cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Amniotic fluid-borne hepatocyte growth factor protects rat pups against experimental necrotizing enterocolitis

Fetal swallowing of amniotic fluid, which contains numerous cytokines and growth factors, plays a key role in gut mucosal development. Preterm birth interrupts this exposure to amniotic fluid-borne growth factors, possibly contributing to the increased risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in premature infants. We hypothesized that supplementation of formula feeds with amniotic fluid can provide amniotic fluid-borne growth factors and prevent experimental NEC in rat pups. We compared NEC-like injury in rat pups fed with infant formula vs. formula supplemented either with 30% amniotic fluid or recombinant hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). Cytokines/growth factors in amniotic fluid were measured by immunoassays. Amniotic fluid and HGF effects on enterocyte migration, proliferation, and survival were measured in cultured IEC6 intestinal epithelial cells. Finally, we used an antibody array to investigate receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) activation and immunoblots to measure phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling. Amniotic fluid supplementation in oral feeds protected rat pups against NEC-like injury. HGF was the most abundant growth factor in rat amniotic fluid in our panel of analytes. Amniotic fluid increased cell migration, proliferation, and cell survival in vitro. These effects were reproduced by HGF and blocked by anti-HGF antibody or a PI3K inhibitor. HGF transactivated several RTKs in IEC6 cells, indicating that its effects extended to multiple signaling pathways. Finally, similar to amniotic fluid, recombinant HGF also reduced the frequency and severity of NEC-like injury in rat pups. Amniotic fluid supplementation protects rat pups against experimental NEC, which is mediated, at least in part, by HGF.
Diagnostic benefits and cost-effectiveness of on-site imprint cytology adequacy evaluation of core needle biopsies of bone lesions.

Background Core needle biopsy (CNB) is a well-established, successful technique for the diagnosis of various organ system lesions. To increase diagnostic yield, on-site cytologic evaluation of adequacy (OCA) is routinely performed at many institutions. Numerous studies evaluating the impact of OCA on CNB have been published. However, little has been said regarding accuracy of OCA for bone lesions. Methods To evaluate this, we reviewed our experience during a two-year period, and compared OCA results with the final diagnosis of the corresponding CNB. For the study, diagnoses were divided into three categories: malignant, benign, and nonspecific/nondiagnostic findings. Results Sixty-one cases were included. During OCA, 25 cases were diagnosed as malignant, three cases as benign, and 33 as nonspecific/nondiagnostic. On histologic evaluation, 29 cases were malignant, 16 were benign, and 16 were classified as nonspecific/nondiagnostic. Concordance with final CNB diagnosis was seen in 100% of malignant, 67% of benign, and 45% of nonspecific/nondiagnostic on-site cytology evaluations. The overall diagnostic success rate of OCA for malignancy was 86% (25/29). The success rate of OCA for benign lesions was only 13%. Fifty-four percent of cases were diagnosed as nonspecific/nondiagnostic on-site. This category included four false negative cases. Conclusions We conclude that for lesions with a suspicion of malignancy, OCA is a valuable adjuvant diagnostic tool. However, for cases with a benign or nonspecific clinical impression, OCA has a limited diagnostic role. Careful selection of cases in which OCA is beneficial is necessary to maintain accuracy and to limit procedure costs. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2014;42:506–513. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High Speed Ge Photodetectors on Si Platform for GHz Optical Communications in C+L Bands

We present a high speed, high responsivity, tensile strained Ge p-i-n photodetector selectively grown on Si platform that covers the whole C band and a large part of the L band for high capacity optical communications. The device shows a 3dB bandwidth of 2.5 GHz and its responsivities at 1310nm and 1550nm are comparable to commercial InGaAs photodetectors currently used in telecommunications. The device has promising applications in Si microphotonics such as the fiber-to-the-home technology.
The effect of short-term growth hormone treatment on growth and energy expenditure in burned children.

Delays in growth are commonly observed in children who have sustained a severe cutaneous burn. The reasons for this growth delay are not completely known, but in adults, plasma growth hormone (GH) levels have been shown to decrease after thermal injury. If this is also the case in severely burned children, the low GH levels may contribute to their chronic growth delay. We propose that treatment with rhGH may prevent this burn-induced growth delay. Height velocities were measured for up to 2 years after injury in 38 burned children (age 7+/-1 years) with a 64+/-2% total burn surface area (TBSA) burn and a 59+/-3% third-degree burn who received 0.2 mg/kg/day rhGH during hospitalization. These height velocities were compared to 41 burned children (age 8+/-1 years) with a 64+/-3% TBSA burn and a 60+/-3% TBSA third-degree burn who were treated similarly but did not receive rhGH. Height velocities and height percentiles were compared to standard height velocity and percentile nomograms of unburned children. To determine the effect of rhGH on energy requirements, resting energy expenditures (REE) were measured by indirect calorimetry and compared to values calculated from the Harris-Benedict equation. All data are presented as mean+/-S.E.M. No differences in average height percentile could be shown between those receiving GH and controls at admission and 6 months after burn. There was, however, a significant difference (P<0.05) in height velocity during the first 2 years after burn between GH (47th+/-6 percentile) and controls (32nd+/-5 percentile). For rhGH-treated children, the REE was elevated by 34+/-4% versus 35+/-5% for controls. Recombinant human GH, given during acute hospitalization, maintained growth in severely burned children who would otherwise experience a significant growth delay. Treatment with rhGH did not atttenuate their elevated REE.
Evaluating changeability to improve fruit and vegetable intake among school aged children

Background: The purposes of this paper are two fold. First, to describe an approach used to identify fruits and vegetables to target for a child focused dietary change intervention. Second, to evaluate the concept of fruit and vegetable changeability and feasibility of applying it in a community setting. Methods: Steps for identifying changeable fruits and vegetables include (1) identifying a dietary database (2) defining geographic and (3) personal demographics that characterize the food environment and (4) determining which fruits and vegetables are likely to improve during an intervention. The validity of these methods are evaluated for credibility using data collected from quasi-experimental, controlled design among 7–9 year old children (n = 304) participating in a tutoring or mentoring program in St. Louis, MO. Using a 28-item food frequency questionnaire, parents were asked to recall for their child how often foods were eaten the past 7 days. This questionnaire was repeated eight months later (response rate 84%). T-test analyses are used to determine mean serving differences from baseline to post test. Results: The mean serving differences from baseline to post test were significant for moderately eaten fruits (p < .001), however, not for vegetables (p = .312). Among the intervention group, significantly more children ate grapes (p < .001), peaches (p = .022), cantaloupe (p < .001), and spinach (p = .044) at post testing – all identified as changeable with information tailored to participants. Conclusion: Data driven, food focused interventions directed at a priority population are feasible and practical. An empirical evaluation of the assumptions associated with these methods supports this novel approach. However, results may indicate that these methods may be more relevant to fruits than vegetables. This process can be applied to diverse populations for many dietary outcomes. Intervention strategies that target only those changeable fruits and vegetables are innovative and warrant further study.
MANET Route Optimization using Cross-Layer Enhancements in Tactical Radio Waveforms

Cross Layer interactions have gained acceptance in communications protocol stacks in order to optimize the operation of network nodes with ever increasing sophistication. In a related paper [4] we discuss the role of selecting a cross layer architectural framework for mobile tactical communications nodes. If we go to the effort of developing a cross-layer architecture for mobile tactical radio networks, will the performance gains justify the cost? This paper discusses the results from discrete event simulation studies that compare the gains made in network route optimization from cross-layer event data at the physical layer. Specifically, the Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) calculated by a mobile radio in a deployment environment is used to adjust the signal modulation order and hence the data capacity of links formed between mobile nodes. The radios dynamically adjust the data capacity of the links. Many routing protocols never update routing link cost after initialization which leads to inefficient routing paths in a dynamic RF environment such as seen in mobile tactical networks. Simulation studies show that converting physical layer events to a metric such as current link data capacity and reporting this to a routing protocol that can dynamically change route selection cost results in overall network throughput gains and improved network convergence times. Results show a comparison of mobile network simulation scenarios which demonstrate the gain of the cross layer protocols as opposed to the network performance without consideration of cross layer interaction.
Model-Based Conformance Testing for Android

With the surging computing power and network connectivity of smartphones, more third-party applications and services are deployed on these platforms and enable users to customize their mobile devices. Due to the lack of rigorous security analysis, fast evolving smartphone platforms, however, have suffered from a large number of system vulnerabilities and security flaws. In this paper, we present a model-based conformance testing framework for mobile platforms, focused on Android platform. Our framework systematically generates test cases from the formal specification of the mobile platform and performs conformance testing with the generated test cases. We also demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of our framework through case studies on Android Inter-Component Communication module.
Analysis of a packet switch with input and output buffers and speed constraints

A nonblocking N*N switch for high speed packet switching networks is considered. In practice such a switch may operate L times faster than the input/output trunk. When 1 >
EFFECT OF ASSEMBLY COSTS ON OPTIMUM GRAIN ELEVATOR SIZE AND LOCATION

This paper considers simultaneously the effect of assembly costs and economies of scale on optimum size and location of grain elevators. When assembly factors (transportation costs and grain sales density) are included, optimum elevator size may be as little as 25 to 50 per cent of the size when in-plant costs only are considered. These results are important to all parts of Canada's grain industry, but especially relevant in view of the importance currently associated with efficient grain assembly and in view of the significance of farmer cooperatives in Canadian grain assembly and storage. EFFETS DU COUT DE RASSEMBLEMENT RELATIF A LA GRANDEUR OPTIMUM ET LA SITUATION GEOGRAPHIQUE ďELEVATEUR. - ľetude considere simultanement ľeffet du cout de rassemblement et des economies aľechelle optimum et ľemplacement, des elevateurs. Quand le cout du transport et la concentration de ventes de graines est inclu, la grandeur optimum des elevateurs peut etre reduit de 25 a 50 p. 100 de la grandeur base sur le cout ďusine seul Ces resultats ont une importance pour ľindustrie des graines dans tout le Canada mais plus specialement a cause de ľimportance couramment attacheaľefficacite du rassemblement des graines et la position primordiale des cooperatives rurales dans la tâche de rassemblement et de ľentreposage des graines.
Efficient parallel mappings of a dynamic programming algorithm: a summary of results

The authors are concerned with dynamic programming (DP) algorithms whose solution is given by a recurrence relation similar to that for the matrix parenthesization problem. Guibas, Kung and Thompson (1979), presented a systolic array algorithm for this problem that uses O(n/sup 2/) processing cells and solves the problem in O(n) time. The authors present three different mappings of this systolic algorithm on a mesh connected parallel computer. The first two mappings use commonly known techniques for mapping systolic arrays to mesh computers. Both of them are able to obtain only a fraction of maximum possible performance. The primary reason for the poor performance of these formulations is that different nodes at different levels in the multistage graph in the DP formulation require different amounts of computation. Any adaptation has to take this into consideration and evenly distribute the work among the processors. The third mapping balances the work load among processors and thus is capable of providing efficiency approximately equal to 1 (i.e., speedup approximately equal to the number of processors) for any number of processors and sufficiently large problem. They experimentally evaluate these mappings on a mesh embedded onto a 256 processor nCUBE/2. >
Collisional processes near the CH B 2Σ- v′=0,1 predissociation limit in laser-induced fluorescence flame diagnostics

Excitation and dispersed laser-induced fluorescence spectra of CH B 2Σ-v′=0,1 in methane flames are analyzed using rotational relaxation models to investigate their applicability for flame diagnostics. The existence of non-predissociative and highly predissociative rotational levels in the same vibrational state provides a unique scenario to test the effects of rotational relaxation in laser-induced fluorescence measurements. Using a statistical power gap law for rotational relaxation modeling, we find that the levels with collision-free lifetimes as short as 100 ps have apparent fluorescence yields larger than expected because of the extent of rotational relaxation at atmospheric pressure. Also, vibrational (v′=1 to v′=0) and electronic energy transfer (B 2Σ-v′=1 to A 2Δ) are competitive, and together are half the value for the total collisional removal rate from CH B 2Σ-v′=0. The measured electronic energy transfer branching ratio into A (v′=0-3) depends on the initial rotational level pumped, and energy gap considerations can be used to explain these propensities. The combination of measurements and model calculations finds the excitation of the CH B 2Σ- v′=1,N′=8 level a good candidate for laser-induced fluorescence quantitative measurements in flames at atmospheric pressure.
Analysis of the Competence to Respond to KNOTTED1 Activity in Arabidopsis Leaves Using a Steroid Induction System

Expression of KNOX (KNOTTED1-like homeobox) genes in the shoot apical meristem of Arabidopsis is required for maintenance of a functional meristem, whereas exclusion of KNOX gene expression from leaf primordia is required for the elaboration of normal leaf morphology. We have constructed a steroid-inducible system to regulate both the amount and timing of KN1 (KNOTTED1) misexpression in Arabidopsis leaves. We demonstrate that lobed leaf morphology is produced in a dose-dependent manner, indicating that the amount of KN1 quantitatively affects the severity of lobing. The KN1-glucocorticoid receptor fusion protein is not detected in leaves in the absence of steroid induction, suggesting that it is only stable when associated with steroid in an active state. By using a second inducible fusion protein to mark exposure of leaf primordia to the steroid, we determined the stage of leaf development that produces lobed leaves in response to KN1. Primordia as old as plastochron 7 and as young as plastochron 2 were competent to respond to KN1.
Basement Rock Structural Trends in Southern Mexico

Fold axes in early Paleozoic and Precambrian basement rocks of coastal Mexico, northwest of Puerto Angel, trend roughly parallel (N. 70° to 80° W.) to the coast. Fold axes in Grenville-age basement rocks between Oaxaca and the Puerto Angel-Tehuantepec area differ by 30 to 40 degrees from those northwest of Puerto Angel, trend N. 45° W., and apparently intersect the coast (between Puerto Angel and Tehuantepec) at a large angle. Thus, fold axes yield evidence only for continental fragmentation along the Puerto Angel-Tehuantepec coastal zone. Comparison of basement rock structural trends in southern Mexico and northern Central America does not yield strong support for pre-Cenozoic, Caribbean reconstructions that involve large displacements (+500 km) along the northern side of the Caribbean plate.
The world's first InP 8×8 monolithic tunable optical router (MOTOR) operating at 40 Gbps line rate per port

We demonstrate the first InP monolithic tunable optical router with error-free 40 Gbps operation per port. The device has eight wavelength converters and an 8×8 arrayed-waveguide grating router, yielding more than 200 on-chip functional elements.
Decreasing the Preincision Time for Pulmonary Lobectomy: The Process of Lean and Value Stream Mapping

Background Our objective was to evaluate our results after the implementation of lean (the elimination of wasteful parts of a process). Methods After meetings with our anesthesiologists, we standardized our "in the operating room-to-skin incision protocols" before pulmonary lobectomy. Patients were divided into consecutive cohorts of 300 lobectomy patients. Several protocols were slowly adopted and outcomes were evaluated. Results One surgeon performed 2,206 pulmonary lobectomies, of which 84% were for cancer. Protocols for lateral decubitus positioning changed over time. We eliminated axillary rolls, arm boards, and beanbags. Monitoring devices were slowly eliminated. Central catheters decreased from 75% to 0% of patients, epidurals from 84% to 3%, arterial catheters from 93% to 4%, and finally, Foley catheters were reduced from 99% to 11% ( p ≤ 0.001 for all). A protocol for the insertion of double-lumen endotracheal tubes was established and times decreased (mean, 14 minutes to 1 minute; p = 0.001). After all changes were made, the time between operating room entry and incision decreased from a mean of 64 minutes to 37 minutes ( p p = 0.015), and major morbidity decreased from 15.2% to 5.3% ( p = 0.042). Conclusions Lean and value stream mapping can be safely applied to the clinical algorithms of high-risk patient care. We demonstrate that elimination of non–value-added steps can safely decrease preincision time without increasing patient risk in patients who undergo pulmonary lobectomy. Selected centers may be able to adopt some of these lean-driven protocols.
Contingencies of display: Benjamin, photography, and imagining the medieval past

This essay examines Walter Benjamin’s historical dialectic of cult value and exhibition value through the prism of the history of the photography of medieval sculpture. The technology of reproducible media can offer, on the one hand, images that claim historical authenticity in the presentation of medieval sculpture, and, on the other hand, a subjective point of view that emphasizes the presentness of that object over its historicity. By contextualizing the long history of the photography of medieval sculpture around Benjamin’s thesis, larger issues centering on reception and visuality emerge – issues that are current in recent discourses of art history and medieval studies.
ETHNOBOTANICAL STUDY OF KANI TRIBES IN KEERIPARAI OF KANYAKUMARI DISTRICT, SOUTH INDIA

The present study is an attempt to document the ethnomedicinal knowledge of two Kani tribal communities residing in Keeriparai, Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu, South India. Ethnobotanical uses of medicinal plants were obtained from them through intensive interviews from traditional practitioners and few elderly people. In the present survey, 83plant species belonging to 40families often used by Kanis for their common ailments are documented. The results add new data to the ethno pharmacological literature and provide information that could be useful for the development of new drugs.
Boron substitution in aluminum cluster anions: magic clusters and reactivity with oxygen.

We have studied the size-selective reactivity of AlnBm– clusters m = 1,2 with O2 to investigate the effect of congener substitution in energetic aluminum clusters. Mixed-metal clusters offer an additional strategy for tuning the electronic and geometric structure of clusters and by substituting an atom with a congener; we may investigate the effect of structural changes in clusters with similar electronic structures. Using a fast-flow tube mass spectrometer, we formed aluminum boride cluster anions and exposed them to molecular oxygen. We found multiple stable species with Al12B– and Al11B2– being highly resistant to reactivity with oxygen. These clusters behave in a similar manner as Al13–, which has previously been found to be stable in oxygen because of its icosahedral geometry and its filled electronic shell. Al13– and Al12B– have icosahedral structures, while Al11B2– forms a distorted icosahedron. All three of these clusters have filled electronic shells, and Al12B– has a larger HOMO–LUMO gap due to ...
Effects of the Metabolites of Prostaglandin E1 of the Systemic and Peripheral Circulations in Dogs

SummaryThe effects of PGE1 and its three metabolites, 15-keto-PGE1, dihydro-PGE1, and 15-keto-dihydro-PGE1, were studied in anesthetized dogs and in isolated dog hind limb preparations. The systemi...
Studies on adrenal cortex of pantothenic acid-deficient rat. IV Adrenal and serum cholesterol levels.

SummaryThe 5-6-week pantothenic acid deficient rat shows a marked reduction in the total cholesterol content of the adrenal glands in the “resting state”. The serum cholesterols, however, were normal. These animals do not develop fatty livers. It is suggested that in view of previous functional studies on the adrenal cortices of such animals, that the reduction in the cholesterol content of the adrenal glands may represent a decreased synthesis rather than an increased utilization of this steroid for further conversion to hormone. It may be that coenzyme A, the functional form of pantothenic acid in metabolism is a necessary part of the enzymatic complement of the adrenal cortex which synthesizes cholesterol.
An Update to Hepatobiliary Stents.

Endoscopic stent placement is a common primary management therapy for benign and malignant biliary strictures. However, continuous use of stents is limited by occlusion and migration. Stent technology has evolved significantly over the past two decades to reduce these problems. The purpose of this article is to review current guidelines in managing malignant and benign biliary obstructions, current endoscopic techniques for stent placement, and emerging stent technology. What began as a simple plastic stent technology has evolved significantly to include uncovered, partially covered, and fully covered self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) as well as magnetic, bioabsorbable, drug-eluting, and antireflux stents.1
A Case-Control Study on the Impact of Ventilator-Associated Tracheobronchitis in the PICU.

Objectives:Hospital-acquired infections increase morbidity, mortality, and charges in the PICU. We implemented a quality improvement bundle directed at ventilator-associated pneumonia in our PICU in 2005. We observed an increase in ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis coincident with the near-eli
A Cartesian Grid Method with RBF Boundary Implementation

This paper presents a Cartesian grid method with Radial Basis Function boundary condition implementation.Finite volume method is adopted for all the flow field calculation,but computation stencil is not complete for the cut cell.So we get the variables for the solid cell through RBF interpolation to implement surface boundary condition.RBF is well suited to approximate multidimensional scattered data without any mesh accurately.The resulting matrix will be non-singular regardless of the sampling point′s location.It is also shown that it provides similar accuracy with less cloud of point compared to least-square method.Two problems are presented to show the robustness of the method.
The DNA damage and protective effects of several antioxdants

The DNA damage and protection against DNA damage induced by 50 μmol/L H2O2 of several antioxdants were determined by single cell gel electrophoresis and the results showed that quercetin induced cell DNA damage clearly and in a concentration-dependent pattern, that rutin caused damage only in high concentration and that 7,8-dihydroxy-4-methy coumarin (DHMC) and 7-hydroxy-4-methy coumarin (HMC) exhibited no harm even if the concentration was up to 100 μmol/L. Vitamin C, sadium selenite and mannitol caused damage only in high concentration and Vitamin C 'effect was more serious. Preincubated cells with these antioxdants and treated with 50 μmol/L H2O2, DHMC showed the strongest protective effect, followed by quercetin and in a concentration-dependent pattern. Rutin, HMC, Vitamin C and sodium selenite exhibited no inhibition at the concentration ≤50 μmol/L, but mannitol possessed protection only at a low concentration.
Chronic traumatic thoracic aneurysm. Influence of operative treatment on natural history: an analysis of reported cases, 1950-1980.

A total of 401 cases of chronic traumatic aneurysm reported during the past 30 years plus 12 cases from the University of Virginia Medical Center were analyzed. Forty-two percent of the patients developed signs or symptoms of aneurysm expansion within 5 years of injury; 85% within 20 years. Pain was the most frequently occurring sign or symptom, followed by serial enlargement on chest roentgenogram. Of the 60 patients who were followed without operative intervention, 20 died of their aortic lesions. For these patients, the combined risk of dying or developing signs or symptoms was 41% at 5 years. Over 300 patients underwent operative repair of the aneurysm. Operative mortality was 4.6%. Bleeding was the major cause of death as well as the most common major complication. When the survival probability of patients treated operatively was compared with that of patients treated nonoperatively, the operative group demonstrated a significantly higher survival probability.
The diagnosis of poliomyelitis.

This paper is an attempt to help the practitioner organize his thinking in relation to poliomyelitis. It is the author's feeling that with the routine of thought and procedure outlined, it is entirely within the province of the general practitioner to make a diagnosis of poliomyelitis early in the course of the disease.
Using a Prospect Theory Approach to Studying the Car-Following Model

Car following is a fundamental traffic feature that has been widely studied in literature using vehicles’ speed and acceleration. This study investigates car following from an entirely different perspective, a psychological approach based on the Prospect Theory (PT). PT is a behavioral economic theory that explains human reaction under risk situations. Since car following can be regarded as a risk containing task that addresses the need for balancing safety with travel time reduction, PT is an ideal approach to model car following. Employing PT can provide a spectrum of probabilistic locations of following vehicles in contradiction with traditional methods that define the exact position. This study presents a sensitivity analysis in order to validate the results and calibrate PT’s parameters. The results reveal that PT generates similar probability distributions to the simulation scenarios that proxy the space headway in real situations.
Hybrid energy storage management in ship power systems with multiple pulsed loads

Abstract As various types of energy storage (ES) types continue to penetrate grid, electric vehicle, and Naval applications, a need arises in extending traditional analysis to cover the revised performance metrics associated with a hybrid energy storage system (HESS). Each ES device has its own respective power density, energy density, response time, and voltage stability under load. In some critical applications, such as ship power systems (SPS), it is recommended to combine two or more ES types to overcome the impediments of the other. In this paper, three different series-configured HESS are mathematically modeled, evaluated, and tested experimentally. Lead acid and lithium ion batteries as well as supercapacitor equivalent circuit models are defined as components for each mixed HESS configuration. The impulse response to a constant and pulsed load was used to evaluate each ES model. The charging of mixed ES technologies was then accomplished using a special controller to handle the unique charging constraints of each ES module. Moreover, this same controller was used to apply a “rolling charging” algorithm to extend the operating time of the HESS. The validity of the derived model and controller were validated experimentally through a hardware setup simulating a multi-pulsed load SPS profile.
Multi-dimensional Host Identity Anonymization for Defeating Skilled Attackers

While existing proactive-based paradigms such as address mutation are effective in slowing down reconnaissance by naive attackers, they are ineffective against skilled human attackers. In this paper, we analytically show that the goal of defeating reconnaissance by skilled human attackers is only achievable by an integration of five defensive dimensions: (1) mutating host addresses, (2) mutating host fingerprints, (3) anonymizing host fingerprints, (4) deploying high-fidelity honeypots with context-aware fingerprints, and (5) deploying context-aware content on those honeypots. Using a novel class of honeypots, referred to as proxy honeypots (high-interaction honeypots with customizable fingerprints), we propose a proactive defense model, called (HIDE), that constantly mutates addresses and fingerprints of network hosts and proxy honeypots in a manner that maximally anonymizes identity of network hosts. The objective is to make a host untraceable over time by not letting even skilled attackers reuse discovered attributes of a host in previous scanning, including its addresses and fingerprint, to identify that host again. The mutations are generated through formal definition and modeling the problem. Using a red teaming evaluation with a group of white-hat hackers, we evaluated our five-dimensional defense model and compared its effectiveness with alternative and competing scenarios. These experiments as well as our analytical evaluation show that by anonymizing all identifying attributes of a host/honeypot over time, HIDE is able to significantly complicate reconnaissance, even for highly skilled human attackers.
Cardiac Applications of PET-MR

The purpose of this study was to provide an overview of the clinical applications of PET-MR in the setting of cardiac imaging with emphasis on specific scenarios where both techniques together provided added information. Synergy of cardiac PET and MR fusion may hold similar promise eliminating ionizing radiation and improving tissue contrast. Future development of new hybrid scanners, use of new imaging tracers, and clinical applications are significant factors which will influence its use. Both positron emission tomography (PET) and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) provide important anatomic and physiologic information with regard to the heart. Being able to combine the data from these two examinations in a hybrid technique allows for a more complete evaluation of cardiac pathology. While hybrid PET-CT has already established the utility of a combined imaging approach, the use of CMR in lieu of CT allows for elimination of ionizing radiation and for improved tissue contrast.
Associations Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and ADHD Diagnosis and Severity

Abstract Objective Although identifying adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) among children with behavioral disorders is an important step in providing targeted therapy and support, little is known about the burden of ACEs among children with attention deficit–hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We described the prevalence of ACEs in children with and without ADHD, and examined associations between ACE type, ACE score, and ADHD diagnosis and severity. Methods Using the 2011 to 2012 National Survey of Children's Health, we identified children aged 4 to 17 years whose parents indicated presence and severity of ADHD, and their child's exposure to 9 ACEs. Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate associations between ACEs, ACE score, and parent-reported ADHD and ADHD severity, adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics. Results In our sample (N = 76,227, representing 58,029,495 children), children with ADHD had a higher prevalence of each ACE compared with children without ADHD. Children who experienced socioeconomic hardship (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21–1.59), divorce (aOR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.16–1.55), familial mental illness (aOR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.26–1.90), neighborhood violence (aOR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.23–1.75), and incarceration (aOR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.12–1.72) were more likely to have ADHD. A graded relationship was observed between ACE score and ADHD. Children with ACE scores of 2, 3, and ≥4 were significantly more likely to have moderate to severe ADHD. Conclusions Children with ADHD have higher ACE exposure compared with children without ADHD. There was a significant association between ACE score, ADHD, and moderate to severe ADHD. Efforts to improve ADHD assessment and management should consider routinely evaluating for ACEs.
Fair Algorithms for Machine Learning

The widespread use of machine learning to make consequential decisions about individual citizens (such as those involving credit, employment, insurance, and education) has been accompanied by rising alarm over instances of bias or discrimination in the algorithms and models used. While legal, regulatory and watchdog challenges to discriminatory algorithms will play an important role, it is also crucial to examine and quantify the extent to which social norms such as fairness can be "endogenized" into the learning process itself. Can we develop a rigorous and useful science of fair machine learning? The early answer appears to be positive, although we also know it will not be simple, and that there will not be a single "right" definition of fairness for learning. Much research to date has also focused on making the final output of a learning algorithm fair --- for instance, by ensuring that a learned classifier has approximately equal false positive or false negative rates across two subpopulations. Less attention has been paid to making the algorithms themselves fair, including during the training process. I will survey these developments, with special attention on recent work on defining and designing fair learning algorithms for sequential decision-making, reinforcement learning, cross-population ranking, and other problems. Of particular interest is the effort to quantify the informational, computational and other costs of fairness compared to the classical non-fair settings.
Scattering of SH Waves by Subsurface Topography

Horizontally polarized shear waves in an elastic alluvial valley of arbitrary shape perfectly bonded to a linearly elastic, homogeneous and isotropic half space are considered. The valley is subjected to a steady state horizontal displacement field. Total displacement field is evaluated along the interface between the half space and alluvial valey. Comparison with known exact solutions for simple geometry provided the following conclusions: 1) the method provides excellent results for wide range of frequencies, 2) for a fixed number of sources, the results are more accurate at lower frequencies, and 3) as the number of sources increases, the accuracy increases.
Abnormal levels of vascular endothelial biomarkers in schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation, which has been linked to increased vascular risk and rates of cardiovascular disease. Levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) have been related to aging and neurodegeneration, but their role in schizophrenia remains uncertain. Using a cross-sectional, case-control design, this study included 99 outpatients with schizophrenia and 99 healthy comparison subjects (HCs). Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected, and plasma levels of VEGF, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 were assayed. A "vascular endothelial index" (VEI) was computed using logistic regression to create a composite measure that maximally differed between groups. General linear models were conducted to examine the possible role of demographic, physical, and lifestyle factors. A linear combination of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 levels best distinguished the groups, with significantly higher levels of this composite VEI in persons with schizophrenia than HCs. Group differences in the VEI persisted after adjustment for BMI and cigarette smoking. Neither age nor gender was significantly related to the VEI. Schizophrenia patients with higher VEI had earlier age of disease onset, higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure, lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, higher insulin resistance, lower levels of mental well-being, and higher Framingham Coronary Heart Disease Risk scores. Schizophrenia is characterized by an elevation of vascular endothelial biomarkers, specifically cell adhesion molecules poised at the intersection between inflammatory response and vascular risk. Interventions aimed at reducing vascular risk may help reduce vascular endothelial abnormalities and prevent cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in schizophrenia.
Exploring Crowdfunding Projects’ Success through Social Embeddedness and Knowledge Exchange Process

Drawing on social embeddedness and knowledge exchange literatures, this research explored how crowdfunding projects’ network position within crowdfunding communities links to their funding success....
Gut-microbiome related LCT genotype and 2-year changes in body composition and fat distribution: the POUNDS Lost Trial

Gut microbiome regulates host energy metabolism and adiposity. A recent study identified a genome-wide significant variant in the lactase (LCT) gene that determines gut-microbiome abundance. We investigated whether the LCT variant influenced long-term changes in adiposity among overweight and obese individuals. We included 583 whites with LCT variant rs4988235 (G allele as Bifidobacterium-abundance-increasing allele) who were randomly assigned to one of four weight-loss diets varying in macronutrient contents. Two-year changes in adiposity measures were assessed according to the LCT genotype and weight-loss diets. We observed a significant interaction between the LCT genotype and dietary protein intake on changes in whole body total fat mass %, trunk fat %, superficial adipose tissue mass (SAT), visceral adipose tissue mass (VAT), and total adipose tissue mass (TAT) (Pinteraction < 0.05 for all). In response to high-protein diet, carrying the G allele of LCT variant rs4988235 was associated with greater reduction of whole body total fat mass % (β [SE] –0.9 [0.43], P = 0.04), trunk fat % (–1.06 [0.58], P = 0.07), SAT (–0.89 [0.42], P = 0.04), VAT (–0.63 [0.27], P = 0.03), and TAT (–1.69 [0.76], P = 0.03). Conversely, increasing numbers of the G allele tended to be related to less reduction of these outcomes in response to low-protein diet. Long-term improvement of body fat composition and distribution was significantly influenced by the Bifidobacterium-related LCT genotype and dietary protein intake. Overweight and obese individuals with the G allele of LCT variant rs4988235 may benefit improving adiposity by eating a low-calorie, high-protein diet.
Temporal trends in venous thromboembolism after radical cystectomy

Abstract Purpose To determine whether the rate of venous thromboembolism (VTE) following radical cystectomy (RC) is changing overtime. Materials and methods The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was used to identify patients who underwent RC for bladder cancer from 2011 to 2016. VTE was defined as pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis within 30 days of RC. VTE rate by year was assessed using the Cochran-Armitage test for trend. Associations between patient features and VTE were evaluated with multivariable logistic regression. Results A total of 8,241 patients undergoing RC were identified, of whom 348 (4.2%) were diagnosed with VTE. VTE was diagnosed at a median of 13 days (IQR: 7–19) after RC, with 171 (49%) occurring after hospital discharge. Notably, the rate of VTE after RC was found to significantly decrease over time, from 5.1% in 2011 to 2.8% in 2016 (P = 0.001). On multivariable analysis, clinical factors significantly associated with increased odds of VTE included congestive heart failure (odds ratio [OR] = 2.83, P = 0.01), prolonged operative time (OR: 1.48–1.56, P = 0.02–0.01), and receipt of a perioperative blood transfusion (OR = 1.27; P = 0.04). When postoperative complications were adjusted for, sepsis/septic shock (OR = 2.37, P Conclusions The rate of VTE after RC significantly decreased in recent years, potentially reflecting improvements in perioperative care. The specific casual factors underlying this trend, in addition to efforts to address identified risk factors for VTE, warrant continued study.
Community-acquired pneumonia in the emergency department: a practical approach to diagnosis and management

Pneumonia is one of the most common conditions for which patients seek emergency care. It is a challenging infection in that the spectrum of illness ranges from the nontoxic patient appropriate for outpatient antibiotics to the critically ill patient requiring intensive care hospitalization. Current data and diagnostic technology provide the emergency physician with the tools for an appropriately rapid evaluation and consideration of the differential diagnosis. Key critical thinking and application of published findings allow for intelligent empirical antibiotic treatment and risk stratification for the best disposition. Although antibiotic-resistant organisms increasingly are being identified, patients continue to benefit from early institution of standard ED treatment. Coverage for atypical organisms improves patient response and outcome. Finally, identification and treatment of the complications of pneumonia and accompanying sepsis must be considered by the ED physician when evaluating critically ill patients.
RETRODIFFERENTIATION: A MECHANISM FOR THE DEPRESSION OF OUABAIN BILIARY EXCRETION IN MALE RATS TREATED WITH 2,3,7,8-TETRACHLORODIBENZO-P-DIOXIN

ABSTRACT Using ouabain as a prototype compound to study the steroid transport system in male rat liver it was found that acute treatment with 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) produced a dose-related, long-term depression in ouabain hepatic uptake and biliary excretion. Since ouabain is not metabolized in rats the effect of TCDD was believed to be on hepatic transport systems for ouabain that are located in the sinusoidal and canalicular membrane of the hepatocyte. It was subsequently found that other sinusoidal and canalicular membrane functions, namely the activities of Na+, K+ ATPase and Mg2+ ATPase, were depressed by TCDD. Dose and longitudinal responses for depression of these ATPase activities by TCDD were similar to those for ouabain transport. None of these depressed plasma membrane functions appeared to occur secondary to hepatocellular necrosis and all of them could be reversed to varying degrees by administering pregnenolone-16α-carbonitrile or spironolactone to rats already intoxicated with TCDD. It is postulated that TCDD may produce these effects by altering hepatic gene expression such that specific phenotypic characteristics of adult hepatocytes, like a high level of ouabain biliary excretion, are not expressed. It is suggested further that this alteration in gene expression causes adult hepatocytes to undergo retrodifferentiation to a more fetal-like state with respect to ouabain excretion. A retrodifferentiation mechanism seems feasible inasmuch as it is well established that TCDD alters hepatic gene expression and the level of ouabain biliary excretion in adult TCDD-treated rats and newborn control rats is similar. Like the TCDD-treated animal, the newborn rat does not express a high level of ouabain biliary excretion. Furthermore treatment of adult TCDD-intoxicated rats and newborn control rats with pregnenolone-16α-carbonitrile causes the adult phenotype to be expressed.
Evidence on the Effects of SFAS 142 on the Reliability of Goodwill Write-Offs

We find that goodwill write-offs and goodwill are more strongly associated with stock returns and stock prices respectively after SFAS 142 than before SFAS 142. Furthermore, we find that in the post SFAS 142 period these associations are higher for firms that have a high number of segments than for firms with few segments. Our results are robust to a number of sensitivity checks including (i) controlling for firm and time fixed effects, and (ii) exclusion of high technology firms. Overall, our results suggest that SFAS 142 has improved the reliability of goodwill write-offs and goodwill balances. JEL Classification: G14; M41; M44
Measurement of Local Glucose Utilization in the Central Nervous System and Its Relationship to Local Functional Activity

Tissues that do physical and/or chemical work, such as heart, kidney, and skeletal muscle, exhibit a close relationship between energy metabolism and the level of functional activity. The existence of a similar relationship in the tissues of the central nervous system has been more difficult to prove, partly because of uncertainty about the nature of the work associated with nervous functional activity but mainly because of the difficulty in assessing the levels of functional and metabolic activities in the same functional component of the brain at the same time.
Low frequency of POLD1 and POLE exonuclease domain variants in patients with multiple colorectal polyps.

Background Germline mutations affecting the exonuclease domains of POLE and POLD1 predispose to colorectal adenomas and carcinoma. Here, we aimed to screen the exonuclease domains to find the genetic causes of multiple colorectal polyps in unexplained cases. Methods Using a custom next-generation sequencing panel, we sequenced the exonuclease domains of POLE and POLD1 in 332 index patients diagnosed with multiple colorectal polyps without germline alteration in colorectal polyposis predisposing genes. Results We identified two variants of unknown significance. One germline POLD1 c.961G>A, p.(Gly321Ser) variant was found in two cases. The first patient was diagnosed with multiple polyps at age 35 and colorectal cancer (CRC) at age 37, with no known family history of CRC. The second patient was diagnosed with CRC at age 44 and cumulatively developed multiple polyps; this patient had two sisters with endometrial cancer who did not carry the variant. Furthermore, we identified a novel POLD1 c.955 T>G, p.(Cys319Gly) variant in a patient diagnosed with multiple colorectal adenomas at age 40. Co-segregation analysis showed that one sister who cumulatively developed multiple adenomas from age 34, and another sister who developed CRC at age 38 did not carry the variant. We did not identify pathogenic variants in POLE and POLD1. Conclusion This study confirms the low frequency of causal variants in these genes in the predisposition for multiple colorectal polyps, and also establishes that these genes are a rare cause of the disease.