cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Review of Rosen's Classical Utilitarianism from Hume to Mill

Frederick Rosen, Classical Utilitarianism from Hume to Mill (London and New York, Routledge, 2003), pp. xiv + 289.
A Visible Hand in the Marketplace of Ideas: Precision Measurement as Arbitage

While there has been muchattention given to experiment in modern science studies, there has been astoundingly little concern spared over the practice of quanitataive measurment.Thus myths about the unreasonable effectiveness of mathematice in science still abound. This paper presents: (a) An explicit mathematical model of the stabilization of quantitative constants in a mathematical science to rival older Bayesian and classical accounts;(b)a framework for writing a history of pracitces with regard to treatment of quantitative measurement erroe;(c) resourece for the comparative sociology of differing discipliness in this regard;and (d) a prolegonmena to a critique of orthodox economics and accounting theories. The key to all these diverse themes is the realization that no one individual alone is capable of fixing the magnitude of a quantitative error estimate, and therefore the social construction of error must be given a more precise meaning, an therefore the social construction of error must be given a more precise menaing, and that this occurs through the istrumentality of meta-analysis
Orientation-based reachability map for robot base placement

Mobile humanoid robots have the capability of accomplishing complex tasks in human dominated environments. In order to execute a task with its arm, a robot needs to place its base reasonably first. In previous work, a positionbased reachability map solved this problem by matching a precomputed inverse kinematics database with discretized versions of the task path. However, its capability is restricted to the end effector with which the database was computed. This paper proposes an orientation-based reachability map which supports on-line end effector frame extensions. The added extension capability enables robots to handle partially constrained task paths with different tool frames, which would be non-trivial for previous methods without recomputing a reachability map. We discuss the differences between the new method and its predecessors, and analyze extension transformation matrix to provide mathematical proof for the extension capability of our reachability map. Our experimental results show that the orientation-based reachability map is as fast as the positionbased reachability map while benefiting from the additional extension capability.
Lowest Natural Frequency of Clamped Parabolic Arcs

An analysis is made of finding the lowest natural frequency of a clamped parabolic arc with a variable section including the effect of the cross section and constant section.
Quantatiye Studies of Tetraphenytlporphinesulfonate and Hematoporphyrin Derivative Distribution in Animal Tumor Systems

This review will accumulate and compare the very few reports in the literature which quantify the concentration of tetraphenylporphinesulfonate (TPPS) and hematoporphyrin derivative (HPD) in tumors and other tissues after parenteral administration to tumor bearing animals.
Aromatase inhibitor therapy for estrogen receptor positive ovarian cancer

15038 Background: Aromatase inhibitors (AI) are effective therapy for estrogen receptor positive breast cancer. We retrospectively reviewed our experience with AI therapy of 14 advanced ovarian can...
Abstract 1128: The tumor suppressive function of Merlin/Nf2 is mediated by a novel tight junction-associated protein complex

Mutations in the NF2 tumor suppressor gene lead to inherited cancer-disorder Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2) and other sporadic nerve-sheath tumors. Merlin, the protein product of the NF2 gene, suppresses cell proliferation and tumorigenesis by regulating multiple signaling pathways including the Ras-MAPK pathway. Through affinity purification, we have identified a novel tight-junction-associated protein complex comprising Merlin and a number of tight junction associated proteins. We show that Merlin directly interacts and co-localizes with one of these tight junction proteins through their mutual coiled-coil domains in epithelial and Schwann cells. Furthermore, the two proteins co-localize to paranodes and Schmidt-Lantermann incisures in myelinated peripheral nerve, the most frequent site of tumor development caused by Nf2 inactivation. We establish that the novel Merlin-binding protein functions downstream of Merlin as a positive regulator of Rac1 activity and the Ras-MAPK signaling. Importantly, we are able to demonstrate that depletion of this Merlin-interacting protein in Nf2-/- schwannoma cells down-regulates the Ras-MAPK signaling pathway, and impedes cellular proliferation in vitro and tumor development in vivo. Taken together with our observations that several NF2 patient-derived mutant Merlin proteins exhibit diminished association with this protein and that its level is elevated in 9 out of 10 human schwannoma samples examined, we conclude that the novel Merlin-binding partner identified in this study mediates the tumor suppressive function of Merlin and represents a potential therapeutic target for NF2 related tumors. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1128.
Recovery of an Adenovirus from a Feral Rodent Peromyscus maniculatus.

SummaryAn adenovirus was isolated from the blood of a feral Peromyscus mani-culatus collected in January, 1963, from Kern County, Calif. The virus was classified as an adenovirus on the basis of the possession of the adenovirus group CF antigen, type of CPE in and susceptibility of a range of cell culture systems, and insensitivity to chloroform. The virus was not neutralized by rabbit antisera to human adenovirus types 1 through 30 or mouse adenovirus. It differs from other nonhuman adenoviruses in host range in tissue culture, and is considered to represent a previously undescribed adenovirus.We are indebted to Dr. D. R. Roberts for the collection of rodents.
Comments and Perspectives

![Figure][1] Roderic Pettigrew Rapid and revolutionary changes in the world of biomedical research are moving the field of “personalized medicine” from concept to reality. Although still in its infancy, the use of custom-tailored tools, technologies, and therapies to diagnose and treat
Sweet and Sour: Social Networks and Inequality in a Chinese Restaurant:

The author examines how immigrant networks and labor segmentation by race and gender facilitate inequality in immigrant-owned restaurants. The author conducted three months of participant observati...
siRNA Therapeutics for Primary Hyperoxaluria: A Beginning

Realization of the early promise of gene therapy has been elusive. Long and eagerly anticipated, particularly for orphan diseases with few available therapeutic alternatives, only within recent years have such treatments begun to reach phase III clinical trials.1 Two articles in this issue of Molecular Therapy identify inhibition of glycolate oxidase as a potential treatment for type 1 primary hyperoxaluria (PH1), an autosomal recessive condition in which excess oxalate produced by the liver causes kidney damage and severe systemic disease. Both teams of investigators demonstrated reduction in oxalate production in a mouse knockout model of the disease through absence or inhibition of glycolate oxidase (GO). Hepatic GO converts glycolate to glyoxylate, which is the primary substrate for production of oxalate. Thus, substrate reduction was achieved. Martin-Higueras and colleagues2 demonstrated that the hyperoxaluria of the AGXT knockout mouse was substantially reduced following double knockout of AGXT and GO. Dutta and colleagues3 approached the problem differently, using Dicer-short interfering RNA (Dicer-siRNA) for inhibition targeting hydroxyacid oxidase 1 (HAO-1) messenger RNA, which encodes GO.3 Using this approach, they were able to demonstrate normalization of oxalate production in hepatocytes of AGXT knockout mice. These observations suggest an innovative approach to treatment for patients with PH1 and impart new hope for patients with PH, their families, and the physicians who care for them. This is especially true in that early experience with other applications of siRNA for treatment of human diseases, including amyloidosis, hypercholesterolemia, and α1-antitrypsin deficiency, has been encouraging.1,4
WB4101- and CEC-sensitive positive inotropic actions of phenylephrine in rat cardiac muscle

This study was designed to determine the role of the alpha 1-adrenergic receptor (AR) subtypes in the positive inotropic action of alpha 1-adrenergic agonists in rat myocardium. Isolated left atrial and papillary muscle were suspended in oxygenated Krebs-Henseleit buffer (37 degrees C) containing 3 microM nadolol and paced at 3.3 Hz. Isometric tension was continuously monitored. Cumulative concentration-response curves for phenylephrine (3 x 10(-7) to 3 x 10(-4) M) were obtained in the presence and absence of WB4101 (4 and 10 nM) and with and without treatment with chloroethylclonidine (CEC; 10, 100, and 300 microM). WB4101 antagonized the effect of phenylephrine in both tissues, increasing half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) values in a concentration-dependent manner. CEC pretreatment also increased EC50 values in both tissues, and 300 microM CEC reduced the maximal positive inotropic effect of phenylephrine by approximately 48 and 38% in left atrial and papillary muscle, respectively. CEC alone elicited significant increases in contractile force that were not readily reversible. These data suggest that the positive inotropic effect of alpha 1-adrenergic agonists in rat atrial and ventricular myocardium results from stimulation of both WB4101- and CEC-sensitive alpha 1-ARs.
Instrumented Fusion in Early-Onset Scoliosis

The overall goal of treating progressive spinal and chest wall deformity in young children is through growth-sparing modalities. However, there are situations when performing instrumented fusion of the spine with or without a decompression and/or release is indicated. This chapter will focus on the indications, techniques, results, and potential complications of performing instrumented fusion in growing children. The goals of treatment are to provide adequate spinal stability, limit deformity progression, and maintain optimal chest wall alignment and function in the long term.
Cerebrospinal fluid factors following subarachnoid haemorrhage accelerate collagen lattice contraction by fibroblasts

Proliferation in the intimal layer and medial necrosis are the most consistent findings in the cerebral artery following subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) in man. Recently, SEM studies from our laboratory have also shown marked endothelial injury as demonstrated by a profuse platelet carpet. Myofibroblasts proliferate in response to the platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), and abundant collagen is present in the vessel wall. We have employed experiments using fibroblast-populated collagen lattices to study cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from patients with recent SAH. Isolated rat tail collagen and cultured human dermal fibroblasts are mixed together; placed in 35 mm Petri dishes, and allowed to gel. CSF samples are placed on the surface of the collagen lattice, using 0.2 ml saline for control. The collagen lattices are then incubated and daily measurements recorded. We found that CSF samples from patients with recently ruptured aneurysms significantly accelerate contraction of the collagen lattice. The factor i...
Two Level Simulation of High-Re Turbulent Flows

A new approach, two level simulation (TLS), has been developed based on the decomposition of velocity into large-scale and small-scale components. A coupled system of equations that is not based on an eddy-viscosity type of assumption has been implemented to simulate high-Re temporal mixing layer and channel flow. The small-scale equations are modeled on a family of three one-dimensional, orthogonal lines that are embedded inside the three-dimensional large-scale grid. Results suggest that the baseline TLS approach can capture high-Re flows in both free shear and wall-bounded layers using very coarse grids.
Autophagy confers resistance to lipopolysaccharide-induced mouse hepatocyte injury

During sepsis, bacterial products, particularly LPS, trigger injury in organs such as the liver. This common condition remains largely untreatable, in part due to a lack of understanding of how high concentrations of LPS cause cellular injury. In the liver, the lysosomal degradative pathway of autophagy performs essential hepatoprotective functions and is induced by LPS. We, therefore, examined whether hepatocyte autophagy protects against liver injury from septic levels of LPS. Mice with an inducible hepatocyte-specific knockout of the critical autophagy gene Atg7 were examined for their sensitivity to high-dose LPS. Increased liver injury occurred in knockout mice, as determined by significantly increased serum alanine aminotransferase levels, histological evidence of liver injury, terminal deoxynucleotide transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end-labeling, and effector caspase-3 and -7 activation. Hepatic inflammation and proinflammatory cytokine induction were unaffected by the decrease in hepatocyte autophagy. Although knockout mice had normal NF-κB signaling, hepatic levels of Akt1 and Akt2 phosphorylation in response to LPS were decreased. Cultured hepatocytes from knockout mice displayed a generalized defect in Akt signaling in response to multiple stimuli, including LPS, TNF, and IL-1β. Akt activation mediates hepatocyte resistance to TNF cytotoxicity, and anti-TNF antibodies significantly decreased LPS-induced liver injury in knockout mice, indicating that the loss of autophagy sensitized to TNF-dependent liver damage. Hepatocyte autophagy, therefore, protects against LPS-induced liver injury. Conditions such as aging and steatosis that impair hepatic autophagy may predispose to poor outcomes from sepsis through this mechanism.
CHAPTER 2 – Ovarian Anatomy and Physiology

A characteristic feature of reproductive capacity in women is its cyclical nature, a feature that is strikingly reflected by the growth and development of oocytes and follicles within the ovaries. The tissues of the adult ovaries undergo dramatic cyclical changes, which in turn are reflected in cyclical changes in the production of the steroid hormones, estradiol (E 2 ) and progesterone (p 4 ), as well as key regulatory proteins, such as inhibin. The regulated expression of these ligands is critically important in the mechanisms that underlie fertility in women, including the ovulation of an oocyte with the potential for producing a normal embryo. The process begins at puberty with the first cycle and ends at the menopause with the permanent cessation of menses. The causative event in the menopause is the disappearance of primordial follicles in the ovaries, i.e., the loss of ovary reserve (OR). Consequently, the size of a woman's OR (number of primordial follicles) has great impact on when the menopause begins. Therefore, to understand the menopause from either a physiological or a pathophysiological perspective, one must understand the interactions between OR, folliculogenesis, and the menstrual cycle during aging.
John Henry and the Paradox of Manhood, Fatherhood and Health for African American Fathers

In this chapter, we use the fable of John Henry to illustrate the complex relation between manhood, fatherhood, and health for African American fathers. We begin by summarizing the story of John Henry, the version in which he was a husband and a father. Next, we review literature that describes how men conceptualize and define health and how these notions are intertwined with notions of fatherhood. Then we explore other literature that highlights how socialization processes are shaped by the intersections of being African American, middle-aged, and male. We return to the fable and use the literature to conjecture why John Henry made the choice to sacrifice his health for his professional success. In sum, we highlight the inherent tensions and contradictions in promoting manhood and health for African American fathers and the challenges they face in trying to leave a legacy of health to their sons.
Cooperative activation of cardiac transcription through myocardin bridging of paired MEF2 sites

Enhancers frequently contain multiple binding sites for the same transcription factor. These homotypic binding sites often exhibit synergy, whereby the transcriptional output from two or more binding sites is greater than the sum of the contributions of the individual binding sites alone. Although this phenomenon is frequently observed, the mechanistic basis for homotypic binding site synergy is poorly understood. Here, we identify a bona fide cardiac-specific Prkaa2 enhancer that is synergistically activated by homotypic MEF2 binding sites. We show that two MEF2 sites in the enhancer function cooperatively due to bridging of the MEF2C-bound sites by the SAP domain-containing co-activator protein myocardin, and we show that paired sites buffer the enhancer from integration site-dependent effects on transcription in vivo Paired MEF2 sites are prevalent in cardiac enhancers, suggesting that this might be a common mechanism underlying synergy in the control of cardiac gene expression in vivo.
Motivation in International Relations

Perhaps Americans get the foreign policy they deserve. That is the conclusion of British historian David Milne's elegantly written and shrewdly argued volume, Worldmaking: The Art and Science of Am...
Abstract P2-09-26: Frequency and mechanisms of elevated somatic mutation burden in metastatic breast cancer and response to immune checkpoint blockade

Background : Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) is effective in the treatment of various malignancies. Thus far, however, results in breast cancer have been mixed. Elevated tumor mutational load, and subsequent increased likelihood of forming immunogenic neoantigens, has been correlated with response to ICB. Mutational load observed in breast cancers varies widely. However, most studies have assessed mutational load using primary tumors. Few studies have explored the frequency of high mutational load, molecular mechanisms accounting for this phenomenon, and its potential impact on response to ICB in metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Methods : From 2011-2016, 124 patients (pts) with MBC of varying subtypes underwent research biopsy of their metastatic disease for whole genome, exome and transcriptome sequencing of tumor and matched normal sample through the Michigan Oncology Sequencing Center (Mi-OncoSeq). Those pts with elevated somatic mutation load were defined as having greater than 10 mutations per megabase of targeted sequencing and mutational signatures accounting for high mutation load were noted. Pts treated subsequently with ICB were followed to assess response. Results : Twelve MBC pts had high mutation load (10% of cohort). Eight pts had estrogen receptor (ER) positive MBC and 4 pts had metastatic triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). In 5 cases, a clear mutational signature accounting for high mutation load was evident. Two TNBC cases harbored an APOBEC mutational signature in addition to 1 TNBC and 2 ER positive tumors displaying a microsatellite instability signature (MSI-H). Among the tumors with MSI-H signature, 1 case was associated with a pathogenic germline alteration in MLH1. Two pts were subsequently treated with ICB on a clinical trial. One pt came off study after 3 months due to progressive brain metastases and another had partial response to therapy lasting 7 months. Conclusions : Elevated somatic mutation burden in MBC is observed in approximately 10% of pts, and is detected in both ER positive and TNBC. Since high mutation burden has been associated with increased likelihood of response to ICB, identification of this genomic feature could have important therapeutic implications for MBC pts. Citation Format: Cobain EF, Robinson DR, Wu Y-M, Lonigro R, Vats P, Rabban E, Kumar-Sinha C, Schott AF, Smerage JB, Morikawa A, Burness ML, Van Poznak CH, Griggs J, Wicha M, Hayes DF, Chinnaiyan AM. Frequency and mechanisms of elevated somatic mutation burden in metastatic breast cancer and response to immune checkpoint blockade [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-09-26.
The African turquoise killifish: A research organism to study vertebrate aging and diapause

The African turquoise killifish has recently gained significant traction as a new research organism in the aging field. Our understanding of aging has strongly benefited from canonical research organisms-yeast, C. elegans, Drosophila, zebrafish, and mice. Many characteristics that are essential to understand aging-for example, the adaptive immune system or the hypothalamo-pituitary axis-are only present in vertebrates (zebrafish and mice). However, zebrafish and mice live more than 3 years and their relatively long lifespans are not compatible with high-throughput studies. Therefore, the turquoise killifish, a vertebrate with a naturally compressed lifespan of only 4-6 months, fills an essential gap to understand aging. With a recently developed genomic and genetic toolkit, the turquoise killifish not only provides practical advantages for lifespan and longitudinal experiments, but also allows more systematic characterizations of the interplay between genetics and environment during vertebrate aging. Interestingly, the turquoise killifish can also enter a long-term dormant state during development called diapause. Killifish embryos in diapause already have some organs and tissues, and they can last in this state for years, exhibiting exceptional resistance to stress and to damages due to the passage of time. Understanding the diapause state could give new insights into strategies to prevent the damage caused by aging and to better preserve organs, tissues, and cells. Thus, the African turquoise killifish brings two interesting aspects to the aging field-a compressed lifespan and a long-term resistant diapause state, both of which should spark new discoveries in the field.
A Painful Perineural Infiltrate

A 64-year-old Caucasian man with a history of multiple skin cancers, including a recent diagnosis of microinvasive well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the lower lip, presented for Mohs surgery. He complained of dysesthesia, including tingling of the lip. Physical examination yielded a crusted papule at the vermillion border that was clinically attributed to previous biopsy site changes.
Mixed-Oxide Fuel Irradiations in the Plutonium Recycle Test Reactor

The satisfactory irradiation performance of several types of mixed-oxide fuels suitable for the utilization of plutonium in thermal reactors was demonstrated by a significant number of experiments ...
The Electromagnetic Field of a Horizontal Electric Dipole in the Presence of a Plane Boundary

The vertical electric dipole is an effective and very useful transmitter when erected in air on the surface of the earth or ocean and operated in the range of frequencies used in broadcast radio communication. Antenna lengths of a quarter- or half-wavelength in air are practical and directional arrays are readily constructed. The entire far field along the surface of the earth or sea is a lateral wave often called the Norton surface wave. At lower frequencies required for communication with submerged submarines, the vertical dipole becomes impractical because it cannot be made high enough to have a reasonable electrical length and radiation resistance. When embedded in the earth or sea (Region 1, wave number k1) near a boundary with air, rock, or sediment (Region 2, wave number k2), the effectiveness of the vertical dipole is greatly diminished because its field is multiplied by the very small factor (k 2 /k 1 )2. This restricts its application to the near range and part of the intermediate range unless enormous amounts of power are supplied.
STABILITY BOUNDS FOR SLOW ADAPTATION: AN INTEGRAL MANIFOLD APPROACH

Abstract This paper presents scheme for reduced order adaptive control in discrete time using slow adaptation and regressor filtering. Because the stability of slow adaptation does not rely on driving the tracking error to exactly zero, the scheme allows additive disturbances and makes no assumption about the order of the plant, controller, or reference model. These assumption are replaced by an assumption that the RMS tracking error has a minimum in the set of stabilizing controllers. Conditions are given for the adaptive system to possess a uniformly asymptotically stable solution and an estimate of the region of attraction is provided. The system is shown to have an integral manifold upon which the slow adaptation takes place. Since the manifold describes exactly the slow adaptation process, the stability analysis, which uses deterministic discrete time averaging results, does not require linearization. Although the results require some a priori knowledge, all of the assumptions are made on a system with constant parameters, and hence, are amenable to off-line analysis.
Science Agency and Structure Across the Lifespan: A Dialogical Response

We are a group of science educators and researchers who are culturally diverse as well as diverse in our science teaching and learning experiences. We have worked with teachers and students from the elementary through the university level. In reading the four chapters in this Part C, we draw on our experiences of researching and teaching in various formal and informal settings to ask critical questions about the importance of making science education a multi-contextual, pan-cultural endeavor. What follows is a dialogic response that explores the major themes that emerged for us in the four chapters. We asked ourselves questions to deepen our understanding about science teaching and learning in different contexts such as, what is the goal of formal learning spaces? How can we bring to the forefront teachers’ roles and agency in educational research? How can we use students’ and teachers’ individual life stories to create an inclusive learning community in the science classroom? What is the role of emotions in learning science? This writing approach allows us to share our individual perspectives while we build a collective understanding of connecting science teaching, learning and educational research across different contexts and lifeworlds.
Electrogram guidance: a method to increase the precision and diagnostic yield of endomyocardial biopsy for suspected cardiac sarcoidosis and myocarditis.

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to describe the method used to perform electrogram-guided EMB and correlate electrogram characteristics with pathological and clinical outcomes. Background Endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) is valuable in determining the underlying etiology of a cardiomyopathy. The sensitivity, however, for focal disorders, such as lymphocytic myocarditis and cardiac sarcoidosis (CS), is low. The sensitivity of routine fluoroscopically guided EMB is low. Abnormal intracardiac electrograms are seen at sites of myocardial disease. However, the exact value of electrogram-guided EMB is unknown. Methods We report 11 patients who underwent electrogram-guided EMB for evaluation of myocarditis and CS. Results Of 40 total biopsy specimens taken from 11 patients, 19 had electrogram voltage 5 mV signified normal myocardium with no significant diagnostic yield. Biopsy results guided therapy in all patients, including 5 with active myocarditis or CS, all of whom subsequently received immunosuppressive therapy. There were no procedural complications. Conclusions In patients with suspected myocarditis or CS, electrogram-guided EMB targeting sites with abnormal or low-amplitude electrograms may increase the diagnostic yield for detecting abnormal pathological findings.
A case-control study of the risk factors for developing aspergillosis following cardiac transplant.

BACKGROUND Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality following cardiac transplantation; however, data regarding the predictors of IA in this patient population are limited. METHODS We conducted a case-control study to identify the risk factors for IA in patients who underwent cardiac transplantation at a single center from 1986 to 2008 (Cohort 1) and 2009 to 2015 (Cohort 2). Cases of IA were matched to two controls from the same year of transplantation, and data were collected from the date of cardiac transplantation to the date of documented Aspergillus infection for each case, or for an equivalent number of days for each control. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to identify independent predictors of IA in Cohort 1. After 2009, targeted antifungal prophylaxis with oral voriconazole was initiated in patients with risk factors for IA. The incidence of IA was compared pre- and postintervention. RESULTS IA was identified in 23 of 189 (8.0%) patients within Cohort 1. Significant risk factors for IA on multivariate analysis included an increased number of pretransplant hospitalizations (OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.19-2.76) and posttransplant acute cellular allograft rejection (ACR) (OR 1.99, 95% 1.06-3.75). Following the implementation of targeted antifungal prophylaxis in 2009, IA was identified in 2 of 107 (2.0%) patients in Cohort 2. CONCLUSIONS Increased pretransplant hospitalizations and posttransplant ACR episodes represent significant risk factors for IA following cardiac transplant. Targeted antifungal prophylaxis in at-risk patients reduces the incidence of IA.
Increased Prevalence of Cardiac Allograft Donors with Improved LV Systolic Function Utilizing an Out-of-Hospital Treatment and Recovery Center

Background Published data from UNOS demonstrated that donor hearts with transient LV dysfunction can be used without increasing the risk of poor transplant outcomes, but account for less than 3% of allocated donors. Our organ procurement organization (OPO) utilizes a centralized treatment and recovery facility allowing for aggressive protocol driven management and frequent assessment of organ function early after brain death declaration. Methods We retrospectively reviewed our OPO experience with cardiac allograft donors from 2013-2017. Clinical data (patient demographics, cause of death, medical management, biomarkers, and serial echocardiographic imaging) were extracted from the OPO EMR for all 168 allocated cardiac donors during this time period. Improved LV systolic function was defined as an initial LVEF ≤40% which later improved to ≥50% consistent with the definition used in the prior UNOS analysis. Results We found that 23% (38/168) of allocated cardiac allografts from our OPO had transient LV dysfunction with an EF ≤40% on the initial echocardiogram. This rate was consistent over the years examined. Moreover 55% of donors had an initial echocardiogram with an EF of less than 50%. Comparison of donors with an initial EF ≤40% to donors with normal LV function on initial examination revealed minimal differences. There was no difference in the average age or sex between the two groups. No differences were found in the dose of vasopressors used either at the time of arrival to the facility or at organ harvest. The average amount of blood transfused was not different between the two groups. Although peak ALT was significantly higher in donors with transient LV dysfunction (402 vs 175 Units/L), there was no differences found in peak AST, troponin, lactate, or creatinine. Conclusion We found a markedly higher percentage of cardiac donors with transient LV dysfunction in allografts coming from our OPO facility compared to the UNOS database. The extent to which this reflects increased recognition versus increased organ yield is unknown at this time. These donors did not differ significantly from donors with normal LV function on initial examination. Coupled with prior data that showed equivalent outcomes in donors with recovered LV function, these data suggest that additional efforts to recover cardiac allografts initially found to have LV dysfunction could be an important means of increasing the donor pool and further work is ongoing to understand the most important factors in the recovery process.
The Full Protection and Security Obligation: What are the Parameters of the Due Diligence Standard?

Recently, a developing country was held liable to a foreign investor for not preventing acts of terrorism. This is not fiction, it is the ICSID case of Ampal v. Egypt. The basis for such responsibility in investment treaties is typically a legal obligation of host states called Full Protection and Security (“FPS”). An ICSID decision like Ampal obviously has wide-ranging implications on the Investment State Dispute Settlement (“ISDS”) system. Although it is often perceived as disastrous by many prominent scholars, it is indeed an eye-opener to the importance of defining the due diligence standard under the FPS. Neither Customary International Law nor ICSID Tribunals had provided for clear and concise borders of the due diligence standard required from host states to fulfill their FPS Obligation. This article aims to read into Customary International Law and ICSID Case Law to provide for specific thresholds that Tribunals can utilize to assess whether a host state complies with its FPS obligation or not.
Antimicrobial activity of the biopolymer chitosan against Streptococcus iniae.

The antimicrobial activity and mode of action of chitosan were evaluated against Streptococcus iniae, a pathogenic Gram-positive bacterium of fish worldwide. Cell proliferation kinetics were examined following exposure to varying concentrations of chitosan. The action of chitosan on S. iniae was also investigated by measuring agglutination activity, conductivity, and extracellular and intracellular bacterial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels. Chitosan exhibited antibacterial activity against S. iniae at concentrations of 0.1% and above and was lethal at a concentration of 0.4% and higher. The mechanism of antibacterial activity of chitosan at the inhibitory level of bacterial growth appears to hinge upon the interaction between chitosan and the oppositely charged bacterial surface. This interplay causes agglutination, which was readily observed grossly and microscopically. After interacting with the cell surface via adsorption, an efflux of intracellular ATP was documented, which suggests that chitosan disrupts the bacterial cell causing leakage of cytosolic contents and ultimately cell death. Results suggest chitosan may be worth evaluating as a natural alternative to antibiotic against S. iniae infection of fish.
Assessing Vaccine Contraindications Through the Use of the Immunization Action Coalition Screening Checklist

Immunization action coalition (IAC) provides a checklist that occupational health nurses use to screen for vaccine contraindications to identify and prevent possible adverse effects.
Optimal control and cost-effective analysis of the 2017 meningitis outbreak in Nigeria.

Abstract This paper presents a deterministic model for Neisseria meningitidis, a bacterium that causes meningitis. The model was parameterized using data from the 2017 meningitis outbreak in Nigeria. Optimal control theory was applied to investigate the optimal strategy for curtailing the spread of the disease using control variables determined from sensitivity analysis. These control variables are personal-protection such as the use of facial masks, and vaccination. The results show that the two controls avert more infections at low costs. Furthermore, a reciprocal relationship exists between the use of facial masks and vaccine. That is, when the use of facial masks is high, the use of vaccine is low and vice versa. Cost-effective analysis was applied to investigate the most cost-effective strategy from various combination of control strategies. The results show that strategy combining all the control variables is the most cost-effective strategy followed by the strategy involving both personal-protection, the vaccination-only strategy was the least cost-effective. Although vaccination strategy is not cost-effective in this study, it is as effective in curtailing the infection as the other two control strategies. The study suggests that governments of communities with limited resources should consider complementing the use of vaccine with the use of facial mask particularly in hard-to-reach places in their communities.
The cervicofacial flap

Surgical and traumatic defects of the face present a reconstructive challenge to restore facial symmetry. The cervicofacial flap is a rotational and advancement flap with random blood supply utilized to close moderate- to large-sized defects of the cheek. Subcutaneous dissection of the cervical region allows for a large amount of tissue mobilization. Depending on the location of the cheek defect, the flap can be pedicled either anteriorly or posteriorly. This article presents the authors’ preferred surgical technique as well as reported surgical variations. Routine postoperative care and management of potential complications are discussed.
Turbulent channel flow over heterogeneous roughness at oblique angles

Large-eddy simulation has been used to model turbulent channel flow over a range of surfaces featuring a prominent spatial heterogeneity; the flow streamwise direction is aligned relative to the heterogeneity at a range of angles, defined herein with ). This result manifests itself within effective roughness lengths recovered a posteriori: the traditional approach to roughness modelling – predicated upon dependence with surface geometric arguments including height root-mean-square, skewness, frontal- and plan-area index, effective slope. and combinations thereof – is insufficient. A revised model incorporating dependence upon roughness frontal area index and flow-heterogeneity obliquity angle is able to accurately predict effective roughness length a priori.
INSURMOUNTABLE HEAT: THE EVOLUTION AND PERSISTENCE OF DEFENSIVE HYPERTHERMIA.

Fever, the rise in body temperature set point in response to infection or injury, is a highly conserved trait among vertebrates, and has also been documented in many arthropods. Fever is known to truncate the duration of infection and reduce mortality. These observations present an evolutionary puzzle: why has fever continued to be an effective response to fast-evolving pathogenic microbes over hundreds of millions of years and across diverse phyla? Framing fever as part of a more general thermal manipulation strategy that we term defensive hyperthermia, we hypothesize that the solution to this puzzle lies in the independent contributions to pathogen fitness played by virulence and infectivity. A host organism deploying defensive hyperthermia alters the ecological environment of an invading pathogen. To the extent that the pathogen evolves so as to be able to function effectively at both normal and elevated temperatures, it disadvantages itself in the task of infecting the next host - whose body temperature will be lower - becoming more likely to be thwarted by both that host's immune system and wild ecotype conspecifics that, though more vulnerable to elevated temperatures, operate more effectively at the host's normal temperature. We evaluate this hypothesis in light of existing evidence concerning pathogen thermal specialization, and discuss theoretical and translational implications of this model.
Tablet-Based Limited Echocardiography to Reduce Sonographer Scan and Decontamination Time during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background Limited assessments with handheld ultrasound have found meaningful clinical use in the care of acutely ill patients. However, there are limited data on incorporating handheld-based limited echocardiography into the echocardiography laboratory. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of limited handheld tablet echocardiography as an alternative to traditional echocardiography during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic as a means to limit exposure while providing essential clinical information. Methods Ninety consecutive inpatients with known or suspected COVID-19 were scanned according to laboratory COVID-19 guidelines using a limited 11- to 20-clip protocol on a tablet sonograph. The primary assessment was length of study time. Comparison data were drawn from comprehensive echocardiographic examinations ordered on intensive care patients not under COVID-19 precautions. Results Over a 36-day time period, a total of 91 requests were deemed to be appropriate for echocardiography on patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 (average age, 67 years; 64% men; mean body mass index, 32 kg/m2). Of these, 90 (99%) examinations were performed using a handheld device, and all were deemed diagnostic and provided sufficient information for the clinical care team. Sonographer scan time decreased from an average of 24 ± 6.8 min on a traditional platform to 5.4 ± 1.9 min on a tablet. Conclusions Limited handheld echocardiography can be successfully implemented in the echocardiography laboratory for screening of COVID-19-related cardiac conditions. The protocol performed with handheld tablet ultrasound provides adequate diagnostic information of major cardiac complications of COVID-19 while decreasing sonographer contact and simplifying decontamination.
Improving Small Satellite Communications in Deep Space—A Review of the Existing Systems and Technologies With Recommendations for Improvement. Part I: Direct to Earth Links and SmallSat Telecommunications Equipment

Robotic exploration of the solar system using small satellites (SmallSats) is gaining popularity because of SmallSats’ lower cost and faster development cycle compared to primary science missions. A potential obstacle for deployment of SmallSats in deep space is the limitation associated with the communications link imposed by SmallSats' frugal power and antenna size. These technical limitations constrain the range and throughput of SmallSats and may impact their navigation performance. To allow SmallSats to play a greater role in deep space science endeavors, we propose an enhanced communications architecture that will lessen the communications disparity between larger, more expensive missions and SmallSats. The objectives of the study are to define a communications architecture, in-flight and flight-to-ground, that is needed for planetary SmallSats, both standalone or in support of a larger mission; and to develop a guideline for primary spacecraft that would communicate with ride-along SmallSats. This work treats the space segment and the ground network as a whole to provide for improvements not only via investments in technology, but also via improvements in operational procedures. The study includes reviews of current communication concepts, technologies, and procedures, as well as an assessment of navigation needs, evaluation of the communication architecture performance for a range of destinations and applications, and identification of any gaps in capability. The study product is a set of recommendations to space agencies and the planetary SmallSat community. The main thrust of these recommendations is investment in technology, such as radios, antennas, protocols, and methodologies. The concepts for improving communications capability of deep space SmallSats are discussed in a series of three articles, Improving Small Satellite Communications in Deep Space. In this article, Part I, we discuss SmallSat direct-to-Earth links, as well as SmallSat communications equipment. In Part II, we discuss navigation topics, proximity links and networks, and the use of the communications channel for science observations. We present the ground network in Part III. Definitions and assumptions are provided here in Part I.
Impaired NK activity in the IPF lungs

Rationale: One of the features of IPF is the accumulation of senescent cells that produce the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) that modifies the lung microenvironment. We focus on the alteration of the lung immune response by the SASP, specifically on the natural killer (NK) lymphocytes cytotoxicity against senescence cells. Methods: Fresh lung samples were used for scRNAseq and flow. Blood was collected for the study of plasma cytokines and PBMCs. Results: There was decreased proportion of NK cells in the IPF lung, specifically of the circulatory/cytotoxic NK cells. Such NKs are more senescent, there is a higher proportion of IL6 producing cells and reduced expression of the chemokine receptor CCR2, which is involved in NK recruitment to the lung. scRNAseq analysis of the NK cluster in IPF patients revealed an impaired expression in some of the main NK genes and the fibroblast cluster revealed a profound decrease in the lung capacity to produce chemokines. There is an increase in the proportion of NK cells in the IPF blood with an increase of the circulating/cytotoxic NK population. Additionally, healthy blood NK cells have less migration capacity towards conditioned media (CM) from IPF lung fibroblasts and the culture with the IPF-CM reduces their cytotoxic capacity. Conclusions: Our data reveal that IPF patients have reduced numbers an impaired activity of NK cells in the lung, specifically of the circulating/cytotoxic subpopulation due to a deficiency in the lung capacity of the lung to recruit NKs, which results in their accumulation in the blood. This deficiency in the NK activity and senescence status in the lung could be one of the altered mechanisms perpetrating the accumulation of senescent cells in IPF lungs.