cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and Mechanisms of Broad-Spectrum β-Lactam Resistance in Enterobacteriaceae: a Children's Hospital Experience

The objective of this study was to investigate the trends and patterns of resistance in beta-lactamase-producing members of the family Enterobacteriaceae in a children's hospital over a 9-year period (1999 to 2007). Clinically significant isolates of the Enterobacteriaceae were screened for patterns of broad-spectrum resistance to beta-lactams. The strains likely to be resistant were subsequently confirmed by an inhibitor-based disc test. The plasmid-mediated resistance determinants in these isolates were identified by PCR and by in vitro transformation, which successfully reproduced the AmpC phenotype unrestricted by the species of the host organisms. Among 8,048 Enterobacteriaceae isolates belonging to the four chromosomal ampC-negative or -nonfunctional genera, 86 (1.07%) isolates (56 Escherichia coli isolates, 22 Klebsiella species isolates, 1 Proteus mirabilis isolate, and 7 Salmonella species isolates) exhibited broad-spectrum beta-lactam resistance patterns. These organisms collectively produced three classes of beta-lactamases, including class A extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (n = 47), class C or AmpC beta-lactamases (n = 36, including 4 isolates that produced both class A and class C enzymes), and class A or B carbapenem-hydrolyzing beta-lactamases (n = 3). The proportion increased from 0.46% during the first 3 years to 1.84% during the last 3 years (relative risk [RR], 4.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.28 to 7.42; P < 0.001). The increase was mainly due to the emergence of a plasmid-mediated bla(CMY-2) beta-lactamase, the incidence of which increased from 0.11% during the first 3 years to 0.96% during the last 3 years (RR, 9.11; 95% CI, 2.76 to 30.1; P = 0.001). Class A-type resistance increased slightly during the study period, from 0.35% during the first 3 years to 0.85% during the last 3 years (RR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.15 to 5.07; P = 0.02). A Proteus mirabilis strain was documented to possess a novel bla(DHA) determinant. Of special concern, three carbapenemase-producing isolates were identified between 2003 and 2006. The infections caused by resistant isolates of the Enterobacteriaceae mainly affected hospitalized patients with underlying conditions; however, 19 (22%) episodes were of community onset in otherwise well children. The rate of resistance to broad-spectrum beta-lactams among isolates of the Enterobacteriaceae is increasing in children in both hospital- and community-acquired settings, and the resistance is driven largely by plasmid-mediated AmpC beta-lactamases. These data have important implications for empirical antimicrobial strategies targeting serious pediatric infections. Further study of this problem is warranted.
Inactivation of Salmonella in Poultry with Gamma Radiation

Abstract INTRODUCTION SALMONELLOSIS has been on the increase in this country within the past decade, and it is well established that there is a high rate of contamination of poultry with Salmonella (Galton et al., 1955; Sadler et al., 1961; Wilson et al., 1961). It has been demonstrated that the shelf life of poultry at refrigerator temperatures above freezing can be extended by treatment with ionizing radiation (Proctor et al., 1956; McGill et al., 1959; Coleby et al., 1960). It is expected that this treatment would also inactivate salmonellae present on the poultry but to what extent cannot be predicted since it is well established that various conditions of the environment during and after irradiation influence the radiation sensitivity of bacteria. The purpose of this investigation was to study the effect of various environmental factors on the radiation inactivation of Salmonella in poultry so that for any particular irradiation process for…
CP violation in low energy pp̄ reactions

Abstract Asymmetry measurements are discussed in p p → Λ Λ , Ξ Ξ which can signal the presence of CP nonconservation. Theories with milliweak CP violation produce such asymmetries typically at the 10 −4 level, a sensitivity which may be within the grasp of the next generation of low energy p p experiments.
Solvolysis of 5-Halouridines and Related Nucleosides

The neutral and alkaline solvolyses of uridine (UD) derivatives substituted in the 5 position with I (IUD), Br (BUD), Cl (CUD), and CH3 (MUD) were followed spectrophotometrically. The order of reactivity was IUD > BUD > CUD > UD ⋙ MUD (essentially stable). Ribosylbarbituric acid (RBA) was identified as a product of solvolysis of IUD and BUD in strong alkali and is itself unstable. The halouridines also degrade to nonchromophoric compounds. The rate-pH profiles for all the halouridines are similar and can be explained by hydroxyl ion attack on both the undissociated and dissociated halouridine. Hydroxyl ion attack on the undissociated species leads to the formation of nonchromophoric products. Hydroxyl ion attack on the dissociated species forms RBA. 5-Hydroxyuridine (OHUD) and dihydropyrimidines are postulated as intermediates. The lability of the halogen substituent enhances the ease of solvolysis. The rate of alkaline solvolysis of BUD is the same as the rate of bromide ion production and shows that the reaction intermediates are highly unstable. The arabino and lyxo derivatives of 5-fluorouracil are solvolyzed faster than all of the halouridines. The Arrhenius parameters for all compounds were determined.
Production of ultrastructural membrane lesions by the fifth component of complement.

A direct quantitative relationship has been demonstrated between the number of cell bound C4,2 complexes or C5 molecules and the number of ultrastructural lesions visualized on the cell membrane subsequent to immune hemolysis. When bound C4,2 complexes exceeded bound C5 molecules, the number of ultrastructural lesions seen corresponded to the number of C5 molecules. However, in the reverse situation, with bound C5 molecules in excess of bound C4,2 complexes, the latter determined the number of lesions. During the complement-reaction sequence, the lesions first became visible in the nonlytic intermediate complex EAC1,4,2,3,5 and their number was unaffected when lysis was induced by C6–C9. Since the lesions were also demonstrable on the intermediate complex EC5,6,7, it is concluded that the protein C5 is responsible for their production. Once formed, the physical presence of the C5 molecule is no longer required for the manifestation of the lesions as indicated by persistence of lesions after removal of C5 protein by trypsin. The C5-dependent ultra-structural phenomenon has therefore been interpreted to represent a true structural change of the membrane which, however, is not accompanied by a permeability defect.
Negotiating rationally: the power and impact of the negotiator's frame

Executive Overview In the last ten years, negotiation has moved from the industrial relations arena to the forefront of managerial interest. As the nature and structure of managerial challenges evolve, negotiation skills become necessary. Considerable research has been conducted to determine how negotiators either fail to reach agreements that are in their best interest or leave them worse off. The focus of this article is to consider how managers could negotiate more rationally—that is reach agreements that maximize the negotiator's interests. Unfortunately, our natural tendencies in negotiation and decision making contain biases that systematically reduce our ability to reach agreements that maximize our interests. While there has been significant research directed toward identifying these cognitive biases and their impact on negotiator behavior, we explore a negotiator's predilection for framing proposals in ways that reduce information search and analysis and direct the choice of alternatives. We sugg...
Effects of Melatonin on the Reproductive System in Intact and Pinealectomized Male Hamsters Maintained under Various Photoperiods

Male hamsters were maintained under various photoperiods and were given daily treatment with melatonin. The objective of these studies was to learn more about the possible interactions between photoperiod, biological rhythms, and responses of the reproductive system to melatonin. Melatonin was administered three times daily by sc injection, with the injections spaced 3 h apart. This regimen of treatment caused testicular regression in pinealectomized hamsters maintained in continuous illumination as well as in animals kept on long (14 h light, 10 h dark) or short (10 h light, 14 h dark) photoperiods. When the injections were administered during the light phase in the long photoperiod, pinealectomized hamsters showed a greater response than did intact animals. Superior cervical ganglionectomized males responded similarly to pinealectomized animals. Continuous release implants of melatonin blocked the response to three times per day injections when the dosage was 25 μg melatonin/injection. The results indic...
Experiences using statecharts for a system requirements specification

This paper describes some lessons learned and issues raised while building a system requirements specification for a real aircraft collision avoidance system using statecharts. Some enhancements to statecharts were necessary to model the complete system and a few notational changes were made to improve reviewability.
Influence of Natural and Simulated Leaf Beetle Herbivory on Biomass Allocation and Plant Architecture of Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria L.)

Abstract Herbivore attack has important consequences on plant performance and on plant community composition, and understanding plant responses to herbivory is important for improving our ability to predict community dynamics and in developing biological control programs. The first objective of our study was to assess the response of purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) to various levels of tissue loss (0, 10, 20, and 60–70%) caused by feeding by a chrysomelid beetle (Galerucella calmariensis) introduced as a biological control agent to North America. Leaf beetle herbivory changed flowering phenology, caused significant reductions in plant growth and inflorescence mass, and increased the branching pattern even in the lowest herbivory treatment. In general, plant performance measures (height, total length of inflorescence) decreased linearly with increasing defoliation level. A second objective was to evaluate whether commonly used artificial herbivory techniques (hole punching and clipping) can reproduc...
Comparative Cytology of the Islet Organ

As shown in Table 1.1, it is generally held that the cyclostomes have at least two types of islet cells, while the gnathostomes have at least four. However, additional and obviously independent cell types have been found in some species, particularly among the elasmobranchs. Thus, we must expect in these species further, perhaps totally new, islet hormones. On the other hand, it is difficult, if not impossible, to decide if islet cells, originally present, have disappeared secondarily. This question arises with the new cell types in Petromyzon marinus (Brinn and Epple 1976), and with the large number of islet cells in the elasmobranchs (see below). Currently, perhaps the most critical issue is the F-cell, the identification of which depends strongly on the particular batch of anti-PP antiserum used (see e. g., Sect. 4.2, Reptilia). The importance of careful evaluation of immunocytochemical data, which has been emphasized many times (see e. g., Falkmer and Van Noorden 1983; and below Sect. 4.2), need not be discussed here in detail. Possible pitfalls are illustrated by (1) staining of neuropeptide Y neurons with anti-PP (Stjernquist et al. 1983), (2) unspecific binding of immunoglobulins to somatostatin and glucagon cells through a non-antigen-antibody mechanism, mediated by the Clq fraction of complement (Buffa et al. 1979; see also Grube and Aebert 1981), and (3) interference by intracellular amines with the reaction between antibodies and peptide hormones (Polak and Buchan 1980). An equally critical issue is the possible existence of intermediate exocrine-endocrine cells (Gerlovin 1976; Yaglov 1976; Eusebi et al. 1981).
Protein phosphatase 2A suppresses Bcl2’s antiapoptotic function by regulating Bcl2-p53 interaction

1597 DNA damage-induced p53/Bcl2 interaction at the outer mitochondrial membranes results in a Bcl2 conformational change and loss of its antiapoptotic function. Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is a physiological Bcl2 phosphatase which directly dephosphorylates Bcl2. Here we found that specific disruption of PP2A activity by the expression of SV40 small tumor antigen not only enhances Bcl2 phosphorylation but also suppresses the cisplatin-stimulated Bcl2-p53 interaction in association with prolonged cell survival. By contrast, C2-ceramide, a potent PP2A activator, reduces Bcl2 phosphorylation and increases Bcl2-p53 binding and promotes apoptotic cell death. Overexpression of the PP2A catalytic subunit (PP2A/C) suppresses Bcl2 phosphorylation in association with increased p53-Bcl2 binding and apoptotic cell death. By contrast, specific depletion of PP2A/C by RNA interference enhances Bcl2 phosphorylation, suppresses p53-Bcl2 interaction and prolongs cell survival. Purified PP2A can directly enhance the formation of the p53-Bcl2 complex in vitro in an okadaic acid-sensitive manner, suggesting that PP2A-induced dephosphorylation of Bcl2 promotes its interaction with p53. Importantly, PP2A directly interacts with Bcl2 at its BH4 domain which may function as the PP2A “docking site” to potentially “bridge” PP2A to the flexible loop domain which contains the physiological serine 70 phosphorylation site. Thus, PP2A may provide a double whammy to Bcl2’s survival function by both dephosphorylating and enhancing p53-Bcl2 binding. Therapeutically stimulating Bcl2 dephosphorylation and/or increasing Bcl2/p53 binding by activating PP2A may represent an efficient and novel antineoplastic approach.
Type II diabetes mellitus

Type II diabetes is a common disorder whose prevalence is increasing in the United States and throughout the world. Type II diabetes is also associated with several other metabolic abnormalities such as central obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, which contributes to the very high rate of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The main pathologic defects in diabetes consist of excessive hepatic glucose production, peripheral insulin resistance, and defective beta-cell secretory function. The duration and severity of the hyperglycemia dictate the microvascular complications, no matter what the etiology of the glucose intolerance, and the goals of therapy should be similar to those of insulin-dependent type I diabetic patients. Initiation of nonpharmacologic therapy should be started as soon as the diagnosis is made. Pharmacologic agents should be initiated if the glycemic goals are not met with a 3-month trial of diet and exercise. The cornerstone of therapy consists of a regular exercise routine along with a diet consisting of 40% to 50% complex carbohydrates, 10% to 20% protein, and monounsaturated fats such as canola oil and olive oil. If nonpharmacologic therapy does not achieve adequate glycemic control, initiation of an oral antidiabetic agent is warranted. In addition to the sulfonylureas, which work by stimulating insulin secretion, we now have metformin, which inhibits excessive hepatic glucose production; acarbose, which delays the absorption of carbohydrates in the gut; and troglitazone, which reduces insulin, resistance primarily in skeletal muscle. The selection of an initial oral antidiabetic agent depends on patient characteristics such as the presence of obesity and dyslipidemia, the duration of diabetes, and other concomitant conditions. Combination therapy with two or three of the different classes of oral antidiabetic agents is effective and has been used throughout the world. When maximum doses of oral antidiabetic agents do not adequately control glycemia, insulin therapy is necessary. In selected patients, combination therapy consisting of bedtime intermediate-acting insulin in addition to daytime oral antidiabetic agent(s) can be an effective method to normalize glucose control without the need for rigorous insulin regimens. When combination therapy fails, a split-mixed regimen using premixed 70/30 insulin prebreakfast and predinner can be very effective in obese subjects. In thin insulin-requiring subjects with type II diabetes, more intensive regimens may be required. In general, the risk of severe hypoglycemia is quite low in patients with type II diabetes, and the main adverse effect of insulin therapy is weight gain. Prevention and aggressive treatment of glucose intolerance and the other adverse metabolic conditions associated with type II diabetes will not only have a positive effect on the quality of life but also provide long-term cost savings.
Effects on Anaphylactic Shock of Salicylates, Aminopyrine and Other Chemically and Pharmacologically Related Compounds.

Summary1. Oral administration of salicylates and aminopyrine in rabbits decreased the incidence of death from anaphylactic shock. 2. A number of compounds closely related, chemically or pharmacologically, did not produce a similar inhibitory effect. 3. The mechanism of action is not antihistaminic, nor does it appear to be related to characteristic pharmacological effects, e.g. antipyresis. It may represent a direct effect on the specific combination of antigen and antibody.
Physiological and Genetic Adaptability in the Fungi

(1957). Physiological and Genetic Adaptability in the Fungi. Mycologia: Vol. 49, No. 1, pp. 29-43.
Aircraft Taxi Times at U.S. Domestic Airports

The objective of this study was to investigate aircraft taxi-in and taxi-out times at U.S. domestic airports. NAS-wide models do not typically include detailed representations of airport surface operations, and therefore often rely on simplified models of taxi times. We have taken a novel, statistical approach to characterize taxi behavior, which attempts to separate deterministic effects, such as departure queuing delays, from variations that can be treated as noise. This statistical approach provides a distribution of taxi-out and taxi-in times, which result from unmodeled effects such as crew performance variation, weather, and runway configuration. Within this investigation, we created taxi time parameters for numerous combinations of airports, carriers, and equipment types usable for NAS-wide modeling. Since these parameters generate a distribution of values, they are more robust than current taxi time values. The simplicity of our methods allow for easy periodic updating. Since carriers typically do not make drastic year-to-year changes, we believe our results are acceptable for use in near to mid-term NAS-wide analysis.
507 FEMTOSECOND LASER PREPARATION OF DONOR TISSUE FROM THE ENDOTHELIAL SIDE.

Purpose The femtosecond laser (Intralase) may provide advantages for dissecting a thin, uniform thickness posterior lamellar disk of donor tissue to be used for endothelial transplantation. We investigated the use of the Intralase to dissect the donor cornea from the posterior side to better obtain a thin and uniform lamellar disk. We investigated the use of a viscoelastic “cushion” to protect the endothelium during applanation and laser delivery. Methods Human eye bank donor buttons were placed endothelial side up, covered with a thin coat of viscoelastic, and brought into contact with the Intralase applanation lens. A 7.0 mm diameter, 100 μm lamellar disk was cut from the endothelial side. The endothelial viability following these procedures was determined using a live cell/dead cell assay. Controls were designed to assess the endothelial viability after applanation and laser application using only a balanced salt solution (BSS) cushion instead of viscoelastic material. Additionally, applanation without lasering using either BSS or a viscoelastic cushion was studied. Results The average endothelial cell loss in the laser experiment sets were 10% (n = 5, range of 4-17%, sodium hyaluronate), 14% (n = 5, range of 7-19%, sodium hyaluronate-sodium chondroitin), and 6% (n = 5, range of 3-11%, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose). In the controls, laser and applanation with BSS resulted in an average endothelial loss of 18% (n = 5, range of 14-26%). Applanation alone without laser dissection resulted in cell loss of 9% (n = 5, range of 7-12%) using BSS and 9% (n = 6, range 1-42%) hydroxypropylmethylcellulose. Conclusion The technique of using a viscoelastic “cushion” to protect endothelial cells from damage during posterior laser dissection prior to transplantation is promising. Viscoelastic coating protects the endothelial layer from damage from the coupling lens better than a layer of BSS. The lasering process, however, does cause damage in addition to applanation with the laser lens. Further studies are warranted to optimize reproducibility of endothelial cell survival and to evaluate the smoothness of stromal dissections in the posterior cornea.
The cumulative effects of x-ray exposures.

Widespread public interest in nuclear fission has revived concern about the deleterious effects of x-rays and radium. Some of the concern is sound, some quite unjustified. Sharp distinction must always be made between the small doses employed in x-ray diagnosis and the large doses required in therapy; in either instance radiation should be employed only if it is really necessary.
Keynesian Theory: Is It Still a Useful Tool in the Economic Reality of Today?

When considering Keynesian theory, not everyone has the same idea of its meaning, and for that reason, I think it would be better to clarify what the expression means to me and what it doesn’t. Therefore, here are some of the principle Keynesian propositions, and my own interpretation of them.
War and peace in the contemporary French film ecosystem: Valérie Donzelli’s La Guerre est declarée

AbstractThis article analyses Valerie Donzelli’s film Declaration of War (La Guerre est declaree, 2011), in the context of the contemporary French film ecosystem. The article argues that Donzelli’s film exemplifies the French miniaturist mode of production; demonstrates the modern conceptual notion of applied cinephilia; highlights the idiosyncratic uses possible for French popular genres, particularly the comedy and the musical; and embodies the French film industry’s export mission by representing on-screen the French national healthcare system.
Body posture and gender impact neural processing of power-related words.

ABSTRACTJudging others’ power facilitates successful social interaction. Both gender and body posture have been shown to influence judgments of another’s power. However, little is known about how these two cues interact when they conflict or how they influence early processing. The present study investigated this question during very early processing of power-related words using event-related potentials (ERPs). Participants viewed images of women and men in dominant and submissive postures that were quickly followed by dominant or submissive words. Gender and posture both modulated neural responses in the N2 latency range to dominant words, but for submissive words they had little impact. Thus, in the context of dual-processing theories of person perception, information extracted from both behavior (i.e., posture) and from category membership (i.e., gender) are recruited side-by-side to impact word processing.
Robot-assisted complete thymectomy for mediastinal ectopic parathyroid adenomas in primary hyperparathyroidism

One to two percent of ectopic parathyroid adenomas are found in the lower mediastinum and often these are best accessed via a sternotomy or thoracotomy. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is an alternative approach with less surgical trauma, decreased morbidity, shorter hospital stays, and superior cosmetic results. Ten years after the first VATS resection of an ectopic mediastinal parathyroid, a robot-assisted thoracoscopic approach was described. Here we describe a series of five robot assisted complete thymectomies in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism due to mediastinal ectopic parathyroid adenomas. A single surgeon, single institution case series of five consecutive robotic-assisted mediastinal parathyroidectomies was performed between March 2013 and September 2015. The patients’ ages ranged from 31 to 65, 80 % were female, and all had primary hyperparathyroidism due to an ectopic parathyroid located in the lower mediastinum. Pre-operative imaging workup included Technetium 99-sestimibi parathyroid scan and CT scan of the chest. An ectopic parathyroid adenoma was successfully removed in all five cases, with intraoperative iOPTH decreasing ~50 % from baseline after 10 minutes. A hypercellular parathyroid was confirmed on pathologic exam in all specimens. Post-operative discharge and follow up calcium levels all returned to normal. There were no intraoperative complications, including no recurrent laryngeal nerve injuries, no postoperative morbidity, and no mortalities. This case series demonstrates that a robot-assisted complete thymectomy for mediastinal parathyroid adenomas causing primary hyperparathyroidism provides excellent visualization of the mediastinum, is effective at reducing PTH and calcium levels, and is safe with no morbidity or mortality.
Chapter 9 – Imaging Tools in Clinical Research: Focus on Imaging Technologies

Imaging is playing a much larger role in the detection, diagnosis, staging and restaging of disease, and monitoring response to therapy. Recent technical advances in imaging modalities have led to further improving and refining diagnostic capabilities. As a result, these imaging technologies have contributed to both basic and clinical medical research by providing investigators with powerful new approaches to explore physiologic and pathologic processes.
Investigation of the Kinetics of Fatigue Macrocracks Under Transverse Shear

We study the kinetics of shear macrocracks under the conditions of fatigue fracture by transverse shear of thermally hardened 65G steel with a troostite-sorbite structure for low-, middle-, and high-amplitude cyclic loads. We plot the kinetic diagrams of fatigue fracture with regard for the friction of the faces of a shear crack within the range of its growth rates covering up to six orders of magnitude. On the basis of the constructed dependence, we determine the principal and additional characteristics of cyclic crack resistance. We also study the contact interaction of the faces of fatigue cracks and the fractographic features of fracture under the conditions of low- and high-amplitude deformation by cyclic transverse shear.
Solving Multiperiod OPF Problems Using an AC-QP Algorithm Initialized With an SOCP Relaxation

Renewable generation and energy storage are playing an ever increasing role in power systems. Hence, there is a growing need for integrating these resources into the optimal power flow (OPF) problem. While storage devices are important for mitigating renewable variability, they introduce temporal coupling in the OPF constraints, resulting in a multiperiod OPF formulation. This paper explores a solution method for multiperiod AC OPF that combines a successive quadratic programming approach (AC-QP) with a second-order cone programming (SOCP) relaxation of the OPF problem. The SOCP relaxation's solution is used to initialize the AC-QP OPF algorithm. Additionally, the lower bound on the objective value obtained from the SOCP relaxation provides a measure of solution quality. This combined method is demonstrated on several test cases with up to 4259 nodes and a time horizon of eight time steps. A comparison of initialization schemes indicates that the SOCP-based approach offers improved convergence rate, execution time, and solution quality.
Language deprivation syndrome: a possible neurodevelopmental disorder with sociocultural origins.

There is a need to better understand the epidemiological relationship between language development and psychiatric symptomatology. Language development can be particularly impacted by social factors—as seen in the developmental choices made for deaf children, which can create language deprivation. A possible mental health syndrome may be present in deaf patients with severe language deprivation. Electronic databases were searched to identify publications focusing on language development and mental health in the deaf population. Screening of relevant publications narrowed the search results to 35 publications. Although there is very limited empirical evidence, there appears to be suggestions of a mental health syndrome by clinicians working with deaf patients. Possible features include language dysfluency, fund of knowledge deficits, and disruptions in thinking, mood, and/or behavior. The clinical specialty of deaf mental health appears to be struggling with a clinically observed phenomenon that has yet to be empirically investigated and defined within the DSM. Descriptions of patients within the clinical setting suggest a language deprivation syndrome. Language development experiences have an epidemiological relationship with psychiatric outcomes in deaf people. This requires more empirical attention and has implications for other populations with behavioral health disparities as well.
Design and modeling of linearly-constrained compliant spines for human-scale locomotion on rocky surfaces:

We present a new spine solution for the locomotion of human-scale robots on steep, rocky surfaces, known as linearly-constrained spines. The spine stiffness is low in the normal direction but high ...
Binary Ring-LWE hardware with power side-channel countermeasures

We describe the first hardware implementation of a quantum-secure encryption scheme along with its low-cost power side-channel countermeasures. The encryption uses an implementation-friendly Binary-Ring-Learning-with-Errors (B-RLWE) problem with binary errors that can be efficiently generated in hardware. We demonstrate that a direct implementation of B-RLWE exhibits vulnerability to power side-channel attacks, even to Simple Power Analysis, due to the nature of binary coefficients. We mitigate this vulnerability with a redundant addition and memory update. To further protect against Differential Power Analysis (DPA), we use a B-RLWE specific opportunity to construct a lightweight yet effective countermeasure based on randomization of intermediate states and masked threshold decoding. On a SAKURA-G FPGA board, we show that our method increases the required number of measurements for DPA attacks by 40 χ compared to unprotected design. Our results also quantify the trade-off between side-channel security and hardware area-cost of B-RLWE.
Handling Emotional Problems in Business and Industry

Seventy-three small-to-large companies were studied to determine the number of their emotionally disturbed employees and the services provided them. Company size determined type of service offered ...
Thermal Inactivation of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli in Ground Beef with Varying Fat Content.

ABSTRACT Decimal reduction time (D-value) was calculated for six non-O157 Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in a laboratory medium and ground beef. For the laboratory medium, an overnight culture of each strain of STEC was divided into 10-mL sample bags and heated in a water bath for a specific time on the basis of the temperatures. Survival curves were generated by plotting the surviving bacterial population against time, and a linear-log primary model was used to estimate the D-values from survival curves. The z-values (the temperature raised to reduce the D-value by one-tenth) were calculated by plotting the log D-values against temperature. Similarly, for ground beef, six fat contents, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30% of ground beef were formulated for this study. Inoculated meat was divided into 5-g pouches and submerged in a water bath set at specific temperatures (55, 60, 65, 68, and 71.1°C). The average D-value for these strains in a laboratory medium was 17.96 min at 55°C, which reduced sig...
Iran v ‘the international community’: a postcolonial analysis of the negotiations on the Iranian nuclear program*

This paper undertakes an analysis of the underlying presuppositions and terms of the international negotiations on the Iranian nuclear programme as covered in the mainstream Western media during 20...
New laser lines of erbium in yttrium aluminum garnet

We studied the lasing and spectroscopic properties of erbium in yttrium aluminum garnet, both as a single impurity and when codoped with neodymium or holmium. In all cases, we observed lasing at 2.936 and 2.939 μm; when erbium was codoped with holmium, we also observed lasing at 2.795 and 2.766 μm. (This is in contrast to (Er,Nd):YAlO3, which lased only on one line, 2.73 μm.) By determining the energy-level splitting implied by the four observed laser lines, and combining this with transmission spectroscopy, we were able to assign unambiguous values to the Stark sublevels of the three lowest energy levels of Er3+ in YAG at room temperature.
Abstract 138: How Far is Too Far? A Decision Analysis Model of Pre-hospital Triage for Potential Large Vessel Occlusion Acute Stroke Patients

Background and Purpose: We sought to determine when transporting patients directly to a comprehensive stroke center (CSC; the “mothership”) is favorable compared to a “drip-and-ship” approach while...
Airway obstruction in Rosai-Dorfman disease

A 23 year old woman presented with painless palpable generalised lymphadenopathy and progressive dyspnoea. On examination, she had inspiratory stridor. Flexible laryngoscopy and computed tomography (fig 1) revealed almost …
Evaluation of the trueness and precision of complete arch digital impressions on a human maxilla using seven different intraoral digital impression systems and a laboratory scanner.

Objectives An impression accuracy study using a cadaver maxilla was performed using both prepared and intact teeth as well as palatal tissue. Materials and methods Three crown preparations were performed on a cadaver maxilla. Seven different digital impression systems along with polyvinylsiloxane impressions were used to create digital models of the maxilla. Three-dimensional (3D) files of the experimental models were compared to a master model. The 3D files were overlaid and analyzed using a comparison software to create color coded figures that were measured for deviations between the master and experimental models. Results For scanning tooth structure, only the Planscan was significantly less accurate than the rest of impression techniques. No significant differences in accuracy were found between models created using digital impressions and those created from traditional vinyl polysiloxane impressions with cross arch deviations ranging from 18 to 39 μm for each. Conclusions Impressions taken using all digital impression systems, save for the Planscan, were able to accurately replicate the tissues of a complete arch human maxilla. Clinical significance Studies examining accuracy of digital impression systems have generally been performed on materials other than dental tissues. Optically, materials such as plastic and metal have properties different from enamel and dentin. This study evaluates accuracy of digital impression systems on human dentin, enamel, and soft tissues.
Long-term outcomes and late adverse effects of a prospective study on proton radiotherapy for patients with low-grade glioma

Abstract Background Patients with low-grade gliomas (LGG) can survive years with their illness. Proton radiotherapy (PRT) can reduce off-target dose and decrease the risk of treatment-related morbidity. We examined long-term morbidity following proton therapy in this updated prospective cohort of patients with LGG. Methods Twenty patients with LGG were enrolled prospectively and received PRT to 54 Gy(RBE) in 30 fractions. Comprehensive baseline and longitudinal assessments of toxicity, neurocognitive and neuroendocrine function, quality of life, and survival outcomes were performed up to 5 years following treatment. Results Six patients died (all of disease) and six had progression of disease. Median follow-up was 6.8 years for the 14 patients alive at time of reporting. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 4.5 years. Of tumors tested for molecular markers, 71% carried the IDH1-R132H mutation and 29% had 1p/19q co-deletion. There was no overall decline in neurocognitive function; however, a subset of five patients with reported cognitive symptoms after radiation therapy had progressively worse function by neurocognitive testing. Six patients developed neuroendocrine deficiencies, five of which received Dmax ≥20 Gy(RBE) to the hypothalamus–pituitary axis (HPA). Most long-term toxicities developed within 2 years after radiation therapy. Conclusions The majority of patients with LGG who received proton therapy retained stable cognitive and neuroendocrine function. The IDH1-R132H mutation was present in the majority, while 1p/19q loss was present in a minority. A subset of patients developed neuroendocrine deficiencies and was more common in those with higher dose to the HPA.
Ayad Akhtar, the American Nation, and Its Others after 9/11: Homeland Insecurity

In Ayad Akhtar, the American Nation, and Its Others after 9/11: Homeland Insecurity, Lopamudra Basu argues that Ayad Akhtar’s oeuvre – which spans the genres of film, novel, and drama – captures th...
Assessment of pH dependent errors in spectrophotometric pH measurements of seawater

Abstract A recent analysis of full water column hydrographic data revealed a pH-dependent discrepancy between spectrophotometrically measured pH using purified meta-cresol purple and pH calculated from dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and total alkalinity (TA). The discrepancy (pHspec – pHTA,DIC) is approximately −0.018 and 0.014 at pH 7.4 and 8.2, respectively. This discrepancy has a wide range of implications for marine inorganic carbon measurements, such as establishing robust calibration protocols for pH sensors operating on profiling floats. Here, we conducted a series of lab based experiments to assess the magnitude of pH-dependent errors for spectrophotometric pH measurements in seawater by directly comparing its performance to pH measured by an Ion Sensitive Field Effect Transistor (ISFET) pH sensor known to have Nernstian behavior. Natural seawater was titrated with high CO2 seawater while simultaneously measuring pH using spectrophotometry and an ISFET sensor over a large range in pH (7–8.5) and temperature (5–30 °C). The two pH measurements were consistent to better than ±0.003 (range) at all temperatures except at 5 and 10 °C and very low and high pH, where discrepancies were as large as ±0.005. These results demonstrate that pH-dependent errors in spectrophotometric pH measurements can be rejected as the cause of the pH-dependent discrepancy between pHspec and pHTA,DIC. The cause of this discrepancy is thus likely due to our incomplete understanding of the marine inorganic carbon model that could include errors in thermodynamic constants, concentrations of major ions in seawater, systematic biases in measurements of TA or DIC, or contributions of organic compounds that are not accounted for in the definition of total alkalinity. This should be a research priority for the inorganic carbon community.
Use of Bedside Ultrasound to Assess Muscle Changes in the Critically Ill Surgical Patient

BACKGROUND Critical illness causes hypercatabolism, loss of lean body mass (LBM), and poor outcomes. Evaluating LBM in the critically ill is challenging, and it is uncertain whether nutrition support (NS) impacts LBM. This study measured quadriceps muscle layer thickness (QMLT) by bedside ultrasound (US) to estimate LBM changes in surgical intensive care unit (SICU) patients and healthy controls (HCs). METHODS Trained RDNs measured QMLT via US at the midpoint and one-third distance between the superior margin of the patella and the anterior superior iliac spine. QMLT measurements were taken upon enrollment and repeated 1-2 times over 10 days. RESULTS Fifty-two SICU patients and 15 HCs were enrolled. Average SICU percent QMLT loss per day at the midpoint and one-third landmarks was 3.2 ± 3.8 (P < 0.001) and 2.9 ± 5.7 (P = 0.001); and QMLT loss was higher between the second and third measurements (4.0 ± 8.0, P = 0.005 and 4.3 ± 9.8, P = 0.017 at the midpoint and one-third landmarks) compared with that at the first and second measurements (1.7 ± 9.2, P = 0.20 & 1.7 ± 9.4, P = 0.22). Changes were not associated with NS received. No significant QMLT change was found in HCs. CONCLUSIONS SICU patients significantly lost QMLT over 10 days, with greater losses occurring after 5 days. These results support RDNs performing USs to detect QMLT changes and suggest this technique could be valuable to evaluate LBM changes in critically ill patients.
The Importance of Succinylacetone: Tyrosinemia Type I Presenting with Hyperinsulinism and Multiorgan Failure Following Normal Newborn Screening.

Tyrosinemia type I (TT1) is an inborn error of tyrosine metabolism with features including liver dysfunction, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma; renal dysfunction that may lead to failure to thrive and bone disease; and porphyric crises. Once fatal in most infantile-onset cases, pre-symptomatic diagnosis through newborn screening (NBS) protocols, dietary management, and pharmacotherapy with nitisinone have improved outcomes. Succinylacetone provides a sensitive and specific marker for the detection of TT1 but is not universally utilized in screening protocols for the disease. Here, we report an infant transferred to our facility for evaluation and management of hyperinsulinism who subsequently developed acute-onset liver, respiratory, and renal failure around one month of life. She was found to have TT1 caused by novel pathogenic variant in fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase (c.1014 delC, p.Cys 338 Ter). Her NBS, which utilized tyrosine as a primary marker, had been reported as normal, with a tyrosine level of 151 µmol/L (reference: <280 µmol/L). Retrospective analysis of dried blood spot samples via tandem mass spectrometry showed detectable succinylacetone ranging 4.65–10.34 µmol/L. To our knowledge, this is the first patient with TT1 whose initial presenting symptom was hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia. The case highlights the importance of maintaining a high suspicion for metabolic disease in critically ill children, despite normal NBS. We also use the case to advocate for NBS for TT1 using succinylacetone quantitation.
A bacteria-chemokine double act repairs the skin.

A complex formed by the chemokine CXCL10 and commensal skin microbiota–derived DNA is a crucial component that triggers type I IFN responses to facilitate skin repair.
Fundamentals of U.S. Health Policy — A Basic Training Perspective Series

It has been said that every system is perfectly designed to get the results it gets. The strengths, weaknesses, flaws, and complexity of every health care system stem in large part from health poli...
The ETS-transcription factor Pointed is sufficient to regulate the posterior fate of the follicular epithelium.

The Janus-kinase/Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway regulates the anterior posterior axis of the Drosophila follicle cells. In the anterior, it activates the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathway through expression of the BMP ligand, decapentaplegic (dpp). In the posterior, JAK/STAT works with the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway to express the T-box transcription factor midline (mid). While MID is necessary in establishing the posterior fate of the egg chamber, we show that it is not sufficient to determine a posterior fate. The ETS-transcription factor pointed (pnt) is expressed in an overlapping domain to mid in the follicle cells. This study shows that pnt is upstream of mid, and it is sufficient to induce a posterior fate in the anterior end, which is characterized by the induction of mid, the prevention of the stretched cells formation, and the abrogation of border cells migration. We demonstrate that the anterior BMP signaling is abolished by PNT through dpp repression. However, ectopic DPP cannot rescue this repression, suggesting additional targets of PNT participate in the posterior fate determination.
Thermal atomization during droplet impingement on superhydrophobic surfaces: Influence of Weber number and micropost array configuration

Abstract An experimental study of thermal atomization intensity during droplet impingement on superheated hydrophobic and superhydrophobic surfaces of varying microstructure was performed. Thermal atomization in these scenarios is the result of droplet boiling, where vapor bubbles burst upwards through the droplet lamella, causing a fine spray of secondary droplets. A smooth hydrophobic surface and three post-patterned superhydrophobic surfaces of similar solid fraction but differing post size were investigated over a range of surface temperatures from 120 ∘C to 320 ∘C and Weber numbers from 20 to 200. Trends in atomization intensity were characterized using a high-speed image processing technique. Changes in surface temperature, Weber number, and microstructure configuration were shown to significantly influence atomization intensity, and these parameters are thought to be directly linked to three main mechanisms accounting for atomization dynamics in impingement scenarios. These mechanisms are vapor generation at the liquid-solid interface of the impinging droplet, vapor bursting through the spreading lamella, and vapor escape laterally beneath the droplet. Vapor generation increases with an increase in heat transfer to the droplet, which may be produced by increasing surface temperature or increasing liquid-solid contact through droplet wetting. Vapor bursting upwards through the lamella depends mainly on lamella thickness which decreases with increasing Weber number. Finally, vapor escape beneath the droplet may occur as vapor flows laterally through the micropost arrays. This is found to be enhanced by increasing the spacing between structures. These competing mechanisms result in thermal atomization, which generally increases with increasing Weber number and decreasing pitch. Additionally, the Leidenfrost point was also found to increase with increasing Weber number and decreasing pitch. A scale analysis was performed to explore the effect of resistance to vapor escape through micropost arrays on thermal atomization, and the resulting scaling describes the experimental findings well.