cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract P235: A Virtual Baseline Examination: Effect of Baseline Timeframe on Risk Factor Assessment

Introduction: Prospective cohort studies in classical cardiovascular disease (CVD) epidemiology begin with a baseline exam at which risk factors are measured, after which participants are followed over time. Longitudinal patient data from electronic health records (EHR) hold potential for CVD epidemiology but may necessitate flexibility in defining the timeframe of baseline risk factor assessment. Objective: In creating the first CVD cohort study using patient data from a large health system, we tested the hypotheses that widening the timeframe used to measure baseline CVD risk factors increases the yield of eligible patient data without introducing selection bias. Methods: The New England network (VISN 1) of the Veterans Health Administration cares for >1 million patients. To define a veteran cohort, we used EHR data to identify 240,479 eligible VISN 1 patients, defined as having valid demographic data and ≥1 set of blood lipid results between 2000-2007. We anchored the index date to the date of the first eligible lipid results. We then expanded the definition of the baseline timeframe by 1-week intervals before or after this date, assessing the proportion of eligible patients with blood pressure (BP) measurements with each successive widening of the baseline timeframe. We compared 3 groups of patients: 1) those with BP from the exact index date, 2) those with BP up to the 85th percentile to either side of the index date, and 3) those with no BP +/-180 days of the index date. We identified baseline CVD and diabetes from ICD-9 codes. Results: Group 1 contained 146,636 (61.0%) of the eligible patients. This proportion reached 85% by +21 or -56 days from the index date. The 3 groups did not differ in age, BP, or LDL levels, but Group 3 (1.2% of total) had less available race data, lower prevalence of baseline comorbidities, and fewer outpatient visits. Conclusions: Creating a prospective CVD cohort from EHR data is feasible but may require special handling of patients with infrequent visits to minimize selection bias. ![][1] [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
Vorticity reconnection during vortex cutting by a blade

A computational study of vorticity reconnection, associated with the breaking and reconnection of vortex lines, during vortex cutting by a blade is reported. A series of Navier–Stokes simulations of vortex cutting with different values of the vortex strength are described, and the different phases in the vortex cutting process are compared to those of the more traditional vortex tube reconnection process. Each of the three phases of vortex tube reconnection described by Melander & Hussain (Phys. Fluids A, vol. 1(4), 1989, pp. 633–635) are found to have counterparts in the vortex cutting problem, although we also point out numerous differences in the detailed mechanics by which these phases are achieved. Of particular importance in the vortex cutting process is the presence of vorticity generation from the blade surface within the reconnection region and the presence of strong vortex stretching due to the ambient flow about the blade leading edge. A simple exact Navier–Stokes solution is presented that describes the process by which incident vorticity is stretched and carried towards the surface by the ambient flow, and then interacts with and is eventually annihilated by diffusive interaction with vorticity generated at the surface. The model combines a Hiemenz straining flow, a Burgers vortex sheet and a Stokes first problem boundary layer, resulting in a nonlinear ordinary differential equation and a partial differential equation in two scaled time and distance variables that must be solved numerically. The simple model predictions exhibit qualitative agreement with the full numerical simulation results for vorticity annihilation near the leading-edge stagnation point during vortex cutting.
The Political, Social, Psychological and Other Non-Legal Factors Influencing the Development of (Federal) Criminal Law

This paper seeks to explain the prominence of crime as a political issue and the prevailing public support for harsher criminal sanctions. In Part I, I review the history of crime and the politics of crime in the United States, arguing that the coincidence of an increase in the post-war crime rates at a time of antiwar and civil rights disturbances set the stage for opportunistic political behavior as the Republican Party used the crime issue to gain political strength in the South where the Democratic party's support of civil rights legislation left it vulnerable. In Parts II and III I review public opinion on crime, the media's treatment of crime and violence, and the literature of cognitive psychology. Although no definitive proof of cause and effect has been established, a correlation has been found between high consumption of violent programming and increased fear of crime, and there is evidence that the news media's focus on crime may shape political views and/or perform an agenda- setting function. I draw from the well-developed literature about the conflict between public and expert views on risk perception, exploring "rival rationalities" and "cognitive error" theories as a means of understanding the public's views on criminal justice issues.
Current Status of Cardiac Transplantation

Cardiac transplantation is a powerful yet palliative therapy for end-stage heart disease. Donor supply is the primary limitation to widespread application of transplantation, while the requirement for immunosuppressive medication results in a high incidence of postoperative morbidity and mortality. Transplant recipients require continued expert follow up to insure optimal results.
Sirt3 protects mitochondrial DNA damage and blocks the development of doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy in mice

Doxorubicin (Doxo) is a chemotherapeutic drug widely used to treat variety of cancers. One of the most serious side effects of Doxo is its dose-dependent and delayed toxicity to the heart. Doxo is known to induce cardiac mitochondrial damage. Recently, the mitochondrial sirtuin SIRT3 has been shown to protect mitochondria from oxidative stress. Here we show that overexpression of SIRT3 protects the heart from toxicity of Doxo by preventing the drug-induced mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage. Doxo treatment caused depletion of Sirt3 levels both in primary cultures of cardiomyocytes and in mouse hearts, which led to massive acetylation of mitochondrial proteins. Doxo-induced toxicity to cardiomyocytes was associated with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mitochondrial fragmentation, and cell death. Overexpression of SIRT3 helped to attenuate Doxo-induced ROS levels and cardiomyocyte death. Sirt3 knockout (Sirt3.KO) mice could not endure the full dose of Doxo treatment, developed exacerbated cardiac hypertrophy, and died during the course of treatment, whereas Sirt3 transgenic (Sirt3.tg) mice were protected against Doxo-induced cardiotoxicity. Along with Sirt3, we also observed a concomitant decrease in levels of oxoguanine-DNA glycosylase-1 (OGG1), a major DNA glycosylase that hydrolyzes oxidized-guanine (8-oxo-dG) to guanine. Depletion of OGG1 levels was associated with increased mtDNA damage. Sirt3.KO mice and Doxo-treated mice showed increased 8-oxo-dG adducts in DNA and corresponding increase in mtDNA damage, whereas, 8-oxo-dG adducts and mtDNA damage were markedly reduced in Sirt3 overexpressing transgenic mice hearts. These results thus demonstrated that Sirt3 activation protects the heart from Doxo-induced cardiotoxicity by maintaining OGG1 levels and protecting mitochondria from DNA damage.
Using Historical Advertisements to Teach Hospitality Students in the 21st Century

This article examines the use of historical travel advertisements as teaching tools. Students were asked to evaluate the advertisements and compare them with modern print and Internet advertising for travel and tourism.
Individual, parent and social-environmental correlates of caregiving experiences among parents of adults with autism spectrum disorder.

Introduction Compared to parents of adults with other types of disabilities, parents of adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience worse well-being. Thus, it is crucial to identify the individual, parent and social–environmental correlates of caregiving experiences among parents of adults with ASD. Method For this study, 130 parents of adults with ASD responded to a survey about caregiving satisfaction, self-efficacy and burden. Results Greater future planning and community involvement related to more caregiving satisfaction and increased caregiving self-efficacy, respectively. Less choicemaking of the adult with ASD related to greater caregiving satisfaction and self-efficacy. Maladaptive behaviours and poor health of the adult with ASD related to greater caregiving burden. Conclusions Implications for policymakers, practitioners and future research are discussed.
Exploring the role of private-sector corporations in public diplomacy

This conceptual article explores the role of international corporations as non-state actors in the process of public diplomacy as the global environment for diplomacy becomes increasingly multi-directional and networked. It provides an operational definition of the concept of corporate diplomacy and depicts potential contributions of the private sector, particularly the role of corporate social responsibility, in public diplomacy outcomes. The private sector has vast resources to contribute to public diplomacy, but corporations may be more willing to support, rather than to directly engage in public diplomacy in order to protect their economic self-interest. Key issues for research about the role of the private sector in public diplomacy are motives and intentionality of corporate efforts and strategic coordination between business and governments.
Plan of Static Perception Quality of Fastener

In order to improve the external static perception quality of automobile products,the article analyzes the static perception quality in the perspectives of fastener s color,its head shape,and expounds the plan of static perception quality of automobile fastener.
Completing Death Certificates from an EMR: Analysis of a Novel Public-Private Partnership.

With the objective of increasing electronic death registration, Intermountain Healthcare and the Utah Office of Vital Records and Statistics have developed a system enabling death certification from within Intermountain’s electronic medical record (EMR), consisting of an EMR module and an HL7 interface. Comparison of post-intervention death certification at Intermountain Healthcare against a baseline study found a slight increase in the percentage of deaths certified electronically (73% pre vs. 77% post). Analysis of deaths certified using the EMR-module found that they were completed significantly sooner than those certified on paper or using the state’s web-based electronic death registration system (EDRS) (Mean time: Paper = 114.72 hours, EDRS = 81.84 hours, EMR = 43.92 hours; p < 0.0001). EMR-certified deaths also contained significantly more causes of deaths than either alternative method (Mean number of causes: Paper = 3.9 causes, EDRS = 4.0 causes, EMR = 5.5 causes; p < 0.0001).
Hormone replacement therapy for postmenopausal osteoporosis

An estrogen deficiency had lead to the postmenopausal osteoporosis, therefore the hormone replacement therapy (HRT) had accepted for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women in worldwide. But there were some weak points and limits. A half dose HRT is useful for prevent to vaginal bleeding and breast pain, and to be high in the continuation ratio. On the other hand the percent change in lumber bone mineral density from base line in the half dose HRT is lower than the usual dose HRT. Therefore the some combination therapies with half dose HRT were performed. The combination therapies were useful for the patients of Non-responder with HRT. Now we can use the anti-resorptive drugs, Alendoronate and Risedronate, but we think that HRT is Gold-Standard for prevention and treatment in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, because HRT is useful for the climacteric symptoms and hypercholesterolemia.
Principles and instrumentation

Electron microscopy is analytical to some extent. Analytical electron microscopy (AEM) can be defined as the observation of the interaction of electrons with matter at a resolution smaller than that which could be seen with the naked eye. This obviously includes all images in general; however, the term “microprobe analysis” has evolved to make it essentially a form of microchemistry in particular. The wavelength of X-rays can be measured using a wavelength dispersive spectrometer, or the characteristic energies can be measured by means of an energy dispersive spectrometer. Each instrumental configuration has its own advantages and limitations, and the choice of instrumentation depends not only on user preference but also on the particular task at hand. For example, analytical transmission electron microscopy can allow the user to obtain crystallographic information about the sample by means of selected area electron diffraction, whereas analytical scanning electron microscopy permits the elemental analysis of bulk samples and, more recently, the potential to determine the microcrystallographic characteristics of mineral specimens. This approach is particularly useful for the analysis of clinical specimens when combined with backscattered electron imaging, which enhances the ability to detect inorganic particulates of relatively high atomic number in an organic matrix of low atomic number.
Contextual processing in unpredictable auditory environments: The limited resource model of auditory refractoriness in the rhesus

Refractoriness may reflect the gradual decay of an auditory perceptual short-term memory trace that mirrors expenditure and gradual recovery of a limited physiological resource. Our findings sugges...
Virtual Reality Interaction Techniques for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Design Considerations and Preliminary Results

Virtual reality systems are seeing growing use for training individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder ASD. Although the tested systems indicate effective use of virtual reality for training, there is little work in the literature evaluating different virtual reality interaction techniques for this specific group of audience. Individuals with ASD are stated to have different characteristics and perceptions. This requires careful exploration of good design principles in interaction. This paper presents design and preliminary evaluation of interaction techniques for individuals with ASD to be used in a highly immersive virtual reality vocational training system VR4VR [1]. The system includes motion tracking cameras, a head mounted display, real time tracked objects, and several interaction tools such as haptic device and touchscreen. In this system, tangible object manipulation, haptic device interaction, touch and snap technique and touchscreen interaction were implemented for object selection and manipulation; real walking and walk in place techniques were implemented for locomotion. A user study was performed with five individuals with ASD who had no prior VR experience. The preliminary testing results and observations that show the preference of the users with ASD on the implemented interaction techniques are shared in this paper with the aim of contributing to the future studies that utilize VR for individuals with ASD.
Serial Analyses of Gene Expression (SAGE)

Serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) is a molecular biology technique that was developed to measure the global gene expression levels. It has been applied successfully to characterize transcriptomes, compare the transcript levels between normal and diseased tissues, and uncover novel molecules within defined signal transduction pathways. A detailed description is presented in this chapter of the procedures involved to prepare the SAGE libraries. Protocols for automated sequencing and other standard molecular biology techniques can be found elsewhere, and thus are not included herein.
Abstract B143: Fc gamma receptor IV mediated depletionof tumor infiltrating regulatory T cells by anti-CTLA4 antibody is promoted byTLR1/2 agonist and hence its efficacy in anti-tumor combination therapy

Immune checkpoint blockade therapy has been effective but still a significant number of cancer patients either do not respond or become resistant to these therapies. We hypothesized that activating innate immune pathway along with adaptive immune pathway will have a better tumor reduction and survival outcome from immunotherapy treatment. Therefore, we injected TLR1/2 ligand intratumorally in combination with intraperitoneal injection of anti-CTLA4 antibody in a mouse model of melanoma. We show that this combination treatment enhanced anti-tumor immune responses both qualitatively and quantitatively, which is dependent on both CD4 and CD8 T cells. Interestingly, Our results further suggested that increased depletion of regulatory T cells in tumor microenvironment could be one of the mechanisms of enhanced efficacy of combination therapy and this efficacy is dependent upon Fcγ receptor IV expression. This study shows modulation of Fcγ receptor IV expression by a TLR ligand on macrophages to be important in efficacy of anti-CTLA4 antibody in a combination therapy and this mechanism could be harnessed to modulate the final outcome of other antibody-based immunomodulatory therapies. Citation Format: Naveen Sharma, James P. Allison. Fc gamma receptor IV mediated depletionof tumor infiltrating regulatory T cells by anti-CTLA4 antibody is promoted byTLR1/2 agonist and hence its efficacy in anti-tumor combination therapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Second CRI-CIMT-EATI-AACR International Cancer Immunotherapy Conference: Translating Science into Survival; 2016 Sept 25-28; New York, NY. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2016;4(11 Suppl):Abstract nr B143.
Review: Governing by Design: Architecture, Economy, and Politics in the Twentieth Century by Aggregate Architectural History Collaborative

Aggregate Architectural History Collaborative Governing by Design: Architecture, Economy, and Politics in the Twentieth Century Pittsburgh: University of Pittsburgh Press, 2012, 304 pp., 55 b/w illus. $35, ISBN 9780822961789 In a series of fascinating essays, ten of the thirteen directors of the Aggregate Architectural History Collaborative pry the lid off a Pandora’s box of intractable questions about architecture and building production—and their histories—today. These authors examine things explicitly outside the “properly architectural,” according to conventions of architectural history and theory (particularly within the professional school). But if (some of) these essays are not about architecture per se, then what are they about? Do they glance off “Architecture” for the sake of revealing its contours with greater clarity? Aggregate promises to illuminate critical aspects of its subject precisely by encircling building culture with a set of well-aimed spotlights. Daniel Abramson, Arindam Dutta, Timothy Hyde, and Jonathan Massey write for the group in their introduction: “What links this book’s contributions together is the idea of architecture governing conduct” (vii). The phrase recalls the recently translated Ludwig Hilberseimer’s Metropolisarchitecture of 1927.2 As we build, so do we self-organize; as we self-organize, so do we build (and impose our buildings on others). A feedback system modulated by power relations appears beneath the surface of Governing by Design. Three sections move outward from the individual (“Food, Shelter, and the Body”) to the collective (“Global States and Citizens”) to large-scale initiatives (“Engineering and Culture”). Some of the essays are brilliant; all merit reading. Speculating on building today, the authors conjure an inefficacious professional cadre of skin and envelope designers capable of couture design, but less able to manage pret-a-porter—and apparently indifferent to no-name producers such as Target, Walmart, or Muji. This is a collective effort, and the texts might be taken as a methodological whole that posits architectural history as broadly social and political history. Among the individual analyses are Lucia Allais, who, in writing on Egyptian temple conservation and foreign policy, reflects on …
Service-Learning and Undergraduates: Exploring Connections Between Ambiguity Tolerance, Empathy, and Motivation in an Overseas Service Trip

As service-learning becomes more common in undergraduate education, further research is needed around assessing student learning outcomes and character development. One component of high-quality service-learning is written reflection, which has the potential to capture a wealth of data on learner characteristics. This study evaluated learners’ behavior and motivation to participate in service trips, the development of personality characteristics, and the revelation of those characteristics in reflection using Winne and Hadwin’s 1998 model of the self-regulated learner as it relates to the service-learning context. Researchers analyzed connections between learner experiences and changes in their ambiguity tolerance, empathy, and motivation via pre- and posttest surveys and reflection data. Relationships were identified between motivation and satisfaction, as well as frequency of reflection and personal change. The authors offer a profile of an “optimal” overseas service-learner for consideration.
Fracture: Life and Culture in the West, 1918–1938. By Philip Blom. (New York, NY: Basic Books, 2015. Pp. xii, 482. $32.00.)

The interwar period has so far defied easy categorization. Bookended by the two world wars, it was an interlude that tilted toward political and cultural extremes. Most of the essential political a...
Membrane mechanics govern spatiotemporal heterogeneity of endocytic clathrin coat dynamics.

Cellular processes associated with spatiotemporal changes in membrane mechanics induce significant alterations in clathrin-mediated endocytosis dynamics. This phenomenon is also observed during mor...
Formulation of 3D Printed Tablet for Rapid Drug Release by Fused Deposition Modeling: Screening Polymers for Drug Release, Drug-Polymer Miscibility and Printability

Abstract The primary aim of this study was to identify pharmaceutically acceptable amorphous polymers for producing 3D printed tablets of a model drug, haloperidol, for rapid release by fused deposition modeling. Filaments for 3D printing were prepared by hot melt extrusion at 150°C with 10% and 20% w/w of haloperidol using Kollidon ® VA64, Kollicoat ® IR, Affinsiol ™ 15 cP, and HPMCAS either individually or as binary blends (Kollidon ® VA64 + Affinisol ™ 15 cP, 1:1; Kollidon ® VA64 + HPMCAS, 1:1). Dissolution of crushed extrudates was studied at pH 2 and 6.8, and formulations demonstrating rapid dissolution rates were then analyzed for drug-polymer, polymer-polymer and drug-polymer-polymer miscibility by film casting. Polymer-polymer (1:1) and drug-polymer-polymer (1:5:5 and 2:5:5) mixtures were found to be miscible. Tablets with 100% and 60% infill were printed using MakerBot printer at 210°C, and dissolution tests of tablets were conducted at pH 2 and 6.8. Extruded filaments of Kollidon ® VA64-Affinisol ™ 15 cP mixtures were flexible and had optimum mechanical strength for 3D printing. Tablets containing 10% drug with 60% and 100% infill showed complete drug release at pH 2 in 45 and 120 min, respectively. Relatively high dissolution rates were also observed at pH 6.8. The 1:1-mixture of Kollidon ® VA64 and Affinisol ™ 15 cP was thus identified as a suitable polymer system for 3D printing and rapid drug release.
High-temperature crystallized thin-film PZT on thin polyimide substrates

Flexible piezoelectric thin films on polymeric substrates provide advantages in sensing, actuating, and energy harvesting applications. However, direct deposition of many inorganic piezoelectric materials such as Pb(Zrx,Ti1-x)O3 (PZT) on polymers is challenging due to the high temperature required for crystallization. This paper describes a transfer process for PZT thin films. The PZT films are first grown on a high-temperature capable substrate such as platinum-coated silicon. After crystallization, a polymeric layer is added, and the polymer-PZT combination is removed from the high-temperature substrate by etching away a release layer, with the polymer layer then becoming the substrate. The released PZT on polyimide exhibits enhanced dielectric response due to reduction in substrate clamping after removal from the rigid substrate. For Pb(Zr0.52,Ti0.48)0.98Nb0.02O3 films, release from Si increased the remanent polarization from 17.5 μC/cm2 to 26 μC/cm2. In addition, poling led to increased ferroelastic/f...
Understanding Health, Violence, and Acculturation Among South Asian Women in the US

The devastating effects of experiencing violence in childhood are seen well into adulthood. This has been particularly difficult to assess among South Asians living in the U.S., due to a lack of disaggregated data on this ethnic group. In a web-based survey administered to a convenience sample of South Asian women living in the U.S. (n = 535), information was gathered on experience/exposure to childhood violence; adult intimate partner violence; and adverse health outcomes, including ever suicide ideation/attempt, experiences of quality of life and body esteem in adulthood. Further, an individual’s acculturation levels were measured specifically looking at cultural identity which was guided by Berry’s biculturalism model. This study found that acculturation status is a key factor with respect to childhood verbal, physical, and sexual abuse, as well as body esteem and an individual’s well-being. These results suggest that acculturation plays a key role for childhood violence, as well as key adult health indicators. The findings in this study, suggest that more research is warranted to better understand the complex relationships between acculturation status and health. While studies of South Asian immigrants have increased substantially, the study on how acculturation influences family violence and health outcomes has lagged behind. The findings in this study will provide guidance for future work in understanding how acculturation can play a key role in addressing the health and well-being of South Asian women in the U.S.
Dendrodendritic Inhibition Studied with Intracellular Recording

ABSTRACT Intracellular recordings from an in vitro preparation of turtle olfactory bulb were used to determine the pathway responsible for producing synaptic inhibition of mitral cells. Large inhibitory postsynaptic potentials could be produced only when the soma-dendritic membrane was activated. Furthermore, blockade of axon collateral pathways did not block directly activated IPSPs. In addition, paired stimulation of the mitral cell axons resulted in the diminution of the granule cell EPSPs. It is concluded that both synaptic inhibition of mitral cells and excitation of granule cells is mediated primarily by the dendrodendritic reciprocal pathway.
Global Symmetry, Local Symmetry, and the Lattice

Confinement in non-abelian gauge theory involves the idea that the vacuum state is disordered at large scales; our best evidence that this is true comes from Monte Carlo simulations of lattice gauge theories. So to begin with, I need to explain what is meant by a disordered state, a lattice gauge theory, a Monte Carlo simulation.
Trans-Catheter Aspiration of Systemic Air Embolism Causing Cardiac Compromise During CT-Guided Lung Biopsy, a Potentially Lifesaving Maneuver

Systemic artery embolism is a rare complication of CT-guided lung biopsy. Immediate clinical and radiological recognitions are crucial for rapid intervention and prevention of fatal outcome. Although hyperbaric oxygen is the suggested treatment of mildly symptomatic systemic artery embolization, aspiration of air should be considered as part of the management in cases of cardiac arrest.
One-year follow-up results of hair removal using an 810 nm diode laser.

Introduction Laser hair removal is a common light-based aesthetic procedure. Diode lasers and specifically the long-pulse diode laser 810 nm are the most popular preference for hair removal due to the deep penetration and targeting of the hair follicle. In a recently published article, we presented our hair removal clinical evaluation results using an 810 nm scanning diode laser. Three- and six-month follow-up hair counts demonstrated an average hair reduction of about 70%. Objective In the current article, we demonstrate long-term follow-up hair removal results of 1 year after last treatment. Methods Among 11 out of 14 female patients who received three axillary hair removal treatments, 4-6 weeks apart, returned to the 1-year follow-up visit. Treatment area photographs and hair count of 1-year follow-up visit were compared to baseline. Results The average hair count reduction of about 70% at 1 year after the last treatment was maintained. Conclusions The examined 810 nm diode laser has been proven to be a safe and effective for hair removal. Results sustain not only for 3 or 6 months but also for 1 year after last treatment.
HERCULES: An Academic Center to Support Exposome Research

The HERCULES Exposome Research Center was first funded under the Environmental Health Sciences Core Center P30 Program by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences in 2013. The Core Center Program is designed to support infrastructure for research in environmental health. Emory took a unique approach and focused their proposal on the singular topic of the exposome. The idea was to build intellectual and physical infrastructure that would facilitate exposome research. Cores were developed to expand analytical capabilities in targeted and untargeted mass spectrometry and to provide support for data analysis. A major goal of HERCULES was to promote the exposome concept, which has been accomplished through a series of workshops, seminars, and courses. HERCULES has supported the development of new research centers that use the exposome approach and anticipates continued expansion of exposome research at the home institutions.
The Difficulty with Determining Whether Someone is Dead

Parents need certainty that, when their child is declared dead, there has not been any mistake. As discussed within this chapter, the fear of death being declared prematurely is inherent to human nature. However, the complexities of modern medicine have made the concept of death and when it occurs even more complex. The chapter reviews the history leading to the development of the Uniformed Declaration of Death Act, and its recognition that death may be declared following either loss of neurologic function or loss of circulatory and respiratory functions. While the construct of brain death addressed a growing critical care problem of the permanently and severely brain injured patient on technological support, it also introduced many other ethical questions about what it means to be dead. These ethical concerns will be reviewed. It is paramount that physicians understand the medical standards used to define death, but also appreciate the questions and concerns parents may raise about this difficult topic.
Corporate Reputation, Board Gender Diversity and Market Performance

This study examines the association between corporate transparency, ethical orientation of Fortune 500 companies, the number of females represented on the board of directors as reported in the 2010 annual report data and respective stock performance. Our basis for this judgment was whether the firm was listed on either (both) Ethisphere Magazine’s 2010 ‘World’s Most Ethical Companies’ or (and) Corporate Responsibility Magazine’s 2010 ‘100 Best Corporate Citizens List.’ Our results indicate that, as the number of women directors increased, the probability of a corporation appearing on these lists increases. Finally, while being on one of these lists did not increase corporate return data in a statistically significant sense, it did dramatically reduce the degree of negative returns.
A Hierarchical Dirichlet Process Model with Multiple Levels of Clustering for Human EEG Seizure Modeling

Driven by the multi-level structure of human intracranial electroencephalogram (iEEG) recordings of epileptic seizures, we introduce a new variant of a hierarchical Dirichlet Process---the multi-level clustering hierarchical Dirichlet Process (MLC-HDP)---that simultaneously clusters datasets on multiple levels. Our seizure dataset contains brain activity recorded in typically more than a hundred individual channels for each seizure of each patient. The MLC-HDP model clusters over channels-types, seizure-types, and patient-types simultaneously. We describe this model and its implementation in detail. We also present the results of a simulation study comparing the MLC-HDP to a similar model, the Nested Dirichlet Process and finally demonstrate the MLC-HDP's use in modeling seizures across multiple patients. We find the MLC-HDP's clustering to be comparable to independent human physician clusterings. To our knowledge, the MLC-HDP model is the first in the epilepsy literature capable of clustering seizures within and between patients.
COMPLEXITY AND DIVERSITY OF POLYSOMAL AND INFORMOSOMAL mRNA FROM CHINESE HAMSTER CELLS

Publisher Summary This chapter examines the complexity and diversity of polysomal and informosomal mRNA from Chinese hamster cells. In eucaryotic cells, a fraction of the cytoplasmic polyadenylated mRNA population is not associated with ribosomes. These ribosome-free ribonucleoproteins (informosomes) are thought to play a role in control at the translational level. Early development of the fertilized egg involves programmed utilization of informosomes. Distribution of mRNAs between polysomal and informosomal fractions can change more rapidly than the rate of mRNA synthesis. Some mRNAs can shift from one fraction to the other under the appropriate stimulus. There is no information on the sequence complexity of informosomal mRNA and little data on the degree of sequence diversity between polysomal and informosomal mRNAs. The chapter presents results of work obtained from annealing cDNA copies of polyadenylated mRNA to a vast excess of template mRNA from Chinese hamster cells. Homologous annealing reactions showed that polysomal and informosomal mRNA populations had similar complexities. The most abundant informosomal mRNA contained only ∼ 19% the number of different species comprising the most abundant polysomal mRNA.
Horizon line detection using supervised learning and edge cues

Abstract Traditionally, edge detection has been extensively employed as the basic step for the horizon line detection problem. However, generally such methods do not discriminate between edges belonging to horizon boundary and others due to clouds or other natural phenomenon. Additionally, most edge based methods suffer more in the presence of edge gaps. To address these issues, we propose an edge-less horizon line detection approach based on pixel classification, hence not relying on edge information. The key idea is formulating a multi-stage graph using classification maps, instead of edge maps, where each node cost reflects the likelihood of pixel belonging to the horizon boundary. The shortest path is found in the formulated multi-stage graph using dynamic programming which conforms to the detected horizon line. We demonstrate the performance of the proposed approach on two challenging data sets and provide comparisons with two edge-based methods: one relying on edge detection while the other based on edge classification. Overall, the proposed approach achieves comparable performance against carefully crafted edge based formulations. A by-product of the edge-less approach is its capability of associating a confidence level with the found solution, which can be used to confirm the presence or absence of a horizon line in a given image. The method is also capable of dealing with partial horizon line in an image. To further improve the detection performance, we propose a fusion strategy which combines both edge-based and edge-less information. Extensive evaluations, including a publicly available data set, illustrate the superiority of the proposed fusion approach.
Slepian-Wolf Polar Coding with Unknown Correlation

We consider the source coding problem of a binary discrete memoryless source with correlated side information available only at the receiver whose conditional distribution given the source is unknown to the encoder. We propose two methods based on polar codes to attain the achievable rates under this setting. The first method incorporates a staircase scheme, which has been used for universal polar coding for a compound channel. The second method is based on the technique of universalization using bit-channel combining. We also give a list of pros and cons for the two proposed methods.
Potent inhibitors of toxic alpha-synuclein oligomers identified via cellular time-resolved FRET biosensor

ABSTRACT Preventing or reversing the pathological misfolding and self-association of alpha-synuclein (aSyn) can rescue a broad spectrum of pathological cellular insults that manifest in Parkinson’s Disease (PD), Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and other alpha-synucleinopathies. We have developed a high-throughput, FRET-based drug discovery platform that combines high-resolution protein structural detection in living cells with an array of functional and biophysical assays to identify novel lead compounds that protect SH-SY5Y cells from aSyn induced cytotoxicity as well as inhibiting seeded aSyn aggregation, even at nanomolar concentrations. Our combination of cellular and cell-free assays allow us to distinguish between direct aSyn binding or indirect mechanisms of action (MOA). We focus on targeting oligomers with the requisite sensitivity to detect subtle protein structural changes that may lead to effective therapeutic discoveries for PD, DLB, and other alpha-synucleinopathies. Pilot high-throughput screens (HTS) using our aSyn cellular FRET biosensors has led to the discovery of the first nanomolar-affinity small molecules that disrupt toxic aSyn oligomers in cells and inhibit cell death. Primary neuron assays of aSyn pathology (e.g. phosphorylation of mouse aSyn PFF) show rescue of pathology for two of our tested compounds. Subsequent seeded thioflavin-t (ThioT) aSyn aggregation assays demonstrate these compounds deter or block aSyn fibril assembly. Other hit compounds identified in our HTS are known to modulate oxidative stress, autophagy, and ER stress, providing validation that our biosensor is sensitive to indirect MOA as well.
Lower risk of stroke with a vegetarian diet

In this issue of Neurology® , Chiu et al.1 report that a vegetarian diet reduced the risk of stroke in 2 cohorts of Buddhist adherents in Taiwan, who refrained from alcohol and tobacco. The low overall risk of stroke likely reflects the mean age at baseline of only ∼50 years in both cohorts and the relatively short duration of follow-up (5–7 years in cohort 1 and 9 years in cohort 2). In both cohorts, ∼30% followed a vegetarian diet. Importantly, only ∼25% of vegetarians were men.
Analysis of Optimal Energy Performance for Commercial Buildings in the GCC Region

This paper reviews and assesses the impacts and the benefits of energy efficiency measures on total energy consumption, electrical peak demand, and carbon dioxide emissions specific to commercial buildings for six countries part of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). In particular, optimal performance of a prototypical commercial building is analyzed in each of the GCC countries including Bahrain, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Specifically, a series of parametric and sensitivity analyses is performed to investigate the potential savings from a set of energy efficiency measures for each GCC country. In addition, an optimization using life-cycle cost analysis is developed in order to select feasible energy efficiency measures as design alternatives to enhance the energy performance of commercial buildings in the GCC region. The optimized design alternatives for office buildings in all six countries in the GCC region resulted in annual energy consumption, electrical peak demand, and carbon dioxide emission savings ranging on average from 62% to 69% with payback periods ranging from 2.0 to 3.5 years to implement the feasible measures. A bottom-up analysis approach is then used to estimate the benefits for scaling-up the energy efficiency programs targeting both new and existing commercial building stocks for the GCC countries.
Examining the association of health literacy and numeracy with prostate-related knowledge and prostate cancer treatment regret

ABSTRACT Introduction Educational materials used in prostate cancer shared decision-making are often written above the health literacy levels of the patients that may benefit the most from such tools. Poor understanding the oncologic and functional outcomes of prostate cancer treatment may influence patient regret during this process. In this study, we assess the association between health literacy, numeracy, prostate-related knowledge and treatment regret in a diverse population. Materials and Methods Patients obtaining care between June and August of 2016 at both community-based and academic tertiary care facilities were assessed for health literacy and numeracy using validated instruments. Prostate knowledge was tested in those patients without a history of prostate cancer using a 29-item questionnaire and patient-level predictors of knowledge were assessed. Prostate cancer treatment regret was assessed in those patients who had a history of prostate cancer. Results A total of 90 patients were enrolled, 38 (42%) of whom had a history of prostate cancer. African American race (I = 0.039), financial strain (P Conclusions We identified lower health literacy among African American men, and lower prostate-related knowledge in those with poor health literacy. To our knowledge, this is the first study to show an association between health literacy and prostate cancer treatment regret.
Behavior of the PR interval with increasing heart rate in patients with COVID-19.

Background Myriad manifestations of cardiovascular involvement have been described in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but there have been no reports of COVID-19 affecting the cardiac conduction system. The PR interval on the electrocardiogram (ECG) normally shortens with increasing heart rate (HR). The case of a patient with COVID-19 manifesting Mobitz type 1 atrioventricular (AV) block that normalized as the patient’s condition improved prompted us to investigate PR interval behavior in patients with COVID-19. Objective The purpose of this study was to characterize PR interval behavior in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and to correlate that behavior with clinical outcomes. Methods This study was a cross-sectional cohort analysis of confirmed COVID-19 cases (March 26, 2020, to April 25, 2020). We reviewed pre–COVID-19 and COVID-19 ECGs to characterize AV conduction by calculating the PR interval to HR (PR:HR) slope. Clinical endpoints were death or need for endotracheal intubation. Results ECGs from 75 patients (246 pre–COVID-19 ECGs and 246 COVID-19 ECGs) were analyzed for PR:HR slope. Of these patients, 38 (50.7%) showed the expected PR interval shortening with increasing HR (negative PR:HR slope), whereas 37 (49.3%) showed either no change (8 with PR:HR slope = 0) or paradoxical PR interval prolongation (29 with positive PR:HR slope) with increasing HR. Patients without PR interval shortening were more likely to die (11/37 [29.7%] vs 3/38 [7.9%]; P = .019) or require endotracheal intubation (16/37 [43.2%] vs 8/38 [21.1%]; P = .05) compared to patients with PR interval shortening. Conclusion Half of patients with COVID-19 showed abnormal PR interval behavior (paradoxical prolongation or lack of shortening) with increasing HR. This finding was associated with increased risk of death and need for endotracheal intubation.
Doctoral Student Self-Assessment of Writing Development.

Background Doctoral nursing students struggle with scholarly writing. While writing improvement strategies have been shared, few studies have used student self-assessment of evidenced-based knowledge, skills, and attitudes (KSAs) to aid with writing development. Objective This study evaluated doctoral student self-assessment of the KSAs specific to writing at each level of nursing education and explored the association of student demographics with self-assessment results. Methods A national sample of doctoral students completed an electronic, 35-item self-assessment. Results Self-assessment revealed the majority of KSAs expected at the BSN, MSN, and doctoral level were being used by Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students. One doctoral level KSA did not meet the benchmark for DNP students. A positive association was noted between DNP students' self-assessment and age. Conclusions Doctoral students reported using many of the KSAs for writing expected at each level of nursing education. Most student demographics did not appear to influence writing development. Implications for nursing Self-assessment was an effective way to assess student writing development. Items not meeting the performance benchmark may illuminate the need for further writing development. Faculty recommendations for using self-assessment and facilitating writing development are offered.
Negligible Oleandrin Content of Hot Dogs Cooked on Nerium oleander Skewers

The Nerium oleander plant contains cardenolides that may cause human poisoning when ingested. A long-standing belief holds that it is possible to be poisoned by eating hot dogs or other foods cooked on Nerium oleander branch skewers. Oleandrin levels in frankfurters cooked on fresh and dry Nerium oleander skewers were measured. Hot dogs were cooked separately on either dried or fresh oleander branch skewers using a disposable charcoal grill. The hot dogs were then frozen and transported to an analytical laboratory where oleandrin content was measured via liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy (LC/MS). The oleandrin content of hot dogs cooked on dried and fresh skewers did not exceed 343 ng and 701 ng, respectively. Hot dogs cooked on Nerium oleander skewers contain a negligible amount of oleandrin with respect to that sufficient to cause human poisoning. Reports of poisonings occurring in this manner are most likely the result of an urban myth.
Occupational Exposures and Cardiac Structure and Function: ECHO-SOL (Echocardiographic Study of Latinos).

Background Our objective was to determine associations of occupational exposures with cardiac structure and function in Hispanic/Latino adults. Methods and Results Employed participants were includ...
Effectiveness of Augmented Dollar-Cost Averaging

Abstract Dollar-Cost Averaging investment strategy has been widely criticized by academics for decades. This article proposes an Augmented Dollar-Cost Averaging (ADCA) strategy that conditions investment strategy to the prevailing market environment. The ADCA investment strategy is more aggressive if the economy is expanding and more conservative if the economy is contracting. Changes in market volatility, unemployment rate and capacity utilization were used to determine whether the economy was expanding or contracting. Using the Sharpe ratio, coupled with first-order and second-order stochastic dominance criteria, this study shows the risk-reducing benefits of ADCA in the U.S. stock market between 1967 and 2018.