cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Power indices for multicandidate voting games

In Bolger (1983), a “Banzhaf-type” power index was used to measure the voting power of individual voters in an electoral college presidential election. It was pointed out that this power index could be affected by the addition of a “dummy” player. In this paper we introduce a modification which is dummy-independent. We also derive an efficient, linear index which has different properties than the index introduced by Myerson (1977).
A nonlinear VQ-based predictive lossless image coder

A new lossless predictive image coder is introduced and tested. The predictions are made with a nonlinear, vector quantizer based, adaptive predictor. The prediction errors are losslessly compressed with an arithmetic coder that presumes they are Laplacian distributed with variances that are estimated during the prediction process, as in the approach of Howard and Vitter (1992). >
Constitutive modeling of the rate-dependent resilient and dissipative large deformation behavior of a segmented copolymer polyurea

Phase-separated segmented copolymers comprised of hard and soft segments can be tailored to offer hybrid mechanical performance including a highly dissipative yet resilient large strain behavior. The phase-separated morphology provides multiple relaxation processes which lead to a rate-dependent stress–strain behavior with a transition in rate sensitivity. In addition to the viscoelastic–viscoplastic dissipation pathways, stretch-induced softening due to microstructural breakdown provides a significant source of dissipation as evident in the hysteresis observed during cyclic loading. Extensive shape recovery is observed upon unloading, showing a highly resilient behavior in tandem with extensive dissipation. Here a microstructurally informed three-dimensional constitutive model is developed to capture the remarkable features of the large strain behavior of the segmented copolymers. The model employs multiple micro-rheological mechanisms to capture the time-dependent nonlinear constitutive responses of both hard and soft domains as well as the stretch-induced softening of the hard domains. In direct comparison to experimental data, the model is found to successfully capture the behavior of an exemplar polyurea copolymer over least six orders of magnitude in strain rate (10−3 to 103 s−1) including a transition in rate sensitivity at 1 s−1. The model is also shown to be predictive of the highly dissipative yet resilient stress–strain behavior under a variety of cyclic loading conditions. The microstructurally informed nature of the model provides insights into tailoring copolymeric microstructures to provide tunable energy storage and dissipation mechanisms in this important class of material.
Laminar specific alterations of thalamocortical projections in organotypic cultures following layer 4 disruption in ferret somatosensory cortex.

The developing neocortex influences the growth of thalamocortical projections. Layer 4 in particular receives the majority of input from the thalamus and is important in instructing thalamic afferents to terminate. Previous in vivo experiments demonstrated that disruption of layer 4 during corticogenesis in ferret somatosensory cortex by application of methylazoxy methanol acetate (MAM) prevents proper termination of thalamic afferents in appropriate cortical regions. To further explore the role of layer 4 in thalamocortical development, we prepared organotypic cocultures consisting of normal gestational day 0 (P0) ferret thalamus paired with normal, embryonic day 33 (E33), or E38 MAM-treated cortex obtained from ferrets at either P0 or P7. Injection of MAM on E33 disrupts layer 4 formation, whereas similar injections on E38 interfere with layer 2 formation. The cocultures grew together for a number of days, then discrete injections of either fluorescent dextrans or 1,1’-dioctadecyl-3,3,3′,3′-tetramethyl-indocarbocyanine perchlorate (DiI) were made into the thalamic piece. The labeled thalamic afferents that grew into the cortical slice were analysed and the sites of their terminations quantified after 3, 5, or 7–10 days in culture (DIC). Our results varied somewhat with the amount of time in culture, but the preponderance of thalamic fibers in normal cortex terminated in layer 4, whereas their counterparts in E33 MAM-treated cortex grew beyond the cortical plate and many fibers terminated inappropriately within lower cortical layers or white matter. Terminal distribution of thalamic fibers in E38 MAM-treated cortex looked similar to normal. These results demonstrate that the cells of layer 4 provide thalamic afferents with important positional and termination cues.
Coffee Drinking and Cutaneous Melanoma Risk in the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study

Cutaneous melanoma is the fifth most common cancer and the leading cause of skin cancer death in the United States, with an estimated 77 000 new cases and 9500 deaths in 2013 (1). Exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR), particularly UVB, is the only consistently associated exogenous risk factor for melanoma (2). Yet, other exposures are likely important. Experimental evidence lends biological plausibility to a possible protective role of coffee consumption in UVB-induced carcinogenesis. In vitro and animal studies have shown that coffee constituents suppress UVB-induced skin carcinogenesis (3), induce cell apoptosis (4), protect against oxidative stress and DNA damage (5), reduce inflammation in epidermal cells (6), and inhibit changes in DNA methylation (7). The protective effects of coffee constituents, especially caffeine, on UVB-induced skin cancer demonstrated by murine and cell culture models have been corroborated by epidemiological studies of coffee consumption and risk of nonmelanoma skin cancers (8–11). In contrast, the few existent epidemiological studies of coffee consumption and melanoma are marked by inconsistent results (12–17). With few lifestyle factors as viable targets for melanoma prevention and the worldwide popularity of coffee drinking, it is important to resolve these conflicting findings. In the current study, we analyzed data from the National Institutes of Health (NIH)–AARP Study, which include nearly four times as many cases of malignant melanoma as the largest prospective study to date, to better understand the association of coffee drinking with risk of malignant melanoma, as well as risk of melanoma in situ.
Frequency, intensity, and sensitivity to sea surface temperature of North Atlantic tropical cyclones in best-track and simulated data

[1] Synthetic hurricane track data generated from a downscaling approach are compared to best-track (observed) data to analyze differences in regional frequency, intensity, and sensitivity of limiting intensity to sea surface temperature (SST). Overall, the spatial distributions of observed and simulated hurricane counts match well, although there are relatively fewer synthetic storms in the eastern quarter of the basin. Additionally, regions of intense synthetic hurricanes tend to coincide with regions of intense observed hurricanes. The sensitivity of limiting hurricane intensity to SST computed from synthetic data is slightly lower than sensitivity computed from observed data (5.5 ± 1.31 m s−1 (standard error, SE) and 8.6 ± 1.57 m s−1 (SE), respectively); however, the synthetic data produce sensitivity values that are much closer to the observed values than those obtained from two global climate models (GCMs) in a previous study. Despite a close match in the magnitude of basin wide sensitivities, the spatial variability of sensitivities do not match. These values tend to be highest in the western portion of the basin for the observed data, while the opposite is true for the synthetic data.
Line/Polygon Classification: A Study of the Complexity of Geometric Computation

Illuminating the techniques of computational geometry, an analysis of two LPC algorithms compares their efficiency for handling polygon-clipping problems.
Predictors of Health-Related Quality of Life in Asthmatic Children

For children with asthma, their perceived health-related quality of life (HRQL) is viewed as a valid outcome measure with which to evaluate care and guide clinical interventions. Numerous clinical variables have been associated with HRQL, but few studies have addressed the role of family functioning in relationship to this outcome. The current study extends the findings of an earlier meta-analysis that indicated that family functioning and illness severity were significant predictors of health-related quality of life in children with asthma. Sixty children and 60 parents or guardians participated in this study of school-age asthmatic children who, over the preceding year, received regular care at a pediatric respiratory clinic for their asthma symptoms. Demographic information was obtained from the adults, who also completed standard measures assessing family stress, adaptation, and cohesion. The children were interviewed by the investigator and completed scales to assess HRQL. The major outcome of intere...
Communication Alternatives for Distribution Metering and Load Management

This paper contains the edited records of four presentations on Communication Alternatives For Distribution Automation presented at the 1979 Summer Power Meeting of the Power Engineering Society. The need for distribution system communications is established and the types of systems available are enumerated. Three systems utilizing the power lines for communications are described in detail. One approach using the existing telephone system is also described. The problems associated with each approach are listed and the advantages of each are discussed.
Software development practices for military automatic test equipment

The use of ATE (Automatic Test Equipment) has progressed quite rapidly in the last decade and there is a continual attempt by military and industry to agree upon reasonable guidelines for the generation of ATE in hardware and software. This paper presents an approach to software development practices for military Automatic Test Equipment recognizing that hardware and software are closely knit together with respect to design, implementation, and documentation. Since ATE has a considerable amount of interfacing between hardware and software, empha sis is toward the combining of specific hardware and software functions into a test program set. The test program set can significantly upgrade the quality of documentation, reduce the quantity of redundant documentation and still provide ade quate visibility to the customer.
A mentorship-based preclinical elective increases exposure, confidence, and interest in surgery.

Abstract Background The predicted shortage of surgeons is of growing concern with declining medical student interest in surgical careers. We hypothesized that earlier exposure to operative experiences and the establishment of resident mentors through a preclinical elective would enhance student confidence and interest in surgery. Methods We developed a preclinical elective in surgery, which served as an organized curriculum for junior medical students to experience surgery through a paired resident-mentorship model. We assessed student exposure and confidence with clinical activities before and after the elective (N = 24, 100% response rate). We compared these students with a cohort of peers not enrolled in the elective (N = 147, 67% response rate). Results We found significantly improved confidence (2.8 vs 4.4) and clinical exposure (2.4 vs 4.3) before versus after the elective, with precourse scores equal to matched peers. Conclusions This elective incorporates elements that have been shown to positively influence student decision making in surgical career choice. The mentorship model promotes residents as educators, whereas the elective provides a means for early identification of students interested in surgery.
User-Centric Annotation Management for Biological Data

Annotations play an increasingly crucial role in scientific exploration and discovery, as the amount of data and the level of collaboration among scientists increases. Although all such systems are implemented to take user input (i.e., the annotations themselves), very few systems are user-centric, taking into account user preferences on how annotations should propagate and be applied over data. In this paper, we propose to treat annotations as first-class citizens for biological data management by presenting a user *** centric , view *** based annotation framework , called ViP. Under the ViP framework we consider user preferences over the time semantics of annotations (by supporting future annotations) and over the network semantics of annotations (by supporting both implicitly-defined and explicitly-defined annotation propagation paths). In addition to novel functionality, we describe a novel caching technique which enables ViP to outperform the state of the art. We also propose to demonstrate our prototype implementation of the ViP framework. As part of the demo, we propose on the one hand to highlight the user-interface/functionality of our system and on the other hand to visualize the server/behind-the-scenes aspect.
Lipoprotein Autoantibodies: Measurement and Significance

Two decades ago, well before the inflammatory nature of arteriosclerosis was generally accepted, several groups reported the finding of immunoglobulins and various complement components in atheromatous plaques of humans and rabbits ([12][1], [42][2], [69][3]). A decade later apolipoprotein B (ApoB)
Parylene-based encapsulated fluid MEMS sensors

A new class of transducers based on a Parylene C encapsulated fluid element are introduced. These versatile units have thus far been explored as impedance-based contact sensors and electrolysis-based actuators for fine positioning of neural recording electrodes. These sensors may be fabricated on thin, flexible substrates which permits application on non-planar or three dimensional surfaces. Another interesting modality is the coupling of individual mechanically-responsive, impedance-based sensing elements distributed over a surface but interconnected through microfluidic channel networks in a manner that emulates mechanotransduction in natural biological systems. These fluidic elements offer interesting new possibilities in neural prosthetics.
A step closer to complete chemical reprogramming for generating iPS cells.

The advent of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can overcome some of the current limitations of hESC-based cell therapy. For instance, using genetic engineering, the Yamanaka group manipulated murine somatic cells through the expression of four transcription factors (TFs) Oct4, Klf4, Sox2, and cMyc, and reprogrammed the cells to a pluripotent state. [2] Similar genetic manipulations subsequently resulted in the generation of human iPSCs. [3] Efforts in many labs are now concentrated on applying the iPSC technology to tissue-replacement therapies as well as on modeling diseases in vitro. [4] Other advances include generating iPSCs from patients with different diseases in an effort to cause the in vitro differentiation of these iPSCs into the cell types affected by the disease. [5] The use of iPSCs also helps in gaining significant insights into understanding the mechanisms underlying pluripotency and differentiation. However, before iPSCs can be clinically relevant, several limitations, including the use of viral vectors and the slow kinetics and low efficiency of induction, need to be addressed. [6] One of the most critical issues is the presence of transgenes in the iPSCs. Typically, iPSCs are generated by transducing somatic cells with transgenes, which are integrated within the cell’s genome, by using retroviruses or lentiviruses. The integrated transgenes are silenced, and the endogenous genes encoding the TFs are activated. However, transgene reactivation (especially c-Myc) poses a significant threat as it can lead to tumorigenesis. [7] Furthermore, the erroneous expression of these
A call for involvement in K-12 education

Education enhancements at the K-12 levels continue to be urgent for the United States and, indeed, the world community. This is especially true for science and technology education. It is important that the general scientific community become more involved and consider such participation to be a basic part of professional activity. Professional societies representing the scientific community play an important role in fostering and facilitating participation of this community in K-12 educational initiatives. Partnerships and cooperation among scientific professional societies and public and private sector institutions are essential to achieving a sustained national impact.
Does an Acquiescent Response Style Explain Why Koreans are Less Consistent than Americans

Cultural differences in consistency of responding to questions could be artifacts of cultural differences in acquiescence (an agreeing response style). To highlight this issue, the authors attempt to replicate previous research showing that Koreans are less consistent than Americans are when responding to questions about values. In accord with prior research, the authors find that Koreans are both more acquiescent and less consistent than Americans are. However, the differences between countries in acquiescence partially mediate the differences between countries in consistency. In sum, when using mathematical measures of consistency, researchers must take into account the influence of response styles, and the authors demonstrate two methods for accomplishing that.
Mechanical force prolongs acute inflammation via T-cell-dependent pathways during scar formation

Mechanical force significantly modulates both inflammation and fibrosis, yet the fundamental mechanisms that regulate these interactions remain poorly understood. Here we performed microarray analysis to compare gene expression in mechanically loaded wounds vs. unloaded control wounds in an established murine hypertrophic scar (HTS) model. We identified 853 mechanically regulated genes (false discovery rate <2) at d 14 postinjury, a subset of which were enriched for T-cell-regulated pathways. To substantiate the role of T cells in scar mechanotransduction, we applied the HTS model to T-cell-deficient mice and wild-type mice. We found that scar formation in T-cell-deficient mice was reduced by almost 9-fold (P < 0.001) with attenuated epidermal (by 2.6-fold, P < 0.01) and dermal (3.9-fold, P < 0.05) proliferation. Mechanical stimulation was highly associated with sustained T-cell-dependent Th2 cytokine (IL-4 and IL-13) and chemokine (MCP-1) signaling. Further, T-cell-deficient mice failed to recruit systemic inflammatory cells such as macrophages or monocytic fibroblast precursors in response to mechanical loading. These findings indicate that T-cell-regulated fibrogenic pathways are highly mechanoresponsive and suggest that mechanical forces induce a chronic-like inflammatory state through immune-dependent activation of both local and systemic cell populations.
The Death of Jesus in Contemporary Theology: Systematic Perspectives and Historical Issues

This essay studies the treatment of Jesus' crucifixion in contemporary theology. After presenting four influential systematic conceptions, it isolates four historical issues with immediate systematic implications and concludes with some reflections on principles for constructing and evaluating theologies of the cross.
Binge eating in obese adolescents: an evolutionary concept analysis.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide an analysis of the concept of binge eating in obese adolescents. Methods Rodgers' evolutionary approach was used to frame this analysis. A search was conducted within the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Medline, and PsycINFO for publications between 1980 and 2011. Findings Conceptual shifts in the meaning of binge eating have occurred over the past 30 years, yet the two enduring attributes are consumption of a large amount of food and a loss of control over eating. Conclusion Though this analysis demonstrates a consensus concerning the core attributes of binge eating, further refinement of the nuances, subtleties, and use of the concept in relation to adolescents is needed.
Incoherent spatial filtering with a scanning heterodyne system.

Imaging systems with two pupils in the receiving optics have been used to synthesize bipolar point spread functions in incoherent image processing. We describe a two-pupil system using a scanning illumination technique and compare its attributes with more conventional techniques. Experimental examples using two-pupil interaction and an acoustooptic frequency offset for the direct 2-D bandpass filtering of diffusely reflecting objects are presented.
Revisiting quasi-optimum control

A technique of quasi-optimum control was developed by the author in 1966. The goal of the technique was to permit one to use the apparatus of optimum control theory without having to solve the two-point boundary value problem for the actual problem. This was achieved by assuming the actual problem is "near" a simplified problem the solution of which was known. In this case, the control law adds a linear correction to the costate of the simplified problem. The linear correction is obtained as the solution of a matrix Riccati equation. During the 1960s and early 1970s the efficacy of the technique was demonstrated in by several guidance and control examples. With the resurgence of interest in optimum control via the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman equation, it is timely to revisit the quasi-optimum control technique. After a review of the theory, several new examples are provided to illustrate how the technique can be applied. These include mildly nonlinear processes, processes with bounded-control, and processes with state-variable constraints. After a discussion of alternate suboptimal control techniques, the paper concludes with a discussion of some issues remaining with the method.
RESMETHRIN IMMUNOTOXICITY AND ENDOCRINE DISRUPTING EFFECTS IN THE AMERICAN LOBSTER (HOMARUS AMERICANUS) UPON EXPERIMENTAL EXPOSURE

Abstract A lobster die-off significantly reduced the 1999 fall landings in western Long Island Sound. The die-off corresponded in time with the application of pesticides for the control of mosquitoes that carried West Nile virus, a new emerging disease in North America at the time. To determine the possible implication of pesticide application as a direct cause or contributing factor in the die-off, we studied the effects of experimental exposure to resmethrin on the health of lobsters. Lobsters (Homarus americanus) were exposed in 80-L tanks, and the direct toxicity as well as sublethal effects on the immune and endocrine system were determined. The 96-h LC50 for resmethrin on single exposure was greater than 1 μg/L, the highest concentration tested in our experiments, whereas the 14-day LC50 was 0.75 μg/L. Phagocytosis was significantly decreased 5 days after a single exposure to initial water concentrations of 1 and 0.1 μg/L, as well as after weekly exposure to 0.1 μg/L (week 3 and 4) and 0.01 μg/L (we...
ADP-Ribosylation Factor/COPI-dependent Events at the Endoplasmic Reticulum-Golgi Interface Are Regulated by the Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factor GBF1

ADP-ribosylation factor (ARF) mediated recruitment of COPI to membranes plays a central role in transport between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the Golgi. The activation of ARFs is mediated by guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs). Although several ARF-GEFs have been identified, the transport steps in which they function are still poorly understood. Here we report that GBF1, a member of the Sec7-domain family of GEFs, is responsible for the regulation of COPI-mediated events at the ER-Golgi interface. We show that GBF1 is essential for the formation, differentiation, and translocation of pre-Golgi intermediates and for the maintenance of Golgi integrity. We also show that the formation of transport-competent ER-to-Golgi intermediates proceeds in two stages: first, a COPI-independent event leads to the formation of an unstable compartment, which is rapidly reabsorbed in the absence of GBF1 activity. Second, the association of GBF1 with this compartment allows COPI recruitment and leads to its maturation into transport intermediates. The recruitment of GBF1 to this compartment is specifically inhibited by brefeldin A. Our findings imply that the continuous recruitment of GBF1 to spatially differentiated membrane domains is required for sustained membrane remodeling that underlies membrane traffic and Golgi biogenesis.
An Empirical Study of Instant Messaging (IM) Behavior Using Theory of Reasoned Action

Instant messaging (IM) as a form of communication offers unique advantages to traditional email communication centered mostly on its immediacy. Levels of IM use are significantly less than email especially in business organizations. In order to understand IM behavior and encourage its adoption, this manuscript explores IM behavior using the Ajzen & Fishbein (1980) model of human behavior known as Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA). Attitude toward IM and “subjective norm” are positively associated with intention to use instant messaging. The TRA model can be used to predict and understand the usage of instant messaging in the target population.
An Overview of the Social Policy of Deinstitutionalization

Publisher Summary This chapter examines the most recent research on deinstitutionalization as a policy for services to mentally retarded persons and relates it to the policy stages. The chapter examines the policy of deinstitutionalization using Brewer's six stages of policy development: initiation, estimation, selection, implementation, evaluation, and termination. An analysis of the intended and unintended outcomes of the current policy of deinstitutionalization provides useful clues to the future direction of services for mentally retarded persons. There are a number of issues that may also play a key role in future policy for mental retardation services, such as the development of goals and services to meet the special needs of the elderly and severely/profoundly mentally retarded. These individuals have been somewhat overlooked by the current policy. Their placement out of institutions represents a risk, and the residential alternatives selected for them are often no more appropriate than the institutions.
RNA regulatory networks diversified through curvature of the PUF protein scaffold.

Proteins bind and control mRNAs, directing their localization, translation and stability. Members of the PUF family of RNA-binding proteins control multiple mRNAs in a single cell, and play key roles in development, stem cell maintenance and memory formation. Here we identified the mRNA targets of a S. cerevisiae PUF protein, Puf5p, by ultraviolet-crosslinking-affinity purification and high-throughput sequencing (HITS-CLIP). The binding sites recognized by Puf5p are diverse, with variable spacer lengths between two specific sequences. Each length of site correlates with a distinct biological function. Crystal structures of Puf5p–RNA complexes reveal that the protein scaffold presents an exceptionally flat and extended interaction surface relative to other PUF proteins. In complexes with RNAs of different lengths, the protein is unchanged. A single PUF protein repeat is sufficient to induce broadening of specificity. Changes in protein architecture, such as alterations in curvature, may lead to evolution of mRNA regulatory networks.
Medical treatment of premenstrual syndrome.

Research on premenstrual syndrome (PMS) has been hindered by the lack of a universally accepted definition of this syndrome and a set of diagnostic criteria. It remains unclear whether PMS is the result of a single underlying disorder or is etiologically heterogeneous. Many studies have found medical therapies to be no more effective than a placebo. In general medical therapies for PMS can be divided into 3 groups: 1) those designed to relieve 1 or more specific symptoms without attempting to modify the underlying disease process 2) those aimed at correcting an underlying pathophysiologic disorder and 3) those that alter the normal ovulatory menstrual cycle. Treatments aimed at PMS symptoms include psychoactive drugs over-the-counter preparations exercise belladonna alkaloids and dietary recommendations. Therapies based on presumed etiology include cathartics vitamin B complex diuretics dopamine agonists essential fatty acids antiprostaglandins progesterone and immunotherapy. Finally anovulation therapy has included the use of oral contraceptives depomedroxyprogesterone acetate danocrine subcutaneous estradiol pellets gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists and hysterectomy and oophorectomy. Until basic issues such as whether PMS represents a result of a specific neuroendocrine or metabolic abnormality or is an abnormal response to the normal endocrine changes of the menstrual cycle are resolved there will continue to be a multitude of treatments. The emphasis placed on medical and drug therapies should not detract from the importance of psychotherapy in the treatment of PMS. Both group and individual psychotherapy have been effective in some cases in reducing the patients distress and the impact of unresolved psychosocial conflicts.
Host Plant Control of Rhizobium Hydrogenase Activity in PisumSativum L.

Total H2 evolved from legume root nodules represents the sum of H2 produced by nitrogenase and H2 oxidized by any uptake hydrogenase in Rnizobiurn. The host plant can alter relative H2 production by nitrogenase in rhizobia lacking uptake hydrogenase (Hup- phenotype) (Edie, Phillips, 1983), and even larger differences in H2 released from the nodule can be found between Hup+ and Hup- rhizobial strains (Ruiz-Argueso et al., 1978). Potential advantages of using Hup+ rhizobia have been discussed (Evans et al., 1981), and symbiotic performance of rhizobia has been improved by incorporating the plasmid pIJ1008, which carries hup and other symbiotic traits (DeJong et al, 1982). Without postulating that the Hup+ phenotype is related to better symbiotic performance, it is reasonable to study factors affecting its expression. It is known that different species of host plants produce Hup+ or Hup- phenotypes in single strains of R. leguminosarum (Dixon, 1972) and R. japonicum (Keyser et al., 1982). Such findings are informative, but effects on plant growth of such host control of Rhizobium cannot be compared between two species.
Clinical effects of mucosolvan in treatment of infants with pneumonia

Objective: Observation of the clinical effect of mucosolvan in the treatment of infants with pneumonia. Methods: 260 infants with pneumonia were randomly divided into control group, early-treatment group and late-treatment group. A statistic analysis was made on the clinical effect. Results: Compared with the control group, there were significant differences from the two treatment groups on the clinical effects and the duration of hospitalization, and there were also significant differences between the early and late-treatment groups on the same respects. Conclusion: Mucosolvan has an adjuvant efficacy for antibiotic treatment of infant pneumonia, and could help remain the high consitration antibiotic in the lung.
Dermatitis Herpetiformis and Thyrotoxicosis

Dermatitis herpetiformis has been associated with a variety of thyroid abnormalties. A case of thyrotoxicosis in a patient with pre-existing dermatitis herpetiformis is reported. Thyroid antibodies were present in the serum. This may suggest an immunologic relationship between dermatitis herpetiformis and thyroid disorders, that may be more than fortuitous.
Postnatal maturation of auditory-nerve heterogeneity, as seen in spatial gradients of synapse morphology in the inner hair cell area

Auditory nerve fibers in the adult ear are divided into functional subgroups according to spontaneous rate (SR) and threshold sensitivity. The high-threshold, low-SR fibers are morphologically and spatially distinct from the low-threshold high-SR fibers at their synaptic contacts with inner hair cells. This distinction between SR groups in the adult ear is visible in confocal microscopy as complementary size gradients of presynaptic ribbons and post-synaptic glutamate receptor patches across the modiolar-pillar and habenular-cuticular axes in the inner hair cell area. The aim of the present study was to track the post-natal development of this morphological gradient, in mouse, to determine the earliest age at which this important aspect of cochlear organization is fully mature. Here we show, using morphometric analysis of the organ of Corti immunostained for pre- and post-synaptic markers of efferent and afferent innervation, that this SR-based morphological gradient is not fully established until postnatal day 28, well after other features, such as synaptic counts and efferent innervation density in both the inner and outer hair cell areas, appear fully mature.
EUS-guided biliary drainage after failed ERCP: a novel algorithm individualized based on patient anatomy.

Background and Aims EUS-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) has been offered for more than a decade as an alternative to percutaneous biliary drainage. Multiple approaches have been described. We propose an algorithm for biliary drainage based on patient anatomy. We aim to assess its validity and safety to guide EUS-BD drainage. Methods All patients with biliary obstruction who underwent EUS-BD after failed ERCP from July 2011 through November 2015 underwent the drainage procedure according to the novel algorithm and were enrolled in a dedicated prospective registry. Patients with a dilated intrahepatic biliary tree (IHBT) on cross-sectional imaging received an intrahepatic (IH) approach with anterograde biliary stent placement or hepaticogastrostomy stent placement if anterograde placement was not feasible. Patients with a nondilated IHBT on cross-sectional imaging underwent an extrahepatic (EH) approach with a rendezvous (RDV) technique or a transenteric stent placement if the RDV technique was not feasible. If IH drainage was attempted but unsuccessful, conversion to an EH approach was performed. Results Fifty-two patients (mean age, 68 ± 12 years; 52% men) were included in the registry. Technical success was achieved in 50 patients (96%). Twenty-seven of 52 patients (52%) underwent IH anterograde stent placement, 8 of 52 (15%) underwent hepaticogastrostomy, 11 of 52 (21%) underwent EH drainage with the RDV technique, and 6 of 52 (12%) underwent EH drainage with transenteric stent placement. Adverse events were observed in 5 patients (10%) and included a liver abscess requiring percutaneous drainage (n = 1) and bleeding (n = 4) with 1 postprocedural death secondary to bleeding. Conclusions EUS-BD obstruction after failed conventional ERCP is successful and safe when this novel algorithm is used. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT01438385.)
Prognostic accuracy of antenatal neonatology consultation.

Objective Neonatologists provide antenatal counseling to support shared decision-making for complicated pregnancies. Poor or ambiguous prognostication can lead to inappropriate treatment and parental distress. We sought to evaluate the accuracy of antenatal prognosticaltion. Study design A retrospective cohort was assembled from a prospectively populated database of all outpatient neonatology consultations. On the basis of the written consultation, fetuses were characterized by diagnosis groups (multiple anomalies or genetic disorders, single major anomaly and obstetric complications), assigned to five prognostic categories (I=survivable, IIA=uncertain but likely survivable, II=uncertain, IIB=uncertain but likely non-survivable, III non-survivable) and two final outcome categories (fetal demise/in-hospital neonatal death or survival to hospital discharge). When possible, status at last follow-up was recorded for those discharged from the hospital. Prognostic accuracy was assessed using unweighted, multi-level likelihood ratios (LRs). Results The final cohort included 143 fetuses/infants distributed nearly evenly among the three diagnosis groups. Over half (64%) were assigned an uncertain prognosis, but most of these could be divided into 'likely survivable' or 'likely non-survivable' subgroups. Overall survival for the entire cohort was 62% (89/143). All but one of the fetuses assigned a non-survivable prognosis suffered fetal demise or died before hospital discharge. The neonatologist's antenatal prognosis accurately predicted the probability of survival by prognosis group (LR I=4.56, LR IIA=10.53, LR II=4.71, LR IIB=0.099, LR III=0.040). The LRs clearly differentiated between fetuses with high and low probability of survival. Eleven fetuses (7.7%) had misalignment between the predicted prognosis and outcome. Five died before discharge despite being given category I or IIA prognoses, whereas six infants with category IIB or III prognoses survived to discharge, though some of these were discharged to hospice care. Conclusions The neonatologist's antenatal prognosis accurately predicted fetal-neonatal outcome. Infants with non-survivable or uncertain but likely poor prognoses had a very low probability of survival, whereas those with good or uncertain prognoses had a high probability of survival. There were few cases of prognostic failure with most occurring in fetuses with one major or multiple anomalies. The few cases of prognostic failure suggest a need for caution. Honest disclosure of prognostic uncertainty and shared decision-making with families utilizing their personal values is critical in the antenatal encounter.
The value of improved wind power forecasting: Grid flexibility quantification, ramp capability analysis, and impacts of electricity market operation timescales

Abstract The value of improving wind power forecasting accuracy at different electricity market operation timescales was analyzed by simulating the IEEE 118-bus test system as modified to emulate the generation mixes of the Midcontinent, California, and New England independent system operator balancing authority areas. The wind power forecasting improvement methodology and error analysis for the data set were elaborated. Production cost simulation was conducted on the three emulated systems with a total of 480 scenarios considering the impacts of different generation technologies, wind penetration levels, and wind power forecasting improvement timescales. The static operational flexibility of the three systems was compared through the diversity of generation mix, the percentage of must-run base-load generators, as well as the available ramp rate and the minimum generation levels. The dynamic operational flexibility was evaluated by the real-time upward and downward ramp capacity. Simulation results show that the generation resource mix plays a crucial role in evaluating the value of improved wind power forecasting at different timescales. In addition, the changes in annual operational electricity generation costs were mostly influenced by the dominant resource in the system. Finally, the impacts of pumped-storage resources, generation ramp rates, and system minimum generation level requirements on the value of improved wind power forecasting were also analyzed.
Monroe Freedman: Servant Leader, Bridge Builder

Without question, Monroe was dedicated to serving others, wholeheartedly committed to helping clients and community members achieve their potential. As many have attested, Monroe epitomized the servant leader who freely gives time and support to others. I hope that the many people whom Monroe touched will continue to be sustained by Monroe’s ethic of service.
Polysilicon-based flexible temperature sensor for brain monitoring with high spatial resolution

Temperature is one of the most important variables in brain monitoring, since changes of focal brain temperature are closely coupled to cerebral physiology and pathophysiological phenomena in injured brain. In this work, a highly accurate temperature sensor with polysilicon thermistors has been developed on flexible polyimide for monitoring brain temperature with high spatial resolution. The temperature sensors have a response time of 1.5 s and sensitivity of −0.0031 °C−1. Thermal hysteresis of the sensor in the physiological temperature range of 30–45 °C was found to be less than 0.1 °C. With silicon nitride as the passivation layer, the temperature sensor exhibits drift of less than 0.3 °C for 3 d in water. In vivo tests of the sensor show a low noise level of 0.025 ± 0.03 °C, and the expected transient increases in cortical temperature associated with cortical spreading depolarization. The temperature sensor developed in this work is suitable for monitoring brain temperature with the desired high sensitivity and resolution.
Rare decay of the top t ---> c l anti-l and single top production at ILC

We perform a complete and detailed analysis of the flavor changing neutral current rare top quark decays $t\ensuremath{\rightarrow}c{l}^{+}{l}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ and $t\ensuremath{\rightarrow}c{\ensuremath{\nu}}_{i}{\overline{\ensuremath{\nu}}}_{i}$ at one-loop level in the standard model, two Higgs doublet models (I and II), and in minimal supersymmetric standard model (MSSM). The branching ratios are very small in all models, $\mathcal{O}({10}^{\ensuremath{-}14})$, except for the case of the unconstrained MSSM, where they can reach $\mathcal{O}({10}^{\ensuremath{-}6})$ for ${e}^{+}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, ${\ensuremath{\mu}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, and ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{i}{\overline{\ensuremath{\nu}}}_{i}$, and $\mathcal{O}({10}^{\ensuremath{-}5})$ for ${\ensuremath{\tau}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\tau}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$. This branching ratio is comparable to the ones for $t\ensuremath{\rightarrow}cV,\text{ }\text{ }cH$. We also study the production rates of single top and the forward-backward asymmetry in ${e}^{+}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}t\overline{c}$ and comment on the observability of such a signal at the International Linear Collider.
The Final Word on a Complex Problem

The second edition of “Surgery for Complex Abdominal Wall Defects” has been designed and written to answer a number of questions dealing with difficult defects of the abdominal wall, such as fistulas, short gut syndrome, complex tissue transfer, and other techniques of complex surgery. Use of various techniques to achieve early closure of the abdomen as well as definitive closure techniques is described in detail. Use of biologic mesh is addressed as well throughout the chapter. There is a need for randomized control studies using biologic mesh and we surgeons should take the lead on this.
Investigating the 7-Year Cost-Effectiveness of Single-Level Cervical Disc Replacement Compared to Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion:

Study Design:Cost-effectiveness analysis.Objectives:To determine the 7-year cost-effectiveness of cervical disc replacement (CDR) and anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).Methods:We analyzed 7-year Short Form-36 Health Survey data collected from the Prestige Cervical Disc investigational device exemption study (IDE). The SF-6D algorithm was used to convert this data into health state utilities. Costs were calculated from the payer perspective, and quality adjusted life years (QALYs) were used to represent effectiveness. A Markov transition-state model was used to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of single-level CDR versus ACDF, and a Monte Carlo simulation was performed to assess the probabilistic sensitivity of the model.Results:CDR generated a 7-year cost of $172 989 compared to a 7-year cost of $143 714 for ACDF. CDR generated 4.53 QALYs compared to 3.85 QALYs generated by ACDF. The cost-effectiveness ratio of CDR was $38 247/QALY, while the cost-effectiveness ratio of ACDF was $37 325/QALY. T...
Persisting Racial Disparities in Colonoscopy Screening of Persons with a Family History of Colorectal Cancer

With 23 and 47% higher colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality, respectively, among African Americans vs. Whites, CRC screening studies are important. Screening guidelines recommend 5-yearly colonoscopy screening of persons with a family history of CRC (first-degree relatives, FDRs), beginning at 40 years of age. For this elevated-risk group, colonoscopy screening is preferred because of the risk of more aggressive cancer that may elude early detection by other methods. African Americans with a family history of CRC are at the intersection of two elevated risk demographics, race and FDR status. This study explored racial disparities in colonoscopy screening of FDRs using 2005, 2010, and 2015 national survey data on 3220 Whites and 466 African Americans.Despite increasing colonoscopy rates among FDRs (72.3 and 62.2% in 2015 among Whites and African Americans, respectively), the 40-49 age group showed substantial racial disparities each year, persisting through 2015 (58.8, 31.7, and 35.3% lower among African Americans in 2005, 2010, and 2015, respectively). Adjusted analysis of the pooled 3-year sample showed that FDRs aged 40-49 years had one-third the colonoscopy likelihood of the 50-plus age group. African Americans without college education were 40 and 60% less likely than Whites without college and with college education, respectively, to have had a colonoscopy. The sustained, high screening disparity, and low colonoscopy rates in the 40-49 age group overall, call for novel approaches to reduce CRC mortality disparities, such as, patient navigation programs to reach out to younger FDRs, particularly, less educated African Americans.
Blood-brain barrier leakage increases with small vessel disease in acute ischemic stroke.

Objective: In patients with acute ischemic stroke, we aimed to investigate the relation between preexisting small vessel disease (SVD) and the amount of blood–brain barrier (BBB) leakage in ischemic and nonischemic area before IV thrombolysis. Methods: We retrospectively accessed anonymous patient-level data from the Stroke Imaging Repository and the Virtual International Stroke Trials Archive resources and included patients treated with IV thrombolysis with pretreatment MRI. We rated SVD features using validated qualitative magnetic resonance (MR) scales. Leakage of BBB was assessed with postprocessing of perfusion-weighted images. We evaluated associations between SVD features (individually and summed in a global SVD score) and BBB leakage using linear regression analysis, adjusting for major clinical confounders. Results: A total of 212 patients, mean age (±SD) 69.5 years (±16.1), 102 (48%) male, had available MR before IV thrombolysis. Evidence of BBB leakage was present in 175 (80%) and 205 (94%) patients in the ischemic and nonischemic area, respectively. Lacunar infarcts (β = 0.17, p = 0.042) were associated with BBB leakage in the ischemic area, and brain atrophy was associated with BBB leakage in both ischemic (β = 0.20, p = 0.026) and nonischemic (β = 0.27, p = 0.001) areas. Increasing SVD grade was independently associated with BBB leakage in both ischemic (β = 0.26, p = 0.007) and nonischemic (β = 0.27, p = 0.003) area. Conclusions: Global SVD burden is associated with increased BBB leakage in both acutely ischemic and nonischemic area. Our results support that SVD score has construct validity, and confirm a relation between SVD and BBB disruption also in patients with acute stroke.
Draft Genome Sequences of Escherichia albertii, Escherichia fergusonii, and Strains Belonging to Six Cryptic Lineages of Escherichia spp.

ABSTRACT We report here the genome sequences of 55 strains belonging to the genus Escherichia from multiple animal and environmental sources. These strains include representatives of Escherichia albertii, Escherichia fergusonii, and six additional genetically distinct lineages of Escherichia spp., one of which is newly discovered and is being reported for the first time here.