cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Climate change mitigation and health effects of varied dietary patterns in real-life settings throughout North America

Background: Greenhouse gas emissions (GHGEs) are a major consequence of our dietary choices. Assessments of plant-based compared with meat-based diets are emerging at the intersection of public health, environment, and nutrition. Objectives: The objective was to compare the GHGEs associated with dietary patterns consumed in a large population across North America and to independently assess mortality according to dietary patterns in the same population. Design: Data from the Adventist Health Study 2 (AHS-2) were used to characterize the differential environmental and health impacts of the following 3 dietary patterns, which varied in the quantity of animal and plant foods: vegetarian, semivegetarian, and nonvegetarian. The GHGE intensities of 210 foods were calculated through life-cycle assessments and by using published data. The all-cause mortality rates and all-cause mortality HRs for the AHS-2 subjects were adjusted for a range of lifestyle and sociodemographic factors and estimated according to dietary pattern. Results: With the use of the nonvegetarian diet as a reference, the mean reductions in GHGEs for semivegetarian and vegetarian diets were 22% and 29%, respectively. The mortality rates for nonvegetarians, semivegetarians, and vegetarians were 6.66, 5.53, and 5.56 deaths per 1000 person-years, respectively. The differences were significant. Compared with nonvegetarians, mortality HRs were lower for semivegetarians (0.86) and vegetarians (0.91). Conclusions: Moderate differences in the caloric intake of meat products provided nontrivial reductions in GHGEs and improved health outcomes, as shown through the mortality analyses. However, this does not ascertain that diets lower in GHGEs are healthy. Am J Clin Nutr doi: 10.3945/ajcn.113.071589.
A Review of Wind-Noise Reduction Methodologies

The bane of infrasound signal detection and characterization is the noise generated by wind. In this chapter, we review the physics of wind, current theories on how wind can generate “noise,” and both mature and developing techniques for reducing wind noise. This subject is not completely documented in peer-reviewed journals, and we have extended our review to include nonpeer-reviewed results that appear to be robust. Specifically, we review Daniels’ filters, pipe rosettes, microporous hoses, optical fiber line sensors, distributed sensors, rigid porous media filters, and wind barriers. We discuss the advantages, disadvantages, and potential of each technology. We conclude with a summary of the state of affairs in noise-reduction research and the potential impact of these technologies on future global infrasound monitoring and research efforts.
Introduction to the Special Section

Several theories of international migration have emerged to explain and predict the patterns created by the international flows of people. While used as an explanatory tool for other sociological phenomena, world-systems analysis has also emerged as a dominant paradigm through which international migration may be explored. In April 2008 Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT hosted the thirty-second annual conference of the Political Economy of the World-System section of the American Sociological Association. The theme was Flow of People and Money across the World-System: Past, Present and Future. The collection of papers presented at this conference was academically rich and produced a wealth of scholarship, some of which is presented in this issue. Vernengo and Bradbury examine the risks associated with dollarization in Ecuador, arguing that although these risks are minimized by the influx of migrant remittances into the country, the trend remains unstable and unsustainable, as was evident in Argentina. Rocha deconstructs the optimistic visions that present remittances as an opportunity for developing countries, instead arguing that they are part and parcel of a process of economic imperialism. Dick and Jorgenson focus on environmental consequences of foreign investment dependence for less-developed countries and how various types of ecological degradation can contribute to mass migration. Kentor, Sobel and Timberlake discuss the hierarchy of global cities through which so much money flows back and forth, and specifically the spatiality of inter-corporate integration in the global economy such as the spatial distribution of intra-firm corporate headquarter-subsidiary networks operations and centrality in transportation networks. Lastly, Degirmen presents a case study of globalization of capital in Turkey and how interest and exchange rate shocks produced particularly interesting effects on capital and liquidity structures.
Therapeutic Potential of Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles in Cardioprotection and Myocardium Repair

Stem cell therapy research has demonstrated very promising results for regeneration of ischemic myocardium. The role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the restoration of cell structure and function is not fully understood. EVs are relatively complex biological entities that contain a range of biological molecules, including proteins, mRNA, and miRs. EVs are rapidly internalized by recipient cells and can activate multiple cardioprotective pathways through transfer of their cargo. Study of this critical component of endogenous repair therefore has the potential to provide not only insight into the mechanisms for existing therapies, but also more predictive information on new and more powerful cell-based treatments with fewer clinical pitfalls.
Chapter 16 Voting theory

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the voting theory. Voting theory is designed to address cases wherein there are multiple decision-makers (voters) who have distinctly conflicting preferences concerning the relevant options (candidates). The chapter provides a general description of several major aspects of voting theory. The selection of a voting method for any particular voting situation now can depend on the inherent strengths and flaws of the relevant possible methods for the situation in question, not on historical limitations concerning the capability to collect and process voters' preferences. There are two standard applications of voting theory: (1) determining how citizens elect representatives in a representative democracy, and (2) if some of the representatives are to make group decisions, determining how those decisions are to be reached. Voting theory might be applied quickly and extensively in new (emerging) democracies that do not have well established procedures. Enhancing the understanding and implementation of appropriate aspects of voting theory in other countries could be important to the national security of all of the countries thereafter.
A San Francisco Bay Area CBPR Training Institute: Experiences, Curriculum, and Lessons Learned

The rapid increase of community-based participatory research (CBPR) as an approach to research underscores the importance of expanding access to training in CBPR principles and strategies. CBPR is ...
Parylene as Thin Flexible 3-D Packaging Enabler for Biomedical Implants

In this paper, the novel use of Parylene for implantable biomedical microsystems packaging is presented. Parylene is an excellent candidate material to be used for implantable and clinically usable miniature devices due to its biocompatibility, flexibility, near-hermeticity, and high-density integration capability in a small form factor. Here, we propose a novel all-Parylene packaging technique where Parylene is used as a package substrate, an isolation layer, a capacitor insulator, and a sealing layer. Fully-integrated embedded passive devices, transmission lines, and surface mount components on a thin-film multilayer Parylene substrate are described. Metal-insulator-metal capacitors are implemented on Parylene and their DC and RF properties are characterized. Further, high-density 3-D trench capacitors are developed on Parylene for the first time. By integrating embedded capacitors and antenna with surface mount diodes, a rectifier module is implemented. Wireless powering onto the Parylene package is de...
The Corporate Monitor: The New Corporate Czar?

Following the recent spate of corporate scandals, government enforcement authorities have increasingly relied upon corporate monitors to help ensure law compliance and reduce the number of future violations. These monitors also permit enforcement authorities, such as the Securities & Exchange Commission and others, to leverage their enforcement resources in overseeing corporate behavior. However, there are few descriptive or normative analyses of the role and scope of corporate monitors. This paper provides such an analysis. After sketching out the historical development of corporate monitors, the paper examines the most common features of the current set of monitor appointments supplemented by interviews with monitors. This is followed by a normative analysis that examines when it is desirable to appoint monitors and what powers and obligations they should have. Based on this analysis, we provide a number of recommendations for enhancing the potential of corporate monitors to serve a useful deterrent and law enforcement function without being unduly burdensome on corporations. This involves, among other things, discussion of the kinds of powers monitors should have and the fiduciary duties monitors should owe to the shareholders whose businesses they are monitoring.
Family “Bonds”: Making Meaning of Parent–Child Relationships in Estrangement Narratives

ABSTRACTFramed by relational dialectics theory, the present study takes a critical approach to the discursive navigation of the parent–child relationship. Specifically, this study explores the ways in which the parent–child relationship is constructed in 52 narrative interviews with adult children who are estranged from their parent(s). Contrapuntal analysis revealed that two discourses compete to illuminate meanings of the parent–child relationship. Three interrelated themes that emphasize biological connection, familial webs, and shared history constitute the Discourse of Relationship Endurance (DRE). Four interrelated themes that emphasize the need for relational maintenance, care/support, love, and individualism constitute the Discourse of Temporal Contingency and resist the DRE. The competition of these discourses, in the form of diachronic separation, synchronic interplay, and a discursive hybrid coalesce to making meaning of the parent–child relationship and hold implications for both theory and pr...
Foundations of the WVU Econometric Input-Output Model

This document provides an overview of the theoretical foundations and general assumptions of the WVU Econometric Input-Output (ECIO) model. WVU Econometric Input-Output (ECIO) model (hereafter, ECIO model) is a time-series enabled hybrid econometric input-output (IO) model that combines the capabilities of econometric modeling with the strengths of IO modeling. It is designed to facilitate the estimation of economic (specifically, employment and income) impacts of energy technology development, deployment, and operation over a specified forecast period.
A simple method to measure the gas‐phase SVOC concentration adjacent to a material surface

Assessing human exposure to semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) emitted from materials and products is difficult because methods are not available to easily measure the key emission parameters. A simple method based on a passive sampling technique was thus developed to measure the gas-phase SVOC concentration (y0) immediately adjacent to the material surface in a consumer product. The method employs standard stainless steel thermal desorption tubes, with values of y0 and an additional unknown parameter, K, the tube surface/air partition coefficient inside the desorption tube, obtained by fitting a diffusion model to the sampling data. Phthalates in two types of polyvinyl chloride flooring were selected to test the method. The values of y0 and K agree well with those measured in independent chamber tests. The y0 measurement method is shown to be applicable to chemicals with a wide range of vapor pressures. This novel method should be useful for assessing potential exposure to SVOCs in consumer products as well as for exposure-based prioritization of chemicals and their associated products in indoor environments.
A Mapping of the Projective n-Space on the Projective Plane

(1963). A Mapping of the Projective n-Space on the Projective Plane. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 70, No. 4, pp. 399-401.
Trichogramma pretiosum (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae): Effects of Augmented Densities and Distributions of Heliothis zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Host Eggs and Kairomones on Field Performance

Responses of laboratory-reared Trichogramma pretiosum Riley to selected densities and distributions of augmented numbers of Heliothis zea (Boddie) eggs were measured in cotton. In studies conducted near Tifton, Ga., rates of parasitization increased progressively from 24.4 to 31.0 to 36.0 to 43.7%, respectively, when 1, 3, 15, and 75 eggs were applied per 0.9 row m. The percentage of parasitization was also conditionally increased by the application of a hexane extract of H. zea moth scales (kairomones) at a dosage of 1 ml/0.3 m. The increase was apparently dependent on low levels of naturally occurring kairomone. Rates of parasitization also increased progressively beyond that of the control when 60 supplemental H. zea eggs were applied per m of row, on rows two and six of eight-row plots, on alternate rows, and on all eight plot rows. In studies near Kerman, Calif., rates of parasitization on H. zea eggs spaced 1/0.9 row m on kairomone-treated leaves increased from 24.3 to 53.6% when 60 supplemental H. zea eggs were applied per 0.9 rowm. Data suggest that higher host densities intercept and retain proportionally more T. pretiosum, which in turn yield higher rates of parasitization.
Spindle assembly checkpoint silencing and beyond.

The Spindle Assembly Checkpoint (SAC) prevents anaphase onset in the absence of kinetochore-microtubule attachment, ensuring that cells with unattached kinetochores do not proceed into anaphase. Th...
Heart-lung transplantation: The initial Arizona experience

Since November 1985, cardiopulmonary transplantation has been performed at the University of Arizona heart transplant program. Seven patients, five women and two men, have undergone heart-lung transplantation. Five patients had primary pulmonary hypertension, and two patients had Eisenmenger’s complex. The mean age was 31 years (range, 17 to 43 years). Average follow-up was 15 months (range, 3 to 34 months), with a total of 115 patient-months. There have been no operative or late deaths. Immunosuppression consisted of rabbit antithymocyte globulin, cyclosporine (Cyclosporin A), azathioprine, methylprednisolone, and prednisone. Our first five patients were aggressively diagnosed and treated for rejection by endomyocardial biopsy, with each patient having one or several treatments for acute rejection. These five patients had one or several episodes of severe infection, particularly cytomegalovirus. In our last two patients we omitted routine heart biopsies. Only those rejection episodes diagnosed by chest x-ray films are considered significant. Our last two patients have not been treated for acute rejection and have had no infections. Presently our immunologic surveillance consists only of careful clinical examination and frequent chest x-ray films. Any changes in the patient’s condition are aggressively investigated, searching for infection or rejection. Two patients have been used as domino donors of their native heart.
Abstract 4313: Periodic fasting mimicking diet delays cancer development and progression

Dietary intake and composition can have profound effects on aging and age-related pathologies including cancer. As such, studies of fasting (the complete withdrawal of food) and dietary restriction (DR, generally described as a 20- 40% reduction in calories) have contributed to the understanding of the relationship between nutrients, cellular aging, cancer development and cancer cell survival. DR may only be feasible in delaying tumor development but might not present an effective treatment modality due to the time required to achieve beneficial effects. Further, chronic DR may also have negative impacts on wound healing, which could be detrimental in patients undergoing surgery. Our findings in yeast indicated that starvation decreases age-dependent mutations whereas in mouse xenograft tumor models fasting alone can be as effective as chemotherapy drugs in delaying the progression of certain tumor types, in part through the reduction of extracellular glucose and IGF-1 concentration/signaling. Fasting, although results indicate efficacy as a treatment option, on the other hand may not be feasible for patients at risk for undernutrition or cachexia. To address the need for a dietary based intervention that both delays cancer development and progression, we developed a fasting-mimicking diet (FMD) to ensure micronutrient supply and tested its effectiveness in rodent models. Periodic bi-weekly FMD cycles had a significant impact on the development and progression of multiple cancer models while allowing the preservation of lean body mass even at old age and extending longevity in healthspan study. As a treatment modality, FMD cycles alone significantly reduced tumor progression and sensitized various cancer models to chemotherapeutic drugs. Citation Format: Sebastian Brandhorst, Gerardo Navarrete, Min Wei, Todd E. Morgan, Valter D. Longo. Periodic fasting mimicking diet delays cancer development and progression. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 4313.
Achieving broadband-based smart city services in connected communities

New opportunities exist to leverage investments in 'broadband to achieve community-centered socio-economic impact both in the context of regional strategies and national priorities of e.g., advanced manufacturing, transportation, healthcare. However, success of realizing smart services depends on numerous socio-economic-technical interactions between the Community, City and Contextual (CCC) factors. Studies of these interactions have not previously been pursued as a systematic field of study. This paper presents a novel CCC service design theory to guide a prescriptive framework to achieve delivery of broadband-based smart city services. Our framework entitled Enterprise Services Delivery Architecture (ESDA) is applied to case studies in Dublin and Columbus (cities in Ohio, USA) that are Intelligent Community Forum award winners. ESDA aligns community service needs to organization and information services delivery to identify gaps around which innovation can co-evolve with diverse stakeholders. Through the lens of the ESDA, the cases demonstrate: 1) strategies by which a designed service value chain can be resourced innovatively to deliver the benefits of broadband; 2) ways to enable cities to become platforms within which physical or virtual communities can be empowered despite complexities confronted; and 3) a standard way in which good practices can be curated globally, ranging from a city-scale, and beyond to rural and regional scales.
Imaging and molecular biomarkers: a novel approach to screen populations at risk of pulmonary fibrosis?

An estimated 90 million subjects in the USA have a history of smoking, and are therefore at risk of developing smoke-related lung diseases including lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pulmonary fibrosis. An ageing population, the lack of effective diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, and the modest impact of smoking cessation strategies largely explain why chronic lower respiratory diseases are presently a leading cause of death in the US adult population [1]. In 2014, a US National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute task force concluded that effective primary and secondary prevention of chronic lung diseases will require focused efforts to determine risk factors and characterise early-stage disease in at-risk groups. Additionally, development of surrogate measures such as imaging and molecular biomarkers are required to support the design of randomised clinical trials to test chronic lung disease preventive strategies [2]. LDCT lung cancer screening in smokers may detect subclinical COPD and pulmonary fibrosis
Natural history of aortic root dilation through young adulthood in a hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome cohort.

Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) is a common inherited connective tissue disorder characterized by joint hypermobility. The natural history of aortic root dilation (AoD), a potential complication of EDS, has not been well characterized in this population. We describe the natural history of aortic root size in a large cohort of patients with hEDS. A cohort of 325 patients with HEDS was identified at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC), including 163 patients from a previous study. Medical records were reviewed and each participant's height, weight, and aortic dimensions from up to four echocardiograms were documented. Aortic root z-scores were calculated using two established formulas based on age (Boston or Devereux). Overall prevalence of AoD and prevalence by age were calculated and longitudinal regression was performed. The prevalence of AoD with a z-score ≥ 2.0 was 14.2% (46/325) and with a z-score of ≥3.0 was 5.5% (18/325). No significant increases in z-score were seen over time for patients with multiple echocardiograms. Participants under the age of 15 years had an average decline of 0.1 standard deviations (SDs)/year. No significant change was found after 15 of age. Between the ages of 15 and 21 years, Boston z-scores were 0.96 higher than Devereux z-scores. The nearly 1 z-score unit difference between formulas indicates caution prior to diagnosing AoD in patients with hEDS. In light of the low prevalence and lack of progression of AoD, routine echocardiograms may not be warranted for pediatric patients with hEDS.
Perceptions of Dietary Habits and Risk for Type 2 Diabetes among Congolese Immigrants.

Objective. To explore the perceptions of dietary habits and type 2 diabetes risk among Congolese immigrants living in the US. Methods. Data were collected from 20 in-depth interviews and photo-elicitation techniques conducted with Congolese immigrants. The PEN-3 cultural model was used as a guide to analyze the data collected. Results. Participants identified positive, existential, and negative perceptions, enablers, and nurturers associated with dietary habits and type 2 diabetes risk. Participants also acknowledged intrinsic cultural ways of understanding and interpreting the interaction between dietary habits and type 2 diabetes risk among the Congolese people which may influence their health-seeking practices. Conclusions. The findings underscore the importance of culture and how sociocultural factors may play a role with designing culturally appropriate interventions aimed at addressing the risk for type 2 diabetes among Congolese immigrants in the US.
Maternal attachment is differentially associated with mother–child reminiscing among maltreating and nonmaltreating families

In the current investigation, we examined associations between maternal attachment and the way that mothers and children discuss past emotional experiences (i.e., reminiscing) among 146 maltreating and 73 nonmaltreating mothers and their 3- to 6-year-old children. Recent studies demonstrate that maltreating mothers engage in less elaborative reminiscing compared with nonmaltreating mothers. To further explicate the nature of reminiscing among maltreating families, we examined maternal and child contributions to reminiscing, their interrelations, and associations with maternal attachment among dyads from maltreating and nonmaltreating families. Maternal attachment is theoretically and empirically associated with mother-child reminiscing, and an insecure maternal attachment style was hypothesized to exacerbate poor elaborative reminiscing among maltreating families. Mothers and children reminisced about four emotional experiences. Maternal attachment was measured with the Experience in Close Relationships-Revised questionnaire. Mothers and children from maltreating families engaged in less elaborative and emotion-rich reminiscing compared with nonmaltreating dyads. Maternal attachment anxiety was negatively associated with maternal elaborative reminiscing, but only among nonmaltreating mothers. Mother-child reminiscing among dyads with nonmaltreating and low attachment anxiety mothers was highly collaborative; whereas reminiscing among dyads with maltreating and high attachment anxiety mothers was less reciprocal. Our findings largely support communicative perspectives of attachment theory and also indicate that maternal attachment is differentially associated with mother-child reminiscing among maltreating and nonmaltreating families.
A CMOS front-end interface ASIC for SiPM-based positron emission tomography imaging systems

A current-mode interface chip for Silicon Photomultiplier (SiPM) array based positron emission tomography (PET) imaging front-ends is described. The circuit uses a high-speed current amplifier with a low input impedance, to minimize signal loss at the SiPM amplifier interface. To reduce the impact of dark noise, a novel high-speed threshold detection/comparator circuit is used to remove unwanted noise events. A prototype chip interfaces an array of SiPMs to the digital backend of a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) system using 64 readout channels, each of which contain a current amplifier and a threshold detection component. To reduce the number of backend channels, a row-column pulse positioning architecture (RCA) has been implemented. The ASIC occupies an area of 14.04 mm2 in 130nm STMicroelectronics HCMOS9GP process. The measured input impedance of the current amplifier is 20 ohms at 10 MHz, while the threshold detection circuit's propagation delay is 0.3–2ns.
A Tale of Two Cycles

Two of the fundamental rhythms of eukaryotic life are the circadian clock and the cell division cycle. In this issue of Developmental Cell, Fung-Uceda and colleagues (2018) have elucidated a molecular mechanism linking the circadian clock to the cell cycle in the plant Arabidopsis thaliana.
Blockade of Endothelin-1 Receptor Type B Ameliorates Glucose Intolerance and Insulin Resistance in a Mouse Model of Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with insulin resistance (IR) and glucose intolerance. Elevated endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels have been observed in OSA patients and in mice exposed to intermittent hypoxia (IH). We examined whether pharmacological blockade of type A and type B ET-1 receptors (ETA and ETB) would ameliorate glucose intolerance and IR in mice exposed to IH. Subcutaneously implanted pumps delivered BQ-123 (ETA antagonist; 200 nmol/kg/day), BQ-788 (ETB antagonist; 200 nmol/kg/day) or vehicle (saline or propyleneglycol [PG]) for 14 days in C57BL6/J mice (10/group). During treatment, mice were exposed to IH (decreasing the FiO2 from 20.9% to 6%, 60/h) or intermittent air (IA). After IH or IA exposure, insulin (0.5 IU/kg) or glucose (1 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally and plasma glucose determined after injection and area under glucose curve (AUC) was calculated. Fourteen-day IH increased fasting glucose levels (122 ± 7 vs. 157 ± 8 mg/dL, PG: 118 ± 6 vs. 139 ± 8; both p < 0.05) and impaired glucose tolerance (AUCglucose: 19,249 ± 1105 vs. 29,124 ± 1444, PG AUCglucose: 18,066 ± 947 vs. 25,135 ± 797; both p < 0.05) in vehicle-treated animals. IH-induced impairments in glucose tolerance were partially ameliorated with BQ-788 treatment (AUCglucose: 21,969 ± 662; p < 0.05). Fourteen-day IH also induced IR (AUCglucose: 7185 ± 401 vs. 8699 ± 401; p < 0.05). Treatment with BQ-788 decreased IR under IA (AUCglucose: 5281 ± 401, p < 0.05) and reduced worsening of IR with IH (AUCglucose: 7302 ± 401, p < 0.05). There was no effect of BQ-123 on IH-induced impairments in glucose tolerance or IR. Our results suggest that ET-1 plays a role in IH-induced impairments in glucose homeostasis.
The Relative Effectiveness of Personality and Academic Measures in the Prediction of Psychiatry or Nonpsychiatry Medical Specialty Preferences

The purpose of this study was to determine which of several personality, mood state, and academic measures were best able to predict an interest in psychiatry specialization among third-year medical students. Prior to and after the core psychiatry rotation, 340 students were given a battery of psychological tests. These measures, along with MCAT scores, psychiatry exam scores, and final rotation grades, were entered into three stepwise discriminant analyses to predict the students’ preference for either psychiatry or nonpsychiatry specialization. The results indicated that the mood state and anxiety measures were relatively more effective in predicting students’ preferences.
Compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice

Section 501(a)(2)(B) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act provides, in part, that a drug is adulterated if “the methods used in, or the facilities or controls used for its manufacture, processing, packing, or holding do not conform to current good manufacturing practice...” The Current Good Manufacturing Practice regulations, 21 CFR 210 and 211, or CGMP, convey requirements to ensure that all members of the drug industry, including those who make PET radiopharmaceuticals, are aware of the level of performance expected of them to be in compliance with the Act.
Development of a Kinetic Model for Prediction of Priority Pollutant Removal from an Industrial Treatment Plant

Federal guidelines have been issued which regulate the aqueous discharge concentrations of priority pollutants for the organic chemicals, plastics, and synthetic fibers (OCPSF) Industries. Insufficient data existed in the literature to allow estimations of the removal of priority pollutants by a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). The removals of eighteen organic xenobiotics were measured in parallel, aerated, continuous, mixed reactors. The influent to the pilot plants was primary effluent from an industrial 30 million gal./day wastewater treatment facility. The kinetic coefficients which characterize removal by biodegradation, powdered activated carbon (PAC) adsorption and air-stripping were obtained, and the values were used to estimate WWTP performance. Agreement between the steady-state model predictions and the WWTP data was surprisingly good for most of the compounds in spite of unsteady-state operation and the six millionfold scaleup. For compounds where severe transients occurred, the steady state model was unsatisfactory. The model was used to design a second stage “PACT” unit and to determine source control requirements. The model also can be used to estimate the relative importance of the three removal mechanisms in order to adjust WWTP operating conditions to enhance the removal of specific compounds.
Thrombolytics in Acute Ischaemic Stroke

Intravenously administered alteplase (recombinant tissue plasminogen activator; rtPA) is the only medical treatment that has been approved for the management of acute ischaemic stroke. Although rtPA has demonstrated efficacy in improving outcomes of patients with a wide range of neurological impairments, it cannot be given with impunity. Thrombolytic therapy is associated with a considerable risk of intracranial bleeding that is likely to be catastrophic. Careful selection of patients to treat and intensive ancillary care are the keys for successful administration of rtPA. An algorithm for selection is based on the interval from the onset of stroke, history of recent medical illnesses or use of medications, findings of the medical and neurological examinations and the results of laboratory and brain imaging studies. Because rtPA must be given within 3 hours of onset of stroke, most patients cannot be treated. Thus, additional therapies are needed for treatment of patients with acute ischaemic stroke.
vNIDS: Towards Elastic Security with Safe and Efficient Virtualization of Network Intrusion Detection Systems

Traditional Network Intrusion Detection Systems (NIDSes) are generally implemented on vendor proprietary appliances or middleboxes with poor versatility and flexibility. Emerging Network Function Virtualization (NFV) and Software-Defined Networking (SDN) technologies can virtualize NIDSes and elastically scale them to deal with attack traffic variations. However, such an elasticity feature must not come at the cost of decreased detection effectiveness and expensive provisioning. In this paper, we propose an innovative NIDS architecture, vNIDS, to enable safe and efficient virtualization of NIDSes. vNIDS addresses two key challenges with respect to effective intrusion detection and non-monolithic NIDS provisioning in virtualizing NIDSes. The former challenge is addressed by detection state sharing while minimizing the sharing overhead in virtualized environments. In particular, static program analysis is employed to determine which detection states need to be shared. vNIDS addresses the latter challenge by provisioning virtual NIDSes as microservices and employing program slicing to partition the detection logic programs so that they can be executed by each microservice separately. We implement a prototype of vNIDS to demonstrate the feasibility of our approach. Our evaluation results show that vNIDS could offer both effective intrusion detection and efficient provisioning for NIDS virtualization.
Minimally Invasive Esophageal Cancer Surgery

Laparoscopic and thoracoscopic or robotic-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy offers benefits in decreased postoperative complications and faster recovery. The choice of operation depends on patient and surgeon factors. McKeown or 3-field esophagectomy requires dissection in the abdomen, chest, and neck, with a cervical anastomosis. Ivor Lewis esophagectomy is performed with abdominal and right chest dissection and intrathoracic anastomosis. Transhiatal or transmediastinal esophagectomy is performed with abdominal and cervical dissections and a cervical anastomosis and is preferential in patients with significant pulmonary risk factors. Preparation and operative conduct for laparoscopic and robotic approaches for these operations, and the expected postoperative recovery are detailed.
Bacterial Endogenous Endophthalmitis in Bacteremic Inpatients.

Purpose Population-based reports regarding bacterial endogenous endophthalmitis (BEE) are scarce in the literature. Our study sought to investigate the incidence of BEE, relative risk of comorbid conditions, and treatment patterns using a nationally representative database, the National Inpatient Sample (NIS). Design Retrospective cross-sectional study. Participants Inpatients with bacteremia with and without BEE in the NIS database between 2002 and 2013. Methods Demographic and comorbid medical conditions were evaluated in bacteremic patients who demonstrated BEE and in those who did not; furthermore, logistic regression was performed to predict the relative risk of comorbid conditions in BEE developing. Chi-square analysis was used to determine if certain organisms were more likely to cause BEE and their role in treatment method. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software version 22 (IBM, Armonk, NY). Main Outcome Measures Comorbidities, associated microorganisms, and surgical management. Results Among 3 907 204 bacteremic inpatients, 1793 (0.05%) were found to have BEE. Patients were more likely to demonstrate BEE in the presence of endocarditis (P Conclusions Bacterial endogenous endophthalmitis was observed in approximately 1 in 2000 inpatients with bacteremia in this large cohort of NIS inpatients. It was seen more commonly with MRSA, streptococcal, and pneumococcal species. Endocarditis, meningitis, prostatitis, osteomyelitis, infected vascular catheter, internal organ abscess, and diabetic retinopathy showed a significant risk (P
11 Postoperative Pathways in Minimally Invasive Bariatric Surgery

Obesity has become one of the greatest public health threats of our time, impacting a significant segment of the world’s population. This epidemic has increased the demand for therapies to achieve weight loss and resolve associated comorbidities. Surgery has been proven to be the most effective modality. The number of surgical procedures performed annually in the United States and worldwide continues to rise. Along with improving and refining bariatric procedures, clinicians have endeavored to improve perioperative care. Evidence-based postoperative care pathways have been standardized to decrease postoperative complications, improve resource utilization, and lower costs.
Multidimensional Neural Selectivity in the Primate Amygdala.

Abstract The amygdala contributes to multiple functions including attention allocation, sensory processing, decision-making, and the elaboration of emotional behaviors. The diversity of functions attributed to the amygdala is reflected in the response selectivity of its component neurons. Previous work claimed that subsets of neurons differentiate between broad categories of stimuli (e.g., objects vs. faces, rewards vs. punishment) while other subsets are narrowly specialized to respond to individual faces or facial features (e.g., eyes). Here we explored the extent to which the same neurons contribute to more than one neural subpopulation in a task that activated multiple functions of the amygdala. The subjects (Macaca Mulatta) watched videos depicting conspecifics or inanimate objects, and learned by trial and error to choose the individuals or objects associated with the highest rewards. We found that the same neurons responded selectively to two or more of the following task events or stimulus features: (1) alerting, task-related stimuli (fixation icon, video start, and video end), (2) reward magnitude, (3) stimulus categories (social vs. non-social), and (4) stimulus–unique features (faces, eyes). A disproportionate number of neurons showed selectivity for all of the examined stimulus features and task events. These results suggest that neurons that appear specialized and uniquely tuned to specific stimuli (e.g., face cells, eye cells) are likely to respond to multiple other types of stimuli or behavioral events, if/when these become behaviorally relevant in the context of a complex task. This multi-dimensional selectivity supports flexible, context-depending evaluation of inputs and decision-making based activating the same neural ensemble. Significance statement The primate amygdala contains neurons tuned to stimuli of high behavioral significance such as reward and punishment, faces, eyes, etc. It has been assumed that these specialized responses emerge from domain-specific cortical inputs that are evaluated for affective significance in the amygdala. Here we show that in the context of a task that requires the joint activation of multiple functions of the amygdala, neurons show multi-dimensional response properties, i.e., instead of specialization for relatively narrow domains of stimuli, they respond to multiple types of stimuli and multiple task events. This finding adds to growing experimental and theoretical evidence that that the same neurons in the amygdala can serve, depending on the behavioral context, multiple functions.
Triplet pregnancy: What do we tell the prospective parents

Experience managing triplet pregnancies has increased over the past few decades as the incidence has changed related to assisted reproductive practices. Physicians caring for women carrying triplets cannot predict an individual outcome or pregnancy course but must educate patients about the challenges related to these high risk pregnancies. Obstetric providers can describe the wide range of risks associated with triplet gestations, and the general plan for management, but ultimately parents must make decisions with potentially lifelong consequences. Here, we present the diagnostic criteria, common complications, and management options for triplet pregnancies, to help obstetricians counsel patients on the medical and psychosocial consequences of triplet pregnancy, potential complications, and multifetal reduction.
Communication and Palliation in Trauma Critical Care: Impact of Trainee Education and Mentorship.

ABSTRACT Background Surgical residency training requires Advance Care Planning (ACP) and Palliative Care (PC) education. To meet education needs and align with American College of Surgeons guidelines, our Surgical Intensivists and PC faculty developed courses on communication and palliation for residents (2017-18) and fellows (2018-19). We hypothesized that education in ACP would increase ACP communication and documentation. Methods The trauma registry of an academic, level 1trauma center was queried for ICU admissions from 2016-2019, excluding incarcerated and pregnant patients. A retrospective chart review was performed, obtaining frequency of ACP documentation, ACP meetings, time from admission to documentation, and PC consultation. We collected ICU quality measures as secondary outcomes: ICU Length Of Stay (LOS), hospital LOS, ventilator days, invasive procedures, discharge disposition, and mortality. Comparisons were made between years prior to (Y 1) and following implementation (Y 2: residents, Y 3: fellows). Results For 1732 patients meeting inclusion criteria, patient demographics, injuries, and injury severity score were comparable. ACP documentation increased from 19.5% in Y 1 to 57.2% in Y 3 (P Conclusion Following trainee education, we observed increases in ACP documentation, earlier communication and improvements in ICU quality measures. Our findings suggest that trainee education positively impacts ACP documentation, reduces LOS, and improves trauma critical care outcomes.
The economic cost and sustainability of the precision oncology promise.

7Background: Despite the promise of precision oncology, the cost-effectiveness of targeted treatments is debated. Until now, the increase in price of oral targeted anti-cancer treatments used in co...
Histologic Findings in Mucosa and Muscularis Propria Biopsied During Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy in Patients With Achalasia.

Background Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has been increasingly used to treat achalasia. Previous studies have reported high frequency of muscular eosinophilic infiltration in achalasia. Esophageal mucosal changes in achalasia have only been studied in esophagectomy specimens. Cardia mucosal changes in achalasia have not been reported previously. We aimed to further characterize the esophageal, gastric cardia, and muscularis propria changes in achalasia. Methods This was a pilot study. Patients with clinically and radiographically confirmed achalasia who underwent POEM were enrolled in the study. Mucosal biopsies were taken 1 cm proximal and 1 cm distal to the gastroesophageal junction, and muscularis propria biopsies were taken from the mid esophagus. Tissues were submitted for histological evaluation. Results Eighteen patients (10 male and eight female, mean age: 60.7 (standard deviation (SD): 13) years) were enrolled in this pilot study. Nine patients had type II achalasia, two type III, one type I, five esophageal gastric outlet obstruction, and one unspecific type achalasia. The mean duration of symptoms prior to POEM was 79 (range 1 - 480) months. All patients had a dilated esophagus on examination, but no endoscopic evidence of Barrett's esophagus. Esophageal, gastric cardia, and muscular biopsies were performed in 17, 13, and 17 patients, respectively. Basal hyperplasia, spongiosis, ballooning, and parakeratosis were seen in 92.3%, 100%, 100%, and 76.5% of cases, respectively. Intraepithelial lymphocytosis was seen in 70.5% of cases, and active esophagitis was seen in 23.5% of case. Six (35.3%) cases had few intraepithelial eosinophils, but none of them had > 15 eosinophils per high power field. Histologic findings in gastric cardia mucosa included carditis (69.2%), H. pylori gastritis (7.6%), and reactive gastropathy (15.4%). One case (7.6%) showed low-grade dysplasia arising from intestinal metaplasia in the cardia. Absence of ganglion cells in the muscular biopsies was noted in 88.2% of cases, and the remaining two showed rare residual ganglion cells with ganglionitis in one case (5.8%). Muscular atrophy and interstitial fibrosis were observed in 52.9% and 82.3% of the cases, respectively. Two cases (11.7%) had eosinophilic inflammation in the muscularis propria and one of them was accompanied by lymphocytic inflammation. Conclusions Muscular biopsies in our study revealed loss of ganglion cells, supporting the view that achalasia is a primary esophageal disease with ganglion cell depletion. Squamous mucosa in achalasia showed changes mimicking reflux and lymphocytic esophagitis. Cardia mucosa in achalasia patients often were inflamed and uncommonly showed intestinal metaplasia and glandular dysplasia.
Multispecies Conservation Movements and the Redefinition of Urban Nature at Berlin's Tempelhof Airfield:

The “ecological turn” in urban planning ( Scott and Lennon, 2016) has led to increased recognition of ecosystem services, experiments with green infrastructure, and other efforts to “re-nature” the...
The Evaluation of Radionuclide Penetration of Structural Concrete Surfaces in the Three Mile Island Unit 2 Reactor Building

The March 28, 1979, loss-of-coolant accident at Three Mile Island Unit 2 resulted in the exposure of ∼3000 m2 of reactor building (RB) internal concrete surfaces to both liquid- and vapor-borne con...
CHAPTER 2 – The Conduct of Agricultural Science

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses that majority of important research is required to be done in the class of basic science. The new mass of knowledge is still formless, incomplete, lacking the essential threads of connection, displaying misleading signals at every turn, riddled with blind alleys. If the assessment is correct for agricultural research, it portends a difficult and exciting change. It is correct to posit that the primary emphasis of agricultural research for many decades has been to increase grower's productivity and profit. It is also reasonable to assume that agricultural scientists and farmers have other goals. New goals for agriculture require a new kind of inquiry, which pursues scientific truth, but simultaneously has humane goals. It is an inquiry that is specifically value-laden. Its basic aim is to improve knowledge, and personal and global wisdom. Further, scientific objectivity should include thought about what value judgments are made or might be made, and even about those that ought to be made. Full awareness of ethical matters is an essential part of scientific progress toward objectivity. An operative philosophy, which excludes all but empirical success, has enabled agricultural scientists to produce scientific solutions rapidly to many production problems while simultaneously ignoring the problems the solutions create.