cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A 28,000 year history of vegetation and climate from Lower Red Rock Lake, Centennial Valley, Southwestern Montana, USA

Abstract A sediment core extending to 28,000 cal yr BP from Lower Red Rock Lake in the Centennial Valley of southwestern Montana provides new information on the nature of full-glacial vegetation as well as a history of late-glacial and Holocene vegetation and climate in a poorly studied region. Prior to 17,000 cal yr BP, the eastern Centennial Valley was occupied by a large lake (Pleistocene Lake Centennial), and valley glaciers were present in adjacent mountain ranges. The lake lowered upon erosion of a newly formed western outlet in late-glacial time. High pollen percentages of Juniperus, Poaceae, Asteraceae, and other herbs as well as low pollen accumulation rates suggest sparse vegetation cover. Inferred cold dry conditions are consistent with a strengthened glacial anticyclone at this time. Between 17,000 and 10,500 cal yr BP, high Picea and Abies pollen percentages suggest a shift to subalpine parkland and warmer conditions than before. This is attributed to the northward shift of the jet stream and increasing summer insolation. From 10,500 to 7100 cal yr BP, pollen evidence of open dry forests suggests warm conditions, which were likely a response to increased summer insolation and a strengthened Pacific subtropical high-pressure system. From 7100 to 2400 cal yr BP, cooler moister conditions promoted closed forest and wetlands. Increases in Picea and Abies pollen percentages after 2400 cal yr BP suggest increasing effective moisture. The postglacial pattern of Pseudotsuga expansion indicates that it arrived later on the Atlantic side of the Continental Divide than on the Pacific side. The Divide may have been a physical barrier for refugial populations or it delimited different climate regions that influenced the timing of Pseudotsuga expansion.
Feature extraction from hyperspectral images compressed using the JPEG-2000 standard

We present results quantifying the exploitability of compressed remote sensing imagery. The performance of various feature extraction and classification tasks is measured on hyperspectral images coded using the JPEG-2000 Standard. Spectral decorrelation is performed using the Karhunen-Loeve transform and the 9-7 wavelet transform as part of the JPEG-2000 process. The quantitative performance of supervised, unsupervised, and hybrid classification tasks is reported as a function of the compressed bit rate for each spectral decorrelation scheme. The tasks examined are shown to perform with 99% accuracy at rates as low as 0.125 bits/pixel/band. This suggests that one need not limit remote sensing systems to lossless compression only, since many common classification tools perform reliably on images compressed to very low bit rates.
Morphogenesis of the lung: control of embryonic and fetal branching

Lung development differs in the embryo and fetus with regard to branching pattern and organization of the epithelial cells. The surrounding mesodermal component, the capsule, has long been known to play a role in branching. As a result of recent analyses of distribution of components of the extracellular matrix coupled with interference with their expression, we are beginning to understand how branching is controlled. Insoluble macromolecules of the basal lamina and deeper extracellular matrix may act as physical barriers or traps to sequester soluble components. The soluble growth factors activate genes regulating cell proliferation.
Glutathione S-transferase activities in placentas from smoking and non-smoking women.

1. Microsomal mono-oxygenase activity toward 7-ethoxyresoryfin, and cytosolic glutathione S-transferase activity toward 1-chloro-2, 4-dinitrobenzene were determined in 53 placentas obtained at delivery from smoking and non-smoking women.2. Whereas mono-oxygenase activity was clearly stimulated in placentas from women who smoked, no parallel enhancement of glutathione S-transferase activity was evident.3. This disparity in response could result in imbalance among placental detoxication systems following exposure to certain compounds.
On the feasibility of bandwidth estimation in wireless access networks

Bandwidth estimation refers to the measurement of a bandwidth-related metric over a network path, performed only by the end hosts, without access to the intermediate routers. The problem of fast bandwidth estimation has been extensively studied in the wired Internet. More recently, researchers have shown that tools developed for the wired Internet cannot be used in wireless networks, due to the different characteristics of these networks which invalidate many of the assumptions made for the wired Internet. This observation has led to new tools that take into account the different characteristics of wireless networks. These tools have only been evaluated in controlled environments, under controlled settings and interferers, and only for 802.11 CSMA-based WLANs. In addition, no tool has been reported so far in the literature for cellular networks. This paper presents the first study of the feasibility of fast bandwidth estimation in wireless networks "in the wild", i.e., in deployed operational networks. We discuss the challenges associated with bandwidth measurements in operational networks in contrast to in controlled lab environments. We study the applicability of a state-of-the-art probe-based tool for 802.11 WLANs in a commercial 1 × EVDO network. In addition, we evaluate the accuracy of the tool in three different WLAN environments, i.e., lab, home, and hotspot. Our results show that bandwidth estimation using a probe-based tool can be challenging in certain WLAN environments, and practically infeasible in EVDO cellular networks, due to the short-scale dynamics in this type of networks.
The new Bethesda system for reporting results of smears of the uterine cervix

Over 40 years have elapsed since the large-scale introduction of the cervical-cancer smear as a cancer detection tool. The smear, which consists of a sample of cells from the epithelial surfaces of the uterine cervix, is colloquially known as the "Pap test," after its discoverer, George N. Papanicolaou. The test is performed annually on many millions of women. It has contributed in a statistically significant way to the reduction of morbidity and mortality rates from invasive carcinoma of the uterus in appropriately screened populations {1-4). However, the test is prone to disturbing failures (5). Theoretically, at least, the test is quite simple: the cell samples, placed on microscope slides and appropriately stained, are studied under the microscope by trained cytotechnologists. The presence of precancerous lesions is heralded by the appearance of nuclear and cytoplasmic abnormalities. Tissue biopsies, preferably obtained with the colposcope, a magnifying instrument, provide further information on the scope and size of the lesion, which is subsequently removed or destroyed to prevent its progression to invasive cancer. In practice, there are several problems with the Pap test. They are (a) the adequacy of the samples, (b) the difficulty of microscopic screening, based on recognizing few abnormal cells among many thousands of cells in each sample, and (c) the compliance of patients with testing at appropriate intervals or with follow-up procedures. These problems have been the subject of considerable concern in the lay press and in scientific publications (5). The failure to discover a precancerous lesion before it becomes malignant has resulted in invasive cancer and death of some young patients. Measures to improve the quality of screening have been recently proposed (Amendment to the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act: pending), but, without adequate funding, the implementation and results of these measures are uncertain. One of the key issues in providing adequate care to patients at risk for cervical cancer is the manner in which the smears are reported to the primary care physicians and gynecologists. Papanicolaou, who was not a trained pathologist, recognized early in his work that he was not qualified to render diagnostic verdicts based on smears. He therefore devised a system of reporting based on five classes. Class I smears were entirely benign, hence normal. Class II smears disclosed minor cell abnormalities ("atypia"), thought to be benign. Class III smears corresponded to cell abnormalities that were "suspicious," but not definitely cancerous. Class IV smears were "most likely malignant," and Class V smears were unequivocally malignant and diagnostic of cancer.
Photovoltaic powered highway camera surveillance system

Energy from the Sun is being used to power numerous applications; from hot water in the home to powering an electric car. One form of solar energy supplies power by photovoltaic cells that converts sunlight to electrical energy. This energy is used to power a variety of electrical devices. One sector of the transportation industry provides various highway safety equipment which requires various forms of electrical power to operate along roadways. One such device is a closed-circuit television system which provides surveillance capabilities on highways. Most installations are near utility power, but a few are in remote locations without electric power. The author describes how photovoltaic (PV) power systems are capable of providing the needed electrical power for various transportation devices, including surveillance television systems. He details how, as a demonstration, a PV system was designed and constructed to power a camera surveillance system on an expressway in Florida, USA.
Effects of the cathode electron emission and background gas pressure on transient phenomena in magnetized thruster discharge

Large-amplitude, low-frequency, discharge current oscillations invariably occur in the Hall thruster discharge. This discharges are characterized by magnetized electrons and unmagnetized ions. The oscillations are thought to result from various ionization mechanisms.1 A rotating potential perturbation, called a spoke,2 is observed to propagate in the ExJB direction for certain magnetic field topologies of the thruster discharge, including both cylindrical and annular configurations. We show that increasing the cathode electron emission3 or increasing the background pressure curiously suppresses both the rotating spoke and the low frequency oscillations. These effects correlate with the reduction of the electron cross-field transport in the thruster discharge. Possible physical mechanisms responsible for these effects are discussed.
Teaching AAC in the Online Environment: Methods and Challenges

Abstract The evolution of online education has some parallels with the development of the field of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). It has taken some time for professionals in the ...
Determination of absorption time of ethanol in social drinkers

This study was designed to determine the peak, plateau and absorption times of ethanol in a social drinking setting. For the purpose of this study, subjects who had drinking times of 30 min or greater were considered to fit the 'social drinking' category. Healthy subjects (31 male and two female) were tested immediately after they finished drinking. Blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) were measured using a breath testing instrument (Intoxilyzer 5000). Drinking time, type and volume of alcoholic beverage consumed, subject's weight, and a brief description of the breakfast meal were recorded for each subject. The peak, plateau and absorption times were determined for each subject. Peak time was the time interval between the end of drinking and the maximum blood alcohol measurement. Plateau time was the time interval between peak time and the end of absorption time, i.e. the interval between peak time and the beginning of dissipation. Absorption time was defined as the peak time plus plateau time. Among 31 subjects with drinking times of 30 min or greater, 23 (74.2%) had peak and absorption times of < 30 and < 60 min, respectively. Twenty four out of 31 (77.4%) social drinkers had an absorption time of < 60 min, regardless of their peak time. Overall, the average peak and absorption times were 17.4 +/- 17.3 (range 0-74) and 42.2 +/- 31.5 (range 1-130) min. Plateau times averaged 24.9 +/- 23.1 with a range of 0-74 min. It can be concluded from this study that in a social drinking setting, a shorter time to peak and faster rate of absorption may occur when ethanol is consumed over an extended period of time. This is in contrast to results reported in earlier studies involving bolus drinking, where longer absorption times occurred.
Rituximab maintenance therapy in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: is XY the most important variable?

In B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) rituximab has extended the disease-free intervals of hundreds of thousands of patients. At the inception of rituximab a considerable amount of academic vigor was invested in finding the appropriate dose and frequency during induction therapy. This was followed
Pension Plan Distribution Restrictions under the Nondiscrimination Regulations

Distribution restrictions designed to prevent defined benefit plans from paying substantial benefits to highly compensated employees (HCEs), leaving insufficient funds for non-highly compensated employees (NHCEs), can have a draconian effect, particularly on small plans with most benefits attributable to HCEs.
Behavioral Interventions to Enhance Adherence to Hormone Therapy in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Literature Review

Adjuvant hormone therapy contributes to reductions in recurrence and mortality for women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. However, adherence to hormone therapy is suboptimal. This is the first systematic literature review examining interventions aimed at improving hormone therapy adherence. Researchers followed the PRISMA guidelines. PubMed-Medline, CINAHL, PsychInfo, Ovid-Medline, and EMBASE were searched for behavioral interventions that aimed to enhance adherence to adjuvant hormone therapy in breast cancer survivors. A total of 376 articles were screened for eligibility. Five articles met the study criteria. All interventions presented adherence outcomes after 1-year follow-up. None significantly enhanced adherence compared to the usual care in the primary analysis (odds ratios ranged from 1.03 to 2.06 for adherence and from 1.11 to 1.18 for persistence). All studies targeted patients, and only 3 studies included postmenopausal breast cancer patients. Three tested the same intervention consisting of educational materials. Only one was conducted in the United States. Only one reported participants' ethnicity. Overall, it was unclear whether the studies contained bias. The use of different terminology and operationalization of adherence made comparisons challenging. Interventions to improve adherence to adjuvant hormone therapy in US breast cancer populations that include survivors who are ethnically diverse, premenopausal, and receiving tamoxifen therapy are necessary to inform future interventions. Adoption of consistent adherence definitions/measurements will provide a clearer framework to consolidate aggregate findings. Given the limited efficacy of tested interventions, it is important to engage oncologists and researchers to develop approaches that target different components associated with hormone therapy adherence, such as doctor-patient communication or social support.
Attentive agents

In the anticipated symbiotic partnership, men will set the goals, formulate the hypotheses, determine the criteria, and perform the evaluations. Computing machines will do the routinizable work that must be done to prepare the way for insights and decisions in technical and scientific thinking.J.C.R. Licklider, 1960
Age-based outcomes of cheilectomy for the treatment of hallux rigidus.

The results of cheilectomy, performed on 67 consecutive patients with hallux rigidus resulting in primary extra-articular symptoms are presented. Four patients who underwent subsequent fusion were ...
Discussion on Implementation Technology of Dam Safety Monitoring Automation System During Construction

In order to acquire and master the dam safety behavior during the period of construction and impoundment,back-feed design and guide the construction,it is necessary to start execution of dam safety monitoring automation system in the construction phase. From the necessity and importance of automation system execution,this paper detailed analyzed the affected factors of system during the construction and present the solutions with the project example.The method and effection of automated monitoring system during construction are introduced in this paper,which can be as a reference for similar projects in the future.
One giant leap for pediatric AMKL

In this issue of Blood , [de Rooij et al][1] report, through the largest-ever molecular assessment in a multinational cohort, the prognostic significance of several recurrent genetic aberrations in children with acute megakaryoblastic leukemia (AMKL).[1][2] ![Figure][3] Survival curves
Racial Disparities in Inhospital Outcomes for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in the United States.

Abstract Objective To study racial disparities in therapeutic interventions and hospitalization outcomes for hepatocellular cancer (HCC) in the United States. Patients and Methods Using the 2011 Nationwide Inpatient Sample (comprising hospitalizations between January 1 and December 31, 2011), we identified patients with HCC-related admissions using previously validated International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes. Among these, we also identified those that were procedure-related (associated with liver transplantation, hepatic resection, radiofrequency ablation, or transarterial chemoembolization). Multivariate regression was performed to identify the contribution of race to therapeutic interventions and outcomes. Results A total of 22,933 HCC-related hospitalizations were included, of which 10,285 were procedure related (45%). Blacks had a smaller proportion (35%) of procedure-related HCC hospitalizations than did whites (46%) (odds ratio [OR], 0.65; 95% CI, 0.49-0.86). Specifically, blacks had lower odds of liver transplantation (OR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.26-0.71), hepatic resection (OR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.33-0.98), and ablation (OR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.29-0.74) ( P =.002) than did whites. Overall, 10.9% of HCC-related admissions resulted in death in blacks as compared with 6.4% in whites (OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.12-2.24). Conclusion Among patients admitted for HCC-related hospitalizations, blacks were less likely to receive liver transplantation, hepatic resection, and ablation than whites and had higher inhospital mortality. Identifying racial disparities in health care is a necessary first step to appropriately address and eliminate them.
PARAMETRIC EQUATIONS—POLAR COORDINATES

This chapter discusses the parametric equations and application. There are many cases in which it is convenient to express the coordinates of points on a curve in terms of a third variable, called a parameter. The parametric equations x= f(t) , y = g(t) , where t, <t<f, define a curve. The conventional representation of some curves by an equation in x and y is so complicated as to be impractical to use. Problems relating to such curves can often be simplified by the use of parametric representation. Moreover, many difficulties arise when all problems are expressed in terms of rectangular coordinates. For this reason, it is convenient to develop the polar coordinate system. It has been found that the problem of finding the points of intersection of two curves is that of solving their equations simultaneously. However, when curves are represented by polar equations, the problem is not always quite this simple. The chapter presents examples to see some of the difficulties which may arise. The problem for curves in polar coordinates is investigated as the concept of the slope of a tangent line to a curve in rectangular coordinates is an important one.
Crowdsourcing the Egyptian Constitution: Social Media, Elites, and the Populace

Drawing on empirical evidence from online citizen feedback on the 2012 Egyptian Constitution, we demonstrate that despite normative skepticism about implications of participatory constitution making, citizen participation matters. Using data of more than 650,000 online votes and comments on the constitution, we find that draft provisions with higher public approval are less likely to change and those with lower approval are more likely to change. We also find that Articles related to rights and freedoms are more likely to change based on online public input. Finally, following the boycott of the Constituent Assembly by non-Islamists, changes in draft Articles based on public feedback drop sharply. These findings highlight the conditions under which participatory constitution making becomes more effective. First, consensus among citizens over the most salient issues increases the probability that those issues would be successfully incorporated in the constitution. Second, without ex ante elite agreement ov...
Consequences for Adult Fish Stocks of Human-Induced Mortality on Immatures

Publisher Summary This chapter uses simple models to clarify the issues involved in determination of the impacts of human activities on populations of marine fish. It reviews issues, such as, can any of the various compensation mechanisms that may exist in marine fish prevent additional immature losses from causing a reduction in the average abundance of adult fish; what is the likely relationship between the fractional increase in immature mortality and the fractional change in adult equilibrium density; and is it likely that additional immature losses will lead to a change in stability. It uses an approach intended to provide an estimate of how local larval mortality, induced by a nuclear power plant, may impact the abundance of adults assessed at a regional level. The chapter discusses the compensation in the dynamics of fishes and other marine organisms affected by anthropogenic activities.
Impossible Infinite Series: Two False Accounts

In this chapter and the next, we consider what earlier thinkers have said about when an infinite series, or other form of infinity, is impossible. There are three main views to consider: (i) that an infinite series can never be completed by traversing the steps in succession, (ii) that a condition cannot obtain if it has an infinite series of preconditions, and (iii) that there can exist only potential infinities, never an actual infinity. These theories are not mutually exclusive; one could endorse two or even all three of these views at once, as I believe thinkers about the infinite have often done. Nevertheless, I shall discuss the three ideas separately, the first two in this chapter and the third (which requires the most extended discussion) in the next chapter.
Trial of Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin) ER in ADHD

The efficacy and safety of dexmethylphenidate extended release (d-MPH-ER) was compared to placebo in 97 patients (ages 6-17 years) with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, two-phase study reported from New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York.
Hybrid learning in signalling games

Lewis–Skyrms signalling games have been studied under a variety of low-rationality learning dynamics. Reinforcement dynamics are stable but slow and prone to evolving suboptimal signalling conventi...
Finance and Growth: Schumpeter Might Be Right

Russia gets relatively little foreign direct investment and almost none of the newer, more efficient kind, involving state-of-the-art technology and world-class competitive production linked to dynamic global or regional markets. Why? And what should be done about it? Foreign direct investment brings host countries capital, productive facilities, and technology transfers as well as employment, new job skills, and management expertise. It is important to the Russian Federation, where incentives for competition are limited and incentives to becoming efficient are blunted by interregional barriers to trade, weak creditor rights, and administrative barriers to new entrants. Bergsman, Broadman, and Drebentsov argue that the old policy paradigm of foreign direct investment (established before World War II and prevalent in the 1950s and 1960s) still governs Russia. In this paradigm there are only two reasons for foreign direct investment: access to inputs for production and access to markets for outputs. Such kinds of foreign direct investment, although beneficial, are often based on generating exports that exploit cheap labor or natural resources or are aimed at penetrating protected local markets, not necessarily at world standards for price and quality. They contend that Russia should phase out high tariffs and nontariff protection for the domestic market, most tax preferences for foreign investors (which don't increase foreign direct investment but do reduce fiscal revenues), and many restrictions on foreign direct investment. They recommend that Russia switch to a modern approach to foreign direct investment by: - Amending the newly enacted foreign direct investment law so that it will grant nondiscriminatory national treatment to foreign investors for both right of establishment and post-establishment operations, abolish conditions (such as local content restrictions) inconsistent with the World Trade Organization agreement on trade-related investment measures (TRIMs), and make investor-state dispute resolution mechanisms more efficient (giving foreign investors the chance to seek neutral binding international arbitration, for example). - Strengthening enforcement of property rights. - Simplifying registration procedures for foreign investors, to make them transparent and rules-based. - Extending guarantee schemes covering basic noncommercial risks. This paper - a product of the Poverty Reduction and Economic Management Sector Unit, Europe and Central Asia Regional Office - is part of a larger effort in the region to assist the Russian authorities in preparing for accession to the World Trade Organization. The authors may be contacted at hbroadman@worldbank.org or vdrebentsov@worldbank.org.
New Insights into the Anatomy of the Midface Musculature and its Implications on the Nasolabial Fold

The prominent nasolabial fold is a distinct feature of the aging midface. As minimally invasive procedures have become mainstream, chemodenervation is a preferred method for treating dynamic facial rhytids. We therefore sought to identify relevant nasolabial fold and midfacial muscular anatomy to determine the ideal location of neuromodulation to improve the aesthetics of the midface and nasolabial fold without altering the upper lip and smile. Twelve hemifacial cadaveric dissections were performed to identify midface muscle origin, insertion, width, vector of pull, and neighboring structures. Attention was focused on the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi (LLSAN), levator labii superioris (LLS), nasalis, and orbicularis oculi. Measurements were obtained based on surface landmarks including the medial canthus for future neurotoxin injection. The LLSAN inserts into the medial nasolabial fold and alar base, while the LLS inserts into the middle third of the nasolabial fold. The broadest portion of the superior LLSAN was on average 8.4 mm inferior and 4.6 mm medial to the medial canthus. A separate muscle obliquely oriented between the orbicularis oculi and LLSAN was identified and found to insert into the malar fat pad. This “malar levator” was present in all specimens and has implications on medial periorbital rhytids and the tear trough deformity. This study further defines midfacial and nasolabial fold muscular anatomy and provides new insights into the use of neuromodulators for these areas without affecting upper lip position. The malar levator muscle appears to be a separate midfacial muscle with independent action. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .
Challenges to "Classic" Esophageal Candidiasis: Looks Are Usually Deceiving.

Objectives We undertook the first case control study of histologically confirmed esophageal candidiasis (EC). Methods A computer search from July 2012 through February 2015 identified 1,011 esophageal specimens, including 40 cases of EC and 20 controls. Results The EC incidence was 5.2%; it was associated with immunosuppression and endoscopic white plaques and breaks. Smoking was a predisposing factor, and alcohol was protective. EC had no unique symptoms, and 54% of endoscopic reports did not suspect EC. Important histologic clues included superficial and detached fragments of desquamated and hyper-pink parakeratosis, acute inflammation, intraepithelial lymphocytosis, dead keratinocytes, and bacterial overgrowth. Thirty percent had no neutrophilic infiltrate. Pseudohyphae were seen on H&E in 92.5% (n = 37/40). "Upfront" periodic acid-Schiff with diastase (PAS/D) on all esophageal specimens would have generated $68,333.49 in patient charges. Our targeted PAS/D strategy resulted in $13,044.87 in patient charges (cost saving = 80.9%, $55,288.62). Conclusions We describe the typical morphology of EC and recommend limiting PAS/D to cases where the organisms are not readily identifiable on H&E and with at least one of the following: (1) ulcer, (2) suspicious morphology, and/or (3) clinical impression of EC.
Neoliberal Global Assemblages: The Emergence of "Public" International High-School Curriculum Programs in China.

Since 2010, the number of urban Chinese high-school students applying to US universities has rapidly grown. Many of these students have chosen emerging international curriculum programs established...
Gene therapy knockdown of VEGFR2 in retinal endothelial cells to treat retinopathy

Inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) raises concerns for premature infants because VEGF is essential for retinovascular development as well as neuronal and glial health. This study tested the hypothesis that endothelial cell-specific knockdown of VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2), or downstream STAT3, would inhibit VEGF-induced retinopathy without delaying physiologic retinal vascular development. We developed an endothelial cell-specific lentiviral vector that delivered shRNAs to VEGFR2 or STAT3 and a green fluorescent protein reporter under control of the VE-cadherin promoter. The specificity and efficacy of the lentiviral vector-driven shRNAs were validated in vitro and in vivo. In the rat oxygen-induced retinopathy model highly representative of human ROP, the effects of endothelial cell knockdown of VEGFR2 or STAT3 were determined on intravitreal neovascularization (IVNV), physiologic retinal vascular development [assessed as area of peripheral avascular/total retina (AVA)], retinal structure, and retinal function. Targeted knockdown of VEGFR2 or STAT3 specifically in retinal endothelial cells by subretinal injection of lentiviral vectors into postnatal day 8 rat pup eyes efficiently inhibited IVNV, and knockdown of VEGFR2 also reduced AVA and increased retinal thickness without altering retinal function. Taken together, our results support specific knockdown of VEGFR2 in retinal endothelial cells as a novel therapeutic method to treat retinopathy.
Baseline Assessment: Understanding WISE Freshman Students’ Information Literacy Skills in a One-shot Library Session

To understand Women in Science and Engineering freshman student’s information literacy skills, the authors surveyed seventy-five students with a pre- and posttest in a one-shot library session. The...
Acute Right Ventricular Failure

Acute right ventricular (RV) failure is a devastating syndrome caused by a variety of common diseases and conditions. Acute RV failure is caused by acute alterations in preload, afterload, and/or contractility. Ventricular interdependence and decreases in perfusion pressure make the RV particularly prone to acute failure. Histologic and biochemical correlates of RV failure are inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cardiomyocyte death. The most common causes are pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary embolism, left heart failure, acute right-sided myocardial infarction, and sepsis as well as acute respiratory distress syndrome. Invasive hemodynamic assessment and echocardiography remain the most valuable methods to diagnose and manage acute RVF in critically ill patients. In more stable patients, cardiac MRI can be used as an alternative or complementary imaging method. These strategies are complemented by biomarker assessment, radiographic studies, and incorporation of clinical parameters into validated risk scores. The key principle in the management of acute RV failure focuses on treatment of the underlying etiology, complemented by supportive strategies focused on improving RV function via optimization of volume status and oxygenation, enhancing contractility, and reducing afterload. The latter two are achieved through use of vasopressors (e.g., norepinephrine), inotropes (e.g., dobutamine, milrinone), pulmonary vasodilators (e.g., inhaled nitric oxide, parenteral prostacyclins, phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors), and interventional or surgical therapies (e.g., extracorporeal membrane oxygenation). This chapter will provide a definition of acute RV failure and review its pathophysiology, etiologies, diagnosis and risk stratification as well as treatment.
Rapid Release Protocol Optimizes Product Utilization Compared With Massive Transfusion Protocol in Selected Patients.

BACKGROUND While massive transfusion protocols (MTPs) are effective means of expeditiously delivering blood products to patients with exsanguinating hemorrhage, activation often occurs in cases with small blood volume deficits, leading to product wastage and overtransfusion. We sought to determine whether the additional implementation of a new protocol (called Rapid Release [RR]), which uses less resources, would result in decrease in blood product wastage. We hypothesized that RR would result in the reservation of MTPs for sicker patients and that blood product wastage would decrease. METHODS All MTP activations 1.5 y pre-RR and 1.5 y post-RR were analyzed. Compared with MTP (six units packed red blood cells [pRBCs], six units fresh frozen plasma [FFP], six units platelets), RR only releases four units pRBCs and one unit FFP per activation. MTP resource utilization and wastage was compared before and after RR in trauma and nontrauma populations. P ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS One hundred nine MTPs were activated pre- (n = 48) to post-RR (n = 61), with 69 RRs activated in the post-RR period. Of these 69 RRs, 10 (14.5%) were eventually upgraded to MTP. Compared with the pre-RR group, significantly higher transfusion rates were observed for FFP and platelets. FFP wastage increased (pre: 0.65 ± 1.78 versus post: 3.46 ± 4.29; P < 0.001) over the study duration with no differences between the trauma and nontrauma populations. CONCLUSIONS Contrary to our hypothesis, institution of the RR protocol resulted in higher mean wastage of FFP per activation despite the appropriateness of the RR protocol. Further efforts are warranted to refine the MTP to increase efficiency.
Challenges Encountered in the Emergency Department in the Unimmunized Pediatric Population

Purpose of Review This review discusses unimmunized pediatric patients and the unique circumstances surrounding their evaluation and management in the emergency department in an era where many established guidelines are based on the assumption of a vaccinated patient.
The Geometry of Constrained Randomwalks and an Application to Frame Theory

Random walks in ${{\mathbb{R}}^3}$ are classical objects in geometric probability which have, over the last 70 years, been rather successfully used as models of polymers in solution. Modifying the theory to apply to topologically nontrivial polymers, such as ring polymers, has proven challenging, but several recent breakthroughs have been made by thinking of random walks as points in some nice conformation space and then exploiting the geometry of the space. Using tools from symplectic geometry, this approach yields a fast algorithm for sampling loop random walks. Such walks can be lifted via the Hopf map to finite unit norm tight frames (FUNTFs) in ${{\mathbb{C}}^2}$, producing an algorithm for randomly sampling FUNTFs in ${{\mathbb{C}}^2}$ as well as a mechanism for searching for FUNTFs with nice properties. In general, symplectic geometry seems like a promising tool for understanding the space of FUNTFs in ${{\mathbb{C}}^d}$ for any d.
Volatile organic compound emission in a university printing press facility in eastern North Carolina

Printing presses are known to release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that may pose health risks to workers. The purpose of this study was to assess the area airborne total volatile organic compo...
Submicron loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic gel 0.38% for the treatment of inflammation and pain after cataract surgery.

Purpose To assess the safety and efficacy of a 0.38% submicron formulation of loteprednol etabonate (LE) gel for the treatment of postoperative inflammation and pain after cataract surgery. Setting Forty-five United States ophthalmology practices. Design Double-masked vehicle-controlled randomized parallel group study. Methods Patients 18 years of age or older with anterior chamber cells grade 2 or higher on day 1 after uncomplicated cataract surgery were randomized to 14 days of treatment with LE gel 2 times a day, LE gel 3 times a day, or vehicle. Hierarchical primary endpoints were the proportion of patients with resolution of anterior chamber cells and grade 0 (no) pain at postoperative day 8. Safety outcomes included adverse events, intraocular pressure (IOP), biomicroscopy, visual acuity, ophthalmoscopy, and tolerability (drop comfort and ocular symptoms). Results The intent-to-treat population included 514 patients. Significantly more patients in the LE gel 2 times a day and 3 times a day groups compared with the vehicle group had complete resolution of anterior chamber cells (26.9% and 28.7% versus 9.3%) and reported grade 0 pain (73.7% and 73.1% versus 47.7%) on day 8 (P Conclusion In this study, submicron loteprednol etabonate gel 0.38% appeared safe and effective in the treatment of postoperative inflammation and pain whether instilled 2 times or 3 times a day.
Lateral water structure connects metal oxide nanoparticle faces

When a metal oxide surface is immersed in aqueous solution, it has the ability to bind, orient, and order interfacial water, affecting both chemical and physical interactions with the surface. Structured interfacial water thus possesses time-averaged, spatially varying polarization charge and potential that are comparable to those arising due to ion accumulation. It is well established that interfacial water structure propagates from the surface into bulk solution. Here, we show that interfacial water structure also propagates laterally, with important consequences. The constant pH molecular dynamics was used to impose a pH difference between opposite faces of a model goethite (α-FeOOH) nanoparticle and quantify water polarization charge on intervening faces. We find that the structure of water on one face is strongly affected by the structure on nearby surfaces, revealing the importance of long-range lateral hydrogen bonding networks with implications for particle aggregation, oriented attachment, and processes such as dissolution and growth.
Abstract 333: TNF Receptor Modulation of Progenitor Cells and Exosomes for Myocardial Repair

Our published studies, using TNFR1 and TNFR2 knockout (KO) mice have demonstrated that negative effects of TNF during ischemic tissue repair including enhanced apoptosis and inflammatory cytokines ...
Synthesis of Transition-Metal-Doped KTiOPO4 and Lanthanide-Doped RbTiOAsO4 Isomorphs That Absorb Visible Light

We have substituted aliovalent transition-metal (M = Cr, Fe, Ni, Cu, Co) and lanthanide (Ln = Er) ions that absorb visible light onto the titanium sites of the nonlinear optical materials KTiOPO4 (KTP) and RbTiOAsO4 (RTA). The substitution formally creates a charge deficiency on the Ti site. To compensate for this, we have substituted aliovalent counterions on the titanium (Nb), phosphorus (S, Se, Cr, Mo, W, Re), oxygen (F), or potassium (Ca, Sr, Ba, Pb) sites. The resulting new materials expand the KTiOPO4 structure field for partial replacement of one or more ions. The M and Ln ions alter the optical absorption and second harmonic properties of the materials. The ions reduce the second harmonic intensities of the isomorphs (measured at 532 nm) but improve their phase-matching capabilities, allowing fundamental and second harmonic radiation to be phase matched at slightly shorter wavelengths than in the undoped host.
The Small RNA PinT Contributes to PhoP-Mediated Regulation of the Salmonella Pathogenicity Island 1 Type III Secretion System in Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium.

ABSTRACT Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium induces inflammatory diarrhea and bacterial uptake into intestinal epithelial cells using the Salmonella pathogenicity island 1 (SPI1) type III secretion system (T3SS). HilA activates transcription of the SPI1 structural components and effector proteins. Expression of hilA is activated by HilD, HilC, and RtsA, which act in a complex feed-forward regulatory loop. Many environmental signals and other regulators are integrated into this regulatory loop, primarily via HilD. After the invasion of Salmonella into host intestinal epithelial cells or during systemic replication in macrophages, the SPI T3SS is no longer required or expressed. We have shown that the two-component regulatory system PhoPQ, required for intracellular survival, represses the SPI1 T3SS mostly by controlling the transcription of hilA and hilD. Here we show that PinT, one of the PhoPQ-regulated small RNAs (sRNAs), contributes to this regulation by repressing hilA and rtsA translation. PinT base pairs with both the hilA and rtsA mRNAs, resulting in translational inhibition of hilA, but also induces degradation of the rts transcript. PinT also indirectly represses expression of FliZ, a posttranslational regulator of HilD, and directly represses translation of ssrB, encoding the primary regulator of the SPI2 T3SS. Our in vivo mouse competition assays support the concept that PinT controls a series of virulence genes at the posttranscriptional level in order to adapt Salmonella from the invasion stage to intracellular survival. IMPORTANCESalmonella is one of the most important food-borne pathogens, infecting over one million people in the United States every year. These bacteria use a needle-like device to interact with intestinal epithelial cells, leading to invasion of the cells and induction of inflammatory diarrhea. A complex regulatory network controls expression of the invasion system in response to numerous environmental signals. Here we explore the molecular mechanisms by which the small RNA PinT contributes to this regulation, facilitating inactivation of the system after invasion. PinT controls several important virulence systems in Salmonella, tuning the transition between different stages of infection.
Public servants or soldiers? A test of the police-military equivalency hypothesis

During these times of escalating tensions between the police and the communities they serve, the news and social media have been full of images of police officers wearing military gear, armed with ...
Laser Sintering of Aerosol Jet Printed Conductive Interconnects on Paper Substrate

Growing demand for wearable and disposable electronics leads to a need for cost effective and compact sensor designs and fabrication. Most of the devices are multi-layered and require a carrier substrate to hold the sensors. Paper substrates have gained attention since they have the potential to act as both the sensor and the substrate itself. Paper-based printed sensors have been demonstrated and shown functional. However, device fabrication on paper is challenging because of the surface roughness, bleeding, and incompatibility with high temperature sintering processes needed to achieve high conductivity. The conductivity of the interconnects is therefore usually relatively low and imposes performance limitations. Here we report, for the first time, highly conductive silver nano-particle interconnects printed on a paper substrate and sintered with a continuous wave laser. The printing process was identified and the laser sintering parameters were optimized to achieve a conductivity of approximately 67% of the bulk material. As an example of application, interdigitated electrodes were printed and laser sintered. The leakage current was monitored while aging at 50°C /85% RH conditions and exposing to water and artificial sweat.
How, and for whom, will activity patterns be modified by self-driving cars? Expectations from the state of Georgia

Abstract Many studies have explored travelers’ perceptions of self-driving cars (or autonomous vehicles, AVs) and their potential impacts. However, medium-term modifications in activity patterns (such as increasing trip frequencies and changing destinations) have been less explored. Using 2017–2018 survey data collected in the US state of Georgia, this paper (1) measures (at a general level) how people expect their activity patterns to change in a hypothetical all-AV era; (2) identifies population segments having similar profiles of expected changes; and (3) further profiles each segment on the basis of attitudinal, sociodemographic, and geographic characteristics. In the survey, respondents were asked to express their expectations regarding 16 potential activity modifications induced by AVs. We first conducted an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to reduce the dimensionality of the activity-change vector characterizing each individual, and estimated non-mean-centered (NMC) factor scores (which have been rarely used in applied psychology). The EFA solution identified four dimensions of activity change: distance, time flexibility, frequency, and long distance/leisure. Next, we clustered Georgians with respect to these four-dimensional expectation vectors. The cluster solution uncovered six segments: no change, change unlikely, more leisure/long distance, longer trips, more travel, and time flexibility & more leisure/long distance. Using NMC factor scores identified considerably more inertia with respect to expectations for change than would have been apparent from the usual mean-centered scores. Finally, the various segments exhibit distinctive demographics and general attitudes. For example, those in the more leisure/long distance cluster tend to be higher income and are more likely to be Atlanta-region residents compared to other clusters, while those in the no change and change unlikely clusters tend to be older and are more likely to be rural residents.