cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Party Choice and Support for Demagogues: An Experimental Examination *

The relationship of parties to democracy and to political stability has concerned scholars for years.1 Extant party systems have almost continually been under attack by reformers bent on achieving various objectives, among them greater party responsibility, greater honesty, and greater efficiency of governmental operation. But party systems have not suffered from a lack of defenders: reformers have often been engaged in vigorous debate. Such controversy, apart from the merits of the arguments on either side, focuses attention on a number of interesting empirical propositions about parties in democratic systems. These propositions, unfortunately, have not often been put to rigorous systematic test. For example, defenders of the American party system in particular point out that an important function of parties is the guiding of social conflict into moderate, non-revolutionary
Interpreting barriers to success in software development and deployment using systems theory

The purpose of this paper is to investigate issues that restrict success in the development and deployment of software. As software becomes more complex it evolves as a system of systems (SoS) containing new, modified, existing, and legacy parts. As portions are modified and integrated, the effort is confronted with a host of issues often leading to failure, regardless of a well-developed project plan and exceptional communications. Many of the restrictions that are exemplified as issues and failures identified during or after software development originate in the system of system's governance structure and manifest themselves as barriers to project success. This paper analyses frequently cited challenges in software development and migration and production rollout that lead to program and project failure. Systems theory principles provide the framework (or theoretical lens) by which these challenges are viewed. Realisation of these underlying systemic roots informs the project team's worldview, leading to greater success in future technological pursuits to support the needs of the system of systems.
Breaking bad news: A communication competency for ophthalmology training programs

As the ophthalmology accreditation system undergoes major changes, training programs must evaluate residents in the 6 core competencies, including appropriately communicating bad news. Although the literature is replete with recommendations for breaking bad news across various non-ophthalmology specialties, no formal training programs exist for ophthalmology. There are many valuable lessons to be learned from our colleagues regarding this important skill. We examine the historic basis for breaking bad news, explore current recommendations among other specialties, and then evaluate a pilot study in breaking bad news for ophthalmology residents. The results of this study are limited by a small number of residents at a single academic center. Future studies from multiple training programs should be conducted to further evaluate the need and efficacy of formal communication skills training in this area, as well as the generalizability of our pilot training program. If validated, this work could serve as a template for future ophthalmology resident training and evaluation in this core competency.
Zika Virus Depletes Neural Progenitors in Human Cerebral Organoids through Activation of the Innate Immune Receptor TLR3.

Emerging evidence from the current outbreak of Zika virus (ZIKV) indicates a strong causal link between Zika and microcephaly. To investigate how ZIKV infection leads to microcephaly, we used human embryonic stem cell-derived cerebral organoids to recapitulate early stage, first trimester fetal brain development. Here we show that a prototype strain of ZIKV, MR766, efficiently infects organoids and causes a decrease in overall organoid size that correlates with the kinetics of viral copy number. The innate immune receptor Toll-like-Receptor 3 (TLR3) was upregulated after ZIKV infection of human organoids and mouse neurospheres and TLR3 inhibition reduced the phenotypic effects of ZIKV infection. Pathway analysis of gene expression changes during TLR3 activation highlighted 41 genes also related to neuronal development, suggesting a mechanistic connection to disrupted neurogenesis. Together, therefore, our findings identify a link between ZIKV-mediated TLR3 activation, perturbed cell fate, and a reduction in organoid volume reminiscent of microcephaly.
The frequency of influenza and bacterial coinfection: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Aim Coinfecting bacterial pathogens are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in influenza. However, there remains a paucity of literature on the magnitude of coinfection in influenza patients. Method A systematic search of MeSH, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, SCOPUS, EMBASE, and PubMed was performed. Studies of humans in which all individuals had laboratory confirmed influenza, and all individuals were tested for an array of common bacterial species, met inclusion criteria. Results Twenty-seven studies including 3215 participants met all inclusion criteria. Common etiologies were defined from a subset of eight articles. There was high heterogeneity in the results (I2 = 95%), with reported coinfection rates ranging from 2% to 65%. Although only a subset of papers were responsible for observed heterogeneity, subanalyses and meta-regression analysis found no study characteristic that was significantly associated with coinfection. The most common coinfecting species were Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus, which accounted for 35% (95% CI, 14%–56%) and 28% (95% CI, 16%–40%) of infections, respectively; a wide range of other pathogens caused the remaining infections. An assessment of bias suggested that lack of small-study publications may have biased the results. Conclusions The frequency of coinfection in the published studies included in this review suggests that although providers should consider possible bacterial coinfection in all patients hospitalized with influenza, they should not assume all patients are coinfected and be sure to properly treat underlying viral processes. Further, high heterogeneity suggests additional large-scale studies are needed to better understand the etiology of influenza bacterial coinfection.
Evolving strategies to prevent stroke and thromboembolism in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation

Stroke prevention in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation relies on an assessment of the individual risks for stroke and bleeding. Patients at high risk for stroke are candidates for anticoagulant therapy. Anticoagulants, however, have substantial bleeding risks that must be weighed in the therapeutic decision. Warfarin has been the traditional choice, but the recently introduced novel oral anticoagulants offer similar efficacy with less bleeding risk. Additionally, they do not require monitoring and have fewer drug interactions and dietary restrictions than warfarin. Several devices, which isolate the left atrial appendage, have become available as treatment options for patients with elevated risks of both thromboembolism and bleeding complications.
Rapid induction and persistence of paracrine-induced cellular antiviral states arrest viral infection spread in A549 cells.

Abstract The virus/host interaction is a complex interplay between pro- and anti-viral factors that ultimately determines the spread or halt of virus infections in tissues. This interplay develops over multiple rounds of infection. The purpose of this study was to determine how cellular-level processes combine to impact the spatial spread of infection. We measured the kinetics of virus replication (VSV), antiviral paracrine signal upregulation and secretion, spatial spread of virus and paracrine antiviral signaling, and inhibition of virus production in antiviral-exposed A549 human lung epithelial cells. We found that initially infected cells released antiviral signals 4-to-7 h following production of virus. However, the subsequent rapid dissemination of signal and fast induction of a robust and persistent antiviral state ultimately led to a suppression of infection spread. This work shows how cellular responses to infection and activation of antiviral responses can integrate to ultimately control infection spread across host cell populations.
Meaningful use and good catches: More appropriate metrics for checklist effectiveness.

Background The benefit of utilizing surgical safety checklists has been recently questioned. We evaluated our checklist performance after implementing a program that includes checklist-related good catches. Methods Multifaceted interventions aimed at the preincision checklist and 5 prospective audits were conducted from 2011–2015. We documented adherence to the checklist (verbalization of each checkpoint), fidelity (meaningful performance of each checkpoint), and good catches (events with the potential to cause the patient harm but that were prevented from occurring). Good catches were divided into quality improvement-based categories (processes, medication, safety, communication, and equipment). Results A total of 1,346 checklist performances were observed (range, 144–373/yr). Adherence to the preincision checklist improved from 30% to 95% (P Conclusion Implementation of a systematic checklist program resulted in significant and sustainable improvement in performance. Meaningful use and associated good catches may be more appropriate metric than actual patient harm for measuring checklist effectiveness. Although not previously described, checklist-related good catches represent an unknown benefit of checklists.
ASSESSING THE BENEFITS OF HAVING A SPECIALIST PAEDIATRIC PHARMACIST AND PHYSIOTHERAPIST IN THE COMMUNITY TO IMPROVE CHILDHOOD ASTHMA OUTCOMES

Introduction The local Clinical Commissioning Group has funded an innovative one-year pilot project to assess the value of providing specialist paediatric pharmacist and physiotherapist support direct to families and health care professionals (GP9s, community pharmacists, practice nurses etc.) regarding asthma in the primary care setting. Currently no such support is provided within community setting by physiotherapy or pharmacy. Methods Joint holistic reviews by the clinical specialist physiotherapist and specialist paediatric pharmacist were performed in the patient9s home environment or school. The review involved a thorough respiratory review and in-depth medication optimisation review ensuring patients were on appropriate regimes and using devices appropriately. Specifically, if an inhaler was indicated a device that the patient was comfortable using was chosen. Furthermore, parents, patients, teachers and school support workers were counselled on how to self manage asthma exacerbations. In order to review benefits patients answered the five question asthma control test (score out of 25), a standardised quality of life questionnaire (score out of 92) and hospital admissions were monitored. Results At the six-month stage of the project a total of 42 patients had been reviewed and followed up by the project. During the review period there was a total of 1 hospital admission and 1 attendance to the accident and emergency, this is in comparison to the 8 hospital admissions and 47 accident and emergency attendances with this group of patients in the same period the previous year. All patients had an improvement in outcome measures. The average improvement in asthma control test after intervention was 7 points (30%) and a 30% increase in QoL score. We found that symptomatic children had poor FEF25-75 values ( 80%). Compliance to medications regimes was noted to be improved after optimisation. Conclusions It can be clearly seen that joint multidisciplinary reviews by physiotherapy and pharmacy can help improve the outcomes of asthma patients. The joint review of inhaler technique in particular was key. Pharmacy services will tend to concentrate on the use of the device itself whereas physiotherapy monitor the strength and depth of breathes taken. It is well known that good drug deposition is key to the success of inhaled medications. By combining pharmacy and physiotherapy both the use of the device and breathing patterns were optimised both contributing to better drug deposition and improved FEF 25–75% reading. Optimisation of medication was also vital. By ensuring the patient was happy with the device they were using and that it had little negative impact on their daily routine compliance with medications was increased. At the six month stage of the pilot this aspect has proven vital to outcomes in asthmatic patients.
Response of nitrogen metabolism in preparturient dairy cows to methionine supplementation

Three multiparous Holstein cows (607 kg of BW) were surgically prepared with an elevated carotid artery and indwelling catheters in the hepatic, portal, and two mesenteric veins to study the effects of methionine supplementation on amino acid metabolism during the last 2 wk of pregnancy. The study began 15 d before the expected calving date. Dietary treatments were Control (1.53 Mcal NE(l)/kg, 15.6% CP, and 40% ruminally undegradable protein) and Control supplemented with 60 g/d of ruminally protected methionine (MET, supplying 39 g/d of DL-methionine and approximately 18 g/d of methionine available for intestinal absorption). Each cow received both dietary treatments in a crossover design. Cows were fed once daily. After 5 d on treatment, a blood flow marker (para-aminohippurate) was infused into a mesenteric vein, and arterial, portal, and hepatic blood samples were obtained at 0, 2, 6, 12, and 18 h after feeding. Net flux of methionine was calculated as the plasma arteriovenous difference multiplied by plasma flow. Dry matter intake (10.8 kg/d) and portal (824 L/h) and hepatic (995 L/h) plasma flows were not affected (P > .10) by treatment. Arterial plasma concentration of methionine was greater (P = .10) with MET (27.67 microM) than with Control (16.42 microM). Net portal absorption of methionine increased (P = .10) with MET (26.2 g/d) compared with Control (9.5 g/d). The net portal methionine flux was negatively correlated (r = -.59; P < .001) with arterial urea concentrations. Net flux of methionine across splanchnic tissues shifted (P = .06) from a net uptake with Control (4 g/d) to a net output with MET (11 g/d). Therefore, MET increased by 15 g/d the methionine supply to the rest of the body. The net uptake of methionine by splanchnic tissues observed with Control indicated a net mobilization of methionine by peripheral tissues. Results indicate that methionine was the limiting amino acid with Control and that MET was beneficial because it increased methionine supply to peripheral tissues and reduced arterial urea concentrations.
Real-Time Analysis of Macromolecular Assembly During Cell Activation

Cell activation reflects a sequence of transient macromolecular assemblies. For example, during signal transduction many ligand-receptor complexes interact with G proteins to form a ternary complex of ligand, receptor, and G protein. Receptors which release intracellular calcium use an activation pathway which involves the action of phospholipase C. In this situation, the sequence of activation events involves: the formation of the ligand-receptor-G protein complex; the activation of the ternary complex by the binding of GTP; an assembly of the activated G protein, the phospholipase and its substrate, PIP2; and finally, calcium elevation following the release of inositol trisphosphate from the substrate. Since calcium release is detected within two seconds, the macromolecular asembly and dissasembly within the sequence occurs on a subsecond time scale.
Chemoproteomic Profiling of Phosphoaspartate Modifications in Prokaryotes.

Phosphorylation at aspartic acid residues represents an abundant and critical post-translational modification (PTM) in prokaryotes. In contrast to most characterized PTMs, such as phosphorylation at serine or threonine, the phosphoaspartate moiety is intrinsically labile, and therefore incompatible with common proteomic profiling methods. Herein, we report a nucleophilic, desthiobiotin-containing hydroxylamine (DBHA) chemical probe that covalently labels modified aspartic acid residues in native proteomes. DBHA treatment coupled with LC-MS/MS analysis enabled detection of known phosphoaspartate modifications, as well as novel aspartic acid sites in the E. coli proteome. Coupled with isotopic labelling, DBHA-dependent proteomic profiling also permitted global quantification of changes in endogenous protein modification status, as demonstrated with the detection of increased E. coli OmpR phosphorylation, but not abundance, in response to changes in osmolarity.
Embryonic exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of triclosan impairs foraging efficiency in zebrafish larvae

The ubiquitous and persistent contaminant triclosan is known to cause developmental and behavioral toxicity in fish, but few studies have evaluated the long-term effects of these responses. We used a phenotypically anchored approach to evaluate the behavioral responses caused by early exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of triclosan to better understand the risk triclosan poses to fish. Zebrafish were exposed to 0, 0.4, 4, or 40 μg triclosan/L (nominal concentrations) for 5 d followed by depuration for 16 d to assess effects on mortality, development, and foraging efficiency. Because foraging efficiency can be impacted by neurological and structural alterations, we assessed morphological and behavioral indicators of neurotoxicity and morphology of craniofacial features associated with gape to identify potential underlying mechanisms associated with altered foraging behaviors. To our knowledge, we are the first to show that early exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of triclosan impairs foraging efficiency in larval fish by 10%, leading to emaciation and reduced growth and survival. The cause of the impacts of triclosan on foraging efficiency remains unknown, because effects were not associated with overt indicators of neurotoxicity or grossly malformed craniofacial structures. Our results suggest that early exposure to triclosan has the potential to impact the sustainability of wild fish populations, and thus the mechanism underlying behavioral alterations following exposure to triclosan warrants further study. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:3124-3133. © 2018 SETAC.
Giant Enhancement in Signal Contrast using Integrated All-Optical Nonlinear Thresholder

We experimentally demonstrate, for the first time, an all-optical nonlinear thresholder on a silicon photonic integrated circuit. This thresholder enhances signal amplitude contrast 40-fold and improves receiver sensitivity by 10 dB.
HIGHER MORTALITY AMONG PATIENTS WHO REQUIRED ONE OR MORE DRUGS TO ACHIEVE THE SAME SYSTOLIC BLOOD PRESSURE REGARDLESS OF THE RANDOMIZATION GROUP IN THE SYSTOLIC BLOOD PRESSURE INTERVENTION TRIAL

In the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) patients were randomized to the intensive blood pressure group targeting systolic blood pressure (SBP) less than 120 mm Hg or to the standard group targeting SBP less than 140 mm Hg. Here we present data on 2907 patients initially randomized
Personalizing guideline-driven cancer screening.

Screening can lead to early diagnosis and prevent death from cancer, but the topic provokes controversy.
Enhanced Mechanical Damping in Electrospun Polymer Fibers with Liquid Cores: Applications to Sound Damping

Multicompartmental “core–sheath” fibers composed of a poly(caprolactone) (PCL) polymer sheath and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) fluids as the core materials were designed via coaxial electrospinning. Mechanical stretching of the fibers caused a discontinuous mechanical damping or stiffening behavior when the cores were composed of a PEG fluid as a known non-Newtonian shear thickening fluid (PEG and SiO2 particles). Surprisingly, it is found that shear thickening fluids are not a requirement for mechanical damping as is evidenced by similar behavior with Newtonian viscous PEG liquids. Data from optical microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic mechanical analysis, and rheology have been employed to gain insights into the interactions between the PCL sheath and the PEG cores. The degree of mechanical damping was found to correlate with the viscosity of the core PEGs and is discussed in terms of the interactions between the core and sheath during mechanical oscillation. In addition, the nonwoven fiber ma...
A Robust Cybersecurity Solution Platform Architecture for Digital Instrumentation and Control Systems in Nuclear Power Facilities

Most nuclear power plants (NPPs) under construction or under design are expected to deploy largely digital instrumentation and control (I&C) systems. Current fleets are increasingly looking toward ...
Lower urine sodium predicts longer length of stay in acute heart failure patients: Insights from the ROSE AHF trial.

BACKGROUND In patients hospitalized with acute heart failure (AHF), low urine sodium concentration (UNa ) after diuretic treatment may identify patients at risk for longer length of stay (LOS) and adverse events. We investigated the prognostic significance of 24-hour cumulative postdiuretic urine sodium concentration in a multicenter clinical trial population. METHODS The Renal Optimization Strategies Evaluation AHF (ROSE AHF) trial randomized 360 patients with AHF and renal dysfunction receiving intravenous diuretic to dopamine, nesiritide, or placebo. Sodium concentration was measured in cumulative urine sample collected during the first 24 hours after randomization in 298 patients. Based on prior studies, lower UNa was defined as ≤60 mmol/L. RESULTS Lower UNa was present in 142 (48%) patients, who had longer LOS (7 days vs 5 days, P < .001) and less 72-hour weight loss (5.7 lb vs 9.0 lb, P < .001). These associations persisted after controlling for baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate and outpatient furosemide dose. Lower UNa did not modify the null effects of dopamine or nesiritide on clinical outcomes. Results were similar for spot rather than cumulative 24-hour UNa concentration. CONCLUSION In patients hospitalized for AHF and renal dysfunction, UNa ≤ 60 mmol/L during the first 24 hours of diuresis identifies patients at risk for prolonged hospitalization but does not provide an indication for adjunctive dopamine or nesiritide.
Predicting Intelligibility Deficits in Parkinson's Disease With Perceptual Speech Ratings

Purpose This study investigated whether perceptual ratings of speech parameters were predictive of transcription intelligibility in quiet and in noise for speakers with Parkinson's disease (PD). Method Ten speakers with PD and five healthy controls read 56 sentences. One group of 60 listeners orthographically transcribed the sentences in quiet, and another group of 60 listeners transcribed in noise. An additional 23 listeners judged a variety of speech parameters, including articulation, prosody, resonance, voice quality, and ease of understanding on a visual analog scale. Scores of the visual analog scale ratings were regressed against transcription intelligibility in quiet and in noise. Results Perceptual ratings of all the speech parameters were lower for speakers with PD. Global speech understanding, indexed by ease of understanding ratings, was associated with transcription intelligibility in quiet and in noise with a stronger effect in noise. Among the rated speech parameters, ease of understanding and voice quality ratings were significant predictors of speech intelligibility in noise. Conclusions Speech in individuals with PD was more difficult for listeners to understand and was characterized by deficits in articulation, prosody, resonance, and voice quality compared to normal speech produced by healthy older adults. Ease of understanding ratings, even when performed in quiet, predicted intelligibility in noise. Poor voice quality ratings in PD, a sign of phonatory deficit, had a negative impact on intelligibility in noise for speakers with PD.
EVALUATION OF SERUM RELAXIN CONCENTRATIONS AND KNEE VALGUS AFTER ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION

Background:Athletes who sustain an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury are more likely to develop adverse health outcomes, such as knee osteoarthritis, knee pain, and obesity. It is assumed tha...
Association of Hospital Discharge Against Medical Advice With Readmission and In-Hospital Mortality

Importance Hospital readmissions contribute to higher expenditures and may sometimes reflect suboptimal patient care. Individuals discharged against medical advice (AMA) are a vulnerable patient population and may have higher risk for readmission. Objectives To determine odds of readmission and mortality for patients discharged AMA vs all others, to characterize patient and hospital-level factors associated with readmissions, and to quantify their overall cost burden. Design, Setting, and Participants Nationally representative, all-payer cohort study using the 2014 National Readmissions Database. Eligible index admissions were nonobstetrical/newborn hospitalizations for patients 18 years and older discharged between January 2014 and November 2014. Admissions were excluded if there was a missing primary diagnosis, discharge disposition, length of stay, or if the patient died during that hospitalization. Data were analyzed between January 2018 and June 2018. Exposures Discharge AMA and non-AMA discharge. Main Outcomes and Measures Thirty-day all-cause readmission and in-hospital mortality rate. Results There were 19.9 million weighted index admissions, of which 1.5% resulted in an AMA discharge. Within the AMA cohort, 85% were younger than 65 years, 63% were male, 55% had Medicaid or other (including uninsured) coverage, and 39% were in the lowest income quartile. Thirty-day all-cause readmission was 21.0% vs 11.9% for AMA vs non-AMA discharge (P Conclusions and Relevance Individuals discharged AMA have higher odds of 30-day readmission at significant cost to the health care system and lower in-hospital mortality rates compared with non-AMA patients. Patients discharged AMA are also more likely to be readmitted to different hospitals and to have earlier bounce-back readmissions, which may reflect dissatisfaction with their initial episode of care.
Contemporary practice of standardised bedside teaching rounds.

Background The purpose of this article is to review the extant literature on bedside teaching rounds within the context of ward rounds performed with the entire clinical team at the patient's bedside, and to assess the effects of standardisation of this process on patient and learner satisfaction, as well as other duty-hour restrictions and patient care metrics in the academic inpatient setting. Ultimately, the intent of this review is to inform faculty development sessions for educators on the benefits and challenges of standardised rounding protocols. Methods We performed a search of PubMed, Scopus and CINAHL databases (from 2003 to August 2019). Randomised, controlled trials, pre- and post-interventional studies and cohort studies, in English, were eligible for inclusion. Two reviewers independently searched, screened and analysed the studies, and a narrative synthesis was performed. Articles were evaluated methodologically using the Medical Education Research Quality Study Instrument (MERQSI). Results Five articles were included, with one randomised controlled trial, three cohort studies, and one pre- and post-interventional study. The collective MERSQI score for the studies was 12.3. Patient satisfaction increased uniformly across studies when standardised practices were used. Attempts to improve learner satisfaction, however, achieved mixed results. In addition, the time of bedside rounds was found to decrease with standardised interventions overall. Conclusion In light of generally positive albeit limited evidence for standardised rounding practices, faculty development initiatives might use these data to inform and educate faculty members regarding the use of standardised protocols for bedside rounds.
Anti-trichomonad activities of different compounds from foods, marine products, and medicinal plants: a review

Human trichomoniasis, caused by the pathogenic parasitic protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis, is the most common non-viral sexually transmitted disease that contributes to reproductive morbidity in affected women and possibly to prostate cancer in men. Tritrichomonas foetus strains cause the disease trichomoniasis in farm animals (cattle, bulls, pigs) and diarrhea in domestic animals (cats and dogs). Because some T. vaginalis strains have become resistant to the widely used drug metronidazole, there is a need to develop alternative treatments, based on safe natural products that have the potential to replace and/or enhance the activity of lower doses of metronidazole. To help meet this need, this overview collates and interprets worldwide reported studies on the efficacy of structurally different classes of food, marine, and medicinal plant extracts and some of their bioactive pure compounds against T. vaginalis and T. foetus in vitro and in infected mice and women. Active food extracts include potato peels and their glycoalkaloids α-chaconine and α-solanine, caffeic and chlorogenic acids, and quercetin; the tomato glycoalkaloid α-tomatine; theaflavin-rich black tea extracts and bioactive theaflavins; plant essential oils and their compounds (+)-α-bisabolol and eugenol; the grape skin compound resveratrol; the kidney bean lectin, marine extracts from algae, seaweeds, and fungi and compounds that are derived from fungi; medicinal extracts and about 30 isolated pure compounds. Also covered are the inactivation of drug-resistant T. vaginalis and T. foetus strains by sensitized light; anti-trichomonad effects in mice and women; beneficial effects of probiotics in women; and mechanisms that govern cell death. The summarized findings will hopefully stimulate additional research, including molecular-mechanism-guided inactivations and human clinical studies, that will help ameliorate adverse effects of pathogenic protozoa.
Registration-Invariant Biomechanical Features for Disease Staging of COPD in SPIROMICS

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) manifests itself as a heterogeneous mixture of airways disease and parenchymal tissue damage. Computed tomography (CT) imaging has been used to detect, assess, and characterize COPD. One approach for using CT imaging to assess COPD relies on image registration to match inspiratory and expiratory images to extract biomarkers reflective of local tissue biomechanics. Despite the initial success of such biomarkers, their diagnostic performance and stability across registration methods is yet to be studied. In this study, we evaluated the ability of pulmonary biomechanical features to explain several clinical parameters across four state-of-the-art image registration algorithms. We extracted features from three registration-based measures of lung mechanics: the Jacobian determinant, the anisotropic deformation index, and the slab-rod index. Four state-of-the-art registration methods were used to derive these measures and consequently four different biomechanical feature sets were constructed. We analyzed and compared the stability of these features for predicting airflow obstruction, COPD severity, and different spirometric measures. Biomechanical features were consistent across all four registration methods and were independently able to explain most of the variance in the spirometric measures. These variables predicted airflow obstruction and COPD stage with an average area under receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.86 and 0.80, respectively.
Towards an Efficient CNN Inference Architecture Enabling In-Sensor Processing.

The astounding development of optical sensing imaging technology, coupled with the impressive improvements in machine learning algorithms, has increased our ability to understand and extract information from scenic events. In most cases, Convolution neural networks (CNNs) are largely adopted to infer knowledge due to their surprising success in automation, surveillance, and many other application domains. However, the convolution operations’ overwhelming computation demand has somewhat limited their use in remote sensing edge devices. In these platforms, real-time processing remains a challenging task due to the tight constraints on resources and power. Here, the transfer and processing of non-relevant image pixels act as a bottleneck on the entire system. It is possible to overcome this bottleneck by exploiting the high bandwidth available at the sensor interface by designing a CNN inference architecture near the sensor. This paper presents an attention-based pixel processing architecture to facilitate the CNN inference near the image sensor. We propose an efficient computation method to reduce the dynamic power by decreasing the overall computation of the convolution operations. The proposed method reduces redundancies by using a hierarchical optimization approach. The approach minimizes power consumption for convolution operations by exploiting the Spatio-temporal redundancies found in the incoming feature maps and performs computations only on selected regions based on their relevance score. The proposed design addresses problems related to the mapping of computations onto an array of processing elements (PEs) and introduces a suitable network structure for communication. The PEs are highly optimized to provide low latency and power for CNN applications. While designing the model, we exploit the concepts of biological vision systems to reduce computation and energy. We prototype the model in a Virtex UltraScale+ FPGA and implement it in Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) using the TSMC 90nm technology library. The results suggest that the proposed architecture significantly reduces dynamic power consumption and achieves high-speed up surpassing existing embedded processors’ computational capabilities.
95923 TBI-on-a-chip: Linking physical impact to neurodegeneration by decrypting primary and secondary injury mechanisms

ABSTRACT IMPACT: This unique approach has the capability to elucidate the pathological mechanisms underlying traumatic brain injuries and neurodegeneration, both separately and in concert, while simultaneously providing a semi-high throughput model for investigating potential pharmaceutical interventions: discoveries that would have major translational implications and a significant impact worldwide. OBJECTIVES/GOALS: We aim to improve our understanding of the mechanisms behind the development of neurodegenerative diseases by utilizing the link between traumatic brain injuries and demonstrated biomarkers with our innovative TBI on a chip model. With this tool, we hope to provide new pathological insights and explore potential pharmaceutical interventions. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: E16 murine cortical networks were cultured onto reusable, optically transparent MEAs (fabricated in-house), and subjected to a clinically-relevant range (30-300g) of impact g-forces, utilizing our exciting new in vitro model of trauma (TBI on a chip) with real-time electrophysiological and morphological access. Impacts were systematically applied at varying intensities, repetitions, and time points, and fixed 24-hours post. Basic immunocytochemical techniques were used to investigate post-impact levels of acrolein, an established biomarker of both post-TBI oxidative stress and neurodegeneration (ND), and compared to procedurally and age-matched non-impact control networks. In addition, several other TBI/ND biomarker investigations are in progress (βA42, α-synuclein, and phosphorylated tau). RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Impact experiments revealed significant, force-dependent increases of acrolein (acrolein-lysine adducts) at 24hrs post impact, indicative of impact-linked neuronal degeneration. These changes were amplified by the following manipulations: increasing g-force exposure (30-250 g); the rapid (4-6 sec interval) application of multiple impacts (1, 3, 5 and 10x); and exposure to 40 mM EtOH (10 min duration immediately following impact). Further, we demonstrate the enhancement of injury recovery as a function of: increasing time intervals between repeated hits; Hydralazine exposure. In addition, conditioned media from maximally-impacted cultures can cause acrolein elevation when introduced to non-impact, control networks, indicating acrolein’s role as a diffusive-factor in post-TBI secondary injuries. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF FINDINGS: This novel approach provides unprecedented resolution, and is improving our understanding of the pathological mechanisms underlying both TBI and ND. Combined with our established in vivo models of trauma and computer modeling, we hope to better guide our translational laboratory endeavors and help improve clinical diagnoses and treatments.
Exploring the use of a Comic for Education about Expanded Carrier Screening among a Diverse Group of Mothers.

Purpose Expanded carrier screening (ECS) during prenatal care is an important test for identifying prospective parents' risk of inherited genetic diseases. However, barriers remain for effectively educating patients about ECS. Graphic medicine (i.e. comics) has grown as a mechanism for patient education. The purpose of this study was to explore attitudes and opinions of a comic to educate about ECS during prental care. Methods Focus groups were conducted with pregnant women or women who recently gave birth (6 groups, n=54). The participants were all female, 44.4% Latino/Hispanic, 16.7% Bi-Racial/Other, and 43.3% reporting some college education or high school degree. Results Most participants reported high enjoyment with the comic due to their relatability to the characters, simplicity of the story, description of medical outcomes in everyday terms and the exploration of multiple outcomes possible with ECS. In addition, participants reported that during pregnancy their reading habits increase as well as emotional reactions to the content and some participants stated they avoided reading information that may cause stress or anxiety. Conclusion More research is needed to assess what features of the comic promote understanding and how that influences decisions and pre-test patient education for ECS. The use of graphic narratives may enable individuals to better understand medical information in general.
The adaptive benefits of agricultural water markets in California

Climate change is expected to increase the scarcity and variability of fresh water supplies in some regions with important implications for irrigated agriculture. By allowing for increased flexibility in response to scarcity and by incentivizing the allocation of water to higher value use, markets can play an important role in limiting the economic losses associated with droughts. Using data on water demand, the seniority of water rights, county agricultural reports, high-resolution data on cropping patterns, and agronomic estimates of crop water requirements, we estimate the benefits of market-based allocations of surface water for California's Central Valley. Specifically, we estimate the value of irrigation water and compare the agricultural costs of water shortages under the existing legal framework and under an alternate system that allows for trading of water. We find that a more efficient allocation of curtailments could reduce the costs of water shortages by 390 million dollars per year or 4.6% of the net agricultural revenue in California in expectation, implying that institutional and market reform may offer important opportunities for adaptation.
A Reassessment of the Little-Known Amazonian Fern Diplazium praestans Based on Molecular and Morphological Evidence

Family- and genus-level circumscription of ferns in the suborder Aspleniineae (eupolypods II) has long been controversial, due in part to confusion about the relationship among the families Aspleniaceae and Athyriaceae. Recent studies have demonstrated that character states traditionally used to infer a close relationship between these two families are either symplesiomorphic or homoplastic, and re-examination of numerous taxa has led to the recircumscription of several clades, and the description of several new families and genera. In light of these findings, we re-evaluated the taxonomic affinities of Diplazium praestans, a little-known fern from western Amazonia that is morphologically disparate to the remainder of Neotropical Diplazium. Using sequence data from three chloroplast markers and analysis of eight morphological characters, we demonstrate that Diplazium praestans was erroneously placed in that genus and instead is a Hymenasplenium. We place it in a phylogenetic context, reassess its morphology in light of our findings, evaluate its conservation status under IUCN criteria, and provide a new combination: Hymenasplenium praestans. We also provide an updated key to the Neotropical species of Hymenasplenium and discuss unresolved taxonomic problems in the genus.
Assessment of TBK1 as a Novel Therapeutic Target in IDH Wild-Type Gliomas.

Purpose/objective(s) Previously we identified four putative therapeutic targets in glioma using a high-throughput molecular approach, SHOC2, TBK1, TMED2, and YY1. These targets have been shown to play critical roles in tumor progression via the PI3K-AKT and Ras-ERK pathways. TBK1 was further pursued due to its role in multiple cancer-associated pathways and it was found to be significantly overexpressed in IDH wild-type compared with IDH mutant lower-grade gliomas (LGGs) (P = 0.005). To assess the therapeutic potential of targeting TBK1, we evaluated the efficacy of TBK1 inhibitors and their synergy with temozolomide (TMZ) and/or radiation in preclinical in vitro glioblastoma (GBM) models. Materials/methods LGG patient samples from an institutional cohort and the TCGA (RNA-sequencing) were used for TBK1 expression analyses. Cell viability and colony formation assays were performed using GBM cell lines (LN18, U87, GBM30-luciferase). TBK1 siRNAs and commercially available pharmacologic inhibitors, Amlexanox and GSK8612, were purchased for in vitro studies. Cells were treated with TBK1 inhibitors alone or in combination with radiation and/or TMZ. TBK1, AKT, and ERK expression were evaluated using Western blot analyses RESULTS: TBK1 was found to be significantly upregulated in IDH wild-type versus IDH mutant LGGs. Inhibition of TBK1 by siRNA or pharmaceutical agent (Amlexanox or GSK8612) resulted in decreased cell viability and colony formation in vitro in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Importantly, a synergistic effect was observed when GBM cells were treated with Amlexanox or GSK8612 in combination with TMZ and/or radiation. Further downstream molecular analysis revealed that inhibition of TBK1 led to decreased AKT and ERK activation. Conclusion In conclusion, our study showed that Amlexanox or GSK8612 was effective in inhibiting TBK1 expression leading to decreased cell proliferation and colony formation in GBM cell lines. A synergistic effect was observed with each of these TBK1 inhibitors plus radiation and/or TMZ. These results suggest that TBK1 may be a potential candidate to pursue as novel therapeutic target in IDH wild-type gliomas. Future work will focus on in vivo studies with Amlexanox or GSK8612 alone and in combination with TMZ and radiation AUTHOR DISCLOSURE: Z. Tong: None.
Mediators of the Relationship Between Self-control and Pathological Technology Use: Negative Affect and Cognitive Failures, but not Self-efficacy

The widespread adoption of technologies such as smartphones, the Internet, and social media has been associated with the emergence of pathological technology use (e.g., Internet addiction). Prevalence rates of pathological technology use vary widely across age groups, cultures, and medium, although it is not uncommon for rates of mild to moderate pathological use to exceed 20%–30%. These relatively high prevalence rates have motivated researchers to identify the predictors of pathological use. The current study focuses on the relationship between self-control and pathological technology use, and demonstrates that negative affect and cognitive failures, but not self-efficacy, partially mediate the association between self-control and pathological technology use. These findings reveal some of the pathways by which poor self-control could lead to elevated levels of pathological technology use.
Human Subjects Research Protections

The aim of this chapter is to present an overview of the history, processes, and selected issues related to the institutional oversight of human subjects research. Our beginning point is the human research protection program (HRPP). An HRPP encompasses all aspects and components of an institution involved in conduct and oversight of human subjects research—in other words, more than just the Institutional Review Board (IRB) or Research Ethics Committee (REC) itself. This chapter begins with a historical perspective—a discussion of some of the practices and processes that gave rise to our contemporary principles of, and processes for, human subject research protections. An overview of the regulatory context follows: review of the major regulatory mandates and the regulatory agencies as well as committees empowered to oversee and implement those mandates. The chapter concludes with a discussion of common challenges, mechanisms for addressing or preventing noncompliance issues, and, finally, a discussion of some of the issues that may shape the future directions of human subjects protection.
3 Promoter traps and related methods of identifying virulence factors

Publisher Summary There is little known about bacterial virulence factors except that they are expressed in and required for growth in the host. The focus of this chapter is to identify virulence factors via their expression with emphasis on Salmonella. Regulation of expression of a given virulence factor may take place at several levels-transcription, post-transcription, translation or post-translation. Most often one thinks of transcriptional regulation of virulence factors. There are few examples of regulation at later steps probably because they have not been studied. Almost all analysis of virulence rests on the availability of a good animal model without which virulence factors are identified solely by analogy with genes from other pathogens with no method of verification. An organism that is highly refractory to transformation, such as Chlamydia, is almost as perverse as not having an animal model. Manipulations must be carried out in E. coli or other organism that are easy to manipulate and the genes re-introduced only as a last resort.
Information fusion: a high-level architecture overview

Over the past decade the term Fusion has become synonymous with tactical or battle space awareness after hostilities have begun. As such, work has concentrated on object identification, tracking algorithms and. the use of multiple sources for reducing uncertainty and maximizing coverage. As more situations unfold throughout the world, smart strategic decisions must be made before deployment of our limited assets. In order to assess adversarial intent and possible strategic impact, we need to enlarge the present scope of fusion to take into account strategic situation awareness and what information technology can be provided to support it. By doing so, the sooner a situation can be understood in its full context, the more options that become available and the more thoroughly its criticality can be evaluated.
Un híbrido espontáneo entre Aristolochia gorgona y A. grandiflora (Aristolochiaceae)

Un hibrido espontaneo entre Aristolochia gorgona y A. grandiflora aparecio en el Jardin Botanico Lankester, Costa Rica, donde plantas de ambas especies fueron cultivadas proximas unas a otras. Esto indica que el aislamiento geografico mantiene la integridad genetica de estas dos especies cercanamente emparen- tadas. La morfologia floral de A. grandiflora es dominante en los hibridos F 1 . Se enumeran los pocos casos conocidos de hibridacion en el genero.