cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Management of Advanced and Relapsed/Refractory Extranodal Natural Killer T-Cell Lymphoma: An Analysis of Stem Cell Transplantation and Chemotherapy Outcomes

Abstract Background Extra-Nodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (ENKL) is a rare lymphoma representing approximately 5-10% of T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas diagnosed in the United States each year. Patients with advanced stage III/IV ENKL and relapsed refractory ENKL have a poor prognosis even despite aggressive therapy and stem cell transplantation (SCT). We conducted a review of the management of 37 patients with advanced-stage and relapsed/refractory ENKL in a predominantly non-Asian cohort evaluating both chemotherapy and SCT outcomes. Patients and Methods We evaluated clinical outcomes in all patients treated for advanced stage III/IV or relapsed/refractory ENKL at MD Anderson cancer center between 2000-2014. Next, we collected stem cell transplant data from four transplant institutions to further evaluate outcomes of both allogeneic (allo-SCT) and autologous (auto-SCT) stem cell transplantation in ENKL. Results OS and PFS were 73% and 45% at one year, and 30% and 19% at 3-years, respectively. SMILE chemotherapy was more effective in maintaining a CR compared to CHOP (83% vs 17%). Only achievement of CR was prognostic for OS (HR 0.245, p=0.002) and PFS (HR 0.072, p) Conclusion Our results suggest that achievement of a CR is imperative in patients with advanced ENKL, and is desirable for any patient for whom auto-SCT is utilized. SMILE-based chemotherapy appeared effective in attaining a CR, and was also an effective salvage regimen. For patients attaining a first CR, auto-SCT should be strongly considered, but should definitely be utilized in patients attaining CR2. For patients with refractory disease, allo-SCT can be considered in a selected group of patients.
A Stackelberg Game Model for Botnet Data Exfiltration

Cyber-criminals can distribute malware to control computers on a networked system and leverage these compromised computers to perform their malicious activities inside the network. Botnet-detection mechanisms, based on a detailed analysis of network traffic characteristics, provide a basis for defense against botnet attacks. We formulate the botnet defense problem as a zero-sum Stackelberg security game, allocating detection resources to deter botnet attacks taking into account the strategic response of cyber-criminals. We model two different botnet data-exfiltration scenarios, representing exfiltration on single or multiple paths. Based on the game model, we propose algorithms to compute an optimal detection resource allocation strategy with respect to these formulations. Our algorithms employ the double-oracle method to deal with the exponential action spaces for attacker and defender. Furthermore, we provide greedy heuristics to approximately compute an equilibrium of these botnet defense games. Finally, we conduct experiments based on both synthetic and real-world network topologies to demonstrate advantages of our game-theoretic solution compared to previously proposed defense policies.
Differences in Abortion Service Delivery in Hostile, Middle-ground, and Supportive States in 2014.

Abstract Objectives In 2013, the majority of women lived in states considered hostile to abortion rights, or states with numerous abortion restrictions. By comparison, 31% lived in supportive states. This study examined differences in abortion service delivery according to the policy climate in which clinics must operate. Methods Data come from the 2014 Abortion Provider Census, which contains information about all known abortion-providing facilities in the United States. In addition to number and type of facility, we examine several aspects of abortion care: provision of only early medication abortion (EMA-only), whether an advanced practice clinician provided abortions, gestational parameters, and average charge for procedure. All indicators were examined nationally and according to whether the clinic was in a state that was hostile, middle ground, or supportive of abortion rights. Results In 2014, hostile and supportive states accounted for the same proportion of all U.S. abortions—44% (each)—although 57% of women age 15 to 44 lived in hostile states. Hostile states had one-half as many abortion-providing facilities as supportive ones. EMA-only facilities accounted for 37% of clinics in supportive states compared with 8% in hostile states. Sixty-five percent of clinics in supportive states reported that advanced practice clinicians provided abortion care, compared with 3% in hostile states. After cost of living adjustments, a first-trimester surgical abortion was most expensive in middle-ground states ($470) and least expensive in supportive states ($402). Conclusions The distribution of abortion services, the type of facility in which they are provided, and the amount a facility charges all vary according to the abortion policy climate.
Starvation rates in larval and juvenile Atlantic silversides (Menidia menidia) are unaffected by high CO2 conditions

Over the past decade, laboratory experiments on fish early life stages have found many traits that are evidently sensitive to elevated CO2 levels. With respect to larval growth, high CO2 environments are commonly assumed to increase acid–base regulation and other plastic responses, thus incurring additional metabolic costs that reduce the scope for growth. This assumption is not well supported by empirical evidence. One reason might be that experiments often provide unrestricted feeding conditions, which could allow larvae to compensate for higher costs by increased food intake. To remove potentially confounding effects of larval feeding, we conducted a series of starvation trials on offspring of the Atlantic silverside (Menidia menidia), predicting faster starvation at high compared to ambient CO2 treatments. We compiled observations from five separate experiments spanning different years, laboratories, temperatures (17–26 °C), life stages (newly hatched larvae, previously fed larvae, early juveniles), and CO2 levels (300–6500 µatm). Contrary to expectation, we found that starvation rates were largely independent of the CO2 environment in this fish species. The one exception occurred at the lowest temperature and most extreme CO2 treatment, which resulted in slower not faster starvation in newly hatched larvae at high compared to ambient CO2 treatments. The apparent failure of starvation rate as a proxy for CO2 effects on larval fish metabolism may have several reasons, including potential CO2 tolerance of offspring, observed large stochasticity in early life survival masking small metabolic costs of high CO2, and the general depression and reconfiguration of fish metabolism in response to food deprivation.
Epistemology: IV. Self-consciousness

Kant expounds his thoughts on self-consciousness in the section entitled “The Original Synthetic Unity of Apperception,” which is a key part of Kant’s epistemology and has also been regarded as the most difficult section of the Critique of Pure Reason. It has even been called the enigma of Kant’s epistemology.
The Geometry of Gendered Conflict in Popular Film: 1986-2000

In this qualitative content analysis of 150 popular films, the meaning of gendered conflict in contemporary popular culture is addressed from a systems theoretical perspective. Gendered conflict occupies a central position in these films and is normatively structured in terms of networks of romantic/sexual conflict based upon the geometric foundation of the triangle. Triangles are found to invoke dualistic pairs of stereotypes among characters who are competing for the attention of a common focus of attraction. When men occupy the center of triangles, dualism involves the Madonna/Whore archetype. When women occupy the center, dualism alternates between Hero/Villain and Prince/Scoundrel archetypes. Norms, values, and expectations regarding gendered conflict are found to foster male privilege in each archetype.
Adaptation of O2 transport and utilization at altitude in man.

The mammalian O2 transport system is remarkable in at least two major respects. First, several organs must work together in an integrated manner to achieve maximal rates of transfer of O2 from inspired air to muscle mitochondria during exercise. Too little or too much functional ability of one organ compared to another produces inefficiency. For example, a high cardiac output clearly enhances the bulk transport of O2 between lungs and muscle, but if too high, both diffusive O2 loading in the lung and diffusive O2 unloading in the tissues are compromised by rapid red cell transit times. Thus, the pulmonary system (using convective and diffusive modes of O2 transport) is linked to the cardiovascular system, which in turn delivers O2 to the muscle mitochondria at rates dependent on blood transport ability (Hb concentration, shape and position of the O2 Hb dissociation curve) and muscle O2 transport capacity by diffusion between the red cell and the mitochondrion. The second remarkable aspect of O2 transport is that at maximal exercise, virtually all of the O2 that can be transferred into arterial blood is able to be extracted and used by the exercising muscles. In trained normal subjects, O2 extraction can exceed 90%.
ASAP Bloodstream Pathogen Identification and Susceptibility Testing: When Rapid Is Not Fast Enough.

The identification of bacteria and yeast from blood culture is one of the most important functions of the microbiology laboratory because for every hour that appropriate antimicrobial therapy is delayed, morbidity and mortality increase (1). Blood culture is the gold standard for blood pathogen detection, and in the past few years, there has been an explosion of assays that rapid identify bloodstream pathogens from positive blood culture broth (2–6). These assays have shortened the amount of time for pathogen identification from approximately 24 h using traditional culture and biochemical testing to 0.5 to 2.5 h following a blood culture bottle signaling positive. This reduction in time does not affect the amount of time a blood culture is incubated before signaling positive, which generally ranges from 8 to 48 h depending on the bacterial burden in the blood, the pathogen doubling time, and the volume of blood submitted for culture. Nevertheless, the results of these assays allow clinicians to tailor their patients' empiric antimicrobial therapy so that they are more rapidly receiving effective treatment. Several studies have shown that rapid blood pathogen assays are associated with improved patient outcomes, such as decreased hospital length of stay, decreased intensive care unit length of stay, and reduced 30-day all-cause mortality, as well as an overall reduction in hospitalization costs (7). Testing has not markedly progressed in 2 key areas of bloodstream-pathogen diagnostics: ( a ) direct detection of bloodstream pathogens from whole blood and ( b ) antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Culture-independent bloodstream-pathogen identification methods are appealing because they eliminate the 8 to 48 h of incubation before a blood culture becomes positive, which is when current “rapid” identification methods commence. Culture-independent assays may provide increased analytical sensitivity for nonviable pathogens secondary to antibiotic treatment, as well as fastidious bacteria that do not grow in …
Interpolating Seismic Data With Conditional Generative Adversarial Networks

Having dense and regularly sampled data is becoming increasingly important in seismic processing. However, due to physical or financial constraints, seismic data sets can be often undersampled. Occasionally, these data sets may also present bad or dead traces the geoscientist must deal with. Many works have tackled this problem using prestack data and can be classified in three main categories: wave-equation, domain transform, and prediction-error-filter methods. In this letter, we assess the performance of a conditional generative adversarial network for the interpolation problem in poststack seismic data sets. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work to evaluate a deep learning approach in this context. Quantitative and qualitative evaluations of our experiments indicate that deep networks may present an interesting alternative to classical methods.
Recombinant Zoster Vaccine (Shingrix) for the Prevention of Shingles.

Recombinant zoster vaccine is a relatively new shingles vaccine that has been shown to have greater effectiveness and protection than the existing live vaccine. Local and systemic adverse effects may occur after administration, but have been shown to resolve within one to three days.
Field-induced spin-liquid-like state in a magnetic honeycomb lattice

Quantum fluctuations in magnetic lattices can yield a quantum spin-liquid (QSL) state, where no long-range order appears even at zero temperature. The variety of mechanisms that can generate the spin-liquid state and the more exotic QSL state remain unclear, however. Here, we report a magnetic honeycomb system, $\mathrm{BaC}{\mathrm{o}}_{2}{({\mathrm{P}}_{1\text{\ensuremath{-}}x}{\mathrm{V}}_{x})}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{8}$, in which the spin correlations can be tuned by the disorder, leading to different magnetic behaviors. At low $x$, the material has a spin-glass ground state that appears to be due to coexisting and competing correlations. We have found that an external magnetic field can introduce spin-liquid-like behavior for some members of the solid solution, testified by the magnetic and thermodynamic experiments. Our results suggest that structural geometry, chemical disorder, and external field may help enhance quantum fluctuations in magnetic honeycomb materials.
Management of Somatostatinoma

Somatostatinoma is a very rare neuroendocrine tumor, which results in hypersecretion of somatostatin. Patients may experience hyperglycemia, cholelithiasis, steatorrhea, and hypochlorhydria. Biochemical evaluation may show hyperglycemia, and a fasting somatostatin level over 160 pg/mL favors a diagnosis of somatostatinoma. Cross-sectional imaging and endoscopic ultrasound should be utilized for localization. Most tumors are >2 cm in size and are often located in the head of the pancreas. Many patients will have metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis. Surgical resection should be performed when the tumor is localized and amenable to complete surgical excision. Somatostatin analogs may be used to decrease the severity of symptoms.
Cbl-PI3K interaction regulates Cathepsin K secretion in osteoclasts

Abstract Effective bone resorption by osteoclasts is critical for balanced bone remodeling. We have previously reported that mice harboring a substitution mutation of tyrosine 737 to phenylalanine in the adapter protein Cbl (Cbl Y737F , YF) have increased bone volume partly due to decreased osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. The Cbl Y737F mutation abrogates interaction between Cbl and the p85 subunit of PI3K. Here, we studied the mechanism for defective resorptive function of YF mutant osteoclasts. The YF osteoclasts had intact actin cytoskeletons and sealing zones. Expression and localization of proteins needed for acidification of the resorptive lacunae were also comparable between the WT and YF osteoclasts. In contrast, secretion of Cathepsin K, a major protease needed to degrade collagen, was diminished in the conditioned media derived from YF osteoclasts. The targeting of Cathepsin K into LAMP2-positive vesicles was also compromised due to decreased number of LAMP2-positive vesicles in YF osteoclasts. Further, we found that in contrast to WT, conditioned media derived from YF osteoclasts promoted increased numbers of alkaline phosphatase positive colonies, and increased expression of osteogenic markers in WT calvarial cultures. Cumulatively, our results suggest that the Cbl-PI3K interaction regulates Cathepsin K secretion required for proper bone resorption, and secretion of factors which promote osteogenesis.
Prevalence of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction in Adults in the United States.

Using a representative cross-sectional sample combined with census data, this study calculates prevalence and population estimates to approximate the burden of eustachian tube dysfunction among adults in the United States.
Transtemporal Midface Lift

Midfacial rejuvenation evolved as the facial plastic surgery community developed a sophisticated understanding of the effects of aging in a three-dimensional perspective of the midface. Rejuvenation of the midface targets both the descent of midfacial soft tissue and loss of volume in the submalar region. Various approaches have been proposed to address these aesthetic concerns. We have particularly found success with the transtemporal endoscopic approach to lifting and suspending the midfacial soft tissues back to their anatomic position. Using this approach, we believe we are able to provide a lasting resuspension of the brow and restoration of a youthful midfacial appearance by restoring volume of the soft tissues in their original suspended position. In this chapter we address key features of the anatomy particularly the location of the temporal branch of the facial nerve in our dissection plane, our surgical technique, and potential complications related to the procedure. In our hands, the transtemporal approach to the midface has led to successful long-lasting midfacial rejuvenation results with minimal complications and a safe dissection plane with respect to the frontal branch of the facial nerve.
Cancer immunotherapy; A paradigm shift in the first-line treatment of lung cancer

Abstract Despite advances in the treatment of cancer and reductions in smoking rates, lung cancer continues to be one of the leading causes of cancer death worldwide. For this reason, significant efforts have been made to examine the interaction between cancer and the immune system. Over the past decade, a handful of immune checkpoint inhibitors (nivolumab, pembrolizumab, atezolizumab) have been shown to improve survival when compared to chemotherapy, however only a minority of patients respond to these treatments and responders acquire resistance to the therapy. Biomarkers are required to help identify treatments most likely to benefit patients. PDL1, as a marker, has been shown to be predictive in some circumstances but is inconsistent. Other markers, such as tumor mutational burden and presence of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes, are being investigated for their ability to predict response. Furthermore, combinational approaches, using immunotherapy with other agents such as chemotherapy or targeted therapies are being investigated with some showing synergy (KEYNOTE 189). Master protocols like LUNGMAP are efficient trial designs used to quickly and safely investigate new therapies or combinations. This presentation will review the state of cancer immunotherapy and discuss results from key studies. In addition, mechanistic studies to identify predictive markers of response will be discussed along with markers of resistance (both primary and acquired).
Disperse Systems: Suspensions

This chapter covers crucial aspects of the formulation of pharmaceutical suspensions. Properties relevant to suspension stability and drug delivery are discussed, including particle settling, flocculation, particle aggregation, viscosity, zeta potential, and Ostwald ripening are discussed. Methods of particle size reduction are introduced, including those to produce nanoparticles. An extensive discussion of relevant excipients is also included.
Anchoring a dynamic in vitro model of human neuronal differentiation to key processes of early brain development in vivo.

Abstract We characterize temporal pathway dynamics of differentiation in an in vitro neurotoxicity model with the aim of informing design and interpretation of toxicological assays. Human neural progenitor cells (hNPCs) were cultured in differentiation conditions up to 21 days. Genes significantly changed through time were identified and grouped according to temporal dynamics. Quantitative pathway analysis identified gene ontology (GO) terms enriched among significantly changed genes and provided a temporal roadmap of pathway trends in vitro. Gene expression in hNPCs was compared with publicly available gene expression data from developing human brain tissue in vivo. Quantitative pathway analysis of significantly changed genes and targeted analysis of specific pathways of interest identified concordance between in vivo and in vitro expression associated with proliferation, migration, differentiation, synapse formation, and neurotransmission. Our analysis anchors gene expression patterns in vitro to sensitive windows of in vivo development, helping to define appropriate applications of the model.
Design and methodology challenges of environment-wide association studies: A systematic review

Abstract Environment-wide association studies (EWAS) are an untargeted, agnostic, and hypothesis-generating approach to exploring environmental factors associated with health outcomes, akin to genome-wide association studies (GWAS). While design, methodology, and replicability standards for GWAS are established, EWAS pose many challenges. We systematically reviewed published literature on EWAS to categorize scope, impact, types of analytical approaches, and open challenges in designs and methodologies. The Web of Science and PubMed databases were searched through multiple queries to identify EWAS articles between January 2010 and December 2018, and a systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) reporting standard. Twenty-three articles met our inclusion criteria and were included. For each study, we categorized the data sources, the definitions of study outcomes, the sets of environmental variables, and the data engineering/analytical approaches, e.g. neighborhood definition, variable standardization, handling of multiple hypothesis testing, model selection, and validation. We identified limited exploitation of data sources, high heterogeneity in analytical approaches, and lack of replication. Despite of the promising utility of EWAS, further development of EWAS will require improved data sources, standardization of study designs, and rigorous testing of methodologies.
Body Mass Index and Age Effects on Brain 11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1: a Positron Emission Tomography Study

Cortisol, a glucocorticoid steroid stress hormone, is primarily responsible for stimulating gluconeogenesis in the liver and promoting adipocyte differentiation and maturation. Prolonged excess cortisol leads to visceral adiposity, insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, memory dysfunction, cognitive impairment, and more severe Alzheimer’s disease phenotypes. The intracellular enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) catalyzes the conversion of inactive cortisone to active cortisol; yet the amount of 11β-HSD1 in the brain has not been quantified directly in vivo. We analyzed positron emission tomography (PET) scans with an 11β-HSD1 inhibitor radioligand in twenty-eight individuals (23 M/5F): 10 lean, 13 overweight, and 5 obese individuals. Each individual underwent PET imaging on the high-resolution research tomograph PET scanner after injection of 11C-AS2471907 (n = 17) or 18F-AS2471907 (n = 11). Injected activity and mass doses were 246 ± 130 MBq and 0.036 ± 0.039 μg, respectively, for 11C-AS2471907, and 92 ± 15 MBq and 0.001 ± 0.001 μg for 18F-AS2471907. Correlations of mean whole brain and regional distribution volume (VT) with body mass index (BMI) and age were performed with a linear regression model. Significant correlations of whole brain mean VT with BMI and age (VT = 15.23–0.63 × BMI + 0.27 × Age, p = 0.001) were revealed. Age-adjusted mean whole brain VT values were significantly lower in obese individuals. Post hoc region specific analyses revealed significantly reduced mean VT values in the thalamus (lean vs. overweight and lean vs. obese individuals). Caudate, hypothalamus, parietal lobe, and putamen also showed lower VT value in obese vs. lean individuals. A significant age-associated increase of 2.7 mL/cm3 per decade was seen in BMI-corrected mean whole brain VT values. In vivo PET imaging demonstrated, for the first time, correlation of higher BMI (obesity) with lower levels of the enzyme 11β-HSD1 in the brain and correlation of increased 11β-HSD1 levels in the brain with advancing age.
Bolívar and Sucre in Ecuador: A Case of Two Assassinations

Bolivar has played a role in Ecuadorian national identity, though, since the 1880s, cultural and political discourse has revolved more around the figure of his much lauded and trusted lieutenant, Antonio Jose de Sucre. At this time, the embattled Ecuadorian state, subsequent to the long tenure of the conservative Gabriel Garcia Moreno and the political crisis that his assassination on August 6, 1875, entailed, turned to Sucre to elevate the hero of Bombona and Pichincha and become a symbol of the nation. The identification of Sucre with the state did not take place only in the context of a state in need of a symbol but also in that of a region, as Ecuador had before it the example of Venezuela, with which it had once formed a union, short lived though it was, and from which its first president, General Juan Jose Flores, hailed.
Experiences of Tourette Syndrome Caregivers With Supportive Communication

The experiences of Tourette syndrome (TS) caregivers with supportive communication are examined in this qualitative investigation. TS is a childhood-onset neurodevelopmental disorder marked by a combination of involuntary verbal and motor tics lasting for more than 1 year. Although individuals are impacted the most by TS, the stress for caring for a child with TS takes an emotional and physical toll on the caregiver. Eleven participants shared their experiences with receiving supportive communication by taking part in semi-structured interviews. Data analysis yielded three themes: (a) TS caregivers describe their experiences as a struggle; (b) they seek out specific social support from friends and families; and (c) they frequently receive social support that increases instead of reducing stress.
Overexpression of a plasma membrane protein generated broad‐spectrum immunity in soybean

Plants fight-off pathogens and pests by manifesting an array of defence responses using their innate immunity mechanisms. Here we report the identification of a novel soybean gene encoding a plasma membrane protein, transcription of which is suppressed following infection with the fungal pathogen, Fusarium virguliforme. Overexpression of the protein led to enhanced resistance against not only against F. virguliforme, but also against spider mites (Tetranychus urticae, Koch), soybean aphids (Aphis glycines, Matsumura) and soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines). We, therefore, name this protein as Glycine max disease resistance 1 (GmDR1; Glyma.10g094800). The homologues of GmDR1 have been detected only in legumes, cocoa, jute and cotton. The deduced GmDR1 protein contains 73 amino acids. GmDR1 is predicted to contain an ecto- and two transmembrane domains. Transient expression of the green fluorescent protein fused GmDR1 protein in soybean leaves showed that it is a plasma membrane protein. We investigated if chitin, a pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP), common to all pathogen and pests considered in this study, can significantly enhance defence pathways among the GmDR1-overexpressed transgenic soybean lines. Chitin induces marker genes of the salicylic- and jasmonic acid-mediated defence pathways, but suppresses the defence pathway regulated by ethylene. Chitin induced SA- and JA-regulated defence pathways may be one of the mechanisms involved in generating broad-spectrum resistance among the GmDR1-overexpressed transgenic soybean lines against two serious pathogens and two pests including spider mites, against which no known resistance genes have been identified in soybean and among the most other crop species.
Measurement and thermal control of self-frequency shift in a SiN Kerr frequency comb with a spatial interferometer

We report the stabilization of a soliton’s carrier frequency from a silicon nitride microresonator using a spatial interferometer to close the loop around thermal tuning. The spectral offset of the soliton carrier frequency was derived from spatial fringe pattern generated by 160 GHz repetition rate soliton pulses. Results were compared to real-time measurements by an Optical Spectrum Analyzer (OSA). The spatial interferometer and the OSA control results were in agreement and the resulting stabilization level is presented.
Leveraging telehealth to evaluate infants with prodromal autism spectrum disorder characteristics using the telehealth evaluation of development for infants.

This study investigated the feasibility of recruiting and assessing infants with prodromal autism characteristics in the first year of life via telehealth. Participants included 41 infants (Mage = ...
Performance of Open Oxygen Mask Design versus Conventional Oxygen Delivery Devices: A Simulation Study

Background: Vyaire Medical has recently created an open-faced oxygen mask, Vyaire Open (VO) that is designed to direct flow towards the nares and mouth via multiple jet orifices. The manufacturer claims that this device is superior in tracheal FIO2 delivery across a range of flow. This suggests that it eliminates the need for usage of multiple oxygen delivery devices as a patient’s FIO2requirements change. The VO specifies flow (1–15 L/min and flush) and expected FIO2 from 0.25-0.85. The purpose of this study was to compare FIO2 performance between the VO and standard oxygen masks. Methods: The following oxygen masks were compared to VO: A simple mask (Vyaire), OxyMask (open design from Southmedic), partial rebreather (Vyaire), and non-rebreather (Vyaire). An adult mannequin head (Michigan Instruments) was attached to a breathing simulator (IngMar ASL 5000) which recorded FIO2. Each mask was sealed to the mannequin head to prevent leaks. The simulator was set to closed-loop volume control mode with VT = 320 mL, C = 50 mL/cm H2O, R = 4 cm H2O/L/s, f = 15, increase = 25%, hold = 0%, release = 30%. Each oxygen mask was run at the recommended flows: simple mask 5–10 L/min, OxyMask 1–15 L/min, flush, partial rebreather and non-rebreather mask 10–15 L/min, flush. Each flow was verified with a Citrex H4 flow analyzer (imt Medical) prior to attaching the mask for FIO2 measurement. Each experiment was repeated once. Results: For VO: at low flows (1–6 L/min) the measured FIO2 was higher than that specified by the manufacture, at flows 7–10 L/min the measured FIO2 was within the specified range, and at flows >10 L/min the FIO2 was below the specified range (see graph). The results for FIO2 across all devices are shown in the table. Conclusions: In this simulation study we found the measured FIO2 for VO varied from the manufacture’s specifications in the package insert. As expected, performance varied greatly among devices. The FIO2 was generally higher for the VO than the OxyMask. The simple mask outperformed both VO and OxyMask. Finally, both the partial and non-rebreather outperformed all the other devices. This study reinforces the notion that oxygen delivery cannot be reliably predicted and must be titrated using blood saturation measurements.
Learning from the COVID-19 Pandemic to Address Climate Change

The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us lessons that can guide key decision makers in both the private and public sectors toward slowing climate change by reducing CO2 emissions now. Howard Kunreuther and Paul Slovic explain how decision makers can design a risk management strategy that heeds the advice of experts and addresses the cognitive biases which obstruct effective action.
Perchloroethylene utilization by methanogenic fed-batch cultures

Anaerobic sludge granules from two different sources were maintained in serum bottles and fed at 3-d intervals in the presence of 0.2 ppm perchloroethylene (PCE). Following acclimation periods ranging from 48-79 d, PCE degradation was observed with 95% utilization in 3 d. Only granules amended with formate as a cosubstrate showed PCE-degrading activity, whereas those utilizing acetate, lactate, ethanol, and methanol remained PCE-inactive after 90 d. Both cosubstrate consumption and PCE degradation ceased when acetate replaced formate as the cosubstrate for formate-acclimated cultures. The total moles of chlorinated and nonchlorinated ethene moieties were found to remain constant over time, demonstrating conservation of mass. Trichloroethylene (TCE) and cis-1,2 dichloroethylene (cis-1,2 DCE) were identified as the major dechlorination end products. The absence of further dechlorination in the presence of a great excess of reducing equivalents (13,000 times that needed) supports the hypothesis that complete degradation of PCE to ethene is not solely dependent on excess reducing equivalents, but also requires the presence of an appropriate microbial consortium.
Twilight on the El Camino

WHEN I FIRST WENT into the business, my father told me: "Buy ing a car is one of the most important decisions people have to make, and it's not to be taken lightly." He used to sell Buicks. He had his own dealership, Bahr Motors, which used to be a real showcase. On the Fourth of July, he had the whole fleet polished, and I rode with him in the parade, in a black Roadmaster, Dynaflow, four portholes. I'd lob candy to kids, wave, and pretend I was a war hero.
Financial intermediation: Delegated monitoring and long-term relationships

Abstract This paper considers the consequences of enduring relationships for bank structure and policy in an information-based banking model. Adding a richer time dimension allows repeated lending between the intermediary and borrower. This contract lets a bank produce information and enforce compliance more easily than direct monitoring of the borrower's organization. This implies an asymmetric banking structure: banks enter long-term relationships with borrowers, but not with depositors. Next, it shows how enduring relationships solve problems with loan participations and security underwriting by commercial banks.
An iterative procedure for the estimation of the parameters of stable laws

The sample characteristic function is used in an iterative procedure for estimating the parameters of a stable law. This method refines an earlier-developed two-step procedure which finds estimators of the characteristic exponent, a, skewness b, scale c, and location parameter 6 from non-weighted linear regressions. A number of simulation experiments with the new method show an improvement in terms of mean square error over the previous method in most cases. In particular, the improvement in estimating the parameter 3 for distributions which do not have both a close to two and 3 close to zero, and the improvement in estimating the parameters a and 6 when a is close to zero are substantial.
Measurement of Cardiac Output by Alveolar Gas Exchange

The sections in this article are: 1 Measurement of Pulmonary Capillary Blood Flow With Physiological Gases 1.1 Measurement With O2 1.2 Measurement With CO2 2 Measurement of Pulmonary Capillary Blood Flow with Chemically Inert Soluble Gases 2.1 Rebreathing, Multiple-Breath-Hold, and Single-Breath Constant Expiratory Methods 2.2 Body Plethysmographic Methods 2.3 Substitution of Thorax for Body Plethysmograph 2.4 Vital Capacity N2O Spirometric Method 3 Summary
A fast form approach to measuring technology acceptance and other constructs

Nearly all prior studies on the technology acceptance model (TAM) have used Likert scales to measure the model's constructs, but the use of only this type of scale has two shortcomings. One is that such use prevents us from exposing the model's constructs to a robust test of their measure and relationships to each other, termed their nomological validity. The other is that such use leaves us unsure about whether or not we have selected an efficient way, in terms of survey completion time, to assess these constructs. Past researchers have used short form scales to address the issue of efficiency, but there are problems that may result from such efforts. In this study, we address both shortcomings by exploring the use of a semantic differential scale, which we refer to as a fast form, to assess the constructs of TAM. In this regard, we do three things. First, we describe how fast form as a scale may be developed. Second, we conduct a psychometric evaluation of the constructs that are measured by the fast form and examine their relationships. Third, we assess the efficiency of the fast form by comparing the time required to complete a survey with it to that which is required to complete a survey with Likert scales. Our results confirm that the constructs that are measured by the fast form are psychometrically equivalent to those that are measured by the Likert scales. The relationship among these constructs was unchanged, providing strong evidence for nomological validity. The fast form also yielded a 40 percent reduction in the survey completion time, proving its superior efficiency. We conclude with a description of the implications of these results for research and practice.
Effects of dc Electric Fields on Multiphoton Ionization Spectra in Cesium

The three-photon (one frequency) ionization of cesium atoms is greatly enhanced when the second photon is resonant with a Rydberg nd level. Enhancement by the ns levels is comparatively small. Three-photon ionization is also observed when the first photon excites a quadrupole transition to 5d. This occurs when either (a) the first photon is resonant with one of the 5d spinorbit states, or (b) when the second photon is resonant with the 7f state.
Effects of Jet-Fuel Microbial Isolates on a Polyurethane Foam

Jet-fuel microbial isolates were studied for effects on a polyurethane foam material that has been proposed as a baffling material for use in aircraft fuel tanks. Evidence was found that a polyesterurethane foam gave increased cell counts and oxygen uptake with a bacterial isolate, and extensive matting with fragmentation and decreases in tensile strength of the foam with a fungal isolate. The polyurethane foam was affected by activity of the jet-fuel microbial isolates to an extent that would cause serious microbiological problems in the fuel tanks of jet aircraft.
Fibrillar dimer formation of islet amyloid polypeptides

Amyloid deposits of human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP), a 37-residue hormone co-produced with insulin, have been implicated in the development of type 2 diabetes. Residues 20 – 29 of hIAPP have been proposed to constitute the amyloidogenic core for the aggregation process, yet the segment is mostly unstructured in the mature fibril, according to solid-state NMR data. Here we use molecular simulations combined with bias-exchange metadynamics to characterize the conformational free energies of hIAPP fibrillar dimer and its derivative, pramlintide. We show that residues 20 – 29 are involved in an intermediate that exhibits transient β-sheets, consistent with recent experimental and simulation results. By comparing the aggregation of hIAPP and pramlintide, we illustrate the effects of proline residues on inhibition of the dimerization of IAPP. The mechanistic insights presented here could be useful for development of therapeutic inhibitors of hIAPP amyloid formation.
The circadian protein Clock localizes to the sarcomeric Z-disk and is a sensor of myofilament cross-bridge activity in cardiac myocytes.

Abstract In the mammalian heart, the circadian protein Clock regulates glucose and fatty acid metabolism. In this study, we determined some of the factors that regulate Clock expression and subcellular distribution in myocytes. Using immunochemistry and biochemical subcellular fractionation, we have shown that Clock localizes to the Z-disk of the myofilaments. Increasing calcium and cross-bridge cycling with 10 μM phenylephrine for 48 h resulted in a threefold increase in Clock and a translocation of the protein to the nucleus. When myofilament cross-bridge cycling was inhibited with 10 μM verapamil or 7.5 mM butanedione monoxime for 48 h, both significantly reduced the presence of Clock in the nucleus and cytoskeleton. These results suggest that the expression and subcellular distribution of Clock can be altered by changes in cross-bridge cycling, a major source of energy expenditure in myocytes. We suggest that the circadian Clock protein may help coordinate the sensing of energy expenditure with energy supply.
Effects of continuous versus cyclical oral contraception: a randomized controlled trial.

Context: Continuous oral contraception may better suppress the ovary and endometrium, lending itself to the treatment of other medical conditions. Objective: Our objective was to determine the effects of continuous vs. cyclical oral contraception. Design: This was a randomized double-blind trial. Setting: This trial was performed at an academic medical center in Pennsylvania. Patients: A total of 62 healthy women with regular menses were included in the study. Intervention: Cyclical oral contraception (21-d active/7-d placebo given for six consecutive 28-d cycles) vs. continuous (168-d active pill) therapy using a monophasic pill (20 μg ethinyl estradiol and 1 mg norethindrone acetate) was examined. Main Outcome Measures: The primary outcome was vaginal bleeding, and secondary outcomes included hormonal, pelvic ultrasound, quality of life, and safety measures. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the number of total bleeding days between groups, but moderate/heavy bleeding was significantly greater with the cyclical regimen [mean 11.0 d (sd 8.5) vs. continuous 5.2 d (sd 6.8); P = 0.005], with both groups decreasing over time. Endogenous serum and urinary estrogens measured over six cycles were significantly lower (P = 0.02 and 0.04, respectively) in the continuous group than the cyclical group. Women in the continuous group also had a smaller ovarian volume and lead follicle size over the course of the trial by serial ultrasound examinations. The Moos Menstrual Distress Questionnaire showed that women on continuous therapy had less associated menstrual pain (P = 0.01) and favorable improvements in behavior (P = 0.04) during the premenstrual period. Conclusions: Continuous oral contraception does not result in a reduction of bleeding days over a 168-d period of observation but provides greater suppression of the ovary and endometrium. These effects are associated with improved patient symptomatology.
Are diabetes self-management apps based on evidence?

“It is critical for healthcare providers and the public to be aware of which apps promote empirically supported health behavior change techniques.”
Shift invariant subspaces, factorization, and interpolation for matrices. I. the canonical case

Abstract This article begins a program of classifying subspaces of block matrices that are invariant under multiplication on the right by the algebra of block upper (or lower) triangular matrices. This gives a unifying point of view to several general kinds of factorization problems, including LU, QR, and Cholesky factorization. A second application is to some matrix completion problems, such as that of filling in the upper triangular entries of a partially defined matrix to make the result of norm less than or equal to 1. Included is a linear fractional parametrization of the set of all solutions of this problem.
Components of branched coverings of current graphs.

Abstract Desired graph imbeddings are obtained as branched coverings of simpler imbeddings, continuing earlier work of the authors. This paper inaugurates a systematic approach to the problem of devising appropriate current assignments. Chief results include the establishment of a bijective correspondence between the components of the cover and the cosets of the isotropy group of an arbitrary component, leading to a proof that the components are mutually isomorphic regular branched coverings of the dual of the current graph imbedding. Also given is a characterization of the isotropy group via a face labeling technique that aids in the construction of imbeddings.
Development of visco-plastic deformation in metallic glasses

Abstract Inelastic deformation of metallic glasses above 0.6 Tg is envisioned to be the result of uncorrelated shear transformations. In the early stages of deformation when all transformations are spatially isolated, back stresses set up in the transformation sites by the undeformed surroundings can fully reverse the deformation upon removal of the applied stress, and the deformation is purely anelastic. With larger accumulations of inelastic strain, the probability increases for transformed volume elements to acquire additional, transformed near neighbors. Interpreting experimental results with the help of a probabilistic theoretical model that is proposed has suggested that when the number of contacts between transformed near neighbor regions exceeds two, back stresses in the central transformations are lost and they become visco-plastic. Substantial relief of back stresses in two or more adjacent contacting transformed volume elements is expected to be by free volume redistribution that becomes possible when the deformed region is large enough. Based on the model it is predicted that transient inelastic shear strains in excess of 0.02 are required before steady state flow can be achieved. Finally, the model permits also the reaching of some basic conclusions on structural relaxations vis-a-vis unrestrained visco-plastic flow.
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Developments and Neighborhood Change: A Case Study of Miami-Dade County

This study examines the changes in neighborhoods hosting the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) projects in Miami-Dade County between the 1990 and 2000 censuses. The study applies a cluster analysis to identify neighborhoods that are similar to LIHTC neighborhoods. It then compares changes in LIHTC neighborhoods with the median changes experienced by similar neighborhoods without the LIHTC in eight selected indicators. The study finds that over half of the LIHTC neighborhoods have experienced more positive changes than their control groups; however, the effects vary by neighborhood context. Black high-poverty neighborhoods receiving the LIHTC investment have experienced the most positive changes, while changes in middle-class neighborhoods have been the most negative. Further case studies show that LIHTC is successful at promoting neighborhood revitalization when it is strategically concentrated and part of cumulative efforts. These case studies, however, also raise concerns about the over-concentratio...
Producing monodisperse drug-loaded polymer microspheres via cross-flow membrane emulsification: the effects of polymers and surfactants.

Cross-flow membrane emulsification (XME) is a method for producing highly uniform droplets by forcing a fluid through a small orifice into a transverse flow of a second, immiscible fluid. We investigate the feasibility of using XME to produce monodisperse solid microspheres made of a hydrolyzable polymer and a hydrophobic drug, a model system for depot drug delivery applications. This entails the emulsification of a drug and polymer-loaded volatile solvent into water followed by evaporation of the solvent. We use a unique side-view visualization technique to observe the details of emulsion droplet production, providing direct information regarding droplet size, dripping frequency, wetting of the membrane surface by the two phases, neck thinning during droplet break off, and droplet deformation before and after break off. To probe the effects that dissolved polymers, surfactants, and dynamic interfacial tension may have on droplet production, we compare our results to a polymer and surfactant-free fluid sy...