cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neurocognitive Late Effects in Children Treated for Cancer: Psychological Impact, Identification, and Prevention and Remediation

Cure rates for childhood cancer have improved significantly over the past three decades, owing success to advances such as multidrug regimens, innovations in treatment are delivery, refinements in surgical techniques, the introduction of conformal and proton radiation, and enhancements in imaging techniques. Whereas the goal of cancer therapy is to cure disease, oncologists strive to carefully balance effective therapy with possible toxicity, in an effort to promote a good quality of life for children as they develop and mature into adults (Askins and Moore 2008). Neurocognitive late effects often occur in pediatric cancer survivors who received central nervous system (CNS) therapies. Children with brain tumors or acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the two most common types of childhood cancer, are at greatest risk for neurocognitive late effects. This chapter will provide an overview of the neurocognitive domains typically affected by cancer and its treatment, impact on day-to-day functioning, and review the literature on the remediation of neurocognitive deficits in childhood cancer survivors. Recommendations for student access to academic supports will also be highlighted.
On the boundary layer in liquids

The author discusses differential systems governing the motion of liquids having various equations of state. The resulting equations are ordinary parametric differential equations with two point boundary conditions. The problem of existence of solutions is discussed and the Iglisch proof is adjusted to prove the existence of the flow and of the temperature pattern.
Pulse Duration Determines Efficacy of Arrhythmia Termination via Targeted Optogenetic Stimulation

Cardiac optogenetics has been envisioned as a pain-free approach for terminating arrhythmia, but questions of clinical feasibility remain unexplored. It remains unknown how advantages of light-based stimulation, such as the ability to induce sustained depolarization in precisely defined tissue regions, might be beneficial in the context of anti-arrhythmic therapy. We used computer simulations to assess the feasibility of terminating reentrant atrial arrhythmias with localized optogenetic stimuli.We conducted simulations in atrial models constructed from MRI scans of three atrial arrhythmia patients. Light sensitization via viral gene delivery of the light-sensitive protein ChR2 was modeled by incorporating a realistic photocurrent model in 40% of atrial tissue (diffuse spatial pattern). In each model, arrhythmia was induced by rapid pacing and the reentrant circuit (RC) was identified using a previously validated approach; then, we simulated placement of blue LED strips along the endocardial surface spanning the narrowest part of each RC (average illuminated area: 38.03mm²). Light-based termination was attempted with four light pulse durations (1-1000ms); to characterize therapeutic reliability, pulse timing was varied in 20ms intervals that spanned the arrhythmia reentrant cycle.Targeted optogenetic stimulation terminated arrhythmia in all three models. The primary mechanism was induction of sustained transmural depolarization in the narrowest part of the RC, which led to conduction block and abrogation of reentry. For each pulse duration tested, at least one timing was successful; however, configurations with longer pulses were more resilient to differences in timing (1000ms pulse: 97.92% success rate; 100ms: 74.68%, 10ms: 55.81%, 1ms: 22.29%). Input energy for optogenetic stimuli was extremely low (average: 7.92mJ/ms) compared to typical defibrillation shocks (∼15J).Long-lasting (≥100ms) optogenetic stimulation via endocardial LED strips is a feasible approach to terminating atrial arrhythmia if the narrowest part of the RC can be targeted.
Allergy and asthma medication use in home-dwelling U.S. older adults

Background Little is known about the use of allergy and asthma medications in older adults. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of use of these medications in older adults and evaluate predictors of their use. Methods Cross-sectional study using data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP), a nationally representative sample of community-dwelling, U.S. adults 57 to 85 years (n = 2976) collected in 2005–2006. We determined prevalence of medication use and used logistic regression to evaluate sociodemographic and health factors associated with their use. Results Overall prevalence of allergy medication usage was 8.4% (most commonly antihistamines), and prevalence of asthma medication usage was 8.0% (most commonly bronchodilators). Allergy medication use was significantly associated with history of asthma (odds ratio [OR] 2.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.52 to 3.69), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (OR 2.35; 95% CI, 1.58 to 3.51), or nasal surgery (OR 1.97; 95% CI, 1.00 to 3.86). Older age was associated with decreased allergy medication use (per decade, OR 0.80; 95% CI, 0.66 to 0.98). Although increased education was associated with increased overall allergy medication use, it was associated with decreased use of allergy medications generally contraindicated in the elderly. In contrast, the only significant predictors of asthma medication use were history of asthma (OR 19.66; 95% CI, 3.18 to 121.70) or COPD (OR 4.25; 95% CI, 0.88 to 20.44). Conclusion Allergy and asthma medication use is prevalent among older adults and driven mostly by history of asthma or COPD. Additional sociodemographic factors predict allergy (but not asthma) medication use. Further studies are needed to evaluate efficacy of these drugs in the elderly.
Understanding the Socioemotional Worlds of English Learners: A Retrospective Study

This mixed-methods study examined the socioemotional experiences of 57 alumni of language support programs (i.e., English as a second language, bilingual education) to identify effects of being Eng...
High-purity Nisin Alone or in Combination with Sodium Hypochlorite Is Effective against Planktonic and Biofilm Populations of Enterococcus faecalis.

Abstract Introduction Nisin, a broad-spectrum bacteriocin, has recently been highlighted for its biomedical applications. To date, no studies have examined the antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties of high-purity (>95%) nisin (nisin ZP) on Enterococcus faecalis and biofilms formed by this species. We hypothesize that nisin can inhibit E. faecalis and reduce biofilm biomass, and combinations of nisin and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) will enhance the antibiofilm properties against E. faecalis biofilms. Methods Using broth cultures, disc diffusion assays, and biofilm assays, we examined the effects of nisin on various E. faecalis growth parameters and biofilm properties (biovolume, thickness, and roughness). Confocal microscopy was used in conjunction with Imaris and Comstat2 software (Kongens Lyngby, Copenhagen, Denmark) to measure and analyze the biofilm properties. Results Nisin significantly decreased the growth of planktonic E. faecalis dose dependently. The minimum inhibitory concentrations against E. faecalis strains OG-1 and ATCC 29212 were 15 and 50 μg/mL, and the minimum bactericidal concentrations were 150 and 200 μg/mL, respectively. A reduction in biofilm biovolume and thickness was observed for biofilms treated with nisin at ≥10 μg/mL for 10 minutes. In addition, the combination of nisin with low doses of NaOCl enhanced the antibiofilm properties of both antimicrobial agents. Conclusions Nisin alone or in combination with low concentrations of NaOCl reduces the planktonic growth of E. faecalis and disrupts E. faecalis biofilm structure. Our results suggest that nisin has potential as an adjunctive endodontic therapeutic agent and as an alternative to conventional NaOCl irrigation.
The Attention Schema Theory: A Foundation for Engineering Artificial Consciousness

The purpose of the attention schema theory is to explain how an information-processing device, the brain, arrives at the claim that it possesses a non-physical, subjective awareness, and assigns a high degree of certainty to that extraordinary claim. The theory does not address how the brain might actually possess a non-physical essence. It is not a theory that deals in the non-physical. It is about the computations that cause a machine to make a claim and to assign a high degree of certainty to the claim. The theory is offered as a possible starting point for building artificial consciousness. Given current technology, it should be possible to build a machine that contains a rich internal model of what consciousness is, attributes that property of consciousness to itself and to the people it interacts with, and uses that attribution to make predictions about human behavior. Such a machine would “believe” it is conscious and act like it is conscious, in the same sense that the human machine believes and acts.
Speciation analysis of arsenic in seafood and seaweed: Part II—single laboratory validation of method

Single laboratory validation of a method for arsenic speciation analysis in seafood and seaweed is presented. The method is based on stepwise extraction of water-soluble and non-polar arsenic with hot water and a mixture of dichloromethane and methanol, respectively. While the water-soluble arsenicals were speciated by anion and cation exchange liquid chromatography inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LC-ICP-MS), the non-polar arsenicals were collectively determined by ICP-MS after digestion in acid. The performance characteristics and broad application of the method were evaluated by analyzing eight commercial samples (cod, haddock, mackerel, crab, shrimp, geoduck clam, oyster, and kombu) and four reference materials (fish protein (DORM-4), lobster hepatopancreas (TORT-3), mussel tissue (SRM 2976), and hijiki seaweed (CRM 7405-a)) representing finfish, crustaceans, molluscs, and seaweed. Matrices spiked at three levels in duplicates were also analyzed. The stepwise extraction provided 76-106% extraction of the total arsenic from the test materials. The method demonstrated satisfactory repeatability for analysis of replicate extracts prepared over several days. The accuracy of the method was evaluated by analyzing reference materials certified for both total arsenic and a few arsenicals; the experimental results were 90-105% of the certified values. Comparison between the total water-soluble arsenic and the sum of the concentrations of the chromatographed species gave 80-92% mass balance. While spike recoveries of most arsenicals were in the acceptance range set by CODEX, a few species spiked into cod, haddock, and shrimp were poorly recovered due to transformation to other forms. After thorough investigations, strategies were devised to improve the recoveries of these species by averting their transformations. Limits of quantification (LOQ) for the extraction and quantification of 16 arsenicals using the current method were in the range 6-16 ng g-1 arsenic.
Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor signaling attenuates respiratory syncytial virus–induced type 2 responses and immunopathology

GLP-1R signaling, an emerging anti-inflammatory therapeutic 59 target, 60 attenuated type 2-associated immunopathology in mice infected with a strain of RSV that was 61 isolated from a hospitalized infant with severe lower respiratory tract infection and bronchiolitis.
A mixed methods approach to understanding the relationship between attachment and child outcomes: The connection of related findings, theory and cultural implications as explored through the perspectives and practices of attachment parents

This prospective, longitudinal investigation examined the role of positive parenting and parent-child attachment on the relationship between positive couple interactions and child developmental outcomes. Data came from the Family Transitions Project and the current sample included 209 mothers, fathers, and their first-born biological child. Assessments included both observational and self-report measures. The results indicated that positive couple interactions were associated with lower levels of child externalizing behavior and higher levels of social competence. Results also showed that for mothers, couple interactions led to more positive parenting behaviors which in turn was associated with a secure mother-child attachment and more positive child outcomes. For fathers, secure attachment was not related to child externalizing behavior, but instead was associated through positive parenting. The results of this study contribute an advanced understanding of how a combination of factors work together to predict preschool child outcomes and highlights important differences in how mothers and fathers impact such outcomes.
Materials for 3D Printing Cardiovascular Devices

Abstract 3D printing has been increasingly used for a multitude of applications in cardiovascular medicine, ranging from creation of physical models, imaging phantoms, mock flow loops, surgical guides, and most recently as a training tool for clinicians and surgeons. In such instances, there is a lot of interest in using materials with mechanical properties that match or mimic those of native tissue. However, many of these applications are limited by the type and quality of material that can be manufactured via 3D printing. This chapter focuses on describing the current state of the art in 3D printed materials with an emphasis on material systems and properties that are relevant to cardiovascular application.
X-ray radiation enhancement of gold- TiO2 nanocomposites

Abstract The interaction of ionizing radiation, such as X-rays, with materials at the nanoscale, holds promising applications in various fields, particularly in radiation therapy. In this regard, radiosensitizers are of importance due to their ability to augment cell sensitivity to radiation. Herein, the radiation enhancement response of Gold-titania (Au@TiO2) nanocomposites was evidenced by monitoring the methylene blue (MB) decomposition in the presence of the nanomaterial. This response was investigated for the first time as a function of parameters such as gold loading, TiO2 particle size, ligand used for synthesis, nanocomposite concentration, irradiation voltage, and dose rate. Au@TiO2 were fabricated by X-rays radiolytic synthesis, a method carried out at room temperature and pressure, in the absence of toxic chemicals, which is fundamental for medical applications. Results showed that the addition of Au@TiO2 to MB accelerates the dye reaction rate by increasing the number of reactive oxygen species in solution. Reaction rate enhancements ranging from ~40% to 78% were observed in the presence of Au@TiO2. The highest values were achieved when using TiO2 with 6.5 nm in particle size, 10% Au loading, and NaOH as the ligand. This combination of parameters led to an increase in the number of active sites in the nanomaterial, facilitating MB decomposition. Au@TiO2 radiosensitization was also tested in a biological environment with M. aeruginosa cells. The presence of the NCs during irradiation notoriously increased cell damage. Overall, Au@TiO2 have great promise as radiosensitizers, a feature that could be relevant to a number of medical, biological and environmental applications.
Severe, persistent neonatal hypoglycemia as a presenting feature in patients with congenital hypopituitarism: a review of our case series

Background Persistent hypoglycemia (PH) beyond 3 days of life warrants investigation which includes a critical sample. We report our case series of five neonates who presented with PH as the first sign of congenital hypopituitarism. Design This is a case series. Methods/Results This is a case series of five neonates evaluated at our academic institution in a 3-year period (2013-2016), who presented with persistent severe hypoglycemia and were subsequently diagnosed with congenital hypopituitarism. All neonates were full term (mean gestational age 39.8 ± 1.4 weeks) born by caesarian section with a mean weight of 3.5 ± 0.16 kg and a mean length of 51.2 ± 1.2 cm at birth. All five neonates had PH beyond 3 days with an average blood glucose (BG) <35 mg/dL at presentation, requiring a mean glucose infusion rate (GIR) of 7.22 ± 1.98 mg/kg/min. The average BG during the critical sample was 42 ± 0.16 mg/dL (three patients). The mean duration of requirement of the glucose infusion was 6.2 ± 3 days during the immediate neonatal period. Diagnosis of the hypopituitarism took 2-52 days from the initial presentation of hypoglycemia. Besides growth hormone (GH) deficiency, cortisol deficiency was diagnosed in all the five neonates. Neuroimaging findings in all the neonates were consistent with pituitary stalk interruption syndrome (hypoplastic anterior pituitary, ectopic posterior pituitary [EPP] and interrupted pituitary stalk). Conclusions Hypoglycemia is a common metabolic complication affecting an infant in the immediate neonatal period. Delay in the diagnosis of hypopituitarism presenting as hypoglycemia is the result of the lack of awareness among neonatologists and/or pediatricians. We propose that providers be cognizant that PH can be the only presentation of hypopituitarism in the neonatal period. Therefore, having a high index of suspicion about this condition can avoid a delay in the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of hypopituitarism.
Serum vitamin D level is inversely associated with liver fibrosis in post Kasai's portoenterostomy biliary atresia patients living with native liver

Objective This study aims to investigate the association of serum vitamin D (VD) levels with the severity of liver fibrosis (LF) in post Kasai’s portoenterostomy biliary atresia (PKBA) patients living with their native liver. Methods In this cross-sectional study, carried out in a tertiary Children’s Hospital in Taipei, Taiwan, PKBA patients living with their native liver were enrolled. Liver biochemistry data, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHVD), acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI), and scores of Pediatric Quality of Life questionnaire (PedsQL) were collected. Results All the enrolled 33 PKBA patients (36.4% males), aged 1–23 years, possessed 25-OHVD less than 30ng/ml. An inverse correlation was detected between serum 25-OHVD and ARFI (r2 = 0.175; p = 0.024). We selected a cutoff value of 23ng/mL to divide PKBA patients into two groups, as the p-value was the most significant at this point when comparing the median ARFI of two groups (p = 0.003). Ten (30.3%) had 25-OHVD≥23ng/ml (HVD group), whereas 23(69.7%) had 25-OHVD<23ng/ml (LVD group). HVD group had lower ARFI (1.13m/s vs. 1.52m/s, p = 0.003), lower aspartate transaminase (AST) (29U/L vs. 64U/L, p = 0.033), and higher scores of self-reported health-related quality of life in psychosocial functioning (86.7 vs. 77.1, p = 0.047) than LVD group. Conclusion VD levels are inversely associated with severity of LF in PKBA patients with native liver.
Open Technique for Low Anterior Resection

The most common indication for low anterior resection (LAR) is rectal cancer. Preoperative staging and patient selection is important in deciding candidacy for an LAR. Ensuring a total mesorectal excision during proctectomy is paramount for oncologic outcomes as well as reducing injury to surrounding structures. Diverting loop ileostomy should be considered for any anastomosis less than 5 cm from the anal verge to minimize the risk of pelvic sepsis from anastomotic leak. Sexual and urinary dysfunction can occur postoperatively. However, the majority of these issues can be effectively managed conservatively. These issues will be explored in this chapter.
The Critical Pedagogy of Black Studies

Understanding the production and consumption of knowledge by way of the organic and/or the traditional intellectual, I examine the de(construction) of Black Studies within the work of critical pedagogy. This piece particularly focuses on undergraduate Black Studies students at urban public institutions (particularly at the City University), and their disconnect from pursuing the work of organic and traditional Black Studies pedagogy at the graduate level.
Exosomes Derived From Schwann Cells Ameliorate Peripheral Neuropathy in Type 2 Diabetic Mice

Schwann cell-derived exosomes communicate with dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons. The current study investigated the therapeutic effect of exosomes derived from healthy Schwann cells (SC-Exos) on diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). We found that intravenous administration of SC-Exos to type 2 diabetic db/db mice with peripheral neuropathy remarkably ameliorated DPN by improving sciatic nerve conduction velocity and increasing thermal and mechanical sensitivity. These functional improvements were associated with the augmentation of epidermal nerve fibers and remyelination of sciatic nerves. Quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot analysis of sciatic nerve tissues showed that SC-Exo treatment reversed diabetes-reduced mature form of miRNA (miR)-21, -27a, and -146a and diabetes-increased semaphorin 6A (SEMA6A); Ras homolog gene family, member A (RhoA); phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN); and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). In vitro data showed that SC-Exos promoted neurite outgrowth of diabetic DRG neurons and migration of Schwann cells challenged by high glucose. Collectively, these novel data provide evidence that SC-Exos have a therapeutic effect on DPN in mice and suggest that SC-Exo modulation of miRs contributes to this therapy.
Concurrent validity of Peabody motor developmental scales-2 and the Gesell developmental scales in children with cerebral palsy

Objective To examine the concurrent validity of Peabody'S developmental motor scale number 2(PDMS-2)and Gesell's developmental scales with 1 2 to 30 month-old children with cerebral palsy (CP)and to assess the value of PDMS-2 in measuring motor function in children with CP.Methods Eighty-four children with CP aged 12 to 30 months were assessed with both PDMS-2 and Gesell's developmental scales.The correlation between PDMS-2 gross motor quotients and Gesell gross motor developmental quotients,and be-tween PDMS-2 fine motor quotients and Gesell fine motor developmental quotients were compared using Spearman rank correlation coefficients. Results The correlation coefficient between PDMS-2 gross motor quo-tient and the Gesell gross motor developmental quotient was 0.89.Between PDMS-2 fine motor quotient and Gesell's fine motor developmental quotient it was 0.87.The concurrent validities were 0.28 and 0.42 respec-tively. Conclusion PDMS-2 gross motor quotient and Gesell's gross motor developmental quotient are highly correlated,as are PDM S-2 fine motor quotient and Gesell's fine motor developmental quotient.The concurrent validities were between classifications using the PDMS-2 gross motor quotient and Gesell's gross motor develop- mental quotient were weakly correlated,but there was moderate correlation between PDM S-2 fine motor quotientsand Gesell fine gross developmental quotients.There may be limitations in assessing motor function children aged12 to 30 months with cerebral palsy using PDMS-2. Key words: Peabody developmental motor scale 2; Gesell's developmental scales; Concurrent validity; Cerebral palsy
Identification of a family with hereditary spherocytosis caused by a novel mutation of ANK1 gene

对1例不明原因的反复贫血患儿进行家系调查、临床和实验室检查及高通量测序分析，以明确其遗传学病因。患儿，女，5个月，出生2 d出现黄疸、不明原因的反复贫血。其父患有遗传性球形红细胞增多症，母亲健康。实验室检查：红细胞、血红蛋白减少，血涂片可见球形红细胞，基因检测示患儿及患儿父亲ANK1基因存在c.709C>T突变，为新发现的突变。提示ANK1基因c.709C>T突变可引起遗传性球形细胞增多症，是该患儿家系的遗传学病因。
Whole-genome sequencing of clinical Clostridioides difficile isolates reveals molecular epidemiology and discrepancies with conventional laboratory diagnostic testing.

Summary Background The high clinical burden of Clostridioides difficile infections merits rapid and sensitive identification of affected individuals. However, effective diagnosis remains challenging. Current best practice guidelines recommend molecular and/or direct toxin detection-based screening for symptomatic individuals, but previous work has called into question the concordance and performance of extant clinical assays. Aim To better correlate the genomic and phenotypic properties of clinical C. difficile isolates with laboratory testing outcomes in both C. difficile-infected patients and asymptomatic carriers. Methods Whole-genome sequencing of clinical C. difficile isolates collected from an inpatient population at a single healthcare institution was performed, enabling examination of their molecular epidemiology and toxigenic gene content. Genomic findings were compared with clinical testing outcomes, identifying multiple diagnostic discrepancies. Findings Toxigenic culture, considered a ‘reference standard’, provided perfect sensitivity and specificity in predicting toxigenic gene content, whereas reduced performance was observed for Simplexa C. difficile Direct Assay (100% specificity, 88% sensitivity), Gene Xpert CD/Epi Assay (86% specificity, 83% sensitivity), and Quick Check Complete Tox A/B (100% specificity, 30% sensitivity). Genomic analysis additionally revealed variability in toxin gene sequences among C. difficile strains, phylogenomic equivalency between isolates from affected patients and carriers, and patient carriage with uncommon environmentally derived C. difficile lineages, as well as presenting opportunities for tracing pathogen transmission events. Conclusion These results highlight the variable performance of clinical stool-based testing approaches as well as the potential diagnostic utility of whole-genome sequencing as an alternative to conventional testing algorithms.
Is Administrative Law at War with Itself

Recent Supreme Court jurisprudence in administrative law seems to embrace two competing visions of administrative legality and democratic legitimacy. On the one hand the Court is increasingly skeptical of congressional limitations on presidential powers of removal of administrative officers. This jurisprudence emphasizes the necessity for direct accountability of administrative officers to the president and responsiveness to presidential preferences as a fundamental requisite for democratic accountability in the administrative state. On the other, the Court is insistent that administrators provide reasons for their actions, reasons that respond to the language and purposes of their governing statutes and to the records compiled and arguments offered in participatory administrative proceedings. This jurisprudence reinforces a vision of democracy grounded in assembly government and deliberative processes. This article argues that the tensions between these two visions of legality and legitimacy are real, but that, properly understood, they articulate a complex accountability regime that seeks to make good on the Constitution's promise of democracy and the rule of law. These tensions and institutional complexities are built into our constitutional system and administrative law's attempt to manage them affirms rather than undermines the legitimacy of the American administrative state.
ESAI: Efficient Split Artificial Intelligence via Early Exiting Using Neural Architecture Search.

Recently, deep neural networks have been outperforming conventional machine learning algorithms in many computer vision-related tasks. However, it is not computationally acceptable to implement these models on mobile and IoT devices and the majority of devices are harnessing the cloud computing methodology in which outstanding deep learning models are responsible for analyzing the data on the server. This can bring the communication cost for the devices and make the whole system useless in those times where the communication is not available. In this paper, a new framework for deploying on IoT devices has been proposed which can take advantage of both the cloud and the on-device models by extracting the meta-information from each sample's classification result and evaluating the classification's performance for the necessity of sending the sample to the server. Experimental results show that only 40 percent of the test data should be sent to the server using this technique and the overall accuracy of the framework is 92 percent which improves the accuracy of both client and server models.
A wild approach to obesity prevention.

Obesity is a growing public-health problem that has been linked to lifestyle changes affecting the diet, which in turn may lead to changes in the commensal microbiota. Hild et al. show that mice colonized with microbiota derived from wild-caught mice are protected against diet-induced obesity, specifically when this microbial colonization occurs early in life.
Medicaid Subscription-Based Payment Models and Implications for Access to Hepatitis C Medications

Importance Hepatitis C virus (HCV) can be cured with direct-acting antiviral medications, but state Medicaid programs often restrict access to these lifesaving medications owing to their high costs. Subscription-based payment models (SBPMs), wherein states contract with a single manufacturer to supply prescriptions at a reduced price, may offer a solution that increases access. Whether SBPMs are associated with changes in HCV medication use is unknown. Objective To estimate changes in Medicaid-covered HCV prescription fills after Louisiana and Washington implemented SBPMs on July 1, 2019. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study examined trends in prescription fills of Medicaid-covered direct-acting antiviral HCV medications in Louisiana and Washington after implementation of SBPMs. A synthetic control approach was used to compare changes in HCV prescription fills between states that did and did not implement SBPMs. The unit of analysis was state-quarter. Outpatient direct-acting antiviral HCV prescription fills from the Medicaid State Drug Utilization Data files were obtained from all 50 US states and the District of Columbia from January 1, 2017, to June 30, 2020. Exposures Implementation of SBPMs for Medicaid-covered direct-acting antiviral HCV medications. Main Outcomes and Measures Direct-acting antiviral HCV prescriptions filled per 100 000 Medicaid enrollees. Results In the year preceding SBPM implementation, the mean (SD) rate of quarterly HCV prescription fills per 100 000 Medicaid enrollees was 43.1 (8.6) prescriptions in Louisiana and 50.1 (4.1) in Washington. After SBPM implementation, the mean (SD) rate of quarterly HCV prescription fills per 100 000 enrollees was 206.0 (51.2) prescriptions in Louisiana and 53.9 (11.0) in Washington. In synthetic control models, SBPM implementation in Louisiana was associated with an increase of 173.5 (95% CI, 74.3-265.3) quarterly prescription fills per 100 000 Medicaid enrollees during the following year, a relative increase of 534.5% (95% CI, 228.7%-1125.0%). Washington did not experience a significant change in prescription fills following SBPM implementation. Conclusions and Relevance In this cross-sectional study, Louisiana experienced substantial increases in HCV medication use among its Medicaid-enrolled population following SBPM implementation, whereas Washington did not. These differences may partially be explained by state-level variation in SBPM implementation, historical restrictions on access to HCV medications, and responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.
(Poly)phenol toxicity in vivo following oral administration: A targeted narrative review of (poly)phenols from green tea, grape, and anthocyanin-rich extracts

Fruit- and vegetable-derived (poly)phenols are secondary plant metabolites that may have beneficial effects on human health when consumed regularly. Recent years have seen rapid growth in both consumer demand for and research interest in (poly)phenol-rich dietary supplements, natural colorants, and functional foods. As these products continue to enter the marketplace and (poly)phenol intake patterns change from traditional food products to these sources, attention must be paid to the potential for toxicity from consuming elevated doses of (poly)phenols. To date, much remains unknown regarding the safety of high doses of (poly)phenols, especially in vivo. In this targeted narrative review, we summarize evidence from in vivo investigations of (poly)phenol toxicity after oral administration of green tea extracts, grape-derived phenolics, and anthocyanin-rich extracts. There is limited evidence of overt toxicity from oral ingestion of these (poly)phenol-rich sources, though more research on the safety of high doses-as well as defining what constitutes a "high" dose of both individual and complex mixtures of (poly)phenols-is needed before these observations can be used to create dietary guidance for consumers.
Role of inflammasome activation in neovascular age-related macular degeneration

Current anti-VEGF-A therapies inhibit choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in a subset of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (NV-AMD). However, long-term treatment with such anti-VEGF-A therapies may impair physiological functions of the choriocapillaris and retina for which VEGF-A is needed. Moreover, disease progression can occur despite continuous anti-VEGF-A treatment. Thus, novel therapies for NV-AMD are urgently needed that target specifically disease-associated mechanisms without impairing growth factors and cellular pathways that are required for homeostatic functions of the retina and choroid. Inhibiting the inflammatory pathways that promote CNV would be such a promising novel approach that would likely not interfere with the normal functions of healthy retinal and choroidal cells. In this context, the inflammasome, a proinflammatory protein complex that promotes pathologic angiogenesis largely through generation of IL-1β and which has been reported to be activated in AMD, has become an area of much interest in the AMD field. However, most studies have focused mainly on the NLRP3 inflammasome in retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE), and conflicting findings have resulted in an unclear picture of the role of the inflammasome for AMD pathogenesis. Recent data suggest that inflammasome activation in activated macrophages and retinal microglia but not in RPE cells promotes CNV. Furthermore, inflammasome activation can occur in CNV macrophages and microglia despite lack of NLRP3. Thus, activation of both NLRP3 inflammasomes as well as non-NLRP3 inflammasomes in macrophages/microglia at sites of CNV formation likely promote NV-AMD.
Molecular Genetic Strategies for Identifying Virulence Determinants of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

This chapter is concerned with how knowledge of other bacterial pathogens may provide insight into the pathogenesis of tuberculosis. In 1882, Robert Koch’s landmark paper demonstrated that tuberculosis was caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The necessity for defining virulence determinants stringently can readily be illustrated from the authors' studies of M. tuberculosis. They have analyzed the M. tuberculosis H37Rv inserts from clones isolated from different experiments that had the ability to preferentially localize in spleen and found several clones with overlapping DNA fragments. The introduction of linear DNA fragments into both M. tuberculosis and BCG results in their incorporation primarily in nonhomologous sites around the M. tuberculosis chromosome. It has long been appreciated that there are significant homologs of many virulence genes of gram-negative pathogens, even in different genera. Clearly, the demonstration that such homologs are involved in mycobacterial virulence will depend on fulfillment of Koch's molecular postulates, namely, mutation and transfer to avirulent strains.
Channel network extent in the context of historical land use, flow generation processes, and landscape evolution in the North Carolina Piedmont

Intensive agricultural land use in the 18th to early 20th centuries on the southeastern Piedmont resulted in substantial soil erosion and gully development. Today, many historically farmed areas have been abandoned and afforested, and such landscapes are an opportunity to study channel network recovery from disturbance by gullying. Channel initiation mapping, watershed area–slope relationships, and field monitoring of flow generation processes are used to identify channel network extent and place it in hydrologic, historical and landscape evolution context. In six study areas in the North Carolina Piedmont, 100 channel heads were mapped in fully-forested watersheds, revealing a channel initiation relationship of 380 = AS1.27, where A is contributing area (m2) and S is local slope (m/m). Flow in these channels is generated by subsurface and overland flow. The measured relative slope exponent is lower than expected based on literature values of ~2 for forested watersheds with subsurface and overland flow, suggesting that the channel network extent may reflect a former hydrological regime. However, geomorphic evidence of recovery in channel heads within fully forested watersheds is greater than those with present day pasture. Present day channel heads lie within hollows or downslope of unchanneled valleys, which may be remnants of historical gullies, and area–slope relationships provide evidence of colluvial aggradation within the valleys. Channel network extent appears to be sensitive to land use change, with recovery beginning within decades of afforestation. Channel initiation mapping and area–slope relationships are shown to be useful tools for interpreting geomorphic effects of land use change. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of plating parameters and solution chemistry on the voiding propensity at electroplated copper–solder interface

Interfacial voiding in solder joints formed with Sn–Ag–Cu solder alloys and electroplated Cu was examined as a function of the plating solution chemistry and parameters. Galvanostatic Cu plating of ~10 μm thick Cu films was performed in a commercially available plating solution, and in model generic plating solutions. Analysis of the current voltage behavior along with Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry studies of organic impurity content of two plated and a wrought copper samples, yielded a conclusion that for certain chemistry solutions (e.g., H2SO4 + CuSO4 + Cl− + PEG) and current density ranges above 2.5 mA cm−2, organic impurities were incorporated into the growing Cu. Solder joints were produced with a variety of electroplated Cu samples. These joints were, then, annealed at a temperature of 175 °C for 1 week, cross sectioned and examined. In general, it was observed that interfacial voiding in laboratory electroplated Cu layers was qualitatively similar to the unexplained voiding observed in some industrially plated Cu products. More specifically, it was found that the propensity for voiding could be correlated with specific electroplating parameters that in turn were associated with significant incorporation of organic impurities in the Cu deposit.
Reevaluation of Rolling Element Bearing Load-Life Equation Based on Fatigue Endurance Data

The load-life exponents used in the modified life rating equation for rolling element bearings were determined by statistical analysis of the experimental data generated in the 1940s, following Lundberg and Palmgren's seminal work. Based on fracture mechanics arguments, the fatigue life is known to be inversely proportional to the square root of the size of the nonmetallic inclusions. However, modern high-performance vacuum induction melt–vacuum arc remelt (VIMVAR) bearing steels are clean and nonmetallic inclusions are no longer the weak link. Fatigue life predictions (L10 life) for modern bearings using the modified load-life relations greatly underpredict observed life. Hence, there is a need to update parameters of these equations using more recent life data. Based on the endurance data reported in Harris and McCool (1), validation analysis of the modified life rating equation was performed to reevaluate the values of load-life exponent for both ball and cylindrical roller bearings. The results from t...
Miranda and the Problem of False Confessions

This chapter examines the relationship between Miranda and false confessions. Demonstrably false confessions from innocent suspects appear to occur with troubling, if unquantifiable, frequency in the United States. Unfortunately, Miranda fails to protect suspects in any meaningful way against the elicitation and admission of unreliable confession statements. The law governing confessions places far too much importance on the procedural fairness of the interrogation process and far too little importance on the substantive truthfulness of confession statements. To remedy this problem, confessions should not be admissible into evidence at trial unless they meet a reasonable standard of reliability based on Federal Rule of Evidence 403 or its state law equivalent. When suspects’ post-admission narratives fit poorly with crime facts, judges should exclude suspects’ confessions from evidence because their prejudicial effects will greatly outweigh their probative value.
Motor recovery from constraint induced movement therapy is not constrained by extent of tissue damage following stroke.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to delineate the relationship between several types of T1-weighted MRI pathology and motor rehabilitation potential following Constraint Induced Movement therapy (CI therapy) in chronic stroke. Methods Stepwise regression was employed (n = 80) to identify predictors of motor recovery (prior to therapy) and of response to Constraint-Induced Movement therapy [measured via the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) and Motor Activity Log (MAL)] from among the following: age, side of motor deficit, chronicity, gender, lesion volume, peri-infarct damage volume, white matter hypointensity volume, ventricular asymmetry, and lesion location. Results Although extent of total stroke damage weakly correlated with poorer performance on the WMFT prior to therapy, this relationship was mediated by the location of the damage. No metric of tissue damage examined here was associated with real-world arm use at baseline (MAL at pre-treatment) or with CI therapy-induced improvement in either best motor performance upon request (WMFT) or spontaneous arm use for daily activities (MAL). Conclusions In sum, the extent of brain tissue damage of any type examined here poorly predicted motor function and response to rehabilitation in chronic stroke.
A comparison of the atmospheric conditions at Eureka, Canada, and Barrow, Alaska (2006-2008)

[1] It is now well understood that the Arctic is particularly sensitive to climate change. Arctic sea ice is already undergoing significant changes. Some of the recent decrease in sea ice extent is due to changes in the surface energy budget, including the effect of clouds. Accurate ground-based measurements of atmospheric and cloud properties are valuable for estimating components of the surface energy budget. In this paper, measurements made between 2006 and 2008 at the Canadian Network for the Detection of Arctic Change (CANDAC) site at Eureka, Nunavut, Canada (80°N, 86°W) and the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) program site at Barrow, Alaska (71°N, 156°W) are used to examine differences in the atmospheres over the two sites, including the temperature, humidity, winds, and the downwelling longwave radiation flux. A method is developed to convert infrared radiances to downwelling longwave fluxes since broadband measurements of flux were not available at Eureka during the study period; the method is validated by comparing the fluxes at Barrow to independent measurements made by a pyrgeometer. Comparisons of the derived fluxes show significant differences between the two sites. Eureka is consistently colder and drier than Barrow, and the infrared effect of clouds on the surface energy budget is less. To examine the meteorological conditions that cause such differences, the ERA-Interim reanalysis model is used; it is chosen over other models because it provides the best reproduction of longwave radiation at the surface. We find that the location of Eureka predisposes it to cold and dry air masses from the central Arctic Ocean and the Greenland Ice Sheet. In contrast, the air masses at Barrow come from a variety of directions, some of which are relatively warm and moist.
Black Authenticity: Defining the Ideals and Expectations in the Construction of “Real” Blackness

This review presents an overview of research on Black authenticity. As the definition of Black authenticity is often not made explicit in literature, the complexity and nuance of this cultural resource can be overlooked. We explore two trends of Black authenticity present within literature, which we label as commodifying realness and legitimating membership. Beyond offering a working definition and review of these trends, this review also attempts to highlight the importance of the interconnectedness between controlling images and individuals’ negotiations of Black authenticity. We conclude by summarizing the importance of studying Black authenticity and suggesting future directions for research. The pervasive socio-cultural and research interest on authenticity is exemplified by the range of material focused on authenticity, from self-help books (e.g. McGee 2005; Swann 1996) to postmodern concerns for finding the real self (Erickson 1995), to commercially authenticating commodities and tourism (e.g. Koontz 2010). Generally, construction of authenticity involves successful signification of what is accepted as “real” or “true” for cultural products and individuals’ identities. At the same time, this widespread interest appears to have dispersed research efforts, and researchers increasingly define authenticity as a socially constructed “moving target” (e.g. Fine 2004; Peterson 2005, 1094). A need is present to connect research lines to better understand how authentication processes of cultural figures, products, and selfidentities influence each other. Contributing to this effort, we examine research across various contexts on one form of authentication: Black authenticity. Focusing on Black authenticity is important for two reasons. First, definitions of authenticity continue to be compartmentalized, so that connections between cultural and individual authentication needs specification. Second, definitions of Black authenticity are often not explicit, concealing complexities in constructions of Black identities. To address these trends and connections between definitions, we reviewed literature across sociological fields, including media and popular culture, the arts, education, and identity research. We first reviewed literature specifically referencing “racial authenticity” and “Black authenticity”
How to get good performance from the CM-5 data network

Programmers of the Connection Machine CM-5 data network can improve the performance of their data movement code more than a factor of three by selectively using global barriers, by limiting the rate at which messages are injected in to the network, and by managing the order in which they are injected. Barriers eliminate target-processor congestion, and allow the programmer to schedule communications globally. Injection-reordering improves the statistical independence of the various packets in the network at any given time. Barriers and tuned injection rates provide forms of flow control. Barriers also provide a composition of performance property: if you understand the performance of parallel computations A and B, then you understand the performance of "A; barrier; B". Architectural support for global barriers, injection reordering, and flow control may be worthwhile for achieving good communications performance. Although our evidence comes from the CM-5, we expect these techniques to apply to most parallel machines. >
Computer Control of Basic and Applied Experiments in Spark Emission Spectroscopy

A hardware system is described which provides for software-independent timing of events necessary for the smooth operation of an adjustable waveform spark source. Illustrative cases are given showing the extension of this system into a single-channel spectrometer and a complex schlieren photography experiment. Software outlines are also provided. The use of an optical coupler and a fiber optic are shown to improve system performance greatly in high radio frequency interference environments.