cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lump on Neck Increasing in Size

A 58-year-old man presents with a right-sided neck mass that has been increasing in size over the past 3 months. He denies fever, chills, or recent weight loss. He also denies sore throat, difficulty swallowing, changes in his voice, or difficulty breathing. Past medical history is significant for hypertension and gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). Social history is significant for 20 pack-years of smoking. He averages two alcoholic drinks every day. Physical exam of the oral cavity/oropharynx including close visualization and palpation of the tongue, base of tongue, tonsil, and floor of mouth for masses or firmness reveals no obvious lesions that are suspicious for malignancy. Examination of the neck reveals a 2 × 3-cm firm right-sided neck mass that is poorly mobile, non-erythematous, and not tender to palpation.
Efficacy and safety of DFN-11 (sumatriptan injection, 3 mg) in adults with episodic migraine: an 8-week open-label extension study

DFN-11, a 3 mg sumatriptan subcutaneous (SC) autoinjector for acute treatment of migraine, has not been assessed previously in multiple attacks. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of DFN-11 in the acute treatment of multiple migraine attacks. This was an 8-week open-label extension of multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled US study. Subjects averaging 2 to 6 episodic migraine attacks per month were randomized to DFN-11 or placebo to treat a single attack of moderate-to-severe intensity and then entered the extension study to assess the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of DFN-11 in multiple attacks of any pain intensity. Overall, 234 subjects enrolled in the open-label period, and 29 (12.4%) discontinued early. A total of 848 migraine episodes were treated with 1042 doses of open-label DFN-11 and subjects treated a mean (SD) of 3.9 (2.3) attacks. At 2 h postdose in attacks 1 (N = 216), 2 (N = 186), 3 (N = 142) and 4 (N = 110), respectively, pain freedom rates were 57.6%, 64.6%, 61.6%, and 66.3%; pain relief rates were 83.4%, 88.4%, 84.1%, and 81.7%; most bothersome symptom (MBS)-free rates were 69.0%, 76.5%, 77.7%, and 74.7%; nausea-free rates were 78.1%, 84.6%, 86.5%, and 85.7%; photophobia-free rates were 75.3%, 76.4%, 72.3%, and 77.5%; and phonophobia-free rates were 75.2%, 77.5%, 73.6%, and 76.0%. Overall, 40.6% (89/219) of subjects reported treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAE), the most common of which were associated with the injection site: swelling (12.8%), pain (11.4%), irritation (6.4%), and bruising (6.4%). Most subjects (65.2%, 58/89) had mild TEAEs; severe TEAEs were reported by 1 subject (treatment-related jaw tightness). Five subjects (2.1%) discontinued due to adverse events, which included mild throat tightness (n = 2), moderate hernia pain (n = 1), moderate hypersensitivity (n = 1), and 1 subject with mild nausea and moderate injection site swelling. There were no serious TEAEs and no new or unexpected safety findings. DFN-11 was effective, tolerable, and safe in the acute treatment of 4 migraine attacks over 8 weeks, with consistent responses on pain and associated symptoms. Most TEAEs were mild, with a very low incidence of triptan-related TEAEs. DFN-11 is potentially an effective and safe alternative for the acute treatment of migraine. ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02569853 . Registered 07 October 2015.
FAST DASH: Program overview and key findings from initial technology evaluations.

Abstract One focus of the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is to provide leadership in the testing and evaluation of promising safety technologies developed for use in commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). To this end, a program was developed by FMCSA to conduct independent, short-turnaround evaluations of promising safety technologies. Vendors who had promising safety technologies, focused in the commercial vehicle domain, were solicited to participate and submit an application. One technology was selected by FMCSA for each evaluation cycle (lasting approximately 18 months). The technology was tested in both static and dynamic conditions, after which a trucking fleet, and its drivers, were brought in to test the technology in a field operational test (FOT) lasting approximately 6 weeks. During the FOT, 15–20 trucks were instrumented with the technology and other data collection equipment, including sensors and video cameras. A study was then conducted during which drivers used the technology in their revenue-producing operations. Initially, often for the first 2 months, the technology collected data but did but not actively present alerts to the driver. Following this baseline period, a four-month intervention period was conducted. Each evaluation has resulted in more than 1,000,000 km of driving data including continuous video data. Data analyses focused on understanding the efficacy of the technology in terms of (i) safety improvements, (ii) challenges to implementation (e.g., unintended consequences), and (iii) user acceptance (including driver, fleet manager, and other fleet personnel as appropriate). The technology vendors who applied for the first three evaluations can be classified into the following general categories: fatigue/drowsiness, fleet management, visibility safety systems, cell phone policy/enforcement, and other systems. Three technology evaluations were completed in the first 5 years of (i) a blind spot detection and warning system, (ii) an onboard monitoring system, and (iii) a novel mirror technology. High-level results of each of these three evaluations are highlighted in the paper.
Bio-Integrated Wearable Systems: A Comprehensive Review

Bio-integrated wearable systems can measure a broad range of biophysical, biochemical, and environmental signals to provide critical insights into overall health status and to quantify human performance. Recent advances in material science, chemical analysis techniques, device designs, and assembly methods form the foundations for a uniquely differentiated type of wearable technology, characterized by noninvasive, intimate integration with the soft, curved, time-dynamic surfaces of the body. This review summarizes the latest advances in this emerging field of “bio-integrated” technologies in a comprehensive manner that connects fundamental developments in chemistry, material science, and engineering with sensing technologies that have the potential for widespread deployment and societal benefit in human health care. An introduction to the chemistries and materials for the active components of these systems contextualizes essential design considerations for sensors and associated platforms that appear in f...
Archiving the Trauma Diaspora: Affective Artifacts in the Higher Education Arts Classroom

This study offers a close, contextualized reading of classroom observations that contributes to the emerging interdisciplinary discourses around trauma cultures, art education, cultural artifacts and archives. Using a single case from my larger dissertation research, I identify and describe an example of the diaspora of trauma as it emerges in the higher education narrative arts classroom. In the larger research project, I used extended case study methods to investigate conceptual and practical tools for working in arts education settings in which traumatic narratives may emerge and developed a framework for the analysis and archiving of creative artifacts as part of a diasporic trauma archive. Working creatively with trauma diaspora is framed in terms of a de-centered and non-hierarchical production of public archives of culturally contextualized and politically informed personal narratives. The trauma-sensitive artifact is understood as a way of making legible the “unspoken” or “unwritten” aspects of cultural trauma, such as those experienced via the body and interpersonal affect. Archive is considered a locally and historically dispersed, but cohesive body of work that speaks to and about cultural trauma.
Like a Virgin: Lost and Reborn Ballads

This essay examines how the early modern period conceived of ballads as both inevitably lost and yet ultimately proliferating. First, it analyzes the reference to a lost ballad in Shakespeare’s Love’s Labor’s Lost as a dramatization of the multifaceted and regenerating existence of ballads. Then, the essay takes up an established metaphor comparing the proliferation of print to sexual reproduction to consider the case of broadside ballads. To characterize broadside ballads as a commodity whose material loss leads to an eventual re-emergence, the essay draws from ballads’ frequent—and often cheekily ironic—representations of virginity as something which not only can be but will be and must be lost. Being so lost results in reproduction, especially when functioning as an object of economic exchange.
Clinical Outcomes After Hematoma Development: A Study of 627 Tissue Expander Breast Reconstructions.

BACKGROUND Hematomas after tissue expander immediate breast reconstruction (TE-IBR) pose a significant challenge during the recovery period. In this study, we aim to evaluate whether hematoma formation leads to subsequent complications and how management can impact final reconstructive goals. METHODS A single-institution retrospective review of TE-IBRs from 2001 to 2018 was performed using an established breast reconstruction database. Demographics, medications, comorbidities, and complications were identified. Implant loss was defined as removal of the tissue expander/implant without immediate reimplantation during that operation. Hematoma size, management, transfusion requirement, reoperations, and final outcome were recorded. Reconstructive failure was defined as an implant loss that was not replaced with another implant or required secondary autologous reconstruction. RESULTS Six hundred twenty-seven TE-IBR patients were analyzed. Postoperative hematoma (group 1) occurred in 4.1% (n = 26) of TE-IBRs and did not develop in 95.9% (group 2: n = 601). Group 2 had a higher mean body mass index (24.5 vs 27.3 kg/m, P = 0.018); however, there were no significant differences in smoking status, preoperative/postoperative radiation/chemotherapy, or other comorbidities. Group 1 was found to have increased rates of implant loss (15.4% vs 3.7%, P = 0.0033) and reconstructive failure (11.5% vs 2.8%, P = 0.0133) compared with group 2.Eighteen hematomas (69.2%) underwent surgical intervention (group 1a) compared with 30.8% (n = 8) that were clinically managed (group 1b). Group 1a had statistically significant lower rates of subsequent complications (22.2% vs 62.5%, P = 0.046) and reoperations (5.6% vs 27.5%, P = 0.037) than did group 1b, respectively.Lastly, 23.1% (n = 6) of patients who developed a hematoma were on home antithrombotics (group 1c) compared with 76.9% (n = 20) of patients with no antithrombotics (group 1d). There were statistically significant differences in transfusion rates (50% vs 0%, P = 0.001) between groups 1c and 1d, respectively. Differences in hematoma volume (330 vs 169.3 mL, P = 0.078) and reconstructive failure (33.3% vs 5%, P = 0.057) approached significance between both groups. CONCLUSIONS Hematoma after TE-IBR should be monitored closely, as it may play a role in jeopardizing reconstruction success. Patients on home antithrombotic medication may be at increased risk of larger-volume hematomas and reconstruction failure. Plastic surgeons should consider aggressive surgical evacuation of postoperative TE-IBR hematomas to reduce subsequent complications and reoperations, thus optimizing reconstructive outcomes.
Predicting the tangible and intangible costs of co-occurring with wildlife

Abstract Perceived intangible costs of co-occurring with wildlife are one of the strongest drivers of attitudes towards wild species, yet they have been little studied. Thus, determining the factors that influence the perception of such costs is essential to devise conservation strategies in landscapes where human-wildlife interactions are high. The main aim of this paper was to compare the effect of socio-demographic, exposure and attitudinal factors on the perceived cost probability of two species with associated tangible and intangible costs (i.e. crop-damage and fear respectively). Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed through logistic regressions under Bayesian approach. Model assessment and comparison was conducted using leave-one-out cross-validation (LOO) and their expected log pointwise predictive density (elpd). Although for both species, the exposure model was favored over the socio-demographic and attitudinal models, their perceived cost probability exhibited opposite responses. In the case of the crop-damaging species, the exposure model had considerably better predictive performance than the other two models. However, in the case of the feared species, the predictive performance of the exposure model was not better than the predictive performance of the other models. These results suggest: first, that the drivers of the perceived cost probability of co-occurring with wildlife are cost-specific; and second, that the perceived cost probability of the feared species has a lower predictability than the perceived cost probability of the crop-damaging species, given the set of candidate models. Considering that fear is an important perceived intangible cost of co-occurring with wildlife, more research is needed on its drivers, as well as on strategies to minimize it.
Towards better driver safety: empowering personal navigation technologies with road safety awareness

Recent research has found that navigation systems usually assume that all roads are equally safe, directing drivers to dangerous routes, which led to catastrophic consequences. To address this problem, this paper aims to begin the process of adding road safety awareness to navigation systems. To do so, we first created a definition for road safety that navigation systems can easily understand by adapting well-established safety standards from transportation studies. Based on this road safety definition, we then developed a machine learning-based road safety classifier that predicts the safety level for road segments using a diverse feature set constructed only from large-scale publicly available geographic data. Evaluations in four different countries show that our road safety classifier achieves satisfactory performance. Finally, we discuss the factors to consider when extending our road safety classifier to other regions and potential new safety designs enabled by our road safety predictions.
A Standard Approach for High Velocity Nasal Insufflation Weaning in Pediatric Bronchiolitis Patients and the Impact on Oxygen Use and Length of Stay

Background: High velocity nasal insufflation (HiVNI) is used commonly in pediatric bronchiolitis patients in respiratory distress. The use of oxygen, of any kind, in this population can impact hospital length of stay (LOS). Our existing bronchiolitis pathway (BP), which promotes standardized care for these patients, was revised with the goal of more rapidly decreasing and discontinuing HiVNI while maintaining patient safety. Methods: A multi-disciplinary work group was formed and focused on reducing length of stay (LOS) and readmission rates for BP patients. Changes were made to our HiVNI weaning guidelines to aid in more rapid decrease and succinct removal of therapy (Table 1 and Image 1) . For BP patients on HiVNI after a 4-hour period of stability on HiVNI, the flow was dropped to the initial flow for two hours. If the patient remained without severe distress for the two-hour trial period they were placed on room air. A retrospective chart analysis was completed comparing BP patients from 01/2019-03/2019 to 01/2020-03/2020, periods from before and after implementation of the revised BP. Variables for analysis included LOS, HiVNI use, and readmission rate (RA). Results: In the 2019 period, 233 patients were admitted on the BP. 52% (121/233) of these patients received HiVNI therapy. In the 2020 period, 190 patients were admitted on the BP and 32% (59/190) received HiVNI therapy. Hospital LOS decreased from 2.23 days in 2019 to 1.84 days in 2020 (P=0.027) for HiVNI BP patients. RA were unchanged from 21% in 2019 to 19% in 2020 (P=0.34). The use of HiVNI for patients on the BP decreased by 47.61% from 2019 to 2020. Conclusions: Revising our BP with a focus on a more rapid decrease and succinct removal of HiVNI reduced hospital LOS by 39% without adverse effect in RA in our hospital’s pediatric bronchiolitis population. Further research must be done to evaluate the most effective weaning method from HiVNI in pediatric and other applicable populations.
Undergraduates’ awareness of White and male privilege in STEM

It is well-documented that experiences in STEM courses for women and students of color are different from the experiences of White men. As part of a larger interview study, 183 college seniors from diverse gender and race backgrounds were asked their thoughts on whether the experience of being a STEM major was different for people of different races and genders. We use a framework of “science as White property”, derived from critical race theory, to frame this study and results. White men were largely unaware of any impact of race or gender. In contrast, women of color overwhelmingly report, consistent with results from a large body of prior research, that both race and gender impact their experiences as STEM majors. Students who acknowledged race and gender impacts did not always attribute these impacts to cultural or systemic factors (i.e., some reported women are underrepresented because they are less interested in STEM rather than a structural reason). Impacts identified that were attributable to systemic factors included impacts related to being a demographic minority (i.e., intimidation, feeling out of place, feeling pressure to work harder) and/or discrimination (i.e., job discrimination, bias against women or people of color and cultural assumptions implying the superiority of White people and men). A small number of students (mostly White women) stated that women or people of color benefit from their underrepresented status, often attributing this benefit to a perception of extra encouragement and opportunities. A common theme across categorizations was that women and students of color work harder than men and White people either because they are perceived to be harder workers or as a response to the sexism and racism they encounter. We found that White men are largely unaware of the impacts of race or gender on the pursuit of a STEM degree. Additionally, with the exception of women of color, students are less likely to perceive race as having an impact on the experiences of students than gender. We conclude with a discussion of implications for future work related to gender and race representation in STEM.
Edge Coloring and the Möbius Strip

From the work of M.C. Escher to the universal recycling logo, no mathematical object is more ubiquitous than the Mobius strip. Introduced independently by Listing and Mobius in 1858, the Mobius str...
Optimization of Primary Care Among Black Americans Using Patient Portals: Qualitative Study.

Background: Reduced patient portal use has previously been reported among Black Americans when compared with that of the general population. This statistic is concerning because portals have been shown to improve the control of chronic conditions that are more prevalent and severe in Black Americans. At their very simplest, portals allow patients to access their electronic health records and often provide tools for patients to interact with their own health information, treatment team members, and insurance companies. However, research suggests that Black American patients have greater concerns over a lack of support, loss of privacy, and reduced personalization of care compared with other Americans, which results in a disparity of portal use. Objective: This qualitative investigation of primary care experiences of Black Americans from across the United States who participated in remote focus groups in April and May 2020 aims to explore the use and perceived value of patient portals to better understand any barriers to optimized treatment in the primary care setting. Methods: We performed an inductive thematic analysis of 8 remote focus group interviews with 29 Black American patients aged 30-60 years to qualitatively assess the experiences of Black American patients with regular access to portals. Results: Thematic analysis uncovered the following interrelated themes regarding patient portals in primary care: the optimization of care, patient empowerment, patient-provider communication, and patient burden. Conclusions: In contrast to what has been described regarding the reluctance of Black Americans to engage with patient portals, our focus groups revealed the general acceptance of patient portals, which were described overwhelmingly as tools with the potential for providing exceptional, personalized care that may even work to mitigate the unfair burden of disease for Black Americans in primary care settings. Thus, opportunities for better health care will clearly arise with increased communication, experience, and adoption of remote health care practices among Black Americans. Trial Registration:
Effects of Age on White Matter Microstructure in Children With Neurofibromatosis Type 1

Children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) often report cognitive challenges, though the etiology of such remains an area of active investigation. With the advent of treatments that may affect white matter microstructure, understanding the effects of age on white matter aberrancies in NF1 becomes crucial in determining the timing of such therapeutic interventions. A cross-sectional study was performed with diffusion tensor imaging from 18 NF1 children and 26 age-matched controls. Fractional anisotropy was determined by region of interest analyses for both groups over the corpus callosum, cingulate, and bilateral frontal and temporal white matter regions. Two-way analyses of variance were done with both ages combined and age-stratified into early childhood, middle childhood, and adolescence. Significant differences in fractional anisotropy between NF1 and controls were seen in the corpus callosum and frontal white matter regions when ages were combined. When stratified by age, we found that this difference was largely driven by the early childhood (1-5.9 years) and middle childhood (6-11.9 years) age groups, whereas no significant differences were appreciable in the adolescence age group (12-18 years). This study demonstrates age-related effects on white matter microstructure disorganization in NF1, suggesting that the appropriate timing of therapeutic intervention may be in early childhood.
Cost - Benefit Analysis of the German High Speed Rail Network

This study undertakes a cost-benefit analysis of the German railway market looking specifically at the effects of high-speed rail development on railway passenger subsidies. Using OLS regression analysis, I estimate a demand curve for the German railway network at the route level; this is combined with cost curve estimates to yield a required subsidy for rail development assuming a natural monopoly market structure. I find that an increase in demand as a result of the introduction of high-speed rail technology causes a 23.9% decrease in required rail subsidies.
Factor for felons: how can we provide haemophilia care to the incarcerated?

Objectives In 2011, 6.98-million offenders were documented in the adult correctional system, with state operating costs designated 12% towards medical care ($11.97 day per inmate) for the general population. Common co-existing health problems identified are: arthritis (13%), hypertension (11%), asthma (10%) and heart problems (6%). Less than 5% of inmates have health issues related to cancer, diabetes, liver or renal problems and communicable diseases. The leading cause of death is suicide (33.2%), followed by heart disease (26.1%). Despite these statistics quality is lacking. Given these statistics, one would expect that a small proportion of patients from Hemophilia Treatment Center (HTC) will spend some time within the justice system. Currently there are no data addressing haemophilia care needs while incarcerated. Methods This article will review the current health care issues in the adult correctional system. Additionally, six case reports of incarcerated haemophiliacs will be highlighted exploring the successes and challenges with maintaining haemophilia care addressing the priority of meeting the haemophilia care needs verses the penal system regulations. Summary It can be expected that at some point, the HTC will experience a patient incarcerated for some period of time. The HTC will continue to advocate for their patient within this system, despite the many challenges faced. Conclusions Despite the challenges outlined, ongoing communication and education with the correctional system, education of the medical personnel and prison personnel remains the priority as we advocate for our patients. Continued strategies in these areas are paramount.
Evolving Better Multiple Sequence Alignments

Aligning multiple DNA or protein sequences is a fundamental step in the analyses of phylogeny, homology and molecular structure. Heuristic algorithms are applied because optimal multiple sequence alignment is prohibitively expensive. Heuristic alignment algorithms represent a practical trade-off between speed and accuracy, but they can be improved. We present EVALYN (EVolved ALYNments), a novel approach to multiple sequence alignment in which sequences are progressively aligned based on a guide tree optimized by a genetic algorithm. We hypothesize that a genetic algorithm can find better guide trees than traditional, deterministic clustering algorithms. We compare our novel evolutionary approach to CLUSTAL W and find that EVALYN performs consistently and significantly better as measured by a common alignment scoring technique. Additionally, we hypothesize that evolutionary guide tree optimization is inherently efficient and has less time complexity than the commonly-used neighbor-joining algorithm. We present a compelling analysis in support of this scalability hypothesis.
Six Scales for Assessing Attitude toward Physical Activity

Abstract Based upon a multidimensional model for characterizing physical activity, the development of two forms (college men, college women) of an attitude inventory is described. Items held to be representative of the six dimensions of the model were evaluated on the basis of factor and item analyses using data generated by the use of preliminary forms. Hoyt reliabilities ranged from .72 to .89 for the six scales. Scales were able to differentiate between appropriate high and low preference groups for a particular type of activity in all cases except physical activity perceived as “catharsis.” The stability of the instrument is shown by comparing measures of central tendency, variability, and reliability of the basic sample with those drawn from a second, but similar population. Normative data, instructions, and a list of items, are provided.
Biochemical and kinetic characterization of BACE1: investigation into the putative species‐specificity for β‐ and β′‐cleavage sites by human and murine BACE1

β-amyloid peptides (Aβ) are produced by a sequential cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP) by β- and γ-secretases. The lack of Aβ production in beta-APP cleaving enzyme (BACE1)–/– mice suggests that BACE1 is the principal β-secretase in mammalian neurons. Transfection of human APP and BACE1 into neurons derived from wild-type and BACE1–/– mice supports cleavage of APP at the canonical β-secretase site. However, these studies also revealed an alternative BACE1 cleavage site in APP, designated as β′, resulting in Aβ peptides starting at Glu11. The apparent inability of human BACE1 to make this β′-cleavage in murine APP, and vice versa, led to the hypothesis that this alternative cleavage was species-specific. In contrast, the results from human BACE1 transgenic mice demonstrated that the human BACE1 is able to cleave the endogenous murine APP at the β′-cleavage site. To address this discrepancy, we designed fluorescent resonance energy transfer peptide substrates containing the β- and β′-cleavage sites within human and murine APP to compare: (i) the enzymatic efficiency; (ii) binding kinetics of a BACE1 active site inhibitor LY2039911; and (iii) the pharmacological profiles for human and murine recombinant BACE1. Both BACE1 orthologs were able to cleave APP at the β- and β′-sites, although with different efficiencies. Moreover, the inhibitory potency of LY2039911 toward recombinant human and native BACE1 from mouse or guinea pig was indistinguishable. In summary, we have demonstrated, for the first time, that recombinant BACE1 can recognize and cleave APP peptide substrates at the postulated β′-cleavage site. It does not appear to be a significant species specificity to this cleavage.
Interval estimation of excess risk related effective doses in tobit models

INTERVAL ESTIMATION OF EXCESS RISK RELATED EFFECTIVE DOSES IN TOBIT MODELS by Jia Wang ADVISOR: Professor Nan Lin December 2009 Saint Louis, Missouri In this thesis we consider interval estimation of excess risk related effective dose (ERED) in dose-response studies using tobit model. Let P (x) be the probability of response at dose level x. Considering the background probability P (0), excess risk at dose level x > 0 is P (x) − P (0). Then ERED100p is the dose level at which p = P (x)−P (0) 1−P (0) . When P (0) = 0, ERED is same as the regular ED. Tobit regression model is used when the outcome variable in a dose-response study is left censored and continuous. We first describe the maximum likelihood estimation of EREDs in tobit model, and then we propose five interval estimation methods of EREDs, including the delta method, the Fieller method, the likelihood ratio method, the non-parametric bootstrap method and the parametric bootstrap method. For both non-parametric and parametric bootstrap methods, we consider three different ways to construct the confidence interval, including the percentile method, biascorrected model and bias-corrected accelerated method. Simulation studies show that when the normal assumption of the tobit model is met, i.e. the latent response is normally distributed, we recommend the delta method for ERED50 and the likelihood ratio method and the parametric bootstrap percentile method for ERED05. When the error distribution is non-normal but symmetric, we recommend the parametric bootstrap percentile method and the nonparametric bootstrap percentile method. When the error distribution is non-normal but asymmetric, we recommend the Fieller method, the likelihood ratio method and the parametric bootstrap bias-corrected method. When the error distribution is normal, the three nonparametric bootstrap methods are not recommended. When the error distribution is non-normal but symmetric, the parametric bootstrap bias-corrected method and the parametric bootstrap bias-corrected accelerated method are not recommended. When the error distribution is non-normal but asymmetric, the parametric bootstrap percentile method and the parametric bootstrap bias-corrected accelerated method are not recommended.
A regulated oligopoly multi-market model for trading smart data

We present a price competition model for the trading of data products. Standard results suggest that under full competition the equilibrium only exists when all sellers have zero profit. We introduce a regulator which can also be thought of as the sellers forming a coalition/association, whose role is to enable money transfer based on partial observations of the sellers' actions. We show that by proper design of the transfer mechanism, efficient equilibrium (profit-maximizing or profit-positive) can be achieved, thereby providing an alternative to other competitionvoiding mechanisms such as product differentiation and market split.
Pleural Effusions and Atelectasis

Both pleural effusions and atelectasis are exceedingly common in mechanically ventilated patients.1 While in some patients the diagnosis is clearly obvious, in many it may be difficult to distinguish these two entities apart. Furthermore, both entities may coexist in the same patient (atelectasis over and above “compression atelectasis” caused by the effusion).1 Attempting to drain a “pleural effusion” by sticking a needle into an atelectatic lung is a recipe for disaster (potentially fatal bleeding). A bedside ultrasound (or chest CT) is recommended in all circumstances of suspected atelectasis/pleural effusion, except for those patients with obvious lobar lung collapse. Drainage of a pleural effusion must always be performed under ultrasound guidance (see Chapter 6).
Expression of rat hepatic lipase in heterologous systems: evidence for different sites for interface binding and catalysis.

Rat hepatic triglyceride lipase was expressed as a bacterial fusion protein and as a secreted protein in eukaryotic cells. The bacterial fusion construct coded for seven amino acids at the N-terminus which are not present in the hepatic lipase cDNA, but otherwise consisted of only the complete mature lipase sequence. Fusion protein was isolated as an insoluble product which did not have lipase or phospholipase activities; it was, however, active as an esterase when solubilized after preparative gel electrophoresis. The fusion protein was used to raise polyclonal antibodies that recognize native rat hepatic lipase and inhibit its activity. For eukaryotic expression, a full-length rat hepatic lipase cDNA clone was inserted into the metallothionein promoter expression vector pMTSV40polyA.Bam. Transfected CHO cells, induced with ZnSO4, secreted an immunoreactive protein of Mr approximately 57,000. A lipase-producing clonal cell line was isolated and used to characterize the enzyme. The protein was purified from serum-free medium by heparin-Sepharose and DEAE-Trisacryl M column chromatography. It was apparently identical to native rat hepatic lipase, with the exception of the conformation of the linkage of the sialic acids which form part of the N-linked carbohydrate complexes. The bacterial fusion protein, the CHO-produced lipase, and native rat hepatic lipase were all inhibited by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride, implying that they function catalytically as serine esterases. Substrate competition studies indicated that the esterase and lipase activities use the same active site; thus, the major defect in the fusion protein was probably in triglyceride substrate binding. These results suggest that interface binding and catalysis occur at different sites in the protein.
Responsibilities of Health Care Professionals in Counseling and Educating Patients With Incurable Neurological Diseases Regarding “Stem Cell Tourism”: Caveat Emptor

“Stem cell tourism” is a rising Internet-based industry that aims to offer unproven procedures to patients with incurable diseases. This unregulated activity is reaching the neurologist’s office as well as across the world, as patients request information or clearance for such procedures. Herein, we posit the need for medical societies and licensing boards to bring this issue to the forefront of neurology because it has the potential to affect patient care with risk of morbidity and mortality, as well as to undermine public confidence in legitimate stem cell research for incurable neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Poly(styrene-b-isobutylene-b-styrene) block copolymers produced by living cationic polymerization. Part III. Dynamic mechanical and tensile properties of block copolymers and ionomers therefrom

Abstract Poly(styrene- b -isobutylene- b -styrene) (PS–PIB–PS) block copolymers prepared by living carbocationic polymerization and ionomers therefrom were analyzed using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and tensile testing. The study encompassed five block copolymer samples, each with a PIB center block of approximately 52,000 g/mol, and PS weight fractions ranging from 0.127 to 0.337. Ionomers were prepared from two of these materials by lightly sulfonating the PS outer blocks. Sulfonation levels varied from 1.7 to 4.7 mol% and the sodium and potassium neutralized forms were compared to the parent block copolymers. DMA of the block copolymer films indicated the existence of a third phase attributed to PIB chains near the PS domain interface which experience reduced mobility due to their firm attachment to the hard PS domain. The relative amount of this phase decreased in samples with larger PS blocks, while the temperature of the associated transition increased. Tensile testing showed increased tensile strength but decreased elongation at break with larger PS blocks. DMA of the ionomers indicated improved dynamic modulus at temperatures above 90°C. Tensile testing of the ionomers indicated slight improvements in tensile strength with little loss in elongation at break.
The Staircase of teacher development: a perspective on the process and consequences of the unity and integration of self

The article is a theoretical conversation that addresses a new perspective on an often omitted or unrecognized process that is related to current issues in teacher education. Identified and explored is a sequence of forms in a teacher's professional, pedagogic life, and it is argued that these forms are synchronous with R. G. Collingwood's description of the journey traveled by individuals through the forms of consciousness in the quest for gaining knowledge of a phenomenon. An understanding of the rapprochement that exists between these two sequences offers a possible philosophical foundation for helping teachers understand, construct and generally make sense of experiences at various discrete moments of their career. Such theoretical understanding guides teachers to develop a personal way of knowing, a personal philosophy and to construct a unified and integrated consciousness of self as person and self as teacher. Covertly, the article identifies a number of issues inherent in teacher education programs.
Microstructural development in undercooled lead- tin eutectic alloys

A model was developed to predict micro structural development in lead—61.9 wt pct Sn (eutectic) alloys which were undercooled 5 to 25 K below their equilibrium freezing temperature prior to being preferentially nucleated. While the initial solidification velocity rapidly increases with increasing undercooling, the model predicts it to quickly decrease, prior to 10 pct solid formation, after which growth continues near the equilibrium temperature. Experimentally, and in accordance with the prediction, the eutectic emanated from the nucleation site with an initially fine spacing that increased with distance. However, in contrast to the model, the eutectic grew outward in a spokelike manner with each arm surrounded by a globular structure, this being attributed to the difficulty of lateral nucleation. Microstructural uniformity was further compromised by equiaxed eutectic grains which grew ahead of the advancing interface in the now only slightly undercooled liquid. Consequently, while containerless techniques may ensure sample purity and permit processing of high-temperature materials, development of a continuously fine and uniformly aligned microstructure cannot be assumed.
An advanced quality improvement and patient safety elective

Summary Background: Practising doctors must be competent in quality improvement (QI) and patient safety (PS). Despite this need, QI and PS have yet to be fully integrated into the undergraduate medical curriculum. Furthermore, there are few resources available for motivated senior medical students to receive advanced training prior to starting residency. To address these needs, we piloted an elective in QI/PS for senior medical students. Methods: We measured changes in knowledge, attitude and QI/PS skills with before and after surveys and skill assessments. Post-elective measures included an assessment of reaction to the curriculum and an assessment of a QI project proposal. Results: Six students participated in two 2-week electives. Mean knowledge test scores improved after the elective [mean score (SD)]: before, 7.3 (1.4), versus after, 8.2 (0.4); p = 0.19. There were improvements in confidence in all aspects queried, and this was significant in six of the seven confidence questions. Students had high motivation for future QI/PS involvement both before and after the elective. Validated measures assessing QI/PS skills showed high levels of performance both before and after the elective. Experiential components of the elective were most highly valued. Discussion: Motivated students may not have the confidence needed to effectively actuate their desire to incorporate QI/PS in their continuing training and careers. This 2-week elective significantly improved students’ confidence and maintained their motivation for QI/PS work. Experiential activities may be particularly beneficial for students to learn QI/PS throughout medical school.
Mutant DnaAs of Escherichia coli that are refractory to negative control

DnaA is the initiator of DNA replication in bacteria. A mutant DnaA named DnaAcos is unusual because it is refractory to negative regulation. We developed a genetic method to isolate other mutant DnaAs that circumvent regulation to extend our understanding of mechanisms that control replication initiation. Like DnaAcos, one mutant bearing a tyrosine substitution for histidine 202 (H202Y) withstands the regulation exerted by datA, hda and dnaN (β clamp), and both DnaAcos and H202Y resist inhibition by the Hda-β clamp complex in vitro. Other mutant DnaAs carrying G79D, E244K, V303M or E445K substitutions are either only partially sensitive or refractory to inhibition by the Hda-β clamp complex in vitro but are responsive to hda expression in vivo. All mutant DnaAs remain able to interact directly with Hda. Of interest, both DnaAcos and DnaAE244K bind more avidly to Hda. These mutants, by sequestrating Hda, may limit its availability to regulate other DnaA molecules, which remain active to induce extra rounds of DNA replication. Other evidence suggests that a mutant bearing a V292M substitution hyperinitiates by escaping the effect of an unknown regulatory factor. Together, our results provide new insight into the mechanisms that regulate replication initiation in Escherichia coli.
Changing food habits in a South Indian Hindu Brahmin community: a case of transitioning gender roles and family dynamics.

This study was conducted to explore the perceptions of 20 South Indian Hindu Brahmin women on the factors influencing their food habits upon immigrating to America. The competing demands of juggling a new career and managing their family’s nutritional needs at the same time, all without the support of extended family members, played an important role in steering these women away from cooking traditional healthy meals, and resorting to fast foods instead. Intervention strategies should be directed toward improving the barriers to eating healthy that were specifically identified within the confines of shifting gender roles and limited family support networks.
Thyroid eye disease

Thyroid eye disease (TED) is the most common cause of proptosis in adults, and should always be a consideration in patients with unexplained diplopia, pain, or optic nerve dysfunction. At least 80% of TED is associated with Graves disease (GD), and at least 50% of patients with GD develop clinically evident symptomatic TED. The most confusing patients for doctors of all subspecialties are the patients with eye symptoms and signs that precede serum evidence of a thyroid imbalance. Management of TED may include immunosuppressive medications, radiation, or surgery. Although the prognosis for optic nerve function is excellent, the restrictive dysmotility can result in permanent disability. Orbit and eyelid reconstruction are reserved for stable, inactive patients and are the final steps in minimizing facial alterations and enhancing the patient's daily functioning.
Cloning and expression of rabbit CCT subunits eta and beta in healing cutaneous wounds

We have previously identified the CCT subunit eta as specifically reduced in healing fetal skin wounds by differential display, and observed that this reduction is not seen with any other CCT subunit. We now report the cloning and characterization of the cDNAs for rabbit CCT-eta and its closest evolutionary homolog, CCT-beta. Quantitative examination of CCT-eta and –beta message expression in healing fetal and adult wounds at 12 h post-injury confirms that CCT-eta mRNA is decreased in fetal wound tissues, but actually elevated in adult wound tissues. CCT-beta mRNA, in contrast, remains unchanged in both fetal and adult wound tissues. CCT-eta mRNA remains persistently elevated in healing adult wounds for 28 days following injury, whereas CCT-beta mRNA remains invariant throughout. CCT-eta protein is similarly increased, whereas CCT-beta protein remains unchanged. -smooth muscle actin (-SMA), a recognized substrate of CCT known to be important in integumentary wound healing, was also measured over the course of wound healing, and both mRNA and protein levels were elevated throughout the 28 days.
Magnet for an 800-MeV Separated Orbit Cyclotron

The Separated Orbit Cyclotron consists of individual sector magnets and rf cavities placed alternately in a circular arrangement. The beam is bent and focused by alternating gradient fields produced by pole tips with a minimum radial spacing of 4. 5 inches. Magnet design and construction problems are minimized by using the same pole-surface contour and the same mean-field intensity throughout the entire machine. All pole tips in one sector are mounted on a common yoke and driven by a common pair of coils. Shimming gaps are provided between the yoke and the pole tips so that the same mean field intensity can be achieved for all orbits. Only the azimuthal length of the poles is changed to maintain the correct focusing and bending properties of the magnets.
Identification of novel autoantigens by a triangulation approach

Abstract High titer autoantibodies, which are often associated with specific clinical phenotypes, are useful diagnostically and prognostically in systemic autoimmune diseases. In several autoimmune rheumatic diseases (e.g. myositis and Sjogren's syndrome), 20–40% of patients are autoantibody negative as assessed by conventional assays. The recent discovery of new specificities (e.g., anti-MDA5) in a subset of these autoantibody-negative subjects demonstrates that additional specificities await identification. In this manuscript, we describe a rapid multidimensional method to identify new autoantigens. A central foundation of this rapid approach is the use of an antigen source in which a pathogenic pathway active in the disease is recapitulated. Additionally, the method involves a modified serological proteome analysis strategy which allows confirmation that the correct gel plug has been removed prior to sending for sequencing. Lastly, the approach uses multiple sources of information to enable rapid triangulation and identification of protein candidates. Possible permutations and underlying principles of this triangulation strategy are elaborated to demonstrate the broad utility of this approach for antigen discovery.
SQUIDs--Past, present, and future

The superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) was the first superconducting electronic (SCE) circuit employing Josephson junctions. It has matured over approximately 15 years and is now the most widely used SCE device. Although its application is based on a fundamental periodic response, it has been developed into the most sensitive linear detection system for magnetic flux. As a result, SQUIDs are used for such diverse studies as flux quantization, superconducting properties, thermal noise and intrinsic fluctuations, geophysics, metrology, biomagnetism, susceptometry, nuclear magnetic resonance, oceanography, gravity waves, and relativity. Further improvement in performance is predicted. Additionally, micro-SQUIDs (configured in microcircuits) have a bright future as "ultimate" devices for parametric amplifiers, pulse counters, A/D converters, shift registers, digital logic, and memory. This paper reviews the history of this field, emphasizing recent developments, and projects the future direction of SQUID electronics.