cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Pragmatic Approach Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Treat Ischemic Strokes of Unknown Onset Time in a Thrombolytic Trial

Background and Purpose—Toward the goal of designing a clinical trial using imaging parameters to treat stroke patients with unknown onset time, we investigated the timing of changes on MRI in patients with well-defined stroke onset. Methods—Hypothesis-generating (n=85) and confirmatory (n=111) samples were scored by blinded readers for fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) hyperintensity in diffusion-positive regions. Reader-measured signal intensity ratio (SIR) of the lesion to contralateral tissue was compared with SIR measured by coregistration. Results—Lesion conspicuity increased with time on FLAIR (P=0.006). Qualitative assessment of FLAIR-negative vs FLAIR hyperintensity (k=0.7091; 95% CI, 0.61–0.81) showed good interrater agreement. Subtle hyperintensity was less reliably categorized (k=0.59; 95% CI, 0.47–0.71). Reader-measured SIR <1.15 can identify patients within the treatable time window of 4.5 hours (positive predictive value=0.90). The SIR was greater for right hemisphere lesions (P=0....
The Politics of Managed Competition: Public Abuse of the Private Interest

The doctrine of managed competition in health care sought to achieve the social goals of access and efficiency using market incentives and consumer choice rather than governmental regulation and public administration. In retrospect, it demanded too much from both the public and the private sectors. Rather than develop choice-supporting rules and institutions, the public sector has promoted process regulation and benefit mandates. The private health insurance sector has pursued short-term profitability rather than cooperate in the development of fair competition and informed consumer choice. Purchasers have subsidized inefficient insurance designs in order to exploit tax and regulatory loopholes and to retain an image of corporate paternalism. America's health care system suffers from the public abuse of private interests and the private abuse of the public interest.
Nutrient uptake in streams draining agricultural catchments of the midwestern United States

SUMMARY 1. Agriculture is a major contributor of non-point source pollution to surface waters in the midwestern United States, resulting in eutrophication of freshwater aquatic ecosystems and development of hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico. Agriculturally influenced streams are diverse in morphology and have variable nutrient concentrations. Understanding how nutrients are transformed and retained within agricultural streams may aid in mitigating increased nutrient export to downstream ecosystems. 2. We studied six agriculturally influenced streams in Indiana and Michigan to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the factors controlling nutrient retention and export in agricultural streams using nutrient addition and isotopic tracer studies. 3. Metrics of nutrient uptake indicated that nitrate uptake was saturated in these streams whereas ammonium and phosphorus uptake increased with higher concentrations. Phosphorus uptake was likely approaching saturation as evidenced by decreasing uptake velocities with concentration; ammonium uptake velocity also declined with concentration, though not significantly. 4. Higher whole-stream uptake rates of phosphorus and ammonium were associated with the observed presence of stream autotrophs (e.g. algae and macrophytes). However, there was no significant relationship between measures of nutrient uptake and stream metabolism. Water-column nutrient concentrations were positively correlated with gross primary production but not community respiration. 5. Overall, nutrient uptake and metabolism were affected by nutrient concentrations in these agriculturally influenced streams. Biological uptake of ammonium and phosphorus was not saturated, although nitrate uptake did appear to be saturated in these ecosystems. Biological activity in agriculturally influenced streams is higher relative to more pristine streams and this increased biological activity likely influences nutrient retention and transport to downstream ecosystems.
Organizational Reform and Technological Innovation in Emergency Management

As the new millennium approaches, important and fundamental changes are taking place in the profession and practice of emergency management. Not least of these changes are organizational reforms to correct past deficiencies and build capacity for future action while incorporating new applications of technology to reduce environmental risks and manage disaster responses and recovery efforts more effectively. These changes in emergency management are being driven by variety of factors, not least of which are political pressures to reduce the role of government in society and the normal process of institutionalization as the function of emergency management is recognized as important and integrated into structures of government. Decentralization of policy-making and program administration may also reflect an ideological shift that emphasizes local autonomy regardless of capacities. Perhaps more importantly, emergency management is becoming a major political and administrative concern for public officials at all levels. The articles in the symposium offer broad evidence of the organizational and technological changes taking place in the practice of emergency management. Language: en
PRIMARY PREVENTION OF CHRONIC DISEASES IN ADOLESCENCE: EFFECTS OF THE MIDWESTERN PREVENTION PROJECT ON TOBACCO USE

This article reports six-month, one-year, and two-year effects of a longitudinal multicomponent community program directed toward delaying the onset of cigarette smoking in adolescence. Results are based on a longitudinal panel of sixth and seventh grade students from eight schools in the Kansas City Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area (n = 1,122). In the fall of 1984, schools were assigned to either a program group, which received school, booster, parent, and mass media program components, or a control group that received regular health education programming in school and mass media exposure. By six months, there was a significant effect of the program on recent smoking, with the prevalence of smokers in the program group increasing more slowly than in the control group. At two years, 19% of students in the program group reported smoking in the last month versus 29% of students in the control group; and 12% versus 19%, respectively, reported smoking in the last week. The lifetime prevalence rate showed a marginal program effect at two years, with 57% of students in the program group having smoked once or more compared with 65% in the control group. The program was also effective across different levels of cigarette use ranging from no current use to use of one pack or more per day at two years.
Telework at AtAT: Strategy and Systems Thinking

This is a minicase, one of 10 in a set of short cases written to illustrate the business benefits companies realize through adopting sustainable business strategies. This minicase discusses AT&T's adoption of telework before it was commonly done as an example of implementing sustainable business practices.
On the molecular mechanism of ion specific Hofmeister series

Hofmeister series ranks the ability of salt ions in influencing a variety of properties and processes in aqueous solutions. In this review, we reexamine how these ions and some other small molecules affect water structure and thermodynamic properties, such as surface tension and protein backbone solvation. We illustrate the difficulties in interpreting the thermodynamic information based on structural and dynamic arguments. As an alternative, we show that the solvation properties of ions and proteins/small molecules can be used to explain the salt effects on the thermodynamic properties of the solutions. Our analysis shows that the often neglected cation-anion cooperativity plays a very important role in these effects. We also argue that the change of hydrogen donor/acceptor equilibrium by added cosolutes/cosolvents can be used to explain their effects on protein secondary structure denaturation/protection: those increase hydrogen donor concentrations such as urea and salts with strongly solvated cations/weakly hydrated anions tend to dissolve protein backbone acting as secondary structure denaturants, whereas those lack of hydrogen donors but rich in acceptors have the opposite effect.
Book Review of 'Havens in a Storm: The Struggle for Global Tax Regulation'

This short essay is a review of J.C. Sharman's book Havens in a Storm: The Struggle for Global Tax Regulation. In the essay, I first provide a brief overview of Sharman's book, which approaches the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's struggle with tax havens over harmful tax competition from a political science perspective. I then describe how the book (and, by extension, this review) will be of interest not only to those in the fields of international tax and international relations, but also to those concerned more generally with the dynamics of struggles between the powerful and the weak. I conclude by offering a constructive critique of one aspect of the book.
Corporate Formalism in a Global Economy

Cross-border insolvency cases are at the cutting edge of international litigation of all kinds. They are generating remarkable developments in doctrine and in systems cooperation. In re Nortel importantly develops a new and important approach to corporate groups that may compel pro rata distribution of certain assets to all creditors of the group while avoiding any overall equitable subordination or piercing of the corporate veil. Yet the case also demonstrates that deference to the corporate form within an integrated group of corporations can result in very expensive litigation, especially in multinational cases. A major issue that results is allocation of group value among creditors. Procedurally, Nortel’s achievements in a value-maximizing global sale of assets and joint judicial proceedings across national borders represent a rejection of territorialism and reveal the enormous advantages of modified universalism in cross-border cases.
Development of 99mTc-EC-tyrosine as an amino acid transporter-targeting imaging agent for breast cancer

1602 Objectives 99mTc-labled α-methyltyrosine (AMT) using ethylenedicysteine (EC) as a chelator has been investigated as a potential breast tumor imaging agent. The aim of this study was to develop a 99mTc-labeled tyrosine using EC as the chelator, evaluate its imaging potential by comparing with that of 99mTc-EC-AMT in breast tumor-bearing rats. Methods The precursor EC-tyrosine was synthesized and its structure was confirmed by NMR, HPLC and mass spectra. The lipophilicity of 99mTc-EC-tyrosine was determined by measuring its partition coefficient value (log P). To assess the cellular uptake kinetics, the % uptake of 99mTc-EC-tyrosine was measured in rat breast cancer cell line 13762 at 0-2 h. To investigate the transport mechanism of 99mTc-EC-tyrosine, the competitive inhibition study using L-tyrosine as an inhibitor was performed in the 13762 cell line. Tissue distribution of 99mTc-EC-tyrosine was determined in normal rats up to 4 h after injection. Planar imaging of 99mTc-EC-tyrosine in breast tumor-bearing rats was performed at 0.5-4 h after injection. To investigate whether 99mTc-EC-tyrosine can differentiate tumor from inflammation, tumor-to-inflammation ratios (T/Is) were determined in the rats carrying both tumor and inflammation at 0.5-4 h. In all these studies, the previously developed 99mTc-EC-AMT was used as a reference. Results 99mTc-EC-AMT had higher lipophilicity than 99mTc-EC-tyrosine. The cellular uptake of 99mTc-EC-AMT was higher than that of 99mTc-EC-tyrosine in vitro. The cellular uptake of 99mTc-EC-tyrosine was inhibited by L-tyrosine. 99mTc-EC-tyrosine showed high in vivo stability in normal rats. Planar scintigraphy revealed that both radiotracers could clearly visualize tumors; and yet, 99mTc-EC-tyrosine had higher tumor-to-muscle ratios (T/Ms) and T/Is than 99mTc-EC-AMT. Conclusions In comparison to 99mTc-EC-AMT, 99mTc-EC-tyrosine showed greater potential in breast tumor imaging due to its higher sensitivity and specificity
Digitalisierung und die Rolle der Politik

Die Rolle der Politik bei der Transformation zu Digitalen Unternehmen und Organisationen ist nicht zu unterschatzen – wird sie aber noch viel zu oft. Sie muss vom Standort her die Grundlagen schaffen und in gewisser Weise fur die Organisationen den Rucken frei halten – und auch das Unternehmen „Offentlicher Dienst“ steuern. Noch 2013 sprach die Bundeskanzlerin vom Internet als „Neuland“ fur die Politik. Die im Sommer 2014 verabschiedete Digitale Agenda lies dann erkennen, dass das Thema doch so langsam auch in der Politik angekommen war, selbst wenn vieles oberflachlich blieb. Was demnach konkret angegangen werden soll, ist das Infrastrukturthema „Breitbandnetz fur alle“. Bis 2018 soll es uberall in Deutschland moglich sein mit mindestens 50 Megabit pro Sekunde in das Internet zu kommen und Behorden sollen digital erreichbar sein. Das ist in der Tat eine wesentliche Grundvoraussetzung fur die in Deutschland breit verteilte Industrie – und insbesondere auch fur den Mittelstand – bei der Digitalisierung uberhaupt mitmachen zu konnen. Woher die dafur benotigten 20 Mrd. € kommen sollen, bleibt aber zunachst noch offen.
Studies of Carbohydrate and Lipid Metabolism in Women Using the Progesterone-T Intrauterine Device for Six Months: Blood Glucose, Insulin, Cholesterol, and Triglyceride Levels

A prospective, detailed study of both lipid and carbohydrate metabolism was carried out in 35 women who used a progesterone-T type intrauterine device (IUD). A 3-hour oral glucose tolerance test was performed in each woman before the IUD was inserted and again after 6 months of use. There was no change in the patients' weight or in the fasting glucose, cholesterol, or triglyceride levels. There were significant increases in the 3-hour glucose and the fasting, 0.5-, and 3-hour plasma insulin values in the 6-month tests. These values were less than those found after 6 months of systemic progestogen use, but do suggest some systemic effect of the released progesterone.
Effect of C-terminal modification on the self-assembly and hydrogelation of fluorinated Fmoc-Phe derivatives

The development of hydrogels resulting from the self-assembly of low molecular weight (LMW) hydrogelators is a rapidly expanding area of study. Fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc) protected aromatic amino acids derived from phenylalanine (Phe) have been shown to be highly effective LMW hydrogelators. It has been found that side chain functionalization of Fmoc-Phe exerts a significant effect on the self-assembly and hydrogelation behavior of these molecules; fluorinated derivatives, including pentafluorophenylalanine (F5-Phe) and 3-F-phenylalanine (3-F-Phe), spontaneously self-assemble into fibrils that form a hydrogel network upon dissolution into water. In this study, Fmoc-F5-Phe-OH and Fmoc-3-F-Phe-OH were used to characterize the role of the C-terminal carboxylic acid on the self-assembly and hydrogelation of these derivatives. The C-terminal carboxylic acid moieties of Fmoc-F5-Phe-OH and Fmoc-3-F-Phe-OH were converted to C-terminal amide and methyl ester groups in order to perturb the hydrophobicity and h...
Neonatal Sinovenous Thrombosis and MRI Findings

Neonates with suspected sinovenous thrombosis were examined by magnetic resonance venography, diffusion-weighted imaging, and T2-weighted imaging, in a study at the Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA.
Tolerance of Intrinsic Defects in PbS Quantum Dots

Colloidal quantum dots exhibit various defects and deviations from ideal structures due to kinetic processes, although their band gap frequently remains open and clean. In this Letter, we computationally investigate intrinsic defects in a real-size PbS quantum dot passivated with realistic Cl-ligands. We show that the colloidal intrinsic defects are ionic in nature. Unlike previous computational results, we find that even nonideal, atomically nonstoichiometric quantum dots have a clean band gap without in-gap-states provided that quantum dots satisfy electronic stoichiometry.
Analyzing Current Practice Patterns: Lessons From Amgen’s Project ChemoInsight®

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To retrospectively review data on chemotherapy dose/dose intensity in patients with breast cancer. DATA SOURCES: Computerized database, published articles, and book chapter. DATA SYNTHESIS: Chart reviews were conducted of 20,106 patients with breast cancer from 1,135 oncology practices throughout the United States. More dose delays, dose reductions, and suboptimal dose intensity occur in patients who are 65 years of age or older. Overall, dose intensity was not achieved in 18.4% of patients, dose reductions occurred in 25.7% of patients, and dose delays occurred in 43.1% of patients. Neutropenia was often the cause of dose delays/reductions. CONCLUSIONS: A substantial number of patients with breast cancer experience chemotherapy dose delays or reductions. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Guidelines may help consistently manage primary and secondary prophylaxis of neutropenia. Nurses' can influence patients' attitudes about prescribed therapies.
High Ca2+ Influx During Traumatic Brain Injury Leads to Caspase-1-Dependent Neuroinflammation and Cell Death

We investigated the hypothesis that high Ca2+ influx during traumatic brain injury induces the activation of the caspase-1 enzyme, which triggers neuroinflammation and cell apoptosis in a cell culture model of neuronal stretch injury and an in vivo model of fluid percussion injury (FPI). We first established that stretch injury causes a rapid increase in the intracellular Ca2+ level, which activates interleukin-converting enzyme caspase-1. The increase in the intracellular Ca2+ level and subsequent caspase-1 activation culminates into neuroinflammation via the maturation of IL-1β. Further, we analyzed caspase-1-mediated apoptosis by TUNEL staining and PARP western blotting. The voltage-gated sodium channel blocker, tetrodotoxin, mitigated the stretch injury-induced neuroinflammation and subsequent apoptosis by blocking Ca2+ influx during the injury. The effect of tetrodotoxin was similar to the caspase-1 inhibitor, zYVAD-fmk, in neuronal culture. To validate the in vitro results, we demonstrated an increase in caspase-1 activity, neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in fluid percussion-injured animals. Our data suggest that neuronal injury/traumatic brain injury (TBI) can induce a high influx of Ca2+ to the cells that cause neuroinflammation and cell death by activating caspase-1, IL-1β, and intrinsic apoptotic pathways. We conclude that excess IL-1β production and cell death may contribute to neuronal dysfunction and cognitive impairment associated with TBI.
Does sodium intake modify red cell Na+ transporters in normal and hypertensive subjects?

Abnormalities in sodium transport in red blood cells (RBC) have been reported in hypertensive subjects. Uncertain from previous studies is whether the level of sodium intake per se might influence the level of these transporters. This study was designed to answer that question by evaluating the level of activity of three RBC sodium transporters in fourteen normotensive and twenty-six hypertensive subjects studied twice--once while in balance on a 10 mEq and once while in balance on a 200 mEq sodium intake. There was no significant difference in the maximal velocity (Vmax) of the sodium pump or the cell sodium and potassium content in normotensive or hypertensive subjects, nor did sodium intake influence these factors. Li-Na countertransport activity was significantly (P less than .01) higher in the hypertensive than in the normotensive subjects. However, sodium intake did not influence the Vmax of this transporter in either group. In contrast, sodium efflux through the Na-K-Cl cotransporter was significantly influenced (P less than .03) by the level of sodium intake, but only in the hypertensive subjects. On the high sodium intake, both the Km and the Vmax were significantly elevated (P less than .03) compared to their levels on the low sodium diet. Additionally, only on the high salt diet did hypertensives have significantly higher levels of activity than normotensives (P less than .03). Thus, Na-K-Cl cotransport activity is influenced by the level of sodium intake, suggesting that caution needs to be exercised in interpreting the level of activity of this transporter unless the level of sodium intake is fixed and known.
Reconceptualizing Language, Language Learning, and the Language Learner in the Age of Globalization

This chapter considers how education in general and language learning in particular have been affected by processes of globalization. Specifically, I examine how these processes impacted my designer immigrant students. After introducing these processes, I discuss ways in which issues of structure and agency that constitute a poststructural approach to language learning have been taken up by critical researchers of second language learning. Through a brief review of the consequences of globalization and the commodification of languages, I place particular emphasis on how a Bourdieusian framework offers constructs to better understand globalized linguistic flows. The chapter also introduces how a reconstitution of language along ideological, semiotic and performative lines; that is, one that departs from a traditional structuralist perspective, is necessary to recognize the linguistic resources available to language learners in the twenty-first century. This linguistic reconstitution warrants a rethinking of language learning processes. The chapter’s final thoughts suggest that language learning be conceived through an ideology and identity lens which incorporates fundamental aspects of Bourdieu’s theories.
The relation of student engagement and other admission metrics to Master of Accounting student performance

ABSTRACTThis paper examines whether the use of student engagement (SE) information as part of the admissions process can help us to predict student academic success in Master of Accounting (MAC) programs. The association of SE, undergraduate grade point average (UGPA), and Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) score to academic performance was tested using 890 MAC students enrolled at a large southern US university between 2004 and 2014. We find that SE is a strong predictor of student success in the MAC program, after controlling for GMAT score and UGPA. The results of this study support the use of SE attributes or characteristics by MAC Admission Committees when determining which students to admit into their programs.
Storage of hybrid rough rice – Consideration of microbial growth kinetics and prediction models

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine kinetics of mold growth on popularly grown hybrid long-grain rough rice during storage at conditions that simulate delayed drying and prolonged storage. Three long-grain hybrid rice cultivars, XL753 (2014) and CL XL745 (2014, 2015) and XL760 (2015) conditioned to four different moisture contents (MCs) (12.5%, 16.0%, 19.0%, and 21.0% wet basis) were stored in rough rice form at temperatures ranging from 10 °C to 40 °C for a period of 16 weeks. The study was repeated using rice from two consecutive crop seasons, 2014 and 2015. For all cultivars, a direct relationship between mold counts and rice MC was observed – whereas more complex trends were observed for the effect of temperature and the duration of storage on mold growth. Kinetic models including Baranyi, Weibull, Gompertz, Richard and Buchanan were successfully modified and fitted using non-linear regression and used to predict the mold counts (log 10 CFU/g) for varying conditions (correlations = 0.65–0.76). The study concluded that long-grain hybrid rough rice could be stored at low MC levels (≤17%) and moderate temperatures (≤27 °C) for up to 6 weeks without any change in the mold growth profile. However, storing rice at high MC (>17%) for more than 8 weeks, especially at higher (>27 °C) temperatures should be avoided due to the potential for high mold activity leading to loss of the grain quality.
Abstract A41: Galectin-9 has tumor promoting properties that may be targetable in metastatic melanoma

Introduction: Galectin-9 (Gal-9) is a carbohydrate-binding protein that interacts with T-cell immunoglobulin mucin 3 (TIM3) to modulate immune homeostasis. The Gal-9/TIM3 interaction down regulates activated T cells which promotes tumor growth, much like program death 1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1). Still, the effect Gal-9 has on the immune environment of melanoma patients is weakly understood. This study focuses on the role of Gal-9 in immunoregulation of healthy persons and metastatic melanoma patients. Methods: Soluble Gal-9 levels were determined from plasma collected from patients and healthy persons using standard ELISA methods. Proliferation and apoptosis of cells in the presence and absence of Gal-9 was determined by mixed lymphocyte reactions and Tunnel staining. Supernatants from these reactions were collected and run using a cytokine bead assay to determine changes in immune parameters with and without Gal-9. Results: Soluble Gal-9 was significantly higher in metastatic melanoma patients compared to healthy controls (3929 vs. 877 pg/mL, p=0.0003 respectively). In the presence of Gal-9, the proliferative effect of an allostimulus could be overridden until the level of responder cells to stimulator cells was 4:1. Using an apoptosis assay, Gal-9 was found to increase the level of cellular apoptosis; however, apoptosis was decreased as the allostimulus increased. Healthy cells incubated with Gal-9 were found to increase secretion of growth factors (EGF and FGF-2), chemokines (CXCL1, CXCL8, CCL2 and CCL3), T helper 1 cytokines (IFN-g and IL-7) which have shown tumor promoting affects and T helper 2 cytokines (IL-13 and IL-4). Conclusions: Gal-9 may potentially play a role in suppressing anti-tumor immunity. This suggests the use of a Gal-9 neutralizing antibody for therapeutic benefit in melanoma. Citation Format: Elizabeth Ann L. Enninga, Wendy K. Nevala, Svetomir N. Markovic. Galectin-9 has tumor promoting properties that may be targetable in metastatic melanoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy: A New Chapter; December 1-4, 2014; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2015;3(10 Suppl):Abstract nr A41.
The Short Term Response of PECAM-1 to Mechanical Loading: Cyclooxygenase-2 and Nitric Oxide Production with AFM Pulling and Shear Stress

Platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1 (PECAM-1) is a transmembrane protein located at the intercellular junction of endothelial cells (EC). PECAM-1 in adjacent EC bind to each other through homophilic interactions and regulate endothelial function. Recent studies have identified the role of PECAM-1 in mechanotransduction, sensing luminal shear stress and coordinating the production of both prostacyclin/prostaglandin I2 (PGI2) and nitric oxide. While most of these studies use inhibition methods, such as PECAM-1 knockdown cells or knockout animals, our group has implemented novel methods to selectively activate PECAM-1 on the EC surface for 10-30 minutes. Using AFM pulling with PECAM-1 antibody coated cantilevers on rat fat pad endothelial cell (RFPEC) monolayers, we have found significant activation of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), the mediating enzyme of prostacyclin (PGI2) production. Conversely, AFM pulling with PECAM-1 coated probes did not induce any significant change in NO production. These data suggest that fluid shear stress acts directly on PECAM-1 to induce PGI2 production but indirectly to induce NO production. We have shown that pulling with probes targeting the heparan sulfate proteoglycan glypican-1 initiates NO production, suggesting that glypican-1 is upstream of PECAM-1 in the mechanotransduction cascade that produces NO. We are currently investigating the potential interaction between glypican-1 and PECAM-1 in shear-induced NO production. Heparin and surfen were used to inhibit extracellular heparan sulfate-to-PECAM-1 binding and shear-induced NO production was studied at both 10 and 30 minutes. The inhibition of PECAM-1 expression and intermediate intracellular signaling pathways may further illuminate the role of PECAM-1 in glycocalyx-dependent shear-induced NO production. This work aims to identify critical mechanosensing structures on the surface of endothelial cells that mediate the production of vasoregulatory and anti-atherogenic substances for the treatment of vascular disease.
Acute Pulmonary Hemorrhage in Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) during Remission Induction Chemotherapy

Background: Acute pulmonary hemorrhage is an established complication during remission induction in patients with AML. Its pathogenesis is not well known. Injury to the alveolar capillary endothelium and release of inflammatory cytokines may play a role. The standard management is usually not effective. Aim: To analyze the course of patients with newly diagnosed AML who develop pulmonary hemorrhage during induction chemotherapy. Study Group: 1765 patient with AML received frontline therapy from 1998–2005. We analyzed 53 patients (3%) who were admitted to medical intensive care unit due to acute pulmonary hemorrhage. Results: The incidence of pulmonary hemorrhage was 3%. Outcome by patients characteristic was: The predictive factors for pulmonary hemorrhage were: leukemia morphology (M3, M4–5), performance status and WBC count. The 8week survival of patients who develop pulmonary hemorrhage was 32%, (median survival days from pulmonary hemorrhage to death is 16 days). Conclusion: pulmonary hemorrhage is a serious complication of induction therapy in AML. Modalities that reduce its incidence are needed.
Comparison of Three Methods for Measuring Workload in Surgical Pathology and Cytopathology.

Objectives Pathologist workload in the United States has traditionally been measured by relative value units (RVUs), which is often criticized for providing an inaccurate estimate of actual work. This study compares three methods for measuring workload. Methods Surgical pathology and cytopathology workload for 1 representative month at Stanford Health Care was assessed using three different methods: RVUs, Royal College of Pathologists (RCP) point system, and University of Washington-Seattle (UW) slide count method. Results Pearson linear regression analysis showed a strong positive correlation of RVUs with the RCP (0.93, P < .01) and UW (0.86, P < .01) systems. The correlation between the RCP and UW systems was weaker (0.70, P = .05). The RCP system rated gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and breast workload lower than the RVU system while medical liver/renal and cytology were valued higher. The UW system overvalued breast workload. Conclusions RCP is the most advanced and well-developed system for evaluating workload. It provides more weight for higher complexity specimens, while RVUs favor specialties with higher volume of small specimens, and slide counts favor specialties with extensively sampled large specimens.
Ulna-humerus contact mechanics: Finite element analysis and experimental measurements using a tactile pressure sensor.

Elbow articular cartilage withstands high compressive and shear forces while protecting the bone from excessive loading. Better understanding of elbow cartilage contact mechanics can provide insight into cartilage degeneration. In this study a tactile pressure sensor was used to measure the contact pressure distribution within the ulno-humeral joint of two cadaver specimens at 20° flexion angle across three different axial loads of 80 N, 110 N, and 140 N. Corresponding 3D finite element (FE) models were constructed from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and contact analysis was performed for each specimen with boundary and loading conditions identical to the experiment. Direct comparison between FE results and experimental measurements was conducted for the validation of the FE models and a sensitivity analysis was employed for assessing the effect of cartilage parameters on the model's outputs. The results showed a good agreement between the FE models and the experiments in terms of contact characteristics. The sensitivity analysis demonstrated that outcomes of the model, particularly peak contact pressure is more sensitive to the Poisson's ratio rather than to Young's modulus under static conditions. This result suggests that selection of Poisson's ratio is very critical for accurate prediction of contact mechanics within the ulno-humeral joint.
Impact of a chronic pain management pathway on opioid administration and prescribing in an Emergency Department.

AbstractContext: Prescription opioid abuse and misuse is a significant public health crisis. In 2012, an opioid prescribing pathway for patients with chronic pain presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) was implemented. The objective of this study is to determine the impact of the pathway for administration of opioids in the ED as well as the prescribing of opioids for home use after discharge.Methods: Retrospective pre- and post-intervention time series study of consecutive patients presenting to the ED with acute and chronic pain complaints before and after implementation of the pathway. For the purposes of this study, we included patients with chronic abdominal or back pain – defined as pain present for greater than three months – and acute pain as acute long bone fracture.Results: Before pathway implementation, there was no statistically significant difference in the mean morphine equivalent (MEQ) dose administered for chronic or acute pain patients. After pathway implementation, there was a decre...
Cascade size prediction in online social networks

Cascades represent an important phenomenon across various disciplines such as sociology, economy, psychology, political science, marketing, and epidemiology. The goal of this paper is to develop a model for cascade size prediction in online social networks. Specifically, given the first n edges in a cascade, we want to predict whether the cascade will have a total of at least t 2 (t 2 > t 1 ) edges over its lifetime without any a priori information. In this paper, we propose a Multi-order Markov Model (M3) for cascade size prediction in online social networks. Our evaluations using a Twitter data set show that M3 based cascade size prediction scheme outperforms the baseline scheme based on cascade graph features such as edge growth rate, degree distribution, clustering, and diameter. M3 based cascade size prediction scheme consistently achieves more than 90% prediction accuracy in different experimental scenarios.
Optimal Controller Switching for Resource-constrained Dynamical Systems

In this paper, we present the resource-optimal controller switching synthesis for dynamical systems subject to resource constraints. Particularly, for systems having limited computational power (CPU) and onboard energy (battery), it is crucial to keep resource usage as low as possible. Although restrictions on resource utilization may save a CPU time and battery life, it degrades system performance. This paper provides three distinct algorithms that synthesize a controller switching policy for the purpose of resource savings, while not debasing system performance significantly. To measure system performance, we adopted the Waserstein distance that quantifies uncertainty in a probability density function level. The cost function to minimize is then defined based on this Wasserstein metric with a resource utilization penalty. As an example, quadrotor dynamics with two controllers, high performing / high resource consuming and moderate performing / resource saving controllers, is presented. The efficiency and usefulness of the proposed methods are validated in this example.
Properties of Y-Ba-Cu-O Thin Films Grown in-Situ at Low Temperatures by Co-Evaporation and Plasma Oxidation

We report on the synthesis and properties of thin films of Y-Ba-Cu-O grown by co-evaporation and plasma oxidation. A differential pumping scheme is used to obtain high oxygen pressure on the substrate surface, while maintaining a low pressure at the sources and rate monitors. This results in as-deposited films which are superconducting at 73K on silicon, 68K on sapphire, and 84K on strontium titanate substrates. These are the highest transition temperatures reported on bare silicon. We present topographic and spectroscopic data obtained with a low temperature scanning tunneling microscope on films that have never been exposed to atmosphere. The films are also characterized by resistivity, critical currents, x-ray diffraction, energy and wavelength dispersive spectroscopy (EDS and WDS), inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy (ICP), SEM and TEM.
The connexin43 gap junction protein is phosphorylated by protein kinase A and protein kinase C: in vivo and in vitro studies.

There is general agreement that the connexin43 gap junction protein is a substrate for phosphorylation by protein kinase C but there is no similar consensus regarding the action of protein kinase A. Our previous studies demonstrated that channels formed by connexin43 were reversibly gated in response to microinjected protein kinase A and protein kinase C, but we did not determine whether these effects involved direct action on the connexin43 protein. Using a combination of in vivo metabolic labeling and in vitro phosphorylation of recombinant protein and synthetic peptides, we now find that connexin43 is a relatively poor substrate for purified protein kinase A compared to protein kinase C, but that phosphorylation can be accelerated by 8-Br-cAMP (8-bromoadenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate) which also enhances connexin43 synthesis but at a much slower rate than phosphorylation. Phosphorylation of a critical amino acid, Ser364, by protein kinase A, appears to be necessary for subsequent multiple phosphorylations by protein kinase C. However, protein kinase C can phosphorylate connexin43 at a reduced level in the absence of prior phosphorylation. The results suggest that the correct regulation of channels formed by connexin43 may require sequential phosphorylations of this protein by protein kinase A and protein kinase C.
Noninvasive Measurement of Left- Ventricular Performance Utilizing an Anger Camera—Left- Ventricular Ejection Fraction

During the past several years and in cooperation with our cardiology colleagues, we have attempted to perfect a method of determining left-ventricular ejection fraction that can be applied in the evaluation of patients with left-ventricular dysfunction. It might be helpful to remember that ejection fraction is one method of estimating left-ventricular performance and describes the percentage of LV blood that is ejected with each systolic contraction (ejection fraction equals stroke volume/end-diastolic volume).
Revised Pharmacophore Model for 5-HT2A Receptor Antagonists Derived from the Atypical Antipsychotic Agent Risperidone

Pharmacophore models for 5-HT2A receptor antagonists consist of two aromatic/hydrophobic regions at a given distance from a basic amine. We have previously shown that both aromatic/hydrophobic moieties are unnecessary for binding or antagonist action. Here, we deconstructed the 5-HT2A receptor antagonist/serotonin-dopamine antipsychotic agent risperidone into smaller structural segments that were tested for 5-HT2A receptor affinity and function. We show, again, that the entire risperidone structure is unnecessary for retention of affinity or antagonist action. Replacement of the 6-fluoro-3-(4-piperidinyl)-1,2-benz[ d]isoxazole moiety by isosteric tryptamines resulted in retention of affinity and antagonist action. Additionally, 3-(4-piperidinyl)-1,2-benz[ d]isoxazole (10), which represents less than half the structural features of risperidone, retains both affinity and antagonist actions. 5-HT2A receptor homology modeling/docking studies suggest that 10 binds in a manner similar to risperidone and that there is a large cavity to accept various N4-substituted analogues of 10 such as risperidone and related agents. Alterations of this "extended" moiety improve receptor binding and functional potency. We propose a new risperidone-based pharmacophore for 5-HT2A receptor antagonist action.
First fossil soft ticks,Ornithodoros antiquus n. sp. (Acari: Argasidae) in Dominican amber with evidence of their mammalian host

A male and female soft tick,Ornithodoros antiquus n. sp. (Acari: Argasidae) from Dominican Republic amber are described. This represents the first description of a fossil soft tick. The fossils share characters with members of the subgeneraPavlovskyella andAlectorobius but differ from extant members in a combination of characters. It is postulated thatO. antiquus lived with its mammalian host (probably a rodent) in a cavity of the resin-bearing tree (Hymenaea protera: Fabaceae) some 30–40 million years ago.
Time-History Performance of Reference Surfaces

The paper describes briefly the construction of reference surfaces for use in skid trailer correlation at the Field Test and Evaluation Center for Eastern States and discusses in detail the performance of two of these surfaces over a nine-year period. The seasonal variation in skid number widely reported for pavement surfaces in service is clearly observed in these surfaces subjected to only test traffic. One of the surfaces having an epoxy cement overspray applied at the time of construction has retained essentially the same level of skid resistance throughout the nine years; the other, without the overspray, has experienced a continuing decrease in skid resistance. It is concluded that overspraying a surface with a wear-resistant membrane, which inhibits both loss and polishing of the surface aggregate, may result in a test pad, which will maintain its original skid number for a long period of time.
The fusogenic synapse at a glance

Cell-cell fusion is a fundamental process underlying fertilization, development, regeneration and physiology of metazoans. It is a multi-step process involving cell recognition and adhesion, actin cytoskeletal rearrangements, fusogen engagement, lipid mixing and fusion pore formation, ultimately resulting in the integration of two fusion partners. Here, we focus on the asymmetric actin cytoskeletal rearrangements at the site of fusion, known as the fusogenic synapse, which was first discovered during myoblast fusion in Drosophila embryos and later also found in mammalian muscle and non-muscle cells. At the asymmetric fusogenic synapse, actin-propelled invasive membrane protrusions from an attacking fusion partner trigger actomyosin-based mechanosensory responses in the receiving cell. The interplay between the invasive and resisting forces generated by the two fusion partners puts the fusogenic synapse under high mechanical tension and brings the two cell membranes into close proximity, promoting the engagement of fusogens to initiate fusion pore formation. In this Cell Science at a Glance article and the accompanying poster, we highlight the molecular, cellular and biophysical events at the asymmetric fusogenic synapse using Drosophila myoblast fusion as a model.
Heat transfer by new families of straight and pin fins: exact solutions

Fins are surface extensions used to increase the rate of heat transfer from a heated surface to the surrounding cooler fluid or from a heated fluid to the surface. In this article, we describe new families of straight and pin fins for which the temperature distribution along the fin as well as fin effectiveness and efficiency can be computed in closed form. The profile of the new straight fin is a circular arc centered on the fin’s longitudinal axis, while the profile of the new pin fin is a more complex concave parametric curve. Although the pattern of temperature distribution in these fins is remarkably similar to that in the classic straight and pin fins of constant thickness, the geometry of the new fins is strikingly different; in particular, the maximum length of the new fins is finite. We also discovered that both classic fins of constant thickness and novel fins described in this work have the following equivalence property: if the ratio of the heat transfer coefficient on the fin’s tip to that on the lateral surface is not too high, then the temperature distribution for a fin with a non-adiabatic boundary condition at the tip is identical to that for a longer fin of the same kind with adiabatic tip. Our analysis of heat transfer by fins is only based on standard homogeneity, steady-state, and one-dimensionality assumptions. In particular, we completely dispense with the “length-of-arc” assumption that underlies most of the previous works.
The Ex-Middle Problem for Law-and-Economics

Law-and-economics has an ex-middle problem. First, there is the problem of preserving law’s deterrent power, and its ability to influence later behavior, even when it is sensible to renegotiate incentives later on. The issue is hardly limited to contract renegotiation, and the ubiquity of this kind of ex-middle thinking is examined here. Second, there is the idea that the more our thinking is driven by an ex-ante perspective, the more it distances itself from common ethical intuitions that tend to involve ex-post observations, or simply results. Solving ex-middle problems by tinkering with incentives leads to increased objections from ethically oriented audiences, who find efficiency claims unattractive when they burden individuals in the interest of future unidentifiable beneficiaries. This conflict makes it hard for law-and-economics to have its deserved influence on lawmaking. When law renegotiates with positive incentives, it reduces its ex-ante impact; when it relies on negative incentives, either ex-post or ex-middle, accompanied by a readjustment of the optimal ex-ante rule, it runs the risk of offending ethical sentiments, and then it rarely takes hold. One aim here is to draw attention to ex-middle recalibrations, and the second aim is to suggest that a law-and-economics approach is most successful when it devises efficient rules that are not at odds with ethical sentiments.
Sustained research fund and dedicated research center to prepare for the next pandemic

The current COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus is imposing a great threat to human lives and international panic the like of which has not been seen since WWII, resulting in financial crisis, disturbance to daily life, transportation shutdown, industry disruption, and country/city lockdown in every corner of the globe The inability to effectively contain the virus indicates that our investment and attention to research, prevention, and development of treatment for this type of deadly virus are insufficient, considering that it has been 18 years since outbreak of the”brother” coronavirus, SARS-CoV The biggest lesson learned from acrimonious past experiences is that humans quickly forget and do not continue to support related research when a pandemic has passed This is a wake-up call for governments, industry, and private foundations to work together and to take extraordinary measures to sustain research support and establish comprehensive research centers Only this level of response may give us hope to prepare for the future and adequately deal with the next potential pandemic caused by emerging devastating viral infections