cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the Number of Rectangular Tilings

Adaptive multiscale representations via quadtree splitting and two-dimensional (2-D) wavelet packets, which amount to space and frequency decompositions, respectively, are powerful concepts that have been widely used in applications. These schemes are direct extensions of their one-dimensional counterparts, in particular, by coupling of the two dimensions and restricting to only one possible further partition of each block into four subblocks. In this paper, we consider more flexible schemes that exploit more variations of multidimensional data structure. In the meantime, we restrict to tree-based decompositions that are amenable to fast algorithms and have low indexing cost. Examples of these decomposition schemes are anisotropic wavelet packets, dyadic rectangular tilings, separate dimension decompositions, and general rectangular tilings. We compute the numbers of possible decompositions for each of these schemes. We also give bounds for some of these numbers. These results show that the new rectangular tiling schemes lead to much larger sets of 2-D space and frequency decompositions than the commonly-used quadtree-based schemes, therefore bearing the potential to obtain better representation for a given image
Cops and Chaos: A Historical Examination of the Police Role in Riot Control

Although professional police forces in the western world were developed owing in large part to the need for agencies capable of handling violent crowds and riots, the ability of police agencies to control riots remains questionable. The present work provides an overview of the nature of crowd violence, a brief description of the historical evolution of crowd violence in the United States, the role law enforcement agencies played in incidents of crowd violence, and broad theoretically informed policy recommendations for the handling of crowds and crowd violence. Building upon this review of the history of rioting in the United States and extant empirical research pertinent to crowds, group dynamics, and rioting, it is suggested that constant police professionalism and just treatment of the citizenry by police officers, thorough planning and preparation for crowd events, engagement of crowds, and rapid identification and removal of individual troublemakers may help reduce the potential for crowd violence.
Survival of Archytas marmoratus (Diptera: Tachinidae) in Helicoverpa zea and Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) at Low Temperatures and Short Days

Archytas marmoratus (Townsend) was reared on corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), or fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith). Rearing chambers were programmed for a constant temperatu...
Resistant Hypertension: Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonist or Renal Denervation?

See related article, pp 397–403 Resistant hypertension (RH) is defined as blood pressure (BP) that remains above goal in spite of optimal doses of 3 antihypertensive agents of different classes, 1 ideally a diuretic.1 Patients achieving BP control with the addition of a fourth antihypertensive agent also meet the definition of RH. Thus, the population with apparent RH includes hypertensive patients who are both controlled (≥ 4 drugs) and uncontrolled (≥3 drugs) using office BP measurements. The article by Rosa et al2 in this issue of Hypertension addresses this important clinical problem. The definition of apparent RH does not distinguish patients with true RH from those with pseudo-RH, including individuals with elevated office BP due to white coat hypertension, inaccurate BP measurement due to faulty technique, or lack of adherence to the prescribed antihypertensive regimen.1,3,4 When pseudoresistance has been excluded by 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring, appropriate office BP measurement technique, and confirmation of medication adherence, the diagnosis of true RH can be endorsed. The prevalence of apparent RH has been estimated as ≈10% to 15% of the treated hypertensive population, but only ≈50% of these patients can be classified as having true RH as defined above.3–5 The diagnosis of RH carries an unfavorable prognosis. Patients with uncontrolled true RH are at high risk for end-stage renal disease, ischemic heart disease, congestive heart failure, cerebrovascular accident, cardiovascular events, and death compared with those with controlled RH and pseudo-RH.6 The pathophysiology of RH is poorly understood. Inappropriate sodium and fluid retention, …
Carbon and hydrogen isotopic effects of stomatal density in Arabidopsis thaliana

Abstract Stomata are key gateways mediating carbon uptake and water loss from plants. Varied stomatal densities in fossil leaves raise the possibility that isotope effects associated with the openness of exchange may have mediated plant wax biomarker isotopic proxies for paleovegetation and paleoclimate in the geological record. Here we use Arabidopsis thaliana , a widely used model organism, to provide the first controlled tests of stomatal density on carbon and hydrogen isotopic compositions of cuticular waxes. Laboratory grown wildtype and mutants with suppressed and overexpressed stomatal densities allow us to directly test the isotope effects of stomatal densities independent of most other environmental or biological variables. Hydrogen isotope (D/H) measurements of both plant waters and plant wax n -alkanes allow us to directly constrain the isotopic effects of leaf water isotopic enrichment via transpiration and biosynthetic fractionations, which together determine the net fractionation between irrigation water and n -alkane hydrogen isotopic composition. We also measure carbon isotopic fractionations of n -alkanes and bulk leaf tissue associated with different stomatal densities. We find offsets of +15‰ for δ D and −3‰ for δ 13 C for the overexpressed mutant compared to the suppressed mutant. Since the range of stomatal densities expressed is comparable to that found in extant plants and the Cenozoic fossil record, the results allow us to consider the magnitude of isotope effects that may be incurred by these plant adaptive responses. This study highlights the potential of genetic mutants to isolate individual isotope effects and add to our fundamental understanding of how genetics and physiology influence plant biochemicals including plant wax biomarkers.
Screening history: television, memory, and the nostalgia of national community in Cuéntame and Temps de silenci

Fictional narratives devoted to the recent past have become increasingly popular in the last two decades, not only in the field of literary production but also – and perhaps more surprisingly – on television. Series like Temps de silenci (Televisio de Catalunya, 2001–2002) and Cuentame (Television Espanola, since 2001) have proved that there is a significant audience for the recovery and transmission of stories associated with the Spanish Civil War, the Franco dictatorship, and the Transition to democracy. This essay explores the interest in historical memory and analyzes some of the prominent features of those two television series, and argues that the allure of the past in contemporary Spanish culture is linked to the crisis of national identities (in both Catalonia and Spain) and expresses a nostalgia for forms and experiences of political community, imagined as grounded on models of kinship and family.
Facing uncertainty--dispatch from Beth Israel Medical Center, Manhattan.

Within a day and a half after Hurricane Sandy hit New York, Beth Israel Medical Center had become Lower Manhattan's only running major hospital. With rapidly improvised solutions and all hands on deck, the hospital has weathered the storm and its aftermath.
The “Older” Market—Fact or Fiction?:

Does the “over-65” market have real significance for most American firms today?Figures on income and expenditure provide some interesting clues. They are of special interest to marketing executives...
Does Providing Prompts During Retrieval Practice Improve Learning

Summary The purpose of this investigation was to identify ways to prompt retrieval practice to make recall even more effective at producing meaningful learning. In two experiments, subjects read educational texts and practiced retrieval across two periods. During prompted retrieval, subjects were cued to explain and describe concepts from the text, whereas during free recall, subjects recalled as much of the material from the text as they could. A reading control condition was also included. Learning was assessed using both verbatim and higher-order questions 1 week later. Practicing retrieval improved learning relative to the control on both types of questions; however, whether subjects practiced free or prompted retrieval did not matter for learning. Subjects rated prompted retrieval as less enjoyable and interesting than the other retrieval conditions. Results demonstrate practicing retrieval promoted meaningful learning, and that subjects' initial retrieval success was highest when they used their own retrieval strategies during recall. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Brain death and organ donation.

Brain death, both as a medical syndrome and a legal reality, has evolved over the past 30 years. Moral and ethical questions continue to challenge physicians and critical care nurses as they care for patients and families during this difficult process. This article reviews the clinical diagnostic criteria for establishing brain death and describes the consent process in organ donation.
VIP Bird Gold Ventilator

Introduction. Although the BIRD VIP Gold ventilator (CareFusion, San Diego, CA) is no longer manufactured, it is still in wide enough use around the world to be included. It provides both neonatal and pediatric ventilation. The ventilator breaths are synchronized in all modes. Continuous tidal volume, graphic monitoring of waveforms and mechanics are also available.
Prevalence of Sports Injuries Among 13- to 15-Year-Old Students in 25 Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

The goal of this study was to compare the sex-specific prevalence rate of serious sports injuries in the past year among students ages 13–15 years from 25 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) globally. Data from 46,922 nationally-representative students who participated in the Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) were analyzed using complex samples analysis. The GSHS defines injuries as serious when they cause at least one full day of missed school or usual activities or require clinical treatment. Students reporting more than one serious injury in the past year are asked about the single most serious injury. The proportion of students reporting at least one serious injury in the past year ranged from 15–71 % (median 44 %) among boys and 8–70 % (median 30 %) among girls. The proportion of most-serious injuries in the past year that were sports-related ranged from 25–60 % among injured boys (median 35 %) and 12–56 % among injured girls (median 24 %). The most common types of sports-related injuries were broken bones and dislocated joints, reported by 13–62 % (median 28 %) of boys with sports injuries and 10–86 % (median 25 %) of girls with sports injuries. Although the annual injury rates among early adolescents vary widely between countries, the GSHS shows that sports injuries are common globally among both male and female middle school students. Understanding global trends in the health risks for various population groups, such as adolescents, allows community health partnerships to proactively address health needs in the communities they serve.
Première espèce du genre Haroldius Boucomont, 1914, à Madagascar, et redéfinition des Epilissini (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae, Ateuchini)

La premiere espece du genre Haroldius Boucomont, 1914, a Madagascar est decrite et comparee aux especes proches ainsi qu''au genre voisin Formicdubius Philips & Scholtz, 2000. Le genre Haroldius est transfere dans la tribu des Ateuchini.
Marriage equality and interstate migration

ABSTRACTThis study examines the impact of state imposed, marriage equality laws on interstate migration prior to the 26 June 2015 U.S. Supreme Court ruling to legalize same-sex marriage in all states. Results of the estimation of a series of probit models suggest that all head of households are more likely to leave states without marriage equality. This estimated impact is significantly larger for household heads in same-sex relationships. When examining the migration choices separately by both sex and relationship type, this result remains significant for female heads of households in different-sex relationships and male heads of households in same-sex relationships. Simulations, using the results of the probit estimations, the analysis of regional trends, and recent rebellions against the Supreme Court ruling indicate that state level, marriage equality laws may be aggravating the imbalanced distribution of same- and different-sex couple households across the country.
Abstract A71: Modulation of macrophages in breast tumors towards an anti-tumor phenotype

While several avenues of manipulating the adaptive immune response have met with striking clinical success in recent years, there is also a growing appreciation of the innate immune system in mediating tumor reduction and elimination. In fact, tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) are the most abundant immune population in a breast tumor. Although M1 macrophages have potent anti-tumor activity, TAMs are phenotypically polarized to M2 macrophages, which support tumors. Clinically, a high tumor density of TAMs has been associated with chemoresistance and a worse clinical outcome. Using a tool, BH3 profiling, that is unique to the Letai Laboratory, we have identified that macrophage phenotype can alter the sensitivity of neighboring tumor cells to apoptotic signaling, and enhance their response to chemotherapy. The Letai Laboratory has developed a unique and novel assay to predict a cancer cell9s response to chemotherapy called BH3 profiling. BH3 profiling is used to determine whether a cell is relatively close to the threshold of apoptosis (“primed” for death), or relatively far from the threshold (“unprimed”). We have found that the priming of cancer cells, as measured by BH3 profiling, is by itself a predictor of clinical response to conventional chemotherapy. Using the BH3 profiling strategy, we show for the first time that M1 macrophages “prime” breast tumor cells for apoptosis, which correlates to their increased chemosensitivity. Interestingly, we have found some breast tumor cells to be resistant to M1 macrophage induced priming. We have performed gene expression analysis on these two phenotypes of breast tumor cells, to uncover why some, but not others, are sensitive to M1 macrophages. We also have identified how M1 macrophages increase the priming of tumor cells, making them more chemosensitive. These results suggest modulating TAMs towards an anti-tumor phenotype may have great promise for cancer therapy. To this end, we are investigating strategies to convert M2 TAMs to a M1 phenotype. We have conducted a high throughput screen (HTS) at the Institute of Chemistry and Cell Biology (ICCB) – Longwood, at Harvard Medical School, to identify small molecules that polarize macrophages to an anti-tumor phenotype. We have identified several interesting small molecules and are working to validate their clinical significance. Citation Format: Jennifer L. Guerriero, Anthony Letai. Modulation of macrophages in breast tumors towards an anti-tumor phenotype. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy: A New Chapter; December 1-4, 2014; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2015;3(10 Suppl):Abstract nr A71.
Preschoolers’ Selfish Sharing Is Reduced by Prior Experience With Proportional Generosity

Young children make sophisticated social and normative inferences based on proportional reasoning. We explored the possibility that proportional cues also help children learn from and about their own generosity. Across two experiments, 3- to 4-year-olds had the opportunity to give either 1 of 4, 1 of 3, 1 of 2, or 1 of 1 of their resources to an individual in need. We then measured children’s subsequent prosociality by looking at sharing behavior with a new individual. The more proportionally generous the initial action, the less likely children were to share selfishly in the second phase. Our results suggest that children make sense of their own actions using proportional cues and that giving children experience with difficult, prosocial actions increases the likelihood of their recurrence.
Translesion Synthesis DNA Polymerase Kappa Is Indispensable for DNA Repair Synthesis in Cisplatin Exposed Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons

In the peripheral nervous system (PNS) in the absence of tight blood barrier, neurons are at increased risk of DNA damage, yet the question of how effectively PNS neurons manage DNA damage remains largely unanswered. Genotoxins in systemic circulation include chemotherapeutic drugs that reach peripheral neurons and damage their DNA. Because neurotoxicity of platinum-based class of chemotherapeutic drugs has been implicated in PNS neuropathies, we utilized an in vitro model of Dorsal Root Ganglia (DRGs) to investigate how peripheral neurons respond to cisplatin that forms intra- and interstrand crosslinks with their DNA. Our data revealed strong transcriptional upregulation of the translesion synthesis DNA polymerase kappa (Pol κ), while expression of other DNA polymerases remained unchanged. DNA Pol κ is involved in bypass synthesis of diverse DNA lesions and considered a vital player in cellular survival under injurious conditions. To assess the impact of Pol κ deficiency on cisplatin-exposed DRG neurons, Pol κ levels were reduced using siRNA. Pol κ targeting siRNA diminished the cisplatin-induced nuclear Pol κ immunoreactivity in DRG neurons and decreased the extent of cisplatin-induced DNA repair synthesis, as reflected in reduced incorporation of thymidine analog into nuclear DNA. Moreover, Pol κ depletion exacerbated global transcriptional suppression induced by cisplatin in DRG neurons. Collectively, these findings provide the first evidence for critical role of Pol κ in DNA damage response in the nervous system and call attention to implications of polymorphisms that modify Pol κ activity, on maintenance of genomic integrity and neuronal function in exogenously challenged PNS.
Analysis of veterinary drug residue monitoring results for commercial livestock products in Taiwan between 2011 and 2015

Antibiotics have been widely used in the treatment of livestock diseases. However, the emergence of issues related to drug resistance prompted governments to enact a series of laws regulating the use of antibiotics in livestock. Following control of the problem of drug resistant bacteria, public attention has shifted to the recurring incidence of human health and safety issues caused by residual veterinary drugs in livestock products. To guarantee the safety and hygiene of meat, milk, and eggs from food-producing animals, governments and relevant agencies established laws and regulations for the use of veterinary drugs. It is, therefore, necessary to monitor the content of residual drugs in livestock products at regular intervals to assess whether the regulations have resulted in the effective management of food product safety, and to prevent and manage sudden problems related to this issue. A 2011-2015 livestock product post-marketing monitoring program launched by the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) inspected 1487 livestock products. Over the past 5 years, there were 34 samples identified that did not conform to the regulations; these samples included residue drugs such as β-agonists, chloramphenicols, β-lactam antibiotics, sulfa drugs, enrofloxacin, and lincomycin. Inspections of commercial livestock products with the consistent cooperation of agricultural authorities did not detect the drugs that were banned by the government, whereas the detection of other drugs decreased annually with an increase in the post-market monitoring sample size. In the future, the TFDA will continue to monitor the status of residual veterinary drugs in commercial livestock products, adjust the sampling of food products annually according to monitoring results, and closely cooperate with agricultural authorities on source management.
Theoretical Foundations and Empirical Developments in Hedonic Modeling

Although hedonic analyses have been reported as far back as Waugh’s (1928) analysis of agricultural markets, it was Rosen’s (1974) seminal work that began a rich theoretical and empirical literature exploring the role of housing attributes in consumer decision making. Housing choice not only confers to the owner/renter consumption of property and structural housing characteristics, but consumption of all location characteristics of the property such as proximity to environmental amenities and disamenities. As such, observed choices over housing reveals to the researcher information about the underlying preferences for these amenities or other characteristics of interest. In this chapter, we review the hedonic model as developed by Rosen as well as recent theoretical and empirical developments in hedonic modeling. While most hedonic analyses only estimate a first stage hedonic price function, information from this first stage analysis may be used to complete a second stage analysis in which the underlying preferences for housing characteristics are estimated. Rosen (1974) described a two-step procedure in which implicit prices for housing characteristics recovered in the first stage analysis could be combined with observed quantities of characteristics chosen to estimate underlying demands for characteristics. In the thirty years since Rosen’s first proposed this two-stage approach, much has been written about its potential and its limitations. We review the method and recent research which indicates the promise of the method has yet to be fully exploited. We also review alternative methods of recovering demand parameters including random utility models and locational equilibrium models. Section 1.5 offers concluding statements.
Rubbery Revolution: Plantations as Battlefields in the First Indochina War, 1945–1954

This chapter analyzes the First Indochina War as a watershed in Vietnamese environmental history. It focuses on southeastern Vietnam, a region whose strategic value largely resulted from its existence as a border area, not only geopolitically between Cambodia and Vietnam but also physically as a terrain marked by sharp divergence between a rubber monocrop and a forest environment. This chapter examines how the Việt Minh strategy evolved from one that sought to destroy imperial landscapes of labor to one that worked to co-opt the resources derived from rubber. At first, the Việt Minh accepted previously articulated definitions of plantations as places of rubber production and exploitation, and thus they sought to sabotage plantation operations. Only after 1950, when the Việt Minh imagined plantations as a potential source of supplies that could support their war effort, did they begin to tap into the food, money, and arms made available by rubber. Ironically, the regional characteristics that made this region useful for anticolonial resistance arose from the colonial refashioning of nature for rubber production.
The role of gender in health outcomes among women in Central Asia: a narrative review of the literature

Abstract Background Gender norms and roles have profound influences on women's health outcomes. This narrative review sought to understand the major gender-based health outcomes for women in the Central Asian Republics of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Design We identified studies published between January 2000 and January 2018 relating to gender inequity and health through a literature review. Results From the review findings, we noted five major gender-based health outcome themes: HIV & STI, gender-based violence, reproductive healthcare utilization, substance abuse & mental health, and self-immolation. Conclusion We found gender inequities to be associated with a range of health issues for women in Central Asia. Similar to findings in most places across the globe, findings indicate the importance of a gender-based perspective while conducting research on the health of women and girls in this region.
Disseminated Herpes Simplex Masquerading as Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis: A Case Report.

Introduction Marked elevation in serum ferritin levels may be seen in disseminated infection or severe organ failure states, but it is also present in hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). Herpes simplex virus (HSV) hepatitis has a high mortality rate, even in immunocompetent individuals, in whom it is rarely reported. We present a case of hyperferritinemia with features initially suggestive of a diagnosis of HLH but that ultimately proved to be fulminant HSV hepatitis. Case presentation A 56-year-old man with an indolent undiagnosed brain mass presented with progressive neurologic deficits and was found to have fevers, cytopenias, transaminitis, and hyperferritinemia. Initially, HLH was suspected; however, the ultimate diagnosis was HSV hepatitis with dissemination. Although the patient was treated with intravenous acyclovir, multiorgan failure developed, and he died. Discussion This case highlights the importance of considering alternative causes for a rise in ferritin levels when HLH is on the differential. Additionally, we discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic implications of HSV hepatitis, and we review the literature for cases presenting in immunocompetent hosts.
A California Cancer Registry Analysis of Urothelial and Non-urothelial Bladder Cancer Subtypes: Epidemiology, Treatment, and Survival.

Abstract Introduction We evaluated epidemiologic trends and survival for bladder cancer histologic subtypes in California patients by comparing urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB) and non-urothelial subtypes including squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), adenocarcinoma (ADC), and small-cell carcinoma (SmCC). Materials and Methods The California Cancer Registry (CCR) was queried for incident bladder cancer cases from 1988 to 2012. Epidemiologic trends based on tumor histology were described. The primary outcome was disease-specific survival (DSS). Kaplan-Meier and multivariable Cox regression survival analyses were performed. Results A total of 72,452 bladder cancer cases (66,260 UCB, 1390 SCC, 587 ADC, 370 SmCC, and 3845 other) were included. The median age was 72 years (range, 18-109 years). ADC was more common in younger patients. Male:female ratios varied among cancer types (3.1:1 in UCB, 2.9:1 in SmCC, 1.6:1 in ADC, and 0.9:1 in SCC). Most non-urothelial cases (> 60%) presented at advanced stages, whereas most UCB cases (80.6%) were localized. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed the best 5-year DSS and overall survival (OS) in UCB, whereas the worst outcomes were seen with SCC and SmCC (P Conclusions Non-urothelial bladder cancers have worse oncologic outcomes than UCB in California patients. SCC and SmCC are associated with the worst DSS based on univariable and multivariable analyses.
Assessing Excessive Daytime Sleepiness in Primary Care

Disorders of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) exact a high toll in terms of individual suffering, and, because of their relationship with motor vehicle and industrial accidents, public health.
Physicochemical properties of beef Tongue as a value-added meat product

Abstract Demand for biological sources of protein is rising globally due to steady growth in the human population, rising incomes, and increased urbanization. Increasing the consumption of beef variety meats such as beef tongue is one possible solution which would provide consumers with affordable meat products as well as generate revenue for the meat industry and reduce waste in meat processing. Despite its potential as a nutritional and affordable meat product, little research has been done to evaluate and characterize the physicochemical composition of beef tongue. This study was designed to evaluate and characterize the physicochemical composition of beef tongue. We evaluated beef tongue proximate composition (protein, fat, ash, and moisture content), proteomic profile, lipid composition, and histological profile (muscle structure, fiber size, and fiber type). The results show that beef tongue has the potential to be developed into a high-quality product for improving protein, fat, and nutrient content while greatly improving its value to the meat industry. Future research on beef tongue should focus on exploring and evaluating possible food applications.
Religion and bullying: Perspectives from sexual and gender minority youth (SGMY) in Michigan

AbstractThis paper explored whether SGM (sexual and gender minority) young adults in Michigan thought religion played a role in the bullying they had witnessed or experienced. Twenty-four self-iden...
Direct Challenges to Penicillin-Based Antibiotics in the Inpatient Setting

Background Direct challenge (DC) is an emerging safe and effective alternative to penicillin skin testing (PST) in patients reporting a low-risk reaction history, but limited data exist for the inpatient setting. Objective To demonstrate the safety and efficacy of DC of penicillin-based antibiotics in the inpatient setting in patients with low-risk, cutaneous-only reaction histories more than 20 years ago. Methods Adult inpatients reporting penicillin allergy and receiving antibiotics were screened by an infectious disease PharmD for appropriateness for penicillin allergy delabeling. Patients with low-risk, cutaneous-only reaction histories (rash, hives, itching) more than 20 years ago were offered a 3-step DC. Patients with a cutaneous reaction history less than 20 years ago, a history of angioedema, or reactions involving multiple body systems underwent PST followed by a 1-time observed dose of amoxicillin. Results A total of 372 patients were screened during the study period, with 100 of these patients undergoing further evaluation, 52 with histories appropriate for PST and 48 with histories appropriate for DC. In the PST group, 44 of 52 (84.6%) patients were PST negative. In the DC group, 47 of 48 (97.9%) patients initially tolerated the DC, with 2 of 48 (4.2%) experiencing a delayed reaction. The sole patient with an immediate DC reaction was treated with an antihistamine alone. Beta-lactam antibiotics were subsequently used in 56 of the 100 total patients. Total direct antibiotic savings was $23,375.27. DC was less costly than PST, at $206.18/patient versus $419.63/patient. Conclusions DC is a safe, effective, and less expensive method for penicillin delabeling in adult inpatients with a low-risk, cutaneous-only reaction history more than 20 years ago.
Dopamine D2R upregulation in nucleus accumbens indirect pathway does not affect Pavlovian and Go/No-Go Learning

Ventral striatal dopamine is thought to be important for associative learning. Dopamine exerts its role via activation of dopamine D1 and D2 receptors in the ventral striatum. Upregulation of dopamine D2R in the indirect pathway of the nucleus accumbens (NAc) impairs incentive motivation via inhibiting synaptic transmission to the ventral pallidum. Here, we determined whether upregulation of D2Rs and the resulting impairment in indirect pathway function modulates associative learning in an auditory Pavlovian reward learning task as well as Go/No-Go learning in an operant based reward driven Go/No-Go task. We found that upregulation of D2Rs in indirect pathway neurons of the NAc did not affect Pavlovian learning or the extinction of Pavlovian responses, and neither did it alter No-Go learning. A delay in the Go component of the task however could indicate a deficit in learning though it may be attributed to locomotor hyperactivity of the mice. In combination with previously published findings our data suggest that D2Rs in the NAc core play a specific role in regulating motivation by balancing cost/benefit computations but do not necessarily affect associative learning.
Promoting Pediatric Preventive Visits Through Quality Improvement Initiatives in the Primary Care Setting.

Objective To evaluate whether quality improvement (QI) capacity-building in affiliated primary care practices could increase well care visit uptake. Study design Partners For Kids (PFK) is an accountable care organization caring for pediatric Medicaid beneficiaries in Ohio. PFK QI specialists recruited practices to develop QI projects around increasing well care visit rates (proportion of eligible children with well care visits during calendar year) for children aged 3-6 years and adolescents. The QI specialists supported practice teams in implementing interventions and collecting data through monthly or bimonthly practice visits. Results Ten practices, serving more than 26 000 children, participated in QI projects for a median of 8.5 months (IQR 5.3-17.6). Well care visit rates in the QI-engaged practices significantly improved from 2016 to 2018 (P Conclusions Through practice facilitation, PFK helped a diverse group of community practices substantially improve preventive visit uptake over time. QI programs in primary care can reach patients early to promote preventive services that potentially avoid costly downstream care.
Double-homozygosity for Factor V Leiden and Prothrombin c.*97G > A Mutation in a Young Female with Recurrent Fetal Losses and no Venous Thromboembolism

Abstract Factor V Leiden (FVL) and factor II c.*97G > A mutation are the two most common genetic factors predisposing to hereditary thrombophilia. Being extremely rare, it used to be thought that double homozygosity for both variants is inconsistent with life. Only two cases describing double-homozygous patients with venous thrombosis were reported about two decades ago. However, to the best of our knowledge, there has been no reported case of double-homozygous individuals presenting with recurrent fetal losses rather than venous thrombosis. Herein, we present the case of a 36-year-old female who presented with recurrent first trimester miscarriages without developing venous thromboembolism. Testing with allele-specific polymerase chain reaction showed double-homozygous pattern for both FVL and factor II c.*97G > A mutation, both of which were confirmed by next generation DNA sequencing. With a population prevalence of less than one per ten million individuals, double-homozygotes’ actual increase in risk for venous thromboembolism or fetal loss is unknown.
Behavioral and Enhanced Perinatal Intervention (B-EPIC): A randomized trial targeting tobacco use among opioid dependent pregnant women

Abstract Background Opioid use during pregnancy is a significant public health issue. The standard of care for treating opioid use disorder during pregnancy includes medications for opioid disorder (MOUD). However, tobacco use often goes unaddressed among pregnant women on MOUD. In 2018, our team received a National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) funded R34 to conduct a three year-randomized trial to test the feasibility of a novel tobacco intervention for pregnant women receiving MOUD. Aims The aims of this study are: (1) to determine the impact of the B-EPIC intervention on maternal tobacco use and stage of change; (2) to determine the impact of B-EPIC on tobacco-related maternal and infant health outcomes including gestational age at birth, birthweight, NAS diagnosis and severity, and number of ear and respiratory infections during the first six months; (3) to compare healthcare utilization and costs incurred by pregnant patients that receive the B-EPIC intervention versus TAU. Methods We plan to enroll 100 pregnant women on MOUD for this randomized controlled trial (B-EPIC intervention n = 50 and treatment as usual n = 50). A major strength of this study is its wide range of health and economic outcomes assessed on mother, neonate and the infant. Conclusions Despite the very high rates of smoking among pregnant women with OUD, there are few tobacco treatment interventions that have been tailored for this high - risk population. The overall goal of this study is to move towards a tobacco treatment standard for pregnant women receiving treatment for OUD.
Oral Semaglutide (Rybelsus) for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Oral semaglutide (Rybelsus) is labeled as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Should health care institutions provide job accommodations for health care workers with serious mental health concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic?

As the Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic continues, increased attention has been given to its mental health impacts on frontline health care workers. There is a consensus, consistent with established standards applicable to the duty to treat, that health care workers who are especially vulnerable to risk of physical harm should be provided job accommodations to reduce their risk of disease exposure, but it is unclear whether health care workers should be provided similar accommodations if their vulnerability relates specifically to mental health concerns. Especially given emerging evidence that the pandemic is taking a heavy toll on the mental health of health care workers, this issue should be included in policy conversations involving support of health care workers and provision of resources to them during the pandemic. Arguments in favor of expanding accommodations to those with mental health concerns include institutions’ ethical duty to protect vulnerable workers and not discriminate against their employees, as well as broader consideration of the consequences of not providing accommodations, both for health care workers and patients.
Polymeric Particulates of Controlled Rigidity for Biomedical Applications

The mechanical stiffness of polymer particles is an important parameter that influences particle circulation in the blood and governs cell–particle adhesion, cellular uptake, and biodistribution. T...
The development of Latin alphabet identity markers: a comparison among three Romance graphemes

Abstract This study aims to broaden the knowledge of graphic ideologies in Latin alphabetical spelling. Even in a script considered extremely analytical as the Latin alphabet, a graphic character alone or a part of it can possess wide and complete communicative messages of social meaning. Three graphemes belonging to three Romance languages, specifically the Spanish , Italian and Romanian , are analyzed from grapholinguistic, historical-linguistic and sociolinguistic perspectives. This investigation considers the relationship with Latin and other Romance or neighbor languages’ graphemes. Furthermore, it examines the presence of the target graphemes in identity words and in brand logos. I attempt to verify whether or not the attribution and branding processes as related to these three alphabetical graphemes have been achieved. The results for the single graphemes are compared, and it is noted that in just one case, the grapheme or its diacritical mark can semantically represent the language and the speakers’ community that recognize and use it.
A spatial analysis of birth defects in Texas, 1999–2011

BACKGROUND The etiologies of major birth defects are still unclear and few spatial analyses have been conducted in the United States. Spatial analyses of individual-level data can help elucidate environmental and social risk factors. METHODS We used generalized additive models to analyze 52,955 cases of neural tube defects, congenital heart defects (CHDs), gastroschisis, and orofacial cleft defects, and sampled from 642,399 controls born between 1999 and 2011 in Texas. The effect of geographic location was measured using a bivariable smooth term of geocoded birth address within a logistic regression framework. We calculated and mapped odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for birth defects subtypes across Texas, and adjusted for maternal characteristics, environmental indicators, and community-level covariates. We also performed time-stratified spatiotemporal analyses for more prevalent birth defects. RESULTS Location was significantly associated with crude odds of all birth defects except hypoplastic left heart syndrome. After adjusting for maternal characteristics, environmental indicators, and community-level factors, ORs in many geographic areas were no longer statistically significant for most defects, especially CHDs. However, areas of significant and insignificant elevated risk remained for defects in all groups in North and South Texas, with ORs for ventricular septal defects increasing over time. Low risk of birth defects was often present in the northern part of East Texas. CONCLUSION Significant spatial patterns of birth defects were identified and varied depending on adjustment of different categories of covariates. Further investigation of areas with increased risks may aid in our understanding of birth defects.
Developments in the Disposal of Residue from the Alumina Refining Industry

The disposal of residue forms an integral part of the alumina refining process. The refining of Western Australia bauxite, which is low grade ore by world standards, results in 2 dry tonnes of residue for every 1 tonne of alumina produced. The disposal of this residue contributes a significant proportion of the overall cost of producing alumina. The residue is also highly alkaline, and, if not contained in sealed impoundment areas, can impact on the local environment. It has been these two considerations, the cost of disposal and the potential impact of disposal on the environment, which have been the main driving forces behind changes to the way residue is stored. This paper traces the various residue disposal techniques adopted by Alcoa of Australia Limited from containment in large settling ponds, to splitting the coarse and fine fractions for separate disposal, to the storage of the fine mud fraction in base drained ponds, to the more recent pre-thickening of the fine mud fraction for disposal in solar drying ponds. The reasons for change and the problems encountered are reviewed, and possible future developments are discussed.
A Linear Programming Model of the Consumer Price Index Food Component

A linear programming model is used to measure the rate of inflation in the food component of the consumer price index A diet model to minimize the cost of a diet subject to constraints on nutritive requirements, variety, pal-atabihty, and menu-function is constructed and the rates of increase in a strict minimum cost model and an expanded constraint model are measured for the period 1980-87 Consistent with the consumer utility literature, it is found that the current Laspeyres index approach to measuring the cost of living in fact provides an upper limit on true cost of living increases Results also show that the cost of maintaining a minimum level of subsistence increases more rapidly than the cost of a more palatable diet Finally, the results show that in fact there is very little room for substitution among food items within a reasonable diet model
The Realitites of College Reference Service

At a time when reference services are generally seen as a central function of college libraries, the activities of college reference librarians may indicate otherwise. This study examines reference services in four similar sized college libraries within a greater metropolitan area. Profiles of each library and reference department are developed. Interviews and data collection instruments were used to discover what tasks librarians providing reference services performed and the amount of time devoted to them. Interview data provides a look at some of the issues involved with sharing reference responsibilities among all librarians.
Chapter 2 Density of States from Junction Measurements in Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the determination of the density of states by several techniques: field effect, capacitance, and deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS). It defines the limitations of each method and describes the sophistication resorted to circumvent the limitations. The field-effect method is very sensitive to surface or interfacial conditions and therefore is not suitable to probe bulk properties. Capacitance–voltage coupled to capacitance–temperature and capacitance–frequency measurements is a powerful technique that is suitable to study undoped a-Si:H. In DLTS, repetitive pulses are applied to a diode from forward or zero bias to reverse bias. During forward bias the traps are filled. They empty thermally during reverse bias, thus changing the capacitance. The transient response of capacitance reflects the emptying of deep levels. The DLTS signal, the difference in capacitance at two different times ∆ t apart, is maximum when ∆ t is equal to the temperature-dependent trap-emptying time. An algorithm that is particularly suitable in the case of a quasi-continuous distribution was developed to convert DLTS data into a density of states. Depth profiling is possible by varying the depletion width via the reverse bias. Several variations of the DLTS method are presented.
CMOS TSPC latch circuits for pass-transistor logic

In this work, latch circuits are presented for the design of true single phase clocked (TSPC) pass-transistor (PT) networks. The latches consist of N-clocked and P-clocked sections, which can be used in conjunction with NMOS pass-transistor networks to implement general logic functions. In each N or P section, the signal to be latched is input to a positive feedback regenerative circuit, which restores the incomplete logic-level at the output of the latch. The latch sections rely on the circuit topology to minimize power dissipation resulting from reduced input signal swing, rather than on transistor threshold adjustments or special well or substrate biasing. Thus, it is possible to realize pass-transistor circuits with reduced power dissipation in ordinary CMOS processes.
Scene Analysis Research: Optical Pattern Recognition And Artificial Intelligence

Recent optical data processing (ODP) research at Carnegie-Mellon University (CMU) is reviewed. This includes pattern recognition work on feature extraction and correlation, optical linear algebra processing, and most recently optical symbolic, associative, and adaptive artificial intelligence (Al) optical processors.
Marketing the Nursing Practice of Obstetrics

This article offers nurses a conceptual framework for marketing their skills and discusses how that framework can be applied to obstetric nursing practice. A thorough understanding of the framework presented will provide maternity nurses with the foundation they need to participate effectively in a marketing plan. Examples of the application of the framework to specific clinical situations are examined.
Decent colonialism? Pure science and colonial ideology in the Netherlands East Indies, 1910–1929

This article examines changes within the Dutch civilising mission ideology after the decline of the Ethical Policy. Support of pure science, scientific knowledge that supposedly transcended ideology and politics, allowed the colonial administration to continue to project their rule as decent and moral, even as conflict and repression dominated colonial politics in the 1920s. The argument starts with the construction of pure science after 1910, under the care of J.C. Koningsberger, out of the research traditions at the Department of Agriculture. It next examines the creation of institutions and agendas of pure science. And finally it analyses the absorption of pure science into the civilising mission of the 1920s. It concludes with a discussion of what this means for historical evaluations of the Dutch colonial project.