cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Universal Matched Source-Channel Communication Scheme for Wireless Sensor Ensembles

The essential task in nearly all applications of sensor networks is to extract relevant information about the sensed data and deliver it to a desired destination. The overall goal in the design of sensor networks is to execute this task with least consumption of network resources. In this regard, the relevant metrics of interest are 1) the latency (bandwidth) involved in network data acquisition; and 2) the energy-distortion (E-D) tradeoff: given some desired distortion level D, how much energy E does the sensor network consume in extracting and delivering relevant information up to distortion D at a (usually) distant destination. It is generally recognized that given sufficient prior knowledge about the sensed data, there exist distributed processing and communication schemes that have a very favorable E-D tradeoff in the sense that D darr 0 as n rarr infin while E grows at most sub-linearly with the number of nodes (n) in the network. However, it is not known whether such schemes exist when little or no prior knowledge about the sensed data is available. In this paper, we present a distributed matched-source channel communication scheme that naturally integrates the operations of processing and communications in a sensor network and is universal in the sense that it provides us with a consistent estimation scheme such that E grows sub-linearly with n even when little prior knowledge about the sensed data is assumed. This universality, however, comes at the price of increased latency (bandwidth) and a less favorable ED tradeoff and we quantify this price by comparing our scheme to the case when sufficient prior information about the sensed data is available
Convergent Transcription through a Long CAG Tract Destabilizes Repeats and Induces Apoptosis

Short repetitive sequences are common in the human genome, and many fall within transcription units. We have previously shown that transcription through CAG repeat tracts destabilizes them in a way that depends on transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair and mismatch repair. Recent observations that antisense transcription accompanies sense transcription in many human genes led us to test the effects of antisense transcription on triplet repeat instability in human cells. Here, we report that simultaneous sense and antisense transcription (convergent transcription) initiated from two inducible promoters flanking a CAG95 tract in a nonessential gene enhances repeat instability synergistically, arrests the cell cycle, and causes massive cell death via apoptosis. Using chemical inhibitors and small interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdowns, we identified the ATR (ataxia-telangiectasia mutated [ATM] and Rad3 related) signaling pathway as a key mediator of this cellular response. RNA polymerase II, replication protein A (RPA), and components of the ATR signaling pathway accumulate at convergently transcribed repeat tracts, accompanied by phosphorylation of ATR, CHK1, and p53. Cell death depends on simultaneous sense and antisense transcription and is proportional to their relative levels, it requires the presence of the repeat tract, and it occurs in both proliferating and nonproliferating cells. Convergent transcription through a CAG repeat represents a novel mechanism for triggering a cellular stress response, one that is initiated by events at a single locus in the genome and resembles the response to DNA damage.
A fast method for global surface interpolation

A fast algorithm is presented for a globally smooth interpolation for a visual surface from scattered range data. This method is based on matching lower order spatial moments, where the reconstructed surface is given by a linear combination of Legendre polynomials. This method can handle data that do not lie on a regular grid. The value of the function at points where the grid is not defined, or where the original data is missing, can be approximated from the constituent polynomials. Some simulation experiments evaluate the performance of the proposed scheme. An arbitrarily shaped surface is shown on a 35*35 grid, and the depth information is available only at a few selected grid points. The result of the implementation of Grimson's (1981) algorithm where the surface is constrained to pass through the given data set is given. The proposed method runs much faster than Grimson's algorithm. The coefficients of the Legendre polynomials can be precomputed. >
Central Auditory Dysfunction in Learning Disabled Children

Comparisons of performance on the SSW Test of Central Auditory Function were made between 7- and 11-year-old learning disabled and normally achieving children. Statistically significant performance differences were found between the two groups, with reversal-type errors being a consistent differentiator. The LD group scored well above the top limit of allowable errors (for normal performance) and the control group scored well below the norms standardized for adult performance. It appears reasonable to consider judging the performance of 7- through 11-year-old children by adult performance criteria, and a screening instrument for early detection of central auditory dysfunction appears feasible.
Selective laser trabeculoplasty success in pediatric patients with glaucoma: two case reports

Introduction Selective laser trabeculoplasty is a treatment option to lower intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma. It has been proven to work in adults. We describe two pediatric patients with glaucoma who responded well to selective laser trabeculoplasty.
Propensão ao risco e ambição progressiva: o caso dos deputados federais nos Estados Unidos

O artigo analisa a decisao dos membros da Câmara de Deputados dos Estados Unidos (House of Representatives) de concorrer ou nao a um cargo superior (governador ou senador) durante o periodo de 1954 a 1974. O trabalho difere de analises anteriores sobre ambicao por oferecer uma base teorica mais concreta para o estudo da ambicao progressiva e tentar predizer quais deputados vao se candidatar a cargos superiores, mais do que apenas analisar as carreiras daqueles que o fizeram. Apresentam-se hipoteses que tratam da probabilidade de se eleger para o cargo superior, do valor deste cargo, do valor do cargo atual e do impacto causado pela condicao de "propensos ao risco" ou nao dos deputados. A seguir, testam-se as hipoteses. Por fim, discute-se uma serie de outras hipoteses que resultam da teoria.
Powerplay: Origins of the U.S. Alliance System in Asia

In East Asia the United States cultivated a “hub and spokes” system of discrete, exclusive alliances with the Republic of Korea, the Republic of China, and Japan, a system that was distinct from th...
An Insight into Cell Elasticity and Load-Bearing Ability. Measurement and Theory

We have studied the elasticity and load bearing ability of plant tissue at the cellular level, using onion (Allium cepa) epidermal cells. The Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio of the cells were obtained by loading a tensile force on onion epidermal peels of different turgor pressures, and measuring the elongation and the lateral contraction of the peels. The Young's moduli and the Poisson's ratios ranged from 3.5 to 8.0 MPa and 0.18 to 0.30, respectively. To determine the effects of cell elasticity and turgor pressure on the cell's ability to bear load, we loaded a small glass ball onto a cell and measured the projected contact area between the ball and the cell. Unlike previous studies, we considered the cell as a whole entity, and utilized the Boussinesq's solution to derive the relevant equations that related the elastic parameters and cell deformation. For cells with a turgor pressure ≥ 0.34 MPa, the predicted contact area agreed well with the measured area. The equations could also predict cell turgor pressure with a deviation from the measured value of 0.01 MPa. This study gives strong support to ball tonometry, a new method of measuring cell turgor pressure.
Hypersonic viscous flow near the stagnation streamline of a blunt body. ii - third-order boundary-layer theory and comparison with other methods

It is shown in Part I that the assumption of local similarity is very accurate for predicting flow quantities near the stagnation streamline of a blunt body. Here we adopt that assumption to calculate the third-order boundary-layer approximation in this region. The calculation is also made using viscous-layer approximation and direct integration through the shock wave. Comparisons are made to evaluate the relative applicability of these three approaches. It is found that third-order boundary-layer theory is valid in the range from intermediate to very high Reynolds numbers, but fails at low Reynolds number. Heat-transfer rates at the surface are compared with available experimental results. With reference to the various flow profiles plotted, a description is given of the development of the flow field from inviscid to low-Reynolds-number flow.
Effects of synaptic blockade on thermosensitive neurons in rat diencephalon in vitro.

To identify the distribution of inherently thermosensitive and conditionally (i.e., synaptically dependent) thermosensitive neurons in the rat diencephalon, single-unit recordings (n = 88) were made in horizontal tissue slices during localized thermal stimulation before, during, and after reversible synaptic blockade. Inherently warm-sensitive neurons (n = 17) were found in 10 nuclei, the largest number occurring in the preoptic area-anterior hypothalamus (POAH). Inherently cold-sensitive neurons (n = 5) were encountered in three nuclei, with the highest number in the posterior hypothalamus (PH) and mammillary body (MB). Fifty-nine percent of the inherently thermosensitive neurons showed a change in spontaneous activity and/or thermosensitivity during synaptic blockade, indicating that these neurons undergo synaptic modulation. Conditionally warm-sensitive neurons (n = 14) were found in six nuclei with the majority of these neurons located in the accumbens nucleus, diagonal band of Broca, and PH-MB. Two conditionally cold-sensitive neurons were found in the POAH and one in the MB. Temperature-insensitive neurons (n = 49) were rarely affected by synaptic blockade. Thus inherently and conditionally thermosensitive neurons are found in many locations in the diencephalon. These thermosensitive neurons may belong to the neuronal networks responsible for thermo-regulation and the other homeostatic systems that are influenced by temperature.
Biomimetic Material-Assisted Delivery of Human Embryonic Stem Cell Derivatives for Enhanced In Vivo Survival and Engraftment

The ability of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and their derivatives to differentiate and contribute to tissue repair has enormous potential to treat various debilitating diseases. However, improving the in vivo viability and function of the transplanted cells, a key determinant of translating cell-based therapies to the clinic, remains a daunting task. Here, we develop a hybrid biomaterial consisting of hyaluronic acid (HA) grafted with 6-aminocaproic acid moieties (HA-6ACA) to improve cell delivery and their subsequent in vivo function using skeletal muscle as a model system. Our findings show that the biomimetic material-assisted delivery of hESC-derived myogenic progenitor cells into cardiotoxin-injured skeletal muscles of NOD/SCID mice significantly promotes survival and engraftment of transplanted cells in a dose-dependent manner. The donor cells were found to contribute to the regeneration of damaged muscle fibers and to the satellite cell (muscle specific stem cells) compartment. Such biomimetic cell delivery vehicles that are cost-effective and easy-to-synthesize could play a key role in improving the outcomes of other stem cell-based therapies.
Chemical Vapor Deposition of Manganese Metallic Films on Silicon Oxide Substrates

The growth of manganese-based films on silicon oxide substrates via the thermal decomposition of two Mn metalorganic complexes, bis(N,N′-diisopropylpentylamidinato)Mn(II) and methylcyclopentadienylmanganese(I) tricarbonyl, was characterized and contrasted by using an instrument equipped with a reactor coupled to a X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analytical chamber. The acetamidinate precursor proved highly reactive, affording the deposition of Mn at reasonable rates, higher at higher temperatures, but also leading to the incorporation of approximately 15% of nitrogen and additional carbon in the grown Mn(0) films. The methylcyclopentadienyl compound, by contrast, proved quite unreactive, even if an electron-impact gas-phase preactivation step recently developed in our laboratory was used. Slow deposition rates were seen with this precursor, appearing to be slower at higher temperature because of an unfavorable kinetic competition with Mn diffusion into the bulk. In both cases, a nonstoichiometric m...
Identification of Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci by 16S～23SrDNA Internal Transcribed Spacer PCR

Objective To develop a molecular method to type coagulase-negative staphylococci(CNS) using 16S～23S internal transcribed spacer-PCR(ITS-PCR)Methods ITS-PCR was performed to identify six control strains and a collection of 171 clinical strains, identified as CNS by AutoScan-4 System The API Staph system also tested the discrepant strainsResults A total of 11 CNS species from control strains and clinical ones confirmed by the API Staph system were resolved by their unique ITS-PCR patterns These results constructed the primary database of CNS in the laboratory They were obtained with Staphylococcusepidermidis, Shaemolyticus, Shominis, Ssaprophyticus, Sxylosus, Swarneri, Scapitis, Scohhni subspurealyticum,S sciuri, Sauricular, Ssimulans Only S sciuri showed intraspecific polymorphism on its ITS-PCR pattern 9357%(160/171) clinical isolates can be identified by this ITS-PCR data base and the accuracy is 9375%(150/160) The coincidence of the API Staph system and ITS-PCR was better than that of AutoScan-4 system results There is at lest 936%(16/171) CNS results from AutoScan-4 system are falseConclusion ITS-PCR is verified as a valuable, easy to perform, rapid, high reliable and low cost molecular typing method for coagulase negative staphylococci
Regular cognitive self-monitoring in community-dwelling older adults using an internet-based tool.

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Monitoring for various health conditions (e.g., breast cancer, hypertension) has become common practice. However, there is still no established tool for regular monitoring of cognition. In this pilot longitudinal study, we examined the utility and feasibility of internet-based cognitive self-monitoring using data from the first 12 months of this ongoing study. Method: Cognitively healthy community-dwelling older adults (Montreal Cognitive Assessment ≥ 26) were enrolled on a rolling basis and were trained in self-administration of the internet-based version of the CogState Brief Battery. The battery uses playing cards and includes Detection, Identification, One Back, and One Card Learning subtasks. Results: Of the 118 participants enrolled, 26 dropped out, mostly around first in-home session. Common reasons for participant attrition were internet browser problems, health problems, and computer problems. Common reasons for delayed session completion were being busy, being out of town, ...
Fat-Soluble Vitamin Deficiency in Cystic Fibrosis

Abstract Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a common disorder that effects the overall nutritional and fat-soluble vitamin intake of those who carry it. Fat-soluble vitamin deficiency and CF symptoms have a direct correlation with each other. Patients with CF need extra fat-soluble vitamins for additional nutritional intake as well as proper growth and function. This review discusses each of the fat-soluble vitamins and their role when it comes to deficiency symptoms for patients with CF. The main symptom of deficiency of each vitamin is pancreatic insufficiency, which is when patients are unable to maintain proper nutrient intake and digest vitamins for proper growth.
Tuft Cells: New Players in Colitis

A recent surge of interest in tuft cells, which are chemosensory intestinal epithelial cells, has uncovered new functional roles for these cells in colorectal cancer, metabolic signaling, and type 2 immunity. Here, we explore emerging evidence suggesting that tuft cells are critical for protection during enteric infections and inflammatory responses.
An active learning exercise to facilitate understanding of nephron function: anatomy and physiology of renal transporters

renal transport is a central mechanism underlying electrolyte homeostasis, acid-base balance, and other essential functions of the kidneys in human physiology. Thus, knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the nephron is essential for the understanding of kidney function in health and disease.
Comparison of two methodologies for the enrichment of mononuclear cells from thawed cord blood products: The automated Sepax system versus the manual Ficoll method

Abstract Background aims Umbilical cord blood (CB) is being used as a source of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and immune cells to treat many disorders. Because these cells are present in low numbers in CB, investigators have developed strategies to expand HSCs and other immune cells such as natural killer (NK) cells. The initial step in this process is to enrich mononuclear cells (MNCs) while depleting unwanted cells. The manual method of MNC enrichment is routinely used by many centers; however, it is an open system, time-consuming and operator dependent. For clinical manufacturing, it is important to have a closed system to avoid microbial contamination. Methods In this study, we optimized an automated, closed system (Sepax) for enriching MNCs from cryopreserved CB units. Results Using Sepax, we observed higher recovery of total nucleated cells (TNC), CD34 + cells, NK cells and monocytes when compared to manual enrichment, despite similar TNC and CD34 + viability with the two methods. Even though the depletion of red blood cells, granulocytes and platelets was superior using the manual method, significantly higher CFU-GM were obtained in MNCs enriched using Sepax compared to the manual method. This is likely related to the fact that the automated Sepax significantly shortened the processing time (Sepax: 74 – 175 minutes versus manual method: 180 – 290 minutes). The use of DNAse and MgCl 2 during the Sepax thaw and wash procedure prevents clumping of cells and loss of viability, resulting in improved post-thaw cell recovery. Discussion We optimized enrichment of MNCs from cryopreserved CB products in a closed system using the Sepax which is a walk away and automated processing system.
Nucleic acids-based tools for ballast water surveillance, monitoring, and research

Abstract Understanding the risks of biological invasion posed by ballast water—whether in the context of compliance testing, routine monitoring, or basic research—is fundamentally an exercise in biodiversity assessment, and as such should take advantage of the best tools available for tackling that problem. The past several decades have seen growing application of genetic methods for the study of biodiversity, driven in large part by dramatic technological advances in nucleic acids analysis. Monitoring approaches based on such methods have the potential to increase dramatically sampling throughput for biodiversity assessments, and to improve on the sensitivity, specificity, and taxonomic accuracy of traditional approaches. The application of targeted detection tools (largely focused on PCR but increasingly incorporating novel probe-based methodologies) has led to a paradigm shift in rare species monitoring, and such tools have already been applied for early detection in the context of ballast water surveillance. Rapid improvements in community profiling approaches based on high throughput sequencing (HTS) could similarly impact broader efforts to catalogue biodiversity present in ballast tanks, and could provide novel opportunities to better understand the risks of biotic exchange posed by ballast water transport—and the effectiveness of attempts to mitigate those risks. These various approaches still face considerable challenges to effective implementation, depending on particular management or research needs. Compliance testing, for instance, remains dependent on accurate quantification of viable target organisms; while tools based on RNA detection show promise in this context, the demands of such testing require considerable additional investment in methods development. In general surveillance and research contexts, both targeted and community-based approaches are still limited by various factors: quantification remains a challenge (especially for taxa in larger size classes), gaps in nucleic acids reference databases are still considerable, uncertainties in taxonomic assignment methods persist, and many applications have not yet matured sufficiently to offer standardized methods capable of meeting rigorous quality assurance standards. Nevertheless, the potential value of these tools, their growing utilization in biodiversity monitoring, and the rapid methodological advances over the past decade all suggest that they should be seriously considered for inclusion in the ballast water surveillance toolkit.
Epistemic Injustice and Epistemic Redlining

The practice of Emergency Management in Michigan raises anew the question of whose knowledge matters to whom and for what reasons, against the background of what projects, challenges, and systemic ...
Process analysis and optimization of continuous pharmaceutical manufacturing using flowsheet models

Abstract Continuous manufacturing has attracted increasing research attention in the pharmaceutical industry within the last decade. Based on the extensive experimental studies, numerous modeling and computational approaches have been developed to capture the process information and make predictions. Moreover, flowsheet models have been built to simulate the dynamic behaviors of a plant-wide manufacturing process with respect to different process input factors. However, there still lacks a systematic way to make the best use of flowsheet models in pharmaceutical processes. In this work, we propose a framework of process analysis and optimization for the continuous pharmaceutical manufacturing process where flowsheet models are available. Specifically, sensitivity analysis is conducted to identify the input factors that are most influential on the output; feasibility analysis is then implemented to characterize the design space in the high-dimensional space. Finally, process optimization is performed to find the optimal operation conditions that result in the minimum cost.
Evaluation of the effect of GLP‐1 agonists on quality of bowel preparation for colonoscopy in patients with diabetes

People with diabetes mellitus warrant a greater need for colonoscopy owing to the increased risk of colorectal cancer and autonomic neuropathy. Unfortunately, this population is reported to have a higher proportion of inadequate bowel preparation during colonoscopy, which translates into lower adenoma detection rates and repeat colonoscopies. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists commonly used in the management of diabetes are well known to cause delayed gastrointestinal (GI) transit times, yet it is unknown if they contribute to the higher frequency of inadequate bowel preparation in people with diabetes. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective medical record analysis of type 2 diabetic patients aged 45–75 who had an outpatient colonoscopy between 2012 and 2015. Our patients were taking either Byetta, Victoza or Bydureon and the method of bowel preparation used was polyethylene glycol electrolyte lavage solution. Patients who had a diagnosis of conditions known to cause delayed GI transit times (autonomic neuropathy, GI surgery, stroke and multiple sclerosis) were excluded. The final pool consisted of 126 diabetic patients taking a GLP-1 agonist and a control group of 129 diabetic patients who were not taking this class of medication. The percentage of satisfactory bowel preparations in the group taking a GLP-1 agonist was 92.06% and in the control group was 92.25%. Chi-squared p-value for significant difference between these two groups was p = 1.0 (95% confidence interval −0.066 to 0.069). Hence there were no significant differences in bowel preparation among diabetic patients taking GLP-1 agonists vs the control group; GLP-1 agonists can therefore continually be used according to the current standard protocols for colonoscopy before and after colonoscopy. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons.
Use of SMART IV Thrombolysis Criteria at Community Hospitals Is Safe (P04.074)

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety of applying the SMART (Simplified Management of Acute Stroke using Revised Treatment) criteria to IV rt-PA patients from community hospitals transferring to a large Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC). BACKGROUND: Thrombolysis rates remain low nationally (1-3%)¹. The SMART criteria expand rt-PA use by reducing exclusion criteria. When applied to all acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients at a large CSC, the thrombolysis rate increased to 25-30%, with low symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) rates². This study investigates the safety of applying these criteria to AIS patients who transferred from outside community hospitals. DESIGN/METHODS: Retrospective study of all AIS patients treated with IV rt-PA from 10/1/2008-8/1/2012 at the local CSC ED or an outside hospital before transfer to the CSC. Baseline characteristics, admission status, and stroke severity were obtained. Primary outcomes included NIHSS and discharge disposition. Safety was determined by sICH rate. RESULTS: 427 AIS patients received IV rt-PA. 213 were local and 214 transferred. sICH rate was 1%. Excluding expired patients, transfers had significantly higher mean NIHSS at both admission (8.2 vs. 6.7) and discharge (5.7 vs. 3.5). However, mean improvement in NIHSS was not significantly different between transfer vs. ED patients (p=0.213). Transferred patients were younger and had a higher mortality rate (14% vs. 6.6%, OR=2.32[1.19-4.5], p=0.011), but there was no significant difference in length of stay or number of patients being discharged to home or acute rehab (123 transfers vs. 141 EDs, OR=0.829[0.538-1.279], p=0.397). CONCLUSIONS: Applying the SMART criteria to patients receiving IV rt-PA via telemedicine or telephone before transfer to a CSC is safe. Transferred patients have more severe strokes and associated higher mortality consistent with the need for transfer, but were discharged to home and rehab at comparable rates. ¹ Ann Emerg Med. 2007; 50(2):99-107. ² Presented at AAN Annual Meeting; April, 2010; Toronto, Canada. Disclosure: Dr. Sorensen has nothing to disclose. Dr. Barazangi has received personal compensation for activities with Genentech, Inc. Dr. Wong has nothing to disclose. Dr. Chen has nothing to disclose. Dr. Rose has received personal compensation for activities with Boehringer Ingelheim as a speaker. Dr. Grosvenor has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bedenk has nothing to disclose. Dr. Tong has nothing to disclose.
Abstractive morphological learning with a recurrent neural network

In traditional word-and-paradigm models of morphology, an inflectional system is represented via a set of exemplary paradigms. Novel wordforms are produced by analogy with previously encountered forms. This paper describes a recurrent neural network which can use this strategy to learn the paradigms of a morphologically complex language based on incomplete and randomized input. Results are given which show good performance for a range of typologically diverse languages.
Interventional endoscopic ultrasound and advanced endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography access techniques

Abstract Advanced endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) ductal access techniques require a higher level of skill compared to standard ERCP access maneuvers. These techniques are used in cases of standard ERCP access failures and include dual-wire techniques and precut papillotomy. Interventional endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) procedures requiring a higher level of technical skill as compared to more basic EUS procedures (eg, diagnostic EUS and EUS-fine needle aspiration) include EUS-guided drainage of pancreatic fluid collections, EUS-guided pancreaticobiliary ductal access and drainage, and EUS-guided vascular interventions. In this article, we review techniques and outcomes of advanced ERCP access techniques and of interventional EUS procedures. Issues related to training in these techniques, assessing competency in these procedures, and incorporating these highly complex and higher-risk procedures into endoscopic practice are also discussed.
Social Technology in the Kinesiology Classroom: Requisites, Risks, and Recommendations

Social demands for changes in higher education classrooms and subsequent evolving pedagogical practices challenge practitioners as we reflect upon the future of kinesiology. In consideration of edu...
Cinnabar use in Prehispanic Peru and its possible health consequences

Abstract Beginning around 1400 BCE, cinnabar (HgS) was highly valued and widely traded in prehispanic Peru. A review of the ethnohistoric and archaeological evidence suggests that this mercury ore was mainly used in powdered form as a face and/or body paint on special occasions and that its application was sometimes limited by gender, age and class. Scholarly reservations about this conclusion are based on the possible health consequences of this practice. A review of the literature on cinnabar toxicity demonstrates that these concerns are not justified by the medical dangers posed by the occasional use of cinnabar face and/or body paint.
Conditional survival and landmark analysis for patients with small renal masses undergoing active surveillance at a tertiary care center.

609Background: Conditional survival can provide guidance for patients once they have survived a period of time after diagnosis of their disease. We determine conditional survival for patients with small renal masses (SRM) undergoing active surveillance (AS). Methods: Patients were enrolled in a prospective AS registry at our institution between May 2005 and January 2016. Patients with localized SRM ≤4cm were included, with serial radiologic imaging available in-house for re-review. Overall survival (OS) was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and modeled via Cox proportional hazards models. The primary end points analyzed were the conditional probability of survival and tumor growth over time. Landmark analysis was used to evaluate survival outcomes. Results: A total of 272 patients were included in this analysis. Mean initial tumor size was 1.74 ± 0.77 cm and mean tumor size closest to the 2-year mark was 1.97 ± 0.83 cm. The likelihood of continued survival to 5 years improved after the 2-year landma...
Bioherbicidal enhancement and host range expansion of a mycoherbicidal fungus via formulation approaches

ABSTRACTEastern black nightshade (Solanum ptycanthum; EBN) is a problematic weed partly due to its tolerance or resistance to certain herbicides. We examined the effects of an invert emulsion (IE) on the host range and weed control efficacy of the fungus Colletotrichum coccodes (NRRL strain 15547) for biocontrol of EBN. Greenhouse tests demonstrated that several other solanaceous weeds were also infected and killed, and field tests revealed >90% EBN control and dry weight reduction in plants treated with the fungus-IE formulation. These results demonstrate that this IE formulation can promote the efficacy of this bioherbicidal pathogen.
Connecting Rheumatology Patients to Primary Care for High Blood Pressure: Specialty Clinic Protocol Improves Follow-up and Population Blood Pressures.

OBJECTIVE Recognizing high blood pressure (BP) as the most prevalent cardiovascular risk factor in patients with rheumatic diseases and all adults, experts recommend clinic protocols to improve BP control. The aim of this study was to adapt and implement a specialty clinic protocol, "BP Connect," to improve timely primary care follow-up after high BP measurements in rheumatology clinics. METHODS We examined BP Connect in a 6-month preimplementation and postimplementation quasi-experimental design with 24-month follow-up in 3 academic rheumatology clinics. Medical assistants and nurses were trained to 1) check (re-measuring BPs ≥140/90 mm Hg), 2) advise (linking rheumatic and cardiovascular diseases), and 3) connect (timely [<4 weeks] primary care follow-up using protocoled electronic health record [EHR] orders). We used EHR data and multivariable logistic regression analysis to examine the primary outcome of timely primary care follow-up for patients with in-network primary care. Staff surveys were used to assess perceptions. Interrupted time series analysis was performed to examine sustainability and BP trends in the clinic populations. RESULTS Across both 4,683 preimplementation and 689 postimplementation rheumatology visits by patients with high BP, 2,789 (57%) encounters were eligible for in-network primary care follow-up. Postimplementation, the odds of timely primary care BP measurement follow-up doubled (odds ratio 2.0, 95% confidence interval 1.4-2.9). Median time to follow-up decreased from 71 days to 38 days. Moreover, rheumatology visits by patients with high BP decreased from 17% to 8% over 24 months, suggesting significant population-level declines (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION Implementing the BP Connect specialty clinic protocol in rheumatology clinics improved timely follow-up and demonstrated reduced population-level rates of high BP. These findings highlight a timely strategy to improve BP follow-up amid new guidelines and quality measures.
Differential Competence for Adventitious Root Formation in Histologically Similar Cell Types

Shoot tissue formed during the protracted juvenile phase of woody perennials lacks the ability to flower. With the transition to the mature phase, shoot apices or axillary meristems of newly formed tissue gain the ability to flower and this ability is maintained in subsequently formed shoot tissue (Zimmerman, 1973, 1976). In addition to this phase-dependent difference in ability to form flowers, other persistent phenotypic differences exist between shoot tissue of the basal (i.e., juvenile) and apical (i.e., mature) portions of a plant (Hackett, 1985; Poethig, 1990). Due to the protracted nature of both the juvenile and mature phases of woody plants, phase-dependent phenotypic characters are stably expressed through a large number of cell divisions over years of growth within a phase. It is presumed that phase-dependent characters do not result from a genetic change, but result from an epigenetic difference in the capacity to express genes that permit or prevent expression of a phenotype.
The Experimental Analysis of Interruption During Conversation for Three Children Who Stutter

The purpose of this single-subject design study was to analyze the effect of interruption on stuttered speech. Using three participants, a clinician-experimenter interrupted the participant's fluent speech or stuttered speech; or simultaneously began speaking with the participant; or instructed the participant to interrupt the clinician-experimenter; or, finally, controlled the conversation so that there was no interruption. Pre-, post-, and continual base rate measures were collected with both the clinician-experimenter and the participant's mother. The major finding was that only 2 of the 11 (18%) conditions of increased interruption, actually slightly increased any of the three participants' stuttering. All three participants demonstrated at least one decrease in stuttering in these manipulations. Clinical implications of the findings are discussed.
Visible to Gamma-Ray Wavelength Ratio

Over the past decade we have attempted to develop a measurement capability for connecting visible and γ-ray reference wavelengths (1). This communication summarizes our procedures and gives a preliminary result from an initial measurement of 198Au (412 KeV).
Base-line O2 extraction influences cerebral blood flow response to hematocrit

We have shown that the fall in cerebral blood flow (CBF) as hematocrit (Hct) rises is due to the independent effects of increasing red blood cell (RBC) concentration and arterial O2 content (CaO2). In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that the magnitude of the effect of RBC concentration depends on the base-line cerebral fractional oxygen extraction (E). E is the ratio of O2 demand (cerebral O2 consumption, CMRO2) to supply (cerebral O2 transport: OT = CBF x CaO2) and is assumed to be inversely related to tissue O2 availability. Pentobarbital-anesthetized 1- to 7-day-old sheep were first exchange transfused with plasma to lower Hct to 20%. Base-line E was set to either high or low levels by induction of hypocarbia [arterial CO2 partial pressure (PaCO2) = 15.3 +/- 0.7 mmHg, means +/- SE; n = 7] or hypercarbia (PaCO2 = 62.7 +/- 1.1 mmHg; n = 5), respectively. A second isovolemic exchange transfusion with pure methemoglobin-containing adult sheep red cells then raised Hct (to 38.5 +/- 0.5%) with no significant increase in CaO2. PaCO2 was maintained and other variables (oxyhemoglobin affinity, pH, mean arterial blood pressure) with potential effect on CBF did not change.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Circular Dichroism of Peptides

Publisher Summary This chapter presents a survey of the applications of circular dichroism (CD) and optical rotatory dispersion (ORD) to the analysis of peptide conformation. These spectroscopic techniques have a unique sensitivity to molecular conformation and stereochemical relationships that makes them ideally suited to the detection of conformational differences and changes. In addition, both empirical and theoretical analyses can provide information about the absolute conformations in many cases. Especially when combined with other spectroscopic methods, such as nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy, and with conformational energy calculations, CD and ORD can be powerful probes into the conformation of peptides in solution. The chapter also discusses basic phenomenon of CD and ORD, wavelength dependence of optical rotation and CD, and general aspects of peptide CD and specific systems of cyclic peptides and the linear peptides.
Operative Management of Idiopathic Spinal Cord Herniation: Case Series and Novel Technique for Repair of Recurrent Herniation.

Background Idiopathic spinal cord herniation (ISCH) is a rare pathology of the spine defined by herniation of the spinal cord through a dural defect. Objective To highlight the operative management of ISCH and the surgical nuances of ISCH repairs conducted at our institution. Methods This retrospective review examines consecutive patients with ISCH who were treated surgically between January 1, 2010, and July 31, 2017, at Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona. Results Four patients with ISCH presented with thoracic myelopathy and lower extremity weakness during the study period. Treatment consisted of reduction of the herniated spinal cord and filling of the dural defect with a collagen-based dural regeneration matrix. In 3 patients the dural edges were covered with a collagen-matrix intradural sling, and in 1 patient they were repaired primarily with interrupted sutures. Three of the 4 patients experienced improvement in myelopathic symptoms; the fourth patient suffered neurological decline in the immediate postoperative period. Conclusion ISCH is a complex pathological condition likely to result in progressive myelopathy. Surgery offers patients the possibility of stabilizing the progression of the spinal cord dysfunction and perhaps restoring neurological function. However, extreme care must be taken during surgery to minimize manipulation of the fragile herniated cord.
High-resolution seismic stratigraphy of Late Pleistocene Glacial Lake Iroquois and its Holocene successor: Oneida Lake, New York

Abstract Oneida Lake, New York, is the remnant of Glacial Lake Iroquois, a large proglacial lake that delivered fresh water to the Atlantic Ocean during the last deglaciation. The formation of Glacial Lake Iroquois and its subsequent drainage into the Atlantic Ocean via the Mohawk Valley was a significant shift in the routing of Laurentide Ice Sheet meltwater to the east instead of south via the Allegheny or Susquehanna Rivers. Catastrophic drainage of Glacial Lake Iroquois into the Atlantic Ocean via the Champlain Valley is interpreted as the meltwater pulse responsible for the Intra-Allerod cold stadial. Therefore, understanding the evolution of Glacial Lake Iroquois has significant implications for understanding late Pleistocene paleoclimate. High-resolution CHIRP seismic reflection data provides insight into the evolution of Glacial Lake Iroquois and Oneida Lake. Three seismic units image distinct stages of the Oneida Basin. Unit 1 is interpreted as proglacial lake deposits that overlie glacial till. Unit 2 is interpreted as sediments deposited when the Oneida Basin became isolated from Glacial Lake Iroquois and Unit 3 is interpreted as lacustrine sediments of the modern lake. Distally sourced turbidites possibly triggered by seismic activity or ice sheet meltwater pulses are represented as reflection-free acoustic facies that infill topographic lows and range in thickness from ~1–5 m within otherwise conformable proglacial lake deposits. Local slump deposits imaged at the boundary between Unit 1 and 2 were likely triggered by the drainage of Glacial Lake Iroquois. Wave cut terraces indicative of a low stand on the upper bounding surface of Unit 2 are likely the result of drier conditions during the Holocene Hypsithermal. Furthermore, preservation of this low stand suggests a rapid rise in lake level, possibly the result of the same transition to a wetter climate responsible for the Nipissing transgression observed in the Laurentian Great lakes.
Toward a Continuum of Services for the Elderly

Examines the existing system of providing health and social services to America's elderly population and concludes that in the next few decades, much will have to be done to smooth out the continuu...
Suicidality after burn injuries: a systematic review

Burn survivors may be at increased risk for suicide due to the nature of their injury and psychiatric comorbidities. The purpose of this review is to assess the evidence as to the prevalence of suicidal ideations and behaviors (attempts and completed suicides) in burn survivors as well as evaluate risk and protective factors. PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane, PsycINFO, and Web Science databases were searched using search terms regarding suicide, suicidality, and burn. Fourteen full-text manuscripts and two published abstracts were included in the review. Overall, burn survivors demonstrate elevated suicidal ideations and a higher lifetime prevalence of suicide attempts compared to the general population. There is mixed evidence as to rates of completed suicide postburn injury, though rates appear to be relatively low. Risk factors include pain at discharge, perceived level of disfigurement, premorbid psychiatric comorbidities, and past suicide attempts. Results of this systematic review shed light on the scarcity of data on rates of suicidality among burn survivors, which is surprising given the multiple risk factors burn survivors possess including chronic pain, sleep disturbances, history of substance abuse, posttraumatic stress disorder, social isolation, and depression which are linked to suicidality in the general population. Suicide risk screening should be included as an integral part of burn survivors' care, and more research is needed to better understand the magnitude of this phenomenon and offer targeted interventions to vulnerable individuals.
A hybrid channelized Hotelling observer for estimating the ideal linear observer for total-variation-based image reconstruction

In this work, we focus on developing a channelized Hotelling observer (CHO) that estimates ideal linear observer performance on signal detection in images resulting from non-linear image reconstruction in computed tomography. In particular, many options on specifying the channel functions are explored. A hybrid channel model is proposed where a set of traditional Laguerre-Gauss functions are concatenated with a set of central pixel functions. This expanded channel set allows the CHO to perform robustly over a wide range of image reconstruction and system parameters. The application of this model observer to determining of the total-variation constrained least-squares algorithm yields images that are seen to favor detection of small, subtle signals.
Using Virtual Visits to Care for Primary Care Patients With COVID-19 Symptoms.

Purpose: Examine use of office resources by primary care patients who were initially evaluated through telehealth, telephone, or in-person encounters. Methods: Retrospective electronic health record review on patients seen in March 2020 for evaluation of potential COVID-19 symptoms, to assess the total number of interactions with physicians and office staff. Results: Of 202 patients, 89 (44%) had initial telehealth, 55 (27%) telephone, and 52 (26%) in-person encounters. Patients initially evaluated through telehealth, telephone, and in-person encounters had a mean of 6.1 (S.D. = 3.7), 5.2 (S.D. = 3.6), and 4.5 (S.D. = 3.0) total interactions with the office, respectively (P = .03), and 9%, 12.7%, and 19.2%, respectively, had a subsequent in-person or emergency department visit (P = .22). Multivariable analysis showed no differences in number of office interactions based on initial visit type; older patients (95% CI = 0.00-0.07) and those with subjective fevers (95% CI = 1.01–3.01) or shortness of breath (95% CI = 0.23-2.28) had more interactions with the office. Conclusion: Primary care providers used virtual visits to care for most patients presenting with potential COVID-19 symptoms, with many patients choosing telephone over telehealth visits. Virtual visits can successfully limit patient exposure to other people, and consideration could be given to increasing its use for patients with potential symptoms of COVID-19.
The Effect of Ulnar Collateral Ligament Repair With Internal Brace Augmentation on Articular Contact Mechanics: A Cadaveric Study

Background:There has been renewed interest in ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) repair in throwing athletes because of a greater understanding of UCL injuries, improvement in ligament repair technolo...
A computational pipeline to infer alternative poly-adenylation from 3' sequencing data

An increasing number of investigations have established alternative polyadenylation (APA) as a key mechanism of gene regulation through altering the length of 3' untranslated region (UTR) and generating distinct mRNA termini. Further, appreciation for the significance of APA in disease contexts propelled the development of several 3' sequencing techniques. While these RNA sequencing technologies have advanced APA analysis, the intrinsic limitation of 3' read coverage and lack of appropriate computational tools constrain precise mapping and quantification of polyadenylation sites. Notably, Poly(A)-ClickSeq (PAC-seq) overcomes limiting factors such as poly(A) enrichment and 3' linker ligation steps using click-chemistry. Here we provide an updated PolyA-miner protocol, a computational approach to analyze PAC-seq or other 3'-Seq datasets. As a key practical constraint, we also provide a detailed account on the impact of sequencing depth on the number of detected polyadenylation sites and APA changes. This protocol is also updated to handle unique molecular identifiers used to address PCR duplication potentially observed in PAC-seq.