cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High performance proton exchange membrane fuel cells with sputter-deposited Pt layer electrodes

An ultra-low platinum (Pt) loading (0.1 mg cm2) electrocatalyst layer (1 μm thick) was deposited on an uncatalyzed gas diffusion electrode utilizing the sputter-deposition technique. The performance of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) with this electrode for the cathode (the anode was a conventional low Pt loading E-TEK electrode, 20% PtC, 0.4 mg cm2) showed a good oxygen electrode performance, even at high current densities. The performance of the oxygen electrode was comparable to that of a standard E-TEK electrode, but was somewhat lower than the standard E-TEK electrode with a sputtered Pt layer. However, the potential of the PEMFC with this cathode showed mass transport limitations because of the unexpectedly high anode overpotentials at higher current densities.
The tyranny of the positive attitude in America: observation and speculation.

According to both popular and professional indicators, the push for the positive attitude in America is on the rise. After considering the popular culture zeitgeist, I compare and contrast two recent professional psychology movements—those of positive psychology and postmodern therapy—both of which rest on a foundation of optimism and positive thinking despite their opposing views about a proper philosophy of science. I then present cross-cultural empirical research that calls into question the typical (North American) assumption that a positive attitude is necessary for (a sense of) well-being. I also consider findings in health psychology, clinical/counseling psychology, and organizational behavioral science, findings which call into question the assumption that accentuating the positive (and eliminating the negative) is necessarily beneficial in terms of physical and mental health. The clinical/therapeutic implications of this analysis are addressed, as I put forth my conjecture about the existence of what I call the “tyranny of the positive attitude” in the form of a question: If there indeed now exists unprecedented pressure to accentuate the positive, could it then be that the pressure itself to be happy and optimistic contributes to at least some forms of unhappiness? © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 58: 965–991, 2002.
AdapCode: Adaptive Network Coding for Code Updates in Wireless Sensor Networks

Code updates, such as those for debugging purposes, are frequent and expensive in the early development stages of wireless sensor network applications. We propose AdapCode, a reliable data dissemination protocol that uses adaptive network coding to reduce broadcast traffic in the process of code updates. Packets on every node are coded by linear combination and decoded by Gaussian elimination. The core idea in AdapCode is to adaptively change the coding scheme according to the link quality. Our evaluation shows that AdapCode uses up to 40% less packets than Deluge in large networks. In addition, AdapCode performs much better in terms of load balancing, which prolongs the system lifetime, and has a slightly shorter propagation delay. Finally, we show that network coding is doable on sensor networks in that (i) it imposes only a 3 byte header overhead, (ii) it is easy to find linearly independent packets, and (3) Gaussian elimination needs only 1 KB of memory.
Use of a Uniform Treatment Algorithm Abolishes Racial Disparities in Glycemic Control

Diabetes is particularly burdensome for the black population, which has a 2-fold higher prevalence of diabetes than whites1 and a higher incidence of diabetes-related complications.2 In light of evidence establishing the benefits of good glycemic control,3,4 it is thought that racial differences in rates of complications are due largely to poor glycemic control in blacks compared to whites.5 Although several studies have investigated racial disparities in glycemic control, most were conducted before the emergence of data from the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) and the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS), were limited by restrictive study populations or study design,5-8 or did not adjust for important potential confounders.5-8 Moreover, racial disparities in health have been recognized as early as the 1980s, but recent studies show that blacks continue to have lower rates of reperfusion therapy, coronary angiography, and higher in-hospital mortality after myocardial infarction (MI) compared to whites, and persistent differences in rates of major surgical procedures.9,10 An evaluation of trends in quality of care measures (Health plan Employer Data and Information Set [HEDIS]) found that racial differences in glycemic control and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)–lowering post-MI actually widened during a 5- to 6-year period.11 Racial disparities in health care have been attributed to differences in the clinical training and health resources of physicians who treat black versus white patients,12 trust,13 communication during visits,14 and interpersonal bias,13,15,16 prompting calls for new approaches to help close the gap in care.17 The purpose of this study is to compare glycemic control between blacks and whites in a setting where patient and provider behavior is assessed, and where a uniform treatment algorithm is used to guide care.
Biaxial orientation of poly(ethylene terephthalate). Part III: Comparative structure and property changes resulting from simultaneous and sequential orientation

Commercial operations for producing Poly(ethylene Terephthalate) (PET), Blow molded oriented containers and films, usually involve stretching PET either in simultaneous or sequential modes. The specific orientation characteristics of these two modes are studied with respect to the stress-strain curves and the strain-hardening parameter. Degree of orientation, crystallinity, and physical properties are studied for each mode as functions of stretch ratio and temperature. The relationships among physical properties, orientation, and below molding characteristics are studies. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Long-range coherence and cancer

Abstract Several experiments suggest that a condensed phonon system is characteristic of cancerous cells. It is believed that a high density of non-localized electrons serves as a stabilizing mechanism for this state. The effects of certain microwave fields on malignant cell cultures are also discussed.
Purification of Bovine Plasma Arylesterase

Abstract Bovine plasma arylesterase was purified by: 1) precipitation between 50 and 75% saturation with (NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 at 0C, 2) chromatography of a solution of the precipitate on Sephadex G-200, 3) rechromatography of the pooled enzyme fractions on DEAE-cellulose at pH 7.8, and 4) removal of a precipitate formed when the pooled fractions from (3) above were concentrated and stored at 3-5C for a week. The purified preparation had a specific activity of 137 μmoles phenyl acetate hydrolyzed per minute per milligram protein which represented more than 180-fold purification. Electrophoretic studies of this preparation on cellulose polyacetate strips showed the presence of only one homogeneous component.
Novel silver/mica multilayer compressive seals for solid-oxide fuel cells: The effect of thermal cycling and material degradation on leak behavior

A novel Ag/mica compressive seal was thermally cycled between 100 °C and 800 °C in air to evaluate its stability. The novel Ag/mica compressive seal was composed of a naturally cleaved Muscovite mica sheet and two thin silver layers, and was reported in a previous study to have very low leak rates at 800 °C. In the present study, we examined the thermal cycle stability of the Ag/mica-based compressive seals pressed between mating couples with large and small mismatch in thermal expansion. For comparison, thermal cycling also was conducted on plain mica as well as plain silver only. In addition, the results were compared with published data of a similar mica seal using glass instead of Ag as the interlayers. For mating materials of large mismatch in thermal expansion coefficient (CTE; Inconel/alumina), the Ag/mica seal showed lower leak rates than the plain mica. For mating materials of small mismatch in CTE (SS430/alumina), the leak rates were similar for both the Ag/mica and the plain mica seal. Scanning electron microscopy was used to characterize the microstructure of the mica after thermal cycling. Microcracks, fragmentation, and wear-particle formation were observed on the mica and were correlated to the leak behavior. Overall, the novel Ag/mica seals present good thermal cycle stability for solid-oxide fuel cells, although the leak rates were greater than the corresponding mica seals with glass interlayers.
How Russia Is Not Ruled: Reflections on Russian Political Development

The state remains as important to Russia's prospects as ever. This is so not only because, as in any society, an effectively functioning state administration is necessary to the proper functioning of a complex economy and legal system, but also because, in Russian circumstances, factors of economic geography tend to increase costs of production compared to the rest of the world. These mutually reinforcing factors include: the extreme severity of the climate, the immense distances to be covered, the dislocation between (European) population centers and (Siberian) natural resource centers, and the inevitable predominance of relatively costly land transportation over sea-borne transportation. As a result, it is questionable whether Russia can exist as a world civilization under predominantly liberal economic circumstances: in a unified liberal global capital market, large-scale private direct capital investment will not be directed to massive, outdoor infrastructure projects typical of state investment in the Soviet period.
The aortic distensibility alteration is an index of influence of ischemic preconditioning to myocardial performance.

Abstract Background Ischemic preconditioning (IP) is a cardioprotective phenomenon, induced by brief episodes of myocardial ischemia, which is supposed to affect not only the myocardium, but also the entire cardiovascular system. Considering that patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) have also been described to present impaired aortic mechanical properties, we tried to investigate the possible influence of the late phase of IP on aortic distensibility in patients with CAD. Methods Fifty patients, aged 48 to 72 (mean, 57±6 years), with angiographically confirmed CAD and exercise-induced myocardial ischemia, underwent two treadmill exercise testings (ETs). The second ETs was performed the next day. Thallium-201 scintigraphy was performed during the first and the second ET. Aortic distensibility was evaluated before each exercise testing by a non-invasive technique, using two-dimensional guided M-mode transthoracic echocardiography and arterial pressure was measured simultaneously at the brachial artery by sphygmomanometry. Results The patients were divided in 2 groups according to the extent of myocardial ischemia at peak exercise of the second test, compared to the first test. In 35 (70%) of the studied patients ischemia signs were reduced during the second ET (Group A), while in the rest 15 (30%) of the patients (Group B) no improvement or even worsening of the observed ischemia signs was demonstrated by the studied exercise parameters and the extent of myocardial ischemia in thallium-scintigraphy. Increased aortic distensibility during the second measurement was found in 33 (94%) of the 35 patients of Group A but only in 1 (7%) of the 15 patients of Group B. Aortic distensibility was found to be significantly improved in patients of Group A, while it was found to be worsened in Group B patients. Conclusions The aortic distensibility alteration could be used as an index of influence of ischemic preconditioning to exercise-induced myocardial ischemia, which could be considered indicative of the systemic effects of IP in humans.
Effectiveness of a peer-delivered dissonance-based program in reducing eating disorder risk factors in high school girls.

Objective This pilot study investigated the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of a peer-led dissonance-based eating disorders (ED) prevention/risk factor reduction program with high school girls. Method Ninth grade girls (n = 50) received the peer-led program within the school curriculum. A quasi-experimental design was used to assess changes in ED risk factors preintervention and postintervention compared with waitlist control. Participants were followed through 3-month follow-up. Results Peer-leader adherence to an intervention manual tailored for this age group was high. The intervention was rated as highly acceptable, with a large proportion of participants reporting that they enjoyed the program and learned and applied new information. Intervention participants exhibited significantly greater pre-post reductions in a majority of risk-factor outcomes compared to waitlist controls. When groups were combined to assess program effects over time there were significant pre-post reductions in a majority of outcomes that were sustained through 3-month follow-up. Discussion This pilot study provides tentative support for the effectiveness of using peer leaders to implement an empirically supported ED risk factor reduction program in a high school setting. Additional research is needed to replicate results in larger, better-controlled trials with longer follow-up. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2015; 48:779–784)
GETTING THEM TO THINK OUTSIDE THE CIRCLE: CORPORATE GOVERNANCE, CEOS' EXTERNAL ADVICE NETWORKS, AND FIRM PERFORMANCE

This article contributes to the social networks literature by examining how corporate governance factors influence CEOs' external advice-seeking behaviors. We incorporate insights from social netwo...
Patient Decision Control and the Use of Cardiac Catheterization.

Background: Shared decision-making is a key determinant of patient-centered care. A lack of patient involvement in treatment decisions may explain persistent racial disparities in rates of cardiac catheterization (CCATH). To date, limited evidence exists to demonstrate whether patients who engage in shared decision-makingare more or less likely to undergo non-emergency CCATH. Objective: To assess the relationship between participation in the decision to undergo a CCATH and the use of CCATH. We also examined whether preference for or actual engagement in decision-making varied by patient race. Methods: We analyzed data from 826 male Veterans Administration patients for whom CCATH was indicated and who participated in the Cardiac Decision Making Study. Results: After controlling for confounders, patients reporting any degree of decision control were more likely to receive CCATH compared with those reporting no control (doctor made decision without patient input) (54% vs 39%, P<.0001). Across racial groups, ...
Intermediate-Term Results of the OLIVE Registry.

The report by Iida et al. [(1)][1] in this issue of JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions on the intermediate results of the OLIVE (A Prospective, Multi-Center, Three-Year Follow-Up Study on Endovascular Treatment for Infra-Inguinal Vessel in Patients With Critical Limb Ischemia) Registry is an
Pollution from Consumption and the Trade and Environment Debate

Pollution generated by consumption has largely been ignored in the trade and environment debate, despite the fact that it accounts for a large portion of total emissions. This paper develops a Heckscher-Ohlin model of international trade and pollution emissions and analyzes the impact of trade liberalization on pollution generated by production and consumption. The results indicate that pollution from consumption can increase when pollution from production decreases after a trade liberalization (and vice versa). This is due to a large change in the mix of industries (the composition effect), which dominates changes in the size of the economy and production technology (the so-called scale and technique effects respectively). Trade liberalization leads to a convergence in pollution levels from consumption and a divergence in pollution emissions from production. The more similar the countries liberalizing bilateral trade, the smaller the composition effect and the more scope there is for environmental regulations to reduce total emissions.
TREATMENT OF METACARPAL ENCHONDROMATA: Report of Three Cases

1. Three patients with enchondromata of the metacarpal bones are described. 2. The nature of the enchondromata in all three patients was confirmed by histological examination. 3. Treatment was by radical excision and bridging of the gap by a cortical bone graft. 4. There has been no impairment of function in the hands. No patient complained of pain after the operation. 5. Radiographs taken one year after operation in two patients showed that the flat bone grafts had become cylindrical and that medullary canals had appeared.
Nearly 1000 Protein Identifications from 50 ng of Xenopus laevis Zygote Homogenate Using Online Sample Preparation on a Strong Cation Exchange Monolith Based Microreactor Coupled with Capillary Zone Electrophoresis.

A sulfonate–silica hybrid strong cation exchange monolith microreactor was synthesized and coupled to a linear polyacrylamide coated capillary for online sample preparation and capillary zone electrophoresis-tandem mass spectrometry (CZE-MS/MS) bottom-up proteomic analysis. The protein sample was loaded onto the microreactor in an acidic buffer. After online reduction, alkylation, and digestion with trypsin, the digests were eluted with 200 mM ammonium bicarbonate at pH 8.2 for CZE-MS/MS analysis using 1 M acetic acid as the background electrolyte. This combination of basic elution and acidic background electrolytes results in both sample stacking and formation of a dynamic pH junction. 369 protein groups and 1274 peptides were identified from 50 ng of Xenopus laevis zygote homogenate, which is comparable with an offline sample preparation method, but the time required for sample preparation was decreased from over 24 h to less than 40 min. Dramatically improved performance was produced by coupling the re...
Viremia in ECHO Type 6 Virus Infection.

SummaryECHO type 6 virus was isolated from whole blood and serum obtained 3 days after onset and on 2nd day of paralysis of fatal illness in which there were no meningeal signs. Virus could not be demonstrated in pharyngeal secretions, stools, CSF and postmortem materials. Neutralizing antibodies were not present in the virus-containing serum.
Chemical laboratory studies in muscular disease.

Although studies have been made of the relationship of numerous enzymes to diagnosis of muscular disease, only those concerning aldolase, glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase, lactic dehydrogenase and creatine phosphokinase have been of real value. Because the increase in serum activity of these enzymes fluctuates, it is necessary to study them on several occasions in suspect patients if the initial findings are normal.
N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors of ganglion cells in rabbit retina

1. Intracellular and extracellular recordings were obtained from ganglion cells in the rabbit retina. The effect of N-methyl-DL-aspartate (NMDLA) and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonists were studied with the use of a perfusion method for drug application. 2. NMDLA excited all ganglion cell types and caused a characteristic burst firing pattern, which is not typical of physiological responses in the retina. When synaptic transmission was blocked with cobalt, NMDLA still excited ganglion cells, indicating a direct action. 3. A comparison of DL-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoate (DL-AP-5) and DL-2-amino-7-phosphonoheptanoate (DL-AP-7) revealed that DL-AP-7 was a more specific NMDA antagonist. DL-AP-5 partially blocked the b-wave of the electroretinogram (ERG), an action typical of L-2-amino-4-phosphonobutyrate (L-APB), which specifically blocks on channels in the retina. 4. DL-AP-7 reversibly blocked the action of NMDLA on all ganglion cell types, but the effects of kainate (KA) and carbachol were unchanged. AP-7 was stereospecific and pharmacologically specific, with action typical of a competitive NMDA antagonist in the rabbit retina. 5. DL-AP-7 did not block light responses driven by center or surround stimulation for ON or OFF ganglion cells. Directional selectively was unchanged by DL-AP-7. However, most ganglion cells showed a reduction, typically 20-30%, in the number of action potentials produced by light stimulation. 6. In contrast to a previous report, we found no evidence that DL-AP-7 specifically inhibited sustained ON ganglion cells. The inhibition of sustained ON responses by DL-AP-5, previously attributed to NMDA antagonism, is probably because of the weak APB activity of L-AP-5. 7. We conclude that NMDA receptors do not mediate the major light-driven input to ganglion cells in the rabbit retina. By exclusion, transmission from bipolar cells to ganglion cells appears to be carried mostly by KA or quisqualate (QQ) receptors. However, because NMDA antagonists reduced the number of action potentials produced by light stimulation, it is likely that NMDA receptors carry a portion of the signal transmission to ganglion cells. The presence of NMDA receptors on third-order neurons is consistent with the release of glutamate from presynaptic neurons such as bipolar cells.
Parental Mediation in the Improvement of Narrative Skills of High-Functioning Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder:

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) produce impoverished personal narratives. We developed an intervention to improve parental talk with their son/daughter with ASD which would thereby improve the child’s narration. In this pilot study, we randomly assigned parents to an intervention group who received information about the importance of personal narratives and techniques for improving narration, or a wait-list control group. We compared changes in narration of those with ASD whose parents were in the intervention group versus the wait-list control group. Two recordings of parent–child conversations were scored for elaboration and topic-maintenance versus off-topic remarks. Elaboration skills showed significant improvement among intervention parents, which was related to child elaboration in the same conversation and several months later. Parents in the intervention group, but not control group, reported significant improvement in their son/daughter’s narration. Narrative skills intervention w...
Vibrio Phage KVP40 Encodes a Functional NAD+ Salvage Pathway

The genome of T4-type Vibrio bacteriophage KVP40 has five genes predicted to encode proteins of pyridine nucleotide metabolism, of which two, nadV and natV, would suffice for an NAD+ salvage pathway. NadV is an apparent nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAmPRTase), and NatV is an apparent bifunctional nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase (NMNATase) and nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide pyrophosphatase (Nudix hydrolase). Genes encoding the predicted salvage pathway were cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli, the proteins were purified, and their enzymatic properties were examined. KVP40 NadV NAmPRTase is active in vitro, and a clone complements a Salmonella mutant defective in both the bacterial de novo and salvage pathways. Similar to other NAmPRTases, the KVP40 enzyme displayed ATPase activity indicative of energy coupling in the reaction mechanism. The NatV NMNATase activity was measured in a coupled reaction system demonstrating NAD+ biosynthesis from nicotinamide, phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate, and ATP. The NatV Nudix hydrolase domain was also shown to be active, with preferred substrates of ADP-ribose, NAD+, and NADH. Expression analysis using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) and enzyme assays of infected Vibrio parahaemolyticus cells demonstrated nadV and natV transcription during the early and delayed-early periods of infection when other KVP40 genes of nucleotide precursor metabolism are expressed. The distribution and phylogeny of NadV and NatV proteins among several large double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) myophages, and also those from some very large siphophages, suggest broad relevance of pyridine nucleotide scavenging in virus-infected cells. NAD+ biosynthesis presents another important metabolic resource control point by large, rapidly replicating dsDNA bacteriophages.IMPORTANCE T4-type bacteriophages enhance DNA precursor synthesis through reductive reactions that use NADH/NADPH as the electron donor and NAD+ for ADP-ribosylation of proteins involved in transcribing and translating the phage genome. We show here that phage KVP40 encodes a functional pyridine nucleotide scavenging pathway that is expressed during the metabolic period of the infection cycle. The pathway is conserved in other large, dsDNA phages in which the two genes, nadV and natV, share an evolutionary history in their respective phage-host group.
After the Hurricane: Government Responses to Employment and Population Decline, 1929–1975

From its humble beginnings to the self-appointed title of “Whaling Capital of the World,” the politics and culture of New Bedford have always been shaped by an image of self-grandeur. But “grand” would hardly describe New Bedford today. Something very important happened to this port city, and it is something that has been lamented among long-time residents and leaders: the shrinkage of New Bedford’s population starting around 1929.
Host proteostasis modulates influenza evolution

Predicting and constraining RNA virus evolution require understanding the molecular factors that define the mutational landscape accessible to these pathogens. RNA viruses typically have high mutation rates, resulting in frequent production of protein variants with compromised biophysical properties. Their evolution is necessarily constrained by the consequent challenge to protein folding and function. We hypothesized that host proteostasis mechanisms may be significant determinants of the fitness of viral protein variants, serving as a critical force shaping viral evolution. Here, we test that hypothesis by propagating influenza in host cells displaying chemically-controlled, divergent proteostasis environments. We find that both the nature of selection on the influenza genome and the accessibility of specific mutational trajectories are significantly impacted by host proteostasis. These findings provide new insights into features of host-pathogen interactions that shape viral evolution, and into the potential design of host proteostasis-targeted antiviral therapeutics that are refractory to resistance.
Electrochemical oxidation of formic acid at carbon supported Pt coated rotating disk electrodes

The effect of electrode rotation on the oxidation of formic acid in aqueous sulphuric acid has been investigated at a glassy carbon electrode coated with a carbon supported Pt catalyst. Substantial mass transport effects were observed in cyclic voltammetry, steady-state measurements at constant potential, and chronoamperometry. However, a purely mass transport limited current was not observed under any conditions because of a decrease in the kinetic current at high potentials due to Pt oxide formation. Steady-state measurements, and currents from the cathodic scans in cyclic voltammetry, gave linear Koutecky–Levich plots with slopes in agreement with the literature diffusion coefficient. However, non-linearity and inaccurate slopes were observed for anodic scans and chronoamperometry. This has been shown to be due to small increases in the kinetic current with increasing rotation rate. Accurate kinetic currents can be obtained by applying the Koutecky–Levich equation at each rotation rate and use of the known mass transport limited current.
SCC Initiation Behavior of Alloy 182 in PWR Primary Water

SCC initiation behavior of 15% CF specimens cut from four different alloy 182 weldments was investigated in 360 °C simulated PWR primary water under constant load at the yield stress using direct current potential drop to perform in situ monitoring of SCC initiation time. Within each weldment, one or more specimens underwent SCC initiation within 24 h of reaching full load while some specimens had much longer initiation times, in a few cases exceeding 2500 h. Detailed examinations were conducted on these specimens with a focus on different microstructural features such as preexisting defects, grain orientation and second phases, highlighting an important role of microstructure in crack initiation of alloy 182.
Globalization and Leadership Challenges

In an age of globalization, increased importance is given to the study of public leadership. Present-day leadership cannot afford to limit its actions within the limits of the sovereign territory of one nation. Modern leaders need to think globally in terms of any public policy, which is interconnected with the world at large. The tasks of public leadership have become complicated through the involvement of formal and informal actors, both domestic and international. In a globalized world, leaders find themselves limited by international financial organizations. Even within the country, the leaders find themselves limited by the civil society from different countries but united in a mission. Furthermore, the issues are complex and the solutions require actions which are conditioned by factors beyond their control. Despite the constraints, the leaders are crucial for the overall welfare of countries. Khan analyzes various leadership theories and the challenges of organization culture, crises, ethics, bureaucratic politics and contracting.
The emerging role of immunotherapy in advanced urothelial cancers.

Purpose of review Recent Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of five new immune checkpoint inhibitors for the treatment of metastatic urothelial cancer represents the first major treatment breakthrough for this disease since the introduction of combination chemotherapy over 30 years ago. This review examines the recent clinical trials leading to FDA approval of these agents, the current challenges facing immunotherapy and areas that require further research. Recent findings The programmed death 1 receptor (PD-1) and its ligand programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) are important negative regulators of immune activity, preventing destruction of normal tissues and autoimmunity. Aggressive bladder cancer cells express aberrantly high levels of PD-L1, hijacking the normal immune-regulatory pathway to evade detection and destruction by the immune system. Blockade of the PD-1/PD-L1 axis with immune checkpoint inhibitors augments the immune system's ability to eradicate bladder cancer with impressive safety and tolerability profiles. Summary Recent clinical trials demonstrate that patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma are responsive to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Optimal treatment regimens are still under development, but activity has been demonstrated in both the first and second-line setting for metastatic disease.
Tobacco toxicology revisited.

Worldwide, the diseases caused by inhalation of tobacco smoke represent one of the major health problems of our times. Of particular concern are lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cardiovascular disease. In the Western World aggressive campaigning and education against tobacco use by both private interest groups and government agencies have slowed down, if not decreased, the incidence of lung cancer, the most lethal disease. Nevertheless, there is some concern that teen smoking might reverse this trend (Wingo et al., 1999). In many other countries tobacco smoking continues to be widespread and it is anticipated that in certain regions of the world, particularly in Asia, the toll on public health eventually will amount to millions of people annually (Liu et al., 1998; Pisani et al., 1999).
Accurate polygon scan conversion using half-open intervals

Publisher Summary This chapter describes a simple, efficient polygon scan-conversion algorithm that allows a mesh of polygons to be scan-converted, one polygon at a time, without drawing any pixel twice and without leaving any holes. The algorithm uses a slightly modified Bresenham algorithm to scan-convert the polygon edges and uses half-open intervals to disambiguate the pixels lying on edges shared by adjacent polygons. The chapter presents a scan-line algorithm for triangles; however, the technique is readily extended to arbitrary simple polygons. A scan conversion algorithm that paints pixels whose centers are mapped to a given polygon P will be able to render all the polygons of a polygonal mesh, one at a time, without leaving any holes or duplicating any pixels. For efficiency, EdgeScan is computed incrementally using a Bresenham-like algorithm. The EdgeSetup routine initializes a structure that contains the increments, and the EdgeScan routine uses those increments to compute the intersection of the edge with each scan line. A necessary consequence of painting only those pixels whose centers map to a polygon is that the algorithm may draw disconnected sets of pixels for very thin polygons and draws no pixels at all for polygons that are degenerate—such as line segments or single points.
Ocular Complications Due to Cancer Treatment

The eye is a complex organ composed of many tissues that vary greatly in their exposure and sensitivity to cytotoxic therapy. The ocular effects of cancer treatment, ranging from mild discomfort to blindness or loss of an eye, can have a profound effect on the quality of life of long-term cancer survivors. This chapter discusses the known complications of radiation, chemotherapy, and immunosuppressive therapy in the eye. It also considers the effects of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), which affects the eye in 40–80 % of cases and can be the first or only manifestation of the disease [1, 2]. Each section of the chapter deals with a particular part of the eye and begins with a description of the relevant anatomy (Fig. 6.1). Medical management for the potential complications and indications for referral to an ophthalmologist for specialized care are discussed as well.
Book review: Decision-Analytic Intelligent Systems by David A. Klein (Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 1994)

I'll get straight to the point: If you feel the need to ownally spend time reading) everything in print on computer-aided decision-making, then this book is for you. Otherwise, it probably isn't.
Fast Hypervisor Recovery Without Reboot

System recovery latency is decreased by using microreboot to reboot only the failed component instead of the entire system. For large, complex components, such as hypervisors, even the latency of microreboot is unacceptably high in important deployment scenarios. We investigate an alternative component-level recovery mechanism, which we call microreset, that can achieve dramatically lower recovery latency for some such components. Instead of component reboot, microreset quickly resets the component to a quiescent state that is highly likely to be valid and where the component is ready to handle new or retried interactions with the rest of the system. We present a recovery mechanism for the Xen hypervisor, called NiLiHype, based on microreset. We show that, compared to microreboot-based hypervisor recovery, NiLiHype achieves nearly the same recovery success rate but with a recovery latency that is shorter by a factor of over 30.
TGR5 activation induces cytoprotective changes in the heart and improves myocardial adaptability to physiologic, inotropic, and pressure-induced stress in mice

Introduction Administration of cholic acid, or its synthetic derivative, 6-alpha-ethyl-23(S)-methylcholic acid (INT-777), activates the membrane GPCR, TGR5, influences whole body metabolism, reduces atherosclerosis, and benefits the cardiovascular physiology in mice. Direct effects of TGR5 agonists, and the role for TGR5, on myocardial cell biology and stress response are unknown. Methods Mice were fed chow supplemented with 0.5% cholic acid (CA) or 0.025% INT-777, a specific TGR5 agonist, or regular chow for 3 weeks. Anthropometric, biochemical, physiologic (electrocardiography and echocardiography), and molecular analysis was performed at baseline. CA and INT-777 fed mice were challenged with acute exercise-induced stress, acute catecholamine-induced stress, and hemodynamic stress induced by transverse aortic constriction (TAC) for a period of 8 weeks. In separate experiments, mice born with constitutive deletion of TGR5 in cardiomyocytes (CM-TGR5del ) were exposed to exercise, inotropic, and TAC-induced stress. Results Administration of CA and INT-777 supplemented diets upregulated TGR5 expression and activated Akt, PKA, and ERK1/2 in the heart. CA and INT-777 fed mice showed improved exercise tolerance, improved sensitivity to catecholamine and attenuation in pathologic remodeling of the heart under hemodynamic stress. In contrast, CM-TGR5del showed poor response to exercise and catecholamine challenge as well as higher mortality and signs of accelerated cardiomyopathy under hemodynamic stress. Conclusions Bile acids, specifically TGR5 agonists, induce cytoprotective changes in the heart and improve myocardial response to physiologic, inotropic, and hemodynamic stress in mice. TGR5 plays a critical role in myocardial adaptability, and TGR5 activation may represent a potentially attractive treatment option in heart failure.
The Association of the Mayo Adhesive Probability (MAP) Score With Total Operative Time in Patients Undergoing Hand-assisted Laparoscopic Donor Nephrectomy.

Abstract Objective To assess whether donor kidney Mayo Adhesive probability (MAP) score is associated with (total operative time) ORT in patients undergoing hand-assisted laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (HALDN). Methods Three hundred and thirty-one patients undergoing HALDN were reviewed. Donor kidney MAP scores were recorded based on preoperative computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Single variable and multiple variable regression analysis were used to evaluate the correlation between MAP score and ORT. Results Three hundred and thirty-one patients underwent HALDN between January 2007 and April 2017. Median body mass index was 26.4 kg/m2 (interquartile range 23.4, 29.5) and median age at time of surgery was 45 years (interquartile range 37, 53). Two hundred and thirty-one patients had donor kidney MAP = 0. Hundred patients had donor kidney MAP >0. Mean ORT was 163 minutes for females with MAP = 0 and 166 minutes for females with MAP >0. Median ORT was 180 minutes for males with MAP =0 and 191 minutes for males with MAP >0. Donor kidney MAP score > 0 was significantly correlated with longer ORT (increase of 24.4 minutes, P = .001) in single variable analysis. In multivariable analysis, this correlation was only significant for males (increase of 28.9 minutes, P = .013). Conclusion MAP score > 0 is associated with longer ORT for males undergoing HALDN.
Y-chromosomes can constrain adaptive evolution via epistatic interactions with other chromosomes.

Variation in the non-coding regions of Y-chromosomes have been shown to influence gene regulation throughout the genome in some systems; a phenomenon termed Y-linked regulatory variation (YRV). This type of sex-specific genetic variance could have important implications for the evolution of male and female traits. If YRV contributes to the additive genetic variation of an autosomally coded trait shared between the sexes (e.g. body size), then selection could facilitate sexually dimorphic evolution via the Y-chromosome. In contrast, if YRV is entirely non-additive (i.e. interacts epistatically with other chromosomes), then Y-chromosomes could constrain trait evolution in both sexes whenever they are selected for the same trait value. The ability for this phenomenon to influence such fundamental evolutionary dynamics remains unexplored. Here we address the evolutionary contribution of Y-linked variance by selecting for improved male geotaxis in populations possessing multiple Y-chromosomes (i.e. possessed Y-linked additive and/or epistatic variation) or a single Y-chromosome variant (i.e. possessed no Y-linked variation). We found that males from populations possessing Y-linked variation did not significantly respond to selection; however, males from populations with no Y-linked variation did respond. These patterns suggest the presence of a large quantity of Y-linked epistatic variance in the multi-Y population that dramatically slowed its response. Our results imply that YRV is unlikely to facilitate the evolution of sexually dimorphic traits (at least for the trait examined here), but can interfere with the rate of trait evolution in both males and females. This result could have real biological implications as it suggests that YRV can affect how quickly a population responds to new selective pressures (e.g. invasive species, novel pathogens, or climate change). Considering that YRV influences hundreds of genes and is likely typical of other independently-evolved hemizygous chromosomes, YRV-like phenomena may represent common and significant costs to hemizygous sex determination.
Measuring Antimicrobial Efficacy against Biofilms: a Meta-analysis

Through a statistical meta-analysis of published data on antimicrobial efficacy against biofilms formed by two common bacterial species, it was concluded that the particular experimental method used is the most important factor determining the outcome of the test. An expected dose-response relationship (greater killing with higher doses or longer treatment times) was observed for data sets derived from a single method but was not observed when data from multiple studies using diverse methods were pooled. Method-specific properties such as the surface area/volume ratio, areal biofilm cell density, and microbial species were shown to influence quantitative measurements of biofilm killing. A better appreciation of the method characteristics that affect antibiofilm efficacy tests could aid decision-making related to investment in research and development and regulatory approvals for biofilm control strategies. The following recommendations are offered to those working in research and development related to biofilm control: (i) report the log reduction, surface area/volume ratio, and biofilm areal cell density; (ii) include data for a benchmark agent, making sure that this agent performs competitively at the dose tested; (iii) measure the dose-response relationship, i.e., make measurements at multiple treatment concentrations or dose durations; and (iv) use a standardized method in addition to research methods.
Identification and Management of Chronic Laryngitis.

Chronic laryngitis is an inflammatory process of at least 3 weeks duration and affects phonation, breathing, and swallowing. This article describes the infectious, inflammatory, and autoimmune causes of chronic laryngitis. Symptoms of chronic laryngitis are nonspecific and may range from mild to airway compromise requiring emergent tracheostomy.
Lanthanide Complexes of the alpha-1 Isomer of the [P(2)W(17)O(61)](10-) Heteropolytungstate: Preparation, Stoichiometry, and Structural Characterization by (183)W and (31)P NMR Spectroscopy and Europium(III) Luminescence Spectroscopy.

The α-1 and α-2 [P2W17O61]10- isomers, derivatives of the Wells−Dawson molecule, [α-P2W18O62]6-, may be useful ligands for stabilizing high-valent metal ions and lanthanides and actinides. However,...
Early Childhood App Features: The Good, the Bad, and the Missing

Background: An increasing body of knowledge has shown that children begin learning from birth and begin forming the foundation for future developmental skills from their earliest years (Ramey et al., 2000). Nevertheless, a chronic deficit exists among many of the nation’s children in the developmental progress they achieve between birth and kindergarten. In fact, the need to ensure that all children are ready for kindergarten is a growing national initiative (State of the Union Address, February 12, 2013). To this end, the University of Maryland Department …
False positive bladder scan in ascites with anuria

Urinary retention is commonly diagnosed based on history and examination along with bedside bladder scan. However, in patients where clinical examination is unreliable (patients with obesity, anasarca, and ascites) and diagnosis is uncertain, the bladder scan findings should be interpreted with caution and definitive imaging is mandatory before further intervention is instituted.
Pediatric Thermoregulation: Considerations in the Face of Global Climate Change

Predicted global climate change, including rising average temperatures, increasing airborne pollution, and ultraviolet radiation exposure, presents multiple environmental stressors contributing to increased morbidity and mortality. Extreme temperatures and more frequent and severe heat events will increase the risk of heat-related illness and associated complications in vulnerable populations, including infants and children. Historically, children have been viewed to possess inferior thermoregulatory capabilities, owing to lower sweat rates and higher core temperature responses compared to adults. Accumulating evidence counters this notion, with limited child–adult differences in thermoregulation evident during mild and moderate heat exposure, with increased risk of heat illness only at environmental extremes. In the context of predicted global climate change, extreme environmental temperatures will be encountered more frequently, placing children at increased risk. Thermoregulatory and overall physiological strain in high temperatures may be further exacerbated by exposure to/presence of physiological and environmental stressors including pollution, ultraviolet radiation, obesity, diabetes, associated comorbidities, and polypharmacy that are more commonly occurring at younger ages. The aim of this review is to revisit fundamental differences in child–adult thermoregulation in the face of these multifaceted climate challenges, address emerging concerns, and emphasize risk reduction strategies for the health and performance of children in the heat.
Rasch Analysis of the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale in Individuals Poststroke.

Abstract Objective To examine the psychometric properties of the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale using Rasch analysis for individuals poststroke. Design Retrospective cohort. Setting Data was extracted from the Locomotor Experience Applied Post-Stroke phase 3, multisite, randomized controlled clinical trial. Participants Community-dwelling, ambulatory, older adults (N=406) (mean age ± SD, 61.97±12.76y; 45.07% female) approximately 2 months poststroke. Intervention None. Main Outcome Measures We examined unidimensionality, local dependence, rating-scale structure, item and person fit, person-item match, and separation index of the ABC scale. Results Confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis showed the ABC scale was adequately unidimensional and 3-item pairs had local dependence. A collapsed 5-category rating scale was superior to the 101-category scale. The hardest item was “walking outside on an icy sidewalk,” the easiest item was “getting into or out of a car,” and no items misfit. The ABC scale had high person reliability (0.93), despite 10.5% of individuals misfitting the expected response pattern. Mean ability level of the sample was slightly lower (−0.56 logits) than the mean item difficulty indicating that the ABC scale adequately matched our sample’s balance confidence. The ABC scale did not have a floor or ceiling effect and separated individuals into 5 statistically distinct strata (separation index=3.71). Conclusions The Rasch model supports the use of the ABC scale to measure balance confidence in individuals poststroke. The consistency of our results with previous Rasch analyses on the ABC scale demonstrates the instrument responds similarly across multiple populations; community-dwelling older-adults, outpatient orthopedic physical therapy, stroke, Parkinson disease, and lower-limb amputation. Recommendations include collapsing the rating scale and developing a computerized-adaptive test version of the scale to enhance clinical utility.