cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a direct reading spectrophotometer for neonatal bilirubinometry.

A direct reading spectrophotometer specifically designed to measure total bilirubin of 20 λ of undiluted neonatal serum was evaluated using sera from newborns of low birth weight. The results showed excellent correlation with those of the Malloy-Evelyn diazo method. The instrument also compensated adequately for the usual amounts of hemolysis.
Epidemiological survey of human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus in Lishui,Zhejiang

To understand the epidemiological characteristics of human infection with influenza A( H7N9) virus,epidemiological survey was conducted for the first laboratory confirmed case of human infection with influenza A(H7N9) virus in Lishui. The case had obvious poultry contact history before the onset,and H7N9 viruses were detected in the stool samples of poultry to which the case exposed,indicating that the infection might be associated with the environment of farm produce market.
A method to account for and estimate underreporting in crash frequency research

Underreporting is a well-known issue in crash frequency research. However, statistical methods that can account for underreporting have received little attention in the published literature. This paper compares results from underreporting models to models that account for unobserved heterogeneity. The difference in the elasticities between the negative binomial underreporting model and random parameters negative binomial models, which accounts for unobserved heterogeneity in crash frequency models, are used as the basis for comparison. The paper also includes a comparison of the predicted number of unreported PDO crashes based on the negative binomial underreporting model with crashes that were reported to police but were not considered reportable to PennDOT to assess the ability of the underreporting models to predict non-reportable crashes. The data used in this study included 21,340 segments of two-lane rural highways that are owned and maintained by PennDOT. Reported accident frequencies over an eight year period (2005-2012) were included in the sample, producing a total of 170,468 segment-years of data. The results indicate that if a variable impacts both the true accident frequency and the probability of accidents being reported, statistical modeling methods that ignore underreporting produce biased regression coefficients. The magnitude of the bias in the present study (based on elasticities) ranged from 0.00-16.79%. If the variable affects the true accident frequency, but not the probability of accidents being reported, the results from the negative binomial underreporting models are consistent with analysis methods that do not account for underreporting.
CHAPTER 35 – Data Processing Summary

Most data processing papers are concerned with improving signal or noise levels. This is a research endeavor with a long and successful history in positron emission tomography (PET). Most of the data processing papers that did not address methodologically driven signal or noise improvement dealt with various aspects of the image registration problem. This research may be viewed as a response to the experimental observation that anatomical and functional misregistration—a form of “anatomical and functional noise”—dominate the bias–variance trade-offs in the data analysis of groups. This noise source has emerged because of the change from analyses using volumes of interest (VOI) to the higher resolution promised by voxel-based data analysis. In addition to the desire for higher resolution results, goals of image registration research are automated data processing, and anatomic segmentation and labeling. As with reconstruction techniques that promise higher resolution early in the PET processing chain, one will need to be watchful that these image registration goals do not become methodological ends in their own right. The reasons for developing a particular data processing technique must be carefully considered. Ideally these reasons will emerge from an understanding of the bias–variance trade-offs for a specific diagnostic or research task. Researchers should identify a task and an associated data analysis model that together provide a metric with which to evaluate the significance of a new processing technique.
Hydrodeoxygenation of guaiacol over Ni@Pd and Ni@Pt bimetallic overlayer catalysts

Abstract First principle computational studies have predicted that formation of Pd or Pt overlayer on Ni base metal would cause a negative shift of the d-band center of surface Pd or Pt, resulting in reduced binding strength for adsorbed species. In this paper, silica alumina supported Ni@Pd and Ni@Pt overlayer catalysts were synthesized via directed deposition technique and tested for hydrodeoxygenation of guaiacol at atmospheric pressure. Several characterization techniques such as hydrogen chemisorption, ethylene hydrogenation descriptor reaction, XRD and TEM studies were employed to characterize the catalysts. H2 chemisorption results showed that Ni@Pd and Ni@Pt overlayer catalysts had reduced H2 adsorption strength compared to Pd or Pt only catalysts, which agreed with the computational prediction. As predicted, the overlayer catalysts also showed lower activity for ethylene hydrogenation than Pd or Pt only catalysts. XRD and TEM studies indicated that overlayers have been successfully deposited atop supported nickel. Guaiacol hydrodeoxygenation results showed that, especially at low reaction temperature, Pd and Pt active sites of overlayer catalysts showed significantly enhanced deoxygenation activity compared with that of Pd or Pt only catalysts. Further studies showed that guaiacol could be completely deoxygenated using silica alumina supported metal catalysts, yielding benzene, toluene, and xylenes as major products.
A Rapid Psychrometric Procedure for Water Activity Measurement of Foods in the Intermediate Moisture Range 1.

Commercial vapor pressure thermocouple psychrometers (hygrometers) are now generally accepted for measuring water activity, aw (water potential) in plants and soils, and commercial instruments are available. We have adapted them for aw measurements in the 0.99 to 0.60 range using a two-step procedure. Water is first condensed on the thermocouple; then the sample is inserted in the thermocouple chamber and the psychrometric cooling of the wet thermocouple measured. The procedure is calibrated with a series of saturated salt slurries of known aw values. Typical aw values (with standard deviations) for a variety of foods were: Cheddar cheese, 0.95 ± 0.03; Parmesan cheese, 0.76 ± 0.03; milk powder, 0.75 ± 0.02; milk chocolate, 0.60 ± 0.04; luncheon meat, 0.96 ± 0.03; bread, 0.95 ± 0.03; dried raisins, 0.82 ± 0.02; corn syrup, 0.60 ± 0.02; and orange juice concentrate, 0.80 ± 0.03. The coefficients of variation ranged from 1.9 to 5.8%. When compared with published values obtained by other methods, these figures were within the standard errors of measurement. The thermocouple detector did not foul since it had only vapor contact with the sample. An economical sample chamber and instrument is described. Analysis time is 4 to 8 min. The procedure is accurate, convenient and rapid.
Students’ Beliefs About and Perceived Effectiveness of a Tobacco-Free Campus Policy

Tobacco-free (TF) college campus policies have potential to be a high-impact tobacco control strategy. The purposes of the study presented here were to (a) determine the demographic and personal characteristics associated with students’ beliefs about and perceived effectiveness of a TF campus policy and (b) assess whether tobacco use status and exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) predicted beliefs and perceived effectiveness. Five thousand randomly selected students from a large southeastern university were invited by e-mail to participate in an online survey in April 2013, three and a half years after policy implementation. Students held positive beliefs about the policy (average rating 84% of the maximum possible score). Sixty-one percent believed that the policy was successful at reducing SHS exposure; and 40% thought the policy encouraged quitting. Males were less likely than females to believe the policy was effective in reducing SHS exposure and encouraging quitting. Lower undergraduates were more li...
Improving Multidisciplinary Care in the ICU

Recent efforts to improve outcomes in critical illness have focused on the organization and management of the intensive care unit (ICU) [1]. There is substantial evidence that key elements of ICU organization, including intensivist physician staffing [2], nurse staffing [3], a high volume of critically ill patients [4] and the presence of multidisciplinary care providers, such as clinical pharmacists [5], are associated with improved quality of care in the ICU. Consequently, many recent quality improvement initiatives focus on improving ICU organization by expanding the number of different provider types in the ICU, rather than on the specific care process known to be associated with outcome [6].
Multimodal Mediation and Argumentative Writing: A Case Study of a Multilingual Learner’s Metalanguage Awareness Development

This case study investigates the designing processes of the argumentative multimodal writing of a sixth grade bilingual student in an English language arts class. Drawing on social semiotics, it looks at how one student appropriated the semiotic affordances available in multimodal writing with digital technologies and how multimodal writing practices shaped his argumentative writing process and metalanguage development. Findings show that the student’s developing awareness of metafunctions and metalanguages of various semiotic modes and intermodal relations allowed him to realize the register of argument (i.e., that there should be a memorial for the victims of Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting tragedy) in his text.
Homolopsis mendryki; a new fossil crab (Crustacea, Decapoda) from the Late Cretaceous Dakoticancer assemblage, Pierre Shale (Maastrichtian) of South Dakota

Two specimens from the Late Cretaceous Pierre Shale form the basis of a new species, Homolopsis mendryki. This species is the sixth crab and the ninth decapod described as part of the Dakoticancer Assemblage. Homolopsis mendryki is the second Homolopsis described from the Western Interior Cretaceous Seaway.
Transmission of Solar Radiation into Natural Waters

Physical and biological measurements in aquatic environments are becoming more accurate and precise as instruments and experimental techniques improve. These improved measurements go hand in hand with an increasingly quantitative description of the relationship between solar radiation, the optical properties of natural waters, and aquatic photoprocesses (e.g., Bannister, 1974; Kiefer and Austin, 1974; Morel and Smith, 1974; Patten, 1968). As man becomes increasingly aware of his own, often adverse, impact upon the aquatic environment, the techniques of optical oceanography assume greater importance as a means for the rapid and accurate assessment of this environment (e.g., Gibbs, 1974; Jerlov and Steemann Nielsen, 1974; Smith et al., 1973; Clark et al., 1969). It is timely, therefore, to formulate a consistent set of fundamental radiometric quantities, units, and nomenclature that will have consistent applicability to limnology and oceanography, as well as to photochemistry and photobiology.
Mental health provider cultural competence in the provision of services to Arabs

Factors contributing to racial/ethnic disparities (among Arabs) in mental health services include a lack of provider cultural competence. A cultural competence measure toward Arabs was developed an...
Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2018

The Orthopaedic Section of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) has an ongoing effort to create evidence-based practice guidelines for orthopaedic physical therapy management of patients with musculoskeletal impairments described in the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). The purpose of these revised clinical practice guidelines is to review recent peer-reviewed literature and make recommendations related to midportion Achilles tendinopathy. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2018;48(5):A1–A38. doi:10.2519/jospt.2018.0302
The Dickey Amendment on Federal Funding for Research on Gun Violence: A Legal Dissection.

An editorial is presented which addresses America's Dickey Amendment which deals with funding for gun violence research, and it mentions the U.S. Congress' passage of an omnibus spending bill in March 2018, as well as information about the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The National Rifle Association of America (NRA) and CDC grant guidelines are examined, along with the use of federal funding to support research on gun violence in the U.S.
Prevalence and predictors of delayed clinical diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes: a longitudinal cohort study

AIMS To examine the prevalence and person-level predictors of undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes among adults with elevated HbA1c values. METHODS We identified adults without diabetes who had a first elevated HbA1c (index HbA1c ≥ 48 mmol/mol; ≥ 6.5%) between January 2014 and December 2015, and classified them by Type 2 diabetes diagnosis status at 1 year following this result. Multilevel modelling techniques were used to examine the association of individual demographic, clinical, and utilization characteristics with remaining undiagnosed. We quantified differences in early Type 2 diabetes care between diagnosed and undiagnosed individuals. RESULTS Of the 18 356 adults with a first elevated index HbA1c , 30.2% remained undiagnosed with Type 2 diabetes 1 year later. Individuals with lower index HbA1c values [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 5.95, 95% confidence interval (CI) 5.21-6.78 for 48 to <53 mmol/mol (6.5% to 7.0%); referent 53 to <64 mmol/mol (7.0% to <8.0%)], who were ≥ 70 years old (aOR 1.40, 95% CI 1.24-1.59; referent 50-59 years), and who had a prior prediabetes diagnosis (aOR 1.35, 95% CI 1.24-1.47; referent no prediabetes) had increased odds of remaining undiagnosed. After adjusting for age, race, and index HbA1c , remaining undiagnosed was associated with lower odds of initiating metformin (aOR 0.06, 95% CI 0.05-0.07). CONCLUSIONS Almost one-third of adults with an elevated HbA1c value were not diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes within 1 year. Undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes, in turn, was associated with differences in early care. Strategies that leverage the electronic health record to facilitate earlier diagnosis may help reduce delays and allow for early intervention towards the goal of improved outcomes.
A Fourier-Based Data Minimization Algorithm for Fast and Secure Transfer of Big Genomic Datasets

DNA sequencing plays an important role in the bioinformatics research community. DNA sequencing is important to all organisms, especially to humans and from multiple perspectives. These include understanding the correlation of specific mutations that plays a significant role in increasing or decreasing the risks of developing a disease or condition, or finding the implications and connections between the genotype and the phenotype. Advancements in the high-throughput sequencing techniques, tools, and equipment, have helped to generate big genomic datasets due to the tremendous decrease in the DNA sequence costs. However, the advancements have posed great challenges to genomic data storage, analysis, and transfer. Accessing, manipulating, and sharing the generated big genomic datasets present major challenges in terms of time and size, as well as privacy. Data size plays an important role in addressing these challenges. Accordingly, data minimization techniques have recently attracted much interest in the bioinformatics research community. Therefore, it is critical to develop new ways to minimize the data size. This paper presents a new real-time data minimization mechanism of big genomic datasets to shorten the transfer time in a more secure manner, despite the potential occurrence of a data breach. Our method involves the application of the random sampling of Fourier transform theory to the real-time generated big genomic datasets of both formats: FASTA and FASTQ and assigns the lowest possible codeword to the most frequent characters of the datasets. Our results indicate that the proposed data minimization algorithm is up to 79% of FASTA datasets' size reduction, with 98-fold faster and more secure than the standard data-encoding method. Also, the results show up to 45% of FASTQ datasets' size reduction with 57-fold faster than the standard data-encoding approach. Based on our results, we conclude that the proposed data minimization algorithm provides the best performance among current data-encoding approaches for big real-time generated genomic datasets.
Bathrooms as a Homeless Rights Issue

Bathrooms are a bellwether of equality. Segregated bathrooms were at the center of the Civil Rights movement. Accessible bathrooms were at the heart of the Disability Rights movement. Now, gender-neutral bathrooms or bathrooms assigned by gender, rather than sex, are at the heart of the Transgender Rights movement. This article is the first to examine the right to access bathrooms as it relates to the homeless community. The article explores the current paradox where cities, counties, and states provide few, if any, public bathrooms for the homeless community and the public at large, while criminalizing public urination and defecation. To better understand this paradox, the article contains two original multi-jurisdictional surveys. The first reviews the prohibitions on public urination and defecation in the 10 municipalities with the most homeless individuals. The second explores the Freedom of Information Act and Public Record Act responses of those municipalities to requests for information regarding the public bathrooms they operate and potential barriers to use for homeless individuals (e.g. closing in the evenings or particular seasons, charging a fee for entry, being located in buildings requiring identification for entry, etc.). The article contextualizes the paradox in relation to human dignity, public health, and the historical use of bathroom access as an exercise of power. It contends that the current scheme denies homeless individuals a basic sense of dignity, while undermining the health and safety justification for prohibitions on public urination and defecation by failing to operate public restrooms. The article further argues that government actors use bathrooms to marginalize the homeless community in the same way that they have used them to marginalize women, people of color, individuals with disabilities, and transgender individuals. In exploring this use of power, the article argues that prohibitions on public urination and defecation are part of a larger trend of criminalizing homelessness and the evolution of segregation. Finally, the article evaluates potential solutions to the paradox. The solutions reviewed include increasing the availability and accessibility of public restrooms, leveraging private industry, and reforming or challenging the law. The article concludes that any long-term solution to the problem requires an examination of the paradox through the lens of the homeless community.
Light-induced metal-free transformations of unactivated pyridotriazoles.

A highly efficient and practical method for incorporation of the arylmethylpyridyl moiety into diverse molecules has been developed. This method features the transition metal-free light-induced room temperature transformation of pyridotriazoles into pyridyl carbenes, which are capable of smooth arylation, X–H insertion, and cyclopropanation reactions. The synthetic usefulness of the developed method was illustrated in a facile synthesis of biologically active molecules.
Metal Ion Extraction With Ionic Liquids

Abstract The solvent extraction of metal ions came to prominence in the surge of interest in the production and processing of nuclear materials in conjunction with the Manhattan Project during the early 1940s. Metal ion separations have since come to constitute an essential component of numerous industrial processes and a primary step in many chemical analyses. For the last two decades, ionic liquids (ILs) have been evaluated as replacements for the molecular liquids normally used in solvent extraction. Various reports suggest that ILs may improve the performance and versatility of liquid-liquid extraction in metal ion separations. Many other studies, however, indicate that the participation of IL components in partitioning reactions between immiscible phases and certain of their physicochemical characteristics render their utility as direct replacements of molecular solvents questionable. In this chapter the use of ILs is described in the context of their properties and the approaches to their application as extraction solvents for metal ions, either alone or in combination with an extractant.
The role of thermal contact resistance in pyrotechnic ignition

This paper describes a pyrotechnic ignition model based on transient heat conduction from a heated bridgewire to a pyrotechnic that is placed in contact with it. The boundary condition used at the interface was a thermal contact conductance estimated at 31,200 W per sq m-K between the wire and the pyrotechnic. Ignition was assumed to occur when a 2.5-micron layer of pyrotechnic next to the bridgewire reached a critical ignition temperature. The times to ignition predicted by this model for constant current firings were in good agreement with experimentally observed times to fire at 3.5- and 5-ampere current levels and ambient temperatures from 144 K to 366 K.
Primary Care of the Adult Heart Transplant Recipient

Heart transplantation for end-stage heart failure is an option in select patients for progressive cardiac pump failure, uncontrolled angina, or refractory ventricular tachycardia. With evolving surgical techniques and advances in immunosuppression since the first heart transplant in 1967, post-heart transplant survival has improved to approximately 90% at 1 year, with a median survival of greater than 15 years (Lund et al., J Heart Lung Transplant 35(10):1158–1169, 2016; McKellar, N Engl J Med 377(23):2211–2213, 2017; Bengel et al., Circulation 106(7):831–835, 2002). The most common causes of early mortality following heart transplantation are graft failure and infection, whereas long-term morbidity stems from multi-organ failure, malignancy, and cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV). Heart transplantation volumes have grown in recent years with over 5000 transplantations performed worldwide in 2016 (Khush et al., J Heart Lung Transplant 37(10):1155–1168, 2018). Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) device systems have been developed as a method of bridging patients to heart transplantation while waiting for a suitable donor. In this chapter, we review the indications, immunosuppression, and both short- and long-term complications of heart transplantation that are important for primary care providers.
Therapeutic efficacy and safety of a human fusion construct targeting the TWEAK receptor Fn14 and containing a modified granzyme B.

Background Antibody-drug conjugates are an exceptional and useful therapeutic tool for multiple diseases, particularly for cancer treatment. We previously showed that the fusion of the serine protease granzyme B (GrB), the effector molecule or T and B cells, to a binding domain allows the controlled and effective delivery of the cytotoxic payload into the target cell. The production of these constructs induced the formation of high molecular aggregates with a potential impact on the efficacy and safety of the protein. Methods Our laboratory designed a new Fn14 targeted fusion construct designated GrB(C210A)-Fc-IT4 which contains a modified GrB payload for improved protein production and preserved biological activity. We assessed the construct’s enzymatic activity, as well as in vitro cytotoxicity and internalization into target cells. We also assessed pharmacokinetics, efficacy and toxicology parameters in vivo. Results GrB(C210A)-Fc-IT4 protein exhibited high affinity and selective cytotoxicity within the nanomolar range when tested against a panel of Fn14-positive human cancer cell lines. The construct rapidly internalized into target cells, activating the caspase cascade and causing mitochondrial membrane depolarization. Pharmacokinetic studies in mice revealed that GrB(C210A)-Fc-IT4 displayed a bi-exponential clearance from plasma with a fast initial clearance (t1/2α=0.36 hour) followed by a prolonged terminal-phase plasma half-life (t1/2β=35 hours). Mice bearing MDA-MB-231 orthotopic tumor xenografts treated with vehicle or GrB(C210A)-Fc-IT4 construct (QODx5) demonstrated tumor regression and long-term (>80 days) suppression of tumor growth. Treatment of mice bearing established, subcutaneous A549 lung tumors showed impressive, long-term tumor suppression compared with a control group treated with vehicle alone. Administration of GrB(C210A)-Fc-IT4 (100 mg/kg total dose) was well-tolerated by mice and resulted in significant reduction of tumor burden in a lung cancer patient-derived xenograft model. Toxicity studies revealed no statistically significant changes in aspartate transferase, alanine transferase or lactate dehydrogenase in treated mice. Histopathological analysis of tissues from treated mice did not demonstrate any specific drug-related changes. Conclusion GrB(C210A)-Fc-IT4 demonstrated excellent, specific cytotoxicity in vitro and impressive in vivo efficacy with no significant toxicity in normal murine models. These studies show GrB(C210A)-Fc-IT4 is an excellent candidate for further preclinical development.
Health Coverage and Care for Transgender People — Threats and Opportunities

Health Coverage and Care for Transgender People The fate of Russell Toomey’s case against Arizona, and of other transgender Americans’ access to care, depends on the influence of Bostock v. Clayton...
Approaching Optimal Power Flow From Attacker’s Standpoint To Launch False Data Injection Cyberattack

This paper approaches the optimal power flow (OPF) to generate a model of false data injection (FDI) cyberattack causing system congestions. In the developed model, hacker takes advantage of a reformulated OPF to optimally manipulate the electric load data such that the system operator is misled and the falsified data injections result in distortions in normal operation of the system. The effectiveness of the developed model from attacker’s standpoint is validated on the IEEE 30-bus system. The simulation results verify that the presented FDI approach via OPF not only leads to tie-line congestions but also negatively affects the optimal generation schedules, which implies its impact on security and economy of the system.
Comparing Surgical Outcomes Among Patients Admitted for Small Bowel Obstruction on Weekend vs. Weekday

IntroductionSurgical intervention is important in reducing morbidity and mortality among patients admitted for small bowel obstruction (SBO). Patient-specific variables such as age and comorbiditie...
Effect of Losartan or Atenolol on Children and Young Adults With Bicuspid Aortic Valve and Dilated Aorta.

Bicuspid aortic valve aortopathy is defined by dilation of the aortic root (AoRt) and/or ascending aorta (AsAo), and increases risk for aortic aneurysm and dissection. The effects of medical prophylaxis on aortic growth rates in moderate to severe bicuspid aortopathy have not yet been evaluated. This was a single-center retrospective study of young patients (1 day to 29 years) with bicuspid aortopathy (AoRt or AsAo z-score ≥ 4 SD, or absolute dimension ≥ 4 cm), treated with either losartan or atenolol. Maximal diameters and BSA-adjusted z-scores obtained from serial echocardiograms were utilized in a mixed linear effects regression model. The primary outcome was the annual rate of change in AoRt and AsAo z-scores during treatment, compared with before treatment. The mean ages (years) at treatment initiation were 14.2 ± 5.1 (losartan; n = 27) and 15.2 ± 4.9 (atenolol; n = 18). Median treatment duration (years) was 3.1 (IQR 2.4, 6.0) for losartan, and 3.7 (IQR 1.4, 6.6) for atenolol. Treatment was associated with decreases in AoRt and AsAo z-scores (SD/year), for both losartan and atenolol (pre- vs post-treatment): losartan/AoRt: +0.06 ± 0.02 vs -0.14 ± 0.03, p
Krugman Meets Marx and Keynes at the Baby-sitting Co-op

Paul Krugman tells the story of the Capitol Hill baby-sitting co-op as a means of introducing readers to the economics of recessions. This story, like many others in economics, is a wonderful teaching device in undergraduate courses. We take the story from where Krugman stops and develop it by presenting different aspects of a monetary economy with the help of a graphical analysis. This is done with the introduction of history of economic thought to the curriculum by visiting monetary theories of Karl Marx's Capital (1867) and John Maynard Keynes's A Treatise on Money (1930). The benefit of using these two sources is twofold. First, it is possible to find a common theory in both Marx and Keynes's writings to explain the baby-sitting co-op story. Second, it is possible to move beyond the story and introduce other aspects of a monetary economy such as endogenoity of money, industrial and financial circulation of money, etc. In addition, a graphical framework is developed as teaching aid.
Malcolm X and Africana Communication Theory: A Case Study of Ujamaa as Rhetorical Theory at the Founding Rally of the OAAU

Through a rhetorical analysis of Malcolm X’s speech at the founding rally of the Organization of Afro-American Unity, this essay attempts to illustrate how Ujamaa (Kiswahili for “familyhood” or “ex...
Andexanet Alfa Use for Small Bowel Obstruction Patient With History of Sugiura Procedure.

This case report is about a 51-year-old active duty male with JAK2 mutation and medical history significant for prehepatic portal hypertension from portal vein thrombus on lifelong anticoagulation with rivaroxaban, an oral factor Xa inhibitor, presenting with closed-loop small bowel obstruction requiring emergent laparotomy. We present this surgical case as it required emergent reversal of the oral factor Xa inhibitor with andexanet alfa.
Interpretable temporal GANs for industrial imbalanced multivariate time series simulation and classification

In industrial application, minority classes of multivariate time series often represent the classes of interest, such as event or fault identification. However, machine learning research is lacking on industrial multivariate time series with limited amounts of labeled data on minority classes. In this work, we propose Interpretable Temporal Generative Adversarial Networks for industrial imbalanced multivariate time series simulation and classification, or IT-GANs. Within IT-GANs, the generator approaches the distribution of each class and generates simulated time series for the minority classes, by leveraging information learned from the majority class; while the classifier benefits from such data augmentation, resulting in more accurate prediction. Furthermore, IT-GANs provides result interpretability with variable association learned from each class, with which we can pinpoint how time series classes differ from each other. Experiments show that the proposed IT-GANs achieves high quality of simulated data, good accuracy on imbalanced classification with learned variable association as result interpretation.
Temporal Variability in Climate-Growth Response of Mountain Hemlock at Treeline in Washington and Oregon

Climate-growth relationships in altitudinal treeline forests are particularly informative because they represent the upper limit of a species range where growth is often especially sensitive to climatic variation. Radial growth response to climatic variables typically ranges from energy limited to water limited. In the Pacific Northwest region of North America, treeline forests are typically energy limited. Results from a recent study (Marcinkowski et al. 2015) indicate a change in climate-growth relationships over time in treeline mountain hemlock (Tsuga mertensiana) in northern Washington state. Here, we investigate whether these same relationships hold across 700 km of the range of treeline mountain hemlock in Oregon and Washington. Using cores from trees > 200 years old, we examined temporal and spatial variability of climate-growth relationships since the early 20th century. Results indicate 1) a potential weakening of energy limitation in forest growth at treeline, 2) a nonstationary growth response to climate variables through time, and 3) different patterns of growth response to climate from north to south. Climate-growth relationships were generally similar between different aspects in the same geographic location, with some exceptions. Correlations between climate variables and radial growth differ over time (ranging from significantly positive to significantly negative), indicating the non-stationary nature of climate-growth relationships. These results identify where changes in growth-limiting variables may be occurring at treeline. Additional changes in the effects of climate change on growth at treeline are expected, and may be temporally complex.
Diagnostic Challenges in Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology of Mediastinal Tumors and Lesions.

Context.— Mediastinal tumors/lesions are frequently encountered in daily cytopathology practice. These lesions are accessible through endoscopic/endobronchial ultrasound-guided or computed tomography-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology and represent a wide range of primary and metastatic tumors. This often poses diagnostic challenges because of the complexity of the mediastinal anatomic structures. Tumors metastatic to mediastinal lymph nodes represent the most common mediastinal lesions and must be differentiated from primary lesions. Objective.— To provide an updated review on the fine-needle aspiration cytology of mediastinal tumors/lesions, with an emphasis on diagnostic challenges. This review encompasses thymic epithelial neoplasms, mediastinal lymphoproliferative disorders, germ cell tumors, neuroendocrine tumors, soft tissue tumors, and metastatic tumors. Differential diagnoses; useful ancillary studies, including targeted immunohistochemical panels; and diagnostic pitfalls are discussed. Data sources.— Data were gathered from a PubMed search of peer-reviewed literature on mediastinal tumors. Data were also collected from the authors' own practices. Conclusions.— Fine-needle aspiration cytology plays a vital role in evaluation of mediastinal lesions. Being familiar with the clinical and cytomorphologic features of these lesions, appropriately triaging the diagnostic material for ancillary testing, and correlating with radiologic findings are important in arriving at correct diagnoses and guiding management.
Stability of Self-similar Solutions to Geometric Flows

We show that self-similar solutions for the mean curvature flow, surface diffusion and Willmore flow of entire graphs are stable upon perturbations of initial data with small Lipschitz norm. Roughly speaking, the perturbed solutions are asymptotically self-similar as time tends to infinity. Our results are built upon the global analytic solutions constructed by Koch and Lamm \cite{KochLamm}, the compactness arguments adapted by Asai and Giga \cite{Giga2014}, and the spatial equi-decay properties on certain weighted function spaces. The proof for all of the above flows are achieved in a unified framework by utilizing the estimates of the linearized operator.
A fluorescent derivative of ceramide: physical properties and use in studying the Golgi apparatus of animal cells.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the synthesis and purification of C 6 -NBD ceramide and its application in the study of the Golgi apparatus of animal cells. When cells are treated with c,-NBD-ceramide at low temperature, washed, and warmed to 37°C, the Golgi apparatus and later the plasma membrane becomes intensely fluorescent. During the redistribution of intracellular fluorescence, the C 6 -NBD-ceramide is metabolized to fluorescent sphingomyelin and glucosylceramide. Consistent with the increasing fluorescence at the plasma membrane over time, increasing amounts of each fluorescent metabolite can be removed from the cell surface by back-exchange to nonfluorescent acceptor liposomes. Commercial sources of D - erythro -sphingosine can be contaminated with significant amounts of L -threo-sphingosine, resulting in two isomers of C 6 -NBD-ceramide being produced during synthesis. Resonance energy transfer (RET) between C,-NBD-labeled lipids and Rhodamine B-labeled phosphatidylethanol-amine (N-Rh-PE) can be used to monitor the rate of transfer of C,-NBD-labeled lipids between two populations of lipid vesicles. It is found that RET can also be used to test the ability of a C,-NBD-lipid to undergo transbilayer movement in unilamellar vesicles.
Continental Law and Common Law: Historical Strangers or Companions?

Nineteen hundred and ninety-two is almost upon us. Students who follow the world of international finance will quickly recognize the significance, symbolic as well as real, of that date. It will bring further integration of European markets, including England's, and it will encourage the development of the means to make that integration effective and efficient. All sorts of projects that once would have seemed utopian or infernal are being proposed, and most of them seem likely to occur. Plans and work proceed. There will be a tunnel between Calais and Dover, and perhaps even a common unit of monetary exchange to facilitate trade. Before we know it, proposals that once would have startled will be realities. The world of law will be touched by these great events.' Already European courts have struck daggers aimed at venerable principles of English parliamentary sovereignty.2 The English Lord Chancellor has endorsed opening law practice in England to lawyers trained in the traditions of the civil law.3 Soon the temples of the common law may be
Role playing in object-oriented programming and design courses: nifty course assignments

Role playing is a proven pedagogical technique to assist students deal with the abstract concepts in object-oriented design and programming. Computer science professors who lack experience conducting role plays often do not experiment with role playing due to fear of embarrassment and lack of time to create the necessary scripts.This presentation deals with a role play that the author has used in a systems analysis and design course and found to be very effective. It provided concrete and meaningful examples of the abstract concepts of objects, message passing, parameter passing, return values, state of an object, difference between object names and class names, overloaded method names and the existence of multiple objects of the same class.
Propargylamine Containing Compounds as Modulators of Proteolytic Cleavage of Amyloid Protein Precursor: Involvement of MAPK and PKC Activation

The anti-Parkinsonian, irreversible, selective monoamine oxidase (MAO)-B inhibitors, selegiline (deprenyl, (R)-N-methyl-N-(1-phenylpropan-2-yl) prop-2-yn-1-amine) and rasagiline (Azilect, N-propargyl-1(R)-aminoindan), have been proven to possess neuroprotective/neurorestorative activities in cell cultures and animal models of neurodegenerative diseases. Structure-activity studies provide evidence that neuroprotection is associated with some intrinsic pharmacological action of the propargylamine moiety in these drugs. This indication and recent therapeutic approaches, entailing new drug candidates possessing diverse pharmacological properties and acting on multiple targets, have stimulated the development of two multifunctional chimeric propargylamine-derivatives: 1) ladostigil (TV3326, [(N-propargyl-(3R) 1-(R)-aminoindan-5yl)-ethyl methyl carbamate)], which combines the pharmacophore of rasagiline, with the carbamate moiety of the cholinesterase inhibitor rivastigmine, as a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body disease; and 2) M30 5-[(N-methyl-N-propargylaminomethyl)-8-hydroxyquinoline], where the propargylamine moiety of rasagiline was embedded onto the backbone of the neuroprotective and brain permeable iron chelator 8-hydroxyquinoline-derivative, VK28 as a potential treatment for various neurodegenerative disorders. Both multifunctional propargylamine-derivatives were found to possess neuroprotective and anti-apoptotic properties. An additional and new neuroprotective effect, shared by the propargylamine-derivative compounds, is related to their ability to regulate the processing of amyloid-beta protein precursor (AbetaPP) by the non-amyloidogenic alpha-secretase pathway. This effect was shown to involve activation of p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and protein kinase C (PKC) signaling pathway. This review will summarize and discuss current research, focused on the effect of propargylamine-related derivatives on the proteolytic processing of AbetaPP and signal transduction mechanisms.
Inhibition of cellular responses to insulin in a rat liver cell line. A role for PKC in insulin resistance.

The initial response of liver cells to insulin is mediated through exocytosis of Cl− channel-containing vesicles and a subsequent opening of plasma membrane Cl− channels. Intracellular accumulation of fatty acids leads to profound defects in metabolism, and is closely associated with insulin resistance. It is not known whether the activity of Cl− channels is altered in insulin resistance and by which mechanisms. We studied the effects of fatty acid accumulation on Cl− channel opening in a model liver cell line. Overnight treatment with amiodarone increased the fat content by ∼2-fold, and the rates of gluconeogenesis by ∼5-fold. The ability of insulin to suppress gluconeogenesis was markedly reduced indicating that amiodarone treatment induces insulin resistance. Western blot analysis showed that these cells express the same number of insulin receptors as control cells. However, insulin failed to activate exocytosis and Cl− channel opening. These inhibitory effects were mimicked in control cells by exposures to arachidonic acid (15 μm). Further studies demonstrated that fatty acids stimulate the PKC activity, and inhibition of PKC partially restored exocytosis and Cl− channel opening in insulin-resistant cells. Accordingly, activation of PKC with PMA in control cells potently inhibited the insulin responses. These results suggest that stimulation of PKC activity in insulin resistance contributes to the inhibition of cellular responses to insulin in liver cells.
Exploring full-duplex gains in multi-cell wireless networks: A spatial stochastic framework

Full-duplex radio technology is becoming mature and holds potential to boost the spectrum efficiency of a point-to-point wireless link. However, a fundamental understanding is still lacking, with respect to its advantage over half-duplex in multi-cell wireless networks with contending links. In this paper, we establish a spatial stochastic framework to analyze the mean network throughput gain from full-duplex, and pinpoint the key factors that determine the gain. Our framework extends classical stochastic geometry analysis with a new tool-set, which allows us to model a trade-off between the benefit from concurrent full-duplex transmissions and the loss of spatial reuse, particularly for CSMA-based transmitters with random backoff. The analysis derives closed-form expressions for the full-duplex gain as a function of link distance, interference range, network density, and carrier sensing schemes. It can be easily applied to guide the deployment choices during the early stage of network planning.
Selecting patients with lung cancer for surgical therapy.

URGICAL RESECTION offers the best and arguably the only means by which non-small cell lung cancer can be cured. The emphasis in dealing with a newly diagnosed lung cancer patient should therefore be directed towards evaluating the individual patient’s operability and resectability. With the ever increasing incidence of lung cancer, this strategy also holds applicable in the undiagnosed patient with signs or symptoms suspicious for lung cancer. In this report we will propose a present day strategy for identifying patients who may potentially benefit from surgical resection, and then outline surgical principles and techniques necessary to not only afford the best possible surgical result but also to provide the most definitive pathologic staging. This precise staging is now mandatory for meaningful evaluation of the many adjuvant therapies becoming available for treating lung cancer patients.’ Before presenting what admittedly is an aggressive surgical approach to lung cancer, three points need to be stressed: 1. Non-small cell lung cancer can be definitively cured by surgical resection with predictable certainty when staging techniques are routinely used. With the results of these staging procedures in hand, the physician can present a relatively accurate appraisal of an individual patient’s chance for curative resection prior to major surgery. In broad terms this translates into 5-year survival rates of 60% to 80% for Stage I disease, 40% to 60% for Stage II, 20% to 40% for Stage IIIA and ~20% for Stage IIIB disease. Unfortunately, ~30% of newly diagnosed patients with lung cancer will fall into one of the favorable survival groups, thus accounting for the barely perceptible increase in overall 5-year survival of lung cancer patients from 7% to 13% during the past 35 years2
Personalized procedural content generation to minimize frustration and boredom based on ranking algorithm

A growing research community is working towards procedurally generating content for computer games and simulation applications with various player modeling techniques. In this paper, we present a two-step procedural content generation framework to minimize players' frustration and/or boredom according to player feedback and gameplay features. In the first step, we dynamically categorize the player styles based on a simple questionnaire beforehand and the gameplay features. In the second step, two player models (frustration & boredom) are built for each player style category. A ranking algorithm is utilized for player modeling to address two problems inherent in player feedback: inconsistency and inaccuracy. Experiment results on a testbed game show that our framework can generate less boring/frustrating levels with very high probabilities.
A metrics-based decision support tool for software module interfacing technique selection to lower maintenance cost

The Interfacing Techniques Comparison Graph visually compares applications in terms of attributes that relate to maintenance cost. Applications that have both lower coupling and lower complexity lie closer to the origin of the graph and exhibit lower maintenance cost than those that do not. The study supports the idea that compositional techniques are important for achieving these improved metrics. The graph can be used in three ways. First it serves as a decision support tool for managers to determine whether expected maintenance savings compensate for the additional training, effort and time needed to support compositional development. Second, it functions as a decision support tool for designers and coders as they determine, for each module interface, whether to use coupled techniques or composition. The graph can help identify those situations in which the long term cost gain justifies the extra time needed for compositional design. Third, it can serve as a maintenance cost estimation tool. The study found a close correlation between predicted and actual maintenance effort.