cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Accessory-Cell-Mediated Activation of Porcine NK Cells by Toll-Like Receptor 7 (TLR7) and TLR8 Agonists

The induction of innate immune responses by toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists is the subject of intense investigation. In large part, this reflects the potential of such compounds to be effective vaccine adjuvants. For that reason, we analyzed the activation of innate cells in swine by TLR7 and TLR8 agonists. These agonists activated porcine NK cells by increasing gamma interferon (IFN-γ) expression and perforin storage. The activation of porcine NK cells was mediated by accessory cells, since their depletion resulted in reduced cytotoxicity toward target cells. Accessory cells were stimulated to produce interleukin 12 (IL-12), IL-15, IL-18, and IFN-α after treatment with TLR7 or TLR8 agonists. Neutralization of these cytokines reduced but did not completely inhibit the induction of NK cell cytotoxicity. Direct stimulation of NK cells with TLR7 or TLR8 agonists resulted in minimal cytotoxicity but levels of IFN-γ equivalent to those detected in the presence of accessory cells. Porcine NK cells express both TLR7 and TLR8 mRNAs, and treatment with these TLR agonists induced higher mRNA expression levels of TRAIL and IL-15Rα, which may contribute to the activity of NK cells. These data indicate that TLR7 and TLR8 agonists indirectly or directly activate porcine NK cells but that optimum levels of activation require cytokine secretion by accessory cells activated by these compounds. Interestingly, NK cells activated by TLR7 or TLR8 agonists were cytotoxic against foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV)-infected cells in vitro, indicating that these TLR agonists may be beneficial as adjuvants to stimulate the innate immunity against FMDV.
Small-mammal abundance at three elevations on a mountain in central Vermont, USA: a sixteen-year record

As part of a study of forest resilience to gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) defoliation, small mammals were sampled with live (box) and pitfall traps for 16 years at three elevations on a mountain in west-central Vermont, USA. The more mesic, lowerslope location had the most diverse small-mammal community. White-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) were the most commonly captured small mammal at all locations, but less so at the lowest elevation. Southern red-backed voles (Clethrionomys gapperi), eastern chipmunks (Tamias striatus), and northern short-tailed shrews (Blarina brevicauda) were also regularly captured over the 16 years. Captures of all species showed considerable year-to-year variation. During the study, white-footed mouse density ranged from 3.7/ha (lower-slope June 1984) to 93.4/ha (mid-slope, July 1985). Over the 16 years, median density estimates across locations ranged from 12 to 19/ha in June and from 25 to 32/ha in July. Annual fluctuations in mouse abundance were synchronous across elevations, probably in response to regional-scale fluctuations in acorn production. In addition to those for white-footed mice, standardized capture rates are presented for the three other common species, and time to first capture is presented for 11 infrequently encountered species. The study demonstrates the importance of long-term surveys to properly characterize a small mammal community. # 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.
Internal model reproduces anticipatory neural activity

th 1999 Many theorists emphasize the role of an “internal model of the world” in directing intelligent behavior. Internal models predict the evolution of the environment by imitating its causal flow. They compute prediction signals and use these prediction signals to form novel associative chains. Formation of such predictive chains may contribute to reasoning and planning. Animals seem to learn and use internal models; they learn to anticipate predictable events, and their behavior in latent learning experiments reflects formation of novel associative chains. Despite such behavioral evidence, the neural basis of an internal model is still under debate. In order to investigate possible neural correlates of an internal model, a previous model of animal learning was extended to an internal model approach. As believed to occur in animals, the proposed neural network model computes predictions and uses these predictions to form novel associative chains in a latent learning experiment. Simulated signals resembled anticipatory neural activity which has been reported in cortex, striatum, and midbrain dopamine neurons. Simulated prediction signals were comparable to tonic anticipatory activities in cortex and striatum. Furthermore, simulated reward prediction error signals were comparable to phasic activities of midbrain dopamine neurons. These findings suggest that tonic anticipatory activities can reflect prediction signals and that phasic anticipatory activities can reflect prediction error signals. Furthermore, comparison of the model architecture with biological neural networks suggests that chains of neurons with anticipatory activity underlie formation of novel associative chains. In conclusion, anticipatory activity seems to reflect the processing of an internal model.
Multicenter Phase II and Translational Study of Cetuximab in Metastatic Colorectal Carcinoma Refractory to Irinotecan, Oxaliplatin, and Fluoropyrimidines

Purpose This multicenter study evaluated the antitumor activity of cetuximab, an immunoglobulin G1 antibody directed at the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), in metastatic colorectal carcinoma (CRC) refractory to irinotecan, oxaliplatin, and a fluoropyrimidine. It also evaluated the safety, pharmacokinetics, immunokinetics, and biologic determinants of activity. Patients and Methods Patients with metastatic CRC, whose tumors demonstrated EGFR immunostaining and were refractory to irinotecan, oxaliplatin, and fluoropyrimidines, were treated with cetuximab at a loading dose of 400 mg/m2 followed by 250 mg/m2 weekly. An independent review committee (IRC) reviewed responses. Blood was collected for cetuximab pharmacokinetics and to detect antibodies to cetuximab. EGFR gene sequencing of the tyrosine kinase domain and gene copy number assessments were performed. Results The response rates in 346 patients, as determined by the investigators and IRC, were 12.4% (95% CI, 9.1 to 16.4) and 11.6% (95% CI, 8.4...
Obesity and hypertriglyceridemia produce cognitive impairment.

Obesity is associated with cognitive impairments. Long-term mechanisms for this association include consequences of hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, or other factors comprising metabolic syndrome X. We found that hypertriglyceridemia, the main dyslipidemia of metabolic syndrome X, is in part responsible for the leptin resistance seen in obesity. Here we determined whether triglycerides have an immediate and direct effect on cognition. Obese mice showed impaired acquisition in three different cognitive paradigms: the active avoidance T-maze, the Morris water maze, and a food reward lever press. These impairments were not attributable to differences in foot shock sensitivity, swim speed, swimming distance, or voluntary milk consumption. Impaired cognition in obese mice was improved by selectively lowering triglycerides with gemfibrozil. Injection into the brain of the triglyceride triolein, but not of the free fatty acid palmitate, impaired acquisition in normal body weight mice. Triolein or milk (97% of fats a...
Gender-based differences in brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilation as an indicator of significant coronary artery disease.

Ultrasound of the brachial artery is widely used to assess endothelial function, but whether brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) differs between women and men who have coronary artery disease (CAD) has not been examined. To investigate gender-based differences in brachial artery FMD as an indicator of significant CAD, FMD was measured in women and men outpatients who had CAD (coronary stenosis >50%, n = 64) and those who did not have significant CAD (n = 145). FMD in women who had CAD (n = 33, 9.1 ± 0.8%) was higher than that in similarly aged men who had CAD (n = 31, 6.4 ± 0.5%; p = 0.008). The FMD cutpoint that maximized sensitivity with least effect on specificity for screening CAD was 15% (91% sensitivity, 25% specificity) in women but 10% (90% sensitivity, 43% specificity) in men. If the cutpoint as defined in men were used to evaluate women, brachial artery ultrasound would fail to diagnose 42% of women who do not have significant CAD; thus, a higher FMD cutpoint is required to optimize the sensitivity of FMD for identifying women who have significant CAD compared with similarly aged men. In studies using FMD to evaluate cardiovascular risk, different standards should be applied for women and men.
Why is Public Sociology on Shaky Ground

Sociology has a long history of applying social theory and methods to the identification of the causes and consequences of social problems. Although several well-known sociologists have advocated for greater involvement in civic discourse, Public Sociology is often criticized for being unscientific. In this commentary article, the author defines Public Sociology as the production and application of theoretically grounded and empirically sound knowledge that facilitates social change. He concludes that Public Sociology is and has always been an important part of the discipline. By not embracing Public Sociology, along with Applied/Clinical, Policy, and Critical sociologies, the knowledge we produce will continue to be underutilized and irrelevant to those we seek to help.
Weight-teasing among adolescents: correlations with weight status and disordered eating behaviors

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of perceived weight-teasing and associations with unhealthy weight-control behaviors and binge eating in a population-based sample of youth. Particular focus was placed on overweight youth, who may be most vulnerable to weight-teasing. METHODS: The study population included 4746 adolescents from St Paul/Minneapolis public schools who completed surveys and anthropometric measurements as part of Project EAT, a population-based study of eating patterns and weight concerns among teens. RESULTS: There were statistically significant associations between perceived weight-teasing and weight status; both overweight and underweight youth reported higher levels of teasing than average weight youth. Very overweight youth (body mass index (BMI) ≥95th percentile) were most likely to be teased about their weight; 63% of very overweight girls, and 58% of very overweight boys reported being teased by their peers, while weight-teasing by family members was reported by 47% of these girls and 34% of these boys. Youth who were teased about their weight, particularly overweight girls, reported that it bothered them. Perceived weight-teasing was significantly associated with disordered eating behaviors among overweight and non-overweight girls and boys. For example, among overweight youth, 29% of girls and 18% of boys who experienced frequent weight-teasing reported binge-eating as compared to 16% of girls and 7% of boys who were not teased. CONCLUSIONS: Many adolescents, in particular those who are overweight, report being teased about their weight and being bothered by the teasing. Weight-teasing is associated with disordered eating behaviors that may place overweight youth at increased risk for weight gain. Educational interventions and policies are needed to curtail weight-related mistreatment among youth.
Strategic Communication and Social Media: An MBA Course From a Business Communication Perspective

Social media offers an exciting new area for our discipline to produce research and pedagogy that is in high demand by students, industry constituents, and other disciplines. This article discusses why business communication scholars should focus on social media as an important stream of study and outlines an MBA course in social media strategy currently in development from a business communication perspective. The author challenges the discipline to create social media content from an integrated communication approach.
Black Hole Remnants and Classical vs. Quantum Gravity

Belot, Earman, and Ruetsche (1999) dismiss the black hole remnant proposal as an inadequate response to the Hawking information loss paradox. I argue that their criticisms are misplaced and that, properly understood, remnants do offer a substantial reply to the argument against the possibility of unitary evolution in spacetimes that contain evaporating black holes. The key to understanding these proposals lies in recognizing that the question of where and how our current theories break down is at the heart of these debates in quantum gravity. I also argue that the controversial nature of assessing the limits of general relativity and quantum field theory illustrates the significance of attempts to establish the proper borders of our effective theories.
Interpolation, Quadrature and Stochastic Integration

This paper considers features in numerical and stochastic integration approaches for the evaluation of analytically intractable integrals. It provides a unification of these two approaches. Some important features in quadrature formulations, namely, interpolation and region partition, can provide a valuable device for the design of a stochastic simulator. An interpolating function can be used as a valuable control variate for variance reduction in simulation. We illustrate possible variance reduction by some numerical cases with Gaussian quadrature. The resulting simulator may also be regarded as a monitor of the approximation error of a quadrature.
Low-power instruction bus encoding for embedded processors

This paper presents a low-power encoding framework for embedded processor instruction buses. The encoder is capable of adjusting its encoding not only to suit applications but furthermore to suit different aspects of particular program execution. It achieves this by exploiting application-specific knowledge regarding program hot-spots, and thus identifies efficient instruction transformations so as to minimize the bit transitions on the instruction bus lines. Not only is the switching activity on the individual bus lines considered but so is the coupling activity across adjacent bus lines, a foremost contributor to the total power dissipation in the case of nanometer technologies. Low-power codes are utilized in a reprogrammable application specific manner. The restriction to two well-selected classes of simply computable, functional transformations delivers significant storage benefits and ease of reprogrammability, in the process obtaining significant power savings. The microarchitectural support enables reprogrammability of the encoding transformations in order to track code particularities effectively. Such reprogrammability is achieved by utilizing small tables that store relevant application information. The few transformations that result in optimal power reductions for each application hot-spot are selected by utilizing short indices stored into a table, which is accessed only once at the beginning of the transformed bit sequence. Extensive experimental results show significant power reductions ranging up to 80% for switching activity on bus lines and up to 70% when bus coupling effects are also considered.
Effects of the Living Environment on Activity and Use of Time

Exposure to an environment with increased opportunities resulted in increased activity among a group of elderly persons, compared to similar people in unenriched environments. Findings support the hypothesis that unmet need for activity existed among the group, all of whom had been matched to the enriched environment by staff and self-selection, and the hypothesis that environmental intervention is potent in influencing behavior, even in old age. Persistence of the relative elevation in activity over eight years and concomitance with other indexes of well-being suggest that appropriate environmental intervention which expands activity opportunities is beneficial. Congruity between the person's needs and the environment's resources is central. Individual differences in need for activity interacted with opportunity in accounting for outcomes.
Lp-Version of the Dubins-Savage Inequality and Some Exponential Inequalities

The Dubins–Savage inequality is generalized by using the pth (1 2. Another martingale inequality due to Freedman is also generalized when 0<p≤2. Implications of these inequalities for strong convergence are discussed. Some general exponential inequalities are also given for martingales (supermartingales) under suitable conditions.
Improving Regulatory Accountability: Lessons from the Past and Prospects for the Future

This Article examines efforts by the three branches of federal government to oversee regulatory policy and procedures. It begins with a review of efforts over the last century to establish appropriate checks and balances on regulations issued by the executive branch and then evaluates current regulatory reforms that would hold the executive branch, the legislative branch, and the judicial branch more accountable for regulations and their outcomes. Contents
A distributed data sharing environment for telerobotics

We designed and implemented a distributed processing environment for uniformly communicating and sharing information among remotely located robots and human operators. This environment interconnects heterogeneous processors to withstand dynamically changing configurations and communications failures, and to support mixed-mode operation simultaneous teleoperation and autonomous modes. The key design notion is undirected, data-driven communication: the recipients of data rather than the creators define communications paths for well-formed data blocks augmented by descriptive properties. Using this environment, we have implemented both a hierarchical path planner for an intelligent mobile robot operating over a local-area network and a telerobotic testbed that supports long-distance teleoperation.
Continuous, but not episodic hypoxia, induces CREB phosphorylation in rat carotid body type I cells.

The CB sensitivity to hypoxia is increased following sustained, long-term hypoxia such as in ventilatory acclimatization to high altitude (Bisgard 1994). The mechanisms underlying the cellular responses and adaptation to hypoxia are poorly understood. It is assumed that a major component of this adaptation is regulation of gene expression. cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) is a nuclear protein. CREB is activated upon phosphorylation at Ser and modulates the transcription of genes with cAMP response elements (CRE) in their promoters (Ginty 1997). Recently, it has been shown that hypoxia induces phosphorylation of CREB at Ser in cultured PC 12 cells (Beitner-Johnson and Millhorn 1998), which are similar to the CB type I cells in several important characteristics related to oxygen-dependent gene regulation.
Comparison of three dimensional strain volume reconstructions using SOUPR and wobbler based acquisitions: A phantom study.

Purpose: Ultrasound strain imaging is a relatively low cost and portable modality for monitoring percutaneous thermal ablation of liver neoplasms. However, a 3D strain volume reconstruction from existing 2D strain images is necessary to fully delineate the thermal dose distribution. Tissue mimicking (TM) phantom experiments were performed to validate a novel volume reconstruction algorithm referred to as sheaf of ultrasound planes reconstruction (SOUPR), based on a series of 2D rotational imaging planes. Methods: Reconstruction using SOUPR was formulated as an optimization problem with constraints on data consistency with 2D strain images and data smoothness of the volume data. Reconstructed ablation inclusion dimensions, volume, and elastographic signal to noise ratio (SNRe) and contrast to noise ratio (CNRe) were compared with conventional 3D ultrasound strain imaging based on interpolating a series of quasiparallel 2D strain images with a wobbler transducer. Results: Volume estimates of the phantom inclusion were in a similar range for both acquisition approaches. SNRe and CNRe obtained with SOUPR were significantly higher on the order of 250% and 166%, respectively. The mean error of the inclusion dimension reconstructed with a wobbler transducer was on the order of 10.4%, 3.5%, and 19.0% along the X, Y, and Z axes, respectively, while the error with SOUPR was on the order of 2.6%, 2.8%, and 9.6%. A qualitative comparison of SOUPR and wobbler reconstruction was also performed using a thermally ablated region created in ex vivo bovine liver tissue. Conclusions: The authors have demonstrated using experimental evaluations with a TM phantom that the reconstruction results obtained with SOUPR were superior when compared with a conventional wobbler transducer in terms of inclusion shape preservation and detectability.
Willingness to Pay for Dog Rabies Vaccine and Registration in Ilocos Norte, Philippines (2012)

Background The Philippines is one of the developing countries highly affected by rabies. Dog vaccination campaigns implemented through collaborative effort between the government and NGOs have played an important role in successfully reducing the burden of disease within the country. Nevertheless, rabies vaccination of the domestic animal population requires continuous commitment not only from governments and NGOs, but also from local communities that are directly affected by such efforts. To create such long-term sustained programs, the introduction of affordable dog vaccination and registration fees is essential and has been shown to be an important strategy in Bohol, Philippines. The aim of this study, therefore, was to estimate the average amount of money that individuals were willing to pay for dog vaccination and registration in Ilocos Norte, Philippines. This study also investigated some of the determinants of individuals’ willingness to pay (WTP).
The Sociology of Conversion : A Critical Appraisal

This paper is a critical assessment of conversion studies in sociology. First I clarify the objectives of the sociology of conversion in contrast with the psychology of conversion. Then I summarize various factors that previous studies use to explain the conversion phenomenon. Second, I examine the “passive actor” and the “active agency” approach to conversions. The passive actor approach tends to attribute individuals' conversions to their psychological traits and social situations, and to regard conversion as a passive and vulnerable state. The active agency approach tends to explain conversion by using concepts such as individual will, choice, and effort, and considers conversion as a search for meaning. I argue that these two approaches should be integrated in order to explore individuals' conversions, which are not only conditioned by their traits and social circumstances, but also are accomplished through their own efforts. Third, to integrate these seemingly contradictory but complementary perspectives, I explore the Lofland-Stark conversion process model. This model provides seven necessary and cumulatively sufficient conditions for becoming a convert. The seven conditions encompass not only social and psychological factors but also actors' own efforts to attain a meaningful life. Finally, I point out some important modifications that the Lofland-Stark model needs, and conclude that it would be a starting point in comprehensively exploring the conversion phenomenon in future research.
Empagliflozin reduces cardiovascular events and mortality in type 2 diabetes

Review of: Zinnam, B, Wanner C, Lachin JM, et al. Empagliflozin, Cardiovascular Outcomes, and Mortality in Type 2 Diabetes. New England Journal of Medicine. 2015; 373: 2117-2128. Patients were required to have a history of established cardiovascular disease, along with Type 2 Diabetes but were either not on antidiabetic therapy for the preceding 12 weeks, with a glycated hemoglobin level between 7% and 9%, or were on stable antidiabetic therapy for the preceding 12 weeks, with a glycated hemoglobin between 7.0% and 10.0%. Patients were randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio to either empagliflozin 10 mg or 25 mg or matching placebo. Antidiabetic therapy was not to be changed for the first 12 weeks after randomization, with intensification of antidiabetic therapy allowed if the patient had a confirmed glucose of >240 mg/dl (>13.3 mmol/l). Physicians were encouraged to treat other cardiac risk factors like hyperlipidemia according to local guidelines. The primary outcome was a composite of death from cardiovascular causes, non-fatal myocardial infarction, or nonfatal stroke. Results showed a significant reduction in the rates of death from cardiovascular causes, overall mortality, and in hospital admissions for heart failure, while there was no reduction in the rates of non-fatal myocardial infarction or stroke.
The white-crowned sparrow: reproductive success (1975-1980)

Cette etude est la suite de recherches sur la dynamique des populations de Zonotrichia leucophrys nuttali dans la region de la baie de San Francisco (Californie) en deux localites differentes
Laboratory Diagnosis and Differential Diagnosis of Polycystic Ovarian Disease

The introduction of radioimmunoassays in clinical medicine has opened new approaches in the understanding of disease processes and in diagnosis. Similarly, rapid advances in computerized tomography and ultrasonography have aided the physician in the diagnosis of patients who present with hirsutism, anovulatory states, amenorrhea, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, galactorrhea and a variety of other clinical signs which may suggest polycystic ovarian or other endocrine disease states. It is the purpose of this chapter to outline a laboratory approach and differential diagnosis of PCOD, which will be helpful in evaluating the endocrine factors responsible for the patient’s complaints.
I have my own lease-So why the service plan again? Perspectives on service planning in supportive housing.

OBJECTIVE This study aimed to understand multiple stakeholder perspectives implementing a recovery-oriented approach to service planning in supportive housing programs serving people with lived experience of mental illnesses. METHOD Multiple stakeholders (N = 57) were recruited to participate in focus groups (N = 8), including 4 with tenants, 2 with service coordinators, 1 with supervisors, and 1 with leadership. Supportive housing programs were purposively sampled from a recovery-oriented organization serving 1,500 people annually. Stakeholders' experiences with service planning and implementing a recovery-oriented approach to service planning were explored. The authors conducted inductive thematic analyses combined with a conceptual matrix, which yielded themes across and within multiple stakeholder focus groups. RESULTS Three themes emerged: (a) an institutional reminder-service planning experiences elicited negative emotions and served to remind people of experiences in institutional settings, (b) one-size-fits-all service planning-stakeholders perceived the use of quality assurance tools within the planning process as rigid to others' interests beyond their own, and (c) rules and regulations-reconciling funder requirements (e.g., completion dates) while also tailoring services to tenants' particular situations challenged providers. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Even in a recovery-oriented organization, findings suggest that service planning in supportive housing has limitations in responding to each tenant's iterative recovery process. Further, in this context where people can make their home, stakeholders questioned whether the very presence of ongoing service planning activities is problematic. However, tenant-service coordinator relationships predicated on mutual respect and esteem overcame some service planning limitations. (PsycINFO Database Record
Decompressing vein and bilateral superior venae cavae in a patient with hypoplastic left heart syndrome

The levoatrial cardinal vein (LACV), first described in 1926, acts as a decompressing vessel for pulmonary venous return in cases of severe left-sided obstruction with an intact or significantly restrictive atrial septum. The LACV and the persistent left superior vena cava (LSVC) are thought to share similar embryologic origins. To challenge this notion, we present a unique case of a neonate with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, cor triatriatum, and a decompressing LACV in the presence of bilateral superior venae cavae.
Retrospective case-control non-inferiority analysis of intravenous lidocaine in a colorectal surgery enhanced recovery program

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programs typically utilizes multi-modal analgesia to reduce perioperative opioid consumption. Systemic lidocaine is used in several of these ERAS algorithms and has been shown to reduce opioid use after colorectal surgery. However it is unclear how much the other components of an ERAS protocol contribute to the final outcome. Using a noninferiority analysis we sought to assess the role of perioperative lidocaine in an ERAS program for colorectal surgery, using pain and opioid consumption as outcomes. We conducted a retrospective review of patients who had received intravenous lidocaine perioperatively during colorectal surgery. We matched them with patients who were managed using a multi-component ERAS protocol, which included perioperative lidocaine. We tested a joint hypothesis of noninferiority of lidocaine infusion to ERAS protocol in postoperative pain scores and opioid consumption. We assigned a noninferiority margin of 1 point (on an 11-point numerical rating scale) difference in pain and a ratio [mean (lidocaine) / mean (ERAS)] of 1.2 in opioid consumption, respectively. Fifty-two patients in the lidocaine group were matched with patients in the ERAS group. With regards to opioid consumption, in the overall [1.68 (1.43–1.98)] [odds ratio (95% confidence interval)] analysis and on postoperative day (POD) 1 [2.38 (1.74–3.31)] lidocaine alone was inferior to multi-modal analgesia. On POD 2 and beyond, although the mean odds ratio for opioid consumption was 1.43 [1.43 (1.17–1.73)], the lower limit extended beyond the pre-defined cut-off of 1.2, rendering the outcome inconclusive. For pain scores lidocaine is non-inferior to ERAS [-0.17 (-1.08–0.74)] on POD 2 and beyond. Pain scores on POD 1 and in the overall cohort were inconclusive based on the noninferiority analysis. The addition of a multi-component ERAS protocol to intravenous lidocaine incrementally reduces opioid consumption, most evident on POD 1. For pain scores the data is inconclusive on POD 1, however on POD 2 and beyond lidocaine alone is non-inferior to an ERAS program with lidocaine. Opioid-related complications, including return of bowel function, were not different between the groups despite reduced opioid use in the ERAS group.
An error bound for L 1 -norm support vector machine coefficients in ultra-high dimension

Comparing with the standard L2-norm support vector machine (SVM), the L1-norm SVM enjoys the nice property of simultaneously preforming classification and feature selection. In this paper, we investigate the statistical performance of L1-norm SVM in ultra-high dimension, where the number of features p grows at an exponential rate of the sample size n. Different from existing theory for SVM which has been mainly focused on the generalization error rates and empirical risk, we study the asymptotic behavior of the coefficients of L1- norm SVM. Our analysis reveals that the estimated L1-norm SVM coefficients achieve near oracle rate, that is, with high probability, the L2 error bound of the estimated L1- norm SVM coefficients is of order Op(√q log p/n), where q is the number of features with nonzero coefficients. Furthermore, we show that if the L1-norm SVM is used as an initial value for a recently proposed algorithm for solving non-convex penalized SVM (Zhang et al., 2016b), then in two iterative steps it is guaranteed to produce an estimator that possesses the oracle property in ultra-high dimension, which in particular implies that with probability approaching one the zero coefficients are estimated as exactly zero. Simulation studies demonstrate the fine performance of L1-norm SVM as a sparse classifier and its effectiveness to be utilized to solve non-convex penalized SVM problems in high dimension.
Resonance — free light recycling in waveguides

We demonstrate an approach based on mode conversion to recycle light within a waveguide without relying on resonance. The broadband approach enables a seven fold increase in the optical path of compact integrated interferometers.
Cocrystals Mitigate Negative Effects of High pH on Solubility and Dissolution of a Basic Drug

Weakly basic drugs are predisposed to order of magnitude decreases in solubility and dissolution as pH increases from 1 to 7 along the gastrointestinal tract. Such behavior is known to be detrimental to drug absorption. The work presented here shows how cocrystals of basic drugs with acidic coformers can mitigate these negative effects. Cocrystals of ketoconazole (KTZ) with adipic, fumaric, and succinic acids exhibit a parabolic solubility dependence on pH such that with increasing pH, solubility decreases, reaches a minimum, and increases. Cocrystals exhibit pHmax values between 3.6 and 3.8, above which they generate supersaturation with respect to drug. The cocrystal supersaturation index (SA), defined as Scocrystal/Sdrug, changes from 1 (pHmax) to 10–30 (pH 5) to 800–3000 (pH 6.5). SA represents the driving force for cocrystal conversion to the less soluble drug during dissolution. SA is not expected to be equal to the observed supersaturation, but it is of great value to classify cocrystals in terms o...
Arabic Nonconcatenative Morphology in Construction Morphology

This chapter examines nonconcatenative morphology of Arabic with a particular focus on its templatic nature. While much of the past research on Arabic templatic morphology has centered on the verbal system, our discussion largely takes up the nonverbal templatic morphology of Arabic including the comparative, nouns of profession, and the diminutive. In developing formal analyses of these constructions we specifically address the question of how the prosodic templates that characterize Arabic morphology are incorporated into the schema of CxM. We also briefly touch upon the implication that the construction analysis might have on two (opposing) approaches to Arabic morphology, root-based vs. word-based, given that some templatic constructions in Arabic seem to require the consonantal root as its base. The goal of this chapter, then, is not only to make known the fuller extent of Arabic templatic morphology (i.e. beyond the verbal system), but also to show advantages of approaching these prosodic issues in construction terms.
Use of Lyapunov Exponents to Predict Chaotic Vessel Motions

It is the aim of this paper to further the use of Lyapunov and local Lyapunov exponent methods for analyzing phenomena involving nonlinear vessel dynamics. Lyapunov exponents represent a means to measure the rate of convergence or divergence of nearby trajectories thus denoting chaos and possibly leading to the onset of conditions that produce capsize. The work developed here makes use of Lyapunov exponent methodologies to study capsize and chaotic behavior in vessels both experimentally and numerically using a multi-degree of freedom computational model. Since, the Lyapunov exponent is defined in the limit as time approaches infinity, one encounters fundamental difficulties using Lyapunov exponents on the capsize problem, which is inherently limited to a finite time. This work also incorporates the use of local Lyapunov exponents, which do not require an infinite time series, to demonstrate their usefulness in analyzing finite time chaotic vessel phenomena. The objective is to demonstrate the value of the Lyapunov exponent and local Lyapunov exponent as a predictive tool with which to indicate regions with crucial sensitivity to initial conditions. Through the intelligent use of Lyapunov exponents in vessel analysis to indicate specific regions of questionable stability, one may significantly reduce the volume of costly simulation and experimentation.
High energy [gamma] rays from [sup 14]N+[sup nat]Ag at 35 MeV/nucleon

The absolute cross section and angular distributions for [gamma]-ray production in the reaction [sup 14]N+[sup nat]Ag at 35 MeV/nucleon have been measured. Calculations of the expected [gamma]-ray yield using an enhanced version of the nucleon exchange transport model have been performed. It has been observed that use of a sharp ground state momentum distribution in the [gamma]-ray calculations does not lead to reproduction of the experimental yields. Diffuse momentum distributions have been incorporated into the model, and the calculations with these momentum distributions give good agreement with experimental yields. Similar calculations have been performed for the production of preequilibrium neutrons and protons for the same system.
Combined use of dopamine and nitroprusside therapy in conjunction with intra-aortic balloon pumping for the treatment of postcardiotomy low-output syndrome

Intra-aortic balloon pumping (IABP) has been utilized in our institution in over 600 patients for the treatment of postcardiotomy low-output syndrome, with a 59% survival rate. Volume loading and pharmacologic treatment have played integral roles in the overall treatment of this syndrome. This investigation documents the hemodynamic effectiveness of combined nitroprusside/dopamine therapy in patients who required IABP for weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass. Serial hemodynamic measurements were made before and during infusion of nitroprusside (0.5 to 5.0 μg/kg/min) and after combined nitroprusside/dopamine (7.5 μg/kg/min) therapy in 10 patients during IABP. Prior to pharmacologic therapy, cardiac index was 1.6 ± 0.4 L/min/m2 and systemic vascular resistance (SVR) was 2,774 ± 932 dynes sec cm-5. After nitroprusside infusion, cardiac index increased to 1.8 ± 0.5 L/min/m2 (NS) and SVR decreased to 1,957 ± 791 dynes sec cm-5 (p
Systemic Family Assessment: Concepts and Strategies for School Psychologists.

The primary purpose of this article is to explore concepts and strategies pertaining to systemic family assessment. The article enumerates the essential principles of systems theory and their appli...
Early Childhood Education among American Indian/Alaskan Native Children with Disabilities: Implications for Research and Practice:

Although American Indian and Alaskan Native students are disproportionately represented in special education programs and services across the nation, little has been written about this population i...
Mycobacterium tuberculosis-Induced Bronchoalveolar Lavage Gene Expression Signature in Latent Tuberculosis Infection Is Dominated by Pleiotropic Effects of CD4+ T Cell-Dependent IFN-γ Production despite the Presence of Polyfunctional T Cells within the Airways.

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a worldwide public health threat. Development of a more effective vaccination strategy to prevent pulmonary TB, the most common and contagious form of the disease, is a research priority for international TB control. A key to reaching this goal is improved understanding of the mechanisms of local immunity to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative organism of TB. In this study, we evaluated global M. tuberculosis-induced gene expression in airway immune cells obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) of individuals with latent TB infection (LTBI) and M. tuberculosis-naive controls. In prior studies, we demonstrated that BAL cells from LTBI individuals display substantial enrichment for M. tuberculosis-responsive CD4+ T cells compared with matched peripheral blood samples. We therefore specifically assessed the impact of the depletion of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells on M. tuberculosis-induced BAL cell gene expression in LTBI. Our studies identified 12 canonical pathways and a 47-gene signature that was both sensitive and specific for the contribution of CD4+ T cells to local recall responses to M. tuberculosis In contrast, depletion of CD8+ cells did not identify any genes that fit our strict criteria for inclusion in this signature. Although BAL CD4+ T cells in LTBI displayed polyfunctionality, the observed gene signature predominantly reflected the impact of IFN-γ production on a wide range of host immune responses. These findings provide a standard for comparison of the efficacy of standard bacillus Calmette-Guerin vaccination as well as novel TB vaccines now in development at impacting the initial response to re-exposure to M. tuberculosis in the human lung.
Preventing infectious complications when treating non‐malignant immune‐mediated hematologic disorders

Immunosuppressants, targeted antibody therapies, and surgical splenectomy are amongst the treatment choices for immune-mediated non-malignant hematologic disorders, with infection being the most common non-hematological adverse event from these therapies. Corticosteroids are associated with a length-of-treatment and dose-dependent risk for infection, including opportunistic infections. Screening and antimicrobial prophylaxis against tuberculosis, Strongyloides stercoralis, and Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia, are indicated in selected patients on steroids and with certain risk factors for infection. Rituximab is associated with hepatitis B virus reactivation. All patients planned to be started on rituximab should be screened for hepatitis B surface antigen and total core antibody, with antiviral prophylaxis given depending on test results. In eculizumab treated patients, immunization against meningococcal serogroups ACWY and B is recommended. In addition, some guidelines suggest antibiotic prophylaxis for the duration of eculizumab treatment. In splenectomized patients, counseling and immunization are cornerstones of infection prevention. Several federal and society guidelines about immunizations and prophylactic antimicrobial therapies for patients treated with various immunosuppressive agents exist and are summarized in this manuscript in a clinical-focused table. In addition, management suggestions are made where no formal guidelines exist.
Generalized Cost-Aware Cloudlet Placement for Vehicular Edge Computing Systems

One of the well-known challenges in Edge Computing is strategic placement of cloudlets. The fundamental goals of this challenge are to minimize the deployment cost of cloudlets and to guarantee minimum latency for users of edge services. However, building cloudlet infrastructure may not be feasible in many situations and areas (e.g., disaster situations, unexpected surge in demand, and remote rural areas). Vehicular edge computing, VEC, introduces mobile cloudlets to augment edge computing capacity, enhance its coverage, and reduce latency significantly. However, efficient cloudlet placement is even more critical in VEC as it is not a long-term decision and needs to be repeated over time. In this paper, we address this challenge by designing a generalized cost-aware cloudlet placement approach that places a set of heterogeneous cloudlets in a region and fully maps user applications to appropriate cloudlets while ensuring their latency requirements. We first formulate the problem as a multi-objective integer programming model in a general deployment scenario. This is a computationally NP-hard problem. To tackle its intractability, we then propose a genetic algorithm-based approach, GACP. We investigate the effectiveness of GACP by performing extensive experiments on multiple deployment scenarios based on New York City OpenData. The results show that GACP obtains close to optimal cost placement in significantly reduced time.
Clostridioides difficile Whole-genome Sequencing Differentiates Relapse With the Same Strain From Reinfection With a New Strain.

BACKGROUND Current approaches in tracking Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) and individualizing patient management are incompletely defined. METHODS We recruited 468 subjects with CDI at Mayo Clinic Rochester between May and December 2016 and performed whole-genome sequencing (WGS) on C. difficile isolates from 397. WGS was also performed on isolates from a subset of the subjects at the time of a recurrence of infection. The sequence data were analyzed by determining core genome multilocus sequence type (cgMLST), with isolates grouped by allelic differences and the predicted ribotype. RESULTS There were no correlations between C. difficile isolates based either on cgMLST or ribotype groupings and CDI outcome. An epidemiologic assessment of hospitalized subjects harboring C. difficile isolates with ≤2 allelic differences, based on standard infection prevention and control assessment, revealed no evidence of person-to-person transmission. Interestingly, community-acquired CDI subjects in 40% of groups with ≤2 allelic differences resided within the same zip code. Among 18 subjects clinically classified as having recurrent CDI, WGS revealed 14 with initial and subsequent isolates differing by ≤2 allelic differences, suggesting a relapse of infection with the same initial strain, and 4 with isolates differing by >50 allelic differences, suggesting reinfection. Among the 5 subjects classified as having a reinfection based on the timing of recurrence, 3 had isolates with ≤2 allelic differences between them, suggesting a relapse, and 2 had isolates differing by >50 allelic differences, suggesting reinfection. CONCLUSIONS Our findings point to potential transmission of C. difficile in the community. WGS better differentiates relapse from reinfection than do definitions based on the timing of recurrence.
Phase- and amplitude-coupling are tied by an intrinsic spatial organization but show divergent stimulus-related changes.

Abstract Functional connectivity (FC), thought to provide a window into neural communication, has become a core focus in the study of brain function and cognition. However, there is no consensus on how to conceptualize large-scale FC in electrophysiology. Phase coupling (PhC), defined as coupling between the phases of two signals, reflects the synchronization of rhythmic oscillation cycles. Conversely, amplitude coupling (AmpC), defined as coupling between the envelopes of two signals, reflects correlation of activation amplitude. Despite quantifying different electrophysiological properties, the relationship between PhC and AmpC remains largely unknown. We assessed spatial and temporal correspondence between PhC and AmpC over 5 canonical frequency bands during a cue-based motor task using electrocorticography (ECoG) in 18 patients (8 females) undergoing presurgical monitoring. Significant correspondence between the spatial pattern of PhC and AmpC was detected during stimulus processing across all subjects and frequency bands (R ​≈ ​0.50 for theta, decreasing with increasing frequency). The cross-measure spatial correlation vanished almost entirely when accounting for the portion of FC equally present during pre- and post-stimulus intervals, suggesting that the spatial correlations reflect intrinsic FC independent of stimulus processing. Stimulus-related processing modulated both PhC and AmpC, however in a spatially independent manner. Examining the linear temporal correlation, we found no evidence for linear dependence between PhC and AmpC. Supporting the robustness of our findings, results extended to a verb generation task in a second ECoG dataset of 6 subjects. We conclude that PhC and AmpC reflect intrinsic FC similarly across space, but exhibit divergent stimulus-related FC changes over space and time.