cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
When and how to replace the aortic root in type A aortic dissection

Management of aortic root pathology during repair of acute type A aortic dissection (TAAD) requires a comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s anatomy, demographics, comorbidities and physiologic status at the time of emergent operative intervention. Surgical options include conservative repair of the root (CRR) (with or without replacement of the aortic valve), replacement of the native valve and aortic root using a composite valve-conduit and valve sparing root replacement (VSRR). The primary objective of this review is to provide data for surgeons to aid in their decision-making process regarding management of the aortic root during repair of TAAD. No time or language restrictions were imposed and references of the selected studies were checked for additional relevant citations. Multiple retrospective reviews have demonstrated equivalent operative mortality between aortic root repair and replacement during TAAD. There is a higher incidence of aortic root reintervention with aortic root repair compared to aortic root replacement (ARR). Experienced, high-volume aortic centers have demonstrated the safety of VSRR in young, hemodynamically stable patients presenting with TAAD. In conclusion, aortic root repair can safely be performed in the vast majority of patients with TAAD. Despite the increased surgical complexity, ARR does not increase operative mortality and improves the freedom from root reintervention. VSRR can be performed in highly selected populations of patients with TAAD with durable mid-term valve function.
HSV Latency In Vitro

We have developed an in vitro model of herpes simplex virus (HSV) latency in primary neurons that mimics many aspects of HSV latency in animal models and the human disease (1-3). Using this model, we demonstrated that HSV-1 and HSV-2 establish latent infections in vitro in the same neuronal cell types that are shown to harbor latent HSV in humans (3). Latent HSV infections can be produced in neuronal cultures from ganglia of rodents and primates with similar results (3). In all cases examined, the neurotrophin, nerve growth factor (NGF), is required to maintain the latent infections. Depletion of NGF results in the reactivation of latent virus (1-3). Depending upon the conditions and the use of a high multiplicity of infection, latent HSV-1 infections are established in the majority of primary sensory or sympathetic neurons in tissue culture (2,4). To achieve high efficiency of establishment of latency with little or no evidence of lytic infection, an antiviral agent (e.g., acyclovir) is added to the neuronal cultures during the first week after inoculation with virus. However, latency can be established in the absence of antiviral treatment provided that the multiplicity of infection (MOI) is very low (1,2). At least one of the actions of the antiviral treatment is to prevent amplification of the input virus in the nonneuronal cells that are present in the culture at the outset of the infection. These nonneuronal cells are destroyed in the presence of acyclovir and virus (4). Latency is maintained in neurons in culture for as long as 10 wk in the presence of NGF. Viral transcripts and antigens associated with the productive infection are not detected during the latent infection (2,3,5). Viral transcription is restricted to the latency-associated transcripts (LAT) during the latent infection and is present in the nuclei of 80-90% of the neurons by 3 wk postinfection (4,5) Upon removal of NGF from the culture medium, for as brief as 1 h, reactivation of latent virus is induced (3), and viral antigens associated with the productive infection and infectious virus are detected between 48-72 h after NGF deprivation.
A comparison of a modified sequential oral sensory approach to an applied behavior-analytic approach in the treatment of food selectivity in children with autism spectrum disorder.

Treatments of pediatric feeding disorders based on applied behavior analysis (ABA) have the most empirical support in the research literature (Volkert & Piazza, 2012); however, professionals often recommend, and caregivers often use, treatments that have limited empirical support. In the current investigation, we compared a modified sequential oral sensory approach (M-SOS; Benson, Parke, Gannon, & Munoz, 2013) to an ABA approach for the treatment of the food selectivity of 6 children with autism. We randomly assigned 3 children to ABA and 3 children to M-SOS and compared the effects of treatment in a multiple baseline design across novel, healthy target foods. We used a multielement design to assess treatment generalization. Consumption of target foods increased for children who received ABA, but not for children who received M-SOS. We subsequently implemented ABA with the children for whom M-SOS was not effective and observed a potential treatment generalization effect during ABA when M-SOS preceded ABA.
Simulation of Terrigenous Minerogenic Particle Populations in Time and Space in Cayuga Lake, New York, in Response to Runoff Events

The important effects of minerogenic particles delivered from watersheds on optical and phosphorus metrics of lacustrine water quality have recently been quantified through measurements of the projected area of these particles per unit volume of water (PAVm), using an individual particle analysis technique. A mass balance type model for PAVm, partitioned according to the contributions of four size classes, is developed and tested for Cayuga Lake, New York, supported by long-term monitoring of PAVm in the lake and its primary tributaries. The model represents the source of PAVm of tributary inputs and three in-lake loss processes: (1) size-dependent settling, (2) enhancement of settling through aggregation, and (3) filter feeding by dreissenid mussels. The central roles of major runoff events and localized external loads of minerogenic sediment at one end of the lake in driving patterns of PAVm in time and space are successfully simulated, including (1) the higher PAVm levels in a shallow area (“shelf”) adjoining these inputs, relative to pelagic waters, following runoff events; and (2) the positive dependence of the shelf increases on the magnitude of the event. Analyses conducted with the model establish that settling, with aggregation enhancement, dominates the loss of PAVm from the water column of the shelf, while mussel filtration increases in relative importance in pelagic waters. The utility of PAVm predictions to quantify the effects of these particles on optical and phosphorus concentration metrics of water quality is established.
Simple half frame forwarding (HFF-S): frame-rate up conversion for tiled rendering GPU

The explosion of smartphones leads the huge mobile GPU performance enhancement for rich 3D graphics applications and, recently, the mobile GPU is moving forward for VR/AR era. In VR/AR era, mobile GPU needs to achieve not only high 3D quality but also high frame rate in order to minimize the motion to photon latency of VR. Moreover, mobile GPU have to minimize its power consumption for battery powered devices. For these requirements, frame-rate control schemes were introduced but 3D quality degradation was not acceptable in the market. A frame-rate up conversion (FRUC) [Park et al., 2015] was proposed for doubling the frame rate with negligible performance degradation. Although the previous work achieved high frame rate and high quality, it required complex edge detection processing in some GPU architectures.
Temporary fusionless posterior occipitocervical fixation for a proximal junctional type II odontoid fracture after previous C2-pelvis fusion: case report, description of a new surgical technique, and review of the literature

Axial fractures in patients with a previous C2-pelvis posterior instrumented fusion are rare and may be challenging to manage. Motion preservation in the axial spine for these patients is important, as the C1–2 and Occipit-C1 joints are their only remaining mobile spinal segments. In this unique report, we present for the first time the use of a fusionless occipitocervical operation for the treatment of a type II odontoid fracture and unilateral C2 pars fracture adjacent to a previous C2-pelvis posterior instrumented fusion. Case report. Three years after proximal extension of a T3-pelvis posterior instrumented fusion to C2, the patient sustained a displaced odontoid fracture and unilateral C2 pars fracture after a mechanical fall. She underwent fracture stabilization with extension of instrumentation to the occiput. No attempt at fusion was performed. Post-operatively, she was distraught by severely limited neck range of motion, which was reflected in worsening of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) scores. The fracture healed uneventfully after which the instrumentation from the occiput and C1 were removed, which resulted in improvement of neck range of motion. Two years post-operatively, HRQoL scores showed minimal neck disability (NDI 12), no neck or arm pain (VAS 0), and outstanding general health (EQ-5D 85 out of 100, SF-36 PCS 35.3, SF-36 MCS 41.1). In this one patient, instrumentation without fusion allowed for successful and timely union of a displaced odontoid fracture in a patient with a previous C2-pelvis fusion. Axial range of motion was preserved after instrumentation removal.
The effect of depression on the decision to join a clinical trial.

Objective Clinical trials are necessary for evaluation of novel treatments. However, concerns have been raised about the vulnerability of depressed individuals when joining clinical trials, that is, about their abilities to make good decisions about clinical trial participation. The purpose of this study was to determine whether depression compromises decisions to join clinical trials, by comparing the decisions of 3 groups: depressed individuals, individuals suffering from chronic pain, and individuals with comorbid depression and chronic pain. Method Participants (depressed: n = 61; chronic pain: n = 60; comorbid: n = 58) completed, via a clinical interview, common decision-making tasks from the field of judgment and decision making (time trade-off and standard gamble). The rationality of decisions was defined as the concordance between the evaluations of their health and the amount of risk participants would accept to improve health. Results Depressed individuals made less rational decisions than individuals with chronic pain (partial η2 = 0.075, 90% confidence interval [CI] [0.009, 0.180]); however, the discrepancy was in the direction of risk aversion, suggesting that depressed individuals were overly cautious about clinical trial participation. Furthermore, this risk aversion was not limited to clinical trials for depression, but also extended to clinical trials for chronic pain (partial η2 = 0.041, 90% CI [0.002, 0.117]), suggesting that depressed individuals may be overly cautious in their health choices more broadly. Conclusion Our findings suggest that concerns about depressed individuals making overly risky "desperate" decisions is likely unfounded, and it is more likely that depressed individuals may forgo valuable care options in an attempt to avoid risk. (PsycINFO Database Record
A behavioral typology of opioid overdose risk behaviors among recent veterans in New York City.

Objective To identify meaningful classes of opioid-using military veterans in terms of self-reported opioid overdose risk behaviors. Method The study recruited a sample of 218 military veterans in the NYC area who were discharged from active duty service after September 11, 2001 and reported past-month opioid use. Survey data including measures of mental health, social stressors, substance use, and opioid-related overdose risk behaviors were analyzed using Latent Class Analysis (LCA). Results A five group solution had excellent fit scores and interpretability. Factor analysis confirmed the existence of two major dimensions of variation: non-adherence and heroin use. The five groups included lower-risk prescription opioid users, non-adherent prescription opioid users and heroin users. The non-adherent prescription opioid users and heroin user classes were both further subdivided into “occasional” and “regular” use categories. In addition to endorsing a greater number of overdose risk behaviors, users in the regular use classes were more likely to screen positive for alcohol and substance use disorders, reported greater self-medicating opioid use to relieve anxiety, reported greater problems with physical pain, were more likely to have had mental health, alcohol and drug treatment, and were less likely to be employed or in school. Heroin users also were less likely to report stable housing. Conclusions Findings indicate that opioid overdose risk classes are grounded in contextual factors related to experiences of psychological, physiological, and social adjustment pain and distress which should be addressed in tailored interventions targeting opioid users’ unique constellations of risk behaviors and comorbid conditions.
Hypogastric Plexus Blocks

Hypogastric plexus block is the primary sympathetic block for pelvic pain secondary to benign and malignant conditions. Innervation of the pelvis is complex, and pain emanating from pelvic organs has a visceral, somatic, and neuropathic component to it. The plexus, though traditionally called the superior hypogastric plexus, also includes the inferior hypogastric plexus which has been a target of interest in peripheral malignancies of the pelvis. Along with medical management, hypogastric plexus blocks and neurolysis has been an important part of a pain practitioner’s armamentarium. Although evidence to support the use of hypogastric plexus is lacking in the form of robust randomized clinical trials, this block is frequently used in terminal cancer pain to provide an improved quality of life in terminal cancer patients. The approaches to this block vary according to the expertise of the practitioner with all techniques being comparable in their relief.
Academic or community practice? What is driving decision-making and career choices.

Abstract Background Identifying factors that impact progression of surgery trainees into academic versus non-academic practices may permit tailoring residency experiences to promote academic careers in institutions charged with the training of future surgeon scientists. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with progression of surgery trainees into academic versus non-academic practice. Methods A survey was distributed to 135 surgeons graduating from the University of Virginia residency program from 1964–2016, a single academic institution. Questions addressed practice type, research productivity, work/life balance, mentorship, and overall sentiment toward research and academic surgery. A 5-point Likert scale measured career satisfaction and influence of factors in practice setting choice. Results Of the 135 surveys that were electronically distributed, 69 participants responded (response rate: 51%). Of the 54 with known current practice types, 34 (63%) were academic and 20 (37%) non-academic. Academic surgeons reported more publications by the conclusion of surgery training (56% vs 25% with >10 publications, P = .02). More academic surgeons reported >$100,000 in student debt at graduation (44% vs 25%, P P = .001). Conclusion This knowledge may help to tailor training experiences to promote academic careers. By supporting funding mechanisms and grant-writing programs, while encouraging mentorship and productive research experiences, current surgical trainees may be more enthusiastic about a career in academic practice.
A cooperative distributed problem-solving framework

This dissertation describes a framework for cooperative distributed problems solving (CDPS) and how this framework can be used to solve the class of problems comprised of semi-independent sub-problems. The CDPS framework provides speedup over traditional sequential problem solving methods, increased reliability and flexibility, reduced static consistency checking, graceful degradation owing to the increased spectral nature of knowledge, and efficient knowledge acquisition. In addition, the CDPS framework facilitates the coupling of disparate knowledge sources by means of a robust communication protocol, this facilitates the coupling of artificial intelligence (AI) techniques with more traditional problem solving techniques such as decision theory, operations research, etc. The CDPS framework also promotes the preservation of multiple perspectives and as a result multiple solutions. The dissertation describes the verification of the CDPS framework via the successful implementations of two prototypes, namely, the Computer Systems Manager and the Supplier-side Risk Analyzer. The dissertation also describes design experiments carried out on the CDPS framework that serve as useful guidelines for future developers of such systems. The design experiments involve comparisons with a Sequential Model and a Distributed Model in order to get a real feel for the performance of the CDPS framework.
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia and the Application of Rational Drug Design

Imatinib is a pharmaceutical therapy recently approved by the FDA to help treat chronic myeloid leukemia. Virtual Mentor is a monthly bioethics journal published by the American Medical Association.
The Genus Peromyscus

The genus Peromyscus includes approximately 40 species of mice native to Central and North America. The considerable information regarding the ecology, ontogeny, psychology, endocrinology, etc. which has accumulated for various species in the genus has recently been reviewed (King, 1968). The interaction of analyses of laboratory animals and those of natural populations has been especially rewarding to investigators with numerous interests, including geneticists. Although the lack of isogenic stocks of these mice precludes their use in certain research activities of mammalian genetics, the geographical and ecological range occupied by members of the genus offers the investigator variation—the basic ingredient of genetics. A considerable number of phenotypes related to characteristics of pelage coloration, pelage texture, morphological structure, behavior, neuromuscular function, metabolic defects, antigens, and proteins have been described, and many of these genetic variants are available from laboratory stocks. The genetic data accumulated to date have been primarily related to the deermouse, Peromyscus maniculatus, with more limited genetic knowledge of other species such as P. boylei, P. leucopus, and P. polionotus.
Role of obstructive sleep apnea on the response to cardiac resynchronization therapy and all-cause mortality.

Background The role of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on the response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) and all-cause mortality in patients with advanced heart failure (HF) is unknown. Objective We assessed the association between OSA, response to CRT, and all-cause mortality in patients with HF. Methods We analyzed records of 548 consecutive patients (mean age 65 ± 13 years; 216 (39%) women; mean follow-up period 76 ± 17 months) who received a CRT-defibrillator device from January 15, 2007 to March 30, 2016 at our tertiary care referral center. Results A total of 180 patients (33%) had OSA. Fewer patients in the OSA group (109 [61%]) had improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) than did those in the non-OSA group (253 [69%]) (P = .001). A total of 144 patients (27%) died by the end of follow-up (OSA group: 61 [33%]; non-OSA group 83 [23%]; P Conclusion OSA is associated with a decreased response to CRT and an increase in all-cause mortality in patients with HF. The differential effect of OSA on CRT response in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and nonischemic cardiomyopathy needs further study.
An Exploration of the Relationships Between Multiple Mini-Interview Scores and Personality Traits.

Objective. To explore the relationship between pharmacy students’ social and behavioral competencies assessed using multiple mini-interviews (MMIs) and their personality traits.Methods. A retrospec...
Early life stress moderates the relationship between age and prosocial behaviors

Abstract Background Several studies suggest that prosocial behaviors gradually increase with age, but others report that prosocial behaviors are fixed traits with only minor fluctuations throughout the lifespan. Early life stress may help explain these inconsistencies, as distinct types of stress have been negatively or positively associated with prosocial behaviors. Objective This current investigation used two studies to test whether distinct types of early life stress moderated the association between age and prosocial behavior. Participants and setting Study 1 recruited undergraduate students (n = 69) between the ages of 18–35, and Study 2 was conducted on Amazon Mechanical Turk responders (n = 499) whose ages ranged from 18-74. Methods Study 1 employed behavioral economic tasks to measure cooperation and charitability, while Study 2 utilized an online survey to measure helping attitudes. Results Moderation analyses revealed the association between age and cooperation was significantly weakened by a history of family violence (β=−0.37,p = 0.002), community violence (β=−0.30,p = 0.012), emotional abuse (β=−0.27,p = 0.026), and an overall summary score of early life stress (β=−0.33,p = 0.006). The relationship between age and charitability was only weakened by family violence (β=−0.24,p = 0.048). The association between age and helping attitudes was weakened by family violence (β=−0.10, p = 0.023), community violence (β=−0.13,p = 0.003), and physical neglect (β=−0.11,p = 0.018). Conclusions Collectively, these results suggest that some types of early life stress, especially exposure to violent environments, may reduce the likelihood of prosocial behaviors increasing throughout the lifespan. This study suggests that age-related effects on prosocial behaviors may not be universal, but rather depend on individual differences in childhood stress.
Single Crystal Growth via Solid → Solid Transformation of Glass

Fabrication of single crystals of materials by conventional methods, which decompose or undergo incongruent melting upon melting, has limited the development of advanced technologies. A solution to this challenge was demonstrated a few years ago using laser heating in a localized region to minimize undesirable nucleation, and then scanning the beam to obtain single crystal growth at the crystallization temperature of glass that was usually significantly below its melting temperature. An overview of the development of this new mode of crystal growth including some new results and insights is presented here. The discovery of rotating lattice single crystal as a novel form of meta-material and its characteristics in relation to process parameters are discussed in detail. Preliminary observations suggest strong correlation between the shape of growth front and rate of lattice rotation. Finally, challenges to single crystal growth via solid → solid transformation are exposed, which include the high interfacial stresses from density difference and the thermal expansion mismatch, of extremely steep T gradients due to highly localized (~μm) laser heating, and of the preferential diffusion of certain elements in the case of incongruent crystallization.
The Joint S&P 500/VIX Smile Calibration Puzzle Solved

Since VIX options started trading in 2006, many researchers have tried to build a model that jointly and exactly calibrates to the prices of S&P 500 (SPX) options, VIX futures and VIX options. So far the best attempts, which used parametric continuous-time jump-diffusion models on the SPX, only produced an approximate fit. In this article we solve this longstanding puzzle using a completely different approach: a nonparametric discrete-time model. Given a VIX future maturity T1, we build a joint probability measure on the SPX at T1, the VIX at T1, and the SPX at T2 = T1 + 30 days which is perfectly calibrated to the SPX smiles at T1 and T2, and the VIX future and VIX smile at T1. Our model satisfies the martingality constraint on the SPX as well as the requirement that the VIX at T1 is the implied volatility of the 30-day log-contract on the SPX. We prove by duality that the existence of such a model means that the SPX and VIX markets are jointly arbitrage-free. The joint calibration puzzle is cast as a dispersion-constrained martingale transport problem which is solved using (an extension of) the Sinkhorn algorithm, in the spirit of De March and Henry-Labordere (2019). The algorithm identifies joint SPX/VIX arbitrages should they arise. Our numerical experiments show that the algorithm performs very well in both low and high volatility regimes. Finally we explain how to handle the fact that the VIX future and SPX option monthly maturities do not perfectly coincide, and how to extend the two-maturity model to include all available monthly maturities.
Building Equity and Equality into Nanotechnology

This book has addressed a number of incredibly complex issues which can appear too daunting to tackle. But while equity and equality are significant challenges, this does not mean that important progress cannot be made. This final chapter outlines a practical program for building equity and equality into nanotechnology using actions based on the results of previous studies. It is directed at nanotechnology policymakers at a national level, but offers lessons for anyone who makes decisions about technologies, especially the “pro-poor,” “fairness,” and “equalizing” approaches it advocates.
Limits of exciton delocalization in molecular aggregates

Exciton states of molecular aggregates, with a particular focus on delocalization length, are discussed. Despite the huge number of studies of molecular excitons, it is argued that there remain interesting open questions. It is hypothesized that limits for equilibrium delocalization length are generally in the range of tens of molecules, even at very low temperatures. Effects that limit delocalization include: phase disorder from wave-zone electronic coupling, polarization fluctuations, and the extreme sensitivity of perfect delocalization to disorder as the size of the molecular aggregate increases. To gain physical insight, the inverse participation ratio is compared to the order parameter for a classical system of coupled, and hence entrained, oscillators-the Kuramoto model. The main result of the paper is that the inverse participation ratio obtained from the quantum mechanical exciton model and the Kuramoto order parameter obtained from coupled classical oscillators estimate the same coherence length. Conclusions suggest discussion topics that touch on limits of delocalization, quantum-to-classical transitions in molecular exciton systems, and whether excitons are good prospects for exploring and exploiting quantum information resources from coherence.
Spatial dynamic functional connectivity analysis identifies distinctive biomarkers in schizophrenia

Dynamic functional network connectivity (dFNC) analysis is a widely-used to study associations between dynamic functional correlations and cognitive abilities. Traditional methods analyze time-varying association of different spatial networks while assuming that the spatial network itself is stationary. However, there has been very little work focused on voxelwise spatial variability. Exploiting the variability across both the temporal and spatial domains provide a more promising direction to obtain reliable dynamic functional patterns. However, methods for extracting time-varying spatio-temporal patterns from large-scale functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data present some challenges, such as degradation in performance with respect to increase in size of the data, estimation of the number of dynamic components, and the potential sensitivity of the resulting dFNCs to selection of the networks. In this work, we implement subsequent extraction of exemplars and dynamics using a constrained independent vector analysis, a data-driven method that efficiently estimates spatial and temporal dynamics from large-scale resting-state fMRI data. We explore the benefits of analyzing spatial dFNC (sdFNC) patterns over temporal dFNC (tdFNC) patterns in the context of differentiating healthy controls and patients with schizophrenia. Our results indicate that for resting-state fMRI data, sdFNC patterns were able to better classify patients and controls, and yield more distinguishing features compared with tdFNC patterns. We also estimate structured patterns of connectivity/states using sdFNC patterns, an area that has not been studied so far, and observe that sdFNC was able to successfully capture distinct information from healthy controls and patients with schizophrenia. In addition, sdFNC patterns were also able to identify functional patterns that associate with signs of paranoia and abnormalities in the patients group. We also observe that patients with schizophrenia tend to switch to or stay in a state corresponding to a hyperconnected brain network.
Using Risk Models to Make Lung Cancer Screening Decisions: Evidence-Based and Getting Better

Cheung and colleagues addressed the question of how best to identify candidates for lung cancer screening. The editorial discusses the findings and the tradeoff in screening decisions between accur...
Foreign direct investment and civil violence in Sub-Saharan Africa

Despite the steady growth in foreign direct investment (FDI) flow into Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA), which is facilitated by the United Nations "2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development", economic development in SSA countries remains relatively weak, due in part to frequent incidents of civil violence. The critics of FDI inflow into SSA posit that the cross‐border capital flow fuels civil conflict and unrest, whilst the proponents maintain that FDI inflow helps developing countries raise their economies. To reconcile these two views, this paper considers the impact of FDI on civil violence in SSA by distinguishing recipient industries of FDI. The results from a new general equilibrium theory suggest that an increase in resource‐directed FDI inflow to countries where the resource sector is skilled labour (unskilled labour) intensive reduces (increases, respectively) the risk of violence. Using a panel data consisting of 34 SSA countries for 1972–2013, the dynamic panel estimates provide support for our theoretical findings. In particular, an increase in FDI inflow reduces the risk of civil violence for skilled labour intensive fuel‐resource‐rich SSA countries. However, the likelihood of violence can increase in FDI inflow for countries that are rich in unskilled labour intensive non‐fuel, ore and other mineral resources.
Note on square-root partitions into distinct parts

Let $$r_D(n)$$ be the number of square-root partitions of n into distinct parts. We will give the asymptotic formula of $$r_D(n)$$ , $$\begin{aligned} r_D(n)&\sim 2^{-7/6}3^{-1/3}\pi ^{-1/2}\zeta (3)^{1/6}n^{-2/3}\\&\quad \times \exp \Bigg (\frac{3^{4/3}\zeta (3)^{1/3}}{2}n^{2/3}+\frac{\zeta (2)}{2\cdot 3^{1/3}\zeta (3)^{1/3}}n^{1/3}-\frac{\zeta (2)^2}{72\zeta (3)}\Bigg ), \end{aligned}$$ by adjusting the well-known approach of Meinardus.
Chapter 3 – Dipeptides

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the chemistry of dipeptides. Some of the innovative and creative aspects of peptide chemistry have centered on the peptide bond-forming reaction. Because of the asymmetric center adjacent to the carboxylic acid carbonyl group, the superficially simple operation of amide formation has required studies to avoid racemization. While racemization can usually be limited to less than 1%, there is still no universally infallible reaction technique and the advantages of having several good methods at one's disposal are well-known to every peptide organic chemist. The best known peptide bond-forming reagent is DCCI. Among peptide bond-forming reactions of little present practicality, but of theoretical interest and possible future utility, is the trimetaphosphate method. One of the newer and more promising additions to the expanding list of new peptide coupling methods is the 2-pyridyl thiolester 365 method.
Differences in Substance Use and Sexual Risk by Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Among University and Community Young Adults in a U.S.-Mexico Border City.

Ethnic and sexual minority young adults in El Paso, Texas, are at high risk for substance use, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV). In 2014, a Hispanic-serving higher ed...
Observation of the Urban Wind Island Effect

Urban wind island effect (UWI) is defined as a phenomenon in which boundary layer mean wind speeds in an urban area are noticeably higher than its neighboring rural areas. Unlike urban heat island effect which has been extensively studied, the UWI was only recently observed in a modeling study. Here we study existence of the UWI over Indianapolis, Indiana using wind profile measurements from two Doppler wind lidars (DWL) that were deployed in climatologically upwind and downwind of the city. Under certain atmospheric conditions higher wind speeds and turbulence were observed at the downwind site over the entire urban boundary layer outside the urban canopy layer.
Health-Related Incidents among Intercollegiate Wheelchair Basketball Players

Background Studies have revealed a higher incidence of injury and illness among elite adaptive athletes when compared to non-disabled athletes in the Paralympics and Olympics. However, sport-specific health care incidence rates and patterns outside of the Paralympics have been poorly described. To date, there are no prospective studies focused on injury or illness rates among intercollegiate wheelchair basketball players. Objective To determine the incidence of sports-related injuries and illnesses among men's and women's intercollegiate wheelchair basketball teams throughout a season. We hypothesized that injury rates among the intercollegiate wheelchair basketball players would be similar to or greater than those of previously published National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) nondisabled basketball players and that injuries would most commonly affect the upper extremities. Design Prospective surveillance study. Setting Men's and women's intercollegiate wheelchair basketball teams in Arlington, Texas. Participants Twenty-eight (14 male, 14 female) of the 29 (15 male, 14 female) eligible adult athletes playing on an intercollegiate men's or women's wheelchair basketball team during the 2018-2019 season. Interventions Completion of a repeatable, electronic, web-app injury and illness survey during the season, as well as separate pre- and post-season injury and illness surveys. Main outcome measures Injury rates throughout the season based on athlete-exposures and relative risk (RR) of injury of intercollegiate wheelchair basketball players compared to NCAA nondisabled basketball players. Description of onset, location, diagnosis, medical evaluation, and missed time from sport related to injuries and illnesses. Results Sixty-two health-related incidents, including 48 injuries and 14 illnesses, were prospectively reported during the season. Overall injury incidence rates were 12.2 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 7.4 to 17.4) and 13.1 (95% CI 7.8 to 18.4) injuries per 1000 athlete-exposures among male and female athletes, respectively. These equated to RRs of 1.53 (95% CI 1.03 to 2.27) (male) and 2.01 (95% CI 1.34 to 3.02) (female) when compared to the rates published previously on NCAA nondisabled basketball players, indicating a statistically significant increase in injury risk. Injuries most commonly involved the upper extremities (56.3%). Illnesses commonly involved the gastrointestinal (35.7%) or respiratory (21.4%) systems. Conclusions This is the first prospective study to report incidence of sports-related injuries and illnesses throughout an intercollegiate wheelchair basketball season. Overall injury rates reported were higher than prior NCAA nondisabled intercollegiate basketball reports. This reinforces the need to establish an accessible network of health care support and injury prevention strategies for these athletes.
A novel hybrid stent technique to treat canine pulmonic stenosis

Abstract Balloon valvuloplasty is routinely performed in dogs with severe pulmonic stenosis using a transvenous approach. We report a novel transventricular approach to stent the right ventricular outflow tract. An 18-month old Havanese with frequent syncope was referred with a diagnosis of severe valvular pulmonic stenosis. Transvenous approaches were unsuccessful; therefore, two Palmaz XL 29 mm by 12 mm transhepatic biliary stents were deployed across the valve using a direct right ventricular approach. The echocardiographically derived systolic pressure gradient decreased from 133 mmHg to 39 mmHg with resolution of clinical signs. The patient continues to do well after 3 years with occasional syncope when extremely excited despite pressure gradient increases to 130 mmHg at 12 months and 174 mmHg at 22 months.
Preliminary results of modified interstitial MIAMI brachytherapy applicator for treatment of upper and apical vaginal tumors.

Purpose Intracavitary vaginal brachytherapy (VBT) cylinders are limited in treating upper/apical vaginal disease due to the distance between the target and radiation source positions. Interstitial brachytherapy devices directly expose the vaginal mucosa to radiation sources, increasing morbidity. To target apical disease while limiting excessive treatment to the vaginal mucosa and organs at risk, we modified the commercially available multichannel MIAMI applicator, allowing the direct extension of needles into the apex with the protection of cylinder. Material and methods The device has one central plastic core with six peripheral channels. The modified device permits titanium needles to surpass the apical surface into vaginal tissue. A retrospective analysis on thirteen patients treated with this device was conducted. Patient demographics, gross tumor volume (GTV)/clinical target volume (CTV), initial diagnosis and management, toxicity data, and EQD2 data for the bladder and rectum were obtained. Results There were ten patients with vaginal recurrences and three with primary vaginal/cervical cancers. Mean dosage of VBT treatment was 25.5 Gy in 3-5 fractions. Mean dosage of external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) treatment was 44 Gy. Common acute toxicities included diarrhea, fatigue, cystitis, and nausea. Common chronic toxicities were pelvic pain, vaginal stenosis, and skin telangiectasia. Mean EQD2 dose for bladder and rectum were 72.3 Gy and 62.3 Gy, respectively. Ten patients had no evidence of relapse, two suffered from distant metastases, and one patient with stage IIIA cervical adenocarcinoma had loco-regional recurrence seventeen months after radiation treatment. Conclusions Our data suggests that the custom applicator is associated with robust dosimetric coverage, good loco-regional control, acceptable toxicity, and reduced tissue trauma. This device allows treatment of apically located vaginal tumors without significant damage to the vaginal vault and organs at risk. Additionally, it provides the flexibility to treat multiple patients with variable vaginal diameters and sizes/depths of apical tumors using a single device.
Report of the Alabama State Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights: Barriers to Voting in Alabama

This Report examines barriers to voting Alabama enacted following the Supreme Court's Decision in Shelby County vs. Holder. The Report concludes by making suggestions for reform to the state's voting laws to open access for voting to marginalized populations.
Effect of Waterlogging Time on Root Morphology and Foliar Physiological Indexes of Soybean Varieties

Under waterlogging stress at seedling stage by using double set of basin,two soybean varieties,Kenfeng14 with stronger waterlogging tolerance and Kenfeng 16 with the weaker,were used to study the effect of waterlogging time( 1,3,5,7,10 days) on root morphology and foliar physiological indexes of soybean. Adventitious roots were occurred after 3 days of waterlogging stress,compared with CK,number of nodules,relative conductivity,MDA of two varieties changed little at the first three days. while with the increasing of stress time. The growth of root nodules was restricted with prolonged stress time and nodule numbers of Kenfeng 14 was less restrained than Kenfeng 16. With the increasing of stress time,adventitious roots number,relative conductivity,and MDA content of the two varieties were all increased,and at the same stress time,increment of Kenfeng 16was significantly greater than Kenfeng 14. Different from other physiological indexes,significant increase of proline content appeared at seventh day of waterlogging stress for Kenfeng 14 and at the fifth day for Kenfeng 16. In the first 7 days,proline content of Kenfeng 16 was significantly greater than Kenfeng 14,while had the opposite trend from 7 to 10 days.
The association between perceived electronic health record usability and professional burnout among US nurses.

OBJECTIVES To measure nurse-perceived electronic health records (EHR) usability with a standardized metric of technology usability and evaluate its association with professional burnout. METHODS A cross-sectional survey of a random sample of US nurses was conducted in November 2017. EHR usability was measured with the System Usability Scale (SUS; range 0-100) and burnout with the Maslach Burnout Inventory. RESULTS Among the 86 858 nurses who were invited, 8638 (9.9%) completed the survey. The mean nurse-rated EHR SUS score was 57.6 (SD 16.3). A score of 57.6 is in the bottom 24% of scores across previous studies and categorized with a grade of "F." On multivariable analysis adjusting for age, gender, race, ethnicity, relationship status, children, highest nursing-related degree, mean hours worked per week, years of nursing experience, advanced certification, and practice setting, nurse-rated EHR usability was associated with burnout with each 1 point more favorable SUS score and associated with a 2% lower odds of burnout (OR 0.98; 95% CI, 0.97-0.99; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Nurses rated the usability of their current EHR in the low marginal range of acceptability using a standardized metric of technology usability. EHR usability and the odds of burnout were strongly associated with a dose-response relationship.
Crimes of Terror, Counter-Terrorism, and the Unanticipated Consequences of a Militarized Incapacitation Strategy in Iraq

“COIN,” the counter-terrorism doctrine the U.S. used during the Iraq War, was in criminological terms overly reliant on militarized “incapacitationist” strategies. Based on a competing “societal reactions” or community-level labeling theory, we argue that COIN failed to anticipate but predictably produced state-based “legal cynicism” in Arab Sunni communities — increasing rather than decreasing politically defiant terrorist crimes. We test our hypotheses with nationally representative surveys and data on terrorist attacks collected before, during, and immediately after the 2007 Surge in U.S. troops. The Surge increased perceptions of unnecessary U.S.-led violence against Arab Sunni non-combatants, provoking cynical beliefs in Arab Sunni communities, creating local contexts in which terrorist attacks increased, and foreshadowing later advances by the Islamic State. Our findings show that oversimplified, incapacitation-oriented control tactics — in domestic policing, in COIN, or in the traditional warfare strategies that are replacing COIN — are likely to contribute to rather than reduce cycles of violence.
Nasopharyngeal haemangiopericytoma

A case of haemangiopericytoma of the nasopharynx presenting at a very young age is reported.
Public Space as Art and Commodity

This chapter tackles the problem of the relationship of architecture and visual culture to “unstable” cultural meanings by providing an analysis of a designed urban form—the Spanish American plaza. The examination of the public space as art and commodity provides a glimpse of the contradictions between the artistic and often idealized representational purposes of the urban plaza and its political and economic base. Bringing these contradictions to light helps to demystify visual culture and highlights the ways in which architecture and urban design are deeply ideological both in artistic style and political purpose.
Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α accumulation in the rat brain in response to hypoxia and ischemia is attenuated during aging

A common feature of senescent organisms is the decline in their ability to respond to different types of stress such as hypoxia or ischemia. Previously it was reported that aging was associated with a defect in compensatory angiogenesis in response to tissue ischemia. This deficit was associated to a reduction of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression, an endothelial-specific mitogen that is essential for angiogenesis during development and adulthood. VEGF as well as other hypoxia-responsive genes share a common regulatory pathway. They are regulated by the transcription factor hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), a heterodimeric protein consisting of two subunits, HIF-1a and HIF-113. Both subunits are required for DNA binding and transactivation of target genes. HIF-la is unique to HIF-1 and its expression is primarily regulated by oxygen tension. During normoxia the HIF-la gene is expressed continuously; however, the HIE-la protein is rapidly degraded by the ubiquitin-proteosome system. During hypoxia, degradation of HIF-la is suppressed and thereby it accumulates in the nucleus almost instantly. In contrast, the HIP-113 subunit is constitutively expressed and its levels do not change significantly during hypoxia
Aldo-keto reductase 1 b10 protects colorectal cancer cells from 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal-induced apoptosis

AACR Annual Meeting-- Apr 12-16, 2008; San Diego, CA 2697 Aldo-keto reductase 1 B10 (AKR1B10, also designated aldose reductase-like-1, ARL-1), a member of aldo-keto reductase (AKR) superfamily, is overexpressed in human liver, lung, and breast cancer, but its pathophysiological function in cancer development and progression remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the protective role of AKR1B10 against 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE), a highly toxic product of lipid peroxidation. HCT-8 cells derived from colon adenocarcinoma exhibit abundant AKR1B10 transcripts and were thus used for generation of a stable cell model with AKR1B10 silencing, in which a small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting 3’-untranslational region of AKR1B10 was introduced using pSUPEROR® vector (Oligoengine, Seattle, Washington) mediated shRNA system. Three clones with different extent of AKR1B10 knockdown were isolated and used for HNE response studies. Two empty vector clones were isolated for a control. Our resulting data demonstrate that AKR1B10 knockdown triggered a p53-mediated apoptosis of HCT-8 cells when exposed to HNE at various concentrations. Phosphorylated H2AX was stained in discrete foci in nuclei of HCT-8 cells with AKR1B10 knockdown; p53 levels were considerably increased; and caspase-3 and PARP were activated in these cells. These data indicate that HNE induced DNA damage and in turn, trigger p53-mediated apoptosis of AKR1B10 silenced HCT-8 cells. Further studies exhibited that apoptosis appeared to occur via mitochondrion-mediated pathway; in these cells increased cytochrome C release was detected. Taken together, our data demonstrate that AKR1B10 protects HCT-8 cells from HNE-induced DNA damage and subsequent p53-mediated apoptosis. To further understand the biochemical basis of this protection, HNE metabolites in these cells are being analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).