cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fontan Conversion Literature Review and Lessons Learned Over 20 Years

Early survival after the Fontan operation has improved significantly leading to a lifetime of Fontan circulation for patients. There is a natural progression of pulmonary artery pressure during the human lifetime that is easily tolerated in two-ventricle physiology but is deleterious for single-ventricle physiology. Obstructions in the venous to pulmonary artery pathway and pulmonary venous return or ventricular outflow, atrioventricular valve dysfunction (regurgitation), pulmonary arteriovenous malformations, venous thrombosis, and the development of atrial arrhythmias can lead to reduced functional status. These complications have been demonstrated in older patients with largely atriopulmonary connections owing to time accrual and unfavorable flow characteristics. Various surgical and catheter interventions aimed at reducing morbidity and mortality have been attempted to treat these identifiable abnormalities. The purpose of this article is to review the extant literature on Fontan Conversion and to assess the lessons learned over 20 years.
S14.3 Evaluating the internet as an STD risk environment for teens: findings from the communication, health, and teens (CH@T) study

Background The CH@T study aims to identify/characterise a group of teens reporting meeting sex partners online and a group reporting meeting sex partners in-person (not online) and examine the differences between the 2 groups in sexual health risks. Methods Youth aged 13–19 years (N=273) visiting a publicly-funded clinic completed a 20-min Audio-Computer Assisted Self-Interview. Included were global sexual behaviour questions (eg, oral/vaginal/anal sex experience, number of sex partners) and specific partnership history questions, including meeting partners online/offline. Participants were also tested for chlamydia/gonorrhea. Audio-Computer Assisted Self-Interview responses were anonymously linked to teens9 biological STD results. A χ 2 test was performed to determine the association between meeting a sex partner online and current STD status. Results Participants identified as female (89.4%) and heterosexual (80.7%). Nearly 9 in 10 (88.6%) reported oral, 97.8% vaginal, and 28.6% anal sex experience. Of those with biological STD data (n=267), 14.2% had a current STD infection. Of all teens, 15.4% (n=42) reported having sex with a partner originally met online (of these, > half [57.1%] met >1 partner). Compared with teens reporting only partners met in-person, teens reporting an online partner had significantly greater numbers of oral, vaginal, and anal sex partners. However, analyses indicated no association between having a current STD and reporting an online partner, χ 2 (1, N=267)=0.95, p=0.34. Conclusions Theory-driven STD prevention and sexual health promotion interventions should be tailored to meet specific needs of young people seeking partners both online and offline. Sex-seeking, dating, and social networking websites may represent important intervention contexts.
Localized intracoronary gamma-radiation therapy to inhibit the recurrence of restenosis after stenting

Background Although the frequency of restenosis after coronary angioplasty is reduced by stenting, when restenosis develops within a stent, the risk of subsequent restenosis is greater than 50 percent. We report on a multicenter, double-blind, randomized trial of intracoronary radiation therapy for the treatment of in-stent restenosis. Methods Of 252 eligible patients in whom in-stent restenosis had developed, 131 were randomly assigned to receive an indwelling intracoronary ribbon containing a sealed source of iridium-192, and 121 were assigned to receive a similar-appearing nonradioactive ribbon (placebo). Results The primary end point, a composite of death, myocardial infarction, and the need for repeated revascularization of the target lesion during nine months of follow-up, occurred in 53 patients assigned to placebo (43.8 percent) and 37 patients assigned to iridium-192 (28.2 percent, P=0.02). However, the reduction in the incidence of major adverse cardiac events was determined solely by a diminish...
Bilateral Localization of Prospective Thyroid in the Early Chick Blastoderm, Studied in Chorio-Allantoic Grafts.:

The vascularized chorio-allantoic membrane of the chick is considered a practically neutral medium in which potencies of embryonic areas may be tested. This technique of chick embryology has been described by Willier.1Histological examination of grafts of the whole pellucid area of blastoderms of the head-process stage, allowed to remain 8 or 9 days on the host membrane, shows normal or almost normal differentiation of a great many tissues: among these thyroid.2 Embryonic organization at this stage is better revealed in grafts of definite isolated parts of the blastoderm. The study∗ to be reported has been made on such transplants with regard to the thyroid.Two types of graft from the head-process stage have been analyzed with reference to differentiation of the thyroid. In the first series, the area pellucida anterior to the level of the primitive node was divided by a median cut into right and left halves: these pieces were grafted separately. In the second series, the same area was divided longitudinal...
Identification of Hypoxic Cells in Lung Grafts for Future Cell Targeted Therapy for Obliterans Bronchiolitis

Purpose: Ex vivo heart perfusion (EVHP) has been proposed as a means improving heart preservation and expanding the donor pool. Current clinical EVHP protocols involve preservation in an unloaded and non-working state; however, the impact of this approach on the preservation of donor heart function is unknown. We sought to determine if myocardial load during EVHP impacts the preservation of donor heart function. Methods: Donor porcine hearts were perfused ex vivo in a beating state for 12 hours. Loaded hearts (N= 4) were perfused in a working mode (left atrial pressure= 6 mmHg, heart rate= 100 beats/minute) for the entire EVHP interval. Unloaded hearts (N= 4) were briefly transitioned into a working mode at hours 1 (T1), 5 (T5), and 11 (T11) for metabolic and functional assessments, but were otherwise perfused in a resting mode (left atrial pressure= 0 mmHg). Results: Myocardial function (T11 cardiac index (mL/minute/gram): loaded= 6.9±1.0 vs. unloaded= 2.0±1.2, p= 0.02) and mechanical efficiency (T11: loaded= 11±1 vs. unloaded= 2±1 %, p< 0.01) were better preserved in loaded hearts. Myocardial injury (T11 troponin I (ng/mL): loaded= 11.6±0.4 vs. unloaded= 12.1±0.3, p= 0.39) and edema formation (% weight gain: loaded= 14±8 vs. unloaded= 24±3 %, p= 0.15) did not account for these differences. Free fatty acids were rapidly depleted in both groups; however, triglycerides were continually consumed by loaded hearts and secreted by unloaded heats (Figure 1). Conclusion: EVHP in a loaded state improves the preservation of myocardial function. Uncoupling of fatty acid oxidation may contribute to the decline in myocardial function observed in unloaded hearts; however, further research is required to elucidate the mechanism underlying these observations. These results highlight the need for an EVHP device capable of preserving the donor heart in a physiologic working mode.
Determination of serum vitamin C levels by high performance liquid chromatography.

[Objective]To establish the determination method of serum vitamin C by high performance liquid chromatography ( HPLC) .[Methods]Vitamin C was extracted by Metaphosphoric acid,separated by HPLC,and qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed by PDA Diode-array detector. The mobile phase was 0. 1% phosphoric acid + carbinol = 95 + 5,the flow rate was 1. 0 ml/min,the UV detection wavelength was 243 nm.[Results]In the above-mentioned chromatographic condition,serum Vitamin C could be well separated,and Vitamin C showed linear correlation in 1 ～ 25 μg/ml,Y = 53295. 31X-30545. 65,r = 0. 9998; the relative standard deviation is 1. 70% ,recovery was 99. 95% ,and the lowest detection limit was 0. 05μg/ml.[Conclusion]This method can detect serum Vitamin C content rapidly,accurately and efficiently.
Outcomes of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy in relation to familial history: a decision analysis (BRCR-D-16-00033)

Family history of breast cancer is associated with an increased risk of contralateral breast cancer (CBC) even in the absence of mutations in the breast cancer susceptibility genes BRCA1/2. We compared quality-adjusted survival after contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) with surveillance only (no CPM) among women with breast cancer incorporating the degree of family history. We created a microsimulation model for women with first-degree, second-degree, and no family history treated for a stage I, II, or III estrogen receptor (ER)-positive or ER-negative breast cancer at the ages of 40, 50, 60, and 70. The model incorporated a 10-year posttreatment period for risk of developing CBC and/or dying of the primary cancer or CBC. For each patient profile, we used 100,000 microsimulation trials to estimate quality-adjusted life expectancy for the clinical strategies CPM and no CPM. CPM showed minimal improvement on quality-adjusted life expectancy among women age 50–60 with no or a unilateral first-degree or second-degree family history (decreasing from 0.31 to –0.06 quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs)) and was unfavorable for most subgroups of women age 70 with stage III breast cancer regardless of degree of family history (range –0.08 to –0.02 QALYs). Sensitivity analysis showed that the highest predicted benefit of CPM assuming 95 % risk reduction in CBC was 0.57 QALYs for a 40-year-old woman with stage I breast cancer who had a first-degree relative with bilateral breast cancer. Women age 40 with stage I breast cancer and a first-degree relative with bilateral breast cancer have a QALY benefit from CPM similar to that reported for BRCA1/2 mutation carriers. For most subgroups of women, CPM has a minimal to no effect on quality-adjusted life expectancy, irrespective of family history of breast cancer.
How to Optimally Apply Impedance in the Evaluation of Esophageal Dysmotility.

The utilization of impedance technology has enhanced our understanding and assessment of esophageal dysmotility. Esophageal high-resolution manometry (HRM) catheters incorporated with multiple impedance electrodes help assess esophageal bolus transit, and the combination is termed high-resolution impedance manometry (HRIM). Novel metrics have been developed with HRIM—including esophageal impedance integral ratio, bolus flow time, nadir impedance pressure, and impedance bolus height—that augments the assessment of esophageal bolus transit. Automated impedance-manometry (AIM) analysis has enhanced understanding of the relationship between bolus transit and pressure phenomena. Impedance-based metrics have improved understanding of the dynamics of esophageal bolus transit into four distinct phases, may correlate with symptomatic burden, and can assess the adequacy of therapy for achalasia. An extension of the use of impedance involves impedance planimetry and the functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP), which assesses esophageal biophysical properties and distensibility, and could detect patterns of esophageal contractility not seen on HRM. Impedance technology, therefore, has a significant impact on esophageal function testing in the present day.
Mechanical function near defects in an aligned nanofiber composite is preserved by inclusion of disorganized layers: Insight into meniscus structure and function.

Abstract The meniscus is comprised of circumferentially aligned fibers that resist the tensile forces within the meniscus (i.e., hoop stress) that develop during loading of the knee. Although these circumferential fibers are severed by radial meniscal tears, tibial contact stresses do not increase until the tear reaches ∼90% of the meniscus width, suggesting that the severed circumferential fibers still bear load and maintain the mechanical functionality of the meniscus. Recent data demonstrates that the interfibrillar matrix can transfer strain energy to disconnected fibrils in tendon fascicles. In the meniscus, interdigitating radial tie fibers, which function to stabilize and bind the circumferential fibers together, are hypothesized to function in a similar manner by transmitting load to severed circumferential fibers near a radial tear. To test this hypothesis, we developed an engineered fibrous analog of the knee meniscus using poly(e-caprolactone) to create aligned scaffolds with variable amounts of non-aligned elements embedded within the scaffold. We show that the tensile properties of these scaffolds are a function of the ratio of aligned to non-aligned elements, and change in a predictable fashion following a simple mixture model. When measuring the loss of mechanical function in scaffolds with a radial tear, compared to intact scaffolds, the decrease in apparent linear modulus was reduced in scaffolds containing non-aligned layers compared to purely aligned scaffolds. Increased strains in areas adjacent to the defect were also noted in composite scaffolds. These findings indicate that non-aligned (disorganized) elements interspersed within an aligned network can improve overall mechanical function by promoting strain transfer to nearby disconnected fibers. This finding supports the notion that radial tie fibers may similarly promote tear tolerance in the knee meniscus, and will direct changes in clinical practice and provide guidance for tissue engineering strategies. Statement of Significance The meniscus is a complex fibrous tissue, whose architecture includes radial tie fibers that run perpendicular to and interdigitate with the predominant circumferential fibers. We hypothesized that these radial elements function to preserve mechanical function in the context of interruption of circumferential bundles, as would be the case in a meniscal tear. To test this hypothesis, we developed a biomaterial analog containing disorganized layers enmeshed regularly throughout an otherwise aligned network. Using this material formulation, we showed that strain transmission is improved in the vicinity of defects when disorganized fiber layers were present. This supports the idea that radial elements within the meniscus improve function near a tear, and will guide future clinical interventions and the development of engineered replacements.
Processing Models for the Next Generation Network

The nature of services and content within the Next Generation Network (NGN) and the way in which they are delivered to end-users is changing. Content used to be text and some graphics. In the future it will not only be text and graphics but it will also be voice, audio and video. Entirely new classes of devices will proliferate in the home and enterprise that will have varying display and input capabilities. Getting services and content to these devices quickly, reliably and with low delay will place new strains on the storage, transport and processing capabilities of the network.
The effects of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization compared to other interventions on pain and function: a systematic review

Background: Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is an emerging intervention in physical therapy. With the increasing prevalence of pain and disability associated with musculoskelet...
Enhancing Engagement through the Human Resource Value Chain

The organization’s human resource value chain (HRVC) and its performance management system (PMNG) are important organizational-level drivers of employee engagement. The HRVC consists of an integrated set of human resource management practices – from the sourcing and hiring of talent, through workforce development and engagement, to employee separation – which engages people in a committed pursuit of a chosen strategy and set of core values.
Conditionally Redundant Bacteriocin Targeting byPseudomonas syringae

The widespread use of antimicrobials under clinical and agricultural settings has resulted in the evolution of resistance to these compounds. To combat the emergence of resistance, current research efforts are focusing on designing treatments to exploit combinations of antimicrobials, where the evolution of resistance confers sensitivity to alternative compounds. In this work we demonstrate that strains of Pseudomonas syringae possess a natural analogue to this strategy. Specifically, we demonstrate that a single strain produces multiple bacteriocins that can target another strain, but antimicrobial activity of the second bacteriocin is manifest only after resistance to the first emerges. The evolution of resistance also sensitizes the target strain to bacteriocins from a variety of other strains. Strains of P. syringae therefore encode multiple bacteriocins that can act in a conditionally redundant manner. It is possible that combinations of bacteriocins could be applied as a cocktail or sequentially, to potentially achieve durable pathogen control.
IMRT QA using machine learning: A multi-institutional validation.

Purpose To validate a machine learning approach to Virtual intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) quality assurance (QA) for accurately predicting gamma passing rates using different measurement approaches at different institutions. Methods A Virtual IMRT QA framework was previously developed using a machine learning algorithm based on 498 IMRT plans, in which QA measurements were performed using diode-array detectors and a 3%local/3 mm with 10% threshold at Institution 1. An independent set of 139 IMRT measurements from a different institution, Institution 2, with QA data based on portal dosimetry using the same gamma index, was used to test the mathematical framework. Only pixels with ≥10% of the maximum calibrated units (CU) or dose were included in the comparison. Plans were characterized by 90 different complexity metrics. A weighted poison regression with Lasso regularization was trained to predict passing rates using the complexity metrics as input. Results The methodology predicted passing rates within 3% accuracy for all composite plans measured using diode-array detectors at Institution 1, and within 3.5% for 120 of 139 plans using portal dosimetry measurements performed on a per-beam basis at Institution 2. The remaining measurements (19) had large areas of low CU, where portal dosimetry has a larger disagreement with the calculated dose and as such, the failure was expected. These beams need further modeling in the treatment planning system to correct the under-response in low-dose regions. Important features selected by Lasso to predict gamma passing rates were as follows: complete irradiated area outline (CIAO), jaw position, fraction of MLC leafs with gaps smaller than 20 or 5 mm, fraction of area receiving less than 50% of the total CU, fraction of the area receiving dose from penumbra, weighted average irregularity factor, and duty cycle. Conclusions We have demonstrated that Virtual IMRT QA can predict passing rates using different measurement techniques and across multiple institutions. Prediction of QA passing rates can have profound implications on the current IMRT process.
A Content Analysis of Compatible Fit among Message Elements in Philanthropy Ads

ABSTRACTThis research examined philanthropy ad messages in terms of four key elements: philanthropy goal, beneficiary, expected fundraising impact, and how the suggested donation is appraised. A co...
Experience, Exposure, and Expectations: A Framework for Developing a Science of Broadening Participation:

Underserved and underrepresented communities have been studied from different perspectives. Nevertheless, until recently, little attention has been paid to integrating these different points of vie...
Paradigms to Study Signal Transduction Pathways in Drosophila

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the mechanisms, by which groups of cells alter the developmental behavior of other cells during oogenesis and embryogenesis. It describes the processes of oogenesis and embryogenesis in Drosophila melanogaster , and how various genetic analyses have led to the characterizations of genes involved in specific cell-cell interaction processes. Signaling the pathways employed in Drosophila are strikingly similar to those of the vertebrates, so these paradigms are clearly valuable model systems to analyze evolutionarily conserved signaling pathways. These model systems can be used for “gene discovery” and subsequent identification of the mammalian homologues of novel components identified from the genetic studies. Furthermore, the Drosophila paradigms can be used as in vivo assays to test the specific hypotheses drawn from the biochemical studies. The examples described in this chapter provide simple paradigms to identify the components that operate in specific signaling pathways and to dissect the details of how the signals are transduced. This chapter also discusses some of the molecular pathways used to build the egg and to pattern the embryo. These evolutionarily conserved pathways provide unique paradigms to apply the genetic tools to identify the novel components and characterize their functions.
Use of IEP Generators by Rural Special Educators.

Twelve special education teachers working in rural schools were trained to use IEP generators and allowed to use those generators for 18 months. Teachers were asked their perceptions regarding the ...
'No other logical choice': global malaria eradication and the politics of international health in the post-war era.

In 1955 the Eighth World Health Assembly voted to initiate a program for the global eradication of malaria. The global eradication of malaria represented a remarkable leap of faith. Many health authorities, both within and outside the Assembly, viewed eradication as at best fool hardy, and at worst, potentially disastrous. To understand why the World Health Assembly went ahead with a Global Eradication strategy, despite these concerns, it is necessary to examine the politics of international health and development in the post-war era. This political context shaped decisions about the adoption of DDT as a primary tool in the fight against malaria, as well as the adoption of the Malaria Eradication Program. It is equally important to understand how the advocates of an eradication strategy shaped arguments and developed support for their cause in the years leading up to the Eighth World Health Assembly meeting.
Parts of the Whole: Motor and Behavioral Skills in Self-Regulation and Schooling Outcomes.

ABSTRACTPrimary education is compulsory around the world. This means that around age 5 or 6, millions of children worldwide transition from home or preschool/kindergarten settings into primary school, with the success of this transition shaping school and life trajectories for years to come. Both developmental and environmental factors during early childhood spur tremendous change in children’s executive function (EF), a multi-component process fundamental to self-regulation and overall achievement. Successful self-regulation means that children can master their attention, emotions, and behaviors as they navigate public social spaces including the classroom and playground. Adaptive development of EF and self-regulation are critical, because primary school comes with heightened expectations for children to manage themselves effectively. In this special section of 4 articles that collectively span preschool through 5th grade, we take an integrative, whole-child approach to studying children’s regulatory pro...
Fluctuations and Rheology of Active Bacterial Suspensions

We present measurements of fluctuations and mechanical response in an active bacterial suspension using optical microscopy. Taken together, these measurements enable us to observe uniquely non-equilibrium effects such as Fluctuation-Dissipation theorem violation.
Social roles and structural signatures of top influentials in the #prayforparis Twitter network

Scholars have shown much interest in whether diffusion is inflated through planting a piece of information by influential people (influentials). Although a few attempts have been made to discover structural gaps or gap fillers in the Twitter network, these efforts mainly concentrated on applying topological approaches to detect influentials in online networks. Further, though many studies explored diffusion on the Twitter network, they rarely examined the phenomenon with a theoretical framework. Through the #prayforparis Twitter network, this study attempted (1) to identify top influentials by applying multiple centrality measures and word frequency measures and (2) to examine social roles based on structural signatures of the Twitter network through the lens of the Diffusion of Innovation Theory. To fulfill the objectives of this study, the authors employed an innovative multi-method approach combining Social Network Analysis, word frequency analysis via NodeXL and R, and a qualitative approach to examine behavioral and structural relationships of the #prayforparis Twitter network. Top influentials of the network were pop music celebrities who shared condolences to the victims of the 2015 Paris attacks through their tweets. This study identified “celebrity” and “fan” as social roles based on the structural and qualitative analysis of the network as well as metrical examinations, including indegree and outdegree counts of the social roles of the “celebrities” and “fans.” Justin Bieber, the most dominant influential individual in the #prayforparis Twitter network, functioned as a breaking news provider through his tweet about the death of his friend during the Paris attacks. By filling the gap from the past studies, this study utilizes the theoretical improvement in the diffusion research as well as contributes to the methodological approach about influentials and social roles in the Twitter network.
Ethics and Privacy II: The Internet of Things (IoT)

The Internet of Things (IoT) and the Internet of Everywhere (IoE) have the potential of becoming a major part of individual lives by the connection of devices to the Internet. Cars, kitchen appliances; heart monitors, and other devices are physical devices capable of gathering and sharing electronic information. With these “smart” devices, comes the specter of privacy invasion. Most persons with smart phones have experienced the scenario of being asked their opinion of a particular restaurant or other establishments from which they just emanated. These issues have caused government agencies to exert jurisdiction over the devices to assure against misuse. Thus, the Federal Trade Commission and other U.S. federal agencies have made extensive investigations and have reported their findings with suggestions to protect the public from wrongdoers. Included in the discussion are a number of law cases whereby government agencies have sought to regulate and penalize companies which have abused privileges concerning IoT.
Risk of Infection in Trigger Finger Release Surgery Following Corticosteroid Injection.

Purpose To determine the risk for infection in trigger finger release surgery after preoperative corticosteroid injection. Methods We retrospectively evaluated all patients undergoing trigger finger release by 16 surgeons over a 2-year period. Data collected included demographic information, medical comorbidities, trigger finger(s) operated on, presence of a prior corticosteroid injection, date of most recent corticosteroid injection, postoperative signs of infection, and need for surgery owing to deep infection. Superficial infection was defined per Centers for Disease Control criteria. Deep infection was defined as the need for surgery related to a surgical site infection. Results In this cohort of 2,480 fingers in 1,857 patients undergoing trigger release surgery, 53 (2.1%) developed an infection (41 superficial [1.7%] and 12 deep [0.5%]). Before surgery, 1,137 fingers had no corticosteroid injection. These patients developed 1 deep (0.1%) and 17 superficial (1.5%) infections. In contrast, 1,343 fingers had been given a corticosteroid injection before surgery. These patients developed 11 deep (0.8%) and 24 superficial (1.8%) infections. Median time from corticosteroid injection to trigger release surgery was shorter for fingers that developed a deep infection (63 days) compared with those that developed no infection (183 days). The risk for developing a deep infection in patients who were operated on within 90 days of an injection (8 infections in 395 fingers) was increased compared with patients who were operated on greater than 90 days after an injection (3 infections in 948 fingers). Conclusions Preoperative corticosteroid injections are associated with a small but statistically significantly increased rate of deep infection after trigger finger release surgery. The risk for postoperative deep infection seems to be time dependent and greater when injections are performed within 90 days of surgery, especially in the 31- to 90-day postinjection period. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV.
The proliferation of drones to violent nonstate actors

Scholarship on the proliferation of unmanned aerial vehicles (or drones) mainly focuses on states’ use, sidestepping the consequential proliferation of drone technology to violent nonstate actors (...
Quantifying Emergency Physician Interruptions due to Electrocardiogram Review.

Abstract Background Interruptions are recognized as potentially harmful to safety and efficiency, and are especially prevalent in the emergency department (ED) setting. Policies urging immediate review of all electrocardiograms (ECGs) may lead to numerous and frequent interruptions. Objective We assessed the role of ECG review as a source of ED interruptions to characterize a potential target for interventions. Methods We analyzed emergency physician time use during the course of a clinical shift using a time-and-motion design. A research assistant observed a convenience sample of shifts, observing and logging transitions between different tasks using an electronic device. Instances of ECG review were tallied, with start and ending times of ECG review recorded to the nearest second. An ECG review was considered an interruption if the immediate prior and subsequent tasks were the same. Results Twenty shifts were observed for a total of 149 h. There were 211 ECG reviews, (mean rate 1.4 per hour), with more frequent review among physicians staffing a zone with higher-acuity patients (2.8 per hour), where clustering of multiple ECG reviews in succession was more common. Seventy-five percent of ECG reviews required Conclusions Review of ECGs was a substantial driver of interruptions for emergency physicians. Interventions to integrate ECG review more naturally into physician workflow may improve patient safety by reducing these interruptions.
The use and impact of self-monitoring on substance use outcomes: A descriptive systematic review.

Self-Monitoring (SM), the act of observing ones’ own behavior, has been used in substance use treatment because SM may bring conscious awareness to automatized substance use behaviors. Empirical fi...
Diagnostic Utility of LEF1 Immunostain in Cytology Specimens of Solid Pseudopapillary Neoplasm of Pancreas

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) of the pancreas is a rare neoplasm. Diagnosis of SPN requires an integrated approach with aid of radiology, biopsy, cytology, and immunohistochemical stains. Although morphological features in combination with nuclear positivity of β-catenin IHC have been the gold standard of SPN diagnosis, but overlapping morphology and immunohistochemical findings with other entities in differential diagnoses such as pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma make the diagnosis of SPN difficult particularly in limited cytology specimens. Lymphoid enhancer-binding factor 1 (LEF1), a key player in the Wnt signaling pathway, has shown promising diagnostic utility in SPN in recent literatures. METHODS In this retrospective study, we evaluated the diagnostic utility of LEF1 IHC in SPN in cytology specimens. LEF1 IHC was performed and compared with β-catenin, synaptophysin, and chromogranin immunostains in 13 SPN and 23 pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs) cytology cases with retrievable cell blocks. RESULTS LEF1 was positive in 13 of 13 (100%) SPNs and was negative in all PanNETs (0%). CONCLUSION LEF1 shows 100% sensitivity and specificity in cytology specimens for SPN and can be valuable immuno-stain in the diagnosis of SPN in cytology cell blocks.
Multiplication by Sunlight: How Can a Geometric Definition Be Realized in a Physical Tool?

Physical models for exploring multiplication are fixtures in elementary classrooms. The most widely used physical models of multiplication are collections of discrete things, such as Cuisenaire rods, Unifix Cubes, or Base-10 Blocks. But discrete physical models are limited in the products they can represent. By contrast, pictorial models, such as number lines or area models, are continuous and thus represent a broader range of products. However, pictorial models are limited in how they can be manipulated. The discrete/continuous divide across physical/pictorial representations of multiplication frames the overarching design problem that motivated our work: How could a physical, manipulable tool realize a continuous model of multiplication? This is a significant problem because, to our knowledge, there are no examples of physical models of multiplication that offer the plasticity of pictorial models. We describe one such model here—an analog technology that we refer to as a Sunrule. We explain the design of the device and report an initial instructional activity where pre-service teachers explored the device in groups.
Pediatric Hand Burns Requiring Emergency Care in the United States.

Purpose Hand and finger burns represent a relatively common occurrence in children, and serious injuries may require surgical intervention to prevent long-term disability. This study examines the epidemiological characteristics of pediatric patients presenting for emergency care of hand and finger burns within the United States (US). Methods We report a cross-sectional study of patients reported to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2019. Patients were included in our study if they were younger than 18 years old and evaluated for an isolated hand or finger burn. United States census data from the same period were utilized for determining epidemiological estimates of injury incidence. Results During the 10-year study period, an estimated 300,245 pediatric hand and finger burns were treated in 778,497,380 person-years: an incidence rate of 38.6 burns per 100,000 person years. Most treated burns occurred in the 1- to 2-year age group (28.3%) with an approximate 50% reduction in incidence for each 1-year age stratum until stabilizing at 6 years. Most burns occurred in white children (58%), but Black children had a higher incidence than white children when corrected for US population (45.15 burns versus 21.45 burns per 100,000 person-years). The most common etiology was a stove or oven (1595/10420; 15%). Conclusions Pediatric hand and finger burns occurred most frequently in young children from the oven and/or stove. We urge that parents be assertively counseled about potential burn risks to their young children's hands and fingers, especially once they reach ambulatory age.
Chance Constrained Simultaneous Path Planning and Task Assignment with Bottleneck Objective

We present a novel algorithm for combined task assignment and path planning on a roadmap with stochastic costs. In this problem, the initially unassigned robots and tasks are located at known positions in a roadmap. We want to assign a unique task to each robot and compute a path for the robot to go to the task location. Given the means and variances of travel cost, our goal is to develop algorithms that guarantee that for each robot, with high probability, the total travel cost is below a minimum value in any realization of the stochastic travel costs. We prove that the solution can be obtained by solving (a) a chance-constrained shortest path problems for all robot-task pairs and (b) a linear bottleneck assignment problem in which the cost of an assignment is equal to the optimal objective value of the former problem. We propose algorithms for solving the chance-constrained shortest path problem either optimally or approximately by solving a number of deterministic shortest path problems that minimize some linear combination of means and variances of edge costs. We present simulation results on randomly generated networks and data to demonstrate that our algorithm is scalable with the number of robots (or tasks) and the size of the network.
Probing Activities of Individual Catalytic Nanoflakes by Tunneling Mode of Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy

The tunneling mode of scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) was developed recently and applied to studies of charge-transfer reactions at single metal nanoparticles (NPs). When an SECM tip is ...
Modelling and System Maintenance

This paper reports on recent work and directions in modern software architectures and their formal models with respect to software maintenance. The focus on maintenance attacks the most costly and frustrating aspect in dealing with large-scale software systems: keeping them up-to-date and responsive to user needs in changing environments.
Rho GTPases in alveolar macrophage phagocytosis.

Abstract Alveolar macrophages are “professional phagocytes” and critical effector cells that protect the lungs from a broad array of microbes that can cause severe respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia. The molecular mechanisms that mediate microbial phagocytosis in alveolar macrophages are not fully known, and the specific role of small Rho GTPases has not been established. Most studies of Rho GTPase and phagocytosis focus on cell lines and transfected cells, and results may not accurately represent mechanisms operant in the lungs of humans. The use of clinically relevant primary human lung macrophages to examine phagocytosis in the context of host defense function may provide data that translate more readily to human conditions in health and disease. This chapter provides a description of methods and techniques for isolating, culturing, and assaying human alveolar macrophages for studies of small Rho GTPases and phagocytosis in the context of host defense. Data support the concept that different macrophage phagocytic receptors may exhibit distinct molecular mechanisms of small Rho GTPase activation that mediate phagocytosis.
Ciencia Roja: El capital científico en China y el futuro de la Academia China de Ciencias

The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) produces the scientific and technological breakthroughs that place China among the major players in scientific innovation. However, the control that the Chinese government exerts over the Academy and the tradition of guanxi among its members prevent the CAS from take-off and securing a free environment to conduct original research. The article assesses the economic logic of scientific control and its effects within the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The paper’s aim is to derive to what extent the CAS will remain as China’s main provider of scientific innovation. The “national innovation systems” approach and the cultural traditions rooted in Confucianism are revised in detail to provide an accurate perspective. The paper concludes that the CAS’ international reputation as a center of scientific and technological innovation might be at stake unless the Chinese government makes some critical reforms.
Regulation of Na,K-ATPase by Its Biosynthesis and Turnover

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the regulation of Na, K–ATPase by its biosynthesis and turnover. The regulation of alkali cation transport in a cell or tissue is in general brought about by the interaction of two processes: modulation of the number of copies of Na, K–ATPase and modulation of the activity of existing copies by appropriate ligands and substrates. Na, K–ATPase is a very dynamic protein. It is constantly being synthesized and turned over in many tissues and is susceptible to up and down regulation in number of copies in response to a variety of environmental stimuli. In the biosynthesis of this enzyme membrane and secretory proteins are generally believed to be synthesized in the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), being cotranslationally inserted partially (membrane proteins) or completely (secretory proteins) into the lumen of the RER. In the chapter, the small hydrophobic signal sequence is removed and common oligosaccharide precursors are transferred to the peptide backbone. RER-derived vesicles containing these proteins are then shuttled to the Golgi apparatus for further processing occurs. The proteins are then sorted via some unknown process and transferred to specific organelles, or in the case of secretory products, exported out of the cell by exocytosis. The translocation and covalent modification of the proteins accounts for a several-hour lag or “transit” time between translation and the arrival at their functional destination.
Influence of Tonsillar Size on OSA Improvement in Children Undergoing Adenotonsillectomy.

ObjectiveTo determine if pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) improves after adenotonsillectomy (AT) regardless of tonsil size.Study DesignCase series with chart review.SettingPediatric Otolaryngology Department, Johns Hopkins Hospital.SubjectsSeventy children 1 to 18 years of age who underwent polysomnography (PSG) before and after AT.MethodsTonsil size was evaluated using the Brodsky grading scale.ResultsChildren were stratified by tonsil size as 2+ (n = 20), 3+ (n = 36), and 4+ (n = 14). There was a significant improvement in obstructive apnea-hypopnea index (oAHI), apnea index (AI), and saturation nadir across all 3 groups after AT. Preoperative oAHI, AI, and hypopnea index (HI) were similar regardless of tonsil size (P > .05). Overall, oAHI improved from a median of 11.8 ± 21.7 to 2.0 ± 6.1 events/h, with 40% (28/70) of children having complete resolution. The oAHI (P < .0001-0.02), AI (P < .0001-0.017), HI (P < .0001-0.058), and saturation nadir (P < .0001-0.017) significantly improved for the 2+...
Estriol in pregnancy

Abstract The reliability of daily unconjugated plasma estriol (E 3 ) as a first-line test for fetal surveillance in the management of diabetic pregnancies was assessed. Seventy consecutive insulin-dependent diabetic women admitted in late pregnancy were followed up with daily 8 am unconjugated plasma E 3 assays and weekly antepartum fetal heart rate testing (AFHRT). There were no perinatal deaths, and only two neonates developed the respiratory distress syndrome. The mean gestational age at delivery was 38 weeks. Pregnancies continued until elective delivery at 38 weeks and development of a mature amniotic fluid lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio (n = 40) unless spontaneous labor began earlier (n = 20) or early delivery was indicated for either maternal reasons (n = 3) or presumed fetal distress (n = 7). Intervention for fetal distress took place when plasma E 3 levels had fallen by 40% or more from the highest mean of three consecutive preceding values (significant drop) and both a nonstress test (NST) and a contraction stress test (CST) were abnormal irrespective of the L/S ratio (n = 2) or, in the presence of a mature L/S ratio, when either plasma E 3 levels had fallen significantly or AFHRT was abnormal (n = 5). Five patients without a mature L/S ratio and a significant fall in plasma E 3 with a reactive NST were not delivered. Only 14 (1.2%) of the 1,180 plasma E 3 assays in 12 (17%) of the 70 patients represented a significant drop and fetal distress was documented in two of these 12 pregnancies, the only two in which both NST and CST were abnormal. In 18 of the 70 patients in whom 317 NSTs were performed, 26 NSTs (8.2%) were nonreactive initially, but 18 of these 26 NSTs were either reactive when repeated within hours or followed by negative CSTs. Documented fetal distress was found to occur 1 day after a reactive NST and a normal plasma E 3 but was indicated in time for successful intervention by both tests. These data indicate that: (1) daily unconjugated plasma E 3 assays constitute a reliable first-line test of fetal status in diabetic pregnancies, (2) a single daily plasma E 3 at 8 a.m. suffices, (3) the 40% limit for a significant drop appears to be sensitive enough to detect fetal distress, (4) AFHRT, if done daily, may be used in lieu of daily plasma E 3 determinations, and (5) both plasma E 3 assays and AFHRT render false abnormal results. By combining both biophysical and biochemical testing, it is possible to virtually eliminate the need for unwarranted intervention and unnecessary prematurity.
Selecting the length of an adaptive transversal filter

Optimum in the mean-square error sense, the Wiener filter is the best linear filter which can be derived given known input statistics. Excellent results have been achieved for the filtering problem with the LMS adaptive filter when these same statistics are unknown. The gradient descent algorithm introduces an excess mean-square error which is proportional to the adaptive filter's length. In an adaptive array processor, the LMS filter can be configured as a noise canceller to partially remove a sidelobe interference source from a given receive beam. This paper derives the optimum length of the adaptive transversal filter such that the residual interference signal energy plus the excess mean-square error contributed by the LMS algorithm is minimized. Both narrowband and wideband interference signals are considered.
Molecular profiling in gastric cancer: examining potential targets for chemotherapy.

Background and Objectives Current NCCN guidelines recommend epirubicin (E), cisplatin (C), and 5-fluorouracil (F) as a first-line therapeutic approach for operable gastric adenocarcinoma (GC). Molecular profiling (MP) was used to evaluate the expression of chemotherapy targeted biomarkers associated with ECF therapy and other first-line cytotoxic regimens for GC. Methods GC specimens were analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) for TOP2A, TS, ERCC1, PGP, and TOPO1 expression (Caris Life Sciences, Phoenix, AZ) from 2009 to 2012. Results A total of 230 GC specimens were analyzed. The median age of patients was 61 (IQR: 50–72) years with the majority being male (n = 139, 60%). IHC actionable targets included: 60% (n = 138) high TOP2A, 55% (n = 127) negative ERCC1, and 63% (n = 145) negative TS, indicating potential benefit from E, C, and F, respectively. Simultaneous expression analysis demonstrated only 24% (n = 55) of patients had gene expression levels that suggested uniform sensitivity to ECF. Biomarker results of 6.5% (n = 15) of patients revealed a potential complete lack of sensitivity to first-line ECF. Conclusions MP of GC has the potential to define patients who would derive the greatest benefit from current therapies. Prospective controlled studies are required to validate the role of biomarkers in the management of GC patients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 110:302–306. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On the motion of compliantly-connected rigid bodies in contact. II. A system for analyzing designs for assembly

For pt.I see Cornell Computer Science Tech. Report (1989). A fully algorithmic, combinatorially precise approach to designing devices so that they are easy to assemble and (optional) hard to disassemble is presented. The analysis can be used to validate good designs and can be iterated to generate improved designs. The approach is based on an algorithm for predicting the motion of flexible objects in contact. Such objects are intended to model snap-fastener-type devices, which are very useful in assembly design. The authors describe the algorithm, its implementation in a system for predicting and analyzing the motion of snap-fastener-type devices, and experiments run using the system to analyze and design particular devices. The issues discussed include: the relevance of the approach to engineering, the computational methods employed, the algebraic techniques for predicting motions in contact with rotational compliance, and issues of robustness and stability of the geometric and algebraic algorithms. Subtle mechanical difficulties arise in predicting motions under rotational compliance. The authors discuss these problems and their solutions. >