cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
School Board Elections: Theories Meet Reality.

This exploratory article relies on qualitative data generated from ob- servations and focus group interviews to investigate what motivates citizens to vote in school board elections and how they choose among candidates. Our re- view of literature suggests that capture theory, dissatisfaction theory, retrospec- tive voting, partisanship, issue voting, character voting, and sociological theories of voting might be useful in better understanding voting behavior in school board elections. We conclude that the greatest potential for theoretical development is found in a sociological approach: According to our data, voters care most about candidate character and seek this information through social networks. We also suggest several areas for future research related to deepening our understand- ing of school board elections.
Screening for sexually transmitted diseases by family planning providers: is it adequate and appropriate?

Of more than 3000 women interviewed in the 1982 US National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) who had made at least 1 family planning visit in the 12 months preceding the interview 50% reported that they were tested for a sexually transmitted infection. Black women were far more likely to have been screened than were white women (67% compared with 47%); moreover a racial differential was seen in every subgroup examined. There was also a large difference in the proportion screened according to the womans source of family planning care: Those who attended a clinic were much more likely to have been screened than were women who saw a private doctor (62% and 43% respectively). As with the race differential this relationship persisted after other variables were controlled for. In addition women who lived in the South were more likely to have been screened than residents of other regions (58% compared with 46%). Differences by metropolitan and non-metropolitan area of residence were small and were not statistically significant. Differences by marital status and age at 1st intercourse appeared statistically significant in preliminary analyses but when controls for other factors were introduced these diferences became nonsignificant. Since many characteristics that are believed to be important risk markers for sexually transmitted infections were also predictors of whether a woman would be screened for such infections current screening practices appeared in general to target the appropriate groups. (Authors modified)
How Genetics Might Affect Real Property Rights

New developments in genetics could affect a variety of real property rights. Mortgage lenders, mortgage insurers, real estate sellers, senior living centers, retirement communities, or other parties in residential real estate transactions begin requiring predictive genetic information as part of the application process. One likely use would be by retirement communities to learn an individual's genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease. The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on disability, but it is not clear that it would apply to genetic risk assessments. Only California law explicitly applies to this situation and there have been no reported cases.
Standard-Essential Patents: The International Landscape

Investigations and litigation involving standard-essential patents (SEPs) have begun to spring up around the globe. In February 2014, the Korean Fair Trade Commission issued its first decision on the issue of whether seeking injunctive relief on a FRAND-encumbered SEP constitutes a violation of Korea’s Fair Trade Law, concluding that Samsung’s injunction claims against Apple on SEPs related to 3G mobile communication technology do not constitute an abuse of dominance or unfair trade practice. The KFTC also rejected Apple’s contention that such conduct constitutes a refusal of access to essential facilities, concluding that FRAND-encumbered SEPs do not constitute essential facilities. In October 2013, the Guangdong Higher People’s Court issued a decision in Huawei v. InterDigital, affirming the lower court’s FRAND royalty determination of 0.019 percent of the sales price for each Huawei product for InterDigital’s (IDC’s) 2G, 3G, and 4G Chinese essential patents. China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) is currently considering commitments offered by IDC in an investigation into whether IDC abused its dominant position by seeking discriminatorily high royalties on Chinese essential patents. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) recently opened two related investigations against Ericsson, alleging that it violated its FRAND commitments by imposing discriminatory and “excessive” royalty rates and using Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs). In its investigation order, the CCI stated that “forcing” a party to execute [an] NDA and “imposing excessive and unfair royalty rates” constitutes “prima facie” abuse of dominance and violation of section 4 of the Indian Competition Act, as does “[i]mposing a jurisdiction clause debarring [licensees] from getting disputes adjudicated in the country where both parties were in business.” This article summarizes the approaches of the countries that have addressed conduct involving SEPs, focusing on recent developments.
Hilbert in Missouri

David Hilbert never traveled to the United States yet he exerted considerable influence on the development of mathematics in the country during the first half of the twentieth century through the t...
Active Plasmonic Metamaterials and Greatly Enhanced Light Absorption by Monolayer Graphene

We report our recent progress on active plasmonic metamaterials for electro-optic modulator applications, and experimental demonstration of greatly enhanced light absorption (over 40%) by monolayer graphene in a broadband (from visible to near infrared) spectrum.
Probable microvertebrates, vertebrate-like fossils, and weird things from the Wisconsin Ordovician

Phosphatic microfossils including probable microvertebrates occur in the Early and Middle Ordovician rocks of Wisconsin. The eight types described here include the probable ostracoderm Anatolepis , and six unidentified but possible vertebrate fragments as well as the palaeoscolecid worm Milaculum. These fossils are rare, but at two localities several specimens per kg were recovered over significant stratigraphic intervals. The high concentration of certain fossils in the lower part of the Galena Group suggests that there is stratigraphic value in their description. Identification of similar material or of articulated assemblages of these fossils may eventually lead to identification of biologic affinities.
Study of bandwidth adaptive Mean-Shift tracking

Aiming at the target scale and rotation motions in the tracking image,a bandwidth adaptive Mean-Shift algorithm combined with the Lindeberg scale theory was proposed.Based on the Mean-Shift mode,the proposed algorithm tracker regarded the target's scale and rotation as the equal variables with displacements,and the parameters of the target motions were obtained to locate target precisely in the image by computing the kernel bandwidth.Moreover,the simple location of target firstly through introducing Sum of Absolute Differences(SAD) into the Mean-Shift tracker can solve the problem that the tracker does not handle large erratic displacements effectively and can also reduce the Mean-Shift iterative times.Simulation Experiment results show that the proposed tracking algorithm is robust and effective to target affine motions,non-rigid shape changes and large erratic displacement.
Optical Behaviour of Materials

Optical properties are related to the interaction of a material with electromagnetic radiation in the form of waves or particles of energy called photons. The radiation may have characteristics that fall in the visible light spectrum, or it may be invisible to the human eye. In this chapter, we explore two avenues by which we can utilise the optical properties of materials: emission of photons from materials and interaction of photons with materials.
Minimal Residual Disease in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

New technology and improved understanding of the pathogenesis of acute leukemias have allowed for sensitive detection of minimal residual disease (MRD). Despite many years of research demonstrating the prognostic value of MRD, there is no standard of care for measurement of MRD in acute myeloid leukemia. The techniques for assessment are continuing to improve at a rapid pace; however, the benefit of risk-adapted approaches for MRD positive disease remains a major question. This review focuses on recent methodological advances for MRD detection, the role of MRD in prognostication, and current application of the available evidence in guiding therapy decisions.
Framework for radiation pneumonitis risk stratification based on anatomic and perfused lung dosimetry

To design and apply a framework for predicting symptomatic radiation pneumonitis in patients undergoing thoracic radiation, using both pretreatment anatomic and perfused lung dose–volume parameters. Radiation treatment planning CT scans were coregistered with pretreatment [99mTc]MAA perfusion SPECT/CT scans of 20 patients who underwent definitive thoracic radiation. Clinical radiation pneumonitis was defined as grade ≥ 2 (CTCAE v4 grading system). Anatomic lung dose–volume parameters were collected from the treatment planning scans. Perfusion dose–volume parameters were calculated from pretreatment SPECT/CT scans. Equivalent doses in 2 Gy per fraction were calculated in the lung to account for differences in treatment regimens and spatial variations in lung dose (EQD2lung). Anatomic lung dosimetric parameters (MLD) and functional lung dosimetric parameters (pMLD70%) were identified as candidate predictors of grade ≥ 2 radiation pneumonitis (AUC > 0.93, p 13.6 GyEQD2lung, 19.3 Gy for patients receiving 60 Gy in 30 fractions) developed radiation pneumonitis, but all individuals who also had high mean dose to perfused lung (pMLD70% > 13.3 GyEQD2) developed radiation pneumonitis. The preliminary application of this framework revealed differences between anatomic and perfused lung dosimetry in this limited patient cohort. The addition of perfused lung parameters may help risk stratify patients for radiation pneumonitis, especially in treatment plans with high anatomic mean lung dose. Further investigations are warranted.
Some Representation, Measurement, Estimation, and Validation Problems in Reflection Seismology

Abstract Modeling can be decomposed into four problems: representation, measurement, estimation and validation. This paper shows how this decomposition can be applied to some reflection seismology problems, and that this field is a very rich one for practitioners of parameter estimation and system identification
Fragments/Layers/Juxtaposition: Collage as a Data-Analysis Practice

Morgaine explores the process of using collage as a data-analysis method in a project about newly emerging non-binary sexualities. Focusing on the creative process as it organically unfolds, this chapter situates each step in the process in arts-based and anti-oppressive research practices. Morgaine examines the symbolic and methodological suitability of collage as a disruptive and multifaceted arts-based research tool that can advance anti-oppressive research practice through audience reach and visibility of marginalized groups.
The AGFA and AIRIS separators at ATLAS

The ATLAS facility is being augmented with two new separators in order to take full advantage of recent and future anticipated beam intensity upgrades to the accelerator. A novel concept is used for the Argonne Gas-Filled Analyzer (AGFA), which employs only two magnetic elements; a quadrupole singlet for vertical focusing and a multipole magnet that provides a dipole field for the separation and a quadrupole field for horizontal focusing of the reaction products. The design allows for placing Gammasphere or GRETINA at the target position. This arrangement enables studies of prompt gamma-ray emission from weakly populated trans-fermium nuclei and those near the doubly-magic N=Z=50 shell closures measured in coincidence with the recoils registered in the AGFA focal plane. The Argonne In-flight Radioactive Ion Separator (AIRIS) is a magnetic chicane that will be installed immediately downstream of the last ATLAS cryostat. It will be used to separate radioactive ion beams generated in flight by the primary beam at an upstream high-intensity production target. These beams will be further purified by a downstream RF sweeper and transported to a number of target stations including HELIOS, the Enge spectrograph, the FMA and Gammasphere.
First Demonstration of FPGA-based Hitless Flexible Receiver with Blind Modulation Format Identification

We present a FPGA-based flexible receiver with real-time DSP that adapts to the modulation format of the incoming signal automatically. Hitless switching between 1.024-μs long QPSK and 16-QAM frames has been experimentally demonstrated.
Civic media literacies: re-Imagining engagement for civic intentionality*

This paper explores the structural constraints of contemporary approaches to media literacy in the face of increased partisanship, tribalism, and distrust. In the midst of a renewed call for media ...
Edgar Allan Poe's THE CASK OF AMONTILLADO

In “The Cask of Amontillado” (1846) Montresor describes his murder of Fortunato in a tone of confession to an intimate who understands “the nature of my soul.” Yet, his recounting of the incident o...
Piracy and the production of security space

Since the emergence of Somali piracy as a threat to the circulation of cargo and capital through the Gulf of Aden, we have seen a massive effort on the part of global institutions, states, militaries, and private sector actors to protect this major artery of global commerce. This paper offers an analysis of the new institutional patchwork of ‘counterpiracy’ through the lens of the production of security space. What comes into focus then are the historical and contemporary processes of securing the conditions of capital circulation through war, law, primitive accumulation, and the enclosure of maritime spaces. By bringing together Foucault’s analysis of security and Marx’s analysis of capital circulation under the rubric of the production of space, I put forth a theory of production of security space as forming part of an infrastructure of circulation. Ultimately, I argue that legal, carceral, bureaucratic, and military practices are constitutive of this process of spatial production. Under the rubric of counterpiracy, law and discipline (as Foucault once wrote) have become ‘armatures’ in the apparatus of security. They have also become cornerstones of the new infrastructure of global capital circulation.
Static and Dynamic Electron Holography of Electrically Active Grain Boundaries in SrTiO3

The dynamics of electrostatic potential barriers at grain boundaries (GBs) in Nb-doped SrTiO3 bicrystals is investigated using a unique combination of bulk and in-situ TEM electrical measurements across isolated GBs, coupled with electron holography under in-situ applied bias. The Nb bulk-doped bicrystals exhibit a positive GB potential that suppresses reversibly under applied bias greater than the nonlinearity threshold in the current-voltage curve. This suppression is interpreted as break-down of the potential barrier to current transport. The results on Nb bulk-doped bicrystals have been compared to those in which Mn has been added as a grain boundary specific dopant. This acceptor doping of the grain boundary causes an appreciable increase in the grain boundary resistance and extension of the nonlinear regime. A preliminary account of static electron holography shows a relatively flat potential profile across the GB, indicating probable compensation of donor states at the GB core with Mn-acceptors. Interestingly, the phase profile under applied bias in this case exhibits a reversible “dip” at the GB which is interpreted as an activation of GB trap states due to Mn-acceptor dopants trapping extra electrons (the majority charge carriers) at the GB core, inducing a negative GB potential, and diminishing current transport until the threshold bias is exceeded. The synergistic combination of nanoscale TEM measurements coupled with traditional macroscopic electrical measurements is emphasized.
Chapter 39 Sovereign debt

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on specific problems posed by sovereign debt (that is, debt incurred by governments, typically those of developing countries) to foreign investors seeking a competitive return. Most recently sovereign debt has taken the form primarily of loans from commercial banks, although in earlier periods, governments raised funds abroad mainly through bonds issued in foreign capital markets. Whatever form it has taken, three broad facts have characterized sovereign debt: (1) governments have at times been able to borrow substantial amounts; (2) much of what they borrow, they eventually repay; and (3) repayment is often complicated, involving delay, renegotiation, public intervention, and default. The chapter provides an overview of these facts. It focuses on three central questions. The first question is why countries ever choose to repay their debts. The second question is what can go wrong. The last question is what can be done to correct these problems. The chapter also presents a discussion of some insights that he literature may provide for alternative forms of international finance.
Medical School and Residency Education in Community Psychiatry

There is broad agreement that there is a shortage of well-trained, committed psychiatrists working in the public sector. Many would agree that the quality of education and training for professionals in this sector significantly influences the quality and quantity of psychiatrists choosing to practice in publicly funded settings. Therefore, this chapter will focus on medical student and resident education in community psychiatry and what can be done to enhance the effectiveness and attractiveness of professional preparation for careers in this field.
Has nature designed the cholesterol side chain for optimal interaction with phospholipids

In view of the many roles played by cholesterol in membranes, it is not surprising that the interactions of cholesterol with phospholipids, and their consequences with respect to membrane structure and function, have been studied intensively for more than three decades. This chapter reviews recent studies on the importance of the isooctyl side chain of cholesterol on ordering of the acyl chains, as well as how variations in the alkyl side chain length affect the conformational order of fatty acyl chains of phospholipids in bilayer membranes and the molecular packing of phospholipids in monolayers. The discussion focuses on recent biophysical studies of liposomes and monolayers in which the alkyl chain length of the sterol and/or the acyl chain length of the phospholipid were varied. The results are interpreted according to the hydrophobic mismatch effect. Also reviewed in this chapter are some recent kinetic studies of intermembrane movement and intracellular transport of sterols having a side-chain structure different from that of cholesterol. For a recent review of other aspects of sterol-phospholipid interactions, including a more detailed discussion of the use of NMR spectroscopy to establish phase diagrams than are presented here, and an overview of differential interaction of cholesterol with subclasses of phospholipids, the reader is referred to Keough et al. (1996) and reference cited therein.
Trance and Transformation on the Northern Shores of the Chichimec Sea, Coahuila, Mexico

The diversity in the body of rock art found in the arid lands of northeast Mexico is attributed in part to the physical setting that provides the context, materials, and ambience and influences the mind-set of the prehistoric people who produced it. Although the pictographs along the Rio Grande are oriented toward a supernatural congress with spirits through the power of magical flight and the petroglyphs to the south are not only closer to the earth but also seemingly more grounded, both are ritual manifestations of a similar belief system that defines sacred space.
Near-Total Nasal Reconstruction

The patient was a 61-year-old man who presented with a 2-year history of progressive swelling of the nose. Physical examination showed a mass involving the nasal bridge. The skin was indurated over the entire nasal tip and dorsum to the level of the rhinion (Fig. 29.1). The tumor was fixed to the underlying nasal cartilages and caudal aspect of the nasal bones. It appeared to involve the nasal tip and alae. The neoplasm was not visible intranasally, and the patient did not complain of nasal obstruction. There was no evidence of cervical lymphadenopathy. A biopsy confirmed the presence of a squamous cell carcinoma, probably arising from nasal skin.
Mutual information in the frequency domain for the study of biological systems

Abstract Many biological systems are comprised of multiple components that are interacting nonlinearly and producing multiple outputs of distinct frequency characteristics. Quantitative analysis of the observable outputs to identify the dependencies among components is imperative to increase the understanding of the underlying mechanism of the system. In this work, quantification of nonlinear dependencies in terms of mutual information between time series with respect to frequency characteristics is explored. A new model-free methodology is developed and tested on simulated data from coupled nonlinear systems. The results indicate that the proposed framework performs better than a conventional method for quantifying interactions. Application on real-world electrophysiological data from an emotional state assessment experiment reveals specific brain areas that are associated with levels of emotional responses.
A Dual-Circularly Polarized Compact Feed Horn at 5G Millimeter-Frequency for Reflector Application

A high-performance feed horn with dual circular polarization is proposed at 5G millimeter-Wave (mm Wave) band for reflector antenna applications. The feed consists of two rectangular ports, a cylindrical waveguide, a TEd 11 polarizer and a conical horn. This feed horn is designed to operate within a frequency band of 50GHz to 53GHz. Simulations shows that the feed has inter-port isolation below −20dB, port reflection coefficients below −15dB, axial ratios below 0.2dB at the center of the beam and polarization isolations over 24dB. Furthermore, the feed is easy to fabricate. This feed is being manufactured currently and experimental results will be presented during the symposium.
Towards the Rapid Design of Engineered Systems Through Deep Neural Networks

The design of a system commits a significant portion of the final cost of that system. Many computational approaches have been developed to assist designers in the analysis (e.g., computational fluid dynamics) and synthesis (e.g., topology optimization) of engineered systems.
Outcomes of a Physical Therapist-Led, Statewide, Community-Based Fall Risk Screening.

Background and purpose Falls are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among US older adults and result in considerable medical and social consequences. Community-based screenings are a type of intervention that provides accessible fall risk screening and education at no cost to the participants. However, little is known about whether or how participants change behavior after screening events. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to quantify and characterize participant risk-reducing behaviors after community-based fall risk screenings. Methods Participants were recruited during 22 community-based fall risk screening events in 2017 led by physical therapists. The screenings were conducted using a modified version of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, and Injuries (CDC STEADI) toolkit. Screenings included risk reduction education via group format and individual recommendations tailored to fall risk classification based on the screening outcomes. For the study, questionnaires were used at baseline to collect demographics and screening results and at 1-month and 5-month follow-up to assess risk reduction behavior change. Descriptive statistics characterized behavior change and assessed outcome differences by baseline fall risk level. Logistic regression analyses examined factors impacting behavior change after screening. Results and discussion At baseline, 123 participants enrolled and 104 (84.6%) responded at 1- and 5-month follow-up. By 1 month, 50.0% of participants had adopted at least 1 fall risk-reducing behavior, which increased to 64.9% by 5 months. Moderate or high fall risk was significantly associated with adopting a new behavior change by 5 months compared with those with low fall risk (P = .04). The odds of adopting a fall risk reduction strategy by 5 months increased with higher education (odds ratio: 2.5, 95% confidence interval: 1.0-6.0) and moderate/high fall risk (odds ratio: 3.0, 95% confidence interval: 1.3-7.2) in a logistic regression model adjusted by age and sex. Conclusions Screening and education using the STEADI toolkit during community-based screenings result in short- and long-term behavior change to reduce fall risk among older adults, particularly those with moderate to high fall risk. Further research is needed to identify barriers and incentives among participants who do not make fall-related behavioral changes after screening.
Histamine antagonists: III. The effect of oral and local use of β-dimethylaminoethyl benzhydryl ether hydrochloride† on the whealing due to histamine, antigen-antibody reactions, and other whealing mechanisms. Therapeutic results in allergic manifestations

Abstract 1.1. Oral doses of β-dimethylaminoethyl benzhydryl ether hydrochloride, a potent histamine antagonist, in some instances exert a slight inhibition on experimentally produced histamine wheals. On the other hand, local application of the drug to skin sites either in combination with or preceding solutions of histamine results in a marked reduction in the whealing reaction. 2.2. Local application exerts a similar effect on ragweed (antigen-antibody) wheals in sensitive subjects. This would suggest that histamine or a histamine-like substance plays a role in their formation. Wheals resulting from mechanical and chemical stimuli are likewise inhibited by the drug. 3.3. Pyridil-N'benzyl-N-dimethylethylenediamine hydrochloride, another histamine antagonist, exerts an action on whealing similar to β-dimethylaminoethyl benzhydryl ether hydrochloride. The local effect of epinephrine on such reactions is entirely different. Epinephrine impairs the formation of the wheal through local vasoconstriction. Aminophylline applied locally does not materially affect histamine or antigen-antibody wheals. 4.4. β-dimethylaminoethyl benzhydryl ether hydrochloride is effective in the symptomatic treatment of most cases of urticaria and angioneurotic edema, and in the relief of pruritus accompanying various skin conditions. The action of the drug is palliative and symptoms usually recur on withdrawal. No appreciable effect was noted in the majority of cases of perennial vasomotor rhinitis, and no benefit was observed in cases of nonseasonal asthma. The use of the drug does not preclude the necessity of determining underlying etiology and appropriate measures for its control wherever possible. 5.5. The action of the drug is thought to be produced by displacement of histamine from its site of action. It is suggested that failure of oral administration to affect materially certain cases of allergy where histamine is thought to play a role may be the result of insufficient drug reaching the site of action.
Small-Scale Markets for a Bilateral Energy Sharing Economy

Motivated by the ever-increasing installation of photovoltaics in homes and small businesses, we consider a general small-scale market for agent-to-agent (energy) resource sharing, in which each agent could either be a producer (server) or a consumer (client) in each time period. We use a simple mechanism under which servers and clients are matched at random, and may each choose an offered price. If the client offers more than the server proposes, the transaction is successful. We model this system in the form of a mean field game, and prove the existence of a mean field equilibrium in which the server's bid is a fixed price that the client either accepts or rejects based on its current budgetary surplus. We also show in simulations that the system can attain near 100% trade ratios. Finally, using a case study over a synthetic electric grid, we show that the system can benefit both individuals and the system as a whole.
Analysis of Instruction on a University Strength Training Activity Course.

This research examined the effects of instruction on experiential knowledge, fitness, self-efficacy, and adherence to strength training of a university weight lifting activity course. Participants (n = 35) were enrolled in two introductory-level university strength training activity courses, which met for 85 min twice a week for 15 weeks. The intervention group was exposed to student-centered instructional strategies based on the Personalized System of Instruction (PSI), which included personalized feedback on each student’s individualized fitness plan. The control group experienced traditional activity course instruction with direct instruction to the whole group. Pre- and posttest assessments were collected and statistical analyses were conducted (p < .05). One-way repeated-measures ANOVA tests revealed univariate statistical differences in fitness measures (push-up, curl-up, and flexed-arm hang), perceived knowledge scores, and the weight management motivation factor of the Exercise Motive and Gains Inventory. Additional differences were observed between groups; however, due to the low number of participants, these differences were not statistically significant. The findings suggest that student-centered instruction in a strength training activity course can benefit student knowledge, fitness, and adherence to a strength training plan. Further research in this area should replicate this study with a greater sample size to determine if the observed differences are statistically significant within a larger research population.Subscribe to TPE
Elevated Lipase Associated With COVID-19 Possibly due to Acute Pancreatitis in a Pediatric Patient: A Case Report

As the global pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) advances, the challenge of understanding its wide spectrum of symptoms and sequelae continues to be a priority in the medical world. There are not many case reports on the atypical presenting features of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), especially in the pediatric population. Discussed here is a case of acute pancreatitis in a 14-year-old male who presented with abdominal pain without any other typical COVID-19 symptoms. Workup was significant for positive SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction (PCR), elevated lipase, and computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis with oral and intravenous contrast showed an indistinct margin of the pancreatic tail and left upper quadrant ascites, supportive of early pancreatitis. Clinical and laboratory improvement was noted after treatment with bowel rest, intravenous fluids, and antibiotics. This case highlights the concern that acute pancreatitis may be a complication associated with COVID-19. Identifying its signs may enable earlier diagnosis and treatment. Int J Clin Pediatr. 2020;9(4):125-129 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/ijcp401
Can LED lights replace lasers for detailed investigations of boiling phenomena

Abstract Capturing the dynamics of the triple contact line at the base of a vapor bubble is crucial to the development and validation of boiling heat transfer and boiling crisis models. To this end, laser-based techniques are the state-of-the-art. However, they have technical limitations, e.g., due to the presence of parasite interference patterns or laser speckle, and are often complicated to implement and operate. In this paper, we propose and discuss the rationale of alternative phase detection techniques based on LED lights. Colored LED lights have a coherence length of several micrometers, which is long enough to create interference patterns when reflected by the microlayer and short enough to prevent the formation of the parasite interference patterns caused by lasers. We show that, even with a simple optical setup, these LED-based techniques can create images of superior quality and uniformity, making it possible to resolve smaller boiling features, e.g., size and shape of bubble footprint at high-pressure conditions. Moreover, LED lights are much less expensive, safer, and easier to operate than lasers, which is an obvious advantage for researchers that want to either enter the field or expand their measurement capabilities. We demonstrate the use and the potential of these LED-based techniques with experimental results obtained in subcooled flow boiling of water, at both ambient and high-pressure conditions. We also demonstrate how this technique can be combined with infrared thermometry to study the formation and evaporation of the microlayer, other heat transfer mechanisms associated with the growth and departure of a vapor bubble, and the heat flux partitioning over the entire boiling surface.
Tailoring of arteriovenous graft-to-vein anastomosis angle to attenuate pathological flow fields.

Arteriovenous grafts are routinely placed to facilitate hemodialysis in patients with end stage renal disease. These grafts are conduits between higher pressure arteries and lower pressure veins. The connection on the vein end of the graft, known as the graft-to-vein anastomosis, fails frequently and chronically due to high rates of stenosis and thrombosis. These failures are widely believed to be associated with pathologically high and low flow shear strain rates at the graft-to-vein anastomosis. We hypothesized that consistent with pipe flow dynamics and prior work exploring vein-to-artery anastomosis angles in arteriovenous fistulas, altering the graft-to-vein anastomosis angle can reduce the incidence of pathological shear rate fields. We tested this via computational fluid dynamic simulations of idealized arteriovenous grafts, using the Bird-Carreau constitutive law for blood. We observed that low graft-to-vein anastomosis angles ( $$<20^{\circ }$$ ) led to increased incidence of pathologically low shear rates, and that high graft-to-vein anastomosis angles ( $$>40^{\circ }$$ ) led to increased incidence of pathologically high shear rates. Optimizations predicted that an intermediate ( $$\sim 30^\circ$$ ) graft-to-anastomosis angle was optimal. Our study demonstrates that graft-to-vein anastomosis angles can significantly impact pathological flow fields, and can be optimized to substantially improve arteriovenous graft patency rates.
Genome-wide transcriptional profiling uncovers a similar oligodendrocyte-related transcriptional response to acute and chronic alcohol drinking in the amygdala

Alcohol intake progressively increases after prolonged consumption of alcohol, but relatively few new therapeutics targeting development of alcohol use disorder (AUD) have been validated. Here, we conducted a genome-wide RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis in mice exposed to different modes (acute vs chronic) of ethanol drinking. We focused on transcriptional profiles in the amygdala including the central and basolateral subnuclei, a brain area previously implicated in alcohol drinking and seeking, demonstrating distinct gene expression patterns and canonical pathways induced by both acute and chronic intake. Surprisingly, both drinking modes triggered similar transcriptional changes, including up-regulation of ribosome-related/translational pathways and myelination pathways, and down-regulation of chromatin binding and histone modification. Notably, multiple genes that were significantly regulated in mouse amygdala with alcohol drinking, including Atp2b1, Slc4a7, Nfkb1, Nts, and Hdac2, among others had previously been associated with human AUD via GWAS or other genomic studies. In addition, analyses of hub genes and upstream regulatory pathways predicted that voluntary ethanol consumption affects epigenetic changes via histone deacetylation pathways, oligodendrocyte and myelin function, and oligodendrocyte-related transcriptional factor, Sox17. Overall, our results suggest that the transcriptional landscape in the central and basolateral subnuclei of the amygdala is sensitive to voluntary alcohol drinking. They provide a unique resource of gene expression data for future translational studies examining transcriptional mechanisms underlying the development of AUD due to alcohol consumption.
Visualizing HIF-1alpha mRNA in a Sub-Population of Bone Marrow Derived Cells to Predict Retinal Neovascularization

Bone marrow derived progenitor cells and macrophages are known to migrate into the retina in response to inflammation and neovascularization. These migratory cells might play important regulatory roles in the pathogenesis of neovascularization, a common complication observed in diabetic retinopathy (DR), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and retinal vein occlusion (RVO). Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) has been shown to contribute to the pathogenesis of retinal inflammation and neovascularization. However, contributions of bone marrow derived ‘activated’ cells to neovascularization are largely unknown. We hypothesized that selective visualization of migratory activated cells could be a powerful method to predict the onset of neovascularization and its progression at molecular level. I n this report we described the synthesis of a new hybrid nanoparticle to visualize HIF-1α mRNA selectively in activated macrophages in a mouse model of neovascularization. HIF-1a expression was confirmed in MRC-1 positive macrophages as well as in CD4 positive T-cells and CD19 positive B-cells using single cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) data analysis. The imaging probes (AS- or NS-shRNA-lipid) were synthesized by conjugating diacyl-lipids to short hairpin RNA with an anti-sense sequence complimentary to HIF-1α mRNA, and a fluorophore that is quenched by a black-hole quencher (BHQ). We believe that imaging mRNA selectively in activated macrophages could be a powerful method to predict the onset of neovascularization, its progression and response to therapy. Funding Statement: This work was supported by National Institutes of Health grants R01EY029693 (to MIU) and R01EY023397 (to MIU and JSP), a Grant from the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc. (to MIU), NIDDK MICROMouse funding program DK076169 and DK115255 (to MIU), a Grant from BrightFocus Foundation (to MIU) and a Grant from the Carl Marshall Reeves & Mildred Almen Reeves Foundation, Inc. (to JSP), Vanderbilt Diabetes Research and Training Center Core grant (P30 DK020593-34-39), Vanderbilt Vision Research Center NEI Core Grant (P30-EY008126) and an Unrestricted Grant from Research to Prevent Blindness, Inc. Declaration of Interests: None. Ethics Approval Statement: All animal procedures used in this study were approved by the Vanderbilt University Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee and were performed in accordance with the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology Statement for the Use of Animals in Ophthalmic and Vision Research.
Androgen Deprivation Therapy and the Risk of Dementia after Treatment for Prostate Cancer.

Purpose:The association between androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and dementia in men with prostate cancer remains inconclusive. We assessed the association between cumulative ADT exposure and the...
Cannabinoid receptors: a novel target for the treatment of prostate cancer

2566 Because prostate cancer is the most common diagnosed invasive malignancy and second leading cause of cancer related deaths in US male population, developing novel targets and mechanism based agents for its treatment has become a challenging issue. In recent years cannabinoids, the active components of Cannabis sativa linnaeus (marijuana) and their derivatives are receiving renewed attention because of their diverse pharmacological activities such as cell growth inhibition, anti-inflammatory effects and tumor regression. Further interest in cannabinoid research came from the discovery of specific cannabinoid system and the cloning of specific cannabinoid receptors. These diversified effects of cannabinoids are now known to be mediated by the activation of specific G protein-coupled “central” CB 1 and “peripheral” CB 2 receptors that are normally bound by a family of endogenous ligands, the endocannabinoids. Here, we show that expression levels of both cannabinoid receptors CB 1 and CB 2 are significantly higher in CA-HPV-10 (virally transformed cells, derived from adenocarcinoma of human prostate tissue), and other human prostate cancer cells LNCaP, DU145, PC3, and CWR22Rν1 than in normal human prostate epithelial (PrEC) and PZ-HPV-7 (virally transformed cells, derived from normal human prostate tissue) cells. Extending this observation we found that WIN-55,212-2 (a mixed CB 1 /CB 2 agonist) treatment to androgen-responsive LNCaP cells resulted in (i) dose (1-10 μM) and time-dependent (24-72 h) inhibition of cell growth, (ii) induction of apoptosis, (iii) decrease in protein and mRNA expression of androgen receptor, (iv) decrease in intracellular protein and mRNA expression of prostate specific antigen (PSA), (v) decrease in secreted PSA levels, and (vi) decrease in protein expression of proliferation cell nuclear antigen and vascular endothelial growth factor. Cells pretreated with specific CB 1 receptor antagonist SR141716 were found to overcome WIN-55,212-2- induced inhibition in cell viability and apoptosis further suggesting a role of CB 1 receptor in WIN-55,212-2 induced cell death . To establish the relevance of these in vitro findings to in vivo situation, athymic nude mice (6-8 weeks old) were implanted with androgen responsive CWR22Rν1 cells which are known to secrete PSA in the blood stream of the host. As compared to controls mice treated with WIN-55,212-2 (0.5 mg/kg b.wt, i.p, alternate day) resulted in a significant inhibition in the growth of implanted tumors with significant reduction in PSA secretion in serum. In control animals, targeted tumor volume of 1200 mm 3 was reached at 28 days post-tumor inoculation; whereas this tumor volume was attained in 45 days in animals treated with WIN-55,212-2. Our results suggest that WIN-55,212-2 or other non-habit forming cannabinoid receptor agonists could be developed as novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of prostate cancer.
Rho-kinase expression in Hirschsprung's disease

Rho-kinase (ROCK) is the primary effector protein in the RhoA pathway, which regulates Ca2+-independent smooth muscle contraction in the human bowel. This pathway has been reported to be hyper-activated in the aganglionic bowel of EDNRB-null (−/−) rats compared to the ganglionic bowel from EDNRB (+/+) rats. We hypothesised that ROCK expression is up-regulated in human aganglionic bowel and designed this study to investigate ROCK 1 and ROCK 2 expression in Hirschsprung’s disease (HSCR) and controls. Full-length specimens were collected following pull-through surgery for HSCR (n = 9). Colonic controls (n = 6) were obtained during colostomy closure from patients with anorectal malformations. Distribution of ROCK 1/2 expression was evaluated using double-labelled immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy. ROCK1/2 protein expression was assessed in mucosa and tunica muscularis using western blot analysis. There was strong expression of both ROCK 1 and ROCK 2 in interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) and ganglia. ROCK 1 expression was reduced in aganglionic bowel compared to HSCR ganglionic bowel and controls in both mucosa and tunica muscularis. ROCK 2 expression was similar in the colon of children with HSCR and controls. This is the first report of strong ROCK expression in colonic ICCs. Although the rat model of aganglionic bowel suggests that Ca2+-independent smooth muscle contraction involving ROCK is hyper-activated, our data indicate ROCK 1 expression is decreased in aganglionic bowel and ROCK 2 expression is unaltered in children with HSCR.
So Far, Yet So Near:

The problem of psychotherapeutic work with patients whose feelings are largely inaccessible or remote to the therapist is considered. Three different meanings of the term "remote" in this context are identified and defined. A discussion of remote patients' importance to practitioners in general is offered in terms of the frustration they occasion of the therapist's need to feel competent and adequate in his work. The actual availability of a remote patient's affect via primitive, preverbal pathways such as projective identification is discussed and illustrated in the context of two case presentations. Emphasis is laid upon the therapist's ability to tolerate self-doubt and other negative feelings during the period of time in treatment when the patient needs the therapist to function as a temporary ego-annex. The risk of treatment-destructive acting-out by the therapist under such conditions is highlighted, as is the potential for therapeutic gain if the therapist can manage such feelings benignly in a sor...
Mechanical Testing, Introduction

Basic mechanical property and materials strength measurements are obtained by standardized mechanical tests, many of which are described in this chapter. Each article in this chapter not only covers details, principles, and practical aspects of the various tests, but also provides comprehensive reference to the standard procedures and sample geometries dictated by the ASTM or other standards agencies. This chapter also covers additional mechanical testing techniques such as high-strain-rate testing, measurements under pressure, and tribological and wear testing. As such, the chapter covers a broad spectrum of techniques used to assess materials behavior in a variety of engineering applications. Keywords: mechanical testing; mechanical property; tribological testing; wear; introduction
Implementing medical information systems in developing countries, what works and what doesn't

Global Health Informatics is an emerging field, as demonstrated by several substantial and widely used electronic medical record (EMR) systems along with the emergence of mobile based or“mhealth” systems. We describe here many of the practical lessons we have learned from implementing systems in a wide range of challenging environments over the last decade. Some requirements, like data backups, skilled staff and local leadership are universally important. Others, such as limited power, poor network access and distributed populations, require different designs and strategies in resource poor environments.
Studies on translocation. IV. The hydrolysis of a single round of guanosine triphosphate in the presence of fusidic acid.

Abstract The rate and extent of GTP hydrolysis by a molar excess of ribosomes and G factor (the soluble translocation protein) are unaffected by fusidic acid. When the nucleotide substrate level is increased to exceed the macromolecular components, there is a burst of fusidic acid-resistant hydrolysis approximately equivalent to the molar amount of G factor when ribosomes are present in excess. Neither ribosomes nor G factor alone is capable of catalyzing even 1 eq of GTP hydrolysis. Several methods were used to show that at initial GTP concentrations as low as 10-8 m (the lowest level of discrimination) essentially all of the nucleotide, as GDP, is in the form of a ternary complex with ribosomes and G factor in the presence of fusidic acid. The binding of the reaction product, GDP, is also stabilized by the antibiotic. Furthermore, the preliminary binding of unlabeled GDP prevents the subsequent binding of labeled GTP. This is in contrast to the case with equimolar amounts of GMP and the GTP analogue, guanylyl methylene diphosphonate, neither of which under these conditions prevents the subsequent binding of GTP despite the fact that the analogue is a competitive inhibitor of GTP in translocation. The following mechanism is proposed for the uncoupled hydrolysis of GTP by the ribosome and G factor to account for these and previous observations: [see PDF for equation] [see PDF for equation] [see PDF for equation]