cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Detection of H5 and H9 subtype avian influenza viruses isolated at various sites in Shiyan city,2012

Objective To explore the distribution of H5 and H9 subtype avian influenza viruses in Shiyan city of Hubei province and to provide evidence for prevention and control of avian influenza. Methods Totally 302 samples were collected from five different typical sites with poultry exposure quarterly in Shiyan in 2012,and then the samples were detected with real-time PCR methods. The data were analyzed with SPSS 17. 0. Results The detection rate of influenza A virus( Flu A) was 26. 82%( 81 /302) for the 5 sites,with the detection rate of 5. 96%( 18 /302) for H5 subtype and 17. 88%( 54 /302) for H9 subtype. There was a significant difference in the distribution of H5 and H9 subtype( χ2= 6. 0,P = 0. 014).The positive rate of Flu A of the samples was 64. 91%( 37) for rural live poultry markets,58. 58%( 43) for poultry slaughtering and processing factories,1. 69%( 1) for wild migratory bird habitats,respectively,and there were no Flu A positive samples detected for household free-range poultry farms and large poultry farms. The detection rates of H5 subtype were lower than that of H9 subtype obviously for rural live poultry markets and large poultry slaughtering factories( χ2= 7. 784,P ﹤0. 05; χ2= 21. 564,P ﹤ 0. 05). The detection rates of Flu A,H5,H9 were affected by the type of the sample and seasonal time of the sampling. Conclusion H9 subtype is a dominant avian influenza virus strain in the five sites with poultry exposure in Shiyan city,and urban and rural live poultry markets and poultry slaughtering and processing factories are key sites to be monitored for the control of avian influenza.
Prediabetes in a nursing facility patient with renal insufficiency.

OBJECTIVES Prediabetes encompasses a variety of abnormalities, including impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, and metabolic syndrome. Prediabetes also increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by 3- to 10-fold, but the complications associated with hyperglycemia begin early in the patient's progression from normal glucose levels to diabetes. Early identification and treatment of prediabetes has the potential to reduce or delay progression to overt diabetes, to preempt related cardiovascular and microvascular disease, and to significantly improve morbidity and mortality. This clinical review provides a vehicle to examine management of prediabetes in patients 65 years of age and older, including diagnostic criteria and recommendations for management. DATA SOURCES Live symposium presentation based on clinical practice and research, medical literature, and studies published between May 1999 and March 2010 on managing diabetes in older adults, government statistics, and medical society guidelines. CONCLUSIONS Effective prediabetes management is important to reducing the risk of progression to T2DM. Recommended first-line therapy is lifestyle modification that may include exercise, nutritional therapy, and weight loss. Pharmacological therapies, when indicated, can aid in improving glucose, blood pressure, and lipid parameters in this patient subgroup.
Primary surgical repair of aorticopulmonary septal defect with coarctation of the aorta

Two infants with aorticopulmonary septal defect (APSD) and coarctation of the aorta (CoA) underwent primary surgical repair and their aortic arches were reconstructed in a manner of end-to-end anastomosis. One of the cases, 4-day-old girl and Type I of Mori's classification, underwent Sandwich patch closure of the communicating vessel. The other, 40-day-old girl and Type III, underwent division of he communicating vessel. Aortic wall was primarily closed and pulmonary artery was reconstructed with a pericardial patch. Both survived the surgery, and are well without medication at 13 and 14 postoperative months. Interrupted aortic arch is commonly known as the associated aortic arch anomaly of APSD, and to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of CoA as the associated anomaly of APSD. Whichever the anomaly of the aortic arch, early diagnosis and primary surgical repair in the early ages are urgently needed for favorable outcome of the patient.
Defect reduction with CMP pad dressing optimization

CMP is regarded as a process to remove material from wafer surface. And lots of mixture will be created from polishing interface. Consumables, such like pad, retainer ring, dresser and membrane will be consumed during polishing. Furthermore, abrasive, slurry chemicals and wafer surface material will have some specific interaction through well designed chemistry, which produced lots of by-products. These un-expected pollutants from consumable consumed and chemical reactions during polishing will generate defects on wafer surface, such like scratch, pits or others. This study introduces an advanced opinion to ease defect generated. We found pad dressing parameter is a highly correlation factor to post CMP defects. Over dressing condition will shorten pad life time and also create more particles in the polishing interface to cause defects on the wafer. Under dressing condition will get an unstable removal rate and uniformity through pad life time. We had found out a sweet spot for defects reductions with BSL (baseline) RR (removal rate) and uniformity retained with dressing recipe optimized.
Can antibiotics cause a psychosis?: Case report and review of the literature

It is relatively unknown that some of the possible side effects of antibiotic treatment can be transient psychotic episodes and other encephalopathies such as seizure disorders. Since these are rare events, there have not been many studies about them, nor is there a clear understanding of the underlying basis for these symptoms. This phenomenon was recently brought to our attention by a patient whose case history is discussed here. For the past few years, he has been diagnosed at different times with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder with psychosis, temporal lobe epilepsy, and psychogenic nonepileptic seizures. He was seen by a neurologist and placed on carbamazepine, which by his admittance helped him tremendously. During this same time period, psychiatrists placed him on various antipsychotic medications as well. The patient researched many medical conditions and came to the conclusion that his symptoms are caused by a large dose of an "antibiotic" given to him on his first day of basic training for the military, the so called "peanut butter shot", although he has not been able to convince his physicians of this theory. Whether or not this patient has a chronic schizophrenia-like illness or an adverse reaction to antibiotics, this case is presented so that clinicians are aware that neurological and psychiatric side effects can occur as rare reactions to antibiotic therapy and that treatment with an anti-seizure drug concurrently used as a mood stabilizer may be warranted in such cases.
Effects of dc electric fields on multiphoton ionization of rubidium atoms at low and high densities

Multiphoton ionization (MPI) of rubidium atoms at both low (atomic beam) and high (heat pipe) densities is studied using a tunable OPO laser. At high Rb densities ionization of the laser excited ns, np, and nd states occurs both through photoionization and collisional ionization. Excitation of the np states is found to be induced by the external electric field at both low and high densities. In addition, np signal is also seen at very low (E→0) fields in the heat pipe, providing evidence for collision mixing as well as field mixing. At low densities, signal for the high np states initially increases with applied field, but soon saturates (i.e. becomes field independent) while the signal for high nd states decreases with increasing field. At low Rb densities strong resonance features are observed in the energy region between the zero field limit (IP) and the field ionization limit. These features, as well as the field ionization threshold, are found to be dependent upon the angle between the laser polariza...
Softening Among U.S. Smokers With Psychological Distress: More Quit Attempts and Lower Consumption as Smoking Drops

Introduction It has been argued that as smoking prevalence declines, the remaining smokers represent a “hard core” who are unwilling or unable to quit, a process known as hardening. However, as recently shown, the general smoking population is softening not hardening (i.e., as prevalence falls, more quit attempts and lower consumption among continuing smokers). People with psychological distress smoke more, so they may represent hard-core smokers. Methods Using cross-sectional time series analysis, in 2016–2017 changes in quit attempts and cigarette consumption were evaluated over 19 years among smokers with serious psychological distress (Kessler-6 score ≥13) based on the National Health Interview Survey (1997–2015), controlling for sociodemographic variables. Results People with psychological distress had higher smoking prevalence and consumed more cigarettes/day than people without distress. The percentage of those with at least one quit attempt was higher among those with psychological distress. The increase in quit attempts over time was similar among smokers in each of the distress levels. For every 10 years, the OR of a quit attempt increased by a factor of 1.13 (95% CI=1.02, 1.24, p p Conclusions Although smoking more heavily than the general population, smokers with psychological distress, like the general population, are softening over time. To improve health outcomes and increase health equity, tobacco control policies should continue moving all subgroups of smokers down these softening curves, while simultaneously incorporating appropriately tailored quitting help into mental health settings.
Cerebral Blood Flow Following Hybrid Stage I Palliation in Infants with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome.

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) palliation may result in altered cerebral blood flow with subsequent neurodevelopmental implications. The purpose of the study was to assess blood flow in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and investigate the relationship with early neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants with HLHS after hybrid stage I. Transcranial Doppler (TCD) was performed to obtain peak systolic, end-diastolic, and mean velocities, as well as pulsatility index of the MCA in infants with HLHS (n = 18) at baseline and at 2, 4, and 6 months of age. Developmental assessment was performed at 6 months of age. Results of TCD and development were compared to healthy control subjects (n = 6) and normative data. Overall, peak systolic velocity (p = 0.0031), end-diastolic velocity (p < 0.0001), and mean velocity (p < 0.0001) were significantly lower and pulsatility index (p = 0.0011) significantly higher in the HLHS group compared to the control group. A significant increase in change over time was noted for peak systolic velocity (p < 0.0016) and mean velocity (p < 0.0046). There was no significant correlation between TCD variables and development scores. TCD values in 5–6 months old infants with HLHS who undergo hybrid stage I palliation had consistently lower blood flow velocities than control infants; however, pulsatility index was slightly higher. No correlation between TCD measurements and measures of cognitive, language, and motor skills were noted.
Sometimes they mean what they say: understanding violence among domestic extremists

This project aims at predictors of violence among domestic extremist organizations, which historically have received sparse investigative attention, especially in regard to violent rhetoric. The Un...
Bunching phase and constraints on echo enabled harmonic generation

A simple mathematical description is developed for the bunching spectrum in echo enabled harmonic generation (EEHG) that incorporates the effect of additional electron beam energy modulations. Under common assumptions, they are shown to contribute purely through the phase of the longitudinal bunching factor, which allows the spectral moments of the bunching to be calculated directly from the known energy modulations. In particular, the second moment (spectral bandwidth) serves as simple constraint on the amplitude of the energy modulations to maintain a transform-limited seed. We show that, in general, the impact on the spectrum of energy distortions that develop between the EEHG chicanes scales like the harmonic number compared to distortions that occur upstream. This may limit the parameters that will allow EEHG to reach short wavelengths in high brightness FELs.
A common framework for theories of Norm compliance

Humans often comply with social norms, but the reasons why are disputed. Here, we unify a variety of influential explanations in a common decision framework, and identify the precise cognitive variables that norms might alter to induce compliance. Specifically, we situate current theories of norm compliance within the reinforcement learning framework, which is widely used to study value-guided learning and decision-making. This framework offers an appealingly precise language to distinguish between theories, highlights the various points of convergence and divergence, and suggests novel ways in which norms might penetrate our psychology.
Variational asymptotic homogenization of finitely deformed heterogeneous elastomers

Abstract The objective of this paper is to develop a micromechanics approach to the homogenization and macroscopic stability analysis of finitely deformed heterogeneous elastomers . An Euler–Newton predictor–corrector method is developed for homogenization. It consists of an Euler predictor and a Newton corrector step. Each step involves formulating a variational statement using the variational asymptotic method , discretizing the statement in a finite-dimensional space, and solving the problem using an Euler/multilevel Newton method . An explicit expression for the effective tangent stiffness is obtained in the Euler predictor step and then used for macroscopic stability analysis. The present approach is validated (1) by homogenizing long fiber- and short fiber-reinforced elastomers undergoing uniaxial, biaxial, or shear deformation and (2) by predicting the onset-of-failure curves of porous elastomers with square and hexagonal arrangements of cylindrical voids, undergoing transverse biaxial compression. The present approach is found to be capable of handling various microstructures and complex loading conditions. Different failure modes are found to compete for material failure. More sophisticated hyperelastic material models can be implemented in the present approach.
Accurate optical constants for liquids in the near-infrared:Improved methods for obtaining the n and k constants from 1 to 4 µm

Other than open bodies of water, bulk liquids are rarely encountered in the environment. Rather, liquids are typically found as aerosols, liquid droplets, or liquid layers on sundry substrates: glass, concrete, metals, etc. The layers can be of varying thicknesses, from micron-level to millimeter thick deposits. The infrared (IR) reflectance spectra of such deposits vary greatly, approximating the bulk reflectance for thicker deposits and for thinner layers on reflective surfaces, producing “transflectance” spectra that more closely replicate simple transmission of the IR light twice traversing the absorptive medium. Rather than recording large numbers of such spectra to serve as endmembers of a spectral reflectance library, we have recognized that the spectra can be modeled so long as the complex optical constants n(ν) and k(ν) are known as a function of frequency, ν. Here n is the real (dispersion) part and k is the imaginary (absorption) component of the complex index of refraction. However, in many cases the bands in the longwave IR (7 to 13 μm) can become saturated, and better signal-to-noise and specificity can be realized at shorter wavelengths. In earlier studies, we obtained the n/k values from 1.28 to 25 μm for a series of liquids, but are now expanding those measurements to include additional liquid species and extending the spectral range to lower wavelengths. In this paper we describe the methodologies for compiling and fusing the two data sets collected to provide better and more complete spectral coverage from 1 to 25 μm (10,000 to 400 cm-1 ). The broad spectral range means that one needs to account for both strong and weak spectral features, all of which can be useful for detection, depending on the scenario. To account for the large dynamic range, both long and short path length transmission cells are required for accurate measurements.
UV-vis action spectroscopy and structures of hydrogen-rich 2′-deoxycytidine dinucleotide cation radicals. A difficult case

Abstract Hydrogen-rich cation radicals of 2′-deoxycytidine dinucleotide, (dCC + 2H)+●, were generated by electron transfer dissociation of their doubly charged complexes with crown ethers and found to be stable in the gas phase. The (dCC + 2H)+● ions were calculated to be formed with ca. 280 kJ mol-1 internal energy that was rapidly dissipated below a 130 kJ mol-1 energy threshold for the lowest-energy dissociation by loss of water. UV-vis action spectroscopy was applied to monitor several photodissociation channels of (dCC + 2H)+● and to compose spectra that showed distinct absorption bands at 220, 270, 290, and 350 nm, and a broad featureless band at 500-700 nm. UV-vis action spectra were also obtained for the (dCC ‒ H2O + 2H)+● cation radical that showed bands at 225, 270, 330, 430, and 530 nm. Born-Oppenheimer molecular dynamics and density functional theory (DFT) calculations were employed to generate a complete set of tautomeric (dCC + crown + 2H)2+ precursor dications and identify the lowest-energy structures in the gas phase and aqueous solution that were the cytosine N-3-H tautomers. Calculations also indicated that cytosine cations and radicals in the lowest-energy (dCC + 2H)+● ions were N-3-H tautomers. Absorption spectra of several (dCC + 2H)+● tautomers were obtained by time-dependent DFT calculations that provided a limited match with the action spectrum. In contrast, a satisfactory match was obtained for the action and absorption spectra of (dCC ‒ H2O + 2H)+● fragment ions. (dCC + 2H)+● represents a difficult case because of a multitude of cation and radical tautomers to be analyzed and the propensity for consecutive photofragment dissociation upon photon absorption.
Implementation of a Real-Time Ultrasonic Saft System for Inspection of Nuclear Reactor Components

In recent years, the Pacific Northwest Laboratory has been developing the Synthetic Aperture Focusing Technique for Ultrasonic Testing (SAFT-UT) for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The program objective has been to develop and validate the SAFT-UT technology for inservice inspection of nuclear power plant components. This technique utilizes the full three-dimensional SAFT algorithm computed in the time domain. The project has included development of a field-usable, real-time SAFT-UT imaging system, and also enhancement of the SAFT-UT algorithm to achieve real-time rates. This paper discusses techniques that have been employed to achieve these goals, including a description of the system, system performance data, and a discussion of a real-time SAFT processor peripheral device for performing the computer-intensive SAFT algorithm computations. An overall view of the SAFT-UT system itself will also be discussed.
Strategies in adjusting for multiple comparisons: A primer for pediatric surgeons.

Abstract Background/Purpose In pediatric surgery research, the issue of multiple comparisons commonly arises when there are multiple patient or experimental groups being compared two at a time on an outcome of interest. Performing multiple statistical comparisons increases the likelihood of finding a false positive result when there truly are no statistically significant group differences (falsely rejecting the null hypothesis when it is true). In order to control for the risk of false positive results, there are several statistical approaches that surgeons should consider in collaboration with a biostatistician when performing a study that is prone to the issue of false discovery related to multiple comparisons. It is becoming increasingly more common for high impact journals to require authors to carefully consider multiplicity in their studies. Therefore, the objective of this primer is to provide surgeons with a useful guide and recommendations on how to go about taking multiple comparisons into account to keep false positive results at an acceptable level. Methods We provide background on the issue of multiple comparisons and risk of type I error and guidance on statistical approaches (i.e. multiple comparisons procedures) that can be implemented to control the type I false positive error rate based on the statistical analysis plan. These include, but are not limited to, the Bonferroni correction, the False Discovery Rate (FDR) approach, Tukey's procedure, Scheffe's procedure, Holm's procedure, and Dunnett's procedure. Results We present the results of the various approaches following one-way analysis of the variance (ANOVA) using a hypothetical surgical research example of the comparison between three experimental groups of rats on skin defect coverage for experimental spina bifida: the TRASCET group, sham control, and saline control. The ultimate decision in accounting for multiple comparisons is situation-dependent and surgeons should work with their statistical colleagues to ensure the best approach for controlling the type I error rate and interpreting the evidence when making multiple inferences and comparisons. Conclusions The risk of rejecting the null hypothesis increases when multiple hypotheses are tested using the same data. Surgeons should be aware of the available approaches and considerations to take into account multiplicity in the statistical plan or protocol of their clinical and basic science research studies. This strategy will improve their study design and ensure the most appropriate analysis of their data. Not adjusting for multiple comparisons can lead to misleading presentation of evidence to the surgical research community because of exaggerating treatment differences or effects. Type of study Review article. Level of evidence N/A
Chapter 1 – SIGNAL ANALYSIS

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on signal analysis. Signal analysis, and most of communication theory, is a mathematical science. Probability theory and transform analysis techniques form the backbone of all communication theory. Both of these disciplines fall within the realm of mathematics. The chapter discusses some of the common properties of orthogonal vector spaces. The generation of the Fourier series representation of a function can prove to be a trivial application of the principles of orthogonal function spaces. Two vectors are said to be orthogonal to each other if their dot product is zero. A waveform can be recovered from its sample values provided that the conditions of the sampling theorem are not violated in producing the sampled waveform. All signals of interest in real life possess Fourier Transforms that are approximately zero above some frequency. No physical device can transmit infinitely high frequencies as all wires contain inductance and all circuits contain parasitic capacitances. All signals of interest have Fourier transforms that are essentially zero above some cut off frequency.
Hepatocellular carcinoma tumour volume doubling time: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Tumour growth patterns have important implications for surveillance intervals, prognostication and treatment decisions but have not been well described for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of our study was to characterise HCC doubling time and identify correlates for indolent and rapid growth patterns. Methods We performed a systematic literature review of Medline and EMBASE databases from inception to December 2019 and national meeting abstracts from 2010 to 2018. We identified studies reporting HCC tumour growth or tumour volume doubling time (TVDT), without intervening treatment, and abstracted data to calculate TVDT and correlates of growth patterns (rapid defined as TVDT 9 months). Pooled TVDT was calculated using a random-effects model. Results We identified 20 studies, including 1374 HCC lesions in 1334 patients. The pooled TVDT was 4.6 months (95% CI 3.9 to 5.3 months I2=94%), with 35% classified as rapid, 27.4% intermediate and 37.6% indolent growth. In subgroup analysis, studies from Asia reported shorter TVDT than studies elsewhere (4.1 vs 5.8 months). The most consistent correlates of rapid tumour growth included hepatitis B aetiology, smaller tumour size (continuous), alpha fetoprotein doubling time and poor tumour differentiation. Studies were limited by small sample sizes, measurement bias and selection bias. Conclusion TVDT of HCC is approximately 4–5 months; however, there is heterogeneity in tumour growth patterns, including more aggressive patterns in Asian hepatitis B-predominant populations. Identifying correlates of tumour growth patterns is important to better individualise HCC prognostication and treatment decisions.
Re-weighting of Vector-weighted Mechanisms for Utility Maximization under Differential Privacy

We present practical aspects of implementing a pseudo posterior synthesizer for microdata dissemination under a new re-weighting strategy for utility maximization. Our re-weighting strategy applies to any vector-weighting approach under which a vector of observation-indexed weight are used to downweight likelihood contributions for high disclosure risk records. We demonstrate our method on two different vector-weighted schemes that target high-risk records by exponentiating each of their likelihood contributions with a record-indexed weight, $\alpha_i \in [0,1]$ for record $i \in (1,\ldots,n)$. We compute the overall Lipschitz bound, $\Delta_{\bm{\alpha},\mathbf{x}}$, for the database $\mathbf{x}$, under each vector-weighted scheme where a local $\epsilon_{x} = 2\Delta_{\bm{\alpha},\mathbf{x}}$. Our new method for constructing record-indexed downeighting maximizes the data utility under any privacy budget for the vector-weighted synthesizers by adjusting the by-record weights, $(\alpha_{i})_{i = 1}^{n}$, such that their individual Lipschitz bounds, $\Delta_{\bm{\alpha},x_{i}}$, approach the bound for the entire database, $\Delta_{\bm{\alpha},\mathbf{x}}$. We illustrate our methods using simulated count data with and without over-dispersion-induced skewness and compare the results to a scalar-weighted synthesizer under the Exponential Mechanism (EM). We demonstrate our pDP result in a simulation study and our methods on a sample of the Survey of Doctorate Recipients.
The Microbiome Revolution Turns to Cholesterol

The story of twentieth century biomedical breakthroughs could be told through cholesterol. Revolutions in genetics, molecular biology, genomics, and antibody-based therapies defined cholesterol’s impact on human health and cholesterol-lowering strategies. In this issue, Kenny et al. (2020) bring a key twenty-first century biomedical development—the microbiome revolution—to cholesterol.
Effects of minor alloying on the mechanical properties of Al based metallic glasses

Abstract Minor alloying is widely used to control mechanical properties of metallic glasses (MGs). The present understanding of how a small amount of alloying element changes strength is that the additions lead to more efficient packing of atoms and increased local topological order, which then increases the barrier for shear transformations and the resistance to plastic deformation. Here, we discover that minor alloying can improve the strength of MGs by increasing the chemical bond strength alone and show that this strengthening is distinct from changes in topological order. The results were obtained using Al–Sm based MGs minor alloyed with transition metals (TMs). The addition of TMs led to an increase in the hardness of the MGs which, however, could not be explained based on changes in the topological ordering in the structure. Instead we found that it was the strong bonding between TM and Al atoms which led to a higher resistance to shear transformation that resulted in higher strength and hardness, while the topology around the TM atoms had no influence on their mechanical response. This finding demonstrates that the effects of topology and chemistry on mechanical properties of MGs are independent of each other and that they should be understood as separate, sometimes competing mechanisms of strengthening. This understanding lays a foundation for design of MGs with improved mechanical properties.
Acute Effects of High-Intensity Interval Exercise While Wearing a Sauna Suit on Energy Expenditure and Excess Post-exercise Oxygen Consumption.

Matthews, ARD, Astorino, TA, Crocker, GH, and Sheard, AC. Acute effects of high-intensity interval exercise while wearing a sauna suit on energy expenditure and excess post-exercise oxygen consumption. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2020-The use of sauna suits has increased because of claims that they enhance weight loss and increase body temperature during exercise. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine changes in energy expenditure (EE) and excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) in response to high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) while wearing a sauna suit. Twelve recreationally active men and women age = (28.7 ± 6.0 years) initially completed assessment of resting metabolic rate and maximal oxygen uptake. On two separate days, subjects completed HIIE consisting of ten 1-minute intervals at 85% peak power output, both with and without a sauna suit. Oxygen consumption, heart rate, and core temperature were continuously measured during and 1 hour after exercise. Energy expenditure during (285 ± 57 kcal vs. 271 ± 58 kcal) and post-exercise (123 ± 30 kcal vs. 113 ± 16 kcal) was significantly higher (p = 0.025) with a sauna suit than without a sauna suit. However, EPOC (6.19 ± 4.46 L of O2 vs. 4.25 ± 3.36 L of O2; p = 0.05) was not significantly different 1 hour after exercise, and core temperature was similar (p = 0.62) between conditions. Fat oxidation was significantly increased for 60 minutes after HIIE with a sauna suit (p = 0.009). Wearing a sauna suit during HIIE elicits greater EE vs. not wearing a sauna suit, but the increase of 23 kcal may not benefit weight loss.
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene polymorphisms predict pelvic recurrence in patients with rectal cancer treated with chemoradiation

4747 An association between epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway and response of cancer cells to ionizing radiation has been reported. Recently, a variant EGFR gene that has an arginine-to-lysine substitution in the extracellular domain at codon 497 within subdomain IV of EGFR has been identified. In vitro studies show that the variant EGFR (HER1-497K) has attenuated functions in ligand binding, growth stimulation, tyrosine kinase activation and induction of protooncogenes MYC, FOS and JUN. A (CA)n repeat polymorphism in intron 1 of the EGFR gene that alters EGFR expression in-vitro and in-vivo has also been described. Lower EGFR levels are associated with a higher number of CA repeats. In this study we determined both polymorphisms in 92 stage II or III rectal cancer patients treated with adjuvant or neo-adjuvant chemoradiation therapy using PCR-RFLP and a 5’-end 33P-γATP labeled PCR protocol and tested whether both polymorphisms will predict local recurrence in rectal cancer patients treated with chemoradiation. We found patients with EGFR (HER1-497K) AA genotype have a decreased relative risk of local recurrence compared with those with AG genotype or wild type (HER1-497R) GG genotype. Furthermore, Patients with HER1-497 AG or GG genotype combined with CA repeats
Mutual information matrix based on asymmetric Shannon entropy for nonlinear interactions of time series

Zhao et al. (Nonlin. Dyn. 88, 477-487, 2017) presented the mutual information matrix (MIM) analysis for the study of nonlinear interactions in multivariate time series as an extension of Random Matrix Theory analysis. They considered the histogram estimation of mutual information based on Shannon entropy for discrete distributions. This paper is motivated by the latter, extending MIM analysis from a nonparametric and probabilistic discrete approach to a parametric and probabilistic continuous approach. Specifically, this paper presents the MIM based on Maximum Likelihood Estimators (MLEs) for flexible and tractable families of continuous multivariate distributions, called multivariate skew-elliptical families of distributions. This method focus on multivariate skew-Gaussian and skew-t distributions that allow modeling skewness and heavy-tails, respectively. Performance of the proposed methodology is illustrated by numerical results given by sinusoidal and vector autoregressive fractionally integrated moving-average models, and applied to a meteorological monitoring network data set. Results show that the consideration of skewness and heavy-tails in the transformed ozone time series produced some differences in the MIM estimations compared with those obtained by applying histogram estimations to transformed data. Given that mutual information index (MII) increases in line with the number of bins for the histogram estimator, the proposed methodology based on MLEs considered more robust estimators with respect to the histogram ones to determine the MII of multivariate time series.
Six Years after the Crisis

Since the great financial crisis of 2008, governments have set new records in market intervention, re-regulation of banking and financial markets, and in prosecution of banks for mismanagement. The new regulations touch just about everything in finance and completely change the financial regulatory system. However, these regulations have been hastily prepared and contain flaws that suggest they may not be effective in addressing systemic risk in the future. They also impose enormous compliance costs on the banking industry, even though no more than about 40 banks worldwide are systemically important. The costs will be passed on to customers of banks and users of financial markets, which may detract significantly from future economic growth prospects. Banks will have to adapt their business models to the new circumstances of their industry, or surely be challenged by shareholders until they do. But the way the regulatory platform is structured now, they will be adapting toward a more conservative, risk-averse form of what they were before. That may mean that too-big-to-fail becomes too- cautious-to-fail. If we have reduced the banks’ capability to finance basic economic growth, a role that is equally important to our societies as systemic risk reduction, the regulatory response to the crisis may prove to be very mistaken. Risk has to be financed somewhere, if we are to return to the growth rates that we need to maintain and improve living standards. Most likely, the regulatory and other measures taken in response to the crisis will have to be modified in the future, but probably not in the near term.
Rapid on-site evaluation improves fine-needle aspiration biopsy cell block quality

Introduction For fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy, the cell block is used for precision ancillary diagnostic tests and personalized molecular evaluation. It is important to maximize quality cell blocks. Rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) provides specimen adequacy and guides cell block collection. The study examines how immunohistochemistry (IHC) utilization correlates with cell block quality and the impact of ROSE on cell block quality. Materials and methods The pathology database identified consecutive FNA biopsy cases with cell blocks. Procedural data and reporting elements were collected including ROSE, adequacy and diagnosis categories, and IHC. Each archived case was reviewed. Cell block cellularity quality scores were categorized as 25%. Various data points were correlated with the cell block quality score. Results The ROSE cohort had a higher group score of 38.8% versus 26.3% for non-ROSE. Low scores on cell block quality were higher with the unsatisfactory and indeterminate groups (85.2% and 78.5%). A higher grouping score was 3× as likely for a satisfactory as an unsatisfactory group (46.5% versus 14.8%). Positive cases with IHC had higher cell block quality scores compared with those without IHC (56.7% versus 33.2%). Conclusions It is important for pathologists to contribute to improving FNA biopsy cell block quality. This series shows that higher cell block quality provides better utilization for IHC assessment and for IHC testing in positive diagnostic category cases. Providing ROSE service can improve cell block quality and an assurance of a satisfactory FNA biopsy significantly contributes to improved cell block quality.
Does Compustat Data Standardization Improve Bankruptcy Prediction Models

Capital IQ's Compustat database is commonly used in empirical accounting research. Numbers that appear in Compustat are standardized to ensure "...consistent and comparable data across companies, industries and business cycles..." However, there has been no evidence in the academic literature that Compustat's standardized numbers provide more benefits than the original numbers in financial statements. This is the first study to examine the effects of Compustat's data standardization using bankruptcy prediction models as examples. Specifically, we study whether using Compustat's standardized data as opposed to original 10-K data improves Altman's 1968 and Ohlson's 1980 bankruptcy prediction models. We find that Compustat's data standardization not only yields no improvements for bankruptcy prediction models, but also has a significant negative impact on the predictive accuracy of Altman's model (up to 8.56%).
X-rays from magnetically channeled winds of OB stars

OB stars with strong radiation-driven stellar winds and large-scale magnetic fields generate strong and hard X-ray emission via the Magnetically Channeled Wind Shock (MCWS) mechanism. In this brief paper, I describe four separate X-ray diagnostics of the MCWS mechanism in OB stars, with applications to the prototype young O star, theta-1 Ori C.
Effect of fat feeding on complex lipid synthesis in hamster intestine.

Three enzymes engaged in complex lipid synthesis, diglyceride acyltransferase, cholinephosphotransferase, and lysolecithin acyltransferase were studied in nonfasting hamster intestinal mucosa. Hamsters eating a fat-supplemented diet were compared to those eating a low fat (chow) diet. In villous tips, fat supplementation had no effect on diglyceride acyltransferase or lysolecithin acyltransferase specific activity in the most proximal intestine. Both enzymes demonstrated increased activity in villous tips in response to fat feeding in the distal 3/4 of the gut. Cholinephosphotransferase activity was increased by fat feeding throughout the intestine in villous tips. Diglyceride acyltransferase and lysolecithin acyltransferase activity was greater in villous tips as compared to crypts. Cholinephosphotransferase activity was the same in crypts as villous tips. Lysolecithin acyltransferase was clearly more responsive to fat feeding than was cholinephosphotransferase. These data, in toto, lend further support to the thesis that the lysolecithin acyltransferase pathway provides the lecithin associated with intestinal lipoprotein formation. Of four microsomal enzymes not related to lipid metabolism, only one, NADPH-cytochrome c reductase, was affected by fat feeding suggesting that the microsomal enzyme response to fat feeding was relatively specific.
Multiple high MFI Class I DSA can cause acute AMR of kidney allograft in simultaneous liver and kidney transplant recipients: outcome analysis from a single-center

Aim Crossmatch (xM) positive (+ve) simultaneous liver and kidney transplant (SLKT) recipients remain at risk for antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) of the kidney allograft. To investigate the risk associated with donor-specific HLA antibodies (DSA), we studied 23 consecutive patients who received a SLKT at UCSF since 12/2013. Methods Donors and recipients were HLA-typed using Luminex rSSO. Recipient sera collected pre-tx, 1 wk and 3 mo post-tx were analyzed for HLA antibodies using Luminex single antigen beads. CPRA was determined using 2000 MFI cutoff. Immunosuppression was steroids, tacrolimus, and mycophenolate without induction. AMR was diagnosed by kidney biopsy. Results Among 23 patients (pts), 17 (74%) had CPRA>1%; 6 (26%) had CPRA>85%. Eight pts had pre-tx DSA: 6 with class I only; 1 had class II only, and 1 had both class I+II. Four pts had > 2 DSAs. Most DSAs (and CREG) were lost by 1 wk post-tx but non-DSAs persisted >3 mos (Figure). Two pts with 0% CPRA developed a de novo DSA at 3 mos: 1 had B44 (MFI 5589), other had DQA05 (MFI 2303). Two pts developed early kidney AMR. Pt 1 (CPRA100%) with 5 high MFI (>20K MFI) class I DSAs (A1, A24, B7, B37, Cw7) and +ve CDC & +ve Flow TB previous liver tx recipient) received SLKT from a well-matched (1C, 2DR, 2DQ, 1DP; no repeat mismatch) donor with +ve CDC and weakly +ve Flow T&B cell xMs. Allo-xM with 3rd party donors and auto-xM were CDC +ve but Flow -ve. All CDC xMs were -ve with heat-inactivated complement. xM with a 3rd party endothelial cell-line was weakly +ve. Renal allograft function recovered with AMR treatment. Conclusion Reduction of circulating HLA antibody titers after SLKT appears to be donor HLA (and CREG) specific. Kidney AMR occurred with multiple high MFI Class I DSAs or complement-fixing non-HLA IgG antibodies. Longitudinal analyses show the specificity, kinetics, and stability of HLA antibody absorption by liver allografts. Download : Download full-size image
Depletion of glycogen synthetase and increase of glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase in livers of ethionine-treated mice

1. Ethionine-treated mice showed a marked depletion in liver glycogen, a decrease of glycogen-synthetase activity, an increase in activity of glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase and the solubilization of phosphorylase. 2. The administration of cortisol or glucose did not alleviate these changes but the effect of ethionine was completely prevented in animals given methionine as well as ethionine. 3. The activities of the following enzymes were unchanged: hexokinase, glucokinase, glucose 6-phosphatase, phosphoglucomutase, 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase, UDP-glucose dehydrogenase and pyruvate kinase.
The use of actigraphy to study sleep disorders in preschoolers: some concerns about detection of nighttime awakenings.

Study Objectives: This study compared actigraphy with videosomnography in preschool-aged children, with special emphasis on the accuracy of detection of nighttime awakenings.
PROCESSING ASPECTS OF SHAPING ADVANCED MATERIALS BY ELECTRICAL DISCHARGE MACHINING

ABSTRACT The principles of applying electrical discharge in die-sinking and wire-cutting machines are reviewed. This technique causes material to be eroded by switching electrical current on and off between the tool and the work-piece through a dielectric fluid. For the case of metals and many ceramics and ceramic composites, the mechanism for this erosion is melting or perhaps evaporation/condensation. For refractory materials, a new mechanism for erosion, thermal spalling, was observed. The role of the dielectric fluid, its purity, and the proper nitration system are discussed. The effect of various operating conditions, including the current, pulse time duration, and wire feed rate, on the material removal rate and the surface quality is also reviewed. It was seen that EDM can be applied to machining advanced materials, including single phases and composites of ceramic/ceramic and ceramic/metal, if a minimum electrical conductivity is met.
Osteoporosis-pseudoglioma syndrome: Description of 9 new cases and beneficial response to bisphosphonates

Osteoporosis-pseudoglioma syndrome (OPPG) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder of severe juvenile osteoporosis and congenital blindness, due to mutations in the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 (LRP5) gene. Approximately fifty cases of OPPG have been reported. We report 9 new cases of OPPG, in three related nuclear families of Conservative Mennonites in Pennsylvania. All 9 children with OPPG were blind and had osteoporosis. Four of six parents had low bone mineral density (BMD) or osteoporosis; 2 were normal. Sequence analysis from genomic DNA revealed homozygosity for a nonsense mutation of exon 6 of LRP5 (W425X) in four OPPG cases tested in families A and C. In family B, OPPG cases were compound heterozygotes for the exon 6 W425X LRP5 mutation and a second exon 6 mutation (T409A); bone phenotype was milder than in family A. Neither of these mutations was present in an unrelated normal. The four treated OPPG patients all responded to bisphosphonates (duration 1.5-6.5 years) with improvement in Z-scores. One patient had a negligible response to teriparatide. In summary, we report 9 new cases of OPPG due to two novel LRP5 mutations, note a milder bone phenotype but similar ocular phenotype in LRP5 W425X/T409A compound heterozygotes than in W425X homozygotes and describe positive response to bisphosphonate treatment in four cases.
Bonding and Microstructural Stability in Ni55Ti45 Studied by Experimental and Theoretical Methods

Spiral orbit tribometry friction tests performed on Ni-rich Ni55Ti45 titanium ball bearings indicate that this alloy is a promising candidate for future aerospace bearing applications. Microstructural characterization of the bearing specimens was performed using transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy, with NiTi, Ni4Ti3, Ni3Ti, and Ni2Ti4Ox phases identified within the microstructure of the alloy. Density functional theory was applied to predict the electronic structure of the NixTiy phases, including the band structure and site projected density of states. Ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy was used to verify the density of states results from the density functional theory calculations, with good agreement observed between experiment and theory.
Environmental forces affecting CME professionals.

In 1986 the immediate past president of the Alliance for Continuing Medical Education (ACME), Dr. David Fink, appointed a task force to prepare a report on present and future health care environments as they might affect CME.1 Each member of the task force prepared an environmental analysis. Their reports were then summarized and submitted to the ACME council. What follows is an abbreviated and edited version of that report.
Current asymmetry effects in circuit interruption

IN AN A-C CIRCUIT containing a substantial amount of inductance in proportion to its resistance, the current which flows immediately after the circuit is closed may be asymmetrical. Asymmetry arises from the fact that the current through an inductance cannot change in zero time from zero to any substantial value as would be required in most cases if the current were to assume its steady-state value immediately after closure of the circuit.
Flexible And Effective Energy Management In Smartphones

Despite the fact that current smartphone platform incorporates efficient energy measurement tools, robust power models, and mechanisms to control energy, battery lifetime continues to frustrate users. This is because of the disconnect between "one-size-fits-all" approach of these solutions and the wide diversity in device usage and app behavior that actually exists. We identify the missing piece of the mobile device energy management puzzle which helps us address diverse energy expectations of different users interacting with different apps. To enable flexible energy management we introduce a framework named Jouler. To allow effective energy management we propose an app-value metric and user behavior classifiers as critical inputs besides energy measurement to policies managing energy of the device.