cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Political Similarity on the Onset of Militarized Disputes, 1816-1985:

Historical evidence suggests that international conflicts often concern the management of domestic affairs. States frequently take issue with other states' human rights records and with the composition of their goernments. If domestic politics are frequently the issue in dispute between states, then we should not expect such disagreements to be equally likely to arise between all pairs of states. Since politically similar states manage their domestic affairs in similar fashion, they are less likely to disagree over domestic politics and thus less likely to be involved in conflict. To test the hypothesis that politically similar states are less likely to engage in conflict than are politically disparate states, I use a hazard model that evaluates the risk that peace ends with the onset of a militarized dispute for all dyads in the international system from 1816 to 1985. I find strong support for the hypothesis, even when I control for the pacifying effects of similar democratic states and exclude data from...
Oxytocin administration enhances controlled social cognition in patients with schizophrenia

Background: Individuals with schizophrenia have functionally significant deficits in automatic and controlled social cognition, but no currently available pharmacologic treatments reduce these deficits. The neuropeptide oxytocin has multiple prosocial effects when administered intranasally in humans and there is growing interest in its therapeutic potential in schizophrenia. Methods: We administered 40 IU of oxytocin and saline placebo intranasally to 29 male subjects with schizophrenia and 31 age-matched, healthy controls in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study. Social cognition was assessed with The Awareness of Social Inference Test (TASIT) and the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET). We examined the effects of oxytocin administration on automatic social cognition (the ability to rapidly interpret and understand emotional cues from the voice, face, and body); controlled social cognition (the ability to comprehend indirectly expressed emotions, thoughts, and intentions through complex deliberations over longer time periods); and a control task (the ability to comprehend truthful dialog and perform general task procedures) in individuals with and without schizophrenia using mixed factorial analysis of variance models. Results: Patients with schizophrenia showed significant impairments in automatic and controlled social cognition compared to healthy controls, and administration of oxytocin significantly improved their controlled, but not automatic, social cognition, F(1, 58). = 8.75; p= 0.004. Conversely, oxytocin administration had limited effects on social cognition in healthy participants. Patients and controls performed equally well and there were no effects of oxytocin administration on the control task. Discussion: Intact social cognitive abilities are associated with better functional outcomes in individuals with schizophrenia. Our data highlight the potentially complex effects of oxytocin on some but not all aspects of social cognition, and support the exploration of intranasal oxytocin as a potential adjunct treatment to improve controlled social cognition in schizophrenia. © 2014.
Precision medicine for cancer with next-generation functional diagnostics

Precision medicine is about matching the right drugs to the right patients. Although this approach is technology agnostic, in cancer there is a tendency to make precision medicine synonymous with genomics. However, genome-based cancer therapeutic matching is limited by incomplete biological understanding of the relationship between phenotype and cancer genotype. This limitation can be addressed by functional testing of live patient tumour cells exposed to potential therapies. Recently, several 'next-generation' functional diagnostic technologies have been reported, including novel methods for tumour manipulation, molecularly precise assays of tumour responses and device-based in situ approaches; these address the limitations of the older generation of chemosensitivity tests. The promise of these new technologies suggests a future diagnostic strategy that integrates functional testing with next-generation sequencing and immunoprofiling to precisely match combination therapies to individual cancer patients.
Commentary: Old wine in a new bottle.

One of the striking aspects of the Atkins decision is that the constitutional prohibition appears to be framed in the language of a clinical diagnosis—“mental retardation”—and not in terms of a traditional legal concept, such as competence or responsibility. For this reason, state legislators can be expected to seek the guidance of psychiatrists and other mental health professionals in the drafting of post-Atkins statutes (Ref. 1, p 304).
CHAPTER 8 – The Oscilloscope

This chapter discusses what oscilloscope is and what it does. Oscilloscope is a type of electronic test instrument that allows the observation of constantly varying signal voltages. Some of the experiments provided in the chapter touches on the basic oscilloscope, sine wave, the square wave, high input resistance and EMI, the twisted pair, balanced lines, shielding, X versus Y inputs, and the curve tracer.
The bumpy lumpy kidney that dumped protein: granulomatous glomerular and tubulointerstitial nephritis

Sharica M. Brookins, Claudia Ormenisan, Raafat F. Makary, Carmela I. Monteiro and Leighton R. James Department of Internal Medicine, University of Florida at Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Florida at Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Florida, USA and Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Florida at Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
How Reliable is Haphazard Sampling

Current audit standards sanction the use of both statistical and nonstatistical sampling methods. Based on results of a recent survey it appears that nonstatistical sampling methods predominate with haphazard sampling being the method of choice for most audit sampling applications. Two recent accounting research studies tested the composition of haphazard samples and found them to exhibit multiple selection biases. One study found that increasing sample size was not an effective procedure to eliminate this selection bias. Based on these two studies and research reported in the psychology and biology literatures it appears that automatic subconscious process may preclude the selection of unbiased samples when using haphazard selection. Given these findings auditors should consider the use of random or systematic sampling rather than haphazard sampling.
BCR SIGNALING INHIBITORS: AN OVERVIEW OF TOXICITIES ASSOCIATED WITH IBRUTINIB AND IDELALISIB IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC LYMPHOCYTIC LEUKEMIA

The B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling inhibitors ibrutinib and idelalisib are revolutionizing the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and other B-cell malignancies. These oral agents, both alone and in combination with other drugs, have shown remarkable clinical activity in relapsed or refractory CLL across all risk groups, and have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for this indication. Preliminary data suggest that an even greater benefit can be expected in treatment-naive CLL patients. Both ibrutinib and idelalisib are well tolerated by most patients, including older, frailer individuals. Toxicities are usually mild and self-resolving. Clinicians must, however, be aware of a number of peculiar adverse events, the effects of which can be severe enough to limit the clinical use of these agents. In this review, we survey the salient aspects of the pharmacology and clinical experience with the use of BCR signaling inhibitors for the treatment of patients with CLL. We next focus on both the most common and the most clinically significant toxicities associated with these drugs.
Role of glucocorticoids in activation of hepatic PEPCK gene transcription during exercise

The objective of these studies was to determine the molecular basis for the activation of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) gene transcription during prolonged submaximal exercise. Mice were fed a high-carbohydrate diet for 1 wk and exercised continuously by swimming for up to 120 min. The level of hepatic PEPCK mRNA increased progressively during exercise, reaching 510% above control, whereas transcription of the PEPCK gene increased 1,000%, before decreasing to control levels within 60 min of recovery. In transgenic mice carrying a chimeric gene consisting of the PEPCK promoter linked to a reporter gene for bovine growth hormone (bGH), PEPCK(-460)-bGH, the level of hepatic bGH mRNA increased by 490% in response to exercise, similar to the increase in the expression of the native PEPCK gene. However, in transgenic mice with a deletion of the glucocorticoid regulatory unit, PEPCK(-355)-bGH, bGH mRNA did not increase above control values. In transgenic mice with a block mutation in adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) regulatory regions -90/-82 and -250/-234, PEPCK cAMP response element 1 (CRE-1)/P3(1)-bGH, exercise increased bGH mRNA 260% above controls. Adrenalectomy (Adx) had no effect on PEPCK mRNA levels in nonexercised mice, whereas in adrenalectomized (Adx)-exercised mice, PEPCK mRNA increased only 80% above basal, and, in Adx mice injected with dexamethasone, PEPCK mRNA increased with exercise 570% above controls. Exercise was also associated with a large increase in transcription of the gene for the transcription factor CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein beta (C/EBP-beta) and a smaller rise in transcription of c-jun gene, both of which returned to control levels during recovery.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Understanding and mitigating High-k induced device width and length dependencies for FinFET replacement metal gate technology

We identified unique device width and length dependencies of Vt for FinFET Replacement Metal Gate (RMG). Choice of fill metal is important to obtain a flat Vt-Wdes trend. We proposed a new model for Vt-Lg roll-up for High-k last RMG and demonstrated a flat Vt-Lg trend via optimization of High-k and MOL films based on the understanding.
Bilateral Accessory Soleus: A Report on Four Patients with Partial Fasciectomy:

Four young adults (average age 24 years) presented with complaints of posterior ankle pain after running. Bilateral accessory soleus muscles were diagnosed using magnetic resonance imaging or CT scan. Symptoms were present an average of 3 years before diagnosis. Two patients had previous surgery (ankle arthroscopy, tarsal tunnel release, and leg compartment release) before diagnosis and treatment. Obliteration of Kager's triangle (posterior ankle fat pad) was present on six out of eight lateral ankle radiographs. Posteromedial prominence was present on four out of eight ankles. Operative exploration confirmed the presence of five muscles and fasciectomy was performed. Follow-up (17 to 29 months) showed good relief of symptoms in all patients and return to long-distance running for three patients.Dissection of 47 preserved cadavers revealed three accessory soleus muscles in the 94 extremities (two muscles were bilateral in one cadaver).
Development of Resistance to the Juvenoid Methoprene in the House Fly

High levels of resistance (>1000-fold) to the juvenoid methoprene have been induced in a dimethoate-resistant laboratory strain as well as in a field multiresistant strain of Musca domestica L. by exposure of mature larvae to methoprene-treated pupation medium. Resistance extended also to 3 other juvenoids tested. However, cross resistance to dimethoate, fenthion, parathion, and Isolan (1-isopropyl-3-methyl-5-pyrazolyl dimethylcarbamate), originally present in the dimethoate-R strain, has declined during the course of selection by methoprene.
Ferment in Marketing's Oldest Area:

Organization changes for more effective management of physical distribution are currently taking place in many of our nation's industrial firms.This article answers the following questions: •What i...
The Epidemic Situation of Human Rabies from 2000 to 2005 and Its Preventive Measures in Dongguan City

Objective To analyze the epidemic situation of human rabies in the past 5 years in Dongguan, explore the possible factors causing the increase of cases, and provide scientific basis for making preventive and control measures. Method The individual survey,Dongguan City infection report and other surveillance data of rabies in 2000～2005 were collected and analyzed. Result There were 51 rabies cases in 2000～2005 in Dongguan City, 17 cases of local infection (33.33%) and 34 imported cases (66.67%). Number of reported rabies cases was rising year by year. The number of cases of resident population was rising rapidly after 2002 and mainly occurred in Shijie ,Dalong,Dongkeng,Changping and Dalingshan area, accounted for 82.35% of the total cases of resident population. It was noticed that more than 70% cases had no treatment of the wounds and no vaccination. 49.02% of the infection was occurred in workers and 27.45% in farmers. The ratio of male to female of the infected people was 2∶1. The cases occurred all year round, and were more during summer and autumn. Conclusion Number of cases increased in the resident and floating populations, the number of dogs increased, low inoculation rate of dogs, poor control on the quality of rabies vaccine, mistreatment to the wounds, and lacking good cooperation between different official departments are the possible factors responsible for the recurrence of rabies. Therefore it is necessary to focus on these points and to take comprehensive preventive measures to reduce prevalence of rabies in Dongguan City.
Method of low-voltage PLC networking

With the characteristics of complicationk,unprediction and time-varying in low-voltage PLC network,it is difficult to draw a carry network according to its physical topological structure.This paper introduces a method of constructing a low-voltage PLC network based on logical topological structure,amd discusses its algorithm and simulation.The results show that this algorithm can be used in low-voltage PLC networking.Although with some time consuming,the algorithm can satisfy the real-time demand of low-voltage PLC.
Facial nerve repair after operative injury: Impact of timing on hypoglossal-facial nerve graft outcomes

Abstract Purpose Reanimation of facial paralysis is a complex problem with multiple treatment options. One option is hypoglossal-facial nerve grafting, which can be performed in the immediate postoperative period after nerve transection, or in a delayed setting after skull base surgery when the nerve is anatomically intact but function is poor. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of timing of hypoglossal-facial grafting on functional outcome. Materials and methods A retrospective case series from a single tertiary otologic referral center was performed identifying 60 patients with facial nerve injury following cerebellopontine angle tumor extirpation. Patients underwent hypoglossal-facial nerve anastomosis following facial nerve injury. Facial nerve function was measured using the House–Brackmann facial nerve grading system at a median follow-up interval of 18 months. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used determine how time to hypoglossal-facial nerve grafting affected odds of achieving House–Brackmann grade of ≤ 3. Results Patients who underwent acute hypoglossal-facial anastomotic repair (0–14 days from injury) were more likely to achieve House–Brackmann grade ≤ 3 compared to those that had delayed repair (OR 4.97, 95% CI 1.5–16.9, p = 0.01). Conclusions Early hypoglossal-facial anastomotic repair after acute facial nerve injury is associated with better long-term facial function outcomes and should be considered in the management algorithm.
EFFECT OF FICOLL-HYPAQUE SEPARATION ON ACTIVATION AND DNA SYNTHESIS OF HUMAN BLOOD LYMPHOCYTES

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the effect of Ficoll–Hypaque separation technique on activation and DNA synthesis of human blood lymphocytes. Normal human blood mononuclear cells separated by Ficoll–Hypaque show substantial amounts of so-called spontaneous blastogenesis after the fifth day. The object of study described in the chapter was to determine whether Ficoll–Hypaque or Ficoll–Isopaque-separated cells show more spontaneous blastogenesis than cells not subjected to the density gradient. Activation and tritiated thymidine incorporation of blood lymphocytes separated by two methods were compared. The examination indicates that cells reseparated on Ficoll–Hypaque or Ficoll–Isopaque gradient after initial cotton separation show increased activation in vitro in the absence of mitogens. Possibilities for this increase include the following: (1) removal of some inhibitory cohort of cells, (2) removal of inhibitory substances from the cell surface, or (3) direct stimulatory effect on the mononuclear cells by any components of the density gradient separation.
Learning From Nature: Biomimetic Polarimetry for Imaging in Obscuring Environments

We find for infrared wavelengths there are broad ranges of particle sizes and refractive indices that represent fog and rain where the use of circular polarization can persist to longer ranges than linear polarization. Using polarization tracking Monte Carlo simulations for varying particle size, wavelength, and refractive index systematically, we show that for specific scene parameters circular polarization outperforms linear polarization in maintaining the intended polarization state for large optical depths. This enhancement in circular polarization can be exploited to improve range and target detection in obscurant environments that are important in many critical sensing applications. Specifically, circular polarization persists better than linear for radiation fog in the short-wave infrared, for advection fog in the short-wave infrared and the long-wave infrared, and large particle sizes of Sahara dust around the 4 micron wavelength.
Evaluation of Alternative Methods to Develop Prediction Equations to Predict Carcass Fat-Free Lean Mass1

Abstract Carcass measurements of 203 pigs representing 7 genetic populations and 4 target weights (100, 114, 128, and 152 kg) were used to evaluate alternative equations to predict carcass fat tissue-free lean mass. Independent variables in the equations included carcass weight and measures of backfat depth and longissimus area. Alternative sets of equations were calculated to evaluate the inclusion of a random effect of week of processing and of the quadratic and cross-product independent variables. In addition, equations were developed from data including the overall data set as well as from the 3 lightest and 3 heaviest target weights. Overall, the addition of the random effect of week did not change the residual standard deviations of the prediction equations. For 4 equations, the inclusion of the random effect of week reduced the absolute value of the regression coefficients. The best equations developed from either the light or heavy pig data sets had less total residual sums of squares and less residual sums of squares accounted for by target BW group than did the best equations developed from the overall data set. In 2 of the 4 cases, the best linear equation developed from the light or heavy data sets had less residual sums of squares than the best equation based on the overall data set.
Smooth Complex Orthogonal Decomposition Applied to Traveling Waves in Elastic Media

A novel method called smooth complex orthogonal decomposition (SCOD) was applied to a simulated infinite beam and an experimental beam that emulated a semi-infinite beam. The beam was instrumented with accelerometers, and the accelerations were numerically integrated to compute displacements and velocities. These measurements were converted into complex analytic displacements and velocities ensembles, which were used to compute two correlation matrices. These correlation matrices formed a complex generalized eigenvalue problem whose eigenvalues and eigenvectors led to the extractions of the frequencies and wavenumbers of the constituent waves of the traveling pulse. SCOD directly extracts the frequencies of the traveling waves from the eigenvalues. SCOD was able to extract the geometric relationship, phase velocity, and group velocity, and agrees with analytical predictions.
Von Recklinghausen’s Vasculopathy

Vasculopathy in the syndrome of Von Recklinghausen's neurofibromatosis is a well known but clinically underestimated phenomenon. Its manifestations have included renovascular hypertension, occlusive cerebrovascular disease and visceral ischemia. The progressive arterial disease may involve small vessels on a regular basis and large vessels in a variety of angiographic patterns. A young neurofibromatosis patient is described with an aneurysm of the superior mesenteric artery complicating renovascular hypertension associated with aortic coarctation and renal artery stenosis. This unique angiographic demonstration illustrates the therapeutic dilemmas posed by the vascular disease associated with Von Recklinghausen's neurofibromatosis.
UPDATE ON THE BIOLOGY OF OSTEOCALCIN.

ABSTRACT A genetics approach has uncovered that bone has more functions than expected. In particular, bone is an endocrine organ that secretes a growing number of hormones. In that context, the discovery of the osteoblast-derived hormone osteocalcin has significantly broadened the field of bone biology because of the number of physiologic processes regulated by this hormone. At present, osteocalcin has been shown to enhance several aspects of energy metabolism, brain development, and cognition. These discoveries shed light on the cross-talk between multiple organs and provide credence to the search for additional endocrine functions of bone. Abbreviations: ECM = extracellular matrix; Gprc6a = G protein-coupled receptor family C group 6 member A; IL-6 = interleukin-6; WT = wild-type
Optimizing Adjustments to Transboundary Water Sharing Plans: A Multi-Basin Approach

Afghanistan contributes water supplies to Iran, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. However, with the exception of the Helmand Basin, Afghanistan has negotiated transboundary water sharing agreements with no downstream country. This paper describes a constrained optimization framework to minimize economic costs within each of nine Afghan transboundary basins of adapting to potential water sharing agreements. Model results show impacts of water agreements on farm income and food security for each Afghan basin. Our results show that unrestricted trading reduces the economic costs of adapting to water sharing treaties by two to 6 % compared to the conventional water sharing system. A higher scale of reservoir storage capacity as well as market trading of water among regions moderates costs of water shortages, both with and without water agreements in place.
Lessons from Zebrafish: Ion Channels Guide Neuronal Development

Recent work has revealed that activity plays important roles in the development of the nervous system at stages both before and after synapse formation. Future challenges entail examining mechanisms that regulate ion channel expression during development as well as perturbing the earliest forms of excitability present in the embryonic nervous system. The genetic and imaging strengths of the zebrafish model have allowed it to provide new information regarding relevant mechanisms. This chapter reviews recent studies using the zebrafish model and the novel insights gleaned from this work. It also considers how the specific strengths of this model will allow addressing key questions in the field.
Geographic variation in the surgical management of lumbar spondylolisthesis: characterizing practice patterns and outcomes.

Abstract Background Context The role of arthrodesis in the surgical management of lumbar spondylolisthesis remains controversial. We hypothesized that practice patterns and outcomes for this patient population may vary widely. Purpose This study aimed to characterize geographic variation in surgical practices and outcomes for patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis. Study Design/Setting A retrospective analysis on a national longitudinal database between 2007 and 2014 was carried out. Methods We calculated arthrodesis rates, inpatient and long-term costs, and key quality indicators (eg, reoperation rates). Using linear and logistic regression models, we then calculated expected quality indicator values, adjusting for patient-level demographic factors, and compared these values with the observed values, to assess quality variation apart from differences in patient populations. Results We identified a cohort of 67,077 patients (60.7% female, mean age of 59.8 years (standard deviation, 12.0) with lumbar spondylolisthesis who received either laminectomy or laminectomy with arthrodesis. The majority of patients received arthrodesis (91.8%). Actual rates of arthrodesis varied from 97.5% in South Dakota to 81.5% in Oregon. Geography remained a significant predictor of arthrodesis even after adjusting for demographic factors (p Conclusions There is marked geographic variation in the rates of arthrodesis in treatment of spondylolisthesis within the United States. This variation remains pronounced after accounting for patient-level demographic differences. Costs of surgery and quality outcomes also vary widely. Further study is necessary to understand the drivers of this variation.
Abstract P087: Effectiveness of Mass Media Campaigns for Improving Dietary Behaviors: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Although mass media campaigns (MMC) are often used in attempts to influence diet, their effectiveness has not been systematically quantified. OBJECTIVE To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the impact of MMC on dietary change. Methods Using PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines, we systematically searched PUBMED, manuscript citations, and related articles for original studies assessing the influence of MMC, in isolation or as part of multi-component strategies, on dietary habits. We included any interventional (randomized, quasi-experimental) or prospective cohort study. Studies were excluded if cross-sectional; only reporting on attitudes or knowledge; or limited to one specific organization (e.g., workplace, school). Data were extracted independently and in duplicate. Outcomes included change in diet (servings/d), % of population meeting specific diet target, and CVD risk factors including adiposity, BP, and blood lipids. Pooled estimates were calculated using inverse variance-weighted meta-analysis. Prespecified sources of heterogeneity were analyzed using meta-regression; and publication bias by funnel plots and Begg’s test. Results From 855 identified studies, 14 interventional studies met inclusion criteria. These included 8 studies of MMC in isolation, and 4 studies of MMC as part of a multicomponent strategy. Campaigns were performed at local (n=8), regional (n=2), and national (n=4) levels, with durations from 1 month to 30 years. In adults, pooled estimates demonstrated that MMC, in isolation, increased fruit and vegetable intake by 0.25 servings/d (95% CI 0.15 - 0.35; n=5 studies), but did not significantly alter % meeting specific diet targets (n=4; prevalence ratio=1.20; 95% CI 0.93 - 1.55; n=4). Sustained national multicomponent strategies that included prominent MMC (n=3) were associated with reduced prevalence of hypertension (15% less, 95% CI 10, 21%) and hypercholesterolemia (61% less, 95% CI 40, 75%). In children, MMC as part of multicomponent community programs led to a nonsignificant trend toward reduced BMI z-score (-0.073, 95%CI: -0.149, 0.003; n=3). Too few studies reported on effectiveness of MMC on diet habits in children or other diet factors in adults. Heterogeneity was evident in these estimates, but meta-regression did not identify significant sources, including campaign level or duration. Evidence for publication bias was not seen. CONCLUSIONS Based on the available data, isolated MMC can effectively increase fruit and vegetable intake in adults, and when deployed in multicomponent strategies, can reduce CVD risk factors in adults and may reduce BMI in children. Effects appear modest, but would be important at the population level. Our findings also demonstrate certain gaps in the evidence and a need for further quasi-experimental studies of MMC.
Liposome-Mediated Delivery of Retinoids

The term retinoid is used to describe the natural and synthetic derivatives of vitamin A. Based on their growth inhibition and maturation-inducing properties in vitro, retinoids have been used and shown to be clinically active in such diverse premalignant and malignant conditions as, cutaneous T-cell lymphomas, leukoplakia, squamous cell carcinomas of the skin, and basal cell carcinomas (Lippman et al., 1987; Smith et al., 1992). Recent clinical data, demonstrating the high response rates using retinoids in patients with cervical cancer (Lippman et al., 1992a) and metastatic squamous cancer of the skin (Lippman et al., 1992b), have kindled further interest in this group of compounds as therapeutic agents.
Scientific Aspects of Novel Catalysts for FCC

This contribution reviews the most recent progress on the development of novel FCC catalyst. The following subjects are considered: catalyst preparation and structure (matrix, binder, zeolite component), catalytic selectivity (stability, mesoporosity, nonframework alumina, hydrogen transfer), isobutene production for reformulated gasolines and FCC additives (CO promoters, SOx transfer catalysts, and octane additives).
Interaction of an Incoherent Laser with Planar Targets

Spatial and temporal incoherence of a laser has potential applications in laser fusion for achieving uniform illumination of targets1,2 and for controlling parametric instabilities.3 Both uniform illumination and instability control will probably be required to achieve high pellet gains. We have begun an experimental program at the Naval Research Laboratory to study the benefits and problems associated with illuminating targets by high-power laser beams that have controlled amounts of spatial and temporal incoherence.
Advances in atopic dermatitis in 2017

This review encompasses relevant scientific and clinical advances in atopic dermatitis (AD) published in 2017. These include articles from the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, as well as other prominent publications that have contributed to the emerging field, on the microenvironment of the skin and molecular patterns guiding biologic treatment strategies. The most commonly questioned and explored themes of the year included the effect of the microbiome on AD development, as well as cell signaling and symptom severity. Topics also included the description of patient-specific molecular endotypes within the larger population with AD. All of these factors will create potential opportunities to guide personalized therapy with the broadening array of topical and systemic interventions currently available, as well as providing new insights to guide the development of novel molecularly targeted therapeutics. With recent US Food and Drug Administration approval of the first wave of new targeted therapies for AD, additional information exploring the safety profiles and long-term effects of these medications was also at the forefront in 2017.
Digital Footprint of Vascular Surgery Training Programs in the United States and Canada.

Background The digital footprint of vascular residency and fellowship programs may have an impact on an applicant’s likelihood of selecting a given program. This may include content and accessibility of a particular program’s website as well as its social media presence. The goal of this study is to evaluate the online presence of all accredited vascular surgery training programs in the United States and Canada. Methods A list of accredited vascular surgery training programs in the United States was obtained from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education and the Society for Vascular Surgery websites. Canadian program websites were sourced from the Canadian Society for Vascular Surgery website. Each program website was individually queried. A systematic Google search of each program was carried out to determine website accessibility. Thirty-one individual content and quality metrics were used to appraise the websites. Three major social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram) were individually searched for program profiles. Results A total of 105 independent vascular surgery fellowship programs in the 5 + 2 paradigm and 55 integrated vascular surgery residency programs in the 0 + 5 paradigm were identified in the United States. An additional 10 Canadian programs were also identified, including 10 integrated residency programs and 4 independent fellowships. Ninety-nine percent of integrated residency and fellowship programs were accessible through Google search. Program description was also almost universally available. Significant differences between US and Canadian programs were observed including the mention of salary information (43% vs. 10%, P = 0.039), clinic responsibilities (38% vs. 90%, P = 0.001), teaching responsibilities (34% vs. 100%, P Conclusions The overall digital footprint of the majority of training programs in the United States was small, unlike their Canadian counterparts. Although the vast majority of websites for vascular surgery training programs were accessible via simple internet searches, they lacked information that could have been important to applicants. Additionally, the significant underuse of social media platforms by American vascular surgery programs indicated a potential missed opportunity to target the millennials who make up most of the applicant pool to these programs.
Direct Conversion of Primary Alcohols to 1,2-Amino Alcohols: Enantioselective Iridium-Catalyzed Carbonyl Reductive Coupling of Phthalimido-Allene via Hydrogen Auto-Transfer

The first catalytic enantioselective carbonyl (α-amino)allylations are described. Phthalimido-allene 1 and primary alcohols 2a–2z, 2a′–2c′ engage in hydrogen auto-transfer-mediated carbonyl reductive coupling by way of (α-amino)allyliridium−aldehyde pairs to form vicinal amino alcohols 3a–3z, 3a′–3c′ with high levels of regio-, anti-diastereo-, and enantioselectivity. Reaction progress kinetic analysis and isotopic labeling studies corroborate a catalytic cycle involving turnover-limiting alcohol dehydrogenation followed by rapid allene hydrometalation.
Iraq’s Neoliberal Reconstruction and the Continued Relevance of the State

In the past several decades, social scientists and theorists have steadily moved away from understandings of power emphasizing the role of the nation-state, instead favoring explanations centering ...
Fever and Hypotension in the Intensive Care Unit

A 57-year-old male patient develops confusion and lethargy in the intensive care unit. He is 4 days status post emergent surgery for a perforated gastric ulcer that developed as a result of daily nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use for chronic lower back pain. He was treated with an exploratory laparotomy and an omental (Graham) patch closure of the ulcer. On physical examination, his temperature is 39.2 °C, heart rate is 96 beats per minute, respiratory rate of is 24, and blood pressure is 82/62 mmHg. Oxygen saturation is 92% on room air. The surgical incisions appear clean and intact, and the abdomen is nontender. There are diminished breath sounds on the right. His urine output has been 10 cc for the last 6 hours, and the urine appears dark. Laboratory values reveal a white blood cell count of 18 × 103/μL (normal 4.1–10.9 × 103/μL), serum creatinine of 3.2 mg/dL (from a baseline of 1.1 three days earlier), and a blood pH of 7.1. Chest x-ray demonstrates a large area of consolidation in the right lower lobe. Given his lethargy, tachypnea, and low oxygen saturation, he is intubated by way of rapid sequence intubation. He is given several IV fluid boluses; however, the blood pressure does not improve. Vasopressors are initiated. Blood cultures are sent.
mSphere of Influence: Intermetal Competition during Manganese Toxicity.

ABSTRACT Julia E. Martin works in the field of metals in biology, with a focus on manganese (Mn) homeostasis in Streptococcus pneumoniae. In this mSphere of Influence article, she reflects on how the paper entitled “Role of the manganese efflux system mntE for signalling and pathogenesis in Streptococcus pneumoniae” (J. W. Rosch, G. Gao, G. Ridout, Y.-D. Wang, and E. I. Tuomanen, Mol Microbiol 72:12–25, 2009, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2958.2009.06638.x) has impacted her thinking and research direction toward investigating the molecular underpinnings of why and how bacteria maintain optimal intracellular Mn levels.
Psychosocial and functional outcomes in young adults with childhood-onset epilepsy: a 10-year follow-up.

AIM To compare long-term psychosocial and functional outcomes of young adults with uncomplicated childhood-onset epilepsy (COE) to population norm controls utilizing a controlled prospective cohort study. METHOD Psychosocial and functional outcomes were assessed at 10-year follow-up. Fifty-three young adults (27 males, 26 females) with COE (n=21 remission; 18y 1mo-30y 9mo; mean age 23y 4mo [SD 3y 4mo]; mean age of epilepsy onset 12y [SD 3y 2mo]) were compared to 55 (23 males, 32 females) first-degree cousin controls (18y 5mo-29y 8mo; mean age 23y 6mo [SD 3y]). Seizure remission status and baseline comorbidities (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder [ADHD], depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, and academic problems) were examined as possible risk factors for significant differences in functional outcomes. RESULTS Poorer functional outcomes, indicated by patient rated cognition and overall disability, were evident among young adults with epilepsy compared to controls (all p<0.05). These difficulties were due to baseline comorbid ADHD and academic problems. Remission status was not related to measured cognition and overall disability. INTERPRETATION Psychosocial outcomes of young adults with COE were similar to controls. In contrast, functional outcomes were worse in epilepsy across cognition and overall disability. Baseline comorbid ADHD and academic problems were identified as risk factors at 10-year follow-up suggesting that these early recognized comorbidities at or near diagnosis have long-term impacts. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS Young adults with childhood-onset epilepsy (COE) and controls have similar psychosocial outcomes 10 years after diagnosis. Young adults with COE report greater limitations in cognition and overall disability than controls. Baseline presence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and academic problems significantly affect cognitive and overall disability scores.
Potential Development Contribution of Fisheries Reform: Evidence From Pakistan:

Mismanagement threatens the productivity and sustainability of an increasing number of capture fisheries globally, hindering these resources’ ability to contribute to socioeconomic and environmenta...
Have We Outlived the Concept of Commensalism for Staphylococcus aureus

The concept of commensalism was introduced 145 years ago. The origin of the term comes from the Latin and embodies the concept of dining together. With a much deeper understanding of organisms that live with humans, a reassessment of what represents a commensal seems in order. This viewpoint article examines whether or not Staphylococcus aureus should still be considered a commensal. As a leading cause of serious community and hospital infections, removing the label "commensal" from S. aureus may help us to focus upon how to approach this organism, as the host response to this nasal colonizer is closer to mutually assured destruction rather than a friendly meal together.
An lp17-encoded small non-coding RNA with a potential regulatory role in mammalian host adaptation by the Lyme disease spirochete

Abstract The bacterial agent of Lyme disease, Borrelia burgdorferi, relies on an intricate gene regulatory network to transit between the disparate Ixodes tick vector and mammalian host environments. We recently reported that a B. burgdorferi mutant lacking an intergenic region of lp17 displayed attenuated murine tissue colonization and pathogenesis due to altered antigen expression. In this study, a more detailed characterization of the putative regulatory factor encoded by the region was pursued through genetic complementation of the mutant with variants of the intergenic sequence. In cis complemented strains featuring mutations aimed at eliminating potential BBD07 protein translation were capable of full tissue colonization, suggesting that the region encodes an sRNA. In trans complementation resulted in elevated transcription levels and was found to completely abolish infectivity in both immunocompetent and immunodeficient mice. Quantitative analysis of transcription of the putative sRNA by wild type B. burgdorferi showed it to be highly induced during murine infection. Lastly, targeted deletion of this region resulted in significant changes to the transcriptome, including genes with potential roles in transmission and host adaptation. The findings reported herein strongly suggest that this lp17 intergenic region encodes for an sRNA with a critical role in the gene regulation required for adaptation and persistence of the pathogen in the mammalian host. Author Summary Lyme disease continues to emerge as a devastating infection that afflicts hundreds of thousands of people annually in the United States and abroad, highlighting the need for new approaches and targets for intervention. Successful development of these therapies relies heavily on an improved understanding of the biology of the causative agent, Borrelia burgdorferi. This is particularly true for the critical points in the life cycle of the pathogen where it must transition between ticks and mammals. Variation in the levels of bacterial gene expression is the lynchpin of this transition and is known to be driven partly by the activity of regulatory molecules known as small non-coding RNAs (sRNAs). In this work, we characterize one of these sRNAs by providing experimental evidence that the transcribed product does not code for a protein, by testing the effects of its overproduction on infectivity, and by interrogating whether its activity causes changes in expression levels of genes at the level of transcription. The findings of this study provide further evidence that regulatory sRNA activity is critical for transmission and optimal infectivity of B. burgdorferi and contribute to the recently growing effort to attribute specific roles to these important molecules in the context of Lyme disease.
Metabolic interaction between amino acid deprivation and cisplatin synergistically reduces phosphoribosyl-pyrophosphate and augments cisplatin cytotoxicity.

Cisplatin is a mainstay of cancer chemotherapy. It forms DNA adducts, thereby activating poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs) to initiate DNA repair. The PARP substrate NAD+ is synthesized from 5-phosphoribose-1-pyrophosphate (PRPP), and we found that treating cells for 6 h with cisplatin reduced intracellular PRPP availability. The decrease in PRPP was likely from (1) increased PRPP consumption, because cisplatin increased protein PARylation and PARP1 shRNA knock-down returned PRPP towards normal, and (2) decreased intracellular phosphate, which down-regulated PRPP synthetase activity. Depriving cells of a single essential amino acid decreased PRPP synthetase activity with a half-life of ~ 8 h, and combining cisplatin and amino acid deprivation synergistically reduced intracellular PRPP. PRPP is a rate-limiting substrate for purine nucleotide synthesis, and cisplatin inhibited de novo purine synthesis and DNA synthesis, with amino acid deprivation augmenting cisplatin's effects. Amino acid deprivation enhanced cisplatin's cytotoxicity, increasing cellular apoptosis and DNA strand breaks in vitro, and intermittent deprivation of lysine combined with a sub-therapeutic dose of cisplatin inhibited growth of ectopic hepatomas in mice. Augmentation of cisplatin's biochemical and cytotoxic effects by amino acid deprivation suggest that intermittent deprivation of an essential amino acid could allow dose reduction of cisplatin; this could reduce the drug's side effects, and allow its use in cisplatin-resistant tumors.
Origin and z-distribution of Galactic diffuse [C II] emission

Context. The [C ii] emission is an important probe of star formation in the Galaxy and in external galaxies. The GOT C+ survey and its follow up observations of spectrally resolved 1.9 THz [C ii] emission using Herschel HIFI provides the data needed to quantify the Galactic interstellar [C ii] gas components as tracers of star formation. Aims. We determine the source of the diffuse [C ii] emission by studying its spatial (radial and vertical) distributions by separating and evaluating the fractions of [C ii] and CO emissions in the Galactic ISM gas components. Methods. We used the HIFI [C ii] Galactic survey (GOT C+), along with ancillary H i, 12 CO, 13 CO, and C18 O data toward 354 lines of sight, and several HIFI [C ii] and [C i] position-velocity maps. We quantified the emission in each spectral line profile by evaluating the intensities in 3 km s-1 wide velocity bins, “spaxels”. Using the detection of [C ii] with CO or [C i], we separated the dense and diffuse gas components. We derived 2D Galactic disk maps using the spaxel velocities for kinematic distances. We separated the warm and cold H2 gases by comparing CO emissions with and without associated [C ii]. Results. We find evidence of widespread diffuse [C ii] emission with a z -scale distribution larger than that for the total [C ii] or CO. The diffuse [C ii] emission consists of (i) diffuse molecular (CO-faint) H2 clouds and (ii) diffuse H i clouds and/or WIM. In the inner Galaxy we find a lack of [C ii] detections in a majority (~62%) of H i spaxels and show that the diffuse component primarily comes from the WIM (~21%) and that the H i gas is not a major contributor to the diffuse component (~6%). The warm-H2 radial profile shows an excess in the range 4 to 7 kpc, consistent with enhanced star formation there. Conclusions. We derive, for the first time, the 2D [C ii] spatial distribution in the plane and the z -distributions of the individual [C ii] gas component. From the GOT C+ detections we estimate the fractional [C ii] emission tracing (i) H2 gas in dense and diffuse molecular clouds as ~48% and ~14%, respectively, (ii) in the H i gas ~18%, and (iii) in the WIM ~21%. Including non-detections from H i increases the [C ii] in H i to ~27%. The z -scale distributions FWHM from smallest to largest are [C ii] sources with CO, ~130 pc, (CO-faint) diffuse H2 gas, ~200 pc, and the diffuse H i and WIM, ~330 pc. When combined with [C ii], CO observations probe the warm-H2 gas, tracing star formation.