cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CME Without Packing a Suitcase

One thing about the field of medicine is for sure—things are sure to change! I recall hearing on the first day of medical school that ‘‘by the time you graduate, half of what you will learn in the next 4 years will already be wrong.’’ Back then, the prevailing wisdom was that nitroglycerin was good for treating anginal attacks but dangerous to use if the patient was having a heart attack and likely to cause more extensive damage. Coronary thrombi were thought to be the result of myocardial infarction, not the cause. Peptic ulcer disease was due to excessive gastric acid production. Many other widely accepted ‘‘facts’’ have since been proved incorrect. A philosopher might observe that although the ‘‘truth’’ does not change, our understanding of the truth usually grows over time (sometimes by fits and starts). The clinical applications of echocardiography have also changed as technology has evolved. Initially, ‘‘unidimensional’’ echocardiography (time has always been an additional dimension for all echocardiographic modalities) using A-mode and later M-mode techniques was able to demonstrate pericardial fluid and gross valvular abnormalities and to measure chamber dimensions. Two-dimensional imaging made echocardiography more robust; for example, we could not only detect the presence of mitral stenosis but also measure stenotic valve area accurately. Visualization and gradation of regional left ventricular dysfunction in patients with myocardial infarctions, and assessment of ischemia induced during stress testing, became practical. With Doppler methods for determining blood flow direction and velocity, we could demonstrate valvular regurgitation and shunts directly and measure pressure gradients and volumetric flow. More recently, improvements in real-time 3-dimensional echocardiography have allowed us to appreciate more completely the anatomic features of valvular and congenital disorders and to make more accurate and reproducible measures of cardiac structure and function. Methods for measuring myocardial deformation have taught us more about ventricular and atrial function and seem to promise an enhanced ability to detect disease processes early, perhaps thereby allowing new approaches to therapy. In our field of echocardiography, things surely have changed and will continue to change. Although this is wonderful news, it also presents a challenge: how to keep up with new developments? The answer seems obvious: we must keep on learning! It has been said that the most important thing one learns in school is how to learn: the facts will change, so it is critically important to be able to continue learning as the facts evolve. All practitioners need to keep current with new knowledge. Lifelong learning is not just a catchy phrase; it is essential if we want to perform at our best. Active participation in continuing medical education (CME) is not only the right thing to do; increasingly, it is required. The American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) has long emphasized that high-
Speciation of Campylobacter coli, C. jejuni, C. helveticus, C. lari, C. sputorum, and C. upsaliensis by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization--Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry

Multiple strains of Campylobacter coli, C. jejuni, C. helveticus, C. lari, C. sputorum, and C. upsaliensis isolated from animal, clinical, or food samples have been analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Whole bacterial cells were harvested from colonies or confluent growth on agar and transferred directly into solvent and then to a spot of dried 3-methoxy-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (matrix). Multiple ions in the 5,000- to 15,000-Da mass range were evident in spectra for each strain; one or two ions in the 9,500- to 11,000-Da range were consistently high intensity. “Species-identifying” biomarker ions (SIBIs) were evident from analyses of multiple reference strains for each of the six species, including the genome strains C. jejuni NCTC 11168 and C. jejuni RM1221. Strains grown on nine different combinations of media and atmospheres yielded SIBI masses within ±5 Da with external instrument calibration. The highest-intensity C. jejuni SIBIs were cytosolic proteins, including GroES, HU/HCj, and RplL. Multiple intraspecies SIBIs, corresponding probably to nonsynonymous nucleotide polymorphisms, also provided some intraspecies strain differentiation. MALDI-TOF MS analysis of 75 additional Campylobacter strains isolated from humans, poultry, swine, dogs, and cats revealed (i) associations of SIBI type with source, (ii) strains previously speciated incorrectly, and (iii) “strains” composed of more than one species. MALDI-TOF MS provides an accurate, sensitive, and rapid method for identification of multiple Campylobacter species relevant to public health and food safety.
Diversifying Physical Activity Course Curricula to Meet Institutional Expectations and Satisfy Student Needs in Higher Education: An Introductory Framework

The purpose of this Viewpoint is to offer an introductory framework that seeks to diversify physical activity education course curricula in an attempt to satisfy institutional and student expectations within higher education.
Secondhand smoke exposure among nonsmokers nationally and in New York City.

Introduction: We describe smoking prevalence and second- hand smoke (SHS) exposure among adult nonsmokers in New York City (NYC) across key demographic strata and compare exposure estimates with those found nationally. Methods: We used serum cotinine data from the 2004 NYC Health and Nutrition Examination Survey ( n = 1,767 adults aged 20 years or older) and the 2003 - 2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey ( n = 4,476 adults aged 20 years or older) to assess and compare smoking prevalence and the prevalence of elevated cotinine levels ( ≥ 0.05 ng/ml) among nonsmokers. We conducted multivariate logistic regression to assess independent predictors of elevated cotinine levels in NYC. Results: Although the smoking prevalence in NYC was lower than that found nationally (23.3% vs. 29.7%, p < .05), the pro- portion of nonsmoking adults in NYC with elevated cotinine levels was greater than the national average overall (56.7% vs. 44.9%, p < .05) and was higher for most demographic sub- groups. In NYC, the highest cotinine levels among nonsmokers were among adults aged 20 - 39 years, males, and Asians. Discussion: Although NYC enacted comprehensive smoke- free workplace legislation in 2003, fi ndings suggest that expo- sure to SHS remains a signifi cant public health issue, especially among certain subgroups. The fi nding of a higher prevalence of SHS exposure in NYC despite lower smoking rates is puzzling but suggests that SHS exposure in dense, urban settings may pose a particular challenge.
Interpretation of Emotion From Facial Expressions in Children With and Without Learning Disabilities

The accuracy and time required for children with and without learning disabilities to interpret emotions when restricted to information from facial expressions, and the accuracy of those interpretations, were investigated. Ninety-six children participated; an equal number of males and females were included in both learning categories and age levels. Accuracy and response time on a modified version of Pictures of Facial Affect were recorded for the emotions of fear, sadness, surprise, anger, happiness, and disgust, as well as for the entire task. Three-way ANOVAs revealed children with learning disabilities to (a) be less accurate interpreters of emotion and (b) spend more time identifying specific emotions. Both age and sex influenced response time: Younger subjects required more time to interpret the emotions of fear and anger; males spent more time interpreting happiness. Younger females with learning disabilities displayed difficulty in interpretation, and older children with learning disabilities (par...
Detection and prognosis of the asymptomatic patient with silent myocardial ischemia

Detection of asymptomatic silent ischemia relies mainly on exercise screening procedures in (1) selected patient subgroups with increased likelihood of having latent coronary artery disease and (2) patients after infarction with uncomplicated courses. Prognosis in these patients varies, depending on the extent of disease and left ventricular dysfunction. The worst prognosis is found in patients with prior infarctions, 3-vessel disease and poor exercise tolerance. Prognosis is excellent in totally asymptomatic patients with only 1-vessel disease and good ventricular function.
A Precision-Tuned Receiver Employing Solid-State Tuning Elements

The capability of rapid frequency selection coupled with crystal controlled tuning accuracy are the salient features of this solid-state receiver. The heart of the system is a discrete local oscillator. It consists of an electronically tuned oscillator which is phase-locked to a selected harmonic of a master crystal. Since there are no mechanical adjustments necessary, the receiver can be built in a small, light-weight package.
On the Accuracy of Fluid Models for Capacity Sizing in Queueing Systems with Impatient Customers

We consider queueing systems in which customers arrive according to a Poisson process and have exponentially distributed service requirements. The customers are impatient and may abandon the system while waiting for service after a generally distributed amount of time. The system incurs customer-related costs that consist of waiting and abandonment penalty costs. We study capacity sizing in such systems to minimize the sum of the long-term average customer-related costs and capacity costs. We use fluid models to derive prescriptions that are asymptotically optimal for large customer arrival rates. Although these prescriptions are easy to characterize, they depend intricately upon the distribution of the customers' time to abandon and may prescribe operating in a regime with offered load (the ratio of the arrival rate to the capacity) greater than 1. In such cases, we demonstrate that the fluid prescription is optimal up to O(1). That is, as the customer arrival rate increases, the optimality gap of the prescription remains bounded.
Ballism After Stroke Responds to Standard Physical Therapeutic Interventions

Abstract Mark VW, Oberheu AM, Henderson C, Woods AJ. Ballism after stroke responds to standard physical therapeutic interventions. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2005;86: 1226–33. Objective To report the effects of noninvasive standard physical therapy (PT) interventions on an involuntary movement disorder after stroke. Design Single case with clinical follow-up over 2 years. Setting Inpatient stroke and rehabilitation services and outpatient clinic. Participant A man with acute bilateral ballism after unilateral subthalamic infarction. Interventions Rhythmic coordinated bilateral limb movements and firm tactile stimulation to the hand. Main Outcome Measures We had not anticipated that dyskinesia itself would specifically improve during treatment. Consequently, we used qualitative clinical observations, including review of videotaped performance, and self-reported limb control. Hypotheses concerning treatment effects were developed after data collection. Results Involuntary movements recurrently improved within treatment sessions. Conclusions PT may improve dyskinesia after stroke. The benefit may be adjunctive or alternative to current invasive treatments of movement disorders after brain injury and merits confirmation. The improvements are consistent with current research indicating that (1) intact cortical, subcortical, cerebellar, and spinal areas interact to generate bilateral rhythmic limb movements that can overcome dyskinesia and (2) tactile stimulation can improve motor deficits associated with basal ganglia disorders. Finally, because functional activities assessments improved our evaluation of ballism, these should be routinely used along with conventional neurologic examination to assess involuntary movement disorders.
Nonhydrostatic, Mesobeta-Scale Model Simulations of Cloud Ceiling and Visibility for an East Coast Winter Precipitation Event

Experiments are described that provide an example of the baseline skill level for the numerical prediction of cloud ceiling and visibility, where application to aviation-system safety and efficiency is emphasized. Model simulations of a light, mixed-phase, East Coast precipitation event are employed to assess ceiling and visibility predictive skill, and its sensitivity to the use of data assimilation and the use of simple versus complex microphysics schemes. To obtain ceiling and visibility from the model-simulated, state-of-the-atmosphere variables, a translation algorithm was developed based on empirical and theoretical relationships between hydrometeor characteristics and light extinction. The model-simulated ceilings were generally excessively high; however, the visibility simulations were reasonably accurate and comparable to the existing operational terminal forecasts. The benefit of data assimilation for such very short-range forecasts was demonstrated, as was the desirability of employing a reasonably sophisticated microphysics scheme.
Immunological Therapy of Breast Cancer

Clinical trials of immunotherapy in patients with breast cancer have been limited. Although immune function does not appear to be depressed in patients with operable breast cancer, immune function may play a role in preventing tumour recurrence in such patients. For example, 2 features associated with an adverse prognosis include peripheral blood lymphocytopenia and lack of reactivity against autologous tumour in skin windows. A number of agents that specifically or nonspecifically augment immunity have been studied. These include levamisole, the interferons, interleukin-2, cyclosporin, tumour vaccines, monoclonal antibodies and immunotoxins. Most of these trials have involved treatment of patients with advanced disease, and little antineoplastic activity has been demonstrated in this setting. Randomised trials have found no proven benefit for treatment with interferon-α or levamisole in addition to standard chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer, although these agents may not have been used optimally in these studies. Improved understanding of the biology of breast cancer is likely to result in more rationally designed biological therapies employing entirely new treatment strategies, or using currently available drugs more effectively. Furthermore, levamisole combined with fluorouracil in patients with Duke’s C colon cancer can result in an improved outcome when compared with fluorouracil alone. This suggests that carcinomas of glandular origin may be immunologically responsive, and that it may be possible to produce clinical benefit with immunological therapies even if the precise basis for the benefit has not been defined.
Deregulation of STING Signaling in Colorectal Carcinoma Constrains DNA Damage Responses and Correlates With Tumorigenesis

Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) has been shown to be critical for controlling antiviral responses as well as anti-tumor adaptive immunity, but little is known regarding its regulation in human tumors. Here, we report that STING signaling is recurrently suppressed in a wide variety of cancers, including colorectal carcinoma. Loss of STING signaling impeded DNA damage responses accountable for generating key cytokines that facilitate tissue repair and anti-tumor T cell priming, such as type I interferons (IFNs). Correspondingly, defective STING function was also highly predictive of effectual DNA-virus-mediated oncolytic activity. Thus, impaired STING responses may enable damaged cells to evade host immunosurveillance processes, although they provide a critical prognostic measurement that could help predict the outcome of effective oncoviral therapy.
Integrated, Dual-Function Remote Plasma-Enhanced Processing Applied to Low Damage SiO2 Etching and Removal of C-F Polymer Residues

We report a dual-function chamber integrating (a) remote RF plasma-enhanced etching of SiO2 layers on Si(100) surfaces with low energy, <100 eV, ion bombardment and (b) in-situ removal of polymeric C-F residues that are formed on the exposed Si surfaces. Using direct plasma excitation of He and downstream introduction of CF4, an SiO2 etch rate of ∼5 nm/min was obtained at a CF4 partial pressure as low as 0.25 mTorr. An exposure to atomic-H at a substrate temperature of 250°C was effective in removing polymeric residues from the Si surface, while an exposure to reactive O-species was less effective. We achieved a low-temperature, ∼300°C, homoepitaxial growth of Si on the Si(100) surface that was subjected to plasma etching followed by an exposure to atomic-H. The electrical damage of the processed Si surfaces was evaluated by a new technique, where a device-quality SiO2 film was deposited on this surface by remote PECVD and the C-V characteristics of the MOS structure were measured.
The Non-value of Counterimmunoelectrophoresis for the Direct Rapid Detection of Clostridium difficile Toxin in Stool Filtrates

An evaluation of counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIE) for detection of Clostridium difficile toxin or antigens in stool filtrates showed poor sensitivity of the test compared to a standard tissue culture cytotoxin assay or direct culture on selective media.
Developing snowflake divertor physics basis in the DIII-D, NSTX and NSTX-U tokamaks aimed at the divertor power exhaust solution.

Experimental results from the National Spherical Torus Experiment (NSTX), a medium-size spherical tokamak with a compact divertor, and DIII-D, a large conventional aspect ratio tokamak, demonstrate that the snowflake (SF) divertor configuration (D.D. Ryutov, Phys. Plasmas, 14, 064502, 2007) may provide a promising solution for mitigating divertor heat loads and target plate erosion compatible with core H-mode confinement in future fusion devices, where the standard radiative divertor solution may be inadequate. In NSTX, where the initial high-power SF experiment were performed, the SF divertor was compatible with H-mode confinement, and led to the destabilization of large ELMs. However, a stable partial detachment of the outer strike point was also achieved where inter-ELM peak heat flux was reduced by factors 3–5, and peak ELM heat flux was reduced by up to 80% (cf. standard divertor). The DIII-D studies show the SF divertor enables significant power spreading in attached and radiative divertor conditions. Results include: compatibility with the core and pedestal, peak inter-ELM divertor heat flux reduction due to geometry at lower ne, and ELM energy and divertor peak heat flux reduction, especially prominent in radiative D2-seeded SF divertor, and nearly complete power detachment and broader radiated power distribution in the radiative D2-seeded SF divertor at PSOL = 3 – 4 MW. A variety of SF configurations can be supported by the divertor coil set in NSTX Upgrade. Edge transport modeling with the multi-fluid edge transport code UEDGE shows that the radiative SF divertor can successfully reduce peak divertor heat flux for the projected PSOL ≃ 9 MW case. The radiative SF divertor with carbon impurity provides a wider ne operating window, 50% less argon is needed in the impurity-seeded SF configuration to achieve similar qpeak reduction factors (cf. standard divertor).
Energy Generation Using Water Resources: Greening the Environment

One of the major renewable energy sources is hydropower. It provided 50% of the renewable power generation in the U.S. in 2014. There are other energy generators that use water as a source. This paper will examine several of these sources to determine their effectiveness as a renewable energy source and their cost.
The reflection of the quality of life of people with Crohn's disease in nursing.

Objectives To determine the quality of life of patients with Crohn's disease and to determine if this is reflected by the quality of nursing care. Methods For the purpose of this research, we used a generic standardized questionnaire of the quality of life, published by the World Health Organization (WHOQOL-100). The questionnaire was distributed among 100 patients with Crohn's disease and among 1456 and members of healthy population. To analyze the results, we used the SPSS program and appropriate statistical methods. Results The comparison of the domain scores of population standards in the Czech Republic and the respondents with Crohn's disease revealed a difference in the domain "physical condition", where the mean value was at the limit of the lower interval of the standard, and in the domain of "independence". Conclusion The results given in this study define the possibilities of nurses and their functioning associated with altered quality of life. An evaluation of the most affected areas allows nurses to determine an appropriate intervention. Providing nursing care, in accordance with the latest knowledge, must be based on the quality of life. This newly incorporated area offers healthcare professionals a new dimension for assessing and determining subsequent interventions.
Constrained and unconstrained optimization

This chapter covers the basic concepts, theory, and algorithms of numerical optimization. The chapter starts with a general overview of optimization principles and describes some motivating examples from chemometric data analysis. Methods for solving unconstrained and constrained optimization problems are presented in detail. Two popular strategies for achieving global convergence from any starting point are discussed.
Stability and accuracy of 3D neutron transport simulations using the 2D/1D method in MPACT

Abstract A consistent “2D/1D” neutron transport method is derived from the 3D Boltzmann transport equation, to calculate fuel-pin-resolved neutron fluxes for realistic full-core Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) problems. The 2D/1D method employs the Method of Characteristics to discretize the radial variables and a lower order transport solution to discretize the axial variable. This paper describes the theory of the 2D/1D method and its implementation in the MPACT code, which has become the whole-core deterministic neutron transport solver for the Consortium for Advanced Simulations of Light Water Reactors (CASL) core simulator VERA-CS. Several applications have been performed on both leadership-class and industry-class computing clusters. Results are presented for whole-core solutions of the Watts Bar Nuclear Power Station Unit 1 and compared to both continuous-energy Monte Carlo results and plant data.
Photochemical Upconversion in Silicone Core/Silica Shell Nanoparticles

We report a thorough investigation of triplet–triplet annihilation upconversion (TTA-UC) in the silicone core/silica shell hollow nanoparticles (SSNPs). The results demonstrate that Platinum(II) octaethylporphyrin (PtOEP) and 9, 10-diphenylanthracene (DPA) were successfully captured in the hollow particles. It was also observed that TTA upconversion intensity from SSNPs increases with the concentration of DPA increasing. The mobility of chromophores was improved by the liquid core of the SSNPs, leading to the increasing of TTA-UC intensity. These results shed light onto the strategies to construct TTA-UC systems in solid substrates.
Recent advances in close range photogrammetry for underwater historical archaeology

Until recently close range photogrammetry has been exclusively done with dual or single cameras using a methodology termed stereoscopic photogrammetry. Likewise, it has been the only photogrammetric methodology used underwater. Convergent photogrammetry offers a faster, less expensive and more accurate methodology for the recording of underwater historical sites. The principles common to both forms of photogrammetry are reviewed so the differences stand out more clearly to the reader. Two examples of the application of convergent photogrammetry are presented—a test case conducted in a controlled environment and an actual field problem—so as to make the theory and method more understandable.
Potential mechanisms of transplanted cell-mediated recovery after stroke

The underlying mechanisms of transplanted cell-mediated recovery after stroke have received increased attention over the last decade. In this chapter, we review some of the well-known mechanisms in detail and what the more recent findings and relevant clinical trials are suggesting. We also highlight pertinent reports in order to inform the reader of current opportunities and challenges with regard to the following potential mechanisms: (1) functional integration with the existing brain circuitry; (2) neuroprotection through trophic factor secretion; (3) increased formation of new vasculature; (4) structural and functional changes to the brain; and (5) recruitment of endogenous progenitors.
Immune checkpoint inhibitors in malignancies with mismatch repair deficiency: a review of the state of the current knowledge

The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors to treat malignant tumors with microsatellite instability is an emerging new modality. This is based on the observations that these tumors may have a high mutation rate—thus a potential source of tumor-specific neoantigens—and harbor infiltrating cytotoxic T cells in response, suggesting that they may be particularly susceptible to immune checkpoint therapy. PUBMED and ASCO library were systematically reviewed to identify all relevant data that involved the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of cancers with microsatellite instability. The manual search retrieved a total of 3 relevant articles and 1 abstract published between 2015 and 2016. A total of 61 patients with colorectal, 3 with ampullary/cholangiocarcinoma, 2 with endometrial carcinomas, 3 with small bowel cancers, 2 with glioblastoma multiforme, and 1 with bladder cancer with reported efficacy results were reviewed. All the patients had stage IV cancer and were treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors until progression of disease or intolerable side effects emerged. The range of objective response rate was 25–71%. Responses were also durable with progression-free survival at 20 weeks of around 67–78% and to 46% at 1 year. The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors is effective in cancers that express microsatellite instability.
Multi-step excitation energy transfer engineered in genetic fusions of natural and synthetic light-harvesting proteins

Synthetic proteins designed and constructed from first principles with minimal reference to the sequence of any natural protein have proven robust and extraordinarily adaptable for engineering a range of functions. Here for the first time we describe the expression and genetic fusion of a natural photosynthetic light-harvesting subunit with a synthetic protein designed for light energy capture and multi-step transfer. We demonstrate excitation energy transfer from the bilin of the CpcA subunit (phycocyanin α subunit) of the cyanobacterial photosynthetic light-harvesting phycobilisome to synthetic four-helix-bundle proteins accommodating sites that specifically bind a variety of selected photoactive tetrapyrroles positioned to enhance energy transfer by relay. The examination of combinations of different bilin, chlorin and bacteriochlorin cofactors has led to identification of the preconditions for directing energy from the bilin light-harvesting antenna into synthetic protein-cofactor constructs that can be customized for light-activated chemistry in the cell.
A novel bladder cancer urinary biomarker: can it go where no marker has gone before?

In their recent publication in BJUI , Pichler et al . (1) report the diagnostic accuracy of Xpert BC Monitor, a biomarker combining the measured expression of 5 mRNAs (ABL1, CRH, IGF2, UPK1B & ANXA10) in voided urine. The study evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of the assay in 140 patients with a known history of NMIBC. White light cystoscopy and urine cytology were the diagnostic gold standard. Within this cohort, 43 patients (30.7%) were found to have a tumor recurrence.
Global inventory of landscape patterns and latent variables of landscape spatial configuration

Abstract We present a regionalization of the entire Earth’s landmass into land units of homogeneous landscape patterns. The input to the regionalization is a high resolution Global Land Cover (GLC) dataset. The GLC is first divided into local landscapes – small non-overlapping square blocks of GLC cells. These blocks are agglomerated into much larger land units using a pattern-based segmentation algorithm. These units are tracts encompassing cohesive patterns of land cover and the procedure divides the entire landmass into tracts of land with discernibly different patterns. We characterize a pattern in each unit by a set of 39 landscape metrics. The resulting spatial database of land units is the major product of this study. We make this database freely available to the community in order to provide foundational information for studies aiming at explaining relationships between landscape pattern and ecological process and between the process and patterns and their controlling factors. The procedure of obtaining the database is described, the quality assessment of units delineation is given, and the statistics of the major properties of the units are presented. To showcase the utility of the new database we use it to demonstrate that a variability of geometric configurations of landscape patterns worldwide can be captured in terms of only two variables – complexity and aggregation – as they explain 70% of the variability. This allows for a meaningful, two-dimensional classification and mapping of landscape patterns on the basis of their geometry. Such mapping reveals that the majority of terrestrial landscapes are characterized by a simple, frequently monothematic, pattern of land cover. Thus, landscapes on Earth are mostly segregated by the land cover type and complex landscapes with a diverse mix of different land cover types are rare exceptions from the prevailing monothematic cover.
Organ responses and organ support

Over the past fifty years, goal-directed resuscitation [1–3], early burn wound excision and grafting [4–7], and recognition of burn hypercatabolism [8–10] have dramatically reduced mortality rates after burn injury [11–15]. Despite this progress, end-organ dysfunction remains a threat throughout a patient’s clinical course. Recent studies approximate the incidence of multiple organ dysfunction as 40–60 % among patients with greater than 20 % total body surface area (TBSA) burns, with associated mortality rates from 22–100 % [16–19]. These mortality rates increase in proportion to the number of failed systems [19]. The link between multi-organ failure and patient mortality highlights the necessity for practitioners to cultivate an understanding of burn pathophysiology, as well as critical care principles of organ support.
Nation of Origin Bias and the Enforcement of Immigration Laws by the Immigration and Naturalization Service

We examine the enforcement patterns of the INS and find that while the INS vows to enforce the immigration laws in an equitable manner, there is significant variability in the agency’s enforcement patterns. In states where construction jobs represent a large portion of the workforce, INS activity is significantly lower. Furthermore, while the agency is very active in enforcement in states where Russian and Haitian immigrants are prevalent, they appear to relax enforcement in states where Chinese, Jamaicans, and Mexicans reside. The differences in enforcement patterns are statistically significant, and suggest actions taken by the INS may be politically motivated.
The Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Potassium Channel

The conduction, gating, and pharmacological properties of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) K+ channel have been well characterized (Coronado et al., 1980; Coronado and Miller, 1980; Labarca et al., 1980; Miller, 1982). It is a relatively “simple” channel in that it exists in only two states, open or closed, with quite slow (seconds) transitions between the two, is gated by voltage only, and does not inactivate. It thus provides an excellent vehicle for studying possible lipid effects on a channel protein. In turn, the artificial bilayer system is the ideal means for studying lipid effects because both the membrane composition and the ionic milieu can be determined and manipulated by the experimenter. The topic of this chapter is the role of the electrical charge of the bilayer in the observed conduction characteristics of the SR K+ channel in artificial bilayers.
Activation of MEK family kinases requires phosphorylation of two conserved Ser/Thr residues

MEK is a family of dual specific protein kinases which activate the extracellular signal-regulated kinases by phosphorylation of threonine and tyrosine residues. MEK itself is activated via serine phosphorylation by upstream activator kinases, including c-raf, mos and MEK kinase. Here, we report the activation phosphorylation sites of human MEK1 and yeast STE7 kinase as determined by a combination of biochemical and genetic approaches. In human MEK1, substitution of either serine residue 218 or 222 with alanine completely abolished its activation by epidermal growth factor-stimulated Swiss 3T3 cell lysates or immunoprecipitated c-raf, suggesting that both serine residues are required for MEK1 activation. Phosphopeptide analysis demonstrated that serine residues 218 and 222 of human MEK1 are the primary sites for phosphorylation by c-raf. These two serine residues are highly conserved in all members of the MEK family, including the yeast STE7 gene product, a MEK homolog in the yeast mating pheromone response pathway. Mutation of the corresponding residues in STE7 completely abolished the biological functions of this gene. These data demonstrate that MEK is activated by phosphorylation of two adjacent serine/threonine residues and this activation mechanism is conserved in the MEK family kinases.
Corrosion of austenitic alloys in aerated brines

This report discusses the results of corrosion exposures of three austenitic alloys--3l6L stainless steel, UNS N10276, and UNS N08367. Coupons of these alloys were suspended in a series of brines used for processing in the pharmaceutical industry. The effects of surface finish and welding processes on the corrosion behavior of these alloys were determined. The 316L coupons experienced corrosion in several environments, but the other alloys were unaffected during the one-month exposures of this investigation. Electropolishing the surfaces improved corrosion resistance.
Mentoring, Supervision, and Consultation in Community Mental Health

The community psychiatrist, besides being a clinician and/or an administrator plays a significant role in the development of practitioners of this important subspecialty of psychiatry. The knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values of the community psychiatrist are transmitted from an experienced practitioner to a less experienced one through three overlapping interactive processes: supervision, consultation and mentoring. Brief definitions of these processes are provided before we spend the major part of this chapter on mentoring.
Critical Mentoring: A Practical Guide By Torie Weiston-Serdan

In her new book, Critical Mentoring: A Practical Guide, Torie Weiston-Serdan offers an alternative to traditional, power-based mentoring relationships, which she calls critical mentoring. Weiston-S...
On-Policy Dataset Synthesis for Learning Robot Grasping Policies Using Fully Convolutional Deep Networks

Rapid and reliable robot grasping for a diverse set of objects has applications from warehouse automation to home de-cluttering. One promising approach is to learn deep policies from synthetic training datasets of point clouds, grasps, and rewards sampled using analytic models with stochastic noise models for domain randomization. In this letter, we explore how the distribution of synthetic training examples affects the rate and reliability of the learned robot policy. We propose a synthetic data sampling distribution that combines grasps sampled from the policy action set with guiding samples from a robust grasping supervisor that has full state knowledge. We use this to train a robot policy based on a fully convolutional network architecture that evaluates millions of grasp candidates in 4-DOF (3-D position and planar orientation). Physical robot experiments suggest that a policy based on fully convolutional grasp quality CNNs (FC-GQ-CNNs) can plan grasps in 0.625 s, considering 5000x more grasps than our prior policy based on iterative grasp sampling and evaluation. This computational efficiency improves rate and reliability, achieving 296 mean picks per hour (MPPH) compared to 250 MPPH for iterative policies. Sensitivity experiments explore the effect of supervisor guidance level and granularity of the policy action space. Code, datasets, videos, and supplementary material can be found at http://berkeleyautomation.github.io/fcgqcnn .
Learning Politics From Social Media: Interconnection of Social Media Use for Political News and Political Issue and Process Knowledge

Drawing on a national survey of 1,157 South Korean adults, the present study finds that social media use for political news is positively associated with knowledge about political issues, but not w...
Toxoplasma GRA15 Activates the NF-κB Pathway through Interactions with TNF Receptor-Associated Factors

The protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii secretes proteins from specialized organelles, the rhoptries, and dense granules, which are involved in the modulation of host cell processes. Dense granule protein GRA15 activates the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway, which plays an important role in cell death, innate immunity, and inflammation. Exactly how GRA15 activates the NF-κB pathway is unknown. Here we show that GRA15 interacts with tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factors (TRAFs), which are adaptor proteins functioning upstream of the NF-κB transcription factor. We identified several TRAF binding sites in the GRA15 amino acid sequence and showed that these are involved in NF-κB activation. Furthermore, a TRAF2 knockout cell line has impaired GRA15-mediated NF-κB activation. Thus, we determined the mechanism for GRA15-dependent NF-κB activation.IMPORTANCE The parasite Toxoplasma can cause birth defects and severe disease in immunosuppressed patients. Strain differences in pathogenicity exist, and these differences are due to polymorphic effector proteins that Toxoplasma secretes into the host cell to coopt host cell functions. The effector protein GRA15 of some Toxoplasma strains activates the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway, which plays an important role in cell death, innate immunity, and inflammation. We show that GRA15 interacts with TNF receptor-associated factors (TRAFs), which are adaptor proteins functioning upstream of the NF-κB transcription factor. Deletion of TRAF-binding sites in GRA15 greatly reduces its ability to activate the NF-κB pathway, and TRAF2 knockout cells have impaired GRA15-mediated NF-κB activation. Thus, we determined the mechanism for GRA15-dependent NF-κB activation.
Does diversity include me? Colorblindness and racial triangulation among Asian Americans on two college campuses

ABSTRACTScholars have not examined to what extent racial minority students experience inclusion in diversity when they become the largest population on diverse campuses. Comparing the narratives of...
Isolation of multidrug resistant bacterium in urban wildlife. What is in your backyard

Animal and human interaction encourage zoonotic transmission of microbes resulting in colonization and risk for infectious disease. Studies of individuals working in agriculture show increased cases of Salmonella infection along with a higher colonization of antimicrobial resistant microbes. However risk from wildlife exposure is not fully understood. Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage, is home to approximately one thousand moose migrating into city parks and suburban backyards. Environmental impact of moose fecal contamination could prove to be a public health risk. From November 2018 through February 2019, we collected forty moose fecal samples surveying the Anchorage, Mat-Su Valley region. Utilizing standard microbial techniques isolated bacterium were identified, along with antimicrobial susceptibility testing, using MicroScan™ conventional panels. Colistin resistance on Escherichia coli and phenotypic evaluation for extended spectrum beta-lactamase enzyme in Enterobacteriacea were performed using disc diffusion. Multidrug resistant (MDR) organisms were isolated in 39% of moose fecal samples with 100% containing colistin resistant Escherichia coli. MDR gram negative bacilli identified included Acinetobacter baumanii/haemolyticus, Ewingella americana, Klebsiella ascorbate, Klebsiella ozaenae, Leminorella grimotti, and Pantoea agglomerans. Additionally, Klebsiella isolates expressed phenotypic extended spectrum beta-lactamase enzyme (ESBL). Antibiotic resistant gram positive organisms included methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and linezolid resistant, vancomycin resistant Enterococcus fecalis (VRE). Close proximity of moose in our urban Alaska environment draws attention to their commensal microbiome and potential for infectious transfer to humans. We discovered nearly 40% of moose fecal samples contained one or more multidrug resistant bacterium with several organisms currently identified as a healthcare risk including MRSA, VRE and ESBL producing Klebsiella species. Wildlife exposure to urban landscape, including antibiotic contaminated water, could provide an additional avenue for development of antimicrobial resistant organisms. Further study is indicated to determine potential public health risk of wildlife zoonotic transfer of existing and novel multidrug resistant bacteria.
Role of RFID technologies in transportation projects: a review

Advancement in sensing and transmitting technologies has significantly reduced their cost and increased their use in various industries, including the architectural, engineering, and construction industry. These advancements in sensor and systemisation technologies are revolutionising the information generation process in the industries they are applied. Radio frequency identification (RFID) is one such wireless transmission technology that enables sensing, counting, measuring, documenting, identifying, locating, and transmitting information in real-time. These features can help managers to manage projects more effectively. However, there exists a significant gap between RFID technologies' current acceptance versus the expected acceptance in the transportation industry. This paper presents the findings from an extensive literature review, aimed to investigate the application of RFID systems to various phases of transportation projects. This research enabled identifying the advantages and barriers to RFID adoption. Lastly, action-items are recommended for transportation agencies that will help them in adopting RFID systems in the transportation industry.
All-graphene-based open fluidics for pumpless, small-scale fluid transport via laser-controlled wettability patterning

Open microfluidics have emerged as a low-cost, pumpless alternative strategy to conventional microfluidics for delivery of fluid for a wide variety of applications including rapid biochemical analysis and medical diagnosis. However, creating open microfluidics by tuning the wettability of surfaces typically requires sophisticated cleanroom processes that are unamenable to scalable manufacturing. Herein, we present a simple approach to develop open microfluidic platforms by manipulating the surface wettability of spin-coated graphene ink films on flexible polyethylene terephthalate via laser-controlled patterning. Wedge-shaped hydrophilic tracks surrounded by superhydrophobic walls are created within the graphene films by scribing micron-sized grooves into the graphene with a CO2 laser. This scribing process is used to make superhydrophobic walls (water contact angle ∼160°) that delineate hydrophilic tracks (created through an oxygen plasma pretreatment) on the graphene for fluid transport. These all-graphene open microfluidic tracks are capable of transporting liquid droplets with a velocity of 20 mm s-1 on a level surface and uphill at elevation angles of 7° as well as transporting fluid in bifurcating cross and tree branches. The all-graphene open microfluidic manufacturing technique is rapid and amenable to scalable manufacturing, and consequently offers an alternative pumpless strategy to conventional microfluidics and creates possibilities for diverse applications in fluid transport.
Women in Innovation in Endoscopy: Pitfalls and Tips for Success

ABSTRACT Disruptive innovation in gastrointestinal endoscopy pushes us to imagine beyond the bounds of possibilities. Innovation begins with an inspired idea that is translated into a new, creative solution. The term innovation should not become a buzzword relegated to action-less rhetoric but rather a bold forward movement. The creative process entails the idea, device or technology development, commercialization and ultimately implementation of the product or device into clinical care. Success in innovation requires a drive to innovate and a willingness to fail, and adapt to changing circumstances. Strong and committed leadership is vital to building an environment that supports physician-innovators with specific strategies to boost creativity and implement new ideas. A formalized training program for innovation in endoscopy can prepare physicians to address fundamental gaps and deficiencies in patient care. Establishing a fully equipped pre-clinical endoscopy unit is important for conduct of large animal studies, and ex-vivo experiments to assess prototype devices and novel techniques. Evaluation and advancement of an idea requires money, therefore identify funding opportunities that best match your needs. Create a team that challenges and inspires you, while supporting your creative endeavors. Strategic partnerships and collaborations are essential for success in device development. Women innovators will face negativity and gender bias. With increasing gender balance in medical schools and increasing female gastroenterology trainees, women will continue to be significant influencers on the practice of endoscopy. Finally, women need to get past the fear of self-promotion and actively highlight their value and contribution to innovation. Empowering women of today as leaders and role models will engage more women as future innovators in gastrointestinal endoscopy.
AKAP79/150 coordinates leptin-induced PKA activation to regulate KATP channel trafficking in pancreatic β-cells

The adipocyte hormone leptin regulates glucose homeostasis both centrally and peripherally. A key peripheral target is the pancreatic β-cell, which secretes insulin upon glucose stimulation. Leptin suppresses glucose-stimulated insulin secretion by promoting trafficking of KATP channels to the β-cell surface, which increases K+ conductance and causes β-cell hyperpolarization. Here we investigate the signaling mechanism underlying leptin-induced KATP channel translocation with a focus on protein kinase A (PKA). Using FRET-based PKA activity reporters, we show that leptin increases PKA activity at the cell membrane via a signaling pathway involving NMDA receptors, CaMKKβ and AMPK. Genetic knockdown and rescue experiments reveal that leptin activation of PKA requires tethering of PKA to the membrane-targeted PKA-anchoring protein AKAP79/150. Interestingly, disrupting protein phosphatase 2B (PP2B) anchoring to AKAP79/150, known to elevate basal PKA signaling, increases surface KATP channels. Our findings uncover a novel role of AKAP79/150 in coordinating leptin and PKA signaling to regulate β-cell function.