cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mutations in the lux Operon of Natural Dark Mutants in the Genus Vibrio

Bacterial bioluminescence can display a wide range of intensities among strains, from very bright to undetectable, and it has been shown previously that there are nonluminous vibrios that possess lux genes. In this paper, we report the isolation and characterization of completely dark natural mutants in the genus Vibrio. Screening of over 600 Vibrio isolates with a luxA gene probe revealed that approximately 5% carried the luxA gene. Bioluminescence assays of the luxA-positive isolates, followed by repetitive extragenic palindromic-PCR fingerprinting, showed three unique genotypes that are completely dark. The dark mutants show a variety of lesions, including an insertion sequence, point mutations, and deletions. Strain BCB451 has an IS10 insertion sequence in luxA, a mutated luxE stop codon, and a truncated luxH. Strain BCB494 has a 396-bp deletion in luxC, and strain BCB440 has a frameshift in luxC. This paper represents the first molecular characterization of natural dark mutants and the first demonstration of incomplete lux operons in natural isolates.
Rho/Rho-kinase Signaling in Hypoxic Pulmonary Hypertension

The small GTPase RhoA and its downstream effector Rho-kinase play a role in many cellular functions including cell adhesion, migration, gene expression, growth, and contraction. Rho/Rho-kinase signaling can promote sustained increases in vascular tone by both increasing the Ca2+ sensitivity of vascular smooth muscle cell contraction and downregulating expression of vasodilators and upregulating expression of vasoconstrictors. There is considerable evidence that Rho/Rho-kinase activation is important in the pathogenesis of systemic vascular diseases such as hypertension, vasospasm, and arteriosclerosis. It is therefore reasonable to hypothesize that this signaling pathway also contributes to the pathogenesis of hypoxia-mediated pulmonary hypertension by promoting sustained pulmonary vasoconstriction and vascular wall remodeling. Our observations that an inhibitor of Rho-kinase effectively reverses high pulmonary vascular resistance in chronically hypoxic rats and blunts development of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension in rats and mice support this concept. It is now apparent that Rho/Rho-kinase signaling needs to be added to the blend of increased cytosolic [Ca2+] and sundry other signaling molecules and pathways to fully understand the molecular pathophysiology of hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension.
Early Conquest of the Rock: Julius Lempert's Life and the Complete Apicectomy Technique for the Treatment of Suppurative Petrous Apicitis

Julius Lempert (1891–1968) was one of the most revolutionary and innovative neuro-otologists of the 20th century. He had a remarkable role in advancing the field of otolaryngology to its modern shape and form, especially through his groundbreaking introduction of the fenestration procedure for the treatment of otosclerosis. Although he is highly celebrated by many neuro-otologists for his contributions to our surgical and anatomical understanding of the petrous bone, he is not well known to the neurosurgical community. In this article, we give a detailed account of Dr. Lempert's life and discuss his invaluable contribution to skull base petrous bone anatomy and surgery through his pioneering work on the complete apicectomy for the treatment of suppurative petrous apicitis.
In-Situ Processing of MoSi2-Base Composites

Three different methods of preparing MoSi2 and composites reinforced with ceramic fibers by reactive in-situ processing are described. Reactive powder sintering (co-synthesis) of elemental powders, chemical vapor infiltration/deposition and reactive vapor infiltration are examined. Monolithic MoSi2, SiC particle-reinforced MoSi2 or fibrous MoSi2 composites reinforced with Nicalon fiber were prepared. The advantages and disadvantages of these processes relative to more traditional processing techniques such as HIPing of prealloyed powders, mechanical alloying and a reported in-situ displacement reactions are discussed.
Dynamic recrystallization behavior of a kind of Ti-microalloyed high-strength steel

By using thermo-mechanical simulator,OM and SEM,the dynamic recrystallization( DRX) behavior of a kind of Timicroalloyed high-strength steel was investigated at 850 to 1150 ℃ and strain rates from 0. 1 to 10 s- 1. The activation energy for hot deformation of this Ti-microalloyed steel was calculated to be 381. 61 kJ /mol by least square method,while the apparent stress exponent calculated to be 4. 59. The equation describing the hot working process was also obtained. The mathematical models of peak strain and critical strain versus Z parameter were deduced. The results show that the peak strain and critical strain all bear linear relationship with lnZ. It's found that this kind of Ti-microalloyed steel is prone to the dynamic recrystallization at higher temperatures and lower strain rates.
Platelet-type von Willebrand's disease: characterization of a new bleeding disorder

An autosomally transmitted bleeding diathesis sharing some, but not all, features previously described in von Willebrand's disease (vWd) was studied in five patients representing three generations of a single family. Bleeding times in the upper normal range in conjunction with low-normal platelet counts, normal factor VIII coagulant activity and VIII-related antigen, decreased VIII-ristocetin cofactor activity, selective decrease of the higher molecule weight factor VIII/von Willebrand factor (VIII/vWF) multimers, and increased ristocetin-induced platelet agglutination at low ristocetin concentrations were characteristic. Binding of patient VIII/vWF to washed normal platelets was within normal limits, whereas binding of normal VIII/vWF to patient platelets was significantly increased (p less than 0.001 at 0.6 mg/ml ristocetin). This disorder accordingly appears to involve an intrinsic platelet abnormality affecting platelet-VIII/vWF interactions. It is proposed that the concept of vWD be broadened to include patients with this abnormality, which may appropriately be called "Platelet-type von Willebrand's disease."
Physically Plausible Methods for Projecting Changes in Great Lakes Water Levels under Climate Change Scenarios

AbstractA method for projecting the water levels of the Laurentian Great Lakes under scenarios of human-caused climate change, used almost to the exclusion of other methods in the past, relies very heavily on the large basin runoff model (LBRM) as a component for determining the water budget for the lake system. This model uses near-surface air temperature as a primary predictor of evapotranspiration (ET); as in previous published work, it is shown here that the model’s very high sensitivity to temperature causes it to overestimate ET in a way that is greatly at variance with the fundamental principle of conservation of energy at the land surface. The traditional formulation is characterized here as being equivalent to having several suns in the virtual sky created by LBRM. More physically based methods show, relative to the traditional method, often astoundingly less potential ET and less ET, more runoff from the land and net basin supply for the lake basins, and higher lake water levels in the future. U...
In vitro esterification of cholesterol by plasma: the effect of evisceration

The capacity of plasma of eviscerated rats to esterify free cholesterol was compared with that of plasma of normal control rats by incubating the plasma of these rats with free cholesterol-4-C14 dispersed on Celite and by determining the percentage of labeled sterol in the esterified form at the end of 18 hr. Cholesterol esterification was severely restricted in incubation mixtures prepared with plasma of the eviscerated rats. The restriction could not be accounted for by the presence of inhibitors nor by the absence of heat-stable activators. On the basis of these as well as other observations, it is concluded that the reduced capacity of the plasma of eviscerated rats to esterify cholesterol resulted from removal of the source (probably the liver) of the plasma enzyme or of heat-labile cofactors responsible for the esterification, or both.
Primary urethral melanoma

Background: Urethral melanoma is rare. A recent review of collected patient information yielded approximately 150 cases. We reviewed the English literature over the last 25 years to describe what is known about this rare form of mucosal melanoma.
Resilience Mediates the Longitudinal Relationships Between Social Support and Mental Health Outcomes in Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract Objectives To investigate the longitudinal relationships between social support and subsequent mental health outcomes in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), and to examine resilience as a mediator between social support and subsequent mental health outcomes in this population. Design Observational, longitudinal cohort study. Participants were assessed at 4 time points over 12 months in the context of a previously reported randomized controlled trial. Setting Telephone-based measures administered to community-based participants. Participants Individuals (N=163) with MS and 1 or more of the following symptoms: depression, fatigue, and pain. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Mental health outcomes included (1) depressive symptomatology, assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire–9; (2) anxious symptomatology, assessed using the short form of the Emotional Distress–Anxiety Scale from the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System; and (3) general mental health status, assessed using the Mental Component Summary score from the Short Form–8 Health Survey. Resilience was assessed using the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale. Results At any given time, social support from significant others, family members, and friends was significantly associated with subsequent mental health outcomes for all 3 measures assessed (all P values Conclusions There are significant longitudinal relationships between social support, resilience, and mental health outcomes for people with MS. Given the mediating role of resilience in supporting better mental health outcomes, future clinical research and practice may benefit from an emphasis on resilience-focused psychological interventions.
Incidence and natural history of primary systemic amyloidosis in Olmsted County, Minnesota, 1950 through 1989.

No reports of the incidence rates for primary systemic amyloidosis (AL) have come to our attention. Records of all residents of Olmstead County, Minnesota, with a diagnosis of amyloidosis were obtained from the Mayo Clinic and its affiliated hospitals, as well as other medical groups that might have seen local patients for the period January 1, 1950 to December 31, 1989. Twenty-one patients fulfilled the criteria for the diagnosis of AL. The median age was 73.5 years, and 62% were men. In all but one patient the diagnosis was made ante mortem. The clinical data of the 21 patients were similar to those referral patients with AL seen at Mayo Clinic. Immunohistochemical stains were positive for monoclonal light chains in the amyloid deposits in 15 of the 21 cases. In six cases, tissue was not available for immunohistochemical studies. Three of the six patients without immunohistochemical stains had a free monoclonal lambda light chain in the urine, and the other three had a monoclonal serum protein. Immunoelectrophoresis/immunofixation detected a monoclonal (M)-protein in the serum of 16 of 17 patients tested. A monoclonal light chain was found in the urine of 10 of 15 patients. The overall sex- and age- adjusted rate per million person-years was 6.1 from 1950 to 1969 and 10.5 from 1970 to 1989. The similarity of these rates suggests no significant increase over time.
A Resonant Message: Aligning Scholar Values and Open Access Objectives in OA Policy Outreach to Faculty and Graduate Students

INTRODUCTION Faculty contribution to the institutional repository is a major limiting factor in the successful provision of open access to scholarship, and thus to the advancement of research productivity and progress. Many have alluded to outreach messages through studies examining faculty concerns that underlie their reluctance to contribute, but specific open access messages demonstrated to resonate most with faculty have not been discussed with sufficient granularity. Indeed, many faculty benefits and concerns are likely either unknown to the faculty themselves, or unspoken, so the literature’s record of faculty benefits and perceptions of open access remains incomplete at best. DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAM At Rutgers University, we have developed a targeted message that both addresses these unspoken/unknown concerns and benefits and speaks to the promise and inevitability of open access in a changing scholarly communication landscape. This paper details that message and its rationale, based on a critical review of the literature currently informing outreach programs, in order to provoke further discussion of specific outreach messages and the principles underlying them. NEXT STEPS A robust scholarly communication organization, open access policy advisory board, expanded outreach, and sustained momentum will be critical to ensuring success with measurable outcomes. Metrics used to evaluate both OA policy implementation efforts and institutional repositories should be reevaluated in light of the governing objectives of open access outreach efforts and tools. It is hoped that a reassessment of the message and the metrics will better align both with the true promise and prerequisites of open access.
Exosomal MicroRNA Transport from Salivary Mesenchyme Regulates Epithelial Progenitor Expansion during Organogenesis

Epithelial-mesenchymal interactions involve fundamental communication between tissues during organogenesis and are primarily regulated by growth factors and extracellular matrix. It is unclear whether RNA-containing exosomes are mobile genetic signals regulating epithelial-mesenchymal interactions. Here we identify that exosomes loaded with mesenchyme-specific mature microRNA contribute mobile genetic signals from mesenchyme to epithelium. The mature mesenchymal miR-133b-3p, loaded into exosomes, was transported from mesenchyme to the salivary epithelium, which did not express primary miR-133b-3p. Knockdown of miR-133b-3p in culture decreased endbud morphogenesis, reduced proliferation of epithelial KIT+ progenitors, and increased expression of a target gene, Disco-interacting protein 2 homolog B (Dip2b). DIP2B, which is involved in DNA methylation, was localized with 5-methylcytosine in the prophase nucleus of a subset of KIT+ progenitors during mitosis. In summary, exosomal transport of miR-133b-3p from mesenchyme to epithelium decreases DIP2B, which may function as an epigenetic regulator of genes responsible for KIT+ progenitor expansion during organogenesis.
Advances in Stereoconvergent Catalysis from 2005 to 2015: Transition-Metal-Mediated Stereoablative Reactions, Dynamic Kinetic Resolutions, and Dynamic Kinetic Asymmetric Transformations

Stereoconvergent catalysis is an important subset of asymmetric synthesis that encompasses stereoablative transformations, dynamic kinetic resolutions, and dynamic kinetic asymmetric transformations. Initially, only enzymes were known to catalyze dynamic kinetic processes, but recently various synthetic catalysts have been developed. This Review summarizes major advances in nonenzymatic, transition-metal-promoted dynamic asymmetric transformations reported between 2005 and 2015.
Speech production gains following constraint-induced movement therapy in children with hemiparesis

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in speech skills of children who have hemiparesis and speech impairment after participation in a constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) program. While case studies have reported collateral speech gains following CIMT, the effect of CIMT on speech production has not previously been directly investigated to the knowledge of these investigators. Methods Eighteen children with hemiparesis and co-occurring speech impairment participated in a 21-day clinical CIMT program. The Goldman-Fristoe Test of Articulation-2 (GFTA-2) was used to assess children's articulation of speech sounds before and after the intervention. Changes in percent of consonants correct (PCC) on the GFTA-2 were used as a measure of change in speech production. Results Children made significant gains in PCC following CIMT. Gains were similar in children with left and right-sided hemiparesis, and across age groups. Conclusion This study reports significant collateral gains in speech production following CIMT and suggests benefits of CIMT may also spread to speech motor domains.
Integrated multi-period dynamic inventory classification and control

Abstract This paper investigates the dynamic integration and optimization of inventory classification and inventory control decisions to maximize the net present value (NPV) of profit over a planning horizon. A mixed-integer linear programming model is developed by explicitly accounting for various real-world complexities, such as nonstationary demand, arbitrary review period, and limited inventory budget. We apply the model to a 900-SKU experiment and observe an average 7.5% improvement in profit over the traditional ABC approach. A real-world application for a cheese manufacturer provides a nearly 3% improvement in company's profit with a 13% reduction in inventory capital compared to its current eight-class multi-criteria inventory classification scheme. Comprehensive computational experiments are performed to examine the individual and interactive effects of various parameters on the inventory performance. Results show that it is critical for a company to manage its inventory both dynamically in the face of nonstationary demand and holistically by integrating SKU classification and policy setting. Our work provides a practical decision-support tool that simultaneously optimizes multi-period inventory classification and control decisions under nonstationary demand. It contributes to the inventory management literature by bridging two distinct streams of inventory research, inventory classification and inventory optimization, within a practical inventory modeling framework. Our study also offers several managerial implications for manufacturers and distributors managing finished goods inventory.
MERGA 2012: Where We've Been, Where We Are, and Where We're Going.

Why have an organisation like MERGA? This question will be addressed from past, present and future perspectives (1976, 2012, and 2025). One focus of the paper will be the need to improve mathematics curricula, and to improve the teaching and learning of mathematics, at all levels. I shall argue that we have not done enough to make sure that MERGA has delivered, is still delivering, and will continue to deliver the goods on such basic curriculum/teaching/learning issues. Part of the difficulty is that we researchers have not reached agreement on what we mean by "improvement". That is as much a political issue as anything else, of course, but the MERGA community needs to do more to make sure that the responsibility for defining what improvement means, and how it is assessed, is not in the wrong hands. A second focus of the paper will be some reflections on what the "A" in MERGA might represent. This Conference is being held in Singapore, and the challenge is for a wider vision of MERGA's role in Asia to be formulated and implemented.
Noncanonical regulation of insulin-mediated ERK activation by phosphoinositide 3-kinase γ

Classically, Class IB phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3Kγ) plays a role in ERK activation following G-protein–coupled receptor (GPCR) activation. Here we show that PI3Kγ noncanonically regulates ERK p...
Behavioral and transcriptomic analysis of Trem2-null mice: not all knockout mice are created equal.

It is clear that innate immune system status is altered in numerous neurodegenerative diseases. Human genetic studies have demonstrated that triggering receptor expressed in myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) coding variants have a strong association with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative diseases. To more thoroughly understand the impact of TREM2 in vivo, we studied the behavioral and cognitive functions of wild-type (WT) and Trem2-/- (KO) mice during basal conditions and brain function in the context of innate immune stimulation with peripherally administered lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Early markers of neuroinflammation preceded Aif1 and Trem2 upregulation that occurred at later stages (24-48 h post-LPS). We performed a transcriptomic study of these cohorts and found numerous transcripts and pathways that were altered in Trem2-/- mice both at baseline and 48 h after LPS challenge. Importantly, our transcriptome analysis revealed that our Trem2-/- mouse line (Velocigene allele) results in exaggerated Treml1 upregulation. In contrast, aberrantly high Treml1 expression was absent in the Trem2 knockout line generated by the Colonna lab and the Jackson Labs CRISPR/Cas9 Trem2 knockout line. Notably, removal of the floxed neomycin selection cassette ameliorated aberrant Treml1 expression, validating the artifactual nature of Treml1 expression in the original Trem2-/- Velocigene line. Clearly further studies are needed to decipher whether the Treml1 transcriptional artifact is functionally meaningful, but our data indicate that caution is warranted when interpreting functional studies with this particular line. Additionally, our results indicate that other Velocigene alleles or targeting strategies with strong heterologous promoters need to carefully consider downstream genes.
Design and Implementation of a Professional Development Course Series

Objective. To design and implement a longitudinal course series focused on professional development and professional identity formation in pharmacy students at Western New England University. Methods. A four-year, theme-based course series was designed to sequentially and longitudinally impart the values, attributes, and characteristics of a professional pharmacist. Requirements of the course include: goal planning and reflective assignments, submission of "Best Works," attendance at professional meetings, completion of service hours, annual completion of a Pharmacy Professionalism Instrument, attendance at Dean's Seminar, participation in roundtable discussions, and maintenance of an electronic portfolio. Though the Professional Development course series carries no credit, these courses are progression requirements and students are assessed on a pass/fail basis. Results. Course pass rates in the 2015-2016 academic year for all four classes were 99% to 100%, suggesting the majority of students take professional development seriously and are achieving the intended outcomes of the courses. Conclusion. A professional development course series was designed and implemented in the new Doctor of Pharmacy program at Western New England University to enhance the professional identity formation of students.
Regrets, I've Had a Few: When Regretful Experiences Do (and Don't) Compel Users to Leave Facebook

Previous work has explored regretful experiences on social media. In parallel, scholars have examined how people do not use social media. This paper aims to synthesize these two research areas and asks: Do regretful experiences on social media influence people to (consider) not using social media? How might this influence differ for different sorts of regretful experiences? We adopted a mixed methods approach, combining topic modeling, logistic regressions, and contingency analysis to analyze data from a web survey with a demographically representative sample of US internet users (n=515) focusing on their Facebook use. We found that experiences that arise because of users' own actions influence actual deactivation of their Facebook account, while experiences that arise because of others' actions lead to considerations of non-use. We discuss the implications of these findings for two theoretical areas of interest in HCI: individual agency in social media use and the networked dimensions of privacy.
A 58-Year-Old Woman with Left-Sided Weakness and a History of a Pediatric Brain Tumor: A Case Report.

Background An uncommon but well-established complication of cranial irradiation is secondary neoplasm. This case presentation documents a radiation-induced malignant glioma 55 years after being diagnosed with "cerebral sarcoma," now defined as atypical meningioma. This not only represents the longest reported latency period for a patient initially receiving over 30 Gy, but also provides a valuable historical perspective of neuro-oncology. Clinical presentation A 58-year-old female presenting with progressive left-sided upper and lower extremity weakness with a past medical history significant for "cerebral sarcoma" was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme. This patient had previously been treated with resection and adjuvant radiation therapy via a 280-kVP orthovoltage machine and received 3,390 rad to the posterior three-quarters of the skull for "cerebral sarcoma." Conclusion A comprehensive investigation of the past medical history helped uncover a mysterious pediatric diagnosis, helped drive the management 5 decades later, and serves as a reminder that seemingly safe interventions may still cause harm.
A Cohort Study Comparing Women with Autism Spectrum Disorder with and without Generalized Joint Hypermobility

Reports suggest comorbidity between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the connective tissue disorder, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). People with EDS and the broader spectrum of Generalized Joint Hypermobility (GJH) often present with immune- and endocrine-mediated conditions. Meanwhile, immune/endocrine dysregulation is a popular theme in autism research. We surveyed a group of ASD women with/without GJH to determine differences in immune/endocrine exophenotypes. ASD women 25 years or older were invited to participate in an online survey. Respondents completed a questionnaire concerning diagnoses, immune/endocrine symptom history, experiences with pain, and seizure history. ASD women with GJH (ASD/GJH) reported more immune- and endocrine-mediated conditions than their non-GJH counterparts (p = 0.001). Autoimmune conditions were especially prominent in the ASD/GJH group (p = 0.027). Presence of immune-mediated symptoms often co-occurred with one another (p < 0.001–0.020), as did endocrine-mediated symptoms (p < 0.001–0.045), irrespective of the group. Finally, the numbers of immune- and endocrine-mediated symptoms shared a strong inter-relationship (p < 0.001), suggesting potential system crosstalk. While our results cannot estimate comorbidity, they reinforce concepts of an etiological relationship between ASD and GJH. Meanwhile, women with ASD/GJH have complex immune/endocrine exophenotypes compared to their non-GJH counterparts. Further, we discuss how connective tissue regulates the immune system and how the immune/endocrine systems in turn may modulate collagen synthesis, potentially leading to higher rates of GJH in this subpopulation.
Memory for Unique Instances Temporal Lobe and Hippocampal Dependence

The hippocampus may be more important to human memory than any other brain structure. Profound memory deficits are known to occur after bilateral damage to temporal lobe structures that include the hippocampus (Milner et al., 1968). Alternative explanations of the brain structures involved, however, have been advanced in recent work (Hirst, 1982). The development of an animal model of these human memory deficits will be valuable to the resolution of this issue. This paper discusses a new animal model of temporal lobe memory deficits.
Recognizing the mind/body/spirit connection in medical care.

Physicians should recognize the mind/body/spirit connection and its function in patients’ well-being, whether or not they share in their patients’ belief systems. Virtual Mentor is a monthly bioethics journal published by the American Medical Association.
Memory and the Regulation of Chromatin Structure

One of the striking behavioral observations to emerge from the study of memory storage is that long-term memory - lasting days - differs mechanistically from short-term memory - lasting minutes - in requiring the synthesis of new protein (Davis and Squire, 1984). Complementary studies of simple implicit memory storage in Aplysia and more complex explicit memory storage in mice have revealed that these two temporally and mechanistically different phases of behavioral memory are reflected in temporally and mechanistically distinct phases of synaptic plasticity in the neurons that participate in memory storage. Within these neurons, a core signaling pathway has been identified that is conserved from mollusks to mice and that is critical both for the conversion of short-to long-term synaptic plasticity and for the conversion of short-to long-term memory. This core pathway involves the recruitment by cAMP, PKA, and p42 MAPK, the translocation of PKA and p42 MAPK to the nucleus leading to the activation of a gene cascade beginning with the removal of the repression mediated by CREB-2 (ATF4), and the activation of CREB-1. CREB-1, in turn, induces the CAAT box enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) and other immediate response genes, leading to the growth of new synaptic connections (Kandel, 2001).
Pidginization as Language Acquisition

Traditionally, researchers in the field of pidgin and creole languages have expounded the simplification theory, one which views a pidgin development as being a simplified version of the colonizer’s language. Research by Coelho (1880), Robert Hall (1966), Naro (1971 and elsewhere), and Bickerton (1977), for instance, cite the lack of number and gender marking, and a noninflected verbal system, among other examples, as evidence supporting the simplification hypothesis. The absence of these “marked features” is often used as a kind of yardstick to substantiate the notion that pidgin is a reduced, “hybridized and unstable linguistic system.”
Values of Games with a Priori Unions

We study here the problem of modifying the (Shapley) value of a characteristic function game so as to take into account the possibility that some players — because of personal or political affinities — may be more likely to act together than others. We shall use y[v] to denote the usual value of the game v.
Waves cue distinct behaviors and differentiate transport of congeneric snail larvae from sheltered versus wavy habitats

Marine population dynamics often depend on dispersal of larvae with infinitesimal odds of survival, creating selective pressure for larval behaviors that enhance transport to suitable habitats. One intriguing possibility is that larvae navigate using physical signals dominating their natal environments. We tested whether flow-induced larval behaviors vary with adults' physical environments, using congeneric snail larvae from the wavy continental shelf (Tritia trivittata) and from turbulent inlets (Tritia obsoleta). Turbulence and flow rotation (vorticity) induced both species to swim more energetically and descend more frequently. Accelerations, the strongest signal from waves, induced a dramatic response in T. trivittata but almost no response in competent T. obsoleta Early stage T. obsoleta did react to accelerations, ruling out differences in sensory capacities. Larvae likely distinguished turbulent vortices from wave oscillations using statocysts. Statocysts' ability to sense acceleration would also enable detection of low-frequency sound from wind and waves. T. trivittata potentially hear and react to waves that provide a clear signal over the continental shelf, whereas T. obsoleta effectively "go deaf" to wave motions that are weak in inlets. Their contrasting responses to waves would cause these larvae to move in opposite directions in the water columns of their respective adult habitats. Simulations showed that the congeners' transport patterns would diverge over the shelf, potentially reinforcing the separate biogeographic ranges of these otherwise similar species. Responses to turbulence could enhance settlement but are unlikely to aid large-scale navigation, whereas shelf species' responses to waves may aid retention over the shelf via Stokes drift.
ED treatment of migraine patients has changed.

Abstract Study objectives Numerous studies have shown benefits of nonnarcotic treatments for emergency department (ED) migraine patients. Our goal was to determine if ED treatment of migraine patients and the rate of return within 72 h have changed. Methods Design: Multi-hospital retrospective cohort. Population: Consecutive ED patients from 1-1-1999 to 9-31-2014. Protocol: For determining treatments, we examined charts at the beginning (1999–2000) and end (2014) of the time period. We combined similar medications into the following groups: parenteral narcotics, oral narcotics, antihistamines and dopamine receptor antagonists prochlorperazine/metoclopramide (DRA). We calculated the percent of migraine patients given each treatment in each time period. We identified those who returned to the same ED within 72 h, and calculated the difference in annual return rates between 1999–2000 and 2014. Results Of the 2,824,710 total visits, 8046 (0.28%) were for migraine. We reviewed 290 charts (147 in 1999–2000 and 143 in 2014) to determine migraine treatments. The use of IV fluids, DRA, ketorolac and dexamethasone increased from 1999–2000 to 2014, whereas narcotic use and discharge prescriptions for narcotics decreased. Of the 8046 migraine patients, 624 (8%) returned within 72 h. The return rate decreased from 1999–2000 to 2014 from 12% to 4% (difference = 8%, 95% CI 5%–11%). Conclusion For ED migraine patients, the use of IV fluids, DRA, ketorolac and dexamethasone increased whereas the use of narcotics and discharge prescriptions for narcotics decreased. The return rates for migraines decreased. We speculate that the increased use of non-narcotic medications contributed to this decrease.
Accelerating MCMC via Kriging-based adaptive independent proposals and delayed rejection

Abstract Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulation has a considerable computational burden when the target probability density function (PDF) evaluation involves a black-box, potentially computationally-expensive, numerical model. A novel framework to accelerate MCMC is developed here for such applications. It leverages a Kriging surrogate model approximation to the target PDF to improve computational efficiency, while preserves convergence properties to the exact target PDF, avoiding potential accuracy problems introduced through the surrogate model error. The approach relies on the delayed-rejection (DR) scheme and combines the rapid exploration characteristics of global (independent) proposals with the local search robustness of random walk proposals under the MCMC setting. The global proposal is chosen as the Kriging-based target PDF approximation. This proposal may resemble, depending on the surrogate model error, the actual target PDF very well, and therefore can provide significant computational benefits, including fast convergence of the Markov chain to its stationary distribution and, more importantly, low correlation between samples. At each MCMC step a candidate sample is generated from the independent proposal. If rejected, DR allows an extra random walk around the current sample. The DR step guarantees convergence to the actual target PDF, circumventing robustness problems that may arise when the Kriging-based independent proposal offers a poor approximation to (i.e., underestimates) the actual target PDF. The overall computational efficiency is further improved through an adaptive updating of the Kriging surrogate model during the MCMC sampling phase by extracting information from candidate samples whose inclusion in the training database can substantially enhance Kriging’s accuracy. The computational efficiency and robustness of the established algorithm, termed Adaptive Kriging Delayed Rejection Adaptive Metropolis algorithm(AK-DRAM), are demonstrated in two analytical benchmark problems and two engineering problems focusing on conditional failure sample simulation and Bayesian inference.
Scanning of random fields using blind source separation

A method for the measurement of the field generated by multiple non-correlated sources is proposed. The contribution of each source is determined using a blind source separation (BSS) technique. The measurements are performed using one scanning probe and stationary reference probes, avoiding the need to measure the spatial correlations of the random field. The resolving result can be used to localize the emission sources and their contribution to the far-field pattern. The method was tested on different signals with amplitude and frequency modulation.
How does stakeholder involvement affect environmental impact assessment

Abstract Environmental impact assessment (EIA) processes are grounded on the assumption that producing information about environmental impacts will yield better environmental decisions. Despite the ubiquity of EIA as a policy tool, there is scant evidence of its environmental, social, or economic impacts. Focusing on Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) prepared for water and energy-related projects under the US National Environmental Policy Act, this analysis addresses two questions: (1) What is the balance of environmental impacts associated with infrastructure decisions?; and (2) How does the content of stakeholder feedback received during the review phase differ from draft EIS content, and does this correspond to any changes in the final EIS? We demonstrate the use of automated text mining approaches to identify the distribution of impacts, measure the content of public comments, and observe whether values reflected in comments are associated with a shift in emphases between the draft and final EIS. EISs are shown to convey evenly distributed focus across multiple impact areas. However, we observe no substantive change in focal emphasis between draft and final issuances. This calls into question assumptions about the role that public participation plays in bringing new information to light or changing the course of action.
Neuropathic Arthropathy of the Shoulder: A Systematic Review of Classifications and Treatments.

Background Neuropathic arthropathy of the shoulder is a chronic progressive process characterized by joint destruction in the presence of a neurosensory deficit. Causes include syringomyelia, syphilis, diabetes, chronic alcoholism, and leprosy, with syringomyelia accounting for the vast majority of upper-extremity Charcot joints. Early presentation of this rare condition includes nonspecific symptoms such as swelling, erythema, sensory symptoms, and decreased functionality, making diagnosis challenging. Methods We systematically reviewed 32 case reports published between 1924 and 2016. A total of 59 shoulders from 56 patients are included in this analysis. Variables include patient demographic characteristics, presentation, etiology, diagnostic techniques, treatment, outcome, and follow-up of Charcot shoulder. Results We compiled a total of 25 right shoulders (42%), 24 left shoulders (41%), and 10 shoulders (17%) with unspecified laterality. The mean patient age (and standard deviation) was 49 ± 11 years, and the median age was 47 years. There was a higher prevalence in men (37 shoulders [63%]) compared with women (22 shoulders [37%]). Presenting symptoms included reduced range of motion (53 shoulders [90%]), paresthesia or hypoesthesia (45 [76%]), swelling (44 [75%]), weakness (40 [68%]), pain (31 [53%]), and reduction in deep tendon reflexes (22 [37%]). Shoulder radiographs were made in all cases. The presence of a syrinx was detected in 45 shoulders (76%) with magnetic resonance imaging, myelography, or clinical diagnosis. Sixteen shoulders (27%) reported exposure to trauma, with a 69% decrease in time from presentation to diagnosis compared with non-traumatic cases. Treatment was categorized as solely nonoperative management (14 [24%]), operative management (13 [22%]), combined therapy (20 [34%]), and no treatment listed (10 [17%]). Two surgical cases (3%) were excluded from our treatment group analysis as they were treated for unrelated or misdiagnosed conditions. Conclusions Our study increases awareness and understanding of this complex, progressive disease to reduce delay and misdiagnosis and to contribute to the standard-of-care recommendations. Level of evidence Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
The future of clinical trials in urological oncology.

Well-designed clinical trials in urological oncology help to guide treatment decisions and aid in counselling patients, ultimately serving to improve outcomes. Since the term evidence-based medicine was first used by Gordon Guyatt in 1991, a renewed emphasis on methodology, transparent trial design and study reporting has helped to improve clinical research and in turn, the landscape of medical literature. Novel clinical trial designs (including multi-arm, multistage trials, basket and umbrella studies and research from big data sources, such as electronic health records, administrative claims databases and quality monitoring registries) are well suited to advance innovation in urological oncology. Existing urological clinical trials are often limited by small numbers, are statistically underpowered and many face difficulties with accrual. Thus, efforts to improve trial design are of considerable importance. The development and use of standard outcome sets and adherence to reporting guidelines offer researchers the opportunity to guide value-oriented care, minimize research waste and efficiently identify solutions to the unanswered questions in urology cancer care. In this Review, Narayan and Dahm summarize innovations in clinical trial design that have led to practice-changing developments in the treatment of urological cancers and offer a perspective on improving trial design in the future.
Modeling the forecasted power of a photovoltaic generator using numerical weather prediction and radiative transfer models coupled with a behavioral electrical model

Abstract The intermittency of the solar radiation is the big challenger for the management of electrical SMART GRID network. So the forecasting of the solar radiation remains the crucial objective to anticipate the injection of the electrical power produced by a photovoltaic generator. In this study, we use the Numerical Weather Prediction model WRF coupled to a radiative transfer model libRadtran to forecast the global, direct and diffuse solar radiations. The NMM core of WRF model was used to predict the vertical profiles of the atmospheric meteorological parameters such as liquid and ice water concentration, cloud cover, relative humidity, temperature, etc. These data are used as input in libRadtran to calculate the hourly solar radiations components (Direct, Diffuse and Global) in real meteorological situations. The radiation values are obtained on regular geographical grid points. A behavioral electrical power model is used to compute the electrical power produced by a photovoltaic generator located at the Center of Development of Renewable Energy in the city of Algiers in Algeria. The comparative study shows well that the results are very encouraging.
Febrile Exanthems of Childhood

A previously healthy boy 6 year old is seen in the pediatrician’s office with a 2-day history of fever, sore throat, and rash. There are no sick contacts at home. On physical exam, he has a temperature of 38.4 °C and appears tired but nontoxic. The remainder of his vital signs is normal for age. His oropharynx is erythematous. He has enlarged tonsils with exudates. Petechiae are noted on his palate. Tender anterior cervical lymphadenopathy is present bilaterally. There is a diffuse sandpaper-like rash present on his trunk. Rapid testing for group A streptococcus performed on a throat swab is positive. He is treated for scarlet fever with 10 days of oral amoxicillin.
Performance of Abbott Architect, Ortho Vitros, and Euroimmun Assays in Detecting Prior SARS-CoV-2 Infection [preprint]

ABSTRACT Background Several serological assays have been developed to detect anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies, but evidence about their comparative performance is limited. We sought to assess the sensitivity of four anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) in individuals with evidence of prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods We obtained sera from 36 individuals with PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection between March and May 2020. We evaluated samples collected at around 21 days (±14 days) after their initial PCR test using 3 commercially available ELISA assays, two anti-spike (Ortho- Clinical Diagnostics Vitros, and Euroimmun) and one anti-nucleocapsid (Abbott Architect), and a Yale-developed anti-spike ELISA test. We determined the sensitivity of the tests and compared their results. The Euroimmun and Yale ELISA had an equivocal and indeterminate category, which were considered as both negative and positive. Results Among the 36 individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection, mean age was 43 (±13) years and 19 (53%) were female. The sensitivities of the tests were not significantly different (Abbott Architect, Ortho Vitros, Euroimmmun, and Yale assays: 86% (95% confidence interval [CI], 71– 95), 94% (95% CI, 81–99), 86% (95% CI, 71–95), and 94% (95% CI, 81–99), respectively; p- value=0.464). The sensitivities of the Euroimmun and Yale ELISA tests increased when the equivocal/indeterminate results were considered positive (97% [95% CI, 85–100] and 100% [95% CI, 90–100], respectively), but were not significantly different from other tests (p=0.082). The cross-correlation coefficient ranged from 0.85–0.98 between three anti-spike protein assays (Ortho Vitros, Euroimmun, Yale) and was 0.58–0.71 between the three anti-spike protein assays and the anti-nucleocapsid assay (Abbott). Conclusion The sensitivities of four anti-SARS-CoV-2 protein assays did not significantly differ, although the sample size was small. Sensitivity also depended on the interpretation of equivocal and indeterminate results. The strongest correlations were present for the three anti- spike proteins assays. These findings suggest that individual test characteristics and the correlation between different tests should be considered when comparing or aggregating data across different populations studies for serologic surveillance of past SARS-CoV-2 infection.