cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Amplification of noncoding chloroplast DNA for phylogenetic studies in lycophytes and monilophytes with a comparative example of relative phylogenetic utility from Ophioglossaceae.

Noncoding DNA sequences from numerous regions of the chloroplast genome have provided a signiWcant source of characters for phylogenetic studies in seed plants. In lycophytes and monilophytes (leptosporangiate ferns, eusporangiate ferns, Psilotaceae, and Equisetaceae), on the other hand, relatively few noncoding chloroplast DNA regions have been explored. We screened 30 lycophyte and monilophyte species to determine the potential utility of PCR ampliWcation primers for 18 noncoding chloroplast DNA regions that have previously been used in seed plant studies. Of these primer sets eight appear to be nearly universally capable of amplifying lycophyte and monilophyte DNAs, and an additional six are useful in at least some groups. To further explore the application of noncoding chloroplast DNA, we analyzed the relative phylogenetic utility of Wve cpDNA regions for resolving relationships in Botrychium s.l. (Ophioglossaceae). Previous studies have evaluated both the gene rbcL and the trnL UAA –trnF GAA intergenic spacer in this group. To these published data we added sequences of the trnS GCU –trnG UUC intergenic spacer + the trnG UUC intron region, the trnS GGA –rpS4 intergenic spacer + rpS4 gene, and the rpL16 intron. Both the trnS GCU –trnG UUC and rpL16 regions are highly variable in angiosperms and the trnS GGA –rpS4 region has been widely used in monilophyte phylogenetic studies. Phylogenetic resolution was equivalent across regions, but the strength of support for the phylogenies varied among regions. Of the Wve sampled regions the trnS GCU –trnG UUC spacer + trnG UUC intron region provided the strongest support for the inferred phylogeny.
The effect of aspect ratio on adhesion and stiffness for soft elastic fibres

The effect of aspect ratio on the pull-off stress and stiffness of soft elastic fibres is studied using elasticity and numerical analysis. The adhesive interface between a soft fibre and a smooth rigid surface is modelled using the Dugdale–Barenblatt model. Numerical simulations show that, while pull-off stress increases with decreasing aspect ratio, fibres get stiffer. Also, for sufficiently low aspect ratio fibres, failure occurs via the growth of internal cracks and pull-off stress approaches the intrinsic adhesive strength. Experiments carried out with various aspect ratio polyurethane elastomer fibres are consistent with the numerical simulations.
Growth Hormone Deficiency in Twins: Three Cases with Normal Co-twins

Idiopathic growth hormone deficiency is unusual in twin sibships. We report three twins with growth hormone deficiency whose co-twins are growing normally and have no evidence of hypothalamicpituitary dysfunction. It is likely that the affected children sustained perinatal insult. The data illustrate that idiopathic growth hormone deficiency should be considered in the differential diagnosis when there is a major discrepancy in height between twins. CASE REPORTS Case 1 Male twins I were born at 36 weeks9 gestation to a 27-year-old gravida 3, para 2. There was no history of abnormal vaginal bleeding, infection or, toxemia. Labor was spontaneous and lasted two hours.
The femur length/head circumference relation in obstetric sonography.

The relationship of sonographic femur length to biparietal diameter (BPD) in utero may be useful in detecting short-limb dwarfism, hydrocephaly, microcephaly, and measurement errors. Because BPD can be adversely affected by head shape changes (e.g., dolichocephaly), falsely high or low values of femur length/BPD could result. Because head circumference is less affected by head shape changes than is BPD, it should be a better standard of head size against which to judge limb length. The authors report normal values for the relationship between femur length and head circumference, based on a cross-sectional analysis of 361 normal fetuses (15-42 weeks) using real-time ultrasound.
Epigenetic reprogramming in germ cells and preimplantation embryos

DNA methylation and histone modifications are major epigenetic modifications with a major impact on gametogenesis and early embryo development. A key objective during these events is to erase and reprogram the methylation patterns to enable the developmental potential of the gametes and embryogenesis. A disruption of epigenetic reprogramming can lead to the dysregulation of developmental processes and to various diseases. Understanding the chronology and mechanism of epigenetic reprogramming during gametogenesis and in early development can lead to advances in therapeutic cloning and clinical intervention through assisted reproductive technology. Keywords: spermatogenesis; oogenesis; fertilization; blastocyst; DNA methyltransferases; histone modifications
THE ESSENTIAL ROLE OF RECOMBINATION IN PHAGE T4 GROWTH

INTRODUCTION 347 T4 CHROMOSOMES 352 REGULATION OF TRANSCRIPTION 353 DNA REPLICATION AND RECOMBINATION 354 A ,,!c:de/ ro.r J?NA Transactions in T4 ... 355 Origin InztlatlOn 357 Recombination-Dependent Secondary Mode of DNA Replication .... 358 Replication and Recombination Proteins 358 Mutants With Impaired DNA Replication and Recombination 360 OUTLOOK 364
The modern-day Nuremburg defense. The Federal Tort Claims Act, the Public Health Service Act, and immunity for those who violate the constitution.

Defendants’ own records bespeak of conduct that transcends negligence by miles. It bespeaks of conduct that, if true, should be taught to every law student as conduct for which the moniker “cruel” ...
Electroshock therapy by stimulation of discrete cortical sites with small electrodes.

SummaryBy usinrr small electrordes in electroshoclk treatment it nn. possible to 10-calize the stimulation sufficiently to separate some of the many phenomena that occur with conventional electroshock therapy. The small amount of data thus far accumulated seems to indicate: (1) Memory loss and convulsion are probably not necessary to produce clinical improvement. (2)Stimulation of cortical autonomic centers seems to he the most important factor in producing clinical improvement in the affective disorders with electroshock.
Security Strategy for National Grain Based on the Triple Helix Model: Taking Henan Province as an Example

Establishing grain security model based on the triple helix theory is important to promote the grain production in major grain-producing areas and safeguard national food security.The outstanding issues in the grain production,the temporal dynamics and spatial variations,were analyzed with statistical data and combined with the current grain production situation.The income gap either between farmers or between different regions are becoming bigger along with the increasing grain yields,the high grain yield and the low efficiency of resource co-exist at the same time.The increasing cost of grain production and the stable grain price make the income of the farmer and the government fiscal revenue both lower.These have become the obstacle to food security.This paper establishes a triple helix model for food security and proposes the policy for national food security,and it is suggested realizing the coordination of the goals of the central government,local governments and farmers in the safeguard way,and realizing the behavior moderation,benefit balance,interactive deference and mutual interaction among the food security counterparts in the aspects of strategy behavior.By fully developing the guidance of the central government,the initiative of local governments and the independence of farmers,a positive cycle with the increase of comprehensive grain productivity,the increase of the grain industry ability and the increase of farmers' self developing ability will be promoted.The paper explored a way of sustained,stable and harmonious development which complies with the principle of synchronization to improve food production and farmers' income,and coordinates the benefit between the major producing areas and sales areas without the sacrifice of the interests for ecology and the environment in the major grain producing areas.
Effects of Self-Management Education on Quality of Life in Children with Asthma

Objective To study the effects of self-management education on quality of life in children with asthma.Methods Seventy-five out-patients and in-patients with asthma were randomlydivided into 2 groups.The educational group(38 cases)received the basic knowledge education of asthma and self-management,while the control group received only the basic knowledge education of asthma.A inquiry was conducted in all patients using a Chinese PAQLQ(pediatric asthma quality of life questionnaire)before and 6 months after the treatment.The correlation and difference between 2 groups were analyzed.Results There were no significant difference before the therapy.After 6 months's treatment,there were uptrends on scorecard in some fields in such as symptom,activity,emotion and the total score in all patients(P0.01).Otherwise,the total scores and the score in some fields such as symptom,activity,emotion in the educational group were higher than those in the control group(P0.01).Conclusion The self-management education to children with asthma and their parents can improve the quality of life.
Hepatocyte growth factor is elevated in chronic lung injury and inhibits surfactant metabolism

Adult respiratory distress syndrome may incorporate in its pathogenesis the hyperplastic proliferation of alveolar epithelial type II cells and derangement in synthesis of pulmonary surfactant. Previous studies have demonstrated that hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in the presence of serum is a potential mitogen for adult type II cells (R. J. Panos, J. S. Rubin, S. A. Aaronson, and R. J. Mason. J. Clin. Invest. 92: 969-977, 1993) and that it is produced by fetal mesenchymal lung cells (J. S. Rubin, A. M.-L. Chan, D. P. Botarro, W. H. Burgess, W. G. Taylor, A. C. Cech, D. W. Hirschfield, J. Wong, T. Miki, P. W. Finch, and S. A. Aaronson. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 88: 415-419, 1991). In these studies, we expand on this possible involvement of HGF in chronic lung injury by showing the following. First, normal adult lung fibroblasts transcribe only small amounts of HGF mRNA, but the steady-state levels of this message rise substantially in lung fibroblasts obtained from animals exposed to oxidative stress. Second, inflammatory cytokines produced early in the injury stimulate the transcription of HGF in isolated fibroblasts, providing a plausible mechanism for the increased amounts of HGF seen in vivo. Third, HGF is capable of significantly inhibiting the synthesis and secretion of the phosphatidylcholines of pulmonary surfactant. Fourth, HGF inhibits the rate-limiting enzyme in de novo phosphatidylcholine synthesis, CTP:choline-phosphate cytidylyltransferase (EC 2.7.7.15). Our data indicate that fibroblast-derived HGF could be partially responsible for the changes in surfactant dysfunction seen in adult respiratory distress syndrome, including the decreases seen in surfactant phosphatidylcholines.
Technique for Antirefluxing Ureterocolonic Anastomosis

AbstractWe describe a modification of an existing technique for antirefluxing ureterocolonic anastomosis. This technique has been used in 6 patients (12 ureters) and has been uniformly successful in creating an antirefluxing anastomosis.
Turbulence simulation in tube bundle geometries using the dynamic subgrid-scale model

The dynamic subgrid-scale (DSGS) closure model is used in a large eddy simulation computer program for incompressible isothermal flows. One of the advantages of the DSGS model is the exclusion of a model coefficient. This model coefficient is evaluated dynamically at each nodal location for a given time step by filtering operations on the grid level and a test filter level. A non-staggered array tube bundle geometry arrangement is considered in doubly periodic boundary conditions for two-dimensional simulations at high Reynolds number. Results of the DSGS simulation are obtained in the form of power spectral densities and visualization of flow characteristics. The DSGS model simulation results are compared to the Smagorinsky eddy viscosity model simulation and available experimental data. The DSGS model simulation is found to be in good agrcement with spectral data available from experiments in similar bundle arrangements. Coherent eddy structures were observed. Body forces acting on the tubes showed satisfactory characteristics. Integral length and timescales are evaluated using correlation functions that describe the turbulence structure. The applicability of large eddy simulation to complex engineering flow sttuations has been shown using the DSGS model with applications to steam generator bundles for understanding of flow-induced vibration problems revealing the physical phenomena of the flow.
Post-Surgical Outcome of Infantile Spasms

Two-year postsurgical developmental outcome was assessed in 24 children with infantile spasms treated at the University of California, Los Angeles.
Improving performance per Watt of non-monotonic Multicore Processors via bottleneck-based online program phase classification

Heterogeneous architectures offer the promise of higher performance/Watt compared to symmetric multi-cores. Recent works have proposed the use of non-monotonic (NM) heterogeneous architectures with diverse core types where each core has unique power and performance characteristics. However, the power and performance benefits achieved by NM architectures is highly dependent on assignment of application to the most suitable core type for all program phases. In this paper we propose a novel online program phase detection technique that is based on the frequency of cache misses and processor stalls which correspond to core resource bottlenecks. We track performance monitors to formulate a Bottleneck Type Vector (BTV) that help direct the application to most appropriate core type for execution. We compare the proposed BTV-based core assignment method to prior online core assignment approaches and demonstrate as much as 22% improvement in average performance/Watt using Instructions per Second (IPS) as the performance metric.
Veteran identity as a protective factor: A grounded theory comparison of perceptions of self, illness, and treatment among veterans and non-veterans with schizophrenia

For individuals with severe mental illness, relatively little is known about the impact of a veteran role identity. Consequently, this article investigates whether veterans (n = 20) and non-veteran...
The bedside diagnostic accuracy of a novice reflectance confocal microscopy reader for skin cancer detection in vivo in real-time: understanding challenges and potential pitfalls

Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is a non-invasive device that images skin lesions in vivo at a cellular resolution to guide management of patient care. While previous studies have demonstrated high accuracy of RCM in diagnosing skin cancers, most of these studies were performed by experts as a blinded analysis off-site and does not reflect true clinical scenario. We assessed the diagnostic potential of a novice RCM reader, in clinical settings, at the bedside. Over a period of 15 months (August 2015- November 2016), 168 lesions (from 128 cases) were imaged with RCM to determine BCC and or melanoma in dermoscopically equivocal lesions. To evaluate the learning curve of the novice reader, diagnostic accuracy was evaluated at the end of 15 months, as well as during the first half (8 months) and latter half (seven months) of the study. Histopathological diagnosis was available in 95/168 lesions, including 38 melanocytic lesions (ML: 13 melanomas and 25 nevi) and 57 non-melanocytic lesions (NML: 26 BCCs, 4 SCCs and 27 benign). The remaining 73/168 lesions (43.45%) were not biopsied (received topical treatment, monitoring). On RCM, 22/26 (84.61%) BCCs and 11/13 (84.61%) melanomas were correctly diagnosed. BCC was missed in 3/26 (11.53%) lesions and melanoma in 2/13 (15.38%) lesions; these lesions were diagnosed mostly as superficial BCCs and focal epidermal changes overlying deeply situated melanoma nodule on histopathology, respectively. False positive diagnosis of BCC was obtained in 6/52 (11.54%) benign lesions and of melanoma in 2/52 (3.85%) lesions; these were diagnosed mostly as benign inflamed keratosis and moderately atypical dysplastic nevus on histopathology, respectively. In 6 lesions BCC or melanoma could not be ruled out. An increase in the sensitivity and specificity was noticed between the two halves of the study. A high sensitivity and specificity of 83.33% and 76.60%, respectively in diagnosing skin cancers was obtained. Based on this study, we identified some current limitations and potential pitfalls of RCM. The fact that the diagnostic accuracy of the novice reader increased with time, indicates a learning curve reading RCM images. Additionally, current technical limitations of RCM such as inability to differentiate various cell types, sampling error, and, shallow depth of imaging also lead to false diagnosis. Efforts are ongoing to overcome these challenges by building US based teachingtraining program and through a multimodal imaging approach for better diagnosis and patient care.
Retained cardiac implantable electronic device fragments are not associated with magnetic resonance imaging safety issues, morbidity, or mortality after orthotopic heart transplant

Background Cardiac implantable electronic device therapy (CIED) has revolutionized treatment for advanced heart failure. Most patients considered for orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) are treated with implantable cardioverter defibrillators, cardiac resynchronization therapy, or both. These CIEDs are surgically extracted at the time of transplant. Occasionally, CIEDs are incompletely removed. Little is known about the outcomes of post-OHT patients with retained CIED fragments. Methods We identified 200 consecutive patients that underwent OHT at our institution between April 2006 and December 2014 and performed a retrospective analysis of available radiographic images and clinical records. Chest radiographs prior to and following OHT were reviewed for the presence of CIED or retained CIED fragments. The outcomes of patients with retained CIED fragments that had subsequent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies performed were further investigated. Results One hundred eighty of 200 patients were identified as having CIED prior to OHT, of which 29 had retained CIED fragments after OHT. Most retained CIED fragments originated from superior vena cava defibrillator coils. There were no adverse events in the retained CIED fragment cohort, and survival was unaffected. Ten patients with retained CIED fragments safely underwent a total of 28 MRIs after OHT, all of diagnostic quality. Conclusion Retained CIED fragments are not associated with adverse events or increased mortality after OHT. Diagnostic MRI has been safely performed in patients with retained CIED fragments after incomplete device extraction. Retrieval of these fragments prior to MRI does not appear warranted given the demonstrated safety and preserved image quality in this population.
A neuromorphic transfer learning algorithm for orthogonalizing highly overlapping sensor array responses

In biological and artificial noses, similar odorants activate substantially overlapping populations of sensors. Increasing the discriminability of such odorants through learning is challenging, as learning-related plasticity in neurons activated by one such odorant then many inappropriately alter the representations of similar, overlapping odorants. We here describe a transfer learning algorithm, based on mammalian olfactory bulb architecture and asymmetric STDP, in which interneurons construct experience-dependent higher-order receptive fields (HORFs) that become diagnostic of more complex odorant signatures (covariance patterns). Consequently, even highly similar odorants can evoke nonoverlapping ensembles of interneurons, and thereby independently regulate principal neuron spike timing patterns and prevent the cross-contamination of plasticity. HORF construction is regulated by parameters such as maximum synaptic weight, initial connection probabilities, and the interneuron membrane time constant and spike threshold. This core algorithm can in principle allocate inhibition so as to regulate generalization and discrimination among specific odorant representations.
GPS Signal Corruption by the Discrete Aurora: Precise Measurements From the Mahali Experiment

Measurements from a dense network of GPS receivers have been used to clarify the relationship between substorm auroras and GPS signal corruption as manifested by loss of lock on the received signal. A network of nine receivers was deployed along roadways near the Poker Flat Research Range in central Alaska, with receiver spacing between 15 and 30 km. Instances of large-amplitude phase fluctuations and signal loss of lock were registered in space and time with auroral forms associated with a sequence of westward traveling surges associated with a substorm onset over central Canada. The following conclusions were obtained: (1) The signal corruption originated in the ionospheric E region, between 100 and 150 km altitude, and (2) the GPS links suffering loss of lock were confined to a narrow band (<20 km wide) along the trailing edge of the moving auroral forms. The results are discussed in the context of mechanisms typically cited to account for GPS phase scintillation by auroral processes.
Big uncertain data of multiple sensors efficient processing with high order multi-hypothesis: an evidence theoretic approach

With the proliferation of IoT, numerous sensors are deployed and big uncertain data are collected due to the different accuracy, sensitivity range, and decay of the sensors. The goal is to process the data and determine the most potential hypothesis among the set of high order multi-hypothesis. In this study, we propose a novel big uncertain sensor fusion framework to take advantage of evidence theory's capability of representing uncertainty for decision making and effectively dealing with conflict. However, the methods in evidence theory are in general very computationally expensive, thus they may not be directly applied to multiple data sources with high cardinality of hypotheses. Furthermore, we propose a Dezert-Smarandache hybrid model that can apply to applications with high number of hypotheses while the computational cost is reduced. Both synthetic and real data from experiments are used to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed method for practical situation awareness applications.
Legal Briefs: Should This Neonate with Transposition of the Great Arteries Have Survived?

A 3,340-g 40 4/7-week-gestation male infant was delivered by a 27-year-old gravida 1, para 0 woman whose pregnancy was unremarkable. The woman had prenatal care including fetal ultrasonography at 12, 20, and 40 weeks’ gestation. At 12 weeks’ gestation, a nuchal translucency (NT) was identified. A 4-chamber heart was identified; outflow tract visualization was attempted at the 20-week ultrasonography, but not recognized. The plaintiff obstetrician pointed out that outflow tract visualization became standard by the time of this fetal ultrasonography and should have diligently been identified, especially because of the presence of NT, a finding associated with cardiac defects. Labor was induced for postdates. The membranes were ruptured 6 hours before proceeding to a vaginal birth. At delivery, except for color, the infant was a well-appearing vigorous male infant without apparent dysmorphology. A nurse from the newborn intensive care unit was present at delivery and assigned an Apgar score of 6, 6 and 7, at 1, 5 and 10 minutes, respectively. In an attempt to improve the infant’s color, blow-by oxygen and subsequently positive pressure ventilation were provided. The nurse continued her efforts for 30 minutes in the delivery room. The neonate had no evidence of respiratory distress and his tone was good. The plaintiff neonatologist was critical of the nurse who did not call a physician or at least bring the neonate to the NICU immediately after attempts to improve color failed; this occurred despite using 100% oxygen, because the heart rate was normal and respiratory effort was good. The neonatologist pointed out that the neonate had a classic presentation for cyanotic congenital heart disease, appearing comfortable but cyanotic. When the infant arrived at the NICU, the blood oxygen saturation level was 40%. He was placed on 100% oxygen per hood and then continuous positive airway pressure; the saturation …
Identifying Policy Agenda Sub-Topics in Political Tweets based on Community Detection

The explosive use of twitter in the political landscape presents new avenues for tracking political conversations at federal and state level. Tweets are used by state and federal government bodies to present citizens with information about future and present policies. It is also used by political candidates to express their views on policy changes, laws and to campaign for legislative body elections, the most recent example being the 2016 US presidential elections. In this paper, we use supervised learning, textual semantic similarity and community detection techniques to find actively discussed policy agenda sub-topics among political tweets within a certain time period. Specifically, we target tweets pertaining to major policy agendas published by state representatives in US, to try and discern the major policy sub-topics that they address using their twitter accounts. Using our method, we demonstrate how we achieve a high accuracy in terms of Topic Recall and Order Recall, by comparing the output of our proposed method with sub-topic annotations done by domain experts.
Visuospatial and verbal memory differences between selected male and female adolescents of the STEM strand

The project began with the researchers trying to see how each gender assimilates learning based on visuospatial and verbal memory of selected Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) adolescents. The project was based from other studies as well as Bem's Gender Schema Theory. The participants included in this project were from the ages of 16–19 years old in Grades 11 and 12. The researchers used the brain training app Peak to be able to measure each participant's capacity for both visuospatial and verbal memory. After measuring the scores and determining the mean for each gender, there seemed to be no significant advantage found by either gender in both male and females, contrary to most found results from other studies. While the female participants tested did have a better mean score than males on both memory tests, the difference found was not significant enough based on the results of the both two sample z-tests, with the results being −0.43 for visuospatial and 1.63 for verbal, which did not meet the required z-score of 1.645 to reject the null hypothesis. Given the opportunity to have access to more resources and time, the researchers plan to continue the study to include other testing methods and not limited to brain training apps in order to come up with more conclusive findings.
Globalism in Rhythm: Music at the Crossroads of Populism and Multiculturalism

This article deals with music as a generator of political activism, cultural awareness, and popular resistance among people living in politically, religiously, and/or economically unequal situations and globalized unsettled sensitivities. It also examines government responses to music. This article expands the research on the role of music in the political and cultural developments in the twenty-first century. Utilizing lyrics I find music to be a transformative power that communicates political knowledge and social status, which are critical among people seeking identity and place in a globalized world.
The Social and Economic Roots of Engineering Science

This chapter analyzes how the social and economic changes brought about by the Industrial Revolution of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries helped to create a need for engineering science. The chapter describes how the development of cheap sources of iron, the development of the steam engine and the revolution in textile manufacturing combined to create what has come to be called the Industrial Revolution. While most of these developments had little dependence upon science, the chapter argues that with the development of new large-scale technologies, such as iron bridges, steam engines, railroads, steamboats and new factories engineers could no longer rely on traditional techniques such as rule-of-thumb or cut-and-try empiricism and had to rely more and more on scientific ideas and methods. While science could be of some use in solving the problems of large-scale technology the chapter concludes by arguing that much of traditional science was of little use in understanding actual machines and structures and that a new engineering science was required to address these problems.
Brain Computation as Hierarchical Abstraction

The vast differences between the brain's neural circuitry and a computer's silicon circuitry might suggest that they have nothing in common. In fact, as Dana Ballard argues in this book, computational tools are essential for understanding brain function. Ballard shows that the hierarchical organization of the brain has many parallels with the hierarchical organization of computing; as in silicon computing, the complexities of brain computation can be dramatically simplified when its computation is factored into different levels of abstraction. Drawing on several decades of progress in computational neuroscience, together with recent results in Bayesian and reinforcement learning methodologies, Ballard factors the brain's principal computational issues in terms of their natural place in an overall hierarchy. Each of these factors leads to a fresh perspective. A neural level focuses on the basic forebrain functions and shows how processing demands dictate the extensive use of timing-based circuitry and an overall organization of tabular memories. An embodiment level organization works in reverse, making extensive use of multiplexing and on-demand processing to achieve fast parallel computation. An awareness level focuses on the brain's representations of emotion, attention and consciousness, showing that they can operate with great economy in the context of the neural and embodiment substrates.
Low-order Raviart–Thomas approximations of axisymmetric Darcy flow

Abstract In this paper, we study the lowest-order mixed finite element method for the axisymmetric Darcy problem using Raviart–Thomas elements. In contrast to the Cartesian setting, the method is non-conforming in the sense that the discretely divergence-free functions are not solenoidal. We derive several estimates that measure the inconsistency of the method and derive error estimates of the discrete pressure and velocity solutions. We show that if the domain is convex, then the errors converge with optimal order modulo logarithmic terms. Numerical experiments are presented, and they indicate that the estimates are sharp.
Short-term effects of particle gamma radiation activities on pulmonary function in COPD patients.

Abstract Background It is not known whether environmental gamma radiation measured in US cities has detectable adverse health effects. We assessed whether short-term exposure to gamma radiation emitted from ambient air particles [gamma particle activity (PRγ)] is associated with reduced pulmonary function in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Objective We hypothesize that the inhalation of gamma radiation emitted from ambient air particles may be associated with reduced pulmonary function in individuals with COPD. Methods In 125 patients with COPD from Eastern Massachusetts who had up to 4 seasonal one-week assessments of particulate matter ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5), black carbon (BC), and sulfur followed by spirometry. The US EPA continuously monitors ambient gamma (γ) radiation including γ released from radionuclides attached to particulate matter that is recorded as 9 γ-energy spectra classes (i = 3–9) in counts per minute (CPMγ) in the Boston area (USA). We analyzed the associations between ambient and indoor PRγi (up to one week) and pre and post-bronchodilator (BD) forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and with forced vital capacity (FVC) using mixed-effects regression models. We estimated indoor PRγi using the ratio of the indoor-to-outdoor sulfur in PM2.5 as a proxy for infiltration of ambient radionuclide-associated particles. Results Overall, exposures to ambient and indoor PRγi were associated with a similar decrease in pre- and post-BD FEV1 and FVC. For example, ambient PRγ3 exposure averaged from the day of pulmonary function testing through the previous 3 days [IQR of 55.1 counts per minute (CPMγ)] was associated with a decrease in pre-BD FEV1 of 21.0 ml (95%CI: −38.5 to −3.0 ml; p Conclusion Our results show that short-term ambient and indoor exposures to environmental gamma radiation associated with particulate matter are associated with reduced pre- and post-BD pulmonary function in patients with COPD.
Resting State Abnormalities of the Default Mode Network in Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND Large-scale brain networks such as the default mode network (DMN) are often disrupted in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Numerous studies have examined DMN functional connectivity in those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a presumed AD precursor, to discover a biomarker of AD risk. Prior reviews were qualitative or limited in scope or approach. OBJECTIVE We aimed to systematically and quantitatively review DMN resting state fMRI studies comparing MCI and healthy comparison (HC) groups. METHODS PubMed was searched for relevant articles. Study characteristics were abstracted and the number of studies showing no group difference or hyper- versus hypo-connnectivity in MCI was tallied. A voxel-wise (ES-SDM) meta-analysis was conducted to identify regional group differences. RESULTS Qualitatively, our review of 57 MCI versus HC comparisons suggests substantial inconsistency; 9 showed no group difference, 8 showed MCI > HC and 22 showed HC > MCI across the brain, and 18 showed regionally-mixed directions of effect. The meta-analysis of 31 studies revealed areas of significant hypo- and hyper-connectivity in MCI, including hypoconnectivity in the posterior cingulate cortex/precuneus (z = -3.1, p < 0.0001). Very few individual studies, however, showed patterns resembling the meta-analytic results. Methodological differences did not appear to explain inconsistencies. CONCLUSIONS The pattern of altered resting DMN function or connectivity in MCI is complex and variable across studies. To date, no index of DMN connectivity qualifies as a useful biomarker of MCI or risk for AD. Refinements to MCI diagnosis, including other biological markers, or longitudinal studies of progression to AD, might identify DMN alterations predictive of AD risk.
Surgical leadership in changing times: the American College of Surgeons perspective

Surgeons around the globe are challenged by the rapid evolution of the environment in which they practice their profession. Changes in surgical technologies, the complexity of surgical patient care, and the regulatory and financial environment of surgical care delivery demand that surgeons be supported in their work with access to superb educational offerings and engagement to foster satisfaction and efficacy in their professional activities. The American College of Surgeons (ACS), the largest international surgical professional organization, is committed to supporting surgeons as leaders in the healthcare system to build programs to create the optimal environment for delivery of quality surgical care to our patients. A selected portfolio of the programs of the ACS is presented.
Syntheses of Strychnan- and Aspidospermatan-Type Alkaloids. 11. Total Syntheses of (−)-Lochneridine and (−)- and Racemic 20-epi-Lochneridine

Enantioselective syntheses of (−)-lochneridine (1) and (−)-epi-lochneridine (2) were obtained by two alternative C-20 diastereoselective syntheses of the respective pentacyclic (3aS,5S,11bR)-methyl 12-oxo-3,5-ethano-2,3,3a,4,5,7-hexahydro-3H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]carbazole-6-carboxylate ((−)-8) and tetracyclic methyl (2S,3aS,5R,11bR))-3-benzyl-2,3,3a,4,5,7-hexahydro-5-(2-(1-butenyl))-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]carbazole-6-carboxylate ((−)-12b) precursors from tryptophan derived 2-[(methoxycarbonyl)methyl]-3-[2(S)-(methoxy or benzyloxycarbonyl)-2-(Nb-benzyl)aminoethyl]indole (15 or 16). While a modified Grignard reaction of the ketone (−)-8 provided (−)-lochneridine (1), dihydroxylation and cyclization of the olefin (−)-12b gave its C-20 epimer (2).
Extreme Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) Risk Recognition.

To distinguish extreme and very high atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) event risk based on prospective epidemiological studies and clinical trial results. Clinical practice guidelines have categorized patients with either a history of one or more “clinical ASCVD” events or “coronary heart disease (CHD) risk equivalency” to be at “very high risk” for a recurrence or a first event, respectively. A 20% or greater 10-year ASCVD risk for a composite 3-point “major” atherosclerotic cardiovascular event (MACE) of non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), non-fatal stroke, or cardiovascular death can serve as an arbitrary definition of those at “very high risk.” Exclusion of stroke may underestimate risk of “hard” endpoint 10-year ASCVD risk and addition of other potential endpoints, e.g., hospital admission for unstable angina or revascularization, a 5-point composite MACE, may overinflate the risk definitions and categorization. “Extreme” risk, a descriptor for even higher morbidity and mortality potential, defines a 30% or greater 10-year 3-point MACE (ASCVD) risk. In prospective, epidemiological studies and randomized clinical trial (RCT) participants with an initial acute coronary syndrome (ACS) within several months of entry into the study meet the inclusion criteria assignment for extreme risk. In survivors beyond the first year of an ASCVD event, “extreme” risk persists when one or more comorbidities are present, including diabetes, heart failure (HF), stage 3 or higher chronic kidney disease (CKD), familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), and poorly controlled major risk factors such as hypertension and persistent tobaccoism. “Extreme” risk particularly applies to those with progressive or multiple clinical ASCVD events in the same artery, same arterial bed, or polyvascular sites, including unstable angina and transient ischemic events. Identifying asymptomatic individuals with extensive subclinical ASCVD at “extreme” risk is a challenge, as risk engine assessment may not be adequate; individuals with genetic FH or those with diabetes and Agatston coronary artery calcification (CAC) scores greater than 1000 exemplify such threatening settings and opportunities for aggressive primary prevention. Heterogeneity exists among individuals at risk for clinical ASCVD events; identifying those at “extreme” risk, a more ominous ASCVD category, associated with greater morbidity and mortality, should prompt the most effective global cardiometabolic risk reduction.
Requirements Complexity Ranking using Natural Language Processing and Complexity Class Correlation with Defect Severity

This paper addresses the risks to delivery schedule and product quality from non-periodic temporal detection of high severity defects in software projects. The non-periodicity in time and lack of a time boundary in detecting severe defects primarily stems from subjective scheduling of development and testing of product features. One solution is to objectively determine complexity and ranking of requirements to drive the project development and test sequence that uncovers high severity defects early in the life cycle phases. Requirements complexity is strongly correlated with defect severity as measurements show. Applying natural language processing, key words are identified in the given set of requirements, their weights measured to determine the complexity class distribution and ranking that drives the scheduling. The complexity and defect correlation-based sequencing mitigates the risks by discovery of high severity defects in a temporal saw tooth pattern providing the project team sufficient time to fix defects and mitigate the risks.
Compositional heterogeneity of the 3.4 km3 Blue Dragon flow, Craters of the Moon Volcanic Field, Idaho

Abstract The Blue Dragon lava flow in southern Idaho is one of the largest Holocene basaltic flows in the contiguous U.S. Multispectral remote sensing and field mapping of the flow have revealed its 280 km2 surface is divided into five large sub-areas with different spectral reflectance and morphology that correspond with distinct periods of the eruption. The flow grew outward from its source fissures primarily via a complex system of lava tubes, and stratigraphic relations at the boundaries of the mapped sub-areas provide temporal information about their order of emplacement. This offers a unique opportunity to reconstruct chemical and mineralogical changes in the source magmas as the eruption progressed. In this first comprehensive study of the compositional diversity of the Blue Dragon flow, geochemical data from 28 rock samples show that over the course of the eruption the lavas became progressively more primitive and depleted in incompatible trace elements, and Pb isotopes show subtle increases. These observations are best explained by eruption from a zoned magma source due to variable assimilation-fractional crystallization (AFC), with the initial eruption of more evolved and enriched magmas that may have been residual from the previous eruption, followed by progressively higher proportions of a more primitive and depleted component from deeper in the system. Differences in lava surface color and morphology among the five mapped eruptive phases may indicate changes in eruptive temperature, flow rate, or both as the Blue Dragon eruption progressed. The results support a growing body of evidence that systematic studies of geochemical variations in monogenetic and short-duration lava flows can reveal the relative influence of processes that affect single batches of magma.
Thymectomy and Aortopexy

This chapter describes the endoscopic/surgical procedure for thymectomy and aortopexy as performed by the following approaches: open and thoracoscopic. The text includes an introduction that outlines the indications, risks, alternatives, essential steps, needed equipment, and variations in technique for the procedure in question. This is followed by a template operative dictation, which provides the reader with an operative report, such as is found in a patient chart or electronic medical record. A description is provided of the following critical concepts for this procedure: thoracic access, with identification of the phrenic nerve, thymus resection, pretracheal dissection and exposure of the mediastinal anatomy, pledgeted aortopexy, and chest/wound closure.
Psychological and Psychosocial Evaluation of the Chronic Pain Patient

Pain is among the most common and disabling chronic health problems in the United States (Health United States 2006). The ubiquity of chronic, non-malignant pain and the complexities encountered with its management have prompted efforts to establish theoretical models to unveil, and otherwise explicate, factors other than those which are purely physical/sensory that contribute to the perception of pain and its associated impairments. One such model, the biopsychosocial model (Engel 1980), has gained significant appeal, emphasizing the bidirectional influences of psychological states and social/environmental factors with medical disorders and their associated symptoms, including pain. Rather than dichotomizing between physical and psychological origins, the biopsychosocial perspective maintains that the experience of pain, one’s presentation, and response to treatment are determined by the interaction of biological factors, the patient’s psychological makeup, the presence of psychological comorbidities, and the extent of social support and extenuating environmental circumstances (Gallagher 1999, Leo 2007).
25 – Darboux Transformation

Publisher Summary This chapter describes Darboux transformation. It is applicable to linear second-order ordinary differential equations, a single equation or a system, and yields a reformulation of the problem. Given the equation y′′ = (f(x) + K)y for y(x), then the transformation z(x) = A(x, λ)y + B(x, λ)y′ is a Darboux transformation if z(x) satisfies a differential equation of the form z′′ = (g(x) + λ)z. If w(x) is a solution of equation y′′ = (f(x) + K)y, then a Darboux transformation is given by z = y' − y(w′/w). In this case, if y satisfies y′′ = (f(x) + K)y then z(x) satisfies z′′ = (g(x) + λ)z with f(x) = f(x) − 2[log w(x)]′′. The chapter also discusses Darboux transformations of a specific type that can be used to decouple systems of differential equations.
SARS-CoV-2 Viral Load is Associated with Increased Disease Severity and Mortality

The relationship between SARS-CoV-2 viral load and risk of disease progression remains largely undefined in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We quantified SARS-CoV-2 viral load from participants with a diverse range of COVID-19 severity, including those requiring hospitalization, outpatients with mild disease, and individuals with resolved infection. SARS-CoV-2 plasma RNA was detected in 27% of hospitalized participants and 13% of outpatients diagnosed with COVID-19. Amongst the participants hospitalized with COVID-19, higher prevalence of detectable SARS-CoV-2 plasma viral load was associated with worse respiratory disease severity, lower absolute lymphocyte counts, and increased markers of inflammation, including C-reactive protein and IL-6. SARS-CoV-2 viral loads, especially plasma viremia, were associated with increased risk of mortality. SARS-CoV-2 viral load may aid in the risk stratification of patients with COVID-19 and its role in disease pathogenesis should be further explored.
Physics at the SLC

The SLAC Linear Collider (SLC) was constructed in the years 1983–1987 for two principal reasons: 1. To develop the accelerator physics and technology that are necessary for the construction of future linear electron-positron colliders. 2. To produce electron-positron collisions at the Z 0 pole and to study the physics of the weak neutral current.
Plasma pharmacokinetics and distribution of ruxolitinib into skin following oral and topical administration in minipigs.

Abstract This preclinical study compared plasma concentrations and distribution of ruxolitinib in the skin of Gottingen minipigs following twice a day oral (40 mg/kg) versus topical administration (1.5% w/w cream applied to 10% of body surface area). Following oral administration, the plasma area-under-the-curve was approximately 31-fold and maximum drug concentration was 38-fold higher than those observed following topical application. Following ruxolitinib cream application, the average plasma concentration at steady-state was 2.7 ± 1.8 nM, a concentration that is not pharmacologically relevant. The average total dermis concentration of ruxolitinib at steady-state after topical administration was 507-fold higher versus that following oral dosing, while the ratio for the total epidermal concentration following topical vs oral dosing was 1989-fold. The concentration of unbound ruxolitinib in the dermis after topical application was predicted to result in sustained and near-complete inhibition of Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription proteins (JAK/STAT) signaling in this tissue. In contrast, only partial inhibition of downstream signaling was predicted to occur after oral dosing. In conclusion, ruxolitinib cream affords an attractive disposition profile in minipigs, wherein dermis concentrations of ruxolitinib are fully effective whereas corresponding plasma concentrations are negligible. Consequently, this distribution profile should maximize the efficacy of ruxolitinib cream in the skin while minimizing the potential for deleterious systemic effects.