cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract C164: Dual targeting of the DLL4 and VEGF pathways with a bispecific monoclonal antibody inhibits tumor growth and reduces cancer stem cell frequency

Both Notch/Delta-like ligand 4 (DLL4) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathways play a critical role in angiogenesis and tumor growth. Due to differential regulatory effects of VEGF and DLL4 on the vasculature, blockade of DLL4 or VEGF signaling inhibits tumor growth by distinct mechanisms: anti-DLL4 treatment induces an abnormal increase of poorly perfused blood vessels, which results in nonproductive angiogenesis unable to support tumor growth, whereas anti-VEGF therapy significantly decreases vasculature reducing the blood supply to tumors. In addition, DLL4-Notch signaling plays a key role in the maintenance of cancer stem cells. We have recently developed a bispecific monoclonal antibody that targets both human DLL4 and human VEGF (OMP-305B83). In vitro, this antibody exhibited low nanomolar binding affinity to hVEGF and hDLL4, and reduced human endothelial cell proliferation induced by VEGF. The bispecific antibody demonstrated significant in vivo anti-tumor efficacy in various solid tumors, induced tumor regression, decreased the frequency of tumor initiating cells, and delayed tumor recurrence following termination of chemotherapy. Analysis of tumor vasculature after treatment with anti-DLL4/VEGF revealed inhibition of vascular gene expression and endothelial cell proliferation, indicating that the anti-VEGF effect on the vasculature is dominant over the anti-DLL4 effect. Notably, at doses where both anti-DLL4 and anti-VEGF alone produces suboptimal anti-tumor effect, dual targeting resulted in additive tumor growth inhibition. The combination of anti-DLL4 and anti-VEGF resulted in broad spectrum efficacy in many different solid tumor types including breast, colon, ovarian and pancreatic tumors. Notably, serial transplantation studies indicated that the anti-cancer stem cell activity of anti-DLL4 was retained with the bispecific. In safety studies, OMP-305B83 demonstrated an improved cardiac profile in cynomolgus monkeys compared to anti-DLL4 with reduction of endothelial hyperplasia and suppression of vascular-related gene upregulation in the heart. These results indicate that our bispecific anti-DLL4/VEGF is broadly efficacious and may be useful for treatment of a variety of tumor types. We are currently enrolling patients with advanced refractory solid tumors in a Phase 1a clinical trial. Citation Format: Wan-Ching Yen, Marcus M. Fischer, Gretchen Argast, Breanna Wallace, Min Wang, Rene Meisner, John Lewicki, Ann M. Kapoun, Austin Gurney, Timothy Hoey. Dual targeting of the DLL4 and VEGF pathways with a bispecific monoclonal antibody inhibits tumor growth and reduces cancer stem cell frequency. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2015 Nov 5-9; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2015;14(12 Suppl 2):Abstract nr C164.
Genetic studies yield clues to the pathogenesis of Langerhans cell histiocytosis

Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) comprise a heterogeneous group of rare respiratory disorders characterised by diffuse pulmonary infiltrates and destruction of lung parenchyma [1]. With growing evidence that mutations in genes encoding proteins that participate in critical regulatory pathways have roles in the pathogenesis of some forms of ILD, it appears that some diseases under the ILD umbrella may be neoplastic and associated with the presence of cancer-like cells, not found in healthy individuals [2]. For example, lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) results from the proliferation of LAM cells with mutation of tuberous sclerosis ( TSC ) 1 and TSC2 genes. LAM can be sporadic or occur in association with TSC, an autosomal dominant disorder [3]. TSC2 mutations were detected in seven (50%) out of 14 and a TSC1 mutation in one (7.1%) out of 14 TSC-LAM patients [4]. Sporadic LAM appears to be driven by TSC2 mutation [5]. The proteins encoded by TSC1 and TSC2 are upstream of the mammalian target of rapamycin pathway, which has been targeted in LAM treatment (Multicenter International Lymphangioleiomyomatosis Efficacy and Safety of Sirolimus (MILES) trial) [6]. Identifying new therapeutic targets of interstitial lung disease from genetic studies
Evidence-Based Evaluation of Complementary Health Approaches for Pain Management in the United States.

Abstract Although most pain is acute and resolves within a few days or weeks, millions of Americans have persistent or recurring pain that may become chronic and debilitating. Medications may provide only partial relief from this chronic pain and can be associated with unwanted effects. As a result, many individuals turn to complementary health approaches as part of their pain management strategy. This article examines the clinical trial evidence for the efficacy and safety of several specific approaches—acupuncture, manipulation, massage therapy, relaxation techniques including meditation, selected natural product supplements (chondroitin, glucosamine, methylsulfonylmethane, S -adenosylmethionine), tai chi, and yoga—as used to manage chronic pain and related disability associated with back pain, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, neck pain, and severe headaches or migraines.
CONFUSION ABOUT YOGURT–COMPOSITIONAL AND OTHERWISE

The fat, protein, total solids, and caloric contents of 44 yogurt samples obtained in the Central Pennsylvania area varied widely. Averages and ranges were: 1.18% and 0.82–2.04% for fat; 4.29% and 3.09–5.38% for protein; 24.97% and 15.10–30.73% for T.S.; 103.2 cal/100g and 62.3–127.0 cal/100g. Package overweight was often excessive. Yogurt composition is discussed in relation to often quoted, but outdated official, figures. Questions as to yogurt's role in the dairy industry and yogurt uniformity are raised.
Genetic Stock Assessment and Hatchery Contributions of Sauger Stocked into Old Hickory Lake, Tennessee

Abstract Sander canadensis (Sauger) once supported a viable fishery in many of the reservoirs throughout Tennessee; however, these populations have experienced widespread declines. To improve population numbers, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency began stocking Sauger in 1992 in Tennessee and Cumberland river impoundments. Here we examine the percent contribution of hatchery-stocked Sauger to the wild population in Old Hickory Lake, a mainstem impoundment on the Cumberland River. We determined the contribution of hatchery-stocked Sauger using microsatellite markers and a categorical allocation-based parentage analysis. We also evaluated measures of genetic diversity, including estimates of heterozygosity and effective population size. Genetic variation was comparable to other stocked populations of percids. However, estimates of effective population size were low and the contribution of hatchery-reared Sauger to natural populations was moderate, averaging 25.8% across sampled year classes. Despite hi...
Added Value of Vessel Wall Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Differentiation of Nonocclusive Intracranial Vasculopathies.

Background and Purpose— Our goal is to determine the added value of intracranial vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging (IVWI) in differentiating nonocclusive vasculopathies compared with luminal imaging alone. Methods— We retrospectively reviewed images from patients with both luminal and IVWI to identify cases with clinically defined intracranial vasculopathies: atherosclerosis (intracranial atherosclerotic disease), reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome, and inflammatory vasculopathy. Two neuroradiologists blinded to clinical data reviewed the luminal imaging of defined luminal stenoses/irregularities and evaluated the pattern of involvement to make a presumed diagnosis with diagnostic confidence. Six weeks later, the 2 raters rereviewed the luminal imaging in addition to IVWI for the pattern of wall involvement, presence and pattern of postcontrast enhancement, and presumed diagnosis and confidence. Analysis was performed on per-lesion and per-patient bases. Results— Thirty intracranial atherosclerotic disease, 12 inflammatory vasculopathies, and 12 reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome patients with 201 lesions (90 intracranial atherosclerotic disease, 64 reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome, and 47 inflammatory vasculopathy lesions) were included. For both per-lesion and per-patient analyses, there was significant diagnostic accuracy improvement with luminal imaging+IVWI when compared with luminal imaging alone (per-lesion: 88.8% versus 36.1%; P P P Conclusions— IVWI can significantly improve the differentiation of nonocclusive intracranial vasculopathies when combined with traditional luminal imaging modalities.
Surgical Treatment of Obesity in Latinos and African Americans: Future Directions and Recommendations to Reduce Disparities in Bariatric Surgery.

Introduction: Obesity and metabolic syndrome are increasingly prevalent in the United States, particularly among African Americans and Latinos. Bariatric surgery has become one of the primary treatment modalities for obesity and type 2 diabetes. However, fewer Latinos and African Americans are undergoing bariatric surgery than whites. The aim of this article is to describe the disparities in seeking and accessing bariatric surgery, describe the outcomes following bariatric procedures in Latinos and African Americans, and offer recommendations and future research directions that may assist in addressing these disparities. Methods: Original research and review articles published in English were reviewed. Results: Potential reasons why Latinos and African Americans have low rates of seeking bariatric surgery are described. Disparities in access to care and financial coverage, low rates of referral by primary care providers, and cultural attitudes toward obesity in conjunction with mistrust of the healthcare system are discussed as potential contributors to the low rate of bariatric surgery in Latinos and African Americans. Finally, disparities in bariatric surgery outcomes, comorbidities, and complications are reviewed. Conclusions: Additional research studies in bariatric surgical disparities are needed. Recommendations and future directions that may help to reduce disparities in bariatric surgery are discussed.
Strategies for Recruiting and Retaining Black Male Special Education Teachers

In 2015, the National Goals Conference for and with people with intellectual disability encouraged the field of special education to recruit and retain more Black teachers. In this grounded theory ...
Associations between Dissolved Uranium, Nitrate, Calcium, Alkalinity, Iron, and Manganese Concentrations in the Edwards-Trinity Plateau Aquifer, Texas, USA

Dissolved uranium, nitrate, calcium, alkalinity, iron, and manganese concentrations were compiled from samples collected at 108 water wells between 2010 and 2016 in the Edwards-Trinity Plateau Aquifer of southwestern Texas. Sampled wells ranged from 19 m to 85 m deep, with a median depth of 77 m. Uranium concentrations ranged from <1 μg/L to 154 μg/L, with a median concentration of 19 μg/L. In 31 wells, uranium concentrations exceeded the drinking water standard of 30 μg/L. Based upon Spearman rank correlation, at a significance level of 0.01, significant positive associations were observed between uranium and both nitrate and calcium concentrations. In 40 wells sampled twice within the above time period, uranium concentrations decreased in 25 wells, increased in 13 wells, and did not change in two wells. The maximum concentration decrease and increase was 10 μg/L and 67 μg/L, respectively. Change in uranium concentration was significantly, positively correlated with change in nitrate and calcium concentration.
Minimal Recursion: Exploring the Prospects

The most basic property of human language is that in each of its variants, it provides an unbounded array of hierarchically structured expressions that receive interpretations at two interfaces, sensorymotor for externalization and conceptual-intentional for mental processes. A central problem, then, is to determine the nature of the recursive procedures that have this property. General scientific norms direct inquiry to the simplest possible solution – minimal recursion – to deepen explanatory power and expedite the study of language acquisition, and to offer some hope for some eventual insight into evolution of the language capacity. Pursuit of this objective has led to elimination of many unwanted stipulations and also grounding some fundamental properties of universal grammar. Among other consequences, it provides evidence for an asymmetry of the interfaces, with externalization an ancillary procedure, a conclusion consistent with well-known properties of language and the very limited evidence about evolution.
1.34 billion-year-old magmatism on Mars evaluated from the co-genetic nakhlite and chassignite meteorites

Abstract Nakhlite and chassignite martian meteorites have similar crystallization (1340 ± 40 Ma) and ejection (∼11 Ma) ages, and 87Rb-87Sr and 143Sm-144Nd compositions. Using a near-comprehensive suite of these rocks, we place further constraints on nakhlite and chassignite petrogenesis, utilizing bulk rock and mineral major- and trace-element compositions, and quantitative textural data for 17 samples, including three recent finds (Northwest Africa [NWA] 10153, NWA 10645, and NWA 11013). Bulk rock and mineral compositions indicate that nakhlites and chassignites originated from
The rising tide of artificial intelligence and business automation: Developing an ethical framework

Abstract Recent advancements in robotics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and sensors now enable machines to automate activities that once seemed safe from disruption—including tasks that rely on higher-level thinking, learning, tacit judgment, emotion sensing, and even disease detection. Despite these advancements, the ethical issues of business automation and artificial intelligence—and who will be affected and how—are less understood. In this article, we clarify and assess the cultural and ethical implications of business automation for stakeholders ranging from laborers to nations. We define business automation and introduce a novel framework that integrates stakeholder theory and social contracts theory. By integrating these theoretical models, our framework identifies the ethical implications of business automation, highlights best practices, offers recommendations, and uncovers areas for future research. Our discussion invites firms, policymakers, and researchers to consider the ethical implications of business automation and artificial intelligence when approaching these burgeoning and potentially disruptive business practices.
Individual differences in ERP measures of executive function in early childhood: Relation to low-risk preterm birth and parent-reported behavior.

ABSTRACTAlthough behavioral studies have demonstrated that executive function (EF) develops rapidly during early childhood, few studies have investigated neural systems supporting EF during the pre...
The drug abstainer

ABSTRACTThis paper uses data on tenth graders from the 2016 Caring Communities Youth Survey (CCYS) to examine the lifetime abstainer from drugs. The abstainer has been a part of Life Course Develop...
A primary care learning collaborative to improve office systems and clinical management of pediatric asthma

Objective: Pediatric asthma is a common, relapsing-remitting, chronic inflammatory airway disease that when uncontrolled often leads to substantial patient and health care system burden. Improving ...
Architected materials for advanced electrochemical systems

Architected materials play an essential role in achieving next-generation electrochemical systems with unprecedented power and energy capabilities. The geometry and chemistry of architected materials can be engineered to address key areas of performance, including electrochemical kinetics and mechanics. Electrochemical kinetics impact key metrics such as power density, efficiency, and lifetime in batteries, fuel cells, and sensors. Additionally, electrochemical reactions can dramatically change material composition, which may result in large strains (in the hundreds of percent) that cause mechanical failure. In this article, we summarize advances in energy storage offered by architected materials and highlight fabrication methods used to realize these advances. We also discuss electrochemistry as an enabling tool for architected materials with functionality beyond energy storage and sensing.
Wnt/β-catenin and Pten/Akt Signaling Interaction Drives Hematopoietic Stem Cell Self-Renewal and Leukemogenesis.

Self-renewal is the central property of stem cells but remains inadequately defined. Separately, the Pten/Akt and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways have been implicated in regulating hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and in leukemia development. Using an HSC-specific conditional mutant model, we studied the effects of Pten deletion combined with constitutively active β-catenin. HSC-specific deletion of Pten leads to a relatively moderate HSC expansion in spleen with increased myeloid differentiation. In contrast, HSC-specific activation of β-catenin results in functional failure by differentiation blockage. However, unlike single mutants, double mutant mice exhibit a novel phenotype including dramatic expansion in HSCs without extensive differentiation both in vitro and in vivo . Furthermore, β-catenin deficiency prevents the relatively moderate expansion of HSCs in Pten mutants. Our data reveal that these two pathways interact to coordinately drive HSC proliferation while inhibiting both differentiation and apoptosis. Together, the Pten/Akt and Wnt/β-catenin pathways cooperate to drive self-renewal, with uncontrolled self-renewal leading to leukemia development.
Microstructure–Mechanical Property Relationships for Post-Fire Structural Steels

AbstractThe objectives of this study are (1) to investigate the microstructural changes in structural steels that are exposed to fire accidents; and (2) to understand their influence on post-fire m...
A taxonomy of transcriptomic cell types across the isocortex and hippocampal formation

SUMMARY The isocortex and hippocampal formation are two major structures in the mammalian brain that play critical roles in perception, cognition, emotion and learning. Both structures contain multiple regions, for many of which the cellular composition is still poorly understood. In this study, we used two complementary single-cell RNA-sequencing approaches, SMART-Seq and 10x, to profile ∼1.2 million cells covering all regions in the adult mouse isocortex and hippocampal formation, and derived a cell type taxonomy comprising 379 transcriptomic types. The completeness of coverage enabled us to define gene expression variations across the entire spatial landscape without significant gaps. We found that cell types are organized in a hierarchical manner and exhibit varying degrees of discrete or continuous relatedness with each other. Such molecular relationships correlate strongly with the spatial distribution patterns of the cell types, which can be region-specific, or shared across multiple regions, or part of one or more gradients along with other cell types. Glutamatergic neuron types have much greater diversity than GABAergic neuron types, both molecularly and spatially, and they define regional identities as well as inter-region relationships. For example, we found that glutamatergic cell types between the isocortex and hippocampal formation are highly distinct from each other yet possess shared molecular signatures and corresponding layer specificities, indicating their homologous relationships. Overall, our study establishes a molecular architecture of the mammalian isocortex and hippocampal formation for the first time, and begins to shed light on its underlying relationship with the development, evolution, connectivity and function of these two brain structures.
DPR Dual-Frequency Precipitation Classification

Profile classification is a critical module in the microphysics retrieval algorithm for the dual-frequency precipitation radar (DPR) that on board the global precipitation measurement (GPM) core satellite. It does rain type classification, hydrometeor profile characterization, and surface snowfall identification at each Ku- and Ka- band matched footprint of DPR. Vertical characteristics of measured dual-frequency ratio (DFRm), defined as the difference between measured reflectivity at two frequency channels (Ku- and Ka- band) in dB scale, were key information that extensively used in various algorithms. This chapter introduces the theoretical basis of these algorithms. Validation activities are illustrated as well.
The Easter and Passover Blip in New York City: How exceptions can cause detrimental effects in pandemic times

Abstract and Executive Summary When it comes to pandemics such as the currently present COVID-19 [1], various issues and problems arise for infrastructures and institutions. Due to possible extreme effects, such as hospitals potentially running out of beds or medical equipment, it is essential to lower the infection rate to create enough space to attend to the affected people and allow enough time for a vaccine to be developed. Unfortunately, this requires that measures put into place are upheld long enough to reduce the infection rate sufficiently. In this paper, we describe research simulating the influences of the contact rate on the spread of the pandemic using New York City as an example (Section IV) and especially already observed effects of contact rate increases during holidays [2-4] (Section V). In multiple simulations scenarios for Passover and Easter holidays, we evaluated 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% temporary increases in contact rates using a scenario close to the currently reported numbers as reference and contact rates based on bioterrorism research as a “normal” baseline for NYC. The first general finding from the simulations is that singular events of increased visits/contacts amplify each other disproportionately if they are happening in close proximity (time intervals) together. The second general observation was that contact rate spikes leave a permanently increased and devastating infection rate behind, even after the contact rate returns to the reduced one. In case of a temporary sustained increase of contact rate for just three days in a row, the aftermath results in an increase of infection rate up to 40%, which causes double the fatalities in the long run. In numbers, given that increases of 25% and 50% seem to be most likely given the data seen in Germany for the Easter weekend for example [2, 3], our simulations show the following increases (compared to the realistic reference run): for a temporary 25% surge in contact rate, the total cases grew by 215,880, the maximum of required hospitalizations over time increased to 63,063, and the total fatalities climbed by 8,844 accumulated over 90 days. As for the 50% surge, we saw the total number of cases rise by 461,090, the maximum number of required hospitalizations increase to 79,733, and the total number of fatalities climb by 19,125 over 90 days in NYC. All in all, we conclude that even very short, temporary increases in contact rates can have disproportionate effects and result in unrecoverable phenomena that can hardly be reversed or managed later. The numbers show possible phenomena before they might develop effects in reality. This is important because phenomena such as the described blip can impact the hospitals in reality. Therefore, we warn that a wave of infections due to increased contact rates during Passover/Easter might come as a result!
A Network Meta-Analysis to Compare Effectiveness of Baricitinib and Other Treatments in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients with Inadequate Response to Methotrexate.

**Background/Objectives:** This article compares the effectiveness of baricitinib (BARI) 4 mg (oral, Janus kinase [JAK] 1/2 inhibitor) versus other targeted synthetic/biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, in combination with methotrexate (MTX), in moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis patients with inadequate response (IR) to MTX. **Methods:** A systematic literature review was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of the interventions of interest. Bayesian network meta-analyses (NMA) were used to compare American College of Rheumatology (ACR) responses at 24 weeks. A series of prespecified sensitivity analyses addressed the potential impact of, among others, baseline risk, treatment effect modifiers, and trial design on treatment response. **Results:** Nineteen RCTs were included in the NMA (primary analysis). For ACR20, BARI 4 mg + MTX was found to be more effective than adalimumab (ADA) 40 mg + MTX (Odds Ratio [OR] 1.33), abatacept (ABA) 10 mg + MTX (IV/4 weeks) (OR 1.45), infliximab (IFX) 3 mg + MTX (IV/8 wks) (OR 1.63), and rituximab (RTX) 1000 mg + MTX (OR 1.63). No differences were found on ACR50. For ACR70, BARI 4 mg + MTX was more effective than ADA 40 mg + MTX (OR 1.37), ABA 10 mg + MTX (OR 1.86), and RTX 1000 mg + MTX (OR 2.26). Sensitivity analysis including 10 additional RCTs with up to 20% of patients with prior biologic use showed BARI 4 mg + MTX to be more effective than tocilizumab (TCZ) 8 mg + MTX on ACR20 (OR 1.44). Results for all sensitivity analyses were consistent with the direction and magnitude of the primary results. Key limitations include the time span in which trials were conducted (1999–2017), during which patient characteristics and treatment approaches might have changed. **Conclusion:** This NMA suggests that BARI 4 mg + MTX is an efficacious treatment option in the MTX-IR population as evidenced by the robustness of results.
Differences in 30-day outcomes between inpatient and outpatient total elbow arthroplasty (TEA).

Background As the health care system in the United States shifts toward value-based care, there has been increased interest in performing total joint arthroplasty in the outpatient setting to optimize costs, outcomes, and patient satisfaction. Several studies have demonstrated success in performing ambulatory total knee and hip arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to compare short-term outcomes and complications after total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) across the inpatient and outpatient operative settings. Methods The American College of Surgeons National Quality Improvement Program database was queried to identify 575 patients undergoing primary TEA using the Current Procedural Terminology code 24363. Of this sample, 458 were inpatient and 117 were outpatient procedures. Propensity score matching using a 3:1 inpatient-to-outpatient ratio was performed to account for baseline differences in several variables—age, sex, body mass index class, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, and various comorbidities—between the inpatient and outpatient groups. After matching, the rates of various short-term outcomes and complications were compared between the inpatient and outpatient groups. Results Inpatient TEA was associated with a higher rate of complications relative to outpatient TEA, including non-home discharge (14.9% vs. 7.5%, P = .05), unplanned hospital readmission (7.4% vs. 0.9%, P = .01), surgical complications (7.6% vs. 2.6%, P = .04), and medical complications (3.6% vs. 0.0%, P = .04). Conclusion Outpatient TEA has a lower short-term complication rate than inpatient TEA. Outpatient TEA should be considered for patients for whom such a discharge pathway is feasible. Future research should focus on risk stratification of patients and specific criteria for deciding when to pursue outpatient TEA.
Existential Responsibility of Motherhood

It could be argued, that giving birth to a child transforms a woman into a mother, but it is the acceptance of responsibility for that child that represents the foundational step into motherhood. This chapter explores the existential endeavour and ontological transformation at the heart of this transition. This transition into motherhood sees mothers face existential responsibility for themselves, as well as their child, across the four dimensions of existence, the physical, social, psychological and spiritual dimensions. As a result of choosing motherhood, a woman now a mother, is confronted with the awareness of her choices and how these form part of the process of re-constructing her Being on every dimension of existence, providing the potential for a more mindful, authentic way of ‘Being-in-the-world-as-a-mother’.
Reduced Echocardiographic Inotropy Index after Cardiopulmonary Bypass Is Associated With Complications After Cardiac Surgery: An Institutional Outcomes Study.

Objective Despite advances in echocardiography and hemodynamic monitoring, limited progress has been made to effectively quantify left ventricular function during cardiac surgery. Traditional measures, including left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and cardiac index, remain dependent on loading conditions; more complex measures remain impractical in a dynamic surgical setting. However, the Smith-Madigan Inotropy Index (SMII) and potential-to-kinetic energy ratio (PKR) offer promise as measures calculable during cardiac surgery and potentially predictive of outcomes. Using echocardiographic and hemodynamic monitoring data, the authors aimed to calculate SMII and PKR values after cardiopulmonary bypass and understand associations with postoperative outcomes, adjusting for previously identified risk factors. Design Observational cohort study. Setting Tertiary care academic hospital. Patients The study comprised 189 elective adult cardiac surgical procedures from 2015-2016. Intervention None. Measurements and Main Results The primary outcome was postoperative mortality or organ system complication (stroke, prolonged ventilation, reintubation, cardiac arrest, acute kidney injury, new-onset atrial fibrillation). After adjustment, SMII Conclusion The present study demonstrated that SMII, but not PKR, as a measure of cardiac function was associated with major complications. The study's data may guide investigations of more suitable perioperative goal-directed therapies to reduce complications after cardiac surgery.
Victims of Violence and Post-Discharge Adverse Events: A Prospective Modified Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP) Study.

Introduction Trauma patients frequently return to an emergency department (ED) soon after discharge; often for non-urgent reasons. Social factors contribute to higher ED usage. At present, there is no standardized system for reporting of ED visits and readmissions among trauma care. We hypothesized that victims of violent crime suffer from many early post-discharge adverse events that has not been captured by current methods. Methods We prospectively consented and enrolled injured patients from January 1st, 2019 to December 31st, 2019. We documented 30-day post-discharge events using post-discharge phone calls and detailed chart abstraction. Patients were categorized as victims of violence (VV) or unintentional traumatic injury (UT). Results During the study period, 444 patients were enrolled. Fifty-one (11.5%) were victims of violence and 393 (88.5%) experienced unintentional injuries. The VV patients were younger (40.10 vs 60.36; p<0.0001), and more predominantly male (92.16% vs 57.51%; p<0.0001). Total injury severity score (ISS), critical care length of stay (LOS), and total LOS were similar. VV patients were more likely discharged home (70.59% vs 55.47%; p=0.0403). They were significantly more likely to return to an emergency department (47.06% vs 23.16%; p<0.0005) and had more total number of ED visits per patient. Readmission rates, however, were not different (21.57% vs 16.28%; p=NS). The VV patients more frequently were underinsured (72.5%, vs 20.6%, p<0.005). Discussion Victims of violence presented to the ED significantly more often, despite similar injury scores, LOS, and being of younger age. Of these patients, only 26.2% of ED presentations resulted in readmission, suggesting the majority of patient complaints may have been able to be managed in an office-based setting. VV had significantly more underinsured or subsidized patients. Victims of violence are vulnerable and may benefit from more resources provided in the early post-discharge period.
Community-Level Prevention of Child Maltreatment

Evidence-based interventions to prevent child maltreatment among individuals and families are being implemented across wide areas of the U.S. Often focused on high-risk families such as teenage parents, single parents, or families living in poverty, these approaches are typically focused on giving parents skills, knowledge, and sometimes assistance with multiple needs that enable them to safely parent their young children. This chapter describes a much newer area of inquiry, that is how community-level approaches to child maltreatment prevention, typically evaluated on their ability to both change environments and to improve population rates of maltreatment, can augment these individual and family-focused efforts. We describe the development of these interventions and how it follows an emerging body of research on both neighborhood structural factors such as poverty and segregation, and potentially modifiable social processes, such as collective efficacy, each of which are associated with fluctuations in maltreatment rates in expected directions. A number of existing community-level prevention programs will be described. We will discuss different definitions of community-level programs for child maltreatment prevention; strategies for building relationships with communities; working with culturally diverse communities; overcoming barriers to implementation; and planning for sustainability. Recommendations for moving community-level child maltreatment programs forward are provided.
Characterization of Multichannel Coil Arrays on the Benchtop

The purpose of this article is to present the fundamentals of how one can almost fully characterize an RF coil array on the benchtop using a set of relatively simple tools. A key focus is on methods to characterize and isolate coupling problems that are often the root cause of many headaches when constructing multichannel arrays. One way to avoid these problems is to develop a clear plan of how to approach the construction of the array, including each step of coil construction so that the process always moves from one stable configuration to another stable configuration. With these tools in hand, coil builders should be able to more directly arrive at a final stable coil arrangement, which should function well, while at the same time wasting less MR scanner time during adjustment of the array. Keywords: phased array; multichannel array; network analyzer; coil coupling; detuning networks
A Role for Biology in the Cultural Ecology of Ladakh

Human ecology research in the high-altitude region of Ladakh (northern India) has tended to focus on the adaptive significance of Ladakhi social institutions given a natural environment characterized by numerous challenges. This research appears to lead to the conclusion that traditionally-living Ladakhis are in a state of well-being and harmonious balance with their environment, as social institutions such as polyandry constrain fertility to keep the population size in check relative to constrained resources. There has been little research on biological adaptation in Ladakh, and the view from biology presents a very different picture of the relationship between Ladakhis and their environment. Data presented here show that the health of reproductive women and infants is compromised by both natural and social factors. Since reproductive health is crucial to the production of future generations, it is argued that mortality plays a major role in constraining population growth in Ladakh, and may be due to the limited biological history that Ladakhis have in this high-altitude region. This may also help us understand Ladakhi patterns in relation to those observed in the Andes.
Capacity of electron-based communication over bacterial cables: The full-CSI case with binary inputs

Motivated by recent discoveries of multi-cellular microbial communities that transfer electrons across centimeter-length scales, this paper studies the information capacity of bacterial cables via electron transfer, which may coexist with the more well-known communication strategies based on molecular diffusion. The bacterial cable is modeled as an electron queue, which transports electrons from the encoder to the decoder located at the two ends of the cable. The encoder controls the desired input electron intensity, whereas the decoder attempts to decode the transmitted message based on the measured output electron process. Clogging of the cable, induced by local ATP saturation and resulting in a loss of electron transport efficiency along the cable, is modeled. The case where both the encoder and the decoder have full causal channel state information (CSI) with binary inputs is studied. A discrete-time version of the system is considered, enabling the computation of an achievable rate for the continuous-time system, based on known results on the capacity of finite-state Markov channels. The regime of asymptotically small time-slot duration is studied, and it is shown that the capacity optimization problem can be recast as a Markov decision process, which enables the use of standard optimization algorithms, e.g., policy iteration, to compute the capacity and the optimal expected desired input electron intensity, which generates the binary signal.
An Interdisciplinary Approach to Teaching Introductory Chemistry to Geology Students

In an effort to design a chemistry curriculum that serves the needs of geoscience majors, we at Washington and Lee have developed a new chemistry course entitled Chemistry of the Earth (Chemistry 110). This course is the first semester of a one-year chemistry requirement. The students then feed into the second course on aqueous chemistry. The course is intended to be a hands-on, geologically focused approach to teaching geologists chemistry. The laboratory uses geological examples of basic chemical principles and is largely field based using local geochemical examples. This team-taught introductory chemistry course also facilitates an interaction among the sciences. Details of the course are intended as a model for other universities undergoing similar curriculum reform or looking for new ways to teach geochemistry.
Modeling transport and fate of riverine dissolved organic carbon in the Arctic Ocean

Received 8 October 2008; revised 5 June 2009; accepted 12 June 2009; published 7 October 2009. [1] The spatial distribution and fate of riverine dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in the Arctic may be significant for the regional carbon cycle but are difficult to fully characterize using the sparse observations alone. Numerical models of the circulation and biogeochemical cycles of the region can help to interpret and extrapolate the data and may ultimately be applied in global change sensitivity studies. Here we develop and explore a regional, three-dimensional model of the Arctic Ocean in which, for the first time, we explicitly represent the sources of riverine DOC with seasonal discharge based on climatological field estimates. Through a suite of numerical experiments, we explore the distribution of DOC-like tracers with realistic riverine sources and a simple linear decay to represent remineralization through microbial degradation. The model reproduces the slope of the DOC-salinity relationship observed in the eastern and western Arctic basins when the DOC tracer lifetime is about 10 years, consistent with published inferences from field data. The new empirical parameterization of riverine DOC and the regional circulation and biogeochemical model provide new tools for application in both regional and global change studies.
A Comparison of Temperate-climate Strawberry Production Systems Using Eastern Genotypes

Anticipating the phaseout of methyl bromide, the USDA–ARS small fruit breeding program at Beltsville, Md., discontinued soil fumigation in strawberry breeding and selection trials in the mid 1990s. To address resulting weed and pathogen pests, a modified or advanced matted row system was developed. This system uses matted row-type culture, established on raised beds with subsurface drip irrigation and organic mulch. The mulch is the residue of a killed cover crop that fixes some nitrogen and provides an economical, biodegradable mulch for suppressing weeds and reducing erosion. Since 1996, the small fruit breeding program has conducted replicated performance trials on both advanced matted row and a regional adaptation of annual hill plasticulture. Both of these systems were managed without methyl bromide fumigation or fungicide application. Data from these trials were used to compare advanced matted row and plasticulture for yield, fruit quality and harvest season. Yield for the two systems was genotype dependent, and the advanced matted row system had later production and slightly lower fruit quality.
Primary Leptomeningeal Glioma Mimicking an Acoustic Neuroma: Case Report with Review of the Literature

Primary leptomeningeal gliomas are rare. Historically, they have been found in the spinal canal more frequently; however, in the recent literature nearly all have been found within the cranium. In the only cadaveric study of leptomeningeal glial nests, the most frequent site was the medulla and pons. Until now, no leptomeningeal glioma has been found at this site. We report what we believe to be the first such case mimicking an acoustic neuroma.
Modeling Differential Diffusion Effects in Turbulent Nonreacting/Reacting Jets with Stochastic Mixing Models

An approach for modeling differential diffusion effects in turbulent nonreacting and reacting jets with stochastic mixing models is proposed. This approach has been applied to the modified Curl's mixing model and the Interaction-by-Exchange-with-the-Mean (IEM) mixing model used in the joint scalar Probability Density Function (PDF) approach. For comparison, a more elaborate mixing model based on the Linear-Eddy Model (LEM) has been incorporated into the PDF approach. Numerical results are assessed by comparisons with experimental data by Smith et al. (1995a, b) with a fuel mixture or 36%H2 and 64%CO2 and the data by Meier et al. (1996b) with a fuel mixture of 50%H2 and 50%N2. The predicted and measured differential diffusion effects arc examined extensively with reference to computed laminar opposed flow flames. For nonreacting jets, the numerical results and data agree reasonably well. However, less agreement is found in the numerical results and the jet flame data obtained by Smith et al. (1995b). For t...
Inconsistent behavior in lottery choice experiments

College students made choices in binary lottery situations involving small amounts of money—payoffs ranged from $2.50 to —$1.00. Each of 52 subjects made 150 choices. Any of a number of choice models might be used to describe the outcome of such an experiment. However, no simple model (based on expected utility maximization) is capable of explaining all choices (of a particular subject)—there are always some inconsistent choices. The experiment was designed to isolate factors affecting inconsistency. Such research is aimed at improving the predictive ability of choice models by reducing the stochastic error. A choice model based on expected utility maximization was developed. The model was designed to maximize the internal consistency of each subject's choices. In all cases, some choices were found to be inconsistent with the model. Grouping the data in various ways, four factors hypothesized to affect inconsistency were tested: difference in dispersion of the payoffs, signs of the payoffs, order of the choice situation, and small changes in wealth. Applying classical statistical techniques, inconsistency was found to be related to the first three of these factors. Some implications of these results for expected utility models of choice are presented.
Patient Factors Are Associated With Poor Short-term Outcomes After Posterior Fusion for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Background Posterior spinal fusion (PSF) is commonly performed for patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Identifying factors associated with perioperative morbidity and PSF may lead to strategies for reducing the frequency of adverse events (AEs) in patients and total hospital costs.
■ Review : The Mauthner Cell: What Has it Taught us?

The Mauthner cell (M-cell) is one of the few identifiable neurons in the vertebrate central nervous system. The ability to locate the M-cell, along with its inputs and outputs, has resulted in important findings in diverse areas of neurobiology including the molecular biology of neurons, synaptic and systems physiology, behavior, development, and neuroethology. The review provides a brief overview of the M-cell and then focuses on recent studies applying state-of-the-art techniques to address new issues and revisit old ones. One advantage of this preparation is the ability to conduct multidisciplinary studies from the subcellular to behavioral levels. For example, studies of activity-dependent changes in the strength of mixed electrotonic and chemical synapses on the M-cell's lateral dendrite in vivo have been correlated with changes in the probability of eliciting a fast startle response initiated by the M-cell and its associated circuits. Similarly, it is now possible to image the activity of the M-cell...
Efficiency of influence diagram models with continuous decision variables

A measure of efficiency for influence diagram models with continuous decision variables is presented in order to evaluate whether the additional computational complexity required by a more accurate model is justified. The efficiency measure is a multi-objective utility function that considers both the accuracy and complexity of the ID model. Accuracy is determined as the mean squared error between influence diagram decision rules and an analytical solution. Complexity is assessed by tracking the run time required to obtain the solution. The resulting efficiency score considers the preferences of an individual decision maker for accuracy and complexity. Three influence diagram models are compared using the efficiency measurement, and an iterative solution procedure is introduced to improve model performance.
Resilience-as-process: negative affect, stress, and coupled dynamical systems.

Resilience is often considered both a trait and a process. The current study proposes a new way to conceptualize resilience-as-process based on dynamical systems modeling, which allows researchers to capture the process of stress management in real time. Coupled damped linear oscillator models succinctly describe daily stress and negative affect in terms of developmental forces (e.g., velocity, acceleration). Models were fit to 56-day daily response data from 42 aging adults (M age = 78.8 years; SD age = 6.6 years) to observe and understand linkages between daily stress and affect. It was speculated that individuals with greater resilience would experience stress as less coupled to changes in negative affect (less stress reactivity), and would recover their affective equilibrium more quickly following a given exogenous stressor (greater stress recovery). To identify resilience resources related to reliable interindividual differences in coupling and damping between stress and negative affect, we examined possible protective factors. Aspects of personality and social support predicted both the strength and nature of this coupling, such that higher levels of these resources resulted in greater protection from the cost to negative affect from stress, as observed in damping of negative affect and decreased coupling between systems.