cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Practices of Representation in a Transnational Ethnic Art Exhibit

The Burke Museum exhibit, Mountain Patterns: The Survival of Nuosu Culture in China displayed several pieces of ethnic art originally designed by the Nuosu, an indigenous group in Liangshan, China. Through an analysis of the reflective narratives published by the exhibit curators, the artifacts used to represent the Nuosu, and visitor responses to the exhibit, this essay suggests that doing representational work in comparative rhetoric often entails borrowing from the methodologies and practices of social scientists to attend to the ethics of speaking for and about the other.
In vivo collagen turnover during development of thyroxine-induced left ventricular hypertrophy.

Cardiac fibroblasts synthesize large amounts of procollagens, yet only a small fraction of mature collagens accumulate in the extracellular matrix. To determine the roles of intracellular degradation of newly synthesized procollagens and extracellular degradation of mature collagens during normal growth and during thyroxine-induced left ventricular hypertrophy, in vivo left ventricular procollagen synthetic rates were assessed in control rats and rats treated with L-thyroxine for 1, 2, 4, and 8 wk (1 mg.kg-1.day-1). A modification of the flooding infusion method was developed using measurements of cardiac prolyl-tRNA, and tissue-free and protein-bound hydroxyproline specific radioactivities 60 min after intravenous administration of a massive dose of [3H]proline. Degradative rates of newly synthesized procollagens and mature collagens were then derived as the difference between rates of procollagen synthesis and collagen accumulation. Left ventricular procollagen synthetic rates were markedly increased after 1 wk of hormone administration (256 +/- 16 and 166 +/- 13 micrograms/day per left ventricle for thyroxine-treated and control animals, respectively; P less than 0.01). An even greater increase in procollagen synthetic rates was observed after 8 wk (438 +/- 46 and 202 +/- 18 micrograms/day for thyroxine-treated and control animals, respectively; P less than 0.01). Despite increased procollagen synthesis, disproportionate accumulation of fibrillar collagens (assessed as the relative concentration of protein-bound hydroxyproline in left ventricular tissue) did not occur. Derived left ventricular degradative rates for newly synthesized procollagens as well as for mature collagens were increased in thyroxine-treated animals. Increased procollagen synthesis, enhanced flux of newly synthesized procollagens through intracellular degradative pathways, and extensive extracellular matrix remodeling without disproportionate collagen accumulation are characteristics of this form of "physiological" left ventricular hypertrophy.
Cluster Randomized Trials

Over the last century, the randomized clinical trial has become the gold standard for interventional studies. Typically individuals are randomly assigned to an experimental group or a control group. What if it was impractical or unethical to randomize individuals to a treatment group? This is where the cluster randomized trial design comes in. Cluster randomized trials randomize groups , rather than individual subjects, to receive different interventions. For example, in this issue one such trial examined the effect of hand hygiene on influenza infection rates and absenteeism in elementary schools in Cairo, Egypt. Since it is difficult to have each student in a school gain exposure to different hand hygiene practices without some overlap between the individuals, …
Abstract 2505: Targeting the p53 response in pediatric B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) is the most common malignancy in children. Despite a cure rate of approximately 85%, the prevalence of this disease causes B-ALL to be the leading cause of cancer-related death in children. Additionally, the toxic drugs necessary for cures can cause severe side effects in developing children. Thus, there is a tremendous need for innovative therapies to combat B-ALL. The p53 tumor suppressor is a key regulator of apoptosis and is almost always wild-type in pediatric B-ALL, in stark contrast to virtually all other cancers. Alterations in the p53 pathway are associated with drug resistance, underscoring its central role in determining response to chemotherapy. We identified a set of p53-regulated transcriptional targets that comprise an apoptotic gene signature significantly associated with response to therapy and independently prognostic for outcome in pediatric ALL. We hypothesize that cells can be primed for an enhanced apoptotic response to chemotherapy by modulating expression levels of the p53-regulated apoptotic signature genes with small molecules before administering chemotherapy. We conducted a high-throughput screen to identify novel compounds that prime ALL cells for apoptosis to convert a chemotherapy-resistant cell into one that is sensitive. This screen was performed using 83,745 compounds in both the wild-type p53 cell line TK6 and the mutant-p53 line, WTK1. Cells were treated with either compound alone or compound plus daunorubicin, a drug used to treat ALL. Compounds were normalized and scored by using both the B-score and the robust Z-score. “Hits” were defined as compounds that do not significantly alter viability of the cells alone, but significantly increase daunorubicin-induced cell death. As our primary screen takes a functional approach with an endpoint of viability rather than expression of our gene signature, it9s possible that compounds we have identified function through alternative mechanisms. As our secondary screen, we interrogate these hits for induction of the signature. Because patient outcome was associated with the gene signature, we hypothesize that the most successful compounds will act by altering the signature from the “bad risk” expression to the “good risk” expression, thereby having the potential to convert a chemoresistant cell into one that is sensitive. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2505. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-2505
Relation of pellicle formation and toxicogenicity in diphtheria cultures

In 1928, in connection with another problem, it was observed that colony cultures from a common or basic culture of Corynebacterium diphtheriae might show cultural and toxicogenic variations, some of the toxicogenic colonies failing to produce a pellicle when grown under controlled conditions, while others produced the typical diphtheria pellicle. From a general perusal of literature, especially from textbook material, in which the tendency is toward concrete and concise summary statements, one gains the impression that a very definite and close correlation exists between the formation of toxin and pellicle. Kendall1 states : "It is essential for the production of toxin that the organisms be cultivated until they produce a pellicle, leaving the underlying medium perfectly clear and free from growth." Among many papers the following two are illustrative : Hadley,2 speaking of the granular staining type as representing the toxicogenic form, of Coryn. diphtheriae and the solid staining the nontoxicogenic form, records : "The typical growth for the granular type, on either broth or proteidfree media, is at the surface where it forms a more or less delicate growth. . . . It is the nature of the solid-staining types, on the other hand, instead of forming the surface growth and maintaining a clear mid-liquid, to produce in the medium a uniform cloudiness." Wadsworth and Wheeler,3 using Uschinsky's medium with Park 8 strain, report loss of toxicity for guinea-pigs of one culture associated with failure to produce a pellicle. This, of course, is an instance based on one culture but is illustrative of the general assumption of close correlation between toxicity and pellicle. An English compendium on diphtheria,4 published in 1923, summarizes: " . . . the exposed surface of the medium is supposed to be an important factor in toxin elaboration, as many workers believe that toxin is only produced when the bacteria form a pellicle. In this field our knowledge is most unsatisfactory." With no further contributions in more recent literature and with the stimulus offered by our own findings, the situation appeared interesting and suggested a basis for investigation.
Reasons and Countermeasures of Rural Disquality Drinking Water Concentration Project in Aba Prefecture

Objective To explore the strategies for improving the quality of drinking water in Aba prefecture by understanding the reason of unqualification of rural centralized drinking water.Methods From 2009 to 2010,61 water samples in planty water period,61 water samples in low water period and 34 water samples before and 34water samples after the disinfection treatment from 31 monitoring points in 4 counties of Aba prefecture were tested according to GB/T5750-2006.Results The toxicological indicators of As,Pb and Nitrate were eligibal.The eligible rates of the organoleptic and chemical was 93.4% in planty water period and 63.9% in low water period,which showed that the eligible rate in planty water period was statistically lower than that in low water period.The eligible rate of microorganism index of water samples in planty water period was 45.9%,while in low water period was 85.2%.The eligible rate of microorganism index in planty water period was statistically lower than that in low water period.The eligible rate of microorganism index in water samples which from the water-supply factory before disinfection was only 29.4% in planty water period and after disinfection was 94.1%,which was significantly different.Conclusion The general eligibal rate of drinking water in the monitoring points was low,especially in the planty water period.The reason is probably that the surrounding was polluted and the disinfection was not well.The protection of water sources in from rural centralized drinking water supply program and the management of the drinking water disinfection should be enhanced.
Democracy and Unfreedom: Revisiting Tocqueville and Beaumont in America:

This essay reexamines the famous 1831 prison tours of Alexis de Tocqueville and Gustave de Beaumont. It reads the three texts that emerged from their collective research practice as a trilogy, one ...
Insulin-like growth factor I produces renal hyperfiltration by a kinin-mediated mechanism.

Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) infusion into rats and humans reduces renal vascular resistance and raises glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal plasma flow (RPF). To investigate whether kinins mediate the renal vasodilatory effects of IGF-I, we infused rats with IGF-I alone or in the presence of a B2 kinin receptor antagonist. Left kidney GFR, RPF, and kinin excretion were measured during infusion of vehicle and subsequently during 60-min infusion of IGF-I or IGF-I plus kinin antagonist. IGF-I was given as a bolus (150 micrograms/kg body wt), followed by infusion at a rate of 8.3 micrograms.kg-1 x min-1 for 60 min. The kinin antagonist was infused at a dose of 1 microgram.kg-1 x min-1 for 60 min before the start of IGF-I infusion. GFR and RPF increased significantly after IGF-I infusion was begun, from baseline levels of 1.70 +/- 0.12 and 6.21 +/- 0.34 to 2.12 +/- 0.11 and 7.91 +/- 0.29 ml/min, respectively, at 20 min (P < 0.001). This effect was maintained throughout 60 min of infusion. The increase in GFR and RPF was associated with a marked rise in urinary kinin excretion, from a baseline of 8.51 +/- 6.7 to 24.7 +/- 6.7 pg/min at 20 min and 40.3 +/- 10.4 pg/min at 40 min (P < 0.001). Pretreatment with the kinin receptor antagonist blocked the rise in GFR and RPF in response to IGF-I. These data suggest that the renal vasodilatory effect of IGF-I is mediated by kinins.
WHipple-ABACUS, a simple, validated risk score for 30-day mortality after pancreaticoduodenectomy developed using the ACS-NSQIP database

Background Pancreaticoduodenectomy needs simple, validated risk models to better identify 30-day mortality. The goal of this study is to develop a simple risk score to predict 30-day mortality after pancreaticoduodenectomy. Methods We reviewed cases of pancreaticoduodenectomy from 2005–2012 in the American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program databases. Logistic regression was used to identify preoperative risk factors for morbidity and mortality from a development cohort. Scores were created using weighted beta coefficients, and predictive accuracy was assessed on the validation cohort using receiver operator characteristic curves and measuring area under the curve. Results The 30-day mortality rate was 2.7% for patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (n = 14,993). We identified 8 independent risk factors. The score created from weighted beta coefficients had an area under the curve of 0.71 (95% confidence interval, 0.66–0.77) on the validation cohort. Using the score WHipple-ABACUS (hypertension With medication + History of cardiac surgery + Age >62 + 2 × Bleeding disorder + Albumin Conclusion While other risk scores exist for 30-day mortality after pancreaticoduodenectomy, we present a simple, validated score developed using exclusively preoperative predictors surgeons could use to identify patients at risk for this procedure.
Molecular imaging at 1-femtosecond resolution

We cannot yet watch all the steps of a gas-phase chemical reaction as it occurs, but we can come close. On page 308 of this issue, Wolter et al. ( 1 ) use an electron-imaging technique to capture the predissociated state of acetylene molecule just 9 fs after its ionization. On this time scale, the departing hydrogen atom and the remaining molecular fragment form an aloof complex in which the electronic coherence required to form bonds between the two is not yet fully lost. Imaging such transient states under different optical excitation conditions with high spatiotemporal resolution holds key information on selective photochemistry that may enable control of chemical reactions.
Nanocomposite transducer with a laser ultarsound transmitter and a piezoelectric receiver

Laser ultrasound transducers, converting the laser pulses into acoustic waves with high frequency, broadband and high pressure amplitude, is attractive to many biomedical and industrial applications. In this paper, nanocomposites consisting of carbon nanomaterials, PDMS and PVDF were incorporated into a transducer structure for ultrasound transmitting and receiving. The prototyped nanocomposite transducers were characterized by conducting pulse-echo tests. The obtained center frequency is 12 MHz, −6 dB fractional bandwidth is 138%, and the signal-to-noise ratio of 42 dB with an excitation of ∼5 mJ of 532 nm, 6 ns pulsed laser. These initial findings strongly suggest that laser ultrasound transducers are promising for advanced ultrasound imaging applications.
Nasal mucosal melanosis may act as a harbinger of melanoma: A case report

BackgroundThe progression from a benign pigmented lesion on the skin to cutaneous melanoma is better understood, and it could be presumed that a similar progression occurs with mucosal lesions. How...
Simulating political and attack dynamics of the 2007 Estonian cyber attacks

The Republic of Estonia faced a series of cyber attacks and riots in 2007 that seemed to be highly coordinated and politically motivated, causing short-lived but substantial impact to Estonia's cyber and economic systems. Short-term harm from these hybrid incidents led to long-term improvements and leadership by Estonia in the cyber arena. We created a causal model of these attacks to simulate their dynamics. The model uses the DYMATICA framework, a cognitive-system dynamics structure used to quantify and simulate elicited information from subject matter experts. This historical case study underscores how cyber warfare can be a major threat to modern society, and how it can be combined with information operations and kinetic effects to create further disruption. Given states' potential vulnerability to cyber attacks, a deeper understanding of how to analyze, prevent, defend, and utilize the aftermath of these for improvement to systems is critical, as is insight into the fundamental rationale of the outcomes.
The BDNF Val66Met polymorphism is associated with structural neuroanatomical differences in young children

The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Val66Met single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) has been associated with individual differences in brain structure and function, and cognition. Research on BDNF's influence on brain and cognition has largely been limited to adults, and little is known about the association of this gene, and specifically the Val66Met polymorphism, with developing brain structure and emerging cognitive functions in children. We performed a targeted genetic association analysis on cortical thickness, surface area, and subcortical volume in 78 children (ages 6-10) who were Val homozygotes (homozygous Val/Val carriers) or Met carriers (Val/Met, Met/Met) for the Val66Met locus using Atlas-based brain segmentation. We observed greater cortical thickness for Val homozygotes in regions supporting declarative memory systems (anterior temporal pole/entorhinal cortex), consistent with adult findings. Met carriers had greater surface area in the prefrontal and parietal cortices and greater cortical thickness in lateral occipital/parietal cortex in contrast to prior adult findings that may relate to performance on cognitive tasks supported by these regions in Met carriers. Finally, we found larger right hippocampal volume in Met carriers, although inconsistent with adult findings (generally reports larger volumes for Val homozygotes), is consistent with a recent finding in children. Gene expression levels vary across different brain regions and across development and our findings highlight the need to consider this developmental change in explorations of BDNF-brain relationships. The impact of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism on the structure of the developing brain therefore reflects regionally-specific developmental changes in BDNF expression and cortical maturation trajectories.
Conservation and Convergence of Immune Signaling Pathways With Mitochondrial Regulation in Vector Arthropod Physiology

Abstract The blood meal provides more than simple nutrition to the hematophagous arthropod. It provides a wealth of signaling information through a variety of components present in the blood meal. These signaling factors in turn activate highly conserved signaling cascades at the blood meal-interface between the blood and gut, allowing the information to be processed and utilized by the arthropod to regulate a wide range of physiological processes including innate immunity, reproduction, and life span. Mounting evidence points to mitochondrial activity, mitophagy, and biogenesis as key gatekeepers between information from the blood meal and downstream physiological effects. In this chapter we frame the history of insect pathogen interactions and the challenges blood-feeding insects face, the importance of the blood meal interface, and the signaling cascades that transduce the blood meal information, and finally the role mitochondrial dynamics plays in interpreting blood meal information and in regulating broad physiologies critical for the transmission of pathogens.
Synaptic Impairment and Robustness of Excitatory Neuronal Networks with Different Topologies

Synaptic deficiencies are a known hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases, but the diagnosis of impaired synapses on the cellular level is not an easy task. Nonetheless, changes in the system-level dynamics of neuronal networks with damaged synapses can be detected using techniques that do not require high spatial resolution. This paper investigates how the structure/topology of neuronal networks influences their dynamics when they suffer from synaptic loss. We study different neuronal network structures/topologies by specifying their degree distributions. The modes of the degree distribution can be used to construct networks that consist of rich clubs and resemble small world networks, as well. We define two dynamical metrics to compare the activity of networks with different structures: persistent activity (namely, the self-sustained activity of the network upon removal of the initial stimulus) and quality of activity (namely, percentage of neurons that participate in the persistent activity of the network). Our results show that synaptic loss affects the persistent activity of networks with bimodal degree distributions less than random networks. The robustness of neuronal networks enhances when the distance between the modes of the degree distribution increases, suggesting that the rich clubs of networks with distinct modes keep the whole network active. In addition, a tradeoff is observed between the quality of activity and the persistent activity. For a range of distributions, both of these dynamical metrics are considerably high for networks with bimodal degree distribution compared to random networks. We also propose three different scenarios of synaptic impairment, which may correspond to different pathological or biological conditions. Regardless of the network structure/topology, results demonstrate that synaptic loss has more severe effects on the activity of the network when impairments are correlated with the activity of the neurons.
The Use of Semitranslucent Rubber Pledgets During Microsurgical Dissection of Cerebellopontine Angle Tumors: Technical Note.

Background and importance Dissection of cerebellopontine angle (CPA) tumors that abut or adhere to the brainstem or cranial nerves can be a challenging surgical endeavor. We describe the use of semitranslucent latex rubber pledgets in the tumor-brain interface as a method to improve visualization and protection of vital tissue during microsurgical dissection of CPA masses. The rubber pledgets are fashioned by cutting circular discs out of the cuff portion of talc-free, partially opaque latex gloves. These pledgets provide a semitranslucent, nonadherent membrane that can be placed between vital neural tissues and a tumor capsule to minimize trauma during dissection. The semitranslucent latex enables visualization of the underlying anatomical structures while also providing a protective surface onto which a suction device can be rested to facilitate clearance of the surgical field. Clinical presentation A 56-yr-old woman with left ear tinnitus presented with a 3-cm CPA meningioma. During microsurgical dissection, rubber pledgets were used to preserve the interface between the brain stem, cranial nerves, and tumor capsule. The use of the rubber pledgets appeared to secure the interface between to tumor and the brain while at the same time protecting the cranial nerves, brainstem, and cerebellum. Conclusion Semitranslucent rubber pledgets may facilitate microsurgical dissection of CPA tumors.
Regulation of medical ultrasound devices in the United States of America

In the United States of America, the Food and Drug Administration is the government agency responsible for regulating medical ultrasound devices. The objective of this presentation is to give an overview of current FDA regulatory activities regarding ultrasound devices for diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
Critical differences between elective and emergency surgery: identifying domains for quality improvement in emergency general surgery

Abstract Objective The objective of our study was to characterize providers' impressions of factors contributing to disproportionate rates of morbidity and mortality in emergency general surgery to identify targets for care quality improvement. Background Emergency general surgery is characterized by a high-cost burden and disproportionate morbidity and mortality. Factors contributing to these observed disparities are not comprehensively understood and targets for quality improvement have not been formally developed. Methods Using a grounded theory approach, emergency general surgery providers were recruited through purposive-criterion–based sampling to participate in semi-structured interviews and focus groups. Participants were asked to identify contributors to emergency general surgery outcomes, to define effective care for EGS patients, and to describe operating room team structure. Interviews were performed to thematic saturation. Transcripts were iteratively coded and analyzed within and across cases to identify emergent themes. Member checking was performed to establish credibility of the findings. Results A total of 40 participants from 5 academic hospitals participated in either individual interviews (n = 25 [9 anesthesia, 12 surgery, 4 nursing]) or focus groups (n = 2 [15 nursing]). Emergency general surgery was characterized by an exceptionally high level of variability, which can be subcategorized as patient-variability (acute physiology and comorbidities) and system-variability (operating room resources and workforce). Multidisciplinary communication is identified as a modifier to variability in emergency general surgery; however, nursing is often left out of early communication exchanges. Conclusion Critical variability in emergency general surgery may impact outcomes. Patient-variability and system-variability, with focus on multidisciplinary communication, represent potential domains for quality improvement in this field.
Reduction method of outlet voltage of transformer with unbalanced three-phase load

In order to overcome the high volatility caused by single-phase voltage curve and improve the accuracy of judging whether the two substation areas belong to the same 10 kV line. The reduction method of outlet voltage of transformer with unbalanced three-phase load is proposed in this paper. Simulation models have also been built to calculate the outlet voltage of transformer. The results of simulation and reduction method have been compared. Results show that the results of reduction method are consistent with the simulation results. Although there exist differences between simulation and reduction method, but the differences are tolerable. It also can be concluded that the reduction method proposed in this paper has good adaptability.
Structural insights into the design of novel anti-influenza therapies

A limited arsenal of therapies is currently available to tackle the emergence of a future influenza pandemic or even to deal effectively with the continual outbreaks of seasonal influenza. However, recent findings hold great promise for the design of novel vaccines and therapeutics, including the possibility of more universal treatments. Structural biology has been a major contributor to those advances, in particular through the many studies on influenza hemagglutinin (HA), the major surface antigen. HA's primary function is to enable the virus to enter host cells, and structural work has revealed the various HA conformational forms generated during the entry process. Other studies have explored how human broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs), designed proteins, peptides and small molecules, can inhibit and neutralize the virus. Here we review milestones in HA structural biology and how the recent insights from bnAbs are paving the way to design novel vaccines and therapeutics.
Cache Enhanced Anonymity Systems Against Probabilistic Attacks

The technique of data caching is being increasingly recognized for its ability to increase the amount of anonymity provided by an anonymous communication network, and is expected to be widely adopted in the next generation of these systems. We present a method to measure the degree of anonymity remaining in a cache enhanced anonymity system after a probabilistic attack has been carried out on it. Our method determines the probability distribution induced by the attack on all possible communication patterns of being the true one, from which a system-wide anonymity metric is developed. The scope of our metric, in terms of the attacks it is applicable to, is far wider than that of existing methods.
Predictive modeling of U.S. health care spending in late life.

That one-quarter of Medicare spending in the United States occurs in the last year of life is commonly interpreted as waste. But this interpretation presumes knowledge of who will die and when. Here we analyze how spending is distributed by predicted mortality, based on a machine-learning model of annual mortality risk built using Medicare claims. Death is highly unpredictable. Less than 5% of spending is accounted for by individuals with predicted mortality above 50%. The simple fact that we spend more on the sick—both on those who recover and those who die—accounts for 30 to 50% of the concentration of spending on the dead. Our results suggest that spending on the ex post dead does not necessarily mean that we spend on the ex ante “hopeless.”
Open Execution Engines of Stream Analysis Operations

In this paper we describe our massively parallel and elastic stream analysis platform; it is capable of supporting the graph-structured dataflow process with each logical operator executed by multiple physical instances running in parallel over distributed server nodes. We propose the canonical dataflow operator framework to provide automated and systematic support for executing, parallelizing and granulizing the continuous operations.
The Uses and Boundaries of Post-Occupancy Evaluation: an Overview

Post-Occupancy Evaluation is recognized and valued as a process that can improve, and help explain, the performance of the built environment. During the past twenty-five years it has emerged as a distinct area of research, scholarly activity, and application, and work in the field has rapidly expanded — it now encompasses significant activity beyond that found in the standard environment-behavior literature. This chapter examines the evolution of, and contemporary activities in, Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE), to distinguish patterns in the use and boundaries of POE. Specific attributes of POE activities that are examined include: (1) the intentions of the POE; (2) the type, size and complexity of the buildings investigated; (3) the types of variables that were included in the evaluations; and (4) the relationships among the variables studied.
A review of femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery for Hawai'i.

Hawai‘i has had the first US Food and Drug Administration approved femtosecond laser (LenSx as shown in figure) for cataract surgery since early 2012, a brand new laser technology for modern cataract surgery in Hawai‘i. This article intends to evaluate the cost, safety, efficacy, advantages, and limitations of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery through a review of the literature for the public of Hawai‘i. A search was conducted using keywords to screen and select articles from PubMed. In addition, recent published peer reviewed articles pertinent to the femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery were selected and reviewed. Safety and efficacy of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery were demonstrated in the literature, with improvements in anterior capsulotomy, phacofragmentation, and corneal incision. However, there were limitations within these studies which included small sample size and short-term follow-up. In addition, cost-benefit analysis has not yet been addressed. Long-term studies to compare the complication rate and visual outcome between the laser and conventional cataract surgery are warranted.
In Vivo and In Vitro Regulation of Erythropoietin mRNA: Measurement by Competitive Polymerase Chain Reaction

The regulation of erythropoietin (Epo) production was investigated by competitive polymerase chain reaction, a highly sensitive and accurate means of measuring Epo mRNA levels. Co-amplification of the test sample with added mutant Epo cDNA template corrects for variability in the efficiency of amplification. Epo mRNA levels were determined in tissues of normal rats and in animals with varying degrees of anemia. Reduction of the hematocrit level from 0.40 to 0.15-0.20 resulted in a 300-fold increase in kidney Epo mRNA, which comprised 80% of the total Epo mRNA versus 20% from the liver. In contrast, very low levels detected in lung and spleen were not significantly increased by anemia. The human hepatoma cell line, Hep3B, secretes high levels of Epo in response to hypoxia. This regulation is, to a large extent, transcriptional. When Hep3B cells were incubated in the presence of decreasing O2 tension from 160 to 7 mm Hg, there was a monotonic increase in Epo mRNA to 50 to 100 times the normoxic level. Hyperoxia did not suppress basal expression. When cells were incubated at a PO2 of 7 mm Hg, induction of Epo mRNA was first noted at 30 minutes and was maximal at 5 to 6 hours. After Epo mRNA was boosted by a 4-hour hypoxic incubation, cells were then exposed to normoxia, which shut off further transcription of the Epo gene. The decay of Epo mRNA levels closely followed first order kinetics with a half-life of 2 hours, an effective measurement of message stability.
How Does the Analytic Supervisor Teach Group Therapy

This paper presents a detailed account of the role of the analytic supervisor of group therapy. In addition to overseeing the teaching of clinical skills, the analytically-oriented supervisor monitors the dynamics of the supervisee and the supervisory relationship itself. Unconscious processes may both interfere with, and shed light on what is occurring in the treatment. The author suggests that a collaborative relationship characterized by safety and mutual reflection promotes learning. The distinctions between analytic and nonanalytic supervision of groups are discussed.
Quantum chemical study of potential energy surface in the formation of atmospheric sulfuric acid

A new potential energy surface (PES) for the atmospheric formation of sulfuric acid from OH+SO2 is investigated using density functional theory and high-level ab initio molecular orbital theory. A pathway focused on the new PES assumes the reaction to take place between the radical complex SO3·HO2 and H2O. The unusual stability of SO3·HO2 is the principal basis of the new pathway, which has the same final outcome as the current reaction mechanism in the literature but it avoids the production and complete release of SO3. The entire reaction pathway is composed of three consecutive elementary steps:(1) HOSO2+O2→SO3·HO2, (2) SO3·HO2+H2O→SO3·H2O·HO2, (3) SO3·H2O·HO2→H2SO4+HO2. All three steps have small energy barriers, under 10 kcal/mol, and are exothermic, and the new pathway is therefore favorable both kinetically and thermodynamically. As a key step of the reactions, step (3), HO2 serves as a bridge molecule for low-barrier hydrogen transfer in the hydrolysis of SO3. Two significant atmospheric implications are expected from the present study. First, SO3 is not released from the oxidation of SO2 by OH radical in the atmosphere. Second, the conversion of SO2 into sulfuric acid is weakly dependent on the humidity of air.
Characteristics of missed prostate cancer lesions on 3T multiparametric-MRI in 518 patients: based on PI-RADSv2 and using whole-mount histopathology reference.

To determine the characteristics of missed prostate cancer (PCa) lesions on 3T multiparametric-MRI (mpMRI) based on PI-RADSv2 with whole-mount histopathology (WMHP) correlation. This IRB-approved, HIPAA-compliant study, included 614 consecutive men with 3T mpMRI prior to prostatectomy at a single tertiary center between 12/2009 and 4/2017. Clinical, mpMRI, and pathologic features were obtained. PI-RADSv2-based MRI detected lesions were matched with previously finalized WMHP by a genitourinary (GU) radiologist and a GU pathologist. Patients with no mpMRI detected PCa lesion, but with at least one lesion ≥ 1 cm on WMHP, were reviewed retrospectively and assigned a PI-RADSv2 score. Tumor characteristics were compared between missed and detected lesions. The final cohort included 518 patients with 1085 WMHP lesions. 51.9% (563/1085) of lesions were missed on 3T mpMRI. 71.4% (402/563), 21.7% (122/563), 4.4% (25/563), and 2.5% (14/563) of the missed lesions were Gleason scores (GS) 3 + 3, 3 + 4, 4 + 3, and 8 − 10, respectively. Missed PCa lesions had significantly lower proportion of GS ≥ 7 (p < 0.001) and smaller size for overall (p < 0.001) and index subcohorts (p < 0.001), as compared to detected lesions. 34.5% (194) of overall and 71.2% (79) index missed lesions were larger than 1 cm. In 13.7% (71/518) of patients without MR detected PCa, 149 lesions were detected on WMHP, with 70 (47%) lesions ≥ 1 cm. In retrospective review of these lesions, 42.9% (30), 18.6% (13), 21.5% (15), 10% (7), and 7% (5) were PI-RADSv2 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, respectively. 3T mpMRI has an excellent per patients diagnostic performance for PCa and majority of missed lesions are clinically nonsignificant.
Harnessing betweenness centrality for virtual network embedding in tree topologies

We examine the virtual network embedding problem with QoS constraints and formulate an approach that exploits the betweenness centrality of VNE requests to improve performance. A pay-per-use revenue model is introduced to evaluate the algorithm. An evaluation study using datacentre-like substrates and a wide area topology compares the approach with four embedding methods from the literature and reports on the average revenue rate, embedding success probability, average number of VNE deployments, cost, and impact of substrate failures on the operation of the VNEs, confirming the efficacy of the proposed approach.
Tacticity Effect on Mesogen-Free Liquid Crystalline Self-assembly Induced by Strong Dipole–Dipole Interactions

Strong dipole–dipole interactions in mesogen-free aliphatic comblike polymers can induce unique liquid crystalline (LC) self-assembly. By comparing atactic and isotactic poly(oxypropylene)s with n-alkylsulfonyl side groups (aPOP-SO2Cn and iPOP-SO2Cn), the effect of main-chain tacticity on the ordered phase behavior was studied in this work. For aPOP-SO2Cn, LC self-assemblies were observed when n is ≥3. Two types of LC phases were formed depending on the side chain length n: (i) a three-dimensional (3D) high-order LC structure (possibly crystal B or E) for n = 3–5 and (ii) a smectic A (SmA) structure for n = 6–12. For iPOP-SO2Cn, crystallization was favored as a result of regular main-chain configuration. Only when n ≥ 10, the isotactic comblike polymers exhibited a monotropic phase behavior with the SmA phase appearing during cooling from the isotropic melt. Regardless of atactic or isotactic main chains, these ordered LC and crystalline phases featured a double-layer structure, which was dictated by the ...
Pembrolizumab-Induced Thyroiditis

Immune checkpoint inhibitors act to restore T cell–mediated antitumor immunity. By this nature, these cancer immunotherapy drugs are associated with various immune-related adverse events such as thyroid dysfunction. We describe a case of thyrotoxicosis secondary to a programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) immune checkpoint inhibitor, pembrolizumab. A 30-year-old female was started on pembrolizumab immunotherapy for stage III small cell carcinoma of the ovary, hypercalcemic type. Thirteen days after her second cycle of therapy, she presented with symptoms consistent with thyrotoxicosis. A thyroiditis was diagnosed by thyroid function tests and ultrasonography. She was originally treated with prednisone and metoprolol for possible Grave’s disease. Pertechnetate thyroid scan was more consistent with thyroiditis secondary to pembrolizumab. She underwent a total thyroidectomy 10 days after initial presentation for refractory thyrotoxicosis despite maximal medical therapy. Her symptoms resolved and thyroid function tests significantly improved. Pathology was consistent with severe thyroiditis. Immune microenvironment may play a role in the expression of programmed cell death protein 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1). Chronic inflammation surrounding tumor upregulates PD-L1 expression on tumor cells by the release of cytokines, which acts to inhibit tumor destruction. We suggest that our patient had an undetected chronic inflammation of the thyroid, specifically Hashimoto’s thyroidits, which predisposed her to thyroid destruction when taking pembrolizumab. Understanding that an inflammatory environment impacts thyroid toxicity to PD-1 inhibitor therapy is novel and should be further studied.
Compulsory schooling for whom? The role of gender, poverty, and religiosity

Abstract We exploit an extension of compulsory schooling in Turkey to identify which population segments that otherwise would not have attended high school complied with the law and which type of schools they chose to attend. By adopting a regression discontinuity design, we find that the reform increased high school attendance for both boys and girls. The main compliers with the reform among boys were those who would have participated in paid employment prior to the change in law. Conversely, female compliers would have likely not been in education, employment, or training (NEET), or they could have been employed in unpaid work. Although regional poverty rates do not affect the compliance rates for boys or girls, we find that the reform had a positive impact on girls’ high school attendance only in more religiously conservative regions, and that the NEET status of girls in these regions declined. Finally, we find that the marginal students chose to attend vocational high schools, as opposed to academic high schools. We provide some suggestive evidence showing that the increase in vocational school attendance was not driven by an increase in the supply of these schools.
Do interventions promoting medical homes in FQHCs improve continuity of care for Medicare beneficiaries

We examine whether primary care continuity of care (PCCOC) improved for Medicare beneficiaries under a 3-year demonstration to help federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) become patient-centered medical homes (PCMH). We used a difference-in-differences analysis to compare changes over time in PCCOC for beneficiaries in 503 demonstration sites to those in 827 comparison sites. We measured PCCOC using the claims-based usual provider of care (UPC) index (range 0–1) indicating the proportion of visits to the most commonly seen provider or practice over a 1-year period. Average baseline UPC index values were 0.77 at the provider level and 0.88 at the practice level, with similar values for demonstration and comparison sites. UPC decreased more over time in demonstration clinics than comparison clinics, but the magnitude of these changes were small. FQHCs already have high levels of PCCOC. These levels did not increase in association with the 3-year PCMH demonstration. Continuity for practices is higher than for providers, suggesting that Medicare beneficiaries may see multiple providers within one FQHC.
Breastfeeding knowledge and health behavior among Mayan women in rural Guatemala.

Abstract Guatemala has the fourth highest infant mortality rate in Latin America, which makes the support and protection of breastfeeding especially critical. Traditional health-promoting practices like breastfeeding may be protected by increasing knowledge of its benefits. Yet there is a dearth of research documenting breastfeeding knowledge (i.e., knowledge of its benefits for infant health and development) in communities where breastfeeding is already practiced. Objective Our aim was to assess degree of breastfeeding knowledge among Mayan mothers in the rural highlands of North-Western Guatemala and compare knowledge of breastfeeding - a practice promoted by local health centers - and other traditional yet non-promoted infant care practices. Method We conducted a survey of maternal-infant health knowledge and behavior among mothers in rural Guatemala (N = 300) from six communities with a non-governmental organization (NGO) health program and one comparison community. Results Overall, mothers displayed more knowledge of the benefits of breastfeeding in comparison with other traditional infant care practices not promoted by a community health program. Mothers in communities with a health program demonstrated increased knowledge of breastfeeding, regardless of whether they personally participated in the program. This health knowledge predicted participation in novel health-promoting behaviors (family planning, prenatal care, exclusive breastfeeding). Conclusions Understanding breastfeeding knowledge as a proxy for community health exposure may increase the efficacy and diffusion of community health messaging.
Chapter 6: Jumping Through Hoops; A Post-structural Gendered Critique of Magazine Covers Depicting Female Athletes

When on the cover of prominent magazines, female athletes are often feminized, sexualized, and domesticized; contradicting the strength and power displayed in their athletic abilities.
Perceptions of event notification following discharge to improve geriatric care: qualitative interviews of care team members from a 2-site cluster randomized trial

Objective To assess primary care teams' perceptions of a health information exchange (HIE) event notification intervention for geriatric patients in 2 Veterans Health Administration (VHA) medical centers. Materials and methods We conducted a qualitative evaluation of an event notification alerting primary care teams to non-VHA hospital admissions and emergency department visits. Data were collected through semistructured interviews (n = 23) of primary care team physicians, nurses and medical assistants. Study design and analysis were guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Results Team members found the alerts necessary, helpful for filling information gaps, and effective in supporting timely follow-up care, although some expressed concern over scheduling capacity and distinguishing alerts from other VHA notices. Participants also suggested improvements including additional data on patients' diagnosis and discharge instructions, timing alerts to patients' discharge (including clear next steps), including additional team members to ensure alerts were acted upon, and implementing a single sign-on. Discussion Primary care team members perceived timely event notification of non-VHA emergency department visits and hospital admissions as potentially improving post-discharge follow-up and patient outcomes. However, they were sometimes unsure of next steps and suggested the alerts and platform could be streamlined for easier use. Conclusions Event notifications may be a valuable tool in coordinating care for high-risk older patients. Future intervention research should explore the optimal amount and types of information and delivery method across sites and test the integration of alerts into broader care coordination efforts.
Metformin Associated Lactic Acidosis and Euglycemic Diabetic Ketoacidosis: A Case Report

Diabetic ketoacidosis is a common complication of diabetes traditionally defined as a triad of hyperglycemia (>250 mg/dl), anion gap acidosis, and positive serum or urine ketones. However, a rare complication which requires a high level of clinical suspicion is euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis. Patients will still present with an anion gap acidosis and positive serum or urine ketones but then will have a blood glucose level less than 200 mg/dl. We present a case with a patient who presented with metformin-associated lactic acidosis and euglycemic ketoacidosis (MALKA). Our patient presented with seizure-like activity, slurred speech, and diffuse weakness when laboratory results revealed a high anion gap metabolic acidosis with concomitant metabolic and respiratory alkalosis. She was noted to have an elevated lactate which resolved with sodium bicarbonate. However, her anion gap persisted, and she was positive for urine ketones suggesting the possible diagnosis of euglycemic DKA. The patient was started on a continuous infusion of insulin with dextrose which subsequently helped resolve her persistent anion gap acidosis. Despite a standardized protocol for treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis, MALKA remains a challenging diagnosis to make without high clinical suspicion and ruling out other possible diagnoses. The goal of this case is to enhance clinician’s diagnostic framework for anion gap metabolic acidosis.