cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Bleeding Complications Following Ultrasound-Guided Botulinum Toxin Injections in Patients on Anticoagulation or Antiplatelet Therapy

Abstract Background Patients receiving anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy may be at higher risk for bleeding complications following intramuscular chemodenervation injections. Musculoskeletal ultrasound may be able to reduce the risk of bleeding complications by providing real-time visualization of vascular structures and postinjection monitoring. Limited data exist addressing the risk of bleeding complications following ultrasound-guided botulinum neurotoxin intramuscular chemodenervation procedures in the setting of anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy. Objective To provide initial outcome data regarding bleeding complications in patients on anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy who have received ultrasound-guided botulinum neurotoxin intramuscular chemodenervation procedures. Design Retrospective, medical record review. Setting Academic institution outpatient spasticity clinic. Participants Total of 328 ultrasound-guided intramuscular botulinum toxin injections performed in 15 patients (mean age 53.8 years) with the predominant indication for chemodenervation being spastic paresis secondary to stroke. Methods The medical records of all patients undergoing ultrasound-guided intramuscular chemodenervation procedures performed between July 1, 2011, and October 16, 2015, were reviewed for demographic information, details regarding anticoagulation therapy, procedure specifics, and postinjection bleeding complications. All patients had a postinjection ultrasound to screen for hematoma. Main Outcome Measures Prevalence of clinically significant bleeding complications and of sonographically documented subclinical bleeding complications following ultrasound-guided chemodenervation procedures in patients on anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy. Results Of 328 procedures, only 2 subclinical hematomas were detected, resulting in a bleeding complication rate of 0.61% in this patient population. The target muscles in these cases were tibialis posterior and pronator teres, and both cases were in patients on anticoagulation therapy (as opposed to antiplatelet therapy). Conclusions The risk of clinically significant bleeding complication appears to be very small following ultrasound-guided intramuscular chemodenervation procedures in the setting of systemic anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy. Level of Evidence IV
The Historicist Turn of Romantic‐Era Disability Studies, or Frankenstein in the Dark

The field of disability studies has recently matured from its abstractly polemical origins to its current historicist orientation. This turn has allowed disability to become a key feature of mainstream contemporary literary scholarship. Romantic studies, though, has been relatively slow to adopt the new discourse. This essay offers a tentative explanation and a state-of-the-nascent-field assessment of Romantic-era disability studies. Applying theory to practice, I show how both literary criticism and disability studies by themselves miss the point of Mary Shelley's Romantic-era novel Frankenstein (1818). For example, a literary critical approach reads the theme of blindness as a metaphor for a kind of paradoxical insight, whereas a disability studies reading takes umbrage at the exploitation of the blind for narrative gain. Moving past this ideological impasse requires a more synthetic discourse that leverages the historicist turn of disability studies to model a more honest interpretation. By positioning the novel against Enlightenment theories of blindness, I argue that Shelley offers a more nuanced account of abnormal embodiment than disability scholars have traditionally allowed.
Measuring health utility in varying pregnancy contexts among a diverse cohort of pregnant women.

Abstract Objective To contribute to decision analysis by estimating utility, defined as an individual's valuation of specific health states, for different pregnancy contexts. Study design Cross-sectional analysis of data from pregnant women recruited at pregnancy testing clinics during June 2014–June 2015. Utility was measured using the visual analog scale (VAS), PROMIS GSF-derived utility, standard gamble (SG), and time-trade-off (TTO) approaches. Six dimensions of pregnancy context were assessed including: intention, desirability, planning, timing, wantedness, and happiness. Multivariable regression modeling was used to examine the associations between pregnancy context and utility while controlling for women's sociodemographic and health characteristics. Results Among 123 participants with diverse characteristics, aged 27±6 years, with mean gestation of 7.5±3 weeks, few reported optimal pregnancy contexts. Mean utility of the pregnancy state varied across contexts, whether measured with VAS (0.28–0.91), PROMIS GSF-derived utility (0.66–0.75), SG (0.985–1.00) or TTO (0.9990–0.99999). The VAS-derived mean utility score for unintended pregnancy was 0.68 (95% CI 0.59, 0.77). Multivariable regression analysis demonstrated significant disutility of unintended pregnancy, as well as all other unfavorable pregnancy contexts, when measured by VAS. In contrast, PROMIS GSF-derived utility only detected a significant reduction in utility among ambivalent compared to wanted pregnancy, while SG and TTO did not show meaningful differences in utility across pregnancy contexts. Conclusions Unintended pregnancy is associated with significant patient-reported disutility, as is pregnancy occurring in other unfavorable contexts. VAS-based measurements provide the most nuanced measures of the utility for pregnancy in varying contexts. Implications Decision analyses, including assessments of the cost-effectiveness of pregnancy related interventions, should incorporate measures of the utility of pregnancy in various contexts.
Energy Consumption and Emissions Modeling of Individual Vehicles

This study demonstrated an approach to modeling individual vehicle second-by-second fuel consumption and emissions on the basis of vehicle operations. The approach used the Motor Vehicle Emission Simulator (MOVES)–Matrix, a high-performance vehicle emissions modeling system consisting of a multidimensional array of vehicle emissions rates (pulled directly from EPA’s MOVES emissions model) that could be quickly queried by other models to generate an applicable emissions rate for any specified on-road fleet and operating conditions. For this project, the research team developed a spreadsheet-based MOVES-Matrix calculator to simplify connecting vehicle activity data with multidimensional emissions rates from MOVES-Matrix. This paper provides a walk-through of the calculation procedures, from basic vehicle information and driving cycles to second-by-second emissions rates. The individual vehicle emissions modeling framework was incorporated into Commute Warrior, a trademarked travel survey application for And...
Intracavitary ultrasound (ICARUS): a neuroendoscopic adaptation of intravascular ultrasound for intracerebral hemorrhage evacuation

Neurosurgeons performing intracerebral hemorrhage evacuation procedures have limited options for monitoring hematoma evacuation and assessing residual hematoma burden intraoperatively. Here, we report the successful neuroendoscopic adaptation of intravascular ultrasound, referred to here as intracavitary ultrasound (ICARUS), in two patients. Pre-evacuation ICARUS demonstrated dense hematomas in both patients. Post-evacuation ICARUS in patient 1 demonstrated significant reduction in clot burden and two focal hyperechoic regions consistent with pockets of hematoma not previously seen with the endoscope or burr hole ultrasound. These areas were directly targeted and resected with the endoscope and suction device. Post-evacuation ICARUS in patient 2 showed significant reduction of hematoma volume without indication of residual blood. ICARUS findings were confirmed on intraoperative DynaCT and postoperative CT 24 hours later. ICARUS is feasibly performed in a hematoma cavity both before and after hematoma aspiration. ICARUS may provide additional information to the operating surgeon and assist in maximizing hematoma removal.
Working with Undocumented Students: What They Say We Need to Know

My first memory of being undocumented is clearly seared in my body. I must have been somewhere between first and fourth grade. My mama was registering me for the first day of school. We must have arrived at an off-hour because we were the only ones in the elementary school office with Ms. B, the school secretary. She was familiar to me because we had often sat next to her at mass in the St. Callistus Churchpew on Sunday mornings. When I was filling out the registration paperwork, I asked mama what “SSN” meant. She and Ms. B exchanged glances. Ms. B said, “Write your tax id number,” which I knew by heart, having used it many times before on different types of forms. My mama gave silent thanks in the meek and heartfelt way that only she knew how to express. Something powerful happened in that subtle exchange. I knew my mama and Ms. B had made an arrangement of sorts, the way a child looks up at two adults and knows that a secret was shared and an understanding was established. Nothing I learned within school walls was as powerful and consequential as the tacit lessons that were so effectively inculcated in me as an undocumented immigrant from Guatemala.
PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome presenting as a neck mass in a pediatric patient

Abstract PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome (PHTS) is a rare autosomal dominant syndrome associated with the development of several benign and malignant neoplasms. A 7-year-old boy presented to an otolaryngology office with a left neck mass that was ultimately diagnosed as follicular thyroid carcinoma. Due to the rarity of this tumor type in a child and his family history, he was referred to the genetics department. This resulted in a diagnosis of a disorder included in the PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome, and the patient and his extended family will benefit from increased surveillance throughout their lifetimes. In addition, we advocate for early thyroid surveillance in young children diagnosed with PHTS.
Thermodynamics of thermoelastic martensitiC transformations

Abstract A thermodynamic study of thermoelastic martensites has been made with particular reference to some experimental results previously obtained for iron-platinum alloys. The effect of parent phase ordering in depressing the T0 temperature has been satisfactorily explained using a quasichemical approach and a consequent difference in bonding enthalpies. The transformation latent heat was determined by calorimetry for the parent-martensite transformation in both ordered and disordered Fe-Pt alloys. For transformation in the ordered alloy the latent heat ΔQ is much smaller (83 cal/mole) than that for the corresponding disordered alloy (570 cal/mole). These measurements implement the quasichemical interpretation. Other results of general applicability were also obtained. The stored non-chemical free energy difference Δenc has been analytically expressed in terms of the characteristic temperatures T0 and T′0, and the transformation latent heat ΔQ. It is indicated that the separation of T0′ from T0 is directly proportional to the value of Δenc. The quantity (T 0 -T 0′ ) T 0 is seen to provide a reasonable estimate of the ratio Δe nc ΔQ . Following a statistical expression for the free energy, a simple development enables the calculation of the Debye temperature of the martensite, and a comparison of the parent phase and martensite Debye temperatures is made.
Mouse Models of G-CSF Signaling in Hematopoiesis

To begin to define the role of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) in the regulation of hematopoiesis, Lieschke and colleagues generated G-CSF−/− (knockout) mice [1]. Knockout mice are genetically engineered to contain a complete loss-of-function (null) mutation of the gene of interest. They are generated by homologous recombination in murine embryonic stem cells in which the normal gene (in this case Csf3 encoding G-CSF) is replaced with a mutated gene. The targeted embryonic stem cells are implanted into pseudopregnant mice to generate a transgenic mouse line carrying the mutated gene. Importantly, the rest of the murine genome is intact, allowing investigators to examine the effect of the loss of that gene, in isolation, on a biologic process.
Fueling the Backlash against Affirmative Action: The Quiet Influence of Right-Wing Foundations and Patrons

While informed Americans are becoming aware of the power of right-wing foundations and patrons in areas of economic regulation, few know of their funding of the “colorblind” organizations seeking to dismantle civil rights policy. The failure to uncover the “invisible hands” is no accident - the “free enterprise” right-wing foundations and patrons have deliberately kept a low profile in their efforts to shift the U.S. far to the right. By focusing primarily on two anti-affirmative action ballot measures - California’s 1996 Proposition 209 and Michigan’s 2006 Proposal 2 - this paper raises concerns about the capacity of a small, elite, radical faction to quietly bankroll a right-wing backlash while the seemingly moderate public entrepreneurs shield them from the limelight.
Restoration, Retribution, or Revenge? Time Shifting Victim Impact Statements in American Judicial Process

Courts currently permit victims to offer victim impact statement in criminal proceedings in all 50 states and federal jurisdictions. However, victim impact statements introduce serious constitutional problems into criminal cases by (1) creating inconsistencies in sentencing, (2) injecting bias and prejudice into formal courtroom proceedings, (3) giving judges and prosecutors an opportunity to reject testimony that might sway jurors toward more lenient punishments, and (4) leaving defendants with little opportunity to mitigate their impact on decision-makers. Scholars, therefore, have resoundingly called for the exclusion of victim impact statements from criminal proceedings in the United States. In this article, I take a decidedly different position and argue instead that victim impact statements are, in fact, salvageable. Specifically, I look to lessons from the restorative justice movement and propose a solution that relies on time shifting victim impact statements to the close of criminal proceedings. By removing victim impact statements from trials and sentencing and requiring that they be offered afterwards, their constitutional deficiencies can be virtually eliminated and their numerous benefits preserved.
The Risks of Environmental Democracy

The past twenty years has seen the publication of more than 1,800 research papers on the only genetically engineered veterinary drug or growth hormone used to increase the production of milk in dairy cows, rBST (Powell & Leiss, 1997, 124).34 Regulatory agencies in at least thirty-one countries have publicly announced that all foods produced from animals with rBST technology are safe for human consumption (P. Thompson, 1998b). Breaking with its departmental policy of keeping internal decisionmaking processes confidential, the United States’ FDA explained in an academic journal the methodology it used to conclude that milk from rBST cows is as safe as and no different than milk from cows not treated with the growth hormone (Juskevich & Guyer, 1990). The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) released a press statement—on November 5, 1993, nine years after the initial application by the St. Louis based Monsanto Corporation— explaining that even though rBST had no human health or environmental risks, there was a moratorium on sales until Congress could consider all impacts of the new biotechnology (Powell & Leiss, 1997). In additional to all of these communications, there was extensive media coverage of the first major product of agricultural biotechnology to move from the laboratory to the farm.
Draft Genomic Sequences of Nine Extraintestinal Pathogenic Escherichia coli Isolates from Retail Chicken Skin.

ABSTRACT Extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli strains were isolated from retail chicken skin. Here, we report the draft genomic sequences for these nine E. coli isolates, which are currently being used in agricultural and food safety research.
What Are the Goals of Resuscitation in the ED? What Intravenous Fluids Should Be Used? Are Vasopressors Beneficial or Harmful? Should Antibiotics Be Administered?

Goals of resuscitation in the emergency department for patients with confirmed or suspected acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) are to preserve perfusion, minimize ischemic tissue, and prevent development of sepsis or multiorgan failure. Because the downstream effects of ischemia include decreased oxygen delivery to hypo-perfused tissues resulting in lactate accumulation and acidemia, fluid resuscitation with crystalloid fluids should be initiated as soon as AMI is suspected. There is no benefit to resuscitation with colloid fluids over crystalloid fluids. Vasopressors should be used with caution, but if indicated, norepinephrine alone or in combination with dobutamine is recommended. Antibiotic coverage should be initiated early and cover both Gram-negative and anaerobic bacteria.
It’s the journey, not the destination: the effect of school travel mode on student achievement

According to data from the National Household Travel Survey, 49.3 percent of American children in Kindergarten through sixth grade either walked or biked to school in 1969. By 2017, only 11 percent...
Mercury in the fish of New York's Great Lakes: A quarter century of near stability.

We collected 849 fish of 16 species from New York portions of Lake Erie, Lake Ontario and the intervening Niagara River and its tributary Cayuga Creek, and analyzed fillets from individual fish for total mercury. Concentrations ranged from 0.029 to 1.090 ppm wet weight, with 92% below the EPA tissue residue criterion of 0.3 ppm, and thus not posing an undue risk from human consumption. We compared these 2010–2017 results to historical data spanning 40 years to assess temporal changes. The temporal pattern was generally consistent among water bodies and species: Mercury concentrations differed little between the most recent collections and fish taken from 1999–2008 and 1988–1996, while concentrations in all three of these periods were generally lower than in 1970. Smallmouth Bass from Lake Ontario were an exception with a continued decline, likely due to diet change following the introduction of exotic prey. Overall, though, fish tissue mercury concentrations from these large water bodies, which integrate regional influences, appear to have changed little in the last quarter century. We also report a consistent spatial pattern for multiple species having lower mercury concentrations in Lake Erie than in Lake Ontario over the period of record.
High-nickel layered oxide cathodes for lithium-based automotive batteries

High-nickel layered oxide cathode materials will be at the forefront to enable longer driving-range electric vehicles at more affordable costs with lithium-based batteries. A continued push to higher energy content and less usage of costly raw materials, such as cobalt, while preserving acceptable power, lifetime and safety metrics, calls for a suite of strategic compositional, morphological and microstructural designs and efficient material production processes. In this Perspective, we discuss several important design considerations for high-nickel layered oxide cathodes that will be implemented in the automotive market for the coming decade. We outline various intrinsic restraints of maximizing their energy output and compare current/emerging development roadmaps approaching low-/zero-cobalt chemistry. Materials production is another focus, relevant to driving down costs and addressing the practical challenges of high-nickel layered oxides for demanding vehicle applications. We further assess a series of stabilization techniques on their prospects to fulfill the aggressive targets of vehicle electrification. The development of high-nickel layered oxide cathodes represents an opportunity to realize the full potential of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles. Manthiram and colleagues review the materials design strategies and discuss the challenges and solutions for low-cobalt, high-energy-density cathodes.
Nurses' perspectives of violence in emergency departments: A metasynthesis

Abstract Introduction Workplace violence against nurses in the Emergency Department (ED) is a significant issue worldwide and has received increased attention. Workplace violence against nurses in the ED has increased in recent years. With such a large number of nurses having experienced violence, it is important to understand and elucidate the nurses’ perspective of violence in the ED. Method Qualitative studies that were published between 2010 and 2019. A metasynthesis of 6 qualitative studies was conducted using Noblit and Hare’s metaethnographic methodology. The Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) was used to evaluate the quality of the studies. Results Four overarching themes emerged from the data: the inevitability of violence, invisible wounds and painful memories, post-violence repercussions, and double-sided: physical and verbal abuse. Discussion Findings provide insight into policies actions related to perpetrators and developing violence protections guidelines to support ED nurses in managing workplace violence. Conclusion Violence in the ED is an inevitable experience for nurses. Organizations must take a realistic approach to implement violence reduction measures and training programs in the ED.
Systemic alterations in leukocyte subsets and the protective role of NKT cells in the mouse model of diabetic retinopathy.

Abstract The involvement of leukocytes in the pathophysiology of DR has mostly examined the role of monocytes and neutrophils with little emphasis on other immune cell types. In this study, we determined the systemic alterations in T cell subsets, myeloid cell types, NK cells, and NKT cells in the streptozotocin (STZ) mouse model of diabetic retinopathy (DR), and the role of NKT cells on retinal leukostasis and permeability changes. C57BL/6 J mice were made diabetic with 60 mg/kg dose of STZ given for 5-days. Flow cytometry assay measured the frequency of leukocyte subsets in the peripheral blood, spleen, and bone marrow of STZ- and vehicle-treated C57BL/6 J mice. Our results showed an increased proportion of memory CD8 T cells and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) secreting CD8 T cells in the bone marrow of STZ-treated compared to control mice. Subsequently, increased production of inflammatory monocytes in the bone marrow and an enhanced frequency of CD11b + cells in the diabetic retina were seen in STZ-treated compared to control mice. The diabetic mice also exhibited a decrease in total NKT and CD4+NKT cells. A monoclonal antibody-based approach depleted NKT cells from STZ-treated mice, followed by measurements of retinal vascular permeability and leukostasis. The depletion of NKT cells in STZ-treated mice resulted in a significant increase in vascular permeability in the retinal tissue. Together, our results strongly imply the involvement of NKT cells in regulating the pathophysiology of the diabetic retina.
Providing Virtual Nature Experiences to Incarcerated Men Reduces Stress and Increases Interest in the Environment

Humans gain multiple health benefits through contact with the green and blue parts of the world. However, many people do not have access to such places, including more than two million adults who a...
Multi-modal engineering of Bst DNA polymerase for thermostability in ultra-fast LAMP reactions

DNA polymerase from Geobacillus stearothermophilus, Bst DNA polymerase (Bst DNAP), is a versatile enzyme with robust strand-displacing activity that enables loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). Despite its exclusive usage in LAMP assay, its properties remain open to improvement. Here, we describe logical redesign of Bst DNAP by using multimodal application of several independent and orthogonal rational engineering methods such as domain addition, supercharging, and machine learning predictions of amino acid substitutions. The resulting Br512g3 enzyme is not only thermostable and extremely robust but it also displays improved reverse transcription activity and the ability to carry out ultrafast LAMP at 74 {degrees}C. Our study illustrates a new enzyme engineering strategy as well as contributes a novel engineered strand displacing DNA polymerase of high value to diagnostics and other fields.
Overlap Times in the Infinite Server Queue.

Imagine, you enter a grocery store to buy food. How many peopledo you overlap with in this store? How much time do you overlap witheach person in the store? In this paper, we answer these questions bystudying the overlap times between customers in the infinite serverqueue. We compute in closed form the steady state distribution ofthe overlap time between a pair of customers and the distribution ofthe number of customers that an arriving customer will overlap with.Finally, we define a residual process that counts the number of over-lapping customers that overlap in the queue for at least{\delta}time unitsand compute its mean, variance, and distribution in the exponentialservice setting
Association of plasma and CSF cytochrome P450, soluble epoxide hydrolase and ethanolamides metabolism with Alzheimer’s disease

Abstract Alzheimer’s disease shares inflammatory origin with cardiometabolic disorders. Lipid mediators, including oxylipins, endocannabinoids, bile acids and steroids are potent regulators of inflammation, energy metabolism and cell proliferation with well-established involvement in cardiometabolic diseases. However, their role in Alzheimer’s disease is poorly understood. In the current study we provide comprehensive analysis of plasma and CSF lipid mediators in a case-control comparison of patients with Alzheimer’s disease, utilizing a targeted quantitative mass spectrometry approach. In both plasma and CSF, we observed Alzheimer’s disease patients to have elevated components of cytochrome P450/soluble epoxide hydrolase pathway and lower levels of fatty acids ethanolamides, when compared to the healthy controls. Multivariate analysis revealed that circulating metabolites of soluble epoxide hydrolase together with ethanolamides are strong and independent predictors for Alzheimer’s disease. Both metabolic pathways are potent regulators of inflammation with soluble epoxide hydrolase being reported to be upregulated in the brains of Alzheimer’s disease patients. This study provides further evidence for the involvement of inflammation in Alzheimer’s disease and argues for further research into the role of the cytochrome P450/soluble epoxide hydrolase pathway and fatty acid ethanolamides in this disorder. Further, these findings suggest that a combined pharmacological intervention targeting both metabolic pathways may have therapeutic benefits for Alzheimer’s disease.
Three leadership perspectives on US interdisciplinary environmental and sustainability programs: a review of the findings of the 2003-2014 studies of the Center for Environmental Education Research, National Council for Science and the Environment

The Center for Environmental Education Research (CEER) of the National Council for Science and the Environment (NCSE) conducts ongoing research to better understand the structure and curricula of interdisciplinary environmental and sustainability (IES) education and research programs in the USA. NCSE is a not-for-profit organization that specializes in programs that foster collaboration between the diverse institutions and individuals creating and using environmental knowledge, including research, education, environmental, and business organizations as well as governmental bodies at all levels. It hosts an annual conference and global forum on science, policy, and the environment and serves as the secretariat for four US professional organizations for environmental and sustainability academics: the Association for Environmental Studies and Sciences (AESS), the Council of Environmental Deans and Directors (CEDD), the Council of Energy Research and Education Leaders (CEREL), and the Community College Affiliate Program (CCAP). NCSE initiated its extensive research program in 2003 with a study designed to understand the nature and number of IES program academic leaders’ perspectives on ideal curriculum design for baccalaureate and graduate degree programs. This study revealed a consensus on the identity of the IES field, or what distinguishes it from other disciplines and professional fields (Vincent and Focht 2009; Vincent and Focht 2010). It also discovered three distinct, but not opposing, perspectives on the goals of IES education (Vincent 2010; Vincent and Focht 2011). Subsequent CEER research studies have consistently discovered that program leaders have three distinct views on various aspects of IES program administration with overlapping areas of consensus. These dimensions include the educational goal of IES programs (and the desirability of defined core competencies), ideal curriculum design for undergraduate programs, and the factors important for program success. Although imperfect and not predictive, statistical correlations reveal relationships between the three sets of findings. This paper will provide a review of the findings of these studies, examine the relationships between the views, and discuss the implications for the ongoing evolution of IES education and research in higher education institutions in the USA.
Improved Image Classification Using Morphing

Principal component methods for classifying images have received broad attention and application. For objects with varying appearance, such as three-dimensional objects, increasing the number of object poses represented in the training set is the primary method for improving classification rate. In this paper we show how to improve the performance of this kind of an appearance-based image recognition system. The improvement is obtained by adding new views to the training set which have been generated from existing training data via a morphing algorithm. We show that adding morphed views to the training set increases recognition rate over the same data without morphed views.
Patient Decision Making: Exponential versus Hyperbolic Discounting

Evidence strongly indicates that human decision makers discount the future using a hyperbolic function instead of following an exponential, which has been the long-standing assumption. We compare the exponential and hyperbolic models in evaluation of a simple research and development project selection problem, finding that the exponential function favors short-term choices, while the hyperbolic function favors the long-term. We demonstrate applications of the hyperbolic function, concluding that the traditional exponential—which does not faithfully represent typical human preferences—leads toward myopic decision making when compared to the hyperbolic. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The optical rotatory dispersion of aromatic amino acids and the side chain-dependent Cotton effects in proteins.

Abstract The optical rotatory dispersion of l-tryptophan, l-tyrosine, l-phenylalanine, and some of their derivatives was investigated in the ultraviolet region as a function of solvent, pH, and temperature. All aromatic transitions accessible to study were found to be optically active, but the rotatory strength was found to be low. The long wave length tyrosine bands at 280 mµ showed a 100-fold lower rotatory strength when compared to the n - π* transition of the peptide bond. The greatly increased rotatory strength of aromatic transitions in some proteins must thus be due to vicinal perturbations having their source in the conformation of protein. Investigation of solvent and temperature dependence of amino acid rotation showed that only a change in the charge on the molecule produced measurable increase in the rotatory strength. It is proposed that the enhanced aromatic Cotton effects in some proteins are produced by interaction of the aromatic residue with a neighboring charge or other polarizable group. Since long wave length Cotton effects (250 to 350 mµ) are accompanied by a system of strong Cotton effects at the low wave length transitions of the aromatic residues, the usual estimates of α-helix may be difficult or impossible in protein showing enhanced aromatic rotation.
A Taxonomy of Distributed Real-time Control Systems

Abstract The demands placed on industrial automation systems have grown in many dimensions over the last two decades. Examples of such demands are increased size, functionality, speed, flexibility, simpler programming, quality, and decreased installation and commissioning costs. An emerging approach to meeting such demands is the use of Distributed Real-time Control System (DRCS) architectures and technologies. This chapter discusses key issues that are driving this trend in modern industrial automation systems and provides a framework for discussion and technological research.
View-Based Techniques for Searching for Objects and Textures

We show how it is possible to use the surface properties of objects to find them in image databases. Using color and local spatial cues at multiple resolutions, we can distinguish both textures and individual salient features on the surfaces of objects. Preliminary experiments on databases of size 20 (for the salient features) and 147 (for the textures) show promising results, and suggest we can extend these approaches to large databases.
The Temporal Association Between Traditional and Cyber Dating Abuse Among Adolescents

While research has explored adolescents' use of technology to perpetrate dating violence, little is known about how traditional in-person and cyber abuse are linked, and no studies have examined their relationship over time. Using our sample of 780 diverse adolescents (58 % female), we found that traditional and cyber abuse were positively associated, and cyber abuse perpetration and victimization were correlated at each time point. Cyber abuse perpetration in the previous year (spring 2013) predicted cyber abuse perpetration 1 year later (spring 2014), while controlling for traditional abuse and demographic variables. In addition, physical violence victimization and cyber abuse perpetration and victimization predicted cyber abuse victimization the following year. These findings highlight the reciprocal nature of cyber abuse and suggest that victims may experience abuse in multiple contexts.
Safety and feasibility of volumetric laser endomicroscopy in patients with Barrett's esophagus (with videos).

Background Volumetric laser endomicroscopy (VLE) produces high-resolution, cross-sectional surface, and subsurface images for detecting neoplasia, targeting biopsies, and guiding real-time treatment. Objective To evaluate the safety and feasibility of the Nvision VLE system. Design Prospective, multicenter study. Setting Tertiary-care medical centers. Patients One hundred patients with suspected Barrett's esophagus, including 52 patients with prior endotherapy. Interventions The first-generation Nvision VLE Imaging System, a balloon-centered, rotating optical probe provided images of the mucosa and submucosa through a 6-cm segment length and 360° scan of the distal esophagus. Main Outcome Measurements Acquisition of a complete, 6-cm scan from the distal esophagus, demographic and procedural data, and final histologic diagnosis. Results VLE imaging was successfully performed in 87 cases. After VLE imaging, biopsy specimens were obtained in 77 patients and mucosal resection was performed in 20 patients. The final pathologic diagnoses of the patients studied were adenocarcinoma (4 patients), high-grade dysplasia (10 patients), low-grade dysplasia (11 patients), indefinite (5 patients), intestinal metaplasia (29 patients), and normal squamous cells (18 patients). VLE was not completed in 13 of 100 (13%) because of optical probe and console issues. There were 2 minor adverse events (mucosal lacerations not requiring therapy). Limitations This was a feasibility study with a first-generation device. There was no direct histopathologic correlation with the VLE images or any comparative analysis with white-light endoscopy or narrow-band imaging findings. Conclusion VLE is a safe procedure for patients with suspected or confirmed Barrett's esophagus. Real-time VLE images enabled visualization of the mucosa and submucosa in 87% of cases. Further studies are needed to evaluate the in vivo diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility of VLE.
Syntheses of fluorous quaternary ammonium salts and their application as phase transfer catalysts for halide substitution reactions in extremely nonpolar fluorous solvents

Abstract Perfluoromethyldecalin solutions of the fluorous alkyl halides R f 8 (CH 2 ) m X ( m =2, 3; X=Cl, I) are inert toward aqueous NaCl, KI, KCN, and NaOAc. However, substitution occurs at 100 °C in the presence of 10 mol % of the fluorous ammonium salts ( R f 8 (CH 2 ) 2 )(R f 8 (CH 2 ) 5 ) 3 N + I − ( 1 ) or ( R f 8 (CH 2 ) 3 ) 4 N + Br − ( 2 ) (10 mol %), which are fully or partially soluble in perfluoromethyldecalin under these conditions. Stoichiometric reactions of (a) 1 and R f 8 (CH 2 ) 3 Br, and (b) 2 and R f 8 (CH 2 ) 2 I are conducted in perfluoromethyldecalin at 100 °C, and yield the same R f 8 (CH 2 ) m I/ R f 8 (CH 2 ) m Br equilibrium ratio (60–65:40–35). This shows that ionic displacements can take place in extremely nonpolar fluorous phases, and suggests a classical phase transfer mechanism for the catalyzed reactions. Interestingly, the non-fluorous ammonium salt mixture CH 3 (CH 3 (CH 2 ) m ) 3 N + Cl − ( 3 , Aliquat ® 336; m =2:1 7/9) also catalyzes halide substitutions, but under triphasic conditions with 3 suspended between the lower fluorous and upper aqueous layers. NMR experiments establish very low solubilities in both phases, suggesting interfacial catalysis.
A Model for Simulating Dynamics of DNA Denaturation

We present a simplified model of DNA for computer simulation of melting dynamics. This model is simple enough to allow simulation times up to the microsecond range for DNA duplexes with tens of base pairs, while its level of detail is sufficient to describe individual base pairs and individual hydrogen bond formation and breakage. We have applied this model to the simulation of the melting of two model B-DNA decamers. The DNA melting profiles are similar to those seen in experiment, as are the differences between duplexes containing only AT pairs versus those with only CG pairs.
9,12,15-octadecatrien-6-ynoic acid, new acetylenic acid from mosses

Lipids of the moss,Ceratodon purpureus, yield up to 25% of an acetylenic acid which was identified as allcis-9,12,15-octadecatrien-6-ynoic acid. The methyl ester of this acid was isolated in 95% purity by gas liquid chromatography. Mass spectroscopy provided the mol wt and confirmed methyl stearate as product of hydrogenation. Ozonization indicated a triple bond in position 6 and a double bond in position 15. UV and IR spectra showedcis-double bonds, no conjugation, and notrans-double bonds. The Raman spectrum provided direct evidence for the triple bond and confirmed the presence of double bonds and the absence of conjugation. The ratio of intensities indicated 1 triple bond/3 double bonds. 9,12,15-Octadecatrien-6-ynoic acid has not previously been isolated from biological materials. It was found only in the triglycerides ofCeratodon purpureus and several other mosses. In contrast to arachidonic and eicosapentaenoic acids, the acetylenic acid seems to be restricted to few moss genera.
Acute aortic dissection in women: challenges and opportunities.

Acute aortic dissection (AAD) is a severe and potentially fatal disease which requires rapid diagnosis and appropriate treatment in order to improve survival. The variable and sometimes non-specific presentation of this rare condition makes it a continued diagnostic challenge for even the best of clinicians. Multiple clinical factors have been studied for their role in increasing the risk of AAD. While the complete pathophysiology of the condition is not known, contemporary research has shed light on many important factors that might lead to the development of aortic aneurysms and AAD. Despite continued research in this area, there is scant research looking at gender-related differences in the epidemiology, presentation, treatment and outcomes of patients with AAD. This review first revisits lessons about gender-related differences seen in various cardiovascular diseases, and then critically examines the data on gender-related differences in AAD diagnosis, management and outcomes. A summary of the pathoph...
Image Registration of Pre-Procedural MRI and Intra-Procedural CT Images to Aid CT-Guided Percutaneous Cryoablation of Renal Tumors

Purpose To determine whether a non-rigid registration (NRR) technique was more accurate than a rigid registration (RR) technique when fusing pre-procedural contrast-enhanced MR images to unenhanced CT images during CT-guided percutaneous cryoablation of renal tumors.
Integer wavelet transformations with predictive coding improves 3D similar image set compression

Lossless compression techniques are essential in archival and communication of large amounts of homogeneous data in radiological image databases. This paper exploits dependencies that exist between the pixel intensities in three dimensions to improve compression for a set of similar medical images. These 3-D dependencies are systematically presented as histograms, plots of wavelet decomposition coefficients, feature vectors of wavelet decomposition coefficients, entropy and correlation. This 3-D dependency is called set redundancy for medical image sets. Predictive coding is adapted to set redundancy and combined with integer wavelet transformations to improve compression. This set compression improvement is demonstrated with 3-D sets of magnetic resonance (MR) brain images.
Esthetics in Dentistry

In the author's opinion, the subject of esthetics should be offered as a comprehensive course and should be included in the dental school curriculum.
Origins of the freshwater attractant(s) of migrating elvers of the American eel, Anguilla rostrata

Origins of the freshwater attractant(s) of migrating elvers of the American eel were investigated by assaying elvers' responses to rinses of plants, animals, and inanimate objects collected from a Rhode Island (U.S.A.) brook with a sizable elver run. Odor rinses were tested in a Y-maze at naturally occurring concentrations against both blank and brook water. Many items were attractive, several were repulsive, and some caused a reduction in elvers' rheotactic behavior, suggesting that elvers respond to a bouquet of odors. The odor of abundant decaying leaf detritus was highly attractive as were odors of the surfaces of aquatic plants, submerged stones, and migrating alewives. Conspecific odor was only weakly attractive. Because unattractive leaves became attractive when cultured with stream water, microorganisms responsible for detrital decomposition and present in/on most stream objects are thought to be the major source of the attractant(s). Decaying detritus and its associated microorganisms are abundant in most freshwater streams, where they often constitute the ecosystem's primary energy source; their odor could serve as an index of environmental suitability for migrating eels.
The California syndrome. Functional visual complaints with potential economic impact

The records of 84 patients with functional visual loss (59 adults and 25 children) were reviewed over a six-year period. The patients were between 7 and 69 years of age. In the young patients, psychosocial problems relating to parental divorce, poor school performance and attention-getting behavior were common, while in adult patients, financial gain was present in 51 of 59 (86%) individuals. Over 90% of the claimed abnormalities related to the afferent visual system. Fifty-three percent of the patients had underlying organic problems with functional overlay. Inconsistent test results were the most reliable means of identifying the malingering patients. In California, both ophthalmologists and optometrists are able to declare a patient legally blind as well as visually disabled for the purpose of income tax, workers' compensation, and disability benefits. The potential financial impact of malingering patients is discussed.
Application of pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modelling and simulation for the prediction of target attainment of ceftobiprole against meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus using minimum inhibitory concentration and time–kill curve based approaches

The purpose of this report was to compare two different methods for dose optimisation of antimicrobials. The probability of target attainment (PTA) was calculated using Monte Carlo simulation to predict the PK/PD target of fT>MIC or modelling and simulation of time-kill curve data. Ceftobiprole, the paradigm compound, activity against two MRSA strains was determined, ATCC 33591 (MIC=2mg/L) and a clinical isolate (MIC=1mg/L). A two-subpopulation model accounting for drug degradation during the experiment adequately fit the time-kill curve data (concentration range 0.25-16× MIC). The PTA was calculated for plasma, skeletal muscle and subcutaneous adipose tissue based on data from a microdialysis study in healthy volunteers. A two-compartment model with distribution factors to account for differences between free serum and tissue interstitial space fluid concentration appropriately fit the pharmacokinetic data. Pharmacodynamic endpoints of fT>MIC of 30% or 40% and 1- or 2-log kill were used. The PTA was >90% in all tissues based on the PK/PD endpoint of fT>MIC >40%. The PTAs based on a 1- or 2-log kill from the time-kill experiments were lower than those calculated based on fT>MIC. The PTA of a 1-log kill was >90% for both MRSA isolates for plasma and skeletal muscle but was slightly below 90% for subcutaneous adipose tissue (both isolates ca. 88%). The results support a dosing regimen of 500mg three times daily as a 2-h intravenous infusion. This dose should be confirmed as additional pharmacokinetic data from various patient populations become available.
SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS, MARITAL STATUS AND OUTCOMES IN HEART FAILURE: FINDINGS FROM HF-ACTION

Prognosis in heart failure (HF) patients (pts) is commonly assessed based on baseline clinical characteristics. The association between marital and socioeconomic status (SES) and outcomes in chronic HF requires further study. We performed an analysis of HF-ACTION, which randomized 2331 HF pts with
Control Analysis of Muscle Glycogen Metabolism

Abstract A minimal model of glycogen metabolism in muscle tissue is analyzed in accordance with metabolic control analysis. The model contains two branch points. Rather than contributing to complexity of the analysis, this branching allows expression of the control coefficients in a simplified form. Glucose 6-phosphate is the metabolite at the first branch point, and the analysis is simplified further by the fact that glucose 6-phosphate is the substrate for enzymes which catalyze near-equilibrium reactions. Control of the concentration of glucose 6-phosphate is of interest because of its pivotal location in the metabolic system, but also because it interacts with an allosteric site on glycogen synthase to stimulate glycogen synthase activity. It is shown that the control which the transporter and enzymes involved in glycogen synthesis exert on glycolytic flux is proportional to the control which these components exert on glucose 6-phosphate concentration. Thus, glycolysis plays a major role in control of glucose 6-phosphate concentration. It is concluded that control of glycogen synthesis is not a rigid parameter of any component of this metabolic system. Rather the distribution of control is flexible and shifts from one portion of the system to another in response to shifts in the physiological state. An important element in determining the distribution of control of glycogen synthesis is the change in the sensitivity of the allosteric site of glycogen synthase toglucose 6-phosphate which is brought about by conversion of glycogen synthase to the dephosphorylated, glucose 6-phosphate-independent, state.