cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sexual Abuse and Lifetime Diagnosis of Psychiatric Disorders: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE To systematically assess the evidence for an association between sexual abuse and a lifetime diagnosis of psychiatric disorders. PATIENTS AND METHODS We performed a comprehensive search (from January 1980-December 2008, all age groups, any language, any population) of 9 databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Current Contents, PsycINFO, ACP Journal Club, CCTR, CDSR, and DARE. Controlled vocabulary supplemented with keywords was used to define the concept areas of sexual abuse and psychiatric disorders and was limited to epidemiological studies. Six independent reviewers extracted descriptive, quality, and outcome data from eligible longitudinal studies. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled across studies by using the random-effects model. The I 2 statistic was used to assess heterogeneity. RESULTS The search yielded 37 eligible studies, 17 case-control and 20 cohort, with 3,162,318 participants. There was a statistically significant association between sexual abuse and a lifetime diagnosis of anxiety disorder (OR, 3.09; 95% CI, 2.43-3.94), depression (OR, 2.66; 95% CI, 2.14-3.30), eating disorders (OR, 2.72; 95% CI, 2.04-3.63), posttraumatic stress disorder (OR, 2.34; 95% CI, 1.59-3.43), sleep disorders (OR, 16.17; 95% CI, 2.06-126.76), and suicide attempts (OR, 4.14; 95% CI, 2.98-5.76). Associations persisted regardless of the victim's sex or the age at which abuse occurred. There was no statistically significant association between sexual abuse and a diagnosis of schizophrenia or somatoform disorders. No longitudinal studies that assessed bipolar disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder were found. Associations between sexual abuse and depression, eating disorders, and posttraumatic stress disorder were strengthened by a history of rape. CONCLUSION A history of sexual abuse is associated with an increased risk of a lifetime diagnosis of multiple psychiatric disorders.
The use of a database machine for supporting relational databases

One of the goals in the design of database machines of the future is their generality. In addition to being capable of carrying out the common database management functions with high reliability and performance, some of these machines are intended to support more than one data model. A specific database machine, known as the DBC, is intended to support several existing data models. Although the DBC supports many data models, we single out the relational data model for this discussion. In particular, we have tried to concentrate mainly on the subject of database representation and query translation of System R-like database management systems. Some estimates of the storage requirements and performance gains are given in this paper. However, due to limited space, the detailed analysis is shown elsewhere in [22].
Overexpression of acetyl-CoA synthetase in Saccharomyces cerevisiae increases acetic acid tolerance

Acetic acid-mediated inhibition of the fermentation of lignocellulose-derived sugars impedes development of plant biomass as a source of renewable ethanol. In order to overcome this inhibition, the capacity of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to synthesize acetyl-CoA from acetic acid was increased by overexpressing ACS2 encoding acetyl-coenzyme A synthetase. Overexpression of ACS2 resulted in higher resistance to acetic acid as measured by an increased growth rate and shorter lag phase relative to a wild-type control strain, suggesting that Acs2-mediated consumption of acetic acid during fermentation contributes to acetic acid detoxification.
A CALORIMETER SOFTWARE TRIGGER FOR THE MARK II DETECTOR AT SLC

Abstract A new FASTBUS-based calorimeter software trigger for the upgraded Mark II at the Stanford Linear Collider (SLC) is presented. The trigger requirements for SLC and a short description of the hardware used for this purpose are given, followed by a detailed description of the software. Some preliminary results are presented.
The Limits of Constitutional Government: Alexander Hamilton on Extraordinary Power and Executive Discretion

Defenders of expansive presidential prerogative turn to Alexander Hamilton to root their vision in constitutional law. And yet it is not clear whether Hamilton’s understanding of executive power can be reduced to law. Nor is it clear that Hamilton’s understanding of executive discretion can truly fit within the separation of powers. Indeed, this paper seeks to address the question of whether Hamilton’s expansive interpretation of the Constitution provides for any limits on executive discretion. Hamilton insists on the centrality of executive discretion to republican government, going so far as to insist that if republicanism cannot accommodate an energetic and independent executive, then it is republican government that will have to be given up on. If Hamilton sought to make the executive compatible with republicanism, he just as eagerly sought to infuse republicanism with virtues that could only stem from executive discretion. The executive’s place in the constitutional scheme provided that the President would have the capacity, if he had the “courage,” to serve the people “at the peril of their displeasure.” At the same time, Hamilton was quick to insist that independence and energy had been contrived in a manner consistent with “safety in the republican sense,” which was “a due dependence on the people.” Yet it is not clear in Hamilton’s thought whether the people are a practical and popular limit on executive discretion, or whether the people are one means of enforcing constitutional limits. And when combined with Hamilton’s sweeping view of necessity, this opens up the possibility that the Constitution cannot truly be limited. As Hamilton would insist again and again: the government must have the necessary power to meet its given ends. But given unforeseen exigencies, these ends might be unlimited: “there ought to be no limitation of a power destined to effect a purpose, which is itself incapable of limitation.” I suggest that Hamilton’s sweeping understanding of executive discretion can be limited if it is situated within the separation of powers. But this depends on a political and not a legal understanding of the Constitution. This political understanding invites constitutional conflict and the concurrent right of the branches of government to interpret the Constitution independently of one another. It is this constitutional framework, with the different concerns of the separate branches, which enables the executive to respond to emergencies and at the same provide, by way of the Congress and the Court, that the executive’s reach remain limited. We should thus be skeptical of these branches endorsing, or legalizing, executive discretion precisely because it cannot be reduced to law. Attempts to do so may well undermine the logic of a limited constitution. Executive discretion without legal sanction is paradoxically more likely to maintain constitutional government.
Reflections on Marriage Equality

13: I have my first crush, on a boy named Jeff. I don't know what it means. I do know that no one can ever, ever find out.
Tandem RAFT-ATRP Synthesis of Polystyrene–Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) Bottlebrush Block Copolymers and Their Self-Assembly into Cylindrical Nanostructures

A polystyrene–poly(methyl methacrylate) (PS-PMMA) bottlebrush block copolymer with asymmetric branches was synthesized by grafting from a symmetrical backbone containing a novel dual vinyl initiation system and characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). The block copolymer backbone was prepared by sequential reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) copolymerization of solketal methacrylate (SM) and 2-(bromoisobutyryl)ethyl methacrylate (BIEM). From the poly(BIEM) segment, PMMA branches of 26 units were grafted by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Solketal groups were then subjected to hydrolysis and functionalized with a RAFT agent. Subsequently, from RAFT sites of the poly(SM) segment, polystyrene branches of 45 units were grafted to yield the final bottlebrush block copolymer. The resulting polymer was found to have a vertically oriented cylindrical morphology by AFM with an average cylinder diameter of 45 nm; morphology was also con...
Promoting Physical Activity in Women: The New Challenges

Introduction Participation in physical activity has important implications for the physical and psychological well-being of women. Although researchers and educators have previously focused chiefly on the promotion of vigorous activity, exercise experts have focused recently on recommendations promoting moderate activity in American adults that may have important ramifications for women. Objectives We discuss the prevalence of activity levels among women, the barriers women encounter in becoming active, and implications for the adoption and maintenance of moderate activity. Interventions We present the lessons learned from theory-based intervention studies, for these findings could serve as a basis to accomplish the new objectives. Conclusions Finally, we outline the research and policy issues that should be addressed for researchers and health educators interested in preventive health care in women.
Modern electrocardiography and general practice.

So far as technical aspects are concerned, physicians need have no immediate concern about any important change in the present method of recording electrocardiograms, New leads under investigation are not yet ready for clinical use, and it may be that in an attempt to get purity of components, systems have been set up which hide clinically important “impurities”.The most common error in electrocardiographic interpretation is to make an anatomic diagnosis from the electrocardiogram alone. Perhaps even more serious is the conclusion, reached too often, that a patient whose electrocardiogram is within normal limits does not have heart disease.
Monitoring of Antiplatelet Therapy

The variability of response to antiplatelet agents and its potential relation to the occurrence of recurrent ischemic events have stimulated the concept of antiplatelet therapy monitoring over the last decade. This has been driven further by the development of user-friendly point-of-care methods to assess platelet reactivity to adenosine diphosphate. Large observational studies have established an independent relation between the results of point-of-care platelet function testing and adverse clinical outcomes, particularly in patients undergoing coronary artery stenting. Furthermore, the concept of a “therapeutic window” for P2Y12 receptor reactivity has been proposed, with an upper threshold associated with ischemic events and a lower threshold associated with bleeding. Prospective randomized trials have, however, failed to demonstrate that tailored antiplatelet therapy based on point-of-care assessment of platelet function is effective in reducing ischemic event occurrences. In the absence of robust prospective evidence to support a personalized approach, decisions regarding antiplatelet therapy rest on patient comorbidity, the large body of observational data, national and international guidelines, and recognition of the fundamental importance of platelet physiology in causing catastrophic events in those with high-risk coronary artery disease.
Mild HEV with Multimode Combustion: Benefits of a Small Oxygen Storage

Abstract This simulation study discusses the application of a multimode combustion engine in a mild hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) with three-way catalytic converter (TWC). Operation in the lean combustion mode homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) results in oxidation of the oxygen storage capacity (OSC) of the TWC. Thereby, the TWC’s ability to convert NOx under lean conditions is removed. Succeeding depletion of the OSC under rich spark-ignition (SI) conditions is required, which results in significant fuel efficiency penalties. In case of a mild HEV the torque assist from the electric motor is able to extend the residence time in HCCI, thereby reducing the number OSC depletion events. The applied supervisory controller, which decides when to switch between SI and HCCI, is based on the equivalent consumption minimization strategy (ECMS) and incorporates the fuel penalties associated with mode switching and OSC depletion. It is shown that, while the impact of the OSC depletion on drive cycle fuel economy of the mild HEV is still significant, it is much smaller than in case of the vehicle without electric motor. The prolonged operation in lean HCCI mode leads to substantial amounts of tailpipe NOx for all drive cycles tested. In a case study two modifications to the system hardware are introduced with counterintuitive results. First, the HCCI regime is further constrained to conditions where engine-out NOx levels are extremely low. Second, the size of the OSC is significantly reduced, allowing a much faster and less inefficient depletion. Associated drive cycle results show a substantial reduction in tailpipe NOx while fuel economy benefits can be maintained.
Breast Cancer Screening Interval: Risk Level May Matter.

Trentham-Dietz and colleagues modeled the benefits and harms of tailoring breast cancer screening intervals by breast density category and cancer risk. The editorialist explains and critiques the f...
Flexibility in Old High German Weak Verbs

(1957). Flexibility in Old High German Weak Verbs. The Germanic Review: Literature, Culture, Theory: Vol. 32, No. 1, pp. 66-74.
Unconfined Compressive Strength of Synthetic and Natural Mine Tailings Amended with Fly Ash and Cement

AbstractThe objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of binder amendment on the unconfined compression strength (UCS) of mine tailings and assess applicability of using the amended mate...
Complications Associated with Reconstruction of Lip Defects

Reconstruction of upper and lower lip defects requires a delicate balance between esthetic concerns and functional results. Early complications of lip reconstruction include wound dehiscence, hematoma, wound infection, flap necrosis, and early esthetic concerns (misalignment of the vermilion border). Late complications involve changes after wound maturation and include scar contracture resulting in retraction of the vermilion, loss of lip height and lip fullness, blunting of the commissures, misalignment of the vermilion border, loss of oral competence affecting speech and swallow function, microstomia, scar hypertrophy, and chronic pain. This chapter will focus on the diagnosis and management of those complications following lip cancer reconstruction.
Corporal Punishment and the Use of Sacred Texts

This chapter presents the possibility of a faith-based response that is not in conflict with refraining from the use of corporal punishment. The hermeneutical triad of sacred text, tradition, and reason is introduced. The long tradition of using this method of interpretation is discussed. This chapter addresses the first part of the triad, and the redemptive-movement hermeneutic suggested by William Webb is introduced. By using this interpretative method, a progressive movement in the sacred texts can be traced which moves away from the harsh corporal punishment advocated in the Old Testament. The chapter also includes a brief look at the language of the texts related to corporal punishment. The chapter concludes with a glance at the changing religious perceptions of both God and children in contemporary times.
Keratinous Cysts and Hamartomas

There are many cysts and hamartomatous growths that present during childhood. The clinical and histologic features of these lesions are described in this chapter, along with discussions of pathogenesis and any associated syndromes.
Abstract 381: Chemogenetic Activation of Satellite Glial Gq-GPCR Signaling Enhances Cardiovascular Function in vivo

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) exerts profound regulatory influence over cardiovascular physiology. The integrated network among autonomic nuclei in the central nervous system (CNS), as well as ganglionic innervation in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) are essential for homeostasis and for coordinating adaptive changes in physiology and behavior. In addition to neurons, the ANS contains large numbers of Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) - expressing cells (GFAP + glial cells), which serve many functions in assisting neuronal network activity in both the CNS and the PNS. The present study explores the active role of GFAP + glial cells in regulating cardiovascular function in vivo . Using DREADD technology, we selectively activate Gq-GPCR signaling in satellite glial cells (SGCs) within sympathetic ganglia, which led to fast-acting, long-lasting increases in cardiac function and blood pressure in vivo . In addition, ganglionic SGCs likely increase postganglionic neuronal firing and subsequent norepinephrine release via a “local stimulatory effect“ on postganglionic neurons. Ongoing studies ex vivo using superior cervical ganglia cultures focus on identifying the mechanism underlying the interaction between sympathetic SGCs and postganglionic neurons.
Potential using of infrared thermal imaging to detect volatile compounds released from decayed grapes

Previous studies have demonstrated variations in volatile compound content during fruit spoilage. Infrared spectroscopy was proposed as an alternative method to discriminate the various states of decayed fruit through the makeup of their volatile compounds. Based on the infrared spectra of volatile compounds obtained from decayed grapes, this study simplified the extraction of their feature spectra and visualized their gas plumes by using a commercial infrared thermal camera equipped with a custom-made wavelength filter. As a function of volatilization gradients, accumulated gray value and imaging area were proposed as indicators for semi-quantitative analysis in a volatilization range similar to that of ethanol solutions ranging from 10% to 70%. Fresh, seriously decayed, and slightly or moderately decayed grapes were rapidly discriminated through their alcoholic volatiles by thermal images with correct classification ratings of 100%, 93.3%, and 90%, respectively.
Environmental change, shifting distributions, and habitat conservation plans: A case study of the California gnatcatcher.

Many species have already experienced distributional shifts due to changing environmental conditions, and analyzing past shifts can help us to understand the influence of environmental stressors on a species as well as to analyze the effectiveness of conservation strategies. We aimed to (1) quantify regional habitat associations of the California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica); (2) describe changes in environmental variables and gnatcatcher distributions through time; (3) identify environmental drivers associated with habitat suitability changes; and (4) relate habitat suitability changes through time to habitat conservation plans. Southern California's Western Riverside County (WRC), an approximately 4,675 km2 conservation planning area. We assessed environmental correlates of distributional shifts of the federally threatened California gnatcatcher (hereafter, gnatcatcher) using partitioned Mahalanobis D2 niche modeling for three time periods: 1980-1997, 1998-2003, and 2004-2012, corresponding to distinct periods in habitat conservation planning. Highly suitable gnatcatcher habitat was consistently warmer and drier and occurred at a lower elevation than less suitable habitat and consistently had more CSS, less agriculture, and less chaparral. However, its relationship to development changed among periods, mainly due to the rapid change in this variable. Likewise, other aspects of highly suitable habitat changed among time periods, which became cooler and higher in elevation. The gnatcatcher lost 11.7% and 40.6% of highly suitable habitat within WRC between 1980-1997 to 1998-2003, and 1998-2003 to 2004-2012, respectively. Unprotected landscapes lost relatively more suitable habitat (-64.3%) than protected landscapes (30.5%). Over the past four decades, suitable habitat loss within WRC, especially between the second and third time periods, was associated with temperature-related factors coupled with landscape development across coastal sage scrub habitat; however, development appears to be driving change more rapidly than climate change. Our study demonstrates the importance of providing protected lands for potential suitable habitat in future scenarios.
Management preferences and attitudes regarding environmental impacts from seawater desalination: Insights from a small coastal community

Abstract The use of seawater desalination as a water supply option is increasing worldwide. Compared to other marine sectors, studies on marine users' perceptions and attitudes towards this new sector and its impacts on marine ecosystems are very limited. This study assessed differences in coastal stakeholder groups' preferences for managing marine impacts of a seawater desalination plant in a small coastal community. The majority of respondents placed high importance on the marine ecosystem, including ecosystem features that are less visible and charismatic, and were highly concerned about potential impacts on marine ecosystems and marine activities from the new desalination facility. Coastal residents further rated multiple management measures to reduce and off-set marine impacts as highly important, but indicated a lack of trust in institutions involved in regulating and managing environmental impacts. Logistic regression revealed that lack of institutional trust and concerns about marine impacts were significant predictors of opposition to the desalination facility and appeared to play a critical role in shaping local attitudes towards desalination. Findings further revealed that local opinions were primarily shaped by how respondents used the nearby marine system, and by gender. Age, education, and race did not seem to shape local opinions. At the same time, there were differences between consumptive and non-consumptive marine user groups' opinions indicating the potential for conflict regarding the most important management strategies.
The Development of the False Neurotransmitter Concept of Hepatic Encephalopathy

The concept of weak, or false, neurochemical transmitters arose in the early 60’s to describe a series of potential neurotransmitters which were similar in structure to true aminergic neurotransmitters, norepinephrine and epinephrine, and which, when tested pharmacologically, manifested weak, or in some cases, almost absent Pharmacological action.l According to this concept, the sympathetic nerve or, by extension, the central nervous system, is unable to select between amines presented to it, that is unable to detect or choose between various aminergic neurotransmitters, provided they meet minimum structural requirements. In the case of the catecholamine and aminergic nerves, these structural requirements include a phenolic ring and a beta hydroxy group on a short carboxyl side change. It is curious that the normal adrenergic nervous system is incapable of distinguishing between these various potential neurotransmitters and that the maintenance of normal neurotransmitter profiles within the peripheral sympathetic nerve or the central nervous system is apparently dependent on the regulating ability of the liver to regulate different metabolites, including the precursors of these various adrenergic transmitters, namely the aromatic and heterocyclic amino acids.
Antimicrobial Treatment of Psoriasis

At the Problem Psoriasis Clinic at the University of Tennessee, Memphis, we use an antimicrobial approach for the treatment of psoriasis. This method is described for patient history, physical examination, and laboratory tests as well as treatment.
Catheter closure of secundum atrial septal defects.

Catheter occlusion of atrial septal defects has its roots in the 1950s, with early devices being implanted during closed-heart surgery without cardiopulmonary bypass. For the past 20 years, various catheter-delivered devices have undergone testing and refinement. Designs have included single- and double-disk prostheses, with a variety of materials, delivery systems, and techniques. In this monograph, the history of atrial septal defect occluders and their evaluation, results, and prognoses will be outlined. The early work of King and Mills has been advanced in the forms of the Rashkind and Lock-USCI Clamshell occluders (USCI; Billerica, Mass), the "buttoned" device (custom made by E.B. Sideris), the Babic atrial septal defect occlusion system (Osypka, GmbH; Grenzach-Wyhlen, Germany), the Das-Angel Wings atrial septal defect occlusion device (Microvena Corporation; White Bear Lake, Minn), and others. The future holds promise for approved devices in the treatment of selected secundum atrial septal defects.
Participants’ perceptions of Kinesio tape for carpal tunnel syndrome: A qualitative study:

IntroductionKinesio tape is an alternative non-surgical treatment approach for addressing symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. The purpose of the study was to investigate individuals’ experiences wi...
Determination of the Stresses and Properties of Polymer Coatings

New techniques such as Impulse Viscoelasticity and a “vibrational wave” method are used to characterize the solidification process in polymer coatings. In general, solidification may be the result of polymerization, crystallization or solvent removal. Many of the rheological and mechanical properties associated with these processes can be measured or calculated. Most notable among these is the determination of the stresses developed during solidification. In particular, residual stresses due to solvent evaporation in poly(amic acid) films (precursors to polyimide films) and the curing of thermosetting systems were investigated.
Finding median point-set using earth mover's distance

In this paper, we study a prototype learning problem, called Median Point-Set, whose objective is to construct a prototype for a set of given point-sets so as to minimize the total Earth Mover's Distances (EMD) between the prototype and the point-sets, where EMD between two point-sets is measured under affine transformation. For this problem, we present the first purely geometric approach. Comparing to existing graph-based approaches (e.g., median graph, shock graph), our approach has several unique advantages: (1) No encoding and decoding procedures are needed to map between objects and graphs, and therefore avoid errors caused by information losing during the mappings; (2) Staying only in the geometric domain makes our approach computationally more efficient and robust to noise. We evaluate the performance of our technique for prototype reconstruction on a random dataset and a benchmark dataset, handwriting Chinese characters. Experiments suggest that our technique considerably outperforms the existing graph-based methods.
Central and Peripheral Influences on Postnatal Growth and Development of the Olfactory Bulb in the Rat

Developmentally, the mammalian olfactory bulb (OB) shows a fairly orderly pattern of biochemical, structural, and functional development, similar to that seen in the cerebral cortex (for reviews see Meisami 1979; Shafa et al. 1980; Meisami and Timiras 1982). In altricial mammals such as the rat, much of this growth and development takes place postnatally, providing an excellent opportunity for experimental manipulation and investigation of the course and causes of neural development. Interestingly, the OB of the newborn rat, notwithstanding many immature features, still shows clear evidence of certain limited functions (Shafa et al. 1980; Leon 1983; Greer et al. 1982; Astic and Saucier 1982).
The Effect of a Prompt to Adopt the Prudent Official's Perspective on Auditors' Judgments of the Severity of Control Deficiencies

SUMMARY Regulators have expressed concerns about auditors' tendency to over-rely on imprecise compensating controls when evaluating the severity of control deficiencies. We provide evidence on whet...
Capacity-Achieving Private Information Retrieval Codes from MDS-Coded Databases with Minimum Message Size

We consider constructing capacity-achieving linear codes with minimum message size for private information retrieval (PIR) from N non-colluding databases, where each message is coded using maximum distance separable (MDS) codes, such that it can be recovered from reading the contents of any T databases. It is shown that the minimum message size (sometimes also referred to as the sub-packetization level) is significantly, in fact exponentially, lower than previously believed. More precisely, when K > T/ gcd(N, T ) where K is the total number of message in the system and gcd(•, •) means the greatest common divisor, we establish, by providing both a novel code construction and a matching converse, the minimum message size as lcm(N −T, T ), where lcm(•, •) means the least common multiple. On the other hand, when K is small, we show that it is in fact possible to design codes with a message size even smaller than lcm(N − T, T ).
HiLighter: automatically building robust signatures of performance behavior for small- and large-scale systems

Previous work showed that statistical analysis techniques could successfully be used to construct compact signatures of distinct operational problems in Internet server systems. Because signatures are amenable to well-known similarity search techniques, they can be used as a way to index past problems and identify particular operational problems as new or recurrent. In this paper we use a different statistical technique for constructing signatures (logistic regression with L1 regularization) that improves on previous work in two ways. First, our new approach works for cases where the number of features is an order of magnitude larger than the number of samples and also scales to problems with over 50,000 samples. Second, we get encouraging results regarding the stability of the models and the signatures by cross-validating the accuracy of the models from one section of the data center on another section. We validate our approach on data from an Internet service testbed and also from a production enterprise system comprising hundreds of servers in several data centers.
How Do Floridians Perceive their Role in Protecting Water Quality and Quantity through Landscape Practices

Florida is faced with challenges in protecting both water quality and quantity; the state’s incredible number of home landscapes can positively or negatively impact water depending on how landscapes are managed. In 2016, Florida residents with irrigated landscapes were surveyed in order to create more effective Extension programs regarding landscape best management practices. This 4-page document discusses the results of this survey. Written by Laura A. Sanagorski Warner, Alexa J. Lamm, and Anil Kumar Chaudhary and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, January 2018. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wc293
Mitigating Outlier Effect in Online Regression: An Efficient Usage of Error Correntropy Criterion

In this paper, a modified version of maximum correntropy criterion (MCC) with application in online regression (or adaptive filtering) is proposed. It is well known that information theoretic criteria such as error correntropy criterion (ECC) and error entropy criterion (EEC) have the advantage of better performance in supervised learning problems like regression and adaptive filtering when the error between system output and labels (sometimes called desired signals) contains outliers and/or does not follow a Gaussian distribution. Specifically, we improve the existing adaptive maximum correntropy criterion algorithm (known as AMCC) by simply eliminating major outliers during learning process. This elimination leads to better steady state performance than previously known algorithms.
Infection Mitigation Strategies for Multiple Sclerosis Patients on Oral and Monoclonal Disease-Modifying Therapies.

The newer, higher-efficacy disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) for multiple sclerosis (MS)—orals and monoclonals—have more profound immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive properties than the older, injectable therapies and require risk mitigation strategies to reduce the risk of serious infections. This review will provide a systematic framework for infectious risk mitigation strategies relevant to these therapies. We classify risk mitigation strategies according to the following framework: (1) screening and patient selection, (2) vaccinations, (3) antibiotic prophylaxis, (4) laboratory and MRI monitoring, (5) adjusting dose and frequency of DMT, and (6) behavioral modifications to limit the risk of infection. We systematically apply this framework to the infections for which risk mitigations are available: hepatitis B, herpetic infections, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, and tuberculosis. We also discuss up-to-date recommendations regarding COVID-19 vaccinations for patients on DMTs. We offer a practical, comprehensive, DMT-specific framework of derisking strategies designed to minimize the risk of infections associated with the newer MS therapies.
Physical Layer Communications Technologies: Harsh Planetary Environments

Although terrestrial wireless communications often must function under harsh environmental conditions, there are peculiar demands on communications systems for planetary exploration. For example, the mil-spec electronics temperature range is generally regarded as −55–+125 °C. A probe on the surface of Venus will experience a nearly constant operational temperature of +460 °C. Conversely, the temperature of Europa at the equator never exceeds ≈−140 °C, and the temperature at the poles never exceeds ≈−220 °C. The (physical layer) communications channel for each represents unique challenges, which are described. For example, RF opacity of the toxic Venus atmosphere is inversely proportional to wavelength ${(}\mathit{\lambda}{)}$ squared, imposing an upper limit to a viable lander-to-orbiter link frequency. Similarly, communicating from Europa’s presumed deeply buried liquid ocean through a thick, briny (electrically conductive) ice layer renders a conventional RF link useless. Plus, Europa receives approximately 5.4 Sv of radiation per day, roughly 1,000 times the average annual dose experienced by humans on Earth (only a fraction of that comes from outer space).
Phenomenology and the Physical Reality of Consciousness

The predominant positive view among philosophers and scientists alike is that consciousness is something realized in brain activity. This view, however, largely fails to capture what consciousness is like according to how it shows itself to conscious beings. What this work proposes instead is that consciousness is a phenomenon that exists in and throughout the body. Apart from whether or not it involves intentionality and apart from whether or not it involves awareness of the self, consciousness is self-intimating, self-revealing, self-disclosing. Self-disclosure is the definitive phenomenological character of consciousness in all its forms. Taking this stance as a point of departure, the book presents a specific account of what bodily field phenomenon consciousness is. In this way, the current stalemate in philosophy over the question of the physical reality of consciousness is broken. Series A
Recovery of dopaminergic fibers in striatum of the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-treated mouse is enhanced by grafts of adrenal medulla.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the suitability of the l-methyl-4-phenyl-1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridin (MPTP)-treated mouse as a rodent model for grafting in Parkinson's disease, after the adult mouse adrenal medulla is grafted into the striatum of MPTP-treated mice. The chapter also describes the effects of these homografts were studied by following catecholaminergic phenotypic markers in the host brain, and in the graft itself. As adrenal medullary cells synthesize dopamine and have the potential for growing neuronal-like processes when placed in vitro and in oculo, they are considered possible replacements for dopamine neurons, which are lost in Parkinson's disease. However, studies of grafted adrenal cells in rodent models of Parkinson's disease suggest that these cells survive poorly after grafting to the brain, although survival is improved by nerve growth factor. Thus, the mechanisms responsible for the dramatic recovery of dopaminergic fibers in the striatum, and the source of cells elaborating these processes remain to be elucidated.
Mass Torts Bankruptcies: The Who, the Why, and the How

For the last several decades, federal and state courts, with varying degrees of cooperation from the parties and lawyers involved, have developed ways of managing the complex mass tort cases confronting them. A key development was the emergence of the idea of using consolidation techniques to achieve global peace in the resolution of these often seemingly intractable cases. In the wake of the Supreme Court's decisions in Amchem and Ortiz, however, the use of class actions to achieve global peace became problematic. Meanwhile, Chapter 11 proceedings under the bankruptcy laws emerged as a vehicle for achieving global peace. Especially after Amchem, it appears that the use of Chapter 11, despite the problems raised for a defendant corporation, may be the best tool for achieving global peace. This working paper provides a brief history of the three leading mass tort bankruptcy cases: the Johns Manville Chapter 11 case involving asbestos personal injury claims, the A.H. Robins Chapter 11 case involving Dalkon Shield claims, and the Dow Corning Chapter 11 case involving breast implant claims. The purpose of the review of these cases is to highlight the important practical and doctrinal issues raised by the use of Chapter 11 as a vehicle for resolving mass tort litigation.
Choice in Birth: Preserving Access to VBAC

More than 800 hospitals - in every state of the U.S. - have banned vaginal birth after cesarean surgery (“VBAC”), and another nearly 400 hospitals have de facto VBAC bans in place, due to the unavailability of providers willing to attend such births. With the U.S. cesarean rate at an all-time high, thousands of women with a cesarean scar preparing to give birth again confront these restrictions, despite evidence that VBAC is a safe and reasonable choice, especially when compared with the risks inherent in repeat cesareans. In this Article, I explore how VBAC restrictions represent a broad violation of the right to liberty and reproductive choice. VBAC bans essentially compel women to undergo major abdominal surgery - regardless of medical necessity and the stated preference of the individual woman herself - or choose to labor outside a hospital setting. With four million births annually in the U.S., such a trend in birth practices should sound alarms for all those who care about reproductive freedom.
Measurement of the spin relaxation time of single electrons in a silicon metal-oxide-semiconductor-based quantum dot.

We demonstrate direct detection of individual electron spin states, together with measurement of spin relaxation time (${T}_{1}$), in silicon metal-oxide-semiconductor-based quantum dots (QD). Excited state spectroscopy of the QD has been performed using a charge-sensing technique. ${T}_{1}$ of single spin excited states has been done in the time domain by a pump-and-probe method. For an odd and an even number of electrons, we found a magnetic field dependent and invariant ${T}_{1}$, respectively.
Effects of Gas Density and Vaporization on Penetration and Dispersion of Diesel Sprays

Ambient gas density and fuel vaporization effects on the penetration and dispersion of diesel sprays were examined over a gas density range spanning nearly two order of magnitude. This range included gas densities more than a factor of two higher than top-dead-center conditions in current technology heavy-duty diesel engines. The results show that ambient gas density has a significantly larger effect on spray penetration and a smaller effect on spray dispersion than has been previously reported. The increased dependence of penetration on gas density is shown to be the result of gas density effects on dispersion. In addition, the results show that vaporization decreases penetration and dispersion by as much as 20% relative to non-vaporizing sprays; however, the effects of vaporization decrease with increasing gas density. Characteristic penetration time and length scales are presented that include a dispersion term that accounts for the increased dependence of penetration on ambient density. These penetration time and length scales collapse the penetration data obtained over the entire range of conditions examined in the experiment into two distinct non-dimensional penetration curves: one for the non-vaporizing conditions and one for the vaporizing conditions. Comparison of the two nondimensional penetration curves to a theoretical penetration correlation for non-vaporizing sprays helped isolate and explain the effects of droplets and vaporization on penetration. The theoretical penetration correlation was derived using the penetration time and length scales and simple model for a non-vaporizing spray that has been previously presented in the literature. The correlation is in good agreement with the non-vaporizing data from this experiment and other commonly quoted penetration data sets. It also provides a potential explanation for much of scatter in the penetration predicted by various correlations in the literature.
Biology and pathobiology of lipid droplets and their potential role in the protection of the organ of Corti

The current review article seeks to extend our understanding on the role of lipid droplets within the organ of Corti. In addition to presenting an overview of the current information about the origin, structure and function of lipid droplets we draw inferences from the collective body of knowledge about this cellular organelle to build a conceptual framework to better understanding their role in auditory function. This conceptual model considers that lipid droplets play a significant role in the synthesis, storage, and release of lipids and proteins for energetic use and/or modulating cell signaling pathways. We describe the role and mechanism by which LD play a role in human diseases, and we also review emerging data from our laboratory revealing the potential role of lipid droplets from Hensen cells in the auditory organ. We suggest that lipid droplets might help to develop rapidly and efficiently the resolution phase of inflammatory responses in the mammalian cochlea, preventing inflammatory damage of the delicate inner ear structures and, consequently, sensorineural hearing loss.
Pediatric lung transplantation: indications and outcomes

Lung transplantation (LTx) is a treatment option for infants and children with untreatable and otherwise fatal pulmonary diseases. To date, over 1,800 lung transplants have been performed, most frequently in children over the age of five years. The most common indications for transplantation in children overall are cystic fibrosis (CF) and idiopathic pulmonary hypertension (PH). The surfactant protein deficiencies, other interstitial lung diseases (ILDs), and congenital heart disease are important indications among young children and infants. Re-transplantation is an option for selected recipients with chronic allograft rejection. Overall survival following pediatric LTx is similar to that encountered in adult patients, with recent registry data indicating a median survival of 4.9 years. Other outcomes such as the incidence of bronchiolitis obliterans (BO) and the presence of key post-transplant co-morbid conditions are also similar to the experience in adult lung transplant recipients.
Temperature dependence of Szigeti effective charge of alkali halides

Abstract The second Szigeti relation was used to obtain the temperature dependence of the Szigeti effective charge, es. The results are discussed in the framework of the deformation dipole model. Recent experimental data are used to show that the volume derivatives of es of most ionic solids are positive, thus providing evidence that the deformation dipole model is qualitatively valid.
A mixed integer programming model for multiple stage adaptive testing

Abstract The last decade has seen paper-and-pencil (P&P) tests being replaced by computerized adaptive tests (CATs) within many testing programs. A CAT may yield several advantages relative to a conventional P&P test. A CAT can determine the questions or test items to administer, allowing each test form to be tailored to a test taker’s skill level. Subsequent items can be chosen to match the capability of the test taker. By adapting to a test taker’s ability, a CAT can acquire more information about a test taker while administering fewer items. A Multiple Stage Adaptive test (MST) provides a means to implement a CAT that allows review before the administration. The MST format is a hybrid between the conventional P&P and CAT formats. This paper presents mixed integer programming models for MST assembly problems. Computational results with commercial optimization software will be given and advantages of the models evaluated.
AZTREONAM COMPARED WITH GENTAMICIN FOR TREATMENT OF SERIOUS URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS

Abstract 52 patients with serious urinary tract infections were randomised to receive either aztreonam (35) or gentamicin (17). In the aztreonam group 23 patients had unqualified cures, 6 cures with relapse, and 6 cures with reinfection; the comparable numbers in the gentamicin group were 9, 1, and 4. There were no failures with aztreonam and 3 with gentamicin. The most important determinant of outcome was the presence or absence of urological abnormalities. 11 further patients, with renal failure or gentamicin-resistant isolates, treated with aztreonam were all cured. Toxic effects were limited to symptomless liver-function-test abnormalities with aztreonam, whereas deterioration in renal function occurred in 4 gentamicin-treated subjects. Urinary colonisation with group D streptococci occurred in 14 of 46 aztreonam-treated patients (1 required treatment) compared with only 1 of 17 gentamicin-treated patients. 97% of 309 consecutive gram-negative urinary isolates tested, including 50 Pseudomonas aeruginosa, were susceptible in vitro to aztreonam and 91% to gentamicin. Aztreonam may prove an effective and safe alternative to the aminoglycosides.
Ultrasound-assisted non-viral gene transfer to the salivary glands

We report a non-viral gene transfer method using ultrasound induced microbubble destruction to allow the uptake of plasmid gene transfer vectors to the cells of the mouse salivary gland. The Luciferase (Luc) reporter gene, driven by a cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter, was delivered unilaterally to the submandibular salivary gland via retroductal cannulation and Luc expression was monitored with in vivo imaging. The CMV-Luc plasmid was delivered to the salivary gland in a carrier solution containing microbubbles composed of lipid-encased perfluoropropane gas, with two different concentrations of microbubbles used (100 and 15% volume/volume). An Adenoviral (Ad) vector using an identical CMV-Luc expression cassette was used as a positive control at two different dosages. Whereas ultrasound-assisted gene transfer (UAGT) with 100% microbubbles was weak and rapidly extinguished, UAGT with the 15% microbubble solution was robust and stable for 28 days. UAGT seems to be a practicable and promising method for non-viral gene delivery to the salivary glands.