cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of Vancomycin Exposure on Outcomes in Patients With Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia: Support for Consensus Guidelines Suggested Targets

Background. High rates of vancomycin failure in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections have been increasingly reported over time. The primary objective of our study was to determine the impact of vancomycin exposure and outcomes in patients with MRSA bacteremia initially treated with vancomycin. Methods. This was a single-center retrospective analysis of 320 patients with documented MRSA bacteremia initiallytreatedwithvancomycinfromJanuary2005 throughApril2010.Twomethodsofsusceptibility,Etestandbroth microdilution, were performed for all isolates to determine the correlation of susceptibility testing to patient outcomes. Results. Among a cohort of 320 patients, more than half (52.5%) experienced vancomycin failure. Independent predictors of vancomycin failure in logistic regression included infective endocarditis (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 4.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.26‐9.15), nosocomial-acquired infection (AOR, 2.19; 95% CI, 1.21‐3.97), initial vancomycin trough ,15 mg/L (AOR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.25‐3.22), and vancomycin minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) .1 mg/L by Etest (AOR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.09‐2.49). With use of Classification and Regression Tree (CART) analysis, patients with vancomycin area under the curve at 24 h (AUC24h) to MIC ratios ,421 were found to have significantly higher rates of failure, compared with patients with AUC24h to MIC ratios .421 (61.2% vs 48.6%; P 5 .038) Conclusions. In light of the high failure rates associated with this antimicrobial, optimizing the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic properties of vancomycin by targeting higher trough values of 15‐20 mg/L and AUC24h/MIC ratios >400 in selected patients should be considered.
RNA interference targeting hypoxia-inducible factor 1α via a novel multifunctional surfactant attenuates glioma growth in an intracranial mouse model

OBJECT High-grade gliomas are the most common form of adult brain cancer, and patients have a dismal survival rate despite aggressive therapeutic measures. Intratumoral hypoxia is thought to be a main contributor to tumorigenesis and angiogenesis of these tumors. Because hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) is the major mediator of hypoxia-regulated cellular control, inhibition of this transcription factor may reduce glioblastoma growth. METHODS Using an orthotopic mouse model with U87-LucNeo cells, the authors used RNA interference to knock down HIF-1α in vivo. The small interfering RNA (siRNA) was packaged using a novel multifunctional surfactant, 1-(aminoethyl) iminobis[N-(oleicylcysteinylhistinyl-1-aminoethyl)propionamide] (EHCO), a nucleic acid carrier that facilitates cellular uptake and intracellular release of siRNA. Stereotactic injection was used to deliver siRNA locally through a guide-screw system, and delivery/uptake was verified by imaging of fluorescently labeled siRNA. Osmotic pumps were u...
Analysis and optimization of a tethered wave energy converter in irregular waves

Abstract An understanding of the fundamental system dynamics of wave energy converters (WECs) is required to safely and reliably benefit from the available wave energy resource to produce electricity. The effects of the geometry, mooring system, and mass distribution on the idealized power takeoff of a tethered wave energy absorber in irregular waves are examined. The effects on coupled pitch and sway motions are also considered using a linear frequency-domain method, based on potential flow theory, to obtain the hydrodynamic coefficients. Superposition is used to calculate the response in irregular waves. The objectives of this paper are to examine the characteristic system response of WECs, and to demonstrate the use of an efficient potential-based method for the optimization of a WEC to maximize the annual power takeoff while ensuring system safety at a given site. The analyses suggest that the idealized power takeoff damping increases with the size of the WEC, with the intensity of motion limited. A relatively light mooring system has little effect on the power takeoff, but it introduces a low-frequency coupled pitch-surge resonance that can cause system failure if subject to long-period swells. To mitigate the risk of coupled surge-pitch related failures, a low center of gravity and a low radius of gyration of the floater about the center of floatation are recommended. The results also demonstrate the importance of tuning the system for the site-specific probabilistic wave climate in order to maximize total energy capture and avoid potential failures.
Honoring Activity Preferences in Individualized Plan Development: A Descriptive Analysis.

The activity preferences of 15 adults with intellectual disabilities from eight community-based residential programs were assessed by the participants themselves, residential program staff, and advocates. The study provides descriptive information concerning the degree to which participants' perceived activity preferences were subsequently included in their Individualized Habilitation Plans (IHPs). Results indicate that 78% of participants' IHP objectives were preferred activities. Further analyses revealed that preferred activities requiring a greater degree of staff support were included on the IHP as training objectives, and preferred activities that participants performed infrequently were included as participation objectives. The study indicates a need for more information about how to assess and honor the preferences of people with severe disabilities.
Performance variability of linear multiuser detection for DS-CDMA

The performance of a linear multiuser detector for direct-sequence (DS) code division multiple access is studied assuming a random signature model and minimum mean squared error (MMSE) detection. Performance criteria considered are near-far resistance (NFR) and signal to interference ratio (SIR). An analytical approximation for the probability density function (PDF) of the NFR is presented, which is accurate when the ratio of users to processing gain is small. The PDF for the SIR is obtained via computer simulation, and our results show that the spread in SIR over the user population can be significant.
Nanometer device scaling in subthreshold circuits

Subthreshold circuit design is a strong candidate for use in future low power applications. It is not clear, however, that device scaling to 45 nm and beyond will be beneficial in subthreshold circuits. We investigate the implications of device scaling on subthreshold circuits and find that the slow scaling of gate oxide thickness leads to a 60 % reduction in Ion/Ioff between the 90 nm and 32 nm device generations. We highlight the effects of this device degradation on noise margins, delay, and energy. We subsequently propose an alternative scaling strategy and demonstrate significant improvements in noise margins, delay, and energy in sub-Vth circuits.
Iron utilization studies in Citrobacter species

Abstract Seventy-one strains of Citrobacter were screened for iron scavenging mechanisms by biologic and chemical assays. Essentially all citrobacteria ( 70 71 ) were found to elaborate enterobactin-like siderophores by both biologic and chemical assays, however only C. koseri (C. diversus) was found to produce aerobactin. The concentration of ethylenediamine di( o -hydroxyphenylacetic acid) (EDDA) required to inhibit the growth of individual Citrobacter strains by depleting free iron ranged from 250 μg/ml to 1000 μg/ml. Iron utilization studies of selected Citrobacter isolates indicated that hemin and hematin could reverse the effects of iron limitation on growth under iron-stressed conditions (1000 μg/ml of EDDA). Two C. koseri strains grown under iron-restricted conditions showed similar changes in their whole cell protein profiles including induction of high molecular mass proteins (72–83 kDa) which may play a role in iron acquisition under iron-stressed conditions. The collective results support an additional virulence-associated mechanism for C. koseri strains which may help explain the greater pathogenic potential this group has for causing serious extraintestinal disease in humans.
Characterization of the repertoire of hypervariable regions in the Protein II (opa) gene family of Neisseria gonorrhoeae

P.II outer membrane proteins of Neisseria gonorrhoeae are encoded by a family of closely related genes. Although the genes are highly conserved, major differences in sequence among them occur in two short regions, designated hypervariable regions 1 (HV1) and 2 (HV2). In this study, we determined the number and DNA sequence of the hypervariable regions in the P.II genes of strains FA1090. The FA1090 chromosome contained at least eleven P.II loci, having six different versions each of HV1 and HV2 among them. Southern blotting with HV-specific oligonucleotides showed that each version was present in one to three copies, and that there were nine unique combinations of HV1 and HV2 in the P.II genes. Although each of the versions of HV1 or HV2 had a unique DNA sequence, there were some similarities among them, particularly when certain ones were compared. Restriction fragments containing only the HV regions were cloned into an expression vector to demonstrate that the epitopes recognized by a set of monoclonal antibodies specific for different FA1090 P.II proteins were completely encoded by either HV1 or HV2.
The MSXX Force Field for the Barium Sulfate-Water Interface

A new force field (MSXX FF) was developed for barium sulfate (BaSO_4) to reproduce the experimental properties of BaSO_4 crystal (density, lattice energy, compressibility, and vibrational spectrum) and to describe properly the interaction between BaSO_4 and water (binding energies and interatomic distances of Ba(H_2O)_8^(2+) and (SO_4)(H_2O)_6^(2-) clusters determined from ab initio quantum mechanics calculations). Using this FF in combination with F3C FF for water, the surface energies for several surfaces of BaSO_4 were examined both in a vacuum and in the presence of an explicit water bath in contact with them. The same level of FF's are also reported for CaSO_4 and SrSO_4.
Nummular keratopathy in a patient with Hyper-IgD Syndrome

Purpose To report a case of recurrent nummular keratitis in a pediatric patient with Hyperimmunoglobulinemia D syndrome.
De-socialization in a United Germany

A s a result of the defeat of Hitler's Germany in Word War 11, there were 10 million refugees living on a significantly reduced German territory; 40 percent of the population was bombed-out (the population of Cologne, for instance, had declined from 750,000 to 32,000) and 60 percent was undernourished.' In those territories occupied by the Western Allies, initially the economic system inherited from the Nazi regime-a command-wareconomy-was retained. Almost all consumer goods were rationed, all-around price and wage controls remained in effect, and imports and exports were strictly regulared by the military administration. Black markets and barter trade were ubiquitous. Due to general price maxima and an expansionary supply of paper Reichs marks, no goods were to be found and money was largely u ~ e l e s s . ~ alack-market prices experienced a highly inflationary development and substitute currencies like coffee, cigarettes, and butter emerged. German output in 1946 was less than one-third of what it had been in 1938. Chaos and desperation were the mark of the day. In respone to the beginning Cold War between the Allies, in particular the United States and the Soviet Union, the Western
Unmasking of Kx antigen by reduction of disulphide bonds on normal and McLeod red cells

We have investigated the effect of dithiothreitol (DTT) treatment of human red cells upon the Kx blood group antigen. At low concentrations of DTT (less than or equal to 2 microM) there is enhancement of the Kx antigen concomitant with the complete denaturation of the Jsa and Jsb antigens of the Kell blood system. This unmasking of the Kx antigenic site is near maximal using 2 microM DTT. At this concentration of DTT, only the Jsa and Jsb antigens are completely denatured; all other Kell system antigens tested (K, k, Kpb, Ku) are essentially unaffected. These results argue against the Kx antigen serving strictly as a carbohydrate precursor substance involved in a sequential biosynthetic pathway of Kell blood group antigens. Also, McLeod red cells, after treatment with DTT, were found to contain Kx antigen, although in much lower density than normal red cells, indicating that, although not a typical carbohydrate precursor substance, Kx may, nevertheless, be essential for the serological expression of Kell related antigens. It is hypothesized that the Kx structure and the Kell blood group antigen structure are two separate subunits associated in a quaternary conformation involving at least one interchain S-S bond. Our results should allow for a clearer understanding of the relationship between the serological expression of the Kx antigen and the serologically observed reactivity of the Kell blood group antigens of individuals having normal, Ko and McLeod phenotypes.
Non-inflammatory musculoskeletal disorders in childhood

Many children have musculoskeletal pain. These symptoms are relatively common, occurring in 4–30% of children in a non-clinic setting,1 whereas Allen found that 1.6% of children attending the children’s emergency/ambulatory department at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne presented with a non-traumatic muscle or joint problem.2 The British Paediatric Rheumatology Group (BPRG) has reported that of 4948 cases on their register, 40% of children had a diagnosis of juvenile chronic arthritis, 24% had mechanical/orthopaedic disorders, and 29% a diagnosis of ‘other’, which would include many with pain syndromes.3 It has been reported that the three most common recurrent pains in childhood are head pain (15–20% of children),4 5 abdominal pain (10–15%),4 6 and limb pain (15%).7 These figures therefore put musculoskeletal pain as among the most common forms of pain in childhood8 and this frequency (15 000/100 000 children) contrasts with the incidence of juvenile chronic arthritis of 14–16 per 100 000 children under 16 (0.015%). Rosenberg, in his review from his clinic over a seven year period, noted over 100 different disorders presenting with musculoskeletal symptoms.9 Thus the high incidence of such symptoms in the general paediatric population is reflected in the BPRG figures, which show that paediatricians and rheumatologists with an interest in rheumatological disorders of childhood have a significant number of referrals that are not due to truly inflammatory rheumatological disorders. The problem for clinicians when faced with such symptom complexes as abdominal pain and headache is that the pathology may range from the serious and ultimately fatal to the benign with a good prognosis. There is a similarity with musculoskeletal symptoms, as within this presentation there may be pathology ranging from malignancy (local or disseminated) through chronic arthritis or another connective tissue disease which may evolve into a chronic disease, to …
Mitotic chromosomes are chromatin networks without a mechanically contiguous protein scaffold

Isolated newt (Notophthalmus viridescens) chromosomes were studied by using micromechanical force measurement during nuclease digestion. Micrococcal nuclease and short-recognition-sequence blunt-cutting restriction enzymes first remove the native elastic response of, and then to go on to completely disintegrate, single metaphase newt chromosomes. These experiments rule out the possibility that the mitotic chromosome is based on a mechanically contiguous internal non-DNA (e.g., protein) “scaffold”; instead, the mechanical integrity of the metaphase chromosome is due to chromatin itself. Blunt-cutting restriction enzymes with longer recognition sequences only partially disassemble mitotic chromosomes and indicate that chromatin in metaphase chromosomes is constrained by isolated chromatin-crosslinking elements spaced by ≈15 kb.
Lowering the Threshold of Lung Innate Immune Cell Activation Alters Susceptibility to Secondary Bacterial Superinfection

Background. Previous studies have shown that the interaction of CD200R, a myeloid inhibitory receptor, with its ligand, CD200, is critical in the control of innate immune activation in the lung. Methods and Results. Using a mouse model of bacterial superinfection following influenza, we show that an absence of CD200R (a negative regulator highly expressed by macrophages and dendritic cells), restricts commensal and exogenous bacterial invasiveness and completely prevents the mortality observed in wild-type mice. This benefit is due to a heightened innate immune response to influenza virus in cd200r knockout mice that limits immune pathogenesis and viral load. In wild-type mice, apoptotic cells expressing CD200 that we believe contribute to the suppressed innate immune response to bacteria dominate during the resolution phase of influenza-induced inflammation. We also show for the first time the presence of a variety of previously unidentified bacterial species in the lower airways that are significantly adjusted by influenza virus infection and may contribute to the pathophysiology of disease. Conclusions. The interaction of CD200 with CD200R therefore contributes to the hyporesponsive innate immune state following influenza virus infection that predisposes to secondary bacterial infection, a phenomenon that has the potential for immune modulation.
Land as a Public Good

Land use decisions are inconsistent, irrational, inequitable, and inefficient. This is so in part because we have no nationally agreed-upon land use goals or standards and in part because we still endorse a system in which land speculation often determines land use. We need to change our values, so that we accept land as a public good to be shared by all. We also need a National Land Use Act, patterned after the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (now the Clean Water Act) and the Clean Air Act.
Preparation and Structures of Two Mixed-Ligand 4-methylpyridine Indium Bromide Complexes

Abstract We describe the structures of two indium complexes obtained during the attempted syntheses of solid-state materials precursors. The geometries of mer-InBr3(pic)3 1 and [In(μ-OH)Br2(pic)2·2pic]2 2 (pic = 4-methylpyridine) are distorted octahedra about the metal atoms. Two molecules which differ mainly with respect to the relative orientation of the γ-picoline planes are present in the asymmetric unit of 1, and a trans influence is observed for the ligands. Two indium atoms and two hydroxyl groups form a four atom ring in 2, with the four bromine atoms not coplanar. A two-fold rotational symmetry axis is present with the two indium atoms occupying special positions. A trans influence is also observed. Two nonequivalent γ-picolines not coordinated to the metals are present, one of which forms a hydrogen bond to the hydroxyl group while the other exhibits no strong intermolecular associations.
Structure—Activity Relationships of Platinum—Amine Complexes

The intensive program of analogue synthesis initiated after the discovery of cisplatin has led to clinical trials for a number of second-generation complexes. Again it should be emphasized that analogue development in general has been responsible for many compounds of clinical usefulness and their study contributes to our better understanding of the parent complex.
Building Entrepreneurial Ecosystems in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Stakeholder Perspective

Despite several economic difficulties that have been depicted in the popular press and in policy making circles, sub-Saharan Africa presents today undeniable business opportunities that have not been fully exploited. Several countries, such as Angola, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa have seen their economies grow at faster rates than developed economies in the last decade. According to Chironga, Leke, Lund, and Van Wamelen (2011) and the McKinsey Global Institute (2010), Africans spent $860 billion on goods and services in 2008, more than the $835 billion that Indians spent, and more than the $821 billion of consumer expenditures in Russia. If the sub-Saharan Africa maintains its growth trajectory, consumers will spend $1.4 trillion worth of goods and services in 2020, which will be a little less than India’s projected $1.7 trillion but more than Russia’s $960 billion. As these economies progress, opportunities are opening in sectors, such as retailing, telecommunications, banking, infrastructure-related industries, resource-related businesses, healthcare, education, and the agricultural value chain (Chironga et al., 2011). To sustain this growth potential, Africa needs to develop strategies that foster homegrown entrepreneurs.
A Dynamic Bayesian Model for Characterizing Cross-Neuronal Interactions During Decision-Making

The goal of this paper is to develop a novel statistical model for studying cross-neuronal spike train interactions during decision making. For an individual to successfully complete the task of decision-making, a number of temporally-organized events must occur: stimuli must be detected, potential outcomes must be evaluated, behaviors must be executed or inhibited, and outcomes (such as reward or no-reward) must be experienced. Due to the complexity of this process, it is likely the case that decision-making is encoded by the temporally-precise interactions between large populations of neurons. Most existing statistical models, however, are inadequate for analyzing such a phenomenon because they provide only an aggregated measure of interactions over time. To address this considerable limitation, we propose a dynamic Bayesian model which captures the time-varying nature of neuronal activity (such as the time-varying strength of the interactions between neurons). The proposed method yielded results that reveal new insight into the dynamic nature of population coding in the prefrontal cortex during decision making. In our analysis, we note that while some neurons in the prefrontal cortex do not synchronize their firing activity until the presence of a reward, a different set of neurons synchronize their activity shortly after stimulus onset. These differentially synchronizing sub-populations of neurons suggests a continuum of population representation of the reward-seeking task. Secondly, our analyses also suggest that the degree of synchronization differs between the rewarded and non-rewarded conditions. Moreover, the proposed model is scalable to handle data on many simultaneously-recorded neurons and is applicable to analyzing other types of multivariate time series data with latent structure. Supplementary materials (including computer codes) for our paper are available online.
Numerical study of microbump failure in 3D microelectronic structures

Abstract Microbump failure in 3D microelectronic chip stacks is studied numerically using the finite element method. The microbump structure consists of a solder joint sandwiched between copper pads connected to through-silicon vias. The model system is subject to prescribed shear deformation, with possible superimposed tension or compression. A ductile damage model for solder is implemented to investigate failure propensity and cracking pattern as affected by the loading mode and underfill material. Failure of the solder is found to be sensitive to the loading mode, with a superimposed tension or compression on shear easily changing the crack path and tending to reduce the solder ductility.
Spatial Model of Territorial Competition and Population Dynamics in the Fire Ant Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

We developed a simulation model of monogyne red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta , populations that operates by competitive interactions of individual colony territories. This model describes six major aspects of colony lite history: nest founding, brood raiding, territory expansion, queen death, possible requeening, and colony death. Individual colony territories are represented by rectangles, whose sides change independently depending upon the presence and size of neighboring colonies. Growing colonies try to occupy free space, while retaining square territorial dimensions whenever possible. The growth of fire ant populations in the model compared well with available field data. The model predicted that competitive exclusion caused by territorial interactions should occur when areas reach 70–90% territory coverage. Several computer experiments were conducted with the model to examine the importance of colony growth rate, brood raiding activity, and other parameters on the relative success of sequentially founding colony cohorts. A 1-wk advantage in founding generally increased the long-term survival of young colonies by 40–80%. We also examined the factors affecting average coverage of an area by colony territories. Maximum coverage was achieved under a continuous influx of 50 queens/(ha·wk) or a single settlement of 1000 queens/ha; both values were much less than actual magnitudes of queen influx observed in the field.
A note on estimation using self-contained subsets

In a recent article, Li (1986, Annals of Human Genetics 50, 259-270) described a method of subdividing genetic data into self-contained subsets for estimating parameters of interest. The method was illustrated for binomial, multinomial, and Poisson distributions. In the case of the Poisson distribution, Li's estimate is always larger than the sample mean and the reason for this is discussed. It is pointed out that the method based on self-contained subsets gives unbiased estimates for binomial and multinomial parameters, but that the estimate of the Poisson parameter is biased unless all available subsets are included in the estimation.
Nutritional Interactions Revealed by Tissue Fatty Acid Profiles of an Obligate Myrmecophilous Predator, Microdon albicomatus, and Its Prey, Myrmica incompleta, (Diptera: Syrphidae) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

The fatty acid compositions of larval Microdon albicomatus Novak, an obligate predator of the brood of the ant Myrmica incomplete Provancher, and the fatty acid composition of the pupae and workers of M. incompleta were determined. The fatty acid profiles of the Microdon larvae closely resembled those of the ant pupae and were less similar to the profiles of the worker ants. Although the fatty acid composition varied somewhat among phospholipids, monoacyl-, diacyl-, and triacylglycerols in the flies and the ants, all possessed moderate quantities of 16:1, 20:3n-6, 20:4n-6 and 20:5n-3. The high abundance of 16:1 is unusual for insects other than Diptera. The proportions of the three 20 carbon fatty acids, which are all prostaglandin precursors, are greater than other terrestrial insects. Substantial proportions of odd-carbon number fatty acids, 3-methyl fatty acids, and multiple positional isomers of the monoenoic acids were also found in both species. Radio-labeling experiments using [l-14C]-acetate with the M. albicomatus larvae indicated that all major lipid classes took up the label and the time course of distribution of label was consistent with known fatty acid biosynthetic pathways in other insects.
Multivariate Analysis of Typeface Damage Frequencies

To explore possible deterministic factors in typeface damage, multivariate analysis was performed on data developed by Dr. David Crown in his doctoral dissertation on typewriter individuality. Crown observed a slow increase in collective typeface damage with the duration of typewriter use, but found no apparent increase in damage correlated with individual letter use frequencies. These findings seemed peculiar and were the initial motivation for the present study. For multivariate analysis, three groups of dependent variables were defined: those based on letter use frequencies; those based on letter form; and those based on basket or keyboard position. Both letter-use frequency and letter area showed statistically significant positive correlation with typeface damage frequencies. Together, these two variables accounted for 42% of the observed variation in damage frequencies. None of the other variables tested was able to explain any statistically significant portion of the remaining variation. These variables included use frequencies associated with difficult finger movements, vertical extension of letters, basket position, and keyboard row. The 58% residual variation must be combined with additional variation introduced by the form and position of typeface damage. With this amount of variation left unexplained, the deterministic factors identified in this study are of little significance in the interpretation of typewriting comparisons.
Hormonal impotency—Diagnostic methodology

In recent years considerable endocrinologic and other data has become available, permitting clear definition of many hormonally dependent etiologies for erectile impotence. Today, the clinician, be he an internist or a urologist, has available an extensive diagnostic armamentarium of investigations useful in establishing what may be a hormonal etiology of erectile impotence. In this report the hormonal bases of erectile impotence and currently useful diagnostic investigations to establish these diagnoses will be reviewed.
Invariant wiring harness for vehicle electrical device connection

Automotive wiring harnesses become more and more complicated with the increasing number of electrical devices.A invariant wiring harness has been developed by unifying electrical interfaces,standardizing connectors,and normalizing the harness topology.The invariant harness system includes a control area network(CAN) harness,a local interconnect network(LIN) harness and an electrical power harness.A 3-D layout design method is also presented.Utilization of the harness in a bus design show that the universal wiring harness is easily implemented and cost efficient.
A Statistical Method and Tool to Account for Indirect Calorimetry Differential Measurement Error in a Single-Subject Analysis

Indirect calorimetry and oxygen consumption (VO2) are accepted tools in human physiology research. It has been shown that indirect calorimetry systems exhibit differential measurement error, where the error of a device is systematically different depending on the volume of gas flow. Moreover, systems commonly report multiple decimal places of precision, giving the clinician a false sense of device accuracy. The purpose of this manuscript is to demonstrate the use of a novel statistical tool which models the reliability of two specific indirect calorimetry systems, Douglas bag and Parvomedics 2400 TrueOne, as univariate normal distributions and implements the distribution overlapping coefficient to determine the likelihood that two VO2 measures are the same. A command line implementation of the tool is available for the R programming language as well as a web-based graphical user interface. This tool is valuable for clinicians performing a single-subject analysis as well as researchers interested in determining if their observed differences exceed the error of the device.
Adapting Cognitive Behavioral Techniques to Address Anxiety and Depression in Cognitively Able Emerging Adults on the Autism Spectrum

Abstract Cognitive-behavioral approaches have been successfully modified to treat anxiety in cognitively able children and early adolescents on the autism spectrum; however, very few studies have examined modified programs for anxiety and depression in older adolescents and young adults. This key developmental period of emerging adulthood may be a particularly challenging time for individuals on the spectrum due to a number of factors, including the development of psychiatric disorders. Anxiety disorders and depression, which often co-occur with ASD, can impede coping and resilience and thus may be particularly important targets for intervention. Given the limited research on CBT for emerging adults on the autism spectrum, the present article is largely conceptual in nature. We provide an overview of the factors contributing to vulnerability during the transition to adulthood and the limited research regarding the prevalence and psychosocial treatment of anxiety and depression in adults with ASD. Drawing from clinical experience and the literature, we then highlight the unique challenges of adapting CBT for cognitively able emerging adults on the autism spectrum relative to children and adolescents. Potential modifications are offered, but further research will be needed to establish an empirically supported approach.
Climate Change and Human Trafficking After the Paris Climate Agreement

Climate change is a major contributor to migration and displacement. Persistent drought forced as many as 1.5 million Syrian farmers to move to overcrowded cities, contributing to social turmoil and ultimately a civil war that drove hundreds of thousands of people to attempt to cross the Mediterranean into Europe. Drought also worsened refugee crises in the Sahel, the Horn of Africa and other parts of the continent. Climate change can cause displacement in multiple ways. No reliable estimates exist of the number of people who will be displaced partly or wholly by climate change, due to uncertainties concerning the rate of climate change, the ability of different societies to cope with this change, and other factors. However, several estimates put the number of people in the hundreds of millions in the latter part of this century. It is well documented that displacement leads to a considerable increase in human trafficking (often for sexual exploitation or forced labor) and smuggling (which often leads to fatalities in transit). Climate change represents one of the most profound injustices in today’s society, for those who will suffer the most, those displaced from their homes, are the poorest among us – those who contributed the least to the excess energy use that is at the root of much of the problem.
Ethical Leadership as a Balance Between Opposing Neural Networks

In this article, we explore the implications of opposing domains theory for developing ethical leaders. Opposing domains theory highlights a neurological tension between analytic reasoning and socioemotional reasoning. Specifically, when we engage in analytic reasoning (the task positive network), we suppress our ability to engage in socioemotional reasoning (the default mode network) and vice versa. In this article, we bring together the domains of neuroscience, psychology, and ethics, to inform our theorizing around ethical leadership. We propose that a key issue for ethical leadership is achieving a healthy balance between analytic reasoning and socioemotional reasoning. We argue that organizational culture often encourages too heavy a reliance on nonemotional forms of reasoning to arrive at moral judgments (i.e., the TPN). As a result, leaders run the risk of suppressing their ability to pay attention to the human side of moral dilemmas and, in doing so, dehumanize colleagues, particularly subordinates, and clients.
Mechanisms of Normal Tissue Response

Radiation therapy (RT) has been used for decades to treat a wide spectrum of cancers and remains an important tool for both definitive and palliative cancer treatment. Since high doses of irradiation are often required to halt cancer growth and promote tumor cell death, the surrounding normal tissues and organs often impose dose-limiting constraints. Irreparable normal tissue damage can result, leading to persistent toxicity for patients. This chapter focuses on the mechanisms of normal tissue response from RT in four frequently irradiated organs: brain, spinal cord, lung and gastrointestinal tract. A common theme among radiation-induced toxicities is a heightened pro-inflammatory response and inability of these normal tissues to recover to their original states, as vascular changes, fibrosis, and necrosis cause irreparable damage. Understanding the mechanisms of normal tissue response associated with these major toxicities and dose-limiting organs may allow for opportunities to reduce toxicity and improve patients’ quality of life by combining more sophisticated treatment delivery technology, such as intensity modulated RT, and therapeutic mitigators that interrupt the altered biological responses.
Bone Biology and Effects of Pharmaceutical Intervention on Bone Quality

Abstract Bone has multiple functions which dictate the material properties. Bone is composed of minerals, organic matrix, and water. Bone is constantly remodeled by cells in the osteoclast and osteoblast families. These cells respond to mechanical stress and hormonal signals. Alterations in remodeling change bone strength, by changing the shape, volume, density, and mircoarchitecture. Additionally crystal size, collagen structure, and bone marrow affect strength. Hormones and cytokines act on bone cells to alter bone. Bone is lost with aging and disease, and several drugs are used to treat osteoporosis. These drugs can have various effects on the bone properties, some of which are harmful after long-term use.
Modeling & simulation's role as a service to military and homeland security decision makers

Scientists, engineers, and analysts have played a key role in providing decision support to military and homeland security decision makers since World War II. This keynote addresses the role of modeling and simulation in providing this critical service to national leaders. It highlights the use of discrete event, agent-based, and continuous simulation, as well as system dynamics to support decision making in a number of areas such as military transportation planning, infectious disease modeling, airport security, and military force structure planning. The address culminates by describing the role that modeling and simulation played in supporting the recently negotiated Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), intended to ensure the peaceful use of Iran's nuclear program.
Outcomes of the Suture "Pull-Through" Technique for Repair of Lateral Skull Base CSF Fistula and Encephaloceles.

Objective Describe the safety profile and surgical outcomes of a combined transmastoid-middle cranial fossa suture "pull-through" technique for repair of lateral skull base defects. Study design Retrospective. Setting Tertiary care hospital. Patients Patients undergoing surgery for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistula and/or encephalocele. Intervention Combined transmastoid and middle fossa approach using suture pull-through technique. Main outcome measures The primary outcome measures of interest were recurrence of CSF fistula or encephalocele, and postoperative air-bone gap. Results Twenty-six patients were included; mean age at surgery was 60 ± 14 years and 65% of patients were female. The majority of defects involved both the tegmen mastoideum and tympani (69%); multiple defects were present in 11 patients. Small craniotomy (2 × 3 cm) was performed and defects were repaired using composite grafts constructed with fascia, bone, and/or cartilage, and dural substitute affixed with suture. The suture tail was left long and passed from the middle fossa through the defect into the mastoid. At average follow-up of 8.3 months, no patients of recurrent CSF leak were noted. Significant improvements in both mean pure-tone average and air-bone gap were noted for the entire cohort (p = 0.04 and p = 0.02, respectively). Conclusion A combined transmastoid-middle cranial fossa for the repair of lateral skull base CSF fistula and encephaloceles using the suture "pull-through" technique is efficacious and the complication profile is favorable. This method facilitates reliable placement of a composite graft in the center of lateral skull base defects through a small craniotomy that minimizes temporal lobe retraction.
Phase II study of cixutumumab (IMC-A12) in thymic malignancies.

7033 Background: The IGF-1 receptor (IGF-IR) is expressed in thymoma (T) and thymic carcinoma (TC). Prolonged SD has been seen with anti-IGF-IR therapy in thymic tumors in phase I trials. Cixutumumab (C) is a fully human IgG1 monoclonal antibody (ab) that targets IGF-IR. Methods: Patients (pts) with recurrent T or TC, PS 0-2, measurable disease, and normal organ function received C at 20 mg/kg IV q3wks until progression or intolerable toxicity. Primary endpoint was response rate. Correlative studies included immune cell subset (central memory, effector memory, naive and regulatory T cells), circulating endothelial progenitor (CEP) cell, serum IGF-1 and IGF-IR in PBMCs, anticytokine ab, and tumor mutational analysis. Results: Forty-five pts enrolled from two centers (20 female, T=33, med age 52 yrs, range, 26-86). Median number of prior systemic treatments: 3 (range, 1-11). Median number of cycles of C administered: 6 (range, 1-41). In 30 evaluable T pts there were 4 (13%) PR, 23 (77%) SD, and 3 (10%) PD. ...
The “Vigilante Spirit”: Surveillance and Racial Violence in 1980s New York

This article details the "vigilante spirit", a term used by New York Governor Maria Cuomo to describe the seizure and execuation of state power by Bernhard Goetz in his attack on four black teenagers in December of 1984. It argues that the vigilante spirit is an expression of thoughts, feelings, and practices that produce threats and then assemble the tools it deems necessary to combat them. It further argues that the vigilante spirit, expressed by Goetz in his attack, was also encoded in various cultural texts produced in the 1980s and uses Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns as an example . By reading these two case studies together, it seeks to explain the cultural politics that underpinned racial violence in the 1980s.
Advanced Technology Program Business Reporting Survey: Post-Project Survey: Data Overview

The Advanced Technology Program Business Reporting Survey: Post-Project Survey served as a follow-up survey of Advanced Technology Program awardees and provides information about commercialization resulting from their projects. Download the slides at: http://papers.ssrn.com/paper=1028779 Download the audio file at: http://papers.ssrn.com/paper=1030002
Beta-Tin Grain Formation in Aluminum-Modified Lead-Free Solder Alloys

The limited number of independent β-Sn grain orientations that typically form during solidification of Sn-based solders and the resulting large β-Sn grain size have major effects on overall solder performance and reliability. This study analyzes whether additions of Al to Sn-Cu and Sn-Cu-Ag alloys can be used to change the grain size, morphology, and twinning structures of atomized (as-solidified) and re-melted (reflowed) β-Sn dendrites as determined using scanning electron microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction for as-solidified and reflow cycled (20–250°C, 1–5 cycles) Sn-Cu-Al and Sn-Ag-Cu-Al drip atomized spheres (260 μm diameter). The resulting microstructures were compared to as-solidified and reflow cycled Sn-Ag-Cu spheres (450 μm diameter) as well as as-solidified Sn-Ag-Cu, Sn-Cu, and Sn-Ag microstructures from the literature. Previous literature observations reporting reductions in undercooling and β-Sn grain size with Al micro-alloying additions could not be correlated to the presence of the Cu9Al4 phase or Al solute. The as-solidified spheres displayed no change in β-Sn dendrite structure or grain size when compared to non-Al-modified alloys, and the reflow cycled spheres produced high undercoolings (22–64°C), indicating a lack of potent nucleation sites. The current findings highlighted the role of Ag in the formation of the interlaced twinning structure and demonstrated that with deliberate compositional choices, formation of the alloy’s β-Sn grain structure (cyclical twinning versus interlaced twinning) could be influenced, in both the as-solidified and reflow cycled states, though still not producing the fine-grain sizes and multiple orientations desired for improved thermomechanical properties.
First HOV Alvin study of the pelagic environment at Hydrographer Canyon (NW Atlantic)

Abstract Continental slope canyons off the United States Atlantic coast remain poorly studied, and in particular, the distributions of pelagic organisms in waters overlying these unique environments are not well documented. During the Early Career Scientist Deep Submergence Training cruise, AT36-EAGER, the distribution of organisms in the water column overlying Hydrographer Canyon, which cuts through the northwestern Atlantic continental margin, was investigated through daytime midwater observations using HOV Alvin (AD4831) at three depths. Mixed swarms of krill and Themisto sp. amphipods were observed at all depths surveyed. Observations centered at 250 m were also dominated by chaetognaths, copepods, and Phronima sp. amphipods, while at 500 and 750 m, the assemblages were dominated by the fishes in the families Paralepididae, Nemichthyidae, and Mytophidae. Additionally, measurements of methane, nitrous oxide, optical properties (absorbance and fluorescence), dissolved organic carbon, and base-extracted particulate organic carbon were made to better characterize the hydrography and biogeochemistry over Hydrographer Canyon. This study was aided by the use of telepresence to communicate between ship and shore-based researchers, and the expedition marks the first use of SMS messaging to communicate between the submersible and the ship. This study demonstrates the capabilities and utility of using Alvin for conducting water column science.
Bolstering Managers’ Resistance to Temptation via the Firm’s Commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility

Behavioral ethics research has focused predominantly on how the attributes of individuals influence their ethicality. Relatively neglected has been how macro-level factors such as the behavior of firms influence members’ ethicality. Researchers have noted specifically that we know little about how a firm’s CSR influences members’ behaviors. We seek to better merge these literatures and gain a deeper understanding of the role macro-level influences have on manager’s ethicality. Based on agency theory and social identity theory, we hypothesize that a company’s commitment to CSR shifts managers’ focus away from self-interests toward the interests of the firm, bolstering resistance to temptation. We propose this occurs through self-categorization and collective identification processes. We conduct a 2 × 2 factorial experiment in which managers make expense decisions for a company with commitment to CSR either present or absent, and temptation either present or absent. Results indicate that under temptation, managers make decisions consistent with self-interest. More importantly, we find when commitment to CSR is present, managers are more likely to make ethical decisions in the presence of temptation. Overall, this research highlights the interactive role of two key contextual factors—temptation and firm CSR commitment—in influencing managers’ ethical decisions. While limited research has highlighted the positive effects that a firm’s CSR has on its employees’ attitudes, the current results demonstrate CSR’s effects on ethical behavior and imply that through conducting and communicating its CSR efforts internally, firms can in part limit the deleterious effects of temptation on managers’ decisions.
Radial Head Changes in Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Humeral Capitellum.

Background:Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the elbow has almost exclusively been described in the humeral capitellum, with only a small number of reports describing secondary osteochondral chang...