cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Association of hemorrhoidal disease with diarrheal disorders: potential pathogenic relationship?

Despite frequent occurrence of hemorrhoidal disease, its etiology remains controversial. Recent evidence suggests that diarrhea may represent a pathogenic risk factor. The present study examined prevalence of diarrheal disorders in elderly patients with hemorrhoidal disease to provide further insight into its pathogenic mechanisms. METHODS: Using 8.8 million Medicare patients hospitalized in the United States during 1987, the frequency distribution of all three-digit International Classification of Diseases codes was compared in patients with and without hemorrhoidal disease. A more frequent occurrence of a specific disorder in patients with hemorrhoidal disease compared with the general Medicare population suggests that this disorder may be pathophysiologically related or share common etiologic risk factors with hemorrhoidal disease. RESULTS: Strong associations were observed between hemorrhoidal disease and a number of diarrheal disorders, including ulcerative colitis, noninfectious gastroenteritis, and functional diarrhea. Hemorrhoidal disease was likewise closely associated with benign and malignant anorectal neoplasms. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this study must be interpreted with caution because epidemiologic studies cannot establish cause and effect relationships. Nevertheless, these data would seem to further support the pathogenic influence of diarrhea in development of hemorrhoidal disease.
Impact of rhizome quality on Miscanthus establishment in claypan soil landscapes

Abstract Thousands of eroded-soil hectares in the U.S. Midwest have been planted to Miscanthus × giganteus as an industrial or bioenergy crop in recent years, but few studies on factors affecting crop establishment have been performed on these soils. The objective of this study was to quantify how both rhizome quality and depth of soil from the surface to the first argillic horizon (or depth to claypan (DTC 1 )) affected M. × giganteus establishment. Rhizome quality (i.e., mass, length, diameter, viable buds, score), emergence, growth, and winter survival were measured on rhizomes planted in 2013 at Columbia and 2014 at Centralia, Missouri on clay loam soils with a range of DTC. Rhizome emergence and early tillering slightly increased as DTC increased, but these effects on growth diminished as the season progressed. Rhizome emergence and growth were more influenced by some metrics of rhizome quality; the odds of a rhizome emerging increased by 25 and 40% with each 1 cm and 1 bud increase in rhizome length and active bud count, respectively. Furthermore, late tiller counts, basal circumference, and end-of-season biomass increased as rhizome length and mass increased. Winter survival could not be estimated as well as emergence, but the odds of survival across sites increased by 5% with each 1 cm increase in rhizome length. When DTC was categorized as soil erosion class or landscape position, only the backslope at Centralia caused greater M. × giganteus growth than other positions. These findings demonstrate the resiliency of M. × giganteus for early growth and establishment on even the most degraded parts of the claypan soil landscape and indicate that propagating larger rhizomes will improve establishment.
Anode sheath transition in an anodic arc for synthesis of nanomaterials

The arc discharge with ablating anode or so-called anodic arc is widely used for synthesis of nanomaterials, including carbon nanotubes and fullerens, metal nanoparticles etc. We present the model of this arc, which confirms the existence of the two different modes of the arc operation with two different anode sheath regimes, namely, with negative anode sheath and with positive anode sheath. It was previously suggested that these regimes are associated with two different anode ablating modes—low ablation mode with constant ablation rate and the enhanced ablation mode (Fetterman et al 2008 Carbon 46 1322). The transition of the arc operation from low ablation mode to high ablation mode is determined by the current density at the anode. The model can be used to self-consistently determine the distribution of the electric field, electron density and electron temperature in the near-anode region of the arc discharge. Simulations of the carbon arc predict that for low arc ablating modes, the current is driven mainly by the electron diffusion to the anode. For positive anode sheath, the anode voltage is close to the ionization potential of anode material, while for negative anode sheath, the anode voltage is an order of magnitude smaller. It is also shown that the near-anode plasma, is far from the ionization equilibrium.
Minireview: Genome Editing of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells for Modeling Metabolic Disease

The pathophysiology of metabolic diseases such as coronary artery disease, diabetes, and obesity is complex and multifactorial. Developing new strategies to prevent or treat these diseases requires in vitro models with which researchers can extensively study the molecular mechanisms that lead to disease. Human pluripotent stem cells and their differentiated derivatives have the potential to provide an unlimited source of disease-relevant cell types and, when combined with recent advances in genome editing, make the goal of generating functional metabolic disease models, for the first time, consistently attainable. However, this approach still has certain limitations including lack of robust differentiation methods and potential off-target effects. This review describes the current progress in human pluripotent stem cell-based metabolic disease research using genome-editing technology.
Elucidation of the Covalent and Tertiary Structures of Biologically Active Ts3 Toxin

Ts3 is an alpha scorpion toxin from the venom of the Brazilian scorpion Tityus serrulatus. Ts3 binds to the domain IV voltage sensor of voltage-gated sodium channels (Nav ) and slows down their fast inactivation. The covalent structure of the Ts3 toxin is uncertain, and the structure of the folded protein molecule is unknown. Herein, we report the total chemical synthesis of four candidate Ts3 toxin protein molecules and the results of structure-activity studies that enabled us to establish the covalent structure of biologically active Ts3 toxin. We also report the synthesis of the mirror image form of the Ts3 protein molecule, and the use of racemic protein crystallography to determine the folded (tertiary) structure of biologically active Ts3 toxin by X-ray diffraction.
Knockout of the Histone Demethylase Kdm3b Decreases Spermatogenesis and Impairs Male Sexual Behaviors

Kdm3b is a JmjC domain-containing histone H3 (H3) demethylase and its physiological functions are largely unknown. In this study, we found that Kdm3b protein is highly expressed in multiple cell types in the mouse testes, including Leydig cells, Sertoli cells, spermatogonia and spermatocytes at different differentiation stages. We also observed Kdm3b protein in the epithelial cells of the caput epididymis, prostate and seminal vesicle. Breeding tests revealed that the number of pups produced by the breeding pairs with Kdm3b knockout (Kdm3bKO) males and wild type (WT) females was reduced 68% because of the decreased number of litters when compared with the breeding pairs with WT males and females. Further analysis demonstrated that Kdm3bKO male mice produced 44% fewer number of mature sperm in their cauda epididymides, displaying significantly reduced sperm motility. No significant differences in the circulating concentration of testosterone and the expression levels of androgen receptor and its representative target genes in the testis were observed. However, the circulating levels of 17β-estradiol, a modulator of sperm maturation and male sexual behaviors, was markedly reduced in Kdm3bKO male mice. Strikingly, abrogation of Kdm3b in male mice significantly increased the latencies to mount, intromit and ejaculate and decreased the number of mounts and intromissions, largely due to their loss of interest in female odors. These findings indicate that Kdm3b is required for normal spermatogenesis and sexual behaviors in male mice.
Aggression and emotion: Anger, not general negative affect, predicts desire to aggress

Abstract Many psychologists have theorized that negative emotions lead to aggression but what contexts trigger these emotions and how these emotions predict aggression remains unclear. According to the recalibrational theory of anger, anger is triggered when an interaction partner places a low relational evaluation on oneself, which motivates aggression (Sell, Tooby, & Cosmides, 2009). The present studies test the theory that anger mediates aggression and examine how other negative emotions relate to aggression. In Study 1, anger fully mediated the relationship between self-perceived mate value and self-reported direct aggression. In Study 2, anger partially mediated the relationship between relative mate value and self-reported desire to use direct aggression. Anger also partially mediated the relationship between relative mate value and self-reported desire to use indirect aggression. Further, anger fully mediated the relationship between self-perceived strength and self-reported desire to use direct aggression. For men, anger fully mediated the relationship between self-perceived mate value and self-reported desire to use indirect aggression. However, fear, embarrassment, and sadness did not predict aggression in any analyses. Results indicate that anger, but not negative emotions more generally, predict self-reported aggression.
Chirped pulsed bias power in inductively coupled plasma reactors

Fine control over ion energy distributions (IEDs) in plasma material processing reactors is critical to producing the features required for next generation microelectronics. One promising way of increasing control is through the use of pulsed power. Methods such as inductively coupled power (ICP) pulsing, radio frequency (RF) biased substrate pulsing, and synchronously pulsed bias and ICP power have previously been investigated [1]. Additional control over the IED can be gained by applying a frequency chirped bias power over a pulsed cycle. Chirped power is where the frequency is modulated in a predictable way, such as through a linear or exponential increase in frequency with time. Applied frequency greatly affects the IED, where close bimodal peaks are observed at high frequency and wide asymmetric peaks are observed for lower frequencies [2]. When averaged over the pulsed cycle, varied applied frequency can, therefore, be used to create a customized IED.
Enhanced T Cell Function in Patients with Hematological Malignanicies Undergoing Mobilization for Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation.

Various regimens used for hematopoietic stem cell mobilization have been optimized to mobilize a maximum number of CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) into the peripheral blood. However, the effects of mobilization regimens on other bone marrow derived cell populations have not been carefully examined. Since T cells from HSC grafts play an important role in anti-tumor responses, we studied T cell function in 11 adult patients with hematological malignancies undergoing mobilization for autologous stem cell transplantation (SCT). Mobilization regimens consisted of G-CSF alone (3 patients) or in combination with: GM-CSF (1 patient), chemotherapy (2), GM-CSF and chemotherapy (3), or AMD3100 (2). T cell function was determined using ImmuKnow (Cylex) assay, an FDA approved test, which measures immune cell function in whole blood by quantifying the amount of ATP released by PHA-stimulated CD4+ T helper (Th) cells. Prior to mobilization treatment, average Th reactivity was 242±128 ng ATP/ml (normal range: 200–525 ng ATP/ml). With mobilization, Th reactivity increased gradually in all patients, reaching peak reactivity values (>525 ng ATP/ml) on day 4–6 of treatment. Efficient stem cell mobilization (≥10 CD34+ cells/ul of blood) was accomplished in 8 out of 11 patients. These 8 patients exhibited an average Th peak reactivity level of 701±126 ng ATP/ml. Stem cell mobilization failed in the remaining 3 patients ( 1000 ng/ml). Chi-Square analysis indicated that there was an inverse correlation between CD34 stem cell counts and peak ATP levels (p=0.01). However, there was no direct relationship between the number of CD3+ or CD3+CD4+ T cells and Th reactivity. Immunophenotypic studies performed in 4 patients with CD34 counts ≥10 cells/ul and 2 patients with CD34 counts <10 cells/ul indicated that the agents used for stem cell mobilization triggered the expansion of CD4+CD25+ T cell population. However, the vast majority of these T cells did not co-express FoxP3, the characteristic marker of regulatory T cells, consistent with the enhanced T cell reactivity detected in these patients. It, therefore, results that mobilization agents have a “priming” effect on CD4+ T helper cells, inducing their robust activation. This effect may lead to improved anti-tumor surveillance and might contribute to the higher rate of complete remission and overall survival observed in patients with hematological malignancies, who have received autologous SCT in addition to chemotherapy. Thus, monitoring of T cell reactivity by Immuknow assay might help tailor therapy to maximize the patient’s potential to mount an immune response against the tumor and, at the same time, obtain efficient stem cell mobilization.
In-band sub-pixel registration of wavelet-encoded images from sparse coefficients

Sub-pixel registration is a crucial step for applications such as super-resolution in remote sensing, motion compensation in magnetic resonance imaging, and nondestructive testing in manufacturing, to name a few. Recently, these technologies have been trending towards wavelet-encoded imaging and sparse/compressive sensing. The former plays a crucial role in reducing imaging artifacts, while the latter significantly increases the acquisition speed. In view of these new emerging needs for applications of wavelet-encoded imaging, we propose a sub-pixel registration method that can achieve direct wavelet domain registration from a sparse set of coefficients. We make the following contributions: (i) We devise a method of decoupling scale, rotation, and translation parameters in the Haar wavelet domain, (ii) we derive explicit mathematical expressions that define in-band sub-pixel registration in terms of wavelet coefficients, (iii) using the derived expressions, we propose an approach to achieve in-band sub-pixel registration, avoiding back and forth transformations. (iv) Our solution remains highly accurate even when a sparse set of coefficients are used, which is due to localization of signals in a sparse set of wavelet coefficients. We demonstrate the accuracy of our method, and show that it outperforms the state of the art on simulated and real data, even when the data are sparse.
Zinc stannate (Zn2SnO4) dye-sensitized solar cells.

Developing new electrode materials is important for high-performance dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Previous research has mostly been limited to simple binary oxides. The application of multication oxides in DSSC has been rarely explored. In this communication, we report the promising application of Zn2SnO4 nanoparticles in DSSC. An overall light-to-electricity efficiency as high as 3.8% has been achieved under 1 sun AM 1.5 illumination. In comparison with ZnO and SnO2 as its simple component oxides, a Zn2SnO4 cell is more stable against acidic dyes than a ZnO cell, while it has much better performance than a SnO2 cell. Our results suggest that multication oxides, with the availability of a wide range of compositions and tunable properties, hold great promise as new electrode materials for DSSCs.
Influence of 1-pentanol additive on the performance of a diesel engine fueled with waste oil methyl ester and diesel fuel

Abstract Biodiesel cannot directly be used in diesel engines because some of its fuel properties which poorly affect engine operation but it can be blended with diesel fuel or alcohols. It is important to research fuels with high biodiesel concentration which can be alternatives to diesel and B20. 1-Pentanol, a higher alcohol, shows promise as an alternative fuel used as a fuel additive in diesel and/or biodiesel in compression ignition engines. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of the use of 1-pentanol in waste oil methyl ester (B) and diesel fuel (D) on the exhaust emissions and performance of a diesel engine operating at various loads, 0, 3, 6, and 9 kW, with a constant engine speed (1800 rpm). 1-Pentanol (10% and 20% by volume) was added to diesel fuel and waste oil methyl ester to create the following fuel blends: D90P10, D80P20, B90P10, and B80P20. Basic fuel properties were investigated and determined to be within the limit of standards. According to the engine test results, the brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) and exhaust gas temperatures (EGT) increased with the addition of 1-pentanol to diesel and biodiesel. Testing shows that the brake thermal efficiency (BTE) decreased for the diesel fuel blends D90P10 and D80P20. In contrast, biodiesel blends B90P10 and B80P20 exhibited an increase in BTE. Diesel blends D90P10 and D80P20 increased carbon monoxide (CO) and unburned hydrocarbon (HC) emissions while reducing the production of the oxides of nitrogen (NO x ). Compared to other biodiesel blends, B80P20 reduced the production of CO, HC, and NO x emissions at 0 and 3 kW loads while increasing the production of these emissions at 6 and 9 kW loads.
Child‐ and Family‐Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Pediatric Bipolar Disorder: Applications for Suicide Prevention

Despite high rates of suicidal ideation and behavior in youth with pediatric bipolar disorder (PBD), little work has examined how psychosocial interventions impact suicidality among this high-risk group. The current study examined suicidal ideation outcomes in a randomized clinical trial comparing Child- and Family-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CFF-CBT) for PBD versus psychotherapy treatment-as-usual (TAU). Although not designed for suicide prevention, CFF-CBT addresses child and family factors related to suicide risk and thus was hypothesized to generalize to the treatment of suicidality. Participants included 71 youth aged 7–13 years (M=9.17, SD=1.60) with DSM-IV-TR bipolar I, II, or not otherwise specified randomly assigned, with parent(s), to receive CFF-CBT or TAU. Both treatments consisted of 12 weekly and 6 monthly booster sessions. Suicidal ideation was assessed via clinician interview at baseline, post-treatment, and 6-month follow-up. Results indicated that suicidal ideation was prevalent pre-treatment: 39% of youth reported current suicidal thoughts. All youth significantly improved in the likelihood and intensity of ideation across treatment, but group differences were not significant. Thus, findings suggest that early intervention for these high-risk youth may reduce suicidal ideation, and at this stage of suicidality, youth may be responsive to even non-specialized treatment.
Minimax Distribution Estimation in Wasserstein Distance

The Wasserstein metric is an important measure of distance between probability distributions, with applications in machine learning, statistics, probability theory, and data analysis. This paper provides upper and lower bounds on statistical minimax rates for the problem of estimating a probability distribution under Wasserstein loss, using only metric properties, such as covering and packing numbers, of the sample space, and weak moment assumptions on the probability distributions.
Cleavage of Ceramic and Mineral Single Crystals

The general aspects of single crystal cleavage are reviewed and the various criteria which have been proposed for the phenomenon are considered. It is suggested that a KIC (fracture toughness) criterion is the most appropriate one for the description of cleavage. The traditional mineralogical structural classification of cleavage types which is based on fracture directionality (dimensionality) is then applied to several crystal structures in each catagory, from which it is concluded that the cleavage toughnesses of single crystals are often less than 1 MPa m1/2
The Golgi–Cox Method

One of the best neurohistologic methods to reveal the cytoarchitecture of the brain and detailed morphology of neurons with unsurpassed clarity has been the Golgi staining. It is based on the principle of metallic impregnation of neurons, allowing visualization in their entirety including cell soma, axons, dendrites, and spines. In this chapter, we describe the Golgi-Cox protocol standardized in our laboratory that can be used to study experimental effects of different genetic manipulations on spatial distribution of neurons, dendrite density, spine number and morphology to elucidate gene functions during development and in adult brain.
The Genetics and Epidemiology of Asthma

What roles do genes and the environment play in the development and expression of asthma? This question has intrigued scientists since Cooke and Vander Veer (1) conducted the first twin studies of atopy more than 75 years ago. Since then, our understanding of human genetics has advanced enormously, although our knowledge of the role of hereditary factors in the etiology of IgE-mediated disease has accumulated at a slower pace (2,3). This chapter will review the genetics and epidemiology of asthma and illustrate recent advances in the quantitative genetic modeling of asthma liability. We first distinguish asthma from other respiratory disorders and symptoms—wheezy breathing, bronchial hyperreactivity, and bronchitis—and then review asthma prevalence, incidence, mortality rates, and genetic aspects. The environmental risk factors for asthma are also briefly reviewed.
The influence of forest management on headwater stream amphibians at multiple spatial scales

Understanding how habitat structure at multiple spatial scales influences vertebrates can facilitate development of effective conservation strategies, but until recently most studies have focused on habitat relationships only at fine or intermediate scales. In particular, patterns of amphibian occurrence across broad spatial scales are not well studied, despite recent concerns over regional and global declines. We examined habitat relationships of larval and neotenic Pacific giant salamanders (Dicamptodon tenebrosus), larval and adult Pacific tailed frogs (Ascaphus truei) (hereafter “tailed frogs”), and torrent salamanders (Rhyacotriton spp.) at three spatial scales (2-m sample unit, intermediate, and drainage). In 1998 and 1999, we captured 1568 amphibians in 702 sample units in 16 randomly chosen drainages in the Oregon Coast Range. We examined species–habitat associations at each spatial scale using an information-theoretic approach of analysis to rank sets of logistic regression models developed a pri...
Imaging of IR700DX Labeled Mouse Breast Tumor Using a Custom Angle-Selective Fluorescence Contact Imaging System

Cancer treatment faces the challenge of identifying small clusters of residual tumor cells in the resection cavity after the gross section of tumor is surgically removed. Despite the introduction of targeted fluorescent probes to guide cancer surgeries, large, bulky, optical components restrict the ability of fluorescence imaging devices to detect small clusters of tumor cells in the complex surgical cavity. We have developed a small size-scale contact fluorescence image sensor that incorporates angle-selective gratings and a thin 15 m amorphous silicon optical wavelength filter for detecting residual cancer tissue in vivo. Using a custom fluorescent probe combining a fluorescent dye, IR700DX, with a targeted antibody, Trastuzumab, we label and visualize breast tissue in in vivo mouse models of breast cancer. When imaging tumorbearing mice injected with the probe, HER2+ breast cancer tissue intensity is 3.80.8 times brighter than other tissue. Excised cancer tumors and residual cancer attached to healthy tissue are imaged using the custom image sensor. Residual cancer tissue can be detected in real-time and is imaged with a high SNR of 45 dB using an integration time of only 40 ms.
The role of powerful audiences in health information avoidance.

Abstract Background Although people may want to learn information, concerns about how audiences (persons or entities privy to one's behavior or information) might respond may motivate people to avoid information that audiences could use to threaten resources or harm them. Purpose We examined whether powerful audiences prompt health risk information avoidance. Methods We tested in two studies (N = 843 adults 25 and older, 75% White) the influence of different audiences on medical information avoidance. We manipulated the audience and examined the consequences for avoidance of health risk information. Results Participants avoided personal health risk information significantly more when they believed that a powerful audience (an employer or insurance company) might learn their results from a health risk test than when they believed a non-powerful audience (health researchers) might learn their results. Exploratory mediation analyses revealed that these effects were partially mediated by participant expectations of likelihood of powerful audience harm. Conclusions Results suggest that people may choose to remain ignorant of potentially important health risks if they believe that powerful audiences can use that information to harm them.
Discerning strain-specific β-lactam drug resistance by clonal isolates of multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa using selected reaction monitoring

Abstract The escalation of antimicrobial resistance poses a serious threat to global healthcare, and efficient assays for identifying precise antibiotic regimens are needed to increase antibiotic stewardship and fight multi-drug resistant infections. Numerous culture- and genetic-based methods are currently in use to generate antibiotic resistance profiles of clinically relevant pathogens. However, these methods are time consuming and lack the ability to discern key characteristics like rates of drug metabolism and concentrations of enzymes involved in antimicrobial resistance. Many pathogenic bacteria produce β-lactamases which covalently modify β-lactam antibiotics and the rise in extended spectrum β-lactamases is close to rendering an entire class of antibiotics ineffective. We investigated the use of selected reaction monitoring (SRM), a mass spectrometry technique, for differentiating β-lactam drug-resistant phenotypes in multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MRPA). Our ability to monitor precise drug concentrations and chemical modifications of antibiotic compounds using mass spectrometry has enabled us to detect strain-level differences in β-lactam resistant MRPA. Our results show that previously defined clonal populations of β-lactam-resistant MRPA differentially metabolize β-lactam antibiotics and contribute to varying degrees of β-lactam resistance in these pathogens. These phenotypic characteristics would not have been identified using either current genetic sequencing techniques alone or through culture-based diagnostics.
The Lived Experience of International Graduate Nursing Students Engaged With the US Educational System.

Abstract Background Strategies are needed to address social and cultural challenges faced by international students pursuing education at American universities. Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of graduate international nursing students enrolled in a graduate nursing program. Method This descriptive phenomenological study explored the experiences of twelve international graduate nursing students. Results Through the use of Colaizzi's (1978) method of qualitative data analysis, five emergent themes were identified: Experiencing Cultural Differences, Taking on the New Role, Navigating Challenges, Reaping Benefits, and Unfulfilled Wishes. Within these themes, unique ideas of ‘wanting to do good for their home country’, strategies students used for ‘cultural adjustment’, and ‘unmet or conflicting expectations’ were present that have implications for nurse educators and program administrators. Conclusions Future recommendations for faculty include front loading professional writing support for students, exploring opportunities for increased intercultural interactions in and out of the classroom, and workshops to increase faculty cultural awareness. The theme of ‘unfulfilled wishes’ provides a rich understanding of goals that international students bring to the learning environment. Additional research studies are needed to explore the experiences of international nursing students in other fields and after they return home to their native country.
Valproic Acid-Induced Coagulopathy.

Abstract Background Valproic acid is one of the most commonly used antiseizure medications. Multiple hematologic abnormalities have been reported with the use of valproic acid, which may be particularly relevant in the perioperative surgical setting. The incidence of these abnormalities and prevalence of periprocedural hemorrhage vary significantly in the published literature. In this article we analyze the prevalence and possible etiology of coagulopathy and hemorrhage in patients receiving valproic acid. Methods A literature search was completed using “VPA,” “coagulopathy,” and “surgery.” The available published data from case reports to large case series were reviewed. Results Thrombocytopenia was noted to be the most common laboratory abnormality associated with valproic acid. An association between valproic acid and acquired von Willebrand disease has also been suggested. There are case reports describing bleeding in the setting of hypofibrinogenemia and factor XIII deficiency. Perioperative hemorrhage was reported in pediatric studies of orthopedic procedures, but not in adult cohorts undergoing neurosurgical interventions. Conclusions VPA use can cause thrombocytopenia and other coagulation abnormalities. Rigorous, prospective trials are needed to better assess the association between valproic acid and clinically significant coagulopathy. Until such data are available, physicians need to be aware of the potential risk of bleeding in patients receiving valproic acid. A hemostatic evaluation should be considered in symptomatic patients, and may be considered for patients taking VPA who are scheduled for surgery. If an abnormality is detected, hematologists should be involved to make recommendation on perioperative hemostatic strategy.
Displacement of powders from surface by shock and plasma generated by electrostatic discharge

Abstract Fine particulates were removed from a flat surface and cavities by shock/plasma produced by electro-static discharge (ESD). The ESD in air formed by discharging a capacitor between two 1-mm separated pin electrodes. Both irregularly shaped glass and spherical magnesium served as contaminant particulates. The ESD energy and pressure produced by the shock were characterized. Both powders were effectively displaced by the ESD-generated shock and plasma. Displaced particles were de-agglomerated. While glass melted, flammable magnesium powder did not ignite. ESD-generated plasma and shock offer an attractive, inexpensive, and safe alternative to laser shock cleaning methods for removal particulate contaminants from surfaces.
Impact of organic matter amendments on soil and tree water status in a California orchard

Abstract Permanent crops like almond (Prunus dulcis) require significant water inputs for economic yields and long-term productivity. This demand creates a challenge in drought-prone regions like California. Use of organic matter amendments (OMA) can improve water use efficiency by conserving soil moisture and reducing tree water stress. The majority of almond orchards in California are no-till with irrigation targeted on a narrow tree berm where OMA is applied as surface mulch. We examined the effects of composted dairy manure (CM) and the timing of its application on soil moisture, soil water retention and tree water status in a young orchard planted in 2014. Treatments including Fall-applied CM (October 2015 and 2016), Spring-applied CM (April 2016 and 2017) and an unamended control were monitored during the 2016 and 2017 growing seasons. Fall-applied CM was more readily incorporated in soil organic matter of the 0–60 cm rooting zone as evidenced by significantly greater soil organic carbon (SOC) for Fall versus Spring-applied CM in 2016 (p
Efficient Synthesis of N-tert-Butyl-2-{3(R)-[3-(3-chlorophenyl)ureido]- 8-methyl-2-oxo-5(R)-phenyl-1,3,4,5-tetrahydrobenz[b]azepin-1-yl}acetamide and Related CCKB Antagonists

An efficient synthesis of the CCKB antagonist N-tert-butyl-2-{3(R)-[3-(3-chlorophenyl)ureido]-8-methyl-2-oxo-5(R)-phenyl-1,3,4,5-tetrahydrobenz[b]azepin-1-yl}acetamide [(R)-1a] in optically active form is presented. The synthesis of the core 3-amino-5-phenylbenzazepin-2-one moiety started with the coupling of 2-amino-4-methylbenzophenone (6a) and diethyl 3-phosphono-2-(methoxyimino)propionic acid (8). The resulting amide diethyl 2-[3-phosphono-2-(methoxyimino)propionamido]-4-methylbenzophenone (9a) underwent intramolecular benzazepinone ring formation in tetrahydrofuran with 2 equiv of potassium tert-butoxide to provide 8-methyl-5-phenyl-1H-benz[b]azepine-2,3-dione 3-(O-methyloxime) (10a) in high yield. Hydrogenation over Raney nickel in methanol reduced both the O-methyloxime and the 4,5-double bond, giving cis-3-amino-8-methyl-5-phenyl-1,3,4,5-tetrahydrobenz[b]azepin-2-one (7a) with high selectivity. A classical resolution of amino lactam 7a and attachment of the N-1 and C-3 side chains afforded the tit...
Home phototherapy for patients with vitiligo: challenges and solutions

Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune condition involving selective dysfunction and destruction of melanocytes in the skin, hair, or both. The typical presentation is well-demarcated depigmented skin patches. Given vitiligo is the most common cause of depigmentation worldwide and early disease responds best to treatment, prompt diagnosis and proactive management of vitiligo are critical. While a wide variety of treatments has demonstrated variable effectiveness in treating vitiligo, phototherapy remains standard of care because of its proven efficacy and favorable side effect profile. However, many patients with vitiligo are unable to access affordable, consistent, or convenient phototherapy. To address these issues, home-based phototherapy has emerged as a patient-centered alternative. The purpose of this review is to discuss management of vitiligo with a specific focus on access to home-based phototherapy (HBPT) for patients with this condition. Key challenges to HBPT include misperceptions around safety and efficacy, inadequate physician education and training, insurance and financial barriers, and appropriate patient selection. Solutions to these challenges are presented, such as approaches to improve physician education and increasing the evidence surrounding the effectiveness and safety of this treatment for vitiligo. In addition, various practical considerations are discussed to guide dermatologists on how to approach HBPT as a treatment option for patients with vitiligo.
Neighborhood Sorting and the Value of Public School Quality

Abstract This paper develops a method to estimate the parental value of public school quality with two novel features. First, it estimates the value of public school quality in the same unit in which public schools’ costs are measured and private school tuition is charged: per year, per child at each grade level. Second, it develops a novel approach to control for unobservables correlated to school quality, including those generated by sorting. People without school-age children enjoy neighborhood-level amenities but do not enjoy school-level amenities, so data about their residential choice can be used to control for neighborhood unobservables, isolating the value of school quality per se. I embed this idea into a dynamic model of neighborhood choice, building on previously unconnected literatures. Using the 2000 U.S. Census data, I find that parents tend to value school quality more in elementary and high school grades relative to middle school grades. However, improving public school quality currently costs more than is worth to parents even at the most valued grades, so externalities in education are necessary to justify such investments. These findings highlight the importance of improving the efficiency with which school resources are spent.
Association between soft drink consumption and osteoporotic fractures among postmenopausal women: the Women's Health Initiative.

AbstractObjective:High consumption of soft drinks has been associated with lower bone mineral density among postmenopausal women. This study explores the association of soft drink consumption, osteoporosis, and incidental fractures in this population.Methods:Cross-sectional (at baseline) and cohort
Insights on the go: Leveraging business podcasts to enhance organizational performance

Abstract Managers need to stay connected to current trends and gather new insights to maximize organizational performance, but many struggle to find the time to read enough to remain informed. Business podcasts—digital episodic series covering a variety of business topics in an easy-to-consume audio format—are a relatively new tool that can help solve this dilemma. Business podcasts that offer unique perspectives on salient topics can teach managers valuable techniques for dealing with common business issues and keep them up-to-date on the latest business news. In this article, we introduce 10 popular business podcasts and discuss the insights for improving organizational performance offered in exemplary episodes of each series. Episode content ranges from detailed profile interviews of top executives and their day-to-day activities to the impact of national and global events on specific industries or businesses.
Partial Discharge Localization in Gas-Insulated Switchgear using Various Learning Algorithms

Gas-insulated switchgears have become essential parts of the electric power systems utilities because of their reliability, compactness, and effectiveness. Different techniques have been developed to protect these devices from partial discharge. The Ultra-High Frequency techniques, which detects electromagnetic waves emitted during the event of partial discharge, showed great performance on the localization of such phenomenon. In this paper, three different machine learning classification models have been built to localize partial discharge in a modeled gas-insulated switchgear using COMSOL multiphysics. Results for five different sensors are obtained and processed to establish concrete attributes for machine learning purposes. Various learning algorithms have been evaluated and compared, such as artificial neural networks, support vector machine (SVM), and a subspace discriminant ensemble model yielding a range of accuracies. An accuracy of 94.8% was obtained through the subspace discriminant ensemble model.
The Biology of Shyness and Adapting to Threat

Shyness is a commonly observed state or trait that can incorporate a wide array of socially oriented behaviors. This broad term of shyness can be more precisely grouped into behavioral subtypes, each of which may be associated with distinct neurological and physiological markers and long-term outcomes. Shy individuals typically show hypersensitivity and hypervigilance to threat, particularly perceived social threat. This attention to threat includes external tangible threats, but also internal and more abstract threats that may manifest as worry or preoccupation with one’s own well-being. Although generally perceived as negative, some subtypes of shyness, with specific biological profiles, may prove adaptive. Biological markers for shyness subtypes include attentional mechanisms supporting biased attention to emotion, differences in the neural underpinnings of approach and withdrawal behaviors, and the evolutionary advantage of neoteny. The degree to which these mechanisms impact social interaction helps shape how a shy individual can adaptively, or maladaptively, navigate their social world, influencing the nature of socioemotional development and the likelihood of psychopathology. Environmental context may also interact with these biological markers to differentially predict pathways of both risk and resilience by placing varying pressures on individuals and pulling for different forms of adaptation. A multimethod approach can define subtypes of shyness to better understand the form and consequences of shyness while also considering the context in which these differences in biological mechanisms may operate. In this chapter, we detail the biological substrates of behaviors associated with shyness subtypes and also examine their adaptability as a function of environmental context.
Total oxidizable precursor assay in the determination of perfluoroalkyl acids in textiles collected from the United States.

Abstract Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are used in specialty/functional textiles to impart oil, water, and stain repellency. Little is known, however, with regard to the occurrence of PFASs in textiles including infant clothing. In this study, 13 perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), comprising four perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSAs; C4–C10) and nine perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs; C4–C12) were determined in 160 textile samples collected from the United States. Two extraction methods, one involving a simple solvent extraction (i.e., before oxidation) and the other with an oxidative treatment (i.e., after oxidation) of textile extracts, were used. The sum concentrations of 13 PFAAs (i.e., ∑PFAA) in textile extracts before oxidation ranged from
Existence and stability of solitary waves for the inhomogeneous NLS

Abstract In this paper, we identify necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of appropriately localized waves for the inhomogeneous semi-linear Schrodinger equation driven by the subLaplacian dispersion operators ( − Δ ) s , 0 s ≤ 1 . We construct these waves and we establish sharp asymptotics, both at the singularity 0 and for large values. We show the non-degeneracy of these waves. Finally, we provide spectral and orbital stability classification, under slightly more restrictive assumptions.
Case 26-2020: A 60-Year-Old Woman with Altered Mental Status and Weakness on the Left Side.

A Woman with Altered Mental Status and Weakness on the Left Side A 60-year-old woman presented with altered mental status and weakness on the left side during the Covid-19 pandemic. Diffusion-weigh...
Impact of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Sepsis Core Measure on Antibiotic Use.

Background The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) implemented a core measure sepsis (SEP-1) bundle in 2015. One element was initiation of broad-spectrum antibiotics within 3 hours of diagnosis. The policy has the potential to increase antibiotic use and Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). We evaluated the impact of SEP-1 implementation on broad-spectrum antibiotic use and CDI occurrence rates. Methods Monthly adult antibiotic data for 4 antibiotic categories (surgical prophylaxis, broad-spectrum for community-acquired infections, broad-spectrum for hospital-onset/multidrug-resistant [MDR] organisms, and anti-methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus [MRSA]) from 111 hospitals participating in the Clinical Data Base Resource Manager were evaluated in periods before (October 2014-September 2015) and after (October 2015-June 2017) policy implementation. Interrupted time series analyses, using negative binomial regression, evaluated changes in antibiotic category use and CDI rates. Results At the hospital level, there was an immediate increase in the level of broad-spectrum agents for hospital-onset/MDR organisms (+2.3%, P = .0375) as well as a long-term increase in trend (+0.4% per month, P = .0273). There was also an immediate increase in level of overall antibiotic use (+1.4%, P = .0293). CDI rates unexpectedly decreased at the time of SEP-1 implementation. When analyses were limited to patients with sepsis, there was a significant level increase in use of all antibiotic categories at the time of SEP-1 implementation. Conclusions SEP-1 implementation was associated with immediate and long-term increases in broad-spectrum hospital-onset/MDR organism antibiotics. Antimicrobial stewardship programs should evaluate sepsis treatment for opportunities to de-escalate broad therapy as indicated.
Percutaneous ultrasound-guided ganglion fenestration in children: initial results.

To evaluate our pediatric experience with percutaneous ultrasound-guided fenestration of ganglia (PUGG). Retrospective study of pediatric patients who underwent PUGG from June 2016 to October 2018 at a free-standing tertiary referral academic children’s hospital with a minimum of 6 months follow-up. Electronic medical records, picture archiving system, and post-procedural calls were utilized for patient demographics, lesion characteristics, procedure details, and recurrence. The procedure itself consisted of assessment by Child Life, application of topical anesthetic cream, sterile preparation and draping, and intra-procedural ultrasound guidance for local anesthetic instillation, ganglion aspiration, fenestration, and intra-remnant steroid instillation. Post-procedure care included an ice pack, compression dressing for 48 h, and 4 weeks of brace wear and activity restriction. Forty-five patients met the inclusion criteria, ages 3–18 years, mean 13.5 years, and female to male ratio of 2:1. Ganglion locations consisted of 80% (36/45) in the wrist and 20% (9/45) in other locations (elbow, ankle, and foot). Ninety-eight percent (44/45) of procedures were performed non-sedated, including 20% (9/44) between ages 7 and 11 years. 28.9% (13/45) of ganglia recurred, the earliest at 3 weeks, the latest at 10 months, and an average of 3 months’ time. No complication occurred and no patients required post-procedural narcotics or Emergency Department visitation for pain control. Percutaneous ultrasound-guided fenestration of ganglia (PUGG) is a safe, minimally invasive alternative to surgical excision in the pediatric population, which can be performed without sedation and does not leave a scar.
Using Large Cliques for Hierarchical Dense Subgraph Discovery.

Understanding the structure of dense regions in real-world networks is an important research area with myriad practical applications. Using higher-order structures (motifs), such as triangles, had been shown to be effective to locate the dense subgraphs. However, going beyond the triangle structure is computationally demanding and mostly overlooked in the past. In this work, we investigate the use of large cliques (up to 10 nodes) for dense subgraph discovery. Relying on the nucleus decomposition framework that finds hierarchical dense subgraphs, we introduce efficient implementations to instantiate the framework up to 10-cliques. We analyze various real-world networks and discuss the density pointers, dense subgraph distributions, and also the hierarchical relationships. We investigate the clique count distributions per vertex and report surprising behaviors that are not observed in the degree distributions. Our analysis shows that utilizing larger cliques can yield denser structures with more interesting hierarchical relations in several networks.