cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Graphite Fiber Brush Anodes for Increased Power Production in Air-Cathode Microbial Fuel Cells

To efficiently generate electricity using bacteria in microbial fuel cells (MFCs), highly conductive noncorrosive materials are needed that have a high specific surface area (surface area per volume) and an open structure to avoid biofouling. Graphite brush anodes, consisting of graphite fibers wound around a conductive, but noncorrosive metal core, were examined for power production in cube (C-MFC) and bottle (B-MFC) air-cathode MFCs. Power production in C-MFCs containing brush electrodes at 9600 m2/m3 reactor volume reached a maximum power density of 2400 mW/m2 (normalized to the cathode projected surface area), or 73 W/m3 based on liquid volume, with a maximum Coulombic efficiency (CE) of 60%. This power density, normalized by cathode projected area, is the highest value yet achieved by an air-cathode system. The increased power resulted from a reduction in internal resistance from 31 to 8 Ω. Brush electrodes (4200 m2/m3) were also tested in B-MFCs, consisting of a laboratory media bottle modified to h...
Segmental serotoninergic innervation of spinal cord arterial circulation

A rich serotoninergic innervation of the anterior spinal artery has been evidenced by histofluorescence. The main contribution to this adventitial serotoninergic plexus appears to originate from a serotonin fiber network in the anterior horns: serotonin-containing fibers reach the dorsal termination of the sulcocommissural artery and run within its wall in a ventral direction, toward the anterior spinal artery. This segmental arrangement of blood vessel innervation could be the basis for a neurogenic control of local blood circulation.
Is the Hirsch–Sider Dispute Merely Verbal?

There is currently debate between deflationists and anti-deflationists about the ontology of persisting objects. Some deflationists think that disputes between, for example, four-dimensionalists (e.g. Ted Sider and David Lewis) and quasi-nihilists (e.g. Peter Van Inwagen and Trenton Merricks) are merely verbal disputes. Anti-deflationists deny this. Eli Hirsch is a deflationist who maintains that many ontological disputes are merely verbal. Theodore Sider maintains that the disputes are not merely verbal. Hirsch and Sider are thus engaged in a metaontological dispute. In this paper, I argue that Hirsch's metaontological dispute with Sider is, by Hirsch's own lights, itself merely verbal. I conclude that the mere verbalness of his metaontological dispute with Sider suggests that Hirsch's account of what makes a dispute merely verbal may be problematic.
Delayed identification of hearing loss in a six-and-one-half year old child: A case study

Abstract This is a description of a child whose severe high frequency sensorineural hearing loss was undetected until she was six-and-one-half years of age although she had been evaluated repeatedly between the ages of three months and five years by an inter-disciplinary professional team. It is suspected that several factors combined to reduce the effectiveness of the evaluation procedures followed by the members of the examining team.
Graph Transduction Learning with Connectivity Constraints with Application to Multiple Foreground Cosegmentation

The proposed approach is based on standard graph transduction, semi-supervised learning (SSL) framework. Its key novelty is the integration of global connectivity constraints into this framework. Although connectivity leads to higher order constraints and their number is an exponential, finding the most violated connectivity constraint can be done efficiently in polynomial time. Moreover, each such constraint can be represented as a linear inequality. Based on this fact, we design a cutting-plane algorithm to solve the integrated problem. It iterates between solving a convex quadratic problem of label propagation with linear inequality constraints, and finding the most violated constraint. We demonstrate the benefits of the proposed approach on a realistic and very challenging problem of co segmentation of multiple foreground objects in photo collections in which the foreground objects are not present in all photos. The obtained results not only demonstrate performance boost induced by the connectivity constraints, but also show a significant improvement over the state-of-the-art methods.
Wieferich pairs and barker sequences

We show that if a Barker sequence of length n > 13 exists, then either n = 189 260 468 001034 441 522 766 781 604, or n > 2ċ1030. This improves the lower bound on the length of a long Barker sequence by a factor of more than 107. We also show that all but fewer than 1600 integers n ≤ 4 ċ 1026 can be eliminated as the order of a circulant Hadamard matrix. These results are obtained by completing extensive searches for Wieferich prime pairs (q, p), which are defined by the relation qP-1≡ 1 mod p2 and analyzing their results in combination with a number of arithmetic restrictions on n.
Opportunities Lost? Race, Industrial Restructuring, and Employment among Young Women Heading Households

Among young household heads, black women are employed at lower rates than white women, following a pattern found among young men. The current article investigates whether theories of industrial restructuring account for the lower employment rates among young black women heading households. In particular, I investigate whether processes involving deindustrialization, spatial mismatch, and skills mismatch lead to different employment outcomes for white and black women. I find that young female household heads who reside in the central city experience a drop in employment with increases in the suburbanization of low-skill jobs. In addition, young black women are losing employment from the relative expansion of retail trade industries, while young white women are not.
WASP PARASITOID DISRUPTION OF HOST DEVELOPMENT: Implications for New Biologically Based Strategies for Insect Control*

Wasp parasitoids use a variety of methods to commandeer their insect hosts in order to create an environment that will support and promote their own development, usually to the detriment of the host insect. Parasitized insects typically undergo developmental arrest and die sometime after the parasitoid has become independent of its host. Parasitoids can deactivate their host's immune system and effect changes in host hormone titers and behavior. Often, host tissues or organs become refractory to stimulation by tropic hormones. Here we present an overview of the manipulative capabilities of wasp-injected calyx fluid containing polydnaviruses and venom, as well as the parasitoid larva and the teratocytes that originate from the serosal membrane that surrounds the developing embryo of the parasitoid. Possibilities for using regulatory molecules produced by the parasitoid or its products that would be potentially useful in developing new, environmentally safe insect control agents are discussed.
Power management for VoIP over IEEE 802.11 WLAN

Power consumption is a critical issue for voice-over-IP (VoIP) over wireless LAN applications, especially when handheld 802.11 voice terminals are used as the end-user device. This paper provides an overview of power save procedures defined in the IEEE 802.11 wireless LAN standard, and proposes a novel power management technique for stations and services that use contention-based channel access, which we call unscheduled power save delivery (UPSD). We further investigate the performance of UPSD in combination with the eDCA mechanism defined in the 802.11e draft standard via an OPNET-based simulator. The results indicate that UPSD permits a lower duty cycle and delivers better VoIP capacity than legacy techniques.
Transient and Persistent Na+, Ca2+, and Mixed-Cation Currents in Retinal Ganglion Cells

Cascading photochemical, biochemical, electrophysiological, and synaptic events in non-spiking photoreceptors and interwoven arrays of interneurons drive vertebrate retinal ganglion cells to generate volleys of action potentials that encode properties of the visual field and images within it. The frequency and kinetics of spiking in these cells are determined extrinsically as well as intrinsically, by changes in the balance of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic inputs from bipolar and amacrine to ganglion cells; by the distribution, voltage-sensitivity, and kinetics of post-synaptic responses to these inputs; and by voltagegated ion channels that enable retinal ganglion cells to spike. This information has not been easy to collect because proximal neurons of the retina are anatomically and electrically more complex than photoreceptors and the distal interneurons; because a greater variety of neurotransmitters mediate synaptic transmission from interneurons in the inner nuclear layer to retinal ganglion cells than from photoreceptors to these interneurons; and because several novel structures and mechanisms have had to be recognized and carefully fleshed-out.
Are Secondary Variants of Juvenile Psychopathy More Reactively Violent and Less Psychosocially Mature Than Primary Variants

There is growing support for the disaggregation of psychopathy into primary and secondary variants. This study examines whether variants of psychopathy can be identified in a subsample (n = 116) of juvenile offenders with high scores on the Youth Version of the Psychopathy Checklist (PCL:YV). Model-based cluster analysis of offenders’ scores on the PCL:YV and a measure of anxiety suggested a two-group solution. The derived clusters manifested expected differences across theoretically relevant constructs of abuse history, hostility, and psychiatric symptoms. Compared with low-anxious primary variants, high-anxious secondary variants manifested more institutional violence, greater psychosocial immaturity, and more instability in institutional violence over a 2-year period, but similar stability in PCL:YV scores.
Conservative Reliability Estimates in Design Optimization Using Multiple Tail Media n

Inevitable un certain and/ or random variables call for probabilistic approaches in design optimization. Sampling based reliability estimation in such approaches is computationally expensive when designing for high reliability. When available samples are scarce, techniqu es like tail models are widely used to extrapolate reliability levels from observed levels to unobserved levels . One such approach, the multiple tail median uses a suite of tail models to estimate reliability in the performance space. The method provides t he median as the compromise estimate and an insurance against worst predictions. This work associates ranks to the estimates and uses the estimate that is ranked higher than the median as a conservative estimate for reliability.
The Spurious Correlation of Ratios That Have Common Variables: A Monte Carlo Examination of Pearson's Formula

Abstract Pearson (1897) investigated correlations of ratios of bone measurements and found that although the correlations among the original measures were low, the correlations among ratios with common measures were about .5. To understand this result, he developed an approximate equation for the correlations of ratios. In the present study, Monte Carlo methods were used to show that Pearson's equation is fairly accurate and that correlations among ratios with common elements (e.g., X/C, Y/C) are indeed at least partly spurious, as Pearson concluded. This finding should serve as a two-fold warning to those who might correlate ratios that have common elements: (a) Interpretation of the observed relationship between such ratios may at best be tenuous, and (b) the relationships among the elements themselves may call into question the usefulness of addressing a hypothesis that can be tested only with a correlation between ratios that share elements.
The transcription factors Stat5a/b are not required for islet development but modulate pancreatic β-cell physiology upon aging

In insulinoma cell lines proliferation and insulin gene transcription are stimulated by growth hormone and prolactin, which convey their signals through the transcription factors Stat5a and 5b (referred to as Stat5). However, the contribution of Stat5 to the physiology of beta-cells in vivo could not be assessed directly since Stat5-null mice die perinataly. To explore the physiological role of Stat5 in the mouse, the corresponding gene locus targeted with loxP sites was inactivated in beta-cells using two lines of Cre recombinase expressing transgenic mice. While the RIP-Cre transgene is active in pancreatic beta-cells and the hypothalamus, the Pdx1-Cre transgene is active in precursor cells of the endocrine and exocrine pancreas. Mice carrying two floxed Stat5alleles and a RIP-Cre transgene developed mild obesity, were hyperglycemic and exhibited impaired glucose tolerance. Since RIP-Cre transgenic mice by themselves display some glucose intolerance, the significance of these data is unclear. In contrast, mice, in which the Stat5 locus had been deleted with the Pdx1-Cre transgene, developed functional islets and were glucose tolerant. Mild glucose intolerance occurred with age. We conclude that Stat5 is not essential for islet development but may modulate beta-cell function.
Regulatory organization of the staphylococcal sae locus.

This paper describes an investigation of the complex internal regulatory circuitry of the staphylococcal sae locus and the impact of modifying this circuitry on the expression of external genes in the sae regulon. The sae locus contains four genes, the saeR and S two-component signalling module (TCS), and saeP and Q, two upstream genes of hitherto unknown function. It is expressed from two promoters, PA sae, which transcribes only the TCS, and PC sae, which transcribes the entire locus. A bursa aurealis (bursa) transposon insertion in saeP in a derivative of Staphylococcus aureus NCTC 8325 has a profound effect on sae function. It modifies the activity of the TCS, changing the expression of many genes in the sae regulon, even though transcription of the TCS (from PA sae) is not interrupted. Moreover, these effects are not due to disruption of saeP since an in-frame deletion in saeP has essentially no phenotype. The phenotype of S. aureus strain Newman is remarkably similar to that of the saeP : : bursa and this similarity is explained by an amino acid substitution in the Newman saeS gene that is predicted to modify profoundly the signalling function of the protein. This concurrence suggests that the saeP : : bursa insertion affects the signalling function of saeS, a suggestion that is supported by the ability of an saeQR clone, but not an saeR clone, to complement the effects of the saeP : : bursa insertion.
Changing patterns in diagnosis and therapy of acromegaly over two decades.

Background: The increased morbidity and mortality of acromegaly makes early diagnosis and therapy critical. However, whether the type of medical professional who first diagnoses acromegaly, the major complaint prompting medical attention, or the management paradigms used in the setting of novel medical therapies have changed over time has not been well explored. Objectives: Our objective was to identify the medical professional who first suspected acromegaly and the complaint prompting the diagnosis, and if these have changed. Additional goals were to assess the interval from symptom onset to diagnosis of acromegaly and to compare treatment trends over consecutive decades. Design: This was a case-record retrospective study. Setting: The study was performed in a neuroendocrine clinical center at a tertiary care center. Subjects: A total of 100 patients (45 men and 55 women) with acromegaly referred from 1985–2005 was included in the study. Results: Acral changes (24%) and headaches (20%) were most prevalen...
The Legionella pneumophila icmGCDJBF genes are required for killing of human macrophages

Previously, a collection of mutants of Legionella pneumophila that had lost the ability to multiply within and kill human macrophages was generated by Tn903dIIlacZ transposon mutagenesis and classified into DNA hybridization groups. A subset of these mutants was complemented by a plasmid, pMW100, containing a 13.5-kb genomic DNA insert. This plasmid restored the ability to multiply within and produce cytopathic effects on human macrophages to members of DNA hybridization groups II, IV, VI, and XVII. A region of the genomic insert of pMW100 was sequenced, and eight potential genes were identified and named icmE, icmG, icmC, icmD, icmJ, icmB, icmF, and tphA. None of the genes encode potential protein products with significant homology to previously characterized proteins, except for tphA, whose product has significant homology to a family of metabolite/H+ symport proteins from gram-negative bacteria. The positions of the Tn903dIIlacZ insertions within the genes were determined by nucleotide sequencing. No Tn903dIIlacZ insertions mapped to icmG, icmJ, or tphA; therefore, these loci were mutated to test whether they were required for macrophage killing. Complementation analysis was used to evaluate the roles of the potential gene products and provide information on the organization of transcriptional units within the region. The results indicate that all identified open reading frames except tphA are required for killing of human macrophages.
Short-cavity multimode fiber-tip Fabry-Pérot sensors.

We make the case for minimizing cavity length of extrinsic Fabry-Perot (FP) cavities for use in fiber-tip sensors. Doing so mitigates multiple challenges that arise from using multimode fibers: mode averaging, phase uncertainty, amplitude reduction, and spectral modal noise. We explore these effects in detail using modal simulations, and construct pressure sensors based on this principle. We discuss the multimodal effects that we observe in our fiber sensors, and use simple filtering of the spectral signal to more easily measure pressure sensitivity. The concept of short-cavity FP interferometry is important for ensuring high quality and performance of multimode fiber sensors.
Phosphorus fractionation diagram as a quantitative indicator of crystallization differentiation of basaltic liquids

Abstract Distribution factors of phosphorus (P in mineral/P in liquid) between phenocryst minerals and coexisting basaltic groundmass are: olivine (Fa20: 0.04 to 0.02; orthopyroxene (Fs20): 0.01; augite: 0.02 to 0.01; plagioclase: 0.02; ilmenite: 0.04. Because of the smallness of these distribution factors the ratio of phosphorus in the initial liquid to that in the residual liquid (phosphorus ratio) ideally equals the mass fraction of residual liquid minus 0.00 –0.04. The phosphorus ratio facilitates, therefore, quantitative comparison of the variation of major and minor elements with crystallization of basaltic liquids. A phosphorus fractionation diagram is a log-log graph of the wt. % of any chemical element or oxide vs. the phosphorus ratio. The slopes of variation curves on such a fractionation diagram approximately equal unity minus the crystal aggregate/liquid distribution factor. Knowledge of the individual mineral/liquid distribution factors makes it possible to estimate the relative proportions of crystallizing minerals from the slopes of curves on a phosphorus fractionation diagram prior to the crystallization of apatite or other phosphorus-rich mineral. This was done fairly successfully for the Alae Lava Lake, Hawaii.
Nanostructured Hydroxyapatite Coatings for Improved Adhesion and Corrosion Resistance for Medical Implants

Abstract : Hydroxyapetite (HA) coating on medical implant has been used in commercial application for several decades. The coating, commercially made by thermal spray method, functions as a intermediate layer between human tissues and the metal implant. The coating can speed up early stage healing after operation but the life span is much limited by low interfacial bond strength, which comes from the dissolution of amorphous HA in human body fluid during its service. This amorphous phase is formed in coating process under high temperature. To overcome these problems, we have developed a novel room temperature electrophoretic deposition process to fabricate nanostructured HA coating. This nanostructured HA coating significantly improved coating's bond strength up to 50-60 MPa, 2-3 times better than the thermal sprayed HA coating. The nanostructured HA coating also has corrosion resistance 50-100 times higher than the conventional HA coating. X-ray diffraction shows that all the HA coating is fully crystalline phase. It is expected that the implants with the nanostructured HA coating will have much longer service life. Other benefits derived from this process include room temperature deposition, the ability to control the coating microstructure and phases, and low cost for production.
A comparison of cleaning procedures for removing potassium from wafers exposed to KOH

Silicon, oxidized silicon, and silicon nitride on silicon wafers were exposed to KOH etchant. Three cleaning procedures were used and the remaining surface potassium measured by C-V and SIMS techniques. Bare silicon appears to be the most difficult to clean, followed by oxide, and then nitride. The cleaning procedures appear to be equally effective. >
DEFECTIVE PROPIONATE CARBOXYLATION IN KETOTIC HYPERGLYCINÆMIA

Abstract Peripheral leucocytes from a patient with ketotic hyperglycinaemia could not oxidise propionate to carbon dioxide, but they could degrade methylmalonate normally. In contrast, leucocytes from a patient with methylmalonicaciduria had defective oxidation of both propionate and methylmalonate. The biochemical lesion in ketotic hyperglycinaemia is, therefore, in the carboxylation of propionate to methylmalonate. Since the defect is expressed in leucocytes, a specific in-vitro test is now available for the diagnosis and investigation of this disorder.
Distributed Control for Optimal Economic Dispatch of a Network of Heterogeneous Power Generators

In this paper, we present a simple, distributed algorithm for frequency control and optimal economic dispatch of power generators. In this algorithm, each generator independently adjusts its power-frequency set-points of generators to correct for generation and load fluctuations using only the aggregate power imbalance in the network, which can be observed by each generator through local measurements of the frequency deviation on the grid. In the absence of power losses, we prove that the distributed algorithm eventually achieves optimality, i.e., minimum cost power allocations, under mild assumptions (strict convexity and positivity of cost functions); we also present numerical results from simulations to compare its performance with traditional (centralized) dispatch algorithms. Furthermore, we show that the performance of the algorithm is robust in the sense that, even with power losses, it corrects for frequency deviations, and, for low levels of losses, it still achieves near-optimal allocations; we present an approximate analysis to quantify the resulting suboptimality.
Epitaxial Growth and Charge Density Wave of TaSe2

We report an epitaxial growth of TaSe2, a family of transition metal dichalcogenides that exhibit Charge Density Waves (CDW). The films that have been characterized with RHEED, LEED, XPS and STM showed two different phases. Occurrence of CDW in the ultrathin films has been detected by XPS and LEED.
Heterodimerization among thyroid hormone receptor, retinoic acid receptor, retinoid X receptor, chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter transcription factor, and an endogenous liver protein.

Thyroid hormone receptor (TR) binds to DNA as a monomer, homodimer, and heterodimer with nuclear proteins. We have confirmed that the TR can heterodimerize with retinoid X receptors (RXRs)-alpha and -beta, and have found that another member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter transcription factor (COUP-TF), also formed heterodimers with the TR in the context of binding to a palindromic thyroid hormone-responsive element (TREp). The interaction between COUP-TF and the TR was confirmed using specific antibodies which supershifted the COUP-TF/TR DNA complexes. The complex between the TR and the major TR heterodimerization partner in liver was unaffected by antibodies to COUP-TF and RXR beta, but was supershifted by an anti-RXR alpha antibody, indicating that the liver protein is highly related to RXR alpha. Indeed, the TR/RXR and TR/liver protein heterodimers contact the same guanidine residues in TREp. The retinoic acid receptor (RAR) also heterodimerized with COUP-TF as...
A modified belief propagation algorithm for code word quantization

Modern coding advances, including dirty paper coding and information hiding, require quantizing a given binary word to a code word. A 'good' solution would approach the rate-distortion bound in lossy source compression. Here we propose a simple variant on belief propagation which is observed to converge to a solution giving respectable rate-distortion performance. Comparisons with other recently proposed source quantization methods reveal that the proposed algorithm holds particular interest in short block-length applications, as encountered in packet-based communication systems.
Thermophysical Properties of Carboxylic and Amino Acid Buffers at Subzero Temperatures: Relevance to Frozen State Stabilization

Macromolecules and other thermolabile biologicals are often buffered and stored in frozen or dried (freeze-dried) state. Crystallization of buffer components in frozen aqueous solutions and the consequent pH shifts were studied in carboxylic (succinic, malic, citric, tartaric acid) and amino acid (glycine, histidine) buffers. Aqueous buffer solutions were cooled from room temperature (RT) to −25 °C and the pH of the solution was measured as a function of temperature. The thermal behavior of frozen solutions was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and the crystallized phases were identified by X-ray diffractometry (XRD). Based on the solubility of the neutral species of each buffer system over a range of temperatures, it was possible to estimate its degree of supersaturation at the subambient temperature of interest. This enabled us to predict its crystallization propensity in frozen systems. The experimental and the predicted rank orderings were in excellent agreement. The malate buff...
Abstract 238: Inhibition of SHP2 abolishes mammary tumorigenesis in mice

The Src homology phosphotyrosyl phosphatase 2 (SHP2) plays a positive role in receptor tyrosine kinase-induced mitogenic and cell survival signaling. In addition, SHP2 mediates cell transformation induced by oncogenic tyrosine kinases. Here, we provide evidence that show that the SHP2 protein is overexpressed in basal-type/triple-negative breast cancer (BTBC) with strong correlation to higher tumor grade, metastasis and elevated expression of the epidermal growth factor. We further show that SHP2 plays an essential role in the tumorigenesis and metastasis of BTBC cells (MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468) transplanted into the mammary glands of NOD/SCID mice. These results suggest that SHP2 can be used for targeted therapy in BTBC. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 238. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-238
Developing a vacuum thermal stripping – acid absorption process for ammonia recovery from anaerobic digester effluent

Abstract To prevent acetoclastic methanogens from ammonia inhibition in anaerobic digestion of protein-rich substrates, ammonia needs to be removed or recovered from digestate. This paper presents an innovative ammonia recovery process that couples vacuum thermal stripping with acid absorption. Ammonia is stripped out of digestate boiling at a temperature below the normal boiling point due to vacuum. Stripped ammonia is absorbed to a sulfuric acid solution, forming ammonium sulfate crystals as a marketable product. Three common types of digestate were found to have boiling point temperature-vacuum curves similar to water. Seven combinations of boiling temperature and vacuum (50 °C 16.6 kPa, 58 °C 20.0 kPa, 65 °C 25.1 kPa, 70 °C 33.6 kPa, 80 °C 54.0 kPa, 90 °C 74.2 kPa, and 100 °C 101.3 kPa) were tested for batch stripping of ammonia in dairy manure digestate. 93.3–99.9% of ammonia was stripped in 3 h. The Lewis-Whitman model fitted ammonia stripping process well. Ammonia mass transfer coefficient was significantly higher at boiling temperature 65–100 °C and vacuum pressure 25.1–101.3 kPa than 50–58 °C and 16.6–20.0 kPa. The low ammonia saturation concentrations (0–24 mg N/L) suggested a large driving force to strip ammonia. The optimum boiling point temperature – vacuum pressure for ammonia recovery in a recirculation line of a mesophilic digester was 65 °C and 25.1 kPa, at which the ammonia mass transfer coefficient was as high as 37.3 mm/h. Installation of a demister and liquid trap could avoid negative effects of higher stripping temperature and stronger vacuum on formation of ammonium sulfate crystals. Pilot tests demonstrated that high-purity ammonium sulfate crystals could be produced by controlling sulfuric acid content and maintaining acid solution saturated with ammonium sulfate. Although volatile organic compounds such as cyclohexene were found in the final acid solutions, no volatile organic compounds were found in the recovered crystals.
Historic Housing for All: Historic Preservation as the New Inclusionary Zoning

When Americans celebrated the 100th anniversary of Jane Jacobs’s birth this year, they reflected on her tireless advocacy for vibrant, diverse cities in the face of widespread urban renewal. Jacobs championed an animated streetscape of unique buildings, old and new; an eclectic array of merchants; and colorful, if chaotic, sidewalk activity—essentially “an oasis with an irresistible sense of intimacy, cheerfulness, and spontaneity.” Although urban renewal cut a path of destruction through the heart of many cities during the mid-twentieth century, Jacobs’s ideas lived on to shape the historic preservation movement and many other progressive policies that have influenced modern planning. But Jacobs’s fight is far from over. Ironically, the renewed interest in urban living—and urban pioneering—that was sparked by her theories has reignited the same tensions that divided Jacobs and her contemporaries back in the 1950s: preservation versus demolition, old versus new, rich versus poor. At the core of these tensions is an affordable housing crisis. Consequently, the strides Jacobs made and the polices she advanced—particularly historic preservation—are being criticized by housing advocates as obstructing affordable housing development. Thus, on Jacobs’s 100th birthday, the question on the minds of many was: on which side of the affordable housing debate would Jacobs fall? Would she side with affordable housing development or the preservation of historic districts? It is impossible to answer this question, and not just because Jacobs is no longer around to opine on the issue, but because it is the wrong question. We should be asking: how can historic preservation be used to further affordable housing goals? The main argument from housing advocates is twofold: that the only way to create enough affordable housing to meet the demand is to build as much housing as possible, and that historic districts prevent development, thereby obstructing affordable housing growth. This Article proposes that historic preservation is not the problem and that preservation is a necessary tool for creating and maintaining quality, affordable housing. Part I of this Article provides a background on the tension between historic preservation and affordable housing, and lays out the argument against historic preservation. Part II examines the flawed assumptions on which the argument is premised, and explains why preservation is not the problem. Part III illustrates how historic preservation can, in fact, further affordable housing goals. Finally, Part IV explores ways in which historic preservation laws and policies can be strengthened to create more higher-quality affordable housing, while at the same time encouraging preservation.
Associations between anhedonia and marijuana use escalation across mid-adolescence.

Author(s): Leventhal, Adam M; Cho, Junhan; Stone, Matthew D; Barrington-Trimis, Jessica L; Chou, Chih-Ping; Sussman, Steven Y; Riggs, Nathaniel R; Unger, Jennifer B; Audrain-McGovern, Janet; Strong, David R | Abstract: Background and aimsAnhedonia-a transdiagnostic psychopathological trait indicative of inability to experience pleasure-could lead to and result from adolescent marijuana use, yet this notion has not been tested. This study aimed to estimate the association of: (1) anhedonia at age 14 with rate of change in marijuana use over an 18-month follow-up, and (2) marijuana use at age 14 with rate of change in anhedonia over follow-up. Secondary aims were to test whether gender, baseline marijuana use history and peer marijuana use moderated these associations.DesignObservational longitudinal cohort repeated-measures design, with baseline (age 14nyears), 6-month, 12-month and 18-month follow-up assessments.SettingsTen public high schools in Los Angeles, CA, USA, 2013-15.ParticipantsStudents [nn=n3394; 53.5% female, mean (standard deviation) age at baselinen=n14.1 (0.42)].MeasurementsSelf-report level of anhedonia on the Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale and frequency of marijuana use in the past 30ndays.FindingsParallel process latent growth curve models adjusting for confounders showed that baseline anhedonia level was associated positively with the rate of increase in marijuana use frequency across follow-ups [β, 95% confidence interval (CI)n=n0.115 (0.022, 0.252), Pn=n0.03]. Baseline marijuana use frequency was not related significantly to the rate of change in anhedonia across follow-ups [β, 95% CIn=n-0.015 (-0.350, 0.321), Pn=n0.93]. The association of baseline anhedonia with faster marijuana use escalation was amplified among adolescents with (versus without) friends who used marijuana at baseline [β, 95% CIn=n0.179 (0.043, 0.334) versus 0.064 (-0.071, 0.187), interaction Pn=n0.04], but did not differ by gender or baseline ever marijuana use.ConclusionsIn mid-adolescence, anhedonia is associated with subsequent marijuana use escalation, but marijuana use escalation does not appear to be associated with subsequent anhedonia.
A retrospective study evaluating endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage of pancreatic fluid collections using a novel lumen-apposing metal stent on an electrocautery enhanced delivery system.

Objectives: To report the safety and clinical efficacy with the novel lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) with an electrocautery enhanced delivery system for the drainage of pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs). Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of all consecutive patients with PFCs who underwent endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage using the LAMS with an electrocautery enhanced delivery system in 2 US centers. Results: Thirteen patients with PFCs (69% with walled-off necrosis [WON]) underwent drainage using the study device. Successful stent placement was accomplished in all patients. Direct endoscopic necrosectomy was carried out in all nine patients with WON complete resolution of the PFC was obtained in all 13 cases, with no recurrence during follow-up. There was one procedure-related adverse event. In one patient, the LAMS was dislodged immediately after deployment, falling into the stomach where it was removed. A second electrocautery enhanced LAMS was placed in this patient immediately afterward. Conclusions: EUS-guided drainage using the LAMS with the electrocautery-enhanced delivery system is a safe, easily performed, and a highly effective for the drainage of PFCs.
Prognosis and Staging

Prognosis of patients with gastric cardiac cancer is significantly correlated to pathologic tumor-node-metastasis stages. The most important difference in prognosis between patients with gastric cardiac cancer and those with esophageal adenocarcinoma is the stage III disease. Because prognosis of patients with gastric cardiac cancer can be better stratified by the staging rules for gastric cancer, both the International Gastric Cancer Association and the American Joint Committee on Cancer (the eighth edition) published the staging guidelines in 2017 and required staging this cancer with the scheme for gastric cancer. Pathologists have to thoroughly evaluate resection specimens and appropriately stage each case with a complete synoptic report for patient triage, cancer registry data collection, and clinicopathologic research.
Teen driving behaviors in a rural southern state.

OBJECTIVES: Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers. Alabama ranks fourth in the United States for teen crash fatalities. We sought to describe risky driving behaviors among teens in the rural areas of the state's most populous county. METHODS: A questionnaire was adapted from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System. Each of the schools in Jefferson County, Alabama, participated in 2009 and 2010. Surveys were anonymous and data were entered into an Excel spreadsheet. Inclusion criteria were age 15 years and older. RESULTS: A total of 1399 surveys met inclusion criteria. A total of 52% of respondents were boys; 64% were white, 29% were African American, and 3% were Hispanic. Respondents were 15 (38%), 16 (36%), 17 (21%), and 18 (5%) years old. When asked about behaviors during driving in the last 30 days, 41% reported texting and 11% reported driving after drinking. Teens reported being a passenger in a car with the driver texting (67%) or after the driver had been drinking (27%) in the last 30 days. Overall, 58% reported not wearing a seatbelt; 13% reported driving after using drugs; 60% reported routinely exceeding the speed limit; 80% reported having discussed safe driving with a parent, but only 16% with their doctor; 25% had signed a safe driving contract; and 63% had taken a driving class. CONCLUSIONS: Many risky behaviors were identified for both teen drivers and passengers. A concerning number of teens are not receiving safe driving educational messages from parents, doctors, or driver's education classes. Some interventions have been instituted; however, more outreach efforts should be made to focus on strengthening driving laws and educating parents and teens. Language: en
Infection: Nutritional Management in Adults

Nearly all patients with infection have reduced glucose utilization and an increase in liver glucose production due to an elevation in cortisol, glucagon, catecholamine, and growth hormone (GH) concentrations. Unfortunately, many patients have an inadequate insulin reserve (prediabetic), and cannot normalize blood glucose concentrations during infection. An increase in blood glucose to >199 mg dl −1 in the nondiabetic patient is one of the greatest predictors for emergency room (ER), intensive care unit (ICU), hospital and surgical mortality. Unfortunately, lowering of median blood glucose (from 145 mg dl −1 to 80–110 mg dl −1 ) resulted in a 2.6% increase in 90-day mortality. Keeping the blood glucose near 140 mg dl −1 may be the best choice for infected patients until new research is obtained. Lastly, a 1 g drop in serum albumin concentration occurs with each severe infection (4.5 g dl −1 down to 3.5 g dl −1 ) unless it is prolonged or complicated, where the albumin can drop by 2 g or more points. A low albumin suggests that chronic infection(s) may occur such as fungal, TB, or other prolonged infections.
Prison Labor and Industry

Work has been one of the defining characteristics of incarceration throughout the history of American prisons. “Work was in fact the core of the penal experience both at the Eastern Penitentiary, the first such institution in the United States, and at Auburn in New York” (Schaller, 1982: 3). The celebrated debate between the designers of the Pennsylvania “solitary” system and the Auburn “congregate” system of prison organization was largely a controversy about the most efficient way to organize production within the confines of maximum security.
Variability in Care Management Programs in Medicare ACOs: A Survey of Medical Directors

The quest to reduce costs and readmissions has given rise to system- and practice-level approaches to identifying and managing the care of high-cost, high-risk populations.1 Care management programs (CMPs) have been developed in US health systems to connect nurses, social workers, and/or other staff with patients to coordinate care, reduce utilization, and lower costs, but evidence of success in cost reduction is variable.2, 3 Early models featured registered nurses as care managers, although more recent reports show models led by social workers.4 We aimed to develop approaches to classifying models of care management in Medicare ACOs that included staffing, CMP process, and outcomes.
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF GUIDELINE-BASED STRESS TESTING IN THE EVALUATION OF STABLE CHEST PAIN IN A COMMUNITY POPULATION

The current use of noninvasive stress tests to evaluate patients with chest pain and suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) has been questioned. Our goal was to evaluate compliance with, and the effectiveness of, guideline-based stress testing in community patients with de novo stable chest pain
Functional Status, Quality of Life and Ventricular Tachyarrhythmias Improve with Right Ventricular Pacing Compared to Biventricular Pacing in LVAD Patients

Purpose Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) and left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) independently improve outcomes in heart failure patients, but the effects of combining these therapies remain unknown. We present the full study cohort of the first prospective study evaluating outcomes with right ventricular (RV) vs biventricular (BiV) pacing in LVAD patients. Methods We performed a prospective, randomized, crossover study. LVAD patients with previously implanted CRT devices were randomized to RV or BiV pacing for 7 days. After data collection, the pacing mode was switched for an additional 7 days. Ambulatory step count (by Fitbit Zip device), 6 minute walk test (6MWT) distance, Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ-12) scores, arrhythmia burden, ICD lead function, and echocardiographic data were collected with each pacing mode. Results 30 patients were enrolled, with a mean age of 61 years, 67% male, and median duration of LVAD support of 343 days. During RV pacing, mean daily step count was 21% higher compared to BiV pacing (2177 vs. 1798 steps, p = 0.001). With RV pacing, there was a 9% higher 6MWT distance (313 vs. 288 m, p = 0.003). KCCQ-12 score was significantly higher with RV pacing (45.8 vs 43.7, p = 0.02). There were significantly fewer patients with ventricular tachyarrhythmia episodes with RV pacing (8% vs 19%, p=0.04); one patient had 4 episodes of sustained ventricular tachycardia requiring anti-tachycardia pacing during BiV pacing. No significant difference was observed in lead impedance between RV and BiV pacing with the right atrial, right ventricular, and left ventricular leads. Conclusion In the first prospective randomized study comparing variable pacing in LVAD patients, RV pacing was associated with significantly improved functional status, quality of life, and ventricular tachyarrhythmia burden compared to BiV pacing. We recommend turning off LV lead pacing in patients on LVAD support with CRT devices.
An analysis of residential sanitation collection pricing under alternative delivery arrangements

This paper investigates residential sanitation collection (RSC) pricing under two different service delivery arrangements: (1) the municipal RSC arrangement where municipal employees collect residential refuse, and (2) the contract RSC arrangement where private sector firms, under contract with a municipality, collect residential refuse. The results of the study indicate that municipal RSC prices are significantly higher than contract RSC prices. Furthermore, municipal RSC prices exhibit greater variability than contract RSC prices. These findings suggest that contract pricing is consistent with pricing in a competitive market.
Data-driven Modeling and Predictive Control of Combustion Phasing for RCCI Engines

Reactivity controlled compression ignition (RCCI) engines center on a combustion strategy with higher thermal efficiency, lower particulate matter (PM), and lower oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions compared to conventional diesel combustion (CDC) engines. However, real time optimal control of RCCI engines is challenging during transient operation due to the need for high fidelity combustion models. Development of a simple, yet accurate control-oriented RCCI model from physical laws is time consuming and often requires substantial calibrations. To overcome these challenges, data-driven models can be developed. In this paper, a data-driven linear parameter-varying (LPV) model for an RCCI engine is developed. An LPV state space model is identified to predict RCCI combustion phasing as a function of multiple RCCI control variables. The results show that the proposed method provides a fast and reliable route to identify an RCCI engine model. The developed model is then used for the design of a model predictive controller (MPC) to control crank angle for 50% fuel burnt (CA50) for varying engine conditions. The experimental results show that the designed MPC with the data-driven LPV model can track desired CA50 with less than 1 crank angle degree (CAD) error against changes in engine load.
Kansas Provider Report of Adolescent Vaccinations in Their Practice.

Introduction. Kansas falls consistently below average for adolescentvaccination of meningococcal (MCV), human papillomavirus(HPV), and influenza. Methods. For this study, the members of Kansas Chapter of theAmerican Academy of Pediatrics were emailed a confidential electronicsurvey soliciting their impressions of vaccination in theirpractice. Results. Of 137 providers emailed, 61 (45%) completed the survey.Thirteen providers were excluded as they did not see/vaccinate adolescentsor did not complete the survey. Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis(Tdap), and MCV vaccines were most commonly up to date with31 (65%) and 20 (42%) respondents reporting greater than 90%immunization rates, respectively. HPV (n = 42, 89%) and influenza(n = 40, 83%) vaccines had refusal rates greater than 25% in mostclinics. Most practices (n = 44, 92%) used internal electronic medicalrecords to track vaccinations, although 29 practices (60%) utilizedthe state immunization information system. Providers requestedvaccine-specific patient education tools, positive media coverage,staffing support, and best-practices workshops to support vaccinationefforts. Conclusion. Kansas providers may not be optimizing availableresources to enhance these rates, such as Web IZ tracking and immunizationreminders. Patient education supplies, specific to HPV andInfluenza vaccination, potentially could increase vaccination rates.KS J Med 2017;10(4):84-87.