cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Axiomatic Theory of Complex Fuzzy Logic and Complex Fuzzy Classes

Complex fuzzy sets, classes, and logic have an important role in applications, such as prediction of periodic events and advanced control systems, where several fuzzy variables interact with each other in a multifaceted way that cannot be represented effectively via simple fuzzy operations such as union, intersection, complement, negation, conjunction and disjunction. The initial formulation of these terms stems from the definition of complex fuzzy grade of membership. The problem, however, with these definitions are twofold: 1) the complex fuzzy membership is limited to polar representation with only one fuzzy component. 2) The definition is based on grade of membership and is lacking the rigor of axiomatic formulation. A new interpretation of complex fuzzy membership enables polar and Cartesian representation of the membership function where the two function components carry uncertain information. Moreover, the new interpretation is used to define complex fuzzy classes and develop an axiomatic based theory of complex propositional fuzzy logic. Additionally, the generalization of the theory to multidimensional fuzzy grades of membership has been demonstrated. In this paper we propose an axiomatic framework for first order predicate complex fuzzy logic and use this framework for axiomatic definition of complex fuzzy classes. We use these rigorous definitions to exemplify inference in complex economic systems. The new framework overcomes the main limitations of current theory and provides several advantages. First, the derivation of the new theory is based on axiomatic approach and does not assume the existence of complex fuzzy sets or complex fuzzy classes. Second, the new form significantly improves the expressive power and inference capability of complex fuzzy logic and class theory. The paper surveys the current state of complex fuzzy sets, complex fuzzy classes, and complex fuzzy logic; and provides an axiomatic basis for first order predicate complex fuzzy logic and complex class theory.
Mercury and methylmercury in a reservoir during seasonal variation in hydrology and circulation

AbstractThis study explored the effect of seasonally varying inflow hydrology and circulation on total mercury (Hg) and methylmercury (MeHg) in the water column of a warm, temperate reservoir. The study site in Grand Lake, Oklahoma, is >80 km long and usually 36 m deep at its dam. During this study, aside from 2 large, storm-driven springtime events, drought caused low inflows. During maximal summer stratification, the surface mixed layer was 8–11 m thick, water below was anoxic, and inflows entered as an interflow. Total Hg in filtered samples was <4 ng/L with an interquartile range of 0.27–0.96 ng/L. Highest concentrations occurred in spring and summer, and lowest concentrations followed overturn. In filtered samples, MeHg was ≤0.62 ng/L with an interquartile range of 0.01–0.08 ng/L. Highest concentrations of MeHg occurred in some large inflows and in anoxic summertime bottom water in specific locations where total suspended sediment was also elevated. During this study, Hg concentrations in Grand Lake ...
Open image in new windowSlope Dynamic Geomorphology of the Mailuu-Suu Area, Aspects of Long-Term Prediction

Long-term monitoring and the analysis of stability of the slopes subject to landslides on the territory of southwest Tien Shan where loessial soils are common, show almost a constant speed of deformation (secondary creep) and accelerating/decelerating movement of unstable masses due to hydrological changes. Landslides can occur without any previous noticeable warning signs. Slow movement of slope cover in Paleogene-Neogene clays over 10 or more years creates the effect of accustoming local residents to the hazard. Under such circumstances, it is important and critical to rank slopes according to a hazard rating; the estimation of the remaining time to slope failure may serve as a criterion of the hazard. We have applied the Saito model coupled with a viscous model for ranking and classifying slopes of the large landslide-prone area of Mailuu-Suu. More than 200 landslides occurred in this mountain territory (~50 km2 in area) over the last 60 years. The reactivation of most paleolandslides is connected with intensive mining activity and urbanization. The proposed model is useful for short, mid and long-term predictions of secondary creep. The main factors in the prediction are slope steepness, steady-state moisture content of clay soils along its contact with the bedrock, a possibility of sudden and fast water table rise, and type of hydrogeological recharge. Thus local site maps were formed as a basis for detailed and systematic study of slopes, starting with the most dangerous ones with the shortest lifetime. It does not matter that long-term predictions remain uncertain due to change of hydrogeological conditions with time and soil degradation. Detailed study of such slopes is carried out for the latter. It is recommended to install automatic extensometers with telemetric transmission of landslide movement data on slopes with predicted life spans of 1–3 years.
Phocaena phocoena (Porpoise)

The karyotype of the male comes from cultures of an animal caught by Mr. A. Thorisson in Eyjafjorder, Iceland and was generously donated by Dr. U. Arnason, Lund, Sweden. Skin biopsies of a female animal from Strib, Denmark were donated by Mr. S. Andersen, Strib, Denmark. Large blocks of intertitial and terminal heterochromatic (C-bands) are found in many chromosomes often with heteromorphism. It is estimated to represent 10%.
Esophageal involvement in Hodgkin's disease. Report of a case.

A case of Hodgkin's disease involving the esophagus and diagnosed during life is presented with the postmortem findings. Five additional cases are recorded from a series of 160 complete postmortem examinations of patients with Hodgkin's disease. The literature is briefly reviewed with respect to the diagnosis and treatment of this disorder.
An implantable upper extremity neuroprosthesis in a growing child with a C5 spinal cord injury

An implantable upper extremity neuroprosthesis in a growing child with a C5 spinal cord injury
High-Enthalpy Nonequilibrium Nozzle Flow of Air: Experiments and Computations

An investigation of the nozzle expansion of air from a reservoir at high specific enthalpy is presented. The objective is to test the chemical models assumed in nonequilibrium numerical computations and obtain a better understanding of the conditions at the nozzle exit as a function of the reservoir conditions. Static pressure measurements at the nozzle exit are performed in the T5 free-piston shock tunnel at the California Institute of Technology and compared with computations using DPLR CFD code which solves the chemically reactive Navier Stokes equations. Experiments are performed at four conditions with a range of stagnation pressures between 20 and 60 MPa and stagnation enthalpies between 10 and 17 MJ/kg. The measured static pressures are between 10% to 17% lower than those computed which seems to indicate that less recombination occurs in the experiment.
Identifying Compulsive Buyers: An Examination of Existing Scales from the Perspective of Medical Practitioners

In a consumption-driven society wherein material possessions are considered a reflection of the self (Belk 1988), it is not uncommon for consumers to become obsessed with buying things. At the extreme end of this obsession, compulsive buying behavior (CBB) has received increased attention over the past 25 years. CBB is defined as a form of excessive buying behavior that leads to negative consequences, such as personal distress, marital or family disruption, financial debt, and even legal problems (Black et al. 1998; Christenson et al. 1994; Goldsmith and McElroy 2000).
Survival of Campylobacter jejuni in Modified Atmosphere Packaged Turkey Roll.

Survival of Campylobacter jejuni , inoculated into turkey roll slices and stored under seven different atmospheric mixtures, was determined. Turkey roll samples were stored at 4°C for 18 d and at 21°C for 48 h. The effects of various atmospheric mixtures on aerobic, psychrotrophic, and lactic acid bacterial populations were also determined throughout storage. Campylobacter jejuni was inactivated under all atmospheric gas mixtures tested throughout storage. Increasing CO2 concentration inside the package from 0% to 100% CO2 resulted in a lower rate of inactivation of C. jejuni at both storage temperatures. Increases in CO2 concentrations provided greater inhibition of aerobic and psychrotrophic populations as compared to low CO2 levels. The effect of CO2 on survival of C. jejuni and growth rate of aerobic, psychrotrophic, and lactic acid bacteria was more pronounced at 4°C. Campylobacter s were isolated from inoculated turkey roll held under all atmospheres by enrichment procedures on the 18th day and 48th hour of storage at 4 and 21°C, respectively, with an initial population of log 6.0 Campylobacter s/g. However, no Campylobacter s were isolated by 18 d of storage at 4°C by direct plating.
Anesthesia and Intraoperative Management of Renal Transplantation

The global epidemic of diabetes and hypertension has resulted in a dramatic increase of chronic kidney disease. For patients with end-stage renal disease, a transplant provides better survival and health-related quality of life than dialysis and is less resource intensive and more cost effective. Renal transplantation is the most commonly performed organ transplantation in the world, but because of organ shortages, the number of transplants is not increasing significantly. In an attempt to alleviate the organ shortage, expanded criteria for donors and donation after cardiac death are alternative strategies to increase the cadaveric donor pool.
Cross-biome assessment of gross soil nitrogen cycling in California ecosystems

Abstract Microbial transformations of nitrogen (N) largely determine whether N is retained in ecosystems via net primary productivity or lost via gaseous emissions and leaching. The controls on soil N cycling are often studied at single locales, making it difficult to predict N cycling at regional to global scales. We hypothesized that contemporary soil properties exhibit consistent relationships with instantaneous gross N cycling rates across diverse biomes that create a continuum in these properties. We measured ex situ gross N cycling rates and soil properties at 33 study sites representing five biome classifications in California including deserts, grasslands, shrublands, forest, and wetlands. Desert soils had significantly lower total N, organic carbon (C), microbial biomass N, and soil moisture as well as higher pH than all other biomes, whereas forests and wetlands had significantly lower soil nitrate (NO3−) concentrations (P
Liquid Structure of Bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide-Based Ionic Liquids Assessed by FT-IR Spectroscopy.

Ionic liquids are a fertile and active area of research, in part, due to the unique properties these solvents offer over traditional molecular solvents. Because these properties are rooted in the fundamental ion–ion interactions that govern their liquid structure, there is a strong motivation to characterize the liquid structure of ionic liquids. Infrared spectroscopy is a standard analytical tool for assessing liquid structures, for the intramolecular vibrational modes of the ions composing the materials are often quite sensitive to their local potential energy environment. In this work, we demonstrate that the band asymmetry for the νa(SNS) anion mode of N(Tf)2–-based ionic liquids originates from the dynamic coupling of vibrationally induced dipole moments of anions across a quasilattice. The magnitude of TO–LO splitting is linearly correlated with the number densities of the ionic liquids; an observation that is in accord with the predictions of dipolar coupling theory. Dipole moment derivatives of νa...
Time domain measurement of electron spin relaxation at high fields and dynamic nuclear polarization at sub-millimeter wavelengths

We describe a 395 GHz pulsed electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) setup, and initial results of relaxation measurements and cw EPR at these frequencies in samples used for liquid- and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance enhanced by dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP). Depending on the amount of spin — orbit coupling, the spin lattice relaxation becomes significantly faster at higher fields and frequencies, which has consequences for some DNP applications at high fields and frequencies. We will discuss the requirements for (sub)millimeter-wave sources and components for DNP and pulsed EPR at even higher frequencies and fields, as even higher magnetic fields will become available in the near future.
Seasonal prediction of South Asian monsoon in CFSv2

The predictions of the seasonal mean monsoon over South Asia by a coupled model are assessed by analyzing the retrospective forecasts by the Climate Forecast System version 2 of the National Centers of Environmental Prediction for the period 1982–2009. The predictability is assessed by examining the June–September seasonal mean of the outgoing longwave radiation in forecasts from May initial conditions. Although the forecasts exhibit considerable interannual variability, the correlation with the observation is low. While the model is able to predict weak (strong) seasonal monsoon during certain El Nino (La Nina) years, with differences in magnitude, the predictions in the years of Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) events are not so successful. The relative role of the Pacific and Indian oceans in determining the seasonal mean monsoon is analyzed by extracting the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) mode and IOD mode from the forecasts and observation. The model’s ENSO mode captures the observed spatial structure whereas its IOD mode shows incorrect anomalies over India. The model is inadequate in predicting the relative strength and signs of the ENSO and IOD modes. The ocean–atmosphere interaction of the ENSO mode is better represented in the model by capturing the observed relation with the sea surface temperature (SST) and the low-level winds. In the model’s IOD mode, the relation with the SST and the low-level winds is not correct over part of the Indian region while the anomalies over the Pacific Ocean also seem to influence, unlike in the observation.
DCIS and hereditary susceptibility for breast cancer

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a noninvasive, transformed, neoplastic lesion with a significant likelihood, but without certainty, of progressing to invasive breast cancer, although there are molecular and cellular features that have some predictive power for the development of invasive disease. In women who carry deleterious mutations in the BRCA or other genes, detection of DCIS is paramount, as these women are believed to be at much higher risk than sporadic cases for progressing to invasive cancer. Here, we discuss the state of knowledge of DCIS in the context of hereditary cancer syndromes and emphasize current recommendations for risk management.
Experiences Using CPUs and GPUs for Cooperative Computation in a Multi-Physics Simulation

Top supercomputers in the TOP500 list have transitioned from homogeneous node architectures toward heterogeneous manycore nodes with accelerators and CPUs. These new architectures present significant challenges to developers of large-scale multiphysics applications, especially at DOE laboratories that have invested heavily in scalable MPI codes over decades. Much of these scientific application porting efforts for the new heterogeneous architectures are focused on running the computation on the accelerators, which usually comprise >90% of the FLOPS of the system. We describe an approach to utilizing the remaining FLOPS on a heterogeneous machine by running a portion of the computation on the CPUs cooperatively with the GPU computation. We present a proof-of-concept implementation in ARES, a multiphysics ALE-AMR code at LLNL. ARES uses a portability layer, RAJA, which enables us to utilize the same source code for both the CPU and the GPU. We develop an approach to utilize both types of processors cooperatively in a mixed-processor system. Our implementation divides the work between the computing resources via domain decomposition, and utilizes all cores of the CPU and all of the GPUs on the node for computation. Load balancing is necessary to use the heterogeneous resources effectively. We present preliminary results on early delivery pre-Sierra machines at LLNL, showing up to an 18% performance benefit of using the CPUs on the heterogeneous nodes for computing in addition to using the GPUs.
Maize Small RNAs as Seeds of Change and Stability in Gene Expression and Genome Stability

Studies of maize small RNAs (sRNAs) are providing insights and novel discoveries in both RNA biology and plant evolution. With improvements to the genome and the development of a broad array of resources supporting maize research, maize sRNAs have become better understood in recent years. Here, we review the major classes of maize sRNAs, including heterochromatic small interfering RNAs (hc-siRNAs), phased secondary small interfering RNAs (phasiRNAs), and microRNAs (miRNAs). We examine their biogenesis, roles in paramutation, and functions, including both what is known and hypothesized. Finally, we describe the resources for their study, including bioinformatics tools that will contribute in future studies of maize sRNAs to the elucidation of their biogenesis, function, and evolution.
Novel role of O-glycosyltransferases GALNT3 and B3GNT3 in the self-renewal of pancreatic cancer stem cells

Glycosylation plays a critical role in the aggressiveness of pancreatic cancer (PC). Emerging evidences indicate significant involvement of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in PC aggressiveness. However, the importance of glycosylation in pancreatic cancer stem cells (PCSCs) is yet to be addressed. Hence, we evaluated the potential role of glycosylation in maintenance of stemness of PCSCs. Effect of glycosylation specific inhibitors on growth and PCSCs of PC cells was assessed by MTT assay and Side Population (SP) analysis. Isolated PCSCs/SP were characterized using molecular and functional assays. Expression of tumor-associated carbohydrate antigens (TACAs) was analyzed in PCSCs by western blotting. Effect of tunicamycin on PCSCs was analyzed by tumorsphere, clonogenicity, migration assay and immunoblotting for CSCs markers. The differential expression of glycogenes in PCSCs compared to non-CSCs were determined by RT-qPCR, immunoblotting and immunofluorescence. Co-expression of GALNT3 and B3GNT3 with CD44v6 was assessed in progression stages of KrasG12D; Pdx-1-Cre (KC) and KrasG12D; p53R172H; Pdx-1-Cre (KPC) tumors by immunofluorescence. Transient and CRISPR/Cas9 silencing of GALNT3 and B3GNT3 was performed to examine their effect on CSCs maintenance. Inhibition of glycosylation decreased growth and CSCs/SP in PC cells. PCSCs overexpressed CSC markers (CD44v6, ESA, SOX2, SOX9 and ABCG2), exhibited global expressional variation of TACAs and showed higher self-renewal potential. Specifically, N-glycosylation inhibition, significantly decreased tumorsphere formation, migration, and clonogenicity of PCSCs, as well as hypo-glycosylated CD44v6 and ESA. Of note, glycosyltransferases (GFs), GALNT3 and B3GNT3, were significantly overexpressed in PCSCs and co-expressed with CD44v6 at advanced PDAC stages in KC and KPC tumors. Further, GALNT3 and B3GNT3 knockdown led to a decrease in the expression of cell surface markers (CD44v6 and ESA) and self-renewal markers (SOX2 and OCT3/4) in PCSCs. Interestingly, CD44v6 was modified with sialyl Lewis a in PCSCs. Finally, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated GALNT3 KO significantly decreased self-renewal, clonogenicity, and migratory capacity in PCSCs. Taken together, for the first time, our study showed the importance of glycosylation in mediating growth, stemness, and maintenance of PCSCs. These results indicate that elevated GALNT3 and B3GNT3 expression in PCSCs regulate stemness through modulating CSC markers.
Postoperative Antiplatelet Therapy in the Treatment of Complex Basilar Apex Aneurysms Implementing Hunterian Ligation and Extracranial-to-Intracranial Bypass: Review of the Literature with an Illustrative Case Report

Large broad-based basilar artery (BA) apex aneurysms involving multiple arterial origins are complex lesions commonly not amenable to direct clipping or endovascular management. BA proximal (Hunterian) occlusion with extracranial-to-intracranial bypass is a supported strategy if 1 or both posterior communicating arteries are small. Hunterian ligation risks sudden aneurysm thrombosis and thromboembolism in the perforator-rich BA apex. There currently exist no guidelines for antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy after Hunterian ligation for complex BA apex aneurysm treatment. We present a literature review and an illustrative case of an 18-year-old man who presented with progressive headaches and was found to have a large unruptured BA apex aneurysm involving the origins of the bilateral superior cerebellar and posterior cerebral arteries. Given the small posterior communicating arteries and complexity of the aneurysm, proximal BA occlusion with unilateral superficial temporal artery-to-superior cerebellar artery bypass was recommended. Despite antiplatelet treatment with acetylsalicylic acid before and after operation, the patient experienced acute ischemia of the brainstem and cerebellum and an embolic left temporal lobe infarct. The patient received dual antiplatelet therapy starting on postoperative day 6, after which he experienced no new infarcts and made a significant neurologic recovery. The current evidence suggests that proximal BA occlusion in complex BA apex aneurysm cases is thrombogenic and can be especially dangerous if thrombosis occurs suddenly in aneurysms without pre-existing intraluminal thrombus. Dual antiplatelet therapy during the first postoperative week presents a possible strategy for reducing the risk of ischemia due to sudden aneurysm thrombosis.
Talking About Aphasia

“Language is what makes the world as it is If my arm was missing or my leg was, I would know that my arm was missing, and I would grieve about that. But when its your world … your sense of the world …” Aphasia is a language impairment that may affect many aspects of communication including speech, writing, reading, gesture, and understanding of the spoken word. Every year in the United kingdom …
Prenatal Risk Factors and Perinatal and Postnatal Outcomes Associated With Maternal Opioid Exposure in an Urban, Low-Income, Multiethnic US Population.

Importance The opioid epidemic increasingly affects pregnant women and developing fetuses, resulting in high rates of neonatal abstinence syndrome. However, longitudinal studies that prospectively observe newborns with neonatal abstinence syndrome or with maternal opioid use and examine their long-term physical and neurodevelopmental outcomes are lacking. Objective To examine prenatal risk factors associated with maternal opioid use during pregnancy and the short-term and long-term health consequences on their children. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study analyzed data from the Boston Birth Cohort, an urban, low-income, multiethnic cohort that enrolled mother-newborn pairs at birth at Boston Medical Center (Boston, Massachusetts) starting in 1998, and a subset of children were prospectively observed at Boston Medical Center pediatric primary care and subspecialty clinics from birth to age 21 years. Data analysis began in June 2018 and was completed in May 2019. Exposures In utero opioid exposure was defined as maternal self-reported opioid use and/or clinical diagnosis of neonatal abstinence syndrome. Main Outcomes and Measures Pregnancy outcomes, postnatal child physical health, and major neurodevelopmental disabilities, documented in maternal and child medical records. Results This study included 8509 Boston Birth Cohort mother-newborn pairs for prenatal and perinatal analyses. Of those, 3153 children continued to receive pediatric care at Boston Medical Center and were included in assessing postnatal outcomes. Overall, 454 of the 8509 children (5.3%) in the Boston Birth Cohort had in utero opioid exposure. At birth, opioid exposure was associated with higher risks of fetal growth restriction (odds ratio [OR], 1.87; 95% CI, 1.41-2.47) and preterm birth (OR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.19-1.86). Opioid exposure was associated with increased risks of lack of expected physiological development (OR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.17-2.79) and conduct disorder/emotional disturbance (OR, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.20-3.77) among preschool-aged children. In school-aged children, opioid exposure was associated with a higher risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (OR, 2.55; 95% CI, 1.42-4.57). Conclusions and Relevance In this sample of urban, high-risk, low-income mother-child pairs, in utero opioid exposure was significantly associated with adverse short-term and long-term outcomes across developmental stages, including higher rates of physical and neurodevelopmental disorders in affected children. Efforts to prevent the opioid epidemic and mitigate its health consequences would benefit from more intergenerational research.
From Acquaintances to Friends: Homophily and Learning in Networks

This paper considers the evolution of a network in a discrete time, stochastic setting in which agents learn about each other through repeated interactions and maintain/break links on the basis of what they learn. Agents exhibit homophily, the preference to link with others who are similar to themselves, and they have a limited capacity for links. They thus maintain links with others learned to be similar to themselves and cut links to those learned to be dissimilar to themselves. We introduce a new equilibrium concept we term “matching pairwise stable equilibrium”, and we prove that such equilibrium is unique in our model. We show that higher levels of homophily decrease the (average) number of links that agents form. However, the effect of homophily is anomalous: mutually beneficial links may be dropped before learning is completed, thereby resulting in sparser networks and less clustering than under complete information. Homophily also exhibits an interesting interaction with the presence of incomplete information: initially, greater levels of homophily increase the difference between the complete and incomplete information networks, but sufficiently high levels of homophily eventually decrease the difference. Complete and incomplete information networks differ most when the degree of homophily is intermediate.
Meanwhile: Posthuman Intra-Actions in/With a Post-Qualitative Readings Class:

In January 2017, six doctoral students and an assistant professor came together under the guise of a “Readings in Educational Research” course that was created on the topic of post-qualitative inqu...
Binding and Uptake of Taurocholate in Subcellular Organelles from Rat Liver

As part of the enterohepatic circulation, bile acids and bile salts are taken up by hepatocytes on the sinusoidal surface, rapidly pass through the cell and are secreted into bile via the canalicular surface. In rat liver, transepithelial transport from blood to bile has been shown to be the major pathway of bile secretion. Early studies on both perfused liver and isolated hepatocytes suggested that uptake of bile salts is a carrier-mediated processes which is stimulated by a sodium gradient, outside gt; inside (for a review, see Boyer, 1980). Little is known concerning the intracellular pathway by which bile acids move from the sinusoidal surface to the bile canalicular surface. Morphologic evidence has suggested that Golgi plays a role in this process. Thus, increased taurocholate secretion brought about by feeding taurocholate results in proliferation of the Golgi complex around the bile canaliculus (Jones et al., 1979). Furthermore, photoactivatable cholate derivatives have been shown to associate with the Golgi complex and smooth endoplasmic reticulum in situ (Suchy et al., 1983; Goldsmith et al., 1983).
On Teaching Jurisprudence in a Catholic Law School

This essay is a contribution to a symposium on John Breen and Lee Strang's forthcoming book, A Light Unseen: A History of Catholic Legal Education in the United States. Breen and Strang's book offers not just a history, but a program for the future of Catholic legal education. Their program places the teaching of jurisprudence and the natural law tradition at the center of Catholic legal education. This essay draws on lessons from teaching jurisprudence at Notre Dame Law School which, in delightfully countercultural fashion, is one of the few remaining law schools in the nation that require jurisprudence. It recounts the author's early failures and hopes to provide guidance for those subversive figures who seek to suggest to students that the classical tradition of legal thought remains a plausible option.
Opioid use disorder research and the Council for the Advancement of Nursing Science priority areas

Abstract Background Chronic diseases, such as opioid use disorder (OUD) require a multifaceted scientific approach to address their evolving complexity. The Council for the Advancement of Nursing Science's (Council) four nursing science priority areas (precision health; global health, determinants of health, and big data/data analytics) were established to provide a framework to address current complex health problems. Purpose To examine OUD research through the nursing science priority areas and evaluate the appropriateness of the priority areas as a framework for research on complex health conditions. Method OUD was used as an exemplar to explore the relevance of the nursing science priorities for future research. Findings Research in the four priority areas is advancing knowledge in OUD identification, prevention, and treatment. Intersection of OUD research population focus and methodological approach was identified among the priority areas. Discussion The Council priorities provide a relevant framework for nurse scientists to address complex health problems like OUD.
Basic constructions in group extension theory

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews basic constructions in group extension theory. In many categories of groups with additional structure, the appropriate adaptation of cohomology theory is subject to severe limitations and involves considerable technical difficulties, while the adaptation of much group extension theory is easy. To secure the validity of the results in various important categories of groups, one must take special care to free all the definitions and proofs from eventually inadmissible operations involving group algebras, cross sections, or factor sets. Because of this, a certain number of basic constructions become dominant, and the results express exactness properties of these constructions, most of which remain significant also for group extensions with non-abelian kernels. This consists of a category of groups built over an auxiliary category of spaces, subject to suitable assumptions. It is designed to comprise, at least, the most important categories of groups admitting a strong group extension theory, such as locally compact separable topological groups, affine or general algebraic groups over an algebraically closed field of characteristic 0, and Lie groups with countable component groups.
Acute Toxicities and Short-Term Patient Outcomes After Intensity-Modulated Proton Beam Radiation Therapy or Intensity-Modulated Photon Radiation Therapy for Esophageal Carcinoma: A Mayo Clinic Experience.

Abstract Purpose Intensity modulated proton beam radiation therapy (IMPT) has a clinically significant dosimetric advantage over intensity modulated photon radiation therapy (IMRT) for the treatment of patients with esophageal cancer, particularly for sparing the heart and lungs. We compared acute radiation therapy–related toxicities and short-term clinical outcomes of patients with esophageal cancer who received treatment with IMPT or IMRT. Methods and Materials We retrospectively reviewed the electronic health records of consecutive adult patients with esophageal cancer who underwent concurrent chemoradiotherapy with IMPT or IMRT in the definitive or neoadjuvant setting from January 1, 2014, through June 30, 2018, with additional follow-up data collected through January 31, 2019. Treatment-related toxicities were evaluated per the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 4. Survival outcomes were estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method. Results A total of 64 patients (32 per group) were included (median follow-up time: 10 months for IMPT patients vs 14 months for IMRT patients). The most common radiation therapy regimen was 45 Gy in 25 fractions, and 80% of patients received a simultaneous integrated boost to a median cumulative dose of 50 Gy. Similar numbers of IMPT patients (n = 15; 47%) and IMRT patients (n = 18; 56%) underwent surgery (P = .07), with no difference in pathologic complete response rates (IMPT: n = 5; 33% vs IMRT: n = 7; 39%; P = .14). At 1 year, the clinical outcomes also were similar for IMPT and IMRT patients, respectively. Local control was 92% versus 84% (P = .87), locoregional control 92% versus 80% (P = .76), distant metastasis–free survival 87% versus 65% (P = .08), progression-free survival 71% versus 45% (P = .15), and overall survival 74% versus 71% (P = .62). The rate of acute treatment–related grade 3 toxicity was similar between the groups (P = .71). Conclusions In our early experience, IMPT is a safe and effective treatment when administered as part of definitive or trimodality therapy. Longer follow-up is required to evaluate the effectiveness of IMPT.
AMBAR, an Encouraging Alzheimer's Trial That Raises Questions

Grifols' recent Alzheimer Management by Albumin Replacement ("AMBAR") study investigated the effects of plasmapheresis with albumin replacement, plus intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in some subjects, in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD). AMBAR was a phase IIb trial in the United States and a phase III trial in Europe. There were three treatment groups (plasmapheresis with albumin replacement; plasmapheresis with low dose albumin and IVIG; plasmapheresis with high dose albumin and IVIG) and sham-treated controls. Disease progression in pooled treated patients was 66% less than control subjects based on ADAS-Cog scores (p = 0.06) and 52% less based on ADCS-ADL scores (p = 0.03). Moderate AD patients had 61% less progression, based on both ADAS-Cog and ADCS-ADL scores, than their sham-treated counterparts (p-values 0.05 and 0.002), and their CDR-Sb scores declined 53% less than their sham-treated counterparts. However, ADAS-Cog and ADCS-ADL scores were not significantly different between actively-treated and sham-treated mild AD patients, although CDR-Sb scores improved vs. baseline for treated mild AD patients. Patients administered both IVIG and albumin had less reduction in brain glucose metabolism than sham-treated patients. Questions raised by these findings include: what mechanism(s) contributed to slowing of disease progression? Is this approach as effective in mild AD as in moderate AD? Must IVIG be included in the protocol? Does age, sex, or ApoE genotype influence treatment response? Does the protocol increase the risk for amyloid-related imaging abnormalities? How long does disease progression remain slowed post-treatment? A further study should allow this approach to be optimized.
Health Literacy, Social Media and Pandemic Planning

The novel coronavirus and resulting global pandemic serves to underscore the importance of health literacy. As more Americans are urged to self-isolate as a way of combating the spread of the virus...
Pediatric Burn Infection.

Background: Severe burns lead to a profound hypermetabolic, hypercatabolic, hyper-inflammatory state. Pediatric burn patients are at significantly increased risk for infection and sepsis secondary to loss of the skin barrier and subsequent immunosuppression. Infection is the most common cause of morbidity and death in pediatric burn patients, and the mortality rate from sepsis remains high. Methods: Review of pertinent English-language literature pertaining to infection among pediatric burn patients. Results: Established risk factors for infection in pediatric burn patients are the depth of injury, presence of inhalation injury, indwelling devices, and total body surface area burned. Total body surface area remains one of the most important risk factors for the development of infectious complications, and mortality risks increase significantly if the burn size is >40%. The predominant colonization of burn wound starts with gram-positive organisms, which are replaced later by gram-negative organisms. Most cases of sepsis in burn patients originate from infected burn wounds. Treatment options include topical and systemic antimicrobial drugs, but surgical intervention often is the most definitive treatment. Excision of burn eschar to remove the source of potential infection is a key component of the treatment as well as prevention of infection. Conclusion: Key principles in improving outcomes for septic pediatric burn patients is early recognition, resuscitation, and adherence to management strategies such as prompt antimicrobial drug administration and source control.
Different Biomechanical Variables Explain Within-Subjects Versus Between-Subjects Variance in Step Length Asymmetry Post-Stroke

Step length asymmetry (SLA) is common in most stroke survivors. Several studies have shown that factors such as paretic propulsion can explain between-subjects differences in SLA. However, whether the factors that account for between-subjects variance in SLA are consistent with those that account for within-subjects, stride-by-stride variance in SLA has not been determined. SLA direction is heterogeneous, and different impairments likely contribute to differences in SLA direction. Here, we identified common predictors between-subjects that explain within-subjects variance in SLA using sparse partial least squares regression (sPLSR). We determined whether the SLA predictors differ based on SLA direction and whether predictors obtained from within-subjects analyses were the same as those obtained from between-subjects analyses. We found that for parti-cipants who walked with longer paretic steps paretic double support time, braking impulse, peak vertical ground reaction force, and peak plantarflexion moment explained 59% of the within-subjects variance in SLA. However the within-subjects variance accounted for by each individual predictor was less than 10%. Peak paretic plantarflexion moment accounted for 4% of the within-subjects variance and 42% of the between-subjects variance in SLA. In participants who walked with shorter paretic steps, paretic and non-paretic braking impulse explained 18% of the within-subjects variance in SLA. Conversely, paretic braking impulse explained 68% of the between-subjects variance in SLA, but the association between SLA and paretic braking impulse was in the opposite direction for within-subjects vs. between-subjects analyses. Thus, the relationships that explain between-subjects variance might not account for within-subjects stride-by-stride variance in SLA.
Do deep electrical discharges initiated by solar energetic particle events occur in the lunar regolith

Abstract Theoretical modelling has suggested that the deposition of charged solar energetic particles in the lunar regolith can generate electric fields strong enough to cause millimeter-scale dielectric breakdown, and that these violent electric discharges are responsible for such space weathering effects as submicron iron particles, glass, low albedo and reddish color. It is shown that, when secondary electron emission and the particulate, porous, reentrant structure of the regolith are taken into account, electric fields sufficient to initiate breakdown are unlikely to occur there.
The unity of opposites: Strategic interplay between bacterial effectors to regulate cellular homeostasis

Legionella pneumophila is a facultative intracellular pathogen that uses the Dot/Icm Type IV secretion system (T4SS) to translocate many effectors into its host and establish a safe, replicative lifestyle. The bacteria, once phagocytosed, reside in a vacuolar structure known as the Legionella-containing vacuole (LCV) within the host cells and rapidly subvert organelle trafficking events, block inflammatory responses, hijack the host ubiquitination system, and abolish apoptotic signaling. This arsenal of translocated effectors can manipulate the host factors in a multitude of different ways. These proteins also contribute to bacterial virulence by positively or negatively regulating the activity of one another. Such effector-effector interactions, direct and indirect, provide the delicate balance required to maintain cellular homeostasis while establishing itself within the host. This review summarizes the recent progress in our knowledge of the structure-function relationship and biochemical mechanisms of select effector pairs from Legionella that work in opposition to one another, while highlighting the diversity of biochemical means adopted by this intracellular pathogen to establish a replicative niche within host cells.
Referral and adjuvant treatment patterns after nephrectomy in high-risk locoregional renal cell carcinoma.

Background It is unclear whether patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) are routinely assessed for recurrence risk post-nephrectomy and whether patients at high recurrence risk are seen by providers who can evaluate candidacy for adjuvant systemic therapy (AST) and clinical trials. Materials and methods We identified all patients with locoregional RCC who underwent nephrectomy via an institutional database within Duke University Health System between 1 April 2015 and 31 December 2019. Medical records were reviewed to identify patient characteristics, post-nephrectomy referrals, treatment, and follow-up. Patients with tumor stage ≥3 and grade ≥2, regional lymph node metastasis, or both, were classified as high recurrence risk. Results Of 618 patients with locoregional RCC who underwent nephrectomy, 136 (22%) had high recurrence risk. Of those, 25 patients with high-risk disease (18%) were referred to medical oncology for discussion of AST; 23 (92%) of these referrals took place in 2018-2019. One patient received adjuvant sunitinib and two patients participated in adjuvant immunotherapy trials. The decision not to receive AST was primarily made by the oncologist in 10 (46%), the patient in 8 (36%), and unrecorded in 4 (18%) of 22 cases, for multiple reasons. Individual surgeons referred high-risk patients for discussion of AST with varying frequency, ranging from 0% to 100% in 2019. Conclusions Despite increasing number of patients with locoregional RCC at high recurrence risk referred to medical oncologists after nephrectomy, few patients received AST, including participation in clinical trials. With increasing AST options and ongoing clinical trials in this space, these findings highlight the need for continued efforts at identifying effective AST and referring patients most likely to benefit to medical oncologists. ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04309617.
The CSWE substance use curricular guide: inception, evolution, impact

On July 15, 2020, The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) announced the release of the Specialized Practice Curricular Guide for Substance Use Social Work Practice. The guide was formulated by ...
Detection of mitochondrial DNA mutations in head and neck cancers

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 47, 2006 4474 The potential role of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations in head and neck tumor development is not well defined. In the present study, we investigated the frequency and distribution of mitochondrial DNA mutations in head and neck tumors and examined relationship between mtDNA mutations and p53 status. Among the 83 samples sequenced, 52 (62.6%) were found to contain somatic mtDNA mutations. MtDNA mutations were identified in both non-coding (D-loop) and coding regions. Further analysis revealed that the mtDNA mutation frequency was different among individual mitochondrial genes. Most mutations were found in D-loop region, and 30 out of the 52 tumors with mutations carried D-loop mutations. All 13 coding genes were found to contain the mtDNA mutations, however, most mutations were detected in ND2 gene (20 out of 52 tumors), a mitochondrial complex I subunit, followed by ND4, and ND5. Since the mitochondrial complex I is a major source of reactive oxygen species, mutations in these subunits of the complex I may significantly change the status of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, thus contribute to the tumor development. In addition, 16 tumors were found to carry mutations in ATP6. examination of p53 status showed that mtDNA mutations correlated positively with p53 mutations (p < 0.05). Given that the p53 mutations are frequently present in head and neck cancers, dissection of the causal relationship between p53 and mtDNA mutations may unravel new insights into the mechanism of human cancer development. Taken together, these results clearly demonstrate that mtDNA mutations selectively accumulate in certain mitochondrial genes, which may play an important role in the formation and development of head and neck cancers.
Solving the multidisciplinary robust parameter design problem for mixed type quality characteristics under asymmetric conditions

Quality practitioners often identify robust parameter design (RPD) as one of the most important and effective methods for process and quality improvement. Within this framework, identifying the optimal factor settings that achieve desired process targets with minimum variance is critical and can translate to significant reductions in product waste and processing costs. In solving this problem, most traditional RPD models consider only a single quality characteristic of interest. However, products are often judged by multiple quality characteristics, which often have conflicting objectives. Conventional RPD models that address the multi-response problem typically only examine like-type cases, and those that consider mixed types of quality characteristics often overlook any asymmetry that is likely to exist in certain types. In contrast, this article proposes a multidisciplinary RPD methodology that provides an enhanced approach for modeling multiple, mixed type quality characteristics; uses the skew normal distribution to allow for a fuller and more accurate representation of asymmetric system properties and to facilitate simultaneous modeling of both symmetric and asymmetric conditions; and implements a priority-based optimization scheme that affords engineers' and decision makers' flexibility in establishing and modifying optimization priorities. A numerical example is used to demonstrate the proposed methodology, and the results are compared traditional approaches to illustrate potential improvements. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Linking parental perceptions to interactions in young children with autism

This study examines the relation of parental perceptions and observed parent-child interactive behaviors. Samples observed included normally developing children, children with autism, and children with mental retardation who were equivalent on mental age. Parental perceptions of children's temperament and parental feelings of parenting stress were examined. Results indicated that parental perceptions of autistic children's behavior were more often linked to actual child and parental behaviors than in the comparison samples. Parents who reported their autistic children as more difficult in temperamental style had children who were less engaged during a social game with the parent and less responsive in interaction with an experimenter. Parents who reported greater stress had autistic children who were less responsive in social interactions with others.