cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Atrial-septal-aneurysm-associated thrombus and stroke: Demonstration with transesophageal echocardiography.

Atrial septal aneurysm is an increasingly recognized cardiac abnormality. It represents a marked bulging of the interatrial septum into one atrium or the other. A consistent association between this structure and embolic stroke has been demonstrated. Because of the high prevalence of patent foramen ovale or atrial septal defect associated with this structure, paradoxical embolism has been suggested as a mechanism for embolic events. An alternate explanation is the local association of the aneurysm with thrombus. Few data have been found to support this mechanism, however. We report a young woman with multiple strokes during pregnancy in whom transesophageal echocardiography allowed the in vivo demonstration of atrial-septal-aneurysm-associated thrombus. This observation lends further support to the "local thrombus" mechanism of embolie events. It also underscores the potential utility of transesophageal echocardiography in evaluating patients with stroke of uncertain etiology.
Effects of lactation length and an exogenous progesterone and estradiol-17β regimen during embryo attachment on endogenous steroid concentrations and embryo survival in sows

Abstract The hypotheses that short lactation lengths increase embryo mortality by altering endogenous post-weaning steroid concentrations, and that an exogenous steroid regimen during embryo attachment might increase embryo survival were tested using 36 s parity sows assigned randomly to a 2×2 factorial. Sows were subjected to either a short lactation (SL, 13.0 days, n=25) or a long lactation (LL, 31.5 days, n=11), artificially inseminated at first estrus and treated daily with 2 ml i.m. of either 25 mg progesterone (P4) and 1.25 μg estradiol-17β (E2) (steroid treatment, ST, n=17) or the vehicle alone (control treatment, CT, n=17) on Days 14–20 post-insemination. Blood samples were collected by jugular venipuncture from weaning to 24 days post-insemination on alternate days. Sows subjected to the SL compared to the LL tended to have a longer weaning-to-estrus interval (WEI) (5.3 versus 4.6 days; P 0.10). The SL and LL sows had a similar ovulation rate (19.9 versus 21.3 corpora lutea, CL; P>0.05), but SL sows had fewer viable embryos than LL sows (11.5 versus 15.3; P 0.05) and no differences in post-weaning P4 or E2 concentrations were apparent. Sows that received the ST only tended to have increased P4 concentrations at 16 days post-insemination compared to CT sows and neither the number of viable embryos, nor embryo survival, was increased in ST versus CT sows (14.7 versus 12.2; P>0.05 and 66 versus 68%; P>0.05, respectively). These data suggest that short lactations do not increase embryo mortality by inducing aberrant endogenous post-weaning P4 or E2 concentrations. It is unclear whether or not small, repeated doses of exogenous P4 and E2 during attachment can increase embryo survival.
Youth online activity and exposure to diverse perspectives

Some see the internet as a means of exposure to divergent perspectives, while others believe that it is likely to foster echo chambers. We agree that it is important to attend to these possibilities, but we find that this discussion is often framed inappropriately. Drawing on a unique panel survey of the online practices and civic and political engagement of youth (aged 16–21), we find that most youth do not report exposure to echo chambers or divergent perspectives. Rather, most report either being exposed to views that both align with and diverge from their own, or they report not interacting with others about their views on societal issues at all. We also find that particular forms of online participatory activity, digital media literacy activities, and political interest are related to increased reports of exposure to diverse perspectives.
Reliability and Type of Consumer Health Documents on the World Wide Web: an Annotation Study

In this paper we present a detailed scheme for annotating medical web pages designed for health care consumers. The annotation is along two axes: first, by reliability or the extent to which the medical information on the page can be trusted, second, by the type of page (patient leaflet, commercial, link, medical article, testimonial, or support). We analyze inter-rater agreement among three judges for each category. Inter-rater agreement was moderate (0.77 accuracy, 0.62 F-measure, 0.49 Kappa) on the reliability axis and good (0.81 accuracy, 0.72 F-measure, 0.73 Kappa) along the type axis.
Limits to Maximum Absorption Length in Waveguide Photodiodes

The maximum photocurrent, power dissipation, and linearity of waveguide photodiodes are limited by the length over which the input optical power is absorbed. This absorption length is determined by the absorption coefficient of the absorbing layer material (αo), the optical confinement factor (Γ), and the excess loss coefficient (αi). In this paper, we analyze the fundamental limits to maximizing the absorption length and demonstrate a new waveguide photodiode structure that approaches these limits. The new structure is referred to as a slab-coupled optical waveguide photodiode (SCOWPD) and is realized in the InGaAsP/InP material system. Assuming 100% coupling efficiency, the SCOWPD has an ultralow optical confinement factor and a low excess loss coefficient, both calculated from measurements, of Γ = 0.069% and αi = 1.65 cm-1, respectively. This results in a 1/e absorption length of 2.1 mm. The SCOWPD exhibits an external responsivity of 0.8 A/W and a maximum photocurrent of 250 mA at a wavelength of 1.55 μm.
Applications of Carbon Filaments

Previous studies have emphasized some of the “deleterious” features associated with the presence of carbon filaments, e.g. their unexpected resistance to oxidation [1] and the strong adhesion to metal surfaces in steam cracker tubes which in turn provides a high surface which acts as a collection center for amorphous carbon [2].
Regulation of cardiac alternans by β-adrenergic signaling pathways

In cat atrial myocytes, β-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) stimulation exerts profound effects on excitation-contraction coupling and cellular Ca2+ cycling that are mediated by β1- and β2-AR subtypes cou...
Structure and stability of maternal support among pregnant and parenting adolescents

In the US social scientists have been troubled by the dramatic increase in the pregnancy rate among women younger than 20 because of the negative sequelae that often result from adolescent pregnancy and motherhood. To reduce some of these sequelae many pregnant and parenting teens rely on their social support network especially on their own mothers. This study was conducted to examine the effects of positive support and conflict that pregnant/parenting adolescents received from their mothers. It was assessed whether the teens pattern of support and conflict with her mother changes from the prenatal to the postnatal period. A typology of maternal support and conflict was established using cluster analytic procedures from data collected prenatally among 175 mixed racial background participants from an alternative school for pregnant/parenting adolescents. An identifiable pattern of maternal support and conflict among pregnant adolescents was apparent both before and after childbirth. These patterns of support and conflict were meaningfully related to adolescents stress before childbirth but were not related to any of the outcome variables after birth. Both positive and negative changes in maternal support and conflict from the pre- to postnatal period were related to significantly higher levels of all measures of stress and lower levels of self-esteem. These findings have implications for the theoretical literature preventive interventions and public policy relevant to the relationships of teens with their mothers.
Antarctic Geoscience Initiative

Antarctia has recently been described as a continent surrounded by advice. The advice stems from growing realization of the Antarctic's importance in many aspects of globalscale Earth science. This article outlines a U.S. and international initiative to move solid-Earth scientists from an advisory role to one of acquiring new data bearing on the structure and evolution of the ice-covered Antarctic lithosphere. The initiative has marine, airborne, and terrestrial components; plans for all three are underway. Platforms exist for undertaking the work at sea and in the air, but land geophysical techniques need to be adapted to the Antarctic environment. An international workshop to plan modern over-ice geoscience transects will be convened in Washington, D.C., July 19–22 in conjunction with the 28th International Geological Congress (IGC).
The treatment of disabling intermittent claudication in patients with superficial femoral artery occlusive disease--decision analysis.

Objective To determine the preferred approach to superficial femoral artery (SFA) revascularization of Trans-Atlantic Inter-Societal Consensus (TASC) B and C lesions in claudicants requiring intervention based on a review of published data. Design Decision analysis, Markov state transition model. Subjects Hypothetical cohorts of claudicants with TASC B or TASC C superficial femoral artery lesions considered candidates for either angioplasty with selective stenting (PTA/S) or greater saphenous vein bypass (GSVB). Main outcome measure Quality adjusted life years (QALYs). Results For a 65-year-old man with disabling claudication, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and selective stenting (PTA/S) was preferred over GSVB for a TASC B SFA lesion. In an otherwise identical patient with a TASC C lesion, bypass was the preferred therapy. Treating PTA/S failures with subsequent bypass increased the utility of PTA/S but bypass remained the preferred initial therapy for TASC C lesions. Sensitivity analysis showed that PTA/S surpasses bypass efficacy for TASC C lesions if PTA/S primary patency is >32% at 5 years, patient age is >80 years, or GSVB operative mortality is > 6%. Conclusion PTA/S is the preferred initial therapy over GSVB for TASC B SFA lesions in patients with disabling intermittent claudication who require intervention. Given contemporary published outcomes for TASC C lesions, GSVB is the preferred therapy in operative candidates. In elderly patients or patients at high risk for bypass, PTA/S should be considered over GSVB. Improved technology that results in a 5-year primary patency of 32% would also justify PTA/S for TASC C SFA lesions.
Bacterial endophyte communities of two wheatgrass varieties following propagation in different growing media.

Bacterial endophyte communities of two wheatgrass varieties currently being used in the revegetation of military training ranges were studied. Culturable and direct 16S rDNA PCR amplification techniques were used to describe bacterial communities present in Siberian and slender wheatgrass seeds, leaf tissues, and root tissues following propagation in either sand or a peat-based growing mix. Our hypothesis was that the resulting plant endophytic communities would be distinct, showing not only the presence of endophytes originating from the seed but also the characteristics of growth in the two different growing media. Both culture and culture-independent assays showed the likely translocation of Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Gammaproteobacteria from seed to mature plant tissues as well as subsequent colonization by exogenous organisms. Statistical analysis of 16S terminal restriction fragment profiles identified growing media as having a greater significant effect on the formation of the endpoint endophy...
Who is using long-acting reversible contraceptive methods? Findings from nine low-fertility countries.

CONTEXT: Long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods-IUDs and implants-are more effective than other reversible methods yet are little used in the United States. Examining which U.S. women use LARC methods and how they differ from users in other low-fertility countries may help point the way toward increasing use. METHODS: Data from married or cohabiting women participating in the National Survey of Family Growth (2008-2010) and in eight countries Generations and Gender Programme surveys (2004-2010) were used in bivariate and multinomial logistic regression analyses examining LARC use within each setting. RESULTS: The proportion of contraceptive use accounted for by LARC methods was generally greater in Europe (10-32%) than in the United States (10%) and Australia (7%). Compared with LARC use among comparable groups in other countries use was particularly low among U.S. women who were married were aged 40-44 or had had three or more children yet was comparatively high among 18-24-year-olds. Among U.S. women those aged 35-39 or 40-44 were more likely than 18-29-year-olds to rely on sterilization rather than on LARC methods (odds ratios 3.0 and 10.7 respectively) those who had had three or more children were more likely to do so than were those who had had none or one (4.9) and women who had completed college were less likely than those who had not finished high school to do so (0.4). CONCLUSIONS: Certain subgroups of U.S. women may benefit from the reversibility and effectiveness of LARC methods. Copyright (c) 2014 by the Guttmacher Institute.
Toponym extraction and resolution in a digital library

Geospatial metadata enable rich and varied interfaces to digital collections, and present unique challenges and affordances for automated extraction. We describe our findings developing and utilizing a geoparser for the Texas A&M University Libraries' Institutional Repository.
Fast and accurate performance simulation of embedded software for MPSoC

Performance simulation of software for Multiprocessor System-on-a-Chips (MPSoC) suffers from poor tool support. Cycle accurate simulation at Instruction Set Simulation level is too slow and inefficient for any design of realistic size. Behavioral simulation, though useful for functional analysis at high level, does not provide any performance information that is crucial for design and analysis of MPSoC implementations. As a consequence, designers are often reduced to manually annotate performance information onto behavioral models, which contributes further to inefficiency and inaccuracy. In this paper, we use structural performance models to provide fast and accurate simulation of software for MPSoC. We generate structural models automatically using GCC with accurate performance annotation while considering optimizations for instruction selection, branch prediction, and pipeline interlock. Our structural models are able to simulate at several orders of magnitude faster than ISS and provide less than 1% error on performance estimation. These models allow realistic MPSoC design space explorations based on performance characteristics with simulation speed comparable to behavioral simulation. We validate our simulation models with several benchmarks and demonstrate our approach with a design case study of an MPEG-2 decoder.
A SYNTHESIS OF CASE HISTORIES ON GRS BRIDGE-SUPPORTING STRUCTURES WITH FLEXIBLE FACING

Abstract This paper synthesizes the measured behavior and experiences gained from case histories of geosynthetic-reinforced soil (GRS) bridge-supporting structures with “flexible” facings. Only bridge-supporting structures with wrapped-face, modular block face, and rock face are included in the synthesis. The case histories were grouped into two categories: in-service structures and field experiments. Four in-service structures and six full-scale field experiments from the US and abroad were reviewed. All the structures have been instrumented to monitor their performance under applied loads, with some being loaded to failure. The essential features and performance of each case history are briefly described in the paper. A table summarizing the main features of the GRS bridge-supporting structures is also presented. The table shows comparisons of the bridge-supporting structures in terms of wall height, backfill, reinforcement type, reinforcement spacing, facing type and connection, ratio of reinforcement length to wall height, maximum settlement of the loading slab, maximum lateral movement of the wall face, maximum reinforcement strain, and failure surcharge pressure. Based on the measured performance of the case histories, observations are made in relation to performance, design, and construction of GRS bridge-supporting structures.
The Benefits and Satisfaction of Participating in Campus Recreational Sports Facilities and Programs Among Male and Female African American Students: A Pilot Study

The purpose of this study was to assess the benefits and satisfaction of participating in campus recreational sports facilities and programs among male and female African American students. A convenience sample of students from classes in the Department of Health and Human Performance at a small southeastern private historically black college and university was used in the study. The instrument consisted of a modified version of the National Intramural-Recreational Sport Association’s Quality and Importance of Recreational Services Survey. Independent samples t test and analysis of variance were used to test for differences between gender and the benefit of participation questions (α = .05). It was determined that 80% benefitted with communication skills, 79% benefitted with a sense of belonging/association, and 76% benefitted with leadership skills. In terms of gender, 79% of the males benefitted from self-confidence, 90% benefitted with a feeling of physical well being, 78% benefitted with a sense of ac...
Specific Memetic Therapies

Existing formal psychotherapies including counseling are essentially memetic, i.e., memes are transmitted back and forth between the patient and the therapist through the process of talking. Psychotherapies work through meme manipulation in the brain of the patient. Nonspecific aspects of psychotherapy have specific memetic effects including (1) the therapist is ipso facto a role model, a model for imitation in thinking and behavior, a source of memes; (2) during the regular therapy session, the patient feels protected and supported, i.e., the meme pool to which the patient is exposed is benign and protective, and may neutralize the pathogenic memes in the brain; and (3) rational and critical thinking is encouraged during the sessions that enhance the brain’s meme-processing abilities.. Specific psychotherapies including Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy are discussed in memetic terms. Memetics can serve as a unifying concept of all psychotherapies and would lead to the development of new psychotherapeutic concepts and techniques. Such new techniques would include meme-constructive therapies through avatars and virtual psychodrama.
Repaving the Brandeis Way: The Decline of Developmental Property

This essay first examines the several waves of Brandeis scholarship that have marked his reputation as a social activist, thinker and judge. It then asks how Brandeis came to grips with the modem corporation, perhaps the central technological innovation of modem political and economic life. Indeed, the emergence of the large corporation in America near the turn of the century signaled an end to older visions of constitutional democracy. Brandeis, in attempting to reconstruct that vision, played a central role in twentieth century constitutional reform. In concluding, the essay seeks tol explain why Brandeis is significant today and why the modem critique of Brandeis is misplaced. At issue are his prescriptions for corporate regulation and the means he used to promote them.
Growth of Pfeiffer Bacillus in Mixed Culture in Blood-Free Medium

Attempts to grow the Pfeiffer bacillus in a blood-free medium have been made by a number of investigators. The results are quite conflicting. In 1901, Cantani1 reported having grown this micro-organism on plain agar in mixed culture with the gonococcus and with B. diphtheriae. Ghon and von Preyss2 shortly afterward repeated Cantani's work with negative results. Neisser3 claimed to have cultivated the Pfeiffer bacillus on plain agar in mixed culture with B. xerosis for 20 successive generations. Luerssen,4 in attempting to repeat Cantani's work, was unable to confirm his results with living organisms, but obtained abundant growth of the Pfeiffer bacillus on blood-free mediums in the presence of heat killed cultures of staphylococcus, B. prodigiosus, and B. diphtheriae.
Thermo Electrical Characterization of Pyrolyzed Polyfurfuryl Alcohol Nanowires

We present experimental results on the electrical characteristics of carbonaceous nanowires using micro-fabricated two point electrodes. The nanowires (diameter varying from 150 nm to 250 nm, and tens of microns in length) are synthesized by the pyrolysis of polyfurfuryl alcohol (PFA) nanowire precursors. The microstructure of the pyrolyzed nanowire shows predominantly amorphous carbon structure with an increasing degree of graphitization reported in literature at higher pyrolysis temperatures. The effect of the nanowire surface temperature on its resistivity is also characterized. We observe temperature dependence in resistivity and decreasing resistance with increasing temperature which is evidence of semiconducting nature of these carbonaceous nanowires.© 2007 ASME
Effects of a military parenting program on parental distress and suicidal ideation: after deployment adaptive parenting tools

Few studies have examined whether parenting prevention programs might mitigate risk for suicidality in parents, yet parent suicidality is a strong risk factor for offspring suicidality. We report results from a randomized controlled trial of a parenting program for deployed National Guard and Reserve families with a school-aged child. Intent-to-treat analyses showed that random assignment to the parenting program (ADAPT) was associated with improved parenting locus of control (LOC). Improved parenting LOC was concurrently associated with strengthened emotion regulation which predicted reductions in psychological distress and suicidal ideation at 12 months postbaseline. Results are discussed in the context of ongoing efforts to reduce suicide rates in military populations.
Contradictions, Dialectics, and Paradoxes in Organizations: A Constitutive Approach†

This article presents a constitutive approach to the study of organizational contradictions, dialectics, paradoxes, and tensions. In particular, it highlights five constitutive dimensions (i.e., discourse, developmental actions, socio-historical conditions, presence in multiples, and praxis) that appear across the literature in five metatheoretical traditions—process-based systems, structuration, critical, postmodern, and relational dialectics. In exploring these dimensions, it defines and distinguishes among key constructs, links research to process outcomes, and sets forth a typology of alternative ways of responding to organizational tensions. It concludes by challenging researchers to sharpen their focus on time in process studies, privilege emotion in relation to rationality, and explore the dialectic between order and disorder.
Clinical Case #2: Ruth

Ruth is a 64-year-old married attorney who presents with a 7-month history of right-sided lower back and buttock pain. She is being referred to this office by her physical therapist. She had been sent to her physical therapist by her primary care doctor. After 15 sessions of physical therapy, her therapist told her that because she was not making any progress with therapy, she should see a specialist.
ND: YAG nomogram dosimetry scale for the bladder.

Abstract Bowel perforation and damage to surrounding organs is probably the most significant risk with the use of Nd-YAG laser in the bladder. To prevent this unwanted damage, a nomogram dosimetry scale was developed by delivering different settings of laser energy via a cystoscope to 25 female pigs. One week following treatment, exploratory laparotomy and cystectomy were performed. Microscopic analysis of the depth of laser irradiation was accomplished. From this study it was learned that, although the greater the energy delivered, the deeper the tissue damage, this is not uniform. Pulsed energy produced a deeper effect than continuous energy. The use of 30 watts of either pulsed or continuous energy for no longer than 15 seconds (450 joules) or 10 watts of either form of energy for less than 30 seconds (300 joules) did not produce bowel perforation. Other different combinations of high number of watts or pulses translated into transmural necrosis of the bladder with or without perforation and with or without bowel injury. Other factors such as density, thickness, color and temperature of tissue, type and wave length of laser and optimal focusing played a significant role in the final outcome. Useful information for human clinical use may be extrapolated from this experimental model.
Psychologie Consideration of Sex Assignment in Intersexuality

The morphology of the external genitals and their surgical and endocrine modifiability are the most important criteria in the assignment of sex immediately after birth. Sex reassignment, after gender identity has differentiated and become irreversible, is not feasible.
Workflow-Based Approaches to Neuroimaging Analysis

Analysis of functional and structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain images requires a complex sequence of data processing steps to proceed from raw image data to the final statistical tests. Neuroimaging researchers have begun to apply workflow-based computing techniques to automate data analysis tasks. This chapter discusses eight major components of workflow management systems (WFMSs): the workflow description language, editor, task modules, data access, verification, client, engine, and provenance, and their implementation in the Fiswidgets neuroimaging workflow system. Neuroinformatics challenges involved in applying workflow techniques in the domain of neuroimaging are discussed.
On conditional maximum likelihood estimation for INGARCH(p,q) models

Abstract We establish the strong consistency and asymptotic normality of the conditional maximum likelihood estimator (CMLE) for INGARCH ( p , q ) models. Moreover, we develop an efficient algorithm to compute the estimated information matrix of the CMLE so that statistical inferences are readily to be conducted.
Board Certification: Going Back to the Future

The authors present snapshots of board certification in 1916, the year that the American Board of Ophthalmology was founded, 60 years later in 1976 as periodic recertification emerged, and speculation about what certification might look like in 2036. The concept of board certification and continuous certification in the medical specialties took shape at the beginning of the 20th century with the convergence of a new system of assessment, the emergence of certifying boards, and the creation of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). The importance of self-regulation is emphasized as are the principles underlying board certification and the standards that guide it to support its continued relevance as a valued credential and symbol of the highest standard in the practice of medicine.
Numerical Study on Splash Conditions of an Integrated Droplet-type Divertor

A level set method combined with the second-order RKCN projection method for the multiphase incompressible flow was developed and applied to a free surface flow divertor concept. Crank-Nicholson method for the diffusion term was used to eliminate the numerical viscous stability restriction. The high order ENO scheme was used for the convective term to guarantee the accuracy of the method. The results show the numerical methodology is successful in modeling the hydrodynamics of the multiphase flow even if severe surface deformation occurs. Through performing the different conditions of the droplets like size, velocity, inject angle, we give a detail description on the splash conditions of the integrated droplet-type divertor
Catalytic Reduction of 4-Nitrophenol: A Quantitative Assessment of the Role of Dissolved Oxygen in Determining the Induction Time

The reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol by borohydride is one of the foremost model catalytic reactions because it allows for a straightforward assessment of catalysts using the kinetic parameters extracted from the real-time spectroscopic monitoring of an aqueous solution. Crucial to its standing as a model reaction is a comprehensive mechanistic framework able to explain the entire time evolution of the reaction. While much of this framework is in place, there is still much debate over the cause of the induction period, an initial time interval where no reaction seemingly occurs. Here, we report on the simultaneous monitoring of the spectroscopic signal and the dissolved oxygen content within the aqueous solution. It reveals that the induction period is the time interval required for the level of dissolved oxygen to fall below a critical value that is dependent upon whether Au, Ag, or Pd nanoparticles are used as the catalyst. With this understanding, we are able to exert complete control over t...
High diversity and unique composition of gut microbiomes in pygmy (Kogia breviceps) and dwarf (K. sima) sperm whales

Mammals host diverse bacterial and archaeal symbiont communities (i.e. microbiomes) that play important roles in digestive and immune system functioning, yet cetacean microbiomes remain largely unexplored, in part due to sample collection difficulties. Here, fecal samples from stranded pygmy (Kogia breviceps) and dwarf (K. sima) sperm whales were used to characterize the gut microbiomes of two closely-related species with similar diets. 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed diverse microbial communities in kogiid whales dominated by Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. Core symbiont taxa were affiliated with phylogenetic lineages capable of fermentative metabolism and sulfate respiration, indicating potential symbiont contributions to energy acquisition during prey digestion. The diversity and phylum-level composition of kogiid microbiomes differed from those previously reported in toothed whales, which exhibited low diversity communities dominated by Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria. Community structure analyses revealed distinct gut microbiomes in K. breviceps and K. sima, driven by differential relative abundances of shared taxa, and unique microbiomes in kogiid hosts compared to other toothed and baleen whales, driven by differences in symbiont membership. These results provide insight into the diversity, composition and structure of kogiid gut microbiomes and indicate that host identity plays an important role in structuring cetacean microbiomes, even at fine-scale taxonomic levels.
Metabolomic Modularity Analysis (MMA) to Quantify Human Liver Perfusion Dynamics

Large-scale -omics data are now ubiquitously utilized to capture and interpret global responses to perturbations in biological systems, such as the impact of disease states on cells, tissues, and whole organs. Metabolomics data, in particular, are difficult to interpret for providing physiological insight because predefined biochemical pathways used for analysis are inherently biased and fail to capture more complex network interactions that span multiple canonical pathways. In this study, we introduce a nov-el approach coined Metabolomic Modularity Analysis (MMA) as a graph-based algorithm to systematically identify metabolic modules of reactions enriched with metabolites flagged to be statistically significant. A defining feature of the algorithm is its ability to determine modularity that highlights interactions between reactions mediated by the production and consumption of cofactors and other hub metabolites. As a case study, we evaluated the metabolic dynamics of discarded human livers using time-course metabolomics data and MMA to identify modules that explain the observed physiological changes leading to liver recovery during subnormothermic machine perfusion (SNMP). MMA was performed on a large scale liver-specific human metabolic network that was weighted based on metabolomics data and identified cofactor-mediated modules that would not have been discovered by traditional metabolic pathway analyses.
Pharmacokinetics, disposition, and plasma concentrations of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in the horse following topical, oral, and intravenous administration.

Compartmental models were used to investigate the pharmacokinetics of intravenous (i.v.), oral (p.o.), and topical (TOP) administration of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The plasma concentration-time curve following a 15-min i.v. infusion of DMSO was described by a two-compartment model. Median and range of alpha (t1/2α ) and beta (t1/2β ) half-lives were 0.029 (0.026-0.093) and 14.1 (6.6-16.4) hr, respectively. Plasma concentration-time curves of DMSO following p.o. and TOP administration were best described by one-compartment absorption and elimination models. Following the p.o. administration, median absorption (t1/2ab ) and elimination (t1/2e ) half-lives were 0.15 (0.01-0.77) and 15.5 (8.5-25.2) hr, respectively. The plasma concentrations of DMSO were 47.4-129.9 μg/ml, occurring between 15 min and 4 hr. The fractional absorption (F) during a 24-hr period was 47.4 (22.7-98.1)%. Following TOP administrations, the median t1/2ab and t1/2e were 1.2 (0.49-2.3) and 4.5 (2.1-11.0) hr, respectively. Plasma concentrations were 1.2-8.2 μg/ml occurring at 2-4 hr. Fractional absorption following TOP administration was 0.48 (0.315-4.4)% of the dose administered. Clearance (Cl) of DMSO following the i.v. administration was 3.2 (2.2-6.7) ml hr-1 kg-1 . The corrected clearances (ClF ) for p.o. and TOP administrations were 2.9 (1.1-5.5) and 4.5 (0.52-18.2) ml hr-1 kg-1 .
Neural Stem Cells Derived Directly from Adipose Tissue

Neural stem cells (NSCs) are characterized as self-renewing cell populations with the ability to differentiate into the multiple tissue types of the central nervous system. These cells can differen...
Communists and American Farmers in the 1920s

On 28 April 1921, New York police and Bureau of Investigation agents raided a Greenwich Village studio, arresting several people and seizing a large cache of Communist documents. The raid was repor...
Phase I trial of plerixafor combined with decitabine in newly diagnosed older patients with acute myeloid leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemia carries a dismal prognosis in older patients. The objective of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of decitabine combined with the CXCR4 antagonist plerixafor in newly diagnosed older patients with acute myeloid leukemia and to evaluate the effects of plerixafor on leukemia stem cells. Patients were treated with monthly cycles of decitabine 20 mg/m2 days 1-10 and escalating doses of plerixafor (320-810 mcg/kg) days 1-5. Sixty-nine patients were treated, with an overall response rate of 43%. Adverse karyotype did not predict response (P=0.31). Prior hypomethylating agent treatment was the strongest independent predictor of adverse overall survival (hazard ratio 3.1; 95%CI: 1.3-7.3; P=0.008) and response (14% in previously treated patients, 46% in treatment naive; P=0.002). As expected, the most common toxicities were myelosuppression and infection. Plerixafor induced mobilization of leukemia stem and progenitor cells, but did not cause clinically significant hyperleukocytosis. Reduction in leukemia stem cells appeared to correlate with duration of response. Plerixafor can be safely added to decitabine in poor-prognosis, elderly acute myeloid leukemia patients. The maximum tolerated dose of the combination was 810 mcg/kg. While mobilization of leukemia stem cells was observed in some patients, the clinical benefit of adding plerixafor was uncertain. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov identifier: 01352650.
Divergent Roles of Antiself Antibodies during Infection

Antiself antibodies are most commonly associated with autoimmune disorders, but a large body of evidence indicates that they are also present in numerous infectious diseases. These autoimmune antibodies appear transiently during infection with a number of viruses, bacteria, and parasites and in some cases have been associated with the development of autoimmune disorders that develop after infection has been cleared. Traditionally these infection-associated autoantibodies are considered an erroneous byproduct of a legitimate immune response, but their possible role in the clearance of microbes and infected cells or inhibition of host-cell invasion suggests that they may be present because of their beneficial protective role against various infections.
Introductory Remarks on Quadratic Forms

The essential features of class field theory, in retrospect, were apparent as early as 1800 in Gauss’s theory of quadratic forms.
American Soil and Water Conservation Policy

The early history of United States conservation policy demonstrates U.S. policies were governed by a commitment to support agriculture’s expansion and to create a more equitable economic base for the nation. Institutions such as The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), enacted in 1933, embodied and reflected this commitment. Until recently traditional conservation programs were immune from criticism. However, changes in public attitudes are challenging these programs. The current policy encourages the design of natural resource programs in such a manner as to be more sensitive to public goals of improved environmental quality.
Malignant Solitary Fibrous Tumor of the Renal Vein Presenting as a Giant Renal Artery Aneurysm: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Objectives. To discuss an unusual presentation of solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) as well as the first description of SFT originating from the renal vein. Case Report. In this article, we report the case of a 56-year-old man who presented with nonspecific epigastric pain and was found on computed tomography to have a large 10-cm renal artery aneurysm with evidence of contained rupture, segmental ischemia of the kidney, and suggestion of renal vein thrombosis. This was treated by a multidisciplinary team of urologists, vascular surgeons, and interventional radiologists with both renal artery coil embolization and radical nephrectomy. The thrombosis was found on pathologic review to be a malignant SFT originating from the renal vein with likely erosion into the renal artery. Conclusion. This report describes the first case of SFT originating from the renal vein and demonstrates the potential for mimicry as a giant renal artery aneurysm.
Discovery of Immunologically Inspired Small Molecules That Target the Viral Envelope Protein.

Dengue virus is a major human pathogen that infects over 390 million people annually leading to approximately 500 000 hospitalizations due to severe dengue. Since the only marketed vaccine, Dengvax...
Diffusion of Proteins across Silica Colloidal Crystals

We studied the diffusion of three model proteins, lysozyme (Lz), bovine hemoglobin (BHb), and bovine serum albumin (BSA), normal to the (111) plane of sintered silica colloidal crystals with three different pore “radii” (7.5, 19, and 27 nm). We demonstrated that these colloidal crystals exhibit size selectivity when the nanopores are sufficiently small (7.5 and 19 nm). Because these nanopores are still larger than the diffusing proteins, the observed size selectivity can be attributed to the tortuosity of the colloidal nanopores. Larger (27 nm) nanopores led to higher transport rates but at the cost of selectivity. In addition to the size selectivity, we also demonstrated that 19 nm nanopores possess shape selectivity for the proteins of comparable molecular weights. We showed that the high temperature sintering required for the preparation of sintered colloidal crystals reduces the extent of interactions between the proteins and the nanopore surface, which appear to play a minor role in the diffusion, an...
Geoengineering in context

Geoengineering is unproven and risky. Social science scholars explain why some are still investing in and pursuing geoengineering to address climate change, and the consequences this has for alternatives.
Examining the Implementation of Play Streets: A Systematic Review of the Grey Literature.

Context Outdoor play has been described as essential for healthy childhood development. Lack of safety is one barrier to children participating in outdoor play. Play Streets are an intervention to help increase outdoor play by temporarily closing public streets (closures are recurring or episodic) to traffic, creating a safe place for active play. Objective This systematic grey literature review aimed to examine and describe what is known about implementing Play Streets using the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance) framework, which is widely used in implementation research. Design A systematic search for and review of nonacademic, or grey, literature was conducted using Academic Search Complete, Google Scholar, and a general Google search. Eligibility criteria Included literature was published in English, through December 2017, in nonacademic sources (ie, organizational/grant/municipal reports, newspapers, conference presentations, previous intervention advertisement materials, Web-based articles) or found in reference lists of academic articles about Play Streets, Pop-up Parks, or Open Streets/Ciclovias with a Play Street component. Study selection Resources were selected that documented Play Streets, which are defined as recurring or episodic temporary street closures to traffic that provide the public with a no-cost, safe space to actively play and be physically active. These approaches are designed primarily for youth and may include various marked play areas, loose equipment, and/or group activities. Main outcome measures RE-AIM measures guided data extraction. Results Of the 36 articles composing the final sample, 100% reported on implementation, although the level of detail varied. Only 14 of 36 articles reported measures of effectiveness; limited information was provided for other RE-AIM components. Conclusions In the grey literature, there are several inconsistencies in how the implementation of Play Streets is reported and level of detail. Specific details regarding implementing and evaluating Play Streets are needed to support widespread replication.
Historically Black Colleges and Universities, STEM Education, and the Pursuit for Legitimacy?.

In this study, we explore Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and the ‘legitimated procedures’ of increasing capacity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) ed...
The Good, the Bad and the Unknown of CD38 in the Metabolic Microenvironment and Immune Cell Functionality of Solid Tumors.

The regulation of the immune microenvironment within solid tumors has received increasing attention with the development and clinical success of immune checkpoint blockade therapies, such as those that target the PD-1/PD-L1 axis. The metabolic microenvironment within solid tumors has proven to be an important regulator of both the natural suppression of immune cell functionality and the de novo or acquired resistance to immunotherapy. Enzymatic proteins that generate immunosuppressive metabolites like adenosine are thus attractive targets to couple with immunotherapies to improve clinical efficacy. CD38 is one such enzyme. While the role of CD38 in hematological malignancies has been extensively studied, the impact of CD38 expression within solid tumors is largely unknown, though most current data indicate an immunosuppressive role for CD38. However, CD38 is far from a simple enzyme, and there are several remaining questions that require further study. To effectively treat solid tumors, we must learn as much about this multifaceted protein as possible—i.e., which infiltrating immune cell types express CD38 for functional activities, the most effective CD38 inhibitor(s) to employ, and the influence of other similarly functioning enzymes that may also contribute towards an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Gathering knowledge such as this will allow for intelligent targeting of CD38, the reinvigoration of immune functionality and, ultimately, tumor elimination.
Surveillance Colonoscopy in Older Stage I Colon Cancer Patients and the Association With Colon Cancer-Specific Mortality.

Objectives Guideline-issuing groups differ regarding the recommendation that patients with stage I colon cancer receive surveillance colonoscopy after cancer-directed surgery. This observational comparative effectiveness study was conducted to evaluate the association between surveillance colonoscopy and colon cancer-specific mortality in early stage patients. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database combined with Medicare claims. Surveillance colonoscopy was assessed as a time-varying exposure up to 5 years after cancer-directed surgery with the following groups: no colonoscopy, one colonoscopy, and ≥ 2 colonoscopies. Inverse probability of treatment weighting was used to balance covariates. The time-dependent Cox regression model was used to obtain inverse probability of treatment weighting-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs), with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for 5- and 10-year colon cancer, other cancer, and noncancer causes of death. Results There were 8,783 colon cancer cases available for analysis. Overall, compared with patients who received one colonoscopy, the no colonoscopy group experienced an increased rate of 10-year colon cancer-specific mortality (HR = 1.63; 95% CI 1.31-2.04) and noncancer death (HR = 1.36; 95% CI 1.25-1.49). Receipt of ≥ 2 colonoscopies was associated with a decreased rate of 10-year colon cancer-specific death (HR = 0.60; 95% CI 0.45-0.79), other cancer death (HR = 0.68; 95% CI 0.53-0.88), and noncancer death (HR = 0.69; 95% CI 0.62-0.76). Five-year cause-specific HRs were similar to 10-year estimates. Discussion These results support efforts to ensure that stage I patients undergo surveillance colonoscopy after cancer-directed surgery to facilitate early detection of new and recurrent neoplastic lesions.
Earnings management strategies for meeting or beating expectations

Abstract In this study, we dispel several popular notions regarding the meeting or beating expectations/thresholds (MBE) phenomenon that permeates the research design of many empirical papers. First, MBE is not unequivocally associated with aggressive earnings management. Second, MBE does not necessarily obfuscate the truth. Third, MBE may be consistent with the well-documented reporting strategy of smoothing. Specifically, we characterize the reporting strategy of firms that engage in MBE in a two-period game. Some firms value MBE in the first period more than in the second (short-run firms), and other firms are less concerned with missing a threshold in the first period but must meet or beat expectations in the second (long-run firms). The analysis yields additional insights: we also show that MBE, by a small amount, is driven by the demand for a truth-revealing report, since the extremely small margin is designed to vary with the truth. In addition, MBE explains the richness of the menu of reporting strategies (“taking a bath,” “cookie-jar reserve,” and marginal threshold beating). Moreover, MBE is good news when the firm is a long-run MBE firm because it signals that the firm will also meet or beat expectations in the future. Finally, MBE has a favorable economic effect, as it induces boards of directors to incentivize managers to expend more effort.
Desire and the Politics of Africanfuturism

We do not want to rule, colonize, conquer or take. We just want a home. What is it you want? —Okorafor, Lagoon, 2014You know the story, as they tell it. The aliens arrive, bringing confusion an...