cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and risk factors for isolation of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus in dogs with keratitis

Objective To determine the prevalence of, and risk factors for, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus (MRS) isolation in dogs with naturally acquired bacterial keratitis. Procedures All Staphylococcus spp. isolated from corneal samples of dogs with keratitis during a 2-year period were evaluated for methicillin resistance by bacteriologic methods. Each MRS isolate was subjected to in vitro susceptibility testing for systemic and ocular antimicrobials. Nasal swabs for culture were collected from all dogs with MRS corneal isolation to evaluate for nasal carrier status. Potential risk factors for MRS isolation were investigated by medical record review and administration of an epidemiological survey to dog owners. Collected information characterizing animal, client, and environmental variables was analyzed for association with MRS isolation. Results Seventy-one Staphylococcus spp. were isolated from seventy individual dogs with keratitis during the study period. Seventeen of the Staphylococcus isolates (23.9%) were methicillin resistant. The MRS isolates included Staphylococcus epidermidis (n = 10), Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (n = 6), and Staphylococcus aureus (n = 1). The MRS corneal isolates displayed extensive antimicrobial resistance. Four dogs (23.5%) with MRS corneal isolates had positive nasal cultures for MRS. Client occupation was significantly (P = 0.01) associated with MRS isolation, and dogs belonging to owners employed in veterinary or human healthcare fields were four times more likely to have MRS keratitis than dogs owned by clients with different professions. There were no significant associations between the other evaluated animal, client, and environmental factors. Conclusions Methicillin resistance is relatively common in Staphylococcus isolates from dogs with corneal infections, particularly among dogs belonging to healthcare workers.
Generalization. Proof of Existence of Ethically Nonmeasurable Situations

In previous chapters we constructed a theory of ethical interaction of two individuals. The question arises: can this theory be generalized to the case of interaction of three, four, or any finite number of individuals?
Work in progress — A Concept Map for Mechanics of Materials

The Mechanics of Materials course is fundamental to all areas of solid mechanics in engineering. It is commonly a “gatekeeper” course and generally considered “difficult” by students. Educators across several engineering disciplines have attempted to improve learning through efforts such as: developing physical demonstration models for classroom use, writing computer programs for independent learning, and conducting concept inventory studies to uncover the underlying cause of learning difficulty. This paper describes the development of a Concept Map for Mechanics of Materials. The map serves as the focal point for discussions and questions, and is simple enough so that anyone can re-create its salient features as a hand-drawn sketch. This concept map has been used and assessed as a tool to review the Mechanics of Materials course before administering a gateway exam in the next-level course, and as a tool for the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam review course. Preliminary assessment results indicate this concept map is an effective tool to use for teaching or reviewing Mechanics of Materials.
Longitudinal Elastic Waves in a Composite Bar with Conical Sections

This paper examines elastic wave propagation along a composite bar with conical sections at whose interfaces discontinuities may occur in material properties, in cross-section al area, and in cone angle. The finite-difference method is presented to solve the multiple-reflection problem. Two explicit difference analogs, similar in formulation, are used: one for the interior points of each section and one for the interface boundaries between sections. This method has been applied to previous investigations involving conical bars, and good agreement with the earlier analytical and experimental results has been achieved. Nomenclature a = distance between the cone apex and the left end of the section (x = 0) c = (E/p)i/2, wave velocity m, n = indices for space and time mesh t = time coordinate u = displacement x = space coordinate A — cross-sectional area E = Young's modulus L = length of bar section Z — pc, impedance p = density a = E cu/dx, stress 9 = Ax/a
A new genus and species of cestode (Rhinebothriidea) from Mobula kuhlii (Rajiformes: Mobulidae) from Malaysian Borneo.

Abstract: The cestode fauna of the shortfin devilray, Mobula kuhlii (Muller & Henle, 1841) was examined for the first time. The work resulted in the discovery of a new genus and species of rhinebothriidean tapeworm. Crassuseptum pietrafacei, n. gen. n. sp. is erected here on the basis of its unique scolex and proglottid morphology. Histological sections and examination by light and scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that this new genus differs from all other rhinebothriidean genera in its possession of bothridia in which the proximal and distal sides are confluent, i.e., not separated by a rim of tissue, and in its possession of testes that extend to the posterior margin of the ovary. This new species is characterized in part by its possession of stalked, elongate bothridia lacking lateral constrictions, with 13–15 prominent transverse bothridial septa and 4 reduced transverse septa, craspedote proglottids, each with 2–3 layers of testes in cross section, and a vas deferens that joins the cirrus sa...
A Longitudinal Analysis of the Influence of Race on Cognitive Performance

Objectives. Whether there are racial and ethnic disparities in the rate of cognitive decline among older adults is not clear. The purpose of this study was to determine if there are differences in cognitive decline among racial and ethnic older adults. Method. Data were from the Health and Retirement Study, waves 1998–2010. Participants were community dwelling at baseline (n = 9,492), mostly female participants (58.8%), ranged in age from 65 to 105 years (M = 74.41, SD = 6.97), and had education levels that averaged less than high school (M = 11.7, SD = 3.4). Cognition was examined using a combined score from word recall, Serial 7’s, backward counting, and naming tasks. To determine changes in cognition across 12 years, we utilized mixed effects models. Results. Results indicated that after adjusting for covariates, race or ethnicity was unrelated to changes in cognitive performance, but there were significant differences in baseline cognition and these differences were more pronounced after adjusting for age, gender, education, poverty, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure. Discussion. It is evident that there are significant differences in baseline cognition, although the rate of cognitive decline across 12 years did not vary significantly by race. These findings support previous assertions that the rate of cognitive decline is not associated with race and suggest that it is likely that baseline cognitive performance is a better indicator of performance over time.
A New TEM-Derived Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase (TEM-91) with an R164C Substitution at the Ω-Loop Confers Ceftazidime Resistance

A new plasmid-mediated TEM-derived extended-spectrum β-lactamase, TEM-91, was identified in a ceftazidime-resistant (MIC, >128 μg per ml) Escherichia coli strain isolated in 1996 in Japan. TEM-91 has three amino acid substitutions, R164C, M184T, and E240K, compared with TEM-1 penicillinase. The isoelectric point (pI), Km, and kcat of TEM-91 for ceftazidime were 5.7, 179 μM, and 29.0 s−1, respectively. The Ki of clavulanic acid for ceftazidime hydrolysis was 30.3 nM.
Improvement of Lesion Detection in Scintigraphic Images by SVD Techniques for Resolution Recovery

The properties of singular value decomposition (SVD) are used to implement an SVD spatial domain pseudoinverse restoration filter. This type of filter is attractive for poor imaging conditions (low spatial resolution, high image noise) and is thus appealing for nuclear medicine images. The method might offer some advantages over more traditional frequency domain filter techniques since the restoration is performed on a local rather than global basis. High-contrast thyroid phantom images collected at different count densities and low-contrast liver phantom images were processed with the SVD filter. Restored images yielded improved spatial resolution, lesion contrast, and signal-to-noise ratio. The SVD pseudoinverse restoration filter implemented as an interactive process permits the operator to terminate filtering at a stage where the visually "best" image is obtained compared to the original data. Processed images suggest that the technique may have potential for improving lesion detection in nuclear medicine.
Genetic influences on blood lipids and cardiovascular disease risk: tools for primary prevention

Genetic polymorphism in human populations is part of the evolutionary process that results from the interaction between the environment and the human genome. Recent changes in diet have upset this equilibrium, potentially influencing the risk of most common morbidities such as cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes, and cancer. Reduction of these conditions is a major public health concern, and such a reduction could be achieved by improving our ability to detect disease predisposition early in life and by providing more personalized behavioral recommendations for successful primary prevention. In terms of cardiovascular diseases, polymorphisms at multiple genes have been associated with differential effects in terms of lipid metabolism; however, the connection with cardiovascular disease has been more elusive, and considerable heterogeneity exists among studies regarding the predictive value of genetic markers. This may be because of experimental limitations, the intrinsic complexity of the phenotypes, and the aforementioned interactions with environmental factors. The integration of genetic and environmental complexity into current and future research will drive the field toward the implementation of clinical tools aimed at providing dietary advice optimized for the individual's genome. This may imply that dietary changes are implemented early in life to gain maximum benefit. However, it is important to highlight that most reported studies have focused on adult populations and to extrapolate these findings to children and adolescents may not be justified until proper studies have been carried out in these populations and until the ethical and legal issues associated with this new field are adequately addressed.
Use of chloranil to trap free radicals in nylon 6

Nylon 6 in the form of bundles of fibers or rods was treated to contain traces of chloranil of other quinones. When stressed within an EPR cavity, the radicals produced were trapped in a relatively stable form containing the quinone. This method offers a quantitative measurement of the integrated number of free radicals produced during a stress history.
Differential neurobiological effects of expert advice on risky choice in adolescents and adults

We investigated behavioral and neurobiological mechanisms by which risk-averse advice, provided by an expert, affected risky decisions across three developmental groups [early adolescents (12-14 years), late adolescents (15-17 years), adults (18+ years)]. Using cumulative prospect theory, we modeled choice behavior during a risky-choice task. Results indicate that advice had a significantly greater impact on risky choice in both adolescent groups than in adults. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we investigated the neural correlates of this behavioral effect. Developmental effects on correlations between brain activity and valuation parameters were obtained in regions that can be classified into (i) cognitive control regions, such as dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and ventrolateral PFC; (ii) social cognition regions, such as posterior temporoparietal junction; and (iii) reward-related regions, such as ventromedial PFC (vmPFC) and ventral striatum. Within these regions, differential effects of advice on neural correlates of valuation were observed across development. Specifically, advice increased the correlation strength between brain activity and parameters reflective of safe choice options in adolescent DLPFC and decreased correlation strength between activity and parameters reflective of risky choice options in adult vmPFC. Taken together, results indicate that, across development, distinct brain systems involved in cognitive control and valuation mediate the risk-reducing effect of advice during decision making under risk via specific enhancements and reductions of the correlation strength between brain activity and valuation parameters.
Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections in Patients on Emergent Hemodialysis.

OBJECTIVE This study had 2 objectives: (1) to describe the epidemiology of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who have no access to scheduled dialysis and (2) to evaluate whether a positive culture of the heparin-lock solution is associated with subsequent development of bacteremia. DESIGN Retrospective observational cohort design for objective 1; and prospective cohort design for objective 2. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS The study was conducted in a 770-bed public academic tertiary hospital in Dallas, Texas. The participants were patients with ESRD undergoing scheduled or emergent hemodialysis. METHODS We reviewed the records of 147 patients who received hemodialysis between January 2011 and May 2011 and evaluated the rate of CRBSI in the previous 5 years. For the prospective study, we cultured the catheter heparin-lock solution in 62 consecutive patients between June 2012 and August 2012 and evaluated the incidence of CRBSI at 6 months. RESULTS Of the 147 patients on emergent hemodialysis, 125 had a tunneled catheter, with a CRBSI rate of 2.61 per 1,000 catheter days. The predominant organisms were Gram-negative rods (GNR). In the prospective study, we found that the dialysis catheter was colonized more frequently in patients on emergent hemodialysis than in those on scheduled hemodialysis. Colonization with GNR or Staphylococcus aureus was associated with subsequent CRBSI at 6 months follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Patients undergoing emergent hemodialysis via tunneled catheter are predisposed to Gram-negative CRBSI. Culturing the heparin-lock solution may predict subsequent episodes of CRBSI if it shows colonization with GNR or Staphylococcus aureus. Prevention approaches in this population need to be studied further. Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol. 2016;37(3):301–305
Stochasticity and Spatial Resonance in Interdecadal Climate Fluctuations

Abstract Ocean–atmosphere interaction plays a key role in climate fluctuations on interdecadal timescales. In this study, different aspects of this interaction are investigated using an idealized ocean–atmosphere model, and a hierarchy of uncoupled and stochastic models derived from it. The atmospheric component is an eddy-resolving two-level global primitive equation model with simplified physical parameterizations. The oceanic component is a zonally averaged sector model of the thermohaline circulation. The coupled model exhibits spontaneous oscillations of the thermohaline circulation on interdecadal timescales. The interdecadal oscillation has qualitatively realistic features, such as dipolar sea surface temperature anomalies in the extratropics. Atmospheric forcing of the ocean plays a dominant role in exciting this oscillation. Although the coupled model is in itself deterministic, it is convenient to conceptualize the atmospheric forcing arising from weather excitation as having stochastic time dep...
Hyperhomocysteinemia Alters Sinoatrial and Atrioventricular Nodal Function: Role of Magnesium in Attenuating These Effects.

Patients with hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy), or elevated plasma homocysteine (Hcy), are at higher risk of developing arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death; however, the mechanisms are unknown. In this study, the effects of HHcy on sinus node function, atrioventricular conduction, and ventricular vulnerability were investigated by electrophysiological (EP) analysis, and the role of magnesium (Mg2+), an endogenous N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, in attenuating EP changes due to HHcy was explored. Wild-type mice (WT) and mice receiving Hcy in the drinking water for 12 weeks (DW) were subjected to electrocardiographic and EP studies. DW compared to WT had significantly shorter RR, PR, QT, and HV intervals, corrected sinus node recovery times (CSNRT), Wenckebach periodicity (WP), atrioventricular nodal effective refractory periods (AVNERP), and right ventricular effective refractory periods (RVERP). To examine the role of Mg2+ in mitigating conduction changes in HHcy, WT, DW, and heterozygous cystathionine-β-synthase knockout mice (CBS +/− ) were subjected to repeat EP studies before and after administration of low-dose magnesium sulfate (20 mg/kg). Mg2+ had no effect on EP variables in WT, but significantly slowed CSNRT, WP, and AVNERP in DW, as well as WP and AVNERP in CBS +/− . These findings suggest that ionic channels modulated by Mg2+ may contribute to HHcy-induced conduction abnormalities.
Fertility Decline and the 1918 Influenza Pandemic in Taiwan

The impact of the 1918 influenza pandemic on human fertility has been subject to significant scholarly debate. The current study characterizes the inter-temporal association between excess deaths during the pandemic and the subsequent birth deficit by identifying the length of time between these two phenomena using cross-correlations of monthly death and birth data from Taiwan from 1906 to 1943. The analysis demonstrates a strong and negative correlation between deaths (d) at time t and births (b) at time t + 9 (r(db)(9) = -0.68, p < .0001). In other words, a significant drop in births was observed nine months after pandemic mortality peaked. The findings suggest that the 1918 influenza pandemic impacted subsequent births primarily through the mechanism of reduced conceptions and embryonic loss during the first month of pregnancy rather than through late-first-trimester embryonic loss.
Renewable Energy in Japan: New Competition in the Energy Market after Fukushima

The disaster at Fukushima has clearly illuminated some of the issues, which operating an energy market through regionally isolated monopolies give rise to. At the same time, a shift towards renewable energies is increasingly being perceived as necessary in Japan. In order to achieve this objective as well as improve the markets compliance and transparency, shifting the market towards a more competitive structure is desirable. However, established incumbents will often have an arsenal of methods available to discourage outsiders from entering the market, as well as inhibiting fringe firms growth. This paper examines the economical, political and legal barriers to entry in the Japanese energy market. The effect of the interwovenness of energy companies and political entities is examined. Furthermore, the efficacy of policies aimed at promoting renewable energies is explored. Finally, a model is outlined, in which the effects of the incumbents competition deterring capital is outlined and a tipping point beyond which the monopolistic incumbent becomes unchallangeable within the current regime is established. This paper confirms that a feed-in tariff, along with the lifting of restrictive regulation would improve conditions for fringe firms substantially. While such measures can not replace fundamental reform of the structure of the market, they constitute an important first step towards market liberalization.
Foraging and Calling Behavior of Carolina chickadees (Poecile carolinensis) in Response to the Head Orientation of Potential Predators

When animals detect predators they modify their behavior to avoid predation. However, less is known about whether prey species modify their behavior in response to predator body and behavioral cues. Recent studies indicated that tufted titmice, a small songbird, decreased their foraging behavior and increased their calling rates when they detected a potential predator facing toward a feeder they were using, compared to a potential predator facing away from that feeder. Here, we tested whether related Carolina chickadees, Poecile carolinensis, were also sensitive not just to the presence of a predator model, but to its facial/head orientation. Although chickadees are closely related to titmice, recent studies in different populations suggest chickadees respond to risky contexts involving predators differently than titmice. We conducted two field studies near feeders the birds were exploiting. In Study One, a mask-wearing human observer stood near the feeder. In Study Two, a model of a domestic cat was positioned near the feeder. In both studies, the potential threatening stimulus either faced toward or faced away from the feeder. Chickadees avoided the feeder more in both studies when the potential predator was present, and showed strongest feeder avoidance when the potential predator faced toward the feeder. Chickadee calling behavior was also affected by the facial orientation of the potential predator in Study 1. These results suggest that, like titmice, chickadees exhibit predation-risk-sensitive foraging and calling behavior, in relation to facial and head orientation of potential threats. These small birds seem to attend to the likely visual space of potential predators. Sensitivity to predator cues like behavior and body posture must become more central to our theories and models of anti-predator behavioral systems.
Assignment of retinal dystrophy (rdy) to linkage group IV of the rat

The retinal dystrophy gene, rdy, in the rat displays autosomal linkage of 19.0 +/- 1.7 percent with nonagouti, a, and 31.8 +/- 4.1 percent with Svp-1 in linkage group IV. The data are consistent with the linear order rdy--a--Svp-1, but the orientation of this sequence with respect to the centromere is not known. A congenic strain has been developed from some of the testcross animals in which retinal dystrophic and heterozygous control rats of both pink-eyed and black-eyed phenotyped can be distinguished with pigmentation marker genes.
Obesity and Asthma: Microbiome–Metabolome Interactions

Obesity is a risk factor for asthma, but obese subjects with asthma respond poorly to standard asthma drugs. Obesity also alters gut bacterial community structure. Obesity-related changes in gut bacteria contribute to weight gain and other obesity-related conditions, including insulin resistance and systemic inflammation. Here, we review the rationale for the hypothesis that obesity-related changes in gut bacteria may also play a role in obesity-related asthma. The metabolomes of the liver, serum, urine, and adipose tissue are altered in obesity. Gut bacteria produce a large number of metabolites, which can reach the blood and circulate to other organs, and gut bacteria-derived metabolites have been shown to contribute to disease processes outside the gastrointestinal tract, including cardiovascular disease. Here, we describe the potential roles for two such classes of metabolites in obesity-related asthma: short-chain fatty acids and bile acids. Greater understanding of the role of microbiota in obesity-related asthma could lead to novel microbiota-based treatments for these hard-to-treat patients.
Colony Reproduction by Budding in the Polygyne Form of Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Indirect evidence has suggested that polygyne colonies of the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren, reproduce by budding. To verify directly the occurrence of budding, queens in polygyne colonies were marked with fine wire and introduced to two field sites previously cleared of fire ant mounds. After 4-5 mo, all mounds were mapped and collected. Marked queens originating from the same colony were found distributed among three to eight different mounds separated by up to 50 m. Marked queens from different colonies were not recovered in the same mound, suggesting that queens do not move freely among established mounds which lack some former connection. The total weights of the colonies increased about four times during the course of the study, indicating substantial growth of colonies in addition to active budding.
Self-Report Inventories as Predictors of Men's Heterosocial Skill: A Multiple Regression Analysis

Little research has concerned criterion-related validity of heterosocial self-report inventories. 82 undergraduate men responded to the Survey of Heterosocial Interactions, Situation Questionnaire, and Dating and Assertion Questionnaire and also had heterosocial skillfulness rated during an analog interaction. Scores on the interaction survey correlated the highest (r = .43) with ratings of global skill, and a four-variable regression model accounted for 31% of the ratings' variance. The significant relationships between these inventories and ratings of skill provide some evidence for criterion-related validity of these measures.
Reactive Air Aluminizing of Nicrofer-6025HT for Use in Advanced Coal-Based Power Plants

Nicrofer-6025HT (Nicrofer) has been selected as a potential manifold material for advanced air separation units that use mixed ionic and electronic conductors (MIECs). Reactive air brazing (RAB) is a recently developed joining technique that has the potential to obtain high-quality joints with the required hermeticity between Nicrofer and the MIEC. Successful RAB joining of these two distinct materials requires an alumina surface layer on the Nicrofer. To aluminize the surface of Nicrofer, a recently developed reactive air aluminizing (RAA) technique was used. The current work demonstrated the feasibility of preparing RAA coatings on Nicrofer and compared the effect of aluminum powder size on the RAA process.
412 ATTENUATION CORRECTION AND SUM STRESS SCORE IN MYOCARDIAL PERFUSION IMAGING AMONG WOMEN AT RISK FOR CORONARY HEART DISEASE.

Background Myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) is a powerful tool to detect myocardial ischemia. Nevertheless, it has not been well validated in women and obese patients due to image attenuation. We evaluated the role of attenuation correction software used in conjunction with MPI among obese women at risk for coronary heart disease (CHD). Methods MPI study data from 45 women who subsequently underwent coronary angiography were collected and analyzed. Three independent nuclear radiologists/cardiologist were asked to interpret these studies and calculate the sum stress score (SSS) and sum rest score (SRS) using nonattenuation corrected (NAC), attenuation corrected (AC), and a combine score (NAC + AC) methodologies. They were blinded to the results of the angiogram. Results The body mass index of these patients was 30.6 ± 6.6 kg/m2; the mean age was 63.3 ± 11.2. There was no difference between NAC SSS and AC SSS (6.5 ± 0.5 vs 6.7 ± 0.6; p = NS). When a combined score was calculated, there was a significant decrease in SSS between NAC SSS and combined SSS (6.5 ± 0.5 vs 4.1 ± 0.4, respectively; p 70% stenosis). Among these patients the NAC SSS was higher than the AC and combined SSS (6.7 ± 0.8 vs 4.9 ± 0.9 and 4.3 ± 0.7, respectively; p Conclusions A combined score appears to significantly lower the SSS among obese women undergoing MPI. This may lead to an increased specificity of MPI in ruling out myocardial ischemia. However, among patients with true disease, the lower combined score may also decrease the sensitivity of MPI in this setting.
Toward carbon nanotube-based imaging agents for the clinic.

Among the many applications for carbon nanotubes (CNTs), their use in medicine has drawn special attention due to their potential for a variety of therapeutic and diagnostic applications. As progress toward clinical applications continues, monitoring CNTs in vivo will be essential to evaluate their biodistribution, potential toxicity, therapeutic activity, and any physiological changes that the material may induce in specific tissues. There are many different imaging modalities to visualize and track CNTs in vivo, yet only a few are full-body penetrating, a central characteristic that widens their clinical utility. In order to visualize CNTs, chemical modification is often required for the material to be used as a platform to carry imaging agents compatible with one or more of the clinical imaging techniques. Here, we focus on the most recent work involving the use of CNTs as imaging agents for the non-invasive, full-body penetrating clinical modalities of MRI, PET, SPECT, and X-ray CT. The synthesis and modification of the CNT materials are discussed, as well as relevant preclinical studies.
Market Failure, Public Policy, and Public Expenditure

Analysis of the pure theory of public expenditures reveals a pathological case of market failure. That is, goods with the “double polar” characteristics of joint supply and the impossibility of exclusion are such that their production will occur only under public organization (collective supply). Yet, in itself, the pure theory of public finance constitutes neither an economic rationale for the state nor an adequate economic theory of government expenditure. An economic theory of the state, consistent with the traditions of individualistic economics, may be developed around the assumption that the state aims to maximize societal economic welfare defined in terms of conformance with individual preferences.1 If market-determined prices are presumed to be the primary way in which preferences are manifest, such a theory requires a thoroughgoing description of all sources of failure of decentralized markets coupled with an analysis of the potentialities of various government policies to deal with these failures. The analogous economic theory of public expenditure must elucidate the specific role of government budgetary outlays as one among various state actions intended to deal with market failure. Further, it must distinguish public expenditures whose purpose is to subsidize households and private market organizations from those government expenditures for goods and services which then are either provided through collective organization and supply or are sold by the state.
To CRISPR and beyond: the evolution of genome editing in stem cells.

The goal of editing the genomes of stem cells to generate model organisms and cell lines for genetic and biological studies has been pursued for decades. There is also exciting potential for future clinical impact in humans. While recent, rapid advances in targeted nuclease technologies have led to unprecedented accessibility and ease of gene editing, biology has benefited from past directed gene modification via homologous recombination, gene traps and other transgenic methodologies. Here we review the history of genome editing in stem cells (including via zinc finger nucleases, transcription activator-like effector nucleases and CRISPR–Cas9), discuss recent developments leading to the implementation of stem cell gene therapies in clinical trials and consider the prospects for future advances in this rapidly evolving field.
High-order sideband generation in semiconductors: Beyond the three step model

Measurements of high-order sideband generation and absorption as a function of near-ir frequency in strong monochromatic sub-THz fields highlight opportunities to explore recollision physics in regimes that are difficult to access in atomic systems.
Bayesian estimators as voting rules

We investigate the fairness of Bayesian estimators (BEs) by viewing them as (irresolute) voting rules and evaluating them by satisfaction of desirable social choice axioms. We characterize the class of BEs that satisfy neutrality by the class of BEs with neutral structures. We prove that a BE with a neutral structure is a minimax rule if it further satisfies parameter connectivity. We prove that no BE satisfies strict Condorcet criterion. We also propose three new BEs of natural frameworks and investigate their computational complexity and satisfaction of monotonicity and Condorcet criterion.
Exploration of US men’s professional sport organization concussion policies

Concussion policies are increasingly being developed and adopted among professional sports organizations. We sought to compare the policies of the National Hockey League (NHL), the National Basketball Association (NBA), the National Football League (NFL), and Major League Baseball (MLB). Our objective was to summarize each policy and evaluate the extent to which each policy is organization-specific and/or consistent with medical guidelines. We visited websites for the NHL, NBA, NFL, and MLB. We searched media articles reporting concussion policy. We utilized only publically available data. We collected information on each league's approach to the definition of concussion, education provided about concussion, baseline testing requirements, minimum return to play time and return to play protocol. We found that concussion policies vary across these organizations. Most organizations utilize the Concussion in Sport Group (CISG) definition (2013) to define concussion. The NFL and NBA mandate preseason education. All organizations require some type of baseline testing. All organizations require sideline evaluation after suspected concussion. The NFL and MLB require Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT) testing for sideline evaluation of suspected concussion. MLB is the only organization to require minimum time before return to play. There is a return to play protocol in place for each organization. The NFL and MLB require independent neurologic consultation as part of their return to play protocol. There is variability in concussion policy among the professional sports organizations. The most pronounced variation from the CISG consensus statement is the variability in the minimum time to return to play. Further, the rules of the individual sports have a role in how concussion policy can be designed and implemented. Professional sports set an example for thousands of recreational sports enthusiasts so their publically available policies on concussion have a large impact.
Gauge Coupling Unification and Proton Decay

This chapter is based on the work of [439]. We have checked whether the SM gauge couplings unify at the string scale in the class of models similar to Model 1 discussed in the previous chapter. All of the 15 MSSM-like models of [406] have three families of quarks and leptons and one or more pairs of Higgs doublets. They all admit an SU(6) orbifold GUT with gauge-Higgs unification and the third family in the bulk.
Microplasma Traveling Wave Terahertz Amplifier

We describe a traveling wave terahertz (0.75–1.1 THz) amplifier that uses a meandering TE01 waveguide coupled to a plasma beam and discuss its design, microfabrication, and cold/hot tests. Motivations for using plasmas instead of electron beams are: 1) thermionic emission required in e-beam generation can be replaced with gas ionization, 2) electrostatic lenses and magnetic focusing structures can be eliminated or reduced in complexity since plasmas can be self-focusing, 3) larger acceleration fields can be used by taking advantage of plasmas’ space-charge electric fields of $\sim 10^{{4}}$ – $10^{{6}}$ V/cm, 4) the plasma pressure can be lowered to yield an electron beam in the limit when the devices’ critical dimensions are smaller than the electron mean-free path, and, hence, 5) higher power amplifications at higher efficiency can be achieved. Cold tests showed that a dielectric coating (50-nm Al2O3) of the gold-coated meandering silicon waveguide improved the maximum terahertz transmission (S21) from −20 to −15 dB. Hot tests showed 12-dB gain at a center frequency of ~0.9 THz over a 1-GHz bandwidth.
Meta-Analysis of the Antidepressant Effects of Acute Sleep Deprivation.

Objective To provide a quantitative meta-analysis of the antidepressant effects of sleep deprivation to complement qualitative reviews addressing response rates. Data sources English-language studies from 1974 to 2016 using the keywords sleep deprivation and depression searched through PubMed and PsycINFO databases. Study selection A total of 66 independent studies met criteria for inclusion: conducted experimental sleep deprivation, reported the percentage of the sample that responded to sleep deprivation, provided a priori definition of antidepressant response, and did not seamlessly combine sleep deprivation with other therapies (eg, chronotherapeutics, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation). Data extraction Data extracted included percentage of responders, type of sample (eg, bipolar, unipolar), type of sleep deprivation (eg, total, partial), demographics, medication use, type of outcome measure used, and definition of response (eg, 30% reduction in depression ratings). Data were analyzed with meta-analysis of proportions and a Poisson mixed-effects regression model. Results The overall response rate to sleep deprivation was 45% among studies that utilized a randomized control group and 50% among studies that did not. The response to sleep deprivation was not affected significantly by the type of sleep deprivation performed, the nature of the clinical sample, medication status, the definition of response used, or age and gender of the sample. Conclusions These findings support a significant effect of sleep deprivation and suggest the need for future studies on the phenotypic nature of the antidepressant response to sleep deprivation, on the neurobiological mechanisms of action, and on moderators of the sleep deprivation treatment response in depression.
Aid to the Civil Power

This chapter demonstrates the importance of the Yeomanry in the control of post-Napoleonic civil disturbances. It shows that, before the County and Borough Police Act of 1856 began to standardised practice, magistrates were often forced to rely on the sometimes blunt instrument of military support to overcome civil disobedience. This was one half of the Yeomanry’s statutory role and, using regional and central archives, this chapter demonstrates how the force not only provided a local dormant garrison that was able to ‘police by presence,’ but the belief that its form and constitution made it inherently reliable. However inefficient or compromised it might have been, this chapter shows how the Yeomanry formed a vital part of the country’s internal defences.
Transcriptional profiles of pulmonary innate immune responses to isogenic antibiotic‐susceptible and multidrug‐resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The virulence of an isogenic pair of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains was studied under similar experimental conditions in two animal infection models. The time to death was significantly longer for the multidrug resistant (MDR) than the wild-type strain. The transcriptional profiles of 84 innate immune response genes in the lungs of immune competent Balb/C mice were further compared. Significantly weaker expression of genes involved in production of soluble pattern recognition receptor and complement were observed in animals infected with the MDR strain. Altered patterns of innate immune system activation may explain the attenuated virulence in MDR bacteria.
Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion: Data Update

Resection of the left atrial appendage (LAA) to prevent recurrent arterial emboli in patients with atrial fibrillation was first suggested more than 60 years ago. Longer-term follow-up from randomized studies of the safety and efficacy of transcatheter LAA occlusion has recently been completed; data from large, observational cohorts are being reported. These recent data provide further insights into procedural safety with current techniques and the ability of LAA closure to reduce thromboembolic stroke compared with warfarin anticoagulation. This review summarizes the latest data regarding transcatheter LAA occlusion, focusing on larger prospective studies and further analyses of seminal clinical trials.
Airway ciliary dysfunction and respiratory symptoms in patients with transposition of the great arteries.

Background Our prior work on congenital heart disease (CHD) with heterotaxy, a birth defect involving randomized left-right patterning, has shown an association of a high prevalence of airway ciliary dysfunction (CD; 18/43 or 42%) with increased respiratory symptoms. Furthermore, heterotaxy patients with ciliary dysfunction were shown to have more postsurgical pulmonary morbidities. These findings are likely a reflection of the common role of motile cilia in both airway clearance and left-right patterning. As CHD comprising transposition of the great arteries (TGA) is commonly thought to involve disturbance of left-right patterning, especially L-TGA with left-right ventricular inversion, we hypothesize CHD patients with transposition of great arteries (TGA) may have high prevalence of airway CD with increased respiratory symptoms. Methods and results We recruited 75 CHD patients with isolated TGA, 28% L and 72% D-TGA. Patients were assessed using two tests typically used for evaluating airway ciliary dysfunction in patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), a recessive sinopulmonary disease caused by respiratory ciliary dysfunction. This entailed the measurement of nasal nitric oxide (nNO), which is typically low with PCD. We also obtained nasal scrapes and conducted videomicroscopy to assess respiratory ciliary motion (CM). We observed low nNO in 29% of the patients, and abnormal CM in 57%, with 22% showing both low nNO and abnormal CM. No difference was observed for the prevalence of either low nNO or abnormal ciliary motion between patients with D vs. L-TGA. Respiratory symptoms were increased with abnormal CM, but not low nNO. Sequencing analysis showed no compound heterozygous or homozygous mutations in 39 genes known to cause PCD, nor in CFTR, gene causing cystic fibrosis. As both are recessive disorders, these results indicate TGA patients with ciliary dysfunction do not have PCD or cystic fibrosis (which can cause low nNO or abnormal ciliary motion). Conclusions TGA patients have high prevalence of abnormal CM and low nNO, but ciliary dysfunction was not correlated with TGA type. Differing from PCD, respiratory symptoms were increased with abnormal CM, but not low nNO. Together with the negative findings from exome sequencing analysis, this would suggest TGA patients with ciliary dysfunction do not have PCD but nevertheless may suffer from milder airway clearance deficiency. Further studies are needed to investigate whether such ciliary dysfunction is associated with increased postsurgical complications as previously observed in CHD patients with heterotaxy.
Macular corneal dystrophy: A review.

Abstract Macular corneal dystrophy is a corneal stromal dystrophy which leads to progressive vision loss. Macular corneal dystrophy is an autosomal recessive condition in which there is abnormality of proteoglycan synthesis. Mutations in the carbohydrate sulfotransferase gene prevent normal sulfation of corneal keratan. Different immunophenotypes have been described depending on the presence of keratan sulfate in cornea and/or serum. The deposition of abnormal proteoglycans leads to loss of corneal transparency and decreased vision. Imaging techniques such as in vivo confocal microscopy and anterior segment ocular coherence tomography have helped enhance our understanding of the corneal ultrastructural changes in this condition. These imaging modalities provide additional information without the need for a tissue biopsy or excision. Traditionally, full-thickness penetrating keratoplasty to replace the opacified cornea has remained the standard of treatment to improve vision. However, newer surgical interventions such as deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty and phototherapeutic keratectomy have also been shown to play a role in the treatment. Disease recurrence remains a challenge and the reason for poor visual prognosis. Newer techniques such as gene-targeting therapies and enzyme replacement therapies are being studied for a potential permanent solution in macular corneal dystrophy. Recent research is directed toward development of genetically modified products to integrate into host corneal DNA and block the mutant genes and hence overcome the underlying pathophysiology. Enzyme replacement therapy is another intervention with potential to treat macular corneal dystrophy. Animal studies show clearance of accumulated keratan sulfate from the body tissues in the treatment of systemic mucopolysaccharidosis by long-term enzyme replacement therapy. Future research should be directed toward elucidation of the relationship between the mutated carbohydrate sulfotransferase gene, the mechanism of deposit formation, and the development of pharmaceutical agents based on gene therapy.
Multidimensionality: A Cross-Disciplinary Review and Integration:

Individuals are inherently multidimensional, containing bundles of attributes and social relations. As multidimensionality research has evolved independently and in a disconnected fashion, our know...
Immune escape correlates with an inflamed phenotype in malignant mesothelioma.

7566 Background: Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is commonly associated with an inflammatory reaction, although the specific patterns of immune escape remain incompletely understood. We used emerging, ...
Tissue-based molecular and histological landscape of acquired resistance to osimertinib given initially or at relapse in patients with EGFR-mutant lung cancers.

9028Background: Even though osimertinib (osi) is now the initial treatment for patients with EGFR-mutant lung cancers, our knowledge about mechanisms of resistance (MOR) is largely derived from pat...
Open Innovation, a Tool for Globalization: The Case of South Korean SMEs

This study explores the phenomenon of open innovation in high tech Korean SMEs. Which mechanisms do lead SMEs to choose a specific model of innovation? The paper includes a literature review as well as an empirical study of internationalized SMEs, based on in-depth interviews, observations, and documents. Open innovation does not always constitute the best model of innovation solution for all SME. This paper proposes a model for assessing the fit between a company and the various models of innovation, and a strategic guide to design an innovation model for successful collaboration with the best partners.
Quantitative tritium autoradiography of mammalian chromosomes. II. The kinetics of DNA synthesis in individual chromosomes of Chinese hamster fibroblasts.

The rates of tritiated thymidine accumulation in each of the chromosome types in Chinese hamster line Don and strain Don-C have been assayed by quantitative tritium autoradiography. The late-replicating nature of the X and Y chromosomes is readily apparent. Many chromosomes exhibit three separate steps of synthesis, with reduced rates of thymidine incorporation between 3 and 4 hours and again between 5 and 6 hours. The same three-step pattern can be seen in scintillation data from FUdR synchronized cells, with 40% of the DNA made in each of the first two steps and 20% in the final step.