cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Revitalizing Grand Strategy: America's Untapped Market Power

The costs and unmet expectations of the democracy promotion project in Iraq and the wider Middle East have sparked a broad debate about the future of U.S. grand strategy. In the chorus for change, some suggest that the United States should return to such principles of liberal internationalism as multilateralism and financial beneficence, which marked the golden era of U.S. diplomacy in the years immediately following the end of World War II. Others insist that U.S. foreign policy needs to be reestablished in a more pragmatic realism that responds to the global balance of power and resists the overuse of military muscle to promote democracy around the world. Greater reliance on U.S. economic power can inject more prudence into foreign policy without abandoning the historical U.S. goal of promoting free- dom and political reform around the world. The United States possesses the largest and most vibrant market in the global economy and can integrate this unique political asset more effectively in the larger global struggle against ter- rorism and radical Islam. Unilaterally eliminating trade barriers on imported goods from moderate Islamic states critical to combating terrorism, such as Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Mali, Mauritania, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, Tanzania, and Turkey, could strengthen Washing- ton's capacity to promote political moderation and cultivate local influence within these countries. As foreign businesses and workers come to depend on U.S. consumers for profits and jobs, they become important allies in internal struggles taking place around the world between the forces of modernization, globalization, and tol-
Retrodots in the Lens in the Beaver Dam Eye Study Cohort

Objective To determine the prevalence of retrodots in the lens and the association of these lesions to age-related cataract, and to assess their association with visual impairment and contrast sensitivity. Design Longitudinal epidemiologic study. Participants The Beaver Dam Eye Study cohort. Methods Eye examinations including grading of standard photographs of the lens and measures of visual function. Main Outcome Measures Statistical associations of retrodots with nuclear, cortical, and posterior subcapsular cataracts and with incident visual impairment and impairment of contrast sensitivity. Results The prevalence of retrodots at the baseline examination increased with age from 1.68% in those 43 to 54 years of age to 31.20% in those ≥75 years of age. After controlling for age, there was no significant difference in the prevalence of retrodots between men and women. The odds ratio (OR) for visual impairment associated with retrodots was 2.22 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.80–2.75) after controlling for age-related cataracts and other associated characteristics. The association with impaired contrast sensitivity was not significant. Retrodots were not significantly associated with incidence of any type of age-related cataract. The 15-year cumulative incidence of retrodots in right eyes increased with age from 9.3% in those 43 to 54 years of age to 21.1% in those ≥75 years of age. In addition to age, incidence of retrodots was independently associated with smoking (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.04–1.56 for ever vs never smoking). Conclusions Retrodots are frequently occurring age-related lens opacities that are associated with decreased vision independent of the presence of age-related cataract. Their incidence is associated with smoking. Further research to determine the underlying process leading to retrodots is necessary before efforts to develop preventions are undertaken. Financial Disclosure(s) The authors have no proprietary or commercial interest in any of the materials discussed in this article.
Spousal perpetuation of chronic pain behavior

The literature reviewed here demonstrates that spousal response to pain display can reinforce and thereby perpetuate the patient's pain behavior. Relationships characterized as “sick-role homeostatis” reflect a nexus of behavioral contingencies which are highly resistant to treatment. Though such relationships could developde novo subsequent to accident or injury, modeling and familial effects in chronic pain suggest a rich personal and family history of chronic pain learning experiences. Spousal reinforcement of pain behavior is greater in satisfied relationships and tends to involve contingent attention and caring rather than assistance or taking over tasks and chores. As the vast majority of pain patients and spouses report being satisfied with their marriages, spousal involvement in chronic pain treatment is critical.
Clinical results using the Holladay 2 intraocular lens power formula

Abstract Purpose To analyze the accuracy of the Holladay 2 formula, which has been proposed as an improvement over the original Holladay formula. Methods This retrospective analysis comprised 317 eyes operated on by 1 surgeon using 1 technique and 1 intraocular lens style in a specialty practice. Because the Holladay 2 formula has yet to be published, its accuracy can only be analyzed using the commercially available Holladay IOL Consultant® computer program to compare it to the Holladay 1, Hoffer Q, and SRK/T formulas. Defined axial length ranges were analyzed individually. Results A lower mean absolute error (MAE) trend was found for the average length eye (22.0 to 24.5 mm) by the Holladay 1 and Hoffer Q formulas. For short eyes ( 24.5 mm) as well as the subdivisions of medium long (24.5 to 26.0 mm) and very long (>26.0 mm). The Holladay 2 trended toward the least accurate (MAE) of the 4 formulas in all ranges of axial length except the shortest and the very longest. It appears to perform poorer in average and medium long eyes. Conclusions Although the Holladay 2 formula has improved its MAE accuracy in short eyes, it was not more accurate than the Hoffer Q. The changes made in the formula to effect this improvement in MAE seem to have sacrificed the accuracy of the original Holladay formula in eyes with average and medium long axial lengths.
The Effects of Property Tax Protests on the Assessment Uniformity of Residential Properties

This study examines whether the appeals process improves assessment uniformity for residential properties. The sample includes all single-family residential properties in Harris County, Texas, for 2006–2008. I use a hedonic pricing model and Heckman's two-stage approach to explain the assessed values of all properties before and after the appeals adjustments. Full sample results suggest that the appeals process increased assessment uniformity and that the value adjustments were appropriate in amount. I also present results across properties of different values (low, medium, high). The first-stage probit model provides evidence on the factors that affect the likelihood that an owner will protest.
Ab initio quantum chemistry: Methodology and applications

This Perspective provides an overview of state-of-the-art ab initio quantum chemical methodology and applications. The methods that are discussed include coupled cluster theory, localized second-order Moller–Plesset perturbation theory, multireference perturbation approaches, and density functional theory. The accuracy of each approach for key chemical properties is summarized, and the computational performance is analyzed, emphasizing significant advances in algorithms and implementation over the past decade. Incorporation of a condensed-phase environment by means of mixed quantum mechanical/molecular mechanics or self-consistent reaction field techniques, is presented. A wide range of illustrative applications, focusing on materials science and biology, are discussed briefly.
Latex Particle Size Distributions from Multiwavelength Turbidity Spectra

Accuracy, range, noise tolerance and resolution of turbitidy spectra analysis as a particle sizing method are discussed with respect to simulated data and data on latex spheres. The fine structure in the turbidity spectra is used to measure multimodal distributions with no apriori assumptions about the distribution.
Implications of Regulatory Prescriptions & Audit Standards on the Evolution of ForensicAccounting in the Audit Process

The arrival of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Sarbox), the subsequent formation of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) and the implementation of the Statement on Auditing Standards No. 99 (SAS 99) has presented the current auditing environment with a new paradigm that makes finding fraud a priority. A nationwide survey was conducted for a random sample of accounting academics, forensic accounting practitioners, and auditors regarding the addition of forensic accounting skills to the audit process. The results indicate that overall levels of agreement with the survey statements existed for all three groups, and whatever differences were found fell within the range of agreement.
Design criteria and derivation of indicators for ecological position, direction, and risk

The baseline specifications for indicators for ecological risk assessment and management are presented. These indicators may be related to the assessment space as determined by cultural values and laws. This assessment space is a multivariate expression of the assessment endpoints. The three types of indicators include current position, the probability of leaving the assessment space, and the probability of reentering the assessment space. The formulation of indicators must recognize that ecological systems are dynamically complex and composed of both deterministic and stochastic components. As has been demonstrated in laboratory ecological systems and field experiments, the best impact indicators change over time, eliminating the possibility of a single variable being an accurate measure of position and change. We set six specific requirements for developing a useful set of indicators, as follows. The indicators must be placed in the context of the assessment space. Because projections cause the loss of information, a variety of methods with different assumptions about the nature of the system should be used. The best attributes to measure alteration of the system change over time; to use just one set may result in missing the dynamic complexity of the system and subsequent impacts. Ecological systems are both deterministic and stochastic, and representation of each is important. The stochastic component can have a tremendous impact, changing the overall dynamics. Spatial context is critical in making accurate predictions and must be known.
How good is a span of terms?: exploiting proximity to improve web retrieval

Ranking search results is a fundamental problem in information retrieval. In this paper we explore whether the use of proximity and phrase information can improve web retrieval accuracy. We build on existing research by incorporating novel ranking features based on flexible proximity terms with recent state-of-the-art machine learning ranking models. We introduce a method of determining the goodness of a set of proximity terms that takes advantage of the structured nature of web documents, document metadata, and phrasal information from search engine user query logs. We perform experiments on a large real-world Web data collection and show that using the goodness score of flexible proximity terms can improve ranking accuracy over state-of-the-art ranking methods by as much as 13%. We also show that we can improve accuracy on the hardest queries by as much as 9% relative to state-of-the-art approaches.
Role for the Mortality Factors MORF4, MRGX, and MRG15 in Transcriptional Repression via Associations with Pf1, mSin3A, and Transducin-Like Enhancer of Split

mSin3A and Transducin-Like Enhancer of Split (TLE) are two histone deacetylase (HDAC)-containing corepressors that function to repress transcription at targeted genes. Pf1 is a plant homeodomain zinc finger protein that interacts with both mSin3A and TLE, suggesting that it coordinates their function. Here we show that mSin3A and TLE interact with members of the mortality factor (MORF) family of putative transcriptional regulators. This family comprises MORF on chromosome 4 (MORF4) and MORF-related genes on chromosomes X and 15 (MRGX and MRG15, respectively) and is proposed to contribute to cellular senescence. Consistent with a role in transcription, we demonstrate that Gal4 fusions to each MORF family member repress transcription from a Gal4-dependent luciferase reporter. By using both mapping experiments and a dominant negative form of TLE, we show that repression by MORFs requires associations with mSin3A and TLE. Therefore, common functions of the MORFs are likely elicited through the action of a MORF/mSin3A/TLE complex. While the MORFs may have common functions, MRG15, but not MRGX or MORF4, interacted with Pf1. Therefore, MRG15 may have functions that are distinct from those of MRGX and MORF4. Consistent with this hypothesis, Pf1 reduced transcriptional repression by Gal4-MRG15 but it had no effect on repression by MRGX and MORF4. Pf1 has independent binding sites for MRG15 and mSin3A. In addition, Pf1 and MRG15 bind different domains on mSin3A. Together, these data suggest that the unique functions of MRG15 are elicited through the action of an MRG15/Pf1/mSin3A complex.
A Pilot Study Identifying a Unique Pattern on the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) that Predicts Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) in a Dementia Screening Setting (P5.281)

BACKGROUND : The RBANS screening tool is used in Memory Care Centers associated with the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Institute. A unique pattern of Immediate Memory lower than the Delayed Memory score (IM<DM) seemed to predict Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) in our Memory Care Clinic (MCC) patients. OBJECTIVE: Assess our MCC patients to determine if this pattern (IM<DM) would be an accurate predictor of OSA, a potentially reversible cause of dementia. DESIGN/METHODS: Retrospective chart review of all patients seen in our MCC from December 2011 to December 2012 was completed. Those with the pattern of interest (IM<DM) were compared to those without this pattern. These groups were compared for the presence of OSA as well as the occurrence of significant obesity as determined by BMI (an established risk factor for OSA). RESULTS: A total of 72 patients fit the inclusion criteria of completing the RBANS during the period of study. The average age of this group was 78 and 58% were male. Of the total group, 29 (40%) displayed the IM<DM pattern; 24 of these patients had been or were subsequently tested for OSA and 17 were positive (71%). The BMI was not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: OSA is a known risk factor for cognitive dysfunction. It is a potentially treatable cause of memory loss and can be clinically silent. This study shows that a unique pattern (IM Disclosure: Dr. Gerber has nothing to disclose. Dr. Dexter has nothing to disclose.
A New Type of Latching, Switchable, Ferrite-Junction Circulator

For a long time, ferrite-junction circulators required an externally applied dc magnetic field provided by either permanent magnets or electromagnets. Recently, significant progress has been made in the development of switchable, latching, single-function, ferrite circulators in waveguide and stripline circuits. This paper presents approximate theoretical results and initial performance data on a new type of circulator, a three-part, strip-line, latching, switchable circulator illustrated schematically in Fig. 1. This circulator employs two latched ferrite elements placed between a central conductor and two ground planes. Each element provides a closed magnetic path through the ferrite cylinder and ring, and two ferrite or high-remanence metal discs. The ferrite operates at remanence after passage of a direct current pulse. Switching (i. e., reversal of transmitting and isolating parts) is achieved by reversal of the polarity of the pulse.
Problems in biology with many scales of length: Cell-cell adhesion and cell jamming in collective cellular migration.

Abstract As do all things in biology, cell mechanosensation, adhesion and migration begin at the scale of the molecule. Collections of molecules assemble to comprise microscale objects such as adhesions, organelles and cells. And collections of cells in turn assemble to comprise macroscale tissues. From the points of view of mechanism and causality, events at the molecular scale are seen most often as being the most upstream and, therefore, the most fundamental and the most important. In certain collective systems, by contrast, events at many scales of length conspire to make contributions of equal importance, and even interact directly and strongly across disparate scales. Here we highlight recent examples in cellular mechanosensing and collective cellular migration where physics at some scale bigger than the cell but smaller than the tissue – the mesoscale – becomes the missing link that is required to tie together findings that might otherwise seem counterintuitive or even unpredictable. These examples, taken together, establish that the phenotypes and the underlying physics of collective cellular migration are far richer than previously anticipated.
Topographic and Boundary Influences on the 22 May 2014 Duanesburg, New York, Tornadic Supercell

AbstractThe 22 May 2014 Duanesburg, New York, supercell produced an enhanced Fujita scale category 3 (EF3) tornado and 10-cm-diameter hail. The synoptic setup for the event was ambiguous compared to other documented cases of Northeast tornadoes. Mesoscale inhomogeneities due to terrain and baroclinic boundaries played a key role in the evolution and severity of the storm. The storm initiated at the intersection of an outflow boundary and a north–south-oriented baroclinic boundary. The mesocyclone was able to sustain itself as a result of sufficiently large amounts of low-level streamwise vorticity near the boundary despite subcritical values of 0–6-km vertical wind shear. Differential heating across the north–south-oriented boundary strengthened the pressure gradient across it. Strengthening ageostrophic flow across the boundary induced greater upslope flow along the southeastern slope of the Adirondack Mountains and induced terrain channeling up the Mohawk River valley. The channeling led to a maximum in...
A Revised Look at Interstate Wars, 1816–2007:

Interstate war data are critical for many important research areas in international relations. Scholars working in these areas frequently rely on the Correlates of War (COW) interstate war data. This article analyzes the COW interstate war data version 4.0, covering the years 1816 through 2007. Using COW coding criteria, the article finds that in more than 30 percent of the ninety-five COW interstate wars, codings of at least one of the key variables—existence of the war, list of participants, initiator, and outcome—needs to be revised. This article describes a revised data set on interstate wars that incorporates these revisions. The data set includes a metric for breaking apart large, multilateral wars such as the World Wars into component wars. For each participant in multilateral wars, it provides information on exactly which states that participant fought, and specific initiation and outcome codings for that participant.
Mayo Clinic Zebrafish Facility Overview

The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a premier nonmammalian vertebrate model organism. This small aquatic fish is utilized in multiple disciplines in the Mayo Clinic community and by many laboratories around the world because of its biological similarity to humans, its advanced molecular genetics, the elucidation of its genome sequence, and the ever-expanding and outstanding new biological tools now available to the zebrafish researcher. The Mayo Clinic Zebrafish Facility (MCZF) houses ∼2,000 tanks annotated using an in-house, Internet cloud-based bar-coding system tied to our established zfishbook.org web infrastructure. Paramecia are the primary food source for larval fish rearing, using a simplified culture protocol described herein. The MCZF supports the specific ongoing research in a variety of laboratories, while also serving as a local hub for new scientists as they learn to tap into the potential of this model system for understanding normal development, disease, and as models of health.
Detection and analysis of Vibrio vulnificus and Vibrio parahaemolyticus in 7 seafoods in Zhoushan markets

Objective To understand the contamination status of Vibrio vulnificus( VV) and Vibrio parahaemolyticus( VP) in 7 kinds of seafoods in Zhoushan market and the relationship with seasonal changes. Methods Qualitative analysis was carried out using APW enrichment and separation on cellobiose polymyxin E( CC) and TCBS for VV and VP respectively,then biochemical experiments,ATB and ID 32E reagent strips were used for bacterial identification,while MPN method was employed for quantitative detection of VV and VP. Results VV highest positive rate was 44. 3% in blood clam specimen,while the minimum positive rate of that was 10. 5% in slither shrimp skin,with an average of 25. 8%. VP highest positive rate was 54. 0% in oysters, followed by 52. 2% in shrimp,and the minimum rate was 19. 7% in slither shrimp skin,with an average of 35. 0%. Most VV positive samples and VP positive samples were detected in summer and autumn,accounting for 84. 9% and 69. 0% respectively of the total. Total number of colonies above 105 cfu / g accounted for 42. 7%,while above 106 cfu / g accounted for 12. 5%,coliform positive rate was 51. 14% by MPN method. Conclusion In Zhoushan market,blood clam was seriously contaminated by VV,oysters and shrimp were seriously contaminated by VP. There is significant difference in positive rates of VV and VP between seasons; the positive rates were high in autumn and summer,showing significant differences compared with winter and spring.
The ROK Military: Ominous Future Scenarios Make Readiness and Capabilities Vital Policy Priorities

The ROK military faces important and compelling national defense issues because North Korea — one of the most unpredictable and threatening nation-states on earth — sits on its border. In coming years, South Korea must address important issues such as ballistic missile defense (BMD), maintaining and upgrading key systems in its conventional forces, reaching a burden-sharing agreement with its key ally (the United States) when it comes to the cost of American troops being stationed on the Korean Peninsula, and perhaps most importantly, the projected disestablishment of Combined Forces Command and the command and control relationship that will exist with the United States when that occurs. These issues are fiscally expensive and often controversial politically. Thus, South Korea’s military and the challenges that it must face will be very important for security in the region in coming years.
Improving Memory to Promote Maintenance of Treatment Gains in Children With Autism

Memory research shows that one way to optimize memory is to begin with training trials that are close together (massed) and gradually expand the intervals between trials as a subject progresses. This study explored whether an expanding trials procedure improved memory in five boys with autism (ages 3–6 years, IQ 46–73) who were receiving behavioral treatment. ABAB reversal designs tested the effects of massed versus expanding trials for each subject on two tasks, chosen to be appropriate to that subject’s level of functioning. Subjects remembered correct responses trained in expanding trials much more often than responses trained in massed trials.
Investigation of aluminum foams and graphite fillers for improving the thermal conductivity of paraffin wax-based phase change materials

Passive thermal management with phase change materials (PCMs) has become the one of the most promising methods to cool cell phone processors due to the relatively simple implementation and profound impact on processor temperatures. Enhancing the thermal properties of conventional PCMs, mainly thermal conductivity and latent heat storage, allows for an overall improved thermal management system. This study aims to improve the thermal conductivity of paraffin wax (a typical commercial PCM) by the introduction of an expanded graphite (EG) filler to form a paraffin wax composite, and then infiltration of the EG/paraffin composite into an aluminum foam matrix. The thermal conductivity of the EG/paraffin composites increases respectively to the volume percent of expanded graphite. While the thermal conductivity increased, there is some negative impact on latent heat storage compared to pure paraffin wax. The pore size of the aluminum foam matrixes also has a profound impact on both thermal conductivity and latent heat storage of the overall system. These results will allow for improvements in cooling techniques incorporated within cell phones and other mobile devices, allowing for future development of their processors (higher computational power), prolonged reliability, and longer anticipated life cycles.
The early post-war history of Soviet radio astronomy

L'A. decrit l'histoire et le developpement de la radioastronomie en URSS apres la seconde guerre mondiale, et etablit la comparaison avec les Etats-Unis
Improving Public Sector Productivity through Competition

It is obvious that government regulatory and fiscal actions greatly influence the productivity of the private sector. This paper will focus not on those effects but rather on the more direct effect of government on productivity. After all, government is a large and visible component of the American economy. The 78,000 governments in the United States have expenditures that together amount to one-third of the gross national product. One out of five workers in the civilian, nonagricultural work force is employed by government. Thus, the productivity of this sector will have a significant effect on the overall productivity of the nation.
The Bridge-Enhanced Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair (BEAR) Procedure An Early Feasibility Cohort Study

Background:This study assessed the safety of the newly developed bridge-enhanced anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair (BEAR), which involves suture repair of the ligament combined with a bioacti...
Virologic and Immunologic Outcomes in HIV-Infected Patients with Cancer.

Abstract Achievement and maintenance of virologic suppression after cancer diagnosis have been associated with improved outcomes in HIV-infected patients, but few studies have analyzed the virologic and immunologic outcomes after a cancer diagnosis. All HIV-infected patients with a diagnosis of cancer between 2000 and 2011 in an urban clinic population in Baltimore, MD, were included for review. HIV-related outcomes (HIV-1 RNA viral load and CD4 cell count) were abstracted and compared for patients with non-AIDS-defining cancers (NADCs) and AIDS-defining cancers (ADCs). Four hundred twelve patients with baseline CD4 or HIV-1 RNA viral load data were analyzed. There were 122 (30%) diagnoses of ADCs and 290 (70%) NADCs. Patients with NADCs had a higher median age (54 years vs. 43 years, p < .0001) and a higher frequency of hepatitis C coinfection (52% vs. 36%, p = .002). The median baseline CD4 was lower for patients with ADCs (137 cells/mm3 vs. 314 cells/mm3) and patients with NADCs were more likely to be ...
Broadband Heterogeneous Quantum Cascade Lasers

Heterogeneous quantum cascade lasers have emerged as an important broadband radiation source for mid-infrared spectroscopy and sensing. Multiple quantum cascade stages with discrete peak wavelengths are grown together in single active region to have a broad gain. Different wavelength laser can be chosen by appropriate feedback mechanism. Heterogeneous strain-balanced Al0.63In0.37As/Ga0.35In0.65As/Ga0.47In0.53As quantum cascade lasers, having 5 and 6 quantum cascade stages respectively, has been demonstrated with gain between 6.2–9.9 μm and 5.9–10.9 μm in mid-infrared region.
Abstract 3669: Screening platform for development of antibody-drug conjugates against novel targets at the National Research Council of Canada

One of the most promising of the next generation of biologic-based cancer therapeutics builds on the molecular targeting abilities of antibodies by combining them with drugs to generate highly specific antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). However, the development of ADCs requires time-consuming selection of the antibody for every target and cancer type. High-throughput screening technologies based on the use of conjugated secondary antibodies provide a fast and efficient surrogate assay from which to identify which antibodies are best internalized and suitable for immunoconjugate development into ADCs. As part of its integrated antibody development initiative, NRC has isolated and characterized anti- mouse Fc and anti-human Fc monoclonal antibodies to serve as very selective detective reagents for various IgG isotypes. We have shown that these secondary antibodies are species specific, selective and of high affinity. When conjugated to pH sensitive fluorophores, we have used them to specifically identify internalizing antibodies against tumor targets, which were later validated as ADCs. Furthermore, these secondary conjugates exhibit high specific potency and low background toxicity once conjugated to linkered drugs. This approach allow us to optimize the selection of an antibody for a particular target, tumor type, linker and drug for ADC development. NRC will present results of a screen of 285 mouse antibodies against 20 different targets in 7 different cancer cell lines, using either MCC-DM1 or vc-MMAE-conjugated secondary antibodies. The NRC ADC discovery platform is combining this methodology with our proprietary mRNA and DNA expression database for the selection of appropriate ADC targets. NRC Biologics and Biomanufacturing program is in the process of screening thousands of NRC antibodies generated against a variety of cancer-associated cell surface targets to deliver a steady pipeline of ADCS as part of its drug discovery efforts. This functional screening platform further promotes the integration and advancement of NRC’s capabilities and strengths in the area of biologic-based therapeutics lead candidate selection, including quality attributes and characterization and biomanufacturing. The combined expertise in cell biology, high throughput screening, antibody generation and selection, bioinformatics and expression analysis forms the foundation by which NRC can establish strategic collaborations with other Canadian or international partners to develop antibodies into novel ADC biologics. Citation Format: Maria Luz Jaramillo, Luc Meury, Patrice Bouchard, Allan Matte, Anne Marcil, Mauro Acchione, Jennifer Hill, Francois Fauteux. Screening platform for development of antibody-drug conjugates against novel targets at the National Research Council of Canada [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3669. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-3669
Triple combination antibiotic therapy for carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae: a systematic review

The spread of carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae (CPKP) has become a significant problem worldwide. Combination therapy for CPKP is encouraging, but polymyxin resistance to many antibiotics is hampering effective treatment. Combination therapy with three or more antibiotics is being increasingly reported, therefore we performed a systematic review of triple combination cases in an effort to evaluate their clinical effectiveness for CPKP infections. The PubMed database was searched to identify all published clinical outcomes of CPKP infections treated with triple combination therapy. Articles were stratified into two tiers depending on the level of clinical detail provided. A tier 1 study included: antibiotic regimen, regimen-specific outcome, patient status at onset of infection, and source of infection. Articles not reaching these criteria were considered tier 2. Thirty-three studies were eligible, 23 tier 1 and ten tier 2. Among tier 1 studies, 53 cases were included in this analysis. The most common infection was pneumonia (31%) followed by primary or catheter-related bacteremia (21%) and urinary tract infection (17%). Different combinations of antibiotic classes were utilized in triple combinations, the most common being a polymyxin (colistin or polymyxin B, 86.8%), tigecycline (73.6%), aminoglycoside (43.4%), or carbapenem (43.4%). Clinical and microbiological failure occurred in 14/39 patients (35.9%) and 22/42 patients (52.4%), respectively. Overall mortality for patients treated with triple combination therapy was 35.8% (19/53 patients). Triple combination therapy is being considered as a treatment option for CPKP. Polymyxin-based therapy is the backbone antibiotic in these regimens, but its effectiveness needs establishing in prospective clinical trials.
Residency and long-distance movements of sevengill sharks ( Notorhynchus cepedianus ) tagged in San Francisco Bay

Sevengill sharks are common inhabitants of estuaries and coastal areas and particularly abundant in San Francisco Bay (SFB). There is limited knowledge about the level of residency and migratory movements of this species. We describe the degree of residence of sevengill sharks in SFB and nearby locations, using ultrasonic tags and automated listening stations. Sevengills showed a high degree of residency in SFB, particularly to the Golden Gate (GG) area where they have a strong site preference, both seasonally and inter-annually. Site fidelity was also the highest at the GG. In sharks with deployment times longer than 300 days, we found that > 80% of visits of all mature males were at GG, 80% of visits of a single mature female occurred there, > 85% of visits of most juvenile males, and > 70% of visits of most juvenile females. At GG, sharks moved into the range of the receiver day and night without a strong preference for a particular time of the day, which implies movements up and down the area day and night. At most other locations within the bay, sharks were present during daytime hours, while at Point Reyes during nighttime hours. Sharks moved into SFB during early spring and summer, and moved out of SFB to Point Reyes during late spring and fall. Three sevengill sharks migrated roughly 800 km southeastward along the coastline from SFO, one making three trips back and forth between the sites. There was strong evidence of residency of sharks within SFB, and sharks repeatedly returned to the same region of the bay with some sharks making long-distance movements.
In Vitro Comparison of Pediatric Oxygenators With and Without Integrated Arterial Filters in Maintaining Optimal Hemodynamic Stability and Managing Gaseous Microemboli.

The purpose of this study was to compare the Capiox FX15 oxygenator with integrated arterial filter to the Capiox RX15 oxygenator with separate Capiox AF125 arterial filter in terms of hemodynamic properties and gaseous microemboli (GME) capturing. Trials were conducted at varying flow rates (2.0 L/min, 3.0 L/min, 4.0 L/min), temperatures (30°C, 35°C), and flow modalities (pulsatile, nonpulsatile). Pressure and flow waveforms were recorded using a custom-made data acquisition system. GME data were recorded using an Emboli Detection and Classification Quantifier after injecting a 5 mL air bolus into the venous line. Maximum instantaneous pre-oxygenator flows reached 7.4 L/min under pulsatile conditions when the roller pump was set to a flow rate of 4 L/min. Mean pressure drops were slightly greater in the FX15 group (P < 0.0001), and the diverted flow from the arterial purge line was slighter greater in the FX15 group at 3 L/min and 4 L/min (P < 0.0001). There was a slight generation of surplus hemodynamic energy (SHE) at the pre-oxygenator site for both oxygenators under "nonpulsatile mode." However, higher pre-oxygenator SHE levels were recorded for both groups with "pulsatile mode." The RX15 and FX15 groups were both able to remove all microemboli from the circuit at 2 L/min and 3 L/min in "nonpulsatile mode." Microemboli were delivered to the patient at 4 L/min with pulsatile flows in both groups. The RX15 oxygenator with separate AF125 arterial filter and FX15 oxygenator with integrated arterial filter performed similarly in terms of hemodynamic performance and microemboli capturing. Pulsatile flows at 4 L/min produced instantaneous flow rates that surpassed the documented maximum flow rates of the oxygenators and might have contributed to the delivery of GME to the pseudo-patient.
Heinz body anemia: an ultrastructural study. II. Red cell sequestration and destruction.

This study reports electron microscope observations on the process of red cell sequestration and destruction in the spleen and liver of the phenylhydrazine-treated rabbit. Damaged red cells are recognized by virtue of their Heinz bodies, a morphologic manifestation of the oxidative injury which they have sustained. Sequestration, in the spleen, involves the selective accumulation of damaged cells within the vascular spaces of the Billroth cords. Erythrophagocytosis and the intracellular digestion of red cells follows sequestration. More severely injured cells may undergo intravascular hemolysis within the splenic red pulp. In the liver, however, no evidence for the intravascular sequestration of injured red cells is observed. Damaged cells are removed directly from the sinusoidal blood by erythrophagocytosis. The selectivity of spleen and liver for red cells subjected to different degrees of injury is discussed in terms of the observed differences in the vascular architecture of the two organs.
Acupuncture Regulation of Blood Pressure: Two Decades of Research

Although mechanisms underlying acupuncture regulation of pain have been studied by a number of laboratories in many countries, much less is known about its ability to modulate cardiovascular function. In the last two decades, our laboratory has systematically investigated the peripheral and central neural mechanisms underlying acupuncture regulation of blood pressure. These observations account for acupuncture's distant actions and, to some extent, its local actions, with respect to the site of needling. Four fundamental findings have advanced our knowledge. First, point-specific effects of acupuncture underlie its cardiovascular actions. Second, variable regions in the supraspinal and spinal central nervous system that receive input from somatic afferent stimulation account for acupuncture's ability to modulate blood pressure. Thus, depending on the underlying situation, for example, high or low blood pressure, acupuncture modifies autonomic outflow by reducing activity in brain stem nuclei that participate in the primary response. Third, repetitive acupuncture through a molecular mechanism can cause prolonged cardiovascular effects that far outlast acupuncture stimulation. Fourth, there is a range of cardiovascular responsiveness to acupuncture that depends, at least in part, on interactions between neural modulators that synaptically regulate autonomic function in the brain stem. Thus, acupuncture has the capability of profoundly regulating cardiovascular function in patients with disease, for example, hypertension, and the experimental laboratory is directing best approaches to study its actions in humans.
A Storied Life and A Lived Story: Writing Oneself in Montaigne’s Essais

As has been observed earlier in this study, when Montaigne recasts a story borrowed from antiquity or from medieval sources, he reshapes the anecdote to include many of the distinguishing characteristics of contemporary brief narrative tales, so popular in his time: concise mention of geographic location: “Allant un jour a Orleans” (I, 26, 168A/125) ‘Going to Orleans one day’; vague mention of the date: “Ces jours passes” (II, 11, 431C/314) ‘These past days’; and perhaps a notation of the identity of the principal actor: “un soldat prisonnier” (II, 11, 431C/314) ‘an imprisoned soldier’.1 Mention has been made of the fact that Montaigne adheres to the principle of economy of detail to streamline the anecdote, and he often includes a witty concluding remark characteristic of the contemporary conte (Losse 375). His essays, we know from comments by his contemporary storytellers, were viewed as part of the hybrid form of the discours bigarres—where dialogue or commentary is juxtaposed to narrative.2
Deploying Warrants, Producing Policy: A Self-Study of Teacher Education Policy Discussions.

The practice of teacher education is inextricably linked to the policy environment in which it occurs. Calls by policymakers and politicians for accountability measures, standardization and perform...
A new era of amyloidosis: the trends at a major US referral centre

Objective: To characterize the changing spectrum of amyloidosis classes, as well as patient demographics, at a major US referral centre. Patients and methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of all referrals to the Amyloidosis Centre at Boston University and Boston Medical Centre over the last 3 decades. Results: A total of 3987 new patients with amyloidosis were evaluated between 1990 and 2018 with the average number of new cases per year increasing 2.5-fold during this period. Systemic immunoglobulin light-chain (AL) amyloidosis decreased in proportion with each decade from 77% to 69% to 50% of new cases. Meanwhile, ATTR amyloidosis increased from 12% to 16% to 29%, predominately due to more diagnosis of ATTRwt and ATTRV122I amyloidosis. Gender and race profile differences, while changing over the observed time period, persisted among amyloidosis patients. Conclusion: Amyloid diseases are more widely recognized and classes of amyloidosis, including ATTRwt and ATTRV122I, once considered rare are now increasingly diagnosed. These data likely reflect a national trend of increased amyloidosis awareness facilitated by accessible diagnostic approaches, emerging treatments, and coordinated educational initiatives. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00898235.
Curriculum to Prepare AEC Students for BIM-Enabled Globally Distributed Projects

Globalization and the increasing adoption of BIM and other technologies in the AEC industry have changed the way we prepare graduates for the digital workplace. This paper presents curriculum desig...
Intersections of US Military Culture, Hegemonic Masculinity, and Health Care Among Injured Male Service Members:

In this paper, we explore how socially constructed hegemonic masculinity permeates military culture, and how this cultural context intersects with the seeking and receiving of health care by active...
Revascularization and functional outcomes after mechanical thrombectomy: an update to key metrics.

Objective The advent of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has become an effective option for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke in addition to tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). With recent advances in device technology, MT has significantly altered the hospital course and functional outcomes of stroke patients. The authors' goal was to establish the most up-to-date reperfusion and functional outcomes with the evolution of MT technology. Methods The authors conducted a retrospective study of 403 patients who underwent MT for ischemic stroke at their institution from 2010 to 2017. They collected data on patient comorbidities, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score on arrival, tPA administration, revascularization outcomes, and functional outcomes on discharge. Results In 403 patients, the mean NIHSS score on presentation was 15.8 ± 6.6, with 195 (48.0%) of patients receiving tPA prior to MT. Successful reperfusion (thrombolysis in cerebral infarction score 2B or 3) was achieved in 84.4%. Hemorrhagic conversion with significant mass effect was noted in 9.9% of patients. The median lengths of ICU and hospital stay were 3.0 and 7.0 days, respectively. Functional independence (modified Rankin Scale score 0-2) was noted in 125 (31.0%) patients, while inpatient mortality occurred in 43 (10.7%) patients. Conclusions As MT has established acute ischemic stroke as a neurosurgical disease, there is a pressing need to understand the hospital course, hospital- and procedure-related complications, and outcomes for this new patient population. The authors provide a detailed account of key metrics for MT with the latest device technology and identify the predictors of unfavorable outcomes and inpatient mortality.
Hot Rocks and Not-So-Hot Rocks on the Seashore: Patterns and Body-Size Dependent Consequences of Microclimatic Variation in Intertidal Zone Boulder Habitat

Microclimatic variation has emerged as an important driver of many ecological and evolutionary processes. Nonetheless, fine-scale temperature data are still rare in most habitats, limiting our ability to understand the consequences of microclimatic variation under current and future conditions. We measured fine-scale thermal variation in a common, species-rich, but rarely studied habitat with respect to temperature: the airspaces under rocks on intertidal zone boulder shores. The effects of thermal variation were investigated using physiological, behavioral, and demographic responses of the porcelain crab Petrolisthes cinctipes. Habitat temperatures were measured at fine spatial and temporal resolution over 18 months, producing 424,426 temperature records. Microclimatic variation increased with increasing intertidal elevation, particularly with respect to heat extremes. However, mean temperatures were similar across the entire intertidal zone. Overheating risk for P. cinctipes increases with intertidal elevation but is size dependent, as large animals are more heat sensitive than small animals. Still, microclimatic variation high in the intertidal zone provided thermal refugia even under the warmest conditions. Size-dependent thermal responses predicted that large crabs should be rare high in the intertidal zone, which was supported by demographic data. Furthermore, simulations parameterized by our microclimate and organismal data recapitulated demographic patterns. Therefore, interactions between microclimatic variation and size-dependent thermal responses may have significant ecological repercussions that warrant greater attention.
Studying in Relation: Critical Latinx Indigeneities and Education

ABSTRACTGuided by critical ethnic studies and critical Indigenous studies, we engage analytical work to tease out how multiple colonial projects have implications for Latinx educational practice. G...
Passion and ability: Mentoring in a Doctorate of Nursing Practice programme

This basic qualitative study sought to understand the experiences of Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) graduates with mentorship during their DNP project completion. Fourteen participants were recruited for telephonic, semi-structured interviews. Accessibility and availability of the mentor represents the dominant theme. Additional themes represented aspects of the mentor role related to the work involved in executing the project and the mentor's personal and professional attributes that promoted the professional socialisation of the graduates to the DNP role.
Vibrio cholerae Sheds Its Coat to Make Itself Comfortable in the Gut

Invertebrates molt, furry mammals shed, and human skin exfoliates. In this issue of Cell Host & Microbe, Zingl et al. describe a virulence mechanism in which the bacterial pathogen Vibrio cholerae jettisons outer membrane proteins and lipids in vesicles as it enters the mammalian intestine.