cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Determining the mechanical properties of electrospun poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) nanofibers using AFM and a novel fiber anchoring technique

Due to its low cost, biocompatibility and slow bioresorption, poly-e-caprolactone (PCL) continues to be a suitable material for select biomedical engineering applications. We used a combined atomic force microscopy (AFM)/optical microscopy technique to determine key mechanical properties of individual electrospun PCL nanofibers with diameters between 440–1040 nm. Compared to protein nanofibers, PCL nanofibers showed much lower adhesion, as they slipped on the substrate when mechanically manipulated. We, therefore, first developed a novel technique to anchor individual PCL nanofibers to micrometer-sized ridges on a substrate, and then mechanically tested anchored nanofibers. When held at constant strain, tensile stress relaxed with fast and slow relaxation times of 1.0 ± 0.3 s and 8.8 ± 3.1 s, respectively. The total tensile modulus was 62 ± 26 MPa, the elastic (non-relaxing) component of the tensile modulus was 53 ± 36 MPa. Individual PCL fibers could be stretched elastically (without permanent deformation) to strains of 19–23%. PCL nanofibers are rather extensible; they could be stretched to a strain of at least 98%, and a tensile strength of at least 12 MPa, before they slipped off the AFM tip. PCL nanofibers that had aged for over a month at ambient conditions became stiffer and less elastic. Our technique provides accurate nanofiber mechanical data, which are needed to guide construction of scaffolds for cells and other biomedical devices.
The Dynamics of DNA Damage Repair and Transcription

Recent advances have led to several systems to study transcription from defined loci in living cells. It has now become possible to address long-standing questions regarding the interplay between the processes of DNA damage repair and transcription-two disparate processes that can occur on the same stretch of chromatin and which both lead to extensive chromatin change. Here we describe the development of a system to create enzymatically induced DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) at a site of inducible transcription and methods to study the interplay between these processes.
Applying serious games to intelligence analysis

Knowledge from game design appears to offer new methods for software instruction and use that would traditionally require long, expensive, and not always effective training. In this paper, we explore the possibility of applying such knowledge to the field of intelligence analysis.
A Review of “China at War: An Encyclopedia”

China represents one of the earliest civilizations in the world, with a recorded military history extending back nearly 4,500 years. China at War seeks to present a uniquely Chinese view of warfare...
Urban infrastructure in Latin America and the Caribbean: public policy priorities

Latin America and the Caribbean is the most urbanized region in the developing world. Its urbanization rate of almost 80 % is comparable to that of high-income countries. However, cities in the region are struggling to provide the infrastructure needed for their millions of residents to enjoy a decent quality of life. This paper focuses on analyzing three aspects of this challenge. First, it identifies the main problems in housing and transport infrastructure in the region. Second, it examines the effect of past interventions to improve the living standards of the urban poor. And third, it analyzes the relationship between housing supply and transport networks, two connected topics that shape the region’s spatial urban patterns.
Surface Diffusion in Fatty Acid Monolayers

New data on surface diffusion in myristic acid and stearic acid monolayers on 0.01N HCl subsolutions are presented. The surface self-diffusion coefficients are one or two orders of magnitude smaller than those obtained by previous investigators because we were able to minimize the confounding problem of surface convective flows. Furthermore, the experimental surface diffusion results for myristic acid monolayers were found to be in fair agreement with the theoretical predictions of a density fluctuation model when Π-A-T data available in the literature were used for calculation of the entropy (and energy) of extension.
Computational and Experimental Investigations of the Formal Dyotropic Rearrangements of Himbert Arene/Allene Cycloadducts

The fascinating intramolecular arene/allene cycloaddition discovered by Himbert affords dearomatized, polycyclic intermediates with sufficient strain energy to drive rearrangement processes of the newly formed ring system. We disclose a detailed examination of a thermally induced stepwise dyotropic skeletal rearrangement of these cycloadducts, a reaction also first described by Himbert. We offer computational evidence for a two-stage mechanism for this formal dyotropic rearrangement and provide rationalizations for the significant substitution-dependent rate differences observed in experiments. These investigations led to the development of a Lewis-acid-catalyzed rearrangement of precursors that were unreactive under simple thermal instigation. The isolation of the product of an "interrupted" rearrangement under Lewis acidic conditions provides further support for the proposed stepwise mechanism. Computational results also matched experiments in terms of regiochemical preferences in unsymmetrical rearrangement precursors and explained why lactam O-, S-, and C-heterologues do not easily undergo this rearrangement.
Java Class Loading Techniques in the Harness Metacomputing Framework

Harness is an Java-centric metacomputing system based on a principle of dynamic reconfigurability not only in terms of participating computing resources, but also the capabilities of the virtual machine itself. The central feature of the system is a “plug-in” mechanism built upon Java dynamic class loading services enabling integration of new functionality in the run time. In this paper we describe new flexible, framework based Java class loading techniques and their application in the Harness system.
In atrial fibrillation, the ATRIA risk score better predicted stroke than CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores

Source Citation van den Ham HA, Klungel OH, Singer DE, Leufkens HG, van Staa TP. Comparative performance of ATRIA, CHADS2, and CHA2DS2-VASc risk scores predicting stroke in patients with atrial fib...
Susceptibility to Local and Systemic Bacterial Infections in Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1-Deficient Transgenic Mice

The contribution of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) during systemic and local bacterial infections was studied in transgenic ICAM-1-deficient and control mice that were injected intraperitoneally (ip) or intradermally (id) with Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, or Staphylococcus aureus. Mortality rates, blood cultures, white blood cell (WBC) counts and absolute neutrophil counts (ANCs) were obtained daily until cultures were sterile. Six and 24 h after injections, autopsies were done on randomly selected ip-inoculated mice and biopsies were done on randomly selected id-inoculated mice. Survival rates were similar. In ICAM-1-deficient mice, ip P. aeruginosa resulted in higher incidences of bacteremia at 24 h (P = .003) and 48 h (P = .002); id S. aureus resulted in larger skin lesions (P = .026). Leukocytosis persisted in ICAM-1-deficient mice 6 h after ip injection of E. coli; however, WBC counts and ANCs in peritoneal fluid did not differ. Although the inflammatory responses were similar histologically in ICAM-1-deficient and normal mice, differences in site- and stimulus-specific susceptibilities were noted.
Ctip1 regulates the balance between specification of distinct projection neuron subtypes in deep cortical layers

The molecular linkage between neocortical projection neuron subtype and area development, which enables the establishment of functional areas by projection neuron populations appropriate for specific sensory and motor functions, is poorly understood. Here, we report that Ctip1 controls precision of neocortical development by regulating subtype identity in deep-layer projection neurons. Ctip1 is expressed by postmitotic callosal and corticothalamic projection neurons but is excluded over embryonic development from corticospinal motor neurons, which instead express its close relative, Ctip2. Loss of Ctip1 function results in a striking bias in favor of subcerebral projection neuron development in sensory cortex at the expense of corticothalamic and deep-layer callosal development, while misexpression of Ctip1 in vivo represses subcerebral gene expression and projections. As we report in a paired paper, Ctip1 also controls acquisition of sensory area identity. Therefore, Ctip1 couples subtype and area specification, enabling specific functional areas to organize precise ratios of appropriate output projections.
Present situation and development of microbial degradation of organphosphorus pesticides residues in fruits and vegetables

Organophosphate compounds(OPs) residues cause serious pollution problems.Microbial degradation is a kind of new technology to treat organophosphorous pesticides residues pollution in recent years.The present situation and development of the microbial degradation organophosphorous pesticides residues,such as the varieties of degrading microbes,the degrading mechanisms,and the application of degradation was summarized,and several problems and suggestions were put forward in this paper.
Metabolic effects of IGF-I and insulin in spontaneously diabetic BB/w rats.

To examine the influence of insulin-dependent diabetes on the metabolic response to insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), awake chronically catheterized diabetic and nondiabetic BB/w rats received IGF-I (5 micrograms.kg-1.min-1) or insulin (2 mU.kg-1.min-1) for 2 h while maintaining euglycemia. In nondiabetic rats, IGF-I and insulin produced similar twofold increases in glucose uptake, but insulin was more effective in reducing hepatic glucose production (90 +/- 15 vs. 5 +/- 11%; P less than 0.001) and beta-hydroxybutyrate levels (94 +/- 1 vs. 19 +/- 6%; P less than 0.001). In diabetic rats, insulin-stimulated glucose uptake was impaired (8.5 +/- 0.9 vs. 11.5 +/- 0.9 mg.kg-1.min-1 in nondiabetics; P less than 0.05). In contrast, IGF-I-stimulated glucose uptake was identical in diabetic and nondiabetic rats. Furthermore, IGF-I suppressed glucose production by 73% (P less than 0.01) and caused a greater lowering of beta-hydroxybutyrate levels (from 2.9 +/- 0.8 to 0.8 +/- 0.3 mumol/l) in diabetic rats. We conclude that 1) the capacity of IGF-I infusion to stimulate glucose uptake is maintained in spontaneously diabetic BB rats that are insulin resistant, and 2) IGF-I infusion suppresses elevated glucose production rates and plasma ketone concentrations in diabetic rats but is relatively ineffective in nondiabetic rats. Thus the metabolic responses to infused IGF-I do not appear to be diminished in diabetic rats with impaired responses to insulin.
[Investigation on a seasonal influenza accompanying with the first locale novel A/H1N1 influenza outbreak in China].

Objective To timely summarize past experience and to provide more pertinent reference for control and prevention in A/H1N1 cases in influenza season. Methods During May 25 to 31,2009,2 secondary community cases caused by a influenza A/H1N1 imported case. In the close contacts of 3 A/ H1N1 cases, 14 had some aspiratory symptoms onset, such as fever(≥ 37.5℃), cough, sore throat and etc. Laboratory tests excluded the infection of A/H1N1 influenza. For throat swab test for the 14 cases,7 were tested for seasonal influenza virus. A face-to-face or telephone interview was conducted by CDC staff to collect information of 62 close contacts. Results Of 14 fever cases,there was no significant by differences by age [15-age group: 19. 2% (5/26), over 25-age group: 25.0% (9/36); χ2=0. 287, P=0. 592]; by sex group [24. 0% (6/25) for male and 21.6% (8/37) for female; χ2=0. 048, P=0. 826], by working units [dressing and design, photograph, saleroom and others, consumer group: 42. 1% (8/19), 27. 3% (3/11), 12. 5% (2/16) and 6. 3% (1/16); χ2=7. 653, P=0. 054], by dormitory style [dormitory style=33.3% (4/12),non-dormitory style=29.4%(10/34); χ2=0. 699,P=0. 403]. All the cases had fever (37.5-37.9℃),no case had diarrhea. One in 3 A/H1N1 cases had diarrhea. All the 14 cases were negative result for A/H1N1 RNA. Six from 7 cases were positive for seasonal influenza test. Conclusion This was a seasonal influenza outbreak happened in the close contacts of first confirmed A/H1N1 cases in community in mainland China. It showed that we should exclude the seasonal influenza in the investigation of A/H1N1 cases in the seasonal influenza period in some time. It is necessary to take effective measure to strengthen the control and prevention of seasonal influenza. Key words: A virus; H1N1 subtype; Influenza; human; Disease outbreaks; Universal precautions
Potentiation and tolerance of toll-like receptor priming in human endothelial cells.

Repeated challenge of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) alters the response to subsequent LPS exposures via modulation of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). Whether activation of other TLRs can modulate TLR4 responses, and vice versa, remains unclear. Specifically with regards to endothelial cells, a key component of innate immunity, the impact of TLR cross-modulation is unknown. We postulated that TLR2 priming (via Pam3Csk4) would inhibit TLR4-mediated responses while TLR3 priming (via Poly I:C) would enhance subsequent TLR4-inflammatory signaling. We studied human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and neonatal human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HMVECs). Cells were primed with a combination of Poly I:C (10 μg/ml), Pam3Csk4 (10 μg/ml), or LPS (100 ng/ml), then washed and allowed to rest. They were then rechallenged with either Poly I:C, Pam3Csk4 or LPS. Endothelial cells showed significant tolerance to repeated LPS challenge. Priming with Pam3Csk4 also reduced the response to secondary LPS challenge in both cell types, despite a reduced proinflammatory response to Pam3Csk4 in HMVECs compared to HUVECs. Poly I:C priming enhanced inflammatory and interferon producing signals upon Poly I:C or LPS rechallenge, respectively. Poly I:C priming induced interferon regulatory factor 7, leading to enhancement of interferon production. Finally, both Poly I:C and LPS priming induced significant changes in receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 activity. Pharmacological inhibition of receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 or interferon regulatory factor 7 reduced the potentiated phenotype of TLR3 priming on TLR4 rechallenge. These results demonstrate that in human endothelial cells, prior activation of TLRs can have a significant impact on subsequent exposures and may contribute to the severity of the host response.
Dynamic Modeling, Analysis, and Testing of a Variable Buoyancy System for Unmanned Multidomain Vehicles

This paper presents the system design and dynamic model of an active variable buoyancy system (VBS) actuator with applications to unmanned multidomain vehicles. Unmanned multidomain vehicles have a unique concept of operations that require nontraditional VBS designs. We present a VBS actuator design that focuses on vehicle design objectives of high endurance, stealth, and loitering while underwater. The design consists of an elastic bladder housed within a rigid ballast tank, hydraulic pump, and proportionally controlled vent valve. Ambient surrounding water is the system working fluid and the elastic bladder serves to separate the gas–water interface, eliminating the risk of the compressed gas escaping when venting the water during extreme pitch maneuvers. A nonlinear analytic model of the VBS is derived and used to examine the parameter design space and the effects on water flow rate, actuation force, and energy efficiency. The VBS actuator design is shown to require a smaller, denser energy storage device than a comparable buoyancy system that uses consumable compressed air. A vehicle model is studied that features forward and aft VBS actuators, which enables vehicle pitch control by shifting the center of gravity along the vehicle's longitudinal axis. The coupling between the VBS actuator dynamics and vehicle dynamics is presented and discussed. A proof-of-concept demonstration is presented and compared to the analytical system model.
Non-Benign Familial Neonatal Convulsions

An electroclinical pattern characteristic of benign familial neonatal convulsions is reported in two neonates with non-benign seizures treated at the Miami Children’s Hospital, FL Ten seizures recorded by continuous video-EEG telemetry began with generalized tonic posturing and diffuse attenuation of EEG activity.
An investigation of noise characteristics in OSEM reconstruction of fan beam SPECT using a rotating/warping projector/backprojector

The improved detection efficiency/resolution tradeoff inherent in fan-beam collimators may be used to provide better counting statistics for SPECT imaging and should result in better noise characteristics in the reconstructed image as compared to parallel hole collimators for a given resolution. It has previously been observed for fan-beam filtered backprojection that it is important to backproject projection bins into all image pixels from which they can geometrically record counts. Previous implementations of iterative reconstruction using a rotating/warping projector/backprojector have also not demonstrated the expected improved in noise properties. We hypothesized that this was due to a mismatch in the implicit projector/backprojector system matrices brought about by the use of simple two-bin linear interpolation in the backprojector. The solution proposed here is to convolve each row in the backprojection image parallel to the collimator face with a summing kernel of length equal to the magnification factor for that row distance prior to unwarping and rotating. This convolution results in inclusion of the contribution from each detector bin to the appropriate image voxel. We demonstrate that the use of the summing kernel reduces the mismatch between the projector and backprojector and results in improved noise properties for fan-beam versus parallel hole reconstructions as a function of iteration. However, the use of the summing kernel results in slower resolution recovery and a poorer noise-resolution tradeoff.
Enhancing thermoelectric power factor at low temperature

In this article, we review some of the ideas relevant to Peltier cooling at room temperatures and below. We identify challenges and directions for thermoelectric refrigeration. We also point out that measures other than ZT, should be used for active cooling cycle where heat is pumped from hot to cold. Finally, we review several strategies proposed in the past by our group and others to enhance the thermoelectric power factor.
Micromechanics of flow and failure modes of particulate media over a wide range of strain rates.

Abstract A basic framework is proposed for the systematic micromechanically-based constitutive modeling of the flow of granular materials, over a broad range of strain rates, from quasi-static to high strain rates. Frictional effects, pressure sensitivity, and coupling between shearing and volumetric strain are included. Stress-induced anisotropy in elastic and inelastic instantaneous material response is incoporated. The model is flexible enough to account for both rate-independent and rate-dependent frictional sliding and rolling of the grains. For illustration, typical results for biaxial and simple shearing of granular materials with various void ratios are calculated in monotonic, as well as cyclic loading, and they are shown to accurately correspond to actual observations.
Extreme under-reporting of body weight by young adults with obesity: relation to social desirability.

Objective The objective of this study was to determine whether there is an association between under-reporting of body weight and social desirability as is found with self-reports of energy intake. Methods Twenty-seven lean individuals (mean body mass index ± standard deviation = 21.6 ± 2.0 kg m-2) and 26 individuals with obesity (mean body mass index = 35.4 ± 4.8 kg m-2) were e-mailed a questionnaire on which they had to state their body weight and conduct a home food inventory. The next day, research team members went to their homes to weigh the participants, conduct their own food inventory and administer the Marlowe-Crowne scale for social desirability. Results Among individuals with obesity, lower social desirability scores were associated with a greater degree of under-reporting body weight (r = +0.48, p 0.10). Nine individuals with obesity were extreme under-reporters (2.27 kg or more), and eight of these had social desirability scores in the bottom half of the Marlowe-Crowne scale (p < 0.01). Six under-reported on the home food inventory by three or more items. Conclusions Individuals with obesity and low social desirability scores are more likely than others to be extreme under-reporters of body weight, possibly due to a lack of awareness of their own weight.
Impact of lung and heart dose on survival after radiotherapy for esophageal cancer.

3Background: Chemoradiation is an essential tool in treatment of localized esophageal cancer. Recent data indicates that cardiac dose is an independent predictor of survival after chemoradiation fo...
Single-bunch imaging of detonation fronts using scattered synchrotron radiation

A centimeter-scale field of view for transmission X-ray radiography from a sub-millimeter-focused synchrotron X-ray beam is achieved by placing a strongly scattering material upstream of the sample. Combining the scattered beam with a detector system synchronized and gated to acquire images from single X-ray pulses provides the capability for time-resolved observations of transient phenomena in samples larger than the native X-ray beam. Furthermore, switching between this scatter-beam imaging (SBI) and scattering modes is trivial compared to switching between unfocused white beam imaging and scattering using a focused pink beam. As a result, SBI additionally provides a straightforward method to precisely align samples relative to the focused X-ray beam for subsequent small-angle X-ray scattering measurements. This paper describes the use of glassy carbon for SBI to observe phenomena during detonation of small-scale high explosive charges and compares the technique to conventional white beam imaging. SBI i...
The Semantic Variability of Free Adjuncts and Absolutes

My purpose in this book is to investigate the semantic properties of absolute constructions, under which heading are subsumed the three constructions in (1). (1) a. The free adjunct construction: Walking home, he found a dollar. b. The nominative absolute construction: His father being a sailor, John knows all about boats. c. The augmented absolute construction: With the children asleep, Mary watched TV.
Nuclear Hydrogen and Captured Carbon Dioxide for Alternative Liquid Fuels

A preliminary study is conducted that considers capturing carbon dioxide from fossil-fired power plants and combining it with nuclear hydrogen in order to produce alternative liquid fuels for transportation. We estimate the quantity of carbon dioxide that would be emitted by fossil-fired power plants in the future. We then use this information to determine how much ethanol or methanol can be created if enough hydrogen is made available. Using the quantity of hydrogen required and the thermodynamics of the reactions involved, we estimate the nuclear power that would be needed to produce the liquid fuel. This amount of liquid fuel is then used to estimate the effect of such a program on conventional gasoline usage, need for foreign oil, and decrease in CO 2 emissions. We then review the Mobil M process, which is a technique for producing gasoline from methanol. Although methanol and ethanol can be used in cars today, the volumetric energy density of gasoline is much greater, and the infrastructure for gasoline is in place. For this purpose, we feel that the conversion from methanol to gasoline is worth investigating.
Age-Adjustment in National Biosurveillance Systems

The practice of biosurveillance primarily involves measuring disease cases accurately and precisely in a given population. However, measuring the size and composition of the actual population at risk for the diseases under surveillance is just as important, particularly when the objective of surveillance is to measure rates of disease. The purpose of this chapter is to explore the issues pertaining to selection of the population denominator in population surveillance, with a particular focus on age and age-adjustment. This chapter presents an overview of several data sources commonly available to surveillance and epidemiological professionals, along with a synopsis of graphical and statistical tools to help assess and adjust for age effects in disease patterns.
Single stage, direct to implant pre-pectoral breast reconstruction

Background: Given the current trends in skin preservation during mastectomy, improved biofilm reduction algorithms, and advancements in tissue bioengineering and perfusion assessment, acellular dermal matrix (ADM)-reinforced single stage, direct to implant insertion in the pre-pectoral space has become a viable alternative to two-stage expander-based, sub-pectoral reconstruction. Methods: The authors performed a retrospective review of their pre-pectoral cases evaluating outcomes for all single stage, direct to implant procedures. Outcomes reviewed included hematoma, seroma, infection, device loss or change, animation deformity and revisional procedures such as fat grafting. The anterior tenting surgical technique is also reviewed. Results: The authors have carried out 305 direct to implant pre-pectoral breast reconstructions using an anterior tenting technique with low complication rates and superior clinical and functional outcomes. The benefits of this technique include less patient discomfort, no need for postoperative expansion, virtually no subjective negative impact on upper extremity function and elimination of animation deformity. Longer-term follow-up demonstrates maintenance of the integrity and quality of the reconstructions over time. Conclusions: The authors consider single stage, pre-pectoral direct to implant breast reconstruction to be a state-of-the-art breast reconstruction technique and have found it to be safe and reproducible. This technique is their primary choice for immediate implant-based reconstruction following mastectomy.
The Impact of Primary Relationships and Early Experiences in Toddlerhood: 12 to 18 Months

The importance of responsive early relationships and consistent and positive early learning opportunities is critical for the developmental period of toddlerhood. This chapter will discuss empirical research as it is applied to the field of early development and will further explicate both positive and adverse experiences that impact developmental trajectories. Understanding domains of early social-emotional development in the context of caregiving relationships and child care will be highlighted, as well as the influences of individuals and environments on children’s developmental outcomes. The impact of brain development, developmental hazards, and factors that can buffer early developmental pathways will be reviewed within a frame of prevention and early intervention, as well as the promotion of rich, high-quality experiences required for well-being of young children.
ONCE AND FOR ALL: WHEN THE GOVERNMENT CONCILIATES CITIZENS’ CLAIMS

Like the chorus in Shakespeare’s Henry the Fifth, those who proceed on behalf of society at large should have both the first and last word. They should possess the capacity to undertake this act of representation, whether in or out of court, with forcefulness and finality. Indeed, a genuine representative should not have to run the risk of others thereafter embarking upon the matter anew and standing in for whomever she is representing, as well as casting aside her effort as irrelevant, insufficient, or illegitimate. Therefore, a societal settlement, particularly when negotiated by the authorities, may have not only contractual but also procedural (or preclusive) implications, which (partly independently of intent) shield the contractors from litigation as well as liability. To that end, it may or may not, depending on the jurisdiction, require the judiciary’s endorsement in order to constitute the functional equivalent of a judgment. U.S. and civil-law principles of preclusion bar a subsequent suit insofar as it involves the same real party in interest (namely, the whole citizenry) and assertion (or cause and object) as its amicably averted antecedent counterpart. Judges and lawmakers in the United States, as well as Latin America, have invariably conceded these actions an erga omnes effect; in other words, against anyone with standing who might try to reignite the controversy. Settlers in these cases normally neither compromise on the underlying entitlements nor contract on the rights of someone else. In fact, they may and should vindicate these entitlements fully and facilitate the collective conciliation of claims based on collectivity’s own rights. The government, for its part, enjoys plenty of legitimacy to play this role and to settle on, as well as prosecute, these entitlements. In these disputes, the settling or suing actor steps into the shoes of the broader community. The latter, as the interested claimant, may not subsequently take another bite at the apple through a different spokesperson. Otherwise, it would unfairly and inefficiently burden, respectively, its opponents and the adjudicating tribunals in its quest for a windfall. Consequently, the trans-individual settlements and suits at stake should strengthen, rather than weaken, from a punctilious adherence to the requirements of res judicata. They should thereby further legitimate themselves and perhaps even solidify the political and social support from which they benefit.
E-137 Remote ischemic preconditioning before endovascular intracranial aneurysm treatment: a case series of successful administration of RIPC in 7 patients

Background Remote ischemic conditioning (RIPC) has been proposed as a possible potential treatment for ischemic stroke. However, neuroprotective benefits of pre-procedural administration of RIPC have not been investigated in patients undergoing endovascular intracranial aneurysm (IA) repair procedure. Objective To evaluate the safety and feasibility of RIPC in patients with an unruptured IA who undergo elective endovascular treatment. Methods In this single-center, prospective pilot study patients with an unruptured IA undergoing elective endovascular treatment with flow diverters or coiling were recruited. Patients received 3 intermittent cycles of 5 min arm ischemia followed by reperfusion using manual blood cuff inflation/deflation prior to endovascular treatment. Patients were monitored and followed up for RIPC-related adverse events and ischemic brain lesions by diffusion-weighted MRI within 48 hours following endovascular treatment. Results A total of 7 patients aged 59.86±4.99 years with an unruptured IA successfully completed a total 21 sessions of RIPC and the required procedures. Except for 2 patients who developed skin petechiae over their arm, no other serious procedure-related adverse events were observed as a result of RIPC procedure. On follow-up diffusion-weighted MRI, a total of 19 brain ischemic lesions with an average volume of 257.35±210.54 were found in 4 of 7 patients. The volume of all ischemic brain lesions was 1029.4. Conclusions We demonstrated safety and feasibility of RIPC in patients undergoing elective aneurysm repair. RIPC was readily applied and quite well tolerated by the patients. Larger sham-controlled clinical trials are required to determine the safety and efficacy of this therapeutic strategy in mitigating ischemic damages following endovascular treatment of IAs. Disclosures S. Seyedsaadat: None. L. Rangel Castilla: None. D. Kallmes: None.
Tiger Beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Cicindelinae) of the Andaman and Nicobar Archipelagoes, India, with the Description of Cylindera (Ifasina) Dartista, New Species, from Great Nicobar Island

Twelve tiger beetle taxa are reported from the Andaman and Nicobar Archipelagoes, Union Territories, India. These are listed according to their current classification within the Carabidae: Cicindelinae under tribes Collyrini or Cicindelini, along with comments about their taxonomy, recognition, habitats, and distribution. Cylindera (Ifasina) dartista, new species, known only from Great Nicobar Island, India, is described and compared to related taxa. Cylindera (Ifasina) discreta nicobarica (Mandl, 1970), also endemic to Great Nicobar Island, India, is distinguished from related species found elsewhere in Southeast Asia. In addition to these two endemic Cylindera (Ifasina) taxa, Neocollyris (Orthocollyris) crassicornis andamana (Bates, 1878) and Neocollyris (Neocollyris) schaumi (W. Horn, 1892) are considered endemic to the Andaman and Nicobar Archipelagoes. Except for these four endemic taxa, all but two of the remaining eight taxa comprising the tiger beetle fauna of these archipelagoes have a wider distribution in South Asia and Southeast Asia. These include six species: Neocollyris (Orthocollyris) subclavata (Chaudoir, 1860); Neocollyris (Leptocollyris) variicornis (Chaudoir, 1864); Calochroa flavomaculata (Hope, 1831); Calochroa sexpunctata (Fabricius, 1775); Callytron limosum (Saunders, 1836); Hypaetha biramosa (Fabricius, 1781). Two taxa have more limited ranges. Cosmodela diehli Wiesner, 1997, previously known only from Simular Island off the southwestern coast of Sumatra, Indonesia, is now documented from Great Nicobar Island, India. This species is very similar to Cosmodela didyma (Dejean, 1825) from Sumatra and Java, also reported from Little and Great Nicobar Islands. It is possible C. didyma records from the Nicobars are based on misidentified C. diehli. Examination of the Nicobar Archipelago specimens identified as C. didyma will be necessary to determine whether both species co-occur on the islands, or whether all the specimens are, in fact, C. diehli.
Warmblood fragile foal syndrome type 1 mutation (PLOD1 c.2032G>A) is not associated with catastrophic breakdown and has a low allele frequency in the Thoroughbred breed.

Author(s): Bellone, RR; Ocampo, NR; Hughes, SS; Le, V; Arthur, R; Finno, CJ; Penedo, MCT | Abstract: BackgroundCatastrophic fractures are among the most common cause of fatalities in racehorses. Several factors, including genetics, likely contribute to increased risk for fatal injuries. A variant in the procollagen-lysine, 2-oxoglutarate 5-dioxygenase1 gene (PLOD1 c.2032GgA) was shown to cause Warmblood fragile foal syndrome type 1 (WFFS), a fatal recessive defect of the connective tissue. Screening of multiple horse breeds identified the presence of the WFFS allele in the Thoroughbred. PLOD1 is involved in cross-linking of collagen fibrils and thus could potentially increase the risk of catastrophic breakdown.ObjectivesEstimate the frequency of the WFFS allele (PLOD1 c.2032GgA) and determine if it is a risk factor for catastrophic breakdown in the Thoroughbred.Study designCase-control genetic study.MethodsGenomic DNA from hair and/or tissue samples was genotyped for the WFFS allele. Fisher's Exact tests were performed to compare allele and carrier frequencies between the case cohort (catastrophic breakdown, n = 22) and several cohorts with no record of injury (n = 138 raced/trained at same track and season and n = 185 older than 7 years and raced during same season), nonracers (n = 92), and a random sample without consideration for racing history (n = 279).ResultsThe frequency of the PLOD1 c.2032GgA variant in the Thoroughbred breed is low (1.2%). Seventeen of 716 Thoroughbreds tested were carriers (2.4%) and no WFFS homozygotes were detected. Only one catastrophic breakdown case carried the WFFS allele. No statistically significant difference in allele or carrier frequency was identified between case and control cohorts (Pg0.05 in all comparisons performed).Main limitationsThis study evaluated cases from one single track.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that the PLOD1 c.2032GgA associated with WFFS is present at very low frequency in Thoroughbreds and is not a genetic risk factor for catastrophic breakdown.
High‐definition transcranial direct current stimulation dissociates fronto‐visual theta lateralization during visual selective attention

Key points Visual attention involves discrete multispectral oscillatory responses in visual and 'higher-order' prefrontal cortices. Prefrontal cortex laterality effects during visual selective attention are poorly characterized. High-definition transcranial direct current stimulation dynamically modulated right-lateralized fronto-visual theta oscillations compared to those observed in left fronto-visual pathways. Increased connectivity in right fronto-visual networks after stimulation of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex resulted in faster task performance in the context of distractors. Our findings show clear laterality effects in theta oscillatory activity along prefrontal-visual cortical pathways during visual selective attention. Abstract Studies of visual attention have implicated oscillatory activity in the recognition, protection and temporal organization of attended representations in visual cortices. These studies have also shown that higher-order regions such as the prefrontal cortex are critical to attentional processing, but far less is understood regarding prefrontal laterality differences in attention processing. To examine this, we selectively applied high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) to the left or right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). We predicted that HD-tDCS of the left versus right prefrontal cortex would differentially modulate performance on a visual selective attention task, and alter the underlying oscillatory network dynamics. Our randomized crossover design included 27 healthy adults that underwent three separate sessions of HD-tDCS (sham, left DLPFC and right DLPFC) for 20 min. Following stimulation, participants completed an attention protocol during magnetoencephalography. The resulting oscillatory dynamics were imaged using beamforming, and peak task-related neural activity was subjected to dynamic functional connectivity analyses to evaluate the impact of stimulation site (i.e. left and right DLPFC) on neural interactions. Our results indicated that HD-tDCS over the left DLPFC differentially modulated right fronto-visual functional connectivity within the theta band compared to HD-tDCS of the right DLPFC and further, specifically modulated the oscillatory response for detecting targets among an array of distractors. Importantly, these findings provide network-specific insight into the complex oscillatory mechanisms serving visual selective attention.
Successful Use of Brigatinib Followed By Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation in Primary Refractory Anaplastic Lymphoma-Kinase Positive Large B Cell Lymphoma

Anaplastic lymphoma-kinase (ALK) positive large B cell lymphoma (LBCL) is a rare, aggressive lymphoma with high relapse rates and poor response to standard cytotoxic therapy. Brigatinib, a next-generation multi-kinase inhibitor that blocks signal transduction associated with the ALK mutational re-arrangement, has shown substantial efficacy in patients with ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer. We present a unique and successful case of a young patient with primary refractory ALK-positive LBCL who received salvage chemotherapy plus brigatinib followed by allogeneic stem cell transplantation. A 26 year-old previously healthy male presented with weight loss, night sweats, and abdominal pain. Exam was notable for a large abdominal mass. PET/CT scan revealed a large, FDG-avid heterogeneous peripherally enhancing pelvic mass, ascites, and diffuse abdominal lymphadenopathy. Testicular ultrasound was unremarkable. Large atypical plasmablastic cells with amphophilic cytoplasm and prominent nucleoli were noted within areas of necrosis. The abnormal cells were negative for CD19, CD20, PAX5, CD30, and CD117. They were positive for CD138 and granular, cytoplasmic ALK-1. Genomic testing revealed RANBP2-ALK fusion. The patient was diagnosed with ALK-positive LBCL. CSF cytology revealed no malignant cells and bone marrow biopsy revealed normal hematopoiesis. Therapy with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, etoposide, and methylprednisolone (CHOEP) was initiated. Interval PET/CT revealed primary refractory disease with an enlarging abdominal mass and resultant hydronephrosis. He had worsening leukocytosis and liver dysfunction. Salvage therapy with dexamethasone, cytarabine, cisplatin (DHAP) plus brigatinib was initiated after a risk and benefit discussion regarding the off-label use of brigatinib. He achieved a complete metabolic response and subsequently underwent an umbilical cord blood stem cell transplant with a cyclophosphamide, fludarabine, and total body irradiation-based conditioning regimen followed by tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil for graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD) prophylaxis. Maintenance brigatinib was initiated post-transplant. The patient remains in complete remission over a year post-transplant with no unexpected toxicities and no GVHD. ALK-positive LBCL carries a poor prognosis with no standard therapeutic options. This case demonstrates safety and efficacy with the novel use of brigatinib. ALK inhibitors may represent a successful therapeutic strategy and further investigation in a clinical trial setting is warranted.
Perceived Neighborhood Characteristics and Experiences of Intimate Partner Violence: A Multilevel Analysis.

Within a lifetime, one in four women and more than one in 10 men will experience intimate partner violence (IPV). Researchers have begun to examine physical and social neighborhood risk factors of ...
Heparin Flush Use in Transfemoral Cerebral Angiography Survey

Abstract The drug concentration of heparinized saline used for transfemoral catheter angiography flush during different types of cerebral angiogram procedures varies among providers and centers worldwide. Although heparin is recommended for use during cerebral angiograms to minimize the risk of thromboembolic events associated with the utilization of multiple endovascular devices and lengthy procedures, there is a paucity of information available regarding protocols for administration of heparin and heparinized saline. Higher concentrations of heparinized saline flush may benefit patients undergoing elective nonruptured intracranial aneurysm embolization procedures by decreasing the risk of thromboembolism. However, it could potentially place patients undergoing revascularization procedures for acute ischemic stroke at higher risk of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, particularly if they received intravenous tissue plasminogen activator immediately before endovascular thrombectomy. After obtaining permission from the Association for Radiologic and Imaging Nursing (ARIN) Board of Directors, a survey was presented in English and electronically distributed by the ARIN to all current and past ARIN members with valid e-mail addresses. The survey was preceded by an introductory letter explaining the study purpose and its voluntary nature. Response to the survey was identified as consent to participate. Subjects were asked to participate if they were currently involved in the management of patients undergoing cerebral angiography with a variety of interventions including management of acute ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. There is a paucity of evidence supporting use of a specific concentration of heparinized saline solution. It ranges from no heparin added to concentrations exceeding 5 units/mL for transfemoral flush. The most frequently used concentration is 2 units/mL (32.8–34.8% of respondents depending on endovascular intervention), and the least frequently utilized concentrations are 3 units/mL and higher than 5 units/mL (4.3–5.7% of respondents depending on endovascular intervention). Mixing and labeling bags with heparinized saline flush was noted to be the responsibility of interventional radiology registered nurse (39%, n = 46), pharmacy (26.3%, n = 31), or the angiography technologist (8.5%, n = 10). More than quarter (26.5%) of respondents noted not having readily available premixed heparinized saline flush. Twenty-four (20.3%) of survey participants claimed using only premixed bags of heparinized saline solution. Despite the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, Institute for Safe Medication Practices and Joint Commission recommendations, there are no standard protocols across stroke centers identifying optimal heparinized saline flush solution concentration, preparation, and documentation. Replication of this survey among members of the American Society of Neuroradiology is recommended to validate the findings from the present study. If confirmed, a consensus on safety of heparinized saline flush use during neuroradiology interventions is strongly advised.
Muddy Sensemaking: Making Sense of Socio-Emotional Skills Amidst a Vague Policy Context

Education laws and policies have moved toward promoting socio-emotional (SEL) skills, adopting numerous terminologies in their standards. However, the incremental change has left compensatory education practitioners who are committed to promoting SEL opportunities with little guidance when the programs’ governing policies do not include language acknowledging the importance of SEL to student success. Additionally, the ongoing debate in the SEL field about which taxonomies might best capture the skills and the lack of conceptual clarity offers these practitioners little additional guidance. Drawing on sensemaking theory, this case study examined how practitioners in a compensatory education program made sense of SEL skills through their practice. The study used a case-based design with multiple methods, namely, document review, observations, and pre- and post-program semi-structured interviews. The study employed sensemaking theory and CASEL’s SEL framework in the thematic analysis of the documents, observations, and interviews to understand how practitioners made sense of the concept of SEL. The findings indicate three key aspects important in the practitioners’ sensemaking process: the local environment established by the federal policy and the leaders’ policy interpretation, which emphasized the importance of SEL skills; their articulation of their conceptualization of SEL skills at the beginning of the program; and the usefulness of an SEL skills conceptual framework. I discuss the policy and equity implications at the federal and local level.
Osseous blastomycosis mimicking malignancy.

A 33-year-old man presented with a 10-month history of left back and flank pain with radiation to his lower extremity. The symptoms started gradually without preceding trauma or activity. He is a school teacher, living in the Midwestern United States. He noted construction at his workplace for
Reducing near-surface voids in metal (Ti-6Al-4V) powder bed fusion additive manufacturing: the effect of inter-hatch travel time

Abstract Powder bed fusion additive manufacturing (L-PBF) is being rapidly adopted by industry for the production of novel and complex geometries. However, production of L-PBF parts with near-surface voids remains a primary concern. Such voids impede the use of additive manufacturing for thin geometries and may significantly reduce fatigue life. Here, we develop a statistical model which relates the probability of near-surface void formation to toolpath parameters used in part production. Using registered computed tomography (CT) data as ground truth to measure void location and morphology together with actual build plan data (e.g. vector trajectories, powers, speeds), we identify the time between nonconsecutive, adjacent hatch strikes to be a statistically significant (p = 8.54 × 10-20) indicator of the likelihood that a given point becomes a void. Furthermore, we show that altering hatching strategy to include fewer short hatches (i.e. a longer time between nonconsecutive, adjacent hatch strikes) can produce a similar geometry with significantly fewer near-surface voids.