cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Long-term results with the medtronic-hall valvular prosthesis

Background. Although more than 170,000 Medtronic-Hall mechanical valvular prostheses have been inserted world-wide, long-term results are available on only a small percent of those valves inserted. Methods. A prospective data registry of all Medtronic-Hall cardiac prostheses inserted by one surgeon was used to identify 460 valves inserted during 391 operations from 1983 to 1994: single aortic (n = 210), single mitral (n = 115), or double aortic and mitral (n = 66) replacements, including three tricuspid valve replacements. Follow-up was sought five times in 10 years and was available for 280 (99%) of 283 survivors with only an isolated aortic or mitral Medtronic-Hall valve followed up for at least 1 year (1,246 patient-years). Results. Hospital mortality was 4.6% (18 patients). Of 40 late deaths, eight were valve-related (0.6% per patient-year). The linearized rates of complications for aortic and mitral valve replacements (percent per patient-year) were, respectively: structural deterioration, 0 and 0; non-structural dysfunction, 0.1 and 2.1; thromboembolism, 1.3 and 2.1; thrombosis, 0 and 0.2; anticoagulant-related bleeding, 1.7 and 1.9; and prosthetic valve endocarditis, 0.6 and 1.0. Actuarial freedom from reoperation at 10 years was 97% for aortic and 88% for mitral valves. Conclusions. The Medtronic-Hall mechanical valvular prosthesis has excellent durability and acceptably low rates of valve-related complications and remains my mechanical prosthetic valve of choice for both aortic and mitral valve replacements.
Rethinking Economic Systems: A Study of Agricultural Societies

A cluster analysis of data from societies in the Standard Cross-Cultural Sample reveals that agricultural societies usually have one of four quite different economic systems. Although many anthropologists and historians consider agricultural economic systems to be the outcome of environmental, social, social-structural, and political variables, a statistical analysis indicates that very few such variables are correlated with the derived economic systems. The systems are thus revealed to stand as independent entities and are worthy of more intensive study.
Comparison of mRNA localization and regulation during endoplasmic reticulum stress in Drosophila cells

Ire1 is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) transmembrane protein that senses disturbances in protein folding homeostasis and contributes to a multifaceted response to stress. The nuclease activity of Ire1, in addition to splicing the mRNA encoding the transcription factor Xbp1, mediates mRNA degradation in response to ER stress through a pathway termed regulated Ire1-dependent decay (RIDD). We previously showed that ER targeting of substrates is necessary for RIDD; in this paper, we show that ER localization is also sufficient to induce decay in a normally unaffected mRNA. Using microarrays, we also measured relative mRNA degradation in the presence and absence of ER stress in Drosophila S2 cells, and determined mRNA membrane association using detergent fractionation. The vast majority of mRNAs that were strongly associated with the ER were degraded faster during ER stress in an Ire1-dependent manner, suggesting that RIDD is the default pathway for ER-localized mRNAs during stress. We also show that the mRNA encoding plexin A remains highly polysome associated during stress and escapes degradation by RIDD, and that its 5' untranslated region can protect a strong RIDD target from degradation. These results suggest that while translation is generally attenuated during ER stress, continued translation of certain messages can protect them from degradation by RIDD.
The Case Against Income Redistribution

The case for income redistribution by government is frequently made in the economics literature, but the case against is rarely encountered. This article is an attempt to fill that gap by enumerating and explaining the major arguments against income redistribution. Seven arguments are discussed. The first three stress the normative virtues of the market order, and the last four focus on the adverse consequences of income redistribution by government.
Source&#8212;Drain contact resistance in CMOS with self-aligned TiSi 2

The contact resistance between TiSi 2 and n+-p+source-drain in CMOS is studied for a variety of junction profiles and silicide thicknesses. It is shown that the measured contact resistance is consistent with the transmission-line model for electrically long contacts. The contact contribution to the total device series resistance can be significant if excessive silicon is consumed during silicide formation. Contact resistivities of 3 × 10-7and 1 × 10-6Ω . cm2can be obtained for 0.15-0.20-µm-deep arsenic and boron junctions, respectively, if the interface doping concentration is kept at 1 × 1020/cm3. Furthermore, low-temperature measurements show that the contact resistivity is nearly constant from 300 to 77 K, as would be expected from a tunneling-dominated current transport at the TiSi 2 -n+and TiSi 2 -P+interfaces.
Ablation of canine prostate using transurethral intraprostatic absolute ethanol injection

Abstract Objectives. Despite extensive research involving numerous treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), the ideal modality has yet to be discovered. This study evaluated chemoablation of the prostate using transurethral intraprostatic absolute ethanol injection (AEI) in an in vivo canine model. Methods. Eight mongrel dogs, 7 to 10 years old, underwent transurethral intraprostatic AEI with various ethanol volumes (10 to 26 mL/animal, mean 19.9). Injection was performed using a 20-gauge, passive deflection, hollow-core needle, introduced cystoscopically by way of a perineal urethrotomy. Oral antibiotics were administered perioperatively. Blood alcohol levels were determined. The canines were kept alive for 1 hour (n = 1), 7 days (n = 2), and 21 days (n = 5) after the treatment. The dogs were observed twice daily for a minimum of 30 minutes to determine continence. At least one spontaneous voiding was recorded at each observation. Before the dogs were sacrificed, the prostate and surrounding tissues were harvested, with gross and microscopic examination performed by a single pathologist. Results. Seven and 21 days after AEI, the prostates demonstrated necrosis and cavity formation. Deep injection resulted in cavity formation in a subcapsular location. Superficial injection resulted in cavity formation that was confluent with the urethra and resulted in a widened urethral lumen. No complications directly related to AEI were seen, and systemic absorption of ethanol was minimal. Conclusions. AEI can effectively ablate prostatic tissue in canines with minimal systemic absorption. No disruption of the prostatic capsule or injury to the bladder urothelium and urethral sphincter was identified. Human studies of intraprostatic AEI for BPH adenomatous tissue chemoablation are ongoing at our institution.
The third epistemology: Extending maturana's structure determinism

Abstract This article is a critical analysis of Maturana's recent works as applied to the social and behavioral sciences. It proposes that there is a major contradiction in Maturana's “structure determinism” which prevents a consistent epistemological and ontological perspective. The concept of change is viewed as crucial to understanding Maturana's work and to extending his ideas to form a consistent philosophical viewpoint, which is defined as the third epistemology for the social and behavioral sciences. Accordingly, the idea of structure is abdicated. It is proposed that the new perspective on Maturana's work has practical application to the social and behavioral sciences, in general, and family therapy, in particular.
Research and Analysis of Securities Market based on Multi-Fractal Generator

According to the analysis of time series of its composite index, a stock chart of Shanghai Securities Market is simulated by using local extreme value method and interpolating generators iteratively. Then based on multi-fractal character, a new interpolation approach is proposed. Combined with the ldquowave theoryrdquo, this approach interpolates a number of generators under a certain probability and simulates the stock index chart.
Mapping murine diabetic kidney disease using chemical exchange saturation transfer MRI

PURPOSE Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of renal failure; however, current clinical tests are insufficient for assessing this disease. DN is associated with changes in renal metabolites, so we evaluated the utility of chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) imaging to detect changes characteristic of this disease. METHODS Sensitivity of CEST imaging at 7 Tesla to DN was evaluated by imaging diabetic mice [db/db, db/db endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)-/-] that show different levels of nephropathy as well as by longitudinal imaging (8 to 24 weeks). Nondiabetic (db/m) mice were used as controls. RESULTS Compared with nondiabetic mice, the CEST contrasts of hydroxyl metabolites that correspond to glucose and glycogen were significantly increased in papilla (P), inner medulla (IM), and outer medulla (OM) in db/db and db/db eNOS-/- kidneys at 16 weeks. The db/db eNOS-/- mice that showed advanced nephropathy exhibited greater CEST effects in OM and significant CEST contrasts were also observed in cortex. Longitudinally, db/db mice exhibited progressive increases in hydroxyl signals in IM+P and OM from 12 to 24 weeks and an increase was also observed in cortex at 24 weeks. CONCLUSION CEST MRI can be used to measure changes of hydroxyl metabolites in kidney during progression of DN. Magn Reson Med 76:1531-1541, 2016. © 2015 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Small Renal Mass—To Biopsy or Not? The Role of Biopsy in Evaluation

Although the majority of incidentally diagnosed small renal masses (SRMs) leading to surgery are found to be malignant, most are low-grade, early stage tumors believed to have indolent biology, and 20–30% are benign [1,2]. This presents an increasingly common diagnostic dilemma to urologists. Axial imaging identifies most of these patients; however, tissue sampling via percutaneous core biopsy can provide clinical evidence of histology, subtype, and grade to guide risk stratification and management beyond suspicion from imaging. As with any diagnostic test, performance characteristics must be evaluated in relation to potential harms, and the true utility should be objectively considered for specific clinical situations. A current systematic review effort by the US Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality specifically evaluated diagnostic accuracy of renal mass biopsy for clinically localized renal masses (>80% of included tumors were SRMs) in the global literature, incorporating several large and recently reported series [3]. Importantly, to best determine true performance characteristics, this systematic review included only studies with pathologic confirmation of biopsy (ie, the diagnostic test was compared with the gold standard, surgical pathology). Initial biopsy led to
A Quality Improvement Project to Increase Nurse Attendance on Pediatric Family Centered Rounds

Background Family centered rounds (FCR) occur at the bedside and include the patient and their family when creating a daily medical care plan. Despite recommendations that family centered rounds (FCR) with nursing staff be standard practice, nurses were frequently absent from FCR at our institution. Objective To increase nurse attendance on hospitalist FCR to 80% in three months. Secondary outcomes were to investigate the relationship between nurse-to-patient ratio and nurse attendance, and to assess for change in perception toward FCR. Methods This resident driven interrupted time series study included a focus group to identify barriers to nurse attendance on FCR, four plan-do-study-act cycles, and surveys to assess for changes in perceptions toward FCR. Control charts, SHEWHART rules, linear regression and chi squared analysis were used for data analysis. Results Nurse attendance on FCR improved from 30% to 59%. There was no correlation between nurse-to-patient ratio and nurse attendance on FCR. Surveys indicated increase in the perception that it is helpful to have a nurse present at FCR. Conclusions A resident driven quality improvement project can increase nurse presence on FCR.
Postvasectomy Residual Sperm Pregnancy

A pregnancy occuring within a few months after a successful vasectomy is sometimes attributed by a skeptical physician to sexual involvement by the spouse with a nonvasectomized man. This assumption may be unjustified because of the fact that after a vasectomy some residual sperm which are viable enough to cause pregnancy could remain stored distal to the site of occlusion. The Maternal and Child Health Center of Taiwan documented a case history of a 32-year-old father of 2 who impregnated his wife approximately 38 days and at least 9 ejaculations after a successful vasectomy. The patient had no urogenital abnormalities and had an uneventful vasectomy procedure. He resumed intercourse with his wife 8 days after vasectomy and returned for 5 semen tests during the year after vasectomy. The patients 28-year-old wife had her last menses 24 days after the vasectomy and pregnancy test 57 days after the vasectomy confirmed the suspicion of pregnancy. Vacuum aspiration terminated the pregnancy 2 days later. There was no doubt or question at all that the patient was his wifes only sexual partner. The authors concluded that based on examination of several thousand postvasectomy semen specimens the distribution of the biologic limits for residual sperm viability is an asymmetrical distribution skewed to the right suggesting that the limits may even exceed 38 days for some individuals. Thus physicians should be careful in evaluating a pregnancy which occurs a few months after a successful vasectomy.
Mycologists in Relation to Others

As you are well aware, we are living in a very uncertain period, one in which many peoples have lost not only their political, but also their scientific freedom, while others have had their privileges curtailed or postponed. It is for us, who still have freedom of action, a solemn duty not only to consider what we are able to do to maintain our liberty as mycologists, but also what we can do to serve our country by helping in building or in aiding our defenses and still continue to add to the knowledge of our subject that has been built up through the efforts of past generations. For the good of our souls, we might as well admit that taxonomic mycology started out in much the same spirit as the boy stamp collector, but the growth of knowledge of the fungi and the resulting broadened view has led to the recognition of the value of the subject for scientific study and contacts have been made with many fields, among which are cytology, genetics, medicine, chemistry, and agriculture. In view of these broad contacts of mycology with other branches of scientific endeavor, the Mycological Society with the diverse interests represented in its membership, should be in a position to aid in national defense and welfare. Today, therefore, it seems desirable to point out a few ways in which we can assist the national cause, and at the same time to suggest to the Society that its members be formulating additional ideas as to how we may be of greater service.
Diagnosis and Treatment Condition of Smear Positive Pulmonary Tuberculosis Cases in Aba Prefecture from 2003-2007

Objective To learn the diagnosis condition and treatment outcome of smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis cases in Aba Prefecture during 2003-2007.Method Initial treatment and retreatment smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis cases diagnosed and registered from outpatient departments during the period were analysed.Result 2 735 smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis cases were found during the period.The new smear positive registeration rate was from 44.5/100 000 in 2003 up to 72.32/100 000 in 2007.In which initial treatment of smear positive was 2 319 cases and retreatment of smear positive 416 cases.The ratio of female to male was 1.89∶1 in initial treatment.Ages was mostly 1535 years old Average cured rate of initial treatment and retreatment smear positive cased were 84.65% and 68.75% respectively.Conclusion The government promise and carrying out carefully DOTS strategy is the key measure of prevention and treatment of TB.ABa Prefecture government has procured definite achievement in prevention and treatment of TB.To strenthen the founding of smear positive cases and supervise chemotherapy quality and ameliorate management measures and heighten new smear positive registeration rate and cure rate are the key task in the future.
Dementia: causes, evaluation, and management.

More than two million Americans currently have some form of dementia, and that number is certain to grow with the aging of the U.S. population. New drug therapies and recent advances in research hold out promise. Appropriate advance care planning, caregiver education and support, and clinical strategies can significantly promote quality of life.
Maillard chemistry in clouds and aqueous aerosol as a source of atmospheric humic-like substances

The reported optical, physical, and chemical properties of aqueous Maillard reaction mixtures of small aldehydes (glyoxal, methylglyoxal, and glycolaldehyde) with ammonium sulfate and amines are compared with those of aqueous extracts of ambient aerosol (water-soluble organic carbon, WSOC) and the humic-like substances (HULIS) fraction of WSOC. Using a combination of new and previously published measurements, we examine fluorescence, X-ray absorbance, UV/vis, and IR spectra, complex refractive indices, 1H and 13C NMR spectra, thermograms, aerosol and electrospray ionization mass spectra, surface activity, and hygroscopicity. Atmospheric WSOC and HULIS encompass a range of properties, but in almost every case aqueous aldehyde-amine reaction mixtures are squarely within this range. Notable exceptions are the higher UV/visible absorbance wavelength dependence (Angstrom coefficients) observed for methylglyoxal reaction mixtures, the lack of surface activity of glyoxal reaction mixtures, and the higher N/C rat...
SU‐F‐J‐12: Dosimetrical Characteristics of a 2.5 MV Megavoltage Photon Beam

Purpose: To evaluate the accuracy of modeling scatter factor (SF) and primary off-axis ratio (POAR) for 2.5 MV megavoltage photon beams using an empirical model, which can be used as a dose calculation model for low energy EPID imaging. Methods: Scatter photon parameters were calculated for 2.5 MV photon beam from a Varian TrueBeam by fitting the product of depth dose, PDD, and the phantom scatter factor, Sp, for a range of square field sizes between 2 and 40 cm and depths between 0 and 30 cm. The model is then applied to off-axis profiles measured for a slit field (3cm ×35 cm) for 5 depths: 0.6, 5, 10, and 20, 30 cm. Primary off-axis ratio (POAR) values were determined based on the fitting to data using the empirical model. Results: The fitting to PDD*Sp has a maximum error of 14%, mostly near surface, where backscattering of photons dominate and has a standard deviation of 4.7%. The attenuation coefficient and beam-hardening coefficient of the beam is determined to be 0.095 1/cm and 0.0038 1/cm, respectively. POAR for 2.5 MV has a peak in the center, corresponding to a beam without sufficient material to flatten the beam. Conclusion: This work illustrates a deficiency of the current empirical model to fit SF for a 2.5 MV photon beams. Most of the errors are near the surface region and an improved model that incorporate better modeling of backscattering can be developed to improve the model accuracy.
Accounting for Different Time Scales in Activated Sludge Process Control

A multirate approach is presented for the integration and discrete linearization of the activated sludge dynamics, that can be readily incorporated in optimal control and uncertainty propagation algorithms. This procedure fully accounts for the existence of multiple time-scale clusters in the activated sludge process and lends itself to a computationally efficient implementation. The method is verified in a computational case study involving a reduced-order version of the IAWPRC model.
Controlled Hovering Motion at an Asteroid

We end our sequence of chapters on dynamics dominated by the small-body gravity in isolation by focusing on the application of control maneuvers to enact hovering about a small body. This technique was applied during the Hayabusa mission to asteroid Itokawa, where the spacecraft maintained its location on the Sun-side of the asteroid by performing occasional thrusting maneuvers. For a small body this is a feasible set of operations as the necessary propellant to maintain a given distance can be quite small. This chapter draws from a number of different analyses of such motion [157, 151, 16, 17, 22] and only presents an introduction to the problem, leaving details to these other papers and for future work.
Presenting a standard slot machine as an interactive racing game

Although the gambling industry brings in over one billion dollars in yearly revenue, it may need to introduce new styles of games in order to entice a younger audience. Slot machines in particular have changed very little throughout the last century. Better graphics, more sounds, and slightly more complex math models have been introduced, however the core experience remains the same. This paper presents a new take on video gambling by integrating real money gambling into a standard kart racing game. A user study shows that players spend more money and significantly more time playing this new style game when compared to a standard slot machine. Subjective interviews also revealed that most players prefer playing the kart style gambling game as opposed to a standard slot machine.
Assessing the Associations Between Awareness of Myocardial Infarction Symptoms, Socioeconomic Factors, and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors Through Regression Models

There are few studies that consider the association between awareness of symptoms of acute myocardial infarction (MI), socioeconomic factors (household income, sex, race/ethnicity, and educational attainment), and cardiovascular (CVD) risk factors. It is important to understand these associations because there is evidence that suggests that disparities in the awareness of MI symptoms lead to disparities in delays in receiving treatment and outcomes of patients with MI. The study was to determine if there are disparities in the awareness of different MI symptoms among different groups with respect to self-reported race, ethnicity, education, age, and income (i.e., various SES factors) in the presence/absence of modifiable cardiovascular disease risk factors. We utilized the 2003-2009 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey, a nationally representative telephone-based survey, to evaluate the relationships between five common symptoms of MI, socioeconomic factors, and four major modifiable CVD risk factors. We found that being college-educated, a higher household income, making $75,000 a year or more, being female, being non-Hispanic White, having hypertension, and exercising regularly were generally associated with a higher probability of being aware of the MI symptoms evaluated in this study. Additionally, awareness that jaw/back/neck pain and feeling weak/light-headed/faint are symptoms of MI were found to be consistently lower compared to that of other MI symptoms, ranging from 50 to 75%, across all SES factors and CVD risk factors. The findings from this study can serve as a useful guide to facilitating targeted educational efforts aimed at improving awareness of MI symptoms that may ultimately reduce disparities in the outcomes of patients at risk for MI.
Realities and Realizations: Reflections on a Social Work Exchange Program between the United States and China.

China has a long and complex history of political, economic, and educational shifts that have resulted in and from changing cultural values. Over time, the significance and format of social work education in China has changed, as has the need for professionally educated social workers that can support the ever-evolving social needs of China. To this end, some Chinese schools have begun to partner with schools in the U.S. to support the professionalizing of social work in China. This article presents the reflections of faculty and students involved in an exchange program for Chinese students to study in a U.S.-based master of social work program. Expectations, realities, needs, and recommendations of both faculty and students are discussed.
Trends and outcomes of transarterial chemoembolization in hepatocellular carcinoma: a national survey.

Background Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a palliative procedure frequently used in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We examined the national inpatient trends of TACE and related outcomes in the United States over the last decade. Methods We utilized the National Inpatient Sample (2002 to 2012) and performed trend analyses of TACE for HCC in all adult patients (age >18 years). Multivariate analyses for the outcomes of in-hospital “procedure-related complications” (PRCs) and “post-procedure complications” (PPCs) were performed. We also compared early (2002 to 2006) and late (2007 to 2012) eras by multivariate analyses to identify predictors of complications, healthcare resource utilization and mortality. Results Overall, 19058 patients underwent TACE for HCC where PRCs and PPCs were seen in 24.2% and 17.6% of patients, respectively. The overall trends in the use of TACE (P Conclusions There is an increasing trend of TACE utilization in HCC. However, the outcomes are worse in patients with coagulopathy. Although PRCs have increased, mortality has decreased in recent years. These findings should be considered during TACE evaluation in patients with HCC.
Enhancing Accounting Education in Developing Countries: The Case of Iran

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the enhancement of accounting education in Iran. A survey of practicing accountants, and educators in Iran was conducted to compile the necessary information for this study. The survey questionnaire was developed in Farsi based upon Novin, and Bakers survey instrument. Thirty-five practicing Iranian accountants who had a considerable familiarity with the accounting education, and practice of Iran participated in the study. The accounting education in Iran is based on the accounting curriculum in the United States, resulting in at least three major problems. The main emphasis of accounting education in Iran, as in the United States, is on financial accounting. Based upon the economic and political structure of Iran, more emphasis needs to be placed on governmental, tax, cost, and managerial accounting. A large portion of the subjects taught in accounting courses are not applicable to Iran's needs, simply because Iran's business and economic environment is not as sophisticated as western countries.
Blow-Up Rate

It is established in Chap. 5 that the nonlinearity causes the blow-up to occur at a finite time in certain situations. If the solution to the ODE \(u_t \,= \,f(u)\), blows up at a finite time t = T with \(u(T - 0) = +\infty\), then u = G(T - t), where \(G(\xi)\) is the inverse function of \(\int\nolimits_\infty^u \frac {dn}{f(n)}\)
Alma-Ata and Primary Health Care: An Evolving Story

The International Conference on Primary Health Care, Alma-Ata, USSR, 1978, was an event of major global importance, particularly in public health. WHO was seeking advances in the development of basic health services, particularly for poor populations, and this process gained widespread assistance in planning and development. The conference was notable in terms of widespread international participation, and global agreement on policies and implementation. The years that followed have included highly complex interactions between the Primary Health Care principles and policies and evolving global perspectives, some with profound negative effects, others strongly supportive, such as the Millennium Development Goals.
HYDROGEN ION EQUILIBRIA OF HUMAN CARBONIC ANHYDRASES B AND C.

Human erythrocytes contain three distinct forms of carbonic anhydrase (carbonate hydro-lyase, EC 4.2.1.1) which have been denoted as A, B, and C (l-3). In a previous study (4) one of us has investigated the hydrogen ion equilibria of carbonic anhydrase B at ionic strength 0.15. Here we report similar studies on enzyme C at two diierent ionic strengths, and further studies of enzyme B at low ionic strength (0.05). The two enzymes differ markedly in catalytic activity, the specific activity of enzyme C being much higher than that of enzyme B (5). In some respects they also differ markedly in amino acid composition. They are indeed closely alike in their content of histidine, arginine, and aromatic amino acids; each contains only one cysteine residue, and there are no disullide bonds in either (1, 6, 7).’ However, enzyme C contains distinctly more lysine than B, and also its content of ionizable carboxyl groups is somewhat higher. Correspondingly, the isoelectric point of enzyme C (pH 7.3) is higher than that of B, which is 5.7 (1). The minor component, enzyme A, which will not concern us further here, is almost indistinguishable from enzyme B in amino acid composition, although its isoelectric point appears to be slightly lower (1, 6). In optical rotatory dispersion studies both enzymes B and C show characteristic Cotton effects between 260 and 300 mp, which disappear on denaturation. The dispersion patterns for the two native enzymes show a certain broad general similarity but differ in detail (8). The previous titration study of enzyme B (1) showed that most of the histidyl and tyrosyl residues are masked in the native protein and become reactive only after denaturation in acid or alkali (4). Studies of difference spectra between the native and the acid-denatured enzymes B and C suggest that most or all of the tryptophanyl residues in the native protein are in the int.erior of the native molecules, and come into contact with the
Principles of Nature, Human Association and the Politics of Equality

The general function of the Encyclopedie, revealed in the subtitle as the Systematic or Reasoned Dictionary of Sciences, Arts and Crafts,1 was the device by which Diderot, d’Alembert and other philosophes organized their experiences in the light of an acceptable systematic spirit. The editors’ devices for organizing a variety of intellectual innovations in uniform molds made their methods and principles attractive to those groups in eighteenth-century society who would control change by embarking upon it from the security of a new intellectual order. This new approach to human knowledge, at once critical, comprehensive, ordered and useful, encountered criticism and opposition in France and abroad. After the publication of the second volume, the Attorney-General of France, Orner Joly de Fleury, charged in the Decree of the King’s Council of State of 7 February, 1752, that “in these two volumes,7rd the Encyclopedie’s intellectual purpose was “to insert several maxims tending to destroy Royal Authority, to institute the spirit of independence and revolt, and, in obscure and ambiguous words, to erect the foundations of error, of the corruption of morals, of irreligion and unbelief.”2 De Fleury’s sentiments may have stemmed from d’Alembert’s characterization of the revolutionary changes that occurred in “natural philosophy,” “from the principles of the secular sciences to the foundations of religious revelation.”
A deep learning based segregation algorithm to increase speech intelligibility for hearing-impaired listeners in reverberant-noisy conditions

Recently, deep learning based speech segregation has been shown to improve human speech intelligibility in noisy environments. However, one important factor not yet considered is room reverberation, which characterizes typical daily environments. The combination of reverberation and background noise can severely degrade speech intelligibility for hearing-impaired (HI) listeners. In the current study, a deep learning based time-frequency masking algorithm was proposed to address both room reverberation and background noise. Specifically, a deep neural network was trained to estimate the ideal ratio mask, where anechoic-clean speech was considered as the desired signal. Intelligibility testing was conducted under reverberant-noisy conditions with reverberation time T60 = 0.6 s, plus speech-shaped noise or babble noise at various signal-to-noise ratios. The experiments demonstrated that substantial speech intelligibility improvements were obtained for HI listeners. The algorithm was also somewhat beneficial for normal-hearing (NH) listeners. In addition, sentence intelligibility scores for HI listeners with algorithm processing approached or matched those of young-adult NH listeners without processing. The current study represents a step toward deploying deep learning algorithms to help the speech understanding of HI listeners in everyday conditions.
On multiparametric/explicit NMPC for Quadratically Constrained Problems

Abstract We present the expansion of the Basic Sensitivity Theorem to a second order Taylor approach and the implications to explicit model predictive control of quadratically constrained systems. The expansion enables the derivation of an algorithm for the analytical solution of convex multiparametric quadratically constraint programming (mpQCQP) problems and explicit quadratically constrained NMPC problems. We derive the analytical parametric expressions of the control actions for a quadratically constrained MPC problem and its corresponding critical regions. We show the piecewise non-linear form of the solution and closed-loop validation of the results.
Is Your Sales Manager Attractive? Examining the Impact of Attractiveness on Credibility: An Abstract

The credibility of a sales manager in the eyes of the salesperson is a key component of leadership effectiveness (Bass and Bass 2009; Bettinghaus and Baseheart 1969; Malshe 2010). The authors describe how salespeople form judgements about their managers’ credibility based on an emotional connection driven by their managers’ physical features (Busenitz e al. 2005; Lord et al. 1984). A salesperson will have a higher level of affective commitment to a more attractive manager, resulting in a perception that the manager is more credible. Consistent with signaling theory and implicit leadership theories, attractiveness signals a halo effect that the manager is able, up-to-date, and competent. The halo affect manifests itself as affective commitment. The ability to process these signals and use them to make assessments increases with experience. Therefore, manager attractiveness will have a greater effect on perceived manager credibility for experienced salespeople than for inexperienced salespeople.
Generating Single Cell-Derived Knockout Clones in Mammalian Cells with CRISPR/Cas9

CRISPR/Cas9 technology enables the rapid generation of loss-of-function mutations in a targeted gene in mammalian cells. A single cell harboring those mutations can be used to establish a new cell line, thereby creating a CRISPR-induced knockout clone. These clonal cell lines serve as crucial tools for exploring protein function, analyzing the consequences of gene loss, and investigating the specificity of biological reagents. However, the successful derivation of knockout clones can be technically challenging and may be complicated by multiple factors, including incomplete target ablation and interclonal heterogeneity. Here, we describe optimized protocols and plasmids for generating clonal knockouts in mammalian cell lines. We provide strategies for guide RNA design, CRISPR delivery, and knockout validation that facilitate the derivation of true knockout clones and are amenable to multiplexed gene targeting. These protocols will be broadly useful for researchers seeking to apply CRISPR to study gene function in mammalian cells. © 2019 The Authors.
First Occurrence of Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) on the Caribbean Island of Curaçao

The predatory ladybird species, Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Fabricius), is native to Asia and Australia but has established populations outside its native range, most recently on the eastern and northern coast of South America. Here, we report for the first time the identification of the introduced ladybird beetle, C. sexmaculata, to the Caribbean islands, specifically the island of Curacao. Although C. sexmaculata is typically considered beneficial and used as a means of biological control in continental ecosystems, due to its high predatory and reproductive ability, it has the potential to cause major ecological impacts as an invader to sensitive Caribbean island ecosystems.
A Conceptual Analysis of Performance Attributes’ Influence on NBA Attendance: Why Do Consumers Choose to Attend Games?

Fans want to capitalize on their choices when deciding whether to attend NBA games. The purpose of this study is to provide a conceptual analysis regarding how overall team performances as well as offensive and defensive factors may relate to consumers choosing to attend NBA games during the 2007-2008 to 2016-2017 sea-sons. Analyzing the results through the lens of the theory of choice, the results revealed significant relationships existed primarily between attendance at NBA games and offensive capabilities of the teams. As a practical matter, consumers choose to attend games that are most likely to be offensively oriented. Subscribe to JASM
Particle-based technologies for osteoarthritis detection and therapy

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disease characterized by degradation of joints with the development of painful osteophytes in the surrounding tissues. Currently, there are a limited number of treatments for this disease, and many of these only provide temporary, palliative relief. In this review, we discuss particle-based drug delivery systems that can provide targeted and sustained delivery of imaging and therapeutic agents to OA-affected sites. We focus on technologies such as polymeric micelles and nano-/microparticles, liposomes, and dendrimers for their potential treatment and/or diagnosis of OA. Several promising studies are highlighted, motivating the continued development of delivery technologies to improve treatments for OA.
Raising the bar for appropriateness in the care of patients with peripheral artery disease.

Abstract Advances in endovascular therapy have exponentially increased the number of procedures performed for peripheral artery disease, but public concerns of overuse have placed the vascular community under scrutiny. The appropriateness of care has thus become a focus of discussion within several professional societies, but literature on the topic is limited. This report presents two cases of patients with peripheral artery disease, one patient who did not need revascularization and underwent an intervention and the other who required additional intervention that was not recognized owing to an incomplete diagnostic workup.
CRISPR/Cas9-Based Dystrophin Restoration Reveals a Novel Role for Dystrophin in Bioenergetics and Stress Resistance of Muscle Progenitors

Although the lack of dystrophin expression in muscle myofibers is the central cause of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), accumulating evidence suggests that DMD may also be a stem cell disease. Recent studies have revealed dystrophin expression in satellite cells and demonstrated that dystrophin deficiency is directly related to abnormalities in satellite cell polarity, asymmetric division, and epigenetic regulation, thus contributing to the manifestation of the DMD phenotype. Although metabolic and mitochondrial dysfunctions have also been associated with the DMD pathophysiology profile, interestingly, the role of dystrophin with respect to stem cells dysfunction has not been elucidated. In the past few years, editing of the gene that encodes dystrophin has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for DMD, although the effects of dystrophin restoration in stem cells have not been addressed. Herein, we describe our use of a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/Cas9-based system to correct the dystrophin mutation in dystrophic (mdx) muscle progenitor cells (MPCs) and show that the expression of dystrophin significantly improved cellular properties of the mdx MPCs in vitro. Our findings reveal that dystrophin-restored mdx MPCs demonstrated improvements in cell proliferation, differentiation, bioenergetics, and resistance to oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Furthermore, our in vivo studies demonstrated improved transplantation efficiency of the corrected MPCs in the muscles of mdx mice. Our results indicate that changes in cellular energetics and stress resistance via dystrophin restoration enhance muscle progenitor cell function, further validating that dystrophin plays a role in stem cell function and demonstrating the potential for new therapeutic approaches for DMD. Stem Cells 2019;37:1615-1628.
US State-Level Preemption Legislation, 2017-2018: Implications for Public Health Policy and Practice.

Objectives We sought to systematically identify US state-level proposed legislation focused on preemption and introduced over a 2-year period. We analyzed each bill's objectives and intended impacts on local public health policy making and practice. Design/setting Using standardized search terms, we used the LexisNexis State Capital database to identify state-level bills relating to preemption that were introduced between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2018. Information was abstracted from relevant bills via an electronic data collection form. Abstracted information was analyzed using descriptive statistics to identify preemption-related patterns and trends. Results One hundred thirty-four bills were included in our analysis. The bills were introduced in 35 states and 28 received sufficient votes to pass into law. The majority of the 134 bills (89%), and all of the bills that passed into law (100%), removed or restricted local authority to regulate. Of the bills that became law, the most common topic areas in which local regulatory authority was restricted were firearms (14%), business and professions (11%), and employment (11%). Conclusions Lawmakers at the state level are introducing and passing legislation that preempts local regulatory authority on a variety of public health topics. To preserve local control, local leaders should anticipate the introduction of state preemption legislation, engage with public health stakeholders, and work to counter bills that would restrict local authority.
The Presence of Jesus Christ in the Office of the Ministry: Rethinking Luther from His Pulpit Out:

The sermons of the mature Luther offer an illuminating ministeriology, in whose center stands the conviction that Christ is present in the office of the ministry. Various aspects of this central mo...
Quantifying linkages between watershed factors and coastal wetland plant invasion in the US Great Lakes

Freshwater coastal wetlands provide numerous ecosystem services, including habitat, nutrient uptake, coastal stabilization, and aesthetic value, but the integrity of these ecosystems is threatened by invasion of non-native competitors. Invasive species, such as Phragmites and Typha, are a concern in these wetlands, as they can dominate and outcompete native species. This work sets out to understand the conditions that allow invasive species to dominate. This will allow for better management of landscapes and wetlands. We bring together two datasets to relate landscape conditions to coastal wetland invasion: (1) a spatially explicit map of nutrient inputs (SENSEmap) across the US Great Lakes Basin, and (2) a satellite land use map that includes explicit classifications of wetlands. Using machine learning algorithms, we quantified correlations between wetland plant invasion along the coastline to nutrient loads (both N and P) and other landscape scale variables (hydraulic conductivity, slope, imperviousness, land use, and land cover) across multiple influence zones. We find that high invasion is typically associated with nitrogen loading above 118 kg/ha/year within the watersheds of the invaded wetlands. Forest cover of 2.6% and phosphorus loads < 2.8 kg/ha/year are associated with low invasion. Through N:P ratios, phosphorus was further identified as important. Overall, areas more anthropogenically impacted were more associated with invasion. We conclude that high nitrogen and low forest cover are correlated with invasion. These conclusions will inform management, as well as future efforts to identify linkages between landscapes and coastal invasion.
Variability in antemortem and postmortem blood alcohol concentration levels among fatally injured adults.

Background: Excessive alcohol use is a risk factor for injury-related deaths. Postmortem blood samples are commonly used to approximate antemortem blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels.Objective...
Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood: A Neuropathology Review

Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC) is the unexpected death of a child over age 12 months that remains unexplained after a thorough case investigation, including review of the child's medical history, circumstances of death, a complete autopsy and ancillary testing (1). First defined in 2005, SUDC cases are more often male, with death occurring during a sleep period, being found prone, peak winter incidence, associated with febrile seizure history in ~28% of cases and mild pathologic changes insufficient to explain the death (1, 2). There has been little progress in understanding the causes of SUDC and no progress in prevention. Despite reductions in sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) and other causes of mortality in childhood, the rate of SUDC has increased during the past two decades (3-5). In Ireland, SUID deaths were cut in half from 1994 to 2008 while SUDC deaths more than doubled (4). Surveillance issues, including lack of standardized certification practices, affect our understanding of the true magnitude of unexplained child deaths. Mechanisms underlying SUDC, like SUID, remain largely speculative. Limited and inconsistent evidence implicates abnormalities in brainstem autonomic and serotonergic nuclei, critical for arousal, cardiorespiratory control, and reflex responses to life-threatening hypoxia or hypercarbia in sleep (6). Abnormalities in medullary serotonergic neurons and receptors, as well as cardiorespiratory brainstem nuclei occur in some SUID cases, but have never been studied in SUDC. Retrospective, small SUDC studies with non-standardized methodologies most often demonstrate minor hippocampal abnormalities, as well as focal cortical dysplasia and dysgenesis of the brainstem and cerebellum. The significance of these findings to SUDC pathogenesis remains unclear with some investigators and forensic pathologists labeling these findings as normal variants, or potential causes of SUDC. The development of preventive strategies will require a greater understanding of underlying mechanisms.
Young, Old, Conservative, and Bold: The Implications of Heterogeneity and Finite Lives for Asset Pricing

We study the implications of preference heterogeneity for asset pricing. We use recursive preferences in order to separate heterogeneity in risk aversion from heterogeneity in the intertemporal elasticity of substitution and an overlapping-generations framework to obtain a nondegenerate stationary equilibrium. We solve the model explicitly up to the solutions of ordinary differential equations and highlight the effects of overlapping generations and each dimension of preference heterogeneity on the market price of risk, interest rates, and the volatility of stock returns. We find that separating intertemporal elasticity of substitution and risk aversion heterogeneity can have a substantive impact on the model’s (qualitative and quantitative) ability to address some key asset-pricing issues.