cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inflammasomes in the urinary tract: a disease-based review

Inflammasomes are supramolecular structures that sense molecular patterns from pathogenic organisms or damaged cells and trigger an innate immune response, most commonly through production of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18, but also through less understood mechanisms independent of these cytokines. Great strides have been made in understanding these structures and their dysfunction in various inflammatory diseases, lending new insights into urological and renal problems. From a clinical perspective, benign urinary pathology almost universally involves the inflammatory process, and understanding how inflammasomes translate etiological conditions (diabetes, obstruction, stones, urinary tract infections, etc.) into acute and chronic inflammatory responses is critical to understanding these diseases at a molecular level. To date, inflammasome components have been found in the bladder, prostate, and kidney and have been shown to be activated in response to several infectious and noninfectious insults. In this review, we summarize what is known regarding inflammasomes in both the upper and lower urinary tract and describe several common disease states where they potentially play critical roles.
Perspective on allogeneic melanoma lysates in active specific immunotherapy

We have tested allogeneic melanoma cell lysates as active immunotherapy, originally in stage IV patients to determine their safety and immunologic effectiveness. Surprisingly, phase I and II trials with frozen lysates showed a 20% objective response rate, with 8% long-term survivors. Melacine (Ribi ImmunoChem Research, Hamilton, MT), a lyophilized preparation from the same two cell lines, has been tested nationally and has caused regressions in approximately 10% of patients. Long-term stabilization of disease was noted in 10% to 20% of patients in all trials. A multicenter phase III comparison of low-dose cyclophosphamide plus Melacine versus four-drug chemotherapy showed no difference in response rates and survival, with fewer and milder side effects due to Melacine. In our single-arm trial in resected stage III disease, the overall survival rate (66-month median follow-up) is 66%, with a median relapse-free survival time of 36 months. Interferon-alfa 2b (IFN-alpha) given to patients failing to respond to Melacine elicited major objective responses in a larger proportion than anticipated with IFN-alpha alone. These results stimulated current multicenter trials in stage IV and resected stage III melanoma of Melacine and IFN-alpha in combination versus IFN-alpha alone. Of scientific note were (I) identification of a new melanoma antigen from a gene (MG50) isolated from one of the immunizing cell lines, and (2) demonstration that a new melanoma arising in 1995 in a long-term survivor was immunologically and genetically distinct from her original 1986 tumor. While it is important to define which epitopes are involved, multiepitopic (polyvalent) mixtures have established the therapeutic effect of melanoma vaccines.
Not a State, But More than a State of Mind: Cascading Cascadias and the Geoeconomics of Cross-Border Regionalism

Cascadia is a concept cross-border region, an idealised transnational space on the Pacific coast of North America, bridging the 49th parallel and linking the Canadian province of British Columbia and the US states of Washington and Oregon, This clear-cut geographical description is best seen as cartographic still shot of a much more dynamic process of regional invention, a process which at its most grandiose extends to the whole of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region, including Alaska, Alberta, Montana and Idaho. Cascadia is thus, as its boosters claim, in ‘active evolution’. Rather than being territorially fixed, static and statelike, Cascadia appears to its promoters first and foremost as a moving ‘state of mind’. However, as a vision, an idea, a discourse, a dream image, a space-myth and a state of mind, to list only a few of the terms applied to Cascadia, this CBR project is actively sustained by Canadian and US think tanks, visionaries and policymakers. As well as being noted in many academic articles (for example, Swanson 1994; Courchene 1995; Edgington 1995; Alper 1996; Blatter 1996) and attracting the attention of mainstream policy-oriented think tanks like the Carnegie Endowment for international Peace (Papademetriou and Meyers, 2000), it continues to surface in popular media outlets ranging from BC Business (Buchanan 1992) to The Economist (1994) through Atlantic Monthly (Kaplan 1998) and the Seattle Times (Agnew 1998) to the Christian Science Monitor (Porterfieid 1999).
Delamination Evolution in Composites Using a Cohesive Zone Model

It has been found from micrographic and fractographic examinations of delaminations that a damage zone develops ahead of the delamination front in many polymeric composites [1–3]. The presence of this damage zone in the interface introduces nonlinearities to the interfacial response and thus affects the propagation of the delamination in the interface. Lo et al. [4–6] previously modeled the response of the damage zone by employing the interfacial constitutive relationships developed by Needleman [7] and Tvergaard [8]. While the aforementioned models introduce nonlinear response to the mechanical behavior of the interface, these models do not distinguish between the different mechanisms active in the damage zone. The current paper will focus on the development of delaminations with a damage zone containing micro cracks. This type of damage zone is usually found in thermosetting matrix composites. An interface constitutive relationship adapted from a micro-mechanical solution for a micro-cracked solid will be employed in the analysis.
Nanostructured self assembled monolayers on magnesium for improved biological performance

AbstractMagnesium (Mg) and its alloys are being extensively investigated for its use as a biodegradable metallic implant material. Surface modification strategies are critical for Mg to be able to address application-specific criterion for applications such as cardiovascular stent, orthopaedic bone screws/plates and as a metallic scaffold for bone tissue engineering. Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) are nano-sized coatings that present a simple and flexible method of carrying out surface modification of biomaterials to tailor its surface properties for specific end applications without altering the bulk properties of the material. In this manuscript, we present a brief overview of Mg as a biodegradable metallic implant material followed by surface modification of Mg using SAMs.
Achieving magneto-elasto-electroporation and cell transport using core-shell magnetoelectric nanoparticles(Conference Presentation)

Magneto-Elasto-Electroporation (MEEP) is a magnetically controlled acoustic-electroporation observed while core-shell Magneto-electric nanoparticles interact with Biological Cells. The surface polarity change of the piezoelectric coating (BaTiO3) due to absorption of pressure created due magneto-striction of core (CoFe2O4) in AC magnetic field results in electric field (Uext) change at the external vicinity of the cell membrane when nanoparticles are nearby. This results in transmembrane Voltage (Um) change which is basically the difference in Cell’s internal potential (Uint) and external potential. The nonlinear permeability change of cell membrane due to change in Um opens the nano-pores on the membrane. The magnetic moment of the nanoparticles further helps in penetration of the Magneto-electric nanoparticles inside the cell through these magneto-electrically controlled newly opened nano-pores on cell’s membrane. MEEP is analyzed through in-vitro analysis and Mathematical equations are formulated for numerically expressing its fundamental effect. TEM imaging, XRD analysis, Zeta-potentiometer measurement and AFM imaging are confirming the coating of the piezoelectric layer on Magneto-stricitve nanoparticles, Acoustic measurements confirms the photo-acoustic and magneto-acoustic property of CoFe2O4 nanoparticles and Fluorescence microscopy as well as Confocal microscopy are confirming the penetration of particle inside the Human Epithelial cells (HEP2). Further on application of repulsive magnetic field, nanoparticles are observed to transport a group of cells in controlled boundary conditions in microfluidic chamber. Hence these nanoparticles can be used for accurate and efficient drug delivery as well as cell transport applications
In Defence of Anthropomorphic Theism

I reply to seven objections to anthropomorphic theism: (1) That anthropomorphic theism is idolatrous. In reply I rely on the concept/conception distinction. (2) That faith requires certainty. In reply I argue that full belief may be based on probable inference. (3) That the truly infinite is incomprehensible. In reply I distinguish two senses of knowing what you mean. (4) ‘You Kant say that!’ In reply I distinguish shallow from deep Kantianism. (5) ‘Shall Old Aquinas be forgot?’ In reply I discuss the simplicity of God. (6) What those garrulous mystics say about the ineffable. In reply I argue that mystics should be anthropomorphites. (7) Anti-theodicy. In reply I distinguish the community of all agents from the community of finite frail agents.
Is Homozygosity for the MTHFR C677T Mutation a Risk Factor for Miscarriage? — Likely.

Abstract Various hereditary thrombophilias such as activated protein C resistance, the factor V leiden mutation, the prothrombin G20210A mutation, protein S deficiency, hyperhomocysteinemia, or combinations of the above disorders have been linked to pregnancy loss at varying stages of gestation (Robertson L, et al. Thrombophilia in pregnancy: a systematic review. Br J Haematol 2006; 132(2):171–96; Seligsohn U, et al. Genetic susceptibility to venous thrombosis. N Engl J Med 2001; 344(16):1222–31). The literature regarding methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) mutations is confusing. Much of the evidence supporting a causal relationship between MTHFR mutations and early fetal loss comes from individual case reports with little outcome data. Three recent meta-analyses of thrombophilia in pregnancy concluded that although there may be a trend toward higher risk, the relationship between MTHFR mutations and spontaneous abortions is not truly significant (Robertson L, et al. Thrombophilia in pregnancy: a systematic review. Br J Haematol 2006; 132(2):171–96; Nelen WL, et al. Hyperhomocysteinemia and recurrent early pregnancy loss: a meta-analysis. Fertil Steril 2000; 74(6):1196–9; Rey E, et al. Thrombophilic disorders and fetal loss: a meta-analysis. Lancet 2003; 361(9361):901–8). In contrast, a study supporting the role of MTHFR mutations in recurrent unexplained abortions found a 2–3 fold increased risk of early fetal loss among Caucasian females homozygous for the C677T mutation versus normal controls (Nelen WL, et al. Genetic risk factor for unexplained recurrent early pregnancy loss. Lancet 1997; 350(9081):861). We present 5 patients with this genetic defect who presented consecutively to our clinic for decision making for future pregnancies. Each had strong histories of miscarriages after the 8th week of gestation. The clinical features of these patients are reported in the table below. Each woman is Caucasian, and is homozygous for the MTHFR C677T mutation with no other acquired or hereditary thrombophilias. Homocysteine levels were also in normal range for each patient. Our case series of 5 Caucasian women gives support to the theory of a causal relationship between MTHFR mutations and fetal loss. We recommended anticoagulation with low-molecular weight or unfractionated heparin for each patient as a therapeutic intervention to reduce the risk of recurrent abortion in future pregnancies.
A Dictionary-Based Comparison of Autobiographies by People and Murderous Monsters

People typically assume that killers are mentally ill or fundamentally different from the rest of humanity. Similarly, people often associate mental health conditions (such as schizophrenia or autism) with violence and otherness - treatable perhaps, but not empathically understandable. We take a dictionary approach to explore word use in a set of autobiographies, comparing the narratives of 2 killers (Adolf Hitler and Elliot Rodger) and 39 non-killers. Although results suggest several dimensions that differentiate these autobiographies - such as sentiment, temporal orientation, and references to death - they appear to reflect subject matter rather than psychology per se. Additionally, the Rodger text shows roughly typical developmental arcs in its use of words relating to friends, family, sex, and affect. From these data, we discuss the challenges of understanding killers and people in general.
Optimal capacity of energy storage for dynamic voltage restorer under electrical faults scenarios using SOS optimization algorithm: Case of south Algerian’s electrical autonomous grid application

Abstract In the last decade, one of the Algeria’s preoccupations is the power quality through its national electrical network such as voltage sags and swells, harmonic currents and voltages. The customers connected to the power distribution network suffer from these perturbations, to solve this problem custom power device is used which is called dynamic voltage restorer. This paper describes DVR principle and voltage restoration which will be connected to the 15 KV real autonomous networks in small village of south Algeria. Moreover, optimal energy capacity for the proposed devices based on Meta heuristic methods is presented. The dynamic voltage restorer (DVR) has newly established to protect the industrial facilities from voltage sags and other voltage disturbances. The compensation ability of DVR depends primarily on the maximum voltage injection aptitude and the amount of stored available within the restorer. A detailed procedure to design the optimal system is presented by using SOS algorithm based Advancement compensation (PAC) policy in order to improve the voltage property of the device. The planed approach employs Symbiotic Organism Search technique to search for optimal value of phase advancement angle equivalent to minimum power injection from the energy storage element such as a capacitor or battery and its results have been compared to the conventional DVR techniques. According to the achieved results and detailed analysis, The corresponding values of optimized energy are 13,278 W-h, 20.847 W-h and optimums phase advanced angles found 131.762°, 115.536° for 17% and 40% voltage sag happened through electrical distribution network. Finally, the proposed method has been compared with other methods available in the literature and is found effective and encouraging.
Resistance is Not Futile: Prophetic Soul Care in Politically Uncertain Times

In the aftermath of the election of Donald Trump, communities of faith are attempting to help their constituents traverse a transition in the life cycle of the United States. This paper posits two heuristic lenses - the neoliberal age and prophetic soul care - that inform pastoral care practices for communities who are navigating a nation that is wrestling with a proverbial life cycle crisis. Of particular import, this paper is attentive to how pastoral care providers might be responsive not only to the discontent that has arisen in the wake of Trump’s election, but also to the discontent that led to it.
An Optimality Theoretic analysis of vowel harmony in Kazan Tatar

Kazan Tatar is a Kipchak language spoken in the Republic of Tatarstan (Ethnologue). Previous literature has described a backness harmony system, with weak rounding harmony in the mid vowels (Comrie 1997, Berta 1998, Poppe 1968). This work utilizes novel data to investigate Tatar's harmony under an Optimality Theory (OT) (Prince & Smolensky 1993) framework, contributing new observations regarding the lack of rounding harmony in Tatar, contrary to previous accounts. Through investigation of Tatar's harmony system, we gain insight into the workings of the language's phonology and find crucial evidence for the gradual decay of rounding harmony in Turkic languages.
Cutaneous vasculitis in rheumatologic disease: Current concepts of skin and systemic manifestations

Cutaneous vasculitis may be limited to the skin, a manifestation of systemic vasculitis, or a sign of an important underlying disease state. A thorough and systematic approach is required for accurate diagnosis and evaluation of such patients to enable appropriate management of the vasculitis and any associated condition. Occasionally, cutaneous vasculitis is a manifestation or presenting sign of connective tissue disease, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren syndrome, or another condition. Such patients are at risk for poor outcomes related to systemic manifestations of vasculitis, as well as increased severity of the underlying disease. Recognition of this important subset of patients with skin vasculitis enables appropriate workup and successful management.
BiAS: A Theme Metric to Model Mutual Association

Identifying likeness between events is one of the fundamental necessities in machine learning and data mining techniques. Though grouping of events usually happens on their proximity in Euclidean space or the degree of similarity or the extent of linear dependence, certain applications like keyword and document clustering, phylogenetic profiling and feature selection tend to yield better results if events are grouped based on their mutual association. This paper presents a metric, the Bidirectional Association Similarity (BiAS) to quantify the degree of mutual association between a pair of events. We put forward generalized formulation to compute BiAS and establish unidirectional correspondence with the Jaccard and the cosine similarities. The measure can be suitably incorporated with clustering algorithms in grouping mutually associative events with adding precision to the discovered knowledge.
Study of the. cap alpha. + /sup 16/O system with the resonating-group method

The resonating-group method is used to study the ..cap alpha..+/sup 16/O system. The cluster internal functions used are translationally invariant antisymmetrized products of single-particle wave functions of the lowest configuration in harmonic-oscillator wells, with width parameters chosen to yield the correct rms radii of both the ..cap alpha.. and the /sup 16/O clusters. A generator-coordinate technique is employed to derive the integrodifferential equation which governs the relative motion between the clusters. The result shows that a fairly satisfactory description of the /sup 20/Ne rotational bands can be obtained. In addition, it is found that, with the introduction of a phenomenological imaginary potential to take reaction effects into account, the calculation also yields differential scattering cross sections which agree rather well with experimental data. (AIP)
Spherical Topic Models for Imaging Phenotype Discovery in Genetic Studies

In this paper, we use Spherical Topic Models to discover the latent structure of lung disease. This method can be widely employed when a measurement for each subject is provided as a normalized histogram of relevant features. In this paper, the resulting descriptors are used as phenotypes to identify genetic markers associated with the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Features extracted from images capture the heterogeneity of the disease and therefore promise to improve detection of relevant genetic variants in Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS). Our generative model is based on normalized histograms of image intensity of each subject and it can be readily extended to other forms of features as long as they are provided as normalized histograms. The resulting algorithm represents the intensity distribution as a combination of meaningful latent factors and mixing coefficients that can be used for genetic association analysis. This approach is motivated by a clinical hypothesis that COPD symptoms are caused by multiple coexisting disease processes. Our experiments show that the new features enhance the previously detected signal on chromosome 15 with respect to standard respiratory and imaging measurements.
Data on the early oxidation of SiO2-coated pure Ti and bulk Ti5Si3 at 800 °C.

Abstract Oxidation of pure Ti sputtered with a 250 nm layer of amorphous SiO2 and bulk Ti5Si3 was conducted at 800 °C for 2 or 32 h in a 1 standard cubic centimeter per minute (SCCM) O2/4 SCCM Ar environment (approximately pO2 = 0.2 atm/20.3 kPa). Specimens were characterized using transmission electron microscopy, scanning transmission electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy. The data in this article accompanies research article “Early oxidation behavior of Si-coated titanium” [1] , which contains further discussion. The data for this article is hosted at the Materials Commons data repository and is available for download at https://materialscommons.org/mcapp/#/data/dataset/b8bc8038-a735-4cb9-9a9e-a0fb912b248c .
Three Musical Virtues

In this chapter, unique in the text, I frame a life itself as a window, and discuss this conductor’s transparency of patience and humility and truthful discernment as vocational allies. I enlist the landscape of my supervision work with a recent companion as exemplifying this allegory.
Non-motor predictors of freezing of gait in Parkinson's disease.

Abstract Background The etiology of freezing of gait in Parkinson’s disease (PD) is yet to be clarified. Non-motor risk factors including cognitive impairment, sleep disturbance and mood disorders have been shown in freezing of gait. Research question We aimed to determine the predictive value of non-motor features in freezing of gait development. Methods Data were obtained from the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative. Fifty PD patients with self-reported freezing of gait, and 50 PD patients without freezing of gait at the fourth year visit were included. Groups were matched for Movement Disorders Society-Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale Part III scores. Several cognitive and non-cognitive tests were used for non-motor features at baseline and over time. Executive function, visuospatial function, processing speed, learning and memory tests were used for cognition. Non-cognitive tests included sleepiness, REM sleep behavior disorder, depression and anxiety scales. Results Patients with freezing of gait had higher scores on sleepiness, REM sleep behavior disorder, depression and anxiety scales. However, predictor model analysis revealed that baseline processing speed, learning and sleepiness scores were predictive of self-reported freezing of gait development over time. Significance Our findings suggest that specific cognitive deficits and sleep disorders are predictive of future freezing of gait. These features may be helpful in identifying underlying networks in freezing of gait and should be further investigated with neuroimaging studies.
Health Uninsurance in rural America: a partial equilibrium analysis

The cost of rural health continues to be high in the United States despite an overall improvement in national health insurance enrolment. Stakeholder’s perception of adverse selection remains a paramount culprit in the challenges of rural insurance markets. Risk attitude has been revealed as an alternative for measuring this phenomenon, given the 2014 prohibition law on pre-existing conditions and a subsequent repeal in 2018 accompanied by extensive debate among congress. We examine the existence of adverse selection in rural insurance markets by comparing the effects of pre-existing or chronic health conditions and risk attitudes in a Principal-Agent model. Using multinomial logit and complementary log-log binomial link models in a Principal-Agent framework, our results indicate that there is adverse selection in rural health insurance markets if pre-existing conditions are considered, but risk attitudes yield contrary effects. The major policy implication from this study is that respondents who have pre-existing/chronic conditions tend to patronise health insurance with a higher probability than other counterparts and therefore insurers are likely to incur losses given the law on pre-existing conditions as private information. The 2018 law on the exclusion of individuals with pre-existing conditions may be beneficial to the insurance companies at the expense of the populace. Hence, we suggest that market incentive-based programs should be encouraged to minimize rural health uninsurance.
Nonlinear Elasticity and Swelling of Comb and Bottlebrush Networks

While chain branching generally promotes swelling of polymer networks, it also leads to nonlinear modulus increase with network expansion. To understand the effect of branched architecture on swell...
Obesity and Diabetes Mediated Chronic Inflammation: A Potential Biomarker in Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the sixth leading cause of death and is correlated with obesity, which is the second leading cause of preventable diseases in the United States. Obesity, diabetes, and AD share several common features, and inflammation emerges as the central link. High-calorie intake, elevated free fatty acids, and impaired endocrine function leads to insulin resistance and systemic inflammation. Systemic inflammation triggers neuro-inflammation, which eventually hinders the metabolic and regulatory function of the brain mitochondria leading to neuronal damage and subsequent AD-related cognitive decline. As an early event in the pathogenesis of AD, chronic inflammation could be considered as a potential biomarker in the treatment strategies for AD.
Performance analysis of hazed images using Laplacian weight fusion with saliency map

Submerged pictures are debased because of disperses and assimilation, bringing about low difference and shading mutilation. Right now, a novel self-comparability based strategy for de-dissipating and super goals (SR) of submerged pictures is proposed. The conventional methodology of preprocessing the picture utilizing a de-dispersing calculation, trailed by the use of an SR technique, has the constraint that the majority of the high-recurrence data is lost during de-dissipating. The super-settled pictures have a sensible clamor level after de-dispersing and exhibit outwardly more satisfying outcomes than traditional methodologies. Moreover, numerical measurements exhibit that the proposed calculation shows steady improvement and that edges are altogether upgraded. Submerged pictures are hard to process in light of low differentiation and shading bending. The in-water light spread model was proposed quite a while prior however is moderately convoluted to be utilized in actuality. A successful procedure to improve the pictures caught submerged and corrupted because of the medium dissipating and ingestion. Our technique is a solitary picture approach that doesn't require particular equipment or information about the submerged conditions or scene structure. It expands on the mixing of two pictures that are straightforwardly gotten from a shading redressed and white-adjusted form of the first debased picture. The two pictures to combination, just as their related weight maps, are characterized to advance the exchange of edges and shading difference to the yield picture. To keep away from that the sharp weight map changes make antiquities in the low recurrence segments of the remade picture, we likewise adjust a multiscale combination methodology. By applying shading minute and combination systems for improve nature of submerged pictures. The proposed strategy execute on MATLAB R2013a. The nature of the submerged pictures can be resolved on-premise of PCQI, UCIQE, and UIQM. The procedure Laplacian Weight Fusion with Saliency Map (LWFSM) empowers to investigate picture quality parameters for decreased murkiness levels of submerged pictures. The trail result shows that the normal estimation of PCQI, UCIQE, and UIQM is improved by 5.18%, 2.62%, and 6.17% separately.
"Hat in Hand": Financing the Leveraged Buyout of Clear Channel Communications

In this case, John Connaughton, a managing director at Bain Capital, had joined forces in October 2006 with Thomas H. Lee Partners (THL) to acquire Clear Channel Communications in a historic $28 billion leveraged buyout (LBO). The plan had looked solid, and the private equity consortium was ready to close the deal. But this plan turned out to be only the first act.In late 2007 and early 2008, the banking group approached Connaughton more than once, asking to renegotiate the deal, characterizing its request as coming “hat in hand.” Then the banking group outright refused to fund the deal until new terms were met. Connaughton had invested a significant amount of his time and his company's resources to bring this deal to the table, so he was not inclined to concede to the new demands without a fight...but he also knew that a failed deal would have tremendous consequences for his company and for THL. What should he do? Excerpt UVA-F-1755 Aug. 31, 2017 “Hat in Hand”: Financing the Leveraged Buyout of Clear Channel Communications Large, complex transactions always seemed a bit operatic, and John Connaughton knew this one wasn't an exception. Two years had passed since Connaughton, a managing director at Bain Capital, had joined forces with Thomas H. Lee Partners (THL) to acquire Clear Channel Communications (Clear Channel) in a historic $ 28 billion leveraged buyout (LBO). Seven months before the effort had begun in October 2006, Thomas Lee, a respected pioneer in LBOs, had exercised a long-term plan to leave his eponymous Boston firm for New York. Connaughton had thought the irony of THL retaining Lee's name without his presence would be the most dramatic part about the deal. A few months back, the plan had looked solid, and the private equity (PE) consortium was ready to close the deal. But this plan turned out to be only the first act. Now, in early 2008, the second act was unraveling; Connaughton had to handle it, and quickly. The bank group contractually obliged to finance the Clear Channel deal was seeking—pleading, if bankers could be said to plead—to renegotiate terms for the $ 22 billion debt financing in play. Reneging on a binding contract—what sort of plot twist was this? Was the subprime mortgage crisis endangering this deal? Did the banks see Connaughton as ripe for manipulation, or were they coming to him for help? Connaughton's colleagues advocated taking the banks to court. Was that the right path? Could they restructure the deal? What expectations were realistic? At the end of the day, what should he recommend to the consortium? . . .
Use of thrombolytic therapy for acute myocardial infarction: effects of gender and age on treatment rates.

Background: Although there have been efforts to increase the utilization of thrombolytic therapy, there are still many patients who might benefit from this treatment who do not receive it. Women and the elderly have been particularly undertreated, despite evidence that their survival can be improved with thrombolysis. This study was undertaken to determine the relative rates of treatment of women vs. men and the elderly vs. younger subjects and to examine factors that might explain differences in treatment frequency. Methods and Results: This is a retrospective study of patients who presented to the Emergency Departments of four local hospitals in 1993 and 1994 with evidence for acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Demographic data, past medical history, information on co-morbid illnesses, and times to hospital arrival, first electrocardiogram, physician notification, and thrombolytic therapy were recorded as was survival to hospital discharge. Data for patients who did or did not receive thrombolytic therapy were compared. Men were treated more frequently in both tertiary and community hospitals. Women were older, but within each age bracket, men were treated more often. The time of arrival was similar for men and women, but men who arrived within 6 hours or 6–12 hours after pain onset were treated at a higher rate than women. For patients without contraindications, treatment was not affected by gender or age. However, treatment rates decreased with increased prevalence of exclusionary factors, and since both women and the elderly tended to have more such factors, elderly women were treated at a markedly lower rate. The single clinical factor that increased thrombolytic usage in women compared to men was a history of prior myocardial infarction. Conclusion: Despite convincing evidence that thrombolytic therapy is beneficial in women and the elderly, these groups have been relatively neglected unless attention is called to clinical risk, for example, by history of prior myocardial infarction.
Hospitalized Infections in People With Osteoarthritis: A National US Study.

Objective To study the incidence, time trends, and outcomes of serious infections in people with osteoarthritis (OA). Methods We used 1998–2016 US National Inpatient Sample (NIS) data. Using recommended weights, we examined the epidemiology of 5 types of serious infections requiring hospitalization in people with OA (opportunistic infections [OIs], skin and soft tissue infections [SSTIs], urinary tract infections [UTIs], pneumonia, and sepsis/bacteremia). We performed multivariable-adjusted logistic regression analyses to analyze factors associated with healthcare utilization (hospital charges, length of hospital stay, discharge to nonhome setting), and in-hospital mortality. Results Of all serious infection hospitalizations, 46,708,154 were without OA and 3,258,416 had OA. People with OA were 16.4 years older, more likely to be female (52% vs 65%), White (59% vs 70%), have a Deyo‑Charlson Comorbidity Index (DCCI) ≥ 2 (42% vs 51%), receive Medicare (54% vs 80%), and less likely to receive care at an urban teaching hospital (45% vs 39%). Serious infection rates per 100,000 NIS hospitalizations increased from the study period of 1998–2000 to 2015–2016: OI (from 4.5 to 7.2); SSTI (from 48.4 to 145.9); UTI (from 8.4 to 104.6); pneumonia (from 164.0 to 224.3); and sepsis (from 39.4 to 436.3). In multivariable-adjusted analyses, older age, higher DCCI, sepsis, northeast region, urban hospital, and medium or large hospital bed size were significantly associated with higher healthcare utilization outcomes and in-hospital mortality; Medicaid insurance, non-White race, and female sex were significantly associated with higher healthcare utilization. Conclusion Serious infection rates have increased in people with OA. Association of demographic, clinic, and hospital variables with serious infection outcomes identifies potential targets for future interventions.
Depression and polypharmacy are risk factors for activity limitation in type 2 diabetes.

ObjectivesIndividuals with type 2 diabetes are at risk for deficits in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL: e.g., managing medication, preparing healthy meals). Understanding which demogr...
A hybrid lens: integrating neural lens and optical lens on the Fourier plane

In this paper, we introduce a concept of the hybrid lens as a novel form of optical information processing apparatus that integrates the conventional optical lenses and the recently proposed neural lens, that is, an image post-processing technique based on generative convolution neural networks (GCNN). This integration is based on leveraging the fact that the Fourier plane is the common working principle of both types of lens. We demonstrate how manipulating the coherent light's spectral components on the Fourier plane behind a biconvex lens is a computationally-free alternative to performing convolution matrix operation in GCNN, which involves high computational expenses. In our approach, the GCNN can perform image generation in a shorter time. Our hybrid lens only requires computational power at the levels that the embedded resources on medical devices can afford. This feature is very important for commercialization as it allows making standalone units like microscopes without relying on external resources such as computing clouds.
Enhanced CNS transduction from AAV.PHP.eB infusion into the cisterna magna of older adult rats compared to AAV9

The development of high efficiency, central nervous system (CNS) targeting AAV-based gene therapies is necessary to address challenges in both pre-clinical and clinical investigations. The engineered capsids, AAV.PHP.B and AAV.PHP.eB, show vastly improved blood-brain barrier penetration compared to their parent serotype, AAV9, but with variable effect depending on animal system, strain, and delivery route. As most characterizations of AAV.PHP variants have been performed in mice, it is currently unknown whether AAV.PHP variants improve CNS targeting when delivered intrathecally in rats. We evaluated the comparative transduction efficiencies of equititer doses (6 × 1011vg) of AAV.PHP.eB-CAG-GFP and AAV9-CAG-GFP when delivered into the cisterna magna of 6-9-month old rats. Using both quantitative and qualitative assessments, we observed consistently superior biodistribution of GFP+ cells and fibers in animals treated with AAV.PHP.eB compared to those treated with AAV9. Enhanced GFP signal was uniformly observed throughout rostrocaudal brain regions in AAV.PHP.eB-treated animals with matching GFP protein expression detected in the forebrain, midbrain, and cerebellum. Collectively, these data illustrate the benefit of intracisternal infusions of AAV.PHP.eB as an optimal system to distribute CNS gene therapies in preclinical investigations of rats, and may have important translational implications for the clinical CNS targeting.
Who is Worthy: Refugees in a Time of Uncertainty

In this paper, I examine the puzzle of public opinion support of immigrants and refugees, with focus on competeting identities and threat perceptions. I use the ANES 2016 Pilot Study to investigate how support for US entry of Syrian refugees changes, according to perceptions of the viability of local terrorist threat and ethnocentrism. This is important, as the issue saliency of refugees has increased over the past few years, especially during and after the 2016 presidential election. Moreover, I compare support of legal migration and refugee migration to understand if Americans differentiate of who is more worthy of US entry. I find that as respondents believe that a terrorist attack in their area is possible, support for refugees decreases to a greater degree than support for legal immigration. Also important in determining support for immigration is the importance of racial and American identity. This leaves us with important normative questions of how we include vulnerable populations by the type of identity we have present in our minds.
19-year-old Woman with Intermittent Weakness.

Author(s): Cavaliere, Garrett A.; Murali, Neeraja; Bontempo, Laura J.; Dezman, Zachary D.W. | Abstract: Introduction: Systemic weakness is a common chief complaint of patients presenting to the emergency department (ED). A well thought out approach to the assessment and workup of these patients is key to diagnostic accuracy and definitive therapy.Case Presentation: In this case, a 19-year-old female presented to the ED with generalized weakness and near syncope. She had global weakness in her extremities and multiple electrolyte abnormalities.Discussion: This case takes the reader through the differential diagnosis and evaluation of a patient with weakness and profound electrolyte derangements. It includes a discussion of the diagnostic studies and calculations that ultimately led to the patient’s diagnosis.
Behavioral Treatment Development

This chapter proposes a progressive, translational model for developing behavioral treatments for chronic diseases. It begins by describing the long-standing, evolving, and widely accepted process of drug development. It then draws on basic elements of this process to present the revised ORBIT model for developing behavioral treatments for chronic diseases. This model pushes toward Phase III behavioral efficacy testing in three progressive phases: (1) Discovery of an important clinical problem and a basic science underpinning for a behavioral treatment that could solve it; (2) Design of the treatment by first assembling basic elements and then refining them to enhance efficiency without sacrificing efficacy; and (3) Preliminary Testing of a fixed protocol using proof-of-concept studies, feasibility studies, and Phase II behavioral trials with behavioral and biomedical outcomes. Recommendations for fostering translational behavioral treatment research are suggested for funding agencies, publication practices, and investigators.
Society and Environment: A Historical Review

1. Society and Environment: A Historical Review, 2. The Core and the City, 3. The Valley Section: Patrick Geddes's World Image, 4. The Village Centre
A Maltose-Binding Protein-NIFA (MBP-NIFA) Fusion Activates Transcription from the Klebsiella Pneumoniae nifH Promoter in a Purified System: Stimulation by IHF

The Klebsiella pneumoniae NIFA protein activates transcription by an alternative form of RNA polymerase, ON-holoenzyme (E·σN). [σN is the new designation for the enteric member of the σ54 family of sigma factors]. This mechanism pertains for most nif operons in diazotrophs belonging to the large gram-negative phylum “Purple Bacteria” (also called Proteobacteria; Gussin et al. 1986). Studies in vivo have shown that K. pneumoniae NIFA is able to bind to upstream activation sequences (UAS’s) that lie ~100 base pairs upstream of nif promoters and to catalyze open complex formation by E·σN (Morett, Buck 1988; Morett, Buck 1989).
Effect of Mannose on Ethylene Evolution and Ripening of Pear Fruit

As part of an investigation into the role of glycosidases in fruit ripening, we applied D(+) glucose, galactose and mannose as competitive inhibitors of their corresponding glycosidases. Preliminary experiments showed that mannose application inhibited softening and ethylene production. There are at least two possible explanations for this effect: (1) α-Mannosidase activity is inhibited by mannose, thus implicating this enzyme as having a controlling function in fruit ripening involved perhaps in glycoprotein processing; (2) Mannose is phosphosylated and not further metabolized, consequently lowering cellular inorganic phosphate levels and decreasing ATP synthesis. It is this mechanism by which the inhibitory effects of mannose (and its analogues, glucosamine and 2-deoxyglucose) on many metabolic processes have been explained (Herold and Lewis 1977, New Phytol 79:1–110).
Optimization of scintillation performance via a combinatorial multi-element co-doping strategy: Application to NaI:Tl

A combinatorial approach where doped bulk scintillator materials can be rapidly optimized for their properties through concurrent extrinsic doping/co-doping strategies is presented. The concept that makes use of design of experiment, rapid growth, and evaluation techniques, and multivariable regression analysis, has been successfully applied to the engineering of NaI performance, a historical but mediocre performer in scintillation detection. Using this approach, we identified a three-element doping/co-doping strategy that significantly improves the material performance. The composition was uncovered by simultaneously screening for a beneficial co-dopant ion among the alkaline earth metal family and by optimizing its concentration and that of Tl+ and Eu2+ ions. The composition with the best performance was identified as 0.1% mol Tl+, 0.1% mol Eu2+, and 0.2% mol Ca2+. This formulation shows enhancement of energy resolution and light output at 662 keV, from 6.3 to 4.9%, and from 44 000 to 52 000 ph/MeV, res...
Negotiation as creative social interaction using concept hierarchies

Negotiation is a process that ranges from international issues to common society interactions. We present approaches to facilitate the process by exploring alternative spaces for this process. We base the approach on exploring alternative terminology that can resolve conflicts in the negotiation solution. Concept hierarchies can provide higher level concepts that can be used to obtain agreement between parties in the negotiation.
Abstract 2408: Progression of Coronary Artery Calcification

We sought to determine the progression rates of coronary artery calcium (CAC) in patients undergoing serial scans (at least 3) in order to ascertain the progression patterns over time. Methods & Results: We evaluated two hundred and ninety four participants with at least CAC ≥10 at baseline who underwent at least 3 CAC scans. The majority of the population were men (59%), mean age was 66 yrs and 48% had hypercholesterolemia. The median (IQR) at baseline (score1) was 221 (84 – 494). 84 (29%) had CAC 10 –99, 112 (38%) had CAC 100 –399 and 98 (33%) had CAC≥400. Participants underwent 2 further scans at least 12 months apart. The inter-scan period from baseline to the first FU (follow-up) was 2.6±1.6 yrs (range 1– 8 years) and from 1 st FU to 2 nd FU was 2.5±1.3 yrs (1–10 yrs) respectively. The median (IQR) at first FU (score2) is 328 (139 – 661). Forty-four individuals (15%) had CAC 10 –99, 118 (40%) had CAC 100 –399 and 132 (45%) had CAC≥400. Overall the median (IQR) absolute change/yr in 1 st FU was 38 (11– 87), and 41 (13–91) in 2 nd FU respectively. Similarly, the median (IQR) percent change/yr from scan1–2 was 17% (4 –30), and 13% (5–24) from scan 2–3. In our study population, 70% of individuals had a significant CAC progression (≥15% percent change) in the first FU, whereas 65% had a significant CAC progression in the 2 nd FU. Greater duration of FU was significantly associated with the likelihood of progression in both the 1 st and the 2 nd FU (p st FU showed a tendency to progress more in the 2 nd FU (p=0.07). Conclusion : In the presence of pre-existing coronary artery calcium, about 70% of individuals show a significant CAC progression (≥15% percent change) in the first FU and 65% demonstrate a significant CAC progression in the 2 nd FU. Progression of coronary artery calcium appeared fairly linear over three scan periods, up to 8 years apart.
Perception of spousal abuse expressed by married Bangladeshi immigrant women in Houston, Texas, U.S.A.

Relocating from a homogeneous ethnic country into one that is heterogeneous may threaten one's self-identity, cause isolation, and trigger tension between a couple making the journey together. Most spousal abuse cannot be separated from the cultural, social, and economic contexts in which it occurs. An assessment of abuse in an immigrant community is impacted by stereotypes, cultural stigmas, and lack of knowledge or trust of available resources and services. A prevalence rate of 10% for spousal abuse was revealed in this study of 23 married female immigrants from Bangladesh residing in Houston, Texas. Using both a quantitative and qualitative design, women reported both mental/verbal and physical abuse, most frequently committed by the husband and in-laws. Commonalities exist with other immigrant groups, but characteristics unique to those from Bangladesh must be considered to effectively address abuse against women in this community.
Simulation of novel phase-controlled flicker compensator and its response to the UIE/EEC flickermeter

This paper presents the simulation of a novel dynamic phase controller for flicker mitigation by compensating the rms voltage every half-cycle of line voltage. It is based on a light dimmer using a TRIAC or a pair of SCRs (Sillcon Controlled Rectifiers) which regulate the voltage by phase control. Power quality issues and lamp characteristics affected by this phase-controlled voltage are investigated. A UIE/IEC flickermeter is introduced and simulated to verify the proposed method of flicker mitigation. The flickermeter response demonstrates the performance and limitations of this dynamic phase controller.