38% with MRA. Propensity score matching was performed separately for ACEI/ARB versus noRAAS (n=2,853 each) and MRA versus noRAAS (n=2,670 each). Kaplan-Meier survival was significantly better for patients receiving ACEI/ARB (Figure A, p Conclusion These findings suggest a benefit for ACEI/ARB as tolerated in patients with heart failure after LVAD implantation.
Management of Older Adults with Mantle Cell Lymphoma

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma that is largely a disease of older adults with a median age at diagnosis of 67 years. MCL is considered incurable with current therapies and has historically been associated with a poor prognosis. A subset of patients will present with features of more indolent disease and can be safely observed for a period of time after diagnosis, but the majority will require treatment at some point in the disease course. Younger patients who are eligible to undergo intensive induction chemotherapy followed by consolidation with an autologous stem cell transplant can experience prolonged survival times with a median overall survival of 13 years; however, there are limited data to support this treatment approach in older adults and these patients often have medical comorbidities that preclude such intensive therapy. Fortunately, an increased understanding of the disease biology has led to the development of novel therapies in recent years that are well-tolerated and have led to improved outcomes in this patient population. In this article, we will review the current treatment landscape for older adults with MCL, with a focus on the safety and efficacy of chemotherapy regimens and novel agents such as lenalidomide, bortezomib, and the Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitors that have been formally studied in this population.
Enhanced seed defenses potentially relax selection by seed predators against serotiny in lodgepole pine

Serotiny, the retention of seeds in a canopy seed bank until high temperatures cause seeds to be released, is an important life history trait for many woody plants in fire-prone habitats. Serotiny provides a competitive advantage after fire but increases vulnerability to predispersal seed predation, due to the seeds being retained in clusters in predictable locations for extended periods. This creates opposing selection pressures. Serotiny is favored in areas of high fire frequency, but is selected against by predispersal seed predators. However, predation also selects for cone traits associated with seed defense that could reduce predation on serotinous cones and thereby relax selection against serotiny. This helps explain the elevated defenses in highly serotinous species. However, whether such interactions drive variation in seed defenses within variably serotinous populations has been studied rarely. We investigated the effects of phenotypic selection exerted by red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) predation on Rocky Mountain lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta latifolia) seeds. Squirrels preferentially harvested cones with more and larger seeds, indicating a preference for a higher food reward. We found evidence for stronger selection on trees with serotinous cones, which presumably accounts for the elevated defenses of and lower predation on serotinous compared to non-serotinous cones. Lower levels of predation on serotinous cones in turn lessen selection against serotiny by squirrels. This has important implications because the frequency of serotiny in lodgepole pine has profound consequences for post-fire communities and ecosystems widespread in the Rocky Mountains.
Selecting Informative Contexts Improves Language Model Finetuning

Language model fine-tuning is essential for modern natural language processing, but is computationally expensive and time-consuming. Further, the effectiveness of fine-tuning is limited by the inclusion of training examples that negatively affect performance. Here we present a general fine-tuning method that we call information gain filtration for improving the overall training efficiency and final performance of language model fine-tuning. We define the information gain of an example as the improvement on a test metric after training on that example. A secondary learner is then trained to approximate this quantity. During fine-tuning, this learner selects informative examples and skips uninformative ones. We show that our method has consistent improvement across datasets, fine-tuning tasks, and language model architectures. For example, we achieve a median perplexity of 54.0 on a books dataset compared to 57.3 for standard fine-tuning. We present statistical evidence that offers insight into the improvements of our method over standard fine-tuning. The generality of our method leads us to propose a new paradigm for language model fine-tuning -- we encourage researchers to release pretrained secondary learners on common corpora to promote efficient and effective fine-tuning, thereby improving the performance and reducing the overall energy footprint of language model fine-tuning.