cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Masterpieces of Nouri Bouzid: Between Conditioned Advent and Censorship's Extinction

Reflecting the Arabic social reality in the film industry has been the main focus of some Arabic cineastes, namely the Tunisian ones. Whether short or long, professional or hobbyist, Tunisian movies endeavoured to cope with the forbidden trinity, composed of political, sexual and religious axes of criticism which have been mostly rejected due to the political authorities’ domination. This study sets out to probe the partial and total rejections of scripts by focusing on Nouri Bouzid’s case. This choice is stimulated by the magnitude of Nouri Bouzid‘s interviews, in which he has mentioned many of his movies and script examples that were navigating between conditioned advents and censorship’s extinction .
Dilation and constriction of large coronary arteries in conscious dogs by endothelin.

This study examined the effects of endothelin on coronary circulation and the relationship between the plasma concentration of endothelin and cardiovascular function in conscious dogs. The injection of a low dose (50 ng/kg) of endothelin increased coronary artery diameter by 2.17 +/- 0.49% and then decreased coronary artery diameter by 1.13 +/- 0.17% (P less than 0.01) from 3.51 +/- 0.14 mm. This dose increased coronary blood flow by 39 +/- 8.5% and then decreased coronary blood flow by 14 +/- 3.5% (P less than 0.01) from 25 +/- 1.6 ml/min, respectively. Four doses of endothelin (1, 10, 20, and 50 ng.kg-1.min-1) were infused for 20 min each as a cumulative dose response and blood samples were taken to assay endothelin. Significant changes in systemic and coronary dynamics were observed at infusions of 10 and 20 ng.kg-1.min-1. For instance, at 10 ng.kg-1.min-1 there was a significant (P less than 0.05) increase in mean arterial pressure (10 +/- 2.7%), left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic (32 +/- 11%), and LV systolic (8 +/- 3%) pressures and late diastolic coronary resistance (12 +/- 3.0%). This was accompanied by a reduction in large coronary artery diameter (2.0 +/- 0.5%) and coronary blood flow (22 +/- 6.0%; P less than 0.05). At this infusion rate, plasma endothelin reached 70 pg/ml when compared with a control value of 4 +/- 1 pg/ml. Thus the bolus injections of endothelin evoked a biphasic response of large and small coronary arteries, whereas during infusion we observed only vasoconstriction. The levels of circulating endothelin necessary to cause significant cardiovascular effects are much higher than expected.
Predictors of Academic Achievement in Physical Therapy

We undertook this retrospective study to determine the best predictors of academic achievement in a baccalaureate physical therapy program. The files of 83 matriculated students were reviewed, and data on the following admission requirements were compiled: 1) preprofessional grade point averages (GPAs), 2) scores on the Allied Health Professions Admission Test, 3) scores on the written composition (ESSAY), 4) preprofessional faculty recommendation scores, 5) ratings by a physical therapist after a 70-hour clinical observation before the professional training, and 6) personal interview ratings. Data were analyzed with multiple and stepwise regression models using the admission data as independent variables to predict academic achievement (QPAPT) at the end of the two-year professional program. When all independent variables were included in the multiple regression equation, 53% of the variance in the QPAPT was explained ( p <.0001). The stepwise regression revealed that the best predictors of the QPAPT were the GPA (accounted for 40% of variance) and the ESSAY (accounted for 11% of variance).
Automatic and transparent I/O optimization with storage integrated application runtime support

Traditionally storage has not been part of a programming model's semantics and is added only as an I/O library interface. As a result, programming models, languages, and storage systems are limited in the optimizations they can perform for I/O operations, as the semantics of the I/O library is typically at the level of transfers of blocks of uninterpreted bits, with no accompanying knowledge of how those bits are used by the application. For many HPC applications where I/O operations for analyzing and checkpointing large data sets are a non-negligible portion of the overall execution time, such a "know nothing" I/O design has negative performance implications.We propose an alternative design where the I/O semantics are integrated as part of the programming model, and a common data model is used throughout the entire memory and storage hierarchy enabling storage and application level co-optimizations. We demonstrate these ideas through the integration of storage services within the Legion [2] runtime and present preliminary results demonstrating the integration.
Flight Control Leverage on Crack Growth in a Flexible Aircraft - Part 2

The overall objective of this research is to investigate and assess the leverage generated by flight control system feedback loops for reducing fatigue damage and enhancing long-term integrity of aircraft structural components. In Part 1 of this paper, an isolated crack growth model was extensively investigated, and a combined flexible aircraft and crack growth model was developed. Here in Part 2 of this paper, design of an inner loop flight control system is considered. Objectives of the controller are to correct deficiencies in the vehicle motion behavior, not to directly augment the stress behavior. In spite of these objectives, comparison of short-term open-loop and closed-loop airframe stress responses indicate the control system has substantial affect on transient stress behavior. Long-term fatigue damage and structural integrity predictions, and the influence feedback control and loading variations have on such predictions, are made with a set of simulation runs covering the operational life of the vehicle. A mix of open-loop and closed-loop cases with nominal and variable feedback gains, vehicle motions including nominal maneuvers with superimposed gusts, deterministic and stochastic overloads, and mean stress levels are considered. For an existing control architecture, individual feedback gain numerical values have substantial influence on crack growth. This result implies significant extension of structural life may be possible by control gain adjustment within an existing architecture. Maneuver overload strength and frequency also have significant influence. By tailoring the overload maneuver with additional control logic not present in the existing architecture, this result also implies significant structural life enhancement may be possible.
Diagnosis of Choroidal Melanoma in Dense Asteroid Hyalosis.

ABSTRACTPurpose: To demonstrate the utility of Optos ultra-wide field imaging in the diagnosis and management of choroidal melanoma in the setting of asteroid hyalosis. Design: Observational case report. Method: A 52-year-old female was referred for evaluation of floaters, photopsias, and blurry vision in the right eye. Clinical examination revealed dense asteroid hyalosis obscuring the fundus, and a limited view of a pigmented choroidal lesion in the nasal periphery. Optos ultra-wide field fluorescein angiography and ultrasonography facilitated the diagnosis of a choroidal melanoma. Results: The patient underwent Iodine-125 brachytherapy for local tumor control and excellent tumor response was confirmed with serial follow-up Optos imaging and ultrasonography. Conclusion: Ultra-wide field fundus fluorescein angiography facilitated the diagnosis of a choroidal melanoma, which was obscured by dense asteroid hyalosis, allowing for local tumor control with brachytherapy. Optos wide-field imaging may be a valu...
Wnt pathway regulation of intestinal stem cells

Wnt signalling is involved in multiple aspects of embryonic development and adult tissue homeostasis, notably via controlling cellular proliferation and differentiation. Wnt signalling is subject to stringent positive and negative regulation to promote proper development and homeostasis yet avoid aberrant growth. Such multi-layer regulation includes post-translational modification and processing of Wnt proteins themselves, R-spondin (Rspo) amplification of Wnt signalling, diverse receptor families, and intracellular and extracellular antagonists and destruction and transcription complexes. In the gastrointestinal tract, Wnt signalling is crucial for development and renewal of the intestinal epithelium. Intestinal stem cells (ISCs) undergo symmetric division and neutral drift dynamics to renew the intestinal epithelium. Sources of Wnts and Wnt amplifers such as R-spondins are beginning to be elucidated as well as their functional contribution to intestinal homeostasis. In this review we focus on regulation of ISCs and intestinal homeostasis by the Wnt/Rspo pathway, the potential cellular sources of Wnt signalling regulators and highlight potential future areas of study.
Descriptions of Sameodes albiguttalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) Life Stages with Key to Lepidoptera Larvae on Waterhyacinth

Sameodes albiguttalis (Warren), a South American pyralid species, has been released in the United States for biological control of waterhyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms., and is now well established in the Southeast. The egg, 5th instar, pupa, and adult are described and illustrated. The five S. albiguttalis larval instars are best separated by head capsule measurements and head color. Other lepidopterous larvae commonly found on waterhyacinth are usually other pyralids, noctuids, or arctiids. Another pyralid, Samea multiplicalis, is the only species easily confused with S. albiguttalis. The diagnostic characters useful for identifying S. albiguttalis include the dark orange head, the distinct pinacula, the distinct anal proleg plate, and the pale yellowish to cream body color.
The Association Between Olfaction and Depression: A Systematic Review

Previous studies on the relationship between olfaction and depression have revealed mixed results. In addition, few have focused on the reciprocity of this association. The aim of this study is to combine depression and olfactory data in two separate patient populations to further understand their association. A systematic literature review was conducted using 3 online databases to identify studies correlating olfaction and depression in patients presenting with either primary depression or primary olfactory dysfunction. For the depressed population, weighted means and standard deviations for the Sniffin' Sticks Test and the 40-item Smell Identification Test were combined using 10 studies. For the olfactory dysfunction population, weighted means of Beck's Depression Inventory were combined using 3 studies. Independent t-tests were used to compare differences between groups. Comparing primary depressed patients with controls, depressed patients showed decreased scores in olfactory threshold (6.31±1.38 vs. 6.78±0.88, P = 0.0005), discrimination (12.05±1.44 vs. 12.66±1.36, P = 0.0073), identification (12.57±0.74 vs. 12.98±0.90, P < 0.0001), and 40-Item Smell Identification Test (35.31±1.91 vs. 37.41±1.45, P < 0.0001). In patients with primary olfactory dysfunction, Beck's Depression Inventory scores were significantly different between patients classified as normosmics, hyposmics and anosmics (5.21±4.73 vs. 10.93±9.25 vs. 14.15±5.39, P ≤ 0.0274 for all 3 comparisons). In conclusion, patients with depression have reduced olfactory performance when compared with the healthy controls and conversely, patients with olfactory dysfunction, have symptoms of depression that worsen with severity of smell loss.
Characterization of the role Rab25 in energy metabolism and cancer using extracellular flux analysis and material balance.

Abstract Rab25, by altering trafficking of critical cellular resources, influences cell metabolism and survival during stress conditions. Overall, perturbations in the vesicular trafficking machinery change cellular bioenergetics that can be directly measured in real time as Oxygen Consumption Rate, OCR (mitochondrial respiration) and Extracellular Acidification Rate, ECAR (glycolysis) by an extracellular flux analyzer (XF96, Seahorse Biosciences, MA). Additionally, overall turnover of glucose, lactate, as well as glutamine and glutamate can be measured biochemically using the YSI2900 Biochemistry Analyzer (YSI Incorporated, Life Sciences, OH). A combination of these two methods allows a precise and quantitative approach to interrogate the role of Rab25 as well as other Rab GTPases in central carbon energy metabolism.
The Bucket Handle Meniscal Tear: A Technique Using Two Incisions

SUMMARY The bucket handle tear is a common meniscal tear in both the medial and lateral menisci, occurring in a relatively young age group, and with a high incidence of associated intra-articular pathology. Treatment of the tear consists of removal of the mobile fragment leaving a remaining meniscal rim that is both stable and smoothly contoured. This can be accomplished per-cutaneously under arthroscopic visualization. Numerous different methods for arthroscopic removal of the bucket handle fragment have been described and often in any particular situation, one method works slightly better than another. It is therefore important for a surgeon who routinely performs arthroscopic meniscal surgery to be comfortable with a wide variety of techniques and approaches. The seven step technique that has been described is presently the easiest, most accurate, and most reliable technique in my experience. Progress, both in the development of new methods and in the development of better instrumentation, is extremely rapid in this field and therefore this technique must be considered in this context of rapid change.
Electrocardiogram read by the computer as arm-lead reversal.

The electrocardiogram shown in Figure 1 was read by the computer as arm-lead reversal. The computer reading went on to say that no further analysis would be attempted. This clearly is a programming mistake because the precordial leads make the diagnosis. Figure 1. Electrocardiogram recorded with the leads in the usual locations. See text for explication. Although we would estimate that 95% of electrocardiograms with negative P, QRS, and T waves in lead I are due to arm-lead reversal, a small number are due to situs inversus totalis with mirror-image dextrocardia. In this condition, the left-sided precordial leads show progressive diminution in the size of the complexes from leads V1 to V6 as the leads are placed ever farther away from the right-sided heart (Figure 1). In contrast, the left-sided precordial leads are unaffected by simple arm-lead reversal. Another diagnostic point is that the QRS morphology is similar in leads I and V6 in mirror-image dextrocardia, whereas it is quite different in those leads in simple arm-lead reversal (1). Situs inversus totalis with mirror-image dextrocardia is perhaps the most common of the congenital cardiac malpositions and is only infrequently associated with hemodynamically significant congenital cardiac malformations. In contrast, situs solitus with congenital dextrocardia, sometimes called isolated dextrocardia or dextroversion, is usually associated with significant malformations, as is situs inversus with isolated levocardia (2). This patient, a 52-year-old man, came to the hospital because of intermittent leg claudication with walking. He had no other cardiovascular symptoms. When the limb leads were reversed and the precordial leads were recorded on the right side of the chest (Figure 2), his electrocardiogram was normal except for voltage criteria for left ventricular hypertrophy, probably due to systemic arterial hypertension (3). Figure 2. Electrocardiogram recorded with the limb leads reversed and the precordial leads on the right side of the chest. See text for explication.
Kinetics of bicarbonate transport in the early proximal convoluted tubule

Bicarbonate permeability and bicarbonate transport kinetics in the S1 segment of the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) have not been previously studied. In vivo microperfusion at a rate of 30 nl/min was performed in early and late PCT of Munich-Wistar rats. Bicarbonate permeability was first defined, using a bicarbonate-free, acetazolamide-containing perfusate, and was over fourfold higher in the early compared with the late PCT (20.4 +/- 1.8 vs. 4.6 +/- 0.4 X 10(-7) cm2/s, P less than 0.001). Net bicarbonate absorption was then measured using perfusate bicarbonate concentrations of 15, 25, 40, and 100 mM at 30 nl/min perfusion rate. Proton secretory rate was calculated for each group by subtracting the passive bicarbonate transport component from the net flux. Saturation kinetics of acidification were observed in both the early and late PCT. The maximal proton secretory rate at the highest luminal bicarbonate concentration (Vmax) in the early PCT was about twice that in the late PCT (504 +/- 37 vs. 265 +/- 15 peq.mm-1.min-1, P less than 0.001). However, the luminal bicarbonate concentration eliciting half-maximal proton secretion (apparent Km) was approximately the same (11 mM) in the early and late PCT. In conclusion, the early PCT has a higher bicarbonate permeability and proton secretory capacity than the late PCT. Increased Vmax but axial constancy of Km suggests that there is amplification of similar transport mechanism(s) affecting bicarbonate absorption in S1 compared with S2 cells.
Truman Capote’s Gothic Politics

This chapter examines the tensions in Capote’s writing between the indeterminacies and mysteries of the Southern Gothic and his pointed critiques of sexual and racial oppression, social conformity, the death penalty, and other social and political issues. Capote experimented with the Southern Gothic throughout his career, adapting it to his fiction and nonfiction, and to his work set outside the South. From his first novel and earliest short stories to In Cold Blood and his last book, Music for Chameleons, this chapter thus explores Capote’s evolving use of the Southern Gothic to balance his theories of cosmopolitan literary style with the politics of his writing, even when those two things might appear at odds with each other.
Measurement of the correlation between flow harmonics of different order in lead–lead collisions at sNN=2.76 TeV with ATLAS

Abstract Measurement of the correlation between elliptic or triangular flow coefficients v m ( m = 2, 3) and other flow harmonics v n ( n = 2 to 5) in s N N = 2.76 TeV Pb+Pb collisions using the data collected by the ATLAS experiment at the LHC is presented. The correlations are measured for the different centrality intervals. Each centrality interval is sub divided into event shape classes defined using the ellipticity or triangularity measured in the forward detectors, and for each of the event shape classes the v m − v n correlations are measured in the midrapidity region. The v 2 and v 3 values show anticorrelation with each other while positive correlations are observed between v 2 − v 4 , v 2 − v 5 and v 3 − v 5 . The v m − v n correlations (for n = 4, 5) are not reproduced by the ϵ m − ϵ n correlations predicted by initial geometry models, but are found to be well described by a two component model with a linear response contribution and a nonlinear response contribution which is proportional to v 2 2 in the case of v 4 and to v 2 v 3 in the case of v 5 . The linear and nonlinear contributions are extracted from the measured correlations and compared with results from previous event-plane correlation measurements.
Discrete element modeling of indentation tests to investigate mechanisms of CO2-related chemomechanical rock alteration

During CO2 injection into geological formations, petrophysical and geomechanical properties of host formations can be altered due to mineral dissolution and precipitation. Field and laboratory results have shown that sandstone and siltstone can be altered by CO2-water mixtures, but few quantitative studies have been performed to fully investigate underlying mechanisms. Based on the hypothesis that CO2-water mixtures alter the integrity of rock structure by attacking cements rather than grains, we attempt to explain the degradation of cementation due to long-term contact with CO2 and water and mechanisms for changes in rock mechanical properties. Many sandstones, including calcite-cemented quartzitic sandstone, chlorite-cemented quartzitic sandstone, and hematite-cemented quartzitic sandstone contain interparticle cements that are more readily affected by CO2-water mixtures than grains. A model that couples the Discrete Element Method (DEM) and the Bonded-Particle Model (BPM) is used to perform simulations of indentation tests on synthetic rocks with crystal and random packings. The model is verified against the analytical Cavity Expansion Model (CEM) and validated against laboratory indentation tests on Entrada sandstone with and without CO2-alteration. Sensitivity analysis is performed for cementation microscopic parameters including stiffness, size, axial and shear strength. The simulation results indicate that the CO2-related degradation of mechanical properties in bleached Entrada sandstone can be attributed to the reduction of cement size rather than cement strength. Our study indicates that it is possible to describe the CO2-related rock alteration through particle-scale mechanisms.
Adolescent and Young Adult Risky Driving: The Role of Problem Drinking

This chapter presents research to show that driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) and risky driving more generally are elements in a larger organization of problem behavior, a pattern of behavior that can be considered a lifestyle. The research also shows that variation in drinking-driving and risky driving can be accounted for significantly by psychosocial variables drawn from Problem Behavior Theory. Three studies of youth and young adults are reported. In the study of young adults, multiple correlations (Rs) between the psychosocial measures and DUI reached .64 for the men and .54 for the women, both significant at p ≤ .001. Comparable multiple correlations of .52 and .43 were obtained in a study of male and female high school students. The implications of this perspective and these findings for prevention/intervention efforts are noted.
Computational modeling of bubble coalescence in a high-pressure steam-water flow

Abstract A numerical analysis of the coalescence of two co-axial bubbles in an upward subcooled flow boiling system was performed. The study was motivated by the need to better control the cooling of a nuclear reactor core, hence the work was carried out at high system pressure and velocity. The modeling was performed with volume-of-fluid interface tracking method coupled with adaptive mesh refinement while the turbulence characteristics was simulated using large eddy simulation. A microlayer model was applied to capture the unresolved thermal sub-grid scale in the bubble microlayer in addition to performing a near-wall treatment. This numerical model was compared with experimental data available in open literature. The dynamics and contact moment of two co-axial leading and trailing bubbles along the heated wall and far-field regions were then investigated at various thermal–hydraulic conditions.
A Computer-Based Patient Data Management System in an Open-Heart Intensive Care Unit

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses a Computer-Based Patient Data Management System in an Open-Heart Intensive Care Unit. Because of the abundant medical and nursing data available on critically ill patients in Open-Heart Intensive Care Unit, and the present manner of record keeping, installing a Computerized Patient Data Management Computers employed in intensive care units have with few exceptions, met with limited success. Several necessary considerations were made prior to the implementation of this nontraditional form of communication; primarily, the potential users of the system must participate in the design and specifications of the system. The physiologic parameters are captured automatically by the computer through the A/D converter. The nurse manually enters other data, for example, urine output, dosage of a medicated intravenous drip, intake and output, weight, and nurses' notes. The computer system at present is capable of gathering the following moment-to-moment information: heart rate, blood pressure, central venous pressure, pulmonary artery pressures, temperature, and respiration rate. The computer is used to track the patients' physiologic variables in correlation with pharmacologic treatments. Each person coming in contact with the patient can be brought up to data by the data recall available on the computer. An updated method of reporting was designed. The computer selects and prints out the most current and pertinent data on each patient for use in the shift report.
Cold Dark Matter Searches with the CDMS-II Experiment

The CDMS-II collaboration operates an experiment at the Soudan Mine, Minnesota to directly detect cold dark matter in the form of Weakly Interacting Massive Particles. The detectors are Ge (and Si) crystals of mass 250 g (100 g) cooled to 30 mK and detect both the ionization and athermal phonon signals after a particle interacts in the Ge (Si) material. The athermal phonon readout utilizes superconducting Al films connected to tungsten transition edge sensors, while the charge is collected by applying a small (few V/cm) electric field across the crystals. The CDMS-II experiment has been operating 12 Ge and Si detectors in their shielded environment at the Soudan Mine in 2004. No dark matter signal exceeding the expected background was found. The probed WIMP-nucleon cross section goes down to 1.6×10−43cm2 for a WIMP mass of 60 GeV/c2. I will present the apparatus, show the latest results for WIMP searches and discuss the current status and future plans.
Introduction to Artificial Networks and Law Enforcement Analytics

“Intelligence, in itself, does not make up part of the specific attributes of crime, but when it is present, it increases danger immeasurably and causes it to become organized crime.” This phrase appears in the book both as an affirmation of the difficulty of the problem as well as a point of departure for finding solutions because what is intelligent is not causal, and what is not causal is foreseeable. Since intelligence must be fought with intelligence, the forces of order require a good dose of “civil intelligence” to fight the “uncivil intelligence” of criminals.
Optimal flux map generation through parameter estimation techniques

Two methods are presented for optimally calculating spatial distributions of neutron flux in a nuclear reactor core. Both techniques, Kalman filtering and maximum likelihood estimation, simultaneou...
Molecular phylogenetic analyses of shallow-water Caribbean octocorals

Octocorals, especially gorgonians, are conspicuous on Caribbean coral reefs, but there is no consensus regarding species relationships. Mitochondrial protein-coding genes [NADH-dehydrogenase subunits 2 (ND2) and 6 (ND6), and mutS homolog (msh1), 1633 bp] from 28 shallow-water species were sequenced to develop the first molecular phylogeny for Caribbean octocorals. The specimens were collected primarily in the Caribbean or off Brazil in 1999–2001. Morphological characters (sclerites and axial ultrastructure) were also examined in order to map them onto the molecular phylogeny. Analyses of both nucleotide and amino acid substitutions using maximum parsimony and likelihood (including maximum-likelihood and Bayesian analysis) generated very similar results, with most nodes having high levels of support. These molecular results were significantly different from the generally accepted classification. Neither Plexauridae nor Gorgoniidae were monophyletic. Plexaurella spp., nominal plexaurids, were basal to the gorgoniids, sharing many morphological characters with them. This corroborates previous findings using secondary metabolites and biosynthetic pathways. The sea fans, Gorgonia spp. and Pacifigorgia spp., as well as the pinnate gorgonians, Muriceopsis flavida and Pseudopterogorgia spp., did not have sea fan or pinnate relatives, suggesting there has been convergent evolution of colony form. Caribbean plexaurids appeared more derived and/or recently evolved according to both morphological and molecular data (e.g. Eunicea spp. and Plexaura spp.). Molecular phylogenetics is a promising approach for reconstructing phylogenetic relationships among octocorals as well as to understand their complex morphology. Electronic Supplementary Material is available if you access this article at http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00227-003-1018-7 . On that page (frame on the left side), a link takes you directly to the supplementary material.
Mechanistic complexity of contractile dysfunction in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a relatively common disease in which the muscular wall of the heart becomes thickened. It is estimated to affect 1 in every 500 people—men and women equally—and can cause cardiac arrest in young people, including athletes. In 1990, a genetic linkage between a
Patterns of readmission among the elderly after hepatopancreatobiliary surgery.

Abstract Background The objective of this study was to examine risk factors and outcomes of hospital readmission following complex hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) surgery among the elderly. Methods The Nationwide Readmissions Database was queried for patients ≥ 60 years who underwent HPB surgery during 2010–2015. Results The incidence of 30- and 90-day readmission was similar among patients 60–74 vs. ≥75 (P > 0.05). Patients age 60–74 years with ≥2 comorbidities had an increased odds of 30-day (OR 1.13, p = 0.021) and 90-day (OR 1.13, p = 0.005) readmission. Patients ≥75 years with ≥2 comorbidities had the highest in-hospital mortality (5%) whereas patients 60–74 years with 0 or 1 comorbidity had the lowest in-hospital mortality on readmission (3%). Conclusion Following an HPB procedure, roughly 1 in 7 elderly patients were readmitted within 30 days and 1 in 4 patients within 90 days. Elderly patients with multiple comorbidities were more likely to be readmitted at non-index hospitals.
Multifocal adenocarcinoma of the lung: Factors predictive for local therapy.

e20041Background: Multifocal Adenocarinoma (MAC) of the lung is a clinical entity of multiple synchronous or metachronous, often ground-glass opacities (GGO) on CT scan, typically indolent-behaving...
USING NON-FINANCIAL DATA TO ASSESS THE CREDITWORTHINESS OF BUSINESSES IN ONLINE TRADE

Assessing the creditworthiness of prospective business partners is the first step in conducting trade. Traditionally the creditworthiness of partners was assessed using transactional methods, methods based on close observation of the other party and the heavy use of mostly subjective, soft information. During recent decades, however, these relational methods were largely replaced with transactional methods relying almost exclusively on objective financial data, otherwise known as hard data. A considerable portion of firms involved in business to business trade are now small companies that do not to have any reliable or comparable financial information. In the absence of such information, transactional methods of assessing business creditworthiness have very limited practical value. To provide a remedy, this study proposes using non-financial information available from the Web and thus a return to the more transactional methods. We identify sources of credit-related information available from a typical business to business exchange and test if such information can predict firm creditworthiness. We conduct a study with a group of online businesses on a major B2B exchange and empirically show that a number of non-financial factors can in fact predict online businesses’ level of creditworthiness.
Direct Current Cardioversion of Atrial Arrhythmias in Adults With Cardiac Amyloidosis

Abstract Background Arrhythmias, conduction abnormalities, and intracardiac thrombus are common in patients with cardiac amyloidosis (CA). Outcomes of direct-current cardioversion (DCCV) for atrial arrhythmias in patients with CA are unknown. Objectives This study sought to examine DCCV procedural outcomes in patients with CA. Methods Patients with CA scheduled for DCCV for atrial arrhythmias from January 2000 through December 2012 were identified and matched 2:1 with control patients by age, sex, type of atrial arrhythmia, and date of DCCV. Results CA patients (n = 58, mean age 69 ± 9 years, 81% male) were included. CA patients had a significantly higher cardioversion cancellation rate (28% vs. 7%; p Conclusions Patients with CA undergoing DCCV had a significantly high cancellation rate mainly due to a high incidence of intracardiac thrombus even among patients who received adequate anticoagulation. Although the success rate of restoring sinus rhythm was high, tachyarrhythmias and bradyarrhythmias complicating DCCV were significantly more frequent in CA patients compared with control patients.
Pulmonary artery conduits in infants younger than six months of age.

Ten infants under 6 months of age with right ventricular-pulmonary artery discontinuity have undergone reparative operations. Five infants had either Type I or Type II truncus and 5 had pulmonary atresia with some discontinuity between right and left pulmonary arteries. There have been 4 survivors in each group. The one death in each category was due to pulmonary hypertension. The remaining 8 patients have low pulmonary vascular resistance. The survival rate after the reparative technique in infancy appears better than that with other forms of palliative treatment, such as banding or shunts, in these severely ill patients.
LCL161, a SMAC-mimetic, Preferentially Radiosensitizes Human Papillomavirus–negative Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Targeting inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAP) with second mitochondria-derived activator of caspase (SMAC) mimetics may promote cancer cell death. We tested whether cIAP1 predicts poor prognosis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and whether a novel Smac-mimetic, LCL161, could radiosensitize human papillomavirus-positive (HPV+) and -negative (HPV-) HNSCC. The association of BIRC2 (encoding cIAP1) mRNA level with HPV status in HNSCC was analyzed using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. cIAP1 was assessed by IHC on an HNSCC tissue microarray (TMA, n = 84) followed by correlation analysis with HPV status and patient outcomes. Human cell culture and animal models of HNSCC were used to analyze the outcome and molecular characteristics following radiotherapy in combination with LCL161. cIAP1 expression is increased in HPV- compared with HPV+HNSCC tumors in the TCGA database. In our TMA, cIAP1 was overexpressed in HNSCC compared with normal tissues (P = 0.0003) and associated with a poor overall survival (P = 0.0402). cIAP1 levels were higher in HPV- than that in HPV+HNSCC tumors (P = 0.004) and patients with cIAP1+/HPV- HNSCC had the worst survival. LCL161 effectively radiosensitized HPV- HNSCC cells, which was accompanied with enhanced apoptosis, but not HPV+ HNSCC cells. Importantly, LCL161 in combination with radiotherapy led to dramatic tumor regression of HPV- HNSCC tumor xenografts, accompanied by cIAP1 degradation and apoptosis activation. These results reveal that cIAP1 is a prognostic and a potential therapeutic biomarker for HNSCC, and targeting cIAP1 with LCL161 preferentially radiosensitizes HPV- HNSCC, providing justification for clinical testing of LCL161 in combination with radiation for patients with HPV- HNSCC.
Valuing the Death Penalty

This article addresses the problems of the death penalty, including a lack of oversight, extreme costs and rampant misuse, by arguing for a federal law capping the amount of money states spend on the death penalty. This proposal uses the conditional spending clause to encourage compliance by providing federal money for state law enforcement agencies. This proposal incentivizes state governments to find creative ways to stay beneath the cap without violating defendants’ rights and to take an active approach to imposing the death penalty instead of entrusting the power to localities. Part I examines the disparity in cost between the death penalty and life without parole, looking at state data from regions across the nation and the federal government. After exploring the larger picture, Part II specifies the death penalty procedures that make it more expensive than life imprisonment. Part III advances the proposal for capping death penalty spending in exchange for federal money to state law enforcement agencies. Additionally, this part examines the constitutionality of the proposal utilizing case law. Part IV explains the benefits of the restriction and redistribution of funds, including funding issues the people want, increasing funding for state law enforcement, scrutinizing capital punishment cases more closely, and furthering the exercise of federal power.
Non-player character personality and social connection generation

Increasing the behavioral nuance and interactivity of non-player characters in story worlds comes with a growing cost in the time and effort expended by authors. This paper proposes a system, Cast Affinity Satisfiability Toolkit (CAST), which uses answer set programming to lessen this burden while supporting author autonomy. CAST uses user-defined constraints about personality facets and interests to generate a cast of characters and their relationships. Once salient personality facets and character interests are defined, additional constraints may be supplied about character similarity and affinity. This refines not only character personality but the social connections between characters. Rules about affinity, or the attraction characters feel towards each other, may be used to weight personality facets and interests to generate consistent characters and their relationships that consider the significance of these traits. Although the quality of output is contingent upon the quality of constraints, CAST respects all author supplied constraints and provides the framework to generate NPCs that are consistent and whose relationships are tailored to reflect what is significant in the story world.
Aging Equines: Understanding the Experience of Caring for a Geriatric Horse with a Chronic Condition

This study evaluated the experience of 1,448 people in the United States who currently care for or had previously cared for a geriatric horse and how that experience was qualified by the presence or absence of a chronic condition in the horse. An anonymous, online questionnaire was distributed to a cross-country sample to investigate the burden of caregivers from the perspective of owners of geriatric horses. Traumatic events and veterinary care decisions were also explored. Findings from the study supported the hypothesis that owners of geriatric horses with a chronic condition experienced higher levels of physical and emotional care burden, regardless of the age of the geriatric horse. Attachment levels reported by participants were high, regardless of the health status of the horse. This exploratory study provides the equine practitioner a greater understanding of the care burden experienced by owners of geriatric horses, particularly of owners of geriatric horses with a chronic condition, who rely on their veterinarian to guide their management and health care decisions. Veterinarians can help prepare and support clients as they navigate the complexities of caring for an older horse with a chronic condition.
Daptomycin perioperative prophylaxis for the prevention of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus infection in colonized liver transplant recipients.

Background Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE)-colonized liver transplantation (LT) recipients have increased post-LT morbidity, mortality, and higher rates of VRE infections compared with their non-colonized counterparts. Pre-LT screening for VRE colonization and inclusion of daptomycin in the perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis regimen may mitigate this risk. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review of liver transplant recipients aged ≥ 18 years between 2013 and August 2019 to identify pre-LT VRE-colonized recipients and whether they received daptomycin perioperative prophylaxis (DPP). Demographic and clinical characteristics, including risk factors for VRE infection, were collected. Outcomes measured were VRE-related infection and all-cause mortality within 90 days of LT. Results Of the 27 VRE-colonized liver transplant recipients within the study period, 25 received DPP. All recipients were admitted to the intensive care unit postoperatively, six (24%) required reoperation, fifteen (60%) required renal replacement therapy, and eight (32%) experienced postoperative hemorrhage within 90 days post-transplant. Two recipients (8%) experienced acute cellular rejection, but no primary graft failure was seen within 90 days. Among those who received DPP, no infections related to VRE or death was seen within 90 days of LT. The two VRE-colonized recipients who did not receive DPP both developed VRE bacteremia in the early post-LT period. Conclusion Despite having multiple risk factors for post-LT VRE infection, VRE-colonized recipients who received DPP did not develop VRE-related infections in the first 90 days post-LT. Our experience demonstrates that pre-LT VRE screening and DPP may be associated with a reduction in VRE infection in the early post-LT period, but this strategy warrants further evaluation in prospective studies.
Atomic Force Microscopy of Surface Defects on NaCl(100)

Scanning force microscopy reveals features interpreted as chloride ion vacancies or substitutional surface impurities on NaCl (100) at room temperature. Monatomic step edges have been imaged as well. Using an evacuable chamber backfilled with helium at controlled humidity, studies of image resolution versus ambient moisture and tip force are described. The goal of this work is an atomresolving probe of surface modifications resulting from radiation-induced desorption and damage phenomena.
Placental Impact of Dietary Supplements: More Than Micronutrients.

Abstract Purpose Maternal nutrition is a key modifier of fetal growth and development. However, many maternal diets in the United States do not meet nutritional recommendations. Dietary supplementation is therefore necessary to meet nutritional goals. The effects of many supplements on placental development and function are poorly understood. In this review, we address the therapeutic potential of maternal dietary supplementation on placental development and function in both healthy and complicated pregnancies. Methods This is a narrative review of original research articles published between February 1970 and July 2020 on dietary supplements consumed during pregnancy and placental outcomes (including nutrient uptake, metabolism and delivery, as well as growth and efficiency). Impacts of placental changes on fetal outcomes were also reviewed. Both human and animal studies were included. Findings We found evidence of a potential therapeutic benefit of several supplements on maternal and fetal outcomes via their placental impacts. Our review supports a role for probiotics as a placental therapeutic, with effects that include improved inflammation and lipid metabolism, which may prevent preterm birth and poor placental efficiency. Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids (as found in fish oil) during pregnancy tempers the negative effects of maternal obesity but may have little placental impact in healthy lean women. The beneficial effects of choline supplementation on maternal health and fetal growth are largely attributable to its placental impacts. l -arginine supplementation has a potent provascularization effect on the placenta, which may underlie its fetal growth–promoting properties. Implications The placenta is exquisitely sensitive to dietary supplements. Pregnant women should consult their health care practitioner before continuing or initiating use of a dietary supplement. Because little is known about impacts of many supplements on placental and long-term offspring health, more research is required before robust clinical recommendations can be made.
Heterotopic Ossification Negatively Influences Range of Motion After Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty

Abstract Background The incidence of heterotopic ossification (HO) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) varies and is of unclear clinical significance. This study aimed to identify the incidence of HO in patients undergoing revision TKA for either stiffness or aseptic loosening/instability and determine if the presence of HO is associated with inferior absolute range of motion (ROM) and ROM gains. Methods Eighty-seven patients were prospectively enrolled and separated into 2 cohorts to evaluate ROM after revision TKA (2017-2019). Group 1 (N = 40) patients were revised for stiffness, while group 2 (N = 47) patients were revised for either aseptic loosening or instability. Goniometer-measured ROM values were obtained preoperatively and at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year postoperatively. Statistical analysis included a Fisher’s exact test to assess for an association between preoperative HO and final ROM at 1 year after revision TKA. Results HO was identified on preoperative radiographs in 17 patients (20%). There was a significantly higher rate of preoperative HO in patients revised for stiffness compared to patients revised for instability or loosening (30% vs 11%; P = .03). Five cases of HO qualitatively identified as most clinically severe were associated with lower ROM at each time point compared to the remainder of HO cases in this study cohort (P Conclusion The presence of HO is greater in patients undergoing revision TKA for stiffness. Additionally, HO severity appears to have a major effect on preoperative and postoperative ROM trajectory. This information should help guide patient expectations and highlight the need for a comprehensive, standardized classification system for HO.
Fetal abdominal tumors and cysts

This article reviews the contemporary diagnosis and management of the most common abdominal neoplasms and cystic lesions diagnosed in the fetus. Fetal tumors discussed include teratomas (sacrococcygeal, cervical or mediastinal), mesoblastic nephroma, nephroblastoma (Wilms' tumor), neuroblastoma, and hepatoblastoma. Fetal abdominal cystic lesions discussed include ovarian cyst, choledochal cyst, intestinal duplication cyst, mesenteric cyst, simple hepatic cyst, and meconium pseudocyst. We discuss the rare indications for fetal intervention or fetal surgery and other perinatal management, including prenatal interventions and fetal surgery for sacrococcygeal teratoma. The lesions reviewed are detected by widespread use of screening ultrasonography during pregnancy. Work-up for these abnormalities may include fetal MRI which enhances the diagnostic accuracy of abdominal tumors and cystic lesions and can aid in characterization of the lesion in relationship to surrounding anatomic structures. Accurate prenatal diagnosis of such lesions permits recommendations for optimal location and timing of delivery, and inclusion of appropriate caregivers and expertise to facilitate postnatal management. Perinatal management of the fetus with a neoplasm requires consideration of the optimal timing and mode of delivery, and pediatric oncology and surgical specialty care. The majority of tumors diagnosed antenatally have good prognosis with current multimodality treatment.