cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Successful software projects need requirements planning

A project will likely fail without a plan. We must understand a problem before we can express the requirements for a correct Solution. Otherwise, we will develop software that fails to provide customer satisfaction. Expressing a set of complete, consistent, and correct requirements is conceptually complex, but essential in our quest to develop high-quality, useful software. Although small projects can succeed without formal requirements engineering, any project of considerable size and complexity requires it.
Fascism in Italian Cinema since 1945: The Politics and Aesthetics of Memory

As the author of another book on selected Holocaust films in French and Italian cinema first published in 2008 and reprinted in 2015 (Film and the Shoah in France and Italy), Giacomo Lichtner’s tre...
Are Long Arms Growing Legs? The Expansion of Extraterritorial Jurisdiction

On May 27, 2015 the U.S. Department of Justice surprised the entire world by indicting persons associated with the Federation Internationale de Football Association or FIFA and causing the arrest of seven FIFA officials in Zurich.1 On December 3, 2015 a superseding indictment was made public naming additional FIFA related defendants, bringing the total indicted to 41 individuals and corporate entities. Since international football, "soccer" in North America, is not a major sport in the U.S., many, including President Putin, wondered both why and how the DoJ had bothered to become involved.On January 21, 2016 a nine year investigation into the assassination in London of a former employee of Russia's security services, Alexander Litvinenko, ended with the publication of an extensive report which concluded that Russia's Security Service, the FSB, had assassinated Litvenenko in Central London. "Taking full account of all the evidence and analysis available to me, I find that the FSB operation to kill Mr Litvinenko was probably approved by Mr Patrushev [head of the FSB] and also by President Putin." (Para. 9.215 Sir Robert Owen Report, January 21, 2016.)Further examples of the exercise of extraterritorial jurisdiction constantly in the news include - U.S. drone strikes aimed at killing individuals in Pakistan, - Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Sudan and Somalia, - the mysterious murders of Chechen terrorists in Istanbul,Vienna and Qatar, and - the application of U.S. antitrust and anti-corruption statutes against foreign companies which may or may not be doing business within the United States.
The Annual Molt Cycle of Branta canadensis interior in Relation to Nutrient Reserve Dynamics

During July 1984-February 1987, we measured the duration and seasonal changes in intensity of prebasic molt in Canada Geese (Branta canadensis interior) of the Mississippi Valley Population (MVP). Temporal and geographic variations in molt intensity were examined in relation to lipid and protein reserve dynamics and the chronology of annual events. Wingand body-molt intensities were greatest before fall migration, but limited body molt overlapped migration and continued into fall. Final stages of molt progressed with declining intensity through winter. Only the nesting season (May-June) was entirely free of molt. Molt in individual geese may have required _8 months (July-March) in at least 60% f the population. Temporal and geographic variation in molt intensity were associated with differences in lipid mass, but carcass protein had little apparent relationship with molt intensity. There was no evidence of net catabolism of nutrient reserves between hatching, wing molt, and post-molting periods. Lipid masses of breeding females and nonbreeding geese declined during wing molt. Protein masses declined during wing molt only in breeding and non-breeding males, due to atrophy of breast muscles associated with flightlessness. Seasonal changes in molt intensity and lipid reserves indicated that geese allocated energy to emphasize molting before fall migration, and nutrient reserve deposition thereafter. The largest nutritional costs of molting probably were incurred during JulyNovember. We propose that rate, intensity, and duration of body molt were influenced by the amount of productive energy geese were able to allocate to feather growth, without compromising replenishment of nutrient reserves after breeding or the deposition of reserves before winter. The simple, single molt of Canada Geese provides greater latitude in adjusting nutritional demands to environmental conditions than is possible for ducks that molt twice annually.
Using Statistical Sampling to Estimate the U.S. Population: The Methodological and Political Debate over Census 2000 *

wrong (Skerry 1992). To make matters worse, the census must do more than simply tally the number of people in the country; it must also report exactly where each of these people live. By any metric, this is a Herculean task. Indeed, enumerating and fixing geographically 100% of the population without some error is impossible. In this article I outline the plan for Census 2000, define the political debate, and offer an assessment of the plan itself. I argue that deciding how to conduct the census has been, and will continue to be, an inherently political process, and that there are reasonable, scientific arguments against adjusting the census. I became interested in this issue dur-
From Precambrian Iron-Formation to Terraforming Mars: The JIMES Expedition to Santorini

ABSTRACTThe iron embayments at Santorini, Greece, have long been considered by geologists to be the most useful modern environment for understanding variables related to precipitation of Precambrian iron-formation. To help understand the rock record, the embayments were studied almost monthly for a year to assess seasonal variations in iron bacteria and diatoms along with mineralogy, weather, water chemistry, and ecology. Unidentified red rods dominated and accounted for most ferrihydrite production. Diatom abundance was seasonal, including Parlibellus delognei which produces molecular oxygen within iron-coated sheaths. The gross structures of the microbial iron precipitates were in the form of rods, spheres, and braids. Speculations resulting from our observations suggest that life's origin could have been intimately related to chemical/physical processes occurring where volcanic sources discharged iron through highly porous siliceous substrates and into the primitive ocean. The diverse community also pr...
Abstract 3677: Effects of Aging and Endogenous Extracellular Superoxide Dismutase on Endothelial Function in Mice

A gene variant of extracellular superoxide dismutase (ECSOD) that impairs normal vascular localization is associated with increased risk of ischemic heart disease in people over 70 years old. ECSOD may be reduced with aging and a variety of disease states, and we have reported previously that gene transfer of ECSOD improves endothelial vasomotor function in both old and diseased animals. The role of endogenous/residual levels of ECSOD, however, in modulation of vasomotor function during aging is not clear. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine whether genetic deletion of endogenous ECSOD predisposes to endothelial dysfunction in old mice. Gene expression (qRT-PCR) and vasomotor function (aortic rings) were measured in adult (10 –12 mo old) and old (28 –31 mo old) wild type (ECSOD +/+ ) and ECSOD knockout (ECSOD −/− ) mice. Compared to young ECSOD +/+ mice, expression of ECSOD, but not CuZnSOD or MnSOD, was reduced in old ECSOD +/+ animals by 40±8% (mean±SE, p −/− mice. In WT mice there was mild impairment in maximum relaxation to acetylcholine during aging (young ECSOD +/+ = 89±2%, old ECSOD +/+ = 75±4%, p −4 ) in young adult ECSOD-deficient mice (75 ± 3%) compared to young adult wild type mice (p −/− mice (47 ± 5%, p +/+ or ECSOD −/− mice, or in old ECSOD +/+ mice. Tempol, however, improved endothelial function in old ECSOD −/− mice (47 3 ± vs 71 ± 5%, p
Mcl-1 in Transgenic Mice Promotes Survival in a Spectrum of Hematopoietic Cell Types and Immortalization in the Myeloid Lineage

Mcl-1 is a member of the Bcl-2 family that is expressed in early monocyte differentiation and that can promote viability on transfection into immature myeloid cells. However, the effects of Mcl-1 are generally short lived compared with those of Bcl-2 and are not obvious in some transfectants. To further explore the effects of this gene, mice were produced that expressed Mcl-1 as a transgene in hematolymphoid tissues. The Mcl-1 transgene was found to cause moderate viability enhancement in a wide range of hematopoietic cell types, including lymphoid (B and T) as well as myeloid cells at both immature and mature stages of differentiation. However, enhanced hematopoietic capacity in transgenic bone marrow and spleen was not reflected in any change in pool sizes in the peripheral blood. In addition, among transgenic cells, mature T cells remained long lived compared with B cells and macrophages could live longer than either of these. Interestingly, when hematopoietic cells were maintained in tissue culture in the presence of interleukin-3, Mcl-1 enhanced the probability of outgrowth of continuously proliferating myeloid cell lines. Thus, Mcl-1 transgenic cells remained subject to normal in vivo homeostatic mechanisms controlling viable cell number, but these constraints could be overridden under specific conditions in vitro. Within the organism, Bcl-2 family members may act at "viability gates" along the differentiation continuum, functioning as part of a system for controlled hematopoietic cell amplification. Enforced expression of even a moderate viability-promoting member of this family such as Mcl-1, within a conducive intra- and extracellular environment in isolation from normal homeostatic constraints, can substantially increase the probability of cell immortalization.
TCAD analysis of breakdown during voltage sweep in a carbon nanofiber (CNF) interconnect

Allotropes to graphene, carbon nanofibers (CNFs) are one of many potential materials for consideration in next generation devices. Because of their high thermal and electrical conductivity they are ideal for use as interconnects. The purpose of this work is to develop a technology computer-aided design (TCAD) device model to recreate the experiments by the Santa Clara University (SCU) [1] concerning the breakdown of CNF interconnect devices as shown in Figure 2. Regarding the modeling efforts, all existing models are 1D and static. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this would be the first attempt to make a 2D model of a CNF structure and analyze joule heating breakdown. The simulation of the CNF records how the device heats and cools as the voltage increases. The experimental data used various structure configurations created in TCAD.
Microsoft Kinect can distinguish differences in over-ground gait between older persons with and without Parkinson's disease

Gait patterns differ between healthy elders and those with Parkinson's disease (PD). A simple, low-cost clinical tool that can evaluate kinematic differences between these populations would be invaluable diagnostically; since gait analysis in a clinical setting is impractical due to cost and technical expertise. This study investigated the between group differences between the Kinect and a 3D movement analysis system (BTS) and reported validity and reliability of the Kinect v2 sensor for gait analysis. Nineteen subjects participated, eleven without (C) and eight with PD (PD). Outcome measures included spatiotemporal parameters and kinematics. Ankle range of motion for C was significantly less during ankle swing compared to PD (p=0.04) for the Kinect. Both systems showed significant differences for stride length (BTS (C 1.24±0.16, PD=1.01±0.17, p=0.009), Kinect (C=1.24±0.17, PD=1.00±0.18, p=0.009)), gait velocity (BTS (C=1.06±0.14, PD=0.83±0.15, p=0.01), Kinect (C=1.06±0.15, PD=0.83±0.16, p=0.01)), and swing velocity (BTS (C=2.50±0.27, PD=2.12±0.36, p=0.02), Kinect (C=2.32±0.25, PD=1.95±0.31, p=0.01)) between groups. Agreement (RangeICC =0.93-0.99) and consistency (RangeICC =0.94-0.99) were excellent between systems for stride length, stance duration, swing duration, gait velocity, and swing velocity. The Kinect v2 can was sensitive enough to detect between group differences and consistently produced results similar to the BTS system.
ERRATUM: 'MAPPING THE GAS TURBULENCE IN THE COMA CLUSTER: PREDICTIONS FOR ASTRO-H'

The published version of this paper contained an error in Figure 5. This figure is intended to show the effect on the structure function of subtracting the bias induced by the statistical and systematic errors on the line shift. The filled circles show the bias-subtracted structure function. The positions of these points in the left panel of the original figure were calculated incorrectly. The figure is reproduced below (with the original caption) with the correct values for the bias-subtracted structure function. No other computations or figures in the original manuscript are affected.
Performance enhancement of a long-life, low-power hall thruster for deep-space smallsats

The increase in performance resulting from optimization of the magnetic field in a low-power magnetically shielded Hall thruster is investigated. The magnetic circuit of the MaSMi-60 Hall thruster was modified to improve the magnetic field topology while increasing the strength of the field across the discharge channel gap. Direct thrust measurements were then taken to assess the changes to thruster efficiency, thrust, and specific impulse. The MaSMi-60's total efficiency increased by nearly 30% as a result of the improved magnetic field, resulting in a peak value of 32.1% (38.6% anode efficiency). Peak thrust and total specific impulse values of 35.8 mN and 1,440 s (1,550 s anode specific impulse) were observed. To demonstrate the thruster's enabling capabilities when paired with a smallsat-class spacecraft, three example mission trajectories to 118401 LINEAR, an icy asteroid-belt comet, were calculated. For each trajectory, the MaSMi-60's experimentally demonstrated performance was used for the throttling table inputs. The trajectory solutions show a delivered mass fraction of between 35–49% for an initial spacecraft mass of up to 350 kg, a solar array power of up to 2.0 kW, and a total transfer time of ∼6.5 years.
Incidence, Risk Factors, and Impact of Clostridium difficile Colitis Following Primary Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty

Abstract Background An improved understanding of Clostridium difficile is important as it is used as a measure of hospital quality and is associated with substantial morbidity. This study utilizes the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program to determine the incidence, timing, risk factors, and clinical implications of C difficile colitis in patients undergoing primary total hip or knee arthroplasty (THA or TKA). Methods Patients who underwent primary THA or TKA as part of the 2015 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program were identified. The primary outcome was a diagnosis of C difficile colitis within the 30-day postoperative period. Risk factors for the development of C difficile colitis were identified using Poisson multivariate regression. Results A total of 39,172 patients who underwent primary THA or TKA were identified. The incidence of C difficile colitis was 0.10% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.07-0.13). Of the cases that developed C difficile colitis, 79% were diagnosed after discharge and 84% had not had a preceding infection diagnosed. Independent preoperative and procedural risk factors for the development of C difficile colitis were greater age (most notably ≥80 years old, relative risk [RR] 5.28, 95% CI 1.65-16.92, P = .008), dependent functional status (RR 4.05, 95% CI 1.44-11.36, P = .008), preoperative anemia (RR 2.52, 95% CI 1.28-4.97, P = .007), hypertension (RR 2.51, 95% CI 1.06-5.98, P = .037), and THA (vs TKA; RR 2.25, 95% CI 1.16-4.36, P = .017). Postoperative infectious risk factors were urinary tract infection (RR 10.66, 95% CI 3.77-30.12, P Conclusion High-risk patients identified in this study should be targeted with preventative interventions and have perioperative antibiotics judiciously managed.
Role of flow-cytometric immunophenotyping in prediction of BCR/ABL1 gene rearrangement in adult B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

We performed a retrospective analysis of 88 adult patients with B-ALL diagnosed in our center by a flow-cytometric assessment. Immunophenotypic expression of leukemic cells was explored by simultaneous evaluation of positivity, percentage of expressing cells and median fluorescence intensity (MFI). BCR/ABL1 fusion transcripts were assessed by RT-PCR analysis and were identified in 36 patients (40.9%). CD10 and CD34 were positive in the totality of BCR/ABL1-positive cases. Patients with gene rearrangement had a greater frequency of CD66c, CD13 and CD33 positivity compared with BCR/ABL1-negative cases. Moreover, BCR/ABL1-positive cases exhibited a greater median percentage and MFI values of CD13, CD33, CD66c, CD10, CD34 and CD25 expressions, but a lower median percentage and MFI values of CD38 and CD22 expressions than patients without gene rearrangement. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that CD10, CD38 and CD13 expressions were independent predictors for the presence of BCR/ABL1 rearrangement. Predictive probabilities of molecular occurrence based on these markers are proposed. © 2017 International Clinical Cytometry Society.
Trends in Diabetes Treatment and Monitoring among Medicare Beneficiaries

Diabetes is a costly and common condition, but little is known about recent trends in diabetes management among Medicare beneficiaries. To evaluate the use of diabetes medications and testing supplies among Medicare beneficiaries. Retrospective cohort analysis of Medicare claims from 2007 to 2014. Traditional Medicare beneficiaries with a diagnosis of diabetes in the current or any prior year. We analyzed choices of first diabetes medication for those new to medication and patterns of adding medications. We also examined the use of testing supplies, use of statins and ACE inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers, and spending. Diagnosed diabetes increased from 28.7% to 30.2% of beneficiaries from 2007 to 2014. The use of metformin as the most commonly prescribed first medication increased from 50.2% in 2007 to 70.2% in 2014, whereas long-acting sulfonylureas decreased from 16.6% to 8.2%. The use of thiazolidinediones fell considerably, while the use of new diabetes medication classes increased. Among patients prescribed insulin, long-acting insulin as the first choice increased substantially, from 38.9% to 56.8%, but short-acting or combination regimens remained common, particularly among older or sicker beneficiaries. Prescriptions of testing supplies for more than once-daily testing were also common. The mean total cost of diabetes medications per patient increased over the period due to the increasing use of high-cost drugs, particularly by those patients with costs above the 90th percentile of spending, although the median costs decreased for both medications and testing supplies. The use of metformin and long-acting insulin have increased substantially among elderly Medicare patients with diabetes, but a substantial subgroup continues to receive costly and complex treatment regimens.
Spatial priors in the D-bar method for human thoracic electrical impedance tomography data

The inclusion of a spatial prior in the high-frequency regime of the scattering transform for the 2-D D-bar method for electrical impedance tomography is studied for use with human subject data. Preliminary results on data from a human volunteer reveal improved spatial resolution when compared to a CT scan.
Localization in Three-Dimensional Wireless Sensor Networks

A wireless sensor network (WSN) is categorized as three-dimensional (3D) when the variation in the height of deployed sensor nodes is not negligible as compared to length and breadth of deployment field. Localization is one of the fundamental components of any wireless sensor application. A localization algorithm estimates the position of a node by using information provided/inferred from anchor beacons, reference nodes or neighbors connectivity. The effectiveness of a localization algorithm is usually determined in terms of accuracy, resilience to node failure, computational cost, messaging overhead, hardware constraints and deployment practicality. This survey overviews the major recent work done in the field of localization in 3D WSNs. The major contribution of this work is to present all the major 3D (generic, airborne, terrestrial and submerged) localization schemes in a single literature along with their relative strengths and weaknesses.
Gene-Specific Predictability of Protein Levels from mRNA Data in Humans

Transcriptomic data are widely available, and the extent to which they are predictive of protein abundances remains debated. Using multiple public databases, we calculate mRNA and mRNA-to-protein ratio variability across human tissues to quantify and classify genes for protein abundance predictability confidence. We propose that such predictability is best understood as a spectrum. A gene-specific, tissue-independent mRNA-to-protein ratio plus mRNA levels explains ~80% of protein abundance variance for more predictable genes, as compared to ~55% for less predictable genes. Protein abundance predictability is consistent with independent mRNA and protein data from two disparate cell lines, and mRNA-to-protein ratios estimated from publicly-available databases have predictive power in these independent datasets. Genes with higher predictability are enriched for metabolic function, tissue development/cell differentiation roles, and transmembrane transporter activity. Genes with lower predictability are associated with cell adhesion, motility and organization, the immune system, and the cytoskeleton. Surprisingly, many genes that regulate mRNA-to-protein ratios are constitutively expressed but also exhibit ratio variability, suggesting a general autoregulation mechanism whereby protein expression profile changes can be implemented quickly, or homeostatic sensing stabilizes protein abundances under fluctuating conditions. Gene classifications and their mRNA-to-protein ratios are provided as a resource to facilitate protein abundance predictions by others.
Patient-reported care coordination and outcomes of colorectal cancer surgery.

6516 Background: Care coordination is an essential component of effective, patient-centered cancer care. Yet little is known about the impact of patient reported care coordination on clinical outco...
Differing Responses of the Diurnal Cycle of Land Surface and Air Temperatures to Deforestation

ABSTRACTRecent studies have shown the impacts of historical land-use land-cover changes (i.e., deforestation) on hot temperature extremes; contradictory temperature responses have been found betwee...
Burnout and Quality of Life among Active Member Physicians of the Medical Society of Sedgwick County.

Introduction. The medical literature suggests disturbingly high ratesof burnout among US physicians. The objective of this study was todetermine the rates of burnout, other forms of distress, and overallquality of life among physicians in Sedgwick County.Methods.xThe study involved a convenience sample of 197 physicianswho were active member physicians of the Medical Society of SedgwickCounty (MSSC). Between July and August 2018, we surveyed872 physicians who were active members of the MSSC. The surveyassessed manifestations of burnout, symptoms of depression and suicidalideation, fatigue, and quality of life. The authors used standarddescriptive summary statistics, Mann-Whitney U test/independentsamples t-Test, Fisher’s exact test, and correlations to analyze thedata.Results. The participation rate was 44.6%, with 49.5% of therespondents reporting manifestations of burnout. Although 85% ofthe participants rated their overall quality of life as good/very good,45% screened positive for depression, 5% had thoughts of suicideduring the past year, and 44% reported excessive fatigue during thepast week. Those with manifestations of burnout were 2.13 (100%vs 46.9%, p < 0.01) times more likely to report thoughts of suicidalideation, 2.43 (72.6% vs 30.4%; p < 0.001) times more likely to screenpositive for depression, and 1.89 (67.5% vs 35.8%; p < 0.001) timesmore likely to have high degrees of fatigue. All of the participants whohad suicidal ideation reported manifestations of burnout.Conclusions. Burnout was prevalent among active member physiciansof the MSSC. Burnout among the participants was associatedwith symptoms of depression, fatigue, suicidal ideation, and intentionof leaving the medical profession via early retirement and/or careerchange. Kans J Med 2019;12(2):33-39.
Characteristics of falls and recurrent falls in residents of an aging in place community: A case-control study

Abstract Background Falls and fall-related injuries remain an ongoing and serious health problem in older adults. Many clinical and environmental factors have been implicated in falls and recurrent falls, including sleep disturbances, sensory deficits, balance problems, incontinence, comorbid conditions, and certain categories of medications. We undertook this study to determine if there was an association between these factors and falls or recurrent falls in older adult residents of an aging in place community. Methods Our retrospective case-control study compared residents who did and did not fall in an aging in place community, as well as those who experienced recurrent versus single falls in a single year. Results A total of 50 residents met the criteria for inclusion in this study, with 30 participants (60%) having experienced one or more falls during the observation period. Of the 30 participants who fell, 21 (70%) experienced more than one fall in a single year. Variables associated with falls included marital status and bowel incontinence; variables associated with recurrent falls included self-reported sleep difficulty, balance with sitting to standing and surface-to-surface transfer, use of a walker, and use of antidepressant medications. Discussion Our study supports the existing nursing research that falls, and recurrent falls are the result of multiple, interrelated factors. Further research is needed into preventative measures for both falls and recurrent falls, particularly in the context of aging in place.
Mirage of Democracy: The Town Meeting in America

In American mythology, the town meetings of colonial New England are the storied source of the nation’s democracy. But early New Englanders allowed the great majority of their adult males to vote only because they had no other way to secure social order. Without king, court, country lords, archbishop, or any other traditional authority, their rude frontier communities could only be ruled by public opinion. Town meetings were occasions to consolidate a popular will that could coerce the recalcitrant. They governed by common consent, but they were not democratic in any modem sense. They disallowed legitimate difference and dissent, disdained majority rule, and dreaded conflict. They were predicated on a homogeneity and a conformity that we today would find suffocating.
VIP and muscarinic synergistic mucin secretion by salivary mucous cells is mediated by enhanced PKC activity via VIP-induced release of an intracellular Ca2+ pool

Mucin secretion by salivary mucous glands is mediated predominantly by parasympathetic acetylcholine activation of cholinergic muscarinic receptors via increased intracellular free calcium ([Ca2+]i) and activation of conventional protein kinase C isozymes (cPKC). However, the parasympathetic co-neurotransmitter, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), also initiates secretion, but to a lesser extent. In the present study, cross talk between VIP- and muscarinic-induced mucin secretion was investigated using isolated rat sublingual tubuloacini. VIP-induced secretion is mediated by cAMP-activated protein kinase A (PKA), independently of increased [Ca2+]i. Synergistic secretion between VIP and the muscarinic agonist, carbachol, was demonstrated but only with submaximal carbachol. Carbachol has no effect on cAMP ± VIP. Instead, PKA activated by VIP releases Ca2+ from an intracellular pool maintained by the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase pump. Calcium release was independent of phospholipase C activity. The resultant sustained [Ca2+]i increase is additive to submaximal, but not maximal carbachol-induced [Ca2+]i. Synergistic mucin secretion was mimicked by VIP plus either phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate or 0.01 μM thapsigargin, and blocked by the PKC inhibitor, Go6976. VIP-induced Ca2+ release also promoted store-operated Ca2+ entry. Synergism is therefore driven by VIP-mediated [Ca2+]i augmenting cPKC activity to enhance muscarinic mucin secretion. Additional data suggest ryanodine receptors control VIP/PKA-mediated Ca2+ release from a Ca2+ pool also responsive to maximal carbachol. A working model of muscarinic and VIP control of mucous cell exocrine secretion is presented. Results are discussed in relation to synergistic mechanisms in other secretory cells, and the physiological and therapeutic significance of VIP/muscarinic synergism controlling salivary mucous cell exocrine secretion.
Cognitive complaints by hematopoietic cell transplantation recipients and change in neuropsychological performance over time

Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients are at risk for cognitive decline. Cross-sectional studies show patients’ complaints of cognitive decline do not correlate well with concurrently measured objective neuropsychological performance, but rather with emotional variables and health-related quality of life. This longitudinal study investigated whether patient self-report of cognitive status would be concordant with objectively measured neuropsychological performance after accounting for change from their own pre-transplant objective baseline. Pre-HSCT and at 30 and 100 days post-HSCT, 46 patients underwent computerized neuropsychological testing (CogState) and completed surveys assessing patient-reported cognitive complaints, emotional symptoms (depression, anxiety), sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and physical and functional well-being. Correlations were calculated between cognitive complaints and neuropsychological performance (at each time-point and across time-points), as well as all other patient-reported variables. Patient-reported cognitive complaints were largely independent of concurrently assessed objective neuropsychological performance. Uniquely, our longitudinal data demonstrated significant medium to large effect size associations between subjective cognitive complaints post-HSCT with objectively measured change from pre-HSCT in attention, visual learning, and working memory (p < .05–.01). Subjective cognitive complaints post-HSCT were also associated with depression, anxiety, daytime sleepiness and physical well-being (p < .05–.001). Patients appear better able to assess their cognitive functioning relative to their own baseline and changes across time rather than relative to community norms. Thus, patient complaints of cognitive compromise justify further in-depth neuropsychological, emotional, and functional assessment. Future research into relationships between cognitive complaints and neuropsychological performance should account for changes in performance over time.
Small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels promote J-wave syndrome and phase 2 reentry.

Background Small-conductance Ca2+-activated potassium (SK) channels play complex roles in cardiac arrhythmogenesis. SK channels colocalize with L-type Ca2+ channels, yet how this colocalization affects cardiac arrhythmogenesis is unknown. Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of colocalization of SK channels with L-type Ca2+ channels in promoting J-wave syndrome and ventricular arrhythmias. Methods We carried out computer simulations of single-cell and tissue models. SK channels in the model were assigned to preferentially sense Ca2+ in the bulk cytosol, subsarcolemmal space, or junctional cleft. Results When SK channels sense Ca2+ in the bulk cytosol, the SK current (ISK) rises and decays slowly during an action potential, the action potential duration (APD) decreases as the maximum conductance increases, no complex APD dynamics and phase 2 reentry can be induced by ISK. When SK channels sense Ca2+ in the subsarcolemmal space or junctional cleft, ISK can rise and decay rapidly during an action potential in a spike-like pattern because of spiky Ca2+ transients in these compartments, which can cause spike-and-dome action potential morphology, APD alternans, J-wave elevation, and phase 2 reentry. Our results can account for the experimental finding that activation of ISK induced J-wave syndrome and phase 2 reentry in rabbit hearts. Conclusion Colocalization of SK channels with L-type Ca2+ channels so that they preferentially sense Ca2+ in the subsarcolemmal or junctional space may result in a spiky ISK, which can functionally play a similar role of the transient outward K+ current in promoting J-wave syndrome and ventricular arrhythmias.
Zur Begriffsbestimmung des Wortes „Dysproteinämie“

1. Die Begriffsbestimmung derDysproteinamie, wie wir sie seit 1945 verwenden, wird an Hand derprimaren und dersekundaren, krankheitsbedingten Bluteiweisveranderungen erlautert und an der darin enthaltenenklinischen Interpretation, wie sie auch in den daraus abgeleiteten Bluteiweisbildern der sog.Reaktionskonstellationen oderKonstellationstypen bei den grosen Krankheitsgruppen zum Ausdruck kommt, festgehalten. 2. Den sehr auffalligen,einseitig-inversen Regulierungsmechanismus zwischen denAlbuminen und denGlobulinen betrachten wir alsbiologisches Grundgestz; je extremer dabei gleichzeitig eineHypoproteinamie oder eineHyperproteinamie ausgepragt ist, mit um soschwereren sekundaren, fur den Arzt bedeutungsvollenAuswirkungen dieser krankheitsbedingten Bluteiweisalterationen auf den Organismus ist zu rechnen. 3. Fur die zahlenmasig uberwiegenden Bluteiweisveranderungen, die mit einemnormalen Gesamteiweisgehalt (=Normoproteinamie) verlaufen, gilt diese Feststellung ebenfalls, und zwar um so mehr, je starker dabei die Albumine und Globuline unter sich einseitiginvers verschoben sind. Die im Normo-, Hyper- oder Hypoproteinamiebereich vorkommenden, als krankhaft zu betrachtendenDys- und Paraproteinamien sind derEuproteinamie des klinisch Gesunden, die immer innerhalb des Normalbereiches der Gesamteiweiswerte im Serum bzw. Plasma liegt, gegenuberzustellen, wie dies in der Abb. 1, S. 844 schematisch geschehen ist. 4. Der Begriff derParaproteinamie, wie er vonApitz gepragt wurde, schliest das Vorliegen vonkorperfremden, abnorm strukturierten und krankhafterweise im Blute kreisenden Eiweiskorpern in sich ein und kann vorderhand nur fur wenige Krankheitsbilder wie die Myelome und die Makroglobulinamien als sicherstehend gelten.
Impact of menthol on nicotine intake and preference in mice: Concentration, sex, and age differences.

Abstract Menthol has been shown to contribute to the appeal of tobacco products in humans. However, factors such as sex, age and menthol concentration remain unclear in the interaction between menthol and nicotine. To understand these factors, we utilized a mouse model to determine the impact of menthol on oral nicotine consumption. A range of menthol concentrations (oral and systemic) were tested with or without oral nicotine using the two-bottle choice paradigm in adolescent and adult female and male C57BL/6J mice. Moreover, genetically modified mice were used to investigate the role of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) on the effects of menthol. Menthol addition to nicotine solution increased oral nicotine consumption in C57BL/6J mice in a sex- and menthol concentration-dependent manner. At lower menthol concentrations, female mice demonstrated an enhancement of nicotine consumption and male mice showed a similar behavior at higher menthol concentrations. Menthol drinking alone was only significantly different by sex at 60 μg/ml menthol concentration where female mice had higher menthol intake than males. Menthol administered both orally and systemically (intraperitoneal) increased oral nicotine consumption. Adolescent female mice had a higher nicotine intake at lower menthol concentrations compared to their adult counterparts. While α7 nAChR wild type mice consumed more mentholated nicotine solution than nicotine only solution, this effect was abolished in KO mice. Effects of menthol are concentration-, sex-, age-, and α7 nAChR-dependent. Oral and intraperitoneal menthol increases nicotine intake, suggesting that sensory, peripheral, and/or central mechanisms are involved in effects of menthol on oral nicotine consumption.
Case report (precis): Atypical delayed presentation of cervical spinal epidural abscess.

Background Older patients with spinal epidural abscesses (SEA) may present in an atypical fashion, failing to exhibit the classical triad of pain, fever, and a neurological deficit. Rather, they may be less aware of pain, fail to develop a fever, and attribute their neurological deficit to "old age." Further, their laboratory studies may not be abnormal, and critical findings on MR (i.e., more so than CT studies) may be overlooked. Here, we present an elderly patient with severe upper extremity monoparesis whose cervical SEA was overlooked for months. Case description Over 10 months, and 6 months ago respectively, the patient had two successive MR scans ordered due to falls; both were interpreted as normal. Within the past few months, a third cervical MR, and an initial CT scan were performed; they both showed "questionable" changes (e.g. cortical irregularity/epidural air) that were largely ignored. When the patient presented to a spine surgeon with severe upper extremity monoparesis, the fourth MR clearly demonstrated a high cervical SEA. Of interest, laboratory findings were normal (e.g. white blood cell count (WBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP)). The patient successfully underwent an anterior cervical discectomy/and fusion (ACDF); cultures grew Staphylococcus aureus, and he was appropriately managed with intravenous antibiotic therapy. Conclusion This case report (precis) highlights three "teaching" points. First, elderly immunologically compromised patients may not develop the classical SEA triad of pain, fever, and a neurological deficit. Second, laboratory studies may remain normal. Third, it may take longer for abnormal findings to develop on MR/CT studies consistent with SEA in immunocompromised older patients, thus resulting in very delayed surgery.
Machine Learning-Enabled Uncertainty Quantification for Modeling Structure–Property Linkages for Fatigue Critical Engineering Alloys Using an ICME Workflow

Integrated computational materials engineering (ICME) facilitates efficient approaches to new material discovery and design, as well as optimization of existing materials. Computational models provide a way to rapidly screen candidate material designs such that materials can be tailored for specific applications in the product design cycle. Uncertainty is ubiquitous in ICME process–structure–property workflows; it represents a major barrier to the effective use of modeling results for high-confidence decision support in materials design and development. This work addresses microstructure statistical uncertainties, and demonstrates an approach to quantify, reduce, and propagate these uncertainties through structure–property linkages to provide robust quantification of uncertainties in output properties of interest. Further, this work demonstrates the use of Gaussian process machine learning models to significantly decrease the computational cost of the aforementioned robust uncertainty quantification.
Spectrum of embrittling potencies and relation to properties of symmetric-tilt grain boundaries

Abstract Grain boundaries in metallic materials can exist in a wide range of stable and metastable structures. In addition, the properties of a grain boundary may be altered through solute segregation. In this work, we present a formulation that combines the spectrum of embrittling potencies associated with solute segregation with site-occupancy statistics. As a prototype problem, we illustrate the relation between segregation and embrittlement in the case of S segregation to grain boundaries in Ni. To obtain a population of site segregation energies, we perform molecular statics calculations on 378 different symmetric-tilt grain boundaries and their free surface equivalents, using an embedded-atom method interatomic potential developed specifically for studying embrittlement. Our results show that it is important to consider both the energies associated with embrittlement and the probability of occupancy to describe the general embrittling nature of a grain boundary. When analyzed in isolation, certain grain boundaries show large embrittling potencies; however, that effect is diminished when the probability of S segregation to that grain boundary is considered within a polycrystal. We propose a new quantity, the embrittling estimator, which not only categorizes grain boundaries as embrittling or strengthening, but also considers site occupancy probabilities, so that the embrittlement behavior of grain boundaries within a network of grain boundaries can be compared. Finally, we examine the relationship between embrittlement behavior and innate grain boundary properties, such as the free volume, and find statistical evidence that the complex nature of embrittlement cannot be explained by linear correlations with excess volumes or energies. Ultimately, this combined approach provides a theoretical tool to assist grain boundary engineering of metastable alloys.
Infection, Skin, and Systemic Malignancy

The interplay between infection and systemic malignancy can impact quality-of-life and likelihood of survival. The dynamic relationship between infection and systemic malignancy is highlighted by a broad spectrum of pathology: (1) Cutaneous infections related to the malignancy itself, its treatment (chemotherapy and/or radiation), or invasive procedures used for diagnosis or treatment; (2) Cutaneous infections related to specific therapies for malignancy; and (3) Infections which predispose to cutaneous malignancy.
Survival Outcomes of Combined Lung and Abdominal Organ Transplants

Purpose To assess the survival outcomes of combined lung and abdominal organs (kidney & liver) transplant recipients. Methods We reviewed United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) national database for lung transplant donors and recipients from 1987 to 2017. Recipients were categorized into 3 different groups based on the organs they received; lungs only (Group I), lung-kidney (Group II), & lung-liver (Group III). Recipient survival was stratified based on the transplanted organs using Kaplan-Meier. Multivariate Cox Regression model with known risk factors that affect survival was used to compare survival among groups. Data were expressed as mean (±SD). P value Results We reviewed a total of 32463 lung transplant recipients. Among those recipients, 32351 (99.65%) were in Group I, 25 (0.07%) were in Group II, and 87 (0.27%) were in Group III. Compared to the recipients in Group I (mean age = 51.7 ± 14.9 years) the recipients in Group II and III were younger with the mean age (±SD) of the recipients in Group II and III were 43.4 ±12.4, and 33.9 ± 17.0 years, respectively (p Conclusion Although the number of combined lung and abdominal organs is small, the data shows no significant difference in the survival between those who received lung alone versus those with combined lung and abdominal organs. Combined lung and abdominal organ transplants may be a viable option for a selected group of patients who need them.
Floquet Gauge Pumps as Sensors for Spectral Degeneracies Protected by Symmetry or Topology

We introduce the concept of a Floquet gauge pump whereby a dynamically engineered Floquet Hamiltonian is employed to reveal the inherent degeneracy of the ground state in interacting systems. We demonstrate this concept in a one-dimensional $XY$ model with periodically driven couplings and transverse field. In the high-frequency limit, we obtain the Floquet Hamiltonian consisting of the static $XY$ and dynamically generated Dzyaloshinsky-Moriya interaction (DMI) terms. The dynamically generated magnetization current depends on the phases of complex coupling terms, with the $XY$ interaction as the real and DMI as the imaginary part. As these phases are cycled, the current reveals the ground-state degeneracies that distinguish the ordered and disordered phases. We discuss experimental requirements needed to realize the Floquet gauge pump in a synthetic quantum spin system of interacting trapped ions.
Evaluating a high-dimensional machine-learning model to predict hospital mortality among elderly cancer patients.

1512Background: Elderly hospitalized cancer patients face high risks of inpatient hospital mortality. Identifying patients at high risk of hospital mortality could help with risk stratification, an...
Designing an Interchangeable Multi-Material Nozzle System for 3D Bioprinting Process

Abstract Three-dimensional bioprinting is a rapidly growing field attempting to recreate functional tissues for medical and pharmaceutical purposes. Development of functional tissue requires deposition of multiple biomaterials encapsulating multiple cell types i.e. bio-ink necessitating switching ability between bio-inks. Existing systems use more than one print head to achieve this complex interchangeable deposition, which decreases efficiency, structural integrity, and accuracy. In this research, we developed a nozzle system capable of switching between multiple bio-inks with continuous deposition ensuring the minimum transition distance so that precise deposition transitioning can be achieved. Finally, the effect of rheological properties of different bio-material compositions on the transition distance is investigated by fabricating the sample scaffolds.
Cardio-cerebral infarction in left MCA strokes: a case series and literature review.

The objective of this manuscript is to describe the challenges of Cardio-Cerebral Infarction (CCI) treatment and to highlight the variable approaches in management. CCI is a rare clinical presentation of simultaneous acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and poses a therapeutic challenge for practitioners. Each disease requires timely intervention to prevent irreversible damage; however, optimal management remains unclear. We describe three cases of CCI. All three patients presented with symptomatic left MCA (M1) occlusion, with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and left ventricular apical thrombus. Fibrinolysis and mechanical thrombectomy (MT) were discussed in all cases, but only one patient received alteplase (0.9 mg/kg) and none underwent MT. Percutaneous intervention (PCI) was done in only one case. The two patients that did not receive thrombolysis were treated with modified therapeutic heparin (no bolus), and all received antiplatelet therapy. Ultimately, all three patients passed away. CCI poses a clinical challenge for physicians including (1) optimal strategies to enable swift mechanical reperfusion to both the brain and myocardium; (2) difference in dosage of thrombolytics for AIS versus AMI; (3) risk of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage following administration of anticoagulation and/or antiplatelet therapy; and (4) caution with use of thrombolytics in the setting of acute STEMI due to the risk of myocardial rupture. In the absence of high quality evidence and clinical guidelines, treatment of CCI is highly individualized.
PITUITARY MRI FINDINGS IN PATIENTS WITH PITUITARY AND ECTOPIC ACTH-DEPENDENT CUSHING SYNDROME: DOES A 6-MM PITUITARY TUMOR SIZE CUT-OFF VALUE EXCLUDE ECTOPIC ACTH SYNDROME?

ABSTRACT Objective: Expert opinion and a consensus statement on Cushing syndrome (CS) indicate that in a patient with a clinical presentation and biochemical studies consistent with a pituitary eti...