cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A rapid analytical method for the quantification of paclitaxel in rat plasma and brain tissue by high‐performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry

RATIONALE Paclitaxel, an antitumor agent for the treatment of several types of cancers, has recently been reported to cause impaired cognitive function and neuropathic pain in humans. To assess the effects of paclitaxel on the central nervous system, a sensitive and accurate method is required to quantify paclitaxel concentrations in plasma and brain tissue obtained from rodents receiving paclitaxel. METHODS The biological samples were prepared by liquid-liquid extraction and separated by a 3.5 min reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RPLC) method using a BDS Hypersil C8 column under isocratic conditions. Paclitaxel was quantified using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) with a triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer working in the positive electrospray ionization (ESI+) mode. A stable isotope labeled analogue of paclitaxel was used as the internal standard (IS). RESULTS The method was validated to be precise and accurate within the dynamic range of 0.5-100 ng/mL based on 100 μL plasma and 1.5–300 ng/g based on 33 mg of brain tissue in homogenate. This method was applied to samples from 2 mg/kg intravenously dosed rats. The plasma concentrations were observed to be 26.62 ± 8.93 ng/mL and brain concentrations 11.08 ± 4.18 ng/g when measured 4 h post-dose. CONCLUSIONS This rapid LC/MS/MS method was validated to be sensitive, specific, precise and accurate for the quantification of paclitaxel in rat plasma and brain tissue homogenate. Application of the method to study samples provided sufficient proof of blood–brain barrier penetration of paclitaxel, allowing further investigation of its influence on the central nervous system. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Explaining ‘The Hardness of the Logical Must’: Wittgenstein on Grammar, Arbitrariness and Logical Necessity

This paper explains (in Part A) Wittegnstein’s understanding of the ‘grammar’ of our (or any) language, tracing its origins in the Tractatus’s concept of logical syntax, and then examining the senses in which Wittegnstein, in his later work, viewed grammar as being ‘arbitrary’. Then, armed with this understanding, it moves on (in Part B) to the task of examining how, within the framework of a Wittegnsteinian view of language, we should understand the inescapable ‘compellingness’ of logical necessity – what Wittegnstein calls the “hardness of the logical must”. Whereas it is often thought that Wittegnstein’s views on the nature of the ‘grammar’ of our concpets leads him towards a vitiatingly conventionalist or anti-realist understanding of necessity, in which its logical ‘superhardness’ becomes problematic, this paper will argue that there is actually no such tension in Wittegnstein’s thought. In fact, it will be argued, an understanding of the ways in which our conceptual grammar is arbitrary casts a great deal of light on how it is that our concepts can nevertheless support a logically superhard, and normatively commanding, notion of necessity. In support of this view, I distinguish Wittegnstein’s views on necessity from the ‘classical’ conventionalism of the Vienna Circle, and from the radical conventionalism of Michael Dummett, and defend Wittegnstein’s view from a powerful recent attack from Quassim Cassam.
A controlled family study of children with DSM-IV bipolar-I disorder and psychiatric co-morbidity.

Background. To estimate the spectrum of familial risk for psychopathology in first-degree relatives of children with unabridged DSM-IV bipolar-I disorder (BP-I). Method. We conducted a blinded, controlled family study using structured diagnostic interviews of 157 children with BP-I probands (n =487 first-degree relatives), 162 attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (without BP-I) probands (n=511 first-degree relatives), and 136 healthy control (without ADHD or BP-I) probands (n=411 first-degree relatives). Results. The morbid risk (MR) of BP-I disorder in relatives of BP-I probands (MR = 0.18) was increased 4-fold [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.3-6.9, p<0.001] over the risk to relatives of control probands (MR=0.05) and 3.5-fold (95% CI 2.1-5.8, p<0.001) over the risk to relatives of ADHD probands (MR=0.06). In addition, relatives of children with BP-I disorder had high rates of psychosis, major depression, multiple anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, ADHD and antisocial disorders compared with relatives of control probands. Only the effect for antisocial disorders lost significance after accounted for by the corresponding diagnosis in the proband. Familial rates of ADHD did not differ between ADHD and BP-I probands. Conclusions. Our results document an increased familial risk for BP-I disorder in relatives of pediatric probands with DSM-IV BP-I. Relatives of probands with BP-I were also at increased risk for other psychiatric disorders frequently associated with pediatric BP-I. These results support the validity of the diagnosis of BP-I in children as defined by DSM-IV. More work is needed to better understand the nature of the association between these disorders in probands and relatives.
Velocity-density systematics, mean atomic weight, and the interior of the moon

Abstract Mean atomic weight profiles for the lunar mantle have been calculated from velocity-density systematic relations using lunar density and seismic velocity models. Despite large variability among the models, the calculation including Poisson's ratio yields a range of mean atomic weight values between 22 and 23 g mol −1 below 150 km. A similar calculation for the Earth's mantle produces a mean atomic weight of 21.1 ±0.4 g mol −1 . This suggests that the Moon cannot be derived directly from the Earth's mantle, or that it has had a differentiation history different from the Earth's. The lunar m ' s require an Fe mole fraction between 0.25 and 0.33 for a pure olivine mantle, or between 0.33 and 0.45 for pure pyroxene. The present profiles are 0.5–3.0 g mol −1 higher than those calculated from lunar compositional models based on lunar rock compositions and petrology and assumed lunar histories, indicating inadequacies in either the seismic or compositional models, or in both. The mean atomic weight approach provides a method of comparing the consistency of seismic and compositional models of planetary interiors.
Pervasive and Trustworthy Healthcare

Healthcare is an information intensive industry. Pervasive computing, as the third wave of computing technology and when applied to healthcare systems, could potentially revolutionize next generation medical applications and significantly improve the quality of healthcare services. Healthcare information is very sensitive and security, privacy, and trust have been critical issues in health care and medical information systems. Due to the specific features of pervasive computing, these issues become much more challenging in pervasive healthcare. In this paper, we summarize some typical healthcare services pervasive healthcare can provide, identify integration and security challenges facing pervasive healthcare systems and propose some solutions to (some) of these challenging problems.
The Juggling Act: Navigating Parent Involvement in the Welfare Reform Era.

This article examines how parents supported their children’s education while transitioning from welfare to work. Interviews with parents, elementary school educators, and staff at a community-based organization were conducted in an urban Tennessee community. Navigating work and parenting responsibilities was particularly challenging when children had complex needs and when parent schedules offered limited flexibility. Work and trainingbased knowledge, experiences, and social networks informed parent involvement beliefs and practices when a parent saw parallels between a child’s education and their job or training. This study offers implications for federal welfare and education reauthorization debates and partnerships between schools and welfare assistance programs.
Pressure Natriuresis and Autoregulation of Inner Medullary Blood Flow in Canine Kidney

We have evaluated the responses to changes m ar- tenal pressure on regional blood flows m the renal medulla and sodium excretion simultaneously m denervated kidneys of SIX anesthetized sodium-replete dogs Renal reglonal blood flow re- sponses were determined usmg laser-Doppler needle flow probes and whole-ludney blood flow was assessed using an electromag- netic flow probe The responses to stepwlse reductions m renal alterlal pressure (140 to 70 mm Hg) were examined first with a laser-Doppler needle probe inserted m the outer medulla and then repeated after advancing the same probe m the inner medulla There were no differences m the control values of total renal blood flow (4 420 7 to 4 520 5 mL mn-' g-'), glomerular fil- tration rate (0 8920 7 to 0 9420 9 mL mu-' g-'), sodium ex- cretion (3 620 6 to 3 450 5 pmol mn-' g-l), and urinary ex- cretion rate of nitric oxide metabohtes (mtratelmtnte, 1 6?0 2 to 1 5+0 2 nmol min-' g-') at the start of both experimental pe- nods Durmg changes m renal arterial pressure, mner medullary blood flow exhibited efficient autoregulatlon similar to that m outer medullary blood flow Usual excretory responses to reduc- tions in renal arterial pressure as well as autoregulatlon of cortical and whole-kidney blood flows and glomerular filtration rate were observed m these dogs The slopes of the relatlonshlp between arterial pressure and sodium excretion (0 04650 007 to 0 044-t 0009 pm01 mu-' g-' mm Hg-') or mtrate/mtnte excretion (0 014?0 003 to 0 013tO 003 nmol mn-' g-' mm Hg-') were similar m both expenmental periods These data indicate that blood flow to the mner medulla IS efficiently autoregulated as m outer medulla and cortex of the kidney m anesthetized dogs and demonstrate further that the arterial pressure-Induced natnuretlc responses do not require associated changes m medullary blood flow (Hypertension. 1997;29(part 2):210-215.)
Incidence of contralateral versus ipsilateral neurological signs associated with lateralised Hansen type I disc extrusion

Asymmetrical neurological signs were noted in 50 dogs presenting with Hansen type I thoracolumbar disc extrusion. Thoracolumbar myelograms and surgical decompression were performed in all cases. Dogs were divided into two groups (acute and chronic) based on the duration of clinical signs prior to presentation to the University of Georgia. Lateralising extradural cord compressive lesions were noted on all myelograms. In the acute group, 35 per cent of the dogs had asymmetrical neurological signs contralateral to the myelographic and surgical lesion, while in the chronic group only 11 per cent had neurological signs contralateral to the lesion. There was found to be no significant difference in frequency of contralateral asymmetrical clinical signs between the two groups (Fischer's exact test; P = 0.095). The high frequency of contralateral signs documents the importance of thoracolumbar myelography for accurate localisation of the disc material before decompressive surgery.
Region-enhanced passive radar imaging

The authors adapt and apply a recently-developed region-enhanced synthetic aperture radar (SAR) image reconstruction technique to the problem of passive radar imaging. One goal in passive radar imaging is to form images of aircraft using signals transmitted by commercial radio and television stations that are reflected from the objects of interest. This involves reconstructing an image from sparse samples of its Fourier transform. Owing to the sparse nature of the aperture, a conventional image formation approach based on direct Fourier transformation results in quite dramatic artefacts in the image, as compared with the case of active SAR imaging. The region-enhanced image formation method considered is based on an explicit mathematical model of the observation process; hence, information about the nature of the aperture is explicitly taken into account in image formation. Furthermore, this framework allows the incorporation of prior information or constraints about the scene being imaged, which makes it possible to compensate for the limitations of the sparse apertures involved in passive radar imaging. As a result, conventional imaging artefacts, such as sidelobes, can be alleviated. Experimental results using data based on electromagnetic simulations demonstrate that this is a promising strategy for passive radar imaging, exhibiting significant suppression of artefacts, preservation of imaged object features, and robustness to measurement noise.
The genetics of human infertility by functional interrogation of SNPs in mice

Infertility is a prevalent health issue, affecting ∼15% of couples of childbearing age. Nearly one-half of idiopathic infertility cases are thought to have a genetic basis, but the underlying causes are largely unknown. Traditional methods for studying inheritance, such as genome-wide association studies and linkage analyses, have been confounded by the genetic and phenotypic complexity of reproductive processes. Here we describe an association- and linkage-free approach to identify segregating infertility alleles, in which CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing is used to model putatively deleterious nonsynonymous SNPs (nsSNPs) in the mouse orthologs of fertility genes. Mice bearing “humanized” alleles of four essential meiosis genes, each predicted to be deleterious by most of the commonly used algorithms for analyzing functional SNP consequences, were examined for fertility and reproductive defects. Only a Cdk2 allele mimicking SNP rs3087335, which alters an inhibitory WEE1 protein kinase phosphorylation site, caused infertility and revealed a novel function in regulating spermatogonial stem cell maintenance. Our data indicate that segregating infertility alleles exist in human populations. Furthermore, whereas computational prediction of SNP effects is useful for identifying candidate causal mutations for diverse diseases, this study underscores the need for in vivo functional evaluation of physiological consequences. This approach can revolutionize personalized reproductive genetics by establishing a permanent reference of benign vs. infertile alleles.
The rapidly deployable radio network

The rapidly deployable radio network (RDRN) is an architecture and experimental system to develop and evaluate hardware and software components suitable for implementing mobile, rapidly deployable, and adaptive wireless communications systems. The driving application for the RDRN is the need to quickly establish a communications infrastructure following a natural disaster, during a law enforcement activity, or rapid deployment of military force. The RDRN project incorporates digitally controlled antenna beams, programmable radios, adaptive protocols at the link layer, and mobile node management. This paper describes the architecture for the RDRN and a prototype system built to evaluate key system components.
Particulated Juvenile Cartilage Allograft Transplantation for the Treatment of Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus

Osteochondral lesions of the talus present a formidable treatment challenge to the orthopaedic surgeon. Although debridement with either microfracture, drilling, or curettage is often successful in relieving pain and growing fibrocartilage within a standard lesion, the option of implanting particulated juvenile cartilage allograft has become a promising treatment alternative for patients who have failed routine treatment or who have osteochondral lesions that are known to do poorly from the onset. Particulated juvenile cartilage allograft transplantation delivers 1 mm3 of fresh juvenile cartilage, which contain live cells in their native extracellular matrix, that are secured into the osteochondral defect with the use of a fibrin adhesive. The current evidence, indications, and surgical technique for the use of particulated juvenile cartilage allograft transplantation in the management of osteochondral lesions of the talus have been reviewed.
Dideoxynucleoside Analogues Should Be Used Cautiously in Patients with Hepatic Steatosis

Steatosis is frequently identified when elevated transaminases are noted incidentally during routine laboratory evaluation. Unenhanced hepatic CT is the optimal imaging study for the detection of hepatic steatosis, although it can also be detected by ultrasonography and MRI [6]. However, liver biopsy continues to play a central role in the evaluation of steatosis, because of its ability to detect inflammation, fibrosis, and other associated hepatocyte changes indicative of advanced liver disease. Hepatic steatosis is found in 40% to 180% of HCV-infected patients [7‐9]. In HCV infection, both viral and metabolic factors can lead to steatosis. In patients infected with HCV genotype 3, steatosis is predominantly virus mediated. In these patients, the prevalence and severity of steatosis are elevated (compared with patients who are infected with other HCV genotypes) and correlate with serum and liver HCV RNA levels, and steatosis largely resolves in patients who are successfully treated [10‐13]. In patients with HCV genotype 1 infection, host factors, such as excessive alcohol intake, age, central obesity, and hyperlipidemia, are predominant causes of hepatic steatosis. In these patients, steatosis is increasingly recognized as a component of the metabolic syndrome, a condition generally associated with insulin resistance. Hepatic steatosis is also common in HIV-infected patients
Augmented reality technology in U.S. army training (WIP)

The continued development and proliferation of augmented reality technology into U.S. Army simulation-based training represents an exciting trend in the field of Modeling & Simulation. Augmented reality provides a potential revolutionary method whereby the U.S. Army can train its soldiers. This paper examines the definition, history, potential benefits and current employment of augmented reality technology in training. The paper concludes with a brief discussion of the Collective Augmented Reality Training for Dismounted Soldiers (CART-DS) research program, a potential futuristic use of augmented reality technology in U.S. Army training.
U.S. Small-Cap Indexes: An Empirical Analysis of Factor Exposure and Return

We investigate the differences in risk and return in the most well-known U.S. small-cap indexes and find significant differences in returns, both absolute and risk-adjusted, and in factor exposures. The Russell 2000 underperforms the S&P 600, MSCI 1750, and the CRSP U.S. Small in the period 2001–2102. All of the indexes studied had positive market, size, and value exposure. We do, however, find differences in exposure to profitability and momentum factors. The Russell 2000 has positive momentum exposure whereas the other indexes do not have significant momentum. This difference is likely due to the annual versus quarterly reconstitution of the Russell. Also, the S&P 600 Index has significant positive exposure to profitability whereas the other indexes have significant negative exposure. This difference is likely attributed to the profitability screens employed by S&P in determining index constituents.
QTL Mapping and Correlation Analysis for 1,000-Grain Weight and Percentage of Grains with Chalkiness in Rice

The 1,000- grian weight( TGW) is an important yield factor and percentage of grains with chalkiness( PGWC) is an important rice quality index. In this study,a set of introgression lines( ILs),derived from Sasanishiki/ Habataki with Sasanishiki as the recurrent parent,was used to detect correlations and QTL on TGW and PGWC in two different environments. Phenotypic correlation analysis showed that there was no significantly correlation between TGW and PGWC in the IL population. A total of 20 QTLs were detected in both environments,9 QTL for 1,000- paddy grain weight( PTGW),5 QTL for 1,000- brown grain weight( BTGW) and 6 QTL for percentage of grains with chalkiness( PGWC). The results indicated that the five QTL,namely,qPTGW3,qPTGW8. 2,qPTGW11. 1 for PTGW and qPGWC1. 1,qPGWC1. 2 for PGWC,were stably expressed in these two different environments. Phenotypic values were different significantly( P 0. 01 or 0. 05) between the ILs harboring these five QTL alleles and the genetic background parent,Sasanishiki. The IL lines harboring these QTLs provided an interesting genetic resource for rice yield and quality improvement via a design-breeding approach.
Management of acute alcohol withdrawal states.

A rationale for the treatment of acute alcohol withdrawal states is presented based on the natural history of these disturbances. The method proposed recommends the use of paraldehyde in the light ...
Response of canine coronary collateral vessels to ergonovine and alpha-adrenergic stimulation

The ability of moderately well-developed coronary collateral vessels to undergo vasoconstriction in response to alpha-adrenergic stimulation and to ergonovine was studied. Studies were performed in 15 dogs 4-16 wk after embolic occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery had been performed to stimulate collateral vessel growth. Interarterial collateral flow was measured as retrograde flow from the cannulated left anterior descending coronary artery, while microvascular collateral flow was measured as continuing tissue flow determined with radioactive microspheres administered during the retrograde flow collection. Studies were performed after beta-adrenergic blockade with propranolol. Neither cardiac sympathetic nerve stimulation nor alpha 1-adrenergic stimulation with phenylephrine caused significant change in retrograde blood flow or myocardial tissue flow. The selective alpha 2-adrenergic agonist, B-HT 933, decreased tissue flow in the collateral-dependent region but did not significantly alter retrograde flow. Although these data indicate that intramural microvascular collateral communications are capable of vasoconstriction in response to alpha 2-adrenergic stimulation, the larger interarterial collaterals are unresponsive to alpha-adrenergic influences. However, under the conditions of the experiment, adrenergic activity did not appear to influence collateral function, since neither alpha 1-adrenergic blockade with prazosin nor alpha 2-adrenergic blockade with rauwolscine altered collateral flow. Ergonovine, 0.2-0.8 microgram.kg-1.min-1, caused a 22 +/- 4% decrease in retrograde flow (P less than 0.01) but did not alter microvascular collateral flow. Thus, of the agents tested, only ergonovine caused vasoconstriction of the large interarterial coronary collateral vessels.
Low light illumination study on commercially available homojunction photovoltaic cells

Abstract Low illumination (10 −4 suns) and indoor light energy harvesting is needed to meet the demands of zero net energy (ZNE) building, Internet of Things (IoT), and beta-photovoltaic energy harvesting systems to power remote sensors. Photovoltaic (PV) solar cells under low intensity and narrow (±40 nm) light spectrum conditions are not well characterized nor developed, especially for commercially available devices and scalable systems. PV operating characteristics under 1 sun illumination decrease at lower light intensity and narrow spectrum conditions (efficiency drops from ∼25% at 100 mW opt /cm 2 to 2% at 1 μW opt /cm 2 ). By choosing a PV with a bandgap that matches the light source operating wavelength, the total system efficiency can be improved. By quantifying losses on homojunction photovoltaics (thermalization and leakage current), we have determined the theoretical optimized efficiency for a set of PV material and a selected set of light sources. We measure single-junction solar cells’ parameters under three different light sources (indoor light and narrow spectrum LED sources) with light intensities ranging from 0.5 to 100 μW opt /cm 2 . Measurements show that indium gallium phosphide (InGaP) PV has the highest surface power density and conversion efficiency (29% under ≈1 μW opt /cm 2 from a 523 nm central peak LED). A beta-photovoltaic experimental study identifies InGaP to be optimized for use with the ZnS:Cu, Al and tritium at STP. The results have guided the selection of PV material for scalable isotope batteries and other low-light energy harvesting systems.
Making Ice Cream the Modern Way

During weekends and summer months, many colleges and museums either lease out their classrooms and laboratories for enrichment programs or run their own programs. The program involved in this case was at a New Jersey university that had been running such a program for many years. This year’s summer session had been going on for several days. The concept was to make science fun. When I heard about the experiment that led to the call to the poison center, I remembered as a child watching the television show Mr. Wizard. In that show Don Herbert, the “wizard,” exposed his viewers to science in a totally painless, educational, and fun way. The show was somewhat formulaic, but that was the standard for that era; a neighbor, his assistant for that show, would come over to see Mr. Wizard and they would then embark on an exploration of some scientific phenomenon. While many children were entertained by Howdy Doody and the Lone Ranger, many of us became fascinated with the prospect of doing scientific experiments at home, following the directions of Mr. Wizard and his assistant. The amazing thing about the original show, which ran from 1951 through 1965, was the ability to make the most mundane experiments look like fun and to titillate the minds of the watchers to go further and learn more about the subjects presented.
Nutrition for the Extremely Preterm Infant

With advancements in the care of preterm infants, the goals in nutritional care have expanded from survival and mimicking fetal growth to optimizing neurodevelopmental outcomes. Inadequate nutritional support may be a risk factor for major complications of prematurity; conversely, higher disease burden is a risk for growth restriction. Early complete parenteral nutrition support, including intravenous lipid emulsion, should be adopted, and the next challenge that should be addressed is parenteral nutrition customized to fit the specific needs and metabolism of the extremely preterm infant. Standardized feeding protocols should be adopted.
Clinical characteristics of patients with non-V600 BRAF mutant melanomas.

9100 Background: V600E and V600K mutations are the most common BRAF mutations in melanoma. We previously showed that non-V600 BRAF mutations account for 12% of all BRAF mutations in melanoma. Limited clinical data are available for non-V600 BRAF mutant melanomas. To better understand non-V600 BRAF mutations in melanoma, characteristics of tumor and clinical outcomes were investigated. Methods: Clinical and pathologic data were collected retrospectively in patients (pts) with melanoma who had multi-gene mutation analysis (next-gene sequencing) at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Fisher's exact test was used for all comparisons. Results: We found 52 pts with non-V600 BRAF mutations, among whom 8 had NRAS/non-V600 co-mutations. Common non-V600 mutations were K601E (17.3%), G469E (15.4%), G469R (7.7%), D594G (5.8%), L597S (5.8%), and S467L (5.8%). Compared with V600E mutations as a control (n=82) , the presence of a non-V600 mutations was significantly associated with older age (median, 58 years vs 50; P=0.001), le...
1 The association between urban tree cover and gun assault: a case-control and case-crossover study

Statement of purpose Green space and vegetation may play a protective role for urban violence. We investigated whether being near urban tree cover during outdoor activities related to being assaulted with a gun. Methods/approach We conducted GIS-assisted interviews with 10 to 24 year old males in Philadelphia, PA including 135 patients who had been shot with a firearm and 274 community controls. Each subject reported a step-by-step mapped account of where and with whom they travelled over a full day from waking until being assaulted or going to bed. Geocoded path points were overlaid on mapped layers representing tree locations and place-specific characteristics. Conditional logistic regressions compared case subjects versus controls (case-control) and case subjects at the time of injury versus times earlier that day (case-crossover). Results When comparing cases at the time of assault to controls matched at the same time of day, being under tree cover was inversely associated with gunshot assault (OR=0.70, 95% CI: 0.55, 0.88), especially in low-income areas (OR=0.69, 95%CI=0.54, 0.87). Case-crossover models confirmed this inverse association overall (OR=0.55, 95% CI=0.34, 0.89), and in low-income areas (OR=0.54, 95% CI=0.33, 0.88). Conclusion and Significance/contribution to Injury and Violence Prevention Science Urban greening and tree cover may hold promise as proactive strategies to decrease urban violence.
How issue frames shape beliefs about the importance of climate change policy across ideological and partisan groups.

We use an experiment to examine whether the way in which climate change is framed affects individuals’ beliefs about its importance as a policy issue. We employ frames that emphasize national security, human rights, and environmental importance about the consequences of climate change. We find no evidence that issue frames have an overall effect on opinions about the importance of climate change policy. We do find some evidence that the effect of issue frames varies across ideological and partisan groups. Most notably, issue frames can lead Republicans and those on the political right to view climate change policy as less important. We conclude by discussing our findings relative to extant literature and considering the implications of our findings for those who seek to address the issue of climate change.
Steady-State Conduction in more than One Dimension

In one-dimensional problems, it is possible to obtain analytical solutions for a variety of problems. In two or more dimensions, obtaining analytical solutions generally is not possible. Under some circumstances, transformation of coordinates or use of conformal mapping techniques of complex variable theory permits solution in terms of shape factors. Some simple cases can be treated by separation of variables and Fourier series. In general, when dealing with multiple dimensions, one should be prepared to apply numerical procedures.
Erythropoietin Signaling Regulates Key Epigenetic and Transcription Networks in Fetal Neural Progenitor Cells

Erythropoietin (EPO) and its receptor are highly expressed in the developing nervous system, and exogenous EPO therapy is potentially neuroprotective, however the epigenetic and transcriptional changes downstream of EPO signaling in neural cells are not well understood. To delineate epigenetic changes associated with EPO signaling, we compared histone H3 lysine 4 dimethylation (H3K4me2) in EPO treated and control fetal neural progenitor cells, identifying 1,150 differentially bound regions. These regions were highly enriched near protein coding genes and had significant overlap with H4Acetylation, a mark of active regulatory elements. Motif analyses and co-occupancy studies revealed a complex regulatory network underlying the differentially bound regions, including previously identified mediators of EPO signaling (STAT5, STAT3), and novel factors such as REST, an epigenetic modifier central to neural differentiation and plasticity, and NRF1, a key regulator of antioxidant response and mitochondrial biogenesis. Global transcriptome analyses on neural tubes isolated from E9.0 EpoR-null and littermate control embryos validated our in vitro findings, further suggesting a role for REST and NRF1 downstream of EPO signaling. These data support a role for EPO in regulating the survival, proliferation, and differentiation of neural progenitor cells, and suggest a basis for its function in neural development and neuroprotection.
Factors influencing outcome in patients with colloid cysts who present with acute neurological deterioration.

Abstract Colloid cysts have been associated with acute neurologic deterioration and sudden death. However, the low incidence of associated sudden deaths has meant that factors influencing outcome in patients who present with acute neurological deterioration have not been extensively published. A PubMed literature search was performed to identify reported patients who presented with acute neurological deterioration with radiographic or histopathologic diagnosis of a colloid cyst. Demographic data, presenting symptoms, physical exam, surgical interventions, and outcomes were recorded. Analysis included 140 patients. Mean cyst size was 2.12 cm in males and 1.59 cm in females (p = 0.155), and 1.64 cm in patients who survived and 2.05 cm in patients who died (p = 0.04). Minimum cyst size was 0.4 cm in females and 0.8 cm in males. All patients without surgical intervention died, versus 48% with surgical intervention (p
Automated, robotic dry-cleaning of solar panels in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia using a silicone rubber brush

Abstract The challenge of mitigating power loss in solar photovoltaic (PV) systems—due to dust—is critical to the economical deployment of solar in arid regions. These areas suffer from high aerosol concentration levels and frequent sand storms that lead to an accumulation of a layer of dust on the surface of solar arrays. The dust stays in place due to only slight and occasional rain fall. This paper presents the results from a study conducted on the effectiveness of dry cleaning solar panels, using an automated robotic cleaning system. The robotic cleaning system is part of a research program related to robotic dust mitigation technologies for solar panels, and includes a new type of brush, which uses silicone rubber foam flaps mounted onto an aluminum core. The study found that the robotic system, using this silicone rubber foam brush, was able to effectively minimize the impact of dust on the solar panels’ power output, providing an increase in power output versus the weekly-cleaned controls. This new brush shows promise for use in solar panel dust mitigation due to its effective cleaning performance and low cost, and does not induce any damage to the surface of the solar panels.
Mainstreaming a Rights-Based Approach in the Global Climate Regime

The scientific and policy debate on environment and human rights linkages increasingly perceives climate change as a risk multiplier and a key crosscutting issue. Recent research has shown that climate change is putting both human security and several fundamental rights at risk. Not only are the human implications of climate change serious, but also the global climate regime is not sufficiently shaped to reduce them and a large part of response mechanisms, including on domestic and regional levels, do not systematically refer to justice, equity, and human rights frameworks and, in some instances, may even exacerbate environmental damage and human rights violations. Therefore, the significant challenge currently being faced is how to ensure that human rights are widely recognized and genuinely mainstreamed in the global climate regime. A key issue is how to bring the discourses of human rights and climate change together into the climate multilateral negotiation process without importing additional burdens, setbacks or unnecessary complications. Bringing human rights into the process is also about power, ambition and resilience; further, it is about endeavoring to change the power dynamics so that the movement may be progressively propelled by vulnerable countries. This chapter intends to dissect the potential overlap, convergence, and synergies between the international human rights framework and the global climate regime. The analysis assesses the advantages of mainstreaming a rights-based approach into this regime and what should be done on the ground to effectively achieve this objective. To this end, the chapter provides many research and policy-oriented recommendations.
Data-Driven One-Dimensional Modeling of Pseudoshocks

In dual-mode scramjet engines, the isolator comprises complex shock structures that provide the necessary compression of incoming air to sustain combustion farther downstream. This region of pressu...
Control of Grid-Tied Inverter with L Filter in Weak Grid Considering Grid Impedance and Harmonics

Inductor filter is widely used in grid-tied inverters. If an inverter with inductor filter operates in weak grid condition, voltage measurement error may exist due to the voltage sensor delay and the voltage drop on grid impedance. This can further lead to errors in the phase lock loop (PLL) and even system instability. In this paper, we analyze the voltage measurement error in weak grid condition in detail. All the essential elements in the measurement chain are considered. Analysis shows large DC offset and harmonic components may exist in the sampled voltage. To improve the PLL performance in weak grid condition, a PLL with extra DC offset and 2nd order harmonic rejection capability is presented. Further, the inverter current controller is designed considering grid impedance and grid harmonics. Experiments are performed to verify the presented method.
Double‐Blind Placebo‐Controlled Trial of Galantamine for Methadone‐Maintained Individuals With Cocaine Use Disorder: Secondary Analysis of Effects on Illicit Opioid Use

Background and objectives Concurrent use of cocaine and opioids is a persistent and challenging problem, particularly within methadone maintenance settings, and there are no approved pharmacotherapies for this population. Galantamine, a cholinesterase inhibitor, was found in a randomized clinical trial to reduce cocaine use among methadone-maintained individuals who were also cocaine dependent. Because of the potential of galantamine to reduce multiple drugs of abuse, it may also reduce opioid use. Methods We conducted a secondary analysis of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 120 methadone-maintained individuals with concurrent cocaine dependence. Participants were randomized to galantamine or placebo in a 12-week trial with a 6-month follow-up (97% of intention to treat sample reached for final follow-up). Results There was a significant main effect for galantamine over placebo on percent of urine specimens that were negative for opioids, both within treatment (77% for galantamine vs 62% for placebo, F = 5.0, P = 0.027) and through a 6-month follow-up (81% vs 59%, respectively, F = 10.8, P = 0.001). This effect was seen regardless of whether participants used nonprescribed opioids during the baseline period. Galantamine effects were seen early in treatment, with participants in placebo submitting the first opioid-positive urine specimen significantly sooner than participants in galantamine (median day 15 vs 53, Wilcoxon = 5.7, P = 0.02). Conclusions and scientific significance If these results are supported in future trials, galantamine may hold promise across multiple drugs of abuse, including opioids. (Am J Addict 2019;28:238-245).
Open access publishing and soil science – Trends and developments

Abstract About 42,000 soil papers are annually published, and the number of papers almost doubled in the past 10 years. Most growth has come from China, and about one-third of all soil papers are presently from China compared to 4% in 1999. The increase in papers has been accompanied by higher impact factors of the core soil science journals. There has been a proliferation of new publishers and journals, and some 1500 new internet publishers have been established. Scientific publishing is big and profiteable business. Open access publishing started in the early 2000s. In the top four soil science journals only 1% of the papers were published open access in 2008, but currently 5 to 20% of the papers are open access papers. Across all scientific disciplines the share of open access papers is about 28%. Some preliminary analysis suggests that open access papers in soil science tend to be more cited. The current cost of an open access paper in one of the 25 top soil science journals ranges from $750 to $4000. Funding agencies, some universities and scientific organizations are pushing towards a total open access approach of scientific publishing. Soil scientists should become involved in these discussions as it affects the way we disseminate our findings.
A framework for optimization of target reliability index for a building class based on aggregated cost

Abstract To effectively manage the seismic risk of the built-environment, the target safety levels that design standards are based on should be properly managed by considering the total risk to the built-environment and to the community. This paper introduces a framework for optimizing the target safety levels based on the total life-cycle cost of a portfolio of buildings. Building inventory is categorized to obtain a clear relationship between target safety level and its realizations to design, which is reflected in the proposed framework. To address the issue of unrealistic computation cost in implementing optimization process in target safety level determination, the framework utilizes a neural network for structural response estimation. A procedure to develop a neural network for dynamic response estimation of a group of buildings is also introduced in the paper. The proposed framework is illustrated to obtain the optimal target reliability index for mid-rise office buildings.
The Killing: The Gender Politics of the Nordic Noir Crime Drama and Its American Remake:

How does the depiction of female subjectivity and agency change when a Danish public broadcasting serial is adapted for an American commercial network? I compare Forbrydelsen (DR1, 2007–2012) with ...
RESPONSE: Hybrid Training for Interventional, Heart Failure, and Critical Care Medicine.

In his treatise, Rules for the Direction of the Mind , the French scientist and philosopher Rene Descartes defined the concept of perspicacity as a penetrating discernment or clarity of understanding and deep insight ([1][1]). As a trainee, my mentors suggested that achieving perspicacity is a
Widefield Fluorescein Angiography in the Fellow Eyes of Patients with Presumed Unilateral Persistent Fetal Vasculature.

Purpose To examine the retinal vascular findings on widefield fluorescein angiography (FA) in the fellow eyes of patients with unilateral persistent fetal vasculature (PFV). Design Retrospective case series. Participants Consecutive patients with unilateral PFV evaluated by a single physician at an academic medical center from February 1, 2011, to November 30, 2018. Methods Clinical and demographic information, including age, gender, race, ethnicity, affected eye, subtype, stalk origin, complications on presentation, length of follow-up, and examination findings, was reviewed using the electronic medical record. Fluorescein angiograms of the affected and fellow eyes were reviewed by 2 authors for characteristic retinal vascular abnormalities. Agreement between the authors’ scores was analyzed using Cohen's Kappa. Main Outcome Measures Fluorescein angiography abnormalities, including peripheral vessel avascularity, aberrant circumferential vessels, terminal supernumerary branching, regional capillary dropout, terminal bulbing, abnormal choroidal flush, abnormal vessel straightening, and peripheral vessel leakage or dilation. Results Inclusion criteria were met by 41 patients. The average age at initial visit was 10.0 months. The average length of follow-up was 36.4 months. Abnormalities on FA were seen in 31 (75.6%) fellow eyes: peripheral vessel avascularity in 27.5 (67.1%), aberrant circumferential vessels in 20 (48.8%), terminal supernumerary branching in 17 (41.5%), regional capillary dropout in 9 (22.0%), terminal bulbing in 6 (14.6%), abnormal choroidal flush in 3.5 (8.5%), and abnormal vessel straightening and peripheral vessel leakage in 2.5 (6.1%). Statistical analysis disclosed an overall observed agreement of 93.4% among the raters (κ = 0.84, P Conclusions Retinal vascular abnormalities seen in patients with unilateral PFV were present in the majority of fellow eyes. This suggests that unilateral PFV may in fact be a bilateral, asymmetric process, but the clinical significance of these subtle findings is not known.
Physical multimorbidity and cancer prevalence in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Abstract Objectives As the US population ages, both cancer and multimorbidity become more common and pose challenges to the healthcare system. Limited studies have examined the association between multimorbidity and cancer prevalence in the US adult population. To help address this gap, we evaluated the associations between individual chronic conditions and all-site cancer, multimorbidity and all-site cancer, and multimorbidity and site-specific cancers. Study design This is a cross-sectional study. Methods Data from 10,731 adults aged 20 years or older who participated in the 2013–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used in our study. Self-reported demographics, smoking status, sedentary behavior, body mass index, individual chronic conditions, multimorbidity status, cancer history, and cancer sites were assessed. Results In our sample, the prevalence of having any type of cancer or multimorbidity was 9% (N = 861) and 38% (N = 4248), respectively. Respiratory conditions (multivariable-adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 1.3; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1–1.6) and arthritis (multivariable-adjusted OR: 1.5; 95% CI: 1.2–1.8) were observed to be statistically significantly associated with having all-site cancer after adjusting for potential confounders. Having multimorbidity was also statistically significantly associated with having all-site cancer (multivariable-adjusted OR: 1.4; 95% CI: 1.2–1.7), cervical cancer (multivariable-adjusted OR: 2.6; 95% CI: 1.2–5.4), and bladder cancer (multivariable-adjusted OR: 2.8; 95% CI: 1.0–7.6). Conclusions Multimorbidity was associated with all-site cancer, cervical cancer, and bladder cancer. The present study provides new evidence of the potential relationships between multimorbidity and cancer. Future longitudinal studies are warranted to clarify the temporality and potential biological mechanisms of the associations between multimorbidity and cancer.
Of shapes and sounds : identity and Algerian memory in Nawel Louerrad’s graphic novels

Algerian graphic novelist Nawel Louerrad always probes questions of identity and memory in her texts. In Les Vepres algeriennes (2012) and Bach to Black (2013), she argues for an understanding of t...
Fashioning Africanfuturism: African comics, Afrofuturism, and Nnedi Okorafor’s Shuri

Internationally renowned Nigerian-American sci-fi writer Nnedi Okorafor recently wrote that she no longer wants her work to be considered Afrofuturism, preferring her own term Africanfuturism. Okor...
Adaptive Nonlinear Model Predictive Control for Autonomous Surface Vessels With Largely Varying Payload

Autonomous surface vessels (ASVs) always carry payloads such as passengers and cargoes. The change in the payload can sometimes be several times the weight of the vessel. The payload can cause significant changes in the dynamics of the vessel, thereby degrading the performance of the controller. This paper proposes an adaptive nonlinear model predictive control (A-NMPC) strategy for ASV trajectory tracking, which allows real-time changes in dynamics caused by severe payload variation. First, a nonlinear dynamic model that updates with the vessel’s payload is established. Then a pressure sensing method is proposed to estimate the payload of the vessel. Further, a parametric cost function that considers changing dynamics, as well as input and state constraints, is formulated in the NMPC algorithm. The tracking ability of A-NMPC is systematically studied on three different sizes of vessels in the simulation where the payload of these vessels changes eight times their inherent weight. Numerical results show that when the payload changes greatly the vessels with A-NMPC can accurately track the reference trajectory while the vessels with conventional NMPC cannot. Finally, the tracking experiments with a quarter-scale vessel in a swimming pool further verify the effectiveness of the proposed A-NMPC strategy.