cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mesoscale Polymer Dissolution Probed by Raman Spectroscopy and Molecular Simulations

The diffusion of various solvents into a polystyrene (PS) matrix was probed experimentally by monitoring the temporal profiles of the Raman spectra and theoretically from molecular dynamics simulations. The simulation results assist in providing a fundamental, molecular-level connection between the mixing/dissolution processes and the difference, Δδ = δsolvent – δPS, in the values of the Hildebrand parameter (δ) between the two components of the binary systems: solvents having values of δ similar to those for PS (small Δδ) exhibit fast diffusion into the polymer matrix, whereas the diffusion slows down considerably when the δ’s are different (large Δδ). To this end, the Hildebrand parameter was identified as a useful descriptor that governs the process of mixing in polymer–solvent binary systems. The experiments also provide insight into further refinements of the models specific to non-Fickian diffusion phenomena that need to be used in the simulations.
SOCS-1 gene therapy protects against hyperoxia- Induced acute lung injury and pulmonary edema

S of Cytokine Signaling-1 (SOCS-1) is an anti-apoptotic and potent anti-inflammatory, negative regulator of the IL-6-mediated JAK-STAT signaling pathway. SOCS-1 has been shown to induce protection from cellular damage and apoptosis induced by tumor necrosis factor, lipopolysaccharide, and interferon gamma. However the protective role of SOCS-1 in pulmonary oxidative stress is unknown. We hypothesized that SOCS-1 induction though gene therapy may induce protection against hyperoxic lung injury. To test this hypothesis we administered SOCS-1 adenovirus (Ad-SOCS-1) into the lung and exposed mice to 100% O2 (hyperoxia). Mice infected with AdGFP were used as controls. Mice treated with Ad-SOCS-1 had enhanced survival in 100% oxygen when compared to AdGFP-administered mice. After 3 days of hyperoxia, Ad-GFP mice were ill and tachypnic and died after four days. In contrast, all of the Ad-SOCS-1 mice survived for at least 6 days in hyperoxia and 80% survived beyond 7 days. SOCS-1 transfection protected mouse lungs from hyperoxia-induced injury as indicated by decreased infiltration of inflammatory cytokines, alveolar-capillary protein leakage and reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and lower content of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances in lung homogenates. Further, SOCS-1 treatment suppressed hyperoxia-induced pulmonary edema as indicated by reduced lung wet to dry weight ratio when compared to their controls. Our results also indicate that SOCS-1 significantly inhibits hyperoxia induced nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation which is associated with reduced p65 (a subunit NF-κB) expression. These findings show that increased expression of SOCS-1 in the lungs of mice significantly protects from hyperoxic lung injury and pulmonary edema. Narasaiah Kolliputi, J Stem Cell Res Ther 2013, 3:5 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2157-7633.S1.012
Toward a Closer Union in Europe: Elusive Mirage or Reality Within Grasp?

In the wake of the euro debt crisis, there have been multiple initiatives to repair the EU structure and governance, focused on the existing financial and fiscal framework. On the financial front, major steps—albeit still under construction—are taken toward unifying and strengthening banking regulation, supervision and resolution. By contrast, on the fiscal front, efforts in redesigning the existing framework so far have not been matched by progress toward unification. Likewise, practically no headway has been made in merging other key policy areas, such as defense, internal security, or external relations, as envisaged in the Treaty of Maastricht. Beyond taking inventory of what has been accomplished, the chapter explores the prospects and tasks for further political and fiscal integration—in line with well-known guiding principles, including subsidiarity and solidarity.
Scientific Misconduct Hurts.

Recently, Annals of Internal Medicine experienced an egregious case of scientific misconduct that this editorial brings to light for 2 reasons: to assure readers that Annals takes such matters very...
Genome-wide association analysis of seedling traits in diverse Sorghum germplasm under thermal stress

Climate variability due to fluctuation in temperature is a worldwide concern that imperils crop production. The need to understand how the germplasm variation in major crops can be utilized to aid in discovering and developing breeding lines that can withstand and adapt to temperature fluctuations is more necessary than ever. Here, we analyzed the genetic variation associated with responses to thermal stresses in a sorghum association panel (SAP) representing major races and working groups to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that are associated with resilience to temperature stress in a major cereal crop. The SAP exhibited extensive variation for seedling traits under cold and heat stress. Genome-wide analyses identified 30 SNPs that were strongly associated with traits measured at seedling stage under cold stress and tagged genes that act as regulators of anthocyanin expression and soluble carbohydrate metabolism. Meanwhile, 12 SNPs were significantly associated with seedling traits under heat stress and these SNPs tagged genes that function in sugar metabolism, and ion transport pathways. Evaluation of co-expression networks for genes near the significantly associated SNPs indicated complex gene interactions for cold and heat stresses in sorghum. We focused and validated the expression of four genes in the network of Sb06g025040, a basic-helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor that was proposed to be involved in purple color pigmentation of leaf, and observed that genes in this network were upregulated during cold stress in a moderately tolerant line as compared to the more sensitive line. This study facilitated the tagging of genome regions associated with variation in seedling traits of sorghum under cold and heat stress. These findings show the potential of genotype information for development of temperature resilient sorghum cultivars and further characterization of genes and their networks responsible for adaptation to thermal stresses. Knowledge on the gene networks from this research can be extended to the other cereal crops to better understand the genetic basis of resilience to temperature fluctuations during plant developmental stages.
Recurrence of malignancy-associated venous thromboembolism among patients treated with rivaroxaban compared to enoxaparin.

PurposeAlthough low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) remains the standard of care, factor Xa inhibitors such as rivaroxaban may serve as an alternative treatment for venous thromboembolism (VTE) in ...
Psychophysical Testing of Human Olfactory Function

This chapter is an up-to-date review of psychophysical means for testing the human sense of smell. Strengths and weaknesses of major psychophysical paradigms are discussed, including ones associated with the measurement of odor detection, discrimination, identification, memory and both suprathreshold intensity and pleasantness assessment. Factors that influence olfactory test results are discussed in detail, including the influences of test parameters, such as test length, on test reliability. It is pointed out that non-forced-choice tests, unlike forced–choice tests, are incapable of discerning subject biases and malingering. Issues related to the comparison and interpretation of test results from nominally disparate tests that differ in sensitivity, reliability, operational demands, and other factors are discussed.
A Crystalline DNA Device

Although many DNA nanodevices have been designed and synthesized to this day, a recent paper published in Nature Chemistry shows that the founder of structural DNA nanotechnology has developed the first 3D DNA crystal that can operate as a multi-state, reusable device.
Factor Structure of the School Reinforcement Survey Schedule: School Is More Than Grades

The School Reinforcement Survey Schedule (SRSS) was administered to 5913 4th through 12th graders as part of an evaluation component of the University of South Carolina's Institute for Families in Society's School-Based Mental Health Project. A factor analysis of SRSS responses yielded six interpretable factors. Gender differences in responses showed that girls, as opposed to boys, find a wider variety of reinforcers associated with school to be pleasurable. A significant, but small, correlation was found between grades and school reinforcement.
Increasing HPV Vaccination Coverage Through Provider-Based Interventions:

With discouragingly low vaccination rates for human papillomavirus (HPV), we sought to improve the HPV vaccine completion rate for adolescents by increasing the consistency and quality of provider recommendations. Baseline data was extracted for vaccine completion rates among patients aged 13 to 17 years. Quality improvement measures led to interventions targeting factors associated with vaccine noncompletion, in particular, weaknesses in provider recommendations and patient characteristics most strongly correlated with missed vaccination opportunities. Vaccine completion rates increased overall from 50.9% to 61.7% ( P < .05), an increase seen in both males (42.6% to 57.3%, P < .001) and females (60.0% to 66.5%, P = .04). One-dose rates improved to 88.4% for males ( P = .02) and 91.5% for females ( P = .43). Vaccination also occurred more consistently, increasing from 77.5% of visits (95% CI 71.2-83.0) before study onset to 90.9% of visits (95% CI 85.4%-94.8%) afterward ( P < .01). HPV vaccination rates can increase through focused provider-level prompts and by offering the vaccine consistently.
Cat scratch disease.

In summary, CSD is a relatively common cause of localized lymphadenopathy, with 80 per cent of cases occurring in children. This self-limited infection is caused by a small pleomorphic bacillus that has been identified in ocular granuloma, skin, and lymph node specimens. Unusual manifestations of the disease such as the oculoglandular disease of Parinaud, encephalopathy, or severe systemic disease occur in about ten per cent of patients. Management consists of symptomatic treatment and occasionally aspiration of a node that suppurates. The disease usually resolves spontaneously in 2 to 4 months.
Abstract WP389: Improving Systems of Care With Stroke Severity Adjusted EMS Triaging and Bypass Criteria Protocols to a Comprehensive Stroke Center

A validated pre-hospital assessment tool to detect severe strokes including intracranial hemorrhages and large vessel occlusions along with protocols for bypassing to comprehensive stroke centers r...
Promoting a Culture of Health Through Cross-Sector Collaborations.

In this study, we explore the experiences of innovative nurses who have developed cross-sector collaborations toward promoting a culture of health, with the aim of identifying lessons that can inform similar efforts of other health care professionals. We used a mixed-methods approach based on data from both an online survey and telephone interviews. A majority of the participants had significant collaborations with health care providers and non–health care providers. Strong partners included mental health providers, specialists, and primary care providers on the health side, and for non–health partners, the strongest collaborations were with community leaders, research institutions, and local businesses. Themes that emerged for successful collaborations included having to be embedded in both the community and in institutions of power, ensuring that a shared vision and language with all partners are established, and leading with strength and tenacity. A focus on building a culture of health will grow as pa...
The Pizza Connection: Selling Dough and Dope

In his opening remarks at the trial of 35 individuals involved in a heroin-trafficking conspiracy characterized by the media as the most sensational drug case since the “French Connection” of the 1970s, the Assistant U.S. Attorney claimed that “because they [the defendants] were members of the Mafia and because they were trafficking in a contraband drug they went to great lengths to conceal what it was that they were doing.”
Optimal Inputs of Single-User and Multi-User Non-Gaussian Aggregate Interference Channels

This paper generalizes and proves the discrete and finite nature of the optimal signaling schemes for general classes of non-Gaussian aggregate interference point-to-point and multiple-access channels (MACs) under peak power constraints. The considered channels are general enough to represent all non-Gaussian communication channels of engineering interest. Specifically, we first investigate the detailed characteristics of optimal inputs for a single- user channel that is impaired by two types of noise: a Gaussian mixture (GM) noise $Z$ consisting of Gaussian elements with arbitrary means, and the interference $U$ with an arbitrary distribution. The only very mild condition imposed on $U$ is that its second moment is finite. To this end, one of the important results is the establishment of the Kuhn-Tucker condition (KTC) and the proof of analyticity of the KTC using Fubini-Tonelli's and Morera's theorems. Using the Bolzano- Weierstrass's and Identity's theorems, we then show that an optimal input is continuous if only if the KTC is zero on the entire real line. However, by examining an upper bound on the tail of the output PDF, it is demonstrated that the KTC must be bounded away from zero. As such, any optimal input must be discrete with finite number of mass points. Finally, we exploit the arbitrary property of $U$ to show that the optimal input distributions that achieve the sum-capacity of an ℳ-user MAC under GM noise are finite discrete. We also prove that there exist at least two distinct points that achieve the sum capacity on the rate region.
Trends and Characteristics of Tuberculous Meningitis in the United States, 1993–2013 (S30.007)

Objective: To describe the incidence, mortality, and neurological complications of tuberculous meningitis (TBM) in the US between 1993 through 2013. Background: Incidence of tuberculosis has decreased in the US over the past two decades, but it is uncertain whether incidence of TBM has similarly declined. Design/Methods: Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, we identified all adult patients hospitalized with TBM during the study period using ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes. Incidence rates were calculated after adjusting for annual US Census population estimates. We then calculated the rate of neurological complications and mortality associated with TBM. Neurological complications included hydrocephalus, seizure, stroke, vision and hearing impairment. All analysis used survey weights to report national estimates. Results: Between 1993 and 2013, we identified 16,196 new cases of TBM in the US. The incidence of TBM decreased from 6.2 to 1.9 hospitalizations per million persons at risk (rate difference: 4.3; 95% CI, 2.1 to 6.5, P P Conclusions: Over the past two decades, the incidence and mortality of TBM in the US have steadily declined, but neurological complications are increasing. Study Supported by: This work was supported by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders [grant numbers K23NS082367, R01NS097443-01 to H.K.] and the Michael Goldberg Stroke Research Fund to [H.K.]. Disclosure: Dr. Merkler has nothing to disclose. Dr. Chatterjee has nothing to disclose. Dr. Gialdini has nothing to disclose. Dr. Reynolds has nothing to disclose. Dr. Morris has nothing to disclose. Dr. Murthy has nothing to disclose. Dr. Thakur has received personal compensation for activities with World Health Organization and Medscape. Dr. Kamel has received personal compensation for activities with Genentech as a speaker. Dr. Kamel has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity for Journal Watch Neurology.
Nicotine: Its Stimulating and Inhibitory Effects on Oral Microorganisms

Tobacco users are much more susceptible to dental caries and periodontal diseases than non-tobacco users. Research suggests that this increased susceptibility may be due in part to nicotine, a primary active component of tobacco. Five bacterial species and one yeast species commonly found in the human oral cavity, Lactobacillus casei, Actinomyces viscosus, Actinomyces naeslundii, Rothia dentocariosa, Enterococcus faecalis, and Candida albicans respectively, were utilized to investigate if any correlation existed between exposure to various concentrations of nicotine ranging from 0 to 32 mg/ml and the growth of each microorganism. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC), and planktonic growth were measured. The MIC was determined to be 16 mg/ml for all organisms except E. faecalis, which had an MIC of 32 mg/ml. Nicotine had a varying effect on planktonic growth across the different species. A distinct upward trend in biofilm formation was found in A. viscosus, L. casei, E. faecalis, and C. albicans through 8 mg/ml. Nicotine also enhanced R. dentocariosa biofilm formation in all concentrations through 8 mg/ml but was most enhanced at 1 mg/ml. Alternatively, A. naeslundii exhibited a complete downward trend through 32 mg/ml. The MBIC was found to be 16 mg/ml in all organisms studied. These findings further support research suggesting that the increased susceptibility to oral health diseases experienced by tobacco users may be caused in part by an upregulation in biofilm formation of these oral pathogens.
Abstract WP82: Screening Individuals With Intracranial Aneurysms for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm - the Brain and Aortic Aneurysm Screening (BAAS) Study

Introduction: Aneurysm rupture is associated with high mortality and morbidity, including both intracranial aneurysms (IA) and abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). Despite potential preemptive treatme...
A novel tumor suppressor gene ARHI (DIRAS3) enhances polymerization of microtubules and increases the anti-tumor activity of paclitaxel

3640 Taxanes contribute to both curative and palliative therapeutic regimens for a wide variety of malignancies. These compounds are thought to act by stabilizing microtubules, leading to the formation of non-functional bundles that suppress mitosis and induce apoptosis. The dynamic organization of microtubules is tightly controlled by a variety of molecules, including microtubule associated proteins (MAPs) and several Rho family members. ARHI is a Ras superfamily member and a novel imprinted tumor suppressor gene whose expression is silenced or downregulated in a majority of ovarian and breast cancers through several mechanisms, including genetic or epigenetic regulation. Our recent data indicate that ARHI promotes tubulin polymerization. Expression of ARHI has been shown to inhibit cancer cell growth, to produce G2M cell cycle arrest, and to induce autophagy. Co-immunoprecipitation and proteomic analysis indicate that ARHI is associated with both tubulin and MAPs in ovarian cancer cells. Forced expression of ARHI increases tubulin acetylation and polymerization, thus stabilizing microtubules. Induction of ARHI expression enhances the anti-tumor effect of paclitaxel, associated with an increase in the formation of non-functioning microtubule bundles and suppression of mitosis. ARHI also antagonizes nocodazole’s de-polymerizing effect on microtubules. These data indicate that ARHI may be an important and novel regulator of microtubule stability. Our previous data have shown that treatment with epigenetic modifiers, such as demethylating agents and histone deacetylase inhibitors, can re-activate ARHI expression and inhibit tumor cell growth. We can now test whether cancer cells that retain ARHI expression are more susceptible to taxanes and if the re-expression of ARHI with epigenetic modifiers, might also potentiate susceptibility to taxane therapy.
Embedded magnetic shape memory sensory particles in lightweight composites for crack detection

Abstract Through embedding functional materials into structural components, smart composites offer an alternative to structural health monitoring (SHM). The present work focuses on the development of a new kind of composite with metamagnetic shape memory alloy (MMSMA) particles as the sensory particle reinforcements. The premise of this approach is that sensory particles can experience martensitic transformation (MT) in the presence of the crack tip stress field, emitting acoustic signals and changing their magnetic state upon the transformation, which can be exploited using acoustic and/or magnetic sensors to detect the crack location. The composite fabrication consisted of the consolidation of pure Al and Ni43Co7Mn39Sn11 MMSMA powders through spark plasma sintering at 400 °C and 560 °C. Consolidation at 400 °C yielded a porous composite. Consolidation at 560 °C yielded a highly dense composite with a diffusion region between the particles and matrix consisting of Al-Mn-Ni rich and Sn-Mn rich zones. Thermomagnetic testing of this composite displayed a similar response to the standalone Ni43Co7Mn39Sn11 powder indicating that the particles can still transform after the composite fabrication. Fatigue crack testing of the composite revealed particles in the presence of cracks undergoing MT. This demonstrates the feasibility of the sensory magnetic particle approach as a potential new SHM technique, however, the interface should be further engineered to optimize the load transfer from matrix to the particles.
Bench Evaluation of Oropharyngeal Packing to Reduce Leak During Rigid Bronchoscopy

Background: RB creates unique challenges for ventilation of the patient. While manual jet ventilation is the accepted standard, we have also used an LTV-1200 or a Respironics V60 ventilator. A common and recommended practice during RB is packing the oropharynx with gauze to reduce the leak and improve ventilation to the patient1. The purpose of this study was to perform a bench simulation of RB to evaluate if packing the oropharynx with gauze improves ventilation. Methods: We performed a bench study of RB with an intubation mannikin attached to the Ingmar ASL-5000 test lung with a Novametrix NM3-NICO flow sensor between the mannikin airway and the ASL-5000. Normal apneic adult settings were used on the ASL-5000. The manual jet was tested at 40 and 60 PSI with two breath types, "Burst" - short i-time and "Hold" - long i-time. The V60 was tested with I-Times of 0.6 s and 1 s, with a delta pressure of 20 cm H2O and 30 cm H2O. Two different leak scenarios were tested: "Low Leak" - typical setup of the RB with the silicon cap in place. "High Leak" - setup without silicon cap in place. All of the above variables were tested either with the mannikin9s oropharynx packed with gauze as is typical during RB or not packed with gauze. Inspiratory tidal volumes were collected with each of the different scenario combinations with the NM3 device. Minitab 18 was used for statistical analysis. Results: See graphic for the results of the inspiratory volume delivered with various representative devices and settings with or without gauze packing or no gauze packing. Pearson correlation coefficient between both paired groups of tidal volumes (packed paired with unpacked) was 0.994 (P=0.000). Conclusions: Regardless of the ventilation device and settings used during RB, there is no difference in the tidal volume delivered if the oropharynx is packed with gauze or if it is not packed with gauze. The only values that differ with and without packing is during large tidal volumes of the manual jet, but the results are opposite of the purpose of packing. The tidal volume is greater without packing and may be associated with extra entrainment when packing is not present. The results of this study show that packing the oropharynx solely to maintain better ventilation is not necessary, packing does not improve ventilation during rigid bronchoscopy. 1. Ventilation and Anesthetic Approaches for Rigid Bronchoscopy. Ann Am Thorac Soc 2014;11(4):628-634.
The Healthcare Simulation Technology Specialist and Audio/Video Technology

Audio/video (A/V) systems are a unique feature of the healthcare simulation space compared with most other classroom or teaching environments. The proper use and maintenance of these systems require a specialized knowledge of the terminology, connections, and expected function of each system. No two simulation systems are the same, and broad concepts and understanding are important to begin using, fixing, or planning changes to a system within a center. Large management and integration services work well for many centers, providing turnkey and enterprise-level functions, but these may be cost prohibitive for smaller centers. In either case, healthcare simulation technology specialists may be called upon to troubleshoot, retrofit, or suggest a custom solution to allow communication and visualization of the simulated training environment to meet the education needs of a given program.
Effects of a Mathematical Writing Intervention on Middle School Students’ Performance

The benefits of content writing are widely recognized, yet there are still few studies that evaluate the benefits and challenges of mathematical writing (MW) for students. The National Council of T...
Network Analysis of Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement for Stenotic Bicuspid Aortic Valves According to Valve Type.

Abstract Background It is currently unknown if outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) differ according to the prosthetic valve deployed in patients with bicuspid aortic valves (BAV). Objectives This study evaluated valve-specific outcomes post-TAVR in patients with BAV. Methods Literature search was performed using the Cochrane databases, PubMed, ClinicalTrials, SCOPUS and EMBASE databases from inception until July 2018. We computed risk ratios and their 95% confidence intervals for all outcomes of interest. For each outcome, the data were pooled using a multivariate random-effects meta-analysis including multiple treatment as well as direct and indirect comparisons. Results Ten studies enrolling a total of 1547 BAV patients undergoing TAVR using 6 different prosthetic valve types were analyzed. There were no significant differences in 30-day all-cause mortality, life-threatening bleeding and device success among the diverse prosthetic valve types implanted. However, 2nd generation balloon-expandable valves had consistently lower risk of moderate-to-severe prosthetic valve regurgitation. Conclusion In patients with BAV, there were no significant differences in 30-day all-cause mortality after TAVR among the various prosthetic valve types.
Heavy eye syndrome precipitated by superotemporal Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation in a woman with axial high myopia

A 56-year-old woman with pseudophakia and glaucoma was referred because of left eye hypotropia and esotropia noted following superotemporal Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation in that eye. Examination suggested left heavy eye syndrome, and it was confirmed the patient had high axial myopia before her cataract surgeries. Both nasal displacement of the left superior rectus muscle and inferior displacement of the left lateral rectus muscle were noted intraoperatively. Removal of the glaucoma drainage device, posterior loop myopexy of the superior rectus muscle to the lateral rectus muscle, and implantation of a new glaucoma drainage device inferonasally improved the strabismus.
The Multiple Clinical Manifestations of Patent Foramen Ovale

A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a congenital remnant of the fetal circulation that persists in 25% of adults. Once considered a mostly benign congenital heart defect, the presence of PFO-mediated r...
An Advanced Framework for Time-lapse Microscopy Image Analysis

ABSTRACT Time-lapse microscopy is a powerful technique that generates large volumes of image-based information to quantify the behaviors of cell populations. This method has been applied to cancer studies to estimate the drug response for precision medicine and has great potential to address inter-patient (or intertumoral) heterogeneity. A couple of algorithms exist to analyze time-lapse microscopy images; however, most deal with very high-resolution images involving few cells (typically cell lines). There are currently no advanced and efficient computational frameworks available to process large-scale time-lapse microscopy imaging data to estimate patient-specific response to therapy based on a large population of primary cells. In this paper, we propose a robust and user-friendly pipeline to preprocess the images and track the behaviors of thousands of cancer cells simultaneously for a better drug response prediction of cancer patients. Availability and Implementation Source code is available at: https://github.com/CompbioLabUCF/CellTrack ACM Reference Format Qibing Jiang, Praneeth Sudalagunta, Mark B. Meads, Khandakar Tanvir Ahmed, Tara Rutkowski, Ken Shain, Ariosto S. Silva, and Wei Zhang. 2020. An Advanced Framework for Time-lapse Microscopy Image Analysis. In Proceedings of BioKDD: 19th International Workshop on Data Mining In Bioinformatics (BioKDD). ACM, New York, NY, USA, 8 pages. https://doi.org/10.1145/nnnnnnn.nnnnnnn
Toward scalable III-nitride quantum dot structures for quantum photonics

Abstract Semiconductor quantum-dot structures suitable for integrated quantum photonic circuits are discussed with a special focus on group-III nitride quantum dots. The atomic-like electronic structure enables quantum dots to generate, process, and detect photonic quantum information. The ability to separately address electrons and holes in a quantum dot gives rise to unique opportunities and challenges. Group-III nitride quantum dots cover a wavelength range from 300 to 900 nm which provides a technological platform to interface with atoms, trap ions, and diamonds. The large exciton binding energy in III-nitride enables single photon emission above room temperature. III-nitride quantum dots also possess unique challenges such as pronounced spectral diffusion, phonon-induced dephasing, random photon polarization, and a long radiative lifetime due to the strong piezoelectric field. This chapter discusses recent advances and efforts in combating these challenges.
Is Quasi-Judicial Immunity Qualified Immunity?

In an important article, Scott Keller argues that in 1871 “the common law definitively accorded at least qualified immunity to all executive officers’ discretionary duties.” This is not correct. The common law did not recognize the doctrine of qualified immunity. It recognized a doctrine of quasi-judicial immunity. A closer examination of the doctrine of quasi-judicial immunity shows just how distant it was from the modern doctrine of qualified immunity. It protected quasi-judicial acts like election administration and tax assessment, not ordinary law enforcement decisions. It allowed for harsh liability for officers who exceeded their authority. And the defense was not an immunity from suit. Thus, today’s doctrine of qualified immunity owes more to modern judicial invention than it does to the common law.
Evaluation of Revised US Preventive Services Task Force Lung Cancer Screening Guideline Among Women and Racial/Ethnic Minority Populations

Importance Lung cancer incidence and mortality disproportionately affect women and racial/ethnic minority populations, yet screening guidelines for the past several years were derived from clinical trials of predominantly White men. To reflect current evidence, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has revised the eligibility criteria, which may help to ameliorate sex- and race/ethnicity–related disparities in lung cancer screening. Objective To determine the changes associated with the revised USPSTF guideline for lung cancer screening eligibility among female, Black, and Hispanic populations using a large nationwide survey. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study included respondents to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System who were 50 to 80 years of age with a smoking history in 19 states that used the optional lung cancer screening module. The change in eligibility among female, male, Black, Hispanic, and White participants was examined. Eligibility by sex and race/ethnicity was compared with a reference population. Data were collected from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2018, and analyzed from May 8 to June 11, 2020. Exposures Self-reported sex, race/ethnicity, age, and smoking history. Main Outcomes and Measures Lung cancer screening eligibility using the revised USPSTF criteria. The previous criteria included current or past smokers (within 15 years) who were 55 to 80 years of age and had a smoking history of more than 30 pack-years. In the revised criteria, age was modified to 50 to 80 years; smoking history, to 20 pack-years. Results Among 40 869 respondents aged 50 to 80 years with a smoking history, 21 265 (52.0%) were women, 3430 (8.4%) were Black, and 1226 (30.0%) were Hispanic (mean [SD] age, 65.6 [7.9] years). The revised criteria increased eligibility for the following populations: men (29.4% to 38.3% [8.9% difference];P Conclusions and Relevance The revised USPSTF guideline may likely increase lung cancer screening rates for female, Black, and Hispanic populations. However, despite these potential improvements, lung cancer screening inequities may persist without tailored eligibility criteria.
Real-Time Task Scheduling on Intermittently Powered Batteryless Devices

Intermittently powered devices (IPDs) have gained much interest in recent years. However, scheduling real-time tasks while supporting data consistency, timekeeping, and schedulability guarantees on these devices still remains a challenge. Many sensing tasks need long indivisible sensor reading operations, but most prior work has limited their focus to the forward progress of computation-only tasks. In this article, we propose a scheduling framework to execute real-time periodic tasks with atomic sensing operations. Our proposed method keeps track of time progress and ensures the periodic execution of sensing tasks while efficiently utilizing intermittent power sources. We provide schedulability analysis to determine if a taskset is schedulable under a given charging condition. As a proof-of-concept, we design a custom programmable RFID tag device, called R’tag, and demonstrate the effectiveness of our framework in a realistic sensing application. Evaluation results show that the proposed method satisfies the real-time task execution requirements on IPDs in terms of task scheduling, timekeeping, and periodic sensing while significantly outperforming prior work.
Long-Term Outcomes after Early Neonatal Hyperglycemia in VLBW Infants: A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION Long-term effects of early hyperglycemia in VLBW infants are poorly characterized. The objective of this study was to systematically review the effect of early hyperglycemia on growth, metabolic health, and neurodevelopment after neonatal intensive care unit discharge in VLBW infants. METHODS The systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. A study protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42019123335). Data sources included Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and Scopus. Selected studies included infants with a blood glucose concentration >150 mg/dL (8.3 mmol/L) during the first 28 days of life, a gestational age (GA) <32 weeks, and/or a birth weight <1,500 g and longitudinal data on growth, metabolic health, or neurodevelopment outcomes. The GRADE system was used to assess quality of evidence. RESULTS Eight studies (n = 987 infants) reported long-term outcomes from 4-month corrected GA to 7 years old. Most studies compared long-term outcomes of preterm infants with and without hyperglycemia. Two studies addressed outcomes related to interventions following early hyperglycemia. Some studies found differences in growth, metabolic health, and neurodevelopment outcomes between VLBW preterm infants with hyperglycemia and without hyperglycemia, while other studies found no differences between groups. The overall graded quality of evidence was low. CONCLUSIONS Well-designed randomized controlled and prospective studies are necessary to determine the effect of early hyperglycemia and its treatment on later metabolic and neurodevelopmental outcomes in VLBW infants. Authors propose a potential study design for standardizing the assessment of long-term metabolic and neurodevelopmental outcomes following early hyperglycemia in preterm infants.
'Artificial intelligence in Barrett's Esophagus'.

Despite advances in endoscopic imaging modalities, there are still significant miss rates of dysplasia and cancer in Barrett’s esophagus. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a promising tool that may p...
Hydrothermal Glass Reactions in Salt Brine

A simulated high-level waste glass was exposed to high-temperature salt brine and deionized water. The glass undergoes partial crystallization, depending on the conditions, and yields NaFeSi2O6 as the primary alteration product. At the extreme temperature of these tests, cesium, rubidium, strontium and molybdenum show moderate-to-high solubilities in salt brine. Solubility in deionized water is an order of magnitude lower than in salt brine, but the glass alteration rate is higher. In a similar salt brine test, a supercalcine showed similar cesium and strontium releases when compared to the glass.
Effects of a measurement floor on Mueller matrix measurements in a dual rotating retarder polarimeter bidirectional scatter distribution function system

Since a measurement of the bidirectional scatter distribution function (BSDF) of a material is proportional to the intensity of the scattered light, a BSDF measurement system with the addition of a dual rotating retarder polarimeter can be used to calculate the Mueller matrix of a scatterer. One advantage of a BSDF system using a laser source is its large dynamic range, which allows the measurement of scattered light both near to and away from the specular region. As BSDF measurements move away from the specular region and into a more diffuse-scatter region, the measured signal decreases and may approach the system's measurement floor. Therefore, BSDF and Mueller-matrix measurements are dependent not only on the scatter from the sample but also on the noise floor of the system. By analyzing numerically created bidirectional reflectance distribution function data, we show that since the noise floor of a system is typically constant, the Mueller-matrix measurement at the noise floor appears to be that of a perfect depolarizer. Therefore, as the BSDF measurement space moves away from the high-signal region and the noise floor is approached, the Mueller matrix assigned to the sample artificially approaches that of a perfect depolarizer. The rate and location in scatter-angle space of this shift is dependent on the BSDF of the material and on the signal-to-noise ratio in the system. Therefore, caution must be taken when drawing conclusions about measured Mueller matrices for scattered light, particularly in measurement regions where the measured signal approaches the system floor.
Implementation of a p-adic Package for Polynomial Factorization and Other Related Operations

The design and implementation of a p-adic package, called P-pack, for polynomial factorization, ged, squarefree decomposition and univariate partial fraction expansion are presented. P-pack is written in FRANZ LISP, and can be loaded into VAXIMA and run without modification. The physical organization of the code modules and their logical relations are described. Sharing of code among different modules and techniques for improved speed are discussed.
Projective summands in generators

An R -module M is a generator (of the category of modules) provided every module is a homomorphic image of a suitable direct sum of copies of M . Equivalently, some M (k) has R as a summand. Except in the last section, all rings are assumed to be commutative, Noetherian domains, and modules are usually finitely generated. In this context generators are exactly those modules that have non-zero free summands locally . Of course, generators can fail to have free summands (e.g., over Dedekind domains), and we ask whether they necessarily have non-zero projective summands. The answer is “yes” for rings of dimension 1, as we point out in § 3, and for the polynomial ring in one variable over a Dedekind domain. In § 1 we show that for 2-dimensional rings the answer is intimately connected with the structure of projective modules. Our main result in the positive direction, Theorem 1.3, grew out of the attempt, in conversations with T. Stafford, to understand the case R = k[x, y] . In § 2 we give examples of rings having generators with no projective summands. The last section contains miscellaneous observations, some of them on rings without chain conditions.
Genetic interaction motif finding by expectation maximization – a novel statistical model for inferring gene modules from synthetic lethality

Background Synthetic lethality experiments identify pairs of genes with complementary function. More direct functional associations (for example greater probability of membership in a single protein complex) may be inferred between genes that share synthetic lethal interaction partners than genes that are directly synthetic lethal. Probabilistic algorithms that identify gene modules based on motif discovery are highly appropriate for the analysis of synthetic lethal genetic interaction data and have great potential in integrative analysis of heterogeneous datasets.
Sodium periodate stimulation of normal and chronic lymphocytic leukemia lymphocytes. II. The use of neuraminidase and trypsin to probe the nature of the response.

Abstract Sodium periodate stimulated normal and leukemic lymphocytes to undergo DNA synthesis and cell division. The role exerted by cell surface components in this response was investigated by pre-treatment or post-treatment of cells with either neuraminidase or trypsin. Both enzymes substantially reduced the sodium periodate response of normal and leukemic lymphocytes when they were added after the mitogen. In normal lymphocytes when the treatment sequence was reversed (enzyme before sodium periodate), neuraminidase had no effect while trypsin greatly potentiated the action of this mitogen. In leukemic lymphocytes, however, neuraminidase reduced the response, whereas trypsin had little or no effect. In comparison with another mitogen, the response of normal and leukemic lymphocytes to phytohemagglutinin was not significantly altered by pre-treatment with neuraminidase or trypsin. Collectively, these results imply that significant differences exist in the cell surface of these two types of lymphocytes and that the oxidation of cell surface components other than sialic acid are involved in the response of these cells to sodium periodate.
Combining Learned and Highly-Reactive Management

Learned models of behavior have the disadvantage that they must be retrained after any change in system configuration. Autonomic management methods based upon learned models lose effectiveness during the retraining period. We propose a hybrid approach to autonomic resource management that combines management based upon learned models with "highly-reactive" management that does not depend upon learning, history, or complete information. Whenever re-training is necessary, a highly-reactive algorithm serves as a fallback management strategy. This approach mitigates the risks involved in using learned models in the presence of unpredictable effects, including unplanned configuration changes and hidden influences upon performance not considered in the learned model. We use simulation to demonstrate the utility of the hybrid approach in mitigating pitfalls of both learning-based and highly-reactive approaches.
The Molecular Basis of K+ Channel Gating

Until recently, electrophysiology served as an indirect window into one's understanding of channel gating and structure. A clearer picture of protein movements involved in gating has recently emerged from the merger of crystallographic and spectroscopic studies with functional analysis. These and other emerging results are discussed from the perspective that understanding the molecular process in details of gating helps explain how a wide variety of effectors can function to open or close a target channel, allowing for the large diversity of channels. A large helix opening may not be a requirement for channel gating as a small helix bend can allow K+ ions an adequate path for flow. The cytoplasmic gating ring of the channel is formed by an octamer of RCK domains. The mechanism of channel gating lies at the core of one's understanding of how channels respond to specific stimuli. Information extracted from functional, crystallographic, and spectroscopic studies of prokaryotic channels has revealed molecular details of how the inner helices and the selectivity filter are involved in channel gating. Focusing the gating forces at a consistent position along the ion conduction pathway allows channels to exist with a large diversity of regulatory domains but maintain a conserved core architecture necessary for efficient function.
Sex Differences in GABAergic Neurotransmission to Gastric-Projecting DMV Neurons

Women have a higher prevalence of functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders compared to men. Gastric motility is modulated by neurons of the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) and the activity of these neurons is regulated by a tonic GABAergic input. In general, females have been shown to have a higher expression of GABA throughout the central nervous system. The aim of this study was to investigate sex differences in the basic properties and GABAergic inputs to gastric-projecting DMV neurons. In an in vivo anesthetized preparation, microinjections of bicuculline methiodide (BIC, 0.5-50pmoles/60 nl) into the DMV of Sprague-Dawley rats increased gastric tone in a dose-dependent manner. Microinjection of 0.5 pmoles of BIC elicited a 32.0±12 mg increase in gastric tone (N=2) in males and a significantly greater increase in gastric tone in females (200.5±37; N=3; p<0.05). Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were made from gastric-projecting DMV neurons. Female rats displayed an increased afterhyperpolariz...
N,N′‐(o‐Phenyl­ene)dibenzene­sulfonamide

The N atoms of the title compound, C18H16N2O4S2, are not preorganized for metal cation binding. The N—H groups form hydrogen bonds with symmetry-equivalent sulfonamide groups.