cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Low-proline environments impair growth, proline transport and in vivo survival of Staphylococcus aureus strain-specific putP mutants

Staphylococcus aureus is a common cause of disease in humans, particularly in hospitalized patients. This species needs to import several amino acids to survive, including proline. Previously, it was shown that an insertion mutation in the high-affinity proline uptake gene putP in strain RN6390 affected proline uptake by the bacteria as well as reducing their ability to survive in vivo. To further delineate the effect of the putP mutation on growth of S. aureus strain RN6390, a proline uptake assay that spanned less than 1 min was done to measure transport. An eightfold difference in proline levels was observed between the wild-type strain and the high-affinity proline transport mutant strain after 15 s, indicating that the defect was only in proline transport and not a combination of proline transport, metabolism and accumulation that would have been assessed with longer assays. A putP mutant of S. aureus strain RN4220 was then grown in minimal medium with different concentrations of proline. When compared to the wild-type strain, the putP mutant strain was significantly growth impaired when the level of proline was decreased to 1.74 microM. An assessment of proline concentrations in mouse livers and spleens showed proline concentrations of 7.5 micromol per spleen and 88.4 micromol per liver. To verify that the effects on proline transport and bacterial survival were indeed caused solely by a mutation in putP, the putP mutation was complemented by cloning a full-length putP gene on a plasmid that replicates in S. aureus. Complementation of the putP mutant strains restored proline transport, in vitro growth in low-proline medium, and in vivo survival within mice. These results show that the mutation in putP led to attenuated growth in low-proline media and by corollary low-proline murine organ tissues due to less efficient transport of proline into the bacteria.
Absolute Seebeck Coefficients of Ultrathin Cr Films

The thermopower of very thin Cr overlayers deposited on Ge films or glass plates is measured near room temperature “in situ” in a high vacuum system. It is found that the absolute Seebeck coefficient Sab of Cr overlayers deposited on Ge films approaches zero for very thin films. Sab reaches a minimum near d = 3 nm, and is 16 μV/K for d = 21 nm, close to bulk data. Die Thermokraft von sehr dunnen Cr-Oberschichten, die auf Ge-Filmen oder Glasplatten aufgedampft wurden, wird nahe Zimmertemperatur, in situ' in einem Hochvakuumsystem gemessen. Es zeigt sich, das sich der absolute Seebeckkoeffizient Sab von auf Ge-Filmen aufgedampften Cr-Filmen fur sehr dunne Filme Null nahert. Sab hat dann ein Minimum nahe d = 3 nm und betragt 16 μV/K fur d = 21 nm, dicht an dem Wert fur massive Proben.
Preference Voting in Italy Votes of Opinion, Belonging, or Exchange

Intraparty preference voting is a potentially important possibility for voters in many proportional representation systems, especially the Italian system. Three hypotheses—that preference voting is...
Presidential Saber Rattling and the Economy

Saber rattling is a prominent tool of the U.S. president's foreign policy leadership. Yet there has been no study of how presidential saber rattling affects international or domestic political outcomes. This study evaluates how presidential saber rattling affects U.S. economic behavior and performance. Theoretically, the study demonstrates that presidential rhetoric affects the risks that economic actors are willing to take, as well as the consequences of these resulting behaviors for U.S. economic performance. Using monthly time series running from January 1978 through January 2005, vector autoregression methods are applied to show that increased presidential saber rattling produces increased perceptions of negative economic news, declining consumer confidence, lower personal consumption expenditures, less demand for money, and slower economic growth. More broadly, the study demonstrates an important linkage between the president's two most important roles: foreign and economic policy leadership. The president's foreign policy pronouncements not only impact other nations, but also affect domestic economic outcomes.
Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 Novel Biomarker and Causal Mediator of Atherosclerosis?

Inflammation is clearly recognized as a central component in the development and progression of cardiovascular disease (CVD). What is not clear, however, is how to best identify and monitor pathophysiologic inflammatory processes leading to acute coronary events. Many studies have focused on the potential of circulating biomarkers of inflammation to define risk of incident CVD events and morbidity and mortality following events. See pages 2517 and 2523 Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) holds promise as a biomarker specifically associated with several key aspects of atherogenesis. Lp-PLA2, also known as platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH), is an enzyme produced primarily by macrophages and lymphocytes.1 Although Lp-PLA2 has been reported to exhibit both pro- and antiinflammatory activities, its primary role appears to be proatherogenic. In this context, Lp-PLA2 hydrolyzes oxidized phospholipids such as those within oxidized LDL, generating proinflammatory moieties lysophosphatidylcholine and oxidized fatty acids.1 In addition, approximately 80% of circulating Lp-PLA2 is sequestered on LDL particles which serve to modulate enzyme activity.1 Enzyme activity is reported to be increased when Lp-PLA2 bound to more atherogenic small dense LDL versus larger particles.2 In this issue of Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology , Kolodgie and colleagues3 and Gerber and colleagues4 provide important new evidence on the role of Lp-PLA2 in atherosclerosis development and prognostic value of this novel biomarker after myocardial infarction (MI). In an immunohistochemical study of …
Iterative Best Beam Selection for Random Unitary Beamforming

Due to multi-user diversity, the performance of a random unitary beamforming (RUB) can be improved upon in proportion to the number of users at the expense of an increase in feedback. It is essential to identify a mechanism to determine a set of orthonormal beams for improving the channel capacity. This paper proposes a unique scheme, named iterative best beam selection-based RUB (I-RUB), in which the base station selects the best beamforming vectors from unitary matrices generated by the proposed iterative algorithm. Using the selected beamforming vector at each stage, the beam set can ultimately be constructed for high sum-rate capacity of downlink, which leads to a reduction in feedback compared to those of other RUB schemes based on the beam set selection.
Mining the Social Fabric of Archaic Urban Centers with Cultural Algorithms

Applying a suite of tools from artificial intelligence and data mining to existing archaeological data from Monte Alban, a prehistoric urban center, offers the potential for building agent-based models of emergent ancient urban centers. The authors use decision trees to characterize location decisions made by early inhabitants at Monte Alban, a prehistoric urban center, and inject these rules into a socially motivated learning system based on cultural algorithms. They can then infer an emerging social fabric whose networks provide support for certain theories about urban site formation. Specifically, we examine the period of occupation associated with the emergence of this early site. Our goal is to generate a set of decision rules using data-mining techniques and then use the cultural algorithm toolkit (CAT) to express the underlying social interaction between the initial inhabitants.
Cases of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia elucidate the syndrome

Patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) can have a dramatic presentation and often an unfortunate outcome. Each episode has the real potential to result in clinical catastrophe. From the > 100 such patients that we see yearly, patients have been selected to illustrate aspects of HIT such as history, epidemiology, clinical features, and improving treatment strategies. Delayed recognition continues to contribute to the morbidity and mortality of these patients. It is not adequate to just stop heparin therapy even with isolated HIT, therapy with low-molecular-weight heparins is contraindicated, and care must be used not to initiate warfarin therapy early or unopposed. A moderate suspicion for HIT should trigger the institution of therapy with an alternative anticoagulant even before laboratory confirmation. The potential beneficial impact of therapy with direct thrombin inhibitors makes it more important to maintain awareness of and vigilance for this syndrome Drug-Induced Thrombocytopenia: Focus on Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia
Headlines and Bottom Lines: Attention and Learning Effects from Media Coverage of Mutual Funds

To study attention and learning effects in financial markets, we investigate the role of media coverage in investment decisions of mutual fund investors and the consequent effects on fund flows. Employing a database of nearly 10,000 news articles and controlling for endogeneity in media coverage, we find that fund characteristics affect the probability of a news story and that the existence and stance of media coverage affects net investor flows into the fund in ways consistent with investor attention and learning.
Theoretical spectroscopy study of the low-lying electronic states of UX and UX+, X = F and Cl

Spectroscopic constants (Te, re, B0, ωe, and ωexe) have been calculated for the low-lying electronic states of UF, UF+, UCl, and UCl+ using complete active space 2nd-order perturbation theory (CASPT2), with a series of correlation consistent basis sets. The latter included those based on both pseudopotential (PP) and all-electron Douglas-Kroll-Hess Hamiltonians for the U atom. Spin orbit (SO) effects were included a posteriori using the state interacting method using both PP and Breit Pauli (BP) operators, as well as from exact two-component methods for U+ and UF+. Complete basis set (CBS) limits were obtained by extrapolation where possible and the PP and BP calculations were compared at their respective CBS limits. The PP-based method was shown to be reliable in calculating spectroscopic constants, in particular when using the state interacting method with CASPT2 energies (SO-CASPT2). The two component calculations were limited by computational resources and could not include electron correlation from the nominally closed shell 6s and 6p orbitals of U. UF and UCl were both calculated to have Ω = 9/2 ground states. The first excited state of UCl was calculated to be an Ω = 7/2 state at 78 cm−1 as opposed to the same state at 435 cm−1 in UF, and the other low-lying states of UCl showed a similar compression relative to UF. Likewise, UF+ and UCl+ both have Ω = 4 ground states and the manifold of low-lying excited Ω = 3, 2, 1, 0 states was energetically closer together in UCl+ than in UF+, ranging up to 776 cm−1 in UF+ and only 438 cm−1 in UCl+. As in previous studies, the final PP-based SO-CASPT2 results for UF+ and UF agree well with experiment and are expected to be predictive for UCl and UCl+, which are reported here for the first time.
Changes in forest floor and soil nutrients in a mixed oak forest 33 years after stem only and whole-tree harvest

Vegetation, forest floor, and soils were resampled at a mixed oak site in eastern Tennessee that had been subjected to stem only (SOH), whole-tree harvest (WTH), and no harvest (REF) 33 years previously. Although differences between harvest treatments were not statistically significant (P < 0.05), average diameter, height, basal area and biomass were 8–18% lower in the WTH than in the SOH treatment 33 years after harvest whereas they differed by 2% 15 years after harvest. In contrast to results 15 years post-harvest, total forest floor mass and nutrient contents were twofold greater in the WTH than in the SOH treatment at 33 years post-harvest, due largely to differences in Oa horizon mass. Soil total C concentrations increased significantly (P < 0.05) over the first 15 years post-harvest in both harvest treatments. Decreases in soil C between 15 and 33 years post-harvest were not statistically significant. Soil total N increased significantly in both harvest treatments over the first 15 years post-harvest. Consistent decreases in soil total N occurred in the WTH treatment between years 15 and 33 post-harvest that bordered on statistical significance whereas total N was stable over that time period in the SOH treatment. The increases and decreases in soil N content cannot be explained by any known processes of N inputs or outputs. Harvest treatment effects on both Ca2+ and Mg2+ observed at 15 years post-harvest are still observable and significant at 33 years post-harvest, although decreases between 15 and 33 years were found. Treatment effects and changes in soil exchangeable Ca2+ and Mg2+ are consistent with known inputs from decomposing logging residues, inputs from atmospheric deposition, and increments in forest floor and vegetation. No treatment effects were found for soil extractable P, but steady decreases over time were found. No treatment or time effects were found for soil exchangeable K+.
The Politics, Mathematics and Morality of Economics: A Review Essay on Robert Nelson's

Is economics a science or a theology? Nelson sensibly argues that economists are a priestly class; they issue authoritative (scientific) blessings upon the marketplace. The bishops of this class are the mathematicians, who convert ideology into science. This essay, in contrast, argues that mathematics has more to do with internal competition between economists than with politics or religion. Indeed, in the early years, mathematical economics was dominated by socialist advocates of central planning. Over time, the mathematical school evolved towards a milder critique, emphasizing the weakness of free market assumptions. With an ironic twist, mathematical economics ultimately came to be interpreted as a defense of laissez faire. In short, mathematics traversed the whole political spectrum from socialism, to social democracy, to capitalism. While modern-day economists do often seem like free market evangelists, the role of mathematics in this is poorly understood.
Stochastic Processes and Control for Jump-Diffusions

An applied compact introductory survey of Markov stochastic processes and control in continuous time is presented. The presentation is in tutorial stages, beginning with deterministic dynamical systems for contrast and continuing on to perturbing the deterministic model with diffusions using Wiener processes. Then jump perturbations are added using simple Poisson processes constructing the theory of simple jump-diffusions. Next, marked-jump-diffusions are treated using compound Poisson processes to include random marked jump-amplitudes in parallel with the equivalent Poisson random measure formulation. Otherwise, the approach is quite applied, using basic principles with no abstractions beyond Poisson random measure. This treatment is suitable for those in classical applied mathematics, physical sciences, quantitative finance and engineering, but have trouble getting started with the abstract measure-theoretic literature. The approach here builds upon the treatment of continuous functions in the regular calculus and associated ordinary differential equations by adding non-smooth and jump discontinuities to the model. Finally, the stochastic optimal control of marked-jump-diffusions is developed, emphasizing the underlying assumptions. The survey concludes with applications in biology and finance, some of which are canonical, dimension reducible problems and others are genuine nonlinear problems.
Ethinyl estradiol/drospirenone (Yasmin): a newer oral contraceptive.

An effective oral contraceptive, ethinyl estradiol/drospirenone can elevate potassium levels when given in combination with other potassium-elevating agents and offers no advantage over traditional oral contraceptives.
Learning by Doing or Learning from Others? Diffusion of Information in International Trade Dispute Settlement Mechanisms

To what extent does learning from others influence future state behavior? Further, do states learn more from their own or the experiences of others? While previous research has found that states learn from their own previous experiences in trade disputes within regional and multilateral organizations, which influences the likelihood a state will use that same mechanism in future trade disputes, researchers have yet to examine the effect of the experience(s) of another member state on the likelihood of a state uses these dispute settlement mechanisms. Herein, I examine whether, and the extent to which, a state applies knowledge acquired from its own and the previous experience of others to forum shopping decisions in future international trade disputes. I argue that the ability of the prior experiences of others to yield learning through policy diffusion is influenced by a state’s learning capacity. It does so by influencing the transparency, accuracy, and availability of information derived from the experiences of other states in trade disputes. A state’s learning capacity is a function of the relationship between the state that had the experience and the state trying to learn from it. I test my expectations using an original data set on the initiation of trade disputes at the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Andean Community (CAN), Common Market of the South (Mercosur), Central American Common Market (CACM), and World Trade Organization (WTO) between 1995 and 2010. I find support for my expectations associated with direct learning and learning through policy diffusion. States learn through both forms but learning has a greater effect on future forum choice through direct experience. Further, I find that the magnitude of the difference between these two forms of learning depends on state’s learning capacity.
From Revolutionary Cadres to Party Technocrats in Socialist China

Using a wide variety of sources previously unavailable, Hong Yung Lee offers for the first time a theoretical and historical perspective on China's ruling elite, examining their politics and the bureaucratic system in which they participate. He traces the evolution of these cadres from the guerrilla fighters who first joined the communist movement and founded the new regime in 1949 to the technocratic specialists who wield power today. In the revolution the Communist leaders built a peasant-based party organization whose members were largely recruited from uneducated poor peasants and hired laborers. Even after they became the founders of a new regime, their rural orientation and revolutionary experiences continued to affect the political process. Lee shows that the requirements of modernization have compelled the state to replace the revolutionary cadres with bureaucratic technocrats. Selected from the postliberation generation, the new leaders are more committed to problem-solving than to socialism. Despite uncertainties in the immediate future, this elite transformation signifies an end to modern China's revolutionary era. Lee argues that it seems only a matter of time before China will have a bureaucratic-authoritarian regime led by technocrats possessing a managerial perspective and a pragmatic economic orientation.
Toughening of Mdf — OPC Composites

Macro-Defect-Free (MDF) materials are cement-polymer composites exhibiting high flexural strengths and high toughness (for cement based systems). The incorporation of fibers into MDF composites has been found to offer the possibility of increasing both the ultimate flexural strength and toughness of MDF materials prepared using an ordinary portland cement-polyacrylamide matrix. This paper examined the effect of fiber type and fine particles as a packing filler on the resulting mechanical properties. The incorporation of nontraditional materials (for MDF) into the MDF matrix is also discussed. p]From the present work to increase the toughness of MDF-OPC composites the
Presumed influence of endorser and fear appeal in DTC prescription drug advertising: Are they overpowering consumers’ judgments?

As consumers are increasingly exposed to direct-to-consumer prescription drug advertising, critics are concerned about frequent uses of emotional appeals and influential endorsers that may mislead consumers’ judgments in favor of the advertised drug. To investigate this issue, we developed a set of hypotheses based on the marketing and consumer behavior literature and tested independent and interactive effects of fear appeal and endorser types (physician, peer, and no endorser) on consumers’ cognitive and attitudinal responses to direct-to-consumer ads. Results from an experiment suggest that the endorser and fear appeal can influence consumers’ evaluation of the ad message, but do not necessarily overpower their judgments regarding the drug. Findings on the interactive effects suggest that direct-to-consumer advertisers must give a careful consideration to the right match of an endorser type and an emotional appeal to avoid any negative unintended effects. Implications for future research and practices f...
Contributions of Plant Pest Control Programs The Need For A Strong Plant Quarantine

I am very pleased to have been asked to participate in this series of papers and to discuss the need for a strong plant quarantine program as one aspect of a concerted effort that needs to be made against introduced plant pests. Actually, the need to protect against further introductions of foreign pests is clearly evident to anyone who is aware that many of the major insects and diseases in this country are of foreign origin. Many of the foreign pests now established in the U. S. that we are having to contend with have been residing with us for many, many years, having arrived prior to the establishment of a Federal quarantine effort. Some of them are thoroughly intrenched in our economy and have practically become a way of life, involving an option of crop losses or costly control programs. More recent arrivals, since we have had a plant quarantine service, such as the golden nematode, the European chafer, the khapra beetle, the Mediterranean fruit fly, and the peek-a-boo appearances of the melon fly and the oriental fruit fly indicated that pests have been able to pierce the best defenses we could mount against them. We do not know when, where, or how these entries may have occurred. We do know that we are being constantly exposed to the dangers of plant pest entry through channels that are recognized to exist with travel and commerce with foreign countries and in the like movement of people and goods from our off-shore areas to the mainland United States.
Progressive Planning of Continuum Grasping in Cluttered Space

Continuum manipulators are deformable, passively compliant, and apt for manipulation in cluttered space. This paper addresses how to enable an $n$ -section continuum manipulator to probe an object, while gradually forming a whole-arm grasp in a cluttered environment. This approach is effective and efficient as evident from simulation and real experiments.
Relationship between The Sputum Detecting Results and Collected Time

[Objective]To evaluate the influence of the sputum collected in different time on the determination of acid-fast bacillus,so as to improve the positive sputum-checking rate.[Methods]2976 sputum samples were detected by Ziehl Neelsen anti acid dyeing method and observed with the microscope(Objective 100 ×).The positive sputum checking rates and positive sputum bacteria levels at different sputum collecting time were statistically analyzed.[Results]Of 2976 sputum samples,the difference of detection rate between sputum specimens in the morning,at night,or any time was significant(χ2=6.25,P0.05),the positive rate was extremely high in the morning.Of 474 positive sputum samples,the difference of sputum bacteria levels between sputum specimens in the morning,at night,or any time was significant(χ2=20.86,P0.01),the bacteria level was extremely high in the morning.[Conclusion]The sputum collected time has a great influence on the positive rate of acid-fast bacillus.The determination of morning sputum should be emphasized to improve the positive sputum checking rates.
Object Access Pattern for De-coupling Between Modules

In order to solve the interaction coupling caused by sharing data between software modules effectively,a new design pattern is presented named registry pattern.This pattern encapsulates the sharing data,avoids the data transfer between each module,separates the data providers and the data accessors,realizes one kind of simplified access protocol between the objects,and ultimately reduces the degree of modules’ coupling.The theory and the practice proof that registry pattern is effective for the object-oriented design,which is component,or module based software architecture.
Automatic Variance Analysis of Multistage Care Pathways

A care pathway (CP) is a standardized process that consists of multiple care stages, clinical activities and their relations, aimed at ensuring and enhancing the quality of care. However, actual care may deviate from the planned CP, and analysis of these deviations can help clinicians refine the CP and reduce medical errors. In this paper, we propose a CP variance analysis method to automatically identify the deviations between actual patient traces in electronic medical records (EMR) and a multistage CP. As the care stage information is usually unavailable in EMR, we first align every trace with the CP using a hidden Markov model. From the aligned traces, we report three types of deviations for every care stage: additional activities, absent activities and violated constraints, which are identified by using the techniques of temporal logic and binomial tests. The method has been applied to a CP for the management of congestive heart failure and real world EMR, providing meaningful evidence for the further improvement of care quality.
Ammonium decreases excitatory synaptic transmission in cat spinal cord in vivo.

1. Glutamine is thought to be a precursor of the pool of glutamate that is used as synaptic transmitter. NH4+ inhibits glutaminase, the enzyme presumed to cleave glutamine into glutamate in synaptic terminals. Therefore a decrease by NH4+ of excitatory synaptic transmission in hippocampus was suggested to be due to the inability to utilize glutamine as a precursor for glutamate and subsequent transmitter depletion. This study reexamines the effects of NH4+ on excitatory synaptic transmission. 2. The effects of NH4+ on excitatory synaptic transmission from low-threshold afferent fibers, presumably Ia-afferent fibers, to motoneurons was investigated in the spinal cord of anesthetized cats in vivo. 3. Action potentials of low-threshold afferent fibers were recorded at the entry of the dorsal roots into the spinal cord. An extracellular electrode within a motoneuron nucleus recorded the action potential of low-threshold afferent fibers and the extracellular monosynaptic excitatory postsynaptic potential, i.e., the focal synaptic potential (FSP). This extracellular electrode also recorded the antidromic field potential (AFP) in response to ventral root stimulation. Electrodes on the ventral roots recorded the monosynaptic reflex (MSR) and the monosynaptic excitatory postsynaptic potential in motoneurons electrotonically conducted into the ventral roots (VR-EPSP). 4. Intravenous infusion of ammonium acetate (AA) reversibly decreased MSR, VR-EPSP, and FSP, i.e., decreased excitatory synaptic transmission. 5. The decrease of VR-EPSP and FSP was accompanied initially by a decrease of conduction and, eventually, a conduction block in presynaptic terminals of low-threshold afferent fibers. 6. The decreases of VR-EPSP and FSP were also accompanied by the transient appearance of a reflex discharge, triggered by VR-EPSPs of decreased amplitude, and changes of the AFP indicating increased invasion of motoneuron somata by antidromic action potentials. 7. It is suggested that NH4+ depolarizes intraspinal Ia-afferent fibers and motoneurons. This depolarization initially decreases and then blocks conduction of action potentials into the presynaptic terminals of Ia-afferent fibers. The conduction block prevents the release of excitatory transmitter and decreases excitatory synaptic transmission. 8. The suggested depolarizing action of NH4+ may be due to K+-like ionic properties of NH4+ and/or an inhibition of K+-uptake into astrocytes. 9. The conduction block in presynaptic terminals of low-threshold afferent fibers can fully explain the decrease of excitatory synaptic transmission by NH4+. Because of the conduction block in presynaptic terminals, this study does not permit a conclusion as to an inhibition by NH4+ fo the utilization of glutamine as a precursor for glutamate used as synaptic transmitter.
Novel Gene Expression Signature Predictive of Clinical Recurrence After Radical Prostatectomy in Early Stage Prostate Cancer Patients.

BACKGROUND Current clinical tools have limited accuracy in differentiating patients with localized prostate cancer who are at risk of recurrence from patients with indolent disease. We aimed to identify a gene expression signature that jointly with clinical variables could improve upon the prediction of clinical recurrence after RP for patients with stage T2 PCa. METHODS The study population includes consented patients who underwent a radical retropubic prostatectomy (RP) and bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection at the University of Southern California in the PSA-era (1988–2008). We used a nested case-control study of 187 organ-confined patients (pT2N0M0): 154 with no recurrence (“controls”) and 33 with clinical recurrence (“cases”). RNA was obtained from laser capture microdissected malignant glands representative of the overall Gleason score of each patient. Whole genome gene expression profiles (29,000 transcripts) were obtained using the Whole Genome DASL HT platform (Illumina, Inc). A gene expression signature of PCa clinical recurrence was identified using stability selection with elastic net regularized logistic regression. Three existing datasets generated with the Affymetrix Human Exon 1.0ST array were used for validation: Mayo Clinic (MC, n = 545), Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (SKCC, n = 150), and Erasmus Medical Center (EMC, n = 48). The areas under the ROC curve (AUCs) were obtained using repeated fivefold cross-validation. RESULTS A 28-gene expression signature was identified that jointly with key clinical variables (age, Gleason score, pre-operative PSA level, and operation year) was predictive of clinical recurrence (AUC of clinical variables only was 0.67, AUC of clinical variables, and 28-gene signature was 0.99). The AUC of this gene signature fitted in each of the external datasets jointly with clinical variables was 0.75 (0.72–0.77) (MC), 0.90 (0.86–0.94) (MSKCC), and 0.82 (0.74–0.91) (EMC), whereas the AUC for clinical variables only in each dataset was 0.72 (0.70–0.74), 0.86 (0.82–0.91), and 0.76 (0.67–0.85), respectively. CONCLUSIONS We report a novel gene-expression based classifier identified using agnostic approaches from whole genome expression profiles that can improve upon the accuracy of clinical indicators to stratify early stage localized patients at risk of clinical recurrence after RP. Prostate. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Conversion from Phacoemulsification to MSICS

While phacoemulsification is considered the gold standard of cataract extraction in the developed world, certain intraoperative situations may necessitate cataract removal by alternative manual methods. Indications for conversion to manual cataract extraction may include very dense nucleus requiring prolonged phacoemulsification, posterior extension of capsulorhexis, posterior capsular tear, zonular loss, shallow anterior chamber, miosis, corneal thermal burn, or equipment malfunction [1]. In the developed world, the traditional practice under such circumstances has been to convert to extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE). Over the past decade, however, the successful implementation of MSICS for high quality, low-cost cataract surgery in the developing world has generated increasing interest in its use even in developed settings when phacoemulsification may be unsafe or unavailable.
Do anti-bullying laws work? New evidence on school safety and youth violence

This study is the first to comprehensively examine the effect of state anti-bullying laws (ABLs) on school safety and youth violence. Using existing data from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveys and the Uniform Crime Reports, and newly-collected data on school shootings, we find little evidence that the typical state ABL is effective in improving school safety and student well-being. However, this null finding masks substantial policy heterogeneity. State mandates that require school districts to implement strong, comprehensive anti-bullying policies are associated with a 7 to 13 % reduction in school violence and an 8 to 12 % reduction in bullying. In addition, our results show that strong anti-bullying policy mandates are associated with a reduction in minor teen school shooting deaths and violent crime arrests, suggesting potentially important spillover effects.
An efficient layered finite element method with domain decomposition for simulations of resistivity well logging

Abstract A novel layered finite element scheme combined with domain decomposition method is proposed for fast simulations of resistivity well logging. The recently developed layered finite element scheme employs a 2D discretization to the cross section of a 3D layered structure, and exploits the piecewise homogeneity within each layer in an analytical way with high accuracy. Combining this layered finite element method with domain decomposition strategy leads to a new scheme with further improved modeling flexibility and efficiency. Each layer of a stratified structure will be treated as a subdomain and discretized independently. Nonconforming meshes are allowed between adjacent layers, which makes the discretization very flexible, and saves a great number of unknowns compared with conventional finite element discretizations with conforming meshes. The proposed method can be easily hybridized with conventional finite element schemes, and this combination is especially suitable for modeling layered problems with local inhomogeneities, such as resistivity logging with borehole washouts in some layers. Numerical examples including a 28-layer Oklahoma formation and a washed-out layered borehole model are given to demonstrate the validity and efficiency of this method.
Northwest Coast Halibut Hooks: an Evolving Tradition of Form, Function, and Fishing

The Northwest Coast (NWC) halibut hook is both an indigenous fishing technology, and an iconic object of rich cultural history. This study utilizes biological, statistical, ecological, and ethnographic data to examine the function(s) of NWC halibut hooks, and how and why dimensions are changing through time. Analyses of measurements from 143 specimens, dated from 1867 to 2015, suggest a statistically significant increase in overall length through time. These findings support the hypothesis that as the use of modern fishing technologies became more prevalent, and traditional NWC halibut hooks largely lost their original function (i.e., catching halibut), dimensions changed to favor decorative or symbolic content over utilitarian/functional requirements. Archival data, peer-reviewed literature, and ethnographic interviews with contemporary carvers and fishers support the assertion that average dimensions of early NWC halibut hooks targeted fish between 20 and 100 lbs., thus promoting sustainability of Pacific halibut breeding populations. Whether the hooks were designed intentionally to promote sustainability or this size of fish was targeted for other reasons remains an open question.
Hormone receptor expression and risk of recurrence in patients with high-risk endometrial carcinoma treated with chemotherapy.

e15502 Background: Poor long-term survival in high-risk endometrial cancer patients attests to a need for new therapeutic strategies. The prevalence of estrogen (ER) and progesterone receptors (PR)...
Impact of Insecticide Application and Mass Trapping on Infestation by Strawberry Sap Beetles (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae)

The impact of insecticide application and mass trapping on the level of infestation by the strawberry sap beetle, Stelidota geminata Say (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae), was assessed in cultivated strawberry. In total, more than 17,000 adults were captured in traps baited with whole wheat bread dough. Early in the season, captures were similar for traps at the periphery of and within the strawberry field, whereas captures were lowest within the field after fruits had begun to ripen. The presence of peripheral traps slightly increased captures of adults within the strawberry planting, suggesting that mass trapping of adults with food-baited traps may not be a viable management strategy. Applications of fenpropathrin at dusk or mid-day, between the appearance of ripe fruits and the first harvest, reduced infestation of fruits by sap beetle larvae. Fruits located on the ground were more heavily infested by sap beetles than fruits in the plant canopy, which either is due to foraging movements of adults on the groun...
Development and initial validation of the Adolescent and Adult Mindfulness Scale (AAMS)

Abstract This paper presents five studies describing the creation and validation of a Mindfulness scale that is developmentally appropriate for children 11 and older and also suitable for use with adults. The Adolescent and Adult Mindfulness Scale (AAMS) scale measures key components of mindfulness: (1) focus on the present moment, represented by paying attention to surroundings, thoughts, feelings and emotions, (2) being non-reactive, (3) being non-judgmental, and (4) self-accepting. Study 1 describes the original scale creation: item selection, initial validation and item reduction using exploratory factor analysis and initial validation using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). This study also investigates the correlation of the AAMS with a previously validated mindfulness scale for children. Studies 2 and 3 validate the scale finalized in Study 1, on an early and mid-adolescent samples. Study 4 validates the scale on an adult sample. Study 5 evaluates scale sensitivity to change in mindfulness due to mindfulness training and examines its relationships with emotion regulation and self-compassion scales. CFA demonstrated a good fit of the factor structure with both adolescents and adults. The AAMS is the only scale available that is validated on such a wide range of ages from early teens to adults.
LAPACK: A Linear Algebra Library for High-Performance Computers

This talk outlines the computational package called LAPACK. LAPACK is a collection of Fortran 77 subroutines for the analysis and solution of various systems of simultaneous linear algebraic equations, linear least squares problems, and matrix eigenvalue problems. Such computations form the core of perhaps the majority of statistical methods.
The Risk-Reward Framework at Morgan Stanley Research

The case describes the Risk-Reward framework that Morgan Stanley analysts use as a systematic approach to communicate a broader range of fundamental insights about a company rather than the traditional single point estimates. The goal of the framework is to focus the analysts' work on critical uncertainties and model a limited number of scenarios relevant to key investment debates. By outlining a bear, base and a bull case, the analysts can present the risk surrounding the expected outcome over the forecast horizon. The case outlines the key elements of the methodology and the process Morgan Stanley undertook to implement the framework on a world-wide basis starting in 2007, and discusses the challenges and opportunities that managers of the research department face as the framework is increasingly identified with their firm.Learning Objective:To teach forecasting and valuation in any course on financial statement analysis, business analysis and valuation, financial accounting, or financial markets. The case provides a real world look at the business of research and the process of producing and presenting research by describing the research business the process of equity valuation at Morgan Stanley. The risk-reward framework focuses on identifying key drivers of value in a company and how to incorporate them into forecasting and valuation of a range of scenarios rather than only point estimates. Further the case introduces valuation tools and presentation methods used at Morgan Stanley to conduct equity research. The case can be a useful guide for student projects in any valuation or financial statement analysis class.
Use of a Gabapentin Protocol for the Management of Alcohol Withdrawal: A Preliminary Experience Expanding From the Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Service.

Background Benzodiazepines are the conventional mainstay to manage alcohol withdrawal; however, patients are subsequently at increased risk for poor sleep, cravings, and return to drinking. Research on alternative pharmacologic agents to facilitate safe alcohol withdrawal is scant. Gabapentin is one medication shown in small studies to reduce the need for benzodiazepines in the setting of alcohol withdrawal. The continuation of gabapentin after alcohol withdrawal appears to be safe during early sobriety and may aid in reducing alcohol-related cravings or returning to alcohol consumption. Use of a gabapentin-based, benzodiazepine-sparing protool began in early 2015 by the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Service. Objective A retrospective chart review was conducted to detect any safety concerns with use of a gabapentin protocol for alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Methods Secondary outcomes were derived by comparing a matched cohort of patients who received benzodiazepines for alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Results Seventy-seven patients had their alcohol withdrawal managed via a gabapentin protocol during the study period. No patients required transfer to a higher level of care or had a documented withdrawal seizure. Length of stay between the gabapentin protocol group and benzodiazepine group were similar. Conclusion This preliminary data has supported the frequent use of this protocol in the general internal medicine practice and formalization of an institutional order set of this protocol for mild to moderate alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Prospective studies are required to validate findings.
Surveillance of Hypoglycemia-Limitations of Emergency Department and Hospital Utilization Data.

This study examines the proportion of all severe hypoglycemic events that are captured by surveillance based on health care utilization alone among pharmacologically treated patients with diabetes.
Ground Test of Transition for HIFiRE-5b at Flight-Relevant Attitudes

A 2∶1 elliptic cone model was tested in a Mach 6 quiet wind tunnel at both low and elevated freestream noise levels. Simultaneous measurements were made using an infrared camera and pressure sensor...
Multiscale Computational Engineering of Bones: State-of-the-Art Insights for the Future

Computational models provide a platform that is equivalent to an in vivo, in vitro, and in situ or ex vivo model platform. Indeed, the National Institutes of Health have made the development of predictive computational models a high priority of the “Roadmap for the Future” (http://nihroadmap.nih.gov/overview.asp; see especially “New Pathways to Discovery”). The power of computational models lies in their usefulness to predict which variables are most likely to influence a given result, simulation of the system response to changes in that variable, and optimization of system variables to achieve a desired bio logical effect. Typically, these models are computer representations of the actual system, based on experimentally determined parameters and system variables; increasingly these computer models are referred to as in silico models (Fig. 10.1).
Medical Claims According to Wellness Program Participation for a Large Insurance Company in the United States.

Objective:The aim of this study was to identify the number and total cost of medical claims for members of the Municipalities, Colleges, Schools Insurance Group by participation status in a comprehensive incentive-based wellness program.Methods:Analyses are based on 6810 members during 2013 to 2016.
Role of frataxin protein deficiency and metabolic dysfunction in Friedreich ataxia, an autosomal recessive mitochondrial disease

Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease with developmental features caused by a genetic deficiency of frataxin, a small, nuclear-encoded mitochondrial protein. Frataxin deficiency leads to impairment of iron-sulphur cluster synthesis, and consequently, ATP production abnormalities. Based on the involvement of such processes in FRDA, initial pathophysiological hypotheses focused on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production as a key component of the mechanism. With further study, a variety of other events appear to be involved, including abnormalities of mitochondrially related metabolism and dysfunction in mitochondrial biogenesis. Consequently, present therapies focus not only on free radical damage, but also on control of metabolic abnormalities and correction of mitochondrial biogenesis. Understanding the multitude of abnormalities in FRDA thus offers possibilities for treatment of this disorder.
Can we rely on mediastinal widening on chest radiography to identify subjects with aortic injury

Widening of the mediastinum on chest radiography is widely promoted as a useful criterion for detecting aortic injury. We sought to determine the reliability, sensitivity, and specificity of this sign. The initial chest radiographs from 30 subjects with aortic injury and 47 controls were independently reviewed by six radiologists, who were blinded to diagnosis. The radiologists were asked to decide whether the mediastinum was normal or not normal, as well as whether the mediastinum was widened. Agreement, sensitivity, and specificity were assessed. Agreement for overall assessment of the mediastinum was substantial (kappa = 0.64). Individual radiologists had sensitivity varying from 0.77 to 0.97 and specificity varying from 0.62 to 0.89. For "widening" of the mediastinum, agreement was moderate (kappa = 0.49). "Widening" was less sensitive than the radiologists' overall impression (P = 0.01), varying from 0.50 to 0.83, but no difference was detected in specificity (P = 0.36), varying from 0.81 to 0.94. Mediastinal width has unacceptable sensitivity for predicting aortic injury, with substantial inter-reader variability. Medical education has ingrained the widely promoted concept of mediastinum widening, which may be misleading.
Using Photoplethysmography & ECG Towards a Non-Invasive Cuff less Blood Pressure Measurement Technique

The continuous systolic and diastolic pressure have great medical value, especially for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases detection. Beside the inconvenience of cuff based blood pressure (BP) measurement devices, the lack of widely accepted accurate measurements and calibration, the BP portable devices are even less attractive.The pulse transit time (PTT) is related to arterial stiffness and can be used to estimate systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Considering the complex multivariate physiological processes in human body, depending on only PTT doesn’t give acceptable accuracy. This study extends the pulse transit time (PTT) based cuff less BP measurement method to include the heart rate (HR) as an additional information. A new model based on linear regression is proposed that include the HR to measure the BP.PTT only BP and the proposed PTT and HR based BP measurement models are tested using MIMIC database. Using model including linear regression and curve fitting, it was shown that the proposed model reduced the BP root mean square error (RMSE) for SBP from 9.6 to 7.1 and for DBP from 4.2 to 3.1 compared to conventional PTT only based methods.