cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
School finance and the condition of schools

Asbestos Since the 1980s, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ordered government and Allan C. Ornstein is professor of education at Loyola University. commercial property owners to clean up asbestosladen buildings that have been housing people at work and in school for the last 25 to 50 years. Estimated costs to clean up these buildings are hard to come by, although one estimate was $100 billion for government and commercial buildings and $3.1 billion for some 45,000 schools in 31,000 school districts (Richman, 1988). Another nationwide study puts the estimate at $1.2 billion or at $22,858 per school and $31 per student. In 1990 the cost exceeded $150 per student in 10 percent of the schools, and the Oklahoma City School District had the greatest expenditures or dubious distinction of having a $65 million bill and $1,688 cost per student (Ornstein & Cienkus, 1990). These costs are based on an estimate of $15 to $20 a linear square foot to remove asbestos, depending on whether this once acclaimed "wonder fiber" is located in the ceilings, walls, floors, or basements. Some 15 to 20 million children and 1.5 million
Post-learning hippocampal dynamics promote preferential retention of rewarding events

Reward motivation is known to modulate memory encoding, and this effect depends on interactions between the substantia nigra/ventral tegmental area complex (SN/VTA) and the hippocampus. It is unknown, however, whether these interactions influence offline neural activity in the human brain that is thought to promote memory consolidation. Here we used fMRI to test the effect of reward motivation on post-learning neural dynamics and subsequent memory for objects that were learned in high- and low-reward motivation contexts. We found that post-learning increases in resting-state functional connectivity between the SN/VTA and hippocampus predicted preferential retention of objects that were learned in high-reward contexts. In addition, multivariate pattern classification revealed that hippocampal representations of high-reward contexts were preferentially reactivated during post-learning rest, and the number of hippocampal reactivations was predictive of preferential retention of items learned in high-reward contexts. These findings indicate that reward motivation alters offline post-learning dynamics between the SN/VTA and hippocampus, providing novel evidence for a potential mechanism by which reward could influence memory consolidation.
Problems in consultation work.

The incidence of misunderstandings appears to be much higher in consultation work than in other doctor- patient and doctor-doctor relationships. Difficulties arise because of uncertainty and confusion concerning the roles of the persons involved. This uncertainty creates anxiety, which in turn results in peculiar behavioral patterns. Initial clarification of each participant's role in consultation would improve this situation.
Inhibition of fly head acetylcholinesterase by bis-[(m-hydroxyphenyl)trimethylammonium iodide] esters of polymethylenedicarbamic acids

A series of bis-[(m-hydroxyphenyl)trimethylammonium iodide] esters of polymethylenedicarbamic acids and a number of (m-hydroxyphenyl)trimethylammonium iodide esters of straight-chain N-alkylcarbamic acids have been examined as inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase from fly head. Evidence is presented suggesting that inhibition of acetylcholinesterase by the bis-carbamates is due to carbamoylation of the enzyme, as is generally thought to be the case with esters of N-alkylcarbamic acids. Inhibition is irreversible. The (m-hydroxyphenyl)trimethylammonium iodide ester of N-hexylcarbamic acid also inhibits fly head acetylcholinesterase irreversibly. There is therefore no need to implicate a second functional group in bis-carbamate esters to explain the irreversible inhibition of the enzyme. An unusual feature of the inhibition is that inhibition lines do not pass through 100% enzyme activity at t=0, except for rather low concentrations of inhibitor (<10mum for the octamethylene compound). Also, inhibition lines tend towards a maximum slope as inhibitor concentration is increased. The first observation indicates complex-formation, even in the presence of high concentrations of substrate, and by using measurements of inhibition at relatively high inhibitor concentrations, affinity constants K'(a) have been calculated. K'(a) varies from 0.1mum for the dodecamethylene compound to 10mum for the tetramethylene compound, in the presence of 3.75mm-acetylthiocholine, indicating high affinity for the enzyme. The second observation shows that, owing to this high affinity, the enzyme becomes saturated with inhibitor under the experimental conditions employed, and from the limiting slope values of the carbamoylation rate constant (k(2)) have been calculated. k(2) varies from 0.15min(-1) for the tetramethylene compound to 1min(-1) for the decamethylene compound. Variations of potency in this series are therefore mainly due to changes in affinity (100-fold) rather than in carbamoylation rate (sevenfold). The observation that large molecules may acylate the enzyme raises certain problems, which are discussed.
Gravitropisms and reaction woods of forest trees - evolution, functions and mechanisms

Contents 790 I. 790 II. 792 III. 795 IV. 797 V. 798 VI. 800 VII. 800 800 References 800 SUMMARY: The woody stems of trees perceive gravity to determine their orientation, and can produce reaction woods to reinforce or change their position. Together, graviperception and reaction woods play fundamental roles in tree architecture, posture control, and reorientation of stems displaced by wind or other environmental forces. Angiosperms and gymnosperms have evolved strikingly different types of reaction wood. Tension wood of angiosperms creates strong tensile force to pull stems upward, while compression wood of gymnosperms creates compressive force to push stems upward. In this review, the general features and evolution of tension wood and compression wood are presented, along with descriptions of how gravitropisms and reaction woods contribute to the survival and morphology of trees. An overview is presented of the molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying graviperception, initial graviresponse and the regulation of tension wood development in the model angiosperm, Populus. Critical research questions and new approaches are discussed.
The relationship of intracranial hemorrhage to platelet parameters and the polymorphism of platelet membrane glycoprotein GPIbαHPA-2 in preterm infants

Objective To study the relationship between peripheral blood platelet parameters and intracranial hemorrhage(ICH) in prematures and analyze the platelet's genetic polymorphism.To explain the changes of parameters with genetic knowledge.Methods Preterm infants(34 weeks) and extremely low birth weight infants(1 500 g) who were hospitalized within 24 hours after birth in the NICU of the Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical College from May 2005 to May 2007 were enrolled in the study,and those infants were excluded who were diagnosed as congenital malformation,congenital metabolism disorder and severe coagulation disturbance.They were divided into ICH and non-ICH groups according to the result of ultrasonic examination assessed by radiologists independently.The polymorphism of the platelet glycoprotein GPIbαHPA-2 alleles was determined in 58 preterm infants with ICH and 65 control infants without ICH.Results ①Compared with the non-ICH group,preterm infants with ICH had a significantly lower platelet count [(172.20±75.81)×109·L-1 vs(230.92±86.50)×109·L-1],higher mean platelet volume [(8.39±1.23) fl vs(8.07±1.46) fl],lower volume ration [(0.135±0.08)% vs(0.188±0.06)%],and higher platelet distribution width [(17.6±1.04)% vs(17.3±1.08)%].②The prevalence rates of the platelet glycoprotein GPIbαHPA-2 were 77.6% of TT,17.2% of TM,and 5.2% of MM in ICH group;and those were 89.2% of TT,10.8% of TM,0 of MM in non-ICH group.Frequency of M was 13.8% in ICH group versus 5.4% in non-ICH group.There were significant differences in frequency of TM,MM and M between these two groups.Conclusions ①In preterm infants,the platelet indexes were abnormal.②The relationship between the polymorphism of the alleles of the platelet glycoprotein GPIbαHPA-2 and ICH needs more studies.③The polymorphism of the platelet glycoprotein GPIbαHPA-2 alleles may be not related to the severity of ICH.
Cited rationale for variance in the use of primary intraperitoneal chemotherapy following optimal cytoreduction for stage III ovarian carcinoma at a high intraperitoneal chemotherapy utilization center

Objective Studies have demonstrated improved ovarian cancer survival with the administration of a combination of intravenous (IV) and intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy following optimal cytoreduction. Despite this, IV/IP chemotherapy is not uniformly used. In this retrospective cohort study, we assessed the documented reasons for giving IV-only chemotherapy.
Num1 anchors mitochondria to the plasma membrane via two domains with different lipid binding specificities

The mitochondria–ER cortex anchor (MECA) is required for proper mitochondrial distribution and functions by tethering mitochondria to the plasma membrane. The core component of MECA is the multidomain protein Num1, which assembles into clusters at the cell cortex. We show Num1 adopts an extended, polarized conformation. Its N-terminal coiled-coil domain (Num1CC) is proximal to mitochondria, and the C-terminal pleckstrin homology domain is associated with the plasma membrane. We find that Num1CC interacts directly with phospholipid membranes and displays a strong preference for the mitochondria-specific phospholipid cardiolipin. This direct membrane interaction is critical for MECA function. Thus, mitochondrial anchoring is mediated by a protein that interacts directly with two different membranes through lipid-specific binding domains, suggesting a general mechanism for interorganelle tethering.
Chronic low-back pain the "low-back loser".

Several common signs identify the “low-back loser.” The physician who is able to recognize this type of patient can foresee typical potential problems and often can help the patient to a more satisfying life.
A mathematical analysis of world cup advertisements

Qualitative content analysis is the most common method to compare advertisements cross-culturally or cross-generationally. However, quantitative methods, such as chi-square or Fisher tests, can also be used. In this paper, we introduce results for Fisher tests, seriation and single-value decomposition that prove useful in determining similarities and differences in cultural appeals in advertising.
Steric and Stereochemical Modulation in Pyridyl- and Quinolyl-Containing Ligands

Nitrogen-containing pyridine and quinoline are outstanding platforms on which excellent ionophores and sensors for metal ions can be built. Steric and stereochemical effects can be used to modulate the affinity and selectivity of such ligands toward different metal ions on the coordination chemistry front. On the signal transduction front, such effects can also be used to modulate optical responses of these ligands in metal sensing systems. In this review, steric modulation of achiral ligands and stereochemical modulation in chiral ligands, especially ionophores and sensors for zinc, copper, silver, and mercury, are examined using published structural and spectral data. Although it might be more challenging to construct chiral ligands than achiral ones, isotropic and anisotropic absorption signals from a single chiroptical fluorescent sensor provide not only detection but also differentiation of multiple analytes with high selectivity.
Comparative fire behavior of composite girders under flexural and shear loading

Abstract This paper presents results from an experimental study on the fire behavior of composite steel girders subjected to high shear loading. Four steel–concrete composite girders, comprising of steel girders and concrete slab, were tested under simultaneous structural loading and fire exposure. The first composite girder was subjected to typical flexural loading and fire conditions, while the other three girders were subjected to high shear loading and exposed to fire conditions. The main test variables are level of composite action, type and magnitude of loading. All tested girders failed in less than one hour of fire exposure, however, their failure mode varied significantly. For instance, composite girder subjected to flexural loading failed through flexural yielding of steel girder with large rotation at end supports, while girders subjected to high shear loading failed with no signs of large deflections or rotations at end supports.
Multiculturalism in libraries: Du Mont, Rosemary, Buttlar, Lois, & Caynon, William. Westport CT: Greenwood Press, 1994. 256 pp. $55.00 (ISBN 0-313-28418-0)

Abstract LISR considers for review reference works, dissertations, research methods texts, computer software, and professional literature covering the research process and applications of research. Views expressed are those of the reviewers and do not necessarily reflect views of the Editorial Board or publisher. Anyone wishing to write reviews or suggest titles should contact Debora Shaw at the School of Library and Information Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405 〈shawd@ indiana.edu or shawd@iubacs.bitnet〉. Publishers, likewise, are requested to forward announcements of new and forthcoming titles that may interest LISR readers.
Examining PhD Student Interest in Teaching: An Analysis of 19 Years of Historical Data (Abstract Only)

In an increasingly computer-driven world, it is no surprise that undergraduate interest in computer science has grown enormously over the years. To meet this growing demand, it is vital to ensure there is a growing supply of talented and passionate CS educators. However, most computer science professors must first earn a PhD at a research university. Therefore, we seek to understand whether these institutions are meeting the growing need for passionate and highly-trained computer science educators. Specifically, we analyze 19 years of historical data gathered from the University of Washington Computer Science & Engineering department. Although focusing on graduates from a single school is a limitation, University of Washington is somewhat unique in that it publicly posts graduating PhD students' preferences online, and UW has had numerous notable graduates pursue careers in teaching, research, and industry. Our analysis of 309 graduating students reveals that the number of graduating students interested in teaching is alarmingly small, and has not grown over time to meet the increased need for quality educators. Our more detailed analysis of the change in interest over time suggests several potential reasons for this phenomenon. We hope that this poster opens dialogue surrounding possible interventions that might alleviate this issue.
Utilizing Model-Based Communication and Control for Cooperative Automated Vehicle Applications

Connected vehicle applications rely on wireless communication for achieving real-time situational awareness and enabling automated actions or driver warnings. Given the constraints of the communication systems, it is critical to employ communication strategies and approaches that allow robust situational awareness. In this work, we utilize the recently introduced concept of model-based communication and design a new strategy based on small- and large-scale modeling of vehicle movement dynamics. Our approach is to describe the small-scale structure of the remote vehicle movement (e.g., braking, accelerating) by a set of dynamic models (ARX models) and represent the large-scale structure (e.g., free following, turning) by coupling these ARX models together into a Markov chain. The effect of this design is investigated for the case of cooperative adaptive cruise control application. Assuming model-based communication approach is used with the coupled model, a novel stochastic model predictive method is proposed to achieve cruise control goals. We use actual highway driving maneuvers to compare the proposed methodology with the conventional design of cooperative adaptive cruise control.
What did Unions do? The Case of Illinois Coal Mining in the 1880s

This study asks what unions did for Illinois coal miners in the 1880s. It measures the outcomes provided by a traditional union and the Knights of Labor, primarily via difference-in-differences applied to a panel of coal mining counties in Illinois. Neither the traditional union nor the Knights of Labor was able to raise wages, provide benefits, or reduce hours per workday. The traditional union reduced days of work per year. Circumstantial evidence suggests the unions were able to ensure prompt payment of wages due.
Alexandria: a learning resources management architecture

The original library at Alexandria was the repository for all the accumulated knowledge and wisdom of the ancient world. Founded by Ptolemy I in the third century B.C., Alexandria represented the ultimate resource for scholars of its day.
Palaeontology: Plenty of fish in the tree.

Polypterid fish were considered to be archaic outliers of the bony-fish grouping. Fossil analysis now places them at the heart of early ray-finned fishes, a radical change that transforms the timing of their evolution. See Letter p.265 The bichirs (Polypterus), also known as ropefish, are a relic group of very primitive fishes now confined to freshwater habitats in Africa. With their combination of lobe fins, lungs and thick scales, bichirs have been allied with Devonian lobefins and even amphibians, but it is now generally accepted that they are the living sister group of all other ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii). However, their fossil record is suspiciously meagre for such a well-armoured fish. It goes back to only the Cretaceous, leaving a very long ghost lineage back to the Devonian, when crown actinopterygians are thought to have evolved. Some have compared bichirs with scanilepiforms, a group of primitive actinopterygians from the Triassic, but the resemblances have been superficial. Now a computed tomography (CT) scan of one of these scanilepiforms, Fukangichthys, and comparisons with related forms, shows that bichirs do indeed belong to this group. A revised actinopterygian phylogeny bumps the origins of bichirs upwards from the Devonian to the Triassic, with the implication that crown actinopterygians also evolved later, in the Carboniferous rather than the Devonian.
Proof Without Words: On Sums of Squares and Triangles

Remarks. If the diagram above is extended to contain the odd squares too, then it becomes clear that ∑nk = 1k2 = ∑k = 1nTk + ∑n − 1k = 1Tk, which can also be derived from the results given in eithe...
Numerical surface-corrected nonlocal electrodynamic model for nanophotonic structures

Recent work has shown the significance of a nonlocal dielectric response and surface correction for nanometer-length-scale plasmonic structures. In this paper, we propose a new surface hydrodynamic model which incorporates such nonlocality and surface correction. Our approach, which is based on the hydrodynamic model, uses a numerical approach based on full-wave numerical computation and thus enables calculation of surface plasmon polariton (SPP) fields. The model also introduces a discontinuity in the normal component of the electric displacement at the interface by taking into account the change in the electron distribution at the interface. The method makes use of the Feibelman d parameter approach for the surface correction by equating the corrected Fresnel reflection of a p-polarized incident field across a planar interface. To demonstrate our method, we first examine numerical calculation of SPP propagation at a single interface structure; this work is then followed by a demonstration for a set of more complex thin-film structures. The latter demonstrates that our method is suitable for use in numerical modeling of complex nanophotonic structures.
57 – Sexual Differentiation of Mammalian Olfactory Communication

A consensus is emerging that both the accessory and main olfactory systems (only the main olfactory in Old World primates) mediate the effects of pheromones on social interaction in mammalian species. We review evidence showing that morphological and functional sex differences occur at each level of the accessory olfactory system, beginning with the vomeronasal organ and extending to the subdivisions of the medial amygdala and hypothalamus that receive inputs from the vomeronasal organ-accessory olfactory bulb. We argue that the best-available evidence suggests that in both sexes accessory olfactory inputs control subjects' motivation to approach opposite-sex pheromones, whereas sex discrimination, like individual recognition, depends on the processing of pheromones by the main olfactory system. Whereas there is little evidence of morphological sexual dimorphism in the main olfactory system, there is evidence that the function of this system in detecting and processing pheromones is sexually differentiated in numerous mammalian species including man. Finally, evidence is reviewed suggesting that in mice the main olfactory system provides inputs to the accessory olfactory bulb – accessory olfactory system that respond selectively to opposite-sex pheromonal cues.
Naming in Animals, with Reference to Playing

In 1975, I published the first version of an article (later in Sebeok 1976, Chapter 8), in which I discussed the classification of six categories of signs (or, more accurately, of aspects of them), including a type I called name, and mentioned casually that in well organized vertebrate societies—such as are found among birds and especially mammals—individual members tend to bear a singular proper name (SPN), marking each carrier animal as unique, and that the establishment of this kind of social organization presupposes, among other techniques of mutual cooperation in adults, “play” (Sebeok 1976:139). Next year, there appeared a fascinating and amply circumstantiated study by Hediger, on “Proper Names in the Animal Kingdom,” in which the great animal psychologist remarked that “The word proper name (propri nomi) for animals was probably first used by Sebeok” (1976:1360). In his chapter, “Auch Tiere haben Eigennamen,” Hediger (1980:70) repeats: “Der erste Autor, der in Zusammenhang mit Tieren nicht nur von Namen, sondern regelrecht von Eigennamen (propri nomi) spricht, ist meines wissens Thomas A. Sebeok “[The first author who regularly speaks, in connection with animals, not only of names but of proper names (propri nomi), is, to my knowledge, Thomas A. Sebeok.] If true, I find the attribution a bit surprising, since the extension of this particular mode of signifying, i.e., naming, to speechless creatures of certain classes, would seem to necessarily postulate the use of appropriate supportive and steadily reinforcing signs, viz., manifest labels that make unambiguously explicit and quickly obvious the precise hierarchical location occupied by every separate animal in the complex but intimate cat’s-cradle arrangement, or communication network, where it chances to belong.
Consequences of missense mutations in Yersinia pestis: efficient flow of metabolic carbon versus virulence.

Emergence of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis from Yersinia enterocolitica required about 50 million years even though both species remain robust enteropathogens capable of long-term persistence in nature. In contrast, only 20,000 years was required for Y. pseudotuberculosis to diverge into Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of bubonic plague. This brief evolutionary process entailed lateral acquisition of new virulence determinants that mediate flea-borne transmission of the most acute systemic bacterial disease known to man as well as loss of enzymes necessary for endurance in natural environments. As a consequence, numerous metabolic processes of Y. pestis are now inefficient during growth in vitro although they are obviously unimportant if not even beneficial during residence in vivo. These lesions include nutritional requirements, bioenergetics issues, regulatory parameters, and inner membrane integrity. This review addresses the question of whether or not the defects arose by random mutational loss or positive selection. Many of these events, especially those caused by missense mutations, are readily reversible thus raising the specter of an emerging variant capable of both causing plague and prolonged survival in soil and water.
Immunotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer: from clinical trials to real-world practice

The introduction of immunotherapy in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has resulted in a new era of treatment options that have substantially improved efficacy and tolerability when compared to chemotherapy. Since 2015, many immunotherapeutic agents have been approved for the in advanced NSCLC. Treatment of nivolumab, pembrolizumab, and atezolizumab are all approved in the second line setting. Pembrolizumab is also approved in the first line setting, both as monotherapy and in combination with chemotherapy. Durvalumab is now approved after concurrent chemoradiation for stage III lung cancer. A large number of ongoing clinical trials are investigating the use of checkpoint inhibitors in combination with other treatments in both NSCLC and small cell lung cancer.
A Systems Model of Dyadic Nonverbal Interaction

This article discusses a new systems model of dyadic nonverbal interaction. The model builds on earlier theories by integrating partners’ parallel sending and receiving nonverbal processes into a broader, dynamic ecological system. It does so in two ways. First, it moves the level of description beyond the individual level to the coordination of both partners’ contributions to the interaction. Second, it recognizes that the relationships between (a) individuals’ characteristics and processes and (b) the social ecology of the interaction setting are reciprocal and best analyzed at the systems level. Thus, the systems model attempts to describe and explain the dynamic interplay among individual, dyadic, and environmental processes in nonverbal interactions. The potential utility and the limitations of the systems model are discussed and the implications for future research considered. Although the systems model is focused explicitly on face-to-face nonverbal communication, it has considerable relevance for digital communication. Specifically, this model provides a useful framework for examining the social effects of mobile device use and as a template for studying human–robot interactions.
Nanomechanical Disk Resonator-on-Membrane with Pico-Meter Deflection Resolution

This paper reports on fabrication of nano mechanical disk resonators on micro-thick membranes and characterization of their resonance frequency shift due to air-pressure induced membrane deflection. Finite element analysis (FEM) has been used to show the estimate deflection at the center of the membrane. For the $20\mu \mathbf{m}$ thick, 2mm diameter membrane in this work, 1mPa of pressure change corresponds to 2pm of deflection (shear stress of 12Pa at the center of the membrane). Measurements show highest resonator sensitivity of 0.5Hz per pico-meter of deflection at the membrane center. In addition, it is shown that as the dimension of disks decreases from $20\mu \mathbf{m}$ to $5\mu \mathbf{m}$ , the resonator sensitivity increases by about 8 times.
Justification Logic

Justification Logic offers a new approach to a theory of knowledge, belief, and evidence, which possesses the potential to have significant impact on applications. The celebrated account of knowledge as justified true belief , which is attributed to Plato, has long been a focus of epistemic studies (cf. [10,15,18,26,30,32] and many others).
Optogenetic assessment of VIP, PV, SOM and NOS inhibitory neuron activity and cerebral blood flow regulation in mouse somato-sensory cortex:

The impact of different neuronal populations on local cerebral blood flow (CBF) regulation is not well known and insight into these relationships could enhance the interpretation of brain function ...
Do You Know Why I Stopped You: The Future of Traffic Stops in a Post-Heien World Note

This Comment analyzes the Supreme Court's recent decision in Heien v. North Carolina in light of the current events in Ferguson, MO and Staten Island, NY. It suggests that the expansion of police discretion with respect to traffic stops will disproportionately affect minorities and thereby further add to the civil unrest due to racial disparity in treatment by the police.
Regression When Each of Two Variables Is Dependent Some of the Time

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the problem of estimating the coefficients in a linear equation from a sample of T observations, when it is known that in a certain subset of the observations, one of the variables, denoted by y, is dependent in the classical sense, and in the remaining subset of the observations, another of the variables, denoted by x, is dependent instead. This situation can arise when a policymaker is confronted with a linear relationship among several variables and all but two of these variables are predetermined by some process that does not involve the linear equation; they may be under or outside the control of the policymaker. As to the remaining pair of variables, y and x, the policymaker either arbitrarily sets the value of x whereupon the linear relationship determines the value of y, or arbitrarily sets the value of y whereupon the linear relationship determines the value of x.
Spacetenna Flatness and Error Correction

Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) from space-to-earth at a large scale will not be possible until the Side Lobe Levels (SLL) are reduced many orders of magnitude from the current technology available today. To accomplish this, careful design of the transmitting antenna (spacetenna) is imperative. Any module failures or errors in connectivity, including askew angles between adjacent sandwich modules, reduce the effectiveness of the antenna design and thereby increase SLL. This work examines two interrelated issues; error detection and repair, and spacetenna flatness correction. Multiple different designs of sandwich module mechanical connections, wiring, and control are examined. The results of the analysis and best options are presented in order to facilitate for ultra-low SLL for use in Space Solar Power for the benefit of humanity and the environment.
Elephant Trunk Procedures

Major advances in aortic arch surgery have generally occurred through refinement of technique. The elephant trunk is a concept originally devised by Borst. This involves leaving a piece of tube graft floating in the descending aorta while repairing the ascending aorta and aortic arch. Over time, the concept was expanded to include inverting the graft within itself. The elephant trunk procedure has proven to be reliably successful and become the mainstay of treatment in aortic arch disease. Despite this relatively simple algorithm, the inconsistent and variable anatomy of the aortic arch and its neighboring aorta, coupled with brain protection issues, result in surgery being highly complex and challenging. Successful management of aortic arch disease requires appropriate patient selection, preoperative assessment, and tailoring the treatment for the individual patient with close posttreatment surveillance. Globally, endovascular modalities are also leveraged to expand the therapeutic window of the elephant trunk procedure. The inherent advantages of endovascular therapies are especially appealing when treating patients unable to tolerate conventional surgery. Significant progress has been made in both open and interventional treatment for aortic arch disease. If the elephant trunk procedure is undertaken, consideration of aortic arch principles, understanding brain protection, and the limitations of available surgical corridors is essential. This chapter focuses on the techniques of the elephant trunk in terms of the unique fundamentals and describes a contemporary approach to the management of patients with complex aortic arch pathology.
Sequential estimation of steady-state quantiles: some new developments in methods and software

Recent developments are summarized concerning Sequest and Sequem, sequential procedures for estimating nonextreme and extreme steady-state quantiles of a simulation output process. The procedures deliver point and confidence-interval (CI) estimators of a given quantile, where each CI approximately satisfies given requirements on its coverage probability and its absolute or relative precision. The public-domain Sequest software now includes both procedures. The software is applied to a user-supplied dataset exhibiting warm-up effects, autocorrelation, and a multimodal marginal distribution. For the simulation analysis method of standardized time series (STS), we also sketch an elementary proof of a functional central limit theorem (FCLT) that is needed to develop STS-based quantile-estimation procedures when the output process satisfies a conventional density-regularity condition and either (i) a geometric-moment contraction condition and an FCLT for a related binary process, or (ii) conventional strong-mixing conditions.
Temporal Factors Associated With Opioid Prescriptions for Patients With Pain Conditions in an Urban Emergency Department.

Importance Opioid prescriptions for treatment of pain in emergency departments (EDs) are associated with long-term opioid use. The temporal pattern of opioid prescribing in the context of the opioid epidemic remains unknown. Objective To examine the temporal pattern of opioid prescribing within an ED for varying pain conditions between 2009 and 2018. Design, Setting, and Participants A population-based, cross-sectional study was conducted at the ED of an urban academic medical center. All patients treated within that ED between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2018, were included. Main Outcomes and Measures The proportion of patients prescribed an opioid for treatment of pain in the ED temporally by condition, condition type, patient demographics, and physician prescriber. Results Between 2009 and 2018, 556 176 patient encounters took place in the ED, with 70 218 unique opioid prescriptions ordered. A total of 316 632 patients (55.9%) were female, 45 070 (42.6%) were of white race, and 43 412 (40.6%) were privately insured; the median age group was 41 to 45 years. Yearly opioid prescriptions decreased by 66.3% (from 16.3 to 5.5 opioids per 100 encounters) between 2013 and 2018, with a yearly adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 0.808 (95% CI, 0.802-0.814) compared with the prior year. In patients with musculoskeletal pain (back, joint, limb, and neck pain), opioid prescribing decreased by 71.1% (from 36.7 to 10.6 opioids per 100 encounters between 2013 and 2018; aOR, 0.758; 95% CI, 0.744-0.773). In patients with musculoskeletal trauma (fracture, sprain, contusion, and injury), opioid prescribing decreased by 58.0% (from 34.2 to 14.8 opioids per 100 encounters; aOR, 0.811; 95% CI, 0.797-0.824). In patients with nonmusculoskeletal pain (abdominal pain, kidney stone, respiratory distress, and pharyngitis) opioid prescribing decreased by 53.7% (from 20.1 to 9.3 opioids per 100 encounters; aOR, 0.850; 95% CI, 0.834-0.868). Between 2009 and 2018, patients who were black (aOR, 0.760; 95% CI, 0.741-0.779) and those who were Asian (aOR, 0.714; 95% CI, 0.665-0.764) had the lowest odds of receiving an opioid compared with other racial/ethnic groups. Conclusions and Relevance There was a substantial temporal decrease in the number of opioid prescriptions within this ED during the study period. This decrease was associated with substantial relative reductions in opioid prescribing for treatment of musculoskeletal pain compared with fractures and kidney stones.
Gait biofeedback and impairment-based rehabilitation for chronic ankle instability.

Our purpose was to analyze the effects of 4 weeks of visual gait biofeedback (GBF) and impairment-based rehabilitation on gait biomechanics and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI). Twenty-seven individuals with CAI participated in this randomized controlled trial (14 received no biofeedback (NBF), 13 received GBF). Both groups received 8 sessions of impairment-based rehabilitation. The GBF group received visual biofeedback to reduce ankle frontal plane angle at initial contact (IC) during treadmill walking. The NBF group walked for equal time during rehabilitation but without biofeedback. Dependent variables included three-dimensional kinematics and kinetics at the ankle, knee, and hip, electromyography amplitudes of 4 lower extremity muscles (tibialis anterior, fibularis longus, medial gastrocnemius, and gluteus medius), and PROs (Foot and Ankle Ability Measure Activities of Daily Living (FAAM-ADL), FAAM-Sport, Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK), and Global Rating of Change (GROC)). The GBF group significantly decreased ankle inversion at IC (MD:-7.3o, g = 1.6) and throughout the entire stride cycle (peak inversion: MD:-5.9o, g = 1.2). The NBF group did not have significantly altered gait biomechanics. The groups were significantly different after rehabilitation for the FAAM-ADL (GBF: 97.1 ± 2.3%, NBF: 92.0 ± 5.7%), TSK (GBF: 29.7 ± 3.7, NBF: 34.9 ± 5.8), and GROC (GBF: 5.5 ± 1.0, NBF:3.9 ± 2.0) with the GBF group showing greater improvements than the NBF group. There were no significant differences between groups for kinetics or electromyography measures. The GBF group successfully decreased ankle inversion angle and had greater improvements in PROs after intervention compared to the NBF group. Impairment-based rehabilitation combined with visual biofeedback during gait training is recommended for individuals with CAI.
Lead Macrodislodgement of a Subcutaneous Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Results in a Reel Problem.

Abstract Lead macrodislodgement is a rare complication of cardiac implantable electronic devices associated with patient-related risk factors. This paper outlines a case of reel syndrome secondary to device manipulation 3 months after subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation and describes the challenges with lead macrodislodgement diagnosis, mechanisms, and management. (Level of Difficulty: Beginner.)
Open port sampling interface mass spectrometry of wipe-based explosives, oxidizers, and narcotics for trace contraband detection.

Rapid screening for chemical traces of explosives and narcotics is widely used to support homeland security and law enforcement. These target compounds span a range of physicochemical properties from organic to inorganic, with preferential ionization pathways in both negative and positive mode operation. Nonvolatile inorganic oxidizers present in homemade fuel-oxidizer mixtures, pyrotechnics, and propellants create a unique challenge to traditional thermal desorption-based technologies. Developments in solid–liquid extraction techniques, specifically, open port sampling interface mass spectrometry (OPSI-MS) provide compelling capabilities to address these hurdles. In this proof of concept study, we investigated the trace detection of wipe-based (i.e., common swipe sampling collection method) explosives, oxidizers, and narcotics using an OPSI source and compact single quadrupole mass analyzer. The liquid dissolution and extraction capabilities of OPSI enabled detection of both traditional military-grade explosives and homemade explosive oxidizers. OPSI-MS sensitivities to a series of seven target compounds from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coated fiberglass sampling wipes were on the order of several nanograms to sub-nanogram levels. Comparisons with direct solution-based sample analysis enabled quantification of wipe-based sample extraction effects. The system demonstrated quick temporal responses, polarity switching capabilities, and rapid signal decay with minimal carryover, all critical to high throughput screening applications. Coupling traditional swipe sampling with OPSI-MS offers a promising tool for contraband screening applications.
Improving Outcome Predictions for Patients Receiving Mechanical Circulatory Support by Optimizing Imputation of Missing Values

Background: Risk prediction models play an important role in clinical decision making. When developing risk prediction models, practitioners often impute missing values to the mean. We evaluated th...
Loquacious-PD regulates the terminus-dependent molecular recognition of Dicer-2 toward double-stranded RNA

Dicer-2 cleaves double-stranded RNA into siRNAs in a terminus-dependent manner as part of D. melanogaster's RNA interference pathway. Using ultrafast fluorescence, we probe the local environment of chromophores at the dsRNA terminus upon binding by Dicer-2 and interrogate the effects of Loquacious-PD, an accessory protein. We find substrate-selective modes of molecular recognition that distinguish between blunt and 3′overhang termini, but whose differences are greatly reduced by Loquacious-PD. These results connect the molecular recognition properties of Dicer-2 to its selective processing of dsRNAs with different termini and to its need for Loquacious-PD to efficiently produce endogenous siRNAs.
Polyethylene glycol as a green chemical solvent

Abstract Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is an industrial commodity produced for applications foremost in the medial and personal care business. This review focuses on the much less explored application of using PEG as a chemical solvent. This review highlights some of the successful chemical synthesis strategies to illustrate the advantages of using PEG as an environmentally friendly reaction medium. These advantages include its ability to a) dissolve a wide range of chemicals including mineral salts, b) serve as a catalyst because of its acid/base functionalities, c) complex metal cations, and d) engage in redox chemistry. New developments of combining PEG with other green solvents and/or functionalizing PEGs are covered as well. The present state of physicochemical studies of PEG as a solvent is also provided and clearly shows the need for future research in this area to further promote the effective use of PEG as a medium for chemistry.
What to Learn, and How: Toward Effective Learning from Rationales.

Learning from rationales seeks to augment model training with human-provided rationales (i.e., a subset of input tokens) that justify those labels. While intuitive, this idea has proven elusive in practice. We make two observations about human rationales via empirical analyses: 1) maximizing predicted rationale accuracy is not necessarily the optimal objective for improving model performance; 2) human rationales vary in whether they provide sufficient information for the model to exploit for prediction, and we can use this variance to assess a dataset's potential improvement from learning from rationales. Building on these insights, we propose loss functions and learning strategies, and evaluate their effectiveness on three datasets with human rationales. Our results demonstrate consistent improvements over baselines in both label performance and rationale performance, including a 3% accuracy improvement on MultiRC. Our work highlights the importance of understanding properties of human explanations and exploiting them accordingly in model training.
Interactive microprocessor graphics as aid in physiological modeling: two examples

To dramatize the often counterintuitive dynamic effects of clamping (fixing, holding constant or tightly bounding or constraining) an endogenous physiological variable such as a hormonal secretion rate or level, we have used a microcomputer to display vector field portraits of system trajectories under a wide variety of initial conditions or perturbations, and under interactive (moving-cursor) control with a mouse. These graphic views of behavior illustrate the occasionally profound consequences of freezing out a degree of freedom in a dynamical system. Stability can change in surprising ways. Although the stability analysis can be done without graphical aids, nevertheless the computed displays seem unmistakably to increase comprehension and provide a feeling for the mathematized organism (model), particularly for nonmathematicians. As further demonstration of the potential usefulness of a graphical expression of nonlinear dynamics, we have explored the behavior of a minimal model of the glucose/insulin system. Because this model has been used in clinical diagnosis, it is important to explore its behaviors.
Efficacy of various naturally occurring caffeic acid derivatives in preventing post-harvest protein losses in forages.

BACKGROUND: In red clover, oxidation of endogenous o-diphenols by polyphenol oxidase (PPO) inhibits post-harvest proteolyis. This system is transferable to alfalfa by providing PPO (via a transgene) and o-diphenol PPO substrates (via exogenous application). To exploit the PPO system for protein protection, it would be advantageous to produce PPO substrates in alfalfa, which lacks them. We assessed the extent of PPO-mediated proteolytic inhibition by phenolic compounds, especially those whose biosynthesis could be engineered into alfalfa. RESULTS: Tested compounds included o-diphenols (caffeic acid, phaselic acid, chlorogenic acid, clovamide) and monophenols (p-coumaric acid, p-coumaroyl-malic acid). In the presence of PPO, 2 mmol o-diphenol g−1 protein reduced 24 h proteolysis 68–87% (P < 0.001) and as little as 0.25 mmol g−1 protein still decreased 24 h proteolysis 43–60% (P < 0.001). At high concentrations, clovamide inhibited 24 h proteolysis 50% (P < 0.001) in the absence of PPO, likely due to non-PPO oxidation. Monophenol p-coumaric acid did not inhibit 24 h proteolyis, although high levels of its malate ester did exhibit PPO- and oxygen-independent inhibition (37%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: For PPO-mediated proteolytic inhibition, pathways for both phaselic acid and chlorogenic acid may be good targets for engineering into alfalfa. Clovamide may be useful for inhibiting proteolysis without PPO. Published 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.