cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An experimental and clinical evaluation of a novel central venous catheter with integrated oximetry for pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: Central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO 2 ) accurately reflects cardiocirculatory function, but is not always feasible in pediatric patients. Using an experimental and clinical approach, we determined the accuracy of a novel pediatric central venous catheter with integrated fiberoptic oximetry, correlated ScvO 2 to periprocedural vital variables, and tested its feasibility in pediatric cardiac surgery patients. METHODS: In five anesthetized pigs, hemodynamics (cardiac index [CI], heart rate; mean arterial blood [MAP]; mean pulmonary artery [MPAP], central venous pressure [CVP]), fiberoptic ScvO 2 (ScvO 2-cath ), and blood gas oximetry (ScvO 2 _ blood ) were measured during stable baseline conditions, preload reduction (caval occlusion), and dopamine infusion (5 mcg · kg -1 · min -1 ). In 16 pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery (median age 8.4 mo; weight 8.0 kg), central venous oximetry catheters were placed percutaneously, and ScvO 2-cath and hemodynamics recorded at several time-points during and until 24 h after surgery. Oximetry and hemodynamic data were compared by correlation (Pr) and the Bland-Altman analysis. RESULTS: There were no catheter-related complications. ScvO 2-cath and ScvO 2-blood measurements correlated significantly (P < 0.001) in both the experimental (Pr = 0.96) and clinical protocol (Pr = 0.94). A similar bias and precision over all time-points was detected in both protocols (Exp-bias: +0.03% ± 4.11%; Clinical-bias: -0.03% ± 4.41%). ScvO 2-Cath correlated (P < 0.001) with CI (Pr = 0.87), MAP (Pr = 0.59), MPAP (Pr = 0.44), and CVP (Pr = 0.38) and estimated CI better than MAP (Pr = 0.61), MPAP (Pr = 0.38), CVP (Pr = 0.35), or heart rate (Pr = 0.25). CONCLUSION: Integrated central venous oximetry catheters provide accurate continuous ScvO 2 monitoring in pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery. ScvO 2 fiberoptic oximetry correlates better with changes in CI as compared to routine hemodynamic variables.
What You Don't Know Can Hurt You: Factors Impacting Diagnosis in the Automated Cockpit

Objective: We examined the impact of operational variables on diagnosis and decision-making processes, focusing on information search. Background: Arguably, the “best” decision-making processes in ...
Monolayer instability: An upper bound for the wetting and nonwetting of a substrate by a solid monolayer.

Continuum mechanics and computer simulations are used to study the elastic stability of solid monolayers. We observe microscopically the upper limits of the ratio of adsorption to cohesive energies that allow for the wetting of the substrate by a solid monolayer using molecular dynamics. Also, structural instabilities are found analytically in nonlinear elastic continuum models by solving the nonlinear von K\'arm\'an equations for a thin circular system (an adsorbed island) undergoing planar compression. The instability occurs as a bifurcation at the first eigenvalue. A series of simulations over a range of adsorbate energies versus temperature demonstrates the existence of a stability boundary.
Palladium and platinum phosphochalcogenides—Synthesis and properties

Abstract Three new PdPyS2−y (0 P 3 m1 ) was also obtained at autogenous pressure. The crystal structure of this semiconductor was solved by refinement of X-ray powder intensity data using trial and error methods. Reactivity was much lower in the related Pt systems and only substitution of small amounts of S for P in pyrite-type PtP2 was observed.
1 H NMR Spectral Simplification with Achiral and Chiral Lanthanide Shift Reagents. Part II: Ethosuximide, 3-Ethyl-3-Methyl-2,5-Pyrrolidinedione, and Comparisons with Analogs

The 60 MHz 1H NMR spectra of racemic ethosuximide, 1, have been studied in detail with the achiral shift reagent, tris(6,6,7,7,8,8,8-heptafluoro-2,2-dimethyl-3,5-octanedionato)europium(III), 2, and the chiral tris(3-trifluoromethylhydroxymethylene)-d-camphorato]europium(III), 3. Enantiomeric shift differences, ΔΔδ, were clearly observed for the CH3 of the ethyl group of 1 at molar ratios of 3:1 as low as 0.0385, with ΔΔδ values of about 12 Hz seen at a 3:1 ratio of 0.340 for CDCl3 solutions at 28°, 0.634 molal in 1. Smaller ΔΔδ values were also seen for the quaternary methyl and for one of the hydrogens at C-4. Parallel studies with 2 were performed to support assignments. Results are compared with a group of important drugs that are structurally related, including ethotoin, mephenytoin, glutethimide, methsuximide, phensuximide, and paramethadione, in terms of steric and basicity effects. Correlations of both lanthanide-induced shift (Δδ) and ΔΔδ could generally be made from simple electronic considerations related to infrared carbonyl stretching frequencies. Of the 28 sets of Δδ values assigned for the substrates, 3 gave significantly larger values than 2 in only two cases.
Ab initio study of the thermal isomerization of tricyclo[3.1.0.0(2,6)]hexane to (Z,Z)-1,3-cyclohexadiene through the (E,Z)-1,3-cyclohexadiene intermediate

The isomerization of tricyclo[3.1.0.02,6]hexane to 1,3-cyclohexadiene was studied using ab initio calculations at the multiconfiguration and single-configuration levels of theory. Single-point energy calculations were also performed using the MCQDPT2 and CCSD(T) methods. The isomerization process was found to proceed through an (E,Z)-1,3-cyclohexadiene intermediate following a concerted, asynchronous pathway characterized as a conrotatory ring opening of the bicyclobutane moiety. The second step involves rotation about the trans double bond resulting in the (Z,Z)-1,3-cyclohexadiene product. The rate determining step is the first one, with an activation barrier of about 43 kcal mol-1. The activation barrier of the second step was found to be only 3 kcal mol-1. A second concerted pathway was found leading directly to (Z,Z)-1,3-cyclohexadiene but with an activation barrier of 54 kcal mol-1. A multiconfiguration based wave function is necessary to properly describe the potential energy surface of the reaction.
Grammatical contingencies in word association

With the aim of providing a broader normative base for association data, the contingencies between the grammatical class of a stimulus and that of its associative response were examined. The stimuli were very frequently occurring words, sampled from a variety of grammatical classes. Differences among grammatical classes were found in the degree of concentration of associations; there were also differences in the form-class distributions of the associations. For all grammatical classes (except articles) the modal response class was the same as that of the stimulus, but with considerable differences in the popularity of the modal response class. The implication of the finding that grammatical classes differ noticeably in their associative patterning is discussed, and some comment is made on the uses of word-association data.
Invited Commentary: Toward a More Comprehensive Social Epidemiology of Marital Trajectories and Mortality

In this issue of the Journal, Dupre et al. (Am J Epidemiol. 2009;170(5):546-555) use data from a nationally representative cohort of older US adults to examine the association of current marital status, timing of first marriage, number and kind of transitions out of marriage, and durations spent in various marital statuses with the risk of all-cause mortality. Their study offers a wealth of empirical findings that make important contributions to research on the relation between marital status and mortality. The richness of their findings suggests the need for future research to provide a more complete account of the mechanisms that lead from specific dimensions of marital status (and family structure more broadly) to mortality or other health outcomes over the life course.
Transformer Winding Design Presented in Programmable Form

A programmable technique is shown implemented for cup-core ferrites with the primary/secondary copper losses constrained. The starting point is with a selected core and the electrical circuit in which it is imbedded. The technique assures no magnetic saturation and fills the winding space with any desired combination of taped or untaped layer windings. The result is then characterized for the designer.
Routing and wavelength assignment in optical networks

The problem of routing and wavelength assignment (RWA) is critically important for increasing the efficiency of wavelength-routed all-optical networks. Given the physical network structure and the required connections, the RWA problem is to select a suitable path and wavelength among the many possible choices for each connection so that no two paths sharing a link are assigned the same wavelength. In work to date, this problem has been formulated as a difficult integer programming problem that does not lend itself to efficient solution or insightful analysis. In this work, we propose several novel optimization problem formulations that offer the promise of radical improvements over the existing methods. We adopt a (quasi-)static view of the problem and propose new integer-linear programming formulations, which can be addressed with highly efficient linear (not integer) programming methods and yield optimal or near-optimal RWA policies. The fact that this is possible is surprising, and is the starting point for new and greatly improved methods for RWA. Aside from its intrinsic value, the quasi-static solution method can form the basis for suboptimal solution methods for the stochastic/dynamic settings.
Model-based data engineering for Web services

Although XML offers heterogeneous IT systems a new level of interoperability, it doesn't ensure that the various systems correctly interpret the data they receive. To address this, data engineering supports clear definitions for exchanged data elements. With model-based data engineering, organizations use a common reference model, which offers further clarity and performance improvements. Organizations can use the resulting data to configure mediation services, translating dialects of new or legacy services into a common language for use in a service-oriented architecture.
Sampling and estimation by multiple robots

We look at approaches to random sampling and parameter estimation using one or more autonomous robots. We compare these approaches on the bases of sampling costs and how well they scale up for multiple robots. We discuss some preliminary results obtained from runs with groups of one to four robots that illustrate how sampling can behave in practice with regard to the quality of the sampling and the quality of the estimated parameters.
Schottky barrier MOSFETs for silicon nanoelectronics

Metal silicide source/drain MOSFETs may provide a simple route to terabit integrated circuits with /spl sim/25 nm gate length and /spl sim/100 nm overall device size. Potential advantages of this approach are outlined here along with recent progress.
Homeotic Gene teashirt (tsh) has a neuroprotective function in amyloid-beta 42 mediated neurodegeneration.

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a debilitating age related progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of cognition, and eventual death of the affected individual. One of the major causes of AD is the accumulation of Amyloid-beta 42 (Aβ42) polypeptides formed by the improper cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP) in the brain. These plaques disrupt normal cellular processes through oxidative stress and aberrant signaling resulting in the loss of synaptic activity and death of the neurons. However, the detailed genetic mechanism(s) responsible for this neurodegeneration still remain elusive. Methodology/ Principle Findings: We have generated a transgenic Drosophila eye model where high levels of human Aβ42 is misexpressed in the differentiating photoreceptor neurons of the developing eye, which phenocopy Alzheimer's like neuropathology in the neural retina. We have utilized this model for a gain of function screen using members of various signaling pathways involved in the development of the fly eye to identify downstream targets or modifiers of Aβ42 mediated neurodegeneration. We have identified the homeotic gene teashirt (tsh) as a suppressor of the Aβ42 mediated neurodegenerative phenotype. Targeted misexpression of tsh with Aβ42 in the differentiating retina can significantly rescue neurodegeneration by blocking cell death. We found that Tsh protein is absent/ downregulated in the neural retina at this stage. The structure function analysis revealed that the PLDLS domain of Tsh acts as an inhibitor of the neuroprotective function of tsh in the Drosophila eye model. Lastly, we found that the tsh paralog, tiptop (tio) can also rescue Aβ42 mediated neurodegeneration. Conclusions/Significance: We have identified tsh and tio as new genetic modifiers of Aβ42 mediated neurodegeneration. Our studies demonstrate a novel neuroprotective function of tsh and its paralog tio in Aβ42 mediated neurodegeneration. The neuroprotective function of tsh is independent of its role in retinal determination.
Supporting Mobile Business Workflow with Commune

We propose Commune, a workflow management system that supports a mobile workforce. We introduce the "mini-workflow," a network-isolated subcomponent of a business workflow process. Miniworkflows enable subsets of business workflow to be off-loaded into mobile client environments by leveraging web services. We describe how miniworkflows overcome the challenges of intermittent connectivity and we describe our BPEL-based implementation.
Relationship between ultrasonic attenuation, size and axial strain parameters for ex vivo atherosclerotic carotid plaque.

Many ultrasonic parameters, primarily related to attenuation and scatterer size, have been used to characterize the composition of atherosclerotic plaque tissue. In this study, we combine elastographic (axial strain ratio) and ultrasonic tissue characterization parameters, namely the attenuation coefficient and a scattering parameter associated with an "equivalent" scatterer size to delineate between fibrous, calcified, and lipidic plaque tissue. We present results obtained from 44 ex vivo atherosclerotic plaque specimens obtained after carotid endarterectomy on human patients. Our results in the frequency range 2.57.5 MHz indicate that softer plaques (with higher values of the strain ratio) are usually associated with larger equivalent scatterer size estimates (200 500 m) and lower values of the attenuation coefficient slope (<1 dB/cm/MHz). On the other hand, stiffer plaques (with lower strain ratio values) are associated with smaller equivalent scatterer size estimates (100 200 m) and higher values of the attenuation coefficient slope (13 dB/cm/MHz). These results indicate that ultrasonic tissue characterization and strain parameters have the potential to differentiate between different plaque types. These parameters can be estimated from radio-frequency data acquired under in vivo conditions and may help the clinician decide on appropriate interventional techniques. (E-mail: tvarghese@wisc.edu )© 2008 World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology.
AN IMPLICIT MEASURE OF THE EFFECTIVE BID-ASK SPREAD: A NOTE

We extend Roll's study of the effective bid-ask spread in an efficient market environment by allowing for serially correlated order arrival and quote behavior. This extension results in a more general effective bid-ask spread measure, which precludes imaginary spreads and includes Roll's measure as a special case when the serial correlation is zero. This new measure is related to the length of the measurement interval due to the serial correlation, and thus has the potential to explain the previously observed differential between weekly and daily derived spreads.
Modification of platelet proteins by malondialdehyde: Prevention by dicarbonyl scavengers

The thromboxane synthase converts prostaglandin H2 to thromboxane A2 and malondialdehyde (MDA) in approximately equimolar amounts. A reactive dicarbonyl, MDA forms covalent adducts of amino groups, including the e-amine of lysine, but the importance of this reaction in platelets was unknown. Utilizing a novel LC/MS/MS method for analysis of one of the MDA adducts, the dilysyl-MDA cross-link, we demonstrated that dilysyl-MDA cross-links in human platelets are formed following platelet activation via the cyclooxygenase (COX)-1/thromboxane synthase pathway. Salicylamine and analogs of salicylamine were shown to react with MDA preferentially, thereby preventing formation of lysine adducts. Dilysyl-MDA cross-links were measured in two diseases known to be associated with increased platelet activation. Levels of platelet dilysyl-MDA cross-links were increased by 2-fold in metabolic syndrome relative to healthy subjects, and by 1.9-fold in sickle cell disease (SCD). In patients with SCD, the reduction of platelet dilysyl-MDA cross-links following administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug provided evidence that MDA modifications of platelet proteins in this disease are derived from the COX pathway. In summary, MDA adducts of platelet proteins that cross-link lysines are formed on platelet activation and are increased in diseases associated with platelet activation. These protein modifications can be prevented by salicylamine-related scavengers.
An Analysis of Some Factors that Influence Wet Skid Resistance

An analysis is given which is expected to serve as the basis for the calculation of the skid resistance of tires on wet roads. The analysis is for a single sphere, sliding and rolling on water covered rubber. The sphere is taken to be a single scaled up protruberance in the road surface texture. Ignoring interaction effects each protruberance is seen to contribute to a total drag force on a sliding tire.
Risk factors and consequences of persistent type II endoleaks.

Objective Type II endoleaks are common after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), but their clinical significance remains undefined and their management controversial. We determined risk factors for type II endoleaks and associations with adverse outcomes. Methods We identified all EVAR patients in the Vascular Study Group of New England abdominal aortic aneurysm database. Patients were subdivided into two groups: (1) those with no endoleak or transient type II endoleak and (2) persistent type II endoleak or new type II endoleak (no endoleak at completion of case). Patients with other endoleak types and follow-up shorter than 6 months were excluded. Multivariable analysis was used to evaluate predictors of persistent or new type II endoleaks. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis were used to evaluate predictors of reintervention and survival. Results Two thousand three hundred sixty-seven EVAR patients had information on endoleaks: 1977 (84%) were in group 1, of which 79% had no endoleaks at all, and 21% had transient endoleaks that resolved at follow-up. The other 390 (16%) were in group 2, of which 31% had a persistent leak, and 69% had a new leak at follow-up that was not seen at the time of surgery. Group 2 was older (mean age, 75 vs 73 years; P P P = .027). Coil embolization of one or both hypogastric arteries was associated with a higher rate of persistent type II endoleaks (12 vs 8%; P = .024), as was distal graft extension (12% vs 8%; P = .008). In multivariable analysis, COPD (odds ratio [OR], 0.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.5-0.9; P = .017) was protective against persistent type II endoleak, while hypogastric artery coil embolization (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.0-2.2; P = .044), distal graft extension (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1-2.3; P = .025), and age ≥ 80 (OR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.4-5.3; P = .004) were predictive. Graft type was also associated with endoleak development. Persistent type II endoleaks were predictive of postdischarge reintervention (OR, 15.3; 95% CI, 9.7-24.3; P P = .477). Conclusions Persistent type II endoleak is associated with hypogastric artery coil embolization, distal graft extension, older age, the absence of COPD, and graft type, but not with aneurysm size. Persistent type II endoleaks are associated with an increased risk of reinterventions, but not rupture or survival. This reinforces the need for continued surveillance of patients with persistent type II endoleaks and the importance of follow-up to detect new type II endoleaks over time.
Consumer Student or Citizen Student? The Clash of Campus Speech Codes and Free Speech Zones

(2006). Consumer Student or Citizen Student? The Clash of Campus Speech Codes and Free Speech Zones. Free Speech Yearbook: Vol. 43, No. 1, pp. 93-105.
NIR imaging reconstruction with ultrasound guidance: finite element method

In this paper we report simulation results on combined imaging by simultaneously deploying an ultrasound transducer and NIR source detector fibers on a ring probe. Compared with the reflection geometry, the advantage of transmission geometry for NIR imaging is the reduced target dynamic range in depth. We show in the paper that with the aid of a priori target geometry information provided by co-registered ultrasound, NIR reconstruction of absorption coefficient can be improved from 30% to 85%.
Specializing shaders

We have developed a system for interactive manipulation of shading parameters for three dimensional rendering. The system takes as input user-defined shaders, written in a subset of C, which are then specialized for interactive use. Since users typically experiment with different values of a single shader parameter while leaving the others constant, we can benefit by automatically generating a specialized shader that performs only those computations depending on the parameter being varied; all other values needed by the shader can be precomputed and cached. The specialized shaders are as much as 95 times faster than the original user defined shader. This dramatic improvement in speed makes it possible to interactively view parameter changes for relatively complex shading models, such as procedural solid texturing.
Primary culture of rat hepatocytes entrapped in cylindrical collagen gels: an in vitro system with application to the bioartificial liver. Rat hepatocytes cultured in cylindrical collagen gels

A static culture model employing cylindrical collagen-hepatocyte gels is reported for large scale testing of conditions relevant to the three compartment hollow fiber bioartificial liver. High density hepatocyte cultivation was achieved by cell entrapment within the collagen-hepatocyte gel. Hepatocyte viability was assessed by vital staining, gel contraction, and insulin utilization. Measures of hepatocyte-specific function included albumin synthesis, ureagenesis, lidocaine biotransformation, and cholate conjugation. Although hepatocyte viability remained stable through the seven day incubation period, hepatocyte functions were not uniformly preserved. Albumin synthesis remained stable, while representative P-450 and conjugation activities decreased with time. This static culture system will facilitate the development of a hollow fiber bioartificial liver which utilizes cylindrical collagen-hepatocyte gels.
ON THE EVOLUTION AND ECOLOGY OF ISLAND POPULATIONS OF CROSSBILLS.

Note sur l'evolution particuliere du bec croise des sapins (Loxia curvirostra) dans l'ile de Terre Neuve. La question est de savoir pourquoi une espece a large bec s'est developpee sur une ile ou les pommes de coniferes sont petites
What psychiatric screening and monitoring might be needed with the new generation of hepatitis C treatments

What psychiatric screening and monitoring might be needed with the new generation of hepatitis C treatments?
Delayed Postangiographic Contrast Enhancement in Acute Stroke after t-PA Administration Mimicking Intracranial Hemorrhage (P05.217)

Objective: To describe neuroimaging features of concurrent angiographic contrast administration in an acute stroke patient post t-PA, and demonstrate the possibility of delayed parenchymal enhancement on computer tomography mimicking intracranial hemorrhage. Recommendations are made to distinguish between these entities with different therapeutic consequences. Background Intracranial hemorrhage is a rare, but feared complication after intravenous t-PA administration. Disruption of the blood-brain-barrier may be responsible for hemorrhagic transformation in many cases. Noncontrast CT is a fast and sensitive method to identify acute bleed. Subacute enhancement in the ischemic region has been described on MRI. On the other hand, delayed contrast enchancement on CT imaging is not well studied, although iodine-based contrast media is frequently used in stroke patients to identify potential concurrent conditions. Design/Methods: This is a case report with relevant neuroimaging review. Results: A 44-year-old female with hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia presented with aphasia and right weakness after cardiac catheterization with contrast administration. She received intravenous t-PA and also required emergent thrombectomy from her lower extremity with heparin administation. Her examination showed flucutating severe aphasia, right facial droop and weakness of the right extremities with some antigravity movements. Initial noncontrast head CT was negative for acute findings, but follow-up CT the next day showed demarcated hypodense area in the left MCA territory with associated hyperdense signal suggestive of large intraparenchymal hemorrhage. Urgent MRI, however, demonstrated no susceptibility artifact or T1 hyperintensity to suggest hematoma. She recovered with residual moderate aphasia and improved strength. She remained on aspirin with medical management of her vascular risk factors. Conclusions: While history, serial neurologic examinations and repeat CT play an important role in differentiating between intracranial hemorrhage and delayed postangiographic contrast enhancement, these may be difficult to interpret in patients with mutliple acute morbidities. Obtaining urgent MRI imaging was able to reliably exclude hemorrhage and guide medical therapy in our patient. Disclosure: Dr. Toth has nothing to disclose. Dr. Beary has nothing to disclose. Dr. Samuel has nothing to disclose. Dr. Uchino has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hussain has nothing to disclose.
Nonlinear Conductivity Characteristics of Modified Polyimide Composite Materials with Inorganic Filler

In order to ensure the accumulated space-charge of dielectric materials on spacecraft to discharge timely in the space environment, we adopted a method of adding the micron grade powder filler into polyimide(PI), and developed a new type of modified PI composites which has non-linear conductivity characteristics. Moreover, we performed a non-linear conductivity test for the modified PI composite materials by a gradual boosting-voltage way with the conductivity experiment. The results show that, when the electric field intensity reaches 1.93×107 V/m, the resistivity of modified PI composite materials will decrease into an order of magnitude of 1014 ?·cm; the nonlinear threshold field intensity of the modified PI composites is reduced by 50% than that of pure PI, showing a better nonlinear conductivity behavior. Meanwhile, we discussed the non-linear conductivity mechanism of the modified PI composite materials, and found that the carrier concentration within the materials could be improved due to adding the modifying agent. When the internal electric-field reaches a certain value, the nonlinear-macroscopic conductivity phenomenon will be manifested because of the tunneling effect. Thus, it can be seen that the modified PI composite materials have excellent non-linear conductivity characteristics and can discharge the accumulated space-charge of dielectric materials quickly in space environment.
Snowmelt rate dictates streamflow

Declining mountain snowpack and earlier snowmelt across the western United States has implications for downstream communities. We present a possible mechanism linking snowmelt rate and streamflow generation using a gridded implementation of the Budyko framework. We computed an ensemble of Budyko streamflow anomalies (BSA) using Variable Infiltration Capacity model-simulated evapotranspiration, potential evapotranspiration, and estimated precipitation at 1/16° resolution from 1950-2013. BSA was correlated with simulated baseflow efficiency (r2 = 0.64) and simulated snowmelt rate (r2 = 0.42). The strong correlation between snowmelt rate and baseflow efficiency (r2 = 0.73) links these relationships and supports a possible streamflow generation mechanism wherein greater snowmelt rates increase subsurface flow. Rapid snowmelt may thus bring the soil to field capacity, facilitating below-root-zone percolation, streamflow, and a positive BSA. Previous works have shown that future increases in regional air temperature may lead to earlier, slower snowmelt, and hence, decreased streamflow production via the mechanism proposed by this work.
Solution-state photophysics of N-carbazolyl benzoate esters: dual emission and order of states in twisted push–pull chromophores

The stepwise photoinduced charge transfer in a series of N-carbazolyl benzoate ester push–pull chromophores has been studied in solution. Dual emission from the locally excited (LE, the lowest-energy singlet excited state of 1Lb nature localized on the carbazole donor) and the highly polarized, intramolecular charge-transfer states of (pre)-twisted type (TICT states) is observed in non-polar and polar solvents. Ultrafast transient spectroscopy reveals that the excitation into the 1Lb LE state is followed by rapid (∼ps) charge separation into an emissive TICT state. Excitation into the second singlet excited state localized on the carbazole (S2) with 1La nature results in sub-100 fs population of both 1Lb and TICT states.
Innate immune escape by Dengue and West Nile viruses

Dengue (DENV) and West Nile (WNV) viruses are mosquito-transmitted flaviviruses that cause significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Disease severity and pathogenesis of DENV and WNV infections in humans depend on many factors, including pre-existing immunity, strain virulence, host genetics and virus-host interactions. Among the flavivirus-host interactions, viral evasion of type I interferon (IFN)-mediated innate immunity has a critical role in modulating pathogenesis. DENV and WNV have evolved effective strategies to evade immune surveillance pathways that lead to IFN induction and to block signaling downstream of the IFN-α/β receptor. Here, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which DENV and WNV antagonize the type I IFN response in human cells.
Supply Risk Mitigation Via Supplier Diversification and Improvement: An Experimental Evaluation

Due to the trend towards decentralization and greater complexity in supply chains, companies are increasingly exposed to supply risks. Various strategies to mitigate supply risks have been developed using modeling- based approaches, including risk diversification by dual sourcing and direct investment to improve supplier performance. Yet, despite the overwhelming evidence that managerial decisions are influenced by behavioral factors particularly under risk and uncertainty, such behavioral factors are typically not considered by previous theoretical studies. In this paper, we use controlled lab experiments to evaluate the performances of dual sourcing and single sourcing with supplier improvement strategies to mitigate risks of a buyer facing suppliers with different costs and risk profiles, and develop behavioral theories to elucidate the decision-making process under supply risks more effectively. With dual sourcing, human buyers do not diversify their orders effectively (relying on a more even allocation of orders between suppliers than theory suggests) and exhibit quantity hedging behavior. To explain this phenomenon, we propose and empirically validate a behavioral theory in which human buyers choose order quantities to minimize their disutility from order allocation errors between suppliers. Human buyers use the single sourcing with supplier improvement strategy relatively effectively, despite being subject to supplier selection errors due to bounded rationality.
An Exploration of Public Reaction to the OPM Data Breach Notifications

With the number of data breaches swelling, people are likely to not respond adequately and ignore the breach notifications altogether. Ignorance of breach notifications creates a perfect storm of cyclical outrage and apathy that criminals can use to their advantage. In this research-in-progress paper, we explore public reactions to breach notifications for addressing two research questions: (1) with more and more information related to the breach, do people become apathetic towards that breach? (2) at what point do people simply tune out information related to the breach? The results of the sentiment analysis show that public express anxiety when there is a fear of being affected by the breach, and public express anger when there are lack of measures to safeguard the data. Sadness is the most strongly expressed emotion in response to the severity of the breach. After the public has received sufficient details about the event, they start to tune out information related to the breach event.
Exploratory wine consumer behavior in a transitional market: The case of Poland

Abstract This paper investigates exploratory behavior among wine consumers in Poland where the country's wine culture is in a state of rapid change. This study investigates the extent to which demographics, values, and wine preferences relate to exploratory behavior. Data obtained from 198 Polish wine consumers was used in the analysis. Exploratory behavior was measured using the VARSEEK scale adapted to wine. Other measures included the Schwartz Value Inventory, wine knowledge and involvement, and measures relevant for wine purchasing behavior. Demographic variables were also used to profile consumers. The findings show that Polish wine consumers’ level of exploratory behavior is not related to demographics, but is influenced by personal values. The consumers who were most likely to engage in exploratory behavior valued creativity, fun, and risk taking and were less concerned about behaving properly. They also had more global outlook as they were more likely to purchase wine in other countries and desired more wines from regions outside Poland. The findings are useful for wine marketers when developing strategies for wine consumers in transitional markets based on their unique needs and expectations. This is the first known research conducted in Poland focusing on wine consumers’ exploratory behavior and subsequent wine preferences.
An Update on Trends in Skill of Daily Forecasts of Temperature and Precipitation at the State University of New York at Albany

Consensus (the average of all forecasts) skill levels in forecasting daily maximum and minimum temperature, precipitation probability across six class intervals, and precipitation amount at the State University of New York at Albany are reviewed for the period 1977–82. Skill is measured relative to a climatological control. Forecasts are made for four consecutive 24 h periods for Albany, N.Y., beginning at 1800 GMT of the current day. For minimum temperature, the skill levels average 57%, 41%, 26%, and 15%, respectively, for 24, 48, 72, and 96 h in advance. For maximum temperature, a more limited sample yields corresponding skill levels of 84%, 49%, 34%, and 19% for 12, 36, 60, 84 h ahead. Linear regression analysis yields little in the way of a definitive trend, given the smallness of the explained variance. Comparison with other readily available objective and subjective operational guidance establishes the credibility of the consensus forecast.
THE ROLE OF SUBUNIT INTERACTIONS IN THE GENESIS OF NON-BINOMIAL LACTATE DEHYDROGENASE ISOZYME DISTRIBUTIONS

ABSTRACT. Starch gel electrophoresis indicates that several species of teleost fishes in the family Clupeidae exhibit non-binomial lactate dehydrogenase isozyme distributions. Detailed quantitative cellulose acetate electrophoresis of extracts of several different tissues from the alewife reveals that both asymmetric heteropolymers–A 3 B 1 and A 1 B 3 –are present in substantially reduced amounts in all tissues studied. In vitro molecular hybridization of the A 4 and B 4 isozymes of the alewife results in a binomial distribution of isozymes demonstrating that the A and B sub-units are capable of random association in all possible tetrameric combinations. The isolated LDH isozymes of this fish exhibit little or no subunit exchange in several different buffer systems. However, both of the asymmetric heteropolymers are characterized by a marked differential instability under certain conditions. This instability of the A 3 B 1 and A 1 B 3 isozymes is directly influenced by pH and results in a rapid loss of the enzymatic activity of these heteropolymers by denaturation. It is suggested that the observed instability of the two isozymes is due to decreased inter-subunit interactions in these asymmetric heteropolymers, Minor changes in the primary structure of the A and/or B subunits, arising during evolution, are probably responsible for the diminished inter-subunit interactions observed.
Model For Thermodynamics of Ionic Surfactant Solutions: Enthalpies, Heat Capacities, Volumes, Expansibilities, and Compressibilities

We have recently derived equations for apparent and partial molar quantities for ionic surfactant solutions. The equations were derived from expressions for osmotic and activity coefficients that are based on a mass-action model using a rigorous thermodynamic treatment for mixed electrolyte solutions. A maximum of two ion-ion interaction parameters are needed to quantitatively describe the concentration dependence of experimental enthalpy, heat capacity, volume, expansibility, and isothermal compressibility data for a variety of aqueous solutions of anionic and cationic surfactants over ranges of temperature and concentration. In this paper we illustrate the results of application of our model to experimental data for four different aqueous surfactant systems. Changes in the thermodynamic quantities for the micellization reaction at a standard state of infinite dilution and at finite concentrations, including the cmc, are calculated.
Orientation in Three Species of Anuran Amphibians

The present account is a progress report on the initial year of studies concerning the orientation and homing behavior of Fowler’s toad (Bufofowleri), the southern cricket frog (Acris gryllus),and the upland chorus frog (Pseudacris triseriata). These species were selected for study because one or more of them is active at all seasons near State College, Mississippi where the study was conducted. We have attempted to determine if homing skills are exhibited and, if so, to investigate the nature of the orienting mechanisms. Considerable attention has been devoted to possible interspecific differences in method of orientation.
Neural Network Training via Quadratic Programming

We develop two new training algorithms for feed forward supervised neural networks based on quadratic optimization methods. Specifically, we approximate the error function by a quadratic convex function. In the first algorithm, the new error function is optimized by an affine scaling method, which replaces the steepest descent method in the back propagation algorithm. In the second algorithm, the steepest descent method is replaced by a trust region technique. Comparative numerical simulations for medical diagnosis problems show significant reductions in learning time with respect to the back propagation algorithm.
Tolerability of saxagliptin in patients with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes: results from 6 phase III studies.

BACKGROUND: Oral antihyperglycemic drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) vary in safety and tolerability. Treatment-related hypoglycemia and weight gain can exacerbate underlying disease. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the tolerability of saxagliptin using data from phase III clinical trials. METHODS: Six 24-week randomized studies in 4,214 patients with T2DM were assessed. Saxagliptin 2.5 mg or 5 mg was compared with placebo in 2 trials of monotherapy in treatment-naive patients and in 3 trials of add-on therapy to metformin, glyburide, or a thiazolidinedione; initial combination therapy with saxagliptin 5 mg plus metformin was compared with metformin monotherapy in treatment-naive patients. Data from the monotherapy and add-on studies were pooled; data from the initial combination study were analyzed separately. No statistical analyses of between-group comparisons across studies were conducted for these safety analyses because of multiplicity of end points and relative lack of statistical power and because small differences not reaching statistical significance have the potential to be clinically relevant. RESULTS: In the pooled analysis, incidence rates for adverse events (AEs) with saxagliptin 2.5 mg, 5 mg, and placebo were 72.0% (635/882), 72.2% (637/882), and 70.6% (564/799), respectively; rates for serious AEs (SAEs) were 3.5% (31/882), 3.4% (30/882), and 3.4% (27/799); rates of discontinuation due to AEs were 2.2% (19/882), 3.3% (29/882), and 1.8% (14/799). AEs reported in ≥ 2% of patients receiving saxagliptin and occurring ≥ 1% more frequently with saxagliptin than with placebo were sinusitis, gastroenteritis, abdominal pain, and vomiting. In the initial combination study, AE incidence rates with saxagliptin 5 mg plus metformin and metformin monotherapy were 55.3% (177/320) and 58.5% (192/328), respectively; incidence rates for SAEs were 2.5% (8/320) and 2.4% (8/328); and rates of discontinuation due to AEs were 2.5% (8/320) and 3.4% (11/328).
Personalized prostate cancer care

Across the field of oncology, but particularly in relation to prostate cancer, the treatment landscape has shifted toward personalized medicine in the era of improved imaging, molecular techniques, and genomics.
Neurovascular unit transport responses to ischemia and common coexisting conditions: smoking and diabetes.

Transporters at the neurovascular unit (NVU) are vital for the regulation of normal brain physiology via ion, water, and nutrients movement. In ischemic stroke, the reduction of cerebral blood flow...
Extending the Discussion: An Editor’s Addition to the Topics Addressed in “A Content Analysis of Update: Applications of Research in Music Education (1989–2017)”:

Silvey, Sims, Pohlman, and Regier’s content analysis in the current issue of Update documented the methodologies, topics, and populations used in Update studies from 1989 to 2017. To extend the dis...
Special Education Attrition in the State of Utah: Rural vs. Urban School Districts:

Critical shortages of special educators in the U.S. are not new. Approximately 1.1% of all U.S. special education positions have remained unfilled for the last five years (Boe, 2006). The authors w...
Temporal mandibular joint chondrocalcinosis (tophaceous pseudogout) diagnosed by ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration

Tophaceous pseudogout is a calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystal (CPPD) deposition disease that frequently affects elderly patient in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). A diagnosis of CPPD deposition disease in the TMJ is challenging due to its mimicking of other benign and malignant entities. Surgical exploration followed by histologic examination is by far the most frequently used diagnostic modality. We present a case of an 87-year-old female who presented with a right TMJ mass. A final diagnosis of tophaceous pseudogout was made on cellular material obtained by ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (US-guided FNA). Based on our case and current available literature, ultrasound-guided FNA is a reliable tool for diagnosing tophaceous pseudogout of the TMJ.
Water-Energy Nexus in the Gulf: A Complex Network of Multi-level Interdependencies

The Persian/Arabian Gulf plays a critical role in the sustenance of its surrounding countries, home to over two-thirds of the world’s proven oil reserves. With minimal rainfall and natural water sources, these countries rely heavily on desalination of the Gulf for potable water. A new industry is now emerging in the region: nuclear power. This adds another layer of complexity to the preservation of the already stressed Gulf water.
The dehumanisation of the patient.

Abraar Karan considers the implications of healthcare systems that prime doctors to see people as patients
Direct Observation of Low Strain, High Rate Deformation of Cultured Brain Tissue During Primary Blast.

The Veterans Health Administration determined that over 250,000 U.S. service members were diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) between 2008 and 2018, of which a great proportion were due to blast exposure. Although the penetrating (secondary) and inertia-driven (tertiary) phases of blast-induced TBI (bTBI) have been studied thoroughly and are known to be injurious, primary blast brain injury has been less studied. We investigated the biomechanics of primary bTBI in our previously developed in vitro shock tube model with a fluid-filled sample receiver. Using stereoscopic, high-speed cameras and digital image correlation (DIC), we mapped the deformation of organotypic hippocampal slice cultures (OHSCs) following a range of blast exposures to characterize the induced strains. As blast exposure increased, tissue strain increased, although the levels remained relatively low (maximum < 9%), with strains rates between 25 and 85 s−1. Both strain magnitude and rate were highly correlated with the in-air blast impulse and in-fluid peak pressure parameters. Comparing biomechanical parameters to previously reported blast-induced electrophysiological dysfunction, a threshold for deficits in long-term potentiation (LTP) was observed for strains between 3.7 and 6.7% and strain rates between 25 and 33 s−1. This is the first study to experimentally determine primary blast-induced strain and strain rates in hippocampal tissue.
Trajectories of Symbol Digit Modalities Test performance in individuals with multiple sclerosis.

Background:Although cognitive problems have been identified in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS), few studies have investigated the long-term change in cognitive functioning.Objective:To identi...
Protecting News Companies and Their Readers: Exploring Social Media Policies in Latin American Newsrooms

This study uses a survey of journalists from throughout Latin America (n = 1,094) to understand the relationship between policies (or lack thereof) and journalists’ work environments and editorial ...
Early venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation improves outcomes in post-cardiotomy shock

Post-cardiotomy shock (PCS) is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. We reviewed our 12-year experience of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) therapy for PCS. Between July 2007 and June 2018, 156 consecutive patients underwent VA-ECMO for PCS. We retrospectively investigated patient characteristics, indications, and management to determine factors affecting outcomes. Secondary analysis was performed by dividing the cohort into Era 1 (2007–2012, n = 52) and Era 2 (2013–2018, n = 104) for comparison. After a median of 4.70 days (interquartile range [IQR] 2.76–8.53) of ECMO support, 72 patients (46.1%) survived to discharge. In-hospital mortality decreased in Era 2 from 75 to 43.3% (P < 0.001). Survivors were cannulated at lower serum lactate (5.3 [IQR 2.8–8.2] versus 7.5 [4.7–10.7], P = 0.003) and vasoactive-inotropic score (22.7 [IQR 11.3–35.5] versus 28.1 [IQR 20.8–42.5], P = 0.017). Patients in Era 2 were more frequently cannulated intraoperatively (63.5% versus 34.6%, P = 0.002), earlier in their hospital course, and at lower levels of serum lactate and vasoactive-inotropic score than in Era 1. Independent risk factors for mortality included increased age (odds ratio [OR] 1.06, P = 0.002), serum lactate at cannulation (OR 1.17, P = 0.009), and vasoactive-inotropic score (OR 1.04, P = 0.009). Bleeding and limb ischemia were less common in Era 2. Overall, outcomes of ECMO for PCS improved over the study period. The survival benefit appears to be associated with earlier ECMO initiation before prolonged hypoperfusion occurs.