cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Myocardial dysfunction associated with brain death: clinical, echocardiographic, and pathologic features

Abstract Background: The sequelae of severe brain injury include myocardial dysfunction. We sought to describe the prevalence and characteristics of myocardial dysfunction seen in the context of brain-injury–related brain death and to compare these abnormalities with myocardial pathologic changes. Methods We examined the clinical course, electrocardiograms, head computed tomography scans, and echocardiographic data of 66 consecutive patients with brain death who were evaluated as heart donors. In a sub-group of patients, we compared echocardiographic findings with pathologic findings. Results Echocardiographic systolic myocardial dysfunction was present in 28 (42%) of 66 patients and was not predicted by clinical, electrocardiographic, or head computed tomographic scan characteristics. Ventricular arrhythmias were more common in the patients with, compared to those without, myocardial dysfunction (32% vs 0%; p Conclusions Systolic myocardial dysfunction is common after brain-injury–related brain death. After spontaneous subarachnoid or intracerebral hemorrhage, the pattern of dysfunction is segmental, whereas after head trauma, it may be either segmental or global. We found poor correlation between the echocardiographic distribution of dysfunction and light microscopic pathologic findings.
Cell signaling via the P2X7 nucleotide receptor: linkage to ROS production, gene transcription, and receptor trafficking

Extracellular nucleotides can act as important intercellular signals in diverse biological processes, including the enhanced production of factors that are key to immune response regulation. One receptor that binds extracellular adenosine triphosphate released at sites of infection and injury is P2X7, which is an ionotrophic receptor that can also lead to the formation of a non-specific pore, activate multiple mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and stimulate the production of immune mediators including interleukin family members and reactive oxygen species (ROS). In the present report, we have investigated the signaling mechanisms by which P2X7 promotes monocytic cell mediator production and induces transcription factor expression/phosphorylation, as well as how receptor-associated pore activity is regulated by intracellular trafficking. We report that P2X7 stimulates ROS production in macrophages through the MAPKs ERK1/2 and the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase complex, activates several transcription factors including cyclic-AMP response element-binding protein and components of the activating protein-1 complex, and contains specific sequences within its intracellular C-terminus that appear critical for its activity. Altogether, these data further implicate P2X7 activation and signaling as a fundamental modulator of macrophage immune responses.
Five Factor model personality traits, jury selection, and case outcomes in criminal and civil cases

Actual venire members ( N = 764) completed the Big Five Inventory before going through the jury selection process for 1 of 11 criminal or 17 civil trials. Jury selection decisions by attorneys were...
The End of the Word as We Know It: The Cultural Iconicity of the Bible in the Twilight of Print Culture

This essay attends to a distinction that requires closer examination and theorization in our discourse on iconic books and other scriptures: the difference between iconic object and cultural icon. How do we conceive of relations between the particular, ritualized iconicities of particular scriptures in particular religious contexts and the cultural iconicities of scriptures in general, such as “the Bible” or “the Quran,” whose visual and material objectivity is highly ambiguous? How if at all are the iconic cultural meanings of the ideas of such books related to the particular iconic textual objects more or less instantiate them? These questions are explored through particular focus on the relationship between the particular iconicities of particular print Bibles, as iconic objects, and the general iconicity of the cultural icon of the Bible.
Pilot-Wave Hydrodynamics

Yves Couder, Emmanuel Fort, and coworkers recently discovered that a millimetric droplet sustained on the surface of a vibrating fluid bath may self-propel through a resonant interaction with its own wave field. This article reviews experimental evidence indicating that the walking droplets exhibit certain features previously thought to be exclusive to the microscopic, quantum realm. It then reviews theoretical descriptions of this hydrodynamic pilot-wave system that yield insight into the origins of its quantumlike behavior. Quantization arises from the dynamic constraint imposed on the droplet by its pilot-wave field, and multimodal statistics appear to be a feature of chaotic pilot-wave dynamics. I attempt to assess the potential and limitations of this hydrodynamic system as a quantum analog. This fluid system is compared to quantum pilot-wave theories, shown to be markedly different from Bohmian mechanics and more closely related to de Broglie’s original conception of quantum dynamics, his double-solution theory, and its relatively recent extensions through researchers in stochastic electrodynamics.
Acromegaly: otolaryngic manifestations following pituitary surgery.

Abstract Objectives Acromegalics present with a wide range of otolaryngic symptoms, including rhinosinusitis, changes in facial appearance, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and voice disturbances. Treatment typically involves transnasal-transsphenoidal (TNTS) resection of the offending pituitary adenoma. In this study, we identify the prevalence of otolaryngic symptoms of acromegalic patients, and evaluate Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) scores preceding and following pituitary resection. Design Retrospective chart review. Setting Tertiary academic medical center. Participants Patients diagnosed with acromegaly who underwent surgical resection of a growth-hormone secreting pituitary adenoma between August 2010 and September 2013. Main outcome measures Subjects were asked to complete questionnaires detailing otolaryngic symptoms as well as SNOT-22 surveys before and after TNTS surgery. A Student's t -test was used to compare preoperative and postoperative SNOT-22 scores. Results Twenty-five patients underwent pituitary surgery for acromegaly. Acromegalic patients were found to have macroglossia (60%), OSA or sleep-disordered breathing (52%), thyroid neoplasia (20%), hearing loss/tinnitus (20%), sinonasal symptoms (16%), and parathyroid pathology (8%). Differences in preoperative and postoperative SNOT-22 scores were not statistically significant. Conclusion Acromegalics present with assorted otolaryngic complaints. Routine screening of all acromegalics with sleep evaluations (for both surgical and perioperative planning), thyroid ultrasound, and audiologic testing should be strongly considered.
Differential dye coupling reveals lateral giant escape circuit in crayfish.

The lateral giant (LG) escape circuit of crayfish mediates a coordinated escape triggered by strong attack to the abdomen. The LG circuit is one of the best understood of small systems, but models of the circuit have mostly been limited to simple ball-and-stick representations, which ignore anatomical details of contacts between circuit elements. Many of the these contacts are electrical; here we use differential dye coupling, a technique which could help reveal connection patterns in many neural circuits, to reveal in detail the circuit within the terminal abdominal ganglion. Sensory input from the tailfan forms a somatotopic map on the projecting LG dendrites, which together with interafferent coupling mediates a lateral excitatory network that selectively amplifies strong, phasic, converging input to LG. Mechanosensory interneurons contact LG at sites distinct from the primary afferents and so maximize their summated effect on LG. Motor neurons and premotor interneurons are excited near the initial segments of the LGs and innervate muscles for generating uropod flaring and telson flexion. Previous research has shown that spatial patterns of input are important for signal integration in LG; this map of electrical contact points will help us to
The distally based radial artery/flexor carpi radialis muscle flap for dorsal hand reconstruction: A clinical and cadaver study

Abstract Complex soft tissue defects of the hand often require vascularized tissue for protection and coverage of exposed underlying structures. Pedicled local flaps from the forearm are one reconstructive option, but its use is limited by relatively high donor-site problems, including a disagreeable forearm scar and potential division of superficial forearm nerves. We describe a pedicled local flap option—the distally based radial artery/flexor carpi radialis flap, which potentially decreases forearm donor-site morbidity while still providing for coverage of small hand soft tissue defects. Six cadaver forearm dissections were performed to confirm that the vascular supply to the middle and distal portion of the flexor carpi radialis comes off the radial artery. Four clinical cases are presented in which the flexor carpi radialis muscle based on the distal radial artery was used to cover complex wounds of the dorsum of the hand. We believe the lack of damage to the superficial sensory forearm nerves and the ease of flexor carpi radialis muscle flap elevation make this a versatile flap for small, complex, soft tissue defects of the hand. (J Hand Surg 2002;27A:1081–1086. Copyright © 2002 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.)
Paternity in horseshoe crabs when spawning in multiple-male groups ☆

Unpaired or satellite male horseshoe crabs, Limulus polyphemus, are attracted to and often form a group around a pair (a female with an attached male) that is nesting in the high intertidal zone. These males are engaged in sperm competition. We observed nesting pairs and their associated satellites in the wild, collected and reared their eggs and used genetic markers to examine paternity. We found that the unpaired, satellite males are highly successful at fertilizing eggs; two satellites can leave the attached male with few fertilizations. Two satellites together are each as successful as one spawning with a pair. A satellite's location around the female greatly affects his success, and males compete for access to a position over the dorsal canal between the prosoma and opisthosoma of the female and under the front margin of the paired male where they are most likely to fertilize eggs. Although eggs and sperm retain their viability for some time after spawning, nearly all eggs are fertilized by the satellites that are around the nesting pair at the time of egg laying and by the attached male. A number of factors including beach current, female size and male behaviour affect the outcome of sperm competition in this externally fertilizing species.
Magma Yield Stress and Permeability: Insights From Multiphase Percolation Theory

Abstract Magmas often contain multiple interacting phases of embedded solid and gas inclusions. Multiphase percolation theory provides a means of modeling assemblies of these different classes of magmatic inclusions in a simple, yet powerful way. Like its single phase counterpart, multiphase percolation theory describes the connectivity of discrete inclusion assemblies as a function of phase topology. In addition, multiphase percolation employs basic laws to distinguish separate classes of objects and is characterized by its dependency on the order in which the different phases appear. This paper examines two applications of multiphase percolation theory: the first considers how the presence of bubble inclusions influences yield stress onset and growth in a magma's crystal network; the second examines the effect of bi-modal bubble-size distributions on magma permeability. We find that the presence of bubbles induces crystal clustering, thereby 1) reducing the percolation threshold, or critical crystal volume fraction, ϕ c , at which the crystals form a space-spanning network providing a minimum yield stress, and 2) resulting in a larger yield stress for a given crystal volume fraction above ϕ c . This increase in the yield stress of the crystal network may also occur when crystal clusters are formed due to processes other than bubble formation, such as heterogeneous crystallization, synneusis, and heterogeneity due to deformation or flow. Further, we find that bimodal bubble size distributions can significantly affect the permeability of the system beyond the percolation threshold. This study thus demonstrates that larger-scale structures and topologies, as well as the order in which different phases appear, can have significant effects on macroscopic properties in multiphase materials.
Development of Bait Stations for Fruit Fly Population Suppression

The application of insecticides is an essential component for eradication or management of fruit fly pests. Impact on nontarget organisms and public rejection of areawide pesticide applications have been major concerns in managing these programs. Bait stations have been proposed as alternative treatments in areas where broadcast insecticides are not acceptable. In this study, we defined bait stations as discrete containers of attractants and toxins, which are targeted at specific pests. Tests were carried out using the Mexican fruit fly, Anastrepha ludens (Loew), as the experimental insect. Our first bait station design was a sheet of sponge material fastened to a plastic peaked cover. Liquid bait consisting of protein hydrolyzate, sugar, adjuvants, a photoactive dye toxicant, and other additives was applied to the sponge. This station, when tested in an orchard, reduced sterile released adult populations by 70–90% in 4 d compared with check plots. Other tests in field cages showed that the bait station was ≈ap;22% less effective in killing adults compared with spot sprays on trees. We formulated a gelled bait by using a more refined hydrolyzed protein, supplemental attractants, feeding stimulants, and additives to protect the bait from drying. A series of experiments were carried out in field cages by using a cylindrical bait station that provided improved protection of the bait. These tests showed that there is a gradual decline in bait effectiveness with age.
Regional differences in interstitial glycerol concentration in subcutaneous adipose tissue of women

The aims of this study were to 1) compare two methods of determining interstitial glycerol concentration in subcutaneous adipose tissue (AT) and 2) determine whether there are regional differences ...
Mechanisms of temperature- and field-dependent effective drift mobilities and impact ionization coefficients in amorphous selenium

The mechanisms of electric-field- and temperature-dependent effective drift mobility and impact ionization coefficient of both holes and electrons in amorphous selenium (a-Se) are investigated in t...
Rapid Invasion of a Great Lakes Coastal Wetland by Non-native Phragmites australis and Typha

Great Lakes coastal wetlands are subject to water level fluctuations that promote the maintenance of coastal wetlands. Point au Sauble, a Green Bay coastal wetland, was an open water lagoon as of 1999, but became entirely vegetated as Lake Michigan experienced a prolonged period of below-average water levels. Repeat visits in 2001 and 2004 documented a dramatic change in emergent wetland vegetation communities. In 2001 non-native Phragmites and Typha were present but their cover was sparse; in 2004 half of the transect was covered by a 3 m tall, invasive Phragmites and non-native Typha community. Percent similarity between plant species present in 2001 versus 2004 was approximately 19% (Jaccard's coefficient), indicating dramatic changes in species composition that took place in only 3 years. The height of the dominant herbaceous plants and coverage by invasive species were significantly higher in 2004 than they were in 2001. However, floristic quality index and coefficient of conservatism were greater in 2004 than 2001. Cover by plant litter did not differ between 2001 and 2004. The prolonged period of below-average water levels between 1999 and early 2004 exposed unvegetated lagoon bottoms as mud flats, which provided substrate for new plant colonization and created conditions conducive to colonization by invasive taxa. PCR/RFLP analysis revealed that Phragmites from Point au Sauble belongs to the more aggressive, introduced genotype. It displaces native vegetation and is tolerant of a wide range of water depth. Therefore it may disrupt the natural cycles of vegetation replacement that occur under native plant communities in healthy Great Lakes coastal wetlands.
Force feedback vessel ligation simulator in knot-tying proficiency training

Background Tying gentle secure knots is an important skill. We have developed a force feedback simulator that measures force exerted during knot tying. This pilot study examines the benefits of this simulator in a deliberate practice curriculum.
Vasoregulatory hormones and the hyperfiltration of diabetes

The role of renal vasoregulatory hormones in the hyperfiltration of early insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) was studied by micropuncture methods in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Seven to ten days after streptozotocin injection, untreated diabetic rats had elevated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and single-nephron glomerular filtration rate (SNGFR), compared with normal euvolemic rats. Infusion of indomethacin (5 mg/kg) markedly reduced urinary and proximal tubular fluid prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), but GFR and SNGFR did not change. In a second group, intrarenal infusion of aprotinin (1,000 kallikrein inhibitor units.min-1.kg-1) to inhibit kallikrein also had no effect on GFR or SNGFR. In a third group, intrarenal infusion of angiotensin II (ANG II, 0.1 microgram.min-1.kg-1) reduced GFR, renal plasma flow (RPF), SNGFR, and glomerular plasma flow rate (QA) to values close to those in normal euvolemic rats. Single-nephron filtration fraction rose significantly with ANG II, but glomerular pressure (PG) was unaltered. Tubular fluid PGE2 increased in response to ANG II. Saralasin infusion following ANG II returned GFR, RPF, SNGFR, and QA to supernormal levels, and PG fell. In chronically salt-loaded normal rats, the responses to intrarenal ANG II and saralasin were similar to those observed in the diabetic rats. We conclude that hyperfiltration in early IDDM is not dependent on intact renal PGE2 or bradykinin synthesis. The results with ANG II infusion indicate that pre- and postglomerular and glomerular contractile cells of the diabetic kidney are able to constrict in response to this hormone.
Flight propensity of Anastrepha suspensa.

Anastrepha suspensa (Loew) flies, laboratory reared from bagasse diet and then sterilized with 10 kr of gamma radiation 2 days before eclosion, and unirradiated flies were compared to native flies from guava with a device which measured propensity for flight to an overhead light source. Native males were 27% more responsive (significantly less sedentary) than unirradiated males and 43% more responsive than irradiated males. Unirradiated males were 22% more responsive than irradiated males. Native females were 20% more responsive (significantly less sedentary) than unirradiated females and 29% more responsive than irradiated females. Unirradiated females were 11% more responsive than irradiated females. Since unirradiated laboratory reared flies had a lower flight propensity than unirradiated flies, irradiation could reduce the chances for survival of flies during stressful situations, such as in field release programs.
Gender and Sentencing Outcomes in South Carolina: Examining the Interactions With Race, Age, and Offense Type

Despite sentencing reforms over the last few decades, many states failed to introduce guidelines, including South Carolina. The present article uses data collected from the now disbanded South Carolina Sentencing Commission (1982 to 2003) in order to assess the influence of gender, age, race, and type of crime. We found that females were consistently sentenced more leniently than were similarly situated males. Interactions between gender and the other variables, however, failed to gain significance with the exception of gender and offense type for the sentence length decision. Interestingly, we found a significant interaction between gender and offense severity level for both sentencing outcomes and criminal history for the incarceration decision. We discuss the implications of these findings in the event that South Carolina would have adopted sentencing guidelines.
Frequency and Impact Analysis of a Proposed Frame- Membrane Lunar Structure at Extreme Temperatures

This paper presents results from large deformation non-linear finite element frequency, static, and dynamic analyses of a proposed three-dimensional frame-membrane lunar habitat structure in presence of lunar temperature extremes. The prestressing effect from two causes are included in the analysis: one from applied internal pressurization load of one atmosphere and the other from the temperature differential caused by the extreme lunar diurnal temperature of -233°C (night) and +123°C (day) applied outside the structure and room temperature (21°C) maintained inside the structure. The load for the dynamic analysis has been analytically determined by considering the impact of a moving projectile/debris hitting the mid-point of one of the outer chord frame members. Results from the study show that both the internal pressurization and the temperature differential affect the frequency and mode shape characteristics of the structure. The temperature differential caused by the lunar day causes small increases in the frequencies, whereas the lunar night temperature differential causes a large reduction in the frequencies. The static analysis results show that both pressurization and temperature differential give significant static displacements and stresses in the structure. The dynamic results due to the impact load show that the application of extreme daytime hot and night time cold lunar diurnal temperatures outside and room temperature inside the structure reduces the dynamic amplitude of the displacement and stress compared to the case with no temperature differential (room temperature inside as well as the structure).
Foot problems in children.

For general practitioners, who handle more than 85 per cent of all pediatric care, POSTGRADUATE MEDICINE here presents authoritative, up-to-date summaries, prepared by specialists in pediatric problems.
Quantifying global-brain metabolite level changes with whole-head proton MR spectroscopy at 3 T

Abstract Background and purpose To assess the sensitivity of non-localized, whole-head 1H-MRS to an individual's serial changes in total-brain NAA, Glx, Cr and Cho concentrations — metabolite metrics often used as surrogate markers in neurological pathologies. Materials and methods In this prospective study, four back-to-back (single imaging session) and three serial (successive sessions) non-localizing, ~3 min 1H-MRS (TE/TR/TI = 5/104/940 ms) scans were performed on 18 healthy young volunteers: 9 women, 9 men: 29.9 ± 7.6 [mean ± standard deviation (SD)] years old. These were analyzed by calculating a within-subject coefficient of variation (CV = SD/mean) to assess intra- and inter-scan repeatability and prediction intervals. This study was Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act compliant. All subjects gave institutional review board-approved written, informed consent. Results The intra-scan CVs for the NAA, Glx, Cr and Cho were: 3.9 ± 1.8%, 7.3 ± 4.6%, 4.0 ± 3.4% and 2.5 ± 1.6%, and the corresponding inter-scan (longitudinal) values were: 7.0 ± 3.1%, 10.6 ± 5.6%, 7.6 ± 3.5% and 7.0 ± 3.9%. This method is shown to have 80% power to detect changes of 14%, 27%, 26% and 19% between two serial measurements in a given individual. Conclusions Subject to the assumption that in neurological disorders NAA, Glx, Cr and Cho changes represent brain-only pathology and not muscles, bone marrow, adipose tissue or epithelial cells, this approach enables us to quantify them, thereby adding specificity to the assessment of the total disease load. This will facilitate monitoring diffuse pathologies with faster measurement, more extensive (~90% of the brain) spatial coverage and sensitivity than localized 1H-MRS.
Evaluation of a simulation-based curriculum for implementing a new clinical protocol.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the implementation of a new clinical protocol utilizing on-unit simulation for team training. Methods A prospective observational study was performed at the obstetrics unit of Von Voightlander Women’s Hospital, Michigan, USA, between October 1, 2012 to April 30, 2013. All members of the labor and delivery team were eligible for participation. Traditional education methods and in-situ multi-disciplinary simulations were used to educate labor and delivery staff. Following each simulation, participants responded to a survey regarding their experience. To evaluate the effect of the interventions, paging content was analyzed for mandated elements and adherence to operating room entry-time tracking was examined. Results In total, 51 unique individuals participated in 12 simulations during a 6-month period. Simulation was perceived as a valuable activity and paging content improved. Following the intervention, the inclusion of a goal time for reaching the operation room increased from 7% to 61% of pages and the proportion of patients entering to operating room within 10 minutes of the stated goal increased from 67% to 85%. Conclusion The training program was well received, and the accuracy of the communication and the goal set for reaching the operating room improved.
A Demonstration of Interactive Analysis of Performance Measurements with Viska

The ultimate goal of system performance analysis is to identify the underlying causes for performance differences between different systems and different workloads. We make this goal easier to achieve with Viska, a new tool for generating and interpreting performance measurement results. Viska leverages cutting-edge techniques from big data analytics and data visualization to aid and automate this analysis, and helps users derive meaningful and statistically sound conclusions using state-of-the-art causal inference and hypothesis testing techniques.
Electron scattering in metallic thin films

Abstract: This chapter describes the role of grain boundaries and surfaces in the resistivity of metallic thin films, focusing on the increase in resistivity as the characteristic dimensions (e.g., grain size and film thickness) of the metal are reduced, a phenomenon known as the classical size effect. The electrical conduction in bulk metals is briefly described using Boltzmann’s transport equation. Extensions of that understanding to include the additional scattering from surfaces and grain boundaries are developed. Several quantitative models of classical size effect are reviewed based on differing physical assumptions and quantitative comparisons of experimental data to the models are made to provide an increased physical understanding.
Small-Scale Ghanaian Miners and the Textiles and Garment Industry in the Age of Chinese Economic Onslaught

This chapter explores the increasingly competitive environment for Ghanaian entrepreneurs in the twenty-first century thanks to the presence of new foreign competitors, most notably the Chinese. Ghanaian entrepreneurs are no longer protected from international competition in the same ways that they were before the 1980s, when inward-looking development strategies were popular. The shift to outward-oriented development strategies has meant that Ghana is unable to shield local businesses. But even where the state has sought to shield Ghanaian entrepreneurs, such protections have largely failed. Using small-scale mining (where the law forbids foreign participation) and the textiles and garment industry (where there are no protections for local businesses), this chapter demonstrates that intense competition by Chinese capital is causing great turmoil for Ghanaian capitalists. Many have responded with a mixture of conflict and cooperation with their foreign competitors. Thus, a pattern that became common in the 1960s and 1970s is repeating itself.
Sodium Mercaptoethane Sulfonate Reduces Collagenolytic Degradation and Synergistically Enhances Antimicrobial Durability in an Antibiotic-Loaded Biopolymer Film for Prevention of Surgical-Site Infections

Implant-associated surgical-site infections can have significant clinical consequences. Previously we reported a method for prophylactically disinfecting implant surfaces in surgical pockets, where an antibiotic solution containing minocycline (M) and rifampin (R) was applied as a solid film in a crosslinked biopolymer matrix that partially liquefied in situ to provide extended prophylaxis. Here we studied the effect of adding sodium 2-mercaptoethane sulfonate (MeSNA) on durability of prophylaxis in an in vitro model of implant-associated surgical-site infection. Adding MeSNA to the M/R biopolymer, antimicrobial film extended the duration for which biofilm formation by multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MDR-PA) was prevented on silicone surfaces in the model. M/R films with and without MeSNA were effective in preventing colonization by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Independent experiments revealed that MeSNA directly inhibited proteolytic digestion of the biopolymer film and synergistically enhanced antimicrobial potency of M/R against MDR-PA. Incubation of the MeSNA containing films with L929 fibroblasts revealed no impairment of cellular metabolic activity or viability.
STK11/LKB1 co-mutations to predict for de novo resistance to PD-1/PD-L1 axis blockade in KRAS-mutant lung adenocarcinoma.

9016Background: Identification of molecular predictors of response to PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors is critical in order to maximize their therapeutic potential. We previously reported that KRAS-mutant lung adenocarcinomas (LUAC) with co-occurring genetic events in STK11/LKB1(KL) or TP53 (KP) define subgroups with marked differences in immune contexture, including a paucity of CD8+ TILs in KL LUAC. Here, we assess clinical responses to PD-1/PD-L1 therapy in KL and KP subsets, with data assembled under the auspices of the SU2C/ACS Lung Cancer Dream Team. Methods: Patients (pts) with metastatic KRAS-mutant LUAC who received at least one cycle of PD-1/PD-L1 therapy, were alive for ≥14 days thereafter, and had available molecular profiling were identified retrospectively. Efficacy assessment was based on RECIST v1.1. PD-L1 expression was tested using 22C3 pharmDx or E1L3N IHC assays and quantified as percent of staining tumor cell membranes. Isogenic derivatives of the LKR10 KrasLA1/+ murine LUAC cell line with CRISP...
Towards a cognitive assistant system for emergency response

This abstract presents our preliminary results on development of a cognitive assistant system for emergency response that aims to improve situational awareness and safety of first responders. This system integrates a suite of smart wearable sensors, devices, and analytics for real-time collection and analysis of in-situ data from incident scene and providing dynamic data-driven insights to responders on the most effective response actions to take.
School-Based Suicide Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention

Youth suicide is a worldwide public health problem that requires urgent attention. For example, in the United States, although suicide is the tenth leading cause of death among Americans overall, it is the second leading cause of death among young people ages 15–24 and the third leading cause of death among those ages 10–14. Because children and adolescents spend so much time in them, schools are ideal focal points for focused suicide prevention efforts.
Radiographic Assessment of Discogenic Disease of the Spine

Discogenic spine disease is the most common surgically treatable form of pain due to nerve root compression. Patients who present with reproducible radicular back and extremity pain that is unresponsive to conservative management can obtain excellent results with surgical excision of the offending herniated intervertebral disc. Radiographic imaging is a vital adjunct to the neurosurgical evaluation of the patient with potential discogenic disease of the spine. Magnetic resonance imaging has emerged as the imaging modality of choice for evaluation of lumbar disc disease.
The Congress Within the Congress: How Tax Expenditures Distort Our Budget and Our Political Processes

Tax expenditures have grown in importance to the point where they are now the dominant instruments for implementing new discretionary spending policies, and operate at a cost in forgone revenues unmatched since the Tax Reform Act of 1986. While it is true that some forms of government intervention are best delivered through the tax system, it cannot be the case that neutral design principles would lead to a situation where the federal government spends twice as much through tax expenditures as it does through explicit discretionary spending programs. This paper, the Fourteenth Annual Woodworth Memorial Lecture, is a meditation on the corrosive effect of tax expenditures on the federal budget and Congressional political processes. Tax subsidies erode our ability to conceptualize the size and activities of government, or to engage in constructive political discourse about our allocative priorities in a world of scarce resources. The paper therefore attempts to shift attention from the decades-long debate over the normative tax base from which tax expenditures should be identified to the more pressing questions of how the political process privileges tax expenditures over explicit outlays, and how in turn the lower salience of tax expenditures distorts policy making.Tax expenditures are privileged because they are not treated as spending for any budget purpose: instead, they are budget “nothings,” and their costs are simply subsumed into the revenues baseline. The result is that their efficiency costs are typically under-appreciated (as developed in an extended fable about the country of Freedonia), and the repeal of a poorly targeted tax subsidy, rather than being hailed as curbing wasteful spending, is decried as a targeted tax hike.Pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) rules limit the growth of tax expenditures to some extent, because they require a “pay for” to be paired with a new tax subsidy, but those rules in turn inadvertently encourage the perverse phenomenon of the Congress Within a Congress, in which the tax-writing committees, having learned how to dispense even lump sum discretionary grant programs through the tax code, can function as a complete mini-Congress. The tax-writing committees now both raise revenues (their traditional role) and spend those new revenues, through increasingly transparent tax subsidies that satisfy both the tax-writing committees’ spending priorities and the PAYGO rules. The resulting package is presented to the two chambers of Congress as revenue-neutral, and therefore implicitly as having no significant distributive or allocative consequences, when instead it should be understood as a “tax and spend” proposal.
Comparative efficacy and tolerability of pharmacological agents for management of mild to moderate ulcerative colitis: a systematic review and network meta-analyses

Summary Background The majority of patients with ulcerative colitis have mildly to moderately active disease. To inform the management of patients with left-sided or extensive mildly to moderately active ulcerative colitis, we assessed the comparative efficacy and tolerability of different therapies. Methods In this systematic review and network meta-analysis, we searched Epub, MEDLINE In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Scopus, and Web of Science from inception to Dec 14, 2015, and updated on MEDLINE on March 1, 2018, for randomised controlled trials in adults (age ≥17 years) with left-sided or extensive mild to moderate ulcerative colitis. Studies were included if patients were treated with oral sulfasalazine, diazo-bonded 5-aminosalicylates (5-ASAs), mesalazine (low dose 3 g/day), controlled ileal-release budesonide, or budesonide multimatrix, alone or in combination with rectal 5-ASA therapy, and were compared with each other or placebo for induction or maintenance of clinical remission. The minimum duration of therapy was 4 weeks for trials of induction and 24 weeks for trials of maintenance therapy. We did pairwise and random-effects network meta-analysis using a frequentist approach, and calculated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs; agents were ranked using surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) probabilities. We used Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria to appraise quality of evidence. We examined heterogeneity with the I2 statistic. Findings Our search identified 1316 unique studies, from which 75 randomised trials with 12 215 patients were eligible for analysis. Based on 48 induction randomised trials (8020 participants) that met inclusion criteria, combined oral and rectal 5-ASAs (SUCRA 0·99) and high-dose mesalazine (>3 g/day; SUCRA 0·82) were ranked highest for induction of remission. Both interventions were superior to standard-dose mesalazine (2–3 g/day; failure to induce remission with combined oral and rectal 5-ASAs OR 0·41, 95% CI 0·22–0·77; high-dose mesalazine 0·78, 0·66–0·93) with moderate confidence in estimates. On the basis of 28 randomised trials (4218 participants) that met inclusion criteria, all interventions were superior to placebo for maintenance of remission; however, neither combined oral and rectal 5-ASAs nor high-dose mesalazine were superior to standard-dose mesalazine. Interpretation In patients with mildly to moderately active left-sided or extensive ulcerative colitis, combined oral and topical mesalazine therapy and high-dose mesalazine are superior to standard-dose mesalazine for induction of remission, but not maintenance of remission. Standard-dose mesalazine might be preferred for maintenance in most patients. Funding None.
Slot and Pole Ratio of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor for Cogging Torque and Torque Ripple Performance

This paper presents electromagnetic design and analysis of a electric vehicle(EV) motor used in e-Van. For EV traction motor, Noise vibration and harshness(NVH) performance is important for end-user. Motor is one of the main excitation source in EV. Motor slot and pole ratio design is critical point for cogging torque and torque ripple which are directed related to NVH. In this paper, we discuss four motors at similar output power and torque. Motor electromagnetic finite element analysis results show that different slot and pole ratio motors performance. Furthermore, design guideline for choosing better slot and pole ratio design and ripple reducing method is proposed. Finally, the real case study for NVH behavior improving is mentioned from the e-Van traction motor.
Lectures, Textbooks, Academic Calendar, and Administration: An Agenda for Change

In the mid-1700s, Samuel Johnson wrote, “Lectures were once useful; but now, when all can read and books are so numerous, lectures are unnecessary.” This chapter probes the many anachronisms that continue to characterize American higher education. Outdated modes of teaching and learning, an archaic academic calendar, out-of-control prices for textbooks and bloated administrations continue to drive up the cost of education while giving students less for their tuition dollars. Some close observers of these policies and practices go so far as to claim they are “unethical.” Others go even farther and accuse administrations of lying about their efforts to keep costs down. These anachronistic traditions have become costly distractions to students’ quest for a college education. This chapter describes these traditions and argues that their time has past and it is time for a change.
Relationship Between Respiratory Sensory Perception, Speech, and Swallow in Parkinson's Disease

Background It has been suggested that sensory impairments contribute significantly to the motor deficits secondary to impaired sensorimotor integration in Parkinson's disease. Speech and swallowing are likely to become disordered in PD, and there is evidence that impaired upper airway sensation also contributes to these disorders. Objectives The goal of this study was to investigate the relationship between perception of general respiratory sensation, speech, and swallowing in PD. Methods Thirteen people with PD and 14 age-equivalent controls volunteered to participate. Randomized blocks of inspiratory resistive loads were delivered, and participants gauged the magnitude of the loads using a modified Borg scale. The magnitude estimates were then compared to results of speech and swallowing evaluations using multivariate analysis of variance and a stepwise linear regression model. Results There was a significant overall interaction between the participant group (PD versus control) and respiratory load (F [10, 300] = 2.138; P = .022). A significant regression equation containing a predictor speech variable respiratory rating was found (F [1,22] = 6.946), P = .023), with a moderate effect size of R2 = .387. Conclusions People with PD have blunted perception of respiratory resistive loads when compared with age-equivalent healthy adults. Results also suggest that blunted ME of resistive loads could contribute to changes in respiratory drive for speech (i.e., loudness).
Search Costs and Price Dispersion in a Localized, Homogeneous Product Market: Some Empirical Evidence

Convenience stores provide an opportunity to compare the price dispersion that occurs for gasoline, which is characterized by relatively low search and information costs to consumers, with that of in-store items, which are characterized by relatively high search and information costs to consumers. The results obtained from this study support the hypothesis that differences in search and information costs for consumers play a significant role in explaining the observed price dispersion that occurs for homogeneous items sold at convenience stores.
Neurotologic Complications Following Microvascular Decompression: A Retrospective Study

Objective The main purpose of this article is to determine the frequency of neurotologic complications after posterior fossa microvascular decompression (MVD) surgery. Design Retrospective case review. Setting Tertiary care referral center. Participants A total of 215 consecutive MVD operations by a single surgeon between March 1996 and May 2016 were reviewed with 192 surgeries on 183 patients meeting inclusion criteria. Main Outcome Measures Neurotologic complications secondary to MVD. Results The 52 males and 131 females had a mean age of 58.52 years (range, 28–92 years). Indications for MVD were trigeminal neuralgia (n = 162), hemifacial spasm (n = 23), glossopharyngeal neuralgia (n = 13), vagal palsy (n = 1), and tinnitus (n = 1). The outcomes examined were postoperative hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, and hemifacial paresis. At least one of these complications was present in 17.7% of patients. There were 4.17% with permanent hearing loss, 6.77% with transient hearing loss, 5.21% with tinnitus, 5.73% with vertigo, and 0.52% with hemifacial paresis. There was no significant difference in complication rates based on surgical indication. Conclusions Neurotologic complications are a significant risk when performing MVD. It is important for otolaryngologists as well as neurosurgeons to be aware of such complications. We recommend perioperative audiometry in all patients undergoing MVD and believe there is utility in routine otolaryngologist involvement.
Pioneer Girl Perspectives: Exploring Laura Ingalls Wilder

Review of: "Pioneer Girl Perspectives: Exploring Laura Ingalls Wilder," edited by Nancy Tystad Koupal.
Burr hole craniostomy with novel use of subdural drain for evacuation of chronic subdural hematoma: Case series, literature review, and technical note

Abstract Background Controversy continues to exist regarding optimal management of chronic subdural hematoma. We present a different way of using a subdural drain during the post-operative period to assist with drainage. Method We present a case series of five consecutive patients who underwent subdural hematoma drainage utilizing this technique. Results Post-operative films revealed good hematoma evacuation, minimal subdural pneumocephalus, and good brain re-expansion. Conclusion Intraoperative subdural drain irrigation and post-operative distal drain flushing may have beneficial effects on hematoma drainage. Further testing is needed to make definitive conclusions.
Fabric Parameters and Pesticide Characteristics That Impact on Dermal Exposure of Applicators

Fabric functional finish and formulation of pesticides are factors that contribute to pesticide wicking, wetting, and penetration. Fluorocarbon soil-repellent finishes inhibit contamination of the fabric and of sentinel pads. An undergarment layer offers better protection than does a single layer. Spun-bonded olefin offers protection of the same magnitude as soil-repellent finishes. Methyl parathion residues after laundering were similar for the unfinished fabric, the durable-press finished fabric, and the soil-repellent finished fabric, but the initial contamination of the soil-repellent finished fabric was only 20% of that of the other two fabrics.
Resident-led organizational initiatives to reduce burnout and improve wellness.

Professional burnout among medical trainees has been identified as a national concern in need of attention. A significant challenge for residency programs is designing and implementing effective strategies to promote resident wellness and reduce burnout. Emerging evidence highlights the importance of developing organizational changes targeting physician burnout. To address this critical need, Harvard South Shore (HSS) Psychiatry Residency Training Program aimed to assess burnout among residents, identify areas for wellness-related growth, and implement strategies for organizational change to reduce burnout and increase wellness. We aligned closely to the Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence (SQUIRE) 2.0 guidelines to systematically approach planning, conducting, and evaluating this quality improvement effort. We developed a wellness action team and assessed burnout using the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI). We also conducted a survey to investigate high opportunity areas for wellness-related growth and using this data we designed and implemented four organizational initiatives to (i) improve residents’ on-call experience, (ii) increase social activities, (iii) support preventative care, and (iv) promote wellness education. We then re-assessed burnout 1 year after implementation and performed two-sample t-tests to compare CBI scores. We additionally gathered and analyzed feedback from residents on the implemented organizational initiatives’ relevance to wellness and their well-being. There was an overall clinically meaningful reduction in burnout averaged among all residents that participated. Participants indicated that fitness-oriented activities were most likely to lead to change in wellness habits. Our implemented wellness program was resident-led and involved continuous feedback from both residents and leadership. Given that there may be multiple factors that affect resident burnout, future studies involving a control group could help reveal whether our intervention contributed to the change in burnout scores we observed.
E-ergodicity and speedups

We introduce the notion of “E-ergodicity” of a measure-preserving dynamical system (where E is a subset of N). We show that given an E-ergodic system T and aperiodic system S, T can be sped up to obtain an isomorphic copy of S, using a function taking values only in E. We give examples applying this concept to the situation where E is a congruence class, the image of an integer polynomial, or the prime numbers. Acknowledgements: I thank Dr. David McClendon for his constant support and expertise. Without his efforts, this research would not have been possible. Page 74 RHIT Undergrad. Math. J., Vol. 16, No. 1