cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Determination of 8 β-agonists by UPLC-MS /MS

Objective To establish a method for the determination of 8 β- agonists in animal tissues by liquid chromatography- tandem mass spectrometry( LC- MS / MS). Methods The test samples were extracted by sodium acetate( pH 5. 2) and β- Glucuronidase / Arysulfatase. After being cleaned up by column,concentrated and reconstituted,the residues were detected by LC- MS / MS. Results The method showed a good linearity over the range of 5 ~ 100ng / mL for β- agonists with r 0. 998. The average recoveries were 75% ~ 94%. Conclusion This method is highly sensitive,accurate and reproducible,and it is suitable for detection of β- agonists.
Study on Application of FPGA Technology in Power Quality Monitoring in Power System

Current power quality monitoring devices are mostly designed based on microprocessor.With the development of microelectronics technology,large-scale programmable logic device offers a new option for the designers.The status and developing trend of current power quality monitoring system at home and abroad are introduced in this paper.Combined with the features and technology development of FPGA,the application of the FPGA technology in every module for the power quality monitoring system is emphatically analyzed,and the feasibility and effectiveness to implement the power quality monitoring by large-scale programmable logic device are also discussed.
Study on Volt-Time Characteristics of UHV Transformer Under Lightning Impulse

Along with the rapid development of power transmission technology for the 750kV and above voltage grade,the capacity,dimension and entrance capacitance of corresponding power transformer and shunt reactor increase and accordingly the dimension of testing circuit is enlarged accordingly,thus it makes the wave front time of lightning impulse testing voltage elongated and the qualification in the both national and international standards can hardly be met.According to the waveforms from actual 500 kV,750 kV and 1 000 kV lightning impulse tests and combining with the lightning voltage-time characteristics of oil-paper combination insulation structure,the impacts of various wave front time on insulation level of UHV power transformers and reactors are analyzed.At present,the design calculation and the selection of testing voltage are generally based on standard wave front,however the lightning impulse voltage-time characteristics of oil-immersed equipments show that the length of wave front time of lightning impulse testing voltage is closely related to insulation strength,elongated wave front time may make the examination for some longitudinal insulation relaxed and that for main insulation more strict.Therefore,in the design,development and testing of UHV power transformers and reactors the impacts brought by elongated wave front time of lightning impulse waveform should be considered and paid special attention to.
Autism and Alcoholism’s Genetic Overlap

Autism and alcoholism are common behavioral disorders with no phenotypic similarities to suggest underlying biological or etiologic connections. However, a number of studies have reported family overlaps which suggest these two behavioral disorders may have underlying associations. Our analysis of 167 families ascertained through an autistic child found that 39% of families had a significant family history of alcoholism; the remainder reported scattered individuals with alcoholism in unrelated branches of the family. High alcoholism families differed from low alcoholism families in multiple measures including an 18-fold increase in alcoholism in females and more than twice the percentage of relatives with affective disorders. Children with autism from high and low alcoholism families differed in the clinical course of their disorder and head size. Children from high alcoholism families were 1.5 times more apt to present with a regressive onset and 2.8 times less likely to have macrocephaly, a common feature of autism. In contrast, families ascertained through a proband with alcoholism have not been noted to have an increased incidence of autism. This disparity can be understood by comparing the very different prevalence rates. We postulate that subsets of these two clearly heterogeneous behavioral disorders have a genetic overlap, such that families identified with genetic loading for both disorders may have a common cause(s). This subset of families is expected to be more homogeneous and therefore a valuable resource for investigation of candidate genes and pathways common to autism and alcoholism.
The social behavior of autonomous vehicles

Autonomous vehicles will drive without human intervention and share the road with other road users such as pedestrians and human drivers. We understand autonomous vehicles as moving embodied agents; ubicomp systems whose behavior can be observed in the real world. The vehicles' ability to sense the outside world is improving rapidly but they lack human abilities to sense and interpret the subtle cues of other road users. Nevertheless, other road users may perceive them as acting intelligently when encountering them in traffic. The autonomous vehicle becomes part of a complex socio-technical system and has to interact with all these actors in a socially accepted manner. This opens up a challenging design space to be explored by observations and iterative prototyping.
40. Bryant’s Inscription for the Entrance to a Wood

(1946). 40. Bryant’s Inscription for the Entrance to a Wood. The Explicator: Vol. 4, No. 6, pp. 83-85.
Cooperative, non-cooperative and greedy pursuers strategies in multi-player pursuit-evasion games

In this paper we consider three different strategies for N pursuers and one evader in a multi-player Pursuit-Evasion game. Each pursuer's objective function reflects a desire to minimize the distance between itself and the evader while the evader's objective function reflects a need to escape by maximizing the distance between itself and a weighted measure of the distances between itself and the pursuers. The first strategy is characterized by pursuers who cooperate as a team in their effort to catch the evader. The resulting game is referred to as a Cooperating Pursuers Game. The second strategy is characterized by non-cooperating pursuers who act in a non-cooperative manner among themselves and the evader. The resulting game is referred to as a Non-Cooperating Pursuers Game. The third strategy is characterized by greedy pursuers who act independently and selfishly each on its own in an attempt to catch the evader. The resulting game is referred to as Greedy Pursuers Game. To treat these strategies under one common framework a general all-against-one linear quadratic dynamic game is considered and the corresponding closed-loop Nash solution is discussed. Using this framework, the three pursuers' strategies are then developed separately. Implementation of several scenarios of these games are also investigated where neither the pursuers nor the evader have knowledge of the objective functions of the other side and hence need to implement strategies that are secure against possible worst strategies by the other side. A Monte Carlo analysis over the parameters space of the objective functions is preformed to yield probabilities of capture of the evader under each of the studied scenarios. Results of the Monte Carlo simulation show that in general, pursuers do not always benefit from cooperating as a team and that acting as non-cooperating players may yield a higher probability of capturing the evader depending on what strategy the evader may use.
The W Matrix Revisited

The spatial weights matrix is the critical feature of spatial statistics/econometrics, the tool that quantifies a map. It defines the autocorrelation structure for a given geographic landscape. Regardless of its construction (e.g., common boundaries, interpoint distances, nearest neighbors, flows), especially in spatial econometrics, it almost always is converted to its row-standardized form, denoted by matrix W. Its controversial features include subjective aspects of its specification and whether or not it is an endogenous entity. It is mired in myth, identification issues, and assumption debates, some of which this chapter addresses.
Search for Optimal Pulse Charging Parameters for Li-Ion Polymer Batteries Using Taguchi Orthogonal Arrays

Many methods have been proposed for faster and better battery charging with increased energy efficiencies. One of the most promising has been the pulse charge algorithm—also referred to as a pulse charging technique. Many researchers have investigated the impact of pulse charging on lithium-ion batteries. However, the combined impact of duty cycle and frequency of the pulse charge current on lithium-ion polymer batteries is seldom investigated. This work uses the Taguchi orthogonal arrays to search for optimal pulse charging parameters that will maximize battery charge and energy efficiencies while decreasing charge time. Confirmation experiments were performed and compared with the benchmark constant current–constant voltage (CC–CV) charging method. It was determined that by operating a pulse charger using optimal parameters, charge time was reduced by 47.6%, and battery charge and energy efficiencies were increased by 1.5% and 11.3%, respectively, when compared with the CC–CV charging method at a charge rate of 0.5 C.
Enron and the Dark Side of Worker Ownership

Enron Corporation, once an exemplar of growth through innovation, now epitomizes a range of ailments afflicting corporate America. These include executive greed of obscene magnitude, deceitful earnings management and accounting tactics, woefully inattentive board oversight, ineffective disclosure requirements, and flaccid auditing practices. One area of special concern is the catastrophic effect of Enron’s collapse on the retirement security of its lower-level employees. As Congress considers a range of possible reforms, one aspect of this disaster has not received much attention. The Enron 401(k) retirement plan, heavily and therefore fatally invested in Enron’s own stock, was a vehicle for workers to participate in ownership of the business. Advocates on both ends of the political spectrum have promoted worker ownership for many years, for ideological as well as efficiency-based reasons. In this essay, I recall some of the arguments that have been advanced in support of increased opportunities for worker ownership in this country. I then caution that the Enron debacle reveals worker ownership’s dark side in the publicly held corporation context.
Autoimmune and Paraneoplastic Neurological Disorders

Abstract Autoimmune neurology is a rapidly emerging subspecialty that encompasses the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders with an autoimmune (paraneoplastic or non-cancer associated) basis. There has been a dramatic rise in discoveries of neural-specific autoantibodies and their target antigens. Laboratory testing is now available for most of these neural-specific autoantibodies, which serve as diagnostic markers directing the physician towards specific cancer types and assisting in therapeutic decision making. Autoimmune neurology intersects with many traditional neurological subspecialties including cognitive behavioral neurology, movement disorders, epilepsy, neuro-oncology, neuromuscular disorders, autonomic neurology, and demyelinating disorders. Antibodies targeting intracellular proteins (nuclear and intracytoplasmic enzymes, transcription factors, RNA binding proteins) serve as markers of neural peptide-specific cytotoxic effector T-cell mediated injury and are generally poorly responsive to immunotherapy. In contrast, antibodies targeting plasma membrane proteins (neurotransmitter receptors, ion channels, water channels, channel complex proteins) may act as pathogenic effectors and imply immunotherapy responsiveness.
Child Care as an Economic Incentive for the Working Poor

New federal funds from the Child Care and Dependent Block Grant Act of 1990 provide resources for states to increase the supply of subsidized child care for the working poor. Based on data from the...
Abstract 2495: RUNX1T1 is amplified in combined small cell lung cancer

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a highly aggressive malignancy that expresses neuroendocrine (NE) genes and represents approximately 15% of all lung cancers; the remaining histological subtype is non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Clinically, there are two types of SCLC, termed ‘pure9 and ‘combined9. Combined SCLC presents as a mixture of SCLC and NSCLC components within the same tumor mass. We analyzed 88 SCLC patient tumors by targeted exome sequencing and found that four SCLC patients demonstrated RUNX1T1 amplification. Interestingly, among these 88 SCLC patients there were two with combined SCLC and both demonstrated RUNX1T1 amplification only in the small cell component. Neither MYC (8p24) nor FGFR1 (8p11), two genes commonly amplified in SCLC that are nearby the RUNX1T1 locus (8p22), were co-amplified. RUNX1T1, also called ETO or MTG8, was first identified in the oncogenic fusion transcript AML1/ETO in acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and was previously reported as a transcriptional co-repressor. Based on our observation we hypothesized that: 1) RUNX1T1 may be a specific marker for SCLC and may play a role in determining the SCLC phenotype, including NE expression, and 2) RUNX1T1 may play a role in transforming NSCLC to SCLC in the early stages of combined SCLC tumor formation. First we examined RUNX1T1 mRNA expression among cancer cell lines using the CCLE database and found that RUNX1T1 is highly expressed in SCLC cells compared to other cancer cells, especially NSCLC cells. This was also true in tumors using RNAseq data. Consistent with these mRNA profiles, our western blot results showed higher RUNX1T1 protein expression in SCLC compared to NSCLC cell lines. These findings validate that RUNX1T1 expression is specifically upregulated in SCLC compared to NSCLC. To investigate a role for RUNX1T1 in determining the SCLC phenotype, we overexpressed RUNX1T1 in SCLC cell lines by lentiviral transduction and observed marked growth suppression in H82, H2171, and H841 cells. Conversely, transient knock down of RUNX1T1 expression in the SCLC cell line H446 using siRNA decreased the expression of two NE proteins (NEUROD1 and TTF1). To explore a potential role of RUNX1T1 in NSCLC to SCLC transformation, we overexpressed RUNX1T1 in three NSCLC cell lines (PC-9, H1650 and A549) but observed no obvious phenotypic changes and no increase in NE gene expression. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that RUNX1T1 expression is upregulated in SCLC compared to NSCLC. Moreover, the results from RUNX1T1 overexpression and knockdown experiments in SCLC cell lines indicates a potential role of RUNX1T1 in regulating the SCLC phenotype and NE expression. Citation Format: Tian He, Karen McColl, Alyssa Savadelis, Yanwen Chen, Gary Wildey, Afshin Dowlati. RUNX1T1 is amplified in combined small cell lung cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2495.
Tracheostomy Care Practices in a Simulated Setting: An Exploratory Study.

Purpose/aims Many critically ill patients undergo a tracheostomy. Tracheostomy care is performed to maintain the airway and promote stoma skin integrity. Variation in practices may affect outcomes. The study purpose was to describe tracheostomy care practices of caregivers who perform tracheostomy care in critical care settings and compare practices with published recommendations. Design This is a descriptive, exploratory study of tracheostomy care practices of nurses and respiratory therapists using a simulated setting. Methods Staff working in critical care and step-down units were approached to participate in the study. Equipment used for tracheostomy care and the steps performed were observed and video recorded. Observations were compared with recommended practices. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics. Results Fifteen registered nurses (75%) and 5 respiratory therapists (25%) participated. Most participants (80%) were female and held a baccalaureate degree; median experience was 5 years. Equipment used and order of steps varied widely. Only 1 individual performed in the order recommended in a commonly used procedure manual. The most common sequence performed was hand hygiene, clean flange, clean stoma, change inner cannula, change ties, and apply dressing. Conclusion Wide variability in equipment and practices emphasizes the need for establishing an evidence-based approach for performing tracheostomy care to prevent complications.
Early Outcomes After Heart Transplantation in Recipients Bridged With a HeartMate 3 Device

Background Left ventricular assist devices are increasingly used as bridge-to-transplantation in eligible patients. The HeartMate 3 (HM3; Abbott Laboratories, Abbot Park, IL) is the latest device to obtain US Food and Drug Administration approval as bridge-to-transplantation. This study examines early outcomes of transplant recipients after HM3 in comparison with recipients bridged with the HeartMate 2 (HM2; Abbott Laboratories) and HeartWare Ventricular Assist System (HVAD; Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN) devices. Methods Using the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network database, we identified all adult patients who were slated for bridge-to-transplantation with a continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (HM2, HVAD, or HM3) between April 1, 2015 and January 31, 2018. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality 6 months after transplantation. The independent influence of the bridging device on outcomes was determined using Cox proportional hazard models. Results Patients (N = 1,978) were successfully bridged to transplantation with the HM2 (n = 881), HVAD (n = 920), or HM3 (n = 177) device. Six-month mortality rates were similar across these devices (HM2, 5.9%; HVAD, 7.7%; HM3, 4.7%; log-rank p = 0.30). On average HM2 patients were on a left ventricular assist device for 2 months longer (p Conclusions The HM3 device provides excellent early outcomes as a bridge to transplantation and may be associated with a reduction in comorbidities. Longer follow-up is needed to better define differences between durable left ventricular assist devices.
Morphological variations and accessory ossicles in the peroneal and tibialis muscles

This study describes five bilateral anatomical variations in the feet of a 97-year-old male cadaver. Following routine dissection, all variants were measured and documented. Three accessory tendons and two accessory ossicles were identified. Bilateral accessory tendons were present from the tibialis anterior (type II), peroneus tertius (type III), and peroneus brevis muscles. Accessory tendon length was 36-104 mm and width was 1-3 mm each inserting more distally then the main tendon. Accessory ossicles were identified as an accessory navicular and os peroneum, respectively. Individually, each variation has varying prevalence rates in the literature, but to date, no known studies have been published describing the combined presence of all five bilateral variations. The acknowledgement of multi-variant cases such as this one may be helpful in the clinical setting, particularly for patients with pathology or for those undergoing foot and ankle surgery.
A Code-Domain RF Signal Processing Front-end for Simultaneous Transmit and Receive with 49.5 dB Self-Interference Rejection, 12.1 dBm Receive Compression, and 34.3 dBm Transmit Compression

This paper demonstrates a code-domain transceiver that incorporates a transmit (TX) modulator and receive (RX) RF signal correlator. We propose a transmission gate switch with 12.1-dBm/23.1-dBm P1dB/IIP3 for both RF correlation and filtering and rejects TX self-interference by 49.5 dB. An integrate-and-dump N-path filter improves rejection by 8 dB. The RX power consumption is 18 mW at 1 GHz. The TX modulator operates to RF power levels up to 34.3 dBm and consumes less than 40 mW for 300 Megachip-per-second (Mc/s). Over the air testing demonstrates synchronization with Barker codes.
Quantum Josephson junction circuits and the dawn of artificial atoms

In 1985, experiments revealed the quantum behaviour of a macroscopic degree of freedom: the phase difference across a Josephson junction. The authors recount the history of this milestone for the development of superconducting quantum circuits.
Images of loneliness in Tuareg narratives of travel, dispersion, and return:

This article examines how social, economic, and political upheavals in the Sahara have stimulated re-thinking about loneliness in relation to trauma from mobility, dispersion, and return home in communities of Tamajaq-speaking, Muslim, and semi-nomadic Tuareg in northern Niger and Mali. How do Tuareg, sometimes called Kel Tamajaq after their language, draw on and re-formulate longstanding and new ways of coping with loneliness in regional droughts and wars, which have driven many to alternately disperse from their communities and return to homes that are no longer the same? What is the connection between changing modes of travel, concepts of loneliness, and ways of coping with this experience? In these communities, loneliness is a recurrent theme in personal life histories-in particular, in narratives of both geographic travel and spiritual travel in medico-ritual healing-and is alluded to in poetry, song, and everyday conversation. This article explores the meanings of loneliness and ways of coping with it in this society through analysis of this emotion in symbol, subjective perception, and social experience. The focus is upon representations of loneliness in narratives by travelers who have confronted this emotion, and upon relevant Tamajaq terms often used to express loneliness: namely, essuf (the wild, solitude, and nostalgia); tamazai (approximately, a depression); and tarama (unrequited love), illustrating with cases and examples. More broadly, the article is guided by and builds on insights in psychological anthropology into emotion and affect as well as suffering and subjectivity.
Connections between molecular photoionization and electron-molecule scattering with emphasis on shape resonances

Concerning the electronic continuum of molecules, we first briefly outline the well-established connections, the Bethe-Borne theory and comparisons of isoelectronic systems. Finally, we observe the role of shape resonances in photoionization and electron-molecule scattering.
Outcomes of Anatomic Lung Resection for Cancer Are Better When Performed by Cardiothoracic Surgeons.

Abstract Background Anatomic lung resection (ALR) outcomes are superior for cardiothoracic surgeons (CTS) by analysis of Medicare, National Inpatient Sample, South Carolina Office of Research and Statistics, and Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results databases. Similar findings have been reported for all non-cardiac thoracic procedures using the ACS-NSQIP database. Our aim was to further delineate outcome differences between CTS and general surgeons (GS) specifically for ALR. Methods A retrospective analysis of 15,574 non-emergent, non-pediatric, ALR for lung cancer was conducted using the ACS-NSQIP 2013-2017 database. Included procedures were all ALR for lung cancer. Surgeons were classified as CTS or GS. Other specialties were excluded. Pre-operative characteristics and 30-day outcomes were compared by bivariate (χ2) and multivariate analysis. Multivariate analysis was conducted by multiple logistic regression. Results CTS performed 14,172 (91.0%) of included procedures, and GS performed 1,402 (9.0%). Thoracoscopic approach was utilized at a similar rate (49.08% CTS vs. 49.71% GS, p=0.7474). The extent of resection differed in a statistically, but not clinically, significant fashion. CTS patients had a higher rate of pre-operative dyspnea (22.66% CTS vs. 17.62% GS, p=0.0001). Procedures performed by CTS had a lower risk-adjusted odd ratio of overall morbidity, pulmonary morbidity, sepsis/septic shock, bleeding requiring transfusion, and length of stay (LOS) >median (5 days). Conclusions ALR outcomes are superior for CTS when compared to GS. This is consistent with prior studies looking at this specific subset of patients and studies looking at a different subset of patients using the ACS-NSQIP database.
Neuron-Glia Interrelations

Considerable progress in our understanding of neuron and glial cell interrelationships has emerged during the last decade from in vitro and in vivo studies. Neural culture systems have provided powerful tools to delineate cellular and molecular events. Moreover, the advances in development of immunocytochemical and biochemical specific cell markers has made possible the characterization of complex cell behaviors. Glial cells actively participate in several aspects of neuronal growth and differentiation both by providing cell-cell contact interactions and by secreting neuronal growth-promoting factors. In turn, neurons influence the cellular behavior of both astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, primarily by secreting substances into the microenvironment. Such substances as neurohormones and neurotransmitters have been shown to affect several glial functions including electrophysiological responses, energy metabolism, and ionic homeostasis. In several instances these effects appear to be mediated through receptors on glial cells. Astrocytes actively participate in the regulation of the ionic environment. They take up and release several neurotransmitter substances and can modulate the concentration of a neurotransmitter substance at the synaptic cleft and thus monitor neuronal activity. The evidence of neuron-astroglia synaptic contacts supports the view that such contacts are present during early neuroembryogenesis and thus may provide contact signals for neuronal growth. The process of myelination in the CNS appears to be regulated by both neuronal signals to the oligodendrocyte and also intrinsic programming in the oligodendrocytes to produce myelin components. The prevailing view that astrocytes impede regeneration appears to be shifting towards a more favorable notion of the role of these cells in promoting this process. Of interest is the concept that there is a critical period in the ability of astrocytes either to enhance regeneration or to form a gliotic scar and impede this process. The role of glial cells in the aging process of the neuron is only beginning to be appreciated. If glial cells are actively involved in the regulation of the microenvironment, then it follows that any changes in the behavior of glial cells with aging will ultimately affect neuronal function. It is abundantly clear from in vitro studies that glial cells are pluripotential cells with several functional capabilities. Their responsiveness to an environment in which neurons are maturing as compared to an environment where neurons are injured or aging clearly portrays the multifunctional role of the astrocyte.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
A critical review on the plants used for the treatment of ulcer in Kerala

Peptic ulcer disease and its complications remain the cause of significant morbidity worldwide, representing a major burden for health care resources. Although potent anti-ulcer drugs are available, most of them produce several side effects, thus emphasizing the need to search for new alternatives. As high as 80% of the world population depends on plant- derived medicines for the first line of primary health care, reinforcing the theory that plant extracts can be good sources of new drugs. This review focuses to consolidate the evidence-based information on antiulcer plants used in Kerala accumulated in databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct and Web of Science) upto January 2019. Plants like Acacia nilotica L., Achyranthes aspera Linn., Aegle marmelos L., Allium sativum L., Aloe barbadensis Miller, Annona muricata Linn., Bacopa monnieri Linn., Carica papaya Linn., Centella asiatica Linn., Curcuma longa Linn., Elettaria cardamomum Linn., Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn., Mangifera indica Linn., Mimosa pudica L., Moringa oleifera Linn., Ocimum sanctum Linn., Piper nigrum Linn., Phyllanthus emblica Linn., Terminalia chebula Retz., and Zingiber officinale Roscoe. are available in Kerala, reported with antiulcer activity. The secondary metabolites present in the plants like alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, glycosides, terpines, and resins also have an important role in reliving ulcers due to its antisecretory, antioxidant, and cytoprotective properties. This review summarizes the botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and mechanism of action of antiulcer plants.
The Crime of Being in Charge: Executive Culpability and Collateral Consequences

This Article argues that the government's exclusion of executives who have been convicted as "responsible corporate officers" for a period longer than three years without any showing of moral blameworthiness is misguided. The responsible corporate officer doctrine is flawed because under the doctrine it is irrelevant that the executive did not intend for the misconduct to occur. It is not a defense that the executive delegated responsibility in good faith. Nor is it a defense that the executive is not knowledgeable about or did not participate in the misconduct. The only potential defense is impossibility, but it has never been used successfully. Even if those shortcomings in the responsible corporate officer doctrine were overlooked due to the fact that it is a misdemeanor charge, the piling on of long periods of exclusion significantly raises the stakes for the executives. Part II of this Article sets forth the foundation for and justification of the responsible corporate officer doctrine. It also scrutinizes the shortcomings of the responsible corporate officer doctrine. Part III of this Article examines the collateral consequences of conviction as a responsible corporate officer. It uses the exclusion of Purdue Pharma executives as a case study to examine the justification for and problems with excluding executives who had no knowledge of wrongdoing. It argues that the collateral consequence of conviction - exclusion - is more devastating than the criminal sentence that an executive would face upon conviction. Part IV argues that a conviction as a responsible corporate officer does not demonstrate that the executive is morally blameworthy for the actions of subordinates. Further, it argues that despite the fact that exclusion is technically a civil remedy, it should be treated as a de facto criminal penalty in the context where it is the most serious consequence that responsible corporate officers face as a result of conviction. This Article concludes that the collateral consequences of holding "responsible corporate officers" criminally accountable for the misconduct of their subordinates are disproportionate to the crime of conviction and should not be imposed for longer than three years absent a showing of moral blameworthiness.
Monovalent selective electrodialysis: Modelling multi-ionic transport across selective membranes.

Abstract Monovalent selective electrodialysis (MSED) is a variant of conventional electrodialysis (ED) that employs selective ion exchange membranes to preferentially remove monovalent ions relative to divalent ions. This process can be beneficial when the divalent rich stream has potential applications. In agriculture, for example, a stream rich in calcium and magnesium is deemed beneficial for crops and can decrease the use of fertilizers that would otherwise need to be re-introduced to the source water prior to irrigation. MSED has been used for salt production, brine concentration, and irrigation. An experimentally validated computational model to predict its performance, however, is not available in the literature. The present work uses concepts from conventional ED modelling to build a high-resolution predictive model for the performance of MSED. The model was validated with over 32 experiments at different operating conditions and observed to fit the data to within 6% and 8% for two different types of membranes. All voltage predictions were within 10% of experiments conducted. The model was then used to predict permselectivity across different salinities and compositions. These values were extended to investigate the economic benefits of using MSED to save fertilizers for greenhouses across the U.S. Results showed an average of $4991 saved per hectare when employing MSED technology. These values aligned with predictions from two previous techno-economic studies conducted investigating MSED for agriculture.
Opioid-related incident severity and emergency medical service naloxone administration by sex in Massachusetts, 2013–2019

A Cross-sectional study of all emergency ambulance runs reported by licensed Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers between 2013 and 2019 was undertaken to determine if the sex of a patient exp...
Insomnia Pharmacotherapy

The benzodiazepine receptor agonists (BzRAs) a melatonin receptor agonist and a histamine antagonist have all been approved as hypnotics. Beyond their differing mechanisms of action, they have differences in pharmacokinetics, and among the BzRAs differences in receptor subtype affinity and formulations, which provides the physician with broad options for tailoring therapy to each patient’s specific needs. Consistent with their specific pharmacokinetics and formulations, these Food and Drug Administration-approved hypnotics have been shown to improve sleep with no evidence of tolerance development in long-term use. In addition, emerging data indicate these drugs also improve aspects of daytime function. Their side effects are either associated with the direct sedating effects of the drugs, doses greater than clinical doses, or a combination with alcohol or other sedating drugs. Anxiolytic BzRAs, sedating antidepressants and antipsychotics have been used off-label as hypnotics. However, in the absence of information regarding their dose range for efficacy and safety, their use as hypnotics is ill-advised.
Burst Pressures in Eyes with Clear Corneal Incisions Treated with ReSure Glue

Purpose. This study aims to measure burst pressures in 3 mm clear corneal incisions sealed with ReSure, a biodegradable hydrogel sealant, and to compare it to traditional 10-0 nylon sutures and unsealed controls. Design. An ex vivo animal study. Methods. 3 mm clear corneal incisions were performed in rabbit eyes (ex vivo). The burst pressure was determined, and then, the incisions were sealed with either ReSure glue or a single 10-0 nylon suture. Burst pressure measurements were repeated. Results. Fourteen eyes were included. The median burst pressure in the suture-control group (7 eyes) prior to suture application was 7 mmHg (range: 0–45); the median burst pressure in the 7 glue-controls was 36 mmHg (range: 5–61, = 0.08 for the comparison of the two control groups). The median burst pressure in the glue group was 93 mmHg (range: 39–129, = 0.043 when compared to glue-control). The median burst pressure in the suture group was 158 mmHg (range: 70–180, = 0.018 when compared to suture-control). There was no statistically significant difference in burst pressure values between the glue and suture groups ( = 0.08). Conclusion. In this study, ReSure glue applied to 3 mm clear corneal incisions provided sufficient resistance to elevated intraocular pressure when compared to controls. The results of this study suggest that ReSure glue may be comparable to a single 10-0 nylon suture in resisting fluid egress during the early postoperative period.
Superconducting High-Pressure Phases Composed of Hydrogen and Iodine.

Evolutionary structure searches predict three new phases of iodine polyhydrides stable under pressure. Insulating P1-H5I, consisting of zigzag chains of (HI)δ+ and H2δ− molecules, is stable between 30 and 90 GPa. Cmcm-H2I and P6/mmm-H4I are found on the 100, 150, and 200 GPa convex hulls. These two phases are good metals, even at 1 atm, because they consist of monatomic lattices of iodine. At 100 GPa the superconducting transition temperature, Tc, of H2I and H4I is estimated to be 7.8 and 17.5 K, respectively. The increase in Tc relative to elemental iodine results from a larger ωlog from the light mass of hydrogen and an enhanced λ from modes containing H/I and H/H vibrations.
The promise of pharmacologic modification of ovum transport in contraceptive development

Abstract Pharmacological doses of estrogen induce delayed ovum transport through the rabbit oviduct. The experiments reported here have explored the mechanisms of this phenomenon. Studies of estrogen uptake revealed that continuing saturation of the estrogen receptors by estradiol is not a requisite part of the ovum delaying action. Estrogen-induced retardation of ovum transport was antagonized by either progesterone or phenoxybenzamine, but only to a limited degree. In combination, these agents nullified the “tube-locking” effect of estradiol. These data are considered to have considerable implications for the future development of pharmacologic contraceptive techniques.
Contracting in the Shadow of a Corrupt Court

Judicial *corruption* and judicial *favoritism* often coexist in many societies. When a significant number of judges in the judiciary are willing to "sell" rulings in exchange for bribes, it is often also the case that the better the connection one has to politically powerful people, the more likely one will get favored treatment under the law. This essay studies the economic consequences of judicial corruption and judicial favoritism by analyzing how they affect the strategic interactions between contracting parties in a model in which the gain from trade depends on the level of specific investment by the buyer. Regardless of whether or not the buyer is politically better-connected than the seller, judicial corruption causes the buyer to under-invest in specific assets. However, the distortion in investment will be more severe when the buyer enters into a contract with a seller who is politically better-connected than herself than with a seller who is worse-connected than herself. Moreover, while an increase in the judge's income always increases investment in equilibrium, a strongly favoritism-reducing increase in the authority's propensity to monitor the judiciary can actually reduce instead of increase investment when the buyer is better-connected. Empirical implications of these findings on the relationship between legal institutions; investment; the incidence of market versus integration governance; and economic growth, are discussed.
Integrating engineering and manufacturing in the semiconductor industry

Summary form only given. This paper identifies major organizational obstacles that impede integration. Data from interviews with 63 individuals from five sites highlight problems in five major realms: boundary control, status, teams, communication, and rewards. Accountability and responsibility are blurred across departments, resulting in problems of boundary control. For example, equipment ownership is often murky, leading to disputes between engineers and maintenance personnel. Status differences among engineering groups set RD engineers frequently complain about the strong positions occupied by marketing representatives on the teams. Communications problems arise from the amount, content, and delivery of information shared between departments, leaving engineers with little time to think and production operators with instructions they have no time to read. A misalignment between rewards and goals causes incentive problems throughout the organization. Solutions to these problems will require a combination of procedural, organizational, and infrastructural changes, as well as an expanded view of the concurrent engineering paradigm.
Paleomagnetic record at ODP Site 980 (Feni Drift, Rockall) for the past 1.2 Myrs

[1] A detailed record of variations in the direction and intensity of the geomagnetic field over the past 1.2 Myrs has been obtained from an ∼120-m-thick sedimentary section cored at ODP Site 980 on the Feni Drift (North Atlantic). The record has high resolution due to high mean sedimentation rates (11.3 cm/kyr for the Brunhes Chron and 5.5 cm/kyr for the Matuyama Chron), paleomagnetic measurements every 1 cm along u-channel samples, and high quality isotopic age control. The Iceland Basin Event is manifest by virtual geomagnetic poles crossing the equator at ∼190 ka. The base of the recovered section lies immediately below the Cobb Mountain Subchronozone that occurs within marine isotope stage 35. Normalized remanence data can be correlated to paleointensity records from ODP Sites 983 and 984 (∼700 km to the NW from Site 980) and with lower resolution paleointensity data from the Pacific Ocean. Differences between the Site 980 paleointensity record and the Pacific records are attributed to variable sedimentation rates, variable quality age control, and inadequacies in the normalization procedure used to derive the paleointensity proxies.
Loss of the urethral floor with total urinary incontinence: A technique for urethral reconstruction

Abstract Included in the present study are 20 patients who were totally incontinent as a result of loss of three fourths or more of the urethral floor, the loss frequently involving the vesical neck. The 20 patients previously had undergone 59 unsuccessful surgical repairs. Many of the previously reported techniques for urethral construction employed inert vaginal flaps in the creation of a large-caliber, noncontractile urethra. The operative technique reported here includes construction of a small-caliber urethra from the contractile tissues that have retracted into the urethral “roof,” skin-flap replacement of the scarred fixed anterior vaginal wall, and urethrovesical suspension at a later date, when necessary. Using this technique, 14 of the 20 patients obtained a good result.
Correlation Effects in Atomic Diffusion

Classical rate equations for vacancy assisted particle motion on regular lattices are solved to determine the diffusional response for long wavelengths and small frequencies. The treatment is exact at both ends of the concentration range and for finite hopping rates also provides an excellent interpolation scheme for all concentrations. The diffusion correlation factors are evaluated for systems which admit a wide variety of particle hops.
Fabrication and experimental characterization of a planar array of micro-fabricated electrospray emitters for space propulsion applications

This paper reports the design, fabrication, and experimental characterization of a surface tension-fed, planar array of micro-fabricated electrospray emitters intended for space propulsion applications in micro-satellites. The planar array uses the ionic liquid EMI-BF4 as propellant. The surface of the engine (tank and emitters) is covered with "black silicon" that acts as wicking material. The hydraulics are micro-fabricated, with two possible emitter geometries. The electrodes are macro-fabricated, and externally provided to the micro-fabricated structure.
Empowering Supervisees to Empower Others: A Culturally Responsive Supervision Model

Educating therapists to provide culturally responsive psychotherapy constitutes one of the major mental health challenges of this decade. This article describes a model of clinical supervision for ...
Noninvasive assessment of aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase activity in aging rhesus monkey brain in vivo.

The effect of aging on aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AAAD) activity in rhesus monkey striatum was assessed in vivo using PET imaging. Two analogs of L-DOPA, 6-fluoro-m-tyrosine (FMT) and 6-fluoro-L-DOPA (FDOPA), were used to image rhesus monkeys of various ages. Results show that when the animals were grouped between young (3-11 years) and aged (25-37 years), FDOPA uptake in the older animals showed a 21% decline (P < 0.0005), while FMT uptake in young and older animals were not different. On the other hand, when individual uptake values were plotted vs. age, linear regression analysis showed FDOPA uptake similarly declined with age (r = -0.84, P < 0.001) while FMT uptake increased with age (r = 0.66, P < 0.05). Since FMT pharmacokinetics has been shown to be unaffected by metabolic steps occurring after the AAAD step, while FDOPA traces all the steps involved in L-DOPA metabolism, FMT is a suitable tracer to assess AAAD activity while FDOPA traces dopamine turnover. Based on these tracer characteristics, this study found that AAAD activity is maintained or increased in the aging rhesus monkey striatum while the FDOPA uptake decreases with age consistent with age-related declines in neuronal mechanisms whose overall effect is increased striatal dopamine turnover and clearance. Furthermore, comparison of results of this study with previous studies support the notion that the effect of aging in the dopamine system is different from that of MPTP-induced parkinsonism.
Solvent effects on phototriggered conformational changes in an azobenzene-functionalized poly(p-phenylene vinylene)

Abstract Poly(2-hexyloxy-5-((10-(4-(phenylazo)phenoxy)decyl)oxy)-1,4-phenylene vinylene) (HPA-10-PPV) is an azobenzene-functionalized poly(p-phenylene vinylene) derivative that previously has been shown to undergo changes in the position and shape of its fluorescence spectrum in response to trans → cis-azobenzene photoisomerization. This effect was initially observed in a binary dichloromethane-methanol solution and was attributed to a phototriggered expansion of polymer coil dimensions. In this report we explore the mechanism by which azobenzene isomerization induces this conformational change and the solvent properties that govern the magnitude of the change. Phototriggered fluorescence shifts are observed in mixtures of dichloromethane and each of 12 cosolvents, 7 protic and 5 aprotic. The shifts are largest in protic solvents but do not correlate with any single solvent parameter or combination of parameters. Smaller shifts are observed in mixtures with aprotic cosolvents, and the magnitude of these shifts correlates with solvent polarity/polarizability. The conformational changes responsible for the fluorescence shifts are attributed to a change in polymer–solvent interactions induced by the difference between properties of the trans- and cis-azobenzene isomers. Isomerization to the more polar cis-azobenzene promotes an increase in polymer–solvent interactions. These results suggest a means by which the magnitude of phototriggered fluorescence changes could be increased in future derivatives.
Nonnegative matrix factorization for spectral data analysis

Data analysis is pervasive throughout business, engineering and science. Very often the data to be analyzed is nonnegative, and it is often preferable to take this constraint into account in the analysis process. Here we are concerned with the application of analyzing data obtained using astronomical spectrometers, which provide spectral data, which is inherently nonnegative. The identification and classification of space objects that cannot be imaged in the normal way with telescopes is an important but difficult problem for tracking thousands of objects, including satellites, rocket bodies, debris, and asteroids, in orbit around the earth. In this paper, we develop an effective nonnegative matrix factorization algorithm with novel smoothness constraints for unmixing spectral reflectance data for space object identification and classification purposes. Promising numerical results are presented using laboratory and simulated datasets.
Testing the Unbiasedness Hypothesis of Foreign Exchange Rates and the Analysis of Transformations

Recent researchers have utilized various functional forms for testing the hypothesis that the forward rate is an unbiased predictor of future spot rates in foreign exchange markets. We compare a large number of these functional forms for a similar time period and test their consistency with the data for five major currencies. Our results imply that certain functional form models may be inappropriate for some currencies. Researchers must, therefore, be cautious of misspecification due to erroneous functional forms when testing the unbiased forward rate hypothesis.