cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Respiratory depressant effects of ethanol: mediation by serotonin.

The present study demonstrates that ethanol and related alcohols possess a unique pharmacological property which distinguishes these compounds from other narcotics such as the barbiturates and opioids. Respiratory depression was used as the major pharmacological parameter since the changes induced by opioids, alcohols or barbiturates on pH and pCO2 of mouse blood can be readily compared. Our results indicate that while adrenergic agonists can diminish respiratory depression induced by ethanol, a serotonergic mechanism appears to be the major mediator for this depressant effect. Serotonergic mediation of respiratory depression seems restricted to a series of homologous alcohols. Opioids and barbiturates do not display this requirement.
The Radial and Axial Stiffnesses of Tapered Roller Bearings Under Combined Load

Equations and their derivations for finding the radial and axial stiffnesses of a single-row tapered roller bearing, assuming a rigid shaft and housing, are given for any case of combined radial and axial loads. This method is extended to include the two-row bearing under certain conditions. Also presented are tables to facilitate these calculations.
Charting the Uncharted Seas of Online Student Ratings of Instruction.

Are online student ratings the “wave of the future”? This chapter introduces numerous advantages and challenges of adopting an online system for student evaluation of teaching; in it, the authors preview the research of the other authors of this volume and suggest areas that universities can investigate when determining the desirability of initiating an online ratings system for student evaluation of instruction.
Can vertical migrations of dinoflagellates explain observed bioluminescence patterns during an upwelling event in Monterey Bay, California?

[1] Extensive AUVs surveys showed that during the development of upwelling, bioluminescent dinoflagellates from the northern part of the Monterey Bay, California (called the upwelling shadow area), were able to avoid advection by southward flowing currents along the entrance to the Bay, while non-bioluminescent phytoplankton were advected by currents. It is known that vertical swimming of dinoflagellates to deeper layers helps them avoid losses due to advection. In the present paper, we investigate if modeling dinoflagellates' vertical swimming can explain the observed dinoflagellates' ability to avoid advection during the upwelling development. The dynamics of a dinoflagellate population is modeled with the tracer model with introduced vertical swimming velocity. Three swimming behaviors are considered: sinking, swimming to the target depth and diel vertical migration. Velocities in all swimming cases are considered in the ranges of documented velocities for the observed dinoflagellates species during the upwelling development in the Monterey Bay. Our modeling confirmed that observed bioluminescent dinoflagellates' avoidance of advection during the upwelling development can be explained by their vertical swimming ability. In the case of swimming with 20 m/day (which is half of observed maximum swimming velocity), around 40% of dinoflagellates population from the northern part of the Bay were advected along the entrance to the Bay in comparison to the case without swimming. This is in agreement with the ratio of around 45% of observed mean bioluminescence intensity at the entrance to the Bay to the observed mean intensity in the northern part of the Bay. This mechanism also helps explain the general persistence of dinoflagellates in this part of the coastline.
Low-regularity Schrödinger maps, II: global well-posedness in dimensions d ≥ 3

In dimensions d ≥ 3, we prove that the Schrodinger map initial-value problem $$ \left\{ \begin{array}{l} \partial_ts=s\times\Delta_x s\hbox{ on }\mathbb{R}^d\times\mathbb{R};\\ s(0)=s_0 \end{array} \right. $$ is globally well-posed for small data s0 in the critical Besov spaces \({\dot{B}_Q^{d/2}(\mathbb{R}^d;\mathbb{S}^2)}\), \({Q\in\mathbb{S}^2}\).
Finite-time bounded state-dependent control of a class of discrete-time nonlinear systems

A finite-time state-feedback controller with a state-dependent gain is derived for a class of discrete-time nonlinear systems with state-dependent system matrices and additive disturbances. The controller designed yields a closed-loop system, where the state of the system does not exceed a prescribed threshold for given bounds on the initial states of the system and the additive disturbance. The controller is robust for all additive bounded perturbations to the system matrices. Moreover, it is resilient against additive perturbations in the gain which may affect its desired performance. A set of state-dependent conditions which guarantee the existence of such a controller is derived. A solution for the controller gain is obtained at each time instant through solving a set of state-dependent linear matrix inequalities. The paper is concluded with a numerical example illustrating the applicability of the proposed design approach.
FIRE SEVERITY AND PLANT AGE IN POSTFIRE RESPROUTING OF WOODY PLANTS IN SAGE SCRUB AND CHAPARRAL

ABSTRACT Postfire resprouting by woody plants confers a marked advantage in rate of recovery over species that regenerate entirely from seed. However, the predictability of this advantage varies markedly between species, with some showing nearly 100% rootcrown survival and others often much lower. This study examined patterns of fire-caused mortality and tested the relative importance of fire severity and plant age between various shrubs and subshrubs characteristic of chaparral and sage scrub associations. Resprouting success varied from about 10% for Eriogonum fasciculatum to a high of 98% for Quercus berberidifolia. For most of the shrub species, skeletons of resprouting plants were significantly taller than those of dead individuals of the same species, indicating less biomass consumption, and thus lower severity fires were associated with higher resprouting success. This pattern was less strongly the case with sage scrub species. Shrubs and subshrubs, however, differed in the effect of aboveground pl...
Graphene Folding in Si Rich Carbon Nanofibers for Highly Stable, High Capacity Li-Ion Battery Anodes

Silicon nanoparticles (Si NPs) wrapped by graphene in carbon nanofibers were obtained via electrospinning and subsequent thermal treatment. In this study, water-soluble poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) with low carbon yield is selected to make the process water-based and to achieve a high silicon yield in the composite. It was also found that increasing the amount of graphene helps keep the PVA fiber morphology after carbonization, while forming a graphene network. The fiber SEM and HRTEM images reveal that micrometer graphene is heavily folded into sub-micron scale fibers during electrospinning, while Si NPs are incorporated into the folds with nanospace in between. When applied to lithium-ion battery anodes, the Si/graphene/carbon nanofiber composites show a high reversible capacity of ∼2300 mAh g–1 at a charging rate of 100 mA/g and a stable capacity of 1191 mAh g–1 at 1 A/g after more than 200 cycles. The interconnected graphene network not only ensures the excellent conductivity but also serves as a bufferi...
Helical textures in /sup 3/He-A and magnetic resonance

The existence of helical textures in $^{3}\mathrm{He}$-$A$ in the presence of both superflow and magnetic field is established theoretically. The magnetic resonance frequencies of the helical textures are determined.
Conformational Study of trans-Cyclododecene by Dynamic NMR Spectroscopy and Computational Methods.

The 13C spectrum of trans-cyclododecene (1) dissolved in propane showed seven peaks for the olefinic carbons at −164.5 °C, corresponding to three conformations of C1 symmetry and a fourth conformation, with a population of 20.1%, of C2 symmetry. The populations of the C1 conformations were 57.0, 18.6, and 4.3%. Conformational space was searched for 1 using MM2. Free energies and populations were calculated by MM3, and the results of the low-temperature NMR study are discussed in terms of these calculations and the 13C chemical shifts calculated for eight conformations by the GIAO method at the HF/6-311G* level. The conformations of 1 and cyclododecane (2) are compared.
Whole Ion Optics Simulations of a Subscale Gridlet Using a Hybrid-Grid IFE-PIC Code

A fully three dimensional ion optics simulation model is developed based on the recently developed immersed–finite–element particle–in–cell algorithm (IFE–PIC). The new model is called the Hybrid–Grid IFE–PIC. This model uses two different meshes for the IFE field solver and the PIC code. While the PIC mesh is a uniform Cartesian mesh, the IFE mesh is a stretched Cartesian-based tetrahedral mesh. This new meshing technique is used to enhance the computational efficiency of the IFE–PIC code. The HG–IFE–PIC code is applied to study the whole ion optics of a subscale ion optics gridlet. All simulations were performed on regular PCs in a reasonable computational time.
A Mathematical Programming Production Model with Nonadditive Common Costs

Abstract One of the major underlying assumptions of linear programming is the assumption of additivity. In developing a production model, it was found that this assumption was not realistic. Certain production costs, called common costs, were not additive. Ignoring these nonlinearities could give a solution far from the optimum. However, by the use of some simple transformations, this nonlinear programming problem was transformed into a linear programming problem
Surgical management of duodenal diverticula

Duodenal diverticulum was first described by Chomel1 in 1710, but the first demonstration in a living person did not occur until the advent of fluoroscopy in 1913. Forsell and Key were the first to operate on the anomaly in 1915, and by 1940 Morton2 was able to collect 49 cases of surgical removal from the world literature.
Shared Governance: The Key to Higher Education Equilibrium

ABSTRACTThe missions of most institutions of higher education have changed since the release of the American Association of University Professors academic freedom statement in 1966. Although generating and disseminating knowledge remains the core mission, other missions and demands have been placed on institutions by internal and external factors and constituencies. Using a 1-model-fits-all approach, many institutions have continued to use traditional governance models, regardless of the changes in their mission. This article provides an example of how interpersonal relationships can be used to create equilibrium in higher education.
Effects of IL-13 neutralization antibody on airway inflammation and Th1/Th2 cell function during convalescent period of asthma in mice

Objective To investigate the effects of IL-13 neutralization antibody on the airway inflammation and Th1/Th2 cell function after acute attack of asthmatic mice.Methods A total of 24 Balb/c mice were randomly divided into 3 groups: the control group,asthmatic group,and treatment group.Mice in the latter 2 groups were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) to establish asthmatic models,while mice in control group were treated with saline as the substitution of OVA.After the last OVA challenge,mice in treatment group were injected with the IL-13 neutralization antibody per 48 h for 14 days,while mice in control group and asthmatic group received saline.Re-(sults The) inflammatory cell recruitment and pulmonary emphysema were greatly attenuated in the treatment group.In either blood or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF),the IFN-γ level was significantly elevated but the IL-4 and OVA specific IgE levels were much lower in the treatment group compared with the asthmatic group.There were not apparent differences between the treatment group and the control group.(Conclusion This) study demonstrates that IL-13 neutralization antibody works effectively after acute attack of asthmatic mice,not only attenuating the airway inflammation and pulmonary emphysema,but also regulating the disorder of Th1/Th2 cytokines in asthmatic mice.
Neutral cleanup procedure for 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin residues in bovine fat and milk

A neutral cleanup method for 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) in milk and animal tissue was developed involving solvent extraction and liquid adsorption chromatography on magnesia-Celite 545, alumina, and Florisil. Cleaned up extracts were subjected to dual-ion analysis in a direct probe high resolution mass spectrometer, interfaced to a multi-channel analyzer for signal averaging. Calibration experiments were carried out with bovine milk and beef fat samples containing added TCDD. The 37CI isotopic isomer of TCDD was added as an internal standard. The response was linear for concentrations in the ppt range, with recoveries about 80%. Milk from a cow fed TCDD was cleaned up by the neutral procedure or, alternatively, a base-acid extraction procedure. The TCDD recoveries for both procedures were essentially the same. Recoveries of TCDD from liver samples of a rat given 14C-TCDD intraperitoneally, subjected to neutral cleanup and radioactive counting, were about 70%.
Enabling claims-based decision support through non-interruptive capture of admission diagnoses and provider billing codes.

The patient problem list, like administrative claims data, has become an important source of data for decision support, patient cohort identification, and alerting systems. A two-fold intervention to increase capture of problems on the problem list automatically – with minimal disruption to admitting and provider billing workflows – is described. For new patients with no prior data in the electronic health record, the intervention resulted in a statistically significant increase in the number of problems recorded to the problem list (3.8 vs 2.9 problems post-and pre-intervention respectively, p value 2×10−16). The majority of problems were recorded in the first 24 hours of admission. The proportion of patients with at least one problem coded to the problem list within the first 24 hours increased from 94% to 98% before and after intervention (chi square 344, p value 2×10−16). ICD9 “V codes” connoting circumstances beyond disease were captured at a higher rate post intervention than before. Deyo/Charlson comorbidities derived from problem list data were more similar to those derived from claims data after the intervention than before (Jaccard similarity 0.3 post- vs 0.21 pre-intervention, p value 2×10−16). A workflow-sensitive, non-interruptive means of capturing provider-entered codes early in admission can improve both the quantity and content of problems on the patient problem list.
Selected AI-Related Dissertations

The following are citations selected by title and abstract as being related to Al, resulting from a computer search, using the BRS Information Technologies retrieval service, of the Dissertation Abstracts International (DAI) database produced by University Microfilms International.
The Practice of Value-Attuned Discovery Leadership

According to the model of value attunement, discovery leaders express an affirmative willingness to contribute to the social good by providing stakeholders with economic and ecological benefits. To that end, they direct their firms to understand and respond to stakeholder interests, which are value based and typically articulated in the language of rights and justice. In other words, discovery leaders exhibit a sense of responsibility that is above and beyond negative duty or responses that are forced by legal or social pressure. This sense of positive duty, a distinguishing feature of socially responsible leadership, can be expressed vis-a-vis mutualistic economizing.
Is the One-Hit Model of Carcinogenesis Conservative? Evidence from the National Toxicology Program's Bioassay Databasea

Linear (one-hit) formulas of carcinogenesis are widely believed to be “conservative,” in the sense that they will rarely underestimate risks of cancer at low exposures. Such models are generally applied to the lifetime incidence of cancer at a specific site, with risks estimated from animal data at zero dose (control) and substantially higher doses that are appreciable fractions of the estimated maximum tolerated dose.
Real-Time Data and Energy Management in Microgrids

Microgrids are desired in remote areas, such as islands and under developed countries. However, given the limited capacities of local energy generation and storage in such a community, it is extremely challenging for an isolated microgrid to balance the power demand and generation in real-time with dynamically changing energy demand. Meanwhile, more and more sensing devices (such as smart meters) are deployed in individual homes to monitor real-time energy data, which can be helpful for homes and microgrid to better schedule the workload and generation. However, it is still difficult to conduct real-time distributed control due to the unreliable sensing devices and communications between sensing devices and controllers. To address these issues in microgrids, we designed a novel approach for the system to i) process the collected sensing data, ii) reconstruct the missing data caused by sensing error or unreliable communication, and iii) predict the future demand for real-time distributed control with missing data in extreme situations. The control center then decides the operations of the local generator and each home decides the scheduling of the flexible workload of appliances based on the collected and predicted data. We conducted extensive experiments and simulations with real world energy consumption data from 100 homes for one year. The evaluation results show that our design can recover the missing data with more than 99% accuracy and our distributed control can balance power demand and generation in real-time and reduce the operational cost by 23%.
Do addicts have free will? An empirical approach to a vexing question.

Abstract Introduction This paper addresses two overlapping questions: Do addicts have the capacity to voluntarily quit drugs? And do individuals knowingly pursue courses of action that they realize are bad for them, such as excessive drug use? Methods I propose two testable versions of free will. First, the observation that activities differ in the degree to which they are susceptible to the influence of their consequences (e.g., costs and benefits) has proven a useful criterion for classifying behavior as voluntary or involuntary. Thus, we can ask if drug use in addicts is influenced by its consequences. For instance, do laws that promise legal sanctions for drug use reduce drug use in addicts? Second, the philosopher Harry Frankfurt proposed a definition of free will that takes into account desires and self-reflection. I propose that addicts who do not want to desire drugs and successfully stop craving drugs pass his test. Results Dependence on illicit drugs typically ends after about four to six years. Dependence on cigarettes and alcohol persists for much longer, but most smokers and alcoholics eventually voluntarily quit using. Smokers and heroin addicts can voluntarily regulate their drug cravings as a function of the availability of their drug of choice. They have the capacity to pass Frankfurt's test of free will. Conclusions Addicts have free will as defined by the capacity to voluntary quit using drugs and to voluntarily regulate their cravings.
Follicle Selection in Mares: 90 Years from Observation to Theory

Abstract The day of selection of the ovulatory follicle was first observed in any species by an equine practitioner during transrectal palpation in 1926. It was not until 1997 that ultrasonic imaging demonstrated the nature of selection. A wave-stimulating follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) surge reaches a peak on about day 13 postovulation when the growing follicles are about 13 mm. The FSH declines initially from secretion of inhibin by the multiple growing follicles. After about 2 days, estradiol is secreted by the future dominant follicle (DF) and synergistically contributes to a continuing FSH decline. On about day 16, the two largest follicles have grown to 23 and 20 mm, respectively, and begin to deviate in growth. The deviation process begins a day before diameter deviation as indicated in the future DF by (1) an increase in intrafollicular estradiol, inhibin-A, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and (2) changes in echotexture and increased blood flow in the wall of the future DF. The IGF1 increases the sensitivity of the cells of the future DF to the reduced FSH, and VEGF presumably increases the vascular perfusion of the DF wall. The future DF is thus prepared to be the only follicle able to respond to the reduced levels of FSH. Ablation of various follicles at expected deviation indicates that several follicles have dominance capacity. And so, 90 years after the original observation of selection it can be proposed that the deviation process represents the theory of follicle selection in mares.
Point-of-Care Ultrasound: Sonographic Posterior Fat Pad Sign: A Case Report and Brief Literature Review.

Background Diagnosis of elbow fracture can sometimes be difficult with plain radiography due to overlapping bones, growth plates, and maturing bones in the pediatric population. The radiographic posterior fat pad (PFP) sign is one of the frequently referenced indirect signs of an occult elbow fracture. This sign can be falsely negative if the sign is subtle, and can be falsely positive when the position of the elbow is not flexed at 90 degrees. Case report We discuss a case in which sonographic PFP sign helped to diagnose an elbow fracture. A 57-year-old female presented to the emergency department (ED) after a fall on an outstretched hand. The point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) was completed identifying an elevated PFP and an anechoic joint fluid collection with innumerous floating hyperechogenic spicules visualized in the olecranon fossa. Diagnosis of a radial head fracture was later confirmed by plain radiograph. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: The increase in use and availability of POCUS in the ED makes this a very practical application. Our ability to rapidly perform the ultrasound of the elbow may allow us a more rapid diagnosis of pathology, as well as provide a way to further triage our patients. With time, it may even allow us to avoid routine use of plain radiography.
The Electronically Activated Recorder (EAR): A Method for the Naturalistic Observation of Daily Social Behavior.

National Institutes of Health [R03CA137975, R21HD078778, 3R01AT004698, 5R01AT004698, R01HD069498, R01MH105379, R01MH108641]; Wake Forest University Character Project - John Templeton Foundation
Combined GnRH-agonist and human chorionic gonadotropin trigger improves ICSI cycle outcomes in patients with history of poor fertilization

The purpose of this study was to investigate the utility of a combined GnRH-agonist (GnRH-a) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) trigger in improving ICSI cycle outcomes in patients with poor fertilization history after standard hCG trigger in prior ICSI cycles. Retrospective cohort study. Patients with a fertilization rate of <20% in at least two prior ICSI cycles who subsequently underwent another ICSI cycle with hCG trigger were compared to those who underwent another ICSI cycle with a combined GnRH-a and hCG trigger. Oocyte maturity, fertilization, clinical pregnancy, and live birth rates were compared. A multiple linear regression model was used to explore the association between combined GnRH-a and hCG trigger (vs hCG trigger alone) and fertilization rate. A total of 427 patients with mean age of 37.3 ± 1.94 years and mean baseline fertilization rate of 17.9 ± 2.03% were included, of which 318 (74.5%) and 109 (25.5%) patients underwent a subsequent ICSI cycle with hCG and combined GnRH-a and hCG trigger, respectively. The baseline parameters of the male and female partner were similar. The mean fertilization rate in the combined trigger group was 16.4% (95% CI: 7.58–25.2%) higher than the hCG trigger group, even after adjustment for confounders. Patients in the combined trigger group had higher oocyte maturity (82.1 vs 69.8%), higher clinical pregnancy (27.5 vs 5.67%), and higher live birth rates (20.2 vs 3.46%) compared to the hCG trigger group. Combined GnRH-a and hCG trigger in ICSI cycles increase oocyte maturity, fertilization, clinical pregnancy, and live birth rates in patients with a history of poor fertilization after standard hCG trigger alone.
Abstract 37: Genetic Profile and Modifiers of Transient Cardiomyopathy from Tamoxifen-Induced Cardiomyocyte Expression of Mutated Estrogen Receptor-Cre Fusion Protein

The Myh6-MerCreMer (MCM) transgenic mouse is used to conditionally augment or reduce targeted gene expression in cardiomyocytes in vivo. Studies report transient cardiomyopathy upon tamoxifen exposure in the MCM mouse itself; however, this varies among investigators despite their using seemingly similar protocols and mouse strain. To better understand this model and apparent variable response, we studied the transcriptome-function relationship during the initial days of tamoxifen therapy, and tested if a genetic background involving gene deletion for nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase (Nnt) found in C57BL/6J (common strain in MCM studies) influences the severity of transient cardiac dysfunction. MCM +/- mice (pure C57BL/6J, all Nnt -/- ) received intra-peritoneal injections of tamoxifen (40 mg/kg/day for 5 days). LV function remained normal until Day 2 after tamoxifen, yet qtPCR and microarray analysis in MCM +/- mice revealed markedly reduced expression of metabolic and calcium handling genes ( Pgc1a, Pgc1b, Plb, Atp2a2 ) and upregulation of sarcomere protein skeletal isoforms by Day 2. This transcriptome subsequently evolved to one typical of cardiomyopathy (initial highlighted metabolic/Ca 2+ genes remaining low) that correlated with LV dysfunction. Purchased MCM +/+ mice (sv129xC57BL/6J) were Nnt heterozygotes. After 7-10 days following tamoxifen dosing, offspring lacking Nnt developed worse cardiodepression than those with at least one Nnt allele. The MCM mouse exhibits marked changes in transcription profile 2 days after tamoxifen suggesting potential causal mechanisms for subsequent cardiomyopathy. The severity of dysfunction is influenced by background genetics in part related to Nnt.
More Learning in Less Time: Optimizing the Resident Educational Experience with Limited Clinical and Educational Work Hours.

Objective Resident education in the United States and elsewhere has undergone significant changes in recent years owing to work hour restrictions, requiring didactics to fit within a limited schedule, while being increasingly effective at accomplishing educational goals. Methods A single small program experience in improving the didactic experience of residents is described. Results Focused mentorship, curricula for intangibles, asynchronous education, and independent curricula all are useful tools in resident education. Conclusions Residents can be exposed to both clinical material and specialty-specific mores using focused and intentional educational techniques.
Nature (or Not) in Heidegger

“Nature (or Not) In Heidegger,” looks across the full scope of Heidegger’s work (starting with Towards a Definition of Philosophy from 1919 and ending with the Four Seminars from 1966–1973) to trace a continuing insistence in his thought on a parallel between the way technology distorts our relationship with beings (the natural world seen as nothing more than a collection of calculable masses in motion) and a similarly distorted understanding of ourselves (as “minds” in relation to, and potentially explainable in terms of, a subset of these calculable masses we call “human bodies”). For Heidegger, a more primordial relationship between Dasein and beings can be found in our everyday engagement with the things around us.
Student attitudes about diversity: “If the field of engineering were more diverse, what would that mean for you?”

If the field of engineering were more diverse, what would that mean for you? The ways in which answers to this question vary provide useful insight into how students view efforts to advance diversity & inclusion in engineering. In this paper, we use the Tripartite Model of Attitude to explore students' evaluative reactions to a hypothetical, more diverse engineering environment. We interviewed undergraduate (n=19) and graduate students (n=22) at a single institution. We asked each student to imagine a world in which the field of engineering were more diverse and, subsequently, describe how their personal experience might be different. Our findings highlight a range of attitude components such as engineering career changes at the personal and global levels as well as changes in interpersonal interactions. Across participants, themes suggest that majority students articulate more functional, cognitive elements (e.g., being exposed to more diverse ideas), while underrepresented students more often discuss affective elements (e.g., feeling more comfortable). Our results advance understanding of students' attitudes about diversity and enable us to provide practitioners with suggestions for discussing this topic with engineering students. This work is part of a larger effort to better integrate diversity into engineering education and is directly geared towards educators and researchers interested in inclusion and diversity.
Phase I trial of stereotactic MR-guided online adaptive radiation therapy (SMART) for the treatment of oligometastatic or unresectable primary malignancies of the abdomen

Abstract Purpose/objectives SBRT is used to treat oligometastatic or unresectable primary abdominal malignancies, although ablative dose delivery is limited by proximity of organs-at-risk (OAR). Stereotactic, magnetic resonance (MR)-guided online-adaptive radiotherapy (SMART) may improve SBRT’s therapeutic ratio. This prospective Phase I trial assessed feasibility and potential advantages of SMART to treat abdominal malignancies. Materials/methods Twenty patients with oligometastatic or unresectable primary liver (n = 10) and non-liver (n = 10) abdominal malignancies underwent SMART. Initial plans prescribed 50 Gy/5 fractions (BED 100 Gy) with goal 95% PTV coverage by 95% of prescription, subject to hard OAR constraints. Daily real-time online-adaptive plans were created as needed, based on daily setup MR-image-set tumor/OAR “anatomy-of-the-day” to preserve hard OAR constraints, escalate PTV dose, or both. Treatment times, patient outcomes, and dosimetric comparisons between initial and adaptive plans were prospectively recorded. Results Online adaptive plans were created at time of treatment for 81/97 fractions, due to initial plan violation of OAR constraints (61/97) or observed opportunity for PTV dose escalation (20/97). Plan adaptation increased PTV coverage in 64/97 fractions. Zero Grade ≥ 3 acute ( Discussion SMART is clinically deliverable and safe, allowing PTV dose escalation and/or simultaneous OAR sparing compared to non-adaptive abdominal SBRT.
Probabilistic Power Analysis

In Chapter 2, we presented the simulation approach to power analysis. The basic principle of the approach is to mimic the circuit behavior over time, based on a predictable power model. Often the power model is built from a lower-level abstraction process called characterization. As we have seen, the simulation approach is very computation intensive. In some cases, we need to solve the voltage or current of the circuit, while in others, we need to simulate the exact time instant on which a certain event occurs in the circuit. In logic simulation, all signal events are recorded precisely by the simulation software. The events are then tabulated and averaged over time to obtain the actual average power dissipation of the circuit.
Proton pump inhibitor therapy after Helicobacter pylori eradication may increase the risk of gastric cancer.

Commentary on : Cheung KS, Chan EW, Wong AYS, et al . Long-term proton pump inhibitors and risk of gastric cancer development after treatment for Helicobacter pylori : a population-based study. Gut 2018; 67:28–35 Helicobacter pylori infection is the most common cause of gastric cancer. Whether H. pylori eradication reduces or eliminates the risk of gastric cancer depends on the risk at the time of cure. In those with mucosal damage and hypochlorhydria, H. pylori eradication may result in return of acid secretion. Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy can profoundly reduce acid secretion after H. pylori therapy. However, the effect of PPIs on the risk of gastric cancer after H. pylori eradication is unknown. Cheung et al reported a population-based study to determine whether PPI use after H. pylori eradication altered the risk of subsequent gastric cancer.1 The study cohort consisted of Hong Kong residents whose H. pylori infection was cured using clarithromycin-containing triple therapy from 2003 to 2012. They excluded those with previous gastrectomy, gastric cancer within 1 year of H. pylori therapy, failed H. pylori eradication or incident gastric ulcer after therapy. Development of …
Parallel implementation of finite state machines for reducing the latency of stochastic computing

Stochastic computing, which employs random bit streams for computations, has shown low hardware cost and high fault-tolerance compared to the computations using a conventional binary encoding. Finite state machine (FSM) based stochastic computing elements can compute complex functions, such as the exponentiation and hyperbolic tangent functions, more efficiently than those using combinational logic. However, the FSM, as a sequential logic, cannot be directly implemented in parallel like the combinational logic, so reducing the long latency of the calculation becomes difficult. Applications in the relatively higher frequency domain would require an extremely fast clock rate using FSM. This paper proposes a parallel implementation of the FSM, using an estimator and a dispatcher to directly initialize the FSM to the steady state. Experimental results show that the outputs of four typical functions using the parallel implementation are very close to those of the serial version. The parallel FSM scheme further shows equivalent or better image quality than the serial implementation in two image processing applications Edge Detection and Frame Difference.
Learning Hidden Unit Contribution for Adapting Neural Machine Translation Models

In this paper we explore the use of Learning Hidden Unit Contribution for the task of neural machine translation. The method was initially proposed in the context of speech recognition for adapting a general system to the specific acoustic characteristics of each speaker. Similar in spirit, in a machine translation framework we want to adapt a general system to a specific domain. We show that the proposed method achieves improvements of up to 2.6 BLEU points over a general system, and up to 6 BLEU points if the initial system has only been trained on out-of-domain data, a situation which may easily happen in practice. The good performance together with its short training time and small memory footprint make it a very attractive solution for domain adaptation.
Analysis and Sorting by Flow Cytometry: Applications to the Study of Human Disease

Publisher Summary Flow cytometry offers a rapid, objective, and quantitative method for the analysis and purification of cells in suspension. The fundamental concept of flow cytometry is that the cells interact individually with a light beam as they pass by single file in suspension. The interaction with the light is measured as light scatter, commonly measured at forward and right angles to the incident light source. In a flow sorter, single cells can be trapped in charged droplets based on a composite of these parameters and physically separated from larger populations. The applications and instrumentation of flow cytometry have evolved through a synergism of advances in monoclonal antibody reagents, laser science, dye chemistry, and computer design combined with classical physical sciences. This chapter focuses on the theory and instrumentation relevant to cell separation and the study of human disease.
Engineering Aspects of Artificial Kidney Systems

While some of the work described in the first part of this paper has appeared in medical journals from time to time, the major results are summarized here with emphasis on the engineering problems and their solutions.
Techniques and Problems in Sampling and Analyzing Formation Waters for Carboxylic Acids and Anions

Carboxylic acids and anions (CAA) have been known to exist in sedimentary formation waters since before the turn of the century. They have been proposed as essential agents in various geochemical processes such as metal ore migration and deposition, as precursors to natural gas, and as the mediators of organic-inorganic diagenesis. If the importance of CAA in geochemical processes is to be critically evaluated, viable samples of formation waters must be taken, and accurate and precise measurements of the CAA in the samples made. Key among sampling procedures designed to ensure sample viability are: flushing all production lines, sample lines, and sample containers with the formation fluid before the sample is taken; filtration of the sample through 0.1 μm at the time of sampling; addition of preservatives; and protection of the sample from light and elevated temperature. Accurate and precise measurements of the concentration of CAA in formation waters may be made by various analytical techniques, the most popular of which is ion chromatography. However, in complex mixtures this analysis is nontrivial; adjustments to the analytical technique may have to be made, and multiple runs performed on a single sample. Generally, a single sample run is an insufficient basis for meaningful interpretation.
Screening a Repurposing Library for Inhibitors of Multidrug-Resistant Candida auris Identifies Ebselen as a Repositionable Candidate for Antifungal Drug Development

Since its original isolation in 2009, Candida auris has spread across the globe as a causative agent of invasive candidiasis. C. auris is typically intrinsically resistant to fluconazole and can also be resistant to echinocandins and even amphotericin B. Thus, there is an urgent need to find new treatment options against this emerging pathogen. To address this growing problem, we performed a screen of the Prestwick Chemical library, a repurposing library of 1,280 small molecules, consisting mostly of approved off-patent drugs, in search of those with activity against a multidrug-resistant C. auris isolate. Our initial screen, using standardized susceptibility testing methodologies, identified nine miscellaneous compounds with no previous clinical indication as antifungals or antiseptics that displayed activity against C. auris Confirmation and follow-up studies identified ebselen as the drug displaying the most potent activity, with 100% inhibition of growth detected at concentrations as low as 2.5 μM. We further evaluated the ability of ebselen to inhibit C. auris biofilm formation and examined the effects of combination therapies of ebselen with clinically used antifungals. We extended our studies to different C. auris strains with various susceptibility patterns and also confirmed its antifungal activity against Candida albicans and clinical isolates of multiple other Candida species. Furthermore, ebselen displayed a broad spectrum of antifungal actions on the basis of its activity against a variety of medically important fungi, including yeasts and molds. Overall, our results indicate the promise of ebselen as a repositionable agent for the treatment of candidiasis and possibly other mycoses and, in particular, for the treatment of infections refractory to conventional treatment with current antifungals.
Assessing the Incremental Validity of Andrews and Bonta’s “Moderate Four” Predictors of Recidivism Using a Diverse Sample of Offending and Truant Youth:

Bonta and Andrews suggest that there are eight factors that predict recidivism among offenders, which they call the "Central Eight." They split up the Central Eight into the "Big Four" and the "Moderate Four," with the Big Four hypothesized to be more strongly associated with recidivism than the Moderate Four. The purpose of this study was to assess the incremental validity of the Moderate Four relative to the Big Four as they are measured on the Youth Level of Service/Case Management Inventory (YLS/CMI). The sample comprised 2,436 youth between the ages of 9 and 18 ( M = 14.34) in the formal probation and truancy division from a juvenile county court in the Midwest. Recidivism was measured as a new petition filed against a youth in court within 2 years of a youth's initial offense. Results indicated that the Moderate Four predictors provided no incremental validity beyond the Big Four but did not reduce the predictive validity of the YLS/CMI.
A population-based examination of maltreatment referrals and substantiation for children with autism spectrum disorder

Children with disabilities experience elevated rates of maltreatment, but little is known about the interaction of children with autism spectrum disorder with child protection systems. A population-based dataset of 24,306 children born in 2008 in Tennessee, which included 387 children with autism spectrum disorder identified through the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring network, was linked with state child protection records. Rates of maltreatment referrals, screening for further action, and substantiated maltreatment were examined for children with versus without autism spectrum disorder. Significantly more children with autism spectrum disorder (17.3%) than without (7.4%) were referred to the Child Abuse Hotline. Children with autism spectrum disorder were less likely than children without autism spectrum disorder to have referrals screened in for further action (62% vs 91.6%, respectively), but substantiated maltreatment rates were similar across groups (3.9% vs 3.4%, respectively). Girls versus boys with autism spectrum disorder were more likely to have substantiated maltreatment (13.6% vs 1.9%, respectively). The high percentage of children with autism spectrum disorder referred for allegations of maltreatment, the differential pattern of screening referrals in for further action, and the high levels of substantiated maltreatment of girls with autism spectrum disorder highlights the need for enhanced training and knowledge of the complex issues faced by children with autism spectrum disorder, their families, and state welfare agencies.
Liquid Chromatographic Determination of the Herbicide Isoxaben and Its Soil Metabolite in Soil and Soil-Turf Samples

A method is described for the determination of residues of isoxaben and its principal soil metabolite in soil and soil-turf samples. Both compounds are extracted from samples by refluxing with methanol-water. An aliquot of the extract is partitioned into dichloromethane and purified by alumina column chromatography. Separate fractions containing isoxaben and metabolite are collected and subjected to liquid chromatography at conditions that are optimized for each compound. The detection limit for both compounds is 0.005 ppm. Residue identities are confirmed by chromatography on a different LC system
Peer-relationship patterns and their association with types of child abuse and adolescent risk behaviors among youth at-risk of maltreatment

Abstract Introduction This study investigates underlying patterns of peer relationships using diverse concepts (i.e., peer dynamics, peer popularity, and deviant peer affiliation). It also examines whether the patterns of peer relationships differ by type of child abuse, as well as the association between peer relationships and adolescent risk behaviors. Methods This study included a sample of 659 youth (328 boys, 331 girls) at-risk of maltreatment, primarily low-income and living in the U.S. Peer dynamics were assessed using five separate components (self-report). Peer popularity was measured using teacher's estimation of child's peer status. Deviant peer affiliation was assessed using a modified version of the Youth Risk Behavior and Monitoring the Future Survey. Each type of abuse was assessed at age 12 using a self-report method. Self-reported adolescent sexual risk behaviors and substance use were assessed at age 16. Results Latent class analysis identified 4 distinct patterns: 1) Friendly, with prosocial peer groups (10.2%); 2) Socially ignored, with prosocial peer groups (55.2%); 3) Severely antisocial peer groups (6.8%); and 4) Moderately antisocial peer groups (27.8%). Among all types of child abuse, emotionally abused youth were more likely to be involved in severely antisocial peer groups. Additionally, youth in the severely antisocial peer groups were more likely to exhibit adolescent risk behaviors. Conclusions These findings argue clearly for the need to gain a deeper understanding of the role played by peer relationships, and of the effect of emotional abuse on the likelihood of membership in severely antisocial peer groups.
Community, Diversity, and Marginalization: An Ecological Construction of Immigrant Parenting within the U.S. Neoliberal Home and School Contexts

Although studies have explored issues related to the partnerships between immigrant families and mainstream schools, tenacious challenges of marginalization within education persist, warranting new...
The Future-Sign: Representation in the Anglophone Yoruba Novel

Contemporary Yoruba culture seems especially well-adapted to examining the ethics of representation. A large proportion of well-known African novelists work in the Yoruba tradition, including Fugunwa, Tutuola and Soyinka and arguably Okri. The Yoruba novel is concerned with the problem of agency. It concentrates on power that has become independent of any obvious agent, that seems to roam freely through the world, instigating random, and frequently malign events and experiences. Undomesticated agency resides in the ‘forest’ or the ‘bush,’ whether literal or figurative. It can manifest itself as money or magic—as any kind of performative symbol—and its main effect is to sever the connections between individual and community. This chapter shows how money and magic coalesce in the hyper-real environment of African postmodernity.
Estimates of ACO savings in the presence of provider and beneficiary selection

Abstract Background Medicare's accountable care organizations (ACOs)—designed to improve quality and lower spending—were associated with growing savings in previous studies. However, savings estimates may be biased by beneficiary sorting among providers based on healthcare needs and by providers opting into the program based on anticipated gains. Methods Using Medicare administrative claims (2009–2014), we compared annual spending changes after provider organizations joined ACOs to changes in non-ACOs (controls). To address provider selection, using novel data to identify non-ACO organizations, we restricted controls to comparably large provider organizations. To address beneficiary selection, we (a) estimated within-organization (including non-ACO comparison organizations) spending changes, (b) estimated within-beneficiary spending changes, (c) incorporated beneficiaries without qualifying healthcare expenses, and (d) used a fixed beneficiary ACO assignment using the pre-ACO period. Results Each year, 19% of Medicare beneficiaries switched provider organizations. Spending was higher for switchers than stayers ($3163, p Conclusions When implementing a comprehensive suite of methods to adjust for provider and beneficiary selection, we estimated ACO savings that grew over time. Our estimates are in line with, but smaller than, previous estimates in the literature. Implementing piecemeal adjustments produced misleading results. Implications Our results confirm the importance of selection for savings estimates and for provider organizations managing costs and quality. Attribution rules that consider multiple years may help mitigate the impact of beneficiary churn for providers and payers. Implementing payment reform by randomizing early participants, or implementing fully across selected markets, may better serve efforts to evaluate and improve payment models. Level of evidence Level 3.