cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Critical Care Medicine: Opportunities and Strategies for Improvement

Article-at-a-Glance Background Like other areas of health care, critical care faces increasing pressure to improve the quality while reducing the cost of care. Strategies drawn from the literature and the authors' experiences are presented. Strategies and opportunities for improvements Ten process- or structure-related areas are targeted as strategically important focuses of improvement: (1) restructuring administrative lines to better suit key processes; (2) physician leadership in critical care units; (3) management training for critical care managers; (4) triage; (5) multidisciplinary critical care; (6) standardization of care; (7) developing alternatives to critical care units; (8) timeliness of care delivery; (9) appropriate use of critical care resources; and (10) tracking quality improvement. Timeliness of care delivery Whatever the root cause(s) of unnecessary delays, the result is inefficient use of critical care resources–and ultimately either a need for more resources or longer wait times. Innovations designed to reduce wait times and waste, such as the establishment of a microchemistry stat laboratory, may prove valuable. Appropriate use of critical care resources Possible strategies for the appropriate use of critical care resources include better selection of well-informed patients who undergo procedures. Reduction in variation among physicians and organizations in providing therapies will also likely lead to a reduction in some high-risk procedures offering little or no benefit, and therefore a reduction in need for critical care services. Better preparation of patients and families should also make end-of-life decisions easier when questions of "futility" arise. Better information on outcomes and cost-effectiveness and consensus on withdrawal of critical care treatments represent two additional strategies.
Inhibition of maxi-K currents in ferret portal vein smooth muscle cells by the antifungal clotrimazole

The antifungal agent clotrimazole (CLT) is a potent small-molecule inhibitor of Ca-activated K (KCa) currents of intermediate conductance in murine erythroleukemia cells. This study demonstrates that CLT also inhibits large-conductance KCa currents (maxi-K currents) in acutely dissociated vascular smooth muscle (VSM) cells of ferret portal vein. The magnitude of block of a component of the whole cell K current by CLT was sensitive to test potential. CLT inhibited unitary maxi-K currents in outside-out patches, apparently by decreasing the mean open time. A metabolite of CLT lacking an imidazole ring also inhibited K currents. In contrast, the antifungal drug ketoconazole increased these same currents. Thus the inhibitory action of CLT appears to be due to a direct interaction with the channel protein rather than to imidazole block of cytochrome P-450 activity. Consistent with inhibition of maxi-K currents by CLT, superfusion of strips of portal vein VSM with CLT enhanced isometric tension and spontaneous rate of contraction, suggesting that CLT modulation of maxi-K currents may alter vasomotor functioning.
Immature Stages of Agromyzidae (Diptera) from India. IX. Taxonomy and Biology of Four Species of Phytagromyza Hendel and Calycomyza Hendel

Descriptions of immature stages of four species of the genera Phytagromyza Hendel and Calycomyza Hendel have been given. Some biological notes are also included.
Unsupervised Entity Resolution on Multi-type Graphs

Entity resolution is the task of identifying all mentions that represent the same real-world entity within a knowledge base or across multiple knowledge bases. We address the problem of performing entity resolution on RDF graphs containing multiple types of nodes, using the links between instances of different types to improve the accuracy. For example, in a graph of products and manufacturers the goal is to resolve all the products and all the manufacturers. We formulate this problem as a multi-type graph summarization problem, which involves clustering the nodes in each type that refer to the same entity into one super node and creating weighted links among super nodes that summarize the inter-cluster links in the original graph. Experiments show that the proposed approach outperforms several state-of-the-art generic entity resolution approaches, especially in data sets with missing values and one-to-many, many-to-many relations.
Height of Temperature: A Febrile Seizure Risk Factor

Risk factors were identified in 69 children with a first febrile seizure compared to 99 matched controls seen in a three year period at the Bronx Municipal Hospital Center, Montifiore Medical Center, and North Central Bronx Hospital, and Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York.
North Pacific decadal variability: insights from a biennial ENSO environment

This study examines the mechanisms of the Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO) in the NASA GEOS-5 general circulation model (GCM). Similar to several other state-of-the-art GCMs, the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) simulated by the GEOS-5 has a strong biennial periodicity. Since this is a model bias that precludes a strong role of ENSO, it provides a unique environment to assess the other leading mechanisms of North Pacific decadal variability. Despite the biennial ENSO periodicity, the model simulates a realistic PDO pattern in the North Pacific that is resolved as the first empirical orthogonal function (EOF) of winter mean sea surface temperature (SST). The spectrum of the PDO indicates no preferred periodicity. The SST anomalies associated with the PDO, particularly its basin wide structure, are primarily forced by the Aleutian low through Ekman transport. The slow geostrophic transport in association with the meridional adjustment of the subtropical gyre is limited to a narrow region in the Kuroshio–Oyashio extension, north of 40°N. The atmosphere’s response to the PDO, while weak, projects onto the North Pacific Oscillation (NPO), a meridional dipole in sea level pressure. Both the lack of preferred periodicity and the weak atmospheric response indicate an air-sea coupled oscillation is an unlikely mechanism in this model. In agreement with recent studies, the NPO is correlated with the North Pacific Gyre Oscillation, which is another leading EOF of North Pacific SST variability. The results emphasize the role of atmospheric variability in the North Pacific SST modes, thereby bringing into question the potential for their predictability.
The impact of race and ethnicity on mortality and healthcare utilization in alcoholic hepatitis: a cross-sectional study

Alcoholic Hepatitis (AH) is major source of alcohol-related mortality and health care expenditures in the United States. There is insufficient information regarding the role of race and ethnicity on healthcare utilization and outcomes for patients with AH. We aimed to determine whether there are racial/ethnic differences in resource utilization and inpatient mortality in patients hospitalized with AH. We analyzed data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS), years 2008–2011. We calculated demographic, clinical, and healthcare utilization characteristics by race. We then performed logistic regression and generalized linear modeling with gamma distribution (log link), respectively, to determine predictors of inpatient morality and total hospital costs (THC). We identified 11,304 AH patients from 2008 to 2011. Mean age was 47.0 years, and 62.1 % were male, 61.9 % were white, 9.8 % were black, and 9.7 % were Hispanic. Mean LOS was 6.3 days and significantly longer in whites (6.5 d) than both blacks (5.4 d) and Hispanics (5.9 d). In adjusted models, inpatient mortality was lower for blacks than for whites (adj. OR = 0.50; 95 % CI = 0.32–0.78). THC was significantly higher for Hispanics than whites (fold increase = 1.25; 95 % CI = 1.01–1.49). We identified differences in healthcare utilization and mortality by race/ethnicity. THC was significantly higher among Hispanics than for whites and blacks. We also demonstrated lower inpatient mortality in blacks compared to whites. These variations may implicate racial and ethnic differences in access to care, quality of care, severity of AH on presentation, or other factors.
Modeling Hourly Resident Productivity in the Emergency Department

Study objective Resident productivity, defined as new patients per hour, carries important implications for emergency department operations. In high-volume academic centers, essential staffing decisions can be made on the assumption that residents see patients at a static rate. However, it is unclear whether this model mirrors reality; previous studies have not rigorously examined whether productivity changes over time. We examine residents' productivity across shifts to determine whether it remained consistent. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study conducted in an urban academic hospital with a 3-year emergency medicine training program in which residents acquire patients ad libitum throughout their shift. Time stamps of all patient encounters were automatically logged. A linear mixed model was constructed to predict productivity per shift hour. Results A total of 14,364 8- and 9-hour shifts were worked by 75 residents between July 1, 2010, and June 20, 2015. This comprised 6,127 (42.7%) postgraduate year (PGY) 1 shifts, 7,236 (50.4%) PGY-2 shifts, and 998 (6.9%) PGY-3 nonsupervisory shifts (Table 1). Overall, residents treated a mean of 10.1 patients per shift (SD 3.2), with most patients at Emergency Severity Index level 3 or more acute (93.8%). In the initial hour, residents treated a mean of 2.14 patients (SD 1.2), and every subsequent hour was associated with a significant decrease, with the largest in the second, third, and final hours. Conclusion Emergency medicine resident productivity during a single shift follows a reliable pattern that decreases significantly hourly, a pattern preserved across PGY years and types of shifts. This suggests that resident productivity is a dynamic process, which should be considered in staffing decisions and studied further.
Predicted Rate of Secondary Malignancies Following Adjuvant Proton Versus Photon Radiation Therapy for Thymoma

Purpose Thymic malignancies are the most common tumors of the anterior mediastinum. The benefit of adjuvant radiation therapy for stage II disease remains controversial, and patients treated with adjuvant radiation therapy are at risk of late complications, including radiation-induced secondary malignant neoplasms (SMNs), that may reduce the overall benefit of treatment. We assess the risk of predicted SMNs following adjuvant proton radiation therapy compared with photon radiation therapy after resection of stage II thymic malignancies to determine whether proton therapy improves the risk-benefit ratio. Methods and Materials Ten consecutive patients treated with double-scattered proton beam radiation therapy (DS-PBT) were prospectively enrolled in an institutional review board–approved proton registry study. All patients were treated with DS-PBT. Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) plans for comparison were generated. SMN risk was calculated based on organ equivalent dose. Results Patients had a median age of 65 years (range, 25-77 years), and 60% were men. All patients had stage II disease, and many had close or positive margins (60%). The median dose was 50.4 Gy (range, 50.4-54.0 Gy) in 1.8-Gy relative biological effectiveness daily fractions. No differences in target coverage were seen with DS-PBT compared with IMRT plans. Significant reductions were seen in mean and volumetric lung, heart, and esophageal doses with DS-PBT compared with IMRT plans (all P ≤.01). Significant reductions in SMNs in the lung, breast, esophagus, skin, and stomach were seen with DS-PBT compared with IMRT. For patients with thymoma diagnosed at the median national age, 5 excess secondary malignancies per 100 patients would be avoided by treating them with protons instead of photons. Conclusions Treatment with proton therapy can achieve comparable target coverage but significantly reduced doses to critical normal structures, which can lead to fewer predicted SMNs compared with IMRT. By decreasing expected late complications, proton therapy may improve the therapeutic ratio of adjuvant radiation therapy for patients with stage II thymic malignancies.
I Want To: Multi-media Installation for Understanding Our Desire

'I Want To' is an interactive installation controlled by live Twitter messages. One hundred custom designed wooden toys, a television screen and speakers comprise the installation. The system extracts public Twitter messages that start with 'I want to.' The expression 'want to' becomes 'have to', and the newly composed sentence is displayed on the television screen while also being vocalized through speakers. With each "I have to" phrase, the wooden toys respond by marching in unison. This installation gives the audience an opportunity to explore our hopes and desires as unconscious internalizations of external expectations and social norms.
Do constructed wetlands remove metals or increase metal bioavailability

Abstract The H-02 wetland was constructed to treat building process water and storm runoff water from the Tritium Processing Facility on the Department of Energy's Savannah River Site (Aiken, SC). Monthly monitoring of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) concentrations and water quality parameters in surface waters continued from 2014 to 2016. Metal speciation was modeled at each sampling occasion. Total Cu and Zn concentrations released to the effluent stream were below the NPDES limit, and the average removal efficiency was 65.9% for Cu and 71.1% for Zn. The metal-removal processes were found out to be seasonally regulated by sulfur cycling indicated by laboratory and model results. High temperature, adequate labile organic matter, and anaerobic conditions during the warm months (February to August) favored sulfate reduction that produced sulfide minerals to significantly remove metals. However, the dominant reaction in sulfur cycling shifted to sulfide oxidation during the cool months (September to next March). High concentrations of metal-organic complexes were observed, especially colloidal complexes of metal and fulvic acid (FA), demonstrating adsorption to organic matter became the primary process for metal removal. Meanwhile, the accumulation of metal-FA complexes in the wetland system will cause negative effects to the surrounding environment as they are biologically reactive, highly bioavailable, and can be easily taken up and transferred to ecosystems by trophic exchange.
Comparing corneal higher-order aberrations in corneal wavefront-guided transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy versus small-incision lenticule extraction.

Purpose To evaluate the changes in corneal higher-order aberrations (HOAs) after corneal wavefront-guided transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE). Setting Yonsei University College of Medicine and Eyereum Eye Clinic, South Korea. Design Retrospective case series. Methods Medical records of patients having either corneal wavefront-guided transepithelial PRK or small-incision lenticule extraction were examined. The root-mean-square total HOAs, 3rd-order coma aberration, and 4th-order spherical aberration were measured preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. Independent t tests and analysis of covariance were used to compare changes in corneal HOAs between the 2 groups. Results The study comprised 77 eyes having corneal wavefront-guided transepithelial PRK and 81 eyes having small-incision lenticule extraction. The total HOAs and spherical aberration increased after transepithelial PRK (all P Conclusions Small-incision lenticule extraction demonstrated that the induction of total HOAs was comparable to corneal wavefront-guided transepithelial PRK, accompanied by smaller spherical aberration induction and larger coma aberration induction. During small-incision lenticule extraction, surgeons should aim to obtain optimum centration for smaller induction of corneal HOAs.
Non-Contact Sensing of Seismocardiogram Signals Using Microwave Doppler Radar

The seismocardiogram (SCG) signal is an effective representation of the heart contraction and blood ejection behavior for human subjects and exhibits in the vibrations of chest wall surface. The noncontact sensing of cardiac information using a microwave Doppler radar has the potential to monitor SCG without attaching sensors to the body. In this paper, the similarity of the radar acceleration waveforms (RAWs) to SCG is investigated in terms of the waveform morphology and fiducial points within a frequency band of 18–35 Hz, wherein the RAWs are less influenced by low frequency interference. A high morphological similarity is demonstrated by a high cross correlation coefficient between RAW and the dorso-ventral SCG (SCGz) waveform, including a coefficient over 0.9 for five of eight subjects and a minimum value of 0.72 for one subject experiencing interference. For the fiducial points, RAWs can correctly provide the locations of aortic valve opening (AO), an important fiducial point, with a root mean square deviation from the SCGz AO locations less than 2 ms for six of eight subjects. In addition, experiments are set up to evaluate the time shift of AO points before and after a 90-s exercise. The results show that RAWs can correctly determine the time shift directions of AO for all subjects, and estimate the decrease of pre-ejection period with an accuracy of less than 2 ms of that derived from SCG for six of eight subjects. These investigation results demonstrate the effectiveness of using the noncontact Doppler radar for SCG measurements.
Magnetic suspension actuator concepts and applications

The fundamental aspect which makes magnetic suspension systems possible is the magnetic phenomena by which significant forces can be generated. Each of these force-producing phenomena has unique characteristics and is implementable in a unique fashion, such that each performs the magnetic suspension task differently than the others. A practical overview of the force-producing concepts, their unique characteristics, and their typical methods of application is provided.
Exercise intolerance among survivors of childhood cancer exposed to cardiotoxic therapy: Identification of survivors at increased risk through myocardial strain and ejection fraction.

10565Background: Exercise intolerance is an established risk factor for heart failure and death in the general population. Exercise capacity and factors associated with intolerance have not been ex...
Calmodulin Regulation of Gallbladder Ion Transport Becomes Dysfunctional During Gallstone Formation in Prairie Dogs

Gallbladder absorption is increased prior to gallstone formation in prairie dogs and may promote cholesterol crystallization. Recent studies indicate that Ca2+-calmodulin (CaM) tonically inhibits gallbladder electrolyte absorption in prairie dogs fed a nonlithogenic diet. We hypothesized that dietary cholesterol alters CaM-dependent regulation of gallbladder ion transport, a possible link between increased gallbladder absorption and gallstone formation. Gallbladders from prairie dogs fed control (N = 24) or 1.2% cholesterol-enriched chow (N = 32) were mounted in Ussing chambers. Electrophysiology and ion flux were measured while exposing the epithelia sequentially to trifluoperazine (TFP), a CaM antagonist, followed by the calcium ionophore A23187. Animals fed the high cholesterol diet developed crystals and gallstones in a time-dependent fashion. Mucosal addition of 50 μM TFP decreased short-circuit current (Isc), transepithelial potential, and tissue conductance in control, crystal, and gallstone animals, but the magnitude of its effect was significantly decreased in animals fed cholesterol. TFP stimulated mucosa-to-serosa Na+ flux by 6.9 ± 0.9 μeq/cm2/hr in control animals but only 3.1 ± 0.8 μeq/cm2/hr in gallstone animals. Similarly, TFP increased mucosa-to-serosa Cl− flux by 11.9 ± 1.4 μeq/cm2/hr in controls but only 4.9 ± 1.4 μeq/cm2/hr in cholesterol-fed animals. TFP effects were not reversed by A23187, which caused differential effects on Isc and ion transport in cholesterol-fed animals. In conclusion, CaM-mediated inhibition of gallbladder Na+ and Cl− transport is diminished in prairie dogs fed cholesterol. We conclude that gallbladder ion transport is partially released from basal inhibition during gallstone formation and propose that dysfunctional CaM regulation may be a stimulus to increased gallbladder absorption.
Severe Right Ventricular Dysfunction Predicts Failure of Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump Hemodynamic Support in Cardiogenic Shock

Introduction We previously showed that ischemic history and low left ventricular cardiac power index (LVCPI) predict failure of intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) hemodynamic support in cases of acute decompensated heart failure complicated by cardiogenic shock. We hypothesized that right ventricular (RV) systolic dysfunction would further impact the adequacy and outcomes of IABP hemodynamic support. Methods We retrospectively studied 74 patients who underwent IABP insertion for treatment of cardiogenic shock not related to acute myocardial infarction. Severity of RV systolic dysfunction, based on echocardiographic assessment, ranged from none to severe. Poor outcomes from IABP support included death or need for unplanned upgrade of mechanical circulatory support. Successful outcomes included bridge to recovery, transplant, or left ventricular assist device. Multivariable regression and Cox proportional hazard ratios were also used to study outcomes. Results Severe RV systolic dysfunction on echocardiogram was found in 10 patients (13.5%). Severe RV dysfunction, when compared to patients with no or mild RV dysfunction, was associated with increased right atrial pressure (RAP) (20.6±6 vs. 16.2±5.9 mmHg, p=0.04) and lower RV stroke work index (3.2±2.0 vs. 5.5±3.4 g/m, p=0.046) at time of IABP placement. After 48 hours of IABP support, patients with severe RV dysfunction continued to have higher RAP (18.9±8.5 vs. 12.2±4.7 mmHg, p=0.03), as well as worsened pulmonary artery pulsatility index (1.3±0.7 vs. 2.6±2.4, p=0.048) and RAP/pulmonary capillary wedge ratio (1.1±0.7 vs. 0.7±0.3, p=0.01). Severe RV systolic dysfunction independently predicted poor outcomes (OR 8.5, p=0.01), even when adjusted for LVCPI and ischemic history. An IABP failure risk score using all 3 variables (severe RV dysfunction, LVCPI, and ischemic history) predicted 28-day outcomes with excellent discrimination (Figure 1). Conclusions Severe RV systolic dysfunction corresponds with poor right-sided hemodynamics at baseline and following IABP support, and may predict failure of IABP hemodynamic support. Severe RV systolic dysfunction complicating cardiogenic shock likely warrants up-front consideration of biventricular support instead of IABP alone.
2020 - GPRASP FAMILY MEMBERS REGULATE MURINE HEMATOPOIETIC STEM CELL MIGRATION, HOMING AND NICHE RETENTION POST-TRANSPLANT VIA CONTROL OF CXCR4 STABILITY

Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation (HSCT) represents the only curative therapy for most hematologic disease including leukemia. Recent studies suggest that “stress hematopoiesis”, including that which occurs post-HSCT, is subject to distinct regulation compared steady-state hematopoiesis. Better understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate transplanted HSCs and their engraftment is necessary to improve HSCT. Thus, we seek to identify novel molecular regulators of HSCT. Our data reveal high expression of multiple GPRASPs (G-Protein Coupled Receptor Associated Sorting Proteins) (e.g. Gprasp1 and Gprasp2) in HSCs relative to downstream progenitors. ShRNA-mediated gene knock-down transplantation-based studies revealed that both GPRASP1 and GPRASP2 act as negative regulators of HSCT, showing 4-fold increase in peripheral blood and bone marrow reconstitution and significantly enhance survival and quiescence in HSCs ex vivo and after transplant. GPRASPs regulate the post-endosomal trafficking of GPCRs to the lysosome. CXCR4, a GPCR that regulates HSCs function, contains a putative GPRASP-binding motif in its C-terminus, implicating it as a possible target of GPRASP-mediated degradation. Indeed, Gprasp1 or Gprasp2 loss increased both total CXCR4 and cell membrane-localized CXCR4 in HSPCs. Consequently, Gprasp1 or Gprasp2 loss increased HSPC migration toward SDF-1. Further, Gprasp1 or Gprasp2 loss significantly enhanced acute homing and HSCs niche retention post-transplant. These GPRASP-knockdown effects disappear when Cxcr4 is genetically deleted. In sum, we report for the first time that multiple GPRASPs function as barriers to HSCT by effecting HSC migration, homing and niche retention via regulation of CXCR4 stability and localization.
Metabolic Syndrome: Major Risk Factor for Morbidity and Mortality in Severely Injured Trauma Patients

Background Metabolic syndrome (MetS) increases cardiovascular risk and is associated with poor patient outcomes. We hypothesized that MetS confers an increased risk of morbidity and mortality in severely injured trauma patients. Study Design We performed a retrospective review of trauma patients from 2014 through 2018, excluding patients younger than 16 years, with Injury Severity Score Results There were 4,489 patients meeting criteria, of which 100 (2.2%) had MetS. Patients with MetS were older (64.0 vs 38.6 years; p Conclusions MetS occurs infrequently in our severely injured trauma population, but is strongly associated with increasing LOS, as well as cardiac, pulmonary, infectious, and renal complications. MetS also significantly and independently predicts death and should be identified early to facilitate prompt multidisciplinary treatment.
Inhibition of microglial activation in rats attenuates paraventricular nucleus inflammation in Gαi2 protein-dependent, salt-sensitive hypertension.

New findings • What is the central question of this study? We hypothesized that central inflammatory processes that involve activation of microglia and astrocytes contribute to the development of Gαi2 protein-dependent, salt-sensitive hypertension. • What is the main finding and its importance? The main finding is that PVN-specific inflammatory processes, driven by microglial activation, appear to be linked to the development of Gαi2 protein-dependent, salt-sensitive hypertension in Sprague-Dawley rats. This finding might reveal new mechanistic targets in the treatment of hypertension. Abstract The central mechanisms underlying salt-sensitive hypertension, a significant public health issue, remain to be established. Researchers in our laboratory have reported that hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) Gαi2 proteins mediate the sympathoinhibitory and normotensive responses to high sodium intake in salt-resistant rats. Given the recent evidence of central inflammation in animal models of hypertension, we hypothesized that PVN inflammation contributes to Gαi2 protein-dependent, salt-sensitive hypertension. Male Sprague-Dawley rats received chronic intracerebroventricular infusions of a targeted Gαi2 or control scrambled oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) and were maintained for 7 days on a normal-salt (NS; 0.6% NaCl) or high-salt (HS; 4% NaCl) diet; in subgroups on HS, intracerebroventricular minocycline (microglial inhibitor) was co-infused with ODNs. Radiotelemetry was used in subgroups of rats to measure mean arterial pressure (MAP) chronically. In a separate group of rats, plasma noradrenaline, plasma renin activity, urinary angiotensinogen and mRNA levels of the PVN pro-inflammatory cytokines TNFα, IL-1β and IL-6 and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 were assessed. In additional groups, immunohistochemistry was performed for markers of PVN and subfornical organ microglial activation and cytokine levels and PVN astrocyte activation. High salt intake evoked salt-sensitive hypertension, increased plasma noradrenaline, PVN pro-inflammatory cytokine mRNA upregulation, anti-inflammatory cytokine mRNA downregulation and PVN-specific microglial activation in rats receiving a targeted Gαi2 but not scrambled ODN. Minocycline co-infusion significantly attenuated the increase in MAP and abolished the increase in plasma noradrenaline and inflammation in Gαi2 ODN-infused animals on HS. Our data suggest that central Gαi2 protein prevents microglial-mediated PVN inflammation and the development of salt-sensitive hypertension.
On the threshold of Eurasia: revolutionary poetics in the Caucasus: by Leah Feldman, Ithaca, NY, Cornell University Press, 2018, xv + 276 pp., $59.95, ISBN 978-1-5017-2650-7

Literary studies have been underrepresented in the new scholarly literature on Central Eurasia that has emerged since the dissolution of the Soviet Union. It is a pleasure, therefore, to welcome th...
Pericytes Directly Communicate with Emerging Endothelial Cells During Vasculogenesis

SummaryPericytes (PCs), cells that extend along capillaries to contribute stability and other critical functions to established vasculature, are attracting attention from various fields involving vascular-related pathologies. Here, we demonstrate primary evidence of PC communication with endothelial cells (ECs) prior to tube coalescence. Observations of apparent PCs during early embryogenesis urged development of a mouse embryonic stem cell line (DR-ESCs), enabling unique dual-reporter investigations into earliest PC-EC interactions. Live imaging of differentiating DR-ESCs corroborated emergence of a PC lineage, which preceded EC differentiation, and further revealed highly dynamic PC-EC interactions during coordinated vessel formation. We show direct PC-EC communication via cell microinjection and dye-transfer, and RNA-seq analysis indicates a PC-EC coupling mechanism via gap junction Connexin43 (Cx43), exclusively up-regulated throughout DR-ESC differentiation. High resolution imaging of embryonic and postnatal mouse vasculature substantiates Cx43 plaques at PC-EC borders. These findings indicate a new role for PCs during vasculogenesis via Cx43-mediated communication with ECs.Competing Interest StatementThe authors have declared no competing interest.View Full Text
Greek ἅρπαξ ‘robber; robbery’

This paper presents evidence for a PIE root *uerp‑ ‘to attack, to force oneself onto someone’ and argues that Greek ἅρπαξ (< *uǝrʰpag-) goes back to a verbal governing compound *urp-h₂g- ‘driving something (e.g. cattle) away by force’.
Collective Learning and Institutional Collective Action in Fragmented Governance

Institutional collective action (ICA) dilemmas, or situations where authorities’ particularistic incentives are misaligned with collective interests, are ubiquitous where authority is fragmented among multiple or overlapping governments. Extant researchers have examined how policymakers overcome ICA dilemmas and promote collective action through institutions and relationships that lower collaboration uncertainty and risk. Yet, one factor conspicuously overlooked in this process is the role of collective learning or the degree to which institutions acquire, assimilate, and apply shared knowledge to achieve collaborative aims. In this chapter, we inquire how collective learning relates to governments’ ability to overcome ICA dilemmas and improve collaborative governance through three pathways, and put forward propositions as to how such learning can reduce ICA barriers and enhance future collaboration.
Severity grading system for acute allergic reactions: A multidisciplinary Delphi study.

Background There is no widely adopted severity grading system for acute allergic reactions, including anaphylactic and nonanaphylactic reactions, thus limiting the ability to optimize and standardize management practices and advance research. Objective The aim of this study was to develop a severity grading system for acute allergic reactions for use in clinical care and research. Methods From May to September 2020, we convened a 21-member multidisciplinary panel of allergy and emergency care experts; 9 members formed a writing group to critically appraise and assess the strengths and limitations of prior severity grading systems and develop the structure and content for an optimal severity grading system. The entire study panel then revised the grading system and sought consensus by utilizing Delphi methodology. Results The writing group recommended that an optimal grading system encompass the severity of acute allergic reactions on a continuum from mild allergic reactions to anaphylactic shock. Additionally, the severity grading system must be able to discriminate between clinically important differences in reaction severity to be relevant in research while also being intuitive and straightforward to apply in clinical care. Consensus was reached for all elements of the proposed severity grading system. Conclusion We developed a consensus severity grading system for acute allergic reactions, including anaphylactic and nonanaphylactic reactions. Successful international validation, refinement, dissemination, and application of the grading system will improve communication among providers and patients about the severity of allergic reactions and will help advance future research.
Progress in Treating Advanced Thyroid Cancers in the Era of Targeted Therapy

Background: Thyroid cancer is a common malignancy whose detection has increased significantly in past decades. Most of the increased incidence is due to detection of early well-differentiated thyroid cancer, but the incidence of more advanced thyroid cancers has increased as well. Recent methodological advancements have allowed for a deep understanding of the molecular underpinnings of the various types of thyroid cancer. Summary: Thyroid cancers harbor a high frequency of potential druggable molecular alterations, including the highest frequency of oncogenic driver kinase fusions seen across all solid tumors. Analyses of poorly differentiated and anaplastic thyroid carcinoma confirmed that these tumors develop from more well-differentiated follicular-derived thyroid cancers through acquired additional mutations. The recognition of driver genomic alterations in thyroid cancers not only predicts tumor phenotype but also now can inform treatment approaches. Conclusions: Major progress in understanding the oncogenic molecular underpinnings across the array of thyroid cancers has led to considerable gains in gene-specific systemic therapies for many cancers. This article focuses on the molecular characteristics of aggressive follicular-derived thyroid cancers and medullary thyroid cancer and highlights advancements in treating thyroid cancer in the era of targeted therapy.
Using a Standardized Neuropsychological Model to Guide a Qualitative and Quantitative Assessment for Evidence-Based Interventions

This chapter outlines the critical components of a qualitative and quantitative standardized neuropsychological model leading to intervention that guides practitioners from assessment to intervention. The authors provide empirical and rational arguments for using clinical neuropsychology as a paradigm for client and case conceptualization when approaching evaluations and providing neuropsychological services. Eastern (qualitative) and western (quantitative) methods of neuropsychological assessment are discussed. Various approaches to evaluation such as the Lurian model are explored. Today qualitative assessment continues to be a viable method when looking at a neuropsychological assessment, and this chapter describes the processes involved in conducting qualitative assessments with children and adults. The authors explain the importance of differentiating health services based on an understanding of primary, secondary, and tertiary interventions. The importance of educating readers on the need for selecting research-driven, and thus evidence-based services for intervention, are explored. Moreover, the chapter provides a broad overview of differentiated assessments used at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels-- these assessments lead to evidence-based interventions in a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation. Given the realization that all clients are unique, the importance of using a multicultural model to guide assessment is also described. Interventions are critical to the success of any assessment and, subsequently, must be standardized in a way that numerous professionals involved can perform their duties in a multifaceted and integrated manner. While not always acknowledged, all practitioners and educators practice according to a specific model and recent advances in understanding the neuroscientificbasis of behavior should serve as a primary model for how practitioners conceptualize clients.
The Reaction of Financial Analysts to Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Implementation Plans (Retracted)

This study investigates the extent to which investors believe that enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems enhance firm value by examining changes in financial analysts' earnings predictions before and after they receive an announcement that a firm plans to implement an ERP system. A total of 63 analysts participated in a two (firm size: small and large) by two (firm health: unhealthy and healthy) randomized between‐subjects design. The ERP announcement represented a within‐subjects manipulation. The analysts' overall reaction to ERP implementation plans was positive, as mean post‐announcement earnings forecasts were significantly higher than mean pre‐announcement forecasts. Additionally, as expected, mean earnings forecast revisions in the small/healthy and large/unhealthy firm conditions were significantly greater than mean forecast revisions in the small/unhealthy firm condition. Experimental results from the current study support archival findings reported by Hayes et al. (2001), who explored the s...
NBA Finals MVP Leonard Takes On Nike over Logo

2019 NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard filed a lawsuit against Nike for copyright infringement of "The Klaw" logo. Because Leonard has since left Nike and signed with New Balance, tensions are high as to who owns the rights to the Klaw.
Nonlinear Lorentzian-type standing wave solutions of ac-driven sine-Gordon equation

Abstract Readily evaluated nonlinear Lorentzian-type standing wave solutions of ac-driven sine-Gordon equation are presented, by applying a nonfeedback mechanism for chaos control. Three distinct species of Mobius-type standing waves are described: (i) periodic breathers, (ii) hyperbolic breathers, and (iii) Jacobian elliptic breathers. Parameter domains are delineated in which these novel waves exist. For instance, it is exhibited that the amplitude of the periodic breather is proportional to the strength of the ac-driver. For the kink-type and periodic-kink-type waves the strength of the forcing term should be always greater than or equal to 4, in order that these waves to be observed physically as fluxons in long Josephson junctions.
The Red and Blue Golden State: Why California's Proposition 11 Will Not Produce More Competitive Elections

In November 2008, Californians approved a redistricting reform measure, Proposition 11, which, despite the promises of its supporters, will have little effect on the competitiveness of the state‘s elections. The initiative shifted responsibility for the redrawing of state legislative lines from the Legislature to an appointed commission. Supporters promised that by taking the process from self-interested legislators, the resulting districts would be more competitive. However, an analysis of the state‘s demographics and the experience of other states suggests that a significant increase in the competitiveness of California‘s legislative districts remains unlikely and may even be undesirable. Indeed, because of the give-and-take nature of the redistricting process, California would be served best by keeping the initial responsibility for redrawing legislative lines with the Legislature. A redistricting commission would be most helpful if it focused on reviewing and revising plans developed by the Legislature, rather than actually drawing the initial plan itself. This article first reviews the legal standards applicable to redistricting in California. It then discusses the most recent redistrictings and the five failed attempts that have been made to alter the redistricting process through ballot initiatives. Section II addresses Proposition 11, the campaign, and the 2008 general election. Section III explores the benefits and detriments resulting from more competitive district elections, the much-touted benefit of Proposition 11. Section IV analyzes the decline in competitive elections in California and the non-redistricting causes of this decline. Section V looks to the experiences of other states that have employed commissions and imposed competitiveness standards on the drawing of their legislative districts. Finally, the last two sections discuss the likelihood that Proposition 11‘s redistricting commission will be able to draw more competitive districts and present an alternative approach that would provide redistricting roles for both an independent commission and the Legislature.
Managing the economic constraints of foundries and fabless enterprises

This paper presents an empirically grounded model, which links organizational learning to pattern-specific fixed costs. The approach described in this paper helps fab managers make fundamental strategic decisions concerning product design and product mix by engaging in scenario planning. Four critical aspects of managing pattern-specific fixed cost are analyzed in detail - sensitivity to time, design cost and production volume; platform designs; process postponement solutions; and design penalties. The model suggests that fabless enterprises and foundries must collaborate extensively on the design and realizations of product platforms for state-of-the-art integrated circuit products to remain economically viable.
Pathophysiological Responses of the Auditory Organ to Excessive Sound

The sections in this article are: 1 Morphology and Physiology of Normal Auditory Organ 2 Noise-Induced Hearing Loss 2.1 Distinguished from Blast Trauma 2.2 Characteristics of Exposure 2.3 Pathogenesis of 4-kHz Dip 2.4 Pathology of Permanent Threshold Shift 2.5 Pathology of Temporary Threshold Shift 2.6 Ionic and Biochemical Changes 2.7 Vascular Changes 2.8 Age Dependency 2.9 Potentiation by Ototoxic Drugs 3 Blast Trauma 3.1 Pathogenesis and Pathology 3.2 Audiometric Changes
INTRAUTERINE RESPIRATION IN THE RAT FETUS. 1. DIRECT OBSERVATIONS--COMPARISON WITH THE GUINEA PIG.

Abstract 1. 1. Guinea pig fetuses in intact uterine horns do not engage in intrauterine respiratory-like efforts according to our observations of water bath preparations. We cannot speak with as much certainty about rat fetuses in intact uterine horns. 2. 2. Both species can be induced to make intrauterine respiratory movements under conditions of hypoxic stress. 3. 3. The pattern of these movements differs in the two species. 4. 4. This behavior occurs only after the hypoxic stimulus has been operant for a definite interval of time, and it runs its course for a very fixed period of time. It is not a thing that is seen in some fetuses by chance and not in others, but in all fetuses subjected to stress under the terms of our experiment. 5. 5. Initiation is longer delayed and its duration increases the more the fetus approaches term age. 6. 6. The development of the responsiveness of the fetal respiratory center in rats of different gestational ages was discussed and compared with similar findings in other species. 7. 7. Neither the rat nor the guinea pig fetus behaved at all like rabbit fetuses are reported to behave in utero. 8. 8. The question as to whether fetuses are normally apneic in utero or engage spontaneously in intrauterine respiratory-like behavior cannot be settled on the basis of observational techniques alone.
A Graduate-Level Course on Entity Resolution and Information Quality: A Step toward ER Education

This article discusses the topics, approaches, and lessons learned in teaching a graduate-level course covering entity resolution (ER) and its relationship to information quality (IQ). The course surveys a broad spectrum of ER topics and activities including entity reference extraction, entity reference preparation, entity reference resolution techniques, entity identity management, and entity relationship analysis. The course content also attempts to balance aspects of ER theory with practical application through a series of laboratory exercises coordinated with the lecture topics. As an additional teaching aid, a configurable, open-source entity resolution engine (OYSTER) was developed that allows students to experience with different types of ER architectures including merge-purge, record linking, identity resolution, and identity capture.
Functional dynamics of GABAergic inhibition in the thalamus

The inhibitory gamma-aminobutyric acid-containing (GABAergic) neurons of the thalamic reticular and perigeniculate nuclei are involved in the generation of normal and abnormal synchronized activity in thalamocortical networks. An important factor controlling the generation of activity in this system is the amplitude and duration of inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs) in thalamocortical cells, which depend on the pattern of activity generated in thalamic reticular and perigeniculate cells. Activation of single ferret perigeniculate neurons generated three distinct patterns of GABAergic IPSPs in thalamocortical neurons of the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus: Low-frequency tonic discharge resulted in small-amplitude IPSPs mediated by GABAA receptors, burst firing resulted in large-amplitude GABAA IPSPs, and prolonged burst firing activated IPSPs mediated by GABAA and GABAB receptors. These functional properties of GABAergic inhibition can reconfigure the operations of thalamocortical networks into patterns of activity associated with waking, slow-wave sleep, and generalized seizures.
Catalytic, Oxidative Condensation of CH4 to CH3COOH in One Step via CH Activation

Acetic acid is an important petrochemical that is currently produced from methane (or coal) in a three-step process based on carbonylation of methanol. We report a direct, selective, oxidative condensation of two methane molecules to acetic acid at 180°C in liquid sulfuric acid. Carbon-13 isotopic labeling studies show that both carbons of acetic acid originate from methane. The reaction is catalyzed by palladium, and the results are consistent with the reaction occurring by tandem catalysis, involving methane C-H activation to generate Pd-CH 3 species, followed by efficient oxidative carbonylation with methanol, generated in situ from methane, to produce acetic acid.
Community involvement: a function of local government innovation

This paper discusses the implications of community involvement for the delivery of public services. It discusses exemplary case studies of community involvement in government, and provides an in-depth discussion of community participation in the affairs of the Engineering Traffic Division in San Diego, California. It finds a positive relationship between community involvement, and responsiveness, customer satisfaction, efficiency and effectiveness.
Guam dementia syndrome revisited in 2011.

Purpose of reviewThis review covers the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)/parkinsonism dementia complex (PDC) of Guam. Clinical and epidemiological characteristics, genetic possible and environmental causes, and neuropathological features of the disease are discussed.Recent findingsRecent studies