cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Plant and insect fossils at Norwood in south-central Minnesota: A record of late-glacial succession☆

The Norwood site in Sibley Co., Minnesota, contains 1.6 m of silt resting on till and overlain by peat. The base of the peat has been radiocarbon dated at 12,400 ± 60 and the top at 11,200 ± 250 yr B.P. The pollen, plant macrofossils, and insect remains in the basal silt consist of boreal species inhabiting open environments, but not tundra. No modern analogue exists for the insect assemblage, which includes elements of boreal forest, tundra-forest, and western affinities. The transition from an unstable open environment to a stable coniferous forest is reflected by both plant and insect fossils and is interpreted as a successional rather than a climatic event. During this time of significant biologic change, the climate is inferred to have been relatively uniform, with temperatures similar to those presently existing in the boreal forest south of the tundra-forest transition zone. The geologic and ecologic succession at Norwood is generally similar to that presently associated with ice stagnation of the Klutlan Glacier in the Yukon Territory. Localized successional sequences similar to those at Norwood are conceived to have occurred repeatedly during the melting of the Laurentide ice, and thus the proposed model has potentially broad application to the interpretation of late-glacial sequences.
Efficient Versioning for Scientific Array Databases

In this paper, we describe a versioned database storage manager we are developing for the SciDB scientific database. The system is designed to efficiently store and retrieve array-oriented data, exposing a ``no-overwrite'' storage model in which each update creates a new ``version'' of an array. This makes it possible to perform comparisons of versions produced at different times or by different algorithms, and to create complex chains and trees of versions. We present algorithms to efficiently encode these versions, minimizing storage space while still providing efficient access to the data. Additionally, we present an optimal algorithm that, given a long sequence of versions, determines which versions to encode in terms of each other (using delta compression) to minimize total storage space or query execution cost. We compare the performance of these algorithms on real world data sets from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Open Street Maps, and several other sources. We show that our algorithms provide better performance than existing version control systems not optimized for array data, both in terms of storage size and access time, and that our delta-compression algorithms are able to substantially reduce the total storage space when versions exist with a high degree of similarity.
Early and late outcomes of 1000 minimally invasive aortic valve operations

Objective: Minimal access cardiac valve surgery is increasingly utilized. We report our 11-year experience with minimally invasive aortic valve surgery. Methods: From 07/96 to 12/06, 1005 patients underwent minimally invasive aortic valve surgery. Early and late outcomes were analyzed. Results: Median patient age was 68 years (range: 24—95), 179 patients (18%) were 80 years or older, 130 patients (13%) had reoperative aortic valve surgery, 86 (8.4%) had aortic root replacement, 62 (6.1%) had concomitant ascending aortic replacement, and 26 (2.6%) had percutaneous coronary intervention on the day of surgery (hybrid procedure). Operative mortality was 1.9% (19/1005). The incidences of deep sternal wound infection, pneumonia and reoperation for bleeding were 0.5% (5/1005), 1.3% (13/1005) and 2.4% (25/1005), respectively. Median length of stay was 6 days and 733 patients (72%) were discharged home. Actuarial survival was 91% at 5 years and 88% at 10 years. In the subgroup of the elderly (80 years), operative mortality was 1.7% (3/179), median length of stay was 8 days and 66 patients (37%) were discharged home. Actuarial survival at 5 years was 84%. There was a significant decreasing trend in cardiopulmonary bypass time, the incidence of bleeding, and operative mortality over time. Conclusions: Minimal access approaches in aortic valve surgery are safe and feasible with excellent outcomes. Aortic root replacement, ascending aortic replacement, and reoperative surgery can be performed with these approaches. These procedures are particularly well-tolerated in the elderly.
Hyper-responsiveness of aldosterone to metoclopramide in aldosteronism.

SUMMARY Metoclopramide, a dopamine antagonist, stimulates aldosterone secretion in normal man. We studied the response of plasma aldosterone, plasma renin activity, cortisol, sodium, potassium and serum prolactin to a 10-mg intravenous dose of metoclopramide in six dexamethasone suppressed patients with aldosteronism (four with adrenal adenoma, two with bilateral adrenal hyperplasia) and in six dexamethasone suppressed normal male volunteers. All subjects were studied on an ad libitum sodium diet. Patients were supplemented with oral potassium prior to study. Sodium and potassium were not different between groups and did not change following metoclopramide. Cortisol was suppressed to less than 3 pg/dl throughout the study in all subjects. Basal plasma renin activity was significantly lower in the patients as compared with controls (P<O.O5), and did not change in either group following metoclopramide. Basal aldosterone levels were not significantly different in patients as compared with controls, although patients did tend to have higher levels. The incremental and integrated response of aldosterone to metoclopramide in patients was significantly greater than controls (P < 0.01). The percentage increase in aldosterone was greater than controls in five of the six patients. Basal prolactin was higher in the patients than in the controls. All subjects had a significant rise in prolactin to metoclopramide (Px0.05). Five of six patients had an increased response of prolactin when compared to the controls and the four female patients had a significantly greater rise in prolactin as compared to the normals (P< 0.01). These data suggest that increased dopaminergic activity plays a compensatory role in inhibiting aldosterone secretion in patients with aldosteronism. It appears unlikely that a decrease of dopaminergic inhibition is involved in the pathogenesis of aldosteronism due to either adenoma or bilateral hyperplasia.
Isoproterenol- Induced Changes in Cell Cycle Kinetics of Parotid Gland Acinar Cells in 8-Day-Old Rats

Isoproterenol (IPR) was shown to alter some parameters of the parotid gland acinar cell cycle in 8-year-old rats. Although the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) synthetic period (S) was decreased and the pre-DNA synthetic (G1) period was lengthened, there were no differences in the total cycle time. There was an increase in the 3H-thymidine labeling index from 35.7 to 50.8% combined with a decrease in the value of the mitotic index from 2.64 to 2.16% after IPR was administered. The results suggest that non cycling (G0) cells may be involved in the normal differentiation of the parotid gland and that IPR alters the transition of acinar cells between the cycling and noncycling state.
Randomized Phase II Trial of Adjuvant Hepatic Arterial Infusion and Systemic Chemotherapy With or Without Bevacizumab in Patients With Resected Hepatic Metastases From Colorectal Cancer

Purpose Add systemic bevacizumab (Bev) to adjuvant hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) plus systemic therapy after liver resection to increase recurrence-free survival (RFS). Patients and Methods Patients were randomly assigned to HAI plus systemic therapy with or without Bev. If 1-year RFS of ≥ 80% was obtained in Bev arm, then the regimen would be studied further. HAI with fluorodeoxyuridine plus dexamethasone was given on days 1 to 14 of a 5-week cycle. Systemic therapy and Bev 5 mg/kg was delivered on days 15 and 29: oxaliplatin 85 mg/m2, leucovorin 400 mg/m2, and fluorouracil 2,000 mg/m2 infusion for 2 days (if patients received prior oxaliplatin, then irinotecan 150 mg/m2 was used). RFS and survival were estimated by using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by using the log-rank test. Results The two arms had similar characteristics: synchronous disease (66% v 63%), more than one metastasis (84% v 74%), and clinical risk score ≥ 3 (50% v 46%) for no Bev versus Bev arms, respectively. With a median fol...
Earnings Surprise, Market Efficiency, and Expectations

The examination of both the analysts' consensus and simple forecast models over a single sample provides a better understanding of the link between unexpected earnings and security prices. Analysts' attention is found to reduce the value of the annual earnings announcement to the investor. This suggests that the earnings announcement of firms not followed by analysts contains more information relative to those firms followed by analysts. Further, the examination of the market response to the annual earnings announcement, with respect to either model, fails to detect the pricing anomaly observed in many previous studies.
Network reliability under geographically correlated line and disk failure models

Optical fiber networks consist of fibers that are laid out along physical terrestrial paths. As such, they are vulnerable to geographical physical failures, such as earthquakes and Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) attacks. Moreover, such disasters can lead to multiple, geographically correlated, failures on the fiber network. Thus, the geographical layout of the fiber infrastructure has a critical impact on the robustness of the network in the face of such geographical physical failures.In this paper, we develop tools to analyze network connectivity after a 'random' geographic disaster. The random location of the disaster allows us to model situations where the physical failures are not targeted attacks. In particular, we consider disasters that take the form of a 'randomly' located disk or line in a plane. Using results from geometric probability, we are able to calculate certain network performance metrics to such a disaster in polynomial time. In particular, we can evaluate average two-terminal reliability in polynomial time under both 'random' failure models. This is in contrast to the case of independent link failures for which there exists no known polynomial time algorithm to calculate this reliability metric. Finally, we present numerical results that make clear geographically correlated failures are fundamentally different from independent failures. Our novel approach provides a promising new direction for modeling and designing networks to lessen the effects of geographically correlated failures.
Der Calvin-Zyklus und der Pentosephosphatweg

Die Photosynthese verlauft in zwei Abschnitten: der Lichtreaktion und der Dunkelreaktion. Die Lichtreaktion haben wir in Kapitel 19 betrachtet; sie wandelt Lichtenergie in ATP und Reduktionsaquivalente fur Biosynthesen, namlich NADPH, um. Die Dunkelreaktion benotigt das wahrend der Lichtreaktion hergestellte ATP und NADPH, um Kohlenstoffatome vom vollstandig oxidierten Zustand im Kohlendioxid zum hoher reduzierten Zustand in einer Hexose zu uberfuhren. Kohlendioxid wird dabei in einer Form fixiert, die fur viele Prozesse benotigt wird, vor allem aber als Brennstoff. Durch die Zusammenarbeit von Licht- und Dunkelreaktion der Photosynthese wird Lichtenergie in Kohlenstoffverbindungen umgewandelt, die als Brennstoffe dienen. Die Dunkelreaktion wird nach dem Biochemiker Melvin Calvin, der diesen Weg aufklarte, auch Calvin-Zyklus genannt. Die Vorgange des Calvin-Zyklus nennt man Dunkelreaktion, da sie im Gegensatz zu der Lichtreaktion nicht direkt vom Licht abhangen.
Recruitment of asthmatic ethnic minorities into a methacholine research study: factors influencing participation.

Background How to recruit minority participants into research studies has been an issue since 1993, when NIH funding guidelines required minorities to be included as research participants. Objective The purpose of this analysis was to determine what factors affected recruitment of asthmatic minorities into a large bronchoconstrictor study involving African-Americans, Hispanics/Mexican Americans, Asian/Pacific Islanders, and whites with mild asthma (forced expiratory volume in the first second of expiration > 70%). Methods Ethnic minorities were recruited for 3 years. Recruitment strategies included physician and clinic referrals, newspaper ads, posters in health care settings, asthma databases, and electronic resources. Findings: After 3 years, the total number of referrals was 650, with 50 from medical doctor clinic settings and 600 from all of the other resources. The inclusion/exclusion criteria were clearly listed, but only 64.5% (419/650) of respondents met inclusion criteria. Of these, only 31.9% (34/419) met pulmonary function testing criteria. Only 5, or 1% of the 50 medical doctor clinic referrals met inclusion criteria—1 participated. A total of 106, or 82.8%, completed all of the study procedures; for 87.7% of participants this was their first research experience. Hispanics/Mexican Americans accounted for only 14.8% of the total recruitment responses. Conclusion We believe our recruitment strategies did encourage ethnic minorities to participate, but the inclusion criteria of a positive methacholine response proved to be a study enrollment barrier.
Service-Oriented Network Virtualization for Composition of Cloud Computing and Networking

C omputer networks play a crucial role in Cloud service provisioning and network Quality of Service (QoS) has a significant impact on Cloud service performance. Therefore networking and Clouding computing systems should be modeled and analyzed as a composite service provisioning system in order to obtain thorough understanding about the user's perception of Cloud service performance. Network virtualization is one of the latest developments in the networking area, which de-couples networking services from network infrastructures. The Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) serves as a key enabler in both network virtualization and Cloud computing; thus offering a promising basis for network and Cloud composition. The research work presented in this article investigates application of SOA in network virtualization for composing network and Cloud services, and develops modeling and analyzes techniques for evaluating performance of composite network--Cloud service provisioning. This article proposes a SOA-based network virtualization paradigm, describes a service-oriented framework for composing network and Cloud services, proposes a new approach to modeling service capabilities of composite network--Cloud service provisioning systems, and develops analysis techniques for determining the performance that can be offered by composite network-Cloud services to their end users.
Slip Potential for Commonly Used Inclined Grated Metal Walkways

OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONSGrated walkway materials are used to discourage accumulation of debris in environments where spillage is likely. Several types of grated walkway materials exist and the choice of walkway material impacts the likelihood of a slip event. In this research, the normalized coefficients of friction were examined for three commonly used grated metal walkways at 0°, 5°, 10°, 15°, and 20°, during both contaminated and dry conditions, and for uphill and downhill walking. Slips were found to occur at inclines as low as 10° from the horizontal, with a high proportion of slips occurring at 20° in the contaminated conditions. The fewest slips occurred during trials for the diamond weave grating. As such, the authors suggest that this grating is preferable for preventing slips, compared to serrated bar or perforated gratings similar to those examined here.TECHNICAL ABSTRACT Background: No specific guidelines or regulations are provided by the Mine Safety and Health Administration for the use of ...
Polyethylene glycol fusion repair prevents reinnervation accuracy in rat peripheral nerve

Functional recovery following a peripheral nerve injury is made easier when regenerating axons correctly reinnervate their original targets. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) has recently been used in attempts to fuse severed peripheral axons during suture-based repair, but an analysis of target selectivity following such repair has not been undertaken. The rat femoral nerve (in which muscle and cutaneous pathways comingle proximally but segregate distally into separate terminal nerve branches) is a convenient in vivo model for assessing motor neuron regeneration accuracy. The present study uses retrograde labeling of motor neurons to compare reinnervation accuracy after suture-based nerve repair with and without PEG fusion. The results show that adding PEG to the suture repair site blocked the preference of motor neurons to reinnervate correctly the distal terminal nerve branch to muscle that was seen with suture repair. Retrograde transport and diffusion studies also determined that PEG fusion allowed passage of probes across the repair site, as has previously been seen, but did not result in motor neuron labeling in the spinal cord. The results suggest that PEG fusion disrupts the beneficial trophic influence of muscle on motor neuron reinnervation accuracy normally seen after suture repair and that such fusion-based approaches may be best suited to nerve injuries in which accurate target reinnervation at the terminal nerve branch level is not a priority. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Weedy West: Mobile Nature, Boundaries, and Common Space in the Montana Landscape

The movement of weeds across human boundaries, and collective responses to that movement, created a common geographic space in which people adjusted parceled land to the exigencies of transboundary ecology. Examining the weed commons in Montana illuminates a shift in the 1930s toward the cooperative management of rural western landscape.
A mechanism for ice roughness formation on an airfoil leading edge, contributing to glaze ice accretion

A new viscous-inviscid interaction triple-deck structure is developed to describe the thermo-mechanical interaction of an air boundary layer with ice sheets and liquid films. Linear stability results are compared with nonlinear triple-deck computations, and a number of nonlinear simulations of liquid film and ice-water-air interactions are presented. A novel broad-band surface icing instability is encountered in regimes with simultaneous wall and air cooling. This instability is believed to admit small scale and highly irregular surface roughness. It is also found in all cases computed in this study that the ice roughness quickly ruptures the liquid film, leading to the early creation of water beads.
Timeline of History of Hypertension Treatment

It is surprising that only about 50 years ago hypertension was considered an essential malady and not a treatable condition. Introduction of thiazide diuretics in late 50’s made some headway in successful treatment of hypertension and ambitious multicenter VA co-operative study (phase 1 and 2 ) started in 1964 for diastolic hypertension ranging between 90 to 129 mmHg and completed by 1971 established for the first time that treating diastolic hypertension reduced CV events like stroke and heart failure and improved mortality. In the following decade these results were confirmed for the wider US and Non-US population, including women and goal oriented BP treatment to diastolic 90 became the standard therapy recommendation. But isolated systolic hypertension (accounting for two thirds of the 70 million hypertensive population in USA alone )was not considered treatable until 1991 when SHEP study (systolic hypertension in elderly program ) was completed and showed tremendous benefits of treating systolic BP over 160 mmHg using only a simple regimen using small dose Chlorthalidone with addition of Atenolol if needed. In the next 2 decades ALLHAT and other studies examined the comparability of outcomes with use of different classes and combinations of antihypertensive drugs. While diastolic BP goal was established as 90 in late 70’s and later confirmed by HOT study, the goal BP for systolic hypertension was not settled until very recently with completion of SPRINT study. ACCORD study showed no significant difference in outcome with sys 140 vs 120 in diabetics . But recently completed SPRINT study with somewhat similar protocol as in ACCORD but in nondiabetic, showed almost one quarter reduction in all-cause mortality and one-third reduction of CV events with systolic BP goal 120.
Excited-state hydroxide ion transfer from a model xanthenol photobase.

This article reports a study of excited-state hydroxide ion release from a model xanthenol photobase, XanOH. The driving force for the reaction was tuned using solvent mixtures with varying water/acetonitrile ratios, and the kinetics of the reaction was monitored using ultrafast pump–probe spectroscopy. The intrinsic barrier for the heterolysis was evaluated using Marcus and bond-energy bond-order (BEBO) models. The obtained value (ΔGo# = 10.17–10.80 kcal/mol) is significantly higher than the intrinsic barriers found for the proton release from previously studied photoacids. These results were discussed in terms of the difference in structures of solvated H+ and OH– ions.
Analysis of OPGW performance against lighting strike

The article analyzes the basic lightning currents:impulse current and long duration continuing current, and their different damage on OPGW.The author thinks that long duration of lightning continuing current is the main reason of OPGW melting and breakage,and the lightning charge is the most important parameter.On base of test results,factors that lightning strikes damage the OPGW cables are discussed
Detection of sialic acid on cultured cells by binding of a lectin from Limax flavus.

(J. Am. Soc. Nephrol. 1992; 3:113-1 15) washed gently in PBS and solubibized in 1 mL/wehl of 0. 1 % sodium dodecyb sulfate (BioRad, Richmond, CA), and the radioactivity was estimated with a gamma counter (LKB-Bnomma, Sweden). To study the effects of fixation, the lectin binding was measured In cells fixed in 95% ethanol. Because the fixed cells could not be solubihizcd completely in sodium dodecyl sulfate, the cell layers were scraped by cotton tips and the tips were counted.
The Role of Managed Care in Improving Outcomes in Epilepsy

The burden of epilepsy for patients and payers is large and onerous. The heterogeneous nature of the condition and the lack of diagnostic or treatment biomarkers present considerable clinical challenge. Despite expansion of the treatment armamentarium, selection of maximally appropriate therapy for individual patients remains a challenge, especially in those with treatment-refractory epilepsy. While numerous factors play a role in resolving these uncertainties, 3 key factors stand out. An overwhelming quantity of clinical data support the notion that the most effective therapies-measured by the ability to control seizures while minimizing adverse effects-are typically the most cost-effective. A second consideration is maximizing adherence to prescribed therapies, which has been an ongoing dilemma in the treatment of epilepsy because the condition occurs episodically. Poor adherence has a profound effect on treatment and costs, and several strategies for improving adherence have been identified. If properly observed, these can improve outcomes and lower expenditures. The third consideration is the monitoring of therapeutic response. This is essentially through ongoing care by the prescriber with careful assessment of seizures, patient satisfaction with treatment, dose-related adverse effects, and the subjective aspects of idiosyncratic toxicity; however, laboratory testing can also have a role. The resources needed to provide this monitoring vary across treatments. From a systemic point of view, engagement of all stakeholders-patients, payers, and physicians-in overseeing the effective and efficient use of healthcare resources will benefit all parties involved.
The Effect of Dietary Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Alcohol on Neurotransmitter Levels in Rat Brain.

A novel animal model of alcoholism is presented which includes the features of chronic alcohol exposure, repeated withdrawal and a diet limited in essential fatty acids. The model was used to study...
Design optimization of a layered boron based solid state neutron spectrometer

The high thermal neutron capture cross section of boron provides a unique opportunity for the construction of solid state neutron detectors with application to the identification of nuclear fuels and non-proliferation activities. The ionization resulting from the neutron capture products, 10B+n→7Li+α, is deposited within a short range of the initial interaction, thus allowing the location of the capture event to be determined. Construction of a system consisting of alternating layers of thin sensitive detector and moderating materials in a geometrically regular shape that allows coordinate dependence of neutron thermalization to be determined results in a novel solid state neutron spectrometer. A GEANT4 model has been developed to study neutron thermalization as a function of detector geometry, neutron moderation materials, and radial sensitivity. The simulation results indicate that a unique relationship exists between the incident neutron energy and the statistical pattern of energy deposition. This allows the geometrical configuration and moderator identity to be tuned to match the neutron energy spectrum of interest. The detector response is found empirically to match the shape of the Fisher statistic distribution allowing the incident neutron spectrum to be extracted without unfolding. Furthermore, the pattern of energy deposition is strongly dependent on the direction of incidence of the neutrons. Ultimately, this instrument can be used to spectroscopically differentiate localized neutron sources from a cosmic background.
Exercise Training Induced Regulation of Muscle Mitochondrial Dynamics

IntroductionExercise training is a potent stimulator of muscle oxidative metabolism, which is tightly coupled to mitochondrial biogenesis, dynamics, and mitophagy. Mitochondrial dynamics involves t...
Pearls & Oy-sters: Frontal lobe epilepsy presenting as complex stereotyped movements.

A 14-year-old boy presented to the University of Rochester Pediatric Movement Disorder clinic for abnormal movements of 1 year’s duration. He was referred to the Movement Disorder clinic for evaluation of complex tics. His movements were stereotyped and often preceded by a blank stare, sometimes associated with a “guttural sound.” He also reported having a “numb” sensation prior to the movements. He denied volitional control of the movements or ability to suppress them. He reported movements only occurring during the day although parents recalled a period of nightly episodes witnessed while sharing a hotel room with him. They occurred both at home and at school. His abnormal movement episodes were about 10–15 seconds in duration and followed by immediate return to normal activities (see video at [Neurology.org][1]). At the time of our evaluation, he was having over 10 episodes a day. [1]: http://neurology.org/lookup/doi/10.1212/WNL.0000000000004339
Animals in Healthcare Settings

Animals may be present in healthcare facilities for multiple reasons. Although specific laws regarding the use of service animals in public facilities were established in the United States in 1990, the widespread presence of animals in hospitals, including service animals, animals used to assist in patient therapy, and research animals, has resulted in the increased presence of animals in acute care hospitals and ambulatory medical settings. The role of animals in the transmission of zoonotic pathogens and cross-transmission of human pathogens in these settings remains poorly studied. Until more definitive information is available, healthcare facilities should establish policies and procedures to prioritize patient and healthcare provider safety and to use standard infection prevention and control measures to prevent animal-to-human transmission in healthcare settings. This paper is based on recently published consensus recommendations from a panel of experts, representing the Society of Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA), regarding the management of animals in healthcare (AHC) (Murthy R, Bearman G, Brown S, Bryant K, Chinn R, Hewlett A et al, Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 36:495–516, 2015). However, this paper aims to review the controversies related to animals in healthcare with respect to infection prevention, identify potential steps for mitigation of risks and areas for future study, and provide updated information where available; any opinions noted beyond the consensus SHEA guidance document reflect the opinions of only the authors of this document.
Generalized Tonic Clonic Seizures Are Associated with Cerebral Tissue Hypoxemia (S08.007)

OBJECTIVE: 1) To evaluate the feasibility of non-invasive peri-ictal measurement of cerebral tissue oxygenation; and 2) determine whether greater peri-ictal cerebral hypoxemia is associated with higher sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) risk. BACKGROUND: It has been hypothesized that peri-ictal hypoxemia may contribute to SUDEP. Digital pulse oximetry does not directly measure oxygenation of cerebral tissues. The use of cerebral tissue oximetry in patients experiencing seizures has not been previously explored. DESIGN/METHODS: Patients with histories of generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS) were prospectively recruited. All subjects were evaluated with continuous 30-channel scalp EEG and transcutaneous regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) sensors placed on each side of the forehead. Data from the rSO2 sensors were recorded every 4 seconds by a Nonin Equanox Model 7600 Regional Oximeter (Nonin, Plymouth, MN, U.S.A.). Minimum rSO2 values in the 5 minutes preceding EEG seizure onset, during the seizure, and in the 5 minutes following EEG seizure offset were recorded. SUDEP risk was assessed by using the SUDEP-7 Inventory. RESULTS: Six patients underwent rSO2 monitoring. Ten seizures were recorded. Of the 9 seizures with useable rSO2 measurements, 6 were GTCS. GTCS were associated with significantly lower minimum ictal (54.2+/-12.8% versus 70.83+/-8.3%, Paired-Samples T-Test p=0.003) and post-ictal %rSO2 values (50.8+/-14.5% versus 70.8+/-8.3%, Paired-Samples T-Test p=0.004) than the minimum pre-ictal measurements. There was a trend towards higher SUDEP-7 Inventory scores in patients with at least one seizure with a profound %rSO2 decrease (mean SUDEP-7 Inventory score 7+/-2.8) versus patients without a seizure with a profound %rSO2 decrease (4.3+/-0.5, Mann-Whitney U Test p=0.08). CONCLUSIONS: Cerebral oximetry is feasible in monitored patients with seizures, including GTCS. Significant peri-ictal decreases in cerebral tissue oxygenation are observed with GTCS. Larger studies are needed to determine the value of cerebral oximetry in the identification of patients at risk of SUDEP. Supported by: This study was sponsored by discretionary funding made available by the Mayo Clinic Department of Neurology Research Committee. The regional cerebral oximeter was provided at no cost by Nonin Medical, Inc. Disclosure: Dr. Moseley has nothing to disclose. Dr. Britton has nothing to disclose. Dr. Nelson has nothing to disclose. Dr. Lee has nothing to disclose. Dr. So has nothing to disclose.
A Case for Antifungal Stewardship

The expanding utilization of limited available antifungal agents has led to a pressing need to implement interventions to ensure appropriate usage. The global emergence of resistant, difficult-to-treat invasive fungal infections among the most vulnerable patient populations is a call to action to develop a multifaceted antifungal stewardship approach. Candida species demonstrating multi-drug resistance, including highly resistant Candida auris, are emerging threats. Azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus, likely initially originating in the environment, likewise presents a treatment challenge. Routine empiric and prophylactic antifungal use, though effective, further complicates this issue, with the emergence of breakthrough mold infections. Early evidence supports success with antifungal stewardship programs. Broad antifungal stewardship approaches that optimize antifungal drug usage, facilitate provider education, and monitor fungal epidemiology are crucial steps to preserve the antifungal armamentarium. Future development of novel diagnostic and treatment strategies will further facilitate management of invasive fungal infections.
Incidence and predictors of mortality following major urologic cancer surgery.

435Background: Mortality following major urologic cancer surgery is a significant outcome to patients and providers. We utilized a population based cohort to test the hypothesis that the nature and number of perioperative complications impact the probability of mortality in major urologic surgery. Methods: Using the Premier Hospital Database we identified patients that underwent major urologic cancer surgery: radical prostatectomy (RP), radical nephrectomy (RN), or radical cystectomy (RC). Ninety-day complications were captured using ICD9 codes and complications were categorized according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Clinical Classification categories. The primary outcome was predicted probability of perioperative morality. Adjusted regression models were used and analyses were survey weighted. Models were adjusted for patient, hospital, and surgery characteristics, and we examined the predicted probability of mortality in three scenarios (no complication, index complication, or readm...
Violence and vigilance in Nahua communities of seventeenth-century central Mexico

AbstractWhile historians have long studied the institutional dimensions of crime and punishment, this article examines the informal, extra-legal efforts of Nahuas and other residents of central Mexican communities to contend with violence and resolve conflicts. Residents of Nahua communities could not rely entirely on the authorities for protection and justice; rather, by being vigilant and taking matters into their own hands, they played a vital but underappreciated role in policing their communities, dealing with disorder, and preserving the peace. As such, they shouldered some of the law enforcement functions of the state apparatus. At times, their contributions could prove indispensable to the administration of justice. Their efforts not only helped to maintain public order and protect one another but they also tell us much about perceptions of acceptable behavior as well as notions of civic responsibility and, by extension, community membership and social solidarity.
Promoting innovation: Enhancing transdisciplinary opportunities for medical and engineering students.

Purpose: Addressing current healthcare challenges requires innovation and collaboration. Current literature provides limited guidance in promoting these skills in medical school. One approach invol...
A politics of infinite deferral

Geoff Mann’s In the Long Run We Are All Dead is a nuanced reconsideration of the dynamics at the heart of the Keynesian project. Keynes’ intervention is frequently cast as a self-assured campaign t...
Three-Dimensional Lattice Boltzmann Simulations of Single-Phase Permeability in Random Fractal Porous Media with Rough Pore–Solid Interface

Single-phase permeability k has intensively been investigated over the past several decades by means of experiments, theories and simulations. Although the effect of surface roughness on fluid flow and permeability in single pores and fractures as well as networks of fractures was studied previously, its influence on permeability in a random mass fractal porous medium constructed of pores of different sizes remained as an open question. In this study, we, therefore, address the effect of pore–solid interface roughness on single-phase flow in random fractal porous media. For this purpose, we apply a mass fractal model to construct porous media with a priori known mass fractal dimensions $$2.579 \le D_{\mathrm{m}} \le 2.893$$ characterizing both solid matrix and pore space. The pore–solid interface of the media is accordingly roughened using the Weierstrass–Mandelbrot approach and two parameters, i.e., surface fractal dimension $$D_{\mathrm{s}}$$ and root-mean-square (rms) roughness height. A single-relaxation-time lattice Boltzmann method is applied to simulate single-phase permeability in the corresponding porous media. Results indicate that permeability decreases sharply with increasing $$D_{\mathrm{s}}$$ from 1 to 1.1 regardless of $$D_{\mathrm{m}}$$ value, while k may slightly increase or decrease, depending on $$D_{\mathrm{m}}$$ , as $$D_{\mathrm{s}}$$ increases from 1.1 to 1.6.
Improving Chronic Disease Self-Management by Older Home Health Patients through Community Health Coaching.

The purpose of the study was to pilot test a model to reduce hospital readmissions and emergency department use of rural, older adults with chronic diseases discharged from home health services (HHS) through the use of volunteers. The study’s priority population consistently experiences poorer health outcomes than their urban counterparts due in part to lower socioeconomic status, reduced access to health services, and incidence of chronic diseases. When they are hospitalized for complications due to poorly managed chronic diseases, they are frequently readmitted for the same conditions. This pilot study examines the use of volunteer community members who were trained as Health Coaches to mentor discharged HHS patients in following the self-care plan developed by their HHS RN; improving chronic disease self-management behaviors; reducing risk of falls, pneumonia, and flu; and accessing community resources. Program participants increased their ability to monitor and track their chronic health conditions, make positive lifestyle changes, and reduce incidents of falls, pneumonia and flu. Although differences in the ED and hospital admission rates after discharge from HHS between the treatment and comparison group (matched for gender, age, and chronic condition) were not statistically significant, the treatment group’s rate was less than the comparison group thus suggesting a promising impact of the HC program (90 day: 263 comparison vs. 129 treatment; p = 0.65; 180 day 666.67 vs. 290.32; p = 0.19). The community health coach model offers a potential approach for improving the ability of discharged older home health patients to manage chronic conditions and ultimately reduce emergent care.
Iron-Catalyzed Direct Olefin Diazidation via Peroxyester Activation Promoted by Nitrogen-Based Ligands.

We herein report an iron-catalyzed direct diazidation method via activation of bench-stable peroxyesters promoted by nitrogen-based ligands. This method is effective for a broad range of olefins and N-heterocycles, including those that are difficult substrates for the existing olefin diamination and diazidation methods. Notably, nearly a stoichiometric amount of oxidant and TMSN3 are sufficient for high-yielding diazidation for most substrates. Preliminary mechanistic studies elucidated the similarities and differences between this method and the benziodoxole-based olefin diazidation method previously developed by us. This method effectively addresses the limitations of the existing olefin diazidation methods. Most notably, previously problematic nonproductive oxidant decomposition can be minimized. Furthermore, X-ray crystallographic studies suggest that an iron–azide–ligand complex can be generated in situ from an iron acetate precatalyst and that it may facilitate peroxyester activation and the rate-de...
FRACTIONATION OF NATURAL KILLER CELLS ON TARGET CELL MONOLAYERS

Publisher Summary This chapter examines fractionation of natural killer (NK) cells on target cell monolayers. NK cells can lyse a variety of target cells, including virally infected and uninfected tumor lines, but the mechanisms by which NK cells recognize these different target cells are not understood. Fractionation on SV-Hep2 monolayers effectively separated peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) into populations depleted of or enriched for NK activity. It was found that when tested either on the day of fractionation or after overnight incubation, PBL nonadherent to SV-Hep2 cells showed depleted NK activity against SV-Hep2, K562, and HSB targets. The adherent fractions were enriched relative to control cells for NK activity against all three target cells when tested on day 1 and showed intermediate activity on day 0. Incubation of PBL on uninfected Hep2 monolayers did not generate fractions enriched in or depleted of NK activity. Results similar to those with SV-Hep2 monolayers were found when PBL were fractionated on HSB monolayers. It was observed that specifically, nonadherent cells were depleted of NK activity, and adherent cells were enriched for NK activity relative to control populations when they were tested on day 1.
Endogenous Microbiota of the Genitourinary Tract

Abstract Our understanding of the endogenous microbiota of the human genitourinary tract has greatly expanded over the last 10 years. Using high-throughput sequencing technology, the vaginal microbiota of hundreds of women have been characterized. These data show that the vaginal microbiota form three major groups: One is dominated by Lactobacillus crispatus and a second is dominated by Lactobacillus iners. Most of the women with the microbiota would be regarded clinically as normal. The third group is not dominated by any one bacterial taxon and is much more diverse than the other two. This “diverse” group is much more likely to be associated with the inflammatory clinical condition, bacterial vaginosis. Within the diverse group there appear to be a few consistently reported subgroups with distinctive microbiota that could have differing clinical significance for the host. Less is known of the male genitourinary microbiota. However, it is clear that circumcision has an important effect on penile skin microbiota, and early evidence suggests that penile skin also better reflects sex partner vaginal microbiota than does the urethra.
Universal Service in Competitive Retail Electric Power Markets: Whither the Duty to Serve?

During the twentieth century, the privately-owned electric utility was regulated as a natural monopoly. Under the natural monopoly paradigm, a vertically-integrated electric utility provides generation, transmission, and distribution services under the rubric of a single firm serving a geographic service territory. While it is allowed to operate as a monopolist, this firm also has certain responsibilities: it submits to price regulation and assumes obligations to extend service to all customers within its geographic service territory and to continue providing service, once service has commenced. With the advent of deregulation, it is assumed that markets will largely displace price regulation, but little discussion focuses on the implications of deregulation for utility service obligations in the electricity industry. Today, electric utilities' extraordinary service obligations - often collectively referred to as the duty to serve - face their largest challenge ever. Can vigorous retail competition of the type public utility deregulation envisions coexist with extraordinary obligations to serve customers? If so, at what costs? Who will bear these costs? These questions are central to an emerging law and economic analysis known as the jurisprudence of networks, of paramount importance as regulators and courts implement competition in traditional public utility industries, including electricity, where the natural monopoly model is being abandoned or reformed. After summarizing how the duty to serve was implemented in the electricity industry under natural monopoly regulation, this article addresses whether traditional service obligations can coexist with retail competition. A rationale often given for universal service obligations in the telecommunications industry is that universal service, by promoting interconnectivity, enhances network system benefits for all customers. While the network economies argument may have worked to sustain universal service in the face of telecommunications deregulation, it is tenuous when applied to the natural gas and electricity industries. Many reformers look askance at the duty to serve in competitive retail utility service markets, often pointing to conflict between retail competition in electricity and the duty to serve. This article argues, however, that application of extraordinary service obligations to distribution companies in a competitive retail framework can coexist with improved efficiency in retail power markets, although the abandonment of the natural monopoly framework challenges regulators to articulate new rationale for service obligations and to devise new ways of paying for them.
Dissecting energy level renormalization and polarizability enhancement of molecules at surfaces with subsystem TDDFT

Molecules in the vicinity of extended systems, such as metal surfaces, behave in peculiar ways. Their energy levels are broadened, and their molecular properties are so profoundly enhanced that they hardly resemble the ones of the isolated molecule. This is due to dynamical interactions (i.e., interactions that couple excited electronic states) between the molecular, finite system and the extended, infinite system. Since the early days of quantum mechanics, Fermi golden rule has been employed to explain some of the dynamical interactions (such as the broadening of the energy levels). However, a fully quantum-mechanical and ab initio model of these systems remains elusive, in most part due to the computational complexity entailed in the simulations. In this work, we present subsystem time-dependent DFT (TDDFT) simulations of water and benzene molecules as they interact with surfaces of MoS2 monolayer and Au(111). A many-body expansion of the supersystem response function in terms of molecule and surface responses allows us to dissect and describe the dynamical interactions. Not only do we compute and clearly identify terms related to dissipation, broadening, and peak shift, but we also provide a connection between subsystem TDDFT and Fermi golden rule. This work sets the stage for subsystem TDDFT simulations of interfaces relevant to energy materials and nonadiabatic dynamics at such interfaces.
Feature analysis of encrypted malicious traffic

Abstract In recent years there has been a dramatic increase in the number of malware attacks that use encrypted HTTP traffic for self-propagation or communication. Antivirus software and firewalls typically will not have access to encryption keys, and therefore direct detection of malicious encrypted data is unlikely to succeed. However, previous work has shown that traffic analysis can provide indications of malicious intent, even in cases where the underlying data remains encrypted. In this paper, we apply three machine learning techniques to the problem of distinguishing malicious encrypted HTTP traffic from benign encrypted traffic and obtain results comparable to previous work. We then consider the problem of feature analysis in some detail. Previous work has often relied on human expertise to determine the most useful and informative features in this problem domain. We demonstrate that such feature-related information can be obtained directly from machine learning models themselves. We argue that such a machine learning based approach to feature analysis is preferable, as it is more reliable, and we can, for example, uncover relatively unintuitive interactions between features.