cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dabigatran Challenges Warfarin’s Superiority for Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation

Marc Fisher MD Kennedy Lees MD Section Editors: Atrial fibrillation (AF) remains a prominent cause of ischemic stroke worldwide. The incidence of AF increases with age and prevalence reaches 10% in octogenarians.1 The proportion of strokes attributable to this common arrhythmia will continue to rise as our population ages. In the Framingham Study, almost one fourth of all strokes that occurred in patients aged >80 years were attributable to AF.2 Furthermore, cerebral infarctions in patients with AF tend to be larger than strokes caused by most other etiologies and result in high rates of both disability and mortality.3 In use for >50 years, the anticoagulant warfarin was first shown to prevent stroke in patients with AF 2 decades ago. A series of randomized trials demonstrated an exceptional level of efficacy (relative risk reductions close to 70%) for prevention of ischemic stroke and surprisingly low rates of intracerebral hemorrhage or major systemic bleeding.4 Despite this remarkable performance in clinical trials and strong endorsement by international guidelines, both physicians and patients have been reluctant to embrace warfarin therapy in AF. Underuse is typically attributed to the inconvenience of coagulation monitoring, complexities associated with drug and dietary interactions as well as the perception that hemorrhage rates may have been underestimated in the clinical trials. It is estimated that only approximately half of warfarin-eligible patients with AF actually receive anticoagulation.5 Furthermore, even those who are treated are often not maintained in the therapeutic range. This is due in part to warfarin’s nonlinear pharmacokinetics, but also its interaction with multiple other hepatically metabolized drugs and dietary intake of vitamin K that competes with warfarin’s synthetic inhibition of vitamin K-dependent clotting …
Space–Time Analysis: Concepts, Quantitative Methods, and Future Directions

Throughout most of human history, events and phenomena of interest have been characterized using space and time as their major characteristic dimensions, in either absolute or relative conceptualiz...
A Persistent(ly) Enigmatic Ecological Mystery: Bacterial Vaginosis

Considering the vagina's central role in women's susceptibility to acquiring sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, we have a remarkably limited understanding of its microflora and mucosal immunology. We have known for >2 decades that the "normal" vagina is dominated by hydrogen peroxide-producing Lactobacillus species, particularly L. crispatus and L. jensenii [1]. Quantitative declines in numbers of these vaginal lactobacilli have been associated with an increased risk of the acquisition of bacterial vaginosis (BV) [2], gonorrhea [3], and HIV infection [3] and with cervicitis [4]. BV itself, in which the relative lack of lactobacilli is accompanied by a profound increase in the quantity of vaginal anaerobic bacteria, has been associated with an increased risk of some STIs [5] and HIV infection [6, 7]. BV is the most prevalent vaginal infection in women of reproductive age-it affects 8%-23% of women and is the most common cause of vaginal symptoms prompting women to seek medical care. Despite this, our collective
Electrical Behavior of Cu Thin Fluorinated PECVD Oxide MIS Capacitors

This paper reports the results of extensive bias temperature annealing investigations made with metal‐insulator semiconductor (MIS) capacitors of copper and fluorinated plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) oxide. Reduction of resistance‐capacitance delay is necessary to improve interconnect performance. While copper has been accepted as the new interconnect metal, several low dielectric constant materials are being considered as potential replacements for silicon oxide. Fluorinated silicon oxides deposited by the PECVD process have a moderately low dielectric constant (K = 3.0–3.7). The film structure and electrical behavior of fluorinated films was found to depend on the flow rate of the fluorine precursor . In several cases, both fluorinated and nonfluorinated oxides exhibit significant leakage currents. The reason for such poor electrical behaior has been related to the presence of pinholelike defects (which were identified by KOH etch testing) in these oxides. The existence of such pinholes is believed to be associated with nucleation and growth processes during the deposition and the thickness of the deposited dielectric (100 nm) used in this investigation. © 2000 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.
Validating the Mexican American Intergenerational Caregiving Model

The purpose of this study was to substantiate and further develop a previously formulated conceptual model of Role Acceptance in Mexican American family caregivers by exploring the theoretical strengths of the model. The sample consisted of women older than 21 years of age who self-identified as Hispanic, were related through consanguinal or acquired kinship ties to an elder, and had provided at least one intermittent service (without pay at least once a month). A comparative analysis method was used to test the existing theory, which consists of four phases: (a) Introduction/Early Caregiving Experiences, (b) Role Reconciliation, (c) Role Imprint, and (d) Providing/Projecting Care. Results substantiated and elaborated all four phases and 14 categories of the existing model. This study provides further evidence that the intergenerational caregiving Role Acceptance model can be used to study Hispanic caregivers in varied geographic locations. It also provides a framework for comparison with other groups of caregivers. In addition, results inform health professionals about the ways in which Hispanic caregivers view caregiving. This information has the potential to increase cultural competence in the delivery of health care to elders and their
An open access journal of molecular signaling: a critical need at a critical time

Molecular signaling is an exponentially growing field that encompasses different molecular aspects of cell signaling underlying normal and pathological conditions. This area also focuses on defining the genetic and epigenetic changes that modulate the signaling properties of cells and the resultant physiological as well as pathological conditions. Therefore, rapid publication of results from these endeavors and, more importantly, free access to such publications can truly accelerate the progress in this field leading to the development of novel targeted drugs. With this goal in mind, Journal of Molecular Signaling, a journal fully devoted to open access publishing of rigorously peer-reviewed quality manuscripts in the molecular signaling area of research, is being launched. The focus, significance, and, the open access model of publishing of Journal of Molecular Signaling are discussed.
Virtual Measurement in Pipes, Part 2: Liquid Holdup and Flow Pattern Correlations

The prediction of liquid holdup and multiphase flow regimes present in a well or pipeline is very important to the petroleum industry. Liquid holdup, defined as the fraction of pipe occupied by liquid, and flow regimes must be predicted to design separation equipment and slug catchers in pipeline operations properly. It is also important when designing gas storage fields in depleted oil reservoirs.
Ensuring timely completion of type and screen testing and the verification of ABO/Rh status for elective surgical patients.

Abstract Context.—A blood bank can provide compatible blood for an elective surgical procedure, provided a blood sample is received by the laboratory with sufficient time to allow pretransfusion testing and acquire enough compatible red blood cell units. With the push for same-day admission surgical procedures, a patient's pretransfusion blood sample is often collected the morning of surgery. However, if blood is needed, compatible units might not be immediately available. Objective.—To define and improve the process of completing presurgical/preadmission type and screen testing and verifying the ABO/Rh status of scheduled surgical patients before they receive a transfusion. Study Design.—A list of surgical procedures that might necessitate blood transfusion was created. A checklist was used to ensure that the preoperative clinic nurse collects a baseline pretransfusion blood sample for type and screen testing from patients scheduled for a listed procedure. A new pretransfusion specimen was received on th...
Biochemical markers of neonatal hypoxia

Neonatal hypoxia is a clinical condition with detrimental biochemical and clinical outcomes, including production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, ATP depletion, developmental abnormalities and growth retardation. Diagnostic approaches for hypoxia are largely based on nonspecific clinical criteria, such as Apgar score, umbilical cord pH and fetal heart-rate monitoring. Since our understanding of the biochemical processes of hypoxia has improved, several biochemical markers have been developed. This article highlights the use of hypoxanthine, xanthine, uric acid, xanthine oxidase, malondialdehyde, nitrotyrosine and lactate as markers of hypoxia in animal models,
Cladoceran Zooplankton Abundance under Clear and Snow-Covered Ice

ABSTRACT We described the distribution of cladoceran zooplankton under the ice in a natural, glacial lake. Local light availability apparently altered the spatial distribution of cladocerans. Light levels measured under snow-covered areas (0.178 lux) were an order of magnitude less than those measured at the same depth under clear ice (1.750 lux). Cladoceran density under snow-covered areas was significantly higher (Bosmina spp.=3.34/L; Daphnia spp.=0.61/L) than cladoceran abundance under clear ice (Bosmina spp.=O.91/L; Daphnia spp.= O.19/L).
The Development of a Warm-Weather Relative Stress Index for Environmental Applications

The heat stress index (HSI) is a new, comprehensive summer index that evaluates daily relative stress for locations throughout the United States based on deviations from the norm. The index is based on apparent temperature and other derived meteorological variables, including cloud cover, cooling degree-days, and consecutive days of extreme heat. Statistical distributions of meteorological variables are derived for 10-day periods of the annual cycle so that percentile values for each parameter can be determined. The daily percentile values for each variable are then summed, and a statistical distribution is fit to the summed frequencies. The daily HSI value is the percentile associated with the location of the daily summed value under the summation curve. The index is analyzed and spatially verified by comparing intra- and interregional results. Although stations from various climate regions have different criteria defining an excessive heat stress event, neighboring stations typically produce similar HSI results because they are usually affected by the same air mass. To test the effectiveness of the HSI, a relationship between the index results and mortality values is made. Overall, the highest mortality days are associated with the highest HSI values, but high-HSI days are not always associated with high numbers of deaths. A mortality study such as this one is just one of many potential environmental applications of the HSI. Other applications include implementing the index to correlate extreme weather conditions with resource consumption, such as electric-utility load, to determine conditions for which load levels are excessive. The ability to forecast the HSI using a variety of weather forecasting tools has also generated interest within various industries that have a need to issue weather stress advisories, watches, and warnings.
The foxtail (Setaria) species-group

Abstract The weedy Setaria species (giant, green, yellow, knotroot, and bristly foxtail) compose one of the worst weed groups interfering with world agriculture and in other disturbed and managed habitats. These species, together with their crop counterparts (foxtail millet, korali), form the foxtail species-group (spp.-gp). Five successive waves of Setaria spp. invasion from preagricultural times to the present have resulted in widespread infestation of the disturbed, arable, temperate regions of the earth. These invasions have resulted in considerable economic and environmental costs. The success of the Setaria spp.-gp is because of their intimate evolutionary relationship with humans, disturbance, agriculture, and land management. The ability to adapt rapidly to local conditions is the hallmark of this weedy group. Genotypic and phenotypic biodiversity provides this spp.-gp with traits that allow it to invade, colonize, adapt to, and endure in a wide range of habitats around the world. The phenotypic l...
Interactions Between Embedded Vortices and Injectant From Film Cooling Holes With Compound Angle Orientations in a Turbulent Boundary Layer

Experimental results are presented that describe the effects of embedded, longitudinal vortices on heat transfer and film injectant downstream of two staggered rows of film cooling holes with compound angle orientations. Holes are oriented so that their angles with respect to the test surface are 30 deg in a spanwise/normal plane projection, and 35 deg in a streamwise/normal plane projection. A blowing ratio of 0.5, nondimensional injection temperature parameter θ of about 1.5, and freestream velocity of 10 m/s are employed. Injection hole diameter is 0.945 cm to give a ratio of vortex core diameter to hole diameter of 1.6-1.67 just downstream of the injection holes (x/d = 10.2). At the same location, vortex circulation magnitudes range from O.15 m 2 /s to O.18 m 2 /s
Zone Purification of Boron

Boron has been zone-refined using boron nitride boats. Segregation coefficients for a number of impurities are known qualitatively. Crystalline boron has been grown by the Czo-chralski method. Some electrical, optical, and thermal data are discussed.
Extreme Obesity and Postcesarean Wound Complications in the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Unit Cesarean Registry.

Objective The objective of this study was to estimate the association between obesity and wound complications after cesarean delivery. Methods A secondary cohort analysis of the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Unit Cesarean Registry. We stratified the exposure, maternal body mass index (BMI) at delivery, as not obese (BMI 45). Our primary outcome was wound complication composite of wound infection, endometritis, wound opening, seroma/hematoma, and hospital readmission. Our secondary outcomes included infection composite (wound infection and endometritis) and each individual outcome included in the primary composite. We performed unadjusted and multivariable logistic regression analyses. Results We included 38,229 women who underwent cesarean; 39% were not obese, 55% were obese, and 6% were extremely obese. In our cohort, 40% of women underwent repeat cesarean and 57% underwent cesarean after labor. Extremely obese women had increased risk for any wound complication (14%, adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.44–1.89), endometritis (8.3%, AOR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.07–1.49), wound infection (2.0%, AOR, 3.77; 95% CI, 2.60–5.46), wound opening (0.8%, AOR, 5.47; 95% CI, 2.79–10.71), and wound infection-related hospital readmission (3.6%, AOR, 2.97; 95% CI, 2.26–3.91) compared with nonobese women. Obese women had increased risk for any wound complication (9.6%, AOR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.06–1.23) and postcesarean infection (7.7%, AOR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.03–1.22) but not other outcomes. Conclusion In a large multicenter cohort study, we found that extreme obesity was associated with substantial increase in maternal postcesarean complications, and the association between obesity and postcesarean complications appears dose related. These findings validate associations found in single-center studies.
Large Low-Frequency Oscillations Initiated by Sub-Optimal Flow Control on a Post-Stall Airfoil

A large amplitude low frequency oscillation in the lift force is detected for an airfoil experiencing leading edge stall. This behavior has been documented experimentally and numerically in the literature, but with an incomplete understanding as to its origin. In the current study this behavior is shown to interact with standard methods of active flow control. Active control is applied in the form of external acoustic excitation or a row of discrete jets that are operated in a pulsed or steady mode. Time-resolved PIV and surface pressure measurements are used to evaluate the spatial and temporal characteristics of the oscillation. The use of forcing allows for further investigation into the physics of this oscillation, specifically in the dynamic behavior and primary time scale. The paper is concluded with a discussion of implications for active flow control. Each flow control technique is shown to excite the oscillation at moderate forcing amplitudes and remove the oscillation with higher forcing amplitude. At maximum oscillation amplitude, the behavior is highly periodic in the case of acoustic forcing and intermittent in the case of pulsed or steady jets. Unsteady behavior of this amplitude could have adverse effects for structural mechanics and should be considered in the design of a robust active flow control system.
Studies in Incubator Hygiene: I. Formalin Fumigation

Abstract THE results of investigations of one phase of incubator hygiene at the Illinois Experiment Station suggest that fumigation of forced-air-draft incubators * may be of practical value in suppressing certain incubator disseminated diseases. In this report, preliminary results in fumigation studies in a Buckeye mammoth incubator † under favorable and unfavorable conditions are discussed. Reference is also made to comparable procedures, dispatched in commercially operated incubators of different types, which emphasize the importance of controlling certain factors that influence the germicidal value of the fumigant. Fumigation procedures in the Buckeye mammoth incubator efficiently destroyed such pathogenic bacteria as S. pullorum within reasonable time limits. The results, however, were noticeably influenced by the amount of fumigant as well as the environmental conditions which favored or hindered the germicidal efficiency of the fumigant. Efficient formalin fumigation of incubators, therefore, depends not only upon the amount of the germicide employed, but also upon the humidity . . .
The Experiential International Business Plan as a Capstone MBA Course

This paper discusses a group-driven International Business Plan as a six-credit hour capstone in an MBA program. It is fully integrated, customized to client need, and it offers benefits beyond those of other experiential learning exercises.
Gaussian beam propagation in anisotropic turbulence along horizontal links: theory, simulation, and laboratory implementation.

Experimental and theoretical work has shown that atmospheric turbulence can exhibit “non-Kolmogorov” behavior including anisotropy and modifications of the classically accepted spatial power spectral slope, −11/3. In typical horizontal scenarios, atmospheric anisotropy implies that the variations in the refractive index are more spatially correlated in both horizontal directions than in the vertical. In this work, we extend Gaussian beam theory for propagation through Kolmogorov turbulence to the case of anisotropic turbulence along the horizontal direction. We also study the effects of different spatial power spectral slopes on the beam propagation. A description is developed for the average beam intensity profile, and the results for a range of scenarios are demonstrated for the first time with a wave optics simulation and a spatial light modulator-based laboratory benchtop counterpart. The theoretical, simulation, and benchtop intensity profiles show good agreement and illustrate that an elliptically shaped beam profile can develop upon propagation. For stronger turbulent fluctuation regimes and larger anisotropies, the theory predicts a slightly more elliptical form of the beam than is generated by the simulation or benchtop setup. The theory also predicts that without an outer scale limit, the beam width becomes unbounded as the power spectral slope index α approaches a maximum value of 4. This behavior is not seen in the simulation or benchtop results because the numerical phase screens used for these studies do not model the unbounded wavefront tilt component implied in the analytic theory.
Missed esophageal and gastric cancers after esophagogastroduodenoscopy in a midwestern military veteran population.

Objectives Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with biopsy has become the standard procedure for diagnosing esophageal and gastric cancers (EGC) and is considered to have high sensitivity and specificity. To date, few studies have attempted to examine the rates of missed EGC after EGD and no study addresses the rate of missed EGC in a military veteran patient population. This led to us examine missed EGCs at our VA Medical Center across a 10-year period. Methods An electronic database was used to identify patients who were diagnosed between 2000 and 2010 as having EGC. Missed cancers were defined as cancers diagnosed within 1 year of EGD, possible missed cancers as those diagnosed 1 to 3 years after EGD, and latent cancers as those diagnosed between 3 and 5 years after EGD. Results A total of 94 patients fulfilled the study criteria: 69 had esophageal cancer and 25 had gastric cancer diagnosed at our institution during the study period. Of the included cases, one patient had a missed cancer (1.06%) and four patients had possible missed cancers (4.26%); no patients had latent cancer. Conclusions The true incidence of missed EGC in military veteran patients is not known. It is difficult to compare our findings to those of other studies because of the heterogeneity of studies. Our study echoes the findings of the others: EGD remains an important and effective tool in diagnosing EGC. At the same time, it also points out an important limitation, that EGC can be missed on EGD. Our findings also emphasize the importance of obtaining biopsies of any abnormality and timely clinical follow-up and by repeat EGD as needed.
Trend, technology and architecture of small cell in 5G era

With the mobile data traffic increasing, network operators are urgently looking for new technologies for improving capacity, user data-rates, spectrum reuse and latency to fulfill user experience and variant new applications. Small cells will play an important role in the high capacity, densely deployed networks for future 5G networks and the three major use cases: include enhanced mobile broadband, massive machine type communications and ultra-reliable and low latency communications. This work presents the trend, technologies and architecture of small cells in 5G and highlights key techniques such as carrier aggregation, licensed and un-licensed band, mmWave, new waveform, coding and modulation, multi-cell cooperation and advanced MIMO.
Scale Dependency in Agent-Based Modeling: How Many Time Steps? How Many Simulations? How Many Agents?

As with other parameters a modeler might sweep and document in a sensitivity analysis, it is important to explore the scale dependency of a model. Decisions about how long to run a simulation to generate patterns of interest, or how many simulations are necessary to capture the range of patterns generated by a stochastic model, are an important part of the design and testing process. In archaeological agent-based modeling (ABM), though, researchers have only recently begun to approach these issues systematically. More often, pragmatic concerns related to the time required to run simulations have determined scaling rather than a quantitative assessment of the often diminishing marginal returns of adding one more agent to the simulation or one more simulation to the analysis. Documenting the scale sensitivity of a model can help researchers better manage their time and resources. My ABM project on the organization of the Hohokam economy in central Arizona (AD 200–1450) involved a program of systematically exploring the sensitivity of simulation models to scale-dependent parameters. The research has contributed new insights into the Hohokam pottery distribution system, particularly related to the emergence and organization of a nascent market-based economy.
Protecting Financially Disadvantaged Students’ Educational Rights

This chapter explores some of the most persistent obstacles faced by impoverished students attending American schools. In particular, it considers a variety of myths surrounding students and families in poverty and how research has debunked these misperceptions. The chapter subsequently considers how, with the emergence of new social science understandings, educators and activists are in a better position to recommend and implement measures of success which would more appropriately assess student achievement than the currently widely preferred methods. The chapter ends with several recommendations for minimizing the opportunity gap between impoverished students and their financially stable peers, culminating in an assessment of necessary legal reform and legislative action.
Productive resistance: A study of change, emotions, and identity in the context of the Apostolic Visitation of U.S. women religious, 2008–2012

Abstract We discuss a recent effort of institutional resistance in the context of the 2008–2011 Apostolic Visitation of U.S. women religious motivated by Vatican concerns about perceived secularism and potential lack of fidelity among Catholic sisters. We examined the process of and women’s responses to the Visitation to shed light on the institutional work associated with productive resistance and the role of identity and emotions in transforming institutions. At a time when the male leadership can be blamed for leading the church to a state of crisis – a time when the voices of women are needed more than ever – even the modest roles accorded to female clerics have come under attack. The specific reasons for the investigation are unclear (or, more probably, not public), but the suspicion, clearly, can be put in the crassest terms: too many American nuns have gone off the reservation. – Lisa Miller, Female Troubles, Newsweek, May 27, 2010
Grassroots’ Unionism in Grenoble: Four Firms

The Alpine city of Grenoble, situated in a plain at the confluence of the Isere and Drac rivers and surrounded by three mountain chains, is a rich site for the study of local unionism for two principal reasons. First, Grenoble has a modern, dynamic economy, with numerous firms in high-technology industries such as electronics and nuclear engineering. During the 1960s, a period of brisk expansion, Grenoble’s metropolitan population increased by over 25 per cent, from 253 000 to 317 000. This growth has been facilitated by close ties between local industry and the University of Grenoble, which has fostered industrial research and new styles of management.1 Grenoble may be said, then, to presage certain aspects of French economic development, hence the French economy of the future.2 At the same time, Grenoble has numerous older industries, dating from the early part of this century. Thus Grenoble possesses a full, diversified economy within a context manageable from a local-level perspective.
System interaction influences on cognitive-affective states to enhance performance, workload, and knowledge acquisition in teams conducting close air support simulations.

The purpose of this research is to shed light on the effects of an automated feedback system to optimize cognitive-affective states and increase effectiveness of using remotely piloted aerial system team members training to conduct Close Air Support missions in a simulation training environment. Feedback manipulations in this study utilize attributes of engagement as an optimal cognitive-affective state in order to assess state and effectiveness differences. Understanding these effects could enable predictions of aspects that might be adapted to optimize future approaches in training teams in complex situations. If states of learners can be impacted via feedback experiences to an engagement like state and thereby benefit from increased learning and effectiveness, then training approaches utilizing feedback may advance in capability. Thus, designs of automated feedback systems in human-computer interfaces may help advance training of complex military tasks such as close air support with remotely piloted ae...
Chaos in a Parametrically Excited Pendulum with Damping Force

The shooting method is applied to prove that a damped pendulum with oscillatory forcing makes chaotic motions for certain parameters. The method is more intuitive than the Poincare map method and provides more information about when the chaos occurs.
Iodinated benzimidazole PARP radiotracer for evaluating PARP1/2 expression in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract Background PARP inhibitors (PARPi) have the potential to impact cancer therapy in a selective patient population; however, despite current patient selection methods clinical trials have shown mixed response rates. It is therefore clinically useful to determine which patients will respond prior to receiving PARPi therapy. One essential biomarker is to measure the level of PARP enzyme expression in tumors. Small molecule radiotracers have been developed to accurately quantify PARP-1 expression in vitro and in vivo . [ 125 I] KX-02-019 is the first report of a radioiodinated analogue of the benzimidazole class of PARPi. Herein, we studied the pharmacological properties of [ 125 I] KX-02-019 as well as the in vivo biodistribution. Methods [ 125 I] KX-02-019 was evaluated in both cancer and non-cancer cell lines. We evaluated the pharmacologic properties of [ 125 I] KX-02-019 in live cells by measuring enzyme association and dissociation kinetics, saturation, and specificity. In addition, competitive inhibition experiments were carried out with commercially available PARPi. Protein expression was analyzed by Western blot to compare PARP-1 and PARP-2 expression across cell lines studied. The biodistribution was studied in a mouse EMT6 tumor model at time points of 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 6h. Results [ 125 I] KX-02-019 showed subtle differences in pharmacological properties in the absence of PARP-2. In addition, [ 125 I] KX-02-019 was competitively displaced by clinical PARPi. In vivo biodistribution studies showed an increasing tumor to muscle ratio over 6h as well as fast clearance from healthy tissues. Conclusion [ 125 I] KX-02-019 has binding sites in both PARP1 KO cells as well as PARP2 KO cells showing higher affinity for PARP-2. This observation is supported by a decrease in binding affinity in PARP2 KO cells compared to PARP1 KO cells. The pharmacologic and biological properties of [ 125 I] KX-02-019 studied in vitro and in vivo showed that this analogue may be useful in determining pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of clinical PARPi.
Disease biology and histopathology of bronze leaf disease: a threat to cultivated aspens, white poplars and their hybrids

Summary Bronze leaf disease (BLD) of species and hybrids of aspens, grey and white poplars (Genus Populus, section Populus) is a systemic disease incited by the fungus Apioplagiostoma populi (E.K. Cash & A.M. Waterman) M.E. Barr that results in a characteristic bronze to dark brown pigmentation of infected leaves in late summer and early fall. Branches on affected trees die over a period of several years, disfiguring trees and eventually leading to mortality of susceptible trees planted in landscapes. In this study, we describe the histopathology of the disease and fungus development relative to external symptoms on affected trees. A. populi hyphae were observed in leaf vessels, lateral veins and xylem vessels of stems and roots of affected trees. Hyphae were also observed in veins and vessels of asymptomatic leaves. Xylem vessels of growth rings on dead branches were completely occluded with A. populi near the vascular cambium and together with the ray parenchyma were stained a bronze colour. Evidence of putative toxin damage to mesophyll cells, not colonized by hyphae, was observed and may contribute to the characteristic tissue staining observed. The development of the fungus was consistent with previous reports, but in this study, we report additional details including perithecial development and ascospore release from predominantly abaxial leaf surfaces. We also report for the first time the isolation and growth of the pathogen in pure culture and systemic infection of roots.
A COMPARATIVE TEXTURE CLASSIFICATION EXPERIMENT

This paper contains a comparative study of techniques for terrain classification based on texture. Features are derived from a texture's power spectrum, cooccurrence matrices and difference histograms. Results indicate that power spectrum features lead to overall lower classification rates than the cooccurrence-based or difference histogram features.
Applicability of Unit Stream Power Equation

The usefulness of a sediment transport equation to engineering depends on its applicability to natural rivers. Data collected from six river stations are used to compare the applicability of different equations. These comparisons indicate that the dimensionless unit stream power equation is the one which can provide accurate predictions of total sediment discharge in natural rivers under diversified flow and sediment conditions. The limitations to which this dimensionless unit stream power equation can be applied are explained.
Development of first ever scanning probe microscopy capabilities for plutonium

Abstract Scanning probe microscopy capabilities have been developed for plutonium and its derivative compounds. Specifically, a scanning tunneling microscope and an atomic force microscope housed in an ultra-high vacuum system and an inert atmosphere glove box, respectively, were prepared for the introduction of small non-dispersible δ-Pu coupons. Experimental details, procedures, and preliminary imaging of δ-Pu coupons are presented to demonstrate the functionality of these new capabilities. These first of a kind capabilities for plutonium represent a significant step forward in the ability to characterize and understand plutonium surfaces with high spatial resolution.
The overlooked dangers of anti-vaccination groups' social media presence

In 2014, a large measles outbreak swept through the Disneyland theme park in California, infecting over 50 people.1 Several of the children who initially spread the disease were intentionally left ...
Stiffness Percolation in Stochastically Fragmented Continua

We study the mechanical behavior of three-dimensional, randomly microcracked continua for crack densities up to and above the transport percolation threshold. We show the existence of a fully fragmented material state in which stiffness is preserved due to topological interlocking of fragments. In this regime, the mechanical behavior is controlled by the contacts between fragments and becomes nonlinear. The upper limit of crack densities for which this behavior is observed, the stiffness percolation threshold, is identified. The variation of the effective material stiffness for crack densities ranging from 0 to the stiffness percolation threshold is reported.
Predictors of long-term bladder management in spinal cord injury patients-Upper extremity function may matter most.

Introduction Clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) is the gold standard for neurogenic bladder management in most patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). There is nonetheless a lack of long-term adherence to CIC, with up to 50% discontinuance at 5-year follow-up. We hypothesize that limitations in upper extremity (UE) motor function represent a strong predictor for long-term CIC adoption. Methods We assessed Forms I and II data from the 2000-2013 National SCI Database. Bladder management was determined at initial discharge and 1-year follow-up. Upper extremity (UE) motor scores were transformed using a previously published algorithm to predict a patient's ability to independently self-catheterize. Uni- and multivariable logistic regression modeling was performed to assess risk factors affecting: a) a lack of CIC adoption at rehabilitation discharge, b) CIC discontinuance by 1-year follow-up (CIC “dropout”), and c) adherence to management with an indwelling catheter rather than conversion to CIC at 1-year follow-up. Results For all three modeled scenarios, UE motor function represented the most significant predictor for lack of CIC adoption (OR range 2.1-6.3, P ≤ 0.003 for all). Other predictors included increasing age (OR 1.01-1.02, P ≤ 0.001 for all models) and female gender (OR 1.6-1.7, P < 0.001 for lack of CIC adoption at discharge). Conclusions Among physically limiting factors, impairment in UE motor function appears to be the most significant predictor of a lack of long-term CIC adoption at 1-year follow-up.
Navigating a Varied Landscape: Literacy and the Credibility of Networked Information

Drawing on two accounts of information literacy, one from American students and another from teenaged Macedonian fake news makers, I argue that developing an information literacy reflective of the monetized and hierarchical nature of networks is paramount to writing and research. Focusing on the relationship between technological discourse—what is said about technology—and literacy—what people do with technology, I argue that recognizing the influence of corporations and differences between print and digital media are paramount for the development of information literacy.
Erratum: The ubiquitin conjugating enzyme UBE2L3 regulates TNFα-induced linear ubiquitination

Correction to: Cell Research (2014) 24:376-379. doi:10.1038/cr.2013.133; published online 24 September 2013. We apologized that the Supplemental text and Tables were omitted from the online supplement. These files are found in Supplementary information, Data S1.
Survival and independence after intracerebral hemorrhage: Trends and opportunities

Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) remains the most devastating form of stroke, with high early mortality and enormous associated health care costs.1,2 Yet, despite a notable lack of innovative prevention or therapeutic strategies, overall improvements in post-ICH care over the last decades have proved effective in reducing the early mortality after ICH, with rates from large observational studies falling by as much as 40% between 1998 and 2010.3
Avian Influenza Virus PB1 Gene in H3N2 Viruses Evolved in Humans To Reduce Interferon Inhibition by Skewing Codon Usage toward Interferon-Altered tRNA Pools

ABSTRACT Influenza A viruses cause an annual contagious respiratory disease in humans and are responsible for periodic high-mortality human pandemics. Pandemic influenza A viruses usually result from the reassortment of gene segments between human and avian influenza viruses. These avian influenza virus gene segments need to adapt to humans. Here we focus on the human adaptation of the synonymous codons of the avian influenza virus PB1 gene of the 1968 H3N2 pandemic virus. We generated recombinant H3N2 viruses differing only in codon usage of PB1 mRNA and demonstrated that codon usage of the PB1 mRNA of recent H3N2 virus isolates enhances replication in interferon (IFN)-treated human cells without affecting replication in untreated cells, thereby partially alleviating the interferon-induced antiviral state. High-throughput sequencing of tRNA pools explains the reduced inhibition of replication by interferon: the levels of some tRNAs differ between interferon-treated and untreated human cells, and evolution of the codon usage of H3N2 PB1 mRNA is skewed toward interferon-altered human tRNA pools. Consequently, the avian influenza virus-derived PB1 mRNAs of modern H3N2 viruses have acquired codon usages that better reflect tRNA availabilities in IFN-treated cells. Our results indicate that the change in tRNA availabilities resulting from interferon treatment is a previously unknown aspect of the antiviral action of interferon, which has been partially overcome by human-adapted H3N2 viruses. IMPORTANCE Pandemic influenza A viruses that cause high human mortality usually result from reassortment of gene segments between human and avian influenza viruses. These avian influenza virus gene segments need to adapt to humans. Here we focus on the human adaptation of the avian influenza virus PB1 gene that was incorporated into the 1968 H3N2 pandemic virus. We demonstrate that the coding sequence of the PB1 mRNA of modern H3N2 viruses enhances replication in human cells in which interferon has activated a potent antiviral state. Reduced interferon inhibition results from evolution of PB1 mRNA codons skewed toward the pools of tRNAs in interferon-treated human cells, which, as shown here, differ significantly from the tRNA pools in untreated human cells. Consequently, avian influenza virus-derived PB1 mRNAs of modern H3N2 viruses have acquired codon usages that better reflect tRNA availabilities in IFN-treated cells and are translated more efficiently.
Oncology Facts and Formulas

Cancer patients comprise a large portion of those needing acute and critical care services. These patients may require critical care on a short-term basis for the complications of the underlying malignancy or for aggressive antineoplastic therapy. The following formulas and facts will aid the clinician in the diagnosis and management of these patients.
The New Rhetoric as Philosophy and Methodology

Throughout these pages we have endeavored to highlight the implications of the title of the book which is significant from every point of view. The New Rhetoric is both the philosophy and methodology for the new century. There is always a close relationship and interdependence between a philosophical system and the methodology which its founders used to apply it.
Epigenetic Alterations in Bladder Cancer.

Epigenetics refers to processes that alter gene expression without altering primary DNA. Over that past decade, there is a growing focus on epigenetic mechanisms in cancer research and its importance in cancer biology. This review summarizes epigenetic dysregulation in bladder cancer. Epigenetic alterations are overall shared across various grades and stages of bladder cancer. High grade invasive tumors demonstrate a greater degree and intensity of methylation and may have a unique methylation pattern. Environmental exposures may influence epigenetic alterations directly independent of genomic change. Non-coding RNAs play an important role in cancer phenotype, especially in the context of integrative genomic analyses. DNA hypermethylation and non-coding RNAs have potential as robust bladder cancer biomarkers; however, they require further study and validation. Changes in chromatin and histone modification are attractive targets for therapy and are currently in clinical trials. Epigenetic dysregulation may be an important key in improving the understanding of bladder cancer pathogenesis, especially through integrative genomic analyses. Deeper understanding of these pathways can help identify clinically relevant biomarkers and therapeutic targets to validate for diagnosis, monitoring, prognosis, and treatment for bladder cancer.
Associations Between Hospital Maternal Service Level and Delivery Outcomes.

Abstract Objective This study explored the associations between delivery hospital self-reported level of maternal service, as defined by the American Hospital Association, and both maternal and neonatal outcomes among women at high maternal risk, as defined by the Obstetric Comorbidity Index. Methods This was a secondary analysis of linked delivery hospitalization discharge and vital records data for women experiencing singleton births in Georgia from 2008 to 2012. The need for maternal transfer was defined using a sample-specific cut-off of the risk score calculated using the Obstetric Comorbidity Index. Outcomes included poor maternal outcome (severe maternal morbidity or death), maternal length of stay, preterm delivery, low birth weight, and perinatal death. The analysis was completed using hierarchical logistic regression with a two-level model considering hospital level of maternal service and controlling for maternal race and transfer status. Results In these data, there was no difference in the odds of a poor maternal or neonatal outcome according to delivery hospital level of maternal care; however, delivery at a hospital with maternal service level III was associated with a higher odds of an extended length of stay. Conclusions For this group of pregnant women in need of maternal transfer, delivery hospital self-reported level of maternal care was not associated with the odds of poor maternal or neonatal outcomes. This study supports the need for improved definitions of hospital level of maternal services.
Management of Antimicrobial Agents in Abdominal Organ Transplant Patients in Intensive Care Unit.

Early diagnosis of infections and immediate initiation of appropriate antimicrobials are crucial in the management of patients before and after organ transplantation. We reviewed the most recent literature and guidelines in this field and organized the current recommendations for healthcare professionals caring for critically ill organ transplant recipients. The incidence of multidrug-resistant organisms is increasing. Multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria comprise about 14% of organisms. Vancomycin-resistant enterococci bloodstream infections are also on the rise, as 20.5% of nosocomial enterococci are now vancomycin-resistant, changing empiric antibiotic selection. Fluconazole-resistant Candida species comprise up to 46% of cases of candidemia in hospitalized patients. Consequently, new guidelines recommend primary use of echinocandins in patients with candidemia who have moderate-to-severe disease. Finally, the incidence of emergence of ganciclovir-resistant cytomegalovirus infection in patients is 5–12%, requiring early recognition and change to alternative regimens in the case of poor response to therapy. Bloodstream infections are a major cause of mortality and morbidity in solid organ transplantation. Mortality as high as 24% and 50% have been reported with sepsis and septic shock respectively. As such, bloodstream infections should be diagnosed rapidly and intravenous antibiotics should be started immediately. Appropriate resuscitation should be initiated and the number and/or dose of immunosuppressive drugs should be reduced. Proper source control must also be achieved with radiologic drainage or surgical intervention as appropriate. Initial antibiotic treatment of these patients should cover both Gram-positive organisms, especially in the presence of intravascular catheters, and Gram-negative bacteria. Echinocandins like caspofungin should also be considered especially in critically ill patients, particularly if a patient has been on total parenteral nutrition or broad-spectrum antibiotics.
Antimicrobial peptides against drug resistant Mycobacterium abscessus

Mycobacterium abscessus (MAB) comprise rapidly growing, often multidrug-resistant (MDR), nontuberculous mycobacteria responsible for pulmonary and other infections in susceptible hosts. Antimicrobial peptides (APs) are natural and synthetic antimicrobials active against a range of microorganisms including mycobacteria. We evaluated APs activity against MAB reference and clinical strains. We observed minimal inhibitory concentrations of 1.6 to >50 μg/mL. Further work with the most active AP demonstrated protection of Acanthamoeba castellanii (AC) from killing by ingested MAB including MDR MAB strains. Antimicrobial peptides offer an attractive potential option for treatment of drug resistant treatment-refractory MAB.