cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Atmospheric observations at the Amundsen-Nobile Climate Change Tower in Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard

The Amundsen-Nobile Climate Change Tower (CCT) is one of the important scientific platforms operating in Ny-Alesund, Svalbard. The CCT is equipped with a consistent set of meteorological sensors installed at different heights to provide continuous measurements of the atmospheric parameters that affect the climate and its variability. In this paper, some features of the main meteorological parameters observed during the 6 years of measurements since November 2009 are presented in order to describe the thermodynamic characteristic of the lower layers of the atmosphere and the peculiarities of CCT. Monthly and seasonal behavior of temperature, humidity and wind as well as radiation budget and albedo variability are also shown. Such preliminary statistical description aims to provide an overview of the phenomenology occurring in the Kongsfjord area, useful to proceed with further analysis of the arctic climatic system. Even if the time series are not long enough to consider the parameters variability on a climatological time scale, useful assumptions can be made for detailed analysis concerning turbulence studies, data intercomparison at different time and space scales, validation of theory and numerical model results. CCT dataset is stored in a dedicated built-in digital infrastructure that allows other users, in the frame of international cooperations, to visualize, access and download the data and contribute to strengthen the collaboration within the scientific community operating in Svalbard.
P024 Automated solid-phase HLA antibody assay using the BioTek ELx50 microplate washer

Aim Our laboratory currently uses the manual method to perform the wash steps of the Luminex-based single antigen bead (SAB) assay for HLA antibody analysis. Automation of the wash steps using an automated microplate washer with a vacuum filtration module could be beneficial by reducing tech-to-tech variability and hands-on time. The goal of this study was to investigate the use of this instrument toward the automation of the SAB assay. Methods 5 well-characterized samples with antibody profiles containing both HLA Class I and Class II specificities were analyzed in duplicate within run and on 3 separate runs by means of the LABScreen SAB assay (One Lambda, Inc.). Tests were performed with the BioTek ELx50 microplate washer (BioTek Instruments, Inc.) with a MultiScreen 96-well filter plate with a 1.2 μm low protein-binding Durapore membrane (EMD Millipore Corp.), which performed all wash buffer dispensations, aspirations and incubations. The acquisition was performed on the same Luminex 100 instrument. The results obtained with the microplate washer were compared to results obtained using the manual method. Calculations of % coefficient of variation (CV%) were adapted from the NCCLS global consensus guidelines. Results The BioTek ELx50 microplate washer showed consistent results in comparison with the manual method. The MFI CV% values for each sample within run and between run was calculated. No well failures were observed and antibody strength specificities assignments were comparable in all samples. In addition, antibody specificities (MFI > 2000) showed similar MFI and CV% values between the manual and BioTek ELx50-washed samples. Conclusions We have demonstrated the ability of the BioTek ELx50 microplate washer to automate the LABScreen SAB assay. Automation using this microplate washer speeds processing, improves washing efficiency, increases sensitivity and improves accuracy by eliminating tech to tech variability.
Impact of robotics and a suspended lead suit on physician radiation exposure during percutaneous coronary intervention

Abstract Background Reports of left-sided brain malignancies among interventional cardiologists have heightened concerns regarding physician radiation exposure. This study evaluated the impact of a suspended lead suit and robotic system on physician radiation exposure during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods Real-time radiation exposure data were prospectively collected from dosimeters worn by operating physicians at the head- and chest-level during consecutive PCI cases. Exposures were compared in three study groups: 1) manual PCI performed with traditional lead apparel; 2) manual PCI performed using suspended lead; and 3) robotic PCI performed in combination with suspended lead. Results Among 336 cases (86.6% manual, 13.4% robotic) performed over 30 weeks, use of suspended lead during manual PCI was associated with significantly less radiation exposure to the chest and head of operating physicians than traditional lead apparel (chest: 0.0 [0.1] μSv vs 0.4 [4.0] μSv, p Conclusions Utilization of suspended lead and robotics were observed to result in significantly less radiation exposure to the chest and head of operating physicians during PCI.
The straight line: how the fringe science of ex-gay therapy reoriented sexuality

In The Straight Line: How the Fringe Science of Ex-Gay Therapy Reoriented Sexuality (2015), Temple University (USA) sociologist Tom Waidzunas interrogates the psychology of sexuality in ways that m...
Inflammatory response to mental stress and mental stress induced myocardial ischemia.

Abstract Background Mental stress-induced myocardial ischemia (MSIMI) is associated with increased risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes, yet the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. We measured the inflammatory response to acute laboratory mental stress in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and its association with MSIMI. We hypothesized that patients with MSIMI would have a higher inflammatory response to mental stress in comparison to those without ischemia. Methods Patients with stable CAD underwent 99mTc sestamibi myocardial perfusion imaging during mental stress testing using a public speaking stressor. MSIMI was determined as impaired myocardial perfusion using a 17-segment model. Inflammatory markers including interleukin-6 (IL-6), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9) and high-sensitivity C reactive protein (hsCRP) were measured at rest and 90 min after mental stress. Results were validated in an independent sample of 228 post-myocardial infarction patients. Results Of 607 patients analyzed in this study, (mean age 63 ± 9 years, 76% male), 99 (16.3%) developed MSIMI. Mental stress resulted in a significant increase in IL-6, MCP-1, and MMP-9 (all p Conclusion Mental stress is associated with acute increases in several inflammatory markers. However, neither the baseline inflammatory status nor the magnitude of the inflammatory response to mental stress over 90 min were significantly associated with MSIMI.
Identifying Worldviews on Corporate Sustainability: A Content Analysis of Corporate Sustainability Reports

Companies commonly issue sustainability or corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports. This study seeks to understand worldviews of corporate sustainability, or the corporate message conveyed regarding what sustainability or CSR is and how to enact it. Content analysis of corporate sustainability reports is used to position each company report within stages of corporate sustainability. Results reveal that there are multiple coexisting worldviews of corporate sustainability, but the most dominant worldview is focused on the business case for sustainability, a position anchored in the weak sustainability paradigm. We contend that the business case and weak sustainability advanced in corporate sustainability reports and by the Global Reporting Initiative are poor representations of sustainability. Ecological embeddedness, or a locally responsive strategy that is sensitive to local ecosystems, may hold the key to improved ecological sensemaking, which in turn could lead to more mature levels of corporate sustainability worldviews that support strong sustainability and are rooted in environmental science. This must be supported by government regulation. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Computed Thermodynamic Properties and Distribution Functions for Simple Models of Ionic Solutions

The aim of this review is to describe advances in the theoretical study of equilibrium properties of electrolyte solutions since the preceding review in this series by Falkenhagen and Kelbg.1 It is intended for the reader with a special interest in electrolyte solutions, but not necessarily in the theoretical aspects. However, it is written with the philosophy that the role of theory in this area is to provide interpretation of experimental observations in terms of molecular interactions. On the other hand, providing equations for the representation and correlation of experimental data is regarded as a byproduct of some value, but not an end in itself.
Electrodeposition of Pt onto RuO2(110) Single-Crystal Surface

The electrodeposition of Pt on RuO2(110) from acid solutions of several Pt complexes was studied using programmed potential step or potential sweep methods. The RuO2(110) single-crystal surface was obtained by gas-phase oxidation of Ru(0001). The electrodeposition process is characterized by a large crystallization overpotential and three-dimensional growth from a Pt adlayer. The mismatch between the RuO2(110) and Pt lattices is the likely origin of that overpotential. The nucleation is instantaneous, as verified by potential step experiments. The process starts with depositing a 0.25 ML of Pt, with Pt atoms arranged in a c(2 × 2) array, which is followed by the growth of Pt islands and three-dimensional clusters as in the Stranski−Krastanov growth mode. Density functional theory calculations were used to help in elucidating atomically resolved electrochemical scanning tunneling microscopy (ECSTM) images of the initial stages of Pt deposition. A Pt adlayer on RuO2(110) has lower catalytic activity for the...
Uniform Expansion Theory

Roughly speaking, a function z(x, e) is a singular perturbation of z(x, 0) if z(x, 0) fails to approximate z(x, e) for all x of interest when e is small. Uniformly valid approximations for such functions can often be found by the so-called method of matched asymptotic expansions. The purpose of this book is to present a rigorous development of this method and its application to integral and differential equation problems.
Dithizone staining of myeloid granules.

A dithizone-acetone-water solution may be used to stain myeloid granules in blood smears and bone marrow preparations. It is necessary to lake the erythrocyte before staining in order to remove interfering substances. The results indicate that zinc, known to be present its leukocytes, is cytoplasmic and not associated with the myeloid granules. It is suggested that the method described may be of value to complement the peroxidase stain as it is rapid, simple, and utilizes solutions which may be stored for lengthy periods.
Non-state actors in the regularisation of undocumented youths: the role of the ‘education without borders network’ in Paris

This article uses a bottom-up perspective to highlight how a non-state actor has capitalised on discretionary power to shape regularisation practices of the state. Based on two years of ethnographi...
Biodegradation and Bioremediation of Petroleum Pollutants in Soil

Petroleum and its derived fuels, as a result of their widespread worldwide use, are probably the most ubiquitous organic pollutants found in soil. Each year, approximately 40,000 barrels or equivalently 1,680,000 gallons of crude oil are spilled on land due to pipeline failures (Salani-tro 2001). There are more than 200,000 underground storage tanks in the US alone that have leaked gasoline and other fuels into vadose zone soils (Bedient et al. 1994). A variety of physical and chemical treatment technologies such as incineration, thermal desorption, soil washing, and solvent extraction have been developed and tested for removing petroleum hydrocarbons from soils (Stegmann et al. 2001). Despite the fact that these technologies are successful in cleaning contaminated soils, they not only often destroy the soil structure or render the soil biologically impoverished, sometimes even completely sterile, but also are usually cost-prohibitive. By contrast, biological soil treatment technologies such as land farming, composting or biopile treatment, slurry bioremediation, and bioventing are not only cost-effective, but generally reduce hydrocarbon pollutant levels sufficiently to bring about a significant improvement in soil quality as indicated by marked reductions in ecotoxicity. As a result, bioremediation is the most commonly used treatment technology for petroleum polluted soils (Alexander 1994; Baker and Herson 1994; Cookson 1995).
The "Invisible" Group: Acculturation of International Women Partners on United States Campuses.

In a northeastern university, an “invisible” non-funded group has provided cross-cultural programs for international non-matriculated accompanying women partners for 30 years. This study employed interpretative phenomenological analysis to explore the acculturation experiences of group participants based on Berry’s acculturation theory. The findings highlight the significance of the type of group that facilitates better acculturation experiences on United States campuses. Recommendations are to create programs for international accompanying partners and sponsor such groups for continuing services.
Hecke Theory and L-Functions

In this chapter, we introduce the symplectic Hecke algebra and discuss its action on the Siegel modular forms. This allows us to consider a basis of \(M_k(\Gamma _n)\) consisting of simultaneous eigenforms of the Hecke algebra. We explicate the relation between the Hecke eigenvalues and the Fourier coefficients of the modular forms. For genus greater than 1, this relation is very complicated. Finally, we introduce the two L-functions associated with Hecke eigenforms—the spin L-function and the standard L-function.
Polyacetate and Polycarbonate RNA: Acylating Reagents and Properties.

Acylation of RNA at 2′-OH groups is widely applied in mapping RNA structure and recently for controlling RNA function. Reactions are described that install the smallest 2-carbon acyl groups on RNA—namely, 2′-O-acetyl and 2′-O-carbonate groups. Hybridization and thermal melting experiments are performed to assess the effects of the acyl groups on duplex formation. Both reagents can be employed at lower concentrations to map RNA secondary structure by reverse transcriptase primer extension (SHAPE) methods.
Responses to nitrogen conditioning in ‘Albion’ strawberry (Fragaria X ananassa Duch.) for off-season plasticulture production are primarily qualitative rather than quantitative

Abstract The nature (qualitative vs. quantitative) of growth responses to nitrogen during photoperiod conditioning of ‘Albion’ strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) plants for late summer / early fall off-season field production was evaluated in New Jersey, USA. For two different planting dates (14 June and 6 July), plants were conditioned in the greenhouse under ND (natural daylength), LD (natural daylength supplemented with 24 h incandescent radiation (Phillips Duramax Soft White A19 60 W) or LD7W (natural daylength supplemented with 24 h incandescent radiation (C9, 7 W bulbs) followed by elevated nitrogen (800 ppm) for 0–4 weeks. Plants were then established in field plasticulture. Flowering in July was enhanced by LD conditioning; however, these effects did not persist and have an impact on plant productivity. Qualitative responses to N included crown branching, runner production, fruiting precocity and early season yield. Results confirm the previous observation that conditioning plants prior to off-season plasticulture production in the Northeast US is not necessary if plants are established in the field by early July. The LD7W light treatment was more effective than the LD light treatment in eliciting photoperiod responses especially when nitrogen levels were low. Thus, the lower wattage bulbs may be an effective tool for managing photoperiod responses for off-season production when needed (later planting dates) with this cultivar.
Prevalence of Romantic Experiences and Competencies Among 14 to 17 Year Olds: Implications for the Primary Care Setting.

Using data from 600 adolescents (14-17 years old) from the 2015 National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior, we examined the prevalence and demographic correlates of adolescents’ romantic activit...
Stress Intensity Factor Calibration of Edge-Notched Beam

Several solutions necessary to determine the mixed-mode stress intensity factors in edge-notched plane stress beams subject to a wide variety of loading conditions are given. These solutions include stress intensity factors in an edge-notched beam subject to: (1) pure moment, (2) pure shear, (3) a point load at the bottom of the beam in the vicinity of the crack, and (4) a point load at the top of the beam in the vicinity of the crack. The solutions have been obtained through use of the finite element and boundary force methods. The techniques necessary to obtain accurate stress intensity factors using both methods are described. The convergence characteristics and behavior of both the finite element and the boundary force methods are discussed. The solutions are provided in approximate functional form for ease of use. An example is presented to demonstrate the use of the solutions.
Diatomaceous soils: a less than cromulent engineering material

Diatoms are unicellular microalgae found in both fresh and salt water around the world, and their fossils have a large impact on geotechnical behaviour of soil deposits. The diatom cell wall, called a frustule, is comprised of hydrated silicon dioxide. The frustule has very high intra particle porosity and an intricately patterned porous surface. Previous studies show non-standard geotechnical behavior for diato- maceous soils: they are extraordinarily porous (sometimes up to 90% voids by volume), have high liquid limits and plastic limits, and are very compressible, yet they exhibit large shear strengths. This manuscript provides a broad review of previous work on the engineering behavior of diatomaceous soils. This review is then supplemented by laboratory and in-situ characterization results for diatomaceous soils found in the northwest United States which show that standard geotechnical interpretations and correlations are not ap- propriate for diatomaceous soils.
A Pulse Check on Leadership and Teamwork: An Evaluation of the First 5 Minutes of Emergency Department Resuscitation During Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Arrests.

Objectives Effective leadership and teamwork are imperative during pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitations (CPR). The initial phase of pediatric CPR, termed the "first 5 minutes," has significant care delivery gaps in both leadership and team performance. The aim of the study was to describe the performance data of emergency department (ED) teams who performed CPR in a pediatric ED. Methods We conducted a retrospective video review of resuscitations involving pediatric patients younger than 21 years who presented in cardiac arrest to a tertiary pediatric ED. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Results Twenty events met study inclusion criteria. Prearrival task completion included the following: estimated weight (90%), airway set-up (85%), epinephrine dose prepared (84%), defibrillator ready (75%), and intraosseous kit ready (50%). Median prearrival notification time was 5 minutes 34 seconds (interquartile range = 4:44-7:13) with no significant relationship between prearrival time and task completion. Within the first 5 minutes, the team leader provided a care summary in 84%, prioritized tasks in 95%, and assigned roles for airway management (90%), intravenous/intravenous access (63%), and CPR/pulse check (63%). Most critical tasks were completed within 1 minute; however, only 25% had defibrillator pads placed within the 5-minute window. Conclusions Our study of leadership and teamwork during the first 5 minutes of pediatric CPR care noted wide variation in team performance. Opportunities for improvements in CPR readiness can be incorporated into education and quality programs to drive improvements in the care of future pediatric patients experiencing cardiac arrest.
Investigation into the Atomistic Scale Mechanisms Responsible for the Enhanced Dielectric Response in the Interfacial Region of Polymer Nanocomposites

In this contribution, we report on the nanoscale mechanisms responsible for enhancing the dielectric constant in the interfacial region of polymer-based nanocomposites. Recent experiments indicate ...
Phenomenological programming: a novel approach to designing domain specific programming environments for science learning

There has been a growing interest in the use of computer-based models of scientific phenomena as part of classroom curricula, especially models that learners create for themselves. However, while studies show that constructing computational models of phenomena can serve as a powerful foundation for learning science, this approach has struggled to gain widespread adoption in classrooms because it not only requires teachers to learn sophisticated technological tools (such as computer programming), but it also requires precious instructional time to introduce these tools to students. Moreover, many core scientific topics such as the kinetic molecular theory, natural selection, and electricity are difficult to model even with novice-friendly environments. To address these limitations, we present a novel design approach called phenomenological programming that builds on students' intuitive understanding of real-world objects, patterns, and events to support the construction of agent-based computational models. We present preliminary case studies and discuss their implications for STEM content learning and the learnability and expressive power of phenomenological programming.
It Takes a Village to Overcome KRAS Dependence in Pancreatic Cancer

In this issue, Hou and colleagues present their exciting work demonstrating that, through remodeling of the local tumor microenvironment (TME), pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma forms a tumor-supportive niche capable of liberating cancer cells from dependence on oncogenic KRAS signaling. Through extensive experimentation both in vitro and in vivo, the authors reveal that the HDAC5-CCL2 axis drives the recruitment of tumor-associated macrophages to the TME to provide trophic signaling.See related article by Hou et al., p. 1058.
Ascorbate deficiency decreases dopamine release in gulo-/- and APP/PSEN1 mice.

Dopamine (DA) has important roles in learning, memory, and motivational processes and is highly susceptible to oxidation. In addition to dementia, Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients frequently exhibit decreased motivation, anhedonia, and sleep disorders, suggesting deficits in dopaminergic neurotransmission. Vitamin C (ascorbate, ASC) is a critical antioxidant in the brain and is often depleted in AD patients as a result of disease-related oxidative stress and dietary deficiencies. To probe the effects of ASC deficiency and AD pathology on the DAergic system, gulo-/- mice, which like humans depend on dietary ASC to maintain adequate tissue levels, were crossed with APP/PSEN1 mice and provided sufficient or depleted ASC supplementation from weaning until 12 months of age. Ex vivo fast-scan cyclic voltammetry showed that chronic ASC depletion and APP/PSEN1 genotype both independently decreased dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens, a hub for motivational behavior and reward, while DA clearance was similar across all groups. In striatal tissue containing nucleus accumbens, low ASC treatment led to decreased levels of DA and its metabolites 3,4-dihydroxyohenyl-acetic acid (DOPAC), 3-methoxytyramine (3-MT), and homovanillic acid (HVA). Decreased enzyme activity observed through lower pTH/TH ratio was driven by a cumulative effect of ASC depletion and APP/PSEN1 genotype. Together the data show that deficits in dopaminergic neurotransmission resulting from age and disease status are magnified in conditions of low ASC which decrease DA availability during synaptic transmission. Such deficits may contribute to the non-cognitive behavioral changes observed in AD including decreased motivation, anhedonia, and sleep disorders.
Noise-driven evolution in stellar systems: Theory

We present a theory for describing the evolution of a galaxy caused by stochastic events such as weak mergers, transient spiral structure, orbiting blobs, etc. This noise excites large-scale patterns that drives the evolution of the galactic density profile. In dark-matter haloes, the repeated stochastic perturbations preferentially ring the lowest-order modes of the halo with only a very weak dependence on the details of their source. Shaped by these modes, the profile quickly takes on a nearly self-similar form. We show that this form has the features of the ``universal profile'' reported by Navarro, Frenk, & White independent of initial conditions in a companion paper. In this sense, this noise-driven process is a near-equilibrium form of violent relaxation.
Prisoners, Dogs, Training, and Rehabilitation

Federal and state programs that use convicted offenders to train homeless dogs bring together two groups of creatures whom society has often thrown away and about whom society does not want to concern itself. Yet those creatures seem to be able to help, support, and rehabilitate each other. We should not fail to take advantage of the reformative potential of prisoners and dogs just because we cannot prove that by working together, they will necessarily improve the prospects for each other in every case. No program run by people should be expected to work 100 percent of the time. That is asking for perfection. The available evidence, however, does justify further consideration of these programs.
Multi band Metamaterial inspired L type Slot Patch Antenna

A miniaturized Multi-band antenna is proposed for Wireless communication Applications. The proposed antenna consists of L shape repeated slots on Rectangular Patch; "O" Shape metamaterial Structure with Partial Ground plane. The electric and Current Distributions inside the patch with and without metamaterial also discussed in this paper. The Design and analysis of proposed antenna is done by using HFSS software.
Using intracellular plasmonics to characterize nanomorphology in human cells.

Determining the characteristics and localization of nanoparticles inside cells is crucial for nanomedicine design for cancer therapy. Hyperspectral imaging is a fast, straightforward, reliable, and accurate method to study the interactions of nanoparticles and intracellular components. With a hyperspectral image, we could collect spectral information consisting of thousands of pixels in a short time. Using hyperspectral images, in this work, we developed a label-free technique to detect nanoparticles in different regions of the cell. This technique is based on plasmonic shifts taking place during the interaction of nanoparticles with the surrounding medium. The unique optical properties of gold nanoparticles, localized surface plasmon resonance bands, are influenced by their microenvironment. The LSPR properties of nanoparticles, hence, could provide information on regions in which nanoparticles are distributed. To examine the potential of this technique for intracellular detection, we used three different types of gold nanoparticles: nanospheres, nanostars and Swarna Bhasma (SB), an Indian Ayurvedic/Sidha medicine, in A549 (human non-small cell lung cancer) and HepG2 (human hepatocellular carcinoma) cells. All three types of particles exhibited broader and longer bands once they were inside cells; however, their plasmonic shifts could change depending on the size and morphology of particles. This technique, along with dark-field images, revealed the uniform distribution of nanospheres in cells and could provide more accurate information on their intracellular microenvironment compared to the other particles. The region-dependent optical responses of nanoparticles in cells highlight the potential application of this technique for subcellular diagnosis when particles with proper size and morphology are chosen to reflect the microenvironment effects properly. Researchers in Canada have demonstrated a technique to gather high-resolution information about nanoparticles distributed within cells. The team, led by Muthukumaran Packirisamy of Concordia University, used hyperspectral imaging combined with dark-field imaging to detect nanoparticles injected into human cancer cells. The technique is quick and does not require that the nanoparticles be labeled. Interactions between the nanoparticles and their microenvironment affect the optical responses of the nanoparticles, making it possible to use them to detect differences between subcellular regions or compartments. The team tested the approach with three types of gold nanoparticles: nanospheres, nanostars, and an Ayurvedic medicine known as Swarna Bhasma. They found that nanospheres performed better than nanostars or Swarna Bhasma. By selecting particles of the appropriate size and morphology, this imaging technique can be a powerful tool for subcellular diagnosis.
College Students from Poverty: Academic Success and Authenticity

It is commonly accepted that college students from poverty have disadvantages contributing to expected likelihood of failure. This four-year longitudinal study of a group of college students from p...
PRO: Testing for ESBL production is necessary for ceftriaxone-non-susceptible Enterobacterales: perfect should not be the enemy of progress.

The MERINO trial has seemingly laid to rest the question: ‘Are carbapenems the preferred therapy for ESBL-producing infections?’ It has, however, brought another important question to the forefront: ‘How do we know when we have an ESBL-producing infection?’ A commonly used approach is the interpretation that non-susceptibility to third-generation cephalosporins (e.g. ceftriaxone MICs of ≥2 mg/L) is an accurate proxy for ESBL production. We believe that relying on antibiotic susceptibility results alone to predict ESBL production in clinical isolates is fraught with issues. Rather, we believe accurate molecular assays that detect a comprehensive range of ESBL genes, along with other relevant β-lactamase genes, are well within the reach of existing technology and necessary to optimize patient care. Herein, we elaborate on why the current approach for determining whether an organism is likely to be an ESBL producer (i) is inaccurate; (ii) encourages carbapenem overuse; (iii) ignores the potential for ESBL production in other Enterobacterales species; and (iv) promotes the silent epidemic of ESBL transmission.
Oriahnn: New Drug Approved for Treating Heavy Menstrual Bleeding in Women With Uterine Fibroids.

ObjectiveTo review data of elagolix plus estradiol and norethindrone acetate as add-back therapy for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) in premenopausal women with uterine fibroids.Dat...
Is Situationism Conservatively Revisionary for Ethics

Psychological situationism is the view that our behavior is ordered by external features of situations as opposed to robust character traits. Philosophical situationists have taken this claim to be conservatively revisionary for ethics; on their view, situationism problematizes only character, not any essential features of our ethical deliberation. Little has been said, however, about how these revisions motivate situationists’ claim that we ought to redirect our attention from cultivating virtues to managing situational influences on behavior. Virtue theorists have typically responded to situationists by arguing that skill-based practical wisdom—the exercise of which underwrites all other virtues—can be appropriately sensitive to situational influences. Following this response, discussions about the prescriptive consequences of situationism have largely resulted in a stalemate. In this paper, I argue that situationism faces a dilemma: it is either too conservative to be ethically revisionary or too radical to inform our ethical deliberation. I argue that both horns of this dilemma are unacceptable. Thus, we should reject situationist revisions to our ethical deliberation, and conclude that situationism is not conservatively revisionary for ethics.
Occupational Therapist Treatment of Patients in the Neurological Critical Care Unit: Utilization and Patient Characteristics

IMPORTANCE Occupational therapy use in the neurological critical care unit (NCCU) may relate to patient factors, but data about these relationships remain unpublished. OBJECTIVE To examine how patient factors predict NCCU occupational therapy use and intervention types. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study of electronic health records data from adults admitted to the NCCU between May 2013 and September 2015. SETTING NCCU in a large, urban academic hospital. PARTICIPANTS Adults (age ≥18 yr; N = 1,134) admitted to the NCCU. MEASURES Using length of stay (LOS), number of comorbidities, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, gender, age, and racial-ethnic minority status as independent variables, separate regression models identified predictors for each dependent variable: receipt of NCCU occupational therapy, occupational therapy onset (days after admission), and receipt of self-care or home management (ADL-Home); functional activities or cognitive training (Func-Cog); and therapeutic exercise (Ther-Ex). RESULTS Four hundred twenty patients (37.0%) received occupational therapy in the NCCU. Receipt of occupational therapy was positively associated with LOS, number of comorbidities, GCS score, and age. Earlier occupational therapy onset was associated with higher GCS score and shorter LOS. Receipt of ADL-Home or Func-Cog interventions was significantly predicted by number of occupational therapy sessions, but patients with longer LOS were less likely to receive ADL-Home interventions. Receipt of Ther-Ex interventions became less likely as GCS score increased. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Patients are more likely to receive occupational therapy services if they are older and have a longer NCCU LOS, more comorbidities, and a higher level of consciousness. What This Article Adds: A patient's level of consciousness is clearly associated with occupational therapy utilization and hospital outcomes, but it should not be the only factor considered when prioritizing patients for NCCU occupational therapy services. Compared with patients who were more awake and alert, patients with a lower level of consciousness had a later onset of occupational therapy, which suggests an opportunity for NCCU occupational therapists to collaborate with physicians in the modification of sedation protocols to enable early rehabilitation.
Urinary Biomarkers: Current Status and Future Opportunities

Despite its invasive nature, high cost, and complication risks, cystoscopy continues to be the gold standard for diagnosis and surveillance of bladder cancer (BC). Adjunctive cytology, which has acceptable performance for detection of high-grade lesions but not for low-grade lesions, suffers from significant interobserver and inter-institutional variability. In addition, an atypical cytology adds diagnostic uncertainty especially in the surveillance setting. Given these limitations, there is great interest in finding the ideal biomarker that can outperform cytology, be cost-effective, and, in some instances, limit the number of cystoscopies without risking disease progression. Advances in next-generation sequencing, metabolomics, and bioinformatic techniques have not only shed light on the molecular pathways driving the development and progression of BC but also opened the door to biomarker discovery. Urine biomarkers are attractive due to the simplicity of specimen collection anddirect contact of urine with the urothelial tumor; they have the potential to improve diagnosis, reduce unnecessary cystoscopies, and risk-stratify patients in both diagnostic and surveillance settings. The current status of commercially available, FDA-approved urine biomarkers is summarized here. We also highlight promising novel biomarkers that have not yet been validated.
SU-E-T-429: Feasibility Study On Three-Dimensional GRID Therapy in Conventional Linacs

Purpose: Two-dimensional GRID therapy, traditionally planned and delivered using a dedicated GRID block or MLC modulation, has shown clinical efficacy in treating bulky tumors. However, the large dose to normal tissues outside target can be limiting. We hypothesize that modulation in the third dimension will improve dose sparing of normal tissues, maximize the bystander effect within the target, and ultimately improve the therapy effectiveness. This study aims to investigate the feasibility of a three-dimensional GRID technique using conventional LINACs to achieve a 3D lattice of high dose volumes within a target. Methods: Datasets of patient’s having large tumor sizes were used to investigate the planning and delivering of 3D GRID using a Varian TrueBeam linac. Original patient contours of PTV are exported from a TPS to DICOManTX where 3D GRID targets are generated in programmable configurations. A structure of avoidance (SOA), i.e., PTV minus GRID targets, is also generated to facilitate inverse planning to achieve the desired pattern. The artificial structures were sent back to the TPS where an IMRT or VMAT plan is designed to deliver a desired high dose to GRID targets while minimizing the dose to the SOA as much as possible. Results: The programmable GRID target generator enables us to modify the target geometry to maximize the peak-to-valley ratio. Preliminary results show that plans based on spherical GRID targets achieve a higher peak-to-valley dose ratio compared with cylindrical targets. High dose spillage outside the target was eliminated. IMRT planning requires the number of beams to be larger than 16, while for VMAT the number of arcs should be at least 4 in order to achieve dosimetric goals. Conclusion: Planning and delivering 3D GRID therapy using conventional LINACs was shown to be feasible. More research and development are required before this new modality can be implemented clinically.
MOCVD in inverted stagnation point flow: I. Deposition of GaAs from TMAs and TMGa

Abstract A new vertical reactor for MOCVD of III–V compounds is described along with the associated computer control system. The reactor geometry is based on an inverted stagnation point flow configuration providing a well defined flow region. Flow and temperature distributions are computed by finite element analysis. GaAs growth rate variations across the substrate are predicted for the case of mass transfer controlled deposition. The growth of GaAs from (CH3)3Ga and (CH3)3As is used to test the experimental system. Single crystalline films with good surface morphology are deposited at 15 and 500 Torr. Predicted and experimentally observed growth rates are compared and demonstrate the strong influence of flow effects on MOCVD reactor performance.
Resistance: A Primer for Advocates and Change Agents

It is well-known that people resist proposals for change for reasons that are independent of a rational calculation of self-interest. This article explores two sources of resistance that affect public policy advocates in particular: "Resonance," (negative associations with past experience or other policy domains), and a desire t avoid the psychological and material costs of "transition," (the process of adjustment, personal and institutional, that comes with any significant change). The author argues that conventional advocacy, in which one side "names the change" and attempts to force others to go along, inherently triggers negative resonance and heightens fears of transition. If advocates can engage opposing groups in some form of negotiation or collaboration to "name the change," these sources of resistance will diminish. Finally, even where collaboration is not possible, the article suggests that advocates who are self-aware about the risks and losses that they are asking decision-makers to undergo will avoid the tendency to assume that the worst about the intentions of other participants in public disputes.
Experiencia en un hospital con la endoprótesis AneuRx para la reparación endovascular del aneurisma aórtico abdominal

Describimos la experiencia de nuestro grupo en la reparacion endovascular de aneurismas aorticos abdominales infrarrenales (RAEV), usando el sistema modular AneuRx Stent Graft. Revisamos retrospectivamente los resultados de 113 pacientes que, con este sistema, se sometieron a RAEV efectuada en nuestro hospital entre octubre de 1999 y agosto de 2003. La edad media de este grupo fue de 72,5 anos, siendo el 71% (n = 80) mayores de 70 anos y el 95% (n = 107), hombres. El diametro del aneurisma vario entre 4,0 y 9,0 cm, siendo el 33% (n = 37) > 6,0 cm. La duracion media del ultimo seguimiento fue de 32,6 ± 24,8 meses (mediana = 37). En todos los pacientes se observo el despliegue satisfactorio de este sistema modular. No hubo conversiones operatorias inmediatas, muertes al cabo de 24 h de la intervencion o endofugas de tipo I o III observadas al completar el procedimiento. La mortalidad a 30 dias fue del 3,5% (n = 4). Las complicaciones agudas relacionadas con el despliegue afectaron al 10% (n = 13) de pacientes e incluyeron el despliegue incorrecto, hemorragia operatoria, perforacion/diseccion arterial y complicaciones en el lugar de abordaje. Las complicaciones sistemicas agudas estuvieron presentes en nueve pacientes, predominantemente renales y cardiacas. En el 25% de pacientes se observo una endofuga desarrollada en cualquier momento, requiriendo el 40% de ellos una intervencion secundaria. Dos pacientes experimentaron rotura tardia del aneurisma debido a endofuga de tipo I y a infeccion del injerto. El analisis de Kaplan-Meier revelo supervivencia libre de intervencion secundaria a los 5 anos en el 72,4%; ausencia de mortalidad relacionada con el aneurisma en el 93,9%; y probabilidad de supervivencia basada en la mortalidad por cualquier causa del 60,1%. El tratamiento endovascular con el sistema modular AneuRx Stent Graft es seguro y eficaz, deparando tanto tasas de supervivencia libre de enfermedad como resultados clinicos aceptables a medio plazo.
Kinetic effects of chemical and physical uncoupling on the energy-transducing ATPase from spinach chloroplasts

Ammonium chloride, an uncoupler of photophosphorylation which stimulates the membrane-bound chloroplast coupling factor ATPase when added after light/dithiothreitol activation, causes a decrease in the number of extra water oxygens incorporated into the phosphate formed during ATP hydrolysis. This observation is in contrast to the long-reported insensitivity of intermediate Pi:H2O oxygen exchange to uncoupler dinitrophenol in the mitochondrial F1 ATPase system. The effect of ammonium chloride on the CF1-catalyzed oxygen exchange reaction is consistent with ATPase activity stimulation caused by increased partitioning forward of the enzyme products complex. In line with the oxygen exchange data, ammonium chloride causes an increase in the apparent Km of the enzyme for substrate ATP. The effect of ammonium chloride on the pattern of the intermediate Pi : H2O oxygen exchange is not a threshold phenomenon; the extent of exchange decreases in a continuous fashion, paralleling the stimulation of ATPase activity. The uncoupler CF3OPhzC(CN)2 also decreases the extent of oxygen exchange upon stimulating the membrane-bound ATPase, while phlorizin, an energy-transfer inhibitor, has essentially no effect on exchange although it inhibits the ATPase reaction. Similar to the effect of chemical uncoupling on the membrane-bound enzyme, physical removal of the coupling factor ATPase from the thylakoid membrane also results in an increase in forward partitioning of the enzyme · ADP · Pi complex. The modulation of oxygen exchange observed by altering the degree of coupling is similar to that which accompanies changing ATP concentration in the mitochondrial ATPase system [Russo, J. A., Lamos, C. M. and Mitchell, R. A. (1978) Biochemistry 17, 473–480 and Choate, G. L., Hutton, R. L. and Boyer, P. D. (1979) J. Biol. Chem. 254, 286–290]. However, the uncoupler modulation is not readily correlated with the degree to which multiple catalytic sites are occupied by substrate.
exo-Methylene-Functionalized Polyethylenes via Ring-Opening Ziegler Polymerization. Product Control in Organolanthanide-Catalyzed Methylenecyclopropane Polymerization/Copolymerization

Copolymers [(CH 2 CH 2 C[=CH 2 ]) x (Ch 2 CH 2 ) y ] n are obtained by ring opening copolymerization of ethylene with methylenecyclopropane catalyzed by (Cp' 2 LnH) 2 (Cp'= η 5 -Me 5 C 5 ; Ln= Sm, Lu) catalysts
Correlation between interleukin-15 and granzyme B expression and acute lung allograft rejection.

The levels of interleukin (IL)-15 and granzyme B mRNA expression have been correlated with acute rejection episodes of kidney and heart allografts. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine whether a correlation exists between the expression of IL-15 and granzyme B and acute lung allograft rejection. Toward this, the levels of IL-15 and granzyme B mRNA expression were determined in bronchoalveolar lavage-derived alveolar macrophages and total cells, respectively, from lung transplant patients with stable lung allograft function and patients undergoing acute rejection episodes. The expression levels of IL-15 mRNA was significantly higher in the patients undergoing acute rejection as compared to patients with stable lung function (Ps0.02). The expression levels of granzyme B mRNA was also significantly higher in the patients undergoing acute rejection as compared to patients with stable lung function (Ps0.005). The Receiver-Operating-Characteristic curve demonstrated that acute rejection can be predicted with a sensitivity of 94% and specificity of 67% with the use of a cutoff value of 3.1 fg of granzyme B mRNA per microgram of total RNA (or 71% sensitivity and 75% specificity of a cutoff value of 9.1 fgymg). These data indicate that IL-15 secreted by activated alveolar macrophages and granzyme B secreted by activated CD8q cytotoxic T lymphocytes play important roles in the process of acute lung allograft rejection. 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Quantifying muscle activity in non-ambulatory children with spastic cerebral palsy before and after selective dorsal rhizotomy

Cerebral palsy is a condition that results in varying degrees of functional deficits. The goal of this study was to develop an objective measure of muscle activity during a prescribed voluntary motor task in non-ambulatory children with spastic cerebral palsy. While performing a simultaneous hip/knee flexion task from the supine position, followed by return to the starting position, electromyographic and kinematic data were obtained from the right leg of eight children before and after selective dorsal rhizotomy and compared with eight age-matched controls. The electromyographic and kinematic data were combined to determine for each muscle of interest (tibialis anterior, soleus, vastus lateralis, biceps femoris) the percentage of the movement cycle for which the muscle was acting concentrically, eccentrically, isometrically or was considered inactive. Averaged over the four muscles, isometric activity decreased by 38% post-op and the time the muscles were inactive increased by 37% following surgery. The percentages of concentric and eccentric activity did not differ significantly between pre- and post-op conditions. Post-operatively, the percentage muscle activity patterns of the children with cerebral palsy more closely resembled that of the control children: averaged across all muscles and contraction types, the difference between the control children and the children with cerebral palsy was reduced by 50% following surgery. This measurement technique indicates promise as a method for quantifying muscle activity during voluntary motor tasks in non-ambulatory children with cerebral palsy.