cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Charaterization of Human Primitive Megakaryocytes and “Platelets”.

Primitive megakaryocytes (PMs) have been first observed in murine embroynal yolk sac [Xu et al. Blood. 2001 Apr 1;97(7):2016–22.]. The biological characteristics and functional aspects of human primitive megakaryocytes are not well established even though they can be transiently observed by bone marrow stromal cell (OP9) co-culture methodology [Gaur, M et al J Thromb Haemost.2006 Feb;4(2):436–42.; Eto K et al. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A.2002 Oct 1;99(20):12819–24.]. The goal of this study is to charaterize PMs’ unique biological and functional features. To obtain a pure population of human primitive megakaryocytes, human embryonic stem (hES) cells were cultured to form embryoid bodies. CD34+/CD31+/VE-Cadherin+/Flk-1+ hemangioblasts on day 12 were isolated and further cultured for 10–12 days in media containing thrombopoietin (TPO), interleukin 3 (IL3), stem cell factor (SCF). 30% of the non-adherent cells were strongly positive for CD31/CD41/CD61/CD42b, and weakly positive for CD42a/CD45/beta-2-microglobulin (B2M) but negative for CD117 or HLA-DR. The DNA ploidies are exclusively 2N–8N confirming the primitive status of PMs. Morphologically when compared to bone marrow derived megakaryocytes, PMs readily produce long processes with chains of “proplatelet” like structures. By live videomicroscopy, these “proplatelet” structures can actively recruit mitochondria. Interestingly, “platelet-like” fragment shedding from megakaryocytes is significantly stimulated in the presence of nitric oxide and human plasma. The “platelet-like” fragments and megakaryocytes respond to strong agonists, including thrombin and TRAP, with aggregation, alpha granule release and increased affinity for fibrinogen. In contrast, weaker agonists such as ADP only generate minimal response. This study provides preliminary evidence that primitive megakaryocytes have acquired some basic machinery of hemostasis even when the blood flow, liver function and coagulation factors are not present at the early phase of embryonal development. [We thank Dr.William L. Nichols at Mayo Clinic for his critical reviews of this abstract.]
Developing Bayesian networks from a dependency-layered ontology: A proof-of-concept in radiation oncology.

Purpose Bayesian networks (BNs) are graphical representations of probabilistic knowledge that offer normative reasoning under uncertainty and are well suited for use in medical domains. Traditional knowledge-based network development of BN topology requires that modeling experts establish relevant dependency links between domain concepts by searching and translating published literature, querying domain experts, or applying machine learning algorithms on data. For initial development these methods are time-intensive and this cost hinders the growth of BN applications in medical decision making. Further, this approach fails to utilize knowledge representation in medical fields to automate network development. Our research alleviates the challenges surrounding BN modeling in radiation oncology by leveraging an ontology based hub and spoke system for BN construction. Methods We implement a hub and spoke system by developing 1) an ontology of knowledge in radiation oncology (the hub) which includes dependency semantics similar to BN relations and 2) a software tool that operates on ontological semantics using deductive reasoning to create BN topologies (the spokes). We demonstrate that network topologies built using the software are terminologically consistent and form networks that are topologically compatible with existing ones. We do this first by merging two different BN models for prostate cancer radiotherapy prediction which contain domain cross terms. We then use the logic to perform discovery of new causal chains between radiation oncology concepts. Results From the radiation oncology (RO) ontology we successfully reconstructed a previously published prostate cancer radiotherapy Bayes net using up-to-date domain knowledge. Merging this model with another similar prostate cancer model in the RO domain produced a larger, highly interconnected model representing the expanded scope of knowledge available regarding prostate cancer therapy parameters, complications, and outcomes. The causal discovery resulted in an automatically-built causal network model of all ontologized radiotherapy concepts between a ‘Mucositis’ complication and anatomic tumor location. Conclusions The proposed model building approach lowers barriers to developing probabilistic models relevant to real-world clinical decision making, and offers a solution to the consistency and compatibility problems. Further, the knowledge representation in this work demonstrates potential for broader radiation oncology applications outside of Bayes nets. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
p53 Expression in Ovarian Borderline Tumors and Stage I Carcinomas

Seventy-nine ovarian serous and mucinous borderline tumors, 36 stage I carcinomas and 39 stage II-IV carcinomas were studied for p53 protein accumulation with monoclonal antibody PAb1801.p53 protein was expressed in 14% of borderline tumors, 36% of stage I carcinomas, and 64% of higher stage carcinomas. All immunopositive carcinomas accumulated p53 protein in the primary tumor, and 95% of them showed concordance in staining among different tissue blocks. A difference in frequency of p53 protein accumulation between stage I and higher stage serous carcinomas was not statistically significant. p53 positivity was associated with microinvasion, microcarcinoma and coexistent carcinoma in mucinous borderline tumors (P = .025). An association between p53 protein expression and poor tumor differentiation in Stage I carcinomas as statistically significant (P = .03). p53 positivity was observed in a poorly differentiated endometrioid carcinoma as well as in adjacent benign endometriotic tissue. These results suggest that p53 abnormalities may be early events in ovarian cancer, possibly contributing to malignant transformation of some borderline tumors, endometriosis and other carcinoma precursors.
Being Paid to Produce Eggs and Sperm: Gender, Commodification, and the Bodily Experiences of Gamete Donors

Donated eggs and sperm are key components of many modern-day fertility treatments. In the USA, egg and sperm donors are typically paid to produce gametes for anonymous recipients. In this chapter, I draw on 39 interviews with donors to examine women’s and men’s experiences of bodily commodification. Egg donors and sperm donors have different physical experiences of gamete donation; women must manage their bodies through shots and surgery, while men must engage in routine masturbation and abstinence. However, both egg and sperm donors offer insight into the embodied experience of donating sex cells for money and provide evidence that the social context in which physical experiences occur can produce variation in how the body feels.
“You’re doing great. Keep doing what you’re doing”: socially supportive communication during first-generation college students’ socialization

ABSTRACTThe experiences of first-generation college students (FGCS) are marked by high levels of stress and uncertainty as they navigate the transition to college. This study uses the organizational assimilation model to explore FGCS’ transition to college by temporally analyzing multiple sources and types of socially supportive communication found in interviews with 28 FGCS in their first semester at a four-year university. Findings suggest that during anticipatory socialization, FGCS primarily engaged in informational and instrumental social support interactions; in the encounter phase of socialization, FGCS (while still engaging in informational and instrumental support interactions) also engaged in appraisal and emotional support interactions. Findings also illuminate the ways in which FGCS embodied the role of pioneers, even early in the socialization process, suggesting important implications for their role not only as receivers of social support, but as agents of social support.
Label-free detection of protein biomolecules secreted from a heart-on-a-chip model for drug cardiotoxicity evaluation

Efficient methods for the accurate analysis of drug toxicities are in urgent demand as failures of newly discovered drug candidates due to toxic side effects have resulted in about 30% of clinical attrition. The high failure rate is partly due to current inadequate models to study drug side effects, i.e., common animal models may fail due to its misrepresentation of human physiology. Therefore, much effort has been allocated in the development of organ-on-a-chip models which offer a variety of human organ models mimicking a multitude of human physiological conditions. However, it is extremely challenging to analyze the transient and long-term response of the organ models to drug treatments during drug toxicity tests, as the proteins secreted from the organ-on-a-chip model are minute due to its volumetric size, and current methods for detecting said biomolecules are not suitable for real-time monitoring. As protein biomolecules are being continuously secreted from the human organ model, fluorescence techniques are practically impossible to achieve real-time fluorescence labeling in the dynamically changing environment, thus making a label-free approach highly desirable for the organ-on-achip applications. In this paper, we report the use of a photonic-crystal biosensor integrated with a microfluidic system for sensitive label-free bioassays of secreted protein biomolecules from a heart-on-the-chip model created with cardiomyocytes derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells.
Everyday and Bottom-Up: A Counter-Narrative of American City Design

Through a brief account of the evolution of city design discourses in the United States, this chapter examines the influence of the everyday and the bottom-up in American city design. It argues that bottom-up, everyday urbanism presents a recurring theme in the discourses of city design in America. Rather than esoteric diversions or frivolous interventions, bottom-up urbanism, as embodied in the non-pedigreed, spatial practices of ordinary citizens has arguably been a constant source of inspiration and innovation for theories and practices in American city design and should be recognized as having a central and defining role in its evolution.
The Costs of Nuclear Weapons in South Asia

Officials in India and Pakistan insist that no expense should be spared to achieve national security. The development of nuclear weapons and missiles, they contend, is required to deter foreign hostility and political coercion. This claim could be correct: Nuclear deterrence might foster peace and security in South Asia. But at what cost? Will Indian or Pakistan replicate the Soviet experience, whereby the costs of creating and maintaining a credible nuclear deterrent bankrupt the government and society? Are India and Pakistan threatening their future prosperity, prestige, and security for questionable security gains? This chapter identifies the costs of the nuclear deterrent programs pur- sued by India and Pakistan. Five categories of costs are examined: the finan- cial burden, the opportunity costs, the domestic political reverberations, and the international political price This discussion is followed by a brief assess- ment of the military risks that India and Pakistan now face in the aftermath of the 1998 nuclear tests.
Technosocial predictive analytics for illicit nuclear trafficking

Illicit nuclear trafficking networks are a national security threat. These networks can directly lead to nuclear proliferation, as state or nonstate actors attempt to identify and acquire nuclear weapons-related expertise, technologies, components, and materials. The ability to characterize and anticipate the key nodes, transit routes, and exchange mechanisms associated with these networks is essential to influence, disrupt, interdict or destroy the function of the networks and their processes. The complexities inherent to the characterization and anticipation of illicit nuclear trafficking networks requires that a variety of modeling and knowledge technologies be jointly harnessed to construct an effective analytical and decision making workflow in which specific case studies can be built in reasonable time and with realistic effort. In this paper, we explore a solution to this challenge that integrates evidentiary and dynamic modeling with knowledge management and analytical gaming, and demonstrate its application to a geopolitical region at risk.
Dusicyon griseus (South American grey fox)

The karyotypes were kindly donated by Dr. M. Gallardo (Valdivia, Chile) and were prepared from lymphocytes of young animals injected with colchicine. The animals are registered (IZVA284; 319) in the Instituto de Zoologia, Universidad Austral, and come from Chile. The karyotypes are essentially identical to those of Dusicyon vetulus, the hoary fox (2).
Accuracy of DXA-based body composition measurements for pediatric studies

When child growth is examined, measurements should be made of body fat, lean, and mineral composition. Most of the methods available for children, however, are indirect and often rely on constants or calibrations derived from adult measurements. The continued development of one of these techniques, photon absorption, has evolved into the current technology called dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The major advantages of DXA examinations of children are a minimal radiation dose (<1 mrem, whole body), relatively short measurement time (<10 min), and good precision (< 1–2%). The three principal “chemical” components of the whole body reported from a DXA analysis are 1) total bone mineral content (BMC), 2) soft tissue lean mass, and 3) body fat mass. The accuracy of these derived DXA values, however, has never been assessed against classical wet chemistry analyses, especially for children’s body sizes. Thus, the aim of the present study was to assess the accuracy of the absolute mass values of DXA-based body composition measurements.
Self-Assembly and Surface Tension Induced Fractal Conductive Network in Ternary Polymer System

In nanocomposites, the establishment of a conductive network dictates the electrical properties of materials. Herein, we explore the idea of forming a conductive network using self-assembly and sur...
Single glomerular proteomics: A novel tool for translational glomerular cell biology.

Abstract The glomerulus harbors the renal filtration barrier and needs to be precisely maintained. In this chapter, the concept of single glomerular proteomics is described. Single glomerular proteomics has recently been enabled by advances in glomerular isolation, ultrasensitive peptide sample preparation and mass spectrometry based technology and acquisition strategies. It generates protein content information on a single glomerulus that can be overlaid with morphological and other multi-layered omics analyses. The novel method consists of four essential steps: preparation of single glomeruli—by microdissection, glomerular preparation, or laser microdissection—followed by proteomic sample preparation, mass spectrometry analysis and bioinformatics analysis. It enables for the first time the generation of sub-biopsy level proteomics data. In perspective, comprehensive data from individual glomeruli could be used in order to pinpoint novel druggable targets in animal models of kidney disease or in patients with proteinuria and glomerular disease.
Gangue rejection responses for a variety of gold ores

ABSTRACTGangue rejection, resulting in an increased head grade at a higher net throughput (or, smaller plant footprint), and the creation of dual products, eg high grade and low grade, for alternat...
Z.7–9, The Reintroduction of Matter and Form

Z.7–9 has been thought to have been written elsewhere and inserted between Z.6 and Z.10. If so, it is well-suited to have been so inserted. It fits Z better than one might first think; it provides a needed reintroduction of matter and form; and it contributes to Z.10–11’s topic of whether form has matter as part of it. It should be taken seriously when trying to understand Z, including passages that might be thought to commit Aristotle to a particular view about basic constituents. The most important of these says that form is primary substance. But its context makes clear that its concern is the primary essence when things have essences secondarily and derivatively. Z.7–9 also leaves individual composites as candidates for basic constituents.
Strategies to Minimize Surgeon Radiation Exposure in Spinal Surgery

For over 100 years, radiation exposure has concerned physicians. Currently, most spine surgeons utilize imaging modalities that rely on radiation in the operating room on a near-daily basis. Recommendations on limits to radiation exposure and ways to minimize that radiation exposure should be familiar to all spine surgeons. Here we review both radiation exposure in the operating room as well as multiple strategies, technologies, and techniques that allow for surgeons to minimize radiation exposure to themselves, their staff, and the patient.
X-Ray Orthonormal Orbital Model for Crystallography

The X-ray coherent diffraction experiment of crystallography allows in principle determination of the electron density. This follows from the Fourier transform relation connecting X-ray scattering factors to electron density. If the density is cast in a single determinant orbital formalism, measured scattering factors may be used to fit an idempotent density matrix. Examples in which this has been carried out with satisfactory results are discussed. The formalism used puts crystallography in line with the usual rules of quantum mechanics. A connection is drawn between crystallography and density functional theory.
Examining the functional range of commercially available low‐cost airborne particle sensors and consequences for monitoring of indoor air quality in residences

Low-cost airborne particle sensors are gaining attention for monitoring human exposure to indoor particulate matter. This study aimed to establish the concentrations at which these commercially available sensors can be expected to report accurate concentrations. We exposed five types of commercial integrated devices and three types of "bare" low-cost particle sensors to a range of concentrations generated by three different sources. We propose definitions of upper and lower bounds of functional range based on the relationship between a given sensor's output and that of a reference instrument during a laboratory experiment. Experiments show that the lower bound can range from approximately 3 to 15 μg/m3 . At greater concentrations, sensor output deviates from linearity at approximately 300-3000 μg/m3 . We also conducted a simulation campaign to analyze the effect of this limitation on functional range on the accuracy of exposure readings given by these devices. We estimate that the upper bound results in minimal inaccuracy in exposure quantification, and the lower bound can result in as much as a 50% error in approximately 10% of US homes.
Migration regulates cellular mechanical states

Recent studies indicate that adherent cells are keenly sensitive to external physical environment, such as substrate rigidity and topography, and internal physical states, such as cell shape and spreading area. Many of these responses are believed to involve coupled output and input of mechanical forces, which may constitute the key sensing mechanism to generate downstream regulatory signals for cell growth and differentiation. Here, we show that the state of cell migration also plays a regulatory role. Compared with migrating cells, stationary cells generate stronger, less dynamic, and more peripherally localized traction forces. These changes are coupled to reduced focal adhesion turnover and enhanced paxillin phosphorylation. Further, using cells migrating along checkerboard micropatterns, we show that the appearance of new focal adhesions directly in front of existing focal adhesions is associated with the down-regulation of existing focal adhesions and associated traction forces. Together, our results imply a mechanism where cell migration regulates traction forces by promoting dynamic turnover of focal adhesions, which may then regulate processes such as wound healing and embryogenesis where cell differentiation must coordinate with migration state and proper localization.
Work-in-Progress: Verifiably Safe SCUBA Diving using Commodity Sensors

SCUBA diving is an activity in which divers remain underwater for prolonged periods by using a self-contained breathing apparatus. Diving is safety critical because changing depth too rapidly or running out of oxygen before surfacing can result in life-threatening consequences. These risks are currently minimized by using a wrist-mounted, ‘air-integrated’ dive computer that monitors time, depth and air tank pressure (received through expensive wireless transceivers or a hose). These computers are costly for the average recreational dive. We present a hybrid systems model and safety proof for a SCUBA diving computer that estimates air consumption of the diver using commodity heart rate sensors, instead. We employ a mathematical model of oxygen uptake in response to exercise and thereby predict the time remaining for the air supply to be depleted, as well as obviate the need for a tank-mounted wireless transmitter or the cumbersome hose integrated computer for directly monitoring tank pressure. We formally verify a controller that ensures the diver can always surface without running out of breathable air.
Increased Reintervention After Infrainguinal Revascularization for Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia in Women

Background The objective of this study was to determine if there are gender-based differences in major adverse limb events after revascularization for chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) and to identify potential associated factors. Methods This was a single-center retrospective analysis of 151 patients who underwent infrainguinal revascularization for CLTI between April 2013 and December 2015. Only the first revascularized limb was included in patients with bilateral CLTI. Demographic data and clinical outcomes were collected using electronic medical records. Results The mean age was 68.1 ± 12.1 years, and 55 of 151 (36%) were women. Women were less likely to carry a diagnosis of hyperlipidemia (60% vs. 83%; P = 0.003), less likely to be on a statin medication (58% vs. 81%; P = 0.004), and less likely to undergo an infrapopliteal revascularization (60% vs. 77%; P = 0.04) compared with men. There were no differences between genders with regard to the Society for Vascular Surgery Wound Ischemia and Foot Infection stage at presentation or utilization of open versus endovascular intervention. During the median follow-up time of 678 days (interquartile range, 167–1277 days), 48 of 151 patients (32%) underwent reintervention on the threatened limb and 23 of 151 patients (15%) underwent major amputation. Women were more likely than men to need reintervention (P = 0.02). There was no difference between genders for major amputation (P = 0.48) or overall survival (P = 0.65). In a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model for reintervention that included gender, preoperative body mass index, hyperlipidemia, preoperative anticoagulation, and ischemia score ≥2 (all P Conclusions Women undergoing lower extremity revascularization for CLTI were more likely to require reintervention compared with men but had similar rates of limb preservation. Further study is required to understand potential causative factors to improve treatment outcomes in women.
Implementing a Pain Assessment Survey and Team Approach Method to Effectively Assess and Treat Pain in Poststroke Patients.

Abstract Objectives To monitor and treat pain effectively in stroke patients in an inpatient rehabilitation facility using an efficient Pain Assessment Survey. Design The study was conducted as a 2-part project. Part 1 was a preintervention study conducted to assess the prevalence of pain in poststroke patients using a Pain Assessment Survey. Factors such as central and peripheral mechanisms, psychological factors, and autonomic input were used to study the surveyed population. Other potential risk factors, such as age and sex, were also incorporated into statistical gathering. The correlation between the presence of pain and poststroke patients was assessed, and an enhanced pain assessment was created and implemented in the admission process of poststroke patients. This helped comprise part of the second portion of the study, the postintervention study. Setting Participants were chosen from an inpatient rehabilitation facility. Each part of the project was conducted over a 6-month period. Participants Patients (N=184) were randomly selected. Eighty-two patients were included in the preintervention survey, and 102 patients were included in the postintervention survey. Those who had pain prior to stroke that remained unchanged or if the pain was secondary to another diagnosis were excluded from the study. Intervention Patients with complaints of poststroke pain (PSP) were intervened immediately upon admission using a team approach. This included all personnel involved in the patient’s care to resolve pain before discharge. Different types of medications and non-medical modalities were used for pain control. Main Outcome Measure The prevalence of PSP in poststroke patients. Results The preintervention survey revealed a pain prevalence of 31.7%, whereas the postintervention study showed a prevalence of 11.8% in poststroke patients on admission. The odds that a poststroke patient would be discharged without pain and with a proper pain assessment and management was 96.2, with a statistically significant P value of .0015. Conclusion The team approach to pain management resulted in all patients being successfully treated and discharged pain free. This further demonstrates the importance of using both a pain assessment survey and team approach to assess PSP in poststroke patients.
Limited potential of AAV-mediated gene therapy in transducing human mesenchymal stem cells for bone repair applications.

Adeno-associated viral vectors (AAV) are unique in their ability to transduce a variety of both dividing and nondividing cells, with significantly lower risk of random genomic integration and with no known pathogenicity in humans, but their role in ex vivo regional gene therapy for bone repair has not been definitively established. The goal of this study was to test the ability of AAV vectors carrying the cDNA for BMP-2 to transduce human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), produce BMP-2, and induce osteogenesis in vitro as compared with lentiviral gene therapy with a two-step transcriptional amplification system lentiviral vector (LV-TSTA). To this end, we created two AAV vectors (serotypes 2 and 6) expressing the target transgene; eGFP or BMP-2. Transduction of human MSCs isolated from bone marrow (BMSCs) or adipose tissue (ASCs) with AAV2-eGFP and AAV6-eGFP led to low transduction efficiency (BMSCs: 3.57% and 8.82%, respectively, ASCs: 6.17 and 20.2%, respectively) and mean fluorescence intensity as seen with FACS analysis 7 days following transduction, even at MOIs as high as 106. In contrast, strong eGFP expression was detectable in all of the cell types post transduction with LV-TSTA-eGFP. Transduction with BMP-2 producing vectors led to minimal BMP-2 production in AAV-transduced cells 2 and 7 days following transduction. In addition, transduction of ASCs and BMSCs with AAV2-BMP-2 and AAV6-BMP-2 did not enhance their osteogenic potential as seen with an alizarin red assay. In contrast, the LV-TSTA-BMP-2-transduced cells were characterized by an abundant BMP-2 production and induction of the osteogenic phenotype in vitro (p < 0.001 vs. AAV2 and 6). Our results demonstrate that the AAV2 and AAV6 vectors cannot induce a significant transgene expression in human BMSCs and ASCs, even at MOIs as high as 106. The LV-TSTA vector is significantly superior in transducing human MSCs; thus this vector would be preferable when developing an ex vivo regional gene therapy strategy for clinical use in orthopedic surgery applications.
Analysis of Laser-Generated Lamb Waves with Wavelet Transform

Multimode laser-generated Lamb wave signals were processed using the wavelet transform. Lamb waveforms were acquired in a 1.6 mm thick aluminum plate containing defects simulated by machined notches with depths of 25%, 50% and 75% of the thickness. The characteristics of the Lamb modes after interacting with the various notches were studied. The amplitude of dominant modes was not sensitive to the notch depths. However, shifting of Lamb modes in time or frequency and the presence of a different number of modes observed from the wavelet analysis of signals from defect-free and defective regions provide an effective way for detecting defects. The results indicate that wavelet transform is an extremely useful tool for analysis of multimode Lamb waves for the inspection of plate-like structures.
From the Social to the Human Rights of Labor: Reflections on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Art. 23, the ILO, and Working Rights Principles

Article 23 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights represents the culmination of a substantial transformation in the conceptual baselines for developing legal and normative frameworks respecting work and workers. This chapter considers this movement from a focus on conditions of labor to the modern principles that frame the human rights of labor. Section 1 of the chapter provides the context, situating labor rights within an arc of development from conceptions of social rights to rights embedded within the broad spectrum of human rights. Section 2 examines the movement of labor rights principles from its initial international conceptualization in the newly formed International Labor Organization in 1919 to its eventual expression as the principles of article 23. Section 3 then considers the impact of article 23’s right to work principles. The section first considers the development of labor rights principles through different international instruments. It then considers UDHR labor rights principles as specifically addressed in regional or domestic contexts. It ends with reflections on challenges and obstacles now and going forward.
Fatal Medical Negligence and Missouri's Perverse Incentive

Due to recent developments in medical injury law in Missouri, the amount of damages a negligent healthcare provider is liable for in tort may depend on the fate of the injured patient. This state of affairs owes its existence, in part, to the Supreme Court of Missouri’s decision in Sanders v. Ahmed, in which the Court held that statutory limitations on non-economic damages in medical malpractice wrongful death claims are neither in violation of the State’s right to trial by jury, nor separation of powers provisions. The Missouri Constitution only shields from such legislative interference jury awards stemming from common law causes of action. The State of Missouri maintains that wrongful death was absent at common law; therefore, the loved ones of victims of fatal medical negligence maybe left uncompensated simply because of the Missouri courts’ readings of history.
Efficacy of endoscopic sinus surgery alone versus in combination with neurosurgical intervention for the treatment of pediatric subdural empyema.

Abstract Objectives To compare treatment outcomes for sinogenic subdural empyema (SE) between those managed with initial endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) alone versus those treated with a combination of ESS and craniotomy over the last decade at our institution. To better characterize subdural empyema with regard to presentation, causative pathogens, and treatment course. Methods Retrospective single-center chart review to identify and evaluate pediatric SE patients between 2009 and 2019. Patients meeting inclusion criteria were classified in one of two groups: those who initially underwent ESS or frontal trephination without concurrent neurosurgical procedure and those who underwent craniotomy or burr hole in addition to a sinus procedure. Presenting characteristics and treatment outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results Eighteen patients met inclusion criteria. The ESS alone and the ESS + craniotomy subgroups each had 9 patients with similar baseline characteristics. The ESS + craniotomy group was more likely to present with neurological symptoms (p = 0.039) and have multiple intracranial fluid collections (p = 0.046). 74.1% of patients presented to the Emergency Department (ED) or to their primary medical doctor and were treated with outpatient management prior to hospitalization with definitive surgical management. The most common presenting symptoms were fever, headache and nausea/vomiting. There were no differences between treatment groups in rate of return to the operating room (OR) (p = 1.00), length of stay (LOS) (p = 0.553), or adverse neurological outcomes (p = 0.456). 44.4% of patients in the ESS alone group eventually required neurosurgical intervention. Conclusions Surgical SE patients often present to medical professionals in the primary care setting or ED and are managed with outpatient treatment before admission with definitive treatment. In this small retrospective cohort patients who underwent sinus intervention alone had similar rates of return to OR, LOS and adverse neurological outcomes use as those who underwent a sinus procedure in coordination with a neurosurgical intervention. There may be a group of patients with SE who may be managed with endoscopic procedures alone and further studies should seek to determine the characteristics of this population.
Mesenteric Artery Thrombosis and Embolism

Mesenteric artery thrombosis and embolism is an uncommon disease that is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Prompt diagnosis and a high index of suspicion is required. Generally, treatment requires open surgical exploration and revascularization. However, endovascular and hybrid approaches to revascularization may be appropriate for select patients. Postoperative management requires intensive support and treatment of the underlying causes for thrombosis or embolism.
Role of the Mesentery in Systemic Inflammation Response Syndrome (SIRS) and Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome (MODS)

New understanding of the mesentery has identified anatomical and functional features that implicate this structure in the pathogenesis of inflammatory disorders such as Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) and Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome (MODS). Experimental data highlights the mechanisms by which the mesentery contributes to the development of these disorders. These include connections between mesenteric lymph, mesenchymal circulation and various cellular elements and cellular products (adipocytes, fibrocytes and cytokines). Cytokines produced in the intestine and mesentery, include resistin, leptin, adiponectin, and C-reactive protein (CRP). These are capable of bypassing the liver and portal circulation, resulting in their distribution to the entire body through the mesenteric lymph. This mechanism allows pro-inflammatory mediators to alter the function of visceral organs and induce a generalized and systemic response. The connective tissue lattice, predominated by adipocytes, represents another source of pro-inflammatory mediators. Adipocytes are known to be metabolically active and play a fundamental role in secretion of biologic substances including hormones and cytokines. Fibrocytes within the mesentery stimulate leukocyte entry, survival, and retention during inflammation. Fibrocytes also are involved with the recruitment of other cells that promote the expansion of the inflammatory reaction. Details of these processes will be reviewed in this chapter.
Origins: The World in 1946

The Cold War conflict grew directly out of the Second World War, from which the US and the Soviet Union emerged as superpowers, while all the old imperial nations were in deep crisis. This created multiple potential power vacuums around the world, and several regions became theaters of confrontation between the two superpowers. The Soviet Union rapidly expanded its control over Eastern European nations and threatened to do the same in nations such as France, Italy, and Greece. British post-war weakness required the Americans to intervene directly to prevent further Communist advances in Europe and elsewhere. The doctrine of containment was born.
Elucidating the acid-base mechanisms underlying otolith overgrowth in fish exposed to ocean acidification

Over a decade ago, ocean acidification (OA) exposure was reported to induce otolith overgrowth in teleost fish. This phenomenon was subsequently confirmed in multiple species; however, the underlying physiological causes remain unknown. Here, we report that splitnose rockfish (Sebastes diploproa) exposed to ~1,600 μatm pCO2 (pH ~7.5) were able to fully regulated the pH of both blood and endolymph (the fluid that surrounds the otolith within the inner ear). However, while blood was regulated around pH 7.80, the endolymph was regulated around pH ~8.30. These different pH setpoints result in increased pCO2 diffusion into the endolymph, which in turn leads to proportional increases in endolymph [HCO3-] and [CO32-]. Endolymph pH regulation despite the increased pCO2 suggests enhanced H+ removal. However, a lack of differences in inner ear bulk and cell-specific Na+/K+-ATPase and vacuolar type H+-ATPase protein abundance localization pointed out to activation of preexisting ATPases, non-bicarbonate pH buffering, or both, as the mechanism for endolymph pH-regulation. These results provide the first direct evidence showcasing the acid-base chemistry of the endolymph of OA-exposed fish favors otolith overgrowth, and suggests that this phenomenon will be more pronounced in species that count with more robust blood and endolymph pH regulatory mechanisms.
SQL/400: A Professional Programmer's Guide

Part 1 Selecting data from a single table: the select statement sorting the "result" table Boolean connectors - and-or-not pattern matching arithmetic expressions. Part 2 Built-in functions: column functions scalar functions. Part 3 Data definition and manipulation: data definition data manipulation processing null values. Part 4 Accessing multiple tables: the join operation UNION subqueries correlated subqueries. Part 5 More about SQL/400: the view concept database security transaction processing exploring the AS/400 catalogue appendices.
Stabilizing predictive control with output feedback for asymptotic tracking

A multivariable state space formulation of the GPC (generalized predictive control) law that can be implemented using output feedback is derived. This is done by using a particular nonminimal state space model where the current state is completely known. Sufficient conditions for stability of closed loop systems that result from implementing solutions of the finite horizon LQ problem for arbitrary fixed costing horizons are then presented. On this basis, a class of predictive control laws that ensures stability of the closed loop system is proposed. When the plant is required to track a known reference signal with step changes, a predictive output feedback controller that preserves stability of the closed loop system and achieves asymptotic tracking of the reference signal is derived.
Ganciclovir intraocular implant. A clinicopathologic study.

Background: Surgical implantation of the intraocular sustained-release ganciclovir device is a safe and effective treatment for cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis. Previous histopathologic studies on eyes containing such implants have been limited by the necessity of removing the device before processing. Microtome sectioning of hard plastics within paraffin-embedded blocks is infeasible, and the anatomic relations of implant to eye are destroyed. Methods: The authors studied four eyes from three patients who had undergone implant insertion. Globes with implants in place were fixed in neutral 10% formalin, embedded in methylmethacrylate, sectioned on a special microtome, and stained with hematoxylin-eosin. Results: After methacrylate embedding, the precise anatomic relations of the implant to the neighboring uveoscleral coats were preserved. In two eyes, the suture tab of the implant protruded through the sclera, exiting subconjunctivally. In two eyes, the implant was totally intravitreal. In all patients, the device was supported by fibrous tissue which emanated from a surgical coloboma of the pars plana ciliaris. Focal granulomatous inflammation adjoined suture and implant materials but no other inflammation or deleterious effects on the ocular structures were noted. Conclusion: This report is the first to document the intraocular histopathology of the ganciclovir implant. The subconjunctival location, enhancing the potential for endophthalmitis, may be avoided by trimming of the suture tab close to the anchoring suture and not tying it too tightly. Methylmethacrylate embedding is a useful technique for preserving the microanatomy of intraocular implants.
Bias Crime in a Multi-Cultural Society

For the past several years, I have been involved in a study of racially-motivated violence in the United Kingdom and its treatment under U.K. law. A major component of this study is a comparison of U.K. bias crime law with United States bias crime law. I have observed an extraordinary development in this area of the law, a development that is particularly striking because it has taken place over so short a period of time. Typically, when one does comparative work and discovered a dramatic change, there are two possible explanations: (i) something has really changed and you are on to a dynamic topic at a liminal time; or (ii) you never understood it well enough the first time. It is my hope that the former is the correct explanation although I cannot deny that I still fear the latter may be the case. In this paper, I would like to set out the a framework for understanding bias crimes, using the American context as a point of departure. I will then sketch the background of British bias crime law, along with the case for understanding recent developments as indeed an instance of dramatic legal change. Finally, I shall offer some tentative observations as to the reasons for these changes, or at least some of the reasons for these changes, and the implications of these observations for using bias crime law as a window into a society's self-perception as a multi-cultural society.
Airflow limitation is associated with reduced skeletal muscle mass in community-dwelling older men

Introduction: Muscle wasting is a severe problem in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Recent reports suggest that airflow limitation (AL) is present in community-dwelling older adults. Aim: To analyze the relation between AL and the skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) in Japanese community-dwelling older men by performing a cross-sectional study. Methods: The study included 121 men aged ≥65 years. The age, body mass index (BMI), smoking history, medical history, pulmonary function, motor function, SMI, and physical activity (PA) of each participant were obtained. AL was defined as FEV 1 /FVC% Results: AL was present in 29 (24.0%) participants. While age, smoking history, and motor function were not significantly different between the groups, BMI ( P 2 ; without AL: 7.5 ± 0.7 kg/m 2 ; P P P = 0.001; 95% CI: -0.874, -0.219) was significantly associated with a reduced SMI. Conclusions: Our data showed that AL is associated with a reduced SMI in community-dwelling older men.
Distinguishing Racism from Ideology A Methodological Inquiry

Research using symbolic racism has provided evidence that racial bias has widespread social and political impact in the United States, influencing phenomena such as opposition to policies designed to help blacks, disapproval of Barack Obama, and membership in the Tea Party. However, symbolic racism has a racial component and a conservative component, so many researchers have attempted to isolate the racial component of symbolic racism with statistical control; however, the literature lacks guidelines about the effectiveness of such statistical control. To address this shortcoming, I report results from two studies using the 2012 ANES Time Series Study. Study 1 provides guidelines for the effect size necessary to support an inference that variation in a dependent variable is influenced by the racial component of symbolic racism. The nature of this racial component has been inconsistently described in the literature, so Study 2 reports evidence that symbolic racism sometimes predicts black opposition to pol...
An optimal parallel algorithm for arithmetic expression parsing

The paper discusses an optimal parallel algorithm for tree form generation of arithmetic expressions on an SIMD-SM EREW model. The main idea is how to avoid the read conflict posted by Bar-On and Vishkin's algorithm (1985) by modifying their parenthesis pairing algorithm. >
Spontaneous sphenoid lateral recess cerebrospinal fluid leaks arise from intracranial hypertension, not Sternberg's canal

Background Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks/encephaloceles are proven to be associated with intracranial hypertension by objective measurements of CSF pressure during or following endoscopic repair. A common area of involvement is a pneumatized lateral recess of the sphenoid (LRS) sinus, where prolonged intracranial pressures lead to arachnoid pits and subsequent development of skull-base defects. Even though the LRS is never present at birth, a “congenital” cause of these leaks due to a persistent Sternberg's (lateral craniopharyngeal) canal continues to be erroneously perpetuated in the literature. The objective of this study was to eliminate the myths defining these leaks as congenital in nature. Methods Evaluation of LRS CSF leaks present within a multiinstitutional case series was performed. Data regarding demographics, body mass index (BMI), radiologic evaluation of intracranial hypertension, and direct intracranial pressure measurements (when available) were collected. Results Data evaluation identified 77 LRS CSF leaks in 59 patients (mean age 52 years). Obesity was present in 83% of individuals (mean BMI 36) and 81% were females. Radiologic evidence of intracranial hypertension (eg, empty sella, dilated optic nerve sheaths, and scalloped/attenuated bone) was present on 96% of preoperative computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Opening or postsurgical lumbar drain or ventriculostomy pressure measurements were elevated in 95% of patients (mean 27.7; range, 9–50 cmH2O). Conclusion This study provides objective evidence that LRS CSF leaks are secondary to erosions from intracranial hypertension and refutes the myth regarding a congenital origin from Sternberg's canal.
Relationship of creatine kinase to body composition, disease state, and longevity in ALS

Our objective was to explore if creatine kinase (CK) levels correlate with survival in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and whether a correlation is independent of other well-studied predictors such as location of onset, gender, age, fat free mass, spasticity, cramps, and fasciculations. We analyzed data from 80 ALS patients from a 48-week non-interventional longitudinal multicenter nutrition study with long term follow-up. The overall mean CK was 214 ± 191.8 U/l (range 22-1992 U/l). Forty-five percent of patients had at least one high CK value (> 200 U/l), and about half maintained a high CK value, but there was no trend over the study period. Male gender and extremity onset were significantly associated with high CK. In univariate analysis, age, bioelectric impedance spectroscopy (BIS) fat free mass, spasticity, and fasciculations were not associated with CK level. There was an association between CK and muscle cramps (p < 0.001). In survival analysis, low CK (≤ 200 U/l) was associated with a longer overall survival (p = 0.02), when adjusting for location of onset, age, race, gender, BIS fat free mass, and study site. In conclusion, CK may be a useful marker for ALS survival, which has implications for clinical care and the design of future clinical trials.