cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Study on the Relationship Between HBsAg and Primary Hepatic Carcinoma Based on the Analysis of the Family Pedigree in Longan County,Guangxi

Objective To explore the relationship between HBsAg and primary hepatic carcinoma(PHC) in different family constellation people in Longan county,Guangxi.Methods Index case-based family survey was conducted.According to the detection result of HBsAg and status of PHC,family constellation members of the index case with HBsAg positive and PHC were recruited into HBsAg(+)/PHC group(group A).According to the 1 ∶1 matching principal,those family constellation members of index cases with HBsAg positive and non-PHC were selected to compose HBsAg(+)/non-PHC group(group B) while the ones of HBsAg negative and non-PHC selected to HBsAg(-) non-PHC group(group C).Results Forty two family constellations and 736 family members were investigated among 3 groups.Blood specimens of 246 cases were collected.The average positive rate of HBsAg was 38.62%(95/246),and the average morbility of PHC was 8.74%(68/778).No statistical significance was found in the HBsAg positive rate between first degree and second degree relative of genealogical members of index cases with HBsAg positive(P0.05).PHC Morbility of first degree relative of genealogical members of index cases with HBsAg positive were higher than that of second degree relative in group A as well as in group B(P0.05),but showed no statistical significance in group C(P0.05).There was significant difference in HBsAg positive rate and PHC morbility among the three groups(P0.01).The positive rate of HBsAg in group A,B was significantly higher than that of group C(P0.01),and PHC morbility in group A was significantly higher than that of group B,C(P0.01).Conclusion Family constellation members of the index cases with HBsAg positive and PHC are in the high risk of HBV infection and hepatocarcinogenesis.Hepatitis B vaccine vaccination and PHC prevention measure should be carried out.
Development Prospect of Preparation of Boron and Metal Boride by Molten Salt Electrolysis

In this paper the fine performance and application prospects of boron and metal boride are introduced, and the methods and principles of preparing such material at home and abroad are outlined.By studying the actuality of experimental and research,the advantages of preparating boron and metal borides powder with molten salt electrolysis are much easier,less expensive and environmentally friendly and high purity of products.The molten salt electrolysis has become one of most hopeful methods to prepare boron and metal boride.The mechanism of electrode reactions and continuous electrolysis are main academic problems and the development of continuous electrolysis equipment is an im- portant technical obstacle.With far-ranging cooperation of scientific research,the application of molten salt electrolysis method is very promising in the future.
Stroke symptoms and risk for incident coronary heart disease in the REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study.

Abstract Background Many adults without cerebrovascular disease report a history of stroke symptoms, which is associated with higher risk for stroke. Because stroke and coronary heart disease (CHD) share many risk factors, we examined the association between a history of stroke symptoms and incident CHD. Methods We analyzed data from 8999 black and 12,499 white REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study participants without a prior myocardial infarction, stroke or transitory ischemic attack enrolled in 2003–2007 (total participants=21,498, all ≥45years of age). A history of stroke symptoms (i.e., unilateral weakness, unilateral numbness, full-field vision loss, half-field vision loss, understanding problems and communication problems) was assessed at baseline using the Questionnaire for Verifying Stroke-Free Status. Participants were followed for incident CHD and CHD death through December 2011. Results Overall, 3432 (16.0%) participants reported a history of stroke symptoms (1771 [19.7%] blacks and 1661 [13.3%] whites). There were 701 incident CHD events including 209 CHD deaths over a median follow-up of 5.8years. After adjustment for CHD risk factors, hazard ratios (95% confidence interval [95% CI]) for incident CHD associated with reporting any versus no stroke symptoms were 1.26 (1.04–1.51) in the overall population, 1.28 (0.99–1.65) among blacks and 1.23 (0.94–1.61) among whites. Multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (95% CI) for CHD death associated with any versus no stroke symptoms were 1.50 (1.10–2.06) overall, 1.58 (1.07–2.32) among blacks and 1.41 (0.82–2.43) among whites. Conclusion A history of stroke symptoms is associated with a higher incidence of CHD among black and white adults.
THE WAR BETWEEN MILETUS AND SAMOS ΠΕΡΙ ΠΡΙΗΝΗΣ (THUC. 1.115.2; DIOD. SIC. 12.27.2; AND PLUT. PER. 25.1)*

Thucydides, Diodorus and Plutarch describe the outbreak of war between Miletus and Samos in 441/440 b.c.e., ostensibly over possession of their smaller neighbour Priene, in similar ways (Thuc. 1.115-17; Diod. Sic. 12.27-8; Plut. Per. 25-8). What began as a local conflict over land escalated when Miletus appealed to Athens as hegemon of the Delian League. The Athenians ordered arbitration to resolve the conflict, but the Samians, probably concerned that the Athenians would side with the Milesians (Diod. Sic. 12.27.1), refused, which in turn led to war between Samos and Athens. Eight months later a coup at Samos started another war. When the Samians finally surrendered, the Athenians forced them to repay the cost of the siege (IG I2.293; Thuc. 1.117.3) and collected hostages (Thuc. 1.117.3).
Brightness Temperature Simulation of Observed Precipitation Using a Three-Dimensional Radiative Transfer Model

AbstractThis study demonstrates the capabilities of a three-dimensional radiative transfer model coupled to a polarized microwave surface emissivity model. Simulations are performed at 10, 19, and 37 GHz for TMI and WindSat using three-dimensional fields of rain, snow, and graupel derived from Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission observations of moderate Tropical Storm Asma in conjunction with atmospheric profiles and surface fields from ECMWF. Simulations are well behaved and compare well with measured brightness temperatures. Comparisons are made between simulations with a wind-roughened surface and simulations assuming a specular surface. This theoretical study, which is supported with WindSat retrievals, shows the frequencies and conditions under which surface emissions may be detected in the presence of rain.
The paradox of decreasing nonmedical opioid analgesic use and increasing abuse or dependence — An assessment of demographic and substance use trends, United States, 2003–2014

Abstract Background The harms related to nonmedical use of opioid analgesics have impacted the United States for more than a decade. Examining trends in nonmedical use, abuse, and dependence among various demographic and substance using groups can provide critical insight for prevention and treatment activities. Methods Data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health were used to assess trends in opioid analgesic nonmedical use, abuse, and dependence for 2003–2005, 2006–2008, 2009–2011, and 2012–2014. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify characteristics associated with opioid analgesic abuse or dependence. Results Rates of past-year opioid analgesic nonmedical use decreased from 48.4 per 1000 persons aged 12 years and older in 2003–2005 to 43.3 in 2012–2014. Declines were seen among most demographic and substance using groups. In contrast, rates of past-year opioid analgesic abuse or dependence increased from 6.0 per 1000 persons in 2003–2005 to 7.5 in 2012–2014; increases were seen among most demographic and substance using groups. In 2012–2014, odds of opioid analgesic abuse or dependence were highest among those with sedative or tranquilizer and heroin abuse or dependence. Conclusions These findings indicate encouraging trends in overall nonmedical use of opioid analgesics which declined among many demographic and substance using groups. However, continued increases in rates of opioid analgesic abuse or dependence highlight the critical importance of maintaining efforts to drive down inappropriate opioid prescribing and expanding efforts to increase the provision of medication assisted treatment and psychosocial services for opioid use disorders and equipping individuals with naloxone to reverse opioid overdose.
Fatigue in hospital nurses — ‘Supernurse’ culture is a barrier to addressing problems: A qualitative interview study

Abstract Background Fatigue in hospital nurses is associated with decreased nurse satisfaction, increased turnover and negative patient outcomes. Addressing fatigue in nurses has been identified as a priority by many organizations worldwide in an effort to promote both a culture of patient safety and a healthy nursing workforce. Objectives The overall aim of this study was to explore barriers and facilitators within the hospital nurse work system to nurse coping and fatigue. The purpose of this paper is to describe emergent themes that offer new insight describing the relationships among nurse perceptions of fatigue, nursing professional culture, and implications for the nursing workforce. Design A qualitative exploratory study was used to explore nurse identified sources, barriers to addressing, and consequences of fatigue. Participants and setting: Twenty-two nurses working in intensive care and medical-surgical units within a large academic medical center in the United States participated in the interviews. Method Interviews with the participants followed a semi-structured interview guide that included questions eliciting participants' views on nurse fatigue levels, consequences of fatigue, and barriers to addressing fatigue. The interview transcripts were analyzed using directed content analysis guided by the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS) model. Additional themes that did not directly align with the SEIPS model were also identified. Results All nurses in the current study experienced fatigue; yet they had varying perspectives on the importance of addressing fatigue in relation to other health systems challenges. A new construct related to nursing professional culture was identified and defined as "Supernurse". Identified subthemes of Supernurse include: extraordinary powers used for good; cloak of invulnerability; no sidekick; Kryptonite, and an alterego. These values, beliefs, and behaviors define the specific aspects of nursing professional culture that can act as barriers to fatigue risk management programs and achieving safety culture in hospital organizations. Nurse fatigue and attributes of nurse professional culture also have implications for nurse satisfaction and retention. Conclusions Findings from this study further support the role of nursing professional culture as an important barrier to effectively addressing fatigue in nursing work systems. Future work is needed to identify and evaluate innovative culture change models and strategies to target these barriers.
Computational investigation of proton transfer, pKa shifts and pH‐optimum of protein–DNA and protein–RNA complexes

Protein-nucleic acid interactions play a crucial role in many biological processes. This work investigates the changes of pKa values and protonation states of ionizable groups (including nucleic acid bases) that may occur at protein-nucleic acid binding. Taking advantage of the recently developed pKa calculation tool DelphiPka, we utilize the large protein-nucleic acid interaction database (NPIDB database) to model pKa shifts caused by binding. It has been found that the protein's interfacial basic residues experience favorable electrostatic interactions while the protein acidic residues undergo proton uptake to reduce the energy cost upon the binding. This is in contrast with observations made for protein-protein complexes. In terms of DNA/RNA, both base groups and phosphate groups of nucleotides are found to participate in binding. Some DNA/RNA bases undergo pKa shifts at complex formation, with the binding process tending to suppress charged states of nucleic acid bases. In addition, a weak correlation is found between the pH-optimum of protein-DNA/RNA binding free energy and the pH-optimum of protein folding free energy. Overall, the pH-dependence of protein-nucleic acid binding is not predicted to be as significant as that of protein-protein association. Proteins 2017; 85:282-295. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Abstract 350: Influence of HIV-1 Infection and Antiretroviral Therapy on the Coagulation System

HIV-1-infected individuals have a two- to four-fold greater incidence of cardiovascular disease and atherothrombotic events compared with the general population. The mechanisms responsible for this heightened cardiovascular risk are not fully understood. We have previously reported that the capacity of the endothelium to release tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA), the primary activator of fibrinolysis and a key endogenous defense mechanism against intravascular fibrin deposition and thrombosis, is impaired in HIV-1-seropositive adults. Whether diminished fibrinolytic activity is coupled with a hypercoagulative state in this population is unknown. Elevations in specific coagulation markers such as tissue factor and Factor VII are associated with increased thrombotic risk. The experimental aim of this study was to determine the influence of HIV-1 infection and antiretroviral therapy (ART) on markers of coagulation. To address this aim we studied 33 men: 16 HIV-1-seronegative (age: 41±3 yr); 7 HIV-1-seropositive treatment-naive (34±2 yr); and 10 HIV-1-seropositive receiving ART (42±3 yr; efavirenz-based regimen). All subjects were non-obese, normotensive and free of overt cardiometabolic disease. Circulating concentrations of tissue factor, Factor VII, Factor VIII and Factor X were determined by immunoassay. There were no significant differences in plasma concentrations of tissue factor (32+3 vs 40+3 pg/mL), Factor VII (103+9 vs 100+5 %), Factor VIII (111+13 vs 117+8 %) and Factor X (89+5 vs 91+2 %) between HIV-1-seropositive treatment-naive and healthy men. Moreover, there was no influence of ART on these circulating markers. Plasma tissue factor (41+5 pg/mL), Factor VII (107+6 %), Factor VIII (103+7 %) and Factor X (90+3%) were similar in the HIV-1-seropositive receiving ART compared with HIV-1-seropositive treatment-naive and seronegative groups. These data suggest that neither HIV-1 infection per se nor ART are associated with unfavorable changes in specific coagulation markers. Thus, changes in the coagulation system that have been linked to increased thrombotic burden are not apparent in HIV-1-seropositive adults.
Bayesian ranking and selection model for the second-best network pricing problem

We adopt a Bayesian ranking and selection (R&S) model to solve the Second-best Network Pricing Problem (SNPP) in transportation. The objective of SNPP is to find an optimal subset of links and toll levels so as to minimize the total travel time on the network. It is an NP-hard problem with a large number of candidate solutions. We consider every combination of tollable link(s) and toll levels as an "alternative", and the problem's objective function value is regarded as a "reward", with uncertainties modeled by normal perturbations to the travel demand. We use a linear belief based Knowledge Gradient sampling policy to maximize the expected reward, with Monte Carlo sampling of the hyperparameters used to reduce the choice set size. Simulation experiments for a benchmark network show the effectiveness of the proposed method and its superior performance to a Sample Average Approximation based Genetic Algorithm.
Radioactive source localization in urban environments with sensor networks and the Internet of Things

The use of radiation detectors as an element in the so-called “Internet of Things” has recently become viable with the available of low-cost, mobile radiation sensors capable of streaming geo-referenced data. New methods for fusing the data from multiple sensors on such a network is presented. The traditional simple and ordinary Kriging methods present a challenge for such a network since the assumption of a constant mean is not valid in this application. A variety of Kalman filters are introduced in an attempt to solve the problem associated with this variable and unknown mean. Results are presented on a deployed sensor network.
Major dust storms and westward traveling waves on Mars

Westward traveling waves are observed during major dust storm periods in northern fall and winter. The close correlation in timing makes westward traveling wave one of the signature responses of the Martian atmosphere to major dust storms. Westward traveling waves are dominated by zonal wavenumber m = 1 in the middle atmosphere and are typically characterized by long wave period. They are associated with significant temperature perturbations near the edge of the north polar vortex. Their wind signals extend to the low latitudes and the southern hemisphere. Their eddy momentum and heat fluxes exhibit complex patterns on a global scale in the middle atmosphere.
Changing trends in complications of chronic hepatitis C

Background and Aims Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related complications have increased over the past decade. Methods We used join-point regression modeling to investigate trends in these complications from 2006–2015, and the impact of demographics on these trends. Using data from the Chronic Hepatitis Cohort Study (CHeCS), we identified points at which the trend significantly changed, and estimated the annual percent change (APC) in rates of cirrhosis, decompensated cirrhosis, and all-cause mortality, adjusted by race, sex, and age. Results Among 11,167 adults with chronic HCV infection, prevalence of cirrhosis increased from 20.8% to 27.6% from 2006 to 2015 with adjusted annual percentage change (aAPC) of 1.2 (p<0.01). Although incidence of all-cause mortality increased from 1.8% in 2006 to 2.9% in 2015, a join-point was identified at 2010, with aAPCs of 9.6 before (2006<2010; p<0.01) and -5.2 after (2010≤2015; p<0.01), indicating a decrease in mortality from 2010 and onward. Likewise, although overall prevalence of decompensated cirrhosis increased from 9.3% in 2006 to 10.4% in 2015, this increase was confined to patients 60 or older (aAPC=1.5; p=0.023). Asian American and Black/ African American patients demonstrated significantly higher rates of cirrhosis than White patients, while older patients and men demonstrated higher rates of cirrhosis and mortality. Conclusions Although cirrhosis and mortality among HCV-infected patients in the US have increased in the past decade, the mortality has decreased in recent years. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Iron pyrrole-based PNP pincer ligand complexes as catalyst precursors.

The structure of a pincer ligand consists of a backbone and two `arms' which typically contain a P or N atom. They are tridentate ligands that coordinate to a metal center in a meridional configuration. A series of three iron complexes containing the pyrrole-based PNP pincer ligand 2,5-bis­[(diisoprop­ylphosphan­yl)meth­yl]pyrrolide (PNpyrP) has been synthesized. These complexes are possible precursors to new iron catalysts. {2,5-Bis[(diisoprop­ylphosphan­yl)meth­yl]pyrrolido-κ3P,N,P′}carbonyl­chlorido­(tri­methyl­phosphane-κP)iron(II), [Fe(C18H34NP2)Cl(C3H9P)(CO)] or [Fe(PNpyrP)Cl(PMe3)(CO)], (I), has a slightly distorted octa­hedral geometry, with the Cl and CO ligands occupying the apical positions. {2,5-Bis[(diisoprop­ylphosphan­yl)meth­yl]pyrrolido-κ3P,N,P′}chlorido­(pyridine-κN)iron(II), [Fe(C18H34NP2)Cl(C5H5N)] or [Fe(PNpyrP)Cl(py)] (py is pyridine), (II), is a five-coordinate square-pyramidal complex, with the pyridine ligand in the apical position. {2,5-Bis[(diisoprop­ylphosphan­yl)meth­yl]pyrrolido-κ3P,N,P′}di­carbonyl­chlorido­iron(II), [Fe(C18H34NP2)Cl(CO)2] or [Fe(PNpyrP)Cl(CO)2], (III), is structurally similar to (I), but with the PMe3 ligand replaced by a second carbonyl ligand from the reaction of (II) with CO. The two carbonyl ligands are in a cis configuration, and there is positional disorder of the chloride and trans carbonyl ligands.
Modern Dance — the Professional vs. the Educational

(1954). Modern Dance — the Professional vs. the Educational. Journal of the American Association for Health, Physical Education, and Recreation: Vol. 25, No. 4, pp. 37-61.
Cramer–Rao type bounds for sparsity-aware multi-sensor multi-target tracking

Abstract Conventionally, sparsity-aware multi-sensor multi-target tracking (MTT) algorithms comprise a two-step architecture that cascades group sparse reconstruction and MTT algorithms. The group sparse reconstruction algorithm exploits the apriori information that the measurements across multiple sensors share a common sparse support in a discretized target state space and provides a computationally efficient technique for centralized multi-sensor information fusion. In the succeeding step, the MTT filter performs the data association, compensates for the missed detections, removes the clutter components, and improves the accuracy of multi-target state estimates according to the pre-defined target dynamic model. In a recent work, a novel technique was proposed for sparsity-aware multi-sensor MTT that deploys a recursive feedback mechanism such that the group sparse reconstruction algorithm also benefits from the apriori knowledge about the target dynamics. As such, it is of significant interest to compare the tracking performance of these methods to the optimal multi-sensor MTT solution, with and without considering the missing samples. In this paper, we analytically evaluate the Cramer-Rao type performance bounds for these two schemes for sparsity-aware MTT algorithms and show that the recursive learning structure outperforms the conventional approach, when the measurement vectors are corrupted by missing samples and additive noise.
Radiofrequency-induced endometrial ablation for the treatment of postpartum hemorrhage after vaginal delivery: Case report.

Rationale Postpartum hemorrhage is a common complication and difficult problem in obstetrics. Radiofrequency-induced endometrial ablation (RFIEA) widely used in abnormal uterine bleeding and achieved good effects. This article will investigate the effect of RFIEA for treatment of postpartum hemorrhage. Patients concerns A 26-year-old healthy full-term parturient woman presented with postpartum hemorrhage after vaginal delivery for 11 hours, who was ready to emergency surgery (hysterectomy) 7 hours after inserting an intrauterine balloon into uterine cavity. Diagnoses Blood loss after vaginal delivery was more than 500 mL during 11 hours in the full-term parturient woman. Intervention We applied RFIEA to treatment of postpartum hemorrhage. With the patient in dorsal lithotomy position, we advanced the disposable device according to the instruction and operated the Novasure system in semi-automatic mode. Outcomes There was no obvious endometrial bleeding found with hysteroscopy at the end of surgery. No complications (such as thermal injury to adjacent tissue, uterine perforation, bowel perforation) were observed. Lessons It is safe and effective to treat postpartum hemorrhage after vaginal delivery using RFIEA.
Targeted Transcriptional Profiling of Kidney Transplant Biopsies.

Introduction Studies are needed to assess the quality of transcriptome analysis in paired human tissue samples preserved by different methods and different gene amplification platforms to enable data comparisons across experimenters. Methods RNA was extracted from kidney biopsies, either submerged in RNA-stabilizing solution (RSS) or stored in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) blocks. RNA quality and integrity were compared. Gene expression of the common rejection module and other immune cell genes were quantified for both tissue preservation methods in the same sample using conventional quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QPCR) by 2 different commercial platforms, (fluidigm [FD]) or barcoded-oligos (nanostring [NS]). Results RNA quality was inferior in FFPE tissues. Despite this, gene expression for 19 measured genes on the same sample, stored in FFPE or RSS, were strongly correlated on the FD (r = 0.81) or NS platforms (r = 0.82). For the same samples, interplatform gene expression correlations were excellent (r = 0.80) for RSS and moderate (r = 0.66) for FFPE. Significant differences in gene expression were confirmed on both platforms (FD: P = 1.1E-03; NS: P = 2.5E-04) for biopsy-confirmed acute rejection. Conclusion Our study provided supportive evidence that despite a low RNA quality of archival FFPE kidney transplantation tissue, small quantities of this tissue can be obtained from existing paraffin blocks to provide a viable and rich biospecimen source for focused gene expression assays. In addition, reliable and reproducible gene expression evaluation can be performed on these FFPE tissues using either a QPCR-based or a barcoded-oligo approach, which provides opportunities for collaborative analytics.
What Ordered Optimal Classification reveals about ideological structure, cleavages, and polarization in the American mass public

This paper develops an extension of Poole’s (Polit Anal 8(3):211–237, 2000) Optimal Classification (OC) scaling procedure to the analysis of polytomous or ordered choice data. This type of data is regularly encountered in public opinion and expert surveys, legislative and judicial bodies where abstention is relevant, and measures of policy that are coded along ordinal scales. OC is nonparametric and requires only minimal assumptions about voters’ utility functions and the error term. As such, Ordered Optimal Classification (OOC) provides a flexible modeling strategy to estimate latent ideological spaces from ordinal choice data. OOC is also easily estimated in multidimensional space without identifying restrictions. After describing the OOC procedure, we perform a series of Monte Carlo experiments and apply the method to analyze survey data from the 2015 Cooperative Congressional Election Study. We then conclude with a discussion of how scholars can utilize OOC in future work involving multidimensional spatial models of choice.
Cigarette Management System: An operating procedures guide to obtaining and managing investigational tobacco products for regulatory science research.

Abstract Investigational tobacco products, specifically variable nicotine content research cigarettes (SPECTRUM), are available through the National Institute of Drug Abuse Drug Supply Program. Randomized controlled trials using research cigarettes are intended to support tobacco regulatory science research. The current paper provides an in-depth look into managing research cigarettes for two multi-site clinical trials and the design of a computer-based Cigarette Management System (CMS). The paper provides guidance intended for any investigator using similar products on the operating procedures under Good Clinical Practice standards and describes features of the CMS. The CMS and procedures described have been field tested for the past three years and have dispensed over 160,000 cigarette packs to participants. The CMS can accommodate a range of practical issues with real-world study implementation making it a robust application that is scalable to any study.
Surpluses Aren’t So Troublesome during a War

You may think this title confirms economics as a dismal science. Yet the title points merely to the increased wartime demand for food which then encourages production of surplus food after the war.
What Is Sexuality

Sexuality is an everpresent, ever-evolving, multifaceted possession of every human being. Encased in five layers of privacy, it contains the subtle dramas of our development.
Sensitization of cortical acetylcholine release by repeated administration of nicotine in rats.

Abstract Rationale. The integrity of cortical cholinergic transmission is vital to attentional processing. A growing literature suggests that alterations in attentional processing accompany addictive drug use. This study examined the effects of acute and repeated administration of nicotine on cortical acetylcholine release. Objectives. The effects of repeated systemic nicotine administration on cortical acetylcholine (ACh) efflux in the frontal cortex were determined to test the hypothesis that repeated administration of nicotine results in a potentiated or sensitized increase in ACh efflux. Methods. Animals were injected with nicotine (0.4 mg/kg, i.p.) or vehicle twice daily for 4 days. Cortical ACh efflux was measured using repeated microdialysis sampling on four occasions: on day 1, during the first exposure to nicotine or vehicle, on day 5 during a final exposure to nicotine, on day 8 during a nicotine challenge, and again on day 10 following saline administration. Results. Acute nicotine administration on day 1 produced a 90% increase in cortical ACh efflux. Repeated exposure to nicotine resulted in a larger increase in cortical ACh efflux on day 5 (200%) and day 8 (210%) relative to ACh levels measured on day 1, and relative to animals that received vehicle during the initial treatment period. Cortical ACh efflux following acute nicotine administration was blocked by mecamylamine (1.0 mg/kg, i.p.). However, the sensitized efflux of cortical ACh on day 8 was only partially attenuated by mecamylamine (1.0 or 5.0 mg/kg, i.p.), suggesting a mecamylamine-insensitive component of the sensitized response to repeated nicotine administration. Conclusions. Repeated administration of nicotine results in a sensitized increase in cortical ACh release. Sensitized cortical ACh release may mediate, in part, the cognitive components of nicotine addiction.
Evaluation of treatment strategies in stage II and III rectal cancer: An NCDB Analysis.

e15677Background: Patients with T3, N0 or any T with N1-2, or T4 rectal cancer should proceed with either concurrent chemo-radiation (CRT), radiation therapy (RT) alone or chemotherapy (CT) followe...
Sirolimus Therapy as Perioperative Treatment of Gorham-Stout Disease in the Thoracic Spine: A Case Report.

Case Gorham-Stout disease (GSD) is a rare entity that is marked by progressive osteolysis and bone resorption. A 14-year-old boy who was being followed for scoliosis presented with a marked curve progression and kyphoscoliosis. Imaging revealed osteolysis of the posterior elements and the ribs, suggestive of GSD. The structural compromise threatened spinal cord compression. Preoperative sirolimus therapy was initiated to stabilize the disease prior to corrective instrumentation. A biopsy specimen that was obtained at the time of instrumentation showed lymphatic vascular spaces consistent with GSD. Sirolimus therapy with the addition of bisphosphonate therapy was continued postoperatively. Conclusion To our knowledge, this case report is the first to describe sirolimus therapy combined with surgery for GSD of the spine. The patient did well with consecutive medical optimization and surgical intervention, including postoperative sirolimus and bisphosphonate therapy.
Lactic acid suppresses cytokine production and expression of miR-155 and 146a following LPS activation in mast cells.

A considerable health burden, sepsis is a clinical inflammatory condition with mortality rates from 30–50% and no effective treatments. Septic patients and animal models show increased blood lactate concentrations and microRNA(miR)-155 and miR-146a expression, but how these factors are related is not clear. Lactic acid has been shown to have a suppressive effect on LPS activation and subsequent NFkB induction in macrophages and dendritic cells, but mast cells have not been examined. Our data suggests that lactic acid suppresses LPS-induced cytokine and chemokine production in bone marrow derived mast cells (BMMCs) and peritoneal mast cells. This effect is dependent upon the concentration of lactic acid, pH, and transport through MCT-1. Additionally, it is known that miR-155 and 146a affect cytokine production downstream of NFkB and TLR4, however the effects of lactic acid on these miRs is unknown. Our results show that LPS enhances miR-155 and miR-146a expression, an effect that is antagonized by lactic acid. Interestingly, miR-155 is historically considered pro-inflammatory, while miR-146a is considered anti-inflammatory. Current studies seek to determine the contribution of these miRs to septic inflammation and its modulation by lactic acid.
Radiation-induced kidney injury:

Renal dysfunction because of radiation exposure was recognized decades ago. The incidence declined when more effective chemotherapeutic agents became available. However, there appears to be a resur...
Low Noise ZVS Switch Sharing Multichannel Switching Amplifier for Magnetic Bearing Applications

In a magnetic bearing system, the levitation coils or electromagnets must be driven by an amplifier in order to control their currents for levitation stability. This amplifier typically drives every coil individually with hard-switching H-bridges. However, the inherent high dv/dt of hard-switching in conjunction with the large parasitic capacitance of magnetic bearing coils typically results in high current spikes and severe ringing in the switching process, which may interfere with position sensors and system communication. Furthermore, driving each coil individually requires a large number of switches. In this brief, a switch sharing zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) multichannel switching amplifier topology is proposed, which not only reduces the number of switches needed when driving multiple coils, but also eliminates current spikes and reduces the switching loss of the magnetic bearing amplifier. The proposed topology is experimentally tested to validate expected benefits.
Warped Speed: How COVID-19 Transfected and Transformed Medical Journals.

“I feel the need—the need for speed”—Peter “Maverick” Mitchell (fictional character in the movie Top Gun ) ([1][1]) The back-to-back announcements by the Lancet ([2][2]) and the New England Journal of Medicine ([3][3]) that they were retracting research papers on coronavirus disease
MOOCs, scalability, and other dangerous things

The idea that there is educational gold (metaphorical or material) in expansive, highly distributed online courses has been developing momentum over the last few years, primarily through the popularization of the acronym MOOC – massive open online courses. It is difficult to know exactly why a sudden fixation with this particular type of online education has emerged. But as this book argues, the idea of “massive” education (if you define “massive” as many people being involved in an asynchronous, shared educational process) is one of the earliest ideas in development of an online/cyberspace information universe – going all the way back to Bush's vision of his Memex machine. Nelson was promoting massive educational ecologies decades ago, writing, Now that we have all these wonderful devices, it should be the goal of society to put them in the service of truth and learning. And this is the way I propose. … We want to go back to the roots of our civilization – the ability which we once had, for everybody who could read to be able to read everything. We must once again become a community of common access to a shared heritage. (1974, p. 45) Licklider and Taylor had similar realizations: if the network idea should prove to do for education what a few have envisioned in hope, if not in concrete detailed plan, and if all minds should prove to be responsive, surely the boon to humankind would be beyond measure. (p. 40) One of the best technologies for these types of networked, large-scale education initiatives, the Programmed Logic for Teaching Operations (Plato IV), reached its height in the 1970s, capable of having up to four thousand students in a single course through intranet technologies, using innovative applications to help keep students engaged. (It is somewhat mystifying that current attempts at developing massive online courses not only don't seem to be using much of the discoveries and/or findings that could culled from Plato IV, but rarely seem to mention the project.) Various possible reasons can be suggested why the idea of interconnecting large populations of learners into targeted online courses is suddenly receiving so much attention from so many quarters (educators, journalists, businesspeople): (1) Some of the reasons are probably philosophical – the Internet has created new interests in the potentials for human connectivity (Siemens 2005), process-based learning (Akyol and Garrison 2014), […]
A whole blood microsampling assay for vancomycin: development, validation and application for pediatric clinical study.

Background: Vancomycin is a commonly used antibiotic, which requires therapeutic drug monitoring to ensure optimal treatment. Microsampling assays are attractive tools for pediatric clinical resear...
A Touching Connection: How Observing Robotic Touch Can Affect Human Trust in a Robot

As robots begin to occupy our social spaces, touch will increasingly become part of human–robot interactions. This paper examines the impact of observing a robot touch a human on trust in that robot. In three online studies, observers watched short videos of human–robot interactions and provided a series of judgments about the robot, which either did or did not touch the human on the shoulder. Trust was measured using a recently introduced multi-dimensional instrument, which assesses people’s trust in a robot as being capable, reliable, sincere, and/or ethical. The first study showed that observed robot touch increased overall trust in the robot, especially for the sincere and ethical trust aspects, and led people to perceive the robot as more comforting, but also more inappropriate. A second study replicated the general pattern, even with a handshake preceding the touch; but in the context of the handshake the touch was seen as more inappropriate. A third study examined the joint impact of a handshake, touch, and information about the robot’s designed function. In the context of such information, observed touch was seen as even more inappropriate, which in turn decreased trust.
Changes in chemistry of vitrinite in coal through time: Insights from organic functional group characteristics

Abstract Is the signature of the original plant communities preserved in coal, or is that signature overprinted by depositional and diagenetic processes? To address this question, Pennsylvanian coals from the Illinois and Appalachian basins were compared to Cretaceous, Paleocene, and Eocene coals of comparable coalification levels as shown by vitrinite reflectance. Three reflectance intervals—0.52–0.55, 0.58–0.62, and 0.68–0.71%—were considered, and in total 51 samples were analyzed. Although data on proximate and ultimate analyses and petrographic composition were compared on whole coal samples, the maceral vitrinite was the main target of this comparison because’ aside from being the dominant component of all the samples, it offers the best chance to preserve the signature of the original woody material. An in-situ micro-FTIR technique was used to collect data on the functional group distribution of vitrinite, and FTIR-derived parameters were compared between different age groups with a special emphasis on the differences between Pennsylvanian and the Cretaceous vitrinite. The main difference between Cretaceous and Pennsylvanian coals is reflected in their oxygen content, which is higher for the Cretaceous coals. On the functional group level, the only significant difference was detected in the CH2/CH3 ratio, which had higher values for vitrinite in the Cretaceous samples. Other parameters both within the coal and the vitrinite showed comparable scatter within age groups as those between the age groups. It is suggested that oxygen content in coal and CH2/CH3 ratio in vitrinite reflect differences in the original biomass, and the variations in other parameters such as C, H, N, volatile matter, calorific value, or the majority of FTIR-derived parameters are a function of both depositional and post-depositional factors.
Timing of Restarting Anticoagulation and Antiplatelet Therapies After Traumatic Subdural Hematoma—A Single Institution Experience

Background There is a paucity of information regarding the optimal timing of restarting antiplatelet therapy (APT) and anticoagulation therapy (ACT) after traumatic subdural hematoma (tSDH). Therefore, we sought to report our experience at a single level 1 trauma center with regard to restarting APT and/or ACT after tSDH. Methods A total of 456 consecutive records were reviewed for unplanned hematoma evacuation within 90 days of discharge and thrombotic/thromboembolic events before restarting APT and/or ACT. Results There was no difference in unplanned hematoma evacuation rate in patients not receiving APT or ACT (control) compared with those necessitating APT and/or ACT (6.4% control, 6.9% APT alone, 5.8% ACT alone, 5.4% APT and ACT). There was an increase in post-tSDH thrombosis/thromboembolism in patients needing to restart ACT (1.9% APT alone, P = 0.53 vs. control; 5.8% ACT alone, P = 0.04 vs. control; 16% APT and ACT; P Conclusions Patients requiring reinitiation of APT and/or ACT after tSDH were at elevated risk of thrombotic/thromboembolic events but not unplanned hematoma evacuation. Therefore, patients should be followed closely until APT and/or ACT are restarted, and consideration for earlier reinitiation of blood thinners should be given on a case-by-case basis.
Deficits in Advance Care Planning for Patients With Decompensated Cirrhosis at Liver Transplant Centers.

Importance The burden of end-of-life care for patients with cirrhosis is increasing in the US, and most of these patients, many of whom are not candidates for liver transplant, die in institutions receiving aggressive care. Advance care planning (ACP) has been associated with improved end-of-life outcomes for patients with other chronic illnesses, but it has not been well-characterized in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Objective To describe the experience of ACP in patients with decompensated cirrhosis at liver transplant centers. Design, Setting, and Participants For this multicenter qualitative study, face-to-face semistructured interviews were conducted between July 1, 2017, and May 30, 2018, with clinicians and patients with decompensated cirrhosis at 3 high-volume transplant centers in California. Patient participants were adults and had a diagnosis of cirrhosis, at least 1 portal hypertension–related complication, and current or previous Model for End-Stage Liver Disease with sodium score of 15 or higher. Clinician participants were health care professionals who provided care during the illness trajectory. Main Outcomes and Measures Experiences with ACP reported by patients and clinicians. Participants were asked about the context, behaviors, thoughts, and decisions concerning elements of ACP, such as prognosis, health care preferences, values and goals, surrogate decision-making, and documentation. Results The study included 42 patients (mean [SD] age, 58.2 [11.2] years; 28 men [67%]) and 46 clinicians (13 hepatologists [28%], 11 transplant coordinators [24%], 9 hepatobiliary surgeons [20%], 6 social workers [13%], 5 hepatology nurse practitioners [11%], and 2 critical care physicians [4%]). Five themes that represent the experiences of ACP were identified: (1) most patient consideration of values, goals, and preferences occurred outside outpatient visits; (2) optimistic attitudes from transplant teams hindered the discussions about dying; (3) clinicians primarily discussed death as a strategy for encouraging behavioral change; (4) transplant teams avoided discussing nonaggressive treatment options with patients; and (5) surrogate decision makers were unprepared for end-of-life decision-making. Conclusions and Relevance This study found that, despite a guarded prognosis, patients with decompensated cirrhosis had inadequate ACP throughout the trajectory of illness until the end of life. This finding may explain excessively aggressive life-sustaining treatment that patients receive at the end of life.
Timing of active phase labor arrest diagnosis in nulliparous women: a cost-effectiveness analysis

Recommendations from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists for the safe prevention of primary cesarean deliveries propose that cesarean delivery for active phase arrest in the fir...
As Truthful as Our Notion of the Past Can Ever Be

Beginning in the mid-1980s, Alice Munro drew attention in interviews to her rapt admiration for the work of William Maxwell, a writer she has called “my favorite writer in the world.” The two were not close, although they met a few times through their shared association with the New Yorker. In 1988 Munro published an appreciation of Maxwell’s work and, after his death in 2000, agreed to revise it for a tribute volume published in 2004. During those years too, Munro was at work on a family volume she had long contemplated, The View from Castle Rock (2006), one that was inspired in part by and modelled on Maxwell’s Ancestors: A Family History (1971). This article examines the Maxwell-Munro crux as an example of the dynamics of authorship; it is an important example of two compatible writers who, throughout their careers, created narrative rooted in the very stuff of their own experience in place and time—whether seen as fiction, autobiography, or memoir. Each did so in ways that accentuate, for the critic intent on analysing authorship, the play of the past in shaping of any narrative.
Failure to launch: Measuring the impact of sales tax nexus standards on business activity

Abstract We present the first empirical analysis of the relationship between sales tax collection obligations, or nexus, and business activity. The recent Supreme Court decision in the Wayfair case upended the long-standing physical presence requirement for sales tax nexus, and opened the door for states to enforce sales tax collection obligations on remote sellers that have sufficient economic presence in the buyer’s state. In an effort to inform the ongoing policy discussion, we make use of state-level panel data to explore the extent to which changes in sales tax nexus were associated with changes in firm activity between 1979 and 2014. Our results suggest that increasing sales tax base breadth by 1 percentage point generates 0.14 percent additional firms and establishments and 0.2 percent higher employment levels. Furthermore, increasing the share of online companies with nexus by 1 percentage point translates into 0.1 percent additional (small) firms as the sales-tax-collection obligation is dispersed among a larger share of firms. Results from a simulation show that unwinding half of the observed base narrowing could have generated as many as 90,350 firms, 113,600 establishments, and 2.9 million jobs during the time period. These results provide suggestive evidence of the future impact of sales tax base recovery that will result from more neutral nexus standards in the post-Wayfair world.
Optical Thermalization in Highly Multimoded Integrated Nonlinear 2D Photonic Membrane Systems

We study optical thermalization dynamics in integrated photonic coupled-cavity arrangements on a Si 3 N 4 platform. We show that isolated photonic bandgap modes can reach positive or negative temperatures that can be predicted effortlessly using optical thermodynamics.