cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Headlamp Illumination and Glare: An Approach to Predicting Peripheral Visibility

Peripheral visibility is an important aspect of driving but one that is not understood as robustly as on-axis visibility. The present paper summarizes results from a series of field studies investigating the effect of headlamp illumination and of oncoming headlamp glare on the speed and accuracy of response to small targets located in the visual periphery. These experiments used headlamp sets providing differing amounts of illumination on targets of varying reflectance, located throughout the field of view. Reaction times to the onset of targets and the percentage of missed targets were measured. The characteristics and locations of the targets and experimental geometry were similar in each study as were the subject demographic characteristics, so that results were very consistent among each of the studies. The pooled results of these studies make up a set of data from which a model of forward visibility as a function of headlamp illumination, oncoming glare, target reflectance and peripheral angle can be developed. An empirical model is outlined in the present paper with recommendations for future refinements.
Diagnoses not to be sniffed at...

Illuminations have a new format. From now on, it will take the form of a short quiz to test and inform your knowledge of imaging relevant to paediatrics, and should soon be available as a web-based teaching aid. Any suggestions for improvement or topics you would like to be covered are welcome. Please email comments and feedback to helen.willliams@bch.nhs.uk. Answers to the following two quiz questions can be found on page 96.
Anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroid. A review of 84 cases of spindle and giant cell carcinoma of the thyroid

Eighty-four cases of spindle and giant cell carcinoma of the thyroid were reviewed. This is a swiftly growing, and rapidly fatal neoplasm that generally develops in the elderly. Treatment of this disease was generally unsuccessful with a 7.1% five-year survival rate and a mean survival period of 6.2 months from the time of tissue diagnosis. In the majority of cases, areas of well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma could be identified, supporting the concept that spindle and giant cell carcinoma results from the transformation of preexisting well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma. Because of the aggressive biologic activity of this neoplasm, we treat all cases as disseminated disease at the time of presentation. Our best therapeutic results have been obtained with a combination of surgery, irradiation, and chemotherapy; however, these results still leave much to be desired. Patients with only small foci of spindle and giant cell carcinoma, at the time of diagnosis, may have a better chance of prolonged survival.
The use of gesture following traumatic brain injury: a preliminary analysis

Background: Gesture and its effects on speech production has been a topic of interest, especially in studies of individuals with language impairment. Research on word retrieval in participants with aphasia has demonstrated increased gesture or coverbal movement during confrontation naming tasks or spontaneous conversation. Although word retrieval difficulties are also prevalent following traumatic brain injury (TBI), comparatively little research has been published with regard to gesture in the population with TBI.Aims: The current study aimed to investigate the nature and pattern of gestures in individuals with TBI and to compare these to gestures produced by healthy adults.Methods & Procedures: Gestural performance of 30 participants with TBI was analysed in comparison with 32 controls with no history of brain injury during the Test of Adolescent/Adult Word Finding (TAWF). The groups were compared on the frequency, type or pattern, and handedness of gesture.Outcomes & Results: Individuals with TBI produ...
Happy New Year and Reviewer Appreciation

This PDF file contains the editorial “Happy New Year and Reviewer Appreciation” for OE Vol. 55 Issue 01
Selling Schools: Marketing and Recruitment Strategies in New Orleans

Under new school-choice policies, schools feel increasing pressure to market their schools to parents and students. I examine how school leaders in New Orleans used different marketing strategies based on their positions in the market hierarchy and the ways in which they used formal and informal processes to recruit students. This study relied on qualitative interviews, observations of board meetings, and board-meeting minutes from a random sample of 30 schools in New Orleans. Findings indicate that marketing was a very common strategy. Yet even though choice policies were meant to give parents, not schools, power in selecting where their children attend school, some schools found ways to avoid enrolling disadvantaged students, often by not marketing. Faced with the pressure of accountability and charter renewal, these schools traded greater funding for potentially greater averages in student achievement. At the same time, some schools that were oversubscribed invested in marketing and recruitment anyway ...
Circuits and currents: Dynamics of disruption in New York City blackouts

Blackouts are technological breakdowns that result in social ruptures. Everyday patterns are disrupted, causing inversions of authority, creating new and spontaneous opportunities for social relationships, and offering unusual opportunities for economic benefit. Analysis of blackouts in New York City helps us to understand the role of electricity in the lives of city dwellers, their expectations of what energy should do for them, and when and how it should function. Absences of electricity provide a liminal context in which to examine the role of energy in creating and maintaining the technological and social order that we have come to expect—and demand. This article argues that, through the darkness of electrical disruption, blackouts illuminate two metaphors that connect the scientific properties of electricity with the social order shaped by electricity: circuits and currents. When the circuits of electricity are broken, currents of power in technical, social, economic, and political arenas are also disrupted.
Role of a Conserved Residue R780 in Escherichia coli Multidrug Transporter AcrB

Multidrug efflux pumps play important roles in bacteria drug resistance. A major multidrug efflux system in Gram-negative bacteria is composed of the inner membrane transporter AcrB, outer membrane protein channel TolC, and membrane fusion protein AcrA. These three proteins form a large complex that spans both layers of cell membranes and the periplasmic space. AcrB exists and functions as a homotrimer. To identify residues at the trimer interface that play important roles in AcrB function, we conducted site directed mutagenesis and discovered a key residue, R780. Although R780K was partially functional, all other R780 mutants tested were completely nonfunctional. Replacement of R780 by other residues disrupted trimer association. However, a decrease of trimer stability was not the lone cause for the observed loss of activity, because the activity loss could not be restored by strengthening trimer interaction. Using both heat and chemical denaturation methods, we found that the mutation decreased protein ...
Factors Affecting Vesicular-Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Development and Growth of Cotton

The influence of inoculum level, soil fertility, soil temperature, and cotton cultivar on vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal development and plant growth were determined. In a phosphorus-deficient so...
Purification of hypothalamic corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) of ovine origin.

SummaryAcetone powders were prepared from large numbers of ovine SME fragments. After preliminary extraction of the powder with glacial acetic acid and lyophilization, the resultant powder was extracted with 0.1 M ammonium acetate and subjected to gel filtration on a long column of Sephadex G-25. A wide zone was eluted from the column which induced adrenal ascorbic acid depletion upon its iv administration into rats with median eminence lesions. Part of this activity was caused by ACTH-like substances, since it was still present in hypophysectomized rats; however, this active zone was free of pressor activity. The active zones from several fractionations with Sephadex were pooled and placed on a CMC column. Elution was accomplished by application of gradients of ammonium acetate buffer of increasing ionic strength and pH. A narrow zone was eluted from the column which was active in inducing adrenal ascorbic acid depletion in rats with lesions, but was inactive in hypophysectomized rats. A dose of < 3 μg o...
A Soviet view of verification

In a recent book, a Soviet official explained Moscow's reluctance to submit to “intrusive measures” to verify arms control treaties — and under what circumstances that reluctance may be overcome.
The Germiculture and Drug Sensitive Test of the Liquor Puris from 212 Acute Mastitis Patients

Objective: To explore the distribution and drug sensitivity instance of pathogenic bacteria in the liquor puris from acute mastitis patients,providing basis for the application of antibiotic clinically.Method: The samples was aerobic cultured and genus identified.Secondaly,the drug sensitive tests were made with K-B method.Result: 104 positive were detected from all 212 samples,the collected rate was 49.1%.93 staphylococcus aureus samples were detected(89.4%);10 Staphylococcus epidermidis samples were detected(9.6%);1 streptococcus viridans sample was detected(1%).The drug tolerance rate of staphylococci to penicillin was 98.9%,84.5% to oxacillin,100% to vancomycin,33.0% to cefradine,13.5% to Cefuroxime,11.7% to cefatriaxone,6.8% to cefepime,above 80% to erythromycin,above 50% to cotrimoxazole or Azithromycin.Conclusion: The most common pathogenic bacteria of acute mastitis patients is staphylococcus aureus,its drug tolerance rate to penicillin and erythromycin is so high that both penicillin and erythromycin are not the first choice for mastitis patients.Oxacillin can be the first choice for most mastitis patients.With the emergence of MRSA,doctors should think much of the collection and culture of samples before treatment,and use antibiotic based on the drug tolerance test.
The Principle of Competitive Exclusion in Population Biology

It is often observed in nature that the struggle for existence between two similar species competing for the same limited food supply and living space nearly always ends in the complete extinction of one of the species. This phenomenon is known as the “principle of competitive exclusion,” and was first enunciated, in a slightly different form, by Darwin in 1859. In his paper, “The origin of species by natural selection,” he writes: “As the species of the same genus usually have, though by no means invariably, much similarity in habits and constitutions and always in structure, the struggle will generally be more severe between them, if they come into competition with each other, than between the species of distinct genera.”
MRI bullseye sign: An indicator of peripheral nerve constriction in parsonage-turner syndrome.

INTRODUCTION The role of MRI in identifying hourglass constrictions (HGCs) of nerves in Parsonage-Turner syndrome (PTS) is largely unknown. METHODS Six patients with PTS and absent or minimal recovery underwent MRI. Surgical exploration was performed at identified pathologic sites. RESULTS The time between symptom onset and surgery was 12.4 ± 6.9 months; the time between MRI and surgery was 1.3 ± 0.6 months. Involved nerves included suprascapular, axillary, radial, and median nerve anterior interosseous and pronator teres fascicles. Twenty-three constriction sites in 10 nerves were identified on MRI. A "bullseye sign" of the nerve, identified immediately proximal to 21 of 23 sites, manifested as peripheral signal hyperintensity and central hypointensity orthogonal to the long axis of the nerve. All constrictions were confirmed operatively. CONCLUSIONS In PTS, a bullseye sign on MRI can accurately localize HGCs, a previously unreported finding. Causes of HGCs and the bullseye sign are unknown. Muscle Nerve 56: 99-106, 2017.
Citizens Speaking as Experts: Expertise Discourse in Deliberative Forums

By analysing how participants use expertise discourse during environmental forums, this study examines how expert and lay knowledge are infused in deliberative democracy and the necessary distincti...
Diskussion der Replikationsparameter

Dieses Kapitel beginnt mit der Bedeutung des Numeraires in der Replikation. Daraufhin wird diskutiert, welche Norm auf dem Raum ℒ () gewahlt werden sollte, bevor schlieslich auf die Unterschiede zwischen Terminal-Value-Matching, 1- Cash-Flow-Matching und 2-Cash-Flow-Matching eingegangen wird.
Necessity of Repeat Computed Tomography Imaging in Isolated Mild Traumatic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

Background The standard of care for mild isolated traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (itSAH) involves serial head computed tomography (CT) examinations at dedicated time intervals to monitor neurologic status and hemorrhagic progression. Considering recent evidence questioning such an aggressive monitoring protocol, this study aimed to assess the necessity of repeat head CT imaging in managing itSAH. Methods All patients who presented to our academic institution with mild traumatic brain injury were evaluated. Patients ≥18 years of age presenting with mild, blunt itSAH (Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] score 13–15) were included. Patients with significant polytrauma or coagulopathy were excluded. Patient demographics (age and sex), imaging results (CT progression), and outcomes (final GCS score, discharge status, interventions, and 30-day readmission) were all recorded. Results Of 190 cases identified for inclusion, 58 (30.5%) met all study criteria (age, 59.5 ± 18.0 y; 30 men). Five (8.6%) patients presented with repeat CT progression, with none reporting 30-day readmission or adverse event on follow-up. Comparison of cases with and without CT progression found no meaningful differences in age or sex. Of the 3 patients readmitted, none demonstrated CT progression, and cause of readmission was unrelated to head trauma in all cases. Two patients demonstrated clinical deterioration (final GCS score Conclusions Our findings suggest that serial CT imaging has little efficacy in changing mild itSAH management and is poorly correlated with clinical progression. A less aggressive management protocol may be more appropriate for managing this patient population.
Explanation in Ethics and Mathematics: Debunking and Dispensability

This volume covers two related debates in both meta-ethics and the philosophy of mathematics, with brief forays into the philosophies of logic and religion and the history of ethics. The first debate is about ‘evolutionary debunking arguments’ (EDAs) – roughly, arguments that because evolutionary pressures do not track realistically construed ethical and mathematical (EM) truths, the evolutionary origins of our EM-beliefs suggest that they do not track such truths. The second debate is about ‘indispensability arguments’ (IAs) – roughly, arguments that we are justified in including realistically construed EM-entities in our ontology because they are indispensable for some important project.
Effective Direct Mail Strategies

When the great Cicero gave a discourse, the populus would comment, “What an accomplished orator! What a marvelous speech!” When Demosthenes thundered his denunciation of Philip of Macedon, people charged to the forefront and screamed, “We shall march on Philip!” Although all of us who prepare direct mail programs would be pleased to have our efforts considered Ciceronian and viewed favorably, it is the Demosthenesian effect—capture attention, maintain interest, and get results—for which we should strive.
Fabrication of Nanoscale Devices

The toolbox of nanofabrication technologies that has developed as a result of microelectronic needs has given researchers an unprecedented capability to design and construct quantum effect and mesoscopic device structures. The subsequent turning point in the understanding of nanometer scale electronic transport was the development of reliable fabrication techniques on the nanometer scale. Laboratories around the world can now controllably impose additional lateral dimensions of quantum confinement on 2D systems with length scales approaching those of epitaxial lengths in the growth direction. The achievement of quantum wires, dots, and Coulomb blockade structures present near-to ultimate limit electronic systems to the experimentalist.
A clinical study of the effects of galvanic vaginal muscle stimulation in urinary stress incontinence and sexual dysfunction.

A preliminary study was designed to test the effect of pelvic floor stimulation using the Vagette, a galvanic device, on the symptoms of urinary stress incontinence and pelvic relaxation. A significant improvement in pelvic muscle strength was observed as measured by the Kegel meter. This effect was seen within a short period of treatment. It is suggested from the study that the Vagette may be used for short-term therapeutic trial for urinary stress incontinence and pelvic relaxation before surgery is considered.
The Proof of Theorem 6.8

The proof consists of several steps. Let (uk) be a minimizing sequence for (6.7). Thus there is an M > 0 such that $$J_1\left(uk \right) \leq M $$ (7.1) for all k \( \epsilon \mathbb{N}\). In fact, if V1 \(\epsilon \ \mathrm{M_1}({v_0}, {w_0}) \rm \ and \ W_1 \epsilon \ \mathrm{M_1}({w_0}, {v_0})\) such that V1 satisfies (6.5) (i) and W1 satisfies (6.5) (iv), setting \(\hat{U} =\left\{\begin{array}{lll} {v_1,\quad x_1 \leq m_1,} \\ {w_0, \quad m_1 \leq + 1\leq {x_1} \leq m_4 - 1}\\{W_1, \quad m_4\leq {x_1}} \end{array}\right.\) with the usual interpolation in between, J1 \( (\hat{U})\) furnishes an upper bound for J1 (uk) independently of m and l.
Association Between Neighborhood Cohesion and Cancer Screening Utilization in Chinese American Older Adults

This study aims to examine the association between neighborhood cohesion and cancer screening utilization in a community-dwelling Chinese American older population. Data were drawn from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly including 3159 Chinese American older adults aged 60 and above in the greater Chicago area. Cancer screening utilization was assessed by asking whether participants had undergone colon, breast, cervical, or prostate cancer screening. Neighborhood cohesion was measured through six questions. Logistic regression analysis showed that greater neighborhood cohesion was associated with higher likelihood of utilizing a mammogram (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.14-1.52), a Pap test (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.06-1.41), but not of a blood stool test (OR 1.10, 95% CI 0.98-1.23), a colonoscopy (OR 1.05, 95% CI 0.94-1.17), and a PSA test (OR 1.13, 95% CI 0.95-1.34). This study suggests positive associations between neighborhood cohesion and breast and cervical cancer screening utilization among a Chinese American older population.
Track reconstruction and data fusion

A ship at sea finds its way using a combination of its own instruments and a collection of external navigation systems. If all the navigation data over the course of a voyage are recorded, how well can one reconstruct the track of the ship? On March 26, 1993 William J. Satzer from 3M described an approach to track reconstruction by way of optimal smoothing theory. The goal is (i) to provide an accurate and reliable “truth track” to serve as a basis for analysis of long range ocean sensors, and (ii) to develop means for using disparate data sources to form a coherent picture of an environment.
Functional Organization of the Consciousness System

The coordination of motivational—emotional, cognitive, and motor activities in different environmental settings is optimally accomplished through variations in the state of organization of brain function. One such state, “consciousness,” has apparently evolved to deal most effectively with those demands in the internal and external milieus that require most immediate attention. Consciousness serves two functions: first, through mobilizing the sensory system to identify any urgent demands (internal drives, external threats, etc.) and second, through activation of the pertinent reactive systems (emotional, motor), to allow the organism to cope most effectively with significant events. The full spectrum of conscious activities constitutes a continuum leading from alertness to altered states of consciousness to deep sleep and REM sleep. Alert consciousness, the state of consciousness with which we are most familiar, results from the behavioral effects of the entire consciousness system raised to its highest level of activity. Other states of consciousness occur when different parts of the system are only partially activated.
Blade-OC Asynchronous Resilient Template ‡ This research has been supported in part by NSF Grant #1619415.

This paper introduces a novel timing-resilient asynchronous bundled-data template called Blade-OC. The template replaces the synchronous global clock driving FFs with asynchronous controllers that drive error-detecting latches. Compared to its predecessors, the template supports a larger timing resiliency window (TRW) enabling higher performance for designs with wide variations in delay, such as seen in near and subthreshold computing. This paper quantifies this performance improvement for a variety of pipeline structures assuming lognormal datapath delay distributions.
The effect of transferrin-targeted, resveratrol-loaded liposomes on neurosphere cultures of glioblastoma: implications for targeting tumour-initiating cells

Glioblastomas (GBMs) are known to harbour subsets of cells known as tumour-initiating cells (TICs), which are responsible for the maintenance, invasiveness and recurrence of GBMs. Conventional chemotherapeutics act on rapidly dividing cells, sparing the TICs and result in tumour relapse. Resveratrol (RES) has shown chemopreventive effects in all the major stages of cancer including initiation, promotion and progression, but poor physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties limit its use as a free drug. Hence we developed a liposomal formulation of RES (RES-L) to eradicate both the bulk tumour cells and TICs in GBMs. Since both these subpopulations of cells are known to over-express transferrin receptors, we developed transferrin-targeted RES-L (Tf-RES-L) to enhance tumour-specific delivery. We studied the effects of RES on neurospheres (NS) used as an in vitro model to study TICs derived from GBM cell lines. Free RES and RES formulations inhibited the anchorage-independent growth of GBM neurospheres. The NS-derived cells expressed TfRs and the Tf-targeted liposomes showed a significantly higher association with NS versus the non-targeted liposomes. Finally an increased activation of caspases 3/7 was seen when NS were treated with RES formulations. Together, these studies advocate for further investigations with RES-L and the use Tf to target the TIC populations.
The antiparasitic drug atovaquone inhibits arbovirus replication through the depletion of intracellular nucleotides

Abstract Arthropod-borne viruses represent a significant public health threat worldwide yet there are few antiviral therapies or prophylaxis targeting these pathogens. In particular, the development of novel antivirals for high-risk populations such as pregnant women is essential to prevent devastating disease such as that which was experienced with the recent outbreak of Zika virus (ZIKV) in the Americas. One potential avenue to identify new and pregnancy friendly antiviral compounds is to repurpose well-known and widely used FDA approved drugs. In this study, we addressed the antiviral role of atovaquone, a FDA Pregnancy Category C drug and pyrimidine biosynthesis inhibitor used for the prevention and treatment of parasitic infections. We found that atovaquone was able to inhibit ZIKV and chikungunya virus virion production in human cells and that this antiviral effect occurred early during infection at the initial steps of viral RNA replication. Moreover, we were able to complement viral replication and virion production with the addition of exogenous pyrimidine nucleosides indicating that atovaquone is functioning through the inhibition of the pyrimidine biosynthesis pathway to inhibit viral replication. Finally, using an ex vivo human placental tissue model, we found that atovaquone could limit ZIKV infection in a dose-dependent manner providing evidence that atovaquone may function as an antiviral in humans. Taken together, these studies suggest that atovaquone could be a broad-spectrum antiviral drug and a potential attractive candidate for the prophylaxis or treatment of arbovirus infection in vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women. Author Summary The ability to protect vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and children from Zika virus and other arbovirus infections is essential to preventing the devastating complications induced by these viruses. One class of antiviral therapies may lie in known pregnancy-friendly drugs that have the potential to mitigate arbovirus infections and disease yet this has not been explored in detail. In this study, we show that the common antiparasitic drug, atovaquone, inhibits arbovirus replication through intracellular nucleotide depletion and can impair ZIKV infection in an ex vivo human placental explant model. Our study provides a novel function for atovaquone and highlights that the rediscovery of pregnancy-acceptable drugs with potential antiviral effects can be the key to better addressing the immediate need for treating viral infections and preventing potential birth complications and future disease.
Musculoskeletal Tumor Staging — 1987 Update

Since 1960, prospective primary observational data has been gathered and stored on primary benign and malignant neoplasms of the musculoskeletal system in the W. Thaxton Springfield Study Center at the University of Florida. In 1974, based upon analysis of this data, a staging system for primary malignant tumors of connective tissue histogenesis was constructed together with definitions of oncologic surgical margins and oncologic surgical procedures. By 1979, 258 cases had been staged and enough time had passed to evaluate the system. At that time, the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MTS) contributed an additional 139 cases from thirteen member institutions to form an initial study group of 397 cases.
A Retrospective Analysis of Corrected Laboratory Results in a Large Academic Medical Center.

Objectives To evaluate the total number of corrected laboratory results that occurred as a consequence of errors in the preanalytical, analytical, and postanalytical phases of testing and to identify areas for improvement in patient care. Methods Revised laboratory results were retroactively reviewed for a 6-month period. The total number of revised results were categorized by department and the phase in which the resulting error occurred. Results Of 1,278,783 reportable tests, a total of 156 revisions were noted. Errors were predominately observed in the postanalytical phase of testing; 57.69% (n = 156) of all revisions were called and documented to a care provider. Conclusion Monitoring revised laboratory results is an important quality indicator that helps to identify areas within the laboratory that warrant improvement. Education, training, and ongoing process improvement initiatives are essential parts of a laboratory's quality management system in order to limit the total number of future revisions.
Inchworm-Inspired Locomotion in Untethered Soft Robots

Inchworm locomotion is comprised of a simple anchor-slip gait which has inspired a wealth of mobile robots spanning rigid, soft, composite, and foldable mechanisms. Here, we expand upon that work by introducing centimeter-scale, inexpensive, simple, and soft robots capable of forward and backward motion, as well as tight turns. The robots are based on partially antagonistic fluid elastomer actuators; using a low fidelity model and experimental verification, we reason about actuator geometry. We introduce a simple two-step manufacturing process, and test actuator longevity and payload capacity. To enable stand-alone operation, we design a lightweight, low volume electro-mechanical backpack, capable of driving up to 3 actuators. We then show how differential friction can be used to enable forward and turning motion in a single actuator, and how three actuators can be combined to additionally enable backwards motion and on-axis turns. Due to the use of miniature pumps, inflation and corresponding motion is slow. However, the robot cost, durability, and ability to maneuver in confined spaces may be beneficial in applications such as duct mapping and maintenance.
Introduction to nutritional epigenomics

Abstract Diet is a vital contributor to human health and disease from preconception to death. As a consequence of malnutrition, under- or over-nutrition, our diet modulates epigenomic adaptations that can impact our health and the health of our offspring. Our understanding of diet-epigenome interactions has led to the concept of personalized nutrition therapy, where lifestyle changes that entail increased physical activity and a personalized nutrition plan may prove beneficial for individual disease prevention or treatment as well as offspring health and development. In this chapter, we will introduce nutritional epigenomics as well as the concept of epigenetic programming, the different epigenetic regulators, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and RNA-based modifications, and how diet can affect the epigenome through these mechanisms. These topics will lead us to the introduction of the Thrifty Hypothesis and the concept of transgenerational inheritance as it relates to human development, health and disease.
Urgent Legal Lessons From a Very Fast Problem: COVID-19

The course of a pandemic is dictated not just by biology, but also by law And crucially, unlike biology, law can be readily adapted in response to a pandemic
The role of meteorological factors on mumps incidence among children in Guangzhou, Southern China.

Mumps, a common childhood disease, has a high incidence in Guangzhou city, China. It has been proven that mumps is influenced by seasonality. However, the role of meteorological factors among children is yet to be fully ascertained. This study explored the association between meteorological factors and the incidence of mumps among children in Guangzhou. Distributed lag nonlinear models were used to evaluate the correlation between meteorological factors and the incidence of mumps among children from 2014–2018. The nonlinear lag effects of some meteorological factors were detected. Mean temperature, atmospheric pressure, and relative humidity were positively correlated with mumps incidence, contrary to that of wind speed. Extreme effects of temperature, wind speed, atmospheric pressure, and relative humidity on the incidence of mumps among children in Guangzhou were evaluated in a subgroup analysis according to gender and age. Our preliminary results offered fundamental information to better understand the epidemic trends of mumps among children to develop an early warning system, and strengthen the intervention and prevention of mumps.
Sex-Based Differences in Interstitial Lung Disease

Interstitial lung diseases comprise a family of progressive pulmonary disorders that are often idiopathic or associated with various systemic diseases and that is characterized by bilateral lung involvement with inflammation and tissue remodeling or fibrosis. The impact of sex, including the anatomic and physiologic traits that one is born with, on the development and progression of interstitial lung diseases is not entirely clear. Variances between men and women are driven by differences in male and female biology and sex hormones, among other differences, but their role remains uncertain. In this review, we summarize sex-related differences in the epidemiology and progression of certain interstitial lung diseases with a focus on the connective tissue related interstitial lung diseases, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and sarcoidosis. We also discuss cellular and pre-clinical studies that might shed light on the potential mechanisms responsible for these differences in the hope of unveiling potential targets for intervention and stimulating research in this needed field of investigation.
Implementation and use of a mobile lab bench for a first course in power electronics

Although practice by doing is typically regarded to be an effective method to facilitate student learning in a laboratory setting, stretched resources may require alternative approaches to accommod...
GAT-GMM: Generative Adversarial Training for Gaussian Mixture Models

Generative adversarial networks (GANs) learn the distribution of observed samples through a zero-sum game between two machine players, a generator and a discriminator. While GANs achieve great success in learning the complex distribution of image, sound, and text data, they perform suboptimally in learning multi-modal distribution-learning benchmarks including Gaussian mixture models (GMMs). In this paper, we propose Generative Adversarial Training for Gaussian Mixture Models (GAT-GMM), a minimax GAN framework for learning GMMs. Motivated by optimal transport theory, we design the zero-sum game in GAT-GMM using a random linear generator and a softmax-based quadratic discriminator architecture, which leads to a non-convex concave minimax optimization problem. We show that a Gradient Descent Ascent (GDA) method converges to an approximate stationary minimax point of the GAT-GMM optimization problem. In the benchmark case of a mixture of two symmetric, well-separated Gaussians, we further show this stationary point recovers the true parameters of the underlying GMM. We numerically support our theoretical findings by performing several experiments, which demonstrate that GAT-GMM can perform as well as the expectation-maximization algorithm in learning mixtures of two Gaussians.
BET inhibition increases βIII-tubulin expression and sensitizes metastatic breast cancer in the brain to vinorelbine

Metastases from primary breast cancer result in poor survival. βIII-tubulin (TUBB3) has been established as a therapeutic target for breast cancer metastases specifically to the brain. In this study, we conducted a systematic analysis to determine the regulation of TUBB3 expression in breast cancer metastases to the brain and strategically target these metastases using vinorelbine (VRB), a drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). We found that human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) signaling regulates TUBB3 expression in both trastuzumab-sensitive and trastuzumab-resistant neoplastic cells. We further discovered that bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) inhibition increases TUBB3 expression, rendering neoplastic cells more susceptible to apoptosis by VRB. Orthotopic xenograft assays using two different breast cancer cell models revealed a reduction in tumor volume with BET inhibition and VRB treatment. In addition, in vivo studies using a model of multiple brain metastasis (BM) showed improved survival with the combination of radiation + BET inhibitor (iBET-762) + VRB (75% long-term survivors, P < 0.05). Using in silico analysis and BET inhibition, we found that the transcription factor myeloid zinc finger-1 (MZF-1) protein binds to the TUBB3 promoter. BET inhibition decreases MZF-1 expression and subsequently increases TUBB3 expression. Overexpression of MZF-1 decreases TUBB3 expression and reduces BM in vivo, whereas its knockdown increases TUBB3 expression in breast cancer cells. In summary, this study demonstrates a regulatory mechanism of TUBB3 and provides support for an application of BET inhibition to sensitize breast cancer metastases to VRB-mediated therapy.
The Effect of Gas Nonideality on the Interface Reflectivity When Interacting With a Shock Wave

The phenomenon of shock wave refraction on a gaseous interface with plasma was analyzed for nonideal gas effects. The developed model was applied to nondissociating diatomic nitrogen gas at 3000 K. Comparatively to ideal gas, the interface reflectivity was found noticeably decreased resulting in 12% more intense shock transmission. The transition point determining the character of reflected wave was also found shifted with its coordinate being strongly dependent on incident shock strength and sort of gas. It was found that a delay in gas pressure drop and a sharp reduction of vorticity generated in the postshock flow are possible. The influence of real-gas effects on the shock instability locus, interface distortion, and wave drag reduction is discussed.
Safety profile of rotavirus vaccines among individuals aged ≥8 months of age, United States, vaccine adverse event reporting system (VAERS), 2006-2019.

Abstract Introduction In 2006 and 2008, two live, oral rotavirus vaccines, RotaTeq (RV5) and Rotarix (RV1), were introduced into the routine immunization program in the United States. A previous rotavirus vaccine, RotaShield, was associated with an increased risk of intussusception, with data suggesting an age-dependent variation in risk. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) currently recommends that RV5 or RV1 immunization be initiated by age 14 weeks and 6 days and completed by 8 months 0 days. Methods We searched for U.S. VAERS reports of RV5, RV1, or unknown rotavirus vaccine brand among individuals aged ≥8 months. We analyzed reports by 2 age groups (individuals aged ≥8 months–≤5 years and ≥6 years), vaccine brand name, adverse event (AE) reported, classification of seriousness (death, non-death serious, and non-serious) and mode of exposure (direct vs. indirect exposure). For serious reports we reviewed available medical records and assigned a primary diagnosis. Results VAERS received a total of 344 U.S. reports following rotavirus vaccination among individuals ≥8 months of age, 32 (9.3%) were serious. In the younger age-group, 307 (99%) of 309 reports followed direct vaccination of the child. In contrast, in individuals aged ≥6 years, 21 (60%) of 35 reports were via potential indirect exposure to a vaccinated child. The frequently reported AEs in the younger age-group were inappropriate schedule of drug administration 104 (34%) and drug administered to patient of inappropriate age 45 (15%); in the older group these were accidental exposure 9 (26%) and eye irritation 7 (20%). No difference in the safety profile was observed between RV1 and RV5. Conclusions We did not identify any unexpected AEs for RV vaccines among individuals aged ≥8 months. Health care providers should adhere to the ACIP recommended schedule and older individuals should apply necessary precautions to prevent potential secondary exposure from vaccinated children.
Forged in iron

Fifty years ago, Kochi reported the iron-catalysed cross-coupling of alkenyl halides and alkyl Grignard reagents. Sparking a cross-coupling revolution, we reflect on the impact of this achievement and the importance of iron in the development of cross-coupling catalysis. In a reaction discovered 50 years ago, a disarmingly simple iron catalyst was shown to couple alkenyl halides to alkyl Grignard reagents. This finding led to a proliferation of catalytic methodologies that today are an indispensable part of our synthetic toolkit.
An Updated Comparison of Four Low Earth Orbit Satellite Constellation Systems to Provide Global Broadband

Twenty years of technological improvements have raised once again the question of the economic viability of offering Internet access from space using non-geostationary orbits (NGSO). Trying to answer this question, many established satellite operators (e.g., SES, Telesat) and newcomers (e.g., SpaceX, Amazon) have recently filed applications for these types of constellations, with SES currently operating a NGSO constellation in MEO. The new architectures rely on thousands of high-throughput satellites, combined with an even-larger ground segment, which will compete with and complement the terrestrial Internet infrastructure where it is inefficient or non-existent.This paper provides an updated comparison of four of the largest LEO mega-constellations, namely Telesat’s, OneWeb’s, SpaceX’s, and Amazon’s, in terms of throughput estimation. First, we present the configuration of each constellation as described in their FCC filings (as of January 2021), including pending propositions. Then, we briefly describe the methodology and models used for the system performance analysis, which includes statistical analyses of each system’s throughput, as well as orbit dynamics and atmospheric conditions. Finally, we discuss the results and argue how the changes in the filings affected the overall throughput estimation and satellite efficiency, in terms of average capacity utilization.Despite having the fewest satellites, Telesat achieves a similar throughput as SpaceX thanks to their dual gateway connection and wider field of regard. OneWeb manages to achieve second-to-highest throughput thanks to their largest constellation, despite having the lowest satellite utilization. The reduction in minimum elevation angle and altitude improves SpaceX’s previous results in both total throughput and satellite utilization. Amazon achieves the highest throughput at around 53.4 Tbps, at the cost of a larger ground segment. Finally, all architectures benefit from the usage of ISL, achieving improvements between 13% and 42% when using 20 Gbps connections.
Culturally Sensitive Practices and Crisis Management

ABSTRACT This article explores the value of social constructionism as a theoretical orientation to guide cultural sensitive crisis intervention. It does so in three primary ways. First, general principles of culturally sensitive practice are discussed. Second, principles of social constructionism are explicated. Third, case studies illuminate the uses of the theory in crisis situations.
INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS

OVERVIEW During 2002–2004, the United States adhered to some new treaties and instruments in the field of human rights, such as two protocols to the Rights of the Child Convention, but resisted developing or committing the United States to instruments that would alter existing U.S. laws and obligations, such as a Torture Convention Protocol on Preventive Visits. To assist in implementation of existing human rights norms, the United States issued reports on human rights compliance by other countries, ranging from the basic annual Department of State human rights reports to more specialized reports, such as on religious freedom. U.S. treatment of enemy aliens in the “war on terrorism” exposed the United States to criticism in the global community on human rights grounds, criticism that may have affected the ability of the United States to advance other aspects of its foreign policy, such as in trying to prevent condemnation of Israel at multinational fora. The United States sought to use such fora, however, to promote human rights in strife-ridden lands, such as by pressing the United Nations to find that genocide was occurring in the Sudan. Recognizing the value of such fora, the United States actively participated in, and pursued election of U.S. representatives to, human rights bodies (winning election to the UN Human Rights Commission, but losing at the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights).
Dense resultant of composed polynomials mixed-mixed case

The main question of this paper is: What is the dense (Macaulay) resultant of composed polynomials? By a composed polynomial f (g1,...,gn), we mean the polynomial obtained from a polynomial f in the variables y1,...,yn by replacing yj by some polynomial gj. Cheng, McKay and Wang and Jouanolou have provided answers for two particular subcases. The main contribution of this paper is to complete these works by providing a uniform answer for all subcases. In short, it states that the dense resultant is the product of certain powers of the dense resultants of the component polynomials and of some of their leading forms. It is expected that these results can be applied to compute dense resultants of composed polynomials with improved efficiency. We also state a lemma of independent interest about the dense resultant under vanishing of leading forms.
Superexchange Coupling Mechanisms for Electron Transfer Processes

Electron transfer matrix elements for electron exchange between various pairs of transition metal complexes in close contact have been calculated and analyzed for a variety of approach geometries for the two reactants. The coupling between the nominal metal ion donor/acceptor sites is achieved by superexchange of the “hole” type arising from ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT), the dominant ligand-field interaction for the electron-donor ligands considered (H2O, NH3, and the cyclopentadienide anion). The pronounced variations of Hif with geometry are not correlated with the separation distance of the metal ions (between which the direct overlap is negligible) and span the range from non-adiabatic to strongly adiabatic electronic coupling. The values for metallocene/metallocinium redox pairs bracket recently reported experimental values. Analysis of the results using the method of corresponding orbitals demonstrates the validity of an effective 1-electron model for the electron transfer process to within about 10% for the class of systems considered. A higher-order superexchange mechanism was encountered for the Co(NH3)62+/3+ exchange process, in which the LMCT-driven hole-transport mechanism couples excited local states of the metal ions, which in turn are connected to the corresponding ground states by spin-orbit mixing. This mechanism yields on electronic transmission factor within two orders of magnitude of unity.
The effectiveness of multi resolution image segmentation for measuring spatial heterogeneity in mixed population biofilms

Multi resolution image clustering and segmentation tools has been developed to measure the distance between clusters of homogeneous microbial populations within two-dimensional sections of biofilms visualized by confocal laser scanning microscopy. The concept underlying multi resolution image segmentation is that the number of clusters are larger for higher resolution image and smaller for lower resolution image. This hierarchical structure analysis can be used to simplify the problem in well-mixed populations. The algorithm combines fuzzy C-means, SOM and LVQ neural networks to segment and identify clusters. The outcome of the segmentation is quantified by the number of clusters of each kind of microorganism within sections of the biofilm, and the centroid distances between the identified clusters. Experimental evaluations of the algorithm showed its effectiveness in analyzing biofilm mixed populations.
Effect of Polymyxin B, Tyrocidine, Gramicidin D, and Other Antibiotics on the Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Poly-β-Hydroxybutyrate

Merrick, J. M. (State University of New York, Buffalo). Effect of polymyxin B, tyrocydine, gramicidin D, and other antibiotics on the enzymatic hydrolysis of poly-β-hydroxybutyrate. J. Bacteriol. 90:965–969. 1965.—Previous studies have demonstrated that native poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) granules isolated from Bacillus megaterium are surrounded by a discrete membranelike structure. Morphological alterations of PHB granules are mainly characterized by membrane fragmentation, and can be correlated with decreased susceptibility of the polymer to enzymatic hydrolysis by soluble factors. In the present investigation, the inhibitory effect of a variety of surface-active and other antibiotics on the enzymatic depolymerization of PHB was examined. The most potent inhibitors were polymyxin B, tyrocidine, and gramicidin D. These polypeptide antibiotics are known to attack other types of membranous structures. The results, therefore, support previous evidence that the membrane or similar constituents of PHB granules are intimately involved in its metabolism. Chlortetracycline was also found to be a potent inhibitor of the depolymerization, but its mechanism of action may be different from the other antibiotics. The polymer-synthesizing enzyme(s), also localized on the granules, is inhibited by tyrocidine and gramicidin D but not by polymyxin B or chlortetracycline.