cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of hospital admissions associated with implantable cardioverter defibrillator placement among adults with congenital heart disease

Abstract Background Characteristics of hospitalizations including healthcare utilization for adult patients with congenital heart disease (ACHD) at the time of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) placement has not been well studied. Methods We analyzed data from the 2002–2014 United States National Inpatient Sample (NIS). ICD implantation, CHD, complications, and indications for admissions were determined based on diagnostic codes among adults. Propensity score matching was performed, based on age, sex and in-hospital mortality index with a 10:1 ratio between adults without CHD and those with CHD, to determine relative healthcare utilization attributable to CHD. Results ACHD accounted for 136,509 ± 3488 admissions of which 1451 ± 121 admissions (1.1 ± 0.06%) were associated with an ICD placement. ICD placement occurred most frequently among patients with TOF, VSD, and transposition complexes usually in the context of a dysrhythmia. Compared to those without CHD, ACHD patients had higher adjusted total hospital charges ($147,002 ± 5516 vs $132,455 ± 2182; p Conclusion Compared to a matched non-CHD population, ACHD patients had greater healthcare utilization and had more frequent complications. The reasons underlying this difference bear investigation to improve care quality.
Acute Coronary Syndrome in Patients with Cancer

Therapeutic management of the cancer patients with symptoms of acute coronary syndrome has to be tailored to patient’s comorbidities while balancing potential risks of invasive revascularization. Careful selection of patients with ischemia-inducing stenosis necessitating cardiac catheterization is required to avoid hazardous complications in cancer patients with good prognosis. In general in patients with acute coronary syndrome, an early invasive strategy (coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass graft) is superior to a conservative strategy of optimum medical treatment alone. Intraprocedural tools for lesion assessment (intravascular ultrasonography, optical coherence tomography) allow a better characterization of the luminal processes and assessment of the hemodynamic impact of the lesion. A fractional flow reserve of >0.75 permits postponing stent placement and prompt continuation on anticancer therapy with no increased mortality risk. Special considerations have to be made in respect to primary or acquired thrombocytopenia, the increased propensity to thrombosis associated with cancer as a pro-inflammatory state, and the potential drug interactions. The use of percutaneous coronary angiography with either bare metal stents or drug eluting stents requires combined antiplatelet therapy (aspirin and P2Y12 inhibitors) to prevent early stent thrombosis. Significant collaborative efforts between cardiologists and hematologists/oncologists is of prime importance in order to optimize the care of oncology patients and increase overall survival.
Lipopolysaccharide‐induced inflammation does not alter muscle spindle afferent mechanosensation or sensory integration in the spinal cord of adult mice

Inflammation is known to alter nervous system function, but its effect on muscle spindle afferent mechanosensation and sensory integration in the spinal cord has not been well studied. We tested the hypothesis that systemic inflammation induced by an intraperitoneal injection of the endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 7.5 × 105 endotoxin units/kg 18 h before experiment) would alter muscle spindle afferent mechanosensation and spinal cord excitability to Group Ia input in male and female adult C57Bl/6 mice. LPS injection caused a systemic immune response, evidenced by decreased white blood cell, monocyte, and lymphocyte concentrations in the blood, increased blood granulocyte concentration, and body weight loss. The immune response in both sexes was qualitatively similar. We used an in vitro muscle-nerve preparation to assay muscle spindle afferent response to stretch and vibration. LPS injection did not significantly change the response to stretch or vibration, with the exception of small decreases in the ability to entrain to high-frequency vibration in male mice. Similarly, LPS injection did not alter spinal cord excitability to Group Ia muscle spindle afferent input as measured by the Hoffman's reflex test in anesthetized mice (100 mg/kg ketamine, 10 mg/kg xylazine). Specifically, there were no changes in M or H wave latencies nor in the percentage of motor neurons excited by electrical afferent stimulation (Hmax /Mmax ). Overall, we found no major alterations in muscle proprioceptor function or sensory integration following exposure to LPS at a dose and time course that causes changes in nociceptor function and central processing.
Post-assembly α-helix to β-sheet structural transformation within SAF-p1/p2a peptide nanofibers

We report an unanticipated helix-to-sheet structural transformation within an assembly of SAF-p1 and SAF-p2a designer peptides. Solid-state NMR spectroscopic data support the assembled structure that was targeted by rational peptide design: an α-helical coiled-coil co-assembly of both peptides. Subsequent to assembly, however, the system converts to a β-sheet structure that continues to exhibit nearest-neighbor interactions between the two peptide components. The structural transition occurs at pH 7.4 and exhibits strongly temperature-dependent kinetics between room temperature (weeks) and 40 °C (minutes). We further observed evidence of reversibility on the timescale of months at 4 °C. The structural conversion from the anticipated structure to an unexpected structure highlights an important aspect to the challenge of designing peptide assemblies. Furthermore, the conformational switching mechanism mediated by a prerequisite α-helical nanostructure represents a previously unknown route for β-sheet designer peptide assembly.
Islet autoantibody positivity in overweight and obese adults with type 2 diabetes.

Islet autoantibodies are typically associated with type 1 diabetes, but have been found in patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in whom they are associated with lower adiposity. The significance of autoantibody positivity in overweight and obese patients is not well understood. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and clinical significance of islet autoantibodies in overweight/obese adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. This study includes 204 participants at one site of the multicenter Look AHEAD (Action for Health in Diabetes) trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00017953) which randomized overweight/obese adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes to an intensive lifestyle intervention or diabetes support and education. We measured antibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase, insulinoma antigen-2, and zinc transporter 8. Participants with and without autoantibodies were compared with respect to baseline clinical features, and longitudinal changes in weight, hemoglobin A1c, and antihyperglycemic medications. We found that 13 participants (6.4%) were autoantibody positive, including six of 47 participants (12.8%) with BMI ≥40 kg/m2. At baseline, autoantibody positive participants had higher HDL cholesterol (1.27 vs. 1.09 mmol/L, p = .034) and lower fasting C-peptide (0.32 vs. 0.57 nmol/L, p = .049). Over four years, autoantibody positive participants lost 5.1 kg more weight than autoantibody negative participants (p = .056). Longitudinal changes in hemoglobin A1c did not differ by autoantibody status, though autoantibody positive participants were more likely to increase the number of antihyperglycemic medications or initiate insulin (p = .011). In conclusion, islet autoantibodies were present in 6.4% of overweight/obese adults with type 2 diabetes including those with severe obesity, and were associated with distinct clinical features. The effect of autoantibody positivity on weight loss interventions requires further study.
Resiliency and Regeneration in the Pannonian Region of Hungary: Towards a Circular Economy

Using systems thinking and ecologically-reflexive planning, this study examines conceptual opportunities for resilience and regeneration of the historic northwestern Hungarian municipality of Kőszeg and its surrounding bio-region. It will explain how the town and bio-region's socio-cultural and socio-technical systems —its historic heritage coupled with existing and new industrial, commercial, and infrastructural services (energy, water, sanitation, and waste)—can be placed into a regional development scheme that optimizes the vitality and resiliency of these collective systems, following the principles of a circular economy. This study assessed opportunities for Kőszeg, as one example in the region; to revitalize its economy and its local environment based upon attaining a high level of integration among its multi-dimensional resources. Conceptual strategies for practical solutions to town and bio-regional revitalization and resiliency are discussed.
Best practices in digital health literacy

The connection between health literacy and health outcomes includes access and utilization of healthcare services, patient/provider interaction and self-care. Digital approaches can be designed to simplify or expand on a concept, test for understanding, and do not have a time constraint. New technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, virtual and augmented reality, and blockchain can move the role of technology beyond data collection to a more integrated system. Rather than being a passive participant, digital solutions provide the opportunity for the individual to be an active participant in their health. These solutions can be delivered in a way that builds or enhances the individual's belief that the plan will be successful and more confidence that they can stick with it. Digital solutions allow for the delivery of multi-media education, such as videos, voice, and print, at different reading levels, in multiple languages, using formal and informal teaching methods. By giving the patient a greater voice and empowering them to be active participants in their care, they can develop their decision making and shared decision making skills. The first step in our health literacy instructional model is to address the emotional state of the person. Once the emotional state has been addressed, and an engagement strategy has been deployed the final phase is the delivery of an educational solution. While a clear definition of health literacy and an instructional model are important, further research must be done to continually determine more effective ways to incorporate health technology in the process of improving health outcomes.
Efficient Synthesis of Okadaic Acid. 2. Synthesis of the C1−C14 Domain and Completion of the Total Synthesis

Described here are the full details of the preparation of a synthetic intermediate representing carbons 1−14 (C1−C14) of the marine natural product okadaic acid (1), the coupling of this fragment with the previously prepared C15−C38 domain, and the completion of an efficient total synthesis of 1. The C1−C14 intermediate was prepared in 11 steps and ∼20% overall yield from a functionalized δ-valerolactone derivative representing C3−C8 of 1. This featured a classic spiroketalization strategy to construct the highly substituted 1,7-dioxaspiro[5.5]undec-4-ene system, followed by incorporation of the intact C1−C2 α-hydroxyl, α-methyl carboxylate moiety using cis-(S)-lactate pivalidene enolate. The complete C1−C14 intermediate was converted into 1 in five additional steps. Coupling of the C1−C14 fragment with the C15−C38 domain of 1 via C14 aldehyde and C15 β-keto phosphonate moieties provided the complete carbon skeleton of 1 bearing a ketone at C16 and a mixed-methyl acetal at C19. Reduction of the C16 ketone...
Dual fluoroscopy with live-image digital zooming significantly reduces patient and operating staff radiation during fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic aneurysm repair.

Abstract Objective Fenestrated-branched endovascular aneurysm repair (F/B-EVAR) is a complex procedure that generates high radiation doses. Magnification aids in vessel cannulation but increases radiation. The aim of the study was to compare radiation doses to patients and operating room staff from two fluoroscopy techniques, standard magnification vs dual fluoroscopy with live-image digital zooming during F/B-EVAR. Methods An observational, prospective, single-center study of F/B-EVAR procedures using Philips Allura XperFD20 equipment (Philips Healthcare, Amsterdam, The Netherlands) was performed during a 42-month period. Intravascular ultrasound, three-dimensional fusion, and extreme collimation were used in all procedures. Intraoperative live-image processing was performed with two imaging systems: standard magnification in 123 patients (81%) and dual fluoroscopy with live-image digital zooming in 28 patients (18%). In the latter, the live “processed” zoomed images are displayed on examination displays and live images are displayed on reference displays. The reference air kerma was collected for each case and represents patient dose. Operating staff personal dosimetry was collected using the DoseAware system (Philips Healthcare). Patient and staff radiation doses were compared using nonparametric tests. Results Mean age was 71.6 ± 11.4 years. The median body mass index was 27 kg/m2 (interquartile range [IQR], 24.4-30.6 kg/m2) and was the same for both groups. Procedures performed with dual fluoroscopy with digital zooming demonstrated significantly lower median patient (1382 mGy [IQR, 999-2045 mGy] vs 2458 mGy [IQR, 1706-3767 mGy]; P Conclusions Current radiation doses to patients and operating personnel are within acceptable limits; however, dual fluoroscopy with live-image digital zooming results in dramatically lower radiation doses compared with the standard image processing with dose-dependent magnification. Operator radiation doses were reduced in half during procedures performed with more complex device designs when digital zooming was used.
Velocity field in the McMurdo shear zone from annual ground penetrating radar imaging and crevasse matching

Abstract The McMurdo shear zone (MSZ) is strip of heavily crevassed ice oriented in the south-north direction and moving northward. Previous airborne surveys revealed a chaotic crevasse structure superimposed on a set of expected crevasse orientations at 45 degrees to the south-north flow (due to shear stress mechanisms). The dynamics that produced this chaotic structure are poorly understood. Our purpose is to present our field methodology and provide field data that will enable validation of models of the MSZ evolution, and here, we present a method for deriving a local velocity field from ground penetrating radar (GPR) data towards that end. Maps of near-surface crevasses were derived from two annual GPR surveys of a 28 km2 region of the MSZ using Eulerian sampling. Our robot-towed and GPS navigated GPR enabled a dense survey grid, with transects of the shear zone at 50 m spacing. Each survey comprised multiple crossings of long (> 1 km) crevasses that appear in echelon on the western and eastern boundaries of the shear zone, as well as two or more crossings of shorter crevasses in the more chaotic zone between the western and eastern boundaries. From these maps, we derived a local velocity field based on the year-to-year movement of the same crevasses. Our velocity field varies significantly from fields previously established using remote sensing and provides more detail than one concurrently derived from a 29-station GPS network. Rather than a simple velocity gradient expected for crevasses oriented approximately 45 degrees to flow direction, we find constant velocity contours oriented diagonally across the shear zone with a wavy fine structure. Although our survey is based on near-surface crevasses, similar crevassing found in marine ice at 160 m depth leads us to conclude that this surface velocity field may hold through the body of meteoric and marine ice. Our success with robot-towed GPR with GPS navigation suggests we may greatly increase our survey areas.
A Novel Approach for the Process Planning and Scheduling Problem Using the Concept of Maximum Weighted Independent Set.

Process Planning and Scheduling (PPS) is an essential and practical topic but a very intractable problem in manufacturing systems. Many research use iterative methods to solve such problems; however, they cannot achieve satisfactory results in both quality and computational speed. Other studies formulate scheduling problems as a graph coloring problem (GCP) or its extensions, but these formulations are limited to certain types of scheduling problems. In this paper, we propose a novel approach to formulate a general type of the PPS problem with resource allocation and process planning integrated towards a typical objective, minimizing the makespan. The PPS problem is formulated into an undirected weighted conflicting graph, where nodes represent operations and their resources; edges represent constraints, and weight factors are guidelines for the node selection at each time slot. Then, the Maximum Weighted Independent Set (MWIS) problem can be solved to find the best set of operations with their desired resources for each discrete time slot. This proposed approach solves the PPS problem directly with minimum iterations. We establish that the proposed approach always returns a feasible optimum or near-optimum solution to the PPS problem. The different weight configurations of the proposed approach for solving the PPS problem are tested on a real-world PPS example and further designated test instances to evaluate the scalability, accuracy, and robustness.
Mobile enhancement of motivation in schizophrenia: A pilot randomized controlled trial of a personalized text message intervention for motivation deficits.

Objective Motivation deficits remain an unmet treatment need in schizophrenia. Recent research has identified mechanisms underlying motivation deficits (i.e., impaired effort-cost computations, reduced future reward-value representation maintenance) that may be effective treatment targets to improve motivation. This study tested the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of Mobile Enhancement of Motivation in Schizophrenia (MEMS), an intervention that leverages mobile technology to target these mechanisms with text messages. Method Fifty-six participants with a schizophrenia-spectrum disorder were randomized to MEMS (n = 27) or a control condition (n = 29). All participants set recovery goals to complete over 8 weeks. Participants in the MEMS group additionally received personalized, interactive text messages on their personal cellphones each weekday. Results Retention and engagement in MEMS were high: 92.6% completed 8 weeks of MEMS, with an 86.1% text message response rate, and 100% reported being satisfied with the text messages. Compared to participants in the control condition, the participants in the MEMS condition had significantly greater improvements in interviewer-rated motivation and anticipatory pleasure and attained significantly more recovery-oriented goals at 8 weeks. There were no significant group differences in purported mechanisms (performance-based effort-cost computations and future reward-value representations) or in self-reported motivation, quality of life, or functioning. Conclusion Results demonstrate that MEMS is feasible as a brief, low-intensity mobile intervention that could effectively improve some aspects of motivation (i.e., initiation and maintenance of goal-directed behaviors) and recovery goal attainment for those with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. More work is needed with larger samples and to understand the mechanisms of change in MEMS. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
Regulation of tumorigenic splicing by protein condensates with specific biophysical properties

The role of biophysical properties of protein condensates in regulating gene expression and tumorigenesis remains unclear. We recently discovered that A-kinase anchoring protein 8 (AKAP8, also known as AKAP95), a RNA splicing regulator, supports tumorigenesis by forming liquid-like condensates, and that perturbing the biophysical properties of the condensates impairs its activity in regulating splicing and tumorigenesis.
Abstract 15788: Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy in Urban Black Women: The Biosocial Impact on Black Births (bibb) Study

Introduction: Black women experience significant maternal mortality (3.3 times higher) compared to White women, and experience higher adverse outcomes. In the United States, cardiovascular disease ...
Moving Forward in the Next Decade: Radiation Oncology Sciences for Patient-Centered Cancer Care

In a time of rapid advances in science and technology, the opportunities for radiation oncology are undergoing transformational change. The linkage between and understanding of the physical dose and induced biological perturbations are opening entirely new areas of application. The ability to define anatomic extent of disease and the elucidation of the biology of metastases has brought a key role for radiation oncology for treating metastatic disease. That radiation can stimulate and suppress subpopulations of the immune response makes radiation a key participant in cancer immunotherapy. Targeted radiopharmaceutical therapy delivers radiation systemically with radionuclides and carrier molecules selected for their physical, chemical, and biochemical properties. Radiation oncology usage of "big data" and machine learning and artificial intelligence adds the opportunity to markedly change the workflow for clinical practice while physically targeting and adapting radiation fields in real time. Future precision targeting requires multidimensional understanding of the imaging, underlying biology, and anatomical relationship among tissues for radiation as spatial and temporal "focused biology." Other means of energy delivery are available as are agents that can be activated by radiation with increasing ability to target treatments. With broad applicability of radiation in cancer treatment, radiation therapy is a necessity for effective cancer care, opening a career path for global health serving the medically underserved in geographically isolated populations as a substantial societal contribution addressing health disparities. Understanding risk and mitigation of radiation injury make it an important discipline for and beyond cancer care including energy policy, space exploration, national security, and global partnerships.
The Impact of Surgical Posterior Nasal Nerve Cryoablation on Symptoms and Disease-Specific Quality of Life in Patients With Chronic Rhinitis:

Objective:Preliminary data have demonstrated long-term efficacy of posterior nasal nerve (PNN) cryoablation in reducing rhinitis symptoms for patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) and nonallergic rh...
A customizable aluminum compensator system for total body irradiation

Purpose To develop a simplified aluminum compensator system for total body irradiation (TBI) that is easy to assemble and modify in a short period of time for customized patient treatments. Methods The compensator is composed of a combination of 0.3 cm thick aluminum bars, two aluminum T-tracks, spacers, and metal bolts. The system is mounted onto a plexiglass block tray. The design consists of 11 fixed sectors spanning from the patient's head to feet. The outermost sectors utilize 7.6 cm wide aluminum bars, while the remaining sectors use 2.5 cm wide aluminum bars. There is a magnification factor of 5 from the compensator to the patient treatment plane. Each bar of aluminum is interconnected at each adjacent sector with a tongue and groove arrangement and fastened to the T-track using a metal washer, bolt, and nut. Inter-bar leakage of the compensator was tested using a water tank and diode. End-to-end measurements were performed with an ion chamber in a solid water phantom and also with a RANDO phantom using internal and external optically stimulated luminescent detectors (OSLDs). In-vivo patient measurements from the first 20 patients treated with this aluminum compensator were compared to those from 20 patients treated with our previously used lead compensator system. Results The compensator assembly time was reduced to 20-30 min compared to the 2-4 h it would take with the previous lead design. All end-to-end measurements were within 10% of that expected. The median absolute in-vivo error for the aluminum compensator was 3.7%, with 93.8% of measurements being within 10% of that expected. The median error for the lead compensator system was 5.3%, with 85.1% being within 10% of that expected. Conclusion This design has become the standard compensator at our clinic. It allows for quick assembly and customization along with meeting the Task Group 29 recommendations for dose uniformity.
MuSK Chimeric Autoantibody Receptor (CAAR) T Cells for Antigen-specific Cellular Immunotherapy of Myasthenia Gravis (2769)

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of a novel gene-engineered cellular immunotherapy for antigen-specific B cell depletion in myasthenia gravis. Background: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a B cell-mediated autoimmune disorder caused by autoantibodies that interrupt signaling at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), resulting in life-threatening muscle weakness. A subset of MG patients (6–7.5%) is sero-positive for autoantibodies targeting muscle-specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK); a disease subtype with high unmet clinical need and limited treatment options. Current therapies rely on broad immunosuppression to reduce autoantibody production, which risks serious infections. By expressing the MuSK autoantigen, which is the target of autoantibody attack in MuSK MG, on the surface of a human T cell, fused to CD137 and CD3zeta cytoplasmic domains, MuSK CAAR T cells direct cytotoxicity toward antigen-specific memory B cells expressing anti-MuSK autoantibodies as surface B cell receptors (BCRs). Design/Methods: The efficacy and safety of MuSK CAAR T cells were investigated using in vitro cytotoxicity assays, in vitro screens for off-target toxicity, and a mouse model to evaluate the efficacy of human MuSK CAAR T cells against anti-MuSK B cells in vivo. Results: MuSK CAAR T cells demonstrated specific cytotoxicity toward a panel of anti-MuSK B cells targeting different MuSK epitopes. Cytotoxicity toward cells expressing the MuSK ligand LRP4 was not observed. In a NOD-SCID-gamma (NSG) mouse model, MuSK CAAR T cells, but not non-transduced or control CAAR T cells, suppressed the expansion of Nalm6 B cells expressing anti-MuSK BCRs. Conclusions: These data establish the preliminary safety and efficacy of MuSK CAAR T cells in achieving antigen-specific B cell depletion in MuSK MG. MuSK CAAR T cells represent a precision medicine cellular immunotherapy that offers the potential for durable remissions of MG. Disclosure: Dr. Oh has nothing to disclose. Dr. O’Connor has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with Cabeletta Bio (consultant), Alexion (speaker). Dr. O’Connor holds stock and/or stock options in Cabaletta Bio which sponsored research in which Dr. O’Connor was involved as an investigator. Dr. O’Connor has received research support from Cabaletta Bio, Ra Pharma. Dr. Payne has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with Cabaletta Bio (consultant, co-chair Scientific Advisory Board). Dr. Payne has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity for Journal of Investigative Dermatology, editorial board. Dr. Payne has received royalty, license fees, or contractual rights payments from Novartis (license/royalty) and Cabaletta Bio (license). Dr. Payne holds stock and/or stock options in Cabaletta Bio which sponsored research in which Dr. Payne was involved as an investigator. Dr. Payne has received research support from Cabaletta Bio.
Nerve-sparing Technique During Radical Prostatectomy and its Effect on Urinary Continence.

Urinary incontinence can be one of the biggest drivers of diminished quality of life after radical prostatectomy [1]. Urologists continually study methods for [10_TD$DIFF]reducing the interval and severity of postoperative incontinence. Multiple authors have studied whether nerve-sparing (NS)[1_TD$DIFF] at the time of radical prostatectomy affects postoperative continence[2_TD$DIFF] and the results have [3_TD$DIFF] varied. To date, no single definitive study has concluded that nerve preservation improves overall continence[4_TD$DIFF] after radical prostatectomy. Early reports by Steiner et al [2] and Catalona and Basler [3] failed to identify a correlation between nerve preservation and urinary continence after radical prostatectomy. However, [11_TD$DIFF]previous [12_TD$DIFF]studies are limited by [13_TD$DIFF]their retrospective nature[5_TD$DIFF], [14_TD$DIFF]the lack of accurate measurement of the quality of NS, varied definitions of continence, and other anatomic factors that affect continence (eg, urethral length, intraoperative trauma to the pelvic muscles, and the severity of prostate cancer). Large-scale observational [15_TD$DIFF]studies have shown that only 60% of men undergoing a bilateral NS procedure regain potency, suggesting that there is a range of NS quality for NS radical prostatectomy [3,4]. In addition, continence is a complex process and depends on multiple nonanatomic factors including age, preoperative urinary functional status, and time from prostatectomy [5,6]. In this issue of European Urology, Michl et al [7] present continence outcomes for 12 533 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy between 2002 and 2014 at their high-volume medical center, the Martini-Clinic Prostate Cancer Center, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf. They compare continence among patients who underwent NS radical prostatectomy (NS), patients who had a non-NS (NNS) procedure, and patients who had an initial NS
Street Sex Workers' Discourse: Realizing Material Change Through Agential Choice

Includes bibliographical references and index. For full access, check it out through your local library, request it on interlibrary loan, or order it through a book dealer. Members of the USF System may access the full-text of the article through the authenticated link provided below.
Ablation dynamics, precursor formation, and instability studies on thin foil copper liners

Summary form only given. Solid liners are an attractive load design, for use with magnetized liner inertial fusion (MagLIF) and for possible replacement of wire-array Z-pinches on larger pulsed-power drivers. Comparisons between equally massed and dimensioned wire-arrays and thin foil liners will be presented. Using an axial X pinch backlighter1, the ablation characteristics and precursor formation are studied. The liners show very little ablation and precursor as compared to wire-arrays.Using laser shadowgraphy and comparisons with the extended magnetohydrodynamics (XMHD) PERSEUS code2, instability growth on the outside of the liners is examined. The instability is found not to be magnetic Rayleigh-Taylor (MRT), but a velocity shear flow instability.
Regularization parameter estimation for iterative image restoration in a weighted Hilbert space

A method for obtaining optimal estimates of the regularization parameter for iterative image restoration in a weighted Hilbert space is presented. The method is a modified form of the cross-validation technique. It requires no a priori knowledge of either the amount of noise or its distribution. Results are presented which demonstrate the effectiveness of the technique for different weighting matrices. Cross-validation is based on the concept of prediction error. For a fixed value of the regularization parameter, a restored image is determined using all the values from the observed image but one, and the restored image is reblurred in order to predict the blurred and noisy observation that was left out of the restoration. A different restored image is formed for each observation. The regularization parameter which minimizes the mean-square prediction error over all the observations is chosen as the estimated optimal parameter. A simplified version of cross-validation that is computationally manageable is presented. >
The Batavia Shipwreck: An Archaeological Study of an Early Seventeenth Century Dutch East Indiaman

Batavia, a Dutch East Indiaman, sank in 1629 on its maiden voyage to the Indies in the Houtman Abrolhos Archipelago off the coast of Western Australia. The ship gained notoriety for the mutiny and horrific massacre that engulfed the survivors after the wreck, but the vessel itself was lost for centuries. The remains of the ship were discovered in 1963, and excavated between 1971 and 1980 by a team of archaeologists from the Western Australian Museum. The surviving hull timbers, raised from the seabed by archaeologists, represent approximately 3.5% of the original hull. They include part of the transom and aft port quarter of the ship. To date, Batavia represents the only excavated remains of an early seventeenth century Dutch East Indiaman that have been raised and conserved in a way that permits detailed study. This is of great significance as there are no line drawings or construction plans for any Dutch ships from this period. The study and comparison of the Batavia hull timbers with those of other Dutch shipwrecks and historic documentation contributes to the understanding of Dutch ship-building techniques at the end of the sixteenth and beginning of the seventeenth centuries. Â Â
Interaction Between Polymer Constituents and the Structure of Biopolymers

Generally macromolecules may appear in a variety of three dimensional structures. A macromolecular chain, for example, may be linear or helical or in the form of a random coil. A few crosslinks may further introduce a complicated folding pattern into the chain. This structural flexibility is the consequence of hindered rotations around the acyclic bonds comprising the polymer chain and the availability of several rotational isomeric states for each one of the acyclic bonds. Cross-links between the constituents can be formed by covalent bridges or a variety of weaker interactions such as hydrogen bonds, ion bridges and London Van der Waals forces.
From Abstract to Virtual Entities: Implementation of Work-Based Searching in a Multimedia Digital Library

Libraries of digitized multimedia content provide access to virtual entities. In the case of music, where there are frequently many different performances, editions, and arrangements of a given work, the Variations2 metadata model, links all instances of a work to an abstract work record, thus yielding superior search capabilities to digital library users. This paper summarizes the motivation for addressing the music metadata problem and describes the Variations2 search user interface, which is based on our work-centric, FRBR-like metadata model.
Understanding functional programming

In my programming languages course, I have found that an effective and convincing introduction to functional programming is harder to deliver than might be thought. Careful communications with students has revealed that they are largely unconvinced that functional programming is importantly different from imperative programming. After much time, I have diagnosed the problem to be the lack of an alternative to the Von Neumann model. I argue that including the ?-calculus and its resulting model, which is absent from the standard programming language texts, is essential for students to understand functional programming.
The release of enzymes by osmotic shock from Escherichia coli in exponential phase.

Abstract A number of degradative enzymes are specifically released from exponentially growing Escherichia coli by osmotic shock. They include alkaline phosphatase, cyclic phosphodiesterase, 5'-nucleotidase, acid phosphatase, and the ribonucleic acid-inhibited endonuclease that is active with deoxyribonucleic acid. Small amounts of RNase are also set free, but some 16 control enzymes are found to remain within the cell. Only about 4% of the cellular protein is released into the shock medium. The procedure for osmotic shock has been modified in order to obtain about 80% viability with exponential cells, with good release of enzymes. In the first stage, cells are exposed to 20% sucrose-1 x 10-4 M EDTA. In the second stage, the pellet of sucrose-treated cells is rapidly dispersed in cold 5 x 10-4 M MgCl2, which causes the enzymes to be liberated. At least 90% of the DNA endonuclease and 50% of the latent ribonuclease are released from exponentially growing E. coli when as much as 2 x 10-2 M MgCl2 is used in the procedure for osmotic shock.
Halo White Dwarfs and Baryonic Dark Matter

We describe the formation of hot intergalactic gas along with baryonic remnants in galaxy halos. In this scenario, the mass and metallicity of the hot intracluster and intragroup gas relates directly to the production of baryonic remnants during the collapse of galactic halos. We construct a schematic but self-consistent model in which early bursts of star formation lead to a large remnant population in the halo, and to the outflow of stellar ejecta into the halo and ultimately the Local Group. We consider local as well as high redshift constraints on this scenario. This study suggests that the microlensing objects in the Galactic halo may predominantly be ∼ 0.5M ⊙ white dwarfs, assuming that the initial mass function for early star formation favored the formation of intermediate mass stars with m ≳ 1M ⊙. However, the bulk of the baryonic dark matter in this scenario is associated with the ejecta of the white dwarf progenitors, and resides in the hot intergalactic medium.
Bipartisan Report Says Climate Change Poses Significant Economic Impact

A new report by a bipartisan committee of prominent business and policy leaders says that the U.S. economy could face significant disruptions from climate change but that immediate actions could reduce future climate risk.
Currents and Contaminant Dispersion in the Nearshore Region and Modification by a Jetport

Abstract The steady-state and the time-dependent, constant density, wind-driven currents in the near-shore Cleveland area of Lake Erie, under present conditions and as modified by the proposed Lake Erie International Jetport, were calculated numerically. Two specific jetport configurations were studied in detail: 1) an island, and 2) an island with causeway to shore. Coupling procedures between the fine near-shore numerical grid and the coarse overall-lake grid were studied in detail and are presented here. For the above jetport configuration, several computations illustrating the dispersion of a contaminant from a point source (the Cuyahoga River) into Lake Erie were made. For the particular cases studied, it is shown that the island does not significantly modify the currents or contaminant dispersion while the island with a causeway to shore does. The near-shore numerical models presented here can be easily modified to study the near-shore dispersion in other large lakes.
Impact of early life ovariectomy on blood pressure and body composition in a female mouse model of systemic lupus erythematosus

Because of the preponderance of women affected by the chronic autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), estrogen is thought to contribute to SLE disease progression. This is supported by evidence from experimental animal models of SLE showing that removal of estrogen in young female mice delays autoantibody production and renal injury and lengthens survival. Blood pressure and changes in body composition are important cardiovascular risk factors that can be regulated by estrogens. Because cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in patients with SLE, we used an established female mouse model of SLE (NZBWF1) to test whether early life removal of estrogen impacts the development of hypertension and changes in body composition commonly associated with SLE. Eight-week-old female SLE and control mice (NZW/LacJ) underwent either a sham operation or ovariectomy. Body weight, body composition (fat and lean masses), and renal injury (albuminuria) were monitored until mice reached 34 wk of age, at which time mean arterial pressure was assessed in conscious animals by a carotid catheter. Early life removal of the ovaries delayed the onset of autoantibody production and albuminuria while causing an increase in body weight and fat mass. Blood pressure in the adult was not altered by early life removal of the ovaries. These data suggest that estrogens may have a permissive role for the development of SLE while helping to maintain normal body weight and composition, which is associated with reduced cardiovascular risk.
Modeling and simulations of thermoelastic damping in microplates

We present a model and analytical expressions for the quality factors of microplates of general shapes and boundary conditions due to thermoelastic damping. We solve the heat equation for the thermal flow across the microplate, and hence decouple the thermal equation from the plate equation. We utilize a perturbation method to derive an analytical expression for the quality factor of a microplate under electrostatic loading and residual stresses in terms of its structural mode shapes. For the special case of no electrostatic and in-plane loadings, we derive a simple analytical expression for the quality factor, which is independent of the mode shapes. We verify the model by specializing it to a microbeam and comparing the resulting quality factor to that obtained using microbeam models in the literature. We present several results for various modes of rectangular microplates with various boundary conditions.
Engineering a Hotel Family

Abstract Drawing on a larger ethnographic study by Katz of workplace language and literacy programs serving immigrant workers in California, the following analysis focuses on the discourse practices of one California workplace, where notions of home, family, and work were coopted by the company to encourage workers to cooperate with the “reengineering” agenda, which included language training, or what Fairlough has described as the “technologization of discourse.” By building continuity between personal and professional, and private and public realms, the Carleton Hotels hoped to inspire workers to invest themselves in the company's mission. Drawing on De Certeau's notion of resistance through everyday practice, the following analysis of workplace discourse and language ideology illustrates how despite potentially oppressive and coercive practices at Carleton, hotel employees maneuvered through a constraining sociolinguistic space. By playing on the discursive fault lines—those places where discourses of family, home, and work collided and converged—workers appropriated English language practices in ways that allowed them to subtly reshape their experiences of work, and reimagine who they were able to be within and outside it.
Clinical and economic outcomes from a community hospital's antimicrobial stewardship program

Background Data from community antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) are limited. We describe clinical and economic outcomes from the first year of our hospital's ASP. Methods The ASP team comprised 2 infectious disease physicians and 3 intensive care unit pharmacists. The team prospectively audited the new starts and weekly use of 8 target antimicrobials: aztreonam, caspofungin, daptomycin, ertapenem, linezolid, meropenem, tigecycline, and voriconazole. Using administrative data, outcomes from the first year of the program, including death within 30 days of hospitalization, readmission within 30 days of discharge, and development of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), were compared with outcomes from a similar period before institution of the program. Results A total of 510 antimicrobial orders were reviewed, of which 323 (63%) were appropriate, 94 (18%) prompted deescalation, 61 (12%) were denied, and 27 (5%) led to formal consultation with an infectious disease physician. On multivariate analysis, implementation of the ASP was associated with an approximate 50% reduction in the odds of developing CDI (odds ratio, 0.46; 95% confidence interval, 0.25-0.82). The ASP was not associated with decreased mortality at 30 days after discharge or readmission rate. The antimicrobial cost per patient-day decreased by 13.3%, from $10.16 to $8.81. The antimicrobial budget decreased by 15.2%, resulting in a total savings of $228,911. There was a 25.4% decrease in defined daily doses of the target antimicrobials. Conclusions Implementation of the ASP was associated with significant reductions in CDI rate, antimicrobial use, and pharmacy costs.
Utility of Dense Pressure Observations for Improving Mesoscale Analyses and Forecasts

AbstractThe use of dense pressure observations is investigated for creating mesoscale ensemble analyses and improving short-term mesoscale forecasts. By exploiting additional observation platforms, the number of pressure observations over the Pacific Northwest region is increased by an order of magnitude over standard airport observations. Quality control and bias correction methods for these observations are discussed, including the use of pressure tendency as an alternative observation type with fewer bias concerns. The enhanced station density provided by these observations contributes to localized adjustments for a variety of mesoscale phenomena. These adjusted analyses yield improved forecasts, including more accurate forecasts of frontal passages and convective bands. Assimilating dense 3-h pressure tendency observations also reduces the error in some forecast surface fields similarly to raw pressure observations, suggesting further investigation into pressure tendency as a mesoscale observation type.
The shorthand vertical mattress stitch--a rapid skin everting suture technique.

. The shorthand vertical mattress stitch illustrated here provides the same amount of wound eversion in half the time as the classic vertical mattress suture technique.
SOLUBILITY OF ANTHRACENE IN BINARY ALKANE + 2-METHOXYETHYL ETHER SOLVENT MIXTURES

Experimental solubilities are reported for anthracene dissolved in six binary mixtures containing 2-methoxyethyl ether with n-hexane, n-heptane, n-octane, cyclohexane, methyl-cyclohexane and 2,2,4-trimethylpentane at 298.15 K. Results of these measurements are used to test a mathematical representation based upon the combined Nearly Ideal Binary Solvent (NIBS)/Redlich-Kister model. For the six systems studied, the model was found to provide an accurate mathematical representation of the experimental results, with an overall average absolute deviation between measured and calculated values being on the order of 0.4 per cent or less.
Diffusion in Cytoplasm: Effects of Excluded Volume Due to Internal Membranes and Cytoskeletal Structures

The intricate geometry of cytoskeletal networks and internal membranes causes the space available for diffusion in cytoplasm to be convoluted, thereby affecting macromolecule diffusivity. We present a first systematic computational study of this effect by approximating intracellular structures as mixtures of random overlapping obstacles of various shapes. Effective diffusion coefficients are computed using a fast homogenization technique. It is found that a simple two-parameter power law provides a remarkably accurate description of effective diffusion over the entire range of volume fractions and for any given composition of structures. This universality allows for fast computation of diffusion coefficients, once the obstacle shapes and volume fractions are specified. We demonstrate that the excluded volume effect alone can account for a four-to-sixfold reduction in diffusive transport in cells, relative to diffusion in vitro. The study lays the foundation for an accurate coarse-grain formulation that would account for cytoplasm heterogeneity on a micron scale and binding of tracers to intracellular structures.