cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects on Coronary Heart Disease of Increasing Polyunsaturated Fat in Place of Saturated Fat: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background: Reduced saturated fat (SFA) consumption is recommended to reduce coronary heart disease (CHD), but there is an absence of strong supporting evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of clinical CHD events and few guidelines focus on any specific replacement nutrient. Additionally, some public health groups recommend lowering or limiting polyunsaturated fat (PUFA) consumption, a major potential replacement for SFA. Methods and Findings: We systematically investigated and quantified the effects of increased PUFA consumption, as a replacement for SFA, on CHD endpoints in RCTs. RCTs were identified by systematic searches of multiple online databases through June 2009, grey literature sources, hand-searching related articles and citations, and direct contacts with experts to identify potentially unpublished trials. Studies were included if they randomized participants to increased PUFA for at least 1 year without major concomitant interventions, had an appropriate control group, and reported incidence of CHD (myocardial infarction and/or cardiac death). Inclusions/exclusions were adjudicated and data were extracted independently and in duplicate by two investigators and included population characteristics, control and intervention diets, follow-up duration, types of events, risk ratios, and SEs. Pooled effects were calculated using inverse-variance-weighted random effects meta-analysis. From 346 identified abstracts, eight trials met inclusion criteria, totaling 13,614 participants with 1,042 CHD events. Average weighted PUFA consumption was 14.9% energy (range 8.0%–20.7%) in intervention groups versus 5.0% energy (range 4.0%–6.4%) in controls. The overall pooled risk reduction was 19% (RR=0.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.70–0.95, p=0.008), corresponding to 10% reduced CHD risk (RR=0.90, 95% CI=0.83–0.97) for each 5% energy of increased PUFA, without evidence for statistical heterogeneity (Q-statistic p=0.13; I 2 =37%). Meta-regression identified study duration as an independent determinant of risk reduction (p=0.017), with studies of longer duration showing greater benefits. Conclusions: These findings provide evidence that consuming PUFA in place of SFA reduces CHD events in RCTs. This suggests that rather than trying to lower PUFA consumption, a shift toward greater population PUFA consumption in place of SFA would significantly reduce rates of CHD. Please see later in the article for the Editors’ Summary.
Prompt energy distribution of 235U(n,f)γ at bombarding energies of 1–20 MeV

Abstract The distributions of prompt γ rays from the spontaneous fission of 252Cf and neutron-induced fission of 235U were measured up to ∼ 4 MeV using a liquid scintillator array. The unfolding of measured fission γ rays is presented using the Single Value Decomposition and iterative Bayesian methods. General agreement was found with comparisons made with previous measurements. The energy dependence of the prompt γ - ray distributions for the spontaneous fission of 252Cf and the neutron-induced fission of 235U from bombarding energies of 1-2, 5-10, and 10–20 MeV were found to be almost identical in the γ - ray energy region 1–4 MeV.
A Novel Sinorhizobium meliloti Operon Encodes an α-Glucosidase and a Periplasmic-Binding-Protein-Dependent Transport System for α-Glucosides

The most abundant carbon source transported into legume root nodules is photosynthetically produced sucrose, yet the importance of its metabolism by rhizobia in planta is not yet known. To identify genes involved in sucrose uptake and hydrolysis, we screened a Sinorhizobium meliloti genomic library and discovered a segment of S. meliloti DNA which allows Ralstonia eutropha to grow on the α-glucosides sucrose, maltose, and trehalose. Tn5 mutagenesis localized the required genes to a 6.8-kb region containing five open reading frames which were named agl, for α-glucoside utilization. Four of these (aglE, aglF, aglG, and aglK) appear to encode a periplasmic-binding-protein-dependent sugar transport system, and one (aglA) appears to encode an α-glucosidase with homology to family 13 of glycosyl hydrolases. Cosmid-borne agl genes permit uptake of radiolabeled sucrose into R. eutropha cells. Analysis of the properties of agl mutants suggests that S. meliloti possesses at least one additional α-glucosidase as well as a lower-affinity transport system for α-glucosides. It is possible that the Fix+ phenotype of agl mutants on alfalfa is due to these additional functions. Loci found by DNA sequencing to be adjacent to aglEFGAK include a probable regulatory gene (aglR), zwf and edd, which encode the first two enzymes of the Entner-Doudoroff pathway, pgl, which shows homology to a gene encoding a putative phosphogluconolactonase, and a novel Rhizobium-specific repeat element.
Visual Literacy and the Content Classroom: A Question of Now, Not when

Since students are continually influenced by the visual culture surrounding them, content teachers should take steps to capitalize on the potential of instructional and communication technologies (ICT) to enhance their effectiveness. The article discusses the importance of integrating visual literacy and identifies the teaching environment needed to integrate ICTs in the content classroom. بما أن الطلاب يتأثرون باستمرار في الثقافة المرئية بمحيطهم فإن معلمي المحتوى لا بد لهم من أن يأخذوا إجراءات لجعل الحد الأقصى من إمكانية التقنيات التواصلية والتعليمية لتحسين فعاليتها. لذا تناقش هذه المقالة أهمية إدماج معرفة الثقافة المرئية في غرفة صف المحتوى وتعين البيئة التعليمية اللازمة لإدماج التقنيات التواصلية والتعليمية فيها. 学生不断受到周遭的视觉文化所影响，学科教师因此应采取步骤，利用教学及通信技术(ICT)的潜能，提高其教学效能。本文讨论学科教学与视觉读写文化教学相结合的重要性，并识别出在学科课堂中并入通信技术所需要的教学环境。 Puisque les eleves sont continuellement influences par la culture visuelle qui les environne, les professeurs qui enseignent une discipline devraient aller de l'avant afin de s'appuyer sur le potentiel des technologies de l'information et de la communication dans l'enseignement (TICE) pour accroitre leur efficacite. Cet article discute l'importance d'integrer la litteratie visuelle et identifie l'environnement pedagogique qu'il faudrait pour integrer les TICE dans l'enseignement des disciplines. Поскольку на школьников постоянно воздействует окружающая их визуальная культура, учителя-предметники должны предпринять определенные шаги, чтобы использовать потенциал современных обучающих и коммуникационных технологий (ICT) для эффективного преподавания своих предметов. Автор указывает на необходимость интеграции визуальной грамотности в учебный процесс и описывает, в какой среде обучения ICT внедряется наиболее эффективно. Ya que los estudiantes estan siendo constantemente influenciados por la cultura visual que los rodea, los maestros de contenido deben tomar medidas para tomar ventaja del potencial de los medios de instruccion y comunicacion digitales (ICT por sus siglas en ingles) para mejorar su eficacia. El articulo discute la importancia de integrar las competencias visuales e identifica el medioambiente docente necesario para integrar los ICTs en las clases de contenido.
Evaluation of the Capacity to Appoint a Healthcare Proxy

The appointment of a healthcare proxy is the most common way through which patients appoint a surrogate decision maker in anticipation of a future time in which they may lack the ability to make medical decisions themselves. In some situations, when a patient has not previously appointed a surrogate decision maker through an advance directive, the healthcare team may ask whether the patient, although lacking the capacity to make a healthcare decision, might still have the capacity to appoint a healthcare proxy. In this article the authors summarize the existing, albeit limited, legal and empirical basis for this capacity and propose a model for assessing capacity to appoint a healthcare proxy that incorporates clinical factors in the context of the risks and benefits specific to surrogate appointment under the law. In particular, it is important to weigh patients' understanding and choice within the context of the risks and benefits of the medical and interpersonal factors. Questions to guide capacity assessment are provided for clinical use and refinement through future research.
growth and davalopmant of folk zoological lift‐forms in tha Mayan languaga family

This paper examines the growth of folk zoological life-form categories (e.g., “fish,” “bird,” “snake”) in the Mayan language family of Mesoamerica. Lexical reconstruction indicates the addition of zoological lite-forms over time. Proto-Mayan, spoken 4000 years ago, possessed only one life-form, “snake,” while all contemporary Mayan languages have at least three terms—“snake,” “bird,” and “fish.” The findings of this study support a zoological life-form encoding sequence proposed on the basis of synchronic language evidence (Brown 1979a). Positive correlation of the encoding sequence with societal complexity implies (1) that the sequence is basically additive or cumulative in nature, and (2) that earlier language states generally had fewer animal life-forms than later states. Both of these implications are supported by the present investigation. This paper also treats systematic ways in which Mayan languages have acquired folk zoological life-forms, continuing the investigation of principles of biological nomenclatural development begun by Berlin (1972). [cognitive anthropology, ethnozoology, folk classification, language change, language universals, Mayan languages]
Comparison of insulin lispro mixture 25/75 with insulin glargine during a 24-h standardized test-meal period in patients with Type 2 diabetes

Aims To compare insulin lispro mixture (25% insulin lispro and 75% NPL; Mix 25/75) twice-daily plus oral glucose-lowering medications (metformin and/or sulphonylurea) with once-daily insulin glargine plus oral agents with respect to postprandial glycaemic control and other glucose and lipid parameters in patients with Type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with insulin and/or oral glucose-lowering agents. Methods This was a randomized, open-label, crossover study. Prestudy oral agents were continued and patients not already on oral agents were treated with metformin. Mix 25/75 and insulin glargine were adjusted over 3 months to attain premeal plasma glucose (PG) < 6.0 mmol/l and were then given during a 24-h in-patient test meal period with frequent PG, serum triglyceride (TG) and free fatty acid (FFA) measurements. Results Twenty patients (10 F/10 M; mean ±sd age 54.0 ± 10.7 years, body mass index 37.0 ± 8.6 kg/m2, HbA1c 8.4 ± 1.01%) participated. Mean doses were 23 U before the morning and 37 U before the evening meal for Mix 25/75 and 44 U for insulin glargine. The combined 2-h morning and evening meal postprandial plasma glucose (PPG) was not different between groups (9.2 ± 2.04 vs. 9.9 ± 1.66 mmol/l, P = 0.161). Mix 25/75 was associated with a lower mean 2-h PPG for all meals combined (9.0 ± 1.88 vs. 9.9 ± 1.80 mmol/l, P < 0.05) and lower mean 24-h PG (6.7 ± 1.00 vs. 7.5 ± 1.32 mmol/l, P < 0.01). Eight patients experienced mild hypoglycaemia (PG < 3.5 mmol/l) with Mix 25/75 and 3 with insulin glargine. The endpoint HbA1c was lower with Mix 25/75 (6.9 ± 0.52% vs. 7.3 ± 0.81%, P < 0.05). Conclusions In a 24-h test-meal setting in 20 patients, Mix 25/75 insulin plus oral glucose-lowering agents was associated with lower mean PPG and 24-h PG, more mild hypoglycaemia and similar TG, FFA and fasting PG concentrations. HbA1c was lower with Mix 75/25 plus oral agents, although it may not have reached steady state due to ongoing dose adjustment.
Maximum Likelihood Fusion of Stochastic Maps

The fusion of independently obtained stochastic maps by collaborating mobile agents is considered. The proposed approach includes two parts: generalized likehood ratio matching and maximum likelihood alignment. In particular, an affine invariant hypergraph model is constructed for each stochastic map and a bipartite matching via a linear program is used to establish landmark correspondence between stochastic maps. A maximum likelihood alignment procedure is proposed to estimate rotation, translation and scale parameters in order to construct a global map of the environment. A main feature of the proposed approach is its scalability with respect to the number of landmarks: the matching step has polynomial complexity and the maximum likelihood alignment solution is obtained in closed form. Experimental validation of the proposed fusion approach is performed using the Victoria Park experimental benchmark.
The Accuracy of Near Infrared Spectroscopy and Imaging during Focal Changes in Cerebral Hemodynamics

Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) can detect changes in the concentrations of oxy-hemoglobin ([HbO]) and deoxy-hemoglobin ([Hb]) in tissue based upon differential absorption at multiple wavelengths. The common analysis of NIRS data uses the modified Beer-Lambert law, which is an empirical formulation that assumes global concentration changes. We used simulations to examine the errors that result when this analysis is applied to focal hemodynamic changes, and we performed simultaneous NIRS measurements during a motor task in adult humans and a neonate to evaluate the dependence of the measured changes on detector-probe geometry. For both simulations and in vivo measurements, the wide range of NIRS results was compared to an imaging analysis, diffuse optical tomography (DOT). The results demonstrate that relative changes in [HbO] and [Hb] cannot, in general, be quantified with NIRS. In contrast to that method, DOT analysis was shown to accurately quantify simulated changes in chromophore concentrations. These results and the general principles suggest that DOT can accurately measure changes in [Hb] and [HbO], but NIRS cannot accurately determine even relative focal changes in these chromophore concentrations. For the standard NIRS analysis to become more accurate for focal changes, it must account for the position of the focal change relative to the source and detector as well as the wavelength dependent optical properties of the medium.
INTEGRATION OF PHOTOGRAMMETRIC, REMOTE SENSING AND DATABASE TECHNOLOGIES FOR MAPPING APPLICATIONS

The availability of data in digital formats, the rapid evolution of computer systems and the increased demands for cartographic databases are causing photogrammetrists to consider ways of integrating photogrammetric, remote sensing and database technologies. Examples are presented involving the use of aerial photographs and satellite images in combination with geographical information systems and image processing techniques to assess soil erosion, growth of aquatic vegetation and to enhance satellite images for the compilation or revision of map products.
Assistive web browsing with touch interfaces

This demonstration will propose a touch-based directional navigation technique, on touch interface (e.g., iPhone, Macbook) for people with visual disabilities especially blind individuals. Such interfaces coupled with TTS (text-to-speech) systems open up intriguing possibilities for browsing and skimming web content with ease and speed. Apple's seminal VoiceOver system for iOS is an exemplar of bringing touch-based web navigation to blind people. There are two major shortcomings: "fat finger" and "finger-fatigue" problems, which have been addressed in this paper with two proposed approaches. A preliminary user evaluation of the system incorporating these ideas suggests that they can be effective in practice.
Micro freef-low IEF enhanced by active cooling and functionalized gels

Rapid free-flow IEF is achieved in a microfluidic device by separating the electrodes from the focusing region with porous buffer regions. Moving the electrodes outside enables the use of large electric fields without the detrimental effects of bubble formation in the active region. The anode and cathode porous buffer regions, which are formed by acrylamide functionalized with immobilized pH groups, allow ion transport while providing buffering capacity. Thermoelectric cooling mitigates the effects of Joule heating on sample focusing at high field strengths (approximately 500 V/cm). This localized cooling was observed to increase device performance. Rapid focusing of low-molecular-weight p/ markers and Protein G-mouse IgG complexes demonstrate the versatility of the technique. Simulations provide insight into and predict device performance based on a well-defined sample composition.
Estimating Bobcat Abundance Using Automatically Triggered Cameras

Abstract Ineffective survey methods of carnivores limit the ability of managers and researchers to make sound research conclusions and management recommendations. Because bobcats (Lynx rufus) are individually identifiable due to their unique coat patterns, it may be possible to obtain density estimates using capture–recapture models. We photo-trapped bobcats on the 3,156-ha Welder Wildlife Foundation Refuge in southern Texas from September 2000 through August 2001 to determine whether automatically triggered cameras could produce reliable estimates of bobcat density. Using the Schumacher-Eschmeyer estimator, we obtained an abundance estimate of 15 individuals (95% CI = 13.6–16.7) from 56 bobcat photographs. Our estimate was comparable to bobcat densities previously reported on our study area. This technique has the potential to provide wildlife managers and researchers with reliable data on bobcat abundance not previously available without the expense of physical capture and radiotelemetry. Our relatively...
Programmable control of bacterial gene expression with the combined CRISPR and antisense RNA system

A central goal of synthetic biology is to implement diverse cellular functions by predictably controlling gene expression. Though research has focused more on protein regulators than RNA regulators, recent advances in our understanding of RNA folding and functions have motivated the use of RNA regulators. RNA regulators provide an advantage because they are easier to design and engineer than protein regulators, potentially have a lower burden on the cell and are highly orthogonal. Here, we combine the CRISPR system from Streptococcus pyogenes and synthetic antisense RNAs (asRNAs) in Escherichia coli strains to repress or derepress a target gene in a programmable manner. Specifically, we demonstrate for the first time that the gene target repressed by the CRISPR system can be derepressed by expressing an asRNA that sequesters a small guide RNA (sgRNA). Furthermore, we demonstrate that tunable levels of derepression can be achieved (up to 95%) by designing asRNAs that target different regions of a sgRNA and by altering the hybridization free energy of the sgRNA-asRNA complex. This new system, which we call the combined CRISPR and asRNA system, can be used to reversibly repress or derepress multiple target genes simultaneously, allowing for rational reprogramming of cellular functions.
Evidence of the Primary Afferent Tracts Undergoing Neurodegeneration in Horses With Equine Degenerative Myeloencephalopathy Based on Calretinin Immunohistochemical Localization

Equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy (EDM) is characterized by a symmetric general proprioceptive ataxia in young horses, and is likely underdiagnosed for 2 reasons: first, clinical signs overlap those of cervical vertebral compressive myelopathy; second, histologic lesions--including axonal spheroids in specific tracts of the somatosensory and motor systems--may be subtle. The purpose of this study was (1) to utilize immunohistochemical (IHC) markers to trace axons in the spinocuneocerebellar, dorsal column-medial lemniscal, and dorsospinocerebellar tracts in healthy horses and (2) to determine the IHC staining characteristics of the neurons and degenerated axons along the somatosensory tracts in EDM-affected horses. Examination of brain, spinal cord, and nerves was performed on 2 age-matched control horses, 3 EDM-affected horses, and 2 age-matched disease-control horses via IHC for calbindin, vesicular glutamate transporter 2, parvalbumin, calretinin, glutamic acid decarboxylase, and glial fibrillary acidic protein. Primary afferent axons of the spinocuneocerebellar, dorsal column-medial lemniscal, and dorsospinocerebellar tracts were successfully traced with calretinin. Calretinin-positive cell bodies were identified in a subset of neurons in the dorsal root ganglia, suggesting that calretinin IHC could be used to trace axonal projections from these cell bodies. Calretinin-immunoreactive spheroids were present in EDM-affected horses within the nuclei cuneatus medialis, cuneatus lateralis, and thoracicus. Neurons within those nuclei were calretinin negative. Cell bodies of degenerated axons in EDM-affected horses are likely located in the dorsal root ganglia. These findings support the role of sensory axonal degeneration in the pathogenesis of EDM and provide a method to highlight tracts with axonal spheroids to aid in the diagnosis of this neurodegenerative disease.
Conformational Effects on Specific Rotation: A Theoretical Study Based on the S̃k Method

In this work, we study the difference in specific rotation of the stable conformers of two test chiral molecules: (S)-(+)-2-carene and (R)-3-methylcyclopentanone. We perform the analysis of the specific rotation in terms of rotational strength in configuration space, Sk, which provides information about the contribution of occupied-virtual molecular orbital pairs to this property. We show that, although a considerable number of excited configurations contribute to the total value of the specific rotation, only a limited number of configurations are necessary to explain the different sign and magnitude of the rotation between different conformers. The results in this work thus offer a promising picture for our ability to better understand and possibly predict the value of specific rotation of chiral molecules.
Evidence for the Cytotoxic Activity of Polyglutamate Derivatives of Methotrexate

The potential role of the polyglutamate derivatives of methotrexate in the cytotoxicity of methotrexate has been examined in H-35 hepatoma cells in culture. Pulse doses of methotrexate result in the accumulation of a nonexchangeable fraction of methotrexate that is toxic to the cells and consists almost entirely of polyglutamates. The toxicity of the polyglutamates appears to correlate with their effects on de novo thymidine synthesis, which was measured in intact cells by the release of tritium from [5-3H]deoxyuridine. Evidence for this comes from the observation that the dose-inhibition response following pulses of methotrexate is nearly identical for cell growth and tritium release. Protection studies demonstrated that both thymidine and hypoxanthine are needed to prevent methotrexate toxicity, offering evidence that inhibition of cell growth is due to a depletion of reduced folate coenzymes. Cells treated with methotrexate were analyzed for the composition of the species bound to the target enzyme dihydrofolate reductase (EC 1.5.1.3). With 0.03 and 10 µM methotrexate in the medium the dihydrofolate reductase bound material consisted of 82 and 95% polyglutamates, respectively, compared with 78 and 88% in the total cell pool. These results demonstrate that the polyglutamates have at least an equivalent affinity for the enzyme in the intact cell when compared to methotrexate and, as such, can be chiefly responsible for the toxicity of methotrexate in those cells that have sufficient capacity to convert methotrexate to its γ-linked glutamate derivatives.
Blood components for hemotherapy.

The effective use of blood components for transfusions requires a knowledge of their contents and the individual needs of the patient. The advantages and disadvantages of using whole blood, red cells, platelet concentrates, fresh frozen plasma, and cryoprecipitate are presented. Effective communication between the laboratory and the physician aids in the achievement of a beneficial clinical response.
Effective audit trails--a taxonomy for determination of information requirements.

Abstract Current methods of detecting confidentiality breaches in electronic medical record systems are inadequate, partially due to the lack of necessary information at the point of audit trail analysis. In order to determine the information requirements for effective audit trail analysis, we have formulated a taxonomy of confidentiality breaches. By considering scenarios in which an inappropriate access might occur, we have identified "indicators" of confidentiality breaches, which may be thought of as evidence suggesting the possibility that a confidentiality breach has occurred. The collection of facts needed to describe the indicators provides insight into the types of information needed to improve confidentiality breach detection. Much of the information needed is unlikely to be available in the patient record. Research is needed exploring means of collecting and utilizing information from sources other than the patient record for use in improving patient information security.
Carbon Nanotubes for Monolithic 3D ICs

The diversity of applications for carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is rather remarkable. This is in part due to their remarkable range of physical and electronic properties [1, 2]. In addition to metallic CNTs which may serve as interconnects that may complement conventional bulk metal wires [3, 4], semiconducting CNTs are the ideal transistor channel material for an ultimately scaled high-performance and energy-efficient digital logic technology [2, 5]. Analysis for very large-scale integrated (VLSI) systems (modeled using an entire IBM Power 7 processor) reveals CNT field effect transistors (CNFETs) would provide an order of magnitude benefit in the energy-delay product (EDP, a measure of energy efficiency) over silicon CMOS [6–9].
Post-hypoxic Pharmacology

Improved understanding of the brain’s response to an asphyxic insult has allowedspeculation regarding potential efficacy of various pharmacologic therapeuticsaimed at improving neurologic outcome. There have been no systematic studiesin drowning victims outside study of HYPER therapy, which combined numerousinterventions, and no benefit was observed. It is appreciated now that brain pathobiologyfollowing a severe and sustained reduction in critical substrate delivery iscomplex. Currently available therapeutics have not been shown to provide benefit.However, basic and clinical research efforts continue to reveal novel targets forpharmacologic intervention. As this work leads to new pharmacologic opportunities,specific investigation in drowning victims remains a priority.
Alarm Limits and Avionics Algorithm for Local-DGPS Integrity Monitoring

The standard ground-integrity monitoring procedure for landing systems has been to employ alarm limits on changes from the nominal course and the magnitude of certain signal characteristics. A similar procedure is applied to the integrity monitoring of the local Differential Global Positioning Systems (DGPS) that uses the coarse/acquisition (C/A) code for precision approach guidance. Because in DGPS the reference and the monitor perform the same signal processing function (both are receivers), the integrity monitor cannot accurately estimate absolute errors in the DGPS corrections derived by the reference, but it can verify that the reference’s corrections contain no significant errors. The alarm limits are derived through the application of a Markov chain model with continuity requirements as a constraint. The Markov model accounts for integrity monitoring decisions as they evolve in time, and for allowable malfunction warning delay. The alarm limits are then used as part of a total system error integrit...
High-Content Image Analysis

High-content imaging (HCI) and image processing of cells grown in 3D pose a significant challenge because 3D cells are not grown in a single focal plane, and the cell culture systems are often incompatible with traditional microscopes. Confocal microscopy is an important tool for imaging 3D cells due to its ability to acquire high definition images at various optical sections. However, the low scanning rate and depth induce low throughput in image acquisition and also incur additional problems such as photobleaching or phototoxicity [1–3]. To alleviate these issues, miniaturized 3D cell cultures on a micropillar/microwell chip platform have been demonstrated, which facilitate high-throughput spheroid cultures in hydrogels while offering better imaging capabilities. The whole sample depth can fit within the focus depth of a normal objective lens due to the small dimensions.
Allergy models and related assays to test the allergic qualities of Escherichia coli heat labile toxin subunit B

Chapter 1: Literature Review I. Allergic Responses II. Animal Allergy Models III. Cholera Toxin and Heat Labile Toxin Chapter 2: Cholera Toxin or Escherichia coli Heat Labile Toxin Subunit B and Mouse Peanut Allergy Model I. Abstract I
A National Day of Service

A National Day of Service on September 11th would be a living tribute to those who were killed or injured in the terrorist attacks, as well as a special remembrance of the sacrifices made by people simply trying to help others.
Acute Stroke Educational Video Associated with Improved Stroke Literacy and Increased Patient Satisfaction (P6.012)

Objective: To demonstrate that an educational video shown to patients hospitalized with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) or intracerebral hemorrhage is associated with increased stroke knowledge, and improved patient satisfaction and self-efficacy. Background: Interventions are needed to improve stroke patients9 health literacy and prevent recurrent strokes. We developed a video to educate patients hospitalized with AIS or ICH. Design/Methods: A 5-minute stroke education video was shown to AIS and ICH patients admitted to our service from 3/15 to 6/15. Demographics and a cognitive screen (5-min MoCA) were collected. Questions, related to stroke knowledge (n=8), self-efficacy (n=1) and patient satisfaction (n=1), were answered before, after, and 30 days after the video. Results: Among 295 screened, 102 patients were enrolled. There was a significant difference between pre-video median knowledge score of 6 (IQR 4-7) and the post-video score of 7 (IQR 6-8; p<0.001) and between pre-video and the 30 day score of 7 (IQR 5-8; p=.04). There was a significant difference between the proportion of patients who were “very certain” in recognizing symptoms of a stroke pre- and post-video, which was maintained at 30-days (36[percnt] vs. 53[percnt], p=0.001; 36[percnt] vs. 56[percnt], p=0.08). The proportion who were “very satisfied” with their stroke education post-video (74[percnt]) was significantly higher than pre-video (49[percnt], p=0.001), and this was maintained at 30 days (75[percnt], p=0.004). There was no association between 5-min MoCA scores and stroke knowledge acquisition (Δ pre- and post-video scores, p=0.53) or stroke knowledge retention (Δ post-video and 30-day scores, p=0.95). MoCA scores correlated with pre-, post- and 30-day knowledge scores (r=0.41, p<0.001; r=0.47, p<0.001; r=0.40, p=0.003). Potential associations between stroke knowledge and behavioral changes will be reported. Conclusions: A stroke educational video was associated with improved stroke knowledge, certainty in recognizing stroke symptoms and satisfaction with stroke education. A randomized trial is planned. Disclosure: Dr. Denny has nothing to disclose. Dr. Vahidy has nothing to disclose. Dr. Shah has nothing to disclose. Dr. Vu has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sharrief has nothing to disclose. Dr. Savitz has received research support from NIH T32 grant.
Infections causing central airway obstruction: role of bronchoscopy in diagnosis and management

Central airway obstructive infections (CAOI) are challenging medical conditions that may represent an advanced and complicated process of ongoing infections. The epidemiology of CAOI is unknown as well as the pathophysiology and the mechanism of development. This is due to sparse data in the literature that consists mainly of case reports and retrospective case series. CAOI can be caused by fungal, bacterial, parasitic and viral infections. Most patients with CAOI can be diagnosed clinically and with chest imaging, which demonstrate obstruction of the central airways. However, bronchoscopy is commonly used to confirm and obtain a specific diagnosis to guide specific therapy. In recent years, interventional pulmonology (IP) is becoming widely available and offer a minimally invasive approach for the management of central airway diseases such as cancers, benign strictures, and other conditions. Various bronchoscopic modalities are used to treat central airway obstruction (CAO), such as mechanical debulking, endobronchial laser therapy, electrocautery, argon plasma coagulation, cryotherapy, and airway stenting. In patients with CAOI, the role of therapeutic bronchoscopy is not clearly defined, but many isolated reports in the literature described bronchoscopic intervention in combination with medical therapy as the initial management approach. In this paper, we present cases of CAOI that underwent bronchoscopic intervention as part of their management. We described the infectious etiology, locations, bronchoscopic findings and bronchoscopic modalities for airway management.
UWB radar based beyond wall sensing and tracking for ambient assisted living

Due to increase in the number of aging people worldwide, ambient assisted living (AAL) has been recently gaining extensive attention for autonomous monitoring of people in indoor environments. One possible way to fulfill this task is by using ultrawideband (UWB) radars. The UWB signals are ideal for detection, localization and mapping applications due to fine resolution of their multipath components, and can serve well for AAL scenarios. In this paper, using multiple UWB radar transceivers we introduce a fall detection, localization and tracking technique for people in need of assistance. The proposed method allows precise monitoring of people with special needs without any tags or wearables. To enhance ranging precision, we detect and discard outliers in the scanned UWB radar data collected by Time Domain P410 radios. A novel method of fall detection is introduced based on the residual covariance from extended Kalman filter (EKF). Computer simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed technique for AAL applications.
Adaptive Multi-factor Authentication

With the advancements of modern technology, most user activities rely upon various online services, which need to be trusted and secured to prevent the thorny issue of illegal access. Authentication is the primary defense to address the growing need of authentications, though a single-factor (user id and password, for example) is suffering from some significant pitfalls as mentioned in earlier chapters.
Strain energy release rates for internal cracks in rubber blocks

Strain energy release rates have been calculated by Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for growth of a small crack in a cylindrical rubber block under tension. The crack was assumed to lie in the center of the block in a plane perpendicular to its axis. The rubber was taken to be virtually incompressible in bulk and non-linearly elastic. Only small changes were found in the stress-concentrating effect of the crack for imposed tensile strains of up to 150 per cent. Secondly, the rubber cylinder was assumed to be bonded between two parallel flat rigid plates. The stress-concentrating effect of the crack was found to increase markedly as the thickness of the bonded rubber block was reduced, but again it was only slightly dependent on the applied tensile strain.
“You Look Like a Dude, Dude”: Masculine Females Undoing Gender in the Workplace

Interviews with 49 masculine females from diverse identities and occupations suggest that their workplace interactions undo gender, that is, breach rather than revise gender parameters. In this stu...
Rsu1-dependent control of PTEN expression is regulated via ATF2 and cJun

The Rsu1 protein contributes to cell adhesion and migration via its association with the adaptor complex of Integrin linked kinase (ILK), PINCH, and Parvin (IPP), which binds to the cytoplasmic domain of β1 integrins joining integrins to the actin cytoskeleton. Rsu1 binding to PINCH in the IPP complex is required for EGF-induced adhesion, spreading and migration in MCF10A mammary epithelial cells. In addition, Rsu1 expression inhibits Jun kinase but is necessary for the activation of MKK4 and p38 Map kinase signaling essential for migration in MCF10A cells. The data reported here examines the links between MKK4-p38-ATF2 signaling and AKT regulation in MCF10A cells. Ectopic Rsu1 inhibited AKT1 phosphorylation while Rsu1 depletion induced AKT activation and AKT1 phosphorylation of MKK4 on serine 80, blocking MKK4 activity. Rsu1 depletion also reduced the RNA for lipid phosphatase PTEN thus implicating PTEN in modulating levels of activated AKT in these conditions. ChIP analysis of the PTEN promoter revealed that Rsu1 depletion prevented binding of ATF2 to a positive regulatory site in the PTEN promoter and the enhanced binding of cJun to a negatively regulatory PTEN promoter site. These results demonstrate a mechanism by which Rsu1 adhesion signaling alters the balance between MKK4-p38-ATF2 and cJun activation thus altering PTEN expression in MCF10A cells.
What Matters for Urban Adolescents’ Engagement and Disengagement in School: A Mixed-Methods Study

This study uses a mixed-method sequential exploratory design to examine influences on urban adolescents’ engagement and disengagement in school. First, we interviewed 22 middle and high school stud...
Design of a comparative outcome analysis of open, laparoscopic, or robotic-assisted incisional or inguinal hernia repair utilizing surgeon experience and a novel follow-up model.

Abstract Background In a recent publication, the International Guidelines for Groin Hernia Management by the European Hernia Society (EHS) recognized the need to individualize and tailor the surgical approach for hernia repair. There may be different opportunities for optimization of the surgical technique for surgeons performing open, laparoscopic, or robotic-assisted hernia repair. Robotic-assisted hernia repair is a relatively new minimally invasive surgical approach compared to laparoscopic and open repair. Currently, there is a lack of comparative prospective studies designed to evaluate long-term outcomes of patients undergoing robotic-assisted, laparoscopic, or open hernia repair. Materials & methods This manuscript presents an innovative study design with two study cohorts (incisional and inguinal hernia repair) that contain three arms (robotic-assisted, laparoscopic, and open). The trial objective is to collect short-term and long-term outcomes for patients undergoing robotic-assisted, laparoscopic, or open hernia repair. The present publication will discuss the trial design, methods used to ensure consistency in surgeon expertise, and provides strategies to obtain long-term (> 3 months) follow-up data for enrolled patients. Results One hundred subjects underwent incisional and one hundred underwent inguinal hernia repair at the time of this manuscript. Surgeon experience was analyzed across the three surgical techniques and follow-up compliance was assessed through 1 year. The follow-up completion rates for both study cohorts were >80% for all visits. Conclusions The innovative trial design helped to improve the quality and quantity of long-term follow-up. More innovative options to improve patient retention may be tested in future trials of similar design.
Community garden: designing for connectedness in online museum exhibits

We present Community Garden, an interactive museum exhibit designed to promote connectedness both at the museum and online. To interact with the exhibit, participants draw and share flower petals which are displayed on a communal field, blooming with flowers of other participants. The exhibit's drawing interface is accessed online, allowing for live participation and inclusion of people who cannot physically visit the museum. This paper describes some of the design principles that shaped the development of the exhibit prototype, as well as the technology that allows the exhibit to function, requirements for demonstrating, and future plans to evaluate the exhibit.
Alpha-Agonists in Pediatric Critical Care

While they have been used clinically for decades, α-agonists represent the most recent class of drugs to be added to the list of pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) sedatives. Their mechanism of action produces a unique type of sedation which facilitates greater patient cooperation and, possibly, lighter levels of sedation to be tolerated. While two drug options are available, dexmedetomidine has become the most commonly used primary intravenous (IV) PICU sedative, whereas enteral clonidine tends to be reserved for use to either treat iatrogenic withdrawal syndromes from several classes of drugs or to aid in weaning off of dexmedetomidine infusions. Other clinical benefits of α-agonists include reductions in dysrhythmias following cardiac surgical procedures and possibly mitigating the development of ICU delirium. Their limited respiratory-depressing properties make α-agonists an attractive option for maintaining sedation of the behaviorally challenged patient during weaning from mechanical ventilation or for cooperation with invasive therapies in the non-intubated patient. The adverse effect profile of α-agonists is limited in scope, consisting primarily of hypotension and/or bradycardia. These events occur more commonly than reported with other agents but uncommonly require intervention other than reduction in administered doses.
A Comparison of the Incidence of Advertising Strategies in Business-Related Magazines

Abstract Knowledge of services marketing has evolved over the last twenty years. However, promotion of services has not received as much attention from researchers as have other areas of services marketing, especially in the business service area. Some studies have compared advertising of services and goods, and this study seeks to add to that body of knowledge. Specifically, service and good advertisements are compared on three dimensions of advertising strategy: creative message strategy, message appeal, and executional framework. A content analysis of 515 magazine advertisements from business-related magazines found little differences in the advertising strategies between services and goods; both extensively using cognitive message strategies, rational message appeals and an informative execution style.
Required and Voluntary Occupational Use of Hazard Controls for COVID-19 Prevention in Non-Health Care Workplaces - United States, June 2020.

Certain hazard controls, including physical barriers, cloth face masks, and other personal protective equipment (PPE), are recommended to reduce coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) transmission in the workplace (1). Evaluation of occupational hazard control use for COVID-19 prevention can identify inadequately protected workers and opportunities to improve use. CDC's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health used data from the June 2020 SummerStyles survey to characterize required and voluntary use of COVID-19-related occupational hazard controls among U.S. non-health care workers. A survey-weighted regression model was used to estimate the association between employer provision of hazard controls and voluntary use, and stratum-specific adjusted risk differences (aRDs) among workers reporting household incomes <250% and ≥250% of national poverty thresholds were estimated to assess effect modification by income. Approximately one half (45.6%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 41.0%-50.3%) of non-health care workers reported use of hazard controls in the workplace, 55.5% (95% CI = 48.8%-62.2%) of whom reported employer requirements to use them. After adjustment for occupational group and proximity to others at work, voluntary use was approximately double, or 22.3 absolute percentage points higher, among workers who were provided hazard controls than among those who were not. This effect was more apparent among lower-income (aRD = 31.0%) than among higher-income workers (aRD = 16.3%). Employers can help protect workers from COVID-19 by requiring and encouraging use of occupational hazard controls and providing hazard controls to employees (1).
SL1-Simplex: Safe Velocity Regulation of Self-Driving Vehicles in Dynamic and Unforeseen Environments

This paper proposes a novel extension of the Simplex architecture with model switching and model learning to achieve safe velocity regulation of self-driving vehicles in dynamic and unforeseen environments. To guarantee the reliability of autonomous vehicles, an $\mathcal{L}_{1}$ adaptive controller that compensates for uncertainties and disturbances is employed by the Simplex architecture as a verified safe controller to tolerate concurrent software and physical failures. Meanwhile, safe switching controller is incorporated into the Simplex for safe velocity regulation through the integration of the traction control system and anti-lock braking system. Specifically, the vehicle's angular and longitudinal velocities asymptotically track the provided references that vary with driving environments, while the wheel slips are restricted to safety envelopes to prevent slipping and sliding. Due to the high dependence of vehicle dynamics on the driving environments, the proposed Simplex leverages the finite-time model learning to timely learn and update the vehicle model for $\mathcal{L}_{1}$ adaptive controller, when any deviation from the safety envelope or the uncertainty measurement threshold occurs in the unforeseen driving environments. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed Simplex architecture for safe velocity regulation is validated by the AutoRally platform.
A Net Welfare Benefit Approach to Optimal Taxation

This paper challenges the widespread notion that the labor income tax is an inherently distortionary tax instrument. Optimal tax theory considers the lump-sum tax as the only efficient or non-distortionary tax instrument. This conclusion depends on two (often implicit) assumptions: one is that the economy is operating at the optimal welfare maximizing solution, where the marginal cost of tax revenue is equal to its marginal benefit; and the other that public expenditure has no effect on taxpayers’ budget constraints.However, for a government program to be worthwhile, total benefit must be greater than total cost, and it is easy to find examples where budget constraints are affected by public expenditure. This paper shows that, when the two assumptions are relaxed, the combined use of labor income and lump-sum taxes may allow a representative taxpayer to reach greater levels of welfare than the use of a lump-sum tax alone.