cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pseudo-Parkinson Disease Secondary to Ritonavir–Buspirone Interaction

OBJECTIVE:To report a case of Parkinson-like symptoms appearing in a patient after introduction of ritonavir to buspirone therapy.CASE SUMMARY:A 54-year-old HIV-positive white man presented to the clinic with a 2-week history of ataxia, shuffling gait, cogwheel rigidity, resting tremor, and sad affect with masked features. This patient had been receiving high-dose buspirone (40 mg every morning and 30 mg every evening) for 2 years prior to the introduction of ritonavir/indinavir combination therapy (400 mg/400 mg twice daily) 6 weeks prior to initiation of the above symptoms. Buspirone was decreased to 15 mg 3 times daily, ritonavir/indinavir was discontinued, and amprenavir 1200 mg twice daily was added. The patient's symptoms began to subside after 1 week, with complete resolution after about 2 weeks. The patient continued to receive buspirone for an additional 12 months without recurrence of symptoms.DISCUSSION:This is the first reported interaction of buspirone and antiretrovirals. Buspirone, extensiv...
Rethinking the Link Between Categorization and Prejudice Within the Social Cognition Perspective

For the past 40 years, social psychological research on stereotyping and prejudice in the United States has been dominated by the social cognition perspective, which has emphasized the important role of basic categorization processes in intergroup dynamics. An inadvertent consequence of this approach has been a disproportionate focus on social categorization as a causal factor in intergroup animosity and, accordingly, an emphasis on approaches that minimize category distinctions as the solution to intergroup conflict. Though recognizing the crucial function of categorization, we question existing support for the hypothesis that the perception of strong group differences necessarily results in greater intergroup bias. Given that it is neither feasible nor ultimately desirable to imagine that social categories can be eliminated, we suggest that a more useful approach is one that promotes intergroup harmony even while recognizing and valuing the distinctions that define our social world.
Identifying Academically Gifted English-Language Learners Using Nonverbal Tests A Comparison of the Raven, NNAT, and CogAT

In this study, the authors compare the validity of three nonverbal tests for the purpose of identifying academically gifted English-language learners (ELLs). Participants were 1,198 elementary children (approximately 40% ELLs). All were administered the Raven Standard Progressive Matrices (Raven), the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT), and Form 6 of the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT). Results show that the U.S. national norms for the Raven substantially overestimate the number of high-scoring children; that because of errors in norming, the NNAT overestimates the number of both high-scoring and low-scoring children; that primary-level ELL children score especially poorly on the NNAT; that the standard error of measurement was twice as large for the NNAT as for the Raven or the CogAT; that ELL children scored .5 to .67 standard deviations lower than non-ELL children on the three nonverbal tests; and that none of the nonverbal tests predict achievement for ELL students very well. Putting Research to Use: Do nonverbal reasoning tests level the field for ELL children? Many practitioners have assumed that they do. However ELL children in this study scored 8 to 10 points lower than non-ELL children on the three nonverbal tests. The study also shows that practitioners cannot assume that national norms on the tests are of comparable quality. When put on the same scale as CogAT, Raven scores averaged 10 points higher than CogAT and NNAT scores. For NNAT, the mean is correct but the variability was up to 40% too large. Thus, when using national norms, both the Raven and NNAT will substantially overestimate the number of high-scoring children.
Do public library websites consider the disabled or senior citizens

The issues of mobility and sight impairment with respect to virtual accessibility are as important as physical accessibility when it comes to using public library services. However, few studies have discussed public library website accessibility from the perspective of underrepresented user groups. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the accessibility of websites of public libraries and further identify the association between accessibility and public libraries' budgets. The study selected 20 public library systems that have the highest percentages of the disabled or senior citizen patrons. The study employed the Pearson correlation test in order to investigate the correlation between the accessibility and the budgets of public libraries. Preliminary findings show that most current public library websites do not comply with the Section 508. The findings indicate that public libraries did not consider their users or potential users with physical disabilities when designing their websites. Therefore, the findings suggest that public library websites are not suited to deliver effective information services for underrepresented user populations who need special assistance. Furthermore, this study finds that there is no significant association between the public library websites' accessibility and the budgets.
Fusion of Quartz and Cristobalite

The melting point of quartz is established to be below 1450°C. and possibly above 1400°C. The product of fusion is a liquid of high viscosity which undergoes slow transformation to give the commonly encountered vitreous silica. At temperatures between 1450deg; and 1700°C., both cristobalite and glass are formed when quartz is heated in air for periods in excess of 15 minutes. The quartz-cristobalite transformation is sensitive to the ambient atmosphere. After heating to temperatures above 1730°C., inhomogeneities are still present in both fused quartz and fused cristobalite in the form of unmelted microcrystals. Their presence is indicated by X-ray diffraction, metallographic, infrared, and hardness measurements.
Phakic intraocular lens correction of high ametropia in children with neurobehavioral disorders.

Purpose A subset of children with high ametropia and neurobehavioral disorders have chronic difficulties with spectacle or contact lens wear. We report the results of refractive surgery in a series of these children treated using bilateral or unilateral phakic intraocular lenses (IOLs) for ametropia >10 D. Methods Clinical course and outcome data were collated prospectively in a group of 12 children (mean age, 10.1 years; range, 4-17 years) with neurobehavioral disorders exacerbated by poor compliance with spectacles. Myopia in 18 eyes ranged from −10.0 to −22.75 D (mean, −15.2 D) and in 2 hyperopic eyes from +10.25 to +10.75 (mean, +10.5 D). Goal refraction was approximately 0 to +1 D. Correction was achieved by implantation of an iris-enclaved phakic IOL under general anesthesia. Mean follow-up was 9.1 months (range, 3-15 months). Results Myopia correction averaged 14.5 D and hyperopia correction 9.4 D. Eighty-six percent of eyes (17/20 eyes) were corrected to within ± 1 D of emmetropia and the remaining 14% (3 eyes) to within ± 2 D. Uncorrected visual acuity improved substantially in all 20 eyes (60-fold; from a mean of 20/3400 to a mean of 20/57). Ocular comorbidities in each child accounted for residual postoperative, subnormal visual acuity (eg, amblyopia, nystagmus, albinism, regressed retinopathy of prematurity). Visual functions (measured using a 23-item validated survey) improved. One eye required IOL exchange; no other clinically significant complications have been encountered. Conclusions Phakic IOL implantation improves visual function substantially in neurobehaviorally impaired children who have high ametropia and difficulties wearing glasses.
Different Forms of Self-Control Share a Neurocognitive Substrate

Psychological and neurocognitive studies have suggested that different kinds of self-control may share a common psychobiological component. If this is true, performance in affective and nonaffective inhibitory control tasks in the same individuals should be correlated and should rely upon integrity of this region. To test this hypothesis, we acquired high-resolution magnetic resonance images from 44 healthy and 43 methamphetamine-dependent subjects. Individuals with methamphetamine dependence were tested because of prior findings that they suffer inhibitory control deficits. Gray matter structure of the inferior frontal gyrus was assessed using voxel-based morphometry. Subjects participated in tests of motor and affective inhibitory control (stop-signal task and emotion reappraisal task, respectively); and methamphetamine-dependent subjects provided self-reports of their craving for methamphetamine. Performance levels on the two inhibitory control tasks were correlated with one another and with gray matter intensity in the right pars opercularis region of the inferior frontal gyrus in healthy subjects. Gray matter intensity of this region was also correlated with methamphetamine craving. Compared with healthy subjects, methamphetamine-dependent subjects exhibited lower gray matter intensity in this region, worse motor inhibitory control, and less success in affect regulation. These findings suggest that self-control in different psychological domains involves a common substrate in the right pars opercularis, and that successful self-control depends on integrity of this substrate.
Virtual humans: lessons learned in integrating a large-scale AI project

Virtual humans are computer generated characters that can populate games or simulations. The behaviors of virtual humans are not scripted, but instead they use sophisticated AI techniques to reason about their environment and events as they unfold. Based on that reasoning, the virtual humans respond in believable ways. Virtual humans can interact in natural language, understanding speech and responding with synthesized speech. In addition to verbal communication, virtual humans can use non-verbal communication means such as gestures. In addition to rational behavior, virtual humans also have the ability to model and mimic human emotions.At the USC Institute for Creative Technologies, we have been engaged in the construction of virtual humans for the past six years. This project is not only a significant AI research effort, but it is also a significant software engineering task because a number of research projects must be integrated and work together to realize the virtual human. In this talk I will outline the virtual human effort, describe some of the synergies that have emerged from the software integration effort, and report on the lessons we have learned in this large-scale integration effort.
Chitosan preparations for wounds and burns: antimicrobial and wound-healing effects

Since its discovery approximately 200 years ago, chitosan, as a cationic natural polymer, has been widely used as a topical dressing in wound management owing to its hemostatic, stimulation of healing, antimicrobial, nontoxic, biocompatible and biodegradable properties. This article covers the antimicrobial and wound-healing effects of chitosan, as well as its derivatives and complexes, and its use as a vehicle to deliver biopharmaceuticals, antimicrobials and growth factors into tissue. Studies covering applications of chitosan in wounds and burns can be classified into in vitro, animal and clinical studies. Chitosan preparations are classified into native chitosan, chitosan formulations, complexes and derivatives with other substances. Chitosan can be used to prevent or treat wound and burn infections not only because of its intrinsic antimicrobial properties, but also by virtue of its ability to deliver extrinsic antimicrobial agents to wounds and burns. It can also be used as a slow-release drug-delivery vehicle for growth factors to improve wound healing. The large number of publications in this area suggests that chitosan will continue to be an important agent in the management of wounds and burns.
Electrostatic charging of ring dust clouds

Abstract Over the last several years we have performed numerical plasma experiments to study the electrostatic charging of thin dense dust clouds such as Saturn's main rings. The model employed is fully kinetic for the plasma particles and includes the thermal plasma collection and photoelectron emission charging currents to the dust grains. The consequences of dust absorption of ions and electrons is automatically a part of the model. The results of this modeling work include: (1) the presence of stronger electric fields within the dust cloud than at its edges, (2) increasing complexity of the electric field structure within the dust cloud for increasing plasma and dust densities, and (3) electrostatic oscillation of the cloud surface charge density for clouds with high dust density and small grain sizes. These results are discussed, along with their possible modification due to plasma-dust Coulomb collisions and waves generated by plasma instabilities.
Performance Analysis and Design of Position-Encoded Microsphere Arrays Using the Ziv-Zakai Bound

Position-encoded microsphere arrays are a promising technology for identifying biological targets and quantifying their concentrations. In this paper we analyze the statistical performance of these arrays in imaging targets at typical low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) levels. We compute the Ziv-Zakai bound (ZZB) on the errors in estimating the unknown parameters, including the target concentrations. We find the SNR level below which the ZZB provides a more accurate prediction of the error than the posterior Cramer-Rao bound (PCRB), through numerical examples. We further apply the ZZB to select the optimal design parameters of the microsphere array device and investigate the effects of the experimental variables such as microscope point-spread function. An imaging experiment on microspheres with protein targets verifies the optimal design parameters using the ZZB.
Clinical decisions associated with positron emission tomography in a prospective cohort of patients with suspected or known cancer at one United States center.

Purpose In 2001, Medicare approved reimbursement of F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET) for a variety of cancers. PET has been observed to be more accurate than other imaging in cancer patients, but the impact of PET on management in routine practice is uncertain. Patients and Methods We studied a prospective cohort having noninvestigational PET at one university center. Before and after PET, a questionnaire was administered to solicit information regarding each physician's preceding actions, intended management, and probability estimates. Results Seventy-one physicians provided data on 248 patients, of whom 40% had new or suspected cancer and 60% were undergoing restaging or had suspected recurrence. Lung, lymphoma, and head/neck cancers accounted for two thirds of cases. Sixteen physicians made 64% of requests. Physicians changed their intended management in 61% of patients (95% CI, 54% to 66%). For individual physicians ordering at least 10 scans, the average kappa was 0.16 (rang...
Extending Eclipse to support object-oriented system verification

The software development is facing increasingly stringent demands with regard to complexity, reliability and safety, especially in the areas of consumer electronics and in automotive, military and aerospace technology as well as in telecommunications and data communications. The stronger emphasis placed on safety-critical systems is being driven by the fact that the military and aerospace technology areas are growing as fields of application in nearly all areas of software development. Formal methods have long held the promise of providing a much-needed solid engineering foundation for the 'art' of programming computers. Formal specifications can be used to provide an unambiguous and precise supplement to natural language descriptions and can be rigorously validated and verified leading to the early detection of specification errors. This paper introduces an integrated formal framework for Eclipse platform in the development of software for safety critical systems to greatly improve the applicability of the Eclipse platform in these applications.
Discussion of “Surrogate Endpoints in AIDS Drug Development: Current Status” by C. Chuang-Stein and R. Demasi

This paper is a discussion of “Surrogate Endpoints in AIDS Drug Development: Current Status” by C. Chuang-Stein and R. DeMasi which appears in this issue of the Drug Information Journal. The authors argue that demonstrating HTV-1 RNA reduction and CD4+ cell count increase together constitute operationally acceptable evidence that a treatment would demonstrate a significant clinical benefit if a clinical endpoint trial were carried out. This argument is based primarily on findings from trials of treatments with modest effects. Evidence from recent trials of more potent agents suggest that this concept may not be unreasonable. The issue, however, is not whether this should be done, but rather just how information about viral load reduction and CD4+ cell count increase should be used either to manage patients or to draw conclusions about a drug's likely clinical benefit. In particular, it seems unlikely that finite courses of treatment will be sufficient, and that the effectiveness of a treatment will be def...
Development of a Constitutive Theory for Short Fiber Yarns: Mechanics of Staple Yarn Without Slippage Effect:

This article reports an attempt to develop a general constitutive theory governing the mechanical behavior of twisted short fiber structures, starting with a high twist case, so that the effect of fiber slippage during yarn extension can be ignored. A differential equation describing the stress transfer mechanism in a staple yarn is proposed by which both the distributions of fiber tension and lateral pressure along a fiber length during yarn extension are derived. Factors such as fiber dimensions and properties and the effect of the discontinuity of fiber length within the structure are all included in the theory. With certain assumptions, the relationship between the mean fiber-volume fraction and the twist level of the yarn is also established. A quantity called the cohesion factor is defined based on yarn twist and fiber properties as well as on the form of fiber arrangement in the yarn to reflect the effectiveness of fiber gripping by the yarn. By considering the yarn structure as transversely isotro...
Secondary Schools for Academically Talented Youth

Many American high school students are bored with the slow pace and lack of intellectual challenge of the standard, inclusive, school curriculum (Feldhusen and Kroll, 1991; Feldhusen, Wood, Dai, 1997). With increased public funding and awareness in gifted education over the last three decades (U.S.O.E., 1993), there has been large growth in the number of secondary schools in the United States specializing in the education of academically talented youth (Feldhusen, 1995a; Kolloff, 1997; Stanley, 1991). These schools challenge the great inclusion movement of the last decade that groups students purely by age; they group students instead by readiness, achievements and/or ability.How are students chosen for these schools? What is different about the curriculum and teaching methods? What advantages does a student get from attending these high powered schools? Can they motivate students to strive for higher level academic and professional achievement than regular schools? Are they able to med the social and ext...
Robust expansion of human hepatocytes in Fah −/− / Rag2 −/− / Il2rg −/− mice

Mice that could be highly repopulated with human hepatocytes would have many potential uses in drug development and research applications. The best available model of liver humanization, the uroplasminogen-activator transgenic model, has major practical limitations. To provide a broadly useful hepatic xenorepopulation system, we generated severely immunodeficient, fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase (Fah)-deficient mice. After pretreatment with a urokinase-expressing adenovirus, these animals could be highly engrafted (up to 90%) with human hepatocytes from multiple sources, including liver biopsies. Furthermore, human cells could be serially transplanted from primary donors and repopulate the liver for at least four sequential rounds. The expanded cells displayed typical human drug metabolism. This system provides a robust platform to produce high-quality human hepatocytes for tissue culture. It may also be useful for testing the toxicity of drug metabolites and for evaluating pathogens dependent on human liver cells for replication.
Rapid Distribution of Medical Supplies

Some important issues in the design of an efficient pharmaceutical supply chain involve deciding where to place the warehouses/inventories and how to route distribution vehicles. Solving appropriate facility location and vehicle routing problems can ensure the design of a logistic network capable of rapid distribution of medical supplies. In particular, both these problems must be solved in coordination to quickly disburse medical supplies in response to a large-scale emergency. In this chapter, we present models to solve facility location and vehicle routing problems in the context of a response to a large-scale emergency. We illustrate the approach on a hypothetical anthrax emergency in Los Angeles County.
Blunt assault: 'million dollar baby'.

Contrasting reports exist in the literature regarding the management of patients with blunt assault to the head, neck, and face and more importantly for clearing the cervical spine. The purpose of our study was to determine the risk of cervical spine injuries after blunt assault to the head, neck, and face and its association with other injuries. We performed a retrospective case review of all blunt assault trauma admissions to the head, neck, and face at our Level I trauma center. We identified all patients who were assaulted with hands and feet and blunt instruments. A total of 3286 patients with blunt assault to the head, neck, and face were identified of whom 11 (0.003%) were found to have a cervical spine fracture or cervical spine subluxation. None of the patients had a cervical spinal cord injury. The 11 patients composed our study population with a mean age of 39 ± 7.8 years, 100 per cent were male, and the mean Injury Severity Score was 12 ± 7.9. Five (45%) patients required surgery for stabilization of the cervical spine. Mortality was reported in only one patient who had a C7 transverse process fracture. Cervical spine injury after blunt assault is rare but does occur and encompasses significant injuries requiring surgical intervention. However, these injuries are the result of direct blows to the cervical spine and we suggest that assaulted patients with no direct trauma to the neck do not require an exhaustive evaluation of the cervical spine. Language: en
Preservice and inservice teachers' knowledge, beliefs, and instructional planning in primary school mathematics

Abstract We studied relationships between mathematical knowledge, beliefs about teaching and learning, and instructional planning. We contrasted beliefs, mathematical knowledge, and skills of preservice teachers (n = 47) with those of inservice teachers (n = 31) at the primary school level. For both groups, participants were generally more constructivist than traditional in beliefs, and showed evidence of low conceptual knowledge in mathematics. Multiple regression analyses indicated different relationships between conceptual knowledge and constructivist beliefs for inservice versus preservice teachers. Conceptual knowledge played a strong role in instructional planning in mathematics. Implications for future research and teacher education are discussed based on these findings.
Bariatric Surgery for the Treatment of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Is Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy the Best Future Option?

There has been a worldwide rise in the prevalence of overweight and obese individuals. Due to this increase, there has been a related rise in the number of individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or NAFLD, a condition that is becoming a more common cause for cirrhosis leading to liver transplantation. Diet and activity program provide modest weight loss and are poor treatments for maintenance of weight loss. Multiple studies have shown that Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery can lead to histological improvement in both non-alcoholic fatty liver disease as well as in the subset of individuals who also have steatohepatitis. This editorial explores the potential for the newer bariatric surgery, vertical sleeve gastrectomy, to function as a surgical option for the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and steatohepatitis.
House Crickets: Ovicidal Effect of Fenthion on Mortality and Cholinesterase Activity

Tests were undertaken to determine factors associated with mortality of eggs of Acheta domesticus (L.) dosed topically with fenthion in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Factors tested were: interference with fluid uptake by DMSO, degree and timing of cholinesterase (ChE) activity inhibition, time of dosage, and penetration of pesticide through chorion. Death of eggs dosed 0, 1, or 2 days after oviposition was immediate, and due to effects of DMSO, When eggs were dosed 3 or more days after oviposition, death was delayed until just prior to hatching, and was correlated to low levels of ChE activity at that time. Mortality was highest with eggs dosed 3, 7, or 8 days after oviposition. Hypotheses are offered to explain high mortalities at those times.
On-Orbit Determination of CMG Initial Gimbal Bias Using Sensor Measurements

A method to identify the initial gimbal angular position of a single-gimbal CMG using on-orbit measurements of inertial sensors is described. The method is useful in situations wherein there is a misalignment of the gimbal relative to the gimbal encoder or the absence of one. A least squares solution to the equations of motion is used for this purpose. A practical implementation technique is demonstrated following the methodology adopted in SwampSat, a University of Florida pico-satellite. Simulations to demonstrate the effectiveness of this method are also presented. Nomenclature a = Linear acceleration of a point fixed to the spacecraft AD = Analog to digital ,, agh bb b = Bias errors of accelerometer, gyroscope and hall sensor
Perceptual Considerations for High-Definition Television Systems

Evaluation sur le plan de la perception de differents systemes de television a haute resolution NTSC actuel, NTSC plein, MAC, MAC-D, 2 MAC-D, 2 MAC, NHK
A molecular defect in lathyritic collagen.

SummaryElectrophoretic and peptide fingerprint studies carried out on formic acid extracted collagen from the skins of control and lathyritic rats provided evidence that the excess soluble collagen molecules which accumulate in the tissues of lathyritic animals are intrinsically normal. But the lathyritic molecules are dramatically deficient in aldehyde content. Thus it appears that lathyro-gens exert their effect on connective tissues by causing an inhibition of the oxidative de-amination which appears to precede covalent crosslink formation in collagen and elastin.
A Validated UHPLC-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Method for Quantitative Analysis of Flavonolignans in Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) Extracts

Validated methods are needed for the analysis of natural product secondary metabolites. These methods are particularly important to translate in vitro observations to in vivo studies. Herein, a method is reported for the analysis of the key secondary metabolites, a series of flavonolignans and a flavonoid, from an extract prepared from the seeds of milk thistle [Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. (Asteraceae)]. This report represents the first UHPLC MS-MS method validated for quantitative analysis of these compounds. The method takes advantage of the excellent resolution achievable with UHPLC to provide a complete analysis in less than 7 min. The method is validated using both UV and MS detectors, making it applicable in laboratories with different types of analytical instrumentation available. Lower limits of quantitation achieved with this method range from 0.0400 μM to 0.160 μM with UV and from 0.0800 μM to 0.160 μM with MS. The new method is employed to evaluate variability in constituent composition in various commercial S. marianum extracts, and to show that storage of the milk thistle compounds in DMSO leads to degradation.
Experimental Research on Anti-Electrolytic Corrosion Characteristics of Insulator Cap for DC Porcelain Cap and Pin Insulator by Zinc Collar

Along with large-scale construction of UHVDC power transmission projects in China, the secure and stable operation of DC porcelain cap and pin insulator becomes more and more important. Under the affect of DC current the electrolytic corrosion of insulator cap is inevitable, and it becomes the key factor impacting the mechanical characteristic of DC porcelain cap and pin insulator, thus it is necessary to make the anti-electrolytic corrosion of insulator cap explicit. The electrolytic corrosion mechanism of insulator cap is presented and the summary of basic situation of DC insulator cap corrosion occurred in two ?800kV DC transmission lines in China is given, and the design method of two kinds of zinc collar for anti-electrolytic corrosion is proposed and through testing it is validated that the two kinds of the designed anti-corrosion zinc collars possess good anti-corrosion performances. The research results are available for reference to the anti-corrosion design for insulator cap of DC porcelain cap and pin insulators.
Comparison of techniques for selection of motile spermatozoa

Procedures to separate motile sperm with high rates of recovery may have clinical application in in vitro fertilization and intrauterine insemination in increasing the probability of fertilization by a normal sperm and subsequent normal embryonic development. A two-step continuous Percoll gradient was an effective means of separating motile sperm which also had enhanced ability to penetrate zona-free hamster ova. However, the requirement for a high-speed centrifuge and rotor makes the procedure impractical in many cases. A one-step discontinuous Percoll gradient was also effective in separating a population of motile sperm. Comparison of the discontinuous Percoll gradient with other techniques for separation of motile sperm indicated the discontinuous Percoll gradient had advantages in terms of recovery, enhancement of motility, and increased ability to penetrate zona-free hamster ova. The velocity of selected sperm was not significantly different among techniques. The one-step discontinuous Percoll gradient appears to have value both for increasing homogeneity of human sperm populations used for basic research and in clinical practice for male subfertility.
Phase coherence of parametric-decay modes during high-harmonic fast-wave heating in the National Spherical Torus Experiment

Third-order spectral analysis, in particular, the auto bicoherence, was applied to probe signals from high-harmonic fast-wave heating experiments in the National Spherical Torus Experiment. Strong evidence was found for parametric decay of the 30 MHz radio-frequency (RF) pump wave, with a low-frequency daughter wave at 2.7 MHz, the local majority-ion cyclotron frequency. The primary decay modes have auto bicoherence values around 0.85, very close to the theoretical value of one, which corresponds to total phase coherence with the pump wave. The threshold RF pump power for onset of parametric decay was found to be between 200 kW and 400 kW.
Book Review (Reviewing Sonia Sotomayor, My Beloved World)

In this review of Justice Sonia Sotomayor's My Beloved World, Lisa Manheim and Elizabeth Porter explore its strengths as a memoir, a brief arguing for the Justice's worldview, and a teaching tool.
The Chemical Senses

This chapter describes the sense of taste and smell. The sense of smell originates in olfactory sensory neurons in the olfactory epithelium in the upper nasal passages. Each olfactory sensory neuron responds to a limited number of odorants in its molecular receptive range. All of the similarly responding olfactory sensory neurons converge on a small number of mitral cells and tufted cells in the olfactory bulb, not part of the cerebral cortex. The complex of dendritic and axonal processes makes a glomerulus. Transduction of odorant to receptor potential is through a G olf mechanism that activates adenylyl cyclase, which indirectly activates a Cl − channel that depolarizes the cells through Cl − efflux. Some smells such as chlorine, menthol, and peppermint stimulate the trigeminal nerve and not the olfactory nerve, CN I. Taste derives from activity of taste receptor cells (TRCs) in the taste buds that reside in taste papillae on the tongue. The sensory innervation of the tongue is described. The mechanisms of taste vary among sour, bitter, sweet, salty, and umami, and these are discussed.
Abdominal Wall Surgery in the Setting of an Enterocutaneous Fistula: Combined Versus Staged Definitive Repair

The management of abdominal wall hernias in the presence of an enterocutaneous fistula is a difficult problem requiring mature surgical judgment. The surgeon’s primary goal is to fix the fistula, while definitive repair of the hernia should be relegated to a distant second goal and only if safe. Just because the hernia can be repaired simultaneously does not necessarily mean it should be repaired. Use of a components separation technique for abdominal wall reconstruction at the time of takedown of an enterocutaneous fistula should only be employed in good risk patients without predisposing factors for the formation of an incisional hernia. Advice/help from a reconstructive plastic surgeon to provide vascularized soft-tissue coverage of the fistula repair can be very helpful. Management of these complicated patients requires both expertise in gastrointestinal/metabolic surgery and abdominal wall reconstruction.
Promise and Peril of Neuroscience for Alternative Education

Alternative education exists because there are deep differences in visions of a good society, what counts as normative social interaction, and thus what constitutes good education. Alternative educators, like all educators, need to deal with novel developments that impact educational practices. Generally speaking, new developments often offer new and innovative possibilities to enhance alternative ways of educating, but they also sometimes threaten to undermine existing educational spaces carved out as alternatives. The recent decade of the brain catapulted neuroscience into the public imaginary, with applications to a dizzying array of social practices, including teaching and learning. Alternatives to traditional educational practices and organization might be impoverished if they ignore neuroscientific discoveries, but neither would they be best served to uncritically embrace its innovations. Neuroscience offers both promise and peril for alternative education.
Nitrosocarbonyl hetero-Diels–Alder cycloaddition with 2-substituted 1,3-butadienes

Abstract A study of the reactivity of 2-substituted 1,3-butadienes with nitrosocarbonyl compounds in the 4+2 cycloaddition has been carried out showing that the regioselectivity involves a delicate balance of steric and electronic effects. 2-Aryl 1,3-butadienes favor the distal isomer with the magnitude of preference ranging from 4:1 to 15:1 depending on the nature of the nitrosocarbonyl group. However, when bulky 2-substituted dienes are used the proximal isomer is formed preferentially. The results obtained, together with previous theoretical calculations and experimental data, provide further data to aid in synthetic planning.
Using groundwater age distributions to understand changes in methyl tert-butyl ether (MtBE) concentrations in ambient groundwater, northeastern United States.

Abstract Temporal changes in methyl tert -butyl ether (MtBE) concentrations in groundwater were evaluated in the northeastern United States, an area of the nation with widespread low-level detections of MtBE based on a national survey of wells selected to represent ambient conditions. MtBE use in the U.S. peaked in 1999 and was largely discontinued by 2007. Six well networks, each representing specific areas and well types (monitoring or supply wells), were each sampled at 10 year intervals between 1996 and 2012. Concentrations were decreasing or unchanged in most wells as of 2012, with the exception of a small number of wells where concentrations continue to increase. Statistically significant increasing concentrations were found in one network sampled for the second time shortly after the peak of MtBE use, and decreasing concentrations were found in two networks sampled for the second time about 10 years after the peak of MtBE use. Simulated concentrations from convolutions of estimates for concentrations of MtBE in recharge water with age distributions from environmental tracer data correctly predicted the direction of MtBE concentration changes in about 65% of individual wells. The best matches between simulated and observed concentrations were found when simulating recharge concentrations that followed the pattern of national MtBE use. Some observations were matched better when recharge was modeled as a plume moving past the well from a spill at one point in time. Modeling and sample results showed that wells with young median ages and narrow age distributions responded more quickly to changes in the contaminant source than wells with older median ages and broad age distributions. Well depth and aquifer type affect these responses. Regardless of the timing of decontamination, all of these aquifers show high susceptibility for contamination by a highly soluble, persistent constituent.
Severe thrombocytopenia in a child with typhoid fever: a case report

Although thrombocytopenia is common in typhoid fever, its course, response to treatment, and need for specific therapies such as platelet transfusion are not well characterized. We report a case of typhoid fever in a 4-year-old Asian male returned traveler, admitted with prolonged fever and found to have severe thrombocytopenia (platelets 16 × 109/L). Despite appropriate antibiotic therapy, his platelet recovery was slow, but did not lead to complications and he did not require platelet transfusion. There is no consensus in the medical literature guiding the optimal management of severe thrombocytopenia in typhoid fever, but it may improve with conservative management, as in our case. The epidemiology and management of this condition merits further research to guide clinical practice.
Evolution of Iodoplumbate Complexes in Methylammonium Lead Iodide Perovskite Precursor Solutions

Here we investigate the local structure present in single-step precursor solutions of methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) perovskite as a function of organic and inorganic precursor ratio, as well as with hydriodic acid (HI), using X-ray absorption spectroscopy. An excess of organic precursor as well as the use of HI as a processing additive has been shown to lead to the formation of smooth, continuous, pinhole free MAPbI3 films, whereas films produced from precursor solutions containing molar equivalents of methylammonium iodide (MAI) and PbI2 lead to the formation of a discontinuous, needlelike morphology. We now show that as the amount of excess MAI in the precursor solution is increased, the iodide coordination of iodoplumbate complexes present in solution increases. The use of HI results in a similar increase in iodide coordination. We therefore offer insight into how solution chemistry can be used to control MAPbI3 thin film morphology by revealing a strong correlation between the lead coordination ...
Action potentials and ion conductances in wild-type and CALHM1-knockout type II taste cells.

CALHM1 is an essential ion channel component of the ATP neurotransmitter release mechanism in type II taste bud cells. Its contribution to type II cell resting membrane properties and excitability ...
Implanting 8-mm Passive Integrated Transponder Tags into Small Brook Trout: Effects on Growth and Survival in the Laboratory

AbstractPassive integrated transponder (PIT) tags are commonly used to investigate relationships between individual fish and their environment. The recent availability of smaller tags has provided the opportunity to tag smaller fish. In this study, we implanted 8-mm PIT tags into small Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis (35–50 mm FL; 0.35–1.266 g) and compared tag retention, growth rates, and survival of PIT-tagged fish with those of fish subjected to handling only or to handling plus fin clipping. We also examined how initial size at tagging affected absolute and specific growth rates of PIT-tagged individuals over time. We found that survival was 100%, tag retention was 96.7%, and fish size did not vary across treatments at 29 and 64 d posttagging. Additionally, there was no evidence that growth rate (FL or mass) was influenced by the initial size of the fish that were PIT tagged. Our results indicate that retention rates of 8-mm PIT tags surgically implanted into small Brook Trout are high and that ther...
Left ventricular mass response to extra-corporeal life support (ECLS) in infants

Abstract Background The effect of extracorporeal life support (ECLS) on left ventricular mass in infants is unknown. We sought to explore the effect of ventricular loading conditions on left ventricular mass for infants supported with ECLS. Methods Transthoracic echocardiograms (TTE) of infants placed on venovenous (VV) or venoarterial (VA) ECLS were reviewed. Left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was calculated on TTE performed prior to initiation of ECLS (baseline) and after decannulation (post-ECLS). Results TTE from 31 infants (mean age 30days, mean weight 3.6kg) were analyzed (19 VA-ECLS, 12 VV-ECLS). Patients received ECLS for 2–29days (mean 8days). Baseline LVMI was 47g/m 2.7 in the VA-ECLS group and increased by 156% after separation from ECLS ( p =0.007). LVMI was 64g/m 2.7 in the VV-ECLS group and increased by 143% of baseline ( p =0.009). Younger children showed a more significant increase in LVMI ( p =0.002) while mode, indication, and duration of ECLS did not separately influence LVMI increase. Increased mass occurred in patients with sub-systemic as well as supra-systemic estimated right ventricular systolic pressure. Conclusions Left ventricular mass increases in infants supported with ECLS. These changes do not appear to be related to ventricular loading conditions. Further prospective work is needed to validate these findings and explore plausible mechanisms in this heterogenous group of patients.
Parades of Reforms and the Quest for Social Equity: The Kenyan Case

This paper examines the place of social equity as a public-sector value in past public-sector reforms in Kenya from the mid-1980s to today. It examines how public-sector reforms exacerbate ethnic/tribal and gender inequalities. It also explores the institutional structures put in place by the government to mitigate these inequalities. The paper finds that past reforms have promoted efficiency and economy but not social equity. The paper also finds that in place of a weak central government and a partisan judiciary, the media and nongovernmental actors have played a big role in setting the agenda for action to address ethnic/regional and gender inequalities. It recommends investment in public service education to ingrain public-sector values.
A Dual-Coupled LCC-Compensated IPT System With a Compact Magnetic Coupler

This paper proposes a dual-coupled LCC -compen-sated inductive power transfer system with a compact magnetic coupler to improve misalignment performance. In the magnetic coupler, the main coils form the first coupling, and compensation inductors are integrated with the main coils to form a second coupling. In the design presented in this paper, the main coils are unipolar and the compensation inductors are in a Double D structure. The fundamental harmonics approximation method is used to analyze the circuit, and the couplings between the main coils and compensation inductors are considered to determine the net power flow. In misalignment cases, it is shown that the coupling between the compensation inductors, and the cross couplings between the compensation inductors and main coils, contribute to increasing the system power. A 3.5 kW prototype is designed and implemented to validate the proposed dual-coupled system. The primary coil size is ${\text{450 mm}\times \text{450 mm}}$ , and the secondary coil size is ${\text{300 mm}\times \text{300 mm}}$ . Experimental results show that the proposed dual-coupled system can significantly improve the misalignment performance, and retains at least 56.8% and 82.6% of the well-aligned power at 150 mm misalignment in the x - and y -directions, respectively.
Reference circuits for emerging applications-from extreme environment electronics to internet of things

Almost all electronic circuits require a reference, be it voltage, current, or time. A well-designed reference is expected to provide a “stable” point that will be independent of the potential variations in its operating conditions. While there has been decades of extensive amount of creative work in the world of reference design, with the emergence of new applications, reference designers are now faced with new problems and design challenges. In this review paper, we focus on two emerging application domains, namely, extreme environment (EE) electronics and the internet of things (IoT). We briefly describe design challenges imposed by these applications on reference circuits implemented in standard technologies, and discuss some solutions.
A computational analysis of pro-angiogenic therapies for peripheral artery disease.

Inducing therapeutic angiogenesis to effectively form hierarchical, non-leaky networks of perfused vessels in tissue engineering applications and ischemic disease remains an unmet challenge, despite extensive research and multiple clinical trials. Here, we use a previously-developed, multi-scale, computational systems pharmacology model of human peripheral artery disease to screen a diverse array of promising pro-angiogenic strategies, including gene therapy, biomaterials, and antibodies. Our previously-validated model explicitly accounts for VEGF immobilization, Neuropilin-1 binding, and weak activation of VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) by the “VEGFxxxb” isoforms. First, we examine biomaterial-based delivery of VEGF engineered for increased affinity to the extracellular matrix. We show that these constructs maintain VEGF close to physiological levels and extend the duration of VEGFR2 activation. We demonstrate the importance of sub-saturating VEGF dosing to prevent angioma formation. Second, we examine the potential of ligand- or receptor-based gene therapy to normalize VEGF receptor signaling. Third, we explore the potential for antibody-based pro-angiogenic therapy. Our model supports recent observations that improvement in perfusion following treatment with anti-VEGF165b in mice is mediated by VEGF-receptor 1, not VEGFR2. Surprisingly, the model predicts that the approved anti-VEGF cancer drug, bevacizumab, may actually improve signaling of both VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 via a novel ‘antibody swapping’ effect that we demonstrate here. Altogether, this model provides insight into the mechanisms of action of several classes of pro-angiogenic strategies within the context of the complex molecular and physiological processes occurring in vivo. We identify molecular signaling similarities between promising approaches and key differences between promising and ineffective strategies.