cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neoliberalism and Ethnic Conflict

In 1989 it was triumphantly announced that the world had arrived at the “End of History” with neoliberal economics and political democracy the clear victors. This paper revisits and reconsiders this famous assertion through an examination of several perspectives on the relationship between neoliberal economic policies and ethnic conflict. It concludes that these phenomena may be causally related, with the former contributing materially to the latter.JEL Codes: N40, O10, P16
Regulation of Lipid Synthesis in Bradyrhizobium japonicum: Low Oxygen Concentrations Trigger Phosphatidylinositol Biosynthesis

Lowering oxygen tension in free-living Bradyrhizobium japonicum resulted in a dramatic switch of membrane chemistry in which phosphatidylcholine, the predominant lipid in aerated cultures, was no longer synthesized and phosphatidylethanolamine became the major lipid. Besides this change, phosphatidylinositol, a typical plant lipid rarely found in bacteria, was also synthesized.
Proteome and Differential Expression Analysis of Membrane and Cytosolic Proteins from Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis Strains K-10 and 187

Little is known of protein expression in Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis and how this contributes to pathogenesis. In the present study, proteins from both membranes and cytosol were prepared from two strains of M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis, i.e., laboratory-adapted strain K-10 and a recent isolate, strain 187, obtained from a cow exhibiting clinical signs of Johne's disease. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of cytosol and membrane proteins from K-10 and 187 showed marked differences in protein expression. Relative levels of protein expression from both M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis strains were measured by using amine-reactive isobaric tagging reagents (iTRAQ) and tandem mass spectroscopy. Protein identification and relative expression data were obtained for 874 membrane and cytosolic proteins from the M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis proteome. These data showed a number of significant differences in protein expression between strain K-10 and clinical isolate 187. Examples of proteins expressed at higher levels in clinical isolate 187 compared to strain K-10 are AtpC, RpoA, and several proteins involved in fatty acid biosynthesis. In contrast, proteins such as AhpC and several proteins involved in nitrogen metabolism were expressed at higher levels in strain K-10 compared to strain 187. These data may provide insights into the proteins whose expression is important in natural infection but are modified once M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis is adapted to laboratory cultivation. Results from these studies will provide tools for developing a better understanding of M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis infection in the host and offer potential as diagnostic reagents and vaccine candidates.
Bacillary hemoglobinuria: induction by liver biopsy in naturally and experimentally infected animals.

An outbreak of bacillary hemoglobinuria was precipitated by liver biopsy of calves from an area in which the disease was enzootic. Using the strain of Clostridium hemolyticum recovered from this outbreak, calves, ewes, and rabbits were inoculated intravenously or orally with a toxin-free spore suspension. Subsequent liver biopsy precipitated the disease in these animals. The characteristic focus of liver necrosis was regularly reproduced and appeared to be of toxic rather than ischemic origin.
An argument against the necessity of unrestricted composition

Many metaphysicians accept the view that, necessarily, any collection of things composes some further thing. Necessarily, my arms, legs, head, and torso compose my body; necessarily, my arms, my heart, and the table compose something y; necessarily, my heart and the sun compose something z; and so on. Though there have been a few recent attempts to argue against the necessity of this principle of unrestricted composition the consensus is that if it is true, it is necessarily true. In what follows I will join the few dissenters and argue that this principle of unrestricted composition is not necessarily true. If I am right, it follows that either some principle of restricted composition is necessarily true or the existence of composite objects is a contingent matter. I will end by indicating why the latter option seems the most plausible. I proceed by reductio. Assume the following:
On the asymptotic frequency behavior of uniform GTD in the shadow region of a smooth convex surface

A number of canonical plane-wave and line-source solutions involving circular cylinders have led to a widely accepted uniform geometrical theory of diffraction (GTD) formulation for the scattered electromagnetic field in the shadow region of a smooth convex surface. The current solution does not constitute a properly formulated asymptotic high-frequency theory in the sense that it becomes increasingly inaccurate with increasing frequency. This inaccuracy results from transition-function dominance in the deep shadow region over the Pekeris caret function that is used. An improved formulation that circumvents this difficulty by avoiding use of a transition function is derived via a straightforward extension of the canonical line-source solution given by Jones (1963). This new solution takes the form of Keller-type modes with modified diffraction coefficients that result in convergence at the shadow boundary provided that the source and observation point are not both located at asymptotic distances from the scatterer. >
Univariate Mixed Fractional Ostrowski Inequalities

Here we give general univariate mixed Caputo fractional Ostrowski inequalities, one is proved sharp and attained. Estimates are with respect to ‖⋅‖ p , 1 ≤ p ≤ ∞. This chapter is based on [4].
Knowledge Base for Automated Instructional System Development

Described is a knowledge base for automating instructional system development (ISD). The knowledge base is formulated from four generations of ISD models. First generation models (ISD1), founded in behavioral learning, employed systems theory to enhance subject matter expert instructional design. Second generation models (ISD2) evolved into increasingly complex ISD systems that required trained technicians to develop instruction. Third generation models (ISD3), with increased concern for evaluation, required the special skills of expert instructional designers to manipulate phases of ISD. Fourth generation models (ISD*), employing advancements from cognitive science, are applying intelligent programming techniques to automate ISD for subject matter expert instructional development.
Compositions in YBa2Cu3Oy for 3-D bond order superconductors

Self-doping in YBa2Cu3Oy starts to switch from a charge balancing of chain metal reduction and plane oxidation to one of chain ligand oxidation (O-) and plane reduction on quenching from >600K. Amongst the responses are plane expansions and types of unusually strong superconductivity such as elevated temperature superconductivity (ETS), observed through laser pulsing (Tc=552K*) and upon shot quenching (Tc=200K*). We ascribe ETS to limited 3-D superconductivity due to a correlated system of bond ordering within chain-plane sandwiches and propose how to stabilize it. Accordingly, plane expanding n-doping arises from self-doping charge equilibration with local chain Cu of two-fold O coordination (2). The dumbbell type bonds of both apical O- are a result of high-energy environment and comparable in their metric with electron pairs on the plane. Following empirical Tc=%(2)x11 we suggest increasing %(2) to cause the observed retrograde rise in Tc (photo-induced reflectivity edge) to a theoretical limit of Tc=1100K* at 100%(2). We propose compositions and heat treatments based on charge-lattice commensurability. Paired charge concentrations on planes, determined by bond ordering based on magic number counts, suggest several promising candidates such as c=0.22=2/3a0x3b0, c=0.17=2/3x4 or c=0.080=2/5x5. The latter could be achieved with 32%(2) and display Tc=352K* not only in laser pulsed but in shot quenched materials.
Medullary neuronal loss and alpha-synuclein burden in Multiple System Atrophy

Spinally projecting neurons in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) are thought to play a critical role in the generation of vasomotor sympathetic tone and represent a major site of convergence for multiple descending and reflex pathways that co-ordinate sympathetic nerve activity. Elucidating the organization of the circuits that drive these neurons is a key research objective. Here we present brain-wide connectomic maps of neurons that provide monosynaptic drive to putative RVLM sympathetic premotor neurons, generated using a two-step restricted trans-synaptic viral tracing strategy. We made focal microinjections of a genetically restricted reporter-expressing rabies vector, SADΔG(EnvA)-RFP, into the RVLM, and restricted its entry to neurons that project to the T2 spinal cord by first transducing them with a cassette required for rabies entry and trans-synapsis, YTB. By precisely targeting rabies injections to the core of the RVLM bulbospinal population we were able to restrict rabies ‘seeding’ to small numbers (as low as one single neuron) of RVLM presympathetic neurons immediately caudal to the facial nucleus, and then map the locations of neurons that provide monosynaptic input to the seed population. We observed reproducible patterns of inputs arising from the dorsal, contralateral, and midline medulla, and local RVLM interneurons including catecholaminergic non-bulbospinal neurons and neurons likely to reside within the ventral respiratory column. Distant inputs were identified in the pons, cerebellum and midbrain, and included previously suspected sites of monosynaptic drive such as the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus.
High-throughput characterization of the effects of H2O vapour on early oxidation across Al Fe Ni1−− composition space

Abstract The presence of H2O vapour in an oxidizing environment can increase the critical aluminium concentration, N Al * , required to establish a passivating Al2O3 scale in multicomponent alumina-forming alloys. This work used AlxFeyNi1 − x − y composition spread alloy film combinatorial libraries to determine N Al * (x, y) continuously across AlxFeyNi1 − x − y composition space (x = 0 → 1, y = 0 → [1 − x]) in a 10% H2O/air mixture at 427 °C. The N Al * (x, y) in this environment was significantly higher across much of composition space than that previously measured in dry air. Physical insights from the observed differences are considered using a modified Wagner–Maak model.
Corrosion of Thin-Film Storage Media: A Review

The computer, one of the most important technological innovations of the 20th century, is rapidly decreasing in size while increasing in power. Small, powerful computers require small, high-capacity devices for permanent storage of data. The particulate disk, which has served in generations of computers, is not capable of meeting the projected density requirements and is being replaced by higher capacity thin-film disks and optical disks. The new kinds of disks, however, have less environmental stability than particulate disks. Thus, a stable disk is being replaced by a more vulnerable disk just as computers are being moved from controlled environments into the uncontrolled environments of homes, offices, and plants.
Safety of MitraClip Implant in the Unstable Patient: Feasibility of Concomitant Left Ventricular Support Device

A 90-year-old man with heart failure secondary to severe P2 prolapse and severe mitral regurgitation (MR) was deemed at prohibitive risk for surgical repair and placement of a MitraClip (Abbott Vascular, Santa Clara, California) planned. Shortly after induction of anesthesia, he became profoundly
Glomerular and dermal depostion of properdin in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Abstract Properdin was demonstrated by indirect immunofluorescence in glomeruli of six of seven patients with lupus nephritis, two of whom had membranous lupus nephritis, one focal proliferative lu...
Market Segmentation by Motivation and Attitude

Most segmentation studies deal with such variables as occupation, income, family life cycle, education of the head of the household, social class, and personality. Results have been mixed; no simplistic bases for segmentation have been found [1, 2, 3, 4, 12]. Further, segmentation criteria for one market may not work in another. The objective of this study was to determine if the United States compact car market could be segmented by selected socioeconomic and demographic variables as well as by motivational and attitudinal measures. Specifically, we attempted to determine whether a distinct, relatively homogeneous market exists for small cars regardless of origin, or whether two such markets exist: one for foreign cars, one for those made in America.
Measurement of the dipole-dipole interaction of Rb n s n p states by microwave Ramsey interferometry

We have used the Ramsey method of separated oscillatory fields to probe the dipole-dipole interaction of Rb $nsnp$ pair states of $33\ensuremath{\le}n\ensuremath{\le}41$. In the Ramsey method dipole-dipole broadening in an inhomogeneous sample is manifested as a decrease in the fringe contrast with increasing density. An attractive feature of this approach compared to conventional line broadening is that the effect of the dipole-dipole interaction can be seen near the center of the Ramsey interference pattern, where the signal is large, as opposed to in the wings, where it is small. We observe dipole-dipole broadening which scales as ${n}^{4}$, in agreement with the calculated broadening. In addition, the Ramsey method points to the existence of $nsn{p}_{1/2}$ states which have no dipole-dipole shift.
Current initiatives to protect Rhode Island adolescents through increasing HPV vaccination

ABSTRACTThis commentary provides an overview of recent initiatives in Rhode Island to promote human papillomavirus (HPV) vac-30 cination with the goal of protecting Rhode Island adolescents against vaccine-preventable HPV-associated cancers. With the exception of the introduction of a recent school entry requirement, most of the initiatives and related activities described were conducted as part of a cooperative agreement between 35 RIDOH and CDC, and were supported by the Prevention and Public Health Fund.1
Simulation on 3-D Contact Nonlinear Dynamic Characteristic in Gearbox Coupling System

Considering the drawbacks of existing dynamics model and analysis method of gear transmission system,the dynamic analysis method based on perfectly elastic body w as presented. A certain type of marine gearbox w as taken as the reserch object. Based on explicit dynamic finite element method,the 3-D dynamic contact nonlinear model of housing-bearing-helical gear pair system w as established by considering the coupling effect betw een components. The dynamics characteristics on the key components w ere obtained by dynamically simulating the system,then compared w ith uncoupled model. It is show n that the stress distributions both on rolling elements and teeth surface are uneven and the coupling among the parts aggravates the impact effect in the gearbox. Finally the results are verified by Hertzian line contact theory.
Risk Factors for In‐Hospital Mortality in Heart Failure Patients: Does Rurality, Payer or Admission Source Matter?

Purpose Considering the high prevalence of heart failure and the economic burden of the disease, factors that influence in-hospital mortality are of importance in improving outcomes of care for this patient population. The purpose of this study was to examine the determinants of in-hospital mortality for adult heart failure patients. Methods The study design is a retrospective observational study design using the 2010 Nebraska Hospital Discharge data set including 4,319 hospitalizations for 3,521 heart failure patients admitted to 79 hospitals in Nebraska. Hierarchical logistic regression models including patient- and hospital-specific random intercepts were analyzed. Covariates included in the analysis were patient age in years, gender, comorbidity status, length of stay, primary payer, type and source of admission, transfers, and rurality of county of residence. Results Overall, 3.5% of heart failure patients died during their hospital stay. In logistic regression analysis that adjusted for age, sex, and comorbidities, the odds of dying in hospital for heart failure patients increased with age (OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01-1.04), co-morbidity (OR = 1.15; 95% CI: 1.05-1.25) and length of stay (OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01-1.05). The patient's gender, payer source, rurality of county of residence, source, and type of admission were not risk factors for in-hospital death. Conclusion Increasing age, comorbidity and length of stay were risk factors for in-hospital death for heart failure. An understanding of the risk factors for in-hospital death is critical to improving outcomes of care for heart failure patients.
Optimization of Tubulysin Antibody–Drug Conjugates: A Case Study in Addressing ADC Metabolism

As part of our efforts to develop new classes of tubulin inhibitor payloads for antibody–drug conjugate (ADC) programs, we developed a tubulysin ADC that demonstrated excellent in vitro activity but suffered from rapid metabolism of a critical acetate ester. A two-pronged strategy was employed to address this metabolism. First, the hydrolytically labile ester was replaced by a carbamate functional group resulting in a more stable ADC that retained potency in cellular assays. Second, site-specific conjugation was employed in order to design ADCs with reduced metabolic liabilities. Using the later approach, we were able to identify a conjugate at the 334C position of the heavy chain that resulted in an ADC with considerably reduced metabolism and improved efficacy. The examples discussed herein provide one of the clearest demonstrations to-date that site of conjugation can play a critical role in addressing metabolic and PK liabilities of an ADC. Moreover, a clear correlation was identified between the hydr...
Some Thoughts About Doing the Right Thing in Uncertain Times

AbstractIn these uncertain times, it is essential when dealing with student activism that faculty and staff base their actions on foundational assumptions and beliefs representing best professional practice that serve the multiple purposes of higher education. To set a context for his arguments, the author draws on a recent example from the field. The untenable circumstances in which an exemplary campus practitioner found herself can happen to anyone at any college or university. Then, the author briefly re-visits a set of guiding assumptions and beliefs put forward in A Perspective on Student Affairs (1987) that are relevant to dealing with the challenging tasks at hand. The author closes with four suggestions that have the potential to help convert these principles about our professional obligations to today’s students and institutions into educationally purposeful campus action.
Electoral Incongruence and Delayed Republican Gains in Southern State Legislatures

This paper investigates the impact of electoral incongruence – the tendency of Democratic state legislative candidates to perform better than their co-partisans in higher-level races – on partisan control of southern legislative chambers in the 1990s and 2000s. Using precinct-level data from five southern states, I examine incongruence between presidential and state house election results and show how such incongruence delayed the Republican consolidation of power in southern legislatures during this period. I then develop and test an account of electoral incongruence focusing on the tendency of older white southerners and those living in rural areas to split their tickets across state and federal offices, particularly when given the option of voting for conservative Democratic legislative incumbents. Lastly, I explore possible reasons for electoral incongruence’s recent decline. The results of the paper provide important insights concerning the delayed Republican takeover of southern legislatures, an underexplored aspect of southern partisan change. They also speak to longstanding questions in the state politics literature about the extent of autonomy that state party systems can hope to enjoy in a highly nationalized era.
Exploring how individual traits influence enjoyment in a mobile learning game

This study investigated individual traits as predictors of game enjoyment by including learning style, intrinsic motivation, collaboration skills, and computer game attitude as key parts of a model that also included achievement. Results of correlation and regression analyses revealed that intrinsic motivation was the only variable to predict game enjoyment. This supports the conceptualization of enjoyment as need satisfaction of intrinsic needs. Enjoyment was also found to be positively correlated with achievement. Other significant relations emerged, particularly how a player's attitude toward games predicted intrinsic motivation. The present study examined children's enjoyment experiences in the mobile version of the Minecraft game. It also highlights the complexity of game enjoyment as it relates to mobile learning games. Students who have more positive attitudes toward a game are more intrinsically motivated to play.The level of enjoyment experienced in a mobile game is accounted for by the player's level of intrinsic motivation.In the context of mobile learning games, a student's learning style is not linked to enjoyment or achievement.Collaboration skills and enjoyment levels can predict achievement.
Unusual Hydrogen Bonding Patterns in 2-Aminofluorene (AF) and 2-Acetylaminofluorene (AAF) Modified DNA

It has long been known that base pairing schemes differing from the canonical Watson-Crick type are possible both in DNA and RNA fragments and in polynucleotides. Indeed, experimental evidence for such hydrogen bonding options has been in the literature for decades. Hoogsteen, reverse Hoogsteen and reverse Watson-Crick are among the more well-known forms, but many others, not necessarily between Watson-Crick partners, have been delineated1. However, it is only recently that non-Watson-Crick pairing has attracted really widespread interest. One important reason for this renewed interest is the recent availability of crystal structures and high resolution NMR data; these are beginning to offer atomic resolution views of DNA duplexes which manifest novel pairing schemes.The crystal structure of the antibiotic triostin complexed with a DNA octamer2 was of particular importance in this regard, because it called attention to the possibility of a Hoogsteen pair between a syn guanine and an N3 protonated cytosine (Figure 1a). This work, as well as solution studies by others has led to an appreciation that base protonation in duplex oligomers can occur at physiological pH, because the pK for protonation can be much higher in DNA duplexes than it is in the free base or nucleoside3. Consequently, pairing schemes that require protonation can no longer be deemed irrelevant to the biological situation.
Two Rival Interpretations of Xunzi's Views on the Basis of Morality

This essay examines the textual evidence and arguments for two rival ways of interpreting Xunzi's accounts of the origins and normative bases of ritual and the Way: a human-centered line of interpretation which maintains that the moral order constituted by the Confucian Way and its ritual tradition was the artificial creation of a group of ancient sages, and a Heaven-centered line of interpretation which maintains, in contrast, that those same sages based the Confucian Way and its ritual tradition on a cosmic moral order that they discovered already existing in the world. It argues that the weight of textual evidence best supports a version of the former view, and shows that three representative versions of the latter view do not withstand critical scrutiny.
Skin and Connective Tissue Disorders

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a clinically heterogeneous disorder resulting from the reduced synthesis or the accumulation of abnormal type I collagen, which is a major structural component of many connective tissues including bone. Type I collagen is a trimeric molecule composed of two α1(I) chains and one α2(I) chain, encoded by the COL1A1 and COL1A2 genes, respectively. Fibrillar collagens have a long triple helical domain composed of Gly-X-Y repeats. Glycine residues at every third position are required for the formation of the triple helical domain.1 OI is predominantly inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion and is caused by a wide variety of mutational events in either the COL1A1 or COL1A2 gene.
Extracellular matrix-based materials for regenerative medicine

In tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, a biomaterial provides mechanical support and biochemical signals to encourage cell attachment and modulate cell behaviour. Nature’s template for a biomaterial is the extracellular matrix (ECM). The ECM contains intrinsic biochemical and mechanical cues that regulate cell phenotype and function in development, in homeostasis and in response to injury. The use of ECM-based materials in biomedical research has advanced from coating cell culture plates with purified ECM components to the design of ECM-mimicking biomaterials and the engineering of decellularized tissues aimed at recapitulating the dynamics, composition and structure of the ECM. In this Review, we highlight important matrix properties and functions in the context of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, consider techniques such as proteomics for the investigation of matrix structure and composition and discuss different engineering strategies for the design of matrix-mimicking biomaterials. Tissue, whole organ and cell culture decellularization approaches are examined for their potential to preserve the tissue-specific biochemical composition and ultrastructure of the ECM and for the development of biomaterials that promote the formation of functional tissues in clinical applications. Finally, we investigate challenges and opportunities of ECM biomaterials for the design of organotypic models to study disease progression, for the ex vivo creation of engineered tissue and for the clinical translation of functional tissue reconstruction strategies in vivo. The extracellular matrix is nature’s template for an ideal biomaterial to guide tissue homeostasis and repair. In this Review, matrix-mimicking biomaterials and decellularized matrices are discussed for their potential to reconstruct and repair tissues in vitro and in vivo.
Cross-section study of ion-molecule reactions of planetary importance

By controlling the collision energies for dissociative charge transfer collisions of He"^ (Ne"^, Ar*) + Oj in a radio fi-equency (RF) octopole ion guide gas cell, and by applying appropriate effective ion trapping potentials to the RF octopole ion guide, we show that state-selected 0'^(^S*), O'^(-D'), and O^(-P') reactant ion beams with high purities and usable intensities can be prepared for scattering experiments. This experimental scheme, which makes possible the enrichment of an ionic species with a lower kinetic energy distribution in an RF multipole ion guide, should be useful for state-selection of other excited atomic ions by using appropriate dissociative charge transfer or dissociative photoionization processes.
Prostate Cancer in Older Adults

The definition of the “geriatric” population is somewhat variable. For the purposes of this chapter, we will define it as those aged 70 years and older. Management of prostate cancer in this population can be particularly challenging due to two inherent yet seemingly contradictory truths. Age is a risk factor for the diagnosis of prostate cancer and also for the presence of higher risk disease. However, older men with prostate cancer are at higher risk of dying from competing causes than younger men with comparable disease. Therefore, it is imperative to recognize this reality and individualize care to each particular man with age and comorbidities in mind to try to minimize both overtreatment and undertreatment of geriatric patients with prostate cancer.
Migration and Nomadism: Tracking Energy Sources

A mobile animal has the advantage of being able to escape harsh conditions and seek out momentarily favourable sites (Riechert 1979; Farrow 1990). Nomadism is a strategy traditionally employed by desert tribes and their grazing domestic animals, and among wild animals is more characteristic of vertebrates, especially birds and large mammals, than it is of invertebrates. However, some desert invertebrates also track shifting environmental resources.
The emergence of specific HDAC inhibitors and their clinical efficacy in the treatment of hematologic malignancies and breast cancer

The dynamic balance between histone acetylation and deacetylation is an important epigenetic mechanism controlling gene expression and is associated with the etiology and progression of many human diseases Early success of histone deacetylase HDAC inhibition in the treatment of hematological cancers paved the way for the development and testing of many different pan global histone deacetylase inhibitors HDIs Dose limiting toxicities in these early trials coupled with increased understanding of the differential expression patterns of HDACs in different tissues and disease states led to the emergence of more specific HDIs that target specific HDAC classes and isotypes Whereas a large number of clinical trials have been undertaken using pan HDIs which have demonstrated varying success in the treatment of hematological and solid malignancies both as single agents and in combination with other drugs there have been far fewer undertaken with the emerging repertoire of specific HDIs which could potentially overcome the limitations seen in the pan inhibitors In this review we describe the classification and development of HDIs as well the roles of HDACs in cancers and the rationale behind moving toward more selective inhibition We then examine the clinical efficacy of both pan and specific HDI treatment by reviewing a number of clinical trials focusing on hematological malignancies where numerous trials have demonstrated single agent and combinatory efficacy as well as breast cancers where fewer trials have been undertaken showing limited efficacy but also where promising pre clinical findings necessitate further clinical investigation
The quality of systematic reviews addressing peripheral nerve repair and reconstruction.

Summary While systematic reviews are regarded as the strongest level of medical evidence, inconsistency in the quality and rigor of systematic reviews raises concerns about their use as a tool in guiding quality delivery in evidence-based clinical practice. The objective of this present study was to assess methodological soundness of systematic reviews with a particular focus on peripheral nerve repair and reconstruction. We performed a comprehensive search using PubMed and Scopus to identify all systematic reviews published on peripheral nerve reconstruction in 9 high-impact surgical journals. Two authors independently performed literature searches, screened abstracts, and extracted data. Discrepancies were resolved by discussion and consensus. The quality of systematic reviews was assessed using AMSTAR criteria. Initial search retrieved 184 articles. After screening duplicates, titles, abstracts, and conducting full text reviews, 26 studies met inclusion criteria. Of those, 18 (65%) were published by Plastic Surgery, 7 (27%) by Orthopedic Surgery, and 1 (4%) by Occupational Therapy. The total number of systematic reviews published on peripheral nerves each year has shown an increasing trend from 2004 through 2015. The overall median AMSTAR score was 5, reflecting a “fair” quality. There was no evidence of AMSTAR score improvement over time. Although the number of systematic reviews published on peripheral nerve repair has risen over the last decade, their quality has not exhibited the same increase. This highlights the necessity to increase familiarity with and conform to methodological quality criteria in order to improve the integrity of evidence-based medicine in peripheral nerve repair and reconstruction.
Any Way You Slice It, It Comes Up Julia Sets

In “Emerging Julia Sets” from this Magazine [1], along with co-authors, we considered functions that are obtained by composing certain types of complex functions with themselves many times. The rea...
Convolutions Are All You Need (For Classifying Character Sequences).

While recurrent neural networks (RNNs) are widely used for text classification, they demonstrate poor performance and slow convergence when trained on long sequences. When text is modeled as characters instead of words, the longer sequences make RNNs a poor choice. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs), although somewhat less ubiquitous than RNNs, have an internal structure more appropriate for long-distance character dependencies. To better understand how CNNs and RNNs differ in handling long sequences, we use them for text classification tasks in several character-level social media datasets. The CNN models vastly outperform the RNN models in our experiments, suggesting that CNNs are superior to RNNs at learning to classify character-level data.
Phase of Care Mortality Analysis According to Individual Patient Risk Profile

Background Phase of care mortality analysis (POCMA) is a quality improvement tool categorizing triggers for mortality into phases of patient care. However, the relationship between a patient's risk profile and the triggers for mortality is incompletely understood. Methods POCMA was implemented for cases with available Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) risk models. Risk-adjusted rates were obtained from the STS database. Mortality triggers were categorized by the phase of occurrence (preoperative, intraoperative, intensive care unit [ICU], postoperative floor, and discharge). Patients were then stratified by STS risk score: low risk ( 8%). Results A total of 3,919 isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), 901 isolated valve, and 321 CABG plus single-valve procedures were performed from 2012 to 2018, with 4.6% crude mortality and a median STS risk score of 5.8%. POCMA was performed on 67 patient mortalities, with triggers occurring in the following phases of care: 49.3% preoperative, 13.4% intraoperative, 23.9% ICU, 3.0% postoperative floor, and 10.4% discharge phase. Mortality distribution was bimodal, occurring mostly in low-risk (37.3%) and high-risk (38.8%) patients. For low-risk patients, the trigger for mortality most frequently occurred during the postoperative ICU phase, while for high-risk patients, the trigger for mortality most frequently occurred during the preoperative phase. Conclusions Mortality had a bimodal distribution with respect to patient risk profile. Phase-of-care triggers for mortality differed according to patient risk profile: low-risk triggers during the postoperative ICU phase versus high-risk triggers typically during the preoperative phase. Specific focus on phases according to the patient's risk profile represents an opportunity to improve quality and outcomes.
Database-Driven Iterative Learning for Building Temperature Control

Building interior temperatures are affected by the outdoor air temperature. Note that outdoor weather patterns are somewhat repetitive in nature and historical records of outdoor temperature are readily accessible; we present a data-driven iterative learning approach to improve the room temperature tracking performance over time. By comparing the short-term temperature forecast with the past data, chains of (nonconsecutive) days exhibiting similar outside temperature patterns can be identified. The corresponding building operation record (heat input and temperature output trajectories) may then be used in the iterative learning control (ILC) to update the input based on the past temperature tracking error. Multizone buildings are strictly passive from the heat input to temperature output in all zones. This property assures the convergence of the ILC iteration if the update gain is suitably bounded, without the need of an accurate model. This means that for each chain, the zone temperature deviation from the specified profile will converge to zero as the number of days in the chain grows (i.e., as more iterations of ILC are performed). Using a six-zone physical test bed with programmable ambient temperatures, we demonstrate the practicality of the proposed approach in multiple experimental trials. Additional longer-duration simulations are performed based on the actual temperature recorded in Orlando, FL, USA and New York, NY, USA over a two-year period. In all cases, ILC is shown to improve the tracking error in the presence of ambient temperature fluctuations. Note to Practitioners —This paper uses historic operating data and weather forecasting to improve the temperature tracking in multizone buildings. The proposed approach exploits the inherent passivity property of the building thermal model and, therefore, does not require the accurate model identification prior to implementation. As a result, this method may be conveniently retrofitted to any existing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, provided that the system is capable of adjusting the heat input (e.g., by controlling the supply air flow rate) and storing temperature sensor data. The algorithm uses weather prediction to match the upcoming ambient temperature variation with those experienced in the past. With the past operating data (control input and resulting temperature error) from the matched day, a feed-forward control is iteratively updated to improve the tracking performance. This paper includes the experimental results to demonstrate the efficacy of the approach in our test bed, and simulation examples to provide the insight into the real-world implementation. This approach may be extended to other external heat sources exhibiting repetitive patterns, e.g., occupancy, equipment, and solar input.
Oviposition Responses and Potential Larval Control Methods of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in Downspout Extensions

Aedes albopictus (Skuse) is an important invasive species and vector of several important arboviruses across the globe. This species uses small water-holding cryptic containers as egg laying sites, which pose serious challenges to effective control of adult mosquito populations. Herein, we examined the response of gravid female Ae. albopictus to various features of common downspout extension tubes associated with human dwellings and the effectiveness of control efforts to eliminate larvae. Controlled field trials quantified oviposition in 1) extensions versus rubber bowls meant to mimic other container types, 2) among different shapes and materials of extensions, and 3) among different colors of extensions. We also investigated how flushing and use of Bti larvicides could control larvae. Females were more likely to lay eggs in flat plastic or metal extensions compared to rubber bowls. Eggs were also more plentiful in flat plastic extensions versus either corrugated or metal, and dark brown corrugated extensions had more eggs compared to tan or white. Flushing reduced nearly all larvae when the extensions were properly angled, and applications of Bti pellets or dunks were effective at killing most larvae. We show that dark extensions were preferred over other colors, and that larvae can be effectively removed with minimal effort. However, effective control will likely only come from better education of the public about proper installation of extensions.
The potential of lipid mediator networks as ocular surface therapeutics and biomarkers

In the last twenty years an impressive body of evidence in diverse inflammatory animal disease models and human tissues, has established polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) derived specialized-pro-resolving mediators (SPM), as essential mediators for controlling acute inflammation, immune responses, wound healing and for resolving acute inflammation in many non-ocular tissues. SPM pathways and receptors are highly expressed in the ocular surface where they regulate wound healing, nerve regeneration, innate immunity and sex-specific regulation of auto-immune responses. Recent evidence indicates that in the eye these resident SPM networks are important for maintaining ocular surface health and immune homeostasis. Here, we will review and discuss evidence for SPMs and other PUFA-derived mediators as important endogenous regulators, biomarkers for ocular surface health and disease and their therapeutic potential.
From concept to application: A review of use cases in urban building energy modeling

Abstract Urban building energy modeling (UBEM) is a bottom-up, physics-based approach to simulate the thermal performance of new or existing neighborhoods and cities. The field has flourished in recent years, creating increasingly robust urban data streams that lead from Geographical Information Systems, CityGML, Light Detection and Ranging, and tax assessor databases to synthetic hourly building energy demand profiles for current and potential future conditions. Depending on the availability of historic building energy use data, a variety of modeling, simulation, and calibration approaches as well as use cases have been proposed. This paper provides a consolidated UBEM workflow with data and process requirements, and organizes UBEM proposals into four main application categories: urban planning and new neighborhood design, stock-level carbon reduction strategies, individual building-level recommendations, and buildings-to-grid integration. For each application, the paper further introduces a minimum viable UBEM, a novel concept for UBEMs conceptualized in the spirit of a minimum viable product. Specific case studies and/or examples are listed for each application area where available.
1-BENZYLSPIRO[PIPERIDINE-4,1'-PYRIDO[3,4-b]indole] 'co-potentiators' for minimal function CFTR mutants.

Abstract We previously identified a spiro [piperidine-4,1-pyrido [3,4-b]indole] class of co-potentiators that function in synergy with existing CFTR potentiators such as VX-770 or GLGP1837 to restore channel activity of a defined subset of minimal function cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) mutants. Here, structure-activity studies were conducted to improve their potency over the previously identified compound, 20 (originally termed CP-A01). Targeted synthesis of 37 spiro [piperidine-4,1-pyrido [3,4-b]indoles] was generally accomplished using versatile two or three step reaction protocols with each step having high efficiency. Structure-activity relationship studies established that analog 2i, with 6′-methoxyindole and 2,4,5-trifluorobenzyl substituents, had the greatest potency for activation of N1303K-CFTR, with EC50 ∼600 nM representing an ∼17-fold improvement over the original compound identified in a small molecule screen.
Prevalence and Types of School‐Based Out‐of‐School Time Programs at Elementary Schools and Implications for Student Nutrition and Physical Activity

Background Out-of-school time (OST) programs are an important setting for supporting student health and academic achievement. This study describes the prevalence and characteristics of school-based OST programs, which can inform efforts to promote healthy behaviors in this setting. Methods A nationally representative sample of public elementary schools (N = 640) completed surveys in 2013-2014. Administrators reported on OST programs and policies at their school. Multivariable logistic regression models estimated the prevalence of school-based OST programs, adjusting for school characteristics. Among schools with OST programs (N = 475), chi-square tests identified school characteristics associated with having an OST policy about physical activity or nutrition. Results Three fourths of elementary schools (75.6%) had a full- or partial-year school-based OST program, with 30.8% having both. Full- and partial-year programs were significantly less prevalent in rural and township areas versus urban settings. Only 27.5% of schools with OST programs reported having physical activity and/or nutrition policies. Conclusions Most US elementary schools have an on-site OST program, but disparities in access exist, and most lack policies or awareness of existing policies regarding physical activity and nutrition. To maximize OST programs' potential benefits, strategies are needed to increase access to programs and physical activity and/or nutrition policy adoption.
Liver Transplantation for Cholangiocarcinoma

Liver transplantation (LT) has been the gold standard treatment for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma for nearly three decades. More recently, a new era of “transplant oncology” has been ushered in with the recognition that LT is also a viable curative therapy for patients with cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Initial success of LT for CCA was outlined by the Mayo Clinic experience for patients with unresectable hilar CCA (hCCA) measuring <3 cm managed on a strict pre-transplant protocol including neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and staging laparotomy to exclude lymph node metastases. More recently, numerous single-center and multicenter studies have identified excellent outcomes following LT for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) as well. While appropriateness of LT for patients with resectable hCCA or larger iCCA is debated, it’s increasingly clear that multimodal neoadjuvant therapy and appropriate patient selection are of paramount importance. Given the relative scarcity of available donor liver allografts, rigorous patient selection must be applied to mitigate oncologic risk and ensure meaningful organ utilization.
Airwave oscillometry to measure lung function in children with Down syndrome.

Background Children with Down syndrome are at risk for significant pulmonary co-morbidities, including recurrent respiratory infections, dysphagia, obstructive sleep apnea, and pulmonary vascular disease. Because the gold standard metric of lung function, spirometry, may not be feasible in children with intellectual disabilities, we sought to assess the feasibility of both airwave oscillometry and spirometry in children with Down syndrome. Methods Thirty-four children with Down syndrome aged 5-17 years were recruited. Participants performed airwave oscillometry and spirometry before and 10 min after albuterol. Outcomes include success rates, airway resistance and reactance pre- and post-bronchodilator, and bronchodilator response. Results Participants were median age 9.2 years (interquartile range 7.2, 12.0) and 47% male. Airwave oscillometry was successful in 26 participants (76.5%) and 4 (11.8%) were successful with spirometry. No abnormalities in airway resistance were detected, and 16/26 (61.5%) had decreased reactance. A positive bronchodilator response by oscillometry was observed in 5/23 (21.7%) of those with successful pre- and post-bronchodilator testing. Conclusions Measures of pulmonary function were successfully obtained using airwave oscillometry in children with Down syndrome, which supports its use in this high-risk population. Impact Children with Down syndrome are at risk for significant pulmonary co-morbidities, but the gold standard metric of lung function, spirometry, may not be feasible in children with intellectual disabilities. This may limit the population's enrollment in clinical trials and in standardized clinical care. In this prospective study of lung function in children with Down syndrome, airwave oscillometry was successful in 76% of participants but spirometry was successful in only 12%. This study reinforces that measures of pulmonary function can be obtained successfully using airwave oscillometry in children with Down syndrome, which supports its use in this high-risk population.