cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cost-effective use of operating room supplies based on the REMEDY database of recovered unused materials

It is estimated that $200 million worth of prepared materials are discarded unused in operating rooms in the United States each year. Although some of these materials have been successfully recovered for overseas donation, they nevertheless constitute an undesirable burden on health care efficiency. This situation has prompted a reevaluation of the procedures that result in the overpreparation of surgical supplies, in the hope of reducing hospital, patient, and third-party payer expenditures. A database, which was initially developed to track the overseas donation of recovered supplies from Yale-New Haven Hospital, is now being applied to measure approaches to waste reduction. This report summarizes the application of this database to an integrated program designed to modify nursing procedures and physician prespecified supply lists.
Wavelength aware receiver for enhanced 2D OCDMA

We present a novel receiver for 2D OCDMA which utilizes the wavelength information of codes, to provide higher number of simultaneous users than the regular receiver. Maximal spectral efficiency is doubled, for carrier-hopping prime codes
Edge Measures Using Similarity Regions

In this paper we present a new approach to edge detection. We see edges as delineators of local, photometrically coherent clusters of pixels. We are concerned with edges at a given pair of photometric and spatial scales. We first define the Similarity Region (SR) of a pixel as the set of pixels in its neighborhood that form a local cluster with the pixel. The SR is discovered by using an affinity measure at the given spatial and photometric scale. It follows that the SRs for two adjacent pixels within a region will be similar, and they will be different for pixels on opposite sides of a region boundary. This property is used to determine if there is an edge between the two pixels. The SRs of a pixel pair are evaluated for similarity in two ways — by comparing their geometric properties and by comparing the affinity distributions of the pixels within them. This leads to two edge operators. The first uses the Normalized difference of Moments (NdM) of the two SRs, while the second uses a χ2 -measure of the two affinity distributions. These edge operators are fast, they respond faithfully to local edge features such as corners, and they do not introduce bias or localization errors for signals with ESNR (Edge Strength to Noise Ratio) greater than 10 dB. At higher noise levels, the methods respond to edges of regions formed by noise. For robustness, we propose a preprocessing step that clusters the data. To this end, we present two clustering algorithms based on cost function optimization. The first algorithm is an Iterated Mode algorithm that uses the histogram of pixel values in a local window to replace each pixel value with a value that has a higher probability of occurrence at that pixel. The second algorithm minimizes a Soft Clustering Evaluation Function (SCEF) to partition the image into clusters such that the mutual information between the clusters is minimized. This work is closely related to Rosenfeld et al. ’s iterative smoothing algorithms, histogram-based techniques, and pyramid linking schemes; these relationships are pointed out. We illustrate the responses of the edge operators on synthetic and real images. The integration of the operators to define coherent edge detectors will be the subject of a future paper.
A knowledge representation that models memory in narrative comprehension

We present work toward computationally defining a model of narrative comprehension vis-a-vis memory of narrative events, via an automated planning knowledge representation, capable of being used in a narrative generation context.
CP -nonconserving effects in quantum chromodynamics

The instanton-generated $\mathrm{CP}$-violating perturbation is shown to have a form $\frac{3\overline{\ensuremath{\theta}}{m}_{u}{m}_{d}{m}_{s}}{({m}_{u}{m}_{d}+{m}_{u}{m}_{s}+{m}_{d}{m}_{s})}(\overline{\ensuremath{\psi}}i{\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{5}\ensuremath{\psi})$ for $\overline{\ensuremath{\theta}}\ensuremath{\ll}1$. The induced neutron electric dipole moment, evaluated in the framework of the MIT bag model, is ${d}_{n}=8.2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}16}\overline{\ensuremath{\theta}}e$ cm.
Growth factor ultrafiltration in experimental diabetic nephropathy contributes to interstitial fibrosis.

Glomerular proteinuria is a risk factor for progression of chronic renal failure and contributes to renal interstitial fibrosis. In experimental diabetic glomerular sclerosis, there is translocatio...
The Importance of Sample Composition Depends on the Research Question

Bergman and Jean (2016) compare published industrial and organizational (I-O) literature with labor statistics, demonstrating an underrepresentation of “workers” (i.e., “wage earners, laborers, first-line personnel, freelancers, contract workers”) relative to managerial, professional, and executive positions. They note that one of four ways in which worker underrepresentation undermines the utility of I-O psychology research is that we could miss the role of worker status as a main effect on important variables and/or a moderator of key relationships, which could hinder understanding of important phenomena as they relate to workers. We applaud the emphasis on workers and agree with this basic premise.
Effect of Casing Groove Locations on the Performance of an Axial Flow Stage

This paper is a presentation of a computational study focused on modifications to the circumferential groove casing treatments for the purpose of enhancing the performance and increasing the stall margin of a model turbofan stage. An attempt to understand the combined behavior of a five-groove configuration leads to qualitative and quantitative analyses of the individual groove configurations. The following conclusions can be drawn from this analysis: the first is that the blockage should be shifted towards the downstream and pressure side of the rotor blade for the groove to be effective. The second is that the reduction of the incidence angle, the improved radial transport of axial momentum, and the reduction of tip blade loading are not found to be strongly related to the stall margin improvement for this fan stage. It is also found that the stall pattern is changed by the presence of grooves in this configuration.
Noncardiac chest pain.

Goals Review of research directions in the etiology, evaluation, and treatment of patients with noncardiac chest pain. The author proposes a combined practical approach to noncardiac chest pain that incorporates these findings, which is useful in a clinical practice setting. Background Several major schools of thought have emerged in the etiology of noncardiac chest pain: acid reflux, motor disorder, altered pain threshold/hypersensitivity, and association with psychiatric dysfunction. There is significant overlap among these. Occult gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is more common than motor disorders and is found in 30% to 40% of these patients; a subset has hypersensitivity, with a normal pH profile. Esophageal motility testing and endoscopy have a more limited role than 24-hour pH testing. Impedance planimetry and balloon sensory provocative testing remain research tools. Provocative testing with hydrochloric acid or edrophonium is less helpful than pH monitoring. Gastroesophageal reflux disease-induced chest pain requires high-dose long-term proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): at least 4 to 8 weeks. Psychotropics are superior to placebo, both in patients with and without psychiatric dysfunction. Results The author found combined PPIs and psychotropics helpful in patients with esophageal hypersensitivity and GERD, although supporting data is scant. Conclusions A brief 1-week high-dose PPI challenge, i.e., omeprazole test, may be cost-effective in a primary care setting. However, this approach may not be useful in a referral setting, where pH data and diary assessment of associated symptoms provide useful management help. A behavioral model approach, with early emphasis on patient education, integrated with physiologic data helps the most.
Sclerotiniaceae XII. On Some Selected Species from India

In the present paper six species are described as new: Lambertella thindii, Lanzia thindii, Lanzia viburni, Moellerodiscus berberidis, Poculum mahoniae, Poculum nuzcicola and seven new combination are made: Lanzia glandicola, Moellerodiscus indicus, Poculum firmum, Poculum juglandis, Poculum rubroflavum, Poculum sepiaceum, Poculum sydowianum. Full descriptions and illustrations are provided for the new taxa.
Olfactory Dysfunction in Multiple Sclerosis

To the Editor: Multiple sclerosis, the most common neurologic disease in young adults, is accompanied by focal demyelinating plaques within the central nervous system, which can be quantified in vi...
Changing racial boundaries and mixed unions: the case of second-generation Filipino Americans

ABSTRACTI examine an understudied topic of intermarriage – nonwhite mixed unions. Drawing on a study of second-generation Filipino Americans, I compare how respondents in inter-ethnic (those partnered with other Asians) and nonwhite interracial (i.e. Latino, black, and non-Asian bi-racial) unions perceive racial boundaries, or their ‘racial schemas’. I argue that mixed unions can change how partners view racial boundaries. Drawing on phenotype, culture, and power position, both inter-ethnically and nonwhite interracially partnered respondents viewed themselves as different from whites. However, they differed in how they constructed nonwhite boundaries. Respondents in inter-ethnic unions drew on their Asian identity to distinguish themselves from Latinos and blacks, while informants in nonwhite interracial unions highlighted their Filipino identity to distance themselves from East Asians and align themselves with Latinos and blacks. These findings show that marriage affects racial boundary development and ...
The problem of facial pain

Study of the multifaceted and enormously complex problem of pain involves the definition and categorization of known pain syndromes. In face pain, psychiatric phenomena and neurologic considerations are also of prime importance.
Hemophagocytosis in a patient with sickle cell disease.

![Figure][1] A 33-year-old man with history of sickle cell disease who receives regularly scheduled exchange transfusion and transfusions was found to be neutropenic. His absolute neutrophil count (ANC) initially recovered after administration of filgrastim; however, his ANC fell below 1000/
Synthesis and processing of doped Hg1Ba2Ca2Cu3Oy superconductors

Detailed studies on the synthesis and processing of bulk (Hg,A)Ba2Ca2Cu3Oy (A=Bi, Pb) were conducted to understand the role of heat treatment, precursor phase assembly, and Hg-pressure during synthesis. An additional lower temperature annealing stage after high temperature reaction is shown to improve the microstructural characteristics of Hg1223 samples. BaCaCuO precursor powders containing free CaO allows formation of liquid phase and assists in grain growth and texture development. Control of Hg-pressure during the reaction by using an external Hg-source, in sealed tubes, improves the density of Hg1223 products. Chemical nature of external Hg-source changes Hg-pressure and influences melting characteristics and grain growth. CaHgO2 is shown to be a very effective external Hg-source for producing dense Hg1223 materials with improved grain growth and texture. Phase purity and microstructural characteristics are correlated with high field magnetization measurements.
Famotidine-associated delirium. A series of six cases.

Famotidine is a histamine H2-receptor antagonist used in inpatient settings for prevention of stress ulcers and is showing increasing popularity because of its low cost. Although all of the currently available H2-receptor antagonists have shown the propensity to cause delirium, only two previously reported cases have been associated with famotidine. The authors report on six cases offamotidine-associated delirium in hospitalized patients who cleared completely upon removal offamotidine. The pharmacokinetics offamotidine are reviewed, with no change in its metabolism in the elderly population seen. The implications of using famotidine in elderly persons are discussed.
Transport to a PCI centre improved long-term outcome more than thrombolytic therapy at the community hospital in acute MI.

Source Citation Widimsky P, Bilkova D, Penicka M, et al. Long-term outcomes of patients with acute myocardial infarction presenting to hospitals without catheterization laboratory and randomized to...
An Age-Old Question: What Is Too Old for Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Heart Failure?

Article, see p 1314 The dilemma of how best to treat patients with severe coronary artery disease (CAD) and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction continues to perplex clinicians. One lone, but notable randomized trial, STICH (Surgical Treatment for Ischemic Heart Failure)1, and its 10-year follow-up report, STICHES (STICH Extension Study2), has helped clarify this clinical challenge. When a clinician is faced with clinical equipoise in a patient with a low ejection fraction and revascularizable CAD, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in combination with optimal medical therapy (MED) provides an eventual reduction in cardiovascular mortality and hospitalizations, and an increase in overall survival, as long as an appreciable but not unanticipated early hazard of surgical mortality is accepted. Yet, it is important to understand that the conclusions are more nuanced than just presented. Despite this landmark study, the complexity of routine clinical practice poses several common quandaries that continue to be debated. Perhaps none is more difficult than what do with the older patient with heart failure and a reduced ejection fraction attributable to CAD. In the current issue, Petrie and coinvestigators present a post hoc analysis from the STICHES report in which they ask the relevant clinical question of whether all age groups studied in the STICHES trial derived the same benefits of CABG added to MED in comparison with MED alone.3 For this analysis, the authors divided the STICHES cohort into age-based quartiles: Q1≤54 years, Q2>54 and ≤60 years, Q3>60 and ≤67 years, and Q4>67 years. When examining outcomes based on these quartiles, cardiovascular-related mortality was high and did not vary between the oldest and youngest quartiles in either randomized group. Consistent with the original report, CABG added to MED reduced cardiovascular mortality across all age quartiles in a statistically significant manner. Not surprisingly, they …
Intuitions and objects in Allais’s manifest reality

Manifest reality is easily one of the best books in a long time on Kant’s transcendental idealism. So there is a great deal in Allais’s discussion to celebrate. But I want to focus here on two aspects of her views that I am not yet sure about: First, Allais’s understanding of the relationship between concepts and intuitions. And second, her characterization of the manner in which intuitions are object-dependent. I’ll close by making some general remarks about the significance of this for Allais’s understanding of the metaphysics of transcendental idealism.
Hybrid Power Management for Office Equipment

Office machines (such as printers, scanners, facsimile machines, and copiers) can consume significant amounts of power. Most office machines have sleep modes to save power. Power management of these machines is usually timeout-based: a machine sleeps after being idle long enough. Setting the time-out duration can be difficult: if it is too long, the machine wastes power during idleness. If it is too short, the machine sleeps too soon and too often—the wake-up delay can significantly degrade productivity. Thus, power management is a tradeoff between saving energy and keeping response time short. Many power management policies have been published and one policy may outperform another in some scenarios. There is no definite conclusion regarding which policy is always better. This article describes two methods for office equipment power management. The first method adaptively reduces power based on a constraint of the wake-up delay. The second is a hybrid method with multiple candidate policies and it selects the most appropriate power management policy. Using 6 months of request traces from 18 different printers, we demonstrate that the hybrid policy outperforms individual policies. We also discover that power management based on business hours does not produce consistent energy savings.
Pullout strength of cement-augmented and wide-suture transosseous fixation in the greater tuberosity.

Abstract Background Obtaining strong fixation in low-density bone is increasingly critical in surgical repair of rotator cuff tears because of the aging population. To evaluate two new methods of improving pullout strength of transosseous rotator cuff repair in low-density bone, we analyzed the effects of 1) using 2-mm suture tape instead of no. 2 suture and 2) augmenting the lateral tunnel with cement. Methods Eleven pairs of osteopenic or osteoporotic cadaveric humeri were identified by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. One bone tunnel and one suture were placed in the heads of 22 specimens. Five randomly selected pairs were repaired with no. 2 suture; the other six pairs were repaired with 2-mm suture tape. One side of each pair received lateral tunnel cement augmentation. Specimens were tested to suture pullout. Data were fitted to multivariate models that accounted for bone mineral density and other specimen characteristics. Findings Two specimens were excluded because of knot-slipping during testing. Use of suture tape versus no. 2 suture conferred a 75-N increase (95% CI: 37, 113) in pullout strength (P Interpretation We show two methods of improving the fixation strength of transosseous rotator cuff repairs in low-density bone: using 2-mm suture tape instead of no. 2 suture and augmenting the lateral tunnel with cement. These methods may improve the feasibility of transosseous repairs in an aging patient population.
Analyzing Compensation Methods in Modern Manufacturing

Economists have often argued that pay for performance is an optimal compensation scheme. However, use of the simplest form of pay for performance, the piece rate, has been in decline in manufacturi...
Aging, precarity, and the struggle for Indigenous elsewheres

Through the structures and logics of the settler/capitalist state, the aging body can only be viewed as a crisis of decreased labor power and increased social expenditure; an amortization that has ...
Incidence and Types of Microorganisms in Foods

In general, the numbers and types of microorganisms present in a finished food product are influenced by 1. The general environment from which the food was originally obtained 2. The microbiological quality of the food in its raw or unprocessed state 3. The sanitary conditions under which the product is handled and processed 4. The adequacy of subsequent packaging, handling, and storage conditions in maintaining the flora at a low level In producing good-quality market foods, it is important to keep microorganisms at a low level for reasons of aesthetics, public health, and product shelf life. Other than those foods that have been made sterile, all foods should be expected to contain a certain number of microorganisms of one type or another. Ideally, the numbers of organisms should be as low as is possible under good conditions of production. Excessively high numbers of microorganisms in fresh foods present cause for alarm. It should be kept in mind that the inner parts of healthy plant and animal tissues are generally sterile and that it is theoretically possible to produce many foods free of microorganisms. This objective becomes impractical, however, when mass production and other economic considerations are realized. The number of microorganisms in a fresh food product, then, may be taken to reflect the overall conditions of raw product quality, processing, handling, storage, and so forth.
Trigger warning: no proximal intentions required for intentional action

In this paper, I argue that some intentional actions are not triggered by proximal intentions; i.e. there are actions which are intentional, but lack relevant proximal intentions in their immediate causal history. More specifically, I first introduce various properties of intentions. I then argue that some actions (such as some spontaneous actions) are triggered by mental states which lack properties typically ascribed to intentions, yet these actions are still intentional. The view that all intentional actions are triggered by proximal intentions is thus false.
Considerations for using fuzzy set theory and probability theory

Most of the applications chapters in this book deal with the quantification of various forms of uncertainty, both numeric and nonnumeric. Uncertainty in numerical quantities can be random in nature, where probability theory is very useful, or it can be the result of bias or an unknown error, in which case fuzzy set theory, evidence theory, or possibility theory might prove useful. Probability theory also has been used almost exclusively to deal with the form of uncertainty due to chance (randomness), sometimes called variability, and with uncertainties arising from eliciting and analyzing expert information. Three other prevalent forms of uncertainty are those arising from ambiguity, vagueness, and imprecision. While vagueness and ambiguity can arise from linguistic uncertainty, they also can be associated with some numerical quantities, such as "approximately 5." Imprecision is generally associated with numerical quantities, although applications may exist where this type of uncertainty is nonnumeric (i.e., qualitative), for example, "the missile was close to the target." How do variability, ambiguity, vagueness, and imprecision differ as forms of uncertainty?In the sections that follow, we detail the most popular methods used to address these various forms of uncertainty whether they are quantitative or qualitative. While fuzzy set theory and probability theory have been used for all these forms of uncertainty, this chapter will extend this scope somewhat by commenting on the use of possibility theory in the characterization of ambiguity.
Ten Financial Applications of Machine Learning (Seminar Slides)

Financial ML offers the opportunity to gain insight from data: * Modelling non-linear relationships in a high-dimensional space * Analyzing unstructured data (asynchronous, categorical) * Learning complex patterns (hierarchical, non-parametric) * Focusing on predictability over parametric adjudication * Controlling for overfitting (early-stopping, cross-validation) At the same time, Finance is not a plug-and-play subject as it relates to machine learning. Modelling financial series is harder than driving cars or recognizing faces. In this presentation, we will review a few important financial ML applications. For the full paper, see https://ssrn.com/abstract=3365271.
Long Noncoding RNA and Its Role in the Control of Gene Expression in the Skin

Epithelial tissues in animals regulate life-sustaining processes at the boundary between the host and its environment. It is becoming evident that regulatory noncoding RNAs play fundamental roles in orchestrating the formation of the skin, including lineage-specific commitment and specialization, often operating at the interface between stemness and differentiation. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of how members of a specific class of RNAs, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), function in the control of gene expression to regulate development and adult stem cell maintenance in the skin. Understanding the activities of lncRNAs will elucidate a novel mechanism that modulates gene expression in the skin, and could ultimately lead to targeted noncoding RNA-based therapies to improve effectiveness of current regenerative strategies and provide new avenues for repair.
Intraventricular Vortex Interaction between Transmitral Flow and Paravalvular Leak

Paravalvular leak (PVL) is a complication of transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Despite its marked clinical impact, no previous study has reported how PVL affects the intraventricular fluid dynamics. This study aims to delineate vortex interaction between PVL and transmitral flow and the influence of PVL orifice location on intraventricular fluid dynamics using Echocardiographic Particle Image Velocimetry. Three different conditions of no PVL, anterior PVL and posterior PVL were experimentally studied and clinically compared. Circulation, impulse, kinetic energy (KE) and change in KE (ΔKE) were calculated. As well, vortex formation analyses and streamline description were performed to study vortex interactions. The anterior PVL jet streamed into the LV and interfered with the transmitral flow. Posterior PVL jet formed a large clockwise vortex and collided with transmitral flow, which resulted in flow disturbance. Compared to no PVL condition, average circulation, impulse, KE and ΔKE increased in presence of PVL. In conclusion, we found that PVL jets lead to abnormal vortex formation that interfere with natural advancement of transmitral flow, and negatively affect the LV fluid dynamics parameters. PVL orifice location strongly affects the intraventricular vortex formation, and posterior PVL may have more negative effects compared to anterior PVL.
292. Ceftolozane/Tazobactam for Treatment of Osteomyelitis due to Multi-Drug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Background Ceftolozane/tazobactam (C/T) has potent activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA). Clinical data describing the use of C/T for PA osteomyelitis are limited. Our purpose is to describe clinical and microbiologic outcomes of adult patients treated with C/T for multidrug-resistant (MDR-PA) osteomyelitis.
Territoriality in Aquatic Insects

Research on territoriality has barely progressed beyond the descriptive stage in most aquatic insects, but some territorial species have been studied intensively and served as model organisms for testing certain aspects of evolutionary theory. After providing a brief introduction to territoriality in general, I review the taxonomic distribution and types of territoriality reported in aquatic insects, before delving into more theoretical topics. Larval feeding territories have been described in aquatic insects of several orders (Diptera, Ephemeroptera, Odonata, Plecoptera, Trichoptera), while adult feeding and mating territories have only been reported in Odonata (damselflies and dragonflies) and Hemiptera (water striders and ripple bugs). With mostly Odonata examples, I review the following subjects more critically: (1) determinants of territorial status and the outcome of territorial contests, (2) territorial signals and cues, (3) persistence of interspecific territoriality, and (4) agonistic character displacement. Important advances have been made in each of these areas using aquatic insects, but persistent methodological issues have also impeded progress. I offer some general advice for studying territoriality and conclude by identifying areas where more research is needed.
Pressure effect on an ocean-based humidification-dehumidification desalination process

Abstract A new humidification-dehumidification (HDH) desalination process is proposed and analyzed. Being ocean based, the process does not produce any brine. It is largely powered jointly by solar energy, wind energy, and various types of ocean energies in a nearly natural way. A vacuum pump is employed to drive the air circulation throughout the HDH process. It is the only unit that consumes electricity. The HDH process is analyzed under various conditions, including using a low pressure (as low as to 0.2 atm) for humidification and the ambient pressure for dehumidification, running the entire HDH process around a low pressure (as low as to 0.2 atm), and running it around the ambient pressure. The results from case studies show that applying different pressure levels to humidification and dehumidification would lead to a prohibitively high electric energy consumption of the vacuum pump. Being the most favorable operating condition, running the HDH process around the ambient pressure yields a freshwater production rate at the level of 4 to 11 l/h per HDH line, depending on the pipe sizing and weather conditions. The associated minimum electric energy consumption of the vacuum pump is at the level of 0.9 to 1.6 kWh/m3-water.
A modular high-density 294-channel μECoG system on macaque vlPFC for auditory cognitive decoding

Abstract OBJECTIVE A fundamental goal of the auditory system is to parse the auditory environment into distinct perceptual representations. Auditory perception is mediated by the ventral auditory pathway, which includes the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (vlPFC) late. Because large-scale recordings of auditory signals are quite rare, the spatiotemporal resolution of the neuronal code that underlies vlPFC’s contribution to auditory perception has not been fully elucidated. Therefore, we developed a modular, chronic, high-resolution, multi-electrode array system with long-term viability. APPROACH We molded three separate μECoG arrays into one and implanted this system in a non-human primate. A custom 3D-printed titanium chamber was mounted on left hemisphere. The molded 294-contact μECoG array was implanted subdurally over vlPFC. μECoG activity was recorded while the monkey participated in a “hearing-in-noise” task in which they reported hearing a “target” vocalization from a background “chorus” of vocalizations. We titrated task difficulty by varying the sound level of the target vocalization, relative to the chorus (target-to-chorus ratio, TCr). MAIN RESULTS We decoded the TCr and the monkey’s behavioral choices from the μECoG signal. We analyzed decoding capacity as a function of neuronal frequency band, spatial resolution, and time from implantation. Over a one-year period, we were successfully able to record μECoG signals. Although we found significant decoding with as few as two electrodes, we found near-perfect decoding with ∼16 electrodes. Decoding further improved when we included more electrodes. Finally, because the decoding capacity of individual electrodes varied on a day-by-day basis, high-density electrode arrays ensure robust decoding in the long term. SIGNIFICANCE Our results demonstrate the utility and robustness of high-resolution chronic µECoG recording. We developed a new high-resolution surface electrode array that can be scaled to cover larger cortical areas without increasing the chamber footprint.
Stress granules and neurodegeneration

Recent advances suggest that the response of RNA metabolism to stress has an important role in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, frontotemporal dementias and Alzheimer disease. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) control the utilization of mRNA during stress, in part through the formation of membraneless organelles termed stress granules (SGs). These structures form through a process of liquid-liquid phase separation. Multiple biochemical pathways regulate SG biology. The major signalling pathways regulating SG formation include the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)-eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4F (eIF4F) and eIF2α pathways, whereas the pathways regulating SG dispersion and removal are mediated by valosin-containing protein and the autolysosomal cascade. Post-translational modifications of RBPs also strongly contribute to the regulation of SGs. Evidence indicates that SGs are supposed to be transient structures, but the chronic stresses associated with ageing lead to chronic, persistent SGs that appear to act as a nidus for the aggregation of disease-related proteins. We suggest a model describing how intrinsic vulnerabilities within the cellular RNA metabolism might lead to the pathological aggregation of RBPs when SGs become persistent. This process might accelerate the pathophysiology of many neurodegenerative diseases and myopathies, and it suggests new targets for disease intervention.
The Problem of Definition: Toward a Conventionalist Framework

This chapter explains the significance of later Wittgenstein’s philosophy of language for analyzing racism. It begins with a discussion of three approaches to the question “What is racism?”: metaphysical, descriptive, and prescriptive analysis. It then turns to the metaphysical approach, which currently dominates philosophical theorizing about racism. Scholars that in many respects advance vastly different conceptions of racism—for example, Leonard Harris, Clevis Headley, Tommie Shelby, and Jorge Garcia; all take the metaphysical approach for granted. For the metaphysician, the meaning of “racism” is the object which this word stands for, and a definition of “racism” is an ontological description of this object. These presuppositions are called into doubt by the author. The bulk of the chapter lays out and defends an alternative set of presuppositions, rooted in Wittgenstein’s conventionalist picture of language, grammar, and meaning. The author’s chief conclusion is that an explanation of racism is not the description of an ontological reality but the expression of a rule of representation. The upshot is that the problem of defining “racism” need not be construed as a debate about an ontological nature. It can instead be construed as a debate about determining the most normatively defensible representational practice.
Pregnancy Outcomes after Preeclampsia: The Effects of Interpregnancy Weight Change.

Objective This study aimed to examine the effects of interpregnancy weight change on pregnancy outcomes, including recurrent preeclampsia, preterm birth, small-for-gestational age (SGA), large-for-gestational age (LGA), and cesarean delivery, among women with a history of preeclampsia. We also evaluated whether these associations were modified by prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) category in the first pregnancy (BMI Study Design We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study including 15,108 women who delivered their first two nonanomalous singleton live births in Missouri (1989–2005) and experienced preeclampsia in the first pregnancy. We performed Poisson regression with robust error variance to estimate relative risks and 95% confidence intervals for outcomes of interest after controlling for potential confounders. Results Interpregnancy weight gain was associated with increased risk of recurrent preeclampsia, LGA, and cesarean delivery. These risks increased in a “dose–response” manner with increasing magnitude of interpregnancy weight gain and were generally more pronounced among women who were underweight or normal weight in the first pregnancy. Interpregnancy weight loss exceeding 1 BMI unit was associated with increased risk of SGA among underweight and normal weight women, while interpregnancy weight loss exceeding 2 BMI units was associated with reduced risk of recurrent preeclampsia among overweight and obese women. Conclusion Even small changes in interpregnancy weight may significantly affect pregnancy outcomes among formerly preeclamptic women. Appropriate weight management between pregnancies has the potential to attenuate such risks. Key Points
In the eye of the beholder: Cross-pollination between art-infused products and retail spaces

Abstract In four studies, this research investigates consumers’ responses to the trend of art commercialization and, more importantly, provides marketers solutions validated empirically to target consumers who disapprove of commercializing art and thus, dislike art-infused products, by examining the cross-pollination between emerging retail practices—infusing art on products and in retail spaces. First, we demonstrate that consumers exhibit heterogeneous views on commercialization that translate into their evaluations of art-infused products (Pilot study). We then verify consumers’ involvement with art as the reason for this heterogeneity (Study 1). Second, we suggest two methods to infuse art in retail spaces to induce consumers’ situational cognitive and affective involvement with art. As a result, familiarity with art (Study 2) and sensory experience with art (Studies 3A and 3B) are found effective in increasing the intention to purchase products infusing art on the part of the segment of consumers who initially disapprove of commercializing art.
Cell-Penetrating and Mitochondrion-Targeting Molecules

The mitochondrion performs critical roles in eukaryotic cells including ATP production, cell growth, survival, apoptosis, and differentiation. Many human diseases can be traced to dysfunction within the mitochondria, but selective delivery of therapeutics into the mitochondria has been challenging. This chapter describes the detailed protocols for the synthesis of a new family of mitochondrion-targeting, cell-penetrating molecules (CPMs) and their application for the delivery of small-molecule and peptidyl cargos into the mitochondrial matrix. Live-cell confocal microscopic imaging of HeLa cells treated with a variety of CPM-cargo conjugates revealed that the CPMs efficiently and specifically deliver membrane-impermeable linear and cyclic peptidyl cargos into the mitochondrial matrix, as long as the cargo carries no more than two negative charges.
Emotional benefits of brief creative movement and art interventions

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine if either creative movement or art were effective at decreasing stress among college students and improving their mood. Sixty participants were randomly assigned to either a movement (n = 30) or an art (n = 30) intervention. Before the intervention, participants in both conditions wrote about a current stressor, rated their perceived intensity of the stressor, and completed a mood questionnaire (Positive and Negative Affect Schedule; Watson et al., 1988). Following the intervention participants again completed the mood questionnaire, wrote about a current stressor, and rated their perceived intensity of the stressor. Two-way ANOVAs (group x time) found significant reductions in stress (p
HiCa: Hierarchical Cache Partitioning for Low-Tail-Latency QoS Over Emergent-Security Enabled Multicore Data Centers Networks

Data center networks are expected to enable massive connectivity for a wide range of applications. The traditional way of providing security services for data center is difficult to support these applications flexibly and effectively, because supporting security services will inevitably result in the additional networking operations and complexities, imposing the extra network end-to-end delay and latency. Consequently, the emergent-secure applications in data center networks have extremely stringent delay-bounded quality of service (QoS) requirements for data processing. To support the latency critical service, current secure data center systems employ cache partitioning techniques to share the last level cache (LLC) and to guarantee the low-tail-latency QoS. However, the conventional way-partitioning scheme can only provide a constrained number of partitions, which cannot satisfy the latency critical applications' requirement. To overcome this difficulty, we propose the HiCa scheme, a hierarchical cache partitioning technique, to significantly mitigate the tail-latency and improve performances of commodity multicore with waypartitioned caches without operating system changes. Our proposed HiCa scheme groups applications into clusters according to their cache behavior compatibility, and then, partitions the entire cache into several layers and assigns each application cluster into one layer. We also derive the ratio of the number of instructions per cycle (IPC) of using our proposed HiCa scheme to evenly partitioning the cache, in the scenarios of all instructions being cached with the same probability and instructions being cached according to accessing probability. The performance evaluation results show that our proposed HiCa scheme can outperform the conventional cache partitioning technique and can efficiently mitigate the tail-latency in multicore.
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Postconcussive Symptom Endorsement: A Parallel Comparison Between Two Nonclinical Cohorts.

INTRODUCTION The prevalence of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is commonly estimated based on indirect metrics such as emergency department visits and self-reporting tools. The study of postconcussive symptoms faces similar challenges because of their unspecific character and indistinct causality. In this article, we compare two nonclinical, epidemiological studies that addressed these two elements and were performed within a relatively narrow period in the state of Colorado. MATERIALS AND METHODS De-identified datasets were obtained from a random digit-dialed survey study conducted by the Craig Hospital and a study surveying soldiers returning from deployment by Defense and Veteran Traumatic Brain Injury Center. Information pertinent to participants' demographics, a history of mTBI, and symptom endorsement was extracted and homogenized in order to establish a parallel comparison between the populations of the two studies. RESULTS From the 1,558 (Warrior Strong, 679; Craig Hospital, 879) records selected for analysis, 43% reported a history of at least one mTBI. The prevalence was significantly higher among individuals from the Defense and Veteran Traumatic Brain Injury Center study independent of gender or race. Repetitive injuries were reported by 15% of the total combined cohort and were more prevalent among males. Symptom endorsement was significantly higher in individuals with a positive history of mTBI, but over 80% of those with a negative history of mTBI endorsed at least one of the symptoms interrogated. Significant differences were observed between the military and the civilian populations in terms of the types and frequencies of the symptoms endorsed. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of mTBI and associated symptoms identified in the two study populations is higher than that of previously reported. This suggests that not all individuals sustaining concussion seek medical care and highlights the limitations of using clinical reports to assess such estimates. The lack of appropriate mechanisms to determine symptom presence and causality remains a challenge. However, the differences observed in symptom reporting between cohorts raise questions about the nature of the symptoms, the impact on the quality of life for different individuals, and the effects on military health and force readiness.
Self-reported quality of life as a predictor of mortality in renal cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND This study evaluated the utility of self-reported quality of life (QOL) metrics in predicting mortality among all-comers with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and externally tested the findings in a registry of patients with small renal masses. METHODS The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare Health Outcomes Survey (SEER-MHOS) captured QOL metrics composed of mental component summary (MCS) and physical component summary (PCS) scores. Regression models assessed associations of MCS and PCS with all-cause, RCC-specific, and non-RCC-specific mortality. Harrell's concordance statistic (the C-index) and the Akaike information criterion (AIC) determined predictive accuracy and parsimony, respectively. Findings were tested in the prospective Delayed Intervention and Surveillance for Small Renal Masses (DISSRM) registry. RESULTS In SEER-MHOS, 1494 patients had a median age of 73.4 years and a median follow-up time of 5.6 years. Each additional MCS and PCS point reduced the hazard of all-cause mortality by 1.3% (95% CI, 0.981-0.993; P < .001) and 2.3% (95% CI, 0.971-0.984; P < .001), respectively. Models with QOL metrics demonstrated higher predictive accuracy (C-index, 72.3% vs 70.1%) and parsimony (AIC, 9376.5 vs 9454.5) than models without QOL metrics. QOL metrics exerted a greater effect on non-RCC-specific mortality than RCC-specific mortality. External testing in the DISSRM registry confirmed these findings with similar results for all-cause mortality. CONCLUSIONS Models with self-reported QOL metrics predicted all-cause mortality in patients with RCC with higher accuracy and parsimony than those without QOL metrics. Physical health was a stronger predictor of mortality than mental health. The findings support the incorporation of QOL metrics into prognostic models and patient counseling for RCC.
Environmental Drivers of Agricultural Productivity Growth: CO 2 Fertilization of US Field Crops

We assess the CO2 fertilization effect on US agriculture using spatially-varying CO2 data from NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 (OCO-2) satellite covering the majority of US cropland under actual growing conditions. This study complements the many CO2 enrichment experiments that have found important interactions between CO2 and local environmental conditions in controlled settings. We use three empirical strategies: (i) a panel of CO2 anomalies and county yields, (ii) a panel of spatial first-differences between neighboring counties, and (iii) a cross-sectional spatial first-difference. We find consistently high fertilization effects: a 1 ppm increase in CO2 equates to a 0.5%, 0.6%, and 0.8% yield increase for corn, soybeans, and wheat, respectively. Viewed retrospectively, 10%, 30%, and 40% of each crop's yield improvements since 1940 are attributable to rising CO2. Institutional subscribers to the NBER working paper series, and residents of developing countries may download this paper without additional charge at www.nber.org.
Individual differences in interpretations of justified and unjustified violence.

This study examines the impact and interaction of individual differences in personality, empathic style, ethical position, and trait violence sensitivity on perceptions of violence in a “justified” or “unjustified” video clip. Undergraduate students (n=229) enrolled in an introductory psychology course participated in an online survey where they were randomly assigned to 1 of 6 groups (Video Order x Justification). As found in previous studies, in general, participants rated the justified clip as less violent, even though both videos depicted the same scene. When rating the unjustified violence, individual differences did not seem to impact severity ratings but when participants were told the violence was justified, those who scored higher in Idealistic ethical position and higher in Violence Sensitivity actually rated it as more violent, which may be a reactive decision. Differences in violence severity ratings for the unjustified video condition were found between Violence Sensitive and Violence Tolerant trait groups only when the Violence Tolerant participants saw the video before taking the individual differences survey. This implies that violence sensitivity may have a set point for an individual, but that the sensitivity is malleable if primed to think about ethics and empathy first. Further implications on the impact of internal individual differences and external cues on a person’s perception of violence are discussed, particularly in regards to criminal justice and violence sensitivity training.