cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effect of stochastic interconnects in artificial neural network classification

Assuming that each neural state is in some sense uncorrelated with the others, each neuron represents a computational degree of freedom available to the network. The number of degrees of freedom can be artificially increased through the use of neurons in a hidden layer, the states of which can be almost any nonlinear combination of the stimulus neural states. Such nonlinearities are generated with stochastically chosen interconnects between the input and hidden neural layers with a sigmoidal nonlinearity at each hidden neuron. The hidden-to-output interconnects are chosen to be a (trainable) projection matrix whose values are a function of the stochastically chosen interconnects and the training data. Preliminary simulations of such networks show an approach to fixed generalization boundaries as the number of hidden neurons becomes larger. >
Transcellular transport of organic anions in the isolated perfused rat liver: The differential effects of monensin and colchicine

Nonbile salt cholephiles and bile salts are two classes of organic anions that are efficiently taken up and excreted by the liver. Recent evidence suggests that a microtubular system–dependent, colchicine-sensitive transcellular pathway may transport both classes of these ligands. The relationship of this pathway to flux rates, however, remains unclear. Some structural evidence suggests an important role for a Golgi-associated vesicular system. Monensin, like colchicine, is a perturbing agent that is believed to target primarily Golgi and related organelles. The effects of a minimal effective dose of both colchicine (0.06 mg to 0.12 mg/100 gm body wt) and monensin (0.6 mg/100 gm body wt) were examined in the isolated perfused rat liver in a single-pass mode. The nonbile salt cholephile, phenol red, was studied at two doses: 1 nmol and 5 μmol. Sodium taurocholate was studied at three doses: 2 nmol, 1 μmol and 5 μmol. Colchicine affected the transcellular transport for both classes of organic anions equally. Partially inhibitory effects on both anions occurred only at high ligand flux rates. In contrast, monensin greatly impaired the transport of nonbile salt cholephiles but had no influence on transcellular bile salt flux. We conclude that the monensin effect appears to define a distinct transcellular transport pathway for each of the two classes of organic anions. (HEPATOLOGY 1991;14:1–9.)
Early response to antidepressant treatment in bulimia nervosa.

Background Bulimia nervosa (BN) is a serious psychiatric disorder characterized by frequent episodes of binge eating and inappropriate compensatory behavior. Numerous trials have found that antidepressant medications are efficacious for the treatment of BN. Early response to antidepressant treatment, in the first few weeks after medication is initiated, may provide clinically useful information about an individual's likelihood of ultimately benefitting or not responding to such treatment. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between initial and later response to fluoxetine, the only antidepressant medication approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of BN, with the goal of developing guidelines to aid clinicians in deciding when to alter the course of treatment. Method Data from the two largest medication trials conducted in BN (n=785) were used. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to assess whether symptom change during the first several weeks of treatment was associated with eventual non-response to fluoxetine at the end of the trial. Results Eventual non-responders to fluoxetine could be reliably identified by the third week of treatment. Conclusions Patients with BN who fail to report a 60% decrease in the frequency of binge eating or vomiting at week 3 are unlikely to respond to fluoxetine. As no reliable relationships between pretreatment characteristics and eventual response to pharmacotherapy have been identified for BN, early response is one of the only available indicators to guide clinical management.
Wavelet crosstalk matrix and its application to assessment of shift-variant imaging systems

The objective assessment of image quality is essential for design of imaging systems. Barrett and Gifford introduced the Fourier crosstalk matrix and use it to analyze cone-beam tomography. Fourier crosstalk matrix is a powerful technique for discrete imaging systems that are close to shift invariant because it is diagonal for continuous linear shift-invariant imaging systems. However, for a system that is intrinsically shift-variant, Fourier techniques are not particularly effective. Since Fourier bases have no spatial localization property, the shift-variance of the imaging system cannot be shown by the response of individual Fourier bases; rather, it is shown in the correlation between the Fourier coefficients. This makes the analysis and optimization quite difficult. In this paper, we introduce a wavelet crosstalk matrix based on wavelet series expansions. The wavelet crosstalk matrix allows simultaneous study of the imaging system in both the frequency and spatial domains. Hence, it is well suited for shift-variant systems. We compared the wavelet crosstalk matrix with the Fourier crosstalk matrix for several simulated imaging systems, namely the interior and exterior tomography problems, a dual-planar positron emission tomograph, and a rectangular geometry positron emission tomograph. The results demonstrate the advantages of the wavelet crosstalk matrix in analyzing shift-variant imaging systems.
Complete Genome Sequence of Serratia liquefaciens Strain ATCC 27592.

ABSTRACT We report the complete genome sequence of Serratia liquefaciens strain ATCC 27592, which was previously identified as capable of growth under low-pressure conditions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first announcement of the complete genome sequence of an S. liquefaciens strain.
Multiaxial Creep Life Prediction of Ceramic Structures Using Continuum Damage Mechanics and the Finite Element Method

High temperature and long duration applications of monolithic ceramics can place their failure mode in the creep rupture regime. A previous model advanced by the authors described a methodology by which the creep rupture life of a loaded component can be predicted. That model was based on the life fraction damage accumulation rule in association with the modified Monkman-Grant creep rupture criterion. However, that model did not take into account the deteriorating state of the material due to creep damage (e.g., cavitation) as time elapsed. In addition, the material creep parameters used in that life prediction methodology, were based on uniaxial creep curves displaying primary and secondary creep behavior, with no tertiary regime. The objective of this paper is to present a creep life prediction methodology based on a modified form of the Kachanov-Rabotnov continuum damage mechanics (CDM) theory. In this theory, the uniaxial creep rate is described in terms of stress, temperature, time, and the current state of material damage. This scalar damage state parameter is basically an abstract measure of the current state of material damage due to creep deformation. The damage rate is assumed to vary with stress, temperature, time, and the current state of damage itself. Multiaxial creep and creep rupture formulations of the CDM approach are presented in this paper. Parameter estimation methodologies based on nonlinear regression analysis are also described for both, isothermal constant stress states and anisothermal variable stress conditions This creep life prediction methodology was preliminarily added to the integrated design code. CARES/Creep (Ceramics Analysis and Reliability Evaluation of Structures/Creep), which is a postprocessor program to commercially available finite element analysis (FEA) packages. Two examples, showing comparisons between experimental and predicted creep lives of ceramic specimens, are used to demonstrate the viability of this methodology and the CARES/Creep program.© 1998 ASME
A Simple Encryption Scheme for Binary Elliptic Curves

In this work, we discuss elliptic curves defined over binary fields (curves defined over \(\mathbb{F}_{2^n}\)). We introduce a simple public-key encryption scheme for binary elliptic curves. and demonstrate that this encryption scheme is as secure as the EC El Gamal cryptosystem. The basis of the encryption scheme is an isomorphism between binary elliptic curves. This same isomorphism can be used as an implementation tool (to reduce the computational complexity).
Human ferritin gene expression.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses human ferritin gene expression. Ferritin molecules consist of an approximately spherical shell of 24 subunits surrounding a variable core of an iron-oxide-phosphate complex. The variable iron content does not appreciably alter the surface charge of the protein. However, the molecules of different surface charge, called “isoferritins,” are readily displayed by a variety of electrophoretic or chromatographic procedures. These are hybrid molecules containing different proportions of two subunit types, H and L, with Mrs of about 21,000 and 19,000, respectively. Isoferritins differ metabolically and perhaps functionally. L-rich ferritins predominate in tissues that store substantial amounts of iron such as liver, spleen, and bone marrow. H-rich ferritins are found in organs with no major iron storage function, such as heart, pancreas, and kidney, and in rapidly proliferating tissues. The large differences in ferritin concentrations and in the relative amounts of H and L subunits in different tissues are determined primarily by differential gene transcription. This seems the case in malignant and nonmalignant lymphocytes, where large differences in the amounts of ferritin and in the relative amounts of H and L subunits correspond closely to differences in the levels of H and L mRNAs. Other evidence for transcriptional control comes from studies with HL60 cells, a promyelocytic leukemia cell line.
The variability of hemolysis in the cold agglutinin syndrome

The amount of lysis effected by cold agglutinins is directly related to the ability of the antibody to initiate complement activation. This ability is modified by the concentration of antibody, its thermal amplitude (the highest temperature at which the antibody will react with the cell), the degree to which antibody fixation is modified by the presence of complement components (particularly C3) on the membrane, and the degree to which antibody, once fixed, is able to fix the components of complement. In vitro measurement of these factors correlates with the rate of hemolysis in vivo.
Sympatric Speciation in Chrysopa: Further Discussion

Sympatric speciation, as an evolutionary process, has elicited considerable discussion from biologists with diverse viewpoints. A report recently published in the Annals of the Entomological Society of America (Henry 1980) impinges directly on an aspect of this timely topic. This recent report and related publications constitute the subject of our article.
Incidence and Risk Factors for Early Wound Complications After Spinal Arthrodesis in Children: Analysis of 30-day Follow-up Data From the Acs-nsqip

Study Design. Retrospective review of prospectively collected data. Objective. To determine the incidence and risk factors for 30-day wound complication after spinal arthrodesis in pediatric patients. Summary of Background Data. Although multiple prior studies have reported on wound complications in pediatric spine, the majority have been single-center retrospective series. Methods. The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) employs on-site personnel to prospectively collect 30-day morbidity data from 50 pediatric centers. Year 2012 was the first year of enrollment, and 1915 cases with thoracic or lumbar spinal fusion were included. Patients were divided into cohorts of those with and without a wound complication, with univariate and multivariate analyses used to identify risk factors. A P value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results. Wound complications occurred in 67 patients (3.5%). The incidence was significantly higher in patients with congenital (4.35%) or neuromuscular (4.67%) diagnoses, as opposed to idiopathic (2.7%) or infantile (1.61%). Procedures with fusions extending to the pelvis (9.91%) or an osteotomy (4.99%) were associated with higher risk. Longer hospital lengths of stay, increased operative time, increased patient body mass index, and patients with cardiac, gastrointestinal, neurological, or pulmonary comorbidities were also associated with a higher risk. In the multivariate analysis, a body mass index of more than 30 kg/m2, patients with cardiac risk factors, and fusions extending to the pelvis were independent risk factors. Conclusions. Data from this large prospective multicenter study confirm that the incidence of early wound complications in pediatric spine surgery is low. Patients with a fusion extending to the pelvis, obese patients, and patients with significant cardiac conditions were independently associated with higher risk for this complication. These data should be useful for patients' counseling and for preoperative risk stratification. Interventions for minimizing wound complication risk may be most applicable to the high-risk groups identified here. Conclusions. Level of Evidence: 2
ClariSense+: An enhanced traffic anomaly explanation service using social network feeds

Abstract The explosive growth in social networks that publish real-time content begs the question of whether their feeds can complement traditional sensors to achieve augmented sensing capabilities. One such capability is to explain anomalous sensor readings. In our previous conference paper, we built an automated anomaly clarification service, called ClariSense, with the ability to explain sensor anomalies using social network feeds (from Twitter). In this extended work, we present an enhanced anomaly explanation system that augments our base algorithm by considering both (i) the credibility of social feeds and (ii) the spatial locality of detected anomalies. The work is geared specifically for describing small-footprint anomalies, such as vehicular traffic accidents. The original system used information gain to select more informative microblog items to explain physical sensor anomalies. In this paper, we show that significant improvements are achieved in our ability to explain small-footprint anomalies by accounting for information credibility and further discriminating among high-information-gain items according to the size of their spatial footprint. Hence, items that lack sufficient corroboration and items whose spatial footprint in the blogosphere is not specific to the approximate location of the physical anomaly receive less consideration. We briefly demonstrate the workings of such a system by considering a variety of real-world anomalous events, and comparing their causes, as identified by ClariSense+, to ground truth for validation. A more systematic evaluation of this work is done using vehicular traffic anomalies. Specifically, we consider real-time traffic flow feeds shared by the California traffic system. When flow anomalies are detected, our system automatically diagnoses their root cause by correlating the anomaly with feeds on Twitter. For evaluation purposes, the identified cause is then retroactively compared to official traffic and incident reports that we take as ground truth. Results show a great correspondence between our automatically selected explanations and ground-truth data.
Influent wastewater microbiota and temperature influence anaerobic membrane bioreactor microbial community

Sustainable municipal wastewater recovery scenarios highlight benefits of anaerobic membrane bioreactors (AnMBRs). However, influences of continuous seeding by influent wastewater and temperature on attached-growth AnMBRs are not well understood. In this study, four bench-scale AnMBR operated at 10 and 25°C were fed synthetic (SPE) and then real (PE) primary effluent municipal wastewater. Illumina sequencing revealed different bacterial communities in each AnMBR in response to temperature and bioreactor configuration, whereas differences were not observed in archaeal communities. Activity assays revealed hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis was the dominant methanogenic pathway at 10°C. The significant relative abundance of Methanosaeta at 10°C concomitant with low acetoclastic methanogenic activity may indicate possible Methanosaeta-Geobacter direct interspecies electron transfer. When AnMBR feed was changed to PE, continual seeding with wastewater microbiota caused AnMBR microbial communities to shift, becoming more similar to PE microbiota. Therefore, influent wastewater microbiota, temperature and reactor configuration influenced the AnMBR microbial community.
Vagal neurocircuitry and its influence on gastric motility.

Upper gastrointestinal tract function is regulated by vagovagal neurocircuits, comprising brainstem nuclei that integrate visceral sensory information and provide vagal motor output. Here, Travagli and Anselmi describe the organization of these neurocircuits and their plasticity in response to stressors. The influence of gastrointestinal peptides on vagovagal neurons is also discussed. A large body of research has been dedicated to the effects of gastrointestinal peptides on vagal afferent fibres, yet multiple lines of evidence indicate that gastrointestinal peptides also modulate brainstem vagal neurocircuitry, and that this modulation has a fundamental role in the physiology and pathophysiology of the upper gastrointestinal tract. In fact, brainstem vagovagal neurocircuits comprise highly plastic neurons and synapses connecting afferent vagal fibres, second order neurons of the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS), and efferent fibres originating in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV). Neuronal communication between the NTS and DMV is regulated by the presence of a variety of inputs, both from within the brainstem itself as well as from higher centres, which utilize an array of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators. Because of the circumventricular nature of these brainstem areas, circulating hormones can also modulate the vagal output to the upper gastrointestinal tract. This Review summarizes the organization and function of vagovagal reflex control of the upper gastrointestinal tract, presents data on the plasticity within these neurocircuits after stress, and discusses the gastrointestinal dysfunctions observed in Parkinson disease as examples of physiological adjustment and maladaptation of these reflexes.
Computer Network Time Synchronization: The Network Time Protocol on Earth and in Space, Second Edition

Carefully coordinated, reliable, and accurate time synchronization is vital to a wide spectrum of fieldsfrom air and ground traffic control, to buying and selling goods and services, to TV network programming. Ill-gotten time could even lead to the unimaginable and cause DNS caches to expire, leaving the entire Internet to implode on the root servers. Written by the original developer of the Network Time Protocol (NTP), Computer Network Time Synchronization: The Network Time Protocol on Earth and in Space, Second Edition addresses the technological infrastructure of time dissemination, distribution, and synchronizationspecifically the architecture, protocols, and algorithms of the NTP. This system has been active in one form or another for almost three decades on the Internet and numerous private networks on the nether side of firewalls. Just about everything today that can be connected to a network wire has support for NTP. This book: Describes the principal components of an NTP client and how it works with redundant servers and diverse network paths Provides an in-depth description of cryptographic and other critical algorithms Presents an overview of the engineering principles guiding network configuration Evaluating historic events that have taken place since computer network timekeeping started almost three decades ago, the author details a number of systems and drivers for current radio, satellites, and telephone modem dissemination and explains how we reckon the time, according to the stars and atoms. The original 16 chapters of the first edition have been rewritten, updated, and enhanced with new material. Four new chapters cover new algorithms and previously uncovered concepts, including timekeeping in space missions. Praise for the first edition: " For those that need an exhaustive tome on all of the minutiae related to NTP and synchronization, this is the source. definitive this book should be considered the last word on the topic."Ben Rothke on Slashdot.org" the bible of the subject contains enough information to take you just as far as you want to go.Dr. Mills is the original developer of NTP."Books On-Line
Hemodynamic Alterations in the Greater Saphenous Vein Before and After Externally Banded Valvuloplasty

When treating varicose veins, preservation of structure and restoration of function has always been an objective for the surgeon. In recent years there has been an increasing interest in not only preserving the incompetent greater saphenous vein (GSV) but in restoring function to the valves at the saphenofemoral junction (SFJ). In most cases restoration of valvular competence has been obtained by narrowing the dilated valves with a plastic band, a procedure termed external banded valvuloplasty.
Metabolic and Genetic Liver Diseases: Alpha-1 Anti-trypsin Deficiency

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is a common genetic disorder characterized by a mutation in the SERPINA1 gene that codes for the alpha-1 antitrypsin protein. A homozygous mutation leads to the production of the Z protein, which takes an abnormal configuration that prevents its secretion from the hepatocyte, leading to a concomitant deficiency of the protein in the lung. The retained mutant Z protein in the endoplasmic reticulum of the hepatocyte activates a cascade of cell injury that leads to apoptosis, fibrosis, and in some individuals, cirrhosis. Clinical manifestations and progression of disease are highly variable even amongst Pi*ZZ homozygote individuals, suggesting a role from other genetic and environmental influences. Current treatment for liver disease from AATD consists mostly of supportive care and liver transplantation if indicated, but new and promising therapeutic approaches that include gene therapy, stem cell transplantation, and stimulation of autophagy are currently under investigation.
Instantiation of crystal plasticity simulations for micromechanical modelling with direct input from microstructural data collected at light sources

Abstract Novel non-destructive characterization techniques performed at light sources provide previously inaccessible 3-D mesoscopic information on the deformation of polycrystalline materials. One major difficulty for interpretation of these experiments through micromechanical modelling is the likelihood that processing and/or mounting the sample introduce residual stresses in the specimen. These stresses need to be incorporated into crystal plasticity formulations, for these models to operate directly from microstructural images and be predictive. To achieve this, the initial micromechanical state of each voxel needs to be specified. In this letter we present a method for incorporating grain-averaged residual stresses for instantiation of crystal plasticity simulations.
Mapping the Association of College and Research Libraries information literacy framework and nursing professional standards onto an assessment rubric

Objective: The authors developed a rubric for assessing undergraduate nursing research papers for information literacy skills critical to their development as researchers and health professionals. Methods: We developed a rubric mapping six American Nurses Association professional standards onto six related concepts of the Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL) Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education. We used this rubric to evaluate fifty student research papers and assess inter-rater reliability. Results: Students tended to score highest on the “Information Has Value” dimension and lowest on the “Scholarship as Conversation” dimension. However, we found a discrepancy between the grading patterns of the two investigators, with inter-rater reliability being “fair” or “poor” for all six rubric dimensions. Conclusions: The development of a rubric that dually assesses information literacy skills and maps relevant disciplinary competencies holds potential. This study offers a template for a rubric inspired by the ACRL Framework and outside professional standards. However, the overall low inter-rater reliability demands further calibration of the rubric. Following additional norming, this rubric can be used to help students identify the key information literacy competencies that they need in order to succeed as college students and future nurses. These skills include developing an authoritative voice, determining the scope of their information needs, and understanding the ramifications of their information choices. This article has been approved for the Medical Library Association’s Independent Reading Program .
Bluegrass, Communists, and Charlie Wilson in a Bathroom: A Look at the Many Faces of the Democratic National Convention

During the summer of 2008, the Hinckley Institute was honored to participate in a groundbreaking program in collaboration with Shantou University. Over the course of three months, seven students and three professors from the Cheung Kong School of Journalism at Shantou University in China, and five students from the Hinckley Institute of Politics, traveled throughout the United States to cover the U.S. 2008 presidential election. The students gained different perspectives of each otherâ€™s cultures, learned about how the U.S. media functions in election cycles, and worked side-by-side building relationships and learning from one another. From their journey to Denver to cover the Democratic Convention, to Minneapolis for the Republican Convention, the students were published in more than two-dozen major print and broadcast organizations, as well as a variety of media outlets throughout the United States and China. They had live internet coverage on China News Service (CNS), the most elite of Chinaâ€™s media. In addition to the conventions, students also had the opportunity to travel to Chicago for background stories on presidential candidate Barack Obama, and to Indianapolis for a workshop with the Indianapolis Star and the local television stations. Along their journey they were able to get different views from citizens, staffers, delegates, and the candidates themselves. This article is a brief look into that experience.
Observer Accuracy under Two Different Methods of Data Collection: The Effect of Behavior Frequency and Predictability.

The present study compared the accuracy of observers employing momentary time sampling vs. continuous data collection systems when scoring behaviors that differed along the dimensions of frequency ...
The Iron Rice Bowl: Chinese Living Standards 1952–1978

We examine the evolution of Chinese living standards, as measured by household consumption, for the first three decades of communist rule. We find only a slow improvement. Certainly, the Chinese were better clothed; more urbanized and had more household goods after 1949. On the other hand, consumption of food and housing stagnated. We find that overall consumption per capita did not surpass the 1930’s until the late 1960’s. We also compare the Chinese record under Mao Zedong to other economies. As it turns out, Chinese living standards improved at a slower rate than elsewhere.
INTERFERON AS A MEDIATOR OF CELLULAR IMMUNITY IN VIRAL INFECTIONS

Publisher Summary This chapter explains the role of interferon as a mediator of cellular immunity in viral infections. The specific induction of interferon from immune leukocytes by nonviral antigens showed that human peripheral blood leukocytes from patients with positive tuberculin skin tests produced interferon when exposed to purified protein derivative of tuberculin. Leukocytes from patients with negative tuberculin skin tests did not produce interferon. In the absence of immune lymphocytes, certain viruses are poor inducers of interferon. In some cases, this is because of the fact that the virus is so highly lytic that it shuts off cellular macromolecular synthesis before substantial amounts of interferon are produced. Neutralization of virus by antibody reduces or eliminates the destructive capacity of the virus, but antibody also could inhibit the induction of interferon by preventing the virus from making contact with nonlymphoid cells. Moreover, immune lymphocytes, in contrast to nonimmune cells can make interferon when exposed to antigens that do not contain nucleic acids. Theoretically, this would enable the immune host to produce interferon in response to a variety of viral components to which the unimmunized host would not react. Thus, viral proteins released from infected cells would be capable of stimulating immune lymphocytes to produce interferon.
Hormone Therapy for the Primary Prevention of Chronic Conditions in Postmenopausal Women: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement.

Importance Menopause occurs at a median age of 51.3 years, and the average US woman who reaches menopause is expected to live another 30 years. The prevalence and incidence of most chronic conditions, such as coronary heart disease, dementia, stroke, fractures, and breast cancer, increase with age; however, the excess risk for these conditions that can be attributed to menopause alone is uncertain. Since the publication of findings from the Women’s Health Initiative that hormone therapy use is associated with serious adverse health effects in postmenopausal women, use of menopausal hormone therapy has declined. Objective To update the 2012 US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation on the use of menopausal hormone therapy for the primary prevention of chronic conditions. Evidence Review The USPSTF reviewed the evidence on the benefits and harms of systemic (ie, oral or transdermal) hormone therapy for the prevention of chronic conditions in postmenopausal women and whether outcomes vary among women in different subgroups or by timing of intervention after menopause. The review did not address hormone therapy for preventing or treating menopausal symptoms. Findings Although the use of hormone therapy to prevent chronic conditions in postmenopausal women is associated with some benefits, there are also well-documented harms. The USPSTF determined that the magnitude of both the benefits and the harms of hormone therapy in postmenopausal women is small to moderate. Therefore, the USPSTF concluded with moderate certainty that combined estrogen and progestin has no net benefit for the primary prevention of chronic conditions for most postmenopausal women with an intact uterus and that estrogen alone has no net benefit for the primary prevention of chronic conditions for most postmenopausal women who have had a hysterectomy. Conclusions and Recommendation The USPSTF recommends against the use of combined estrogen and progestin for the primary prevention of chronic conditions in postmenopausal women. (D recommendation) The USPSTF recommends against the use of estrogen alone for the primary prevention of chronic conditions in postmenopausal women who have had a hysterectomy. (D recommendation)
Immunogenicity and protective efficacy against Salmonella C2-C3 infection in mice immunized with a glycoconjugate of S. Newport Core-O polysaccharide linked to the homologous serovar FliC protein

Nontyphoidal Salmonella (NTS) are important human enteric pathogens globally. Among the different serovars associated with human NTS disease, S. Newport (a serogroup C2-C3 Salmonella) accounts for ...
The Truthful Art: Data, Charts, and Maps for Communication, by Alberto Cairo

New software-based visualization tools and increased access to troves of data have raised interest in information design and data visualization. In his new book, The Truthful Art, Alberto Cairo, wh...
Child Poverty and its Lasting Consequence

One in six newborns were born poor over the past 40 years, and nearly half remained poor half their childhoods. These persistently poor children are nearly 90 percent more likely than never-poor children to enter their 20s without completing high school and are four times more likely to give birth outside of marriage during their teenage years. Children whose parents did not complete high school are less likely to complete high school themselves. This paper examines the magnitude of child poverty, family characteristics related to childhood poverty persistence, and childhood poverty’s lasting consequences.
Global Perspectives on Birds in Agricultural Landscapes

Earth is home for about 10,000 bird species. They inhabit all continents and interface with agroecosystems worldwide. Bird migrations across continents and nations make birds a truly global phenomenon of broad but complex conservation appeal. Global agricultural expansion during the past 200 years and intensification in the last 50 have been key drivers in global habitat loss and in declines of about 60% of the birds listed on the IUCN red list. Agricultural intensification is a continued concern as is expansion in tropical areas such as Latin America. Maintaining field-edge and set-aside habitats and using lower-intensity practices in production areas are important options for sustaining bird populations globally. Many key threats to birds in agroecosystems are global but specific impacts and management options may differ among geographical areas. Global climate change creates uncertainties for agriculture and birds, including impacts on bird migration and nesting, and concerns about synchrony between birds, habitats, and food resources. Climate change adds to other existing challenges of habitat loss and fragmentation, urbanization, migration barriers, and uncertain food resources. The push for biofuels has resulted in production intensification and habitat losses, especially removal of set-aside lands. Wildlife-friendly farming approaches can facilitate bird movement in fragmented agroecosystems and can provide important habitat for agricultural species and migratory birds. Wildlife-friendly and land sparing approaches are currently being debated toward the goal of sustaining biodiversity and food production. Global influences from social and political systems affect agroecosystems, people, and birds.
Molecular and Cytogenetic Analysis of Multidrug Resistance-Associated Gene Amplification in Chinese Hamster, Mouse Sarcoma, and Human Neuroblastoma Cells

The establishment and maintenance of drug resistance in mammalian cells have been shown to be mediated by a variety of different mechanisms, including altered drug transport, mutations that affect the intracellular targets with which specific drugs interact, and gene amplification-driven overexpression of these targets to levels that overwhelm intracellular drug concentrations. In some cases, particularly when dealing with classic antimetabolites such as the folate antagonist methotrexate, selection yields cells that display a monospecific resistance to the drug used for selection or to its analogs; cross-resistance to other agents is, for the most part, not observed. Moreover, such antifolate-resistant cells are phenotypically simple in the sense that they deviate from their parent cells mostly by virtue of their resistance, while the remainder of their more readily discernible traits, such as morphology, adhesiveness, and (for transformed cells) tumorigenic potential, remains unchanged.
Ultra-low-dose limited renal CT for volumetric stone surveillance: advantages over standard unenhanced CT.

To describe and validate a novel CT approach using volumetric analysis for renal stone surveillance. This prospective trial consisted of a standard low-dose non-contrast CT (SLD) of the abdomen and pelvis, immediately followed by an ultra-low-dose non-contrast CT (ULD) with reconstruction limited to the kidneys. A novel dedicated software tool was applied that automates stone volume, density, and maximum linear size. Manual linear stone size was measured by a radiology fellow and urology resident for comparison. CT dose and clinical charges were considered. Twenty-eight stones in 16 patients were analyzed. Mean effective dose of ULD CT was 0.57 mSv, an average 92% lower than the SLD CT dose. For SLD, mean size ± SD (range) (mm) was 7.9 ± 6.2 (2.6–30.5) for Reader 1, 7.3 ± 6 (2.4–30.7) for Reader 2, and 9.3 ± 6.4 (3.7–33.1) for the automated software. For ULD, mean size ± SD (range) (mm) was 7.3 ± 6 (2.5–30.5) for Reader 1, 7.2 ± 6.1 (2.1–30.7) for Reader 2, and 9.1 ± 6.4 (4.2–32.8) for the automated software. Automated stone diameters were larger than manual diameters for 27/28 stones (mean difference, 23%); difference was ≥ 2 mm in 30%. Average variability between manual measurements was 8.6% (SLD) and 7.8% (ULD), but was 0% for the automated technique. Our institutional charge for ULD renal CT is slightly less than renal US, and > 4× less than SLD CT. The Medicare global fee for the ULD renal CT is less than the SLD CT of the abdomen and pelvis. This focused stone surveillance CT protocol is lower cost and lower dose compared to the standard CT approach. Automated assessment of stone burden provides improved reproducibility over manual linear measurement and offers the advantages of 3D measurements and volumetry. We now offer and perform this protocol in routine clinical practice for stone surveillance.
Rhythms of urban space: skateboarding the canyons, plains, and asphalt-banked schoolyards of coastal Los Angeles in the 1970s

ABSTRACTThis paper examines the ways in which pioneering skateboarders in Southern California reacted to, and exploited a capital-intensive urban landscape to create a sport that today has tremendous economic, political, and cultural implications. The analysis focuses on archival material drawn from Skateboarder Magazine from 1975 to 1980. Ultimately, the skateboarders and those who documented their emerging sport express deep awareness and understanding of urban space as influenced by topography, urban development and emerging notions of mobility. The asphalt-banked schoolyards of Los Angeles provided an unintended playground for skateboarders and served as a starting point for the modern-era of the sport.
Survival benefit of Asian females in the era of targeted therapy for advanced lung cancer.

e17659 Background: Development of the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI’s) and FDA approval of erlotinib in 2004 began a decade of advances in targeted therapy for advanced lung cancer. Lung ade...
A Rejoinder to Amitai Etzioni’s “Don’t Vent, Win”

In the summer of 2018 Professor Amitai Etzioni published an article online in Society titled “Don’t Vent, Win” that argued social action on the left should be directed at the ballot box. Rather than venting, e.g. yelling at Trump officials or kicking them out of restaurants, is immoral because it might make it harder for Democrats to win elections. So don’t vent, instead just vote/help Democrats win. This article responds, and disagrees, with Professor Etzioni’s argument.
Interprofessional "on-call" e-learning for family nurse practitioner students: Preparing for primary care across the life span.

ABSTRACTBackground and Purpose:Nurse practitioners (NPs) are expected to fill gaps in providing primary care in the United States and need vital skills to meet the growing need for primary care providers. One necessary skill is managing “on-call” clinical questions/concerns by patients across the li
Clinical and genomic hallmarks of low PSA secretors in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

5051Background: Metastatic disease burden out of proportion to low serum PSA level is frequently used as a clinical surrogate for the diagnosis of treatment-emergent small cell neuroendocrine prost...
Esophageal Achalasia: Endoluminal Therapy

Achalasia is defined as a primary esophageal motility disorder caused by loss of inhibitory neurons that is characterized by failure of lower gastroesophageal sphincter relaxation in combination with disorganized contractions or lack of functional esophageal peristalsis. Patients typically present with symptoms of dysphagia, chest pain, food regurgitation, heartburn, and weight loss (Vaezi et al., Am J Gastroenterol. 108:1238–49, 2013). The goals for the management of achalasia are focused on improving esophageal emptying through a reduction in the relative obstruction at the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ), to relieve patient’s symptoms and to prevent further dilation of the esophagus, as there is no cure for achalasia (Fig. 48.1) (Vaezi et al., Am J Gastroenterol. 108:1238–49, 2013). Laparoscopic Heller myotomy has traditionally been considered the definitive and durable treatment of achalasia with improved relief of dysphagia as well as less postoperative gastroesophageal reflux due to the addition of a partial fundoplication procedure. However, endoscopic techniques such as botulinum toxin injection and endoscopic pneumatic dilatation have also been considered options for the treatment of achalasia in attempts to decrease the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure. Furthermore, peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is now becoming an emerging and well-documented endoscopic technique for the treatment of achalasia in which the circular muscle fibers are divided within a submucosal tunnel created from a mucosotomy made within the esophageal lumen (Inoue et al., Endoscopy. 42:265–71, 2010). It confers the safety and advantages of endoscopy, being less invasive than surgery, with the added benefit of a surgical myotomy. POEM can also be utilized as a salvage second-line treatment after other methods have failed. This chapter aims to discuss the various endoscopic treatment options for achalasia and their efficacy.
Considerations for neonatal and pediatric pain management

Purpose Current literature and clinical practice guidelines on pediatric pain management are reviewed. Summary Acute pain is commonly present in neonatal and pediatric patients due to underlying disease states or procedures. Especially in institutions with limited pediatric pain services, it is imperative to describe the appropriate management of pain and pharmacotherapy options that are effective and safe in pediatric patients. Despite the knowledge of pain being an important aspect in the management of children, barriers exist, leading to suboptimal treatment. Addressing these barriers through education of healthcare practitioners, families, and patients will lead to optimizing the patient pain experience. Tools for pain assessment vary depending on the type of pain, the child's age and understanding of pain, and the clinical situation. Pharmacotherapy options for pain management in neonates and pediatric patients include opioid and nonopioid agents. Efficacy and safety data on the use of medications for the treatment of pain in pediatric patients is described. The delivery of medication encompasses patient-specific factors and preferences. Strategies for opioid stewardship and management of iatrogenic withdrawal pose a unique challenge in pediatric patients. Conclusion The management of acute pain in neonates and pediatric patients should be a priority for all practitioners caring for these patients. Use of age-appropriate pain assessment tools and understanding of the mechanisms of action and roles in therapy of various nonopioid and opioid therapies can help optimize treatment of pain in neonatal and pediatric patients.
Cutaneous Approaches to Brow Lifting

The various cutaneous approaches to brow lifting all utilize excision of tissue to elevate the brows and in some cases rejuvenate the forehead. Each technique seeks to conceal the incision, whether at the junction of the cosmetic units of the face, within the hair-bearing scalp, or within natural forehead rhytides that follow the relaxed skin tension lines of the face. This chapter details the advantages and disadvantages, as well as the ideal candidates for the direct supraciliary, mid-forehead, pretrichial/trichophytic, coronal, and temporal brow lifts. Each can be used effectively in the appropriate patient, and the authors’ preferred surgical technique for each procedure is described in detail.
Acute Kidney Injury is Associated with Poor Lung Outcomes in Infants Born ≥32 Weeks of Gestational Age.

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the association between acute kidney injury (AKI) and lung outcomes in infants born ≥32 weeks of gestational age (GA). Study Design Secondary analysis of infants ≥32 weeks of GA in the assessment of worldwide acute kidney injury epidemiology in neonates (AWAKEN) retrospective cohort (n = 1,348). We used logistic regression to assess association between AKI and a composite outcome of chronic lung disease (CLD) or death at 28 days of age and linear regression to evaluate association between AKI and duration of respiratory support. Results CLD occurred in 82/1,348 (6.1%) infants, while death occurred in 22/1,348 (1.6%); the composite of CLD/death occurred in 104/1,348 (7.7%). Infants with AKI had an almost five-fold increased odds of CLD/death, which remained after controlling for GA, maternal polyhydramnios, multiple gestations, 5-minute Apgar's score, intubation, and hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 4.9, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.2–7.4; p Conclusion AKI is associated with CLD/death and longer duration of respiratory support in infants born at ≥32 weeks of GA. Further prospective studies are needed to elucidate the pathophysiologic relationship.
Temperature Distribution on Lithium-Ion Polymer Battery Cell: Experiment and Modeling

The performance of the lithium-ion battery is highly dependent on the operating temperature. In order to keep the operating temperature within the optimal range, a thermal management system (TMS) is used to cool down or warm up the battery. Understanding the heat generation characteristics and temperature distribution of the lithium-ion batteries is essential to design an effective TMS. In this paper, the surface temperature distribution over a 20Ah lithium-ion polymer battery cell is measured under different charging and discharging conditions. A cell thermal model is then built using the ANSYS Fluent. The simulation results are correlated and validated well with the experimental data. The validated cell thermal model provides a design guideline to thermal management system in the level of battery module and pack.
Mediation Analysis of the Relationships Between God Locus of Control and Health Behaviors in College Students

The aim of this research was to examine whether self-efficacy, social support, congregational social support, or divine support mediate the relationship between college students’ religious/spiritual health locus of control and health behaviors of physical activity, fruit and vegetable intake, and dietary fat intake. Participants included 838 college students at two public universities in the southeastern United States that completed online surveys of God locus of health control, physical activity, fruit and vegetable intake, and dietary fat and self-efficacy, social support, congregational social support, and divine support. Mediation was tested with product of coefficients approach. Results showed that congregational social support mediated the relationship between God locus of health control and physical activity. There was no evidence of mediation for any of the other health behaviors or mediators. Individuals that utilize God as a health source for locus of control have higher perceived religious social coping and support, which relates to their physical activity behaviors. Implications are for health and fitness practitioners within settings that incorporate faith, congregations, and social interaction.