cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Postburn cardiac contractile function and biochemical markers of postburn cardiac injury.

BACKGROUND In vivo assessment of cardiac injury and contractile deficits after thermal injury remain difficult as neurohumoral compensatory mechanisms maintain cardiac output. While measurement of creatine kinase (CK) and the isoenzyme of creatine kinase (CKMB) have been used as clinical indicators of cardiac injury, these biochemical markers are not completely specific for cardiac muscle. Cardiac protein troponin I (cTnI) is unique to the myocardium but can be detected in the systemic circulation within three to four hours after cardiac injury. The purpose of this study was to examine cardiac contractile function at several postburn intervals and to correlate the appearance of cardiac dysfunction with biochemical measures of cardiac injury (serum concentration of CK, CKMB, and cTnI). STUDY DESIGN New Zealand white rabbits were deeply anesthetized and a scald burn comprising 34 percent of the total body surface area (n = 36) or sham burn (n = 36) was accomplished using a template device. All burn rabbits were given lactated Ringer's solution (4 mL/kg/percent burn, Parkland formula). Blood samples were collected immediately prior to sacrifice in six animals from both burn and control groups, and animals were sacrificed either two, four, six or 24 hours after burn. Cardiac function was assessed in left ventricular preparations (Langendorff) and serum CK, CKMB, and cTnI levels were determined. RESULTS Cardiac dysfunction occurred at all times after burn as indicated by a lower peak systolic left ventricular pressure and +/- dP/dt maximum compared with time-matched shams and the shift of left ventricular function curves plotted for burn groups downward and to the right of those calculated for shams, p < 0.05. Left ventricular systolic dysfunction after burn correlated with a progressive rise in cTnI and CK but not CKMB. CONCLUSIONS The cardiospecificity of the cTnI eliminates concerns about tissue source associated with CK and CKMB and provides a biochemical measure of cardiac injury that is consistent with in vitro assessment of cardiac dysfunction.
Vocalizations of Nestling Gray Squirrels

Nestling gray squirrel ( Sciurus carolinensis ) calls were recorded in the laboratory and field. Squeaks and lip-smacking sounds were produced first by neonates. Growls, muk-muk, and screams were not recorded until 4 weeks of age and tooth chattering began with the eruption of the incisors at 8 weeks of age. Spectrographic analysis revealed a large amount of variation in duration, tempo, and the value of the fundamental frequency for notes within the same call type. Mean values for the tempo and fundamental frequency of those notes within a single note sequence were not significantly different for all calls except squeaks. The morphology of growl calls alone varied with nestling maturation.
Determination of Strain Distributions in Aluminum Thin Films as a Function of Temperature by the use of Synchrotron Grazing Incidence X-Ray Scattering

We have measured elastic strain distributions with depth as a function of temperature in Al thin films of various thicknesses on oxidized silicon using synchrotron grazing incidence X-ray scattering (GIXS). Disregarding minor surface relaxation effects that depend on the film thickness, it is shown that there are no gross strain gradients in these films in the range of temperatures (between room temperature and 400°C) considered. We also observe X-ray line broadening effects, suggesting an accumulation of dislocations on cooling the films, and their annealing out as the films are reheated.
Public vs. Secret Reserve Prices in Auctions: Evidence from Combining Field and Lab Experiments

In this paper, we report both field and laboratory experimental results on the effects of setting public versus private reserve prices in ascending auctions. The field experiments were performed with a large online used automobile seller. In addition to providing a check on the results of the field experiment, we use laboratory experiments to implement an important treatment that we could not use in our field experiments.We find no evidence in the field or in the lab of an effect of reserve price presentation on auction revenues.
Hypnotics Should Not be Considered for the Initial Treatment of Chronic Insomnia

Analysis of the use of hypnotic medication versus CBT for insomnia using an established model for ethical medical decision making leads to the conclusion that hypnotics are not appropriate as the initial treatment in cases of chronic insomnia. Instead, CBT should be considered as the initial treatment for chronic insomnia. This decision is based on empirical data demonstrating that CBT is equally effective in the short-term treatment of insomnia and is superior to pharmacologic treatment in the long-term management of insomnia. Long-term management is a critically important concern, since 'chronic' insomnia requires a long-term solution. Using CBT as the initial treatment is also supported by empirical data showing that combining hypnotic use with CBT leads to worse outcomes compared with CBT alone. In addition to the efficacy data described above, patients have been shown to prefer nondrug therapy for insomnia when given the choice. QoL issues support the use of CBT because of the avoidance of side effects associated with use of hypnotic medication, such as residual sedation, psychomotor and cognitive impairment, and perhaps, most importantly, psychologic dependence. The greatest challenge to endorsement of use of CBT arises from contextual issues, such as the out-of-pocket cost to the patient and availability of the treatment. In some instances, these factors may be significant barriers to the use of CBT for insomnia. These barriers can be addressed with improved insurance reimbursement for CBT, in addition to training more providers.
Natriuretic effect of alpha-MSH in the water-loaded rat.

Summaryα-MSH in doses of 50 and 90 μg showed a significant natriuretic effect when injected intraperitoneally into trained water-loaded rats. This effect did not appear with the administration of either α-MSH inactivated with pepsin or the diluent alone. No changes were observed in [K+] or excretion with any of the doses used. Oxytocin in doses of 100 mU showed not only a natriuretic effect but also increased the K+ excretion when compared with the preinjection urine sample. α-MSH increased significantly the urine output but only in the sample after the injection of all three doses used, while 25 mU of oxytocin produced an antidiuretic effect in the first two 20-min urine samples after its administration.
Palliative and End-of-Life Care in Myelodysplastic Syndromes

A growing literature demonstrates that MDS is associated with significant impairments in overall quality of life. Given the poor prognosis for many patients with MDS, and the considerable morbidities associated with this disease, there is a critical need to address palliative and end-of-life care needs in this population. However, palliative and end-of-life care issues are under-represented in the MDS literature. In this article, we highlight a growing body of literature that demonstrates unmet palliative and end-of-life care needs in hematologic malignancies, including MDS, and highlight opportunities for further research and quality improvement initiatives to address unmet needs in MDS care.
Neurochemical differences in learning and memory paradigms among rats supplemented with anthocyanin-rich blueberry diets and exposed to acute doses of 56 Fe particles

The protective effects of anthocyanin-rich blueberries (BB) on brain health are well documented and are particularly important under conditions of high oxidative stress, which can lead to "accelerated aging." One such scenario is exposure to space radiation, consisting of high-energy and -charge particles (HZE), which are known to cause cognitive dysfunction and deleterious neurochemical alterations. We recently tested the behavioral and neurochemical effects of acute exposure to HZE particles such as 56Fe, within 24-48h after exposure, and found that radiation primarily affects memory and not learning. Importantly, we observed that specific brain regions failed to upregulate antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms in response to this insult. To further examine these endogenous response mechanisms, we have supplemented young rats with diets rich in BB, which are known to contain high amounts of antioxidant-phytochemicals, prior to irradiation. Exposure to 56Fe caused significant neurochemical changes in hippocampus and frontal cortex, the two critical regions of the brain involved in cognitive function. BB supplementation significantly attenuated protein carbonylation, which was significantly increased by exposure to 56Fe in the hippocampus and frontal cortex. Moreover, BB supplementation significantly reduced radiation-induced elevations in NADPH-oxidoreductase-2 (NOX2) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and upregulated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in the hippocampus and frontal cortex. Overall results indicate that 56Fe particles may induce their toxic effects on hippocampus and frontal cortex by reactive oxygen species (ROS) overload, which can cause alterations in the neuronal environment, eventually leading to hippocampal neuronal death and subsequent impairment of cognitive function. Blueberry supplementation provides an effective preventative measure to reduce the ROS load on the CNS in an event of acute HZE exposure.
Discriminating against Explorative Failure: Evidence from Investments in Film Production

In the behavioral theory of the firm literature, the mechanism of problemistic search predicts that organizational failures foster risk-taking changes. However, real-world observations that failure...
Control Systems Development for Reformer Based Power Systems

Abstract The continuing pressure on emissions and the need to meet high expectations for transportation has led to the development of a range of new powerplant technologies. With the objective of cleanliness coupled with good economy and driveability, fuel cell power offers the advantage of electric propulsion but with longer range than current battery technology allows. PEM fuel cells remain the “favourite” fuel cell technology for on board use. The key to effective fuel cell usage is a convenient source of fuel, and fuel reforming on board the vehicle allows readily available liquid fuels to be used with hydrogen produced on demand. Such a system requires a sophisticated approach to control which is new to automotive applications. The dual needs of effective control at automotive cost levels requires a development route which is new to the automotive industry. Simulation plays a significant role and the needs for load following poses a number of challenges which are likely to be met with predictive control techniques. Diagnosis will play a strong role in the functioning of control systems. Diagnosis algorithms are likely to require a quite different approach to the current IC engine OBD Strategies.
Computational imaging systems for measurement-limited applications (Conference Presentation)

Imaging systems can become measurement limited under various conditions resulting in strict limits to the amount of acquired image information. For example, a high-speed imager is limited in the number of measurements that can be acquired per second. Similarly, an ultra-small imager such as a micro-endoscope is limited by the number of measurements that can be acquired in a given cross-sectional area. In this talk, we will discuss our recent research in applying optical signal processing and computational imaging to enhance imaging performance in measurement-limited applications. Specifically, we will discuss our research into high-throughput flow microscopes for imaging flow cytometry and ultra-small fiber imagers for minimally-invasive micro-endoscopy.
Insights into continuous integration build failures

Continuous integration is prevalently used in modern software engineering to build software systems automatically. Broken builds hinder developers' work and delay project progress. We must identify the factors causing build failures. This paper presents a large empirical study to identify the factors such as, complexity of a task, build strategy and contribution models (i.e., push and pull request), and projects level attributes (i.e., sizes of projects and teams), which potentially have impacts on the build results. We have studied 3.6 million builds over 1,090 open-source projects. The derived results add to our understanding of the role of those factors on build results, which can be used in minimizing build failures.
A Piecewise Local Partial Least Squares (PLS) Method for the Quantitative Analysis of Plutonium Nitrate Solutions

We have developed a piecewise local (PL) partial least squares (PLS) analysis method for total plutonium measurements by absorption spectroscopy in nitric acid-based nuclear material processing streams. Instead of using a single PLS model that covers all expected solution conditions, the method selects one of several local models based on an assessment of solution absorbance, acidity, and Pu oxidation state distribution. The local models match the global model for accuracy against the calibration set, but were observed in several instances to be more robust to variations associated with measurements in the process. The improvements are attributed to the relative parsimony of the local models. Not all of the sources of spectral variation are uniformly present at each part of the calibration range. Thus, the global model is locally overfitting and susceptible to increased variance when presented with new samples. A second set of models quantifies the relative concentrations of Pu(III), (IV), and (VI). Standards containing a mixture of these species were not at equilibrium due to a disproportionation reaction. Therefore, a separate principal component analysis is used to estimate of the concentrations of the individual oxidation states in these standards in the absence of independent confirmatory analysis. The PL analysis approach is generalizable to other systems where the analysis of chemically complicated systems can be aided by rational division of the overall range of solution conditions into simpler sub-regions.
Unified Control for Switched Reluctance Motors for Wide Speed Operation

In this paper, a unified controller for switched reluctance motors is proposed for wide speed operations. The proposed controller achieves minimum output torque ripple at low and medium speeds and operates in a single-pulse mode at high speeds. Overlapping regions between the phases are controlled such that direct instantaneous torque control (DITC) and current control (CC) can be implemented simultaneously on different phases. This simplifies the torque sharing during commutation and minimizes torque ripple due to imperfect current tracking and mutual torque. A demagnetization curve concept to demagnetize the phase currents at an optimum angle is introduced to ensure high torque per ampere and single-pulse mode operation. This results in extending low ripple operation to medium speed ranges. The seamless combination of DITC, CC, and the demagnetization curves leads to torque ripple minimization, automatic excitation angle control, and smooth operation over a wide speed range. The effectiveness of the proposed unified controller is verified through simulation and experimental studies.
Regulation of Kv11.1 potassium channel C-terminal isoform expression by the RNA-binding proteins HuR and HuD

The potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily H member 2 (KCNH2) gene encodes the Kv11.1 potassium channel, which conducts the rapidly activating delayed rectifier current in the heart. KCNH2 pre-mRNA undergoes alternative polyadenylation and forms a functional, full-length Kv11.1a isoform if exon 15 is polyadenylated or a nonfunctional, C-terminally truncated Kv11.1a-USO isoform if intron 9 is polyadenylated. The molecular mechanisms that regulate Kv11.1 isoform expression are poorly understood. In this study, using HEK293 cells and reporter gene expression, pulldown assays, and RNase protection assays, we identified the RNA-binding proteins Hu antigen R (HuR) and Hu antigen D (HuD) as regulators of Kv11.1 isoform expression. We show that HuR and HuD inhibit activity at the intron 9 polyadenylation site. When co-expressed with the KCNH2 gene, HuR and HuD increased levels of the Kv11.1a isoform and decreased the Kv11.1a-USO isoform in the RNase protection assays and immunoblot analyses. In patch clamp experiments, HuR and HuD significantly increased the Kv11.1 current. siRNA-mediated knockdown of HuR protein decreased levels of the Kv11.1a isoform and increased those of the Kv11.1a-USO isoform. Our findings suggest that the relative expression levels of Kv11.1 C-terminal isoforms are regulated by the RNA-binding HuR and HuD proteins.
Epigenetic therapy combinations in acute myeloid leukemia: what are the options?:

Epigenetics refers to the regulation of gene expression mainly by changes in DNA methylation and modifications of histone proteins without altering the actual DNA sequence. While epigenetic modifications are essential for normal cell differentiation, several driver mutations in leukemic pathogenesis have been identified in genes that affect epigenetic processes, such as DNA methylation and histone acetylation. Several therapeutic options to target epigenetic alterations in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have been successfully tested in preclinical studies and various drugs have already been approved for use in clinical practice. Among these already approved therapeutics are hypomethylating agents (azacitidine and decitabine) and isocitrate dehydrogenase inhibitors (ivosidenib, enasidenib). Other agents such as bromodomain-containing epigenetic reader proteins and histone methylation (e.g. DOT1L) inhibitors are currently in advanced clinical testing. As several epigenetic therapies have only limited efficacy when used as single agents, combination therapies that target AML pathogenesis at different levels and exploit synergistic mechanisms are also in clinical trials. Combinations of either epigenetic therapies with conventional chemotherapy, different forms of epigenetic therapies, or epigenetic therapies with immunotherapy are showing promising early results. In this review we summarize the underlying pathophysiology and rationale for epigenetically-based combination therapies, review current preclinical and clinical data and discuss the future directions of epigenetic therapy combinations in AML.
Binary radial velocity measurements with space-based gravitational-wave detectors

Unlike traditional electromagnetic measurements, gravitational-wave observations are not affected by crowding and extinction. For this reason, compact object binaries orbiting around a massive black hole can be used as probes of the inner environment of the black hole in regions inaccessible to traditional astronomical measurements. The orbit of the binary's barycenter around the massive black hole will cause a Doppler shift in the gravitational waveform which is in principle measurable by future space-based gravitational-wave interferometers, such as the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA). We investigate the conditions under which these Doppler shifts are observable by LISA. Our results imply that Doppler shift observations can be used to study the central region of globular clusters in the Milky Way, as well the central environment of extragalactic massive black holes.
Mental and substance use disorders among legal intervention injury cases in California, 2005-2014.

Abstract Police use of force is an important public health issue in the US. Recent high-profile incidents suggest a potential link between mental disorders and police use of force, however little research has examined their co-occurrence in the general population. We aimed to assess the overall association between specific mental and substance use disorders (MSUDs) and nonfatal legal intervention injury. We identified nonfatal legal intervention injury cases (n = 90,099) and MSUD diagnoses from all hospital and emergency department (ED) records in California between 2005 and 2014. Age-, sex-, and race-standardized MSUD prevalence estimates among legal intervention injury cases, stratified by inpatient status, were compared to general US population-based estimates from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Compared to the general US population, nonaffective psychoses, mood disorders, alcohol use disorders, and drug use disorders were substantially overrepresented among inpatient legal intervention injuries (prevalence difference [PD]: 19.2%, (95% confidence interval [CI]: 18.0, 20.4); PD: 15.3%, (95% CI: 13.9, 16.7); PD: 21.1%, (95% CI: 19.8, 22.4); PD: 29.7%, (95% CI: 28.4, 31.0), respectively). Associations for all except mood disorders were similar but attenuated among ED injury cases. In contrast, anxiety disorders were underrepresented in both inpatient and ED injury cases. Results for mood disorders and suicidal ideation were mixed. In summary, MSUDs characterized by more overt behavioral symptoms were substantially overrepresented among legal intervention injury cases. Findings support the potential importance of interventions to improve treatment and law enforcement recognition of such disorders. Additional research should disentangle the complex relationship between MSUDs and legal intervention injury.
Integrating bedside nurses into antibiotic stewardship: A practical approach

Nurses view patient safety as an essential component of their work and have reported a general interest in embracing an antibiotic steward role. However, antibiotic stewardship (AS) functions have not been formally integrated into nursing practice despite nurses' daily involvement in clinical activities that impact antibiotic decisions (e.g., obtaining specimens for cultures, blood drawing for therapeutic drug monitoring). Recommendations to expand AS programs to include bedside nurses are generating support at a national level, yet a practical guidance on how nurses can be involved in AS activities is lacking. In this review, we provide a framework identifying selected practices where nurses can improve antibiotic prescribing practices through appropriate obtainment of Clostridioides difficile tests, appropriate urine culturing practices, optimal antibiotic administration, accurate and detailed documentation of penicillin allergy histories and through the prompting of antibiotic time outs. We identify reported barriers to engagement of nurses in AS and offer potential solutions that include patient safety principles and quality improvement strategies that can be used to mitigate participation barriers. This review will assist AS leaders interested in advancing the contributions of nurses into their AS programs by discussing education, communication, improvement models, and workflow integration enhancements that strengthen systems to support nurses as valued partners in AS efforts.
Challenges in the Measurement and Interpretation of Serum Titanium Concentrations

The measurement of circulating metal ion levels in total hip arthroplasty patients continues to be an area of clinical interest. National regulatory agencies have recommended measurement of circulating cobalt and chromium concentrations in metal-on-metal bearing symptomatic total hip arthroplasty patients. However, the clinical utility of serum titanium (Ti) measurements is less understood due to wide variations in reported values and methodology. Fine-scale instrumentation for detecting in situ Ti levels continues to improve and has transitioned from graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy to inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry or inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Additionally, analytical interferences, variable sample types, and non-standardized sample collection methods complicate Ti measurement and underlie the wide variation in reported levels. Normal reference ranges and pathologic ranges for Ti levels remain to be established quantitatively. However, before these ranges can be recognized and implemented, methodological standardization is necessary. This paper aims to provide background and recommendations regarding the complexities of measurement and interpretation of circulating Ti levels in total hip arthroplasty patients.
How Surrogate Impact Panels Function in the Context of Intimate Partner Violence: A Mixed-Methods Study

Intimate partner violence (IPV) continues to be an urgent social problem, despite decades of intervention and prevention efforts. Restorative justice programs (e.g., victim impact panels) may be a ...
Optimal timing of a second postoperative voiding trial in women with incomplete bladder emptying after vaginal reconstructive surgery: a randomized trial.

Abstract Objective We aimed to compare the outcomes of a second voiding trial (VT) performed 2-4 days (earlier group) versus 7 days (later group) post-operatively in women with incomplete bladder emptying following vaginal prolapse surgery. Secondary aims included post-operative urinary tract infection (UTI) rates, total days with a catheter, and patient reported catheter bother between groups. Study Design Across two sites, women undergoing multi-compartment vaginal repair were enrolled. Within 6 hours post-operatively, subjects had an active retrograde VT. Those who passed this VT exited the study; those who had persistent incomplete bladder emptying (postvoid residual >100ml) had a transurethral indwelling catheter placed and were randomized to return for an earlier (post-operative day 2-4) versus later (post-operative day 7) follow-up office VT. Subjects were followed for 6 weeks post-surgery. The primary outcome was the rate of unsuccessful repeat office VT. Secondary outcomes included rates of urinary tract infection, total days with a catheter and subjective catheter bother. A power calculation based on a projected 31% difference, a power of 0.8 and alpha of 0.05 revealed that 30 subjects were needed in each group. Results A total of 102 subjects were enrolled: 38 exited on post-operative day 0, leaving 64 subjects for randomization (4 of whom withdrew after randomization). A comparison of data revealed that randomization was effective with no differences between the earlier and later groups in terms of demographic data or surgical procedures. Using an intention-to-treat analysis, women in the earlier group were more likely to be unsuccessful in their follow-up office VT (23.3%) compared to the later group (3.3%) with a risk difference of 20% [95% CI 3.56-36.44], relative risk of 7.00 [95% CI 0.92-53.47], p=0.02. A number needed to treat calculation found that for every 5 patients using a catheter for 7 days post-operatively, 1 case of persistent post-operative incomplete bladder emptying was prevented. Rates of catheter bother did not differ between groups at the time of the follow-up office VT or at 6 weeks, p=0.09 and p=0.20 respectively. UTI rates were higher in the earlier group but did not reach statistical significance (23% vs 7%, p=0.07). Regression analysis revealed that subjects who required additional pain medication refills were 9.6 times (95%CI 1.24, 73.77) more likely to have persistent incomplete bladder emptying after the follow-up office VT. Conclusions Women with incomplete bladder emptying following multi-compartment prolapse repair had a 7-fold higher risk of an unsuccessful repeat office VT if performed within 4 days of surgery as compared to 7 days. In addition, requiring additional prescriptions for analgesia increased the risk of an unsuccessful follow-up office VT.
Outcomes of Prophylactic Mid-Urethral Sling at the Time of Robotic Sacrocolpopexy

Abstract Objective To compare outcomes of patients who underwent robotic sacrocolpopexy (RSC) with and without concomitant mid-urethral sling (MUS) placement for prophylaxis or treatment of preoperative stress urinary incontinence (SUI) Methods We performed a retrospective review of all patients without prior incontinence procedures who underwent RSC with or without MUS placement by 3 surgeons (JA, LA, KE) at a single institution from 2012 to 2017 for treatment of pelvic organ prolapse. Patients had a MUS placed for either documented SUI or prophylaxis of SUI. We compared patient characteristics, operative details, postoperative outcomes, and complications between the groups. Results A total of 134 patients were identified. 58 (43%) had a MUS placed for documented SUI, 43 (32%) had prophylactic MUS, and 33 (25%) did not have a MUS placed. There were no differences in baseline characteristics between the 3 groups. Patients who did not have a MUS placed had less estimated blood loss (76.4 vs 63.8 vs 36.9 mL, P = .018) but no difference in operative time (P = .408), length of stay (P = .427), or postoperative urinary retention (P = .988). A total of 4 (7%) patients who had a MUS placed for SUI had persistent SUI postoperatively. There were 2 (5%) patients who had a MUS placed prophylactically and 4 (12%) patients who did not have a MUS that developed de novo SUI. Conclusion In this series, we demonstrate the safety and efficacy of prophylactic MUS placement at the time of RSC. Randomized studies evaluating concomitant prophylactic sling at time of robotic sacrocolpopexy could further guide preoperative patient counseling and decision-making.
A Comparative Economic Study on the Use of Unmanned Aerial Systems versus Motorcycles to Transport Laboratory Samples in Liberia

Background: Laboratory sample transport in low and middle income countries is constrained by poor roads, difficult geographical terrain, and insecurity. This often leads to delayed laboratory diagnostic turn-around times, and hampers epidemic control or patient treatment efforts. While unmanned aerial systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, may mitigate some of these transportation constraints, their cost-effectiveness relative to land-based transportation systems is unclear. Methods: We compared the costs and cost-effectiveness of UAS versus motorcycles in Liberia for laboratory sample transportation under routine and public health emergency conditions. We modeled three UAS systems with operational ranges of 30 km, 65 km, and 100 km, and compared them to an established motorcycle transport system. We included personnel, equipment, maintenance, and training costs, and conducted univariate and probabilistic sensitivity analyses for equipment operational lifespans, operational range, and accident/failure rates. Findings: Under the routine scenario, the per sample transport costs are $0·65 ($0·10:$2·85) for motorcycles and $0·82 ($0·66:$5·05) for UAS. Per sample costs under the emergency scenario are $24·06 ($21·14:$28·20) for motorcycles and $34·09 ($26·70: $127·40) for UAS. Motorcycles are more cost-effective than UAS under most scenarios with the exception of 100 km range aircraft with operational lifespans of more than 3,000 hours and prices less than $15,000. Interpretation: Given the current level of technology, purchase prices, equipment lifespans, and operational flying ranges, UAS are less cost-effective than motorcycles for routine transport of laboratory samples in Liberia. Field studies are needed to generate evidence on UAS lifespan, failure rates and performance under various weather conditions and payloads. Funding: The authors received no financial support for the research, authorship, and publication of this paper. Declaration of Interest: The authors of this paper declare no financial conflicts of interest. Ethical Approval: We did not seek IRB approval consistent with Human Research Protection Policy {45CFR46.101(b)(4)}.
Constraints on the Size of the Smallest Triggering Earthquake from the ETAS Model, Baath's Law, and Observed Aftershock Sequences

The physics of earthquake triggering together with simple assumptions of self-similarity impose the existence of a minimum magnitude m0 below which earthquakes do not trigger other earthquakes. Noting that the magnitude md of completeness of seismic catalogs has no reason to be the same as the magnitude m0 of the smallest triggering earthquake, we use quantitative fits and maximum likelihood inversions of observed aftershock sequences as well as Baath's law, compare with ETAS model predictions and thereby constrain the value of m0. We show that the branching ratio $n$ (average number of triggered earthquake per earthquake also equal to the fraction of aftershocks in seismic catalogs) is the key parameter controlling the minimum triggering magnitude m0. Conversely, physical upper bounds for m0 derived from state- and velocity-weakening friction indicate that at least 60 to 70 percent of all earthquakes are aftershocks.
Manufacturing decline: How racism and the conservative movement crush the American Rust Belt, by Jason Hackworth: New York, Columbia University Press, 2019

In Manufacturing Decline, Jason Hackworth reframes the planned decline of shrinking, Rust Belt cities through a directly political lens that places racism and conservative ideology at center stage....
Wound Microbiome, Biofilm Infection and Interactions with Host Immune Cells in Diabetic Foot Ulcers (DFU)

Background: The treatment of infected diabetic foot wounds places a great burden on our healthcare system. The problem lies in the complexity of treating these wounds, often made more complex by the formation of a bacterial biofilm leading to chronic infection. This critical review discusses current knowledge of biofilm infection and wound healing related to diabetic foot ulcers. Hypothesis: Wound microbiome and biofilm infection subvert immune cell function, specifically the macrophage defense response, which leads to a non-healing chronic wound. In addition to the critical review of literature, a systematic analysis of wound microbiome was performed on fluids obtained from chronic wound patients presented at the IUHCWC. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was performed on DFU microbiome, biofilm infection and interaction with host immune system, and macrophage interactions with biofilm using life sciences and biomedical search engines such as PubMed. Over 50 original and review articles were critically reviewed to derive the information presented in this work. For the wound microbiome analysis, wound fluids from chronic wound patients (n=20) undergoing wound care at IUHCWC were collected under an IRB approved protocol. DNA extraction was performed from the fluid and was subjected to metagenomic 16S rDNA sequencing using a next-generation sequencing platform for the microbiome analysis. Results & Conclusions: The biofilm induces a persistent state of low-grade inflammation via cytokine release and the continuous production of metabolic waste. Up-regulation of genes such as arginine-1 and interleukin-10, as well as a metabolic shift from aerobic glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation, promote macrophage polarization to an anti-inflammatory, and more importantly, immune suppressive phenotype incapable of clearing the biofilm infection. A detailed analysis of wound fluid microbiome is currently ongoing and will be presented in the poster presentation forum. Work supported by IMPRS fellowship to EC and NIH R01DK114718 to SR
COVID-19 Impact on Orthopedic Surgeons: Elective Procedures, Telehealth, and Income.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the response in orthopedic surgery to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic across the United States by surveying surgeons about their care setting, timing of restrictions on elective surgery, use of telehealth, and estimated economic impact. METHODS: A survey was distributed via REDCap through state orthopedic organizations between April and July 2020. The 22-question digital survey collected information regarding restrictions on elective procedures, location of care, utilization of telehealth, and estimated reductions in annual income. RESULTS: In this study, 192 participants responded to the survey (average age 49.9 ± 11.0 years, 92.7% male). Responses primarily originated from Alabama (30.2%), Georgia (30.2%), and Missouri (16.1%). The remainder of the responses were grouped into the category "other." Respondents did not vary significantly by state in operative setting or income type (salary, work relative value units, or collections). Most of the participants documented elective procedure restrictions in hospital and ambulatory settings. The highest frequency of closures occurred between March 18 and 20 (47% in hospital, 51% in ambulatory). Of the participants, financial loss estimates varied across states (P = 0.005), with 50% of physicians claiming >50% losses of income in Alabama (24% Georgia, 10% Missouri, 31% other). Regarding telehealth, practices set up for these services before 2020 varied across states. None of the orthopedic practices in Alabama had telehealth before the COVID-19 pandemic (Missouri 25%, Georgia 9%, other 8%, P = 0.06); however, respondents generally were split when considering the anticipation of implementing telehealth into routine practice. CONCLUSIONS: Most practices did implement restrictions for elective clinic visits and procedures early during the pandemic. COVID-19 ultimately will result in a large revenue loss for elective orthopedic practices. Services such as telehealth may help offset these losses and help deliver orthopedic care to patients remotely.
Popularity-based Data Placement with Load Balancing in Edge Computing

In recent years, edge computing has become an increasingly popular computing paradigm to enable real-time data processing and mobile intelligence. Edge computing allows computing at the edge of the network, where data is generated and distributed at the nearby edge servers to reduce the data access latency and improve data processing efficiency. One of the key challenges in data-intensive edge computing is how to place the data at the edge clouds effectively such that the access latency to the data is minimized. In this paper, we study such a data placement problem in edge computing while different data items have diverse popularity. We propose a popularity based placement method which maps both data items and edge servers to a virtual plane and places or retrieves data based on its virtual coordinate in the plane. We then further propose additional placement strategies to handle load balancing among edge servers via either offloading or data duplication. Simulation results show that our proposed strategies efficiently reduce the average path length of data access and the load-balancing strategies indeed provide an effective relief of storage pressures at certain overloaded servers.
Performance of a Grid-Forming Inverter Under Balanced and Unbalanced Voltage Phase Angle Jump Conditions

Renewable energy has become a viable solution for reducing the harmful effects that fossil fuels have on our environment, prompting utilities to replace traditional synchronous generators (SG) with more inverter-based devices that can provide clean energy. One of the biggest challenges utilities are facing is that by replacing SG, there is a reduction in the systems’ mechanical inertia, making them vulnerable to frequency instability. Grid-forming inverters (GFMI) have the ability to create and regulate their own voltage reference in a manner that helps stabilize system frequency. As an emerging technology, there is a need for understanding their dynamic behavior when subjected to abrupt changes. This paper evaluates the performance of a GFMI when subjected to voltage phase jump conditions. Experimental results are presented for the GFMI subjected to both balanced and unbalanced voltage phase jump events in both P/Q and V/f modes.
University Societies and Clubs in Nineteenth- and Twentieth-Century Britain and Their Role in the Promotion of Research

There was a revolution in teaching at Oxford and Cambridge in the nineteenth century as dons clawed back to the colleges teaching for the honours examinations which had formerly been done by coaches in the towns. This was an unquestioned advantage for the construction of civil society because these examinations prepared people for fellowships, livings in the early part of the century, and for places in government and the professions later. However, this revolution of the dons had a distinct disadvantage. It left little room for the promotion of curiosity, originality, and research. The burden of all of this was taken up by university clubs and societies. Old Morality and the Club at Oxford, the Moral Society Club and the Eranus Society at Cambridge were among those university societies which took as their charge the promotion of research. In this way, in highly decentralized universities, these societies served as intellectual lubricants encouraging intellectual change and innovation.
Strategies for maintaining oncology curriculum time amid pressures to cut classroom hours.

Abstract A decade of experience with the oncology course offered within the second year patho‐physiology curriculum at the Washington University School of Medicine is reviewed. The number of classroom hours allotted to this course has steadily decreased from 28 to 6 hours. Causes of this downward trend include the introduction of new subject matter into the curriculum and the desire for more independent study time. Strategies for maintaining or increasing the number of lecture hours are discussed. Videotaping the principles of surgical, medical, and radiation oncology enables the coursemas‐ter to return the classroom emphasis to the patient as illustration.
Impulse control dysfunction and dopamine agonist withdrawal syndrome in Genetic Parkinson’s: A case report

Abstract Impulse control disorders (ICD) and punding have emerged as one of the most significant challenges to modern dopaminergic treatment, particularly those involving dopamine agonist (DA) drugs in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Punding is a term referring to complex prolonged, purposeless, and stereotyped behaviour. ICD is a complex of affective disorders usually presenting with pathological gambling, compulsive shopping, impulsive sexual behaviour, and binge eating [1] These have been found in approximately 13–14% of treated PD population [2] . While a range of susceptibility factors have been suggested, most notably from the DOMINION study [3] , the role of genetic and epigenetic phenomenon in the causation of ICD in PD has not been firmly established. This case study reports the case of a young onset PD, who tested positive for Parkin mutation and exhibited a range of ICD behaviour across the evolution of his symptoms. This is the first report of ICD, punding and DAWS in a genetically confirmed case of PD. The aim of this report is to suggest a possible link between genetic PD and ICD as well as introduce risk factors in DA drug treatments and predictors of potential development of DA dysregulation syndrome (DAWS) based on a genetic component.
MAP READING AND SPATIAL COGNITION: DISCUSSION

There are two common concerns of the papers by Thorndyke and Goldin and Simutis and Barsam which we would like to discuss: the process of map reading and individual differences related to this process. We will consider each of these in turn.
Catalysts for Health Behavior Change in Midlife and Older Rural Adults: A Qualitative Study

Positive health behaviors, such as a heart healthy diet, physical activity, and tobacco cessation, can help reduce cardiovascular disease risk at any age. However, many people do not adopt these be...
SOME FACTORS INFLUENCING ACID PRODUCTION BY AN OXYTETRACYCLINE-RESISTANT STRAIN OF STREPTOCOCCUS LACTIS.

Induction of oxytetracycline resistance in a strain of Streptococcus lactis caused this organism to display reduced acid production, salt tolerance, pyruvate synthesis, growth at alkaline pH, and a loss in ability to produce ammonia from arginine. α-Ketoglutaric and oxaloacetic acids were found to accumulate in the growth medium of resistant cells, in contrast to none in the medium of susceptible cells. No free arginine could be detected in the intracellular fraction of resistant cells, but arginine was present in the intracellular fraction of susceptible cells and decreased in concentration upon the addition of oxytetracycline to the growth medium. Depressed acid production in milk by the oxytetracycline resistant strain is evidently a consequence of the inability of this organism to metabolize arginine effectively.
An RNA secondary structure switch between the inactive and active conformations of the Escherichia coli 30 S ribosomal subunit.

Psoralen cross-linking was used to produce intramolecular cross-links in the Escherichia coli 16 S ribosomal RNA in the inactive and active forms of the 30 S subunit. A number of psoralen cross-links were made in the inactive form that were not made in the active form. The most frequent of these cross-links was sequenced by a series of techniques and identified as C-924 to U-1532. In this region, a three-base complementary, (921–923)•(1532–1534), forms a site where psoralen can stack and produce a cross-link between C-924 and U-1532. When psoralen monoadducts were placed on inactive subunits and the conformation was switched to the active form before cross-linking, a new cross-link involving U-1393 was detected. U-1393 is part of the complementarity, (923–925)•(1391–1393), that has previously been proposed as being an element of the functional secondary structure on the basis of sequence comparison. The complementarity between (921–923•(1532–1534) occurs in most nonmitochondrial small subunit RNAs; however, there are several counter examples in which it does not occur. This suggests that this alternate secondary structure interaction is not necessary for the function of the 30 S subunit.
Spinal lesions treated with Novalis shaped beam intensity-modulated radiosurgery and stereotactic radiotherapy.

Object. Spinal radiosurgery was implemented to improve quality of life (QOL) in patients with malignancies. It may also be applicable to the treatment of benign lesions. Methods. Between July 2002 and January 2004, 14 patients harboring 22 lesions were treated; 13 received single-dose stereotactic radiosurgery. Six were women. The mean age was 60.2 years (range 48–82 years). There were 11 metastases, two neurofibromas, and one meningioma. Six lesions were cervical, 10 thoracic, and six lumbar. Ten patients suffered pain, three paresthesias, two weakness, and three were asymptomatic. Seven patients underwent spinal surgery, with four receiving instrumentation. Twelve patients underwent conventional irradiation before stereotactic radiosurgery/stereotactic radiotherapy. A mean dose of 12 ± 2.7 Gy (range 8–21 Gy) was prescribed to the 91% isodose line (range 85–97%). The mean tumor volume was 25 ± 27.1 ml (range 0.75–91.8 ml). Treatment was planned using intensity-modulated radiosurgery (IMRS) fields in 15 c...
Combined lateral and longitudinal control of vehicles for IVHS

A surface control law is derived for combined lateral and longitudinal vehicle control. An integrated approach is stressed and the coupling effects between the lateral and longitudinal forces and motions are investigated. Simulation results are presented, and the tracking performance and ride quality are shown to compare favorably against a linear optimal controller.
Mitogen stimulation of human lymphocytes. II. Effect of exogenous DNA on lymphocyte function in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Abstract The responses of peripheral blood lymphocytes from normal donors and from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients to phytohemagglutinin (PHA), concanavalin A (Con A), and pokeweed mitogen (PWM) were determined for 6 days of culture. Lymphocytes from SLE patients showed impaired responses to Con A and PWM over the whole culture period, whereas the response to PHA was delayed by approximately 24 hr compared with lymphocytes from normals. Exogenous DNA inhibited the responses of lymphocytes from SLE patients to mitogens to a greater extent than in normals. This inhibition was greatest for PHA. In the absence of mitogen, DNA induced slight blastogenesis in lymphocytes from normals but decreased the blastogenesis in lymphocytes from SLE patients.