cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Pore Model or the Carpet Model? The Mode of Action of AMPs on E. Coli Spheroplasts

One fundamental issue in the field of AMPs has been whether the action of AMPs produces pores in the membranes or disintegrates the membranes by the saturated surface binding of AMPs (the carpet model). In the absence of clear evidence, either mechanism seems to explain the phenomena of bacteria lysis. Even if the issue were resolved in the model membrane studies, it is not clear if the result of model membranes extends to bacterial membranes. Here we investigated the action of AMPs on E. coli spheroplasts. The absence of the outer membrane made it possible to observe the action of AMPs on the cytoplasmic membranes. Previously we found that the properties of the bacterial cell membranes are dominated by a membrane reservoir, significantly different from that of a GUV. Furthermore, these unique properties of bacterial membranes are metabolically maintained. We would like to know how the actions of AMPs on spheroplast membranes compare with the actions on GUVs. We compared the actions of human AMP LL-37 and melittin on spheroplasts and GUVs. We developed a fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) technique to examine the dye leakage through the bacterial membranes. AMP binding did not increase the apparent membrane area of a spheroplast, contrary to the responses of GUVs. The permeability through the bacterial membrane increased in a sigmoidal fashion as the AMP binding increased in time, exhibiting a cooperative behavior of AMPs. The analysis of FRAP showed that the fluxes of dye molecules in and out of the cell were consistent with diffusion of molecules through a number of pores that increased with binding of AMPs and then saturated to a steady level. The effects of LL37 and melittin are qualitatively the same.
Good intentions never go bad: The role of intention, outcome, and intergenerational stewardship

Sometimes the well-intended actions of prior generations result in undesirable outcomes to subsequent generations. Our research highlights the role of making the intention of past generations trans...
Analysis of Blood and Other Body Fluids by Gas Chromatography: Simplified, Rapid Separation and Quantitation of Toxicologic Substances

A simple, rapid, and precise method for the resolution and quantitation by gas chromatography of drugs present in human body fluids is presented. A twoliquid phase, a single carrier gas flow rate, and temperature programming of the column temperature are employed. All samples are resolved rapidly into their components and identified by retention times compared with their standards. With this method the results can usually be reported to the physician within 35 min. This correlation between total barbiturate, the state of anesthesia, and the potency of the individual barbiturates has proven useful.
Vision-Based Guidance Design from Sensor Trajectory Optimization

This paper considers a vehicle guidance design to achieve given missions using a single vision sensor. An extended Kalman fllter is used for relative state estimation, and the estimates are fed back to the guidance system. This paper suggests that including sensor trajectory optimization into the design improves guidance performance. The guidance design is formulated as a minimization problem for a weighed sum of guidance performance cost, control cost and estimation performance cost. The weight for the estimation performance cost is determined by using the estimation error covariance. The optimization problem is solved numerically using dynamic programming. Simulation results for three vision-based control applications of target tracking, obstacle avoidance, and formation ∞ight are illustrated. Also, a guidance design based on one-step-ahead optimization is suggested.
Numerical Simulation of Non-Equilibrium effects and Ionization in H2-Air Detonations

The study of plasma creation in detonations and the effects of chemical and thermal nonequilibrium on the detonation structure and stability are addressed. The primary objective is to analyze the production of electrons and ions in the explosion products to determine where the conduction zone exists in relation to the detonation front and to quantify the plasma by its electrical conductivity and magnetic Reynolds number, which are important parameters for the design of contact gauges, MHD generators and other applications using detonation. A H2-air detonation is first simulated using a kinetic model considering 9 species and18 elementary reactions. This initial two-dimensional investigation demonstrated that the temperature of the explosion products was high enough for ionization to be significant. A kinetic model for the charge exchange reactions, associative ionization reactions, electron-impact dissociation and electron-impact ionization governing the production of plasma in the explosion products was coupled with the combustion kinetics. A total of 18 species and 83 elementary reactions were considered.
A Comparison of Transects and Point Counts in Oak-Pine Woodlands of California

Comparaison des resultats de la methode des quadrats et de la methode de denombrement ponctuel pour la determination de la richesse specifique et de la densite de population des oiseaux dans ces terres boisees
Research of the Formation Breakdown Pressure in Toutai Oilfield Development

During the early days of exploitation in Toutai oilfield,it was used the following formula to calculate the formation breakdown pressure:Pf=0.017 83H.The breaking pressure in middle of oil-layers that is got from the formula is 22.28 MPa.But with the developing in oil-fields,the early calculation method of breakdown pressure does not suitable for the production practice in Toutai Oilfield.By statistic the formation breakdown pressure of 99 wells in Toutai Oilfield and combined the stratum parameter,it was divided 3 blocks to calculate the different formation breakdown pressure.The calculation formula that suitable for the different formation breakdown pressure was provided.By comparition the calculation and the fracturing measured data,the result was close to and the formula can be used to calculate the different formation breakdown pressure in Toutai Oilfield development.
NEUROGENIC FACTORS IN THE ETIOPATHOGENESIS OF OSTEOARTHRITIS

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS In this article we have tried to unify several different lines of evidence bearing on how neuromuscular mechanisms might contribute to the etiopathogenesis of OA. Several key points bear emphasis. (1) The neuromuscular system is both the greatest threat that the joint faces and the principal means by which joints are protected, because this system exercises the definitive influence on the spectrum of forces to which the joint is exposed. If muscle contraction is not properly coordinated, the joint will exceed its normal extreme of excursion and the loading of its cartilage will be excessive. This trauma will be manifest pathologically as OA. It follows that if the neuromuscular system cannot control the mechanical environment of the joint, the articular and periarticular tissues will break down even in the face of treatment with “chondroprotective” drugs. (2) Speculation about the role of sensation in joint protection is pointless unless sensory ablation influences the development of OA. (3) Only a small minority of patients with severe peripheral sensory neuropathy develop a Charcot joint, and a clear correlation between the development of a Charcot joint and the severity of the sensory neuropathy or the activity level of the patient has yet to be established. Until proved otherwise, it should not be assumed that ipsilateral sensation plays a role in protecting the stable joint from breakdown. (4) There have been surprisingly few animal experiments in which the effect of sensory nerve ablation on synovial joints has been examined. Although the results of the early studies are not entirely consistent, they suggest that extensive deafferention of a limb does not necessarily lead to joint pathology in the absence of exogenous trauma or infection. Such studies should be repeated under carefully controlled conditions. (5) Recent work in dogs suggests that ipsilateral sensation is not important in protecting the stable joint from OA but is necessary to protect the unstable joint from rapid deterioration. Moreover, there is evidence that sensation is temporarily important in protecting the unstable joint but that the eNS eventually acquires the ability to protect the unstable joint even in the absence of ipsilateral sensory input.
Effect of growth of Walker 256 carcinosarcoma of the fibrinolytic system of the rat plasma and urine.

Growth of a transplanted Walker 256 carcinosarcoma in rats was accompanied by: 1) An increase in plasma fibrinogen and urinary trypsin inhibitors; 2) A significant decrease in plasma plasminogen an...
Emotions and Emotion Regulation in Breast Cancer Survivorship

Emotional distress in cancer patients is an important outcome; however, emotional experience does not begin and end with emotion generation. Attempts to regulate emotions may lessen their potentially negative effects on physical and psychological well-being. Researchers have called for the study of emotion regulation (ER) in health psychology and psycho-oncology. Thus, this review has three aims. First, we discuss current understandings of emotion and ER across the cancer trajectory, including the principles of ER and methods for its assessment. Second, we present a model for examining the mediating effects of ER on psychosocial outcomes. Third, we “round out” the discussion with an example: new data on the role of ER in recurrent breast cancer. Taken together, these aims illustrate the impact of affective regulatory processes on cancer patients’ long-term outcomes. As survival rates increase, long-term follow-up studies are needed to characterize the dynamic, reciprocal effects of emotion and ER for cancer survivors. Further research on ER may help women with breast cancer better manage the challenges associated with diagnosis and treatment.
Thermal diffuse scattering in β-phase CuAlNi alloy

The alloy Cu-Al-Ni with concentration near Cu/sub 3/Al exhibits an order-disorder transition from the disordered bcc ..beta..-phase to the ordered fcc ..beta../sub 1/-phase of the DO/sub 3/ type at high temperature. The ordered ..beta../sub 1/-phase remains stable at room temperature upon quenching from the high temperature ..beta..-phase. At lower temperature, the ..beta../sub 1/-phase again undergoes a martensitic transition to the orthorhombic ..gamma..'-phase. Recent elastic constant measurements have shown considerable lattice softening. Additional evidence for the lattice softening was obtained from inelastic neutron scattering experiments in which the TA/sub 2/ phonon mode showed low frequencies. This low energy TA/sub 2/ mode should also manifest itself in a diffraction experiment by exhibiting non-radial diffuse streaks satisfying certain geometrical extinction conditions. However, it can be argued that static displacements of similar amplitude to that of the TA/sub 2/ phonon mode resulting from defects or sublattice ordering could also account for the extinction conditions seen. The purpose of this work is to examine the diffuse scattering streaks by absolute x-ray intensity analysis at room temperature and at elevated temperatures. This study is intended to provide solid experimental evidence which verifies that the diffuse streaks occurring in a ..beta..-phase Cu-Al-Ni alloy are dynamical in nature.more » In addition, the phonon behavior as a function of temperature is examined.« less
Phase stability of Cu 2 ZnSnS 4 -SnS 2 interfaces: Cu 2 ZnSn 3 S 8

Cu 2 ZnSnS 4 -based photovoltaics are often plagued by the presence of secondary phases. Unfortunately, the properties of some of these phases are poorly understood. For example the formation of a quaternary Cu 2 ZnSn 3 S 8 phase has been reported. Unfortunately, there is only one published observation of this phase. This work demonstrates that Cu 2 ZnSnS 4 -SnS 2 phase boundaries are remarkably stable and that Cu 2 ZnSn 3 S 8 does not form under a wide variety of conditions. Thus, it is unlikely that this phase would be present in Cu 2 ZnSnS 4 -based photovoltaic devices. Cu 4 Sn 7 S 16 , however, seems stable with respect to SnS 2 and Cu 2 ZnSnS 4 and merits further study.
Haploinsufficiency of Ribosomal Protein S6 In Mice Mimics Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes In Humans

Abstract 194 Haploinsufficiency of ribosomal proteins has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Diamond Blackfan anemia and 5q- myelodysplastic syndrome, two diseases that share phenotypic features including anemia and thrombocytosis. The molecular and cellular basis of the specific cytopenias observed in affected individuals has remained enigmatic. Here, we examined the effect of bone marrow-specific hemizygosity for a ribosomal protein, Rps6 , in the mouse, and find that the model recapitulates many aspects of human bone marrow failure syndromes. Rps6 lox/+ ; Tg.MxCre animals exhibit a robust macrocytic anemia that worsens over time with a 36% reduction in red blood cell count and a 25% increase in mean corpuscular volume (MCV) at 16-weeks post induction of Cre recombinase. Mutant mice also exhibit marked leukopenia and a progressive thrombocytosis. Morphologic examination of Rps6 lox/+ ; Tg.MxCre /+ bone marrow reveals a prominent megakaryocytosis (2.7-fold increase) composed of small, dysplastic megakaryocytes and a 50% reduction in cellularity in compared to control animals. There is also a significant increase in the number of immature erythroid precursors (basophilic erythroblasts, P=0.004), and a significant decrease in mature erythroid cells (poly- or orthochromatic erythroblasts, P=0.027). We also measured HSC and committed progenitors in Rps6 lox/+ ; Tg.MxCre /+ mutant and nonmutant ( Tg.MxCre /+) controls. Flow cytometric evaluation revealed that mutant animals exhibited a significant decrease in HSCs (P=0.027), accompanied by significant increases of most downstream committed progenitor populations (MPP, P=0.002; PreMegE, P=0.004; Pre CFU-E, P=8.5×10−6; MpK, P=0.00007) (Pronk et al., Cell Stem Cell 2007). Mutant animals also exhibited a significant (P=0.017) reduction of more mature erythroid progenitor cells (CFU-E/ProEry). Based on prior work implicating p53 in the pathogenesis of bone marrow failure, Rps6 lox/+ ;Tg.MxCre mice were crossed with p53 knockout ( Trp53 ko/ko ) animals and evaluated. In Rps6 lox/+ ;Tg.MxCre /+ animals, deficiency for p53 completely mitigated the hematopoietic alterations in the peripheral blood and the bone marrow. Together, these data indicate that Rps6 haploinsufficiency mimics many aspects of human bone marrow failure syndromes and does so through a p53-dependent pathway. This mouse model will serve as a useful tool to investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying bone marrow failure syndromes mediated by RPS haploinsufficiency. Disclosures: Weissman: Amgen, Systemix, Stem cells Inc, Cellerant: Consultancy, Employment, Equity Ownership, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.
The Fourier Transform

In previous chapters we have made frequent use of Fourier series as an analytical tool. In this chapter we develop the continuous analog, an integral transform based on plane waves.
Why Do Firms Disagree with Short Sellers? Managerial Myopia versus Private Information

Though short sellers on average succeed at identifying overvalued equity, firms often signal disagreement with short sellers by repurchasing stock when short interest increases. We investigate whether this disagreement reflects a myopic defense of inflated prices, or positive private information. These repurchases appear motivated by managers’ private information, not agency issues, even when managerial benefits to short-termism are enhanced or monitoring is weaker. Managers’ informational advantage relates to subsequent news, earnings, and risk, but is attenuated if activists target management or insiders sell. A trading strategy based on our findings earns 7.5% annually.
Grain size dependent magnetic discrimination of Iceland and South Greenland terrestrial sediments in the northern North Atlantic sediment record

Abstract We use isothermal and temperature dependent in-field and magnetic remanence methods together with electron microscopy to characterize different sieved size fractions from terrestrial sediments collected in Iceland and southern Greenland. The magnetic fraction of Greenland silts (3–63 μm) and sands (>63 μm) is primarily composed of near-stoichiometric magnetite that may be oxidized in the finer clay (
Solving Lake Erie’s harmful algal blooms by restoring the Great Black Swamp in Ohio

Abstract Harmful algal blooms are now a common occurrence around the world in these Anthropocene times because of fertilization of phosphorus and nitrogen for crop and animal production. One of the most dramatic cases in North America is the recent accelerated eutrophication of Lake Erie in the Laurentian Great Lakes. Also, we have lost, by some estimates, 50% of the world’s wetlands in the 20th century and 90% of the wetlands in Ohio USA over the 19th and 20th centuries. We are proposing a serious analysis of an ecological engineering opportunity to restore parts of the former 400,000 ha (1 million acre) Great Black Swamp that was immediately southwest of Lake Erie in Ohio and is now one of the major sources of agricultural phosphorus to western Lake Erie through the Maumee River. Restoring and creating 20,000–40,000 ha (50,000–100,000 acres) or 5–10% of the original wetlands in the Black Swamp to optimize nutrient reduction could reduce phosphorus loading by 480–960 metric tons/year or 18–37% percent of the annual phosphorus loading by the Maumee River to Lake Erie. A thorough investigation of this idea will first require physical (multi-year mesocosm experiments), mathematical, and business models to explore biogeochemical, hydrologic and economic feasibility and reliability. If this presents reasonable results, it would be followed by the creation of a small 400–1000 ha (1000–2500 acre) demonstration treatment wetland in the Black Swamp region to see if wetland performance will scale up as predicted with the mesocosm and mathematical models. Only after a decade of studies at these smaller scale models and a demonstration levels would the full-scale nutrient retention wetlands be implemented in the former Black Swamp. When completed, these treatment wetlands would cover about 10% of the Great Black Swamp region and could remove, with proper ecological engineering design, 40% or more of the phosphorus load from the Maumee River Basin now going into Lake Erie.
Finding the One: Barriers to the Development of Mentoring Relationships

Research regarding women and mentoring suggests that women are mentored less often than their male colleagues. One common explanation for this phenomenon is that women may have less access to mento...
Splitting a coordination with “with”

By investigating data on Japanese particle to ‘with/and’, this paper provides a unified analysis of three types of construction containing the particle to . We argue that a single to particle coordinating two elements is a conjunction particle (single to construction), while to selecting the coordination phrase (multiple to construction) and to adjoined to a single element (split to construction) are comitative postpositions. Under the proposal, the split to construction and the multiple to construction share the same underlying structure containing the single to construction. We also show that Russian coordinative and discontinuous comitatives are derived in a similar way to Japanese, following Ionin and Matushansky (2003). Our proposal suggests that a discontinuous comitative phrase and its associate universally form a constituent in a base structure.
The Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program-learning from failure of a healthcare policy.

Heart failure is the leading cause of readmissions in patients aged ≥65 years with high associated societal and economic costs. The utilization metric of 30-day risk standardized readmission rates (RSRRs) has therefore become a target to reduce healthcare costs. In this review, we discuss in detail the implementation, effectiveness, and unintended consequences of the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (HRRP)-the major healthcare policy approach in the U.S. to reduce readmissions by financially penalizing hospitals with higher than average 30-day RSRRs. The HRRP was enacted by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (popularly known as 'Obamacare'). The public reporting of RSRRs began in June 2009 and the HRRP readmission penalties went into effect starting fiscal year 2013. The policy had limited success in achieving its primary objective of reducing readmissions as the achieved reduction in heart failure readmissions was much smaller (∼9%) than anticipated (∼25%) with some of the reduction in RSRRs attributable to the artifact of administrative upcoding post-HRRP rather than an actual decline in readmissions. From the time of passage of this law, there have been significant concerns regarding gaming of the system such as increase in observation stays, delaying readmissions beyond discharge day 30, and inappropriate triage strategies in emergency departments in order to achieve lower readmission rates to avoid penalties. A series of independent reports have now suggested that implementation of the HRRP was associated with an increase in 30-day, 90-day, and 1-year risk-adjusted heart failure mortality in the U.S. with reversal in decade long trend of declining heart failure mortality. We review the evidence behind effect of the HRRP on readmissions and mortality outcomes as well as discuss various lessons to be learned from the design, implementation, and consequences of this policy.
Retinal Pigment Epithelial–Choroid Interactions

Located at the back of the eye, the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and choroid comprise the RPE–choroid complex, which is vital to normal eye function. Separated only by Bruch's membrane, the RPE and choroid have a great deal of interaction during both development and in adult. The presence of an intact, fully differentiated RPE is not only required for proper choroidal development, but is also essential for survival and maintenance of fenestrations of adult choriocapillaris endothelium. The aged RPE–choroid complex, which undergoes changes such as reduced RPE cell density and choroidal blood flow, is often more susceptible to disease.
Recurrent epileptiform discharges in the medial entorhinal cortex of kainate-treated rats are differentially sensitive to antiseizure drugs.

Objective Approximately 30% of patients with epilepsy are refractory to existing antiseizure drugs (ASDs). Given that the properties of the central nervous systems of these patients are likely to be altered due to their epilepsy, tissues from rodents that have undergone epileptogenesis might provide a therapeutically relevant disease substrate for identifying compounds capable of attenuating pharmacoresistant seizures. To facilitate the development of such a model, this study describes the effects of classical glutamate receptor antagonists and 20 ASDs on recurrent epileptiform discharges (REDs) in brain slices derived from the kainate-induced status epilepticus model of temporal lobe epilepsy (KA-rats). Methods Horizontal brain slices containing the medial entorhinal cortex (mEC) were prepared from KA-rats, and REDs were recorded from the superficial layers. 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione, (2R)-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid, tetrodotoxin, or ASDs were bath applied for 20 minutes. Concentration-dependent effects and half maximal effective concentration values were determined for RED duration, frequency, and amplitude. Results ASDs targeting sodium and potassium channels (carbamazepine, eslicarbazepine, ezogabine, lamotrigine, lacosamide, phenytoin, and rufinamide) attenuated REDs at concentrations near their average therapeutic plasma concentrations. γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic synaptic transmission-modulating ASDs (clobazam, midazolam, phenobarbital, stiripentol, tiagabine, and vigabatrin) attenuated REDs only at higher concentrations and, in some cases, prolonged RED durations. ASDs with other/mixed mechanisms of action (bumetanide, ethosuximide, felbamate, gabapentin, levetiracetam, topiramate, and valproate) and glutamate receptor antagonists weakly or incompletely inhibited RED frequency, increased RED duration, or had no significant effects. Significance Taken together, these data suggest that epileptiform activity recorded from the superficial layers of the mEC in slices obtained from KA-rats is differentially sensitive to existing ASDs. The different sensitivities of REDs to these ASDs may reflect persistent molecular, cellular, and/or network-level changes resulting from disease. These data are expected to serve as a foundation upon which future therapeutics may be differentiated and assessed for potentially translatable efficacy in patients with refractory epilepsy.
Analysis of Damage in Unidirectional CFRP Circuit Analog Absorbers

This paper explores the effect that various instances and sources of damage have on the reflection coefficient of carbon-fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) circuit analog absorbers (CAA). To characterize and quantify these changes, five absorbers were constructed for use as radar absorbing materials (RAM). A wet-layup procedure was used to develop the sandwich structure of a single-ply unidirectional CFRP, dielectric slab, and carbon twill weave. The evolution of the reflection coefficient is recorded and presented for four different sources of damage.
Improving Pricing Accuracy at the Supermarket: Electronic Shelving Systems and Public Policy

Recent government inquiries, media reports, and academic studies have focused consumers’ and public policymakers’ attention on the issue of scanner pricing inaccuracy. The authors focus on what can...
Use of a Bioinformatics-Based Toxicity Scoring System to Assess Serotonin Burden and Predict Population-Level Adverse Drug Events from Concomitant Serotonergic Drug Therapy

STUDY OBJECTIVE Numerous medications interact at serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) receptors directly or through off-target interactions, causing mild to severe serotonergic adverse drug events (ADEs), particularly among older adults. Our objective was to develop a novel molecular-based toxicity scoring system to assess serotonergic burden resulting from concurrently administered drugs. Quantitative methods to assess serotonergic burden may provide a useful clinical tool for improving pharmacotherapy. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. DATA SOURCES PharMetrics Legacy health claims database (January 2001-December 2013) and ChEMBL bioactivity database. PATIENTS A 2-serotonergic drug exposure cohort (78,172 patients) and a 3-serotonergic drug exposure cohort (19,900 patients) were generated, and population-level statistics were collected. Nonexposure cohorts were created for each drug exposure cohort and matched in a 4:1 ratio for age, sex, and length of enrollment. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Eight 5-HT medications were screened against multiple bioactivity databases to identify their off-target interactions at 5-HT receptors and serotonin reuptake transporter protein. A computational serotonin burden score (SBS) was derived from the receptor-specific interaction propensities reported from the comprehensive bioactivity screen. Linear regression was used to characterize associations between SBSs and combined total ADE incidence rate detected by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification, diagnosis codes. A significantly greater incidence of 17 potential 5-HT-related ADEs was seen in exposed serotonergic drug cohorts (p<0.05). A positive correlation between SBS and overall ADE incidence rate in the 2-serotonergic drug exposure cohort (R2 = 0.69, p<0.34) and 3-drug cohort (R2 = 0.85, p<0.01) was observed. When both drug cohorts were combined, total drug SBSs strongly correlated with the composite 5-HT adverse event rate (R2 = 0.92, p<0.0001). Despite an increasing burden of illness, these data suggest that drug combinations with higher SBSs are associated with a higher rate of potential serotonergic ADEs. CONCLUSION In this test of concept, positive associations between SBSs and serotonin-related ADEs suggest that it may offer a pharmacologic-based foundation for developing risk assessment tools to assist in optimizing pharmacotherapy.
Characterization of the temperature dependence of the electrical and mechanical properties of a high breakdown strength nanodielectric composite

Advancements in the field of very compact, high dielectric strength, nanodielectric material capacitors have continued to be made. The capacitors are constructed from a proprietary nanodielectric, MU100, which is a polymer-ceramic composite composed of barium titanate and a binding agent. The MU100 material exhibits several novel qualities-including high dielectric strength along with facile machining and assembly characteristics. Electrical property characterization data of MU100 has been collected at standard ambient temperature conditions. Assessing MU100's properties over a wide temperature range is necessary to verify its suitability for field application and for continued improvement of capacitor design. The dielectric constant and thermal expansion were measured for the MU100 material from −40°C to 120°C. The results demonstrate the nanodielectric has a strong stability both electrically and mechanically across the entire temperature test range. The maximum dielectric constant change of MU100 relevant to standard temperature was +/−9.8% occurring at 130°C. The maximum linear coefficient of thermal expansion found was 1.5 PPM/°C. These values suggest that the MU100 material is suitable for high voltage applications where harsh environmental conditions are expected. It combines the thermal stability of ceramic substrates with the ability to easily machine and assemble the material.
Relationships between gait variability and ambulatory activity post stroke.

ABSTRACTBackground: Fall risk and balance confidence are related to gait variability and ambulatory activity post stroke, yet whether a relationship exists between gait variability and ambulatory activity is unknown. Knowing if gait variability measured under naturalistic conditions is related to ambulatory activity could explain more about the relationship between falls and walking activity post-stroke.Objectives: To examine relationships between spontaneous, daily ambulatory activity and gait variability during single- and dual-task walking, in low- and high-distraction settings in adults post stroke.Methods: Sixteen community-dwelling adults post stroke participated in a cross-sectional study. Spatiotemporal gait parameters were recorded during single- and cognitive-motor dual-task walking in low- and high-distraction settings. Coefficient of variation was calculated for stride length and stride duration. Average walking bout duration, maximum walking bout duration, and total number of steps per day we...
AAPL Advocacy Through Education.

> There's a time for debate and a time for consensus. There's a time for advocacy and time for first principles. > > Hon. Judge Anthony Kennedy[1][1] Advocacy is important in psychiatric practice. In the United States, the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) requires general
Return to Play After Bipolar Patellofemoral Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation for a Professional Basketball Player: A Case Report.

CASE Extensive and multiple symptomatic chondral lesions in the knee of a professional athlete presents unique challenges when considering optimal management. We present the case of a professional National Basketball Association player with symptomatic and extensive patellofemoral chondral lesions, who failed 24 months of nonoperative management and was treated surgically with bipolar patellofemoral osteochondral allograft transplantation (OCA) consisting of 3 large grafts to the patella, medial trochlea, and lateral trochlea. The player was able to return to his preinjury level of play 10 months postoperatively and remains asymptomatic at same level of play 3 years after surgery. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging at 16 months demonstrated good restoration of the articular architecture of the patellofemoral joint. CONCLUSIONS Bipolar OCA treatment for extensive chondral patellofemoral injury may be considered in high-level, high-demand athletes who wish to return to play professionally.
Cultivable Bacteria in Urine of Women With Interstitial Cystitis: (Not) What We Expected.

OBJECTIVE Multiple studies show cultivatable bacteria in urine of most women. The existence of these bacteria challenges interstitial cystitis (IC)/painful bladder syndrome (PBS) diagnosis, which presumes a sterile bladder. The aims of this study were (1) to compare the female bladder microbiomes in women with IC/PBS and unaffected controls and (2) to correlate baseline bladder microbiome composition with symptoms. METHODS This cross-sectional study enrolled 49 IC/PBS and 40 controls. All provided catheterized urine samples and completed validated questionnaires. A subset of the IC/PBS cohort provided voided and catheterized urine samples. All samples from both cohorts were assessed by the expanded quantitative urine culture (EQUC) protocol; a subset was assessed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. RESULTS Of the IC/PBS cohort, 49.0% (24/49) were EQUC positive; in these EQUC-positive samples, the most common urotypes were Lactobacillus (45.8%) and Streptococcus (33.3%). Of the controls, 40.0% were EQUC positive; of these EQUC-positive samples, the most common urotype was Lactobacillus (50.0%). The urotype distribution was significantly different (P < 0.05), as 16% of the IC/PBS cohort, but 0% of controls, were Streptococcus urotype (P < 0.01). Symptom-free IC/PBS participants were less likely to be EQUC positive (12.5%) than IC/PBS participants with moderate or severe symptoms (68.8% and 46.2%) and the control cohort (60%; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Lactobacillus was the most common urotype. However, the presence of Lactobacillus did not differ between cohorts, and it did not impact IC/PBS symptom severity. Bacteria were not isolated from most participants with active IC/PBS symptoms. These findings suggest that bacteria may not be an etiology for IC/PBS.
In vitro ovarian follicle growth: a comprehensive analysis of key protocol variables

Folliculogenesis is a complex process that requires integration of autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine factors together with tightly regulated interactions between granulosa cells and oocytes for the growth and survival of healthy follicles. Culture of ovarian follicles is a powerful approach for investigating folliculogenesis and oogenesis in a tightly controlled environment. This method has not only enabled unprecedented insight into the fundamental biology of follicle development but also has far-reaching translational applications, including in fertility preservation for women whose ovarian follicles may be damaged by disease or its treatment or in wildlife conservation. Two- and three-dimensional follicle culture systems have been developed and are rapidly evolving. It is clear from a review of the literature on isolated follicle culture methods published over the past two decades (1980-2018) that protocols vary with respect to species examined, follicle isolation methods, culture techniques, culture media and nutrient and hormone supplementation, and experimental endpoints. Here we review the heterogeneity among these major variables of follicle culture protocols.
Vessel wall imaging of carotid web

A 46-year-old man with a right distal middle cerebral artery occlusion was referred to a comprehensive stroke center. Outside CT angiogram (figure, A) had been originally interpreted as normal, but upon review revealed a carotid web at the origin of the right internal carotid artery. Catheter angiogram (figure, B) and MRI vessel wall imaging were subsequently performed (figure, C and D). Carotid web, a variant of fibromuscular dysplasia, is known to be thrombogenic due to stasis of blood flow distal to the web causing ipsilesional and recurrent infarctions.1,2 The appearance on MRI vessel wall imaging is currently not well-documented.
How Do Parents Teach Their Children About Work? A Qualitative Exploration of Household Chores, Employment, and Entrepreneurial Experiences

This qualitative study examines the question, “How do parents teach their children about work?” The sample included 90 emerging adult “children” (between 18 and 30 years old), 17 parents, and eight grandparents. It spanned two generations in eleven families, and three generations in five families. Altogether the sample totaled (N = 115). Analyses revealed three major methods for teaching children about work: (1) implementing household chores and allowances, (2) facilitating paid employment, and (3) encouraging entrepreneurial experiences. Through each of these methods, children were taught valuable financial principles. Entrepreneurial experiences specifically taught children to work hard for money, to manage earned money via budgeting and saving, and to be independent. Implications for parents, educators, therapists, and policy makers are discussed.
Immune-Related Adverse Events in the Older Adult with Cancer Receiving Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy.

Objective: Older adults with cancer (OAC) may be at elevated risk for immune-related adverse events (irAEs) during immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy due to the normal organ function changes of aging, as well as related to a higher prevalence of comorbid conditions compared to younger patients. The importance of high-quality nursing care cannot be overstated for this population, including proactive symptom assessment, management, and coordination of care. The purpose of this paper is to describe the unique challenges faced by OAC receiving ICI drugs. Methods: We present both a case study and the results of a single-institution retrospective study from a large, urban US National Cancer Institute– designated comprehensive cancer center. The retrospective study examined the frequency and intensity of irAEs experienced by patients aged 75 years or older who received ICI therapy between January 2016 and December 2018 for melanoma. Results: We reviewed the records of 38 OAC (age range 75–92 years) with locally advanced or metastatic melanoma who received pembrolizumab, nivolumab and/or ipilimumab. Median length of therapy was 7.4 months, and median time to onset of irAEs was 81 days. Approximately half (47%) of the patients experienced Grade 1–3 irAEs, and discontinued therapy related to inability to tolerate the ICI more frequently than was reported in clinical trials (24%). Conclusions: OAC who receive ICI therapy frequently experience irAEs that may result in treatment interruption, discontinuation or long-lasting toxicity. Nurses are well positioned to provide support to this vulnerable population.
Data Warehousing and Decision Support System Effectiveness Demonstrated in Service Recovery During COVID19 Health Pandemic

The literary review completed demonstrates the effectiveness of DW/DSS (Data Warehouses and Decision Support Systems) during a health pandemic. DW and DSS are not new technology capabilities for businesses. The Data Warehouses in their original design in 1992 were adopted to remain sustainable long term. Businesses and governments rely on data analysis to make informed decisions. This review supports there being reliance on DW and DSS in response to the economic downturn experienced in 2020 due to the COVID19 worldwide health pandemic. Both profit and non-profit organizations have implemented Service Recovery strategies to have continued good customer retention. Even though the service interruptions experienced by the organizations resulted in lost revenues and customer base it led to a need to recover strong. For many organizations, there was a need to create ongoing initiatives to grow the business and retain existing customers. The pandemic crisis remains a current event and one that has no predictable end in sight. For many, the goal of their work was to grow business now changed to sustaining the business. One approach to sustain the business was to plan for and implement certain types of effective Service Recovery which allowed for retaining the current customer base. The Data Warehouses of organizations needed to be accessed to make an outreach to their customer base. The data which was gathered helped to identify certain characteristics of the current services provided to the customer helping to lead to business intelligence. Data was integral in developing a successful platform for Service Recovery.
Square-free divisor complexes of certain numerical semigroup elements

A numerical semigroup S is an additive subsemigroup of the nonnegative integers with finite complement, and the square-free divisor complex of an element m∈S is a simplicial complex Δm that arises in the study of multigraded Betti numbers. We compute square-free divisor complexes for certain classes numerical semigroups, and exhibit a new family of simplicial complexes that occur as the square-free divisor complex of some numerical semigroup element.
Invariant Representation of Physical Stability in the Human Brain

Abstract Successful engagement with the world requires the ability to predict what will happen next. Here we investigate how the brain makes the most basic prediction about the physical world: whether the situation in front of us is stable, and hence likely to stay the same, or unstable, and hence likely to change in the immediate future. Specifically, we ask if judgements of stability can be supported by the kinds of representations that have proven to be highly effective at visual object recognition in both machines and brains, or instead if the ability to determine the physical stability of natural scenes may require generative algorithms that simulate the physics of the world. To find out, we measured responses in both convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and the brain (using fMRI) to natural images of physically stable versus unstable scenarios. We find no evidence for generalizable representations of physical stability in either standard CNNs trained on visual object and scene classification (ImageNet), or in the human ventral visual pathway, which has long been implicated in the same process. However, in fronto-parietal regions previously implicated in intuitive physical reasoning we find both scenario-invariant representations of physical stability, and higher univariate responses to unstable than stable scenes. These results demonstrate abstract representations of physical stability in the dorsal but not ventral pathway, consistent with the hypothesis that the computations underlying stability entail not just pattern classification but forward physical simulation.
Obsessive Over the Possessive on the Supreme Court of the United States: Exploring SCOTUS’/SCOTUS’s Use of Possessive Apostrophes

U.S. Supreme Court justices often use apostrophes in their written opinions. This is not without controversy because when a noun ends in an s and is then used in the possessive form one could either denote it with one s -- Justice Thomas' argument -- or with two s's -- Justice Thomas's argument. Grammar and legal experts alike disagree on the one or two s rule. And, while justices themselves use both forms, we empirically test which is the most prevalent usage over the past seven decades. Our findings indicate that the Court's precedent sides with the single s for possessives.
Passive static stretching alters the characteristics of the force-velocity curvature differently for fast and slow muscle groups-A practical application of Hill's equation

Abstract Studies showed fast muscle fibers have a greater constant b value of Hill's equation than that of slow muscle fibers, and the changing ratio of b/Vmax indicates the altered characteristics of muscles under certain conditions such as static stretching. This study was to investigate the effect of acute passive static stretching on the curvature of force-velocity curve in people with different muscle fiber types. A two-step work was conducted in current study through using Hill's equation: 1) calculated b values for each subject at different conditions (non-stretched and stretched) to determine muscle groups, and 2) examined the effect of static stretching on different muscle groups. Sixty-five college students performed isokinetic leg extensions at 5 speeds to test peak torque, following either a non-stretching or two passive static quadriceps stretching exercises. The peak torque and corresponding velocity were used to calculate the b constant. Data reduction consisted of calculating a Z score for each non-stretched and stretched b values. Individuals, whose non-stretched b constant was above or below one standard deviation of the Z score, were designated as the less curved (fast) and more curved (slow) groups, respectively. A paired t-test was used to analyze the pre and post intervention effect on b values for each group (p
Lung Mechanics: An Inverse Modeling Approach

With mathematical and computational models furthering our understanding of lung mechanics, function and disease, this book provides an all-inclusive introduction to the topic from a quantitative standpoint. Focusing on inverse modeling, the reader is guided through the theory in a logical progression, from the simplest models up to state-of-the-art models that are both dynamic and nonlinear. Key tools used in biomedical engineering research, such as regression theory, linear and nonlinear systems theory, and the Fourier transform, are explained. Derivations of important physical principles, such as the Poiseuille equation and the wave speed equation, from first principles are also provided. Example applications to experimental data throughout illustrate physiological relevance, whilst problem sets at the end of each chapter provide practice and test reader comprehension. This book is ideal for biomedical engineering and biophysics graduate students and researchers wishing to understand this emerging field.
Readability of Healthcare Literature for Hepatitis B and C

Patients increasingly use the Internet for educational material concerning health and diseases. This information can be utilized to teach the population of hepatitis B and C if properly written at the necessary grade level of the intended patient population. We explored the readability of online resources concerning hepatitis B and C. Google searches were performed for “Hepatitis B” and “Hepatitis C.” The Internet resources that were intended for patient education were used with specific exclusions. Articles were taken from 19 and 23 different websites focusing on the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of hepatitis B and C, respectively. The articles were analyzed using Readability Studio Professional Edition (Oleander Solutions, Vandalia, OH) using 10 different readability scales. The results were compared and averaged to identify the anticipated academic grade level required to understand the information. The average readability scores of the 10 scales had ranges of 9.7–16.4 for hepatitis B and 9.2–16.4 for hepatitis C. The average academic reading grade level for hepatitis B was 12.6 ± 2.1 and for hepatitis C was 12.7 ± 2.1. There was no significant discrepancy between the hepatitis B and C Internet resource averaged grade levels. The resources accessed by patients are higher than the previously determined necessary grade level for patients to properly understand the intended information. The American Medical Association recommends material should be simplified to grade levels below the sixth grade level to benefit the ideal proportion of the patient population.
Cytochrome P450 mediated-drug metabolism is reduced in children with sepsis-induced multiple organ failure

Objective Antipyrine metabolism is a "gold standard" measure of mixed cytochrome P450 (CYP) mediated drug metabolism in humans. Cytokines (e.g., interleukin-6) and nitric oxide reduce CYP 450 activity in vitro and in vivo. Because interleukin-6 and nitric oxide production increases in children with sepsis-induced multiple organ failure, we hypothesized impaired CYP 450 mediated drug metabolism in this population.