cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High velocity oxy-fuel thermal spray gun design

High-velocity oxy–fuel (HVOF) thermal spraying was developed in 1930 and has been commercially available for twenty-five years. HVOF thermal spraying has several benefits over the more conventional plasma spray technique including a faster deposition rate which leads to quicker turn-around, with more durable coatings and higher bond strength, hardness and wear resistance due to a homogeneous distribution of the sprayed particles. HVOF thermal spraying is frequently used in engineering to deposit cermets, metallic alloys, composites and polymers, to enhance product life and performance. HVOF thermal spraying system is a highly promising technique for applying durable coatings on structural materials for corrosive and high temperature environments in advanced ultra-supercritical coal-fired (AUSC) boilers, steam turbines and gas turbines. HVOF thermal spraying is the preferred method for producing coating with low porosity and high adhesion. HVOF thermal spray process has demonstrated to be one of the most efficient techniques to deposit high performance coatings at moderate cost. This publication is devoted to shed light on the design aspects and test equipment requirements for liquid fuelled HVOF thermal spray gun. The current research provides extensive understanding of several key process parameters to develop design tools for the next generation liquid fuelled HVOF thermal spray system for high temperature and harsh environment applications.
Regulating Investment Advice for 401(k) Plan Participants: Is More Advice the Answer?

Today, most retirement plan participants are covered by a 401(k) plan that requires the plan participants to decide how to invest their plan assets. Yet plan participants are notoriously poor investors. Thus, there has been a trend toward providing plan participants first with investment education and now with investment advice. This Article discusses whether the provision of investment advice is likely to be successful. The Article begins by providing an overview of ERISA’s fiduciary rules as they apply to investment advice. It then discusses the types of investment support that were permissible under ERISA prior to the Pension Protection Act of 2006 (“PPA”). It then discusses the PPA statutory prohibited transaction and the proposed regulation implementing that exemption. Finally, it discusses whether the provision of investment advice pursuant to the statutory exemption is likely to benefit plan participants.
Clinical value of marking target location at wrapping the outer plate in pediatric prepuce cerclage

Objective To investigate the clinic effect of marking target location at wrapping the outer plate in pediatric prepuce cerclage surgeries. Methods Totally 135 patients were studied. All patients were marked target location at wrapping the outer plate before anesthesia. The operation time, hematoma, local pain edema, shape of prepuce were observed and compared. Results All the patients were performed cerclage of prepuce successfully. Operation time ranged from 4 to10 minutes, with an average of(6.37±1.12)minutes, and with bleeding volume ranging from 0 to 3 ml, averaging(1.13±0.48)ml. No secondary bleeding after operation in all the children. Ligation ring off time ranged from 7 to 28 days with averaging(16.87±4.32) days; The ligation ring fell off by themselves in all 135 cases(100%). All cases got primary healing with smooth cutting edge. Conclusion Marking target location at wrapping the outer plate in pediatric prepuce cerclage was feasible and effective. The method helps to improve the degree of precision and accuracy in treating phimosis and redundant prepuce.
The Research of Equipment Management Information System Under the Modern Way of Production

We discuss the importance of equipment management to the enterprise management and the new requirements of equipment management under the modern way of production, analysis and raise the basic function of equipment management information system which must be implemented to the modern way of production, design the structure of equipment management system, use JSP techniques and SQL database to realize the equipment's scientific management of ERP efficiently on the basis of Web, and provides real time and dynamic date for the ERP of an enterprise and the control in workshops, so that use resource efficiently cut the cost of equipment and produce more benefits.
Systemic corticosteroids are frequently prescribed for psoriasis.

Background The use of systemic corticosteroids is discouraged in major psoriasis treatment guidelines. Purpose Our objective was to assess how often systemic corticosteroids are prescribed for psoriasis and trends in their use over time. Methods We used National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) data to determine the systemic medications prescribed for psoriasis from 1989 to 2010. We confirmed the findings by analysis of 2003-2007 MarketScan Medicaid data. Results Systemic corticosteroids were prescribed at 650,000 (95% CI 380,000-920,000) of 21,000,000 psoriasis visits; 93% of these visits were to dermatologists. Of the top nine systemic medications listed at psoriasis visits, three of them were corticosteroids. Corticosteroids were the second most commonly prescribed systemic medication for psoriasis. No significant change in the use of systemic corticosteroids for psoriasis over time was observed (p = .27). In the MarketScan data, prednisone was prescribed more commonly than either methotrexate or etanercept. Limitations Corticosteroid doses and the length of treatment were not recorded in the NAMCS data. Conclusions Systemic corticosteroids are among the most common systemic treatments used for psoriasis despite current guidelines. Data are acutely needed on the risks and benefits so that physicians and patients can make evidence-based decisions about their use.
Compositionally Graded III-Nitride Nanowire Heterostructures: Growth, Characterization, and Applications

This chapter is meant to serve as an introduction into the use of compositionally graded III-nitride nanowires for polarization-engineered devices. An overview of both polarization-doping and polarization-engineered devices is provided. Because III-nitride nanowire heterostructures grown by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy are particularly well suited to take advantage of the benefits of polarization doping, their growth and use in polarization-doped devices are covered in detail.
The Use of Calculated X-Ray Powder Patterns in the Interpretation of Quantitative Analysis

The calculated powder diffraction patterns of well characterized substances are being computed for inclusion in the Powder Diffraction File. The intensities reported in these patterns include relative integrated and peak height intensities which are simulated using computer programs allowing for various aberrations, geometric conditions, and resolutions. A scaling factor is reported with these patterns which allows for the conversion of these intensities to an absolute scale for application in quantitative analysis. By absolute scaling all patterns or by using a basis of I/Iα-Al203 quantitative interpretation of experimental patterns is permitted.
Symptoms in Children with Intermittent Exotropia and Their Impact on Health-Related Quality of Life.

ABSTRACTPurpose: In childhood intermittent XT, the frequency and type of symptoms have not been rigorously studied. We aimed to identify specific symptoms in children with intermittent XT, their frequency, and effects on health-related quality of life (HRQOL).Methods: 35 children (5-13 years) with intermittent XT without previous surgery were enrolled in a prospective cohort study. Specific symptoms were identified from a previous study involving child and parent interviews and formulated as a 22-item symptom questionnaire. A frequency Likert-type rating scale was used and a response of “sometimes” or more was considered consistent with having the symptom. All 35 children, along with one parent for each child, also completed the patient-derived intermittent XT HRQOL questionnaire (IXTQ) with Child, Proxy, and Parent components. The frequency of symptoms was calculated, and the relationship between individual symptom question scores and Child, Proxy, and Parent HRQOL scores, was evaluated in multivariate l...
Effect of Wet-Dry Cycle on Durability of Cement-Stabilized Recycled Pavement Base Aggregates

Resilient Modulus (MR) is one of the most important stiffness parameter to determine the thickness of a pavement layer (AASHTO 2003 pavement design guideline). At present, the design procedure does not consider the effect of deterioration of pavement layers due to seasonal variations. Recent studies conducted by researchers on the variability of MR with wetting-drying (WD) and freeze-thaw (FT) cycles show that long-term durability is an important criterion to be considered in designing pavement base with recycled materials. However, limited study has been conducted to evaluate the effect of environmental deterioration on the reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) and recycled crushed concrete aggregate (RCCA) mixtures stabilized with cement. The objective of this research is to evaluate the durability of 50% RAP-50% RCCA mixtures stabilized with 4% and 6% cement subjected to 0, 4, 8, 16 and 30 wetting-drying cycles. Wetting and drying cycles were applied to the specimens after curing them for 7 days. Resilient modulus tests were then conducted on the specimens at the end of these specified number of cycles. Environmental tests were also conducted to assess the effect of WD cycles on the leachate quality. These tests included total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), turbidity, chemical oxygen demand (COD) and pH. Tests results indicated that with the increase in the number of WD cycles, the value of MR decreased by about 11% of the initial value at the end of 30 cycles. Results obtained from the environmental tests after 30 WD cycles were found to be within the permissible values provided by EPA guidelines.
Low oxytocin levels are related to alexithymia in anorexia nervosa

Objective Anorexia nervosa is associated with social-emotional functioning deficits and low levels of the social neurohormone oxytocin, even after weight gain. The relationship between low oxytocin levels and social-emotional functioning impairment has not been studied. Method We performed a cross-sectional study of 79 women (19 who were less than 85% of ideal body weight [IBW] with anorexia nervosa [AN], 26 who were 90–120% IBW with a history of AN [AN-WR], and 34 who were 90–120% IBW with no eating disorder history [H]). We administered the Eating Disorder Examination–Questionnaire (EDE-Q), Leibowitz Social Anxiety Scale–Self Report (LSAS-SR), Dimensional Assessment of Personality Pathology–Basic Questionnaire (DAPP-BQ; suspiciousness and insecure attachment subscales), and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20). We also analyzed fasting serum oxytocin levels. Results Most measures of social-emotional functioning showed impairment in women with AN and AN-WR compared to H. Oxytocin levels were low in AN-WR compared to H. Across groups, low oxytocin levels were associated with difficulty identifying feelings (r = −.45, p = .008) and overall alexithymia (r = −.34, p = .0489). Discussion We speculate that low oxytocin levels may contribute to alexithymia in women with anorexia nervosa.
Adenoviral-Mediated Gene Transfer: Potential Therapeutic Applications

Publisher Summary This chapter determines the capacity of recombinant adenovirus to correct enzyme defects in vivo, and ameliorates existing and/or ongoing neuropathology in animal models of disease. Many inborn errors have a severe and devastating neurologic component. Such disorders include deficiencies of purine metabolism and the mucopolysaccharidoses, or more specifically, the Lesch–Nyhan syndrome and B-glucuronidase deficiency syndrome respectively. Both disorders result in a very poor quality of life and shortened life span, resulting from numerous movement and intellectual deficits that often require specialized care. The chapter details the application to inborn errors with neurological involvement including the metabolic correction of HPRT deficiency in vitro and in vivo, safety issues in nonhuman primates, and alternative delivery strategies.. A major obstacle to the delivery of recombinant viruses to the central nervous system (CNS) is the presence of a blood/brain barrier formed by the brain capillary endothelial cells and a blood-CSF barrier formed by the choroid plexus epithelial cells and the meninges. These barriers greatly impede the passage of most polar molecules from the blood to the brain. The chapter also discusses the application to the treatment of CNS neoplasms. In addition to the treatment of inherited metabolic disorders, recombinant adenoviruses are useful in the treatment of CNS neoplasms. They encompass a range of tumors including astrocytomas, glioblastoma, oligodendrogliomas, and ependymal tumors. These tumors arise from the neoplastic transformation of differentiated cells at loci of glial cell development.. Several requirements need to be fulfilled before replication-deficient adenovirus can be considered viable for the delivery of genes into the brain parenchyma for correction of inherited disorders of metabolism. This includes its ability to infect and express efficiently in multiple cell types, long time persistence of the transgene expression, and the amenability of adenovirus when transgene expression diminishes.
A Comprehensive Atlas of E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Mutations in Neurological Disorders

Protein ubiquitination is a posttranslational modification that plays an integral part in mediating diverse cellular functions. The process of protein ubiquitination requires an enzymatic cascade that consists of a ubiquitin activating enzyme (E1), ubiquitin conjugating enzyme (E2) and an E3 ubiquitin ligase (E3). There are an estimated 600-700 E3 ligase genes representing ~5% of the human genome. Not surprisingly, mutations in E3 ligase genes have been observed in multiple neurological conditions. We constructed a comprehensive atlas of disrupted E3 ligase genes in common (CND) and rare neurological diseases (RND). Of the predicted and known human E3 ligase genes, we found ~13% were mutated in a neurological disorder with 83 total genes representing 70 different types of neurological diseases. Of the E3 ligase genes identified, 51 were associated with an RND. Here, we provide an updated list of neurological disorders associated with E3 ligase gene disruption. We further highlight research in these neurological disorders and discuss the advanced technologies used to support these findings.
Intersectionality in Transnational Education Policy Research

This review assesses intersectionality as a theoretical and methodological approach to transnational education policy research. In particular, we are concerned with how the concept is translated an...
Allergy onset and local investor distraction

Abstract We posit that investor distraction can be exogenously triggered by allergy onset's degrading effects on local investors’ health and cognitive functioning. We document that allergy onset is related to lower trading activity. We use daily pollen counts to measure the severity of allergy onset at different locations and show that stocks of firms located in areas with severe allergy problems exhibit declines in trading volume and lower stock returns. Moreover, allergy onset is associated with both a decline in investor demand for firm information, as proxied by Google search volume, and stock underreaction to earnings news. Collectively our evidence supports the notion that the association of allergy onset and stock market outcomes may be emerging through a local investor distraction channel.
States’ Regulation of Virtual Currencies

We proceed with a review of all of the states and their endeavors to deal with the latest innovative technologies. We note that states have many varying views concerning whether to regulate, the websites to warn inhabitants of the risks of virtual currency investments, whether to tax transactions, or even welcome their advent viewing the innovations as a further major step towards an increase in safety, lower costs, and other advantages. Some states license virtual currency businesses, others are content to simply warn of their risks, while other states appear to almost ignore the developments.
Introducing professional educators into academic medicine: stories of exemplars.

This article describes an oral history project aimed at documenting the history and contributions of the innovation of hiring professional educators in medical schools to improve the education of medical students, residents, and fellows. Six professional educators who spent their careers in medical schools were chosen as Exemplars: Stephen Abrahamson, Ph.D.; Charles Dohner, Ph.D.; Arthur Elstein, Ph.D.; Hilliard Jason, M.D., Ph.D.; Christine McGuire, M.A.; and Frank Stritter, Ph.D. Pairs of senior professional educators currently working in medical schools interviewed the six Exemplars using a standardized protocol. Articles describing each Exemplar appear consecutively in this and subsequent issues of Advances in Health Professions Education. The series culminates with an article that presents the consensus conclusions of the series authors, based on the five study questions that guided the study and interview protocol.
Institutions and Economic Growth in Postwar Europe

This paper seeks to shed light on the economics of Europe’s post-World War II “golden age,” fleshing out the role of institutions in the postwar growth process. It argues that the institutional arrangements inherited from Europe’s prior history were particularly well-suited to the macroeconomic and technological imperatives of economic growth following World War II. Corporatist labour relations encouraged the wage moderation and high levels of investment needed to reproduce American-style industrial production on a massive scale. Relatively centralised structures were well suited to the incremental technical changes needed to adapt American technologies for European circumstances. And the institutions of European and global integration went some way towards creating the mass market in consumer goods and the open market raw materials needed to support the transplantation of American technologies.
Factors Impacting Implementation of Evidence-Based Strategies to Create Safe and Supportive Schools for Sexual and Gender Minority Students

Abstract Purpose The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends six evidence-based strategies to improve safety and support for sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth in U.S. schools. However, only a small minority of schools implement all strategies. This study draws on implementation science to assess contextual challenges to strategy implementation. Methods Semistructured interviews were conducted with at least two stakeholders at each of 42 high schools in New Mexico. Interviews consisted of open-ended questions centered on attitudes toward, access to, and availability of school and community supports for SGM youth, school policies, and practices, and organizational factors believed to impact implementation. Transcripts were imported into NVivo 11 for iterative coding and qualitative analysis. Results We identified eleven overarching sets of factors related to the preparedness of schools to implement the evidence-based strategies: (1) political climate; (2) community context; (3) community resources; (4) policies and practices; (5) staff knowledge and exposure to SGM issues; (6) training deficits; (7) prevalence of neutrality discourses suggesting SGM students should not be singled out for “special treatment” or intervention; (8) student attitudes and support; (9) de facto safe spaces; (10) health education curricula; and (11) pragmatic considerations, such as time, staff turnover, and workloads. Key factors believed to hinder implementation included lack of resources, staffing concerns, and knowledge deficits. Conclusions These results can be used to inform the development of implementation strategies to modify school health systems from within to best support evidence-based practices for SGM youth and other stigmatized populations.
Utility and prognostic value of 18F‐FDG positron emission tomography‐computed tomography scans in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma

Positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) can identify bony lesions, assess disease burden, and detect extramedullary disease (EMD) in patients with multiple myeloma. We retrospectively reviewed records of patients who underwent PET-CT within 60 days of a new diagnosis (before therapy commenced) to identify the nature and prognostic impact of PET-CT abnormalities. Patients (N = 313) were seen from April 2005 through June 2017. Of the 234 patients (75%) with focal lesions (FLs), 182 (58%) had at least 3 FLs, 38 (12%) had EMD, and 204 (65%) had documented myelomatous lytic lesions. The median maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax ) for the entire cohort was 5.9 (range 1.5-48.3). Presence of at least 3 FLs and EMD predicted inferior overall survival (OS); median OS was 57.8 months for patients with 3 or more FLs and 103.6 months for patients with fewer than 3 FLs (P = .003). The median OS was 45.5 and 71.8 months for patients with and without EMD, respectively (P = .004). No clear SUVmax cutoff was predictive of progression-free survival or OS. PET-CT is a valuable tool for assessing disease burden and could provide prognostic information about a contemporary cohort of patients with newly diagnosed myeloma who received treatment with novel agents.
Antiallodynic Effects of Cannabinoid Receptor 2 (CB2R) Agonists on Retrovirus Infection-Induced Neuropathic Pain.

The most common neurological complication in patients receiving successful combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) is peripheral neuropathic pain. Data show that distal symmetric polyneuropathy (DSP) also develops along with murine acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (MAIDS) after infection with the LP-BM5 murine retrovirus mixture. Links between cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2R) and peripheral neuropathy have been established in animal models using nerve transection, chemotherapy-induced pain, and various other stimuli. Diverse types of neuropathic pain respond differently to standard drug intervention, and little is currently known regarding the effects of modulation through CB2Rs. In this study, we evaluated whether treatment with the exogenous synthetic CB2R agonists JWH015, JWH133, Gp1a, and HU308 controls neuropathic pain and neuroinflammation in animals with chronic retroviral infection. Hind-paw mechanical hypersensitivity in CB2R agonist-treated versus untreated animals was assessed using the MouseMet electronic von Frey system. Multicolor flow cytometry was used to determine the effects of CB2R agonists on macrophage activation and T-lymphocyte infiltration into dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and lumbar spinal cord (LSC). Results demonstrated that, following weekly intraperitoneal injections starting at 5 wk p.i., JWH015, JWH133, and Gp1a, but not HU308 (5 mg/kg), significantly ameliorated allodynia when assessed 2 h after ligand injection. However, these same agonists (2x/wk) did not display antiallodynic effects when mechanical sensitivity was assessed 24 h after ligand injection. Infection-induced macrophage activation and T-cell infiltration into the DRG and LSC were observed at 12 wk p.i., but this neuroinflammation was not affected by treatment with any CB2R agonist. Activation of JAK/STAT3 has been shown to contribute to development of neuropathic pain in the LSC and pretreatment of primary murine microglia (2 h) with JWH015-, JWH133-, or Gp1a-blocked IFN-gamma-induced phosphorylation of STAT1 and STAT3. Taken together, these data show that CB2R agonists demonstrate acute, but not long-term, antiallodynic effects on retrovirus infection-induced neuropathic pain.
High Burden of Mental Health Problems, Substance Use, Violence, and Related Psychosocial Factors in Transgender, Non-Binary, and Gender Diverse Youth and Young Adults

Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people are disproportionately impacted by various health issues and associated risk factors, but little is known about differences in these outcomes between gender identities within the TGD population. This study characterized the health of a diverse sample of TGD youth and young adults. Data were taken from the baseline visit of two longitudinal studies in the Chicago area, RADAR (N = 1079, M age = 20.8 years) and FAB 400 (N = 488, M age = 19.57 years), which are cohorts of young sexual and gender minorities assigned male at birth (AMAB) and assigned female at birth (AFAB), respectively. There was a combined sample of 214 TGD (128 AFAB, 86 AMAB) individuals across cohorts. We examined differences between gender identities in self-reported health and related psychosocial variables, and compared TGD youth and their cisgender sexual minority peers from their cohort of origin on all variables. Among TGD youth, we found high rates of depression and suicidality (ideation, plan, attempt), violence (trauma, victimization, childhood sexual abuse), and substance use (cigarette, alcohol, illicit drug use). With the exception of depression, transgender women and non-binary AMAB youth reported worse health outcomes than transgender men and non-binary AFAB youth. Non-binary AMAB youth reported the highest rates of certain outcomes, including traumatic experiences and suicidal ideation. TGD youth generally reported worse outcomes than cisgender sexual minority youth; these differences were less pronounced among AFAB youth. Findings point to the diversity of experiences within the TGD population and critical needs for intervention approaches to mitigate health disparities.
Analytic Theory of Edge Localized Mode Suppression by Static Resonant Magnetic Perturbations in H-mode Tokamak Discharges.

An analytic theory of edge localized mode (ELM) suppression in an H-mode tokamak plasma via the application of a static, externally generated, resonant magnetic perturbation (RMP) is presented. This theory is based on the plausible hypothesis that mode penetration at the top of the pedestal is a necessary and sufficient condition for the RMP-induced suppression of ELMs. The theory also makes use of a number of key insights gained in a recent publication (Fitzpatrick R 2019). The first insight is that the response of the plasma to a particular helical component of the RMP, in the immediate vicinity of the associated resonant surface, is governed by nonlinear magnetic island physics, rather than by linear layer physics. The second insight is that neoclassical effects play a vital role in the physics of RMP-induced ELM suppression. The final insight is that plasma impurities play an important role in the physics of RMP-induced ELM suppression. The theory presented in this paper is employed to gain a better understanding ELM suppression in DIII-D and ITER H-mode discharges. It is found that ELM suppression is only possible when q_95 takes values that lie in certain narrow windows. Moreover, the widths of these windows decrease with increasing plasma density. Assuming a core plasma rotation of 20 krad/s, the window width for a model ITER H-mode discharge is found to be similar to, but slightly smaller than, the window width in a typical DIII-D H-mode discharge.
Tele-transitions of care (TTOC): a 12-month, randomized controlled trial evaluating the use of Telehealth to achieve triple aim objectives.

Poor transitions of care leads to increased health costs, over-utilization of emergency room departments, increased re-hospitalizations and causes poor patient experiences and outcomes. This study evaluated Telehealth feasibility in improving transitions of care. This is a 12-month randomized controlled trial, evaluating the use of telehealth (remote patient monitoring and video visits) versus standard transitions of care with the primary outcomes of hospital readmission and emergency department utilization and secondary outcomes of access to care, medication management and adherence and patient engagement. Electronic Medical Record data, Health Information Exchange data and phone survey data was collected. Multi-variable logistic regression models were created to evaluate the effect of Telehealth on hospital readmission, emergency department utilization, medication adherence. Chi-square tests or Fisher’s exact tests were used to compare the percentages of categorical variables between the Telehealth and control groups. T tests or Wilcoxon rank sum tests were used to compared means and medians between the two randomized groups. The study conducted between June 2017 and 2018, included 102 patients. Compared with the standard of care, Telehealth patients were more likely to have medicine reconciliation (p = 0.013) and were 7 times more likely to adhere to medication than the control group (p = 0.03). Telehealth patients exhibited enthusiasm (p = 0.0001), and confidence that Telehealth could improve their healthcare (p = 0.0001). Telehealth showed no statistical significance on emergency department utilization (p = 0.691) nor for readmissions (p = 0.31). 100% of Telehealth patients found the intervention to be valuable, 98% if given the opportunity, reported they would continue using telehealth to manage their healthcare needs, and 94% reported that the remote patient monitoring technology was useful. Telehealth can improve transitions of care after hospital discharge improving patient engagement and adherence to medications. Although this study was unable to show the effect of Telehealth on reduced healthcare utilization, more research needs to be done in order to understand the true impact of Telehealth on preventing avoidable hospital readmission and emergency department visits. ClinicalTrials.Gov ID: NCT03528850 Date Registered (Retrospective): 5/18/2018. Status: Completed. IRB #: 970227.
HPC Large-Scale Pedestrian Simulation Based on Proxemics Rules

The problem of efficient pedestrian simulation, when large-scale environment is considered, poses a great challenge. When the simulation model size exceeds the capabilities of a single computing node or the results are expected quickly, the simulation algorithm has to use many cores and nodes. The problem considered in the presented work is the task of splitting the data-intensive computations with a common data structure into separate computational domains, while preserving the crucial features of the simulation model. We propose a new model created on the basis of some popular pedestrian models, which can be applied in parallel processing. We describe its implementation in a highly scalable simulation framework. Additionally, the preliminary results are presented and outcomes are discussed.
Crosstalk between Ubiquitination and Other Post-translational Protein Modifications in Plant Immunity

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are central to the modulation of protein activity, stability, subcellular localization, and interaction with partners. They greatly expand the diversity and functionality of the proteome and have taken the center stage as key players in regulating numerous cellular and physiological processes. Increasing evidence indicates that in addition to a single regulatory PTM, many proteins are modified by multiple different types of PTMs in an orchestrated manner to collectively modulate the biological outcome. Such PTM crosstalk creates a combinatorial explosion in the number of proteoforms in a cell and greatly improves the ability of plants to rapidly mount and fine-tune responses to different external and internal cues. While PTM crosstalk has been investigated in depth in humans, animals, and yeast, the study of interplay between different PTMs in plants is still at its infant stage. In the past decade, investigations showed that PTMs are widely involved and play critical roles in the regulation of interactions between plants and pathogens. In particular, ubiquitination has emerged as a key regulator of plant immunity. This review discusses recent studies of the crosstalk between ubiquitination and six other PTMs, i.e., phosphorylation, SUMOylation, poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation, acetylation, redox modification, and glycosylation, in the regulation of plant immunity. The two basic ways by which PTMs communicate as well as the underlying mechanisms and diverse outcomes of the PTM crosstalk in plant immunity are highlighted.
Extra neural ensemble disrupts memory recall.

Poll and colleagues examined the historical activity of hippocampal CA1 neurons during learning and memory recall using longitudinal two-photon in vivo imaging, providing evidence that extra neural ensemble activity disrupts memory recall in a mouse model of early Alzheimer’s disease.
Cross-Border Production Sharing and Exchange Rates in East Asia

Economic integration in East Asia is proceeding along two tracks. One involves discussions among governments and focuses on formal agreements covering bilateral and regional free trade areas, as well as cooperation at the level of macroeconomic stabilization. The other is informal and driven mainly by market forces, as part of the larger process of globalization and the growing integration of national economies into the world economy. A key feature of that process is the spread of cross-border production networks. The paper examines the implications of this development for official integration and concludes that its effects are negative for the suitability of traditional free trade areas and customs unions, but positive for "single-market" policies. De facto, market-oriented integration diminishes the sensitivity of trade flows to exchange-rate changes, which may be interpreted as reducing the case for floating rates and favoring (or facilitating) monetary cooperation.
Acoustic Control of Directed Assembly in Microfluidic Devices

A combined top-down/bottom-up microfluidic assembly system is demonstrated in which microspheres undergo directed assembly within microchannels. The approach is adapted from macroscale templated assembly by selective removal (TASR), in which high-frequency acoustic excitations drive selective assembly into shape- and size-matched wells patterned in a planar surface. A PDMS layer patterned with microchannels is bonded to a PDMS layer molded to define assembly wells. A suspension of 10 $\mu \text{m}$ diameter polystyrene microspheres is flowed into the microchannels, and an external, high-frequency ultrasonic transducer circulates the microspheres within the channels and removes them from everywhere except the size-matched wells. Microspheres are successfully assembled in wells inside the microchannels with yields of up to 90%. Smaller channel dimensions reduce assembly yield in part because smaller internal channel volumes reduce the availability of microspheres relative to assembly wells. In addition, reducing channel width below about $500~\mu \text{m}$ is shown to be an independent predictor of low assembly yields; this is attributed to the physics of acoustic streaming flow under the acoustic excitation. Assembly yield is largely independent of the location of the assembly wells within the microchannels, and selectivity is confirmed by low assembly yield of $6~\mu \text{m}$ diameter microspheres into the larger wells. [2020-0072]
The effect of pre-operative diagnosis on patient reported outcomes in patients undergoing colorectal operations: A prospective study.

Abstract Introduction Patient Reported Outcomes (PROs) capture peri-operative fatigue, pain, and quality of life and influence outcomes in gastrointestinal surgery. We compared peri-operative PROs in patients undergoing colorectal operations for neoplastic versus non-neoplastic processes. Methods Patients undergoing colectomy were enrolled prospectively. Demographics and PROs were gathered preoperatively and on post-operative day (POD) 2, 7, 14, and 30 using the validated Linear Analog Self-Assessment (LASA). Severe pain was defined as pain ≥5, severe fatigue as ≥7, a quality of life deficit as QOL ≤5. Results We included 192 patients, median age 54 years, 44% female, 88 (46%) for neoplasia. Morbidity was 38%, mortality 3%. Pre-operatively, non-neoplasia patients reported significantly more pain, fatigue, and QOL deficits than neoplasia patients. Severe pain at POD 2 was a positive predictor for complications (p-value Conclusion In patients undergoing colorectal surgery, diagnosis influences peri-operative PROs; early severe pain and fatigue may predict complications.
Optimization of COVID-19 testing accuracy with nasal anatomy education.

Abstract Importance Adequate sampling of the nasopharynx is crucial to performing accurate SARS-CoV-2 (COVID) testing. Formalized education of nasal anatomy may improve provider testing technique and reduce false-negative test results. Objective To assess the effect of nasal anatomy education on medical providers' comfort level and knowledge base in performing accurate SARS-CoV-2 (COVID) testing. Study design Pre-post survey. Settings Tertiary care academic hospital. Participants 17 nurses performing COVID testing were enrolled. Intervention An educational session on COVID nasopharyngeal testing technique and nasal anatomy was presented by an otolaryngologist. Main outcomes and measures A pre-session survey assessed providers' prior nasal testing training and COVID testing challenges. Provider comfort level with COVID testing was surveyed pre-and post-session. A 6-question nasal anatomy test was administered pre- and post-session. Results 16 out of 17 nurses performed fewer than 10 COVID tests prior to the educational session (94%). Reported challenges with COVID testing included patient discomfort (79.6%), inability to pass the test swab (23.5%) and nasal bleeding (11.8%). The number of providers comfortable with independently performing COVID testing increased from pre- to post-session (5 and 14, p = 0.013). The average number of correct responses to the 6-question nasal anatomy test increased following the session (3.2 ± 1.2 to 5.1 ± 1.1, p = 0.003). Specifically, the number of providers able to localize the nasopharynx increased from 8 providers pre-session to 14 providers post-session (p = 0.04). Conclusion Early implementation of nasal anatomy and nasopharyngeal swab technique education can help improve provider comfort and knowledge in performing accurate COVID testing.
Residency Match Trends, Racial Disparity, and Matching Amid a Pandemic.

Abstract Purpose Radiation oncology has been facing an evolving crisis in recruitment for several years, and the events of 2020 to 2021 will certainly add to that crisis with the urgency of addressing systemic racial injustice amid a global pandemic. The purpose of this study is to examine applicant data to gain insight on residency match trends and evaluate these findings within the backdrop of a novel match year. Methods and Materials National Residency Matching Program (NRMP) data between 2009 and 2020 were assessed for the number of applicants, programs, and positions available, number of ranked applicants needed to fill positions, and successfully matched applicant data. Additionally, Electronic Residency Application Service data were evaluated for race/ethnicity identification among applicants. Results The number of applicants who ranked radiation oncology as their preferred specialty has declined for 3 consecutive years from 223 in 2017 to 155 in 2020. In 2020 the applicant-to-position ratio was at an all-time low at 0.82, and the unmatched position rate increased to 18.5%. The percentage of Black or African American applicants applying to radiation oncology has also declined to 4.9%, and this population represents 7.2% of all applicants. The number of ranked applicants needed to fill the available radiation oncology PGY2 positions increased from 4.0 in 2010 to 6.0 in 2020. Conclusion Declining interest in radiation oncology among applicants, and an even further decline of black applicants, along with the challenges of interview and travel restrictions during the pandemic provide heightened concern for this year’s match. Innovative efforts to expand the reach of radiation oncology to prospective applicants is needed to engage diverse, bright, and committed students for the continued progress of radiation oncology and most importantly, our patients.
Endoscopic Management of Intra Ventricular Tumours

Objective: Neuroendoscopic removal of intraventricular tumors is difficult and time consuming because of the lack of an effective decompression system that can be used through the working channel of the endoscope. The authors report on the utilization of an endoscopic ultrasonic aspirator in the resection of intraventricular tumors. Methods: Seventeen pediatric patients (14 male, 3 female), ages 1-15 years old, underwent surgery via a purely endoscopic approach using a Gaab rigid endoscope and endoscopic ultrasonic aspirator. Ten patients presented with an intraventricular tumor, three with paraventricular, and 4 with suprasellar lesions. Histology analysis showed 6/17 glial tumors, 3/17 with subependymal giant cell astrocytomas (associated with tuberous sclerosis), two cases presented with intraventricular metastases from high-grade tumors (medulloblastoma, atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor), 4/17 with suprasellar tumors (2 craniopharyngiomas and 2 optic pathway gliomas), and two with pineal region tumors (1 immature teratoma, 1 PNET). In all patients, the endoscopic trajectory and ventricular access were guided by electromagnetic neuronavigation. Fifteen patients underwent surgery via a precoronal bur hole while supine. In 1 case, surgery was performed through a frontal anterior bur hole and one patient underwent surgery via a posterior parietal approach to the trigone while in a lateral position. The endoscopic technique consisted of visualization of the tumor, ventricular washing to dilate the ventricles and to control bleeding, obtaining a tumor specimen with biopsy forceps, and ultrasonic aspiration of the tumor. Bleeding was controlled with irrigation, monopolar coagulation, and a thulium laser. Results/Discussion: In 9 cases, the resection was total or near total (more than 90% of lesion removed). In 8 cases, the resection was partial or biopsy. Histological evaluation of the collected material (withdrawn using biopsy forceps and aspirated with an ultrasonic aspirator) was diagnostic in all cases. The duration of surgery ranged from 30 to 120 minutes. One case was complicated by subdural hygroma requiring a subduro-peritoneal shunt implant. The dry field technique was used in cases with persistence of bleeding. Conclusion: Patients harboring intraventricular tumors are in most cases ideal candidates for endoscopy biopsy/resection. In this series, endoscopic ultrasonic aspiration proved to be a safe and reliable method for achieving extensive decompression or complete removal in the management of intra- and/or paraventricular lesions in pediatric patients.
Mask-Related Acne in the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Analysis of Twitter Posts and Influencers.

Widespread use of facial masks during the COVID-19 pandemic has been linked to development of acne breakouts, frequently referred to as "maskne".1,2 Social media platforms, including Twitter, have previously been shown to inform patient perceptions regarding acne.3 Given the growing influence of social media in providing health information,3,4 we sought to characterize Tweets about mask-related acne to better recognize the distribution of potential influencers and the role of dermatologists in supplying education and guidance.
Gender Differences in the Impact of Adolescent Maltreatment Victimization on Subsequent Sexual Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration

Prior research has determined that individuals with a history of maltreatment victimization during adolescence (i.e., neglect, emotional, physical, or sexual abuse prior to the age of 18) are more ...
Design of a Robust Optimal Controller for Five-Phase Permanent Magnet Assisted Synchronous Reluctance Motor in Electric Vehicle Application

This paper presents the design of a robust optimal controller for a five-phase permanent magnet assisted synchronous reluctance motor (PMa-SynRM) used in electric vehicle (EV) application. Conventionally, proportional (P) or proportional-integral (PI) controllers are widely used in the speed control system for traction and industrial applications. Simple structure, low-cost, and ease of implementation are key advantages of these controllers. However, these controllers are not robust enough to cope with large system and converter uncertainties. Furthermore, there is a tight trade-off between the speed and the overshoot of the desired system response. To address these issues, in this study, a robust optimal controller using a dual-loop feedback structure is proposed for multiphase PMa-SynRM. The proposed optimal controller is designed using the linear-quadratic-regulator (LQR) technique. Different practical conditions, including system uncertainties, un-modeled dynamics, and external disturbances, are considered to verify the proposed controller’s robustness. Using extensive computer simulations, it is shown that the proposed optimal controller demonstrates higher robustness and design flexibility compared to the conventional controller.
Evaluating the role of Approach-Avoidance Training on action-tendencies in individuals with skin-picking disorder: A preliminary randomized experiment

Background and aims Pathological skin-picking (PSP) or excoriation disorder is a destructive behavior that affects 1-2% of the general population. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the effect of a computerized behavior modification task on action-tendencies (i.e., approach or avoidance) in adults with PSP. We aimed to modify these action-tendencies by having participants with PSP complete the Approach-Avoidance Training (AAT) task, using a joystick to simulate an approach (=pull) or avoidance (=push) response. Method Forty-five participants diagnosed with PSP were randomized to one of three training conditions: (1) Avoidance Training (AvT; n = 15), (2) Approach Training (ApT; n = 15), or (3) Placebo Training (PT; n = 15). We hypothesized that after training, those in the AvT would have the greatest reduction in behavioral approach (i.e., their overall reaction time [RT] to approach pictures of irregular skin stimuli). Results Results of the pre-training assessment task revealed a positive correlation between behavioral approach to irregular skin stimuli and skin-picking severity as assessed by the Skin Picking Scale-Revised (SPS-R). After training, a lower behavioral approach and urges to pick were found in the AvT and PT groups, while those in the ApT reported higher behavioral approach and urges to pick. At two-week follow-up, no significant changes on the SPS-R were reported between groups. Discussion Our preliminary data suggest that the AAT is a promising avenue of research to develop as a cognitive intervention to address an excessive behavioral approach tendency that characterizes skin-picking problems.