cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Steroid Modulation of Spontaneous Inhibitory Postsynaptic Currents in Cultured Hippocampal Neurons and Steady-State Single-Channel Currents from Heterologously Expressed α1β2γ2L GABAA Receptors

Neuroactive steroids are efficacious modulators of γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABA(A)) receptor function. The effects of steroids on the GABA(A) receptor are typically determined by comparing steady-state single-channel open probability or macroscopic peak responses elicited by GABA in the absence and presence of a steroid. Due to differences in activation conditions (exposure duration, concentration of agonist), it is not obvious whether modulation measured using typical experimental protocols can be used to accurately predict the effect of a modulator on native receptors under physiologic conditions. In the present study, we examined the effects of 14 neuroactive steroids and analogs on the properties of spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSCs) in cultured rat hippocampal neurons. The goal was to determine whether the magnitude of modulation of the decay time course of sIPSCs correlates with the extent of modulation and kinetic properties of potentiation as determined in previous single-channel studies. The steroids were selected to cover a wide range of efficacy on heterologously expressed rat α1β2γ2L GABA(A) receptors, ranging from essentially inert to highly efficacious (strong potentiators of single-channel and macroscopic peak responses). The data indicate a strong correlation between prolongation of the decay time course of sIPSCs and potentiation of single-channel open probability. Furthermore, changes in intracluster closed time distributions were the single best predictor of prolongation of sIPSCs. We infer that the information obtained in steady-state single-channel recordings can be used to forecast modulation of synaptic currents.
Alirocumab, a Therapeutic Human Antibody to PCSK9, Does Not Affect CD81 Levels or Hepatitis C Virus Entry and Replication Into Hepatocytes

Background Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PSCK9) is secreted mainly from the liver and binds to the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), reducing LDLR availability and thus resulting in an increase in LDL-cholesterol. While the LDLR has been implicated in the cell entry process of the hepatitis C virus (HCV), overexpression of an artificial non-secreted, cell membrane-bound form of PCSK9 has also been shown to reduce surface expression of CD81, a major component of the HCV entry complex, leading to concerns that pharmacological inhibition of PCSK9 may increase susceptibility to HCV infection by increasing either CD81 or LDLR availability. Here, we evaluated effects of PCSK9 and PCSK9 blockade on CD81 levels and HCV entry with a physiologically relevant model using native secreted PCSK9 and a monoclonal antibody to PCSK9, alirocumab.
THE USE OF PHOTO-ELECTRIC TURBIDOMETRY IN THE DETERMINATION OF RED CELL COUNTS, HEMATOCRITS, AND HEMOGLOBIN

A communication from Dr. J. H. Whitlock (The use of photo-electric turbidometry in the determination of red cell counts, hematocrits, and hemoglobin. Blood 2: 463, September 1947) states that he has the D.V.M. and M.S., but not the Ph.D. as used erroneously after his name on the title page of the article.
Termal Numerical Simulation for the Buried Steam Pipelines of Invalidation of Heat Insulator

The thermal analysis of buried steam pipelines were made and the physical model of buried steam pipeline was established.By simplifying the physical model,build up a three-dimensional mathematics model of the earth temperature field.CFD(Computational Fluid Dynamics)software does the numerical calculation of the buried steam pipeline temperature field and makes some objective analysis.The result tells us how to find the invalidation of the heat insulator with the infrared image technology.
Rodents density monitoring and observation on controlling efficacy

Objective To observe the efficacy of poison bait against rodents and supply the scientific evidence for the rodents control. Methods Poison bait was put in the corporation for every quarter.Monitoring of rodents density was investigated by rodent clamps. Results 48 rodents were caught in October 2003.The average density was 10.96% and the rodents were Rattus norvegicus,Rattus flavipectus and Apodemus agrarius.After placing the poison bait,the rodents density decreased to 1.53%,and the density was below 1.29% from 2004 to 2005. Conclusion The chemical control had good effect on killing rodents.
Cooling Atoms with a Frequency Chirped Laser

The thermal motion of atoms often limits the resolution of spectroscopy. Even with the various non-linear, Doppler-free spectroscopies, resolution can still be limited by 2nd order Doppler effect and transit time broadening. In 1975 it was suggested that radiation pressure from a near resonant laser could be used to reduce the thermal motion of atoms [1]. This technique was first used to cool trapped ions in 1978 [2].
Augmented reality-enhanced structural inspection using aerial robots

This paper investigates the arising potential when automated path planning for aerial robotic structural inspection is combined with an Augmented Reality interface that provides live feed of stereo views fused with real-time 3D reconstruction data of the environment, while allowing seamless on-the-fly adaptation of the next robot viewpoints using intuitive head motions. The proposed solution aims to address the problem of accurate inspection and mapping of structures and environments for which a prior model exists but is not accurate, potentially outdated, or does not encode important features and semantics such as human-readable indications and other texture information. To approach the problem, the robot computes an optimized inspection path given any prior knowledge of the environment, while the human operator utilizes the live camera views and the real-time derived 3D map data to locally adjust the reference trajectory of the robot, such that it visits an updated set of viewpoints which provides the desired coverage of the real environment and sufficient focus on certain features and details. An autonomous aerial robot capable of navigation and mapping in GPS-denied environments is employed and combined with the Augmented Reality interface to experimentally demonstrate the potential of the approach in structural inspection applications.
Changes in the activities of ornithine transcarbarnylase and arginase, and concentrations of nitrogenous substances during germination and seedling development of Vitis vinifera L.

During germination and subsequent growth of seedlings of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Chenin blanc, marked changes occurred in the concentrations of the total nonprotein nitrogen fraction, amino nitrogen, and alnide nitrogen, and in the activities of ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) and arginase. The level of total nonprotein nitrogen was lower in seeds than in seedlings, with maximum concentration reached at the 3rd stage of seedling growth (10 to 15 d after germination) and thereafter declining rapidly. Changes in the concentration of amino nitrogen and amide nitrogen fractions paralleled that of the total nonprotein nitrogen. The concentration of glutalnine exceeded that of asparagine at all stages of seedling development. The presence of OTC and arginase in seeds and seedlings, as well as the parallel changes between arginase activity and concentration of free arginine, suggested that the biosynthesis and degradation of this amino acid in grapevine tissues occurs through the KREBS-HENSELEIT pathway. The MICHAELIS constant for arginase, calculated from the LINEWEAVER-BURK plot, differed in seedlings at three different stages of seedling development. Veranderungen in der Aktivitat der Ornithintranscarbamylase und der Arginase sowie der Konzentration der Stickstoffverbindungen wahrend der Keimung und der Samlingsentwicklung von Vitis vinifera L. Im Verlauf der Keimung und des anschliesenden Wachstums der Samlinge von Vitis vinifera L., cv . Chenin blanc, traten deutliche Veranderungen in der Konzentration des gesamten nicht-proteingebundenen Stickstoffs, des Amino- und des Amidstickstoffs sowie in der Aktivitat der Ornithintranscarbamylase (OTC) und der Arginase auf. Die Samen besasen einen niedrigeren Gehalt an gesamtem nicht-proteingebundenem Stickstoff als die Samlinge, wobei die maximale Konzentration im 3. Stadium des Samlingswachstums erreicht wurd~ (10-15 d nach der Keimung); danach nahm sie rasch ab. Die Verschiebungen in der Konzentration des Amino- und Amidstickstoffs verliefen parallel zu den Konzentrationsanderungen des gesamten nichtproteingebundenen Stickstoffs. In allen Stadien der Samlingsentwicklung lag die Glutamin- uber der Asparaginkonzentration. Das Vorkommen von OTC und Arginase in Samen und Samlingen sowie die parallelen Veranderungen von Arginaseaktivitat und Konzentration des freien Arginins la~sen vermuten, das die Biosynthese und der Abbau dieser Aminosaure im Rebengewebe uber den KREBS-HENSELEIT-Cyklus ablaufen. In den Samlingsstadien 3, 4 und 5 wurden - nach LINEWEAVER-BURK - unterschiedliche MICHAELIS Konstanten der Arginase ermittelt.
A pathway linking smart growth neighborhoods to home-based pedestrian travel

Abstract Land development patterns, urban design, and transportation system features are inextricably linked to pedestrian travel. Accordingly, planners and decision-makers have turned to integrated transportation-land use policies and investments to address the pressing need for improvements in physical activity levels via the creation of walkable communities. However, policy questions regarding the identification of smart growth indicators and their connection to walking remain unanswered, because most studies of the built environment determinants of pedestrian travel: (a) represent the built environment with isolated metrics instead of as a multidimensional construct and (b) model this transportation-land use relationship outside of a multidirectional analytic framework. Using structural equation modeling, this Portland, Oregon study identifies a second-order latent construct of the built environment indicated by land use mix, employment concentration, and pedestrian-oriented design features. Study findings suggest this construct has a strong positive effect on the household-level decision to walk for transportation and discretionary trip purposes.
Physical Abuse of Children

Key Clinical PointsPhysical Abuse of Children Physically abused children, particularly infants, may present with nonspecific symptoms and signs, such as vomiting or apnea; the possibility of abusive head trauma requires consideration in such cases. Physical findings, such as bruising of the face, neck, or torso, or intraoral lesions, such as torn frenula, in infants who are not yet ambulatory should arouse suspicion of inflicted trauma. The evaluation of infants and young children for suspected inflicted trauma should include a complete physical examination of the child, with particular attention to the skin, oral cavity, and abdomen; imaging of the brain; a funduscopic examination for retinal hemorrhages; a skeletal survey; and measurement of hepatic and pancreatic enzymes. Physicians are mandated to report to child protective services cases in which they have a reasonable suspicion of child abuse.
Multifeature fusion for automatic building change detection in wide-area imagery

A strategy for detecting changes in known building regions in multitemporal visible and near-infrared imagery based on a linear combination of independent features is presented. Features identified for building and background detection include vegetation, texture, shadow intensity, and distance from known road areas. The resulting building candidates are classified by shape using a unique difference of Gaussian technique. Building regions reported in the reference dataset that indicate the initial observation time are revisited to check for changes in building candidates not identified in the feature fusion strategy. The performance of the proposed technique is tested on real-world aerial imagery and is evaluated visually and quantitatively. Compared with the gradient and normalized difference vegetation index-based building detection methods, the proposed fusion methodology yields better results. For building detection, it provided a completeness result of an average 82.08% and building change detection completeness result of an average 85.67% in our evaluations with five sample images, which included rural, suburban, and urban areas.
What is the accuracy of an early third trimester sonogram for identifying LGA infants born to GDM patients diagnosed with the one-step approach?

Purpose: The one-step approach for screening of GDM will increase the incidence 2- to 3-fold. These larger cohorts may need to target high-morbidity subsets to be cost-effective. We asked whether u...
Acupressure for chronic low back pain: a single system study

[Purpose] Low back pain (LBP) is the leading cause of global disability. Acupressure is a manual approach that can be used for self-management of LBP. The purpose of the study was to determine the effectiveness of acupressure in treating chronic LBP. [Subjects and Methods] The research design was a single system study utilizing an AB design. The subject was recruited using convenience sampling. During phase A, the subject received traditional physical therapy interventions. During phase B, the subject received acupressure in addition to traditional physical therapy interventions. Outcomes included the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the Patient Specific Functional Scale (PSFS), and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). [Results] For the VAS, the pain was 38.8 mm at baseline, decreased to 11.3 mm after phase A, and decreased to 2.5 mm after phase B. For the PSFS, the subject's function was 5/10 at baseline, remained the same after phase A, and increased to 9/10 after phase B. For the ODI, the subject's disability was moderate (30%) at the baseline, decreased to minimal (14%) after phase A, and completely resolved (0%) after phase B. [Conclusion] The data indicated that integrating acupressure in physical therapy could reduce pain, increase function, and decrease disability.
Trust but Verify: A Lesson in Technology Limitations and Error Propagation.

Unlike molecular biology techniques that are routinely used in individual investigator labs, the high cost of infrastructure historically has resulted in genome sequencing being performed at genome centers in which quality control and quality assessments are a mainstay, and it is the rare exception
Outpatient taxol and carboplatin chemotherapy for suboptimally debulked epithelial carcinoma of the ovary results in improved quality of life: an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Phase II Study (E2E93).

Purpose The combination of a platinum compound and paclitaxel is a standard treatment for ovarian cancer. In this cooperative group trial, paclitaxel and carboplatin were combined in an outpatient schedule to determine the clinical benefit, toxicities, and effect on quality of life. Patients and methods Women with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage II to IV epithelial ovarian cancer with suboptimal residual disease (> 1 cm) were eligible. Paclitaxel, 150 mg/m2, was given over 3 hours, followed by carboplatin (area under the curve, 5). This was repeated every 4 weeks for six cycles. Quality of life was assessed using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Ovarian Cancer scale. Fifty-nine patients were enrolled, 38 with measurable disease and 21 with evaluable disease. Results The response rate (complete response + partial response) was 72%. The progression-free interval for patients with measurable disease was 17.5 months and for patients with evaluable disease was 11.1 months. Median survivals were 30.1 months (measurable) and 25.7 months (evaluable). Toxicities were modest. Quality-of-life scores improved significantly during therapy. Discussion This regimen is ideal for most women with advanced ovarian cancer because it is convenient and well tolerated, with response and survival comparable to those of more aggressive regimens. Overall quality-of-life scores and physical well-being scores improved throughout this outpatient treatment regimen for most patients.
Scapular Tip Free Flap in Composite Head and Neck Reconstruction.

ObjectivesTo describe the use of the scapular tip free flap (STFF) in the reconstruction of head and neck defects.Study DesignCase series with chart review.SettingAcademic medical center.Subjects a...
REACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIES, NRF2 SIGNALING, AND HUMAN AGING AND DISEASES

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are the underlying etiology of aging and many aging-related diseases. Our body has been equipped with many systems to cope with the production of ROS or oxidative stress. NRF2, a transcription factor, is critical for maintaining our body’s redox homeostasis by signaling the production of antioxidants and detoxifying enzymes. However, the basal level of NRF2 decreases as we age, which results in increased diseases in the aged. My laboratory has worked for many years to understand how NRF2 is regulated and to develop natural products or small synthetic molecules that activate the Nrf2 pathway for disease prevention. NRF2 activators have proven to be useful in protecting against many diseases both in rodent models and in human clinical trials. In this talk, I will present results from my laboratory that demonstrate the functional role of NRF2 in aging and human diseases (Parkinson’s disease and cancer).
Survival after Digit Replantation and Revascularization Is Not Affected by the Use of Interpositional Grafts during Arterial Repair.

Background Interpositional grafts can be used to reconstruct the digital artery during revascularization and replantation when primary repair is not possible. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of using interpositional grafts on the rate of digit survival. Methods A retrospective review of all patients from 2007 to 2016 that required revascularization and/or replantation of one or more digits was performed. Results One hundred twenty-seven patients were identified with 171 affected digits (118 digital revascularizations and 53 digital replantations). A graft was used to repair the digital artery in 50 percent of revascularizations (59 of 118) and in 49 percent of replantations (26 of 53). There was no difference in digit survival with use of an interpositional graft for arterial repair versus primary repair in revascularization (91.5 percent in both groups) or replantation (48.1 percent versus 46.2 percent; p = 0.88). Regression analysis demonstrated no association between the use of interpositional grafts and digit survival. Interpositional grafting was more likely to be used in crush (62.5 percent) and avulsion injuries (72.2 percent) compared with sharp laceration injuries (11.1 percent), with a relative risk of 5.6 (p = 0.01) and 6.5 (p = 0.006), respectively. Conclusions There was no difference in the survival rate of amputated digits that required interpositional grafting for arterial repair. The need for an interpositional graft in a large zone of injury should not be considered a contraindication to performing revascularization or replantation. Furthermore, hand surgeons should have a low threshold for using interpositional grafts, especially in crush or avulsion injuries. Clinical question/level of evidence Therapeutic, III.
A Randomized, Double-Blind, Sham-Controlled Study Assessing Electroacupuncture for the Management of Postoperative Pain after Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy.

Abstract Introduction: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is the gold standard procedure for large renal calculi but postoperative (PO) pain remains a concern. Modifications of the PCNL technique ...
Planning power systems in fragile and conflict-affected states

Novel approaches are necessary to accelerate the provision of reliable electric power in fragile and conflict-affected countries. Existing approaches to planning power system investment tend to ignore conflict-related risk and its serious consequences. Here, we propose a framework for identifying power system investment strategies in fragile and conflict-affected countries, and apply it to South Sudan. Our results show that investment strategies that explicitly consider the challenges posed by potential conflict may improve the reliability of electricity service over the status-quo approach. Our analysis suggests investing in a diverse mix of supply types in the medium term, and building a power system with redundancies or a higher share of local resources in the long term, to reduce vulnerability to conflict and socio-political fragility. Planning of electric power systems often does not consider the potential for, and possible effects of, conflict and socio-political strife. Here, using a case study of South Sudan, researchers develop and implement a framework for power system planning in fragile and conflict-affected states.
Gender and Work in the United States and Patterns by Hispanic Ethnicity

Across the globe, the pattern of gender specialization in work life repeats: men do more market work than women and women do more unpaid care work than men. This generality differs over the life course, however, as processes of growth, reproduction and aging are filtered through social institutions that affect men and women differently. It also obscures other types of variation. From country to country and within a country over time and across social groups, patterns of work by age and sex can be quite different. Using data from the American Time Use Survey, this chapter documents patterns by age and sex of working time in the United States between two time points, 2005 and 2015, and across one type of social grouping: Hispanic ethnicity. Ethnic background can have a strong effect on cultural ideas around gender roles, but those norms can change over time as well, resulting in convergence or divergence of gender differences in work life within and between groups.
Prioritizing the conservation needs of United States tree species: Evaluating vulnerability to forest insect and disease threats

Abstract Insect and disease infestations pose major threats to several North American forest tree species. Scientists and managers from throughout the United States Forest Service developed a conservation priority-setting framework for forest tree species at risk from insects and disease and other threats. The Project CAPTURE (Conservation Assessment and Prioritization of Forest Trees Under Risk of Extirpation) framework is data-driven and guided by expert opinion, allowing the quantitative grouping of species into vulnerability classes that may require different management and conservation strategies. We applied this framework to categorize and prioritize 419 native North American tree species for conservation, monitoring, and management using trait data and insect and disease threat data for each host tree species. The categorization is based on vulnerability factors relating to each tree species’ (1) insect and disease threat severity, (2) sensitivity to insect and disease infestation, and (3) capacity to adapt to insect and disease infestation. We used K-means clustering to group species into 11 classes based on these vulnerability dimensions. The three most vulnerable classes encompassed 15 species which require the most immediate conservation intervention. Two additional classes face less severe insect and disease threats and may be good candidates for resistance breeding efforts. Other groups had traits associated with high sensitivity and/or low adaptive capacity to potential future insect and disease threats, suggesting that these species need close monitoring. This assessment tool should be valuable for decision-makers determining which species and populations to target for monitoring efforts and for pro-active gene conservation and management activities.
USING THE ARMS TREADE TREATY TO ADDRESS PARTORALIST CONFLICT AND WILDLIFE CRIME IN KENYA’S MARGINALIZED REGIONS

Militarized responses to pastoralist conflict and wildlife crime in Kenya –including to the collapsing elephant and rhino populations – often fail to meet human rights standards and undermine local capacities for sustainability, peace and alternative livelihoods. Heavy-handed state suppression encourages extrajudicial violence and introduces new weapons that often enter the illicit market. This article outlines alternative approaches rooted in human rights, the rule of law and international cooperation and assistance, including the use of regional instruments regulating the trade in small arms and light weapons (SALW), including the 2013 Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). The article draws on fieldwork in Kenya and participant observation in advocacy on the ATT.
Renal Safety of Intravenous Ketorolac Use After Donor Nephrectomy.

Introduction:The benefit and short-term safety of ketorolac have been established in previous studies however, the risk of bleeding and long-term renal impairment in patients undergoing donor nephr...
Phylogeny and biogeography of Orobanchaceae

Orobanchaceae, as it is currently defined, includes all levels of parasitic ability ranging from nonparasitic (Lindenbergia) to facultative and obligate hemiparasites to obligate holoparasites. Several genera are of economic importance as crop weeds and have been studied by scientists interested in developing methods of control, but most genera have not been studied in a comparative framework. In this study we have used ITS sequence data to build a phylogenetic framework with which to examine previous systematic hypotheses of relationships among genera, and biogeographic hypotheses of either a Cretaceous, Gondwanan or mid-Tertiary, Laurasian origin of the family. A single-most parsimonious ITS tree was produced from a combined data set of nucleotides and gap characters. Our results support the current classification ofOrobanchaceae and a hypothesis of a mid-Tertiary, Laurasian origin of the family.
The Constitution After Death

From mandating separate and unequal gravesites, to condoning mutilation after lynchings, to engaging in cover-ups after wrongful police shootings, governmental actors have often degraded dignity and perpetuated stigma in death. This Article offers, for the first time, an account of the constitutional law of the dead and takes aim at a legal rule that purports to categorically exclude the dead from constitutional protection. The rule rests on two faulty premises. The first is that the dead are incapable of being rights-holders, and therefore cannot be deprived of such rights. The second is that there are no sound policy reasons for recognizing constitutional rights of the dead. The first premise is undone by a robust common law tradition of protecting the dead’s dignitary interests and testamentary will. As for the second premise, posthumous legal rights can serve important functions. Such laws can promote uniquely human pursuits by: protecting individuals’ memory; enforcing their will; and accommodating their diverse spiritual beliefs after death. Posthumous legal rights can also foster equality by shielding against the stigma and terror that have historically accompanied the abuse of the dead. Moreover, posthumous rights can remedy and repel the “legal estrangement” that the degradation of marginalized groups’ memories can foster. The Constitution need not remain silent when governmental actors engage in abusive or unequal treatment in death. Understanding the dead as constitutional rights-holders opens the door to enhanced accountability through litigation and Congressional enforcement of the Reconstruction Amendments. Beyond that, understanding the dead as rights-holders can influence the narratives that shape our collective legal, political, and cultural consciousness. As the nation struggles with how to understand intergenerational mass horrors that still haunt, recognizing the dead as legally cognizable beings of memory, will, and spirituality can enrich these debates, and enliven our imaginations.
Cybersecurity Concerns for Total Productive Maintenance in Smart Manufacturing Systems

Abstract Maintenance is the core function to keep a system running and avoid failure. Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) has broadly utilized maintenance strategy to improve the customer’s satisfaction and hence obtain a competitive advancement. However, the complexity of smart manufacturing systems due to the recent advancements, specifically the integration of internet and network systems with traditional manufacturing platforms, has made this function more challenging. The focus of this paper is to explain how cybersecurity could impact the TPM by affecting the overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) in a smart manufacturing system by providing a structured literature survey. First, it provides concerns on principle of TPM regarding cybersecurity in smart manufacturing systems. Then, it highlights the effect of a variety of cyber-physical threats on OEE, as a main key performance indicator of TPM and how differently they can reduce OEE. The countermeasures that could be considered to compensate for the negative impact of a cybersecurity threat on the overall effectiveness of the system also will be discussed. Finally, research gaps and challenges are identified to improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) in presence of cybersecurity threats in critical manufacturing industries.
Frequency Control in Microgrid Communities Using Neural Networks

This paper proposes a controller design for battery energy storage systems (BESS) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) integration for frequency control in microgrid communities (MG) with solar photovoltaics (PV's) and wind turbines as distributed generators (DG). These DG's are intermittent power sources and are the causes of possible severe frequency fluctuations in MG's. The proposed control is a PID controller, while the design is based on neural networks. To obtain the appropriate input parameters of the proposed PID controller, a multilayer feedforward neural network is configured and implemented using MATLAB's Deep Learning Toolbox with random values as input. Results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed design method. A comparison of the results from the proposed approach with those from particle swarm optimization method proves proposed method is better and more effective.
2.3 – Photochemical Cycloadditions

The photochemical [2 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of alkenes, the light-induced cycloaddition of two carbon–carbon π-bonds to produce a cyclobutane, is a potentially highly useful reaction in organic synthesis since two new carbon–carbon bonds are formed and a maximum of four new stereocenters are introduced in the process.1 Ciamician reported the first example in 1908 when he observed the formation of carvone camphor (2) on prolonged exposure of carvone (1) to Italian sunlight (equation 1).2
SPS microwave subsystem potential impacts and benefits

The paper examines the possible environmental and societal effects of the construction, installation, and operation of the space end and earth end of the microwave power transmission subsystem that delivers satellite power system (SPS) energy (at about 5 GW per beam) to the power grid on earth. The intervening propagation medium near the earth is also considered. Separate consideration is given to the spacecraft transmitting array, propagation in the ionosphere, and the ground-based rectenna. Radio frequency interference aspects are also discussed.
Challenges During In-Situ Mechanical Testing: Some Practical Considerations and Limitations

The previous chapters discussed multifarious applications and advantages of the in-situ mechanical characterization approach. However, there are several challenges associated with the in-situ technique which should be taken into consideration. In-situ, high-resolution electron microscope-based measurement often requires specialized sample preparation. Alignment, placement, and clamping of miniature samples in electron microscopes for in-situ testing are time consuming. Introducing modifications, such as creating convenient surface topography on the measurement device and the use of alternative sample fixing techniques can be beneficial for miniature sample testing. The ultrahigh vacuum environment in electron microscope chambers is also known to alter the deformation characteristics. This is particularly true for samples prone to oxidation since the vacuum environment is not as reactive as the normal atmosphere. The absence of sufficient moisture in the electron microscope chambers is an impediment for the in-situ measurement of biological samples, which show mechanical properties dependent on the state of hydration. In-situ optical techniques are more desirable for moisture-sensitive biological samples, although the resolution of real-time images is not as superior as the electron microscopes. During in-situ imaging, electron beam irradiation can alter the mechanical response of materials. Localized heating can cause effects, such as the creation of artifacts or defects in the sample, abnormally accentuated dislocation activity and stress relaxation. These effects can be mitigated to some extent by minimizing beam exposure, the use of high thermal conductivity probes and sample stages to promote heat dissipation and careful selection of acceleration voltage during imaging. Different materials respond differently to beam exposure. Low melting point and low thermal conductivity samples are expected to be more sensitive to the electron beam. The case studies presented in this chapter seek to inform the users of the in-situ characterization approach to carefully plan their experiments and understand the limitations of the techniques they intend to employ.
Crizanlizumab in vaso-occlusive crisis caused by sickle cell disease

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic disorder characterized by a single gene mutation leading to polymerization of erythrocytes, with subsequent assumption of a "sickle" shape. However, polymerization is just one aspect of the disorder's pathology. It is also characterized by abnormalities in nitric oxide utilization and vasculopathy; generation of reactive oxygen species; hemolysis; hypercoagulability; and altered rheology including abnormal leukocyte rolling along endothelium, and sickle cell-endothelial and cell-cell adhesion. The latter phenomenon is associated with increased P- and E-selectin expression and creation of a proadhesive endothelial environment. The anti-P-selectin humanized monoclonal antibody crizanlizumab functions through selective inhibition of P-selectin. At a dose of 5 mg/kg in a clinical trial, it led to a 45.3% decline in the median annual crisis rate in individuals with SCD. Tolerability was good and the adverse event profile was acceptable. In this review, results of the clinical trials involving this drug and specific side effects are outlined. Analysis of cost efficacy is touched on, with an examination of the economic and social burden of SCD.
Lower insulin clearance is associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes in Native Americans

Impaired insulin clearance is implicated in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes, but prospective evidence remains limited. Therefore, we sought to identify factors associated with the metabolic clearance rate of insulin (MCRI) and to investigate whether lower MCRI is associated with increased risk of incident type 2 diabetes. From a longitudinal cohort, 570 adult Native Americans without diabetes living in the Southwestern United States were characterised at baseline and 448 participants were monitored over a median follow-up period of 7.9 years with 146 (32%) incident cases of diabetes identified (fasting plasma glucose ≥7.0 mmol/l, 2 h plasma glucose [2-h PG] ≥11.1 mmol/l, or clinical diagnosis). At baseline, participants underwent dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry or hydrodensitometry to assess body composition, a 75 g OGTT, an IVGTT to assess acute insulin response (AIR), and a hyperinsulinaemic–euglycaemic clamp to assess MCRI and insulin action (M). In adjusted linear models, MCRI was inversely associated with body fat percentage (r = −0.35), fasting plasma insulin (r = −0.55) and AIR (r = −0.22), and positively associated with M (r = 0.17; all p < 0.0001). In multivariable Cox proportional hazard models, lower MCRI was associated with an increased risk of diabetes after adjustment for age, sex, heritage, body fat percentage, AIR, M, fasting plasma glucose, 2-h PG, and fasting plasma insulin (HR per one-SD difference in MCRI: 0.77; 95% CI 0.61, 0.98; p = 0.03). Lower MCRI is associated with an unfavourable metabolic phenotype and is associated with incident type 2 diabetes independent of established risk factors. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00339482; NCT00340132
Benchmarking FEMA P-58 repair costs and unsafe placards for the Northridge Earthquake: Implications for performance-based earthquake engineering

Abstract Performance-based earthquake engineering organizes the explicit quantification of building seismic performance and risk, facilitating risk-informed design and mitigation decisions. However, little work has been done to benchmark outcomes from these procedures with the available empirical evidence from past earthquakes. In this study, we benchmark the end-to-end outcomes of the FEMA P-58 performance-based engineering methodology against empirical data from California's 1994 Northridge Earthquake. Specifically, we perform a regional scenario assessment for around 2.6 million buildings in the Los Angeles area at the time of the 1994 earthquake to hindcast repair costs and numbers of unsafe placards from the earthquake. Based on the initial comparison with losses from the Northridge earthquake, we find expected values from our FEMA P-58 regional assessment to overpredict repair costs and unsafe placards, especially for wood frame buildings at low-to-moderate levels of shaking. We use this comparison to investigate underlying methodological and modeling assumptions and propose procedures to improve the outcomes, including increasing elastic damping for wood buildings, updating the FEMA P-58 virtual inspection process for unsafe placarding, and adopting truncated fragility functions to define uncertainties in damage. Outcomes from the proposed methodological updates provide a close match to observed losses in terms of repair costs and numbers of unsafe placards from the event for most building types.
Case Series of Ultrasonic Navigated Osteotomy for the Treatment of Spinal Chordomas.

Background Chordomas present challenges for en bloc surgical resection, which optimally reduces local recurrence and increases patient survival. Navigated ultrasonic osteotomy, also known as piezosurgery, provides a distinct advantage for achieving negative margins after en bloc resection. Methods Eight consecutive patients with chordomas (2 cervical, 3 lumbar, and 3 sacral) treated with navigated ultrasonic osteotomy to achieve en bloc resection were identified from our institutional spine tumor database (2016–2019) and retrospectively reviewed. Results En bloc resection, with negative margins, was achieved in all cases. Two patients (25%) were women, and mean age at surgery was 44 ± 11 years. Median estimated blood loss was 1000 mL (interquartile range: 263–1500 mL). Median length of hospital stay was 10 days (interquartile range: 3–19.5 days). Two patients required a revision procedure. Two patients had complications requiring readmission within the 30-day postoperative window. Mean duration of follow-up for the cohort was 900 ± 554 days. Conclusions Navigated ultrasonic osteotomy is an effective surgical technique to achieve en bloc resection of chordomas with negative margins and disease-free survival. To date, this represents the first reported cohort of patients undergoing the procedure as described here. Future studies should include larger sample sizes for more robust clinical outcome data to further elucidate the benefits of piezosurgery for obtaining en bloc chordoma resection.
Differences in Lifetime Earning Potential for Pediatric Subspecialists.

OBJECTIVES: Our 2011 report, reflecting data from 2007–2008, demonstrated that, for many pediatric subspecialties, pursuing fellowship training was a negative financial decision when compared with practicing as a general pediatrician. We provide an updated analysis on the financial impact of pediatric fellowship training and model interventions that can influence the results. METHODS: We estimated the financial returns a graduating pediatric resident might anticipate from fellowship training followed by a career as a pediatric subspecialist and compared them with the returns expected from starting a career as a general pediatrician immediately after residency. We evaluated the potential effects of eliminating medical school debt, shortening the length of fellowship training, and implementing a federal loan repayment program for pediatric subspecialists. We compared the financial returns of subspecialty training in 2018–2019 to those from our previous report. RESULTS: Pursuing fellowship training generated widely variable financial returns when compared with general pediatrics that ranged from +$852 129 for cardiology to −$1 594 366 for adolescent medicine. Twelve of 15 subspecialties analyzed yielded negative financial returns. The differences have become more pronounced over time: the spread between the highest and lowest earning subspecialties widened from >$1.4 million in 2007–2008 to >$2.3 million in 2018–2019. The negative financial impact of fellowship training could be partially ameliorated by shortening the length of training or by implementing pediatric subspecialist specific loan repayment programs. CONCLUSIONS: This report can be used to help guide trainees, educators, and policy makers. The interventions discussed could help maintain an adequate and balanced pediatric workforce.
Recent Advances in Nanomaterial-Based Aptasensors in Medical Diagnosis and Therapy.

Rapid and accurate diagnosis of various biomarkers associated with medical conditions including early detection of viruses and bacteria with highly sensitive biosensors is currently a research priority. Aptamer is a chemically derived recognition molecule capable of detecting and binding small molecules with high specificity and its fast preparation time, cost effectiveness, ease of modification, stability at high temperature and pH are some of the advantages it has over traditional detection methods such as High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Higher sensitivity and selectivity can further be achieved via coupling of aptamers with nanomaterials and these conjugates called “aptasensors” are receiving greater attention in early diagnosis and therapy. This review will highlight the selection protocol of aptamers based on Traditional Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment (SELEX) and the various types of modified SELEX. We further identify both the advantages and drawbacks associated with the modified version of SELEX. Furthermore, we describe the current advances in aptasensor development and the quality of signal types, which are dependent on surface area and other specific properties of the selected nanomaterials, are also reviewed.
Reliability-Conscious MOSFET Compact Modeling with Focus on the Defect-Screening Effect of Hot-Carrier Injection

Accurate prediction of device aging plays a vital role in the circuit design of advanced-node CMOS technologies. In particular, hot-carrier induced aging is so complicated that its modeling is often significantly simplified, with focus limited to digital circuits. We present here a novel reliability-aware compact modeling method that can accurately capture the full post-stress I-V characteristics of the MOSFET, taking into account the impact of drain depletion region on induced defects.
Physiologic parameters to predict milk yield following clinical mastitis in dairy cattle

A cohort study was designed to evaluate the physiologic response of cows to naturally occurring coliform mastitis. In particular, the study was directed to determine: 1) the association of coliform (E. Coli and Klebsiella sp.) and gram positive (coagulase negative Staphylococcus and Streptococcus nonagalactiae) mastitis and subsequent liver cell damage by measuring serum sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH), 2) the effect of coliform and gram positive mastitis on peripheral blood white blood cell counts (WBC) and packed cell volume (PCV), and 3) the value of physiologic parameters to predict the production outcome of a case of clinical mastitis.
Rights Offers and Delaware Law

Under Delaware law, a securities issuance in which all existing investors may participate pro rata (a “rights offer”) is often seen as treating insiders and outsiders equally, making it difficult for nonparticipating outsiders to prevail on a claim that insiders sold themselves cheap securities. I show that insiders can use rights offers to sell themselves cheap securities, even if outsiders are sophisticated and well-capitalized. My analysis suggests courts applying Delaware law should more aggressively probe rights offers for substantive fairness. I conclude by describing red flags indicating a heightened risk of expropriation.
Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Small Groups

After many years of developing in small islands scattered around different disciplines, small group research has reached a point where interdisciplinary scholarship has the potential to foster majo...
Professor Jean Van Bladel: A True Gentleman, Book Writer and Researcher

Prof. Jean Van Bladel, who received the 1997 IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society Distinguished Achievement Award and 1995 Heinrich Hertz Medal of IEEE, passed away on January 20, 2018 at the age of 95. This paper is a tribute to his legacy based on a eulogy written by his daughter Sigrid and my interactions with Prof. Van Bladel which have significantly influenced my professional career. Jean was an eloquent writer, superb teacher and first rate researcher whose work particularly on the subjects of mathematical aspects of electromagnetism and understanding the fundamentals has served generations. His books are considered classics and have inspired many electromagnetic and antenna enthusiasts.
CVP and echo Measurements are Associated with Improved Outcomes in Patients with Gastrointestinal (GI) Hemorrhage: A Retrospective Analysis of the MIMIC- IV Database.

Purpose: Mortality associated with acute Gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage in intensive care units (ICU) has remained high in patients suffering from hemodynamic instability. Prompt recognition and ...