cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
AI-11c-MET-MEDIATED ENDOTHELIAL-MESENCHYMAL TRANSITION DRIVES GLIOBLASTOMA PROGRESSION AND THERAPEUTIC RESISTANCE

Excessive and abnormal vasculature characterizes the microenvironment that fuels the progression of malignant tumors including glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the grade IV glioma. GBM is among the most lethal human malignancies, distinguished by extensive microvascular hyperplasia due to intravessel endothelial cell (EC) proliferation with unknown etiology. Here, we show that c-Met phosphorylation induces endothelial-mesenchymal transition (Endo-MT), contributing significantly to vascular abnormality, GBM progression, and therapeutic resistance. Utilizing murine orthotropic GBM models induced by transplantation of GL26 glioma cells and RCAS/tv-a-mediated somatic gene transfer of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) in Ink-4a/Arf−/-PTEN−/- mice, we reveal robust Endo-MT in tumor vasculature, characterized by expression of the fibroblast-specific marker FSP-1 in 60% of CD31+ or CD105+ ECs, and the co-expression level correlates with the aggressiveness of glioma in humans. Cell fate analysis by lineage tracing Tie2+ ECs shows over half of FSP-1+ fibroblasts are of EC origin in the mouse GBM models. Tumor-conditioned medium induces in vitro EC acquisition of mesenchymal gene signature including FSP-1 and N-cadherin expression, confirming the microenvironment-dependent Endo-MT. Furthermore, proteomic analysis identifies a critical role of c-Met in Endo-MT, which is required for the increased EC proliferation and migration and vessel hyperpermeability in the GBM microenvironment. EC-specific c-Met phosphorylation induces MMP-14 expression, leading to Endo-MT and vascular abnormality. Finally, pharmacological inhibition of c-Met phosphorylation normalizes blood vessels, reduces vascular density and Endo-MT, blocks tumor progression, and sensitizes tumor to temozolomide treatment; all of which improves overall survival in the GBM-bearing mice. These findings reveal a novel mechanism controlling aberrant vascularization and GBM progression, and suggest that targeting c-Met phosphorylation and Endo-MT may offer selective and efficient therapeutic strategies for the treatment-resistant GBM, and possibly other malignant tumors.
Correlations Between Selenium Levels and Apoprotein E Gene Polymorphism in Rural Aged People in Qionglai City and Jian'ge County

Objective To investigate the correlations between selenium levels and apoprotein E(APOE) gene polymorphism in rural aged people.Methods Five hundred volunteers aged above 65 years were recruited by cluster sampling from rural areas with moderate(Qionglai city) and low(Jian'ge county) environmental selenium levels;selenium in fingernail samples was assayed and APOE gene was analyzed with finger blood drawn using specific filter paper.Additionally,selenium levels in venous blood of 50 volunteers were determined.APOE gene polymorphism profiles of old people in regions with different selenium levels were compared using SPSS software and chi-square analysis.Results Blood selenium content of the two regions were(0.121±0.034) μg/g and(0.053±0.009) μg/g respectively,nail selenium content of(0.457±0.203) μg/g and(0.201±0.038) μg/g,showing a statistically difference(P0.01) and a positive correlation(r=0.496,P0.05).Differences on Multi-level and multi-strata were found in APOE gene polymorphism distribution frequency in aged people long lived in environments with different selenium levels;the selenium level in the body was positively correlated with the frequency of e2 allele.Conclusion Long-term exposure to different environmental selenium levels affects the distribution of APOE gene polymorphism;the nutritional status of selenium in the body is associated with expression of APOE gene,particularlye 2 allele.
Vesicourethral Dysfunction Following Pelvic Visceral Ablative Surgery

Management of vesicourethral dysfunction after a major extirpative pelvic visceral operation could be complex and difficult owing to the variety of partial and complete functional and anatomical derangements produced by the primary operation. We report our experience with 22 patients who suffered various types of vesicourethral dysfunctions after extirpative pelvic visceral surgery, 5 of whom had preoperative studies. The surgical procedures were abdominoperineal resection in 9 patients, proctocolectomy in 3, anterior resection of the rectum in 2 and radical hysterectomy in 8. All 22 patients underwent urodynamic evaluations. The abnormalities noted on the preoperative urodynamic evaluations in patients about to undergo extirpative pelvic visceral surgery suggest the need for routine preoperative assessment of the lower urinary tract for an accurate understanding of the postoperative changes.
Providing Context: Medical Device Litigation and Inferior Vena Cava Filters

Over the last few years, an increasing number of lawsuits have been filed involving inferior vena cava filters. This has prompted the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation to centralize these lawsuits into two multidistrict litigations: one for Cook's filters and one for Bard's. Both sets of cases share similar questions of facts, in particular whether these filters' design and manufacturing practices made them unreasonably prone to serious complications. The resolution of these cases will add to a larger legal debate concerning how much legal protection the 1976 Medical Device Amendments should offer firms from tort liability. As a specialty that often relies on medical devices, it is not only important for interventional radiologists to have a general understanding of medical device litigation but also to reflect upon the approaches to informed consent regarding these devices.
Prostatic Cystic Epithelial-Stromal Tumors: A Report of 2 New Cases

AbstractThe case records of 2 patients recently treated at our medical centers with prostatic cystic epithelial-stromal tumor (ages 22 and 62 years), as well as 14 cases previously reported in the literature were reviewed to obtain a consensus as to the therapy for this uncommon malignancy. Patients with prostatic cystic epithelial-stromal tumor often present with obstructive voiding symptoms and a palpable suprapubic mass. Computerized tomography typically reveals a huge, complex retrovesical mass with displacement of surrounding pelvic and abdominal structures, which may invade locally into the bladder, ureters or rectal wall. Our experience with immunohistochemical staining of these tumors suggests an epithelial component that is positive for prostate specific antigen, prostatic acid phosphatase, epithelial membrane antigen, chorioembryonic antigen and cytokeratin, and a stromal component that is positive for vimentin, desmin, cytokeratin and myosin. Rapid recurrences are the rule in patients in whom t...
An introduction to bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is both a significant clinical problem associated with neonatal intensive care and a sign of the success of that care. It can best be understood in the context of the historical continuum of improving survivability for prematurely born infants. Some of the adolescents and young adults surviving with BPD will have late pulmonary dysfunction. All the molecular-biologic and technologic approaches used in the past 25 years have not clearly reduced the overall incidence of BPD. It would seem time to approach seriously the problem of decreasing the overall incidence of BPD by decreasing the incidence of premature birth in the United States.
An Empirical Study of Customer Expectation and Perception in Organized Retail Sector

Contemporary marketing always suggest a marketer to measure customer satisfaction, which helps to enhance the market share. In goods industry various parameters are available to judge the satisfaction of customer towards the product, but in the case of service industry only quality of service derives the level of satisfaction. This paper is an attempt to identify the difference between expectation & perception of organized retail sector customers with the help of renowned model of service quality i.e. Parasuraman’s et al (1988) SERVQUAL model.
Economic Growth and the Optimal Level of Entrepreneurship

Summary Using data from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), we examine data from developed and developing countries to estimate the “growth penalty” over 2003–11 when a country’s entrepreneurship deviates from its optimal level. We account for heterogeneity among countries in the optimal entrepreneurship rate, in the growth penalty from deviating from that optimum, and in other factors affecting growth. Notwithstanding that developing countries have more of their population running nascent small firms than in developed countries, a marginal increase in the entrepreneurship rate in developing countries has a positive effect on growth. On the contrary, in developed countries, there is no evident growth penalty. Supplemental results suggest that is because in developed countries as a whole, entrepreneurship is now close to its optimal level, whereas in developing countries the optimal rates of entrepreneurship are much higher. We also explore how the growth penalty varies with characteristics of the country, allowing us to test theories regarding the relationship between entrepreneurship and growth. We show that higher levels of R&D capability decrease the growth penalty of having too few entrepreneurs, suggesting that entrepreneurship and R&D are substitutes. Availability of venture capital also increases the growth penalty, but only in developing countries, where our data on venture capital best proxy its availability to start-ups.
Wages and Job Availability in Segmented Labour Markets

Ever since the institutional labour economists rejected classical economic theory over six decades ago, there has been a deeply troubling schism in the foundations of our discipline that still has not been satisfactorily resolved. As a result, our ability to forecast inflation and unemployment suffers, and our policy analyses of structural and demand issues are often not very enlightening.
Most suitable mother wavelet for the analysis of fractal properties of stride interval time series via the average wavelet coefficient method

Human gait is a complex interaction of many nonlinear systems and stride intervals exhibiting self-similarity over long time scales that can be modeled as a fractal process. The scaling exponent represents the fractal degree and can be interpreted as a biomarker of relative diseases. The previous study showed that the average wavelet method provides the most accurate results to estimate this scaling exponent when applied to stride interval time series. The purpose of this paper is to determine the most suitable mother wavelet for the average wavelet method. This paper presents a comparative numerical analysis of 16 mother wavelets using simulated and real fractal signals. Simulated fractal signals were generated under varying signal lengths and scaling exponents that indicate a range of physiologically conceivable fractal signals. The five candidates were chosen due to their good performance on the mean square error test for both short and long signals. Next, we comparatively analyzed these five mother wavelets for physiologically relevant stride time series lengths. Our analysis showed that the symlet 2 mother wavelet provides a low mean square error and low variance for long time intervals and relatively low errors for short signal lengths. It can be considered as the most suitable mother function without the burden of considering the signal length.
END-TEMPERATURE CONTROL IN A LONG ROD

Abstract The problem considered is that of the temperature in a semi-infinite rod with the control being applied in the form of heat flux at the near end. The objective is to keep the actual end-temperature close to some desired value over a specified time interval without excessive use of the heat flux control. The optimal control is taken to be that which minimizes a given performance index of quadratic form. It is shown that a necessary and sufficient condition for minimization of the performance index is that the optimal control satisfy a certain Fredholm integral equation of the second kind. The existence of a solution to this integral equation and its various properties are determined.
Three-electron atoms and ions in a magnetic field

The energies and physical properties of three-electron systems are studied using an explicitly correlated Gaussian basis optimized by the stochastic variational method. The stability of the system as a function of the nuclear charge is analyzed. The role of the Coulomb and magnetic interactions in shaping the structure of these systems is discussed. The accuracy of the energies is substantially improved for high magnetic fields.
A Crash Course? What Happens When a Patient's Medical and Economic Best Interests Collide?

A physician outlines strategies to help reduce a patient's out-of-pocket prescription drug expenses. Virtual Mentor is a monthly bioethics journal published by the American Medical Association.
Recovering rhapsodes: A new vase by the Pantoxena Painter.

This paper discusses an Athenian calyx krater whose style, shape, and inscription allow attribution to the Pantoxena Painter, a member of the Polygnotan workshop. I argue that the unusual scene on the obverse—with a wreathed, draped youth mounting a bema before Nikai and judges—provides the only known image of a rhapsode from the second half of the fifth century BC and joins the very small group of scenes that depict this contest at all. Given the similarity to images of kitharodes and victors in other mousikoi agones , the krater testifies to the continued prestige given rhapsodia in this period. Unfortunately, because the krater was looted from the tomb in Tarquinia where it was placed after export from Athens, its meaning for an Etruscan viewer is more difficult to evaluate. The lack of documentation and physical context means that only part of this vase9s biography can be recovered.
Quantified reproductive isolation in Heliconius butterflies: Implications for introgression and hybrid speciation.

Heliconius butterflies have become a model for the study of speciation with gene flow. For adaptive introgression to take place, there must be incomplete barriers to gene exchange that allow interspecific hybridization and multiple generations of backcrossing. The recent publication of estimates of individual components of reproductive isolation between several species of butterflies in the Heliconius melpomene-H. cydno clade allowed us to calculate total reproductive isolation estimates for these species. According to these estimates, the butterflies are not as promiscuous as has been implied. Differences between species are maintained by intrinsic mechanisms, while reproductive isolation of geographical races within species is mainly due to allopatry. We discuss the implications of this strong isolation for basic aspects of the hybrid speciation with introgression hypothesis.
Key Ingredients of a Breast Imaging Fellowship-A Recipe for Success.

Abstract Objective In 2013, the ACR and Society of Breast Imaging created a curriculum to standardize the knowledge of graduates from breast imaging fellowships. Despite this, however, there remains a need to provide guidance to programs as to how to structure and organize the fellowship. In this article, we review key elements of a breast imaging fellowship to ensure that programs graduate radiologists that are well prepared to practice safely and independently. Such a program would provide a developmental framework using the Dreyfus model of skill acquisition. The training should be comprised of multiple and varied opportunities that promote active learning with appropriate supervision but progressive independence. Summary A successful fellowship program in breast imaging should embrace developmental milestones to ensure mastery of both basic and complex skills. Organized rotations, regular feedback, structured and self-directed learning activities, and participation in local, regional, and national meetings and organizations contribute to well-rounded graduates.
Innate Apoptotic Immunity: A Potent Immunosuppressive Response Repertoire Elicited by Specific Apoptotic Cell Recognition

Phagocytosis, of course, is essential for the clearance of dying cells, and for the degradation of dying cell constituents, including the processing of potential cellular [auto]antigens. Independent of engulfment, the specific recognition of dying cells by phagocytes and other cells elicits a profound repertoire of outcomes. In particular, apoptotic cells are potently suppressive of inflammation and other immunological responses. Immunosuppressive apoptotic effects are elicited in macrophages and dendritic cells, and they are triggered in non-professional phagocytes as well. Among these responses, the immediate-early suppression of specific gene transcription is most evident. The array of genes suppressed upon apoptotic recognition includes pro-inflammatory cytokines and angiogenic factors. The ability of apoptotic cells to elicit these responses depends upon their cell surface expression of specific determinants for recognition. A variety of molecules has been implicated in this process, although the identification of definitive recognition determinants remains incomplete. The suppressive effects exerted by apoptotic cells do not arise as a simple antagonism of stimulatory signals. Selective responsiveness to apoptotic cell recognition occurs independent of known immune receptors and signalling pathways. Remarkably, specific apoptotic recognition, in contrast to all other cases of immune discrimination, exhibits no self-bias. These observations suggest that innate apoptotic immunity represents an unconventional and ubiquitous immune responsiveness—in essence, a second dimension of immunity distinct from the classical self/other axis. The subversion by pathogens (including viruses) of this suppressive responsiveness underscores the physiological significance of innate apoptotic immunity.
Relations of Subjective Social Status and Brooding with Blood Pressure.

Brooding, a type of rumination, and subjective social status (SSS) may be two interacting factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Our goal was to examine the relations of brooding and SSS with systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), two measures of CVD. We predicted that [1] brooding and SSS are each related to SBP and DBP and [2] the interaction of brooding and SSS is linked to SBP and DBP. In this cross-sectional study, college student participants (n = 240; 58.6% female, age: M = 23.95 years, SD = 8.62) completed demographics questionnaires, the Ruminative Response Scale, and MacArthur Subjective Social Status scale, and gave blood pressure samples. Linear models suggested that, for participants low in SSS, high brooding and DBP were positively related. For participants high in SSS, high brooding and low DBP were negatively related. There were no relations between SSS, brooding, and SBP. As predicted, for individuals with low SSS, more brooding was associated with higher DBP. Yet, in individuals with high SSS, more brooding was associated with lower DBP. There was no relation between SSS, brooding, and SBP. Our results suggest that brooding may serve as diathesis for some symptoms of CVD (i.e., high DBP but not high SBP) in individuals with low SSS. We discuss how other factors, like burnout or defensive pessimism, may contribute to the relation between high SSS, high brooding, and low DBP.
As Violence Unfolds: A Space-Time Study of Situational Triggers of Violent Victimization among Urban Youth.

This study clarifies three important issues regarding situational or opportunity theories of victimization: (1) whether engaging in risk activities triggers violent assault during specific, often fleeting moments, (2) how environmental settings along individuals’ daily paths affect their risk of violent assault, and (3) whether situational triggers have differential effects on violent assault during the day versus night. Using an innovative GIS-assisted interview technique, 298 young male violent assault victims in Philadelphia, PA described their activity paths over the course of the day of being assaulted. Case-crossover analyses compared each subject’s exposure status at the time of assault with his own statuses earlier in the day (stratified by daytime and nighttime). Being at an outdoor/public space, conducting unstructured activities, and absence of guardians increase the likelihood of violent victimization at a fine spatial–temporal scale at both daytime and nighttime. Yet, the presence of friends and environmental characteristics have differential effects on violent victimization at daytime versus nighttime. Moreover, individual risk activities appeared to exhibit better predictive performance than did environmental characteristics in our space–time situational analyses. This study demonstrates the value of documenting how individuals navigate their daily activity space, and ultimately advances our understanding of youth violence from a real-time, real-life standpoint.
Complex Variable Methods

There are certain properties of complex-valued functions of a complex variable, discussed below, that prove to be very useful in the study of two-dimensional potential theory with applications to heat flow, inviscid fluids, and linearized elasticity, among others. The focus here is on the application of complex variable methods to antiplane strain and plane strain/stress problems in linearized elasticity.
Surgical configurations of the pectoralis major flap for reconstruction of sternoclavicular defects: a systematic review and new classification of described techniques

The pectoralis major flap has been considered the workhorse flap for chest and sternoclavicular defect reconstruction. There have been many configurations of the pectoralis major flap reported in the literature for use in reconstruction sternoclavicular defects either involving bone, soft tissue elements, or both. This study reviews the different configurations of the pectoralis major flap for sternoclavicular defect reconstruction and provides the first ever classification for these techniques. We also provide an algorithm for the selection of these flap variants for sternoclavicular defect reconstruction. EMBASE, Cochrane library, Ovid medicine and PubMed databases were searched from its inception to August of 2019. We included all studies describing surgical management of sternoclavicular defects. The studies were reviewed, and the different configurations of the pectoralis major flap used for sternoclavicular defect reconstruction were cataloged. We then proposed a new classification system for these procedures. The study included 6 articles published in the English language that provided a descriptive procedure for the use of pectoralis major flap in the reconstruction of sternoclavicular defects. The procedures were classified into three broad categories. In Type 1, the whole pectoris muscle is used. In Type 2, the pectoralis muscle is split and either advanced medially (type 2a) or rotated (type 2b) to fill the defect. In type 3, the clavicular portion of the pectoralis is islandized on a pedicle, either the thoracoacromial artery (type 3a) or the deltoid branch of the thoracoacromial artery (type 3b). There are multiple configurations of the pectoralis flap reported in the English language literature for the reconstruction of sternoclavicular defects. Our classification system, the Opoku Classification will help surgeons select the appropriate configuration of the pectoralis major flap for sternoclavicular joint defect reconstruction based on size of defect, the status of the vascular anatomy, and acceptability of upper extremity disability. It will also help facilitate communication when describing the different configurations of the pectoralis major flap for reconstruction of sternoclavicular joint defects.
Reflecting on Sacrifices Made by Past Generations Increases a Sense of Obligation Towards Future Generations.

Tackling climate change presents an intergenerational dilemma: People must make sacrifices today, to benefit future generations. What causes people to feel an obligation to benefit future generatio...
Early Structural Deterioration of a Sutureless Bioprosthetic Aortic Valve

Sutureless bioprosthetic valves such as the Sorin Perceval S valve (SPV) have been used in patients with aortic stenosis that require surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). These prostheses have been marketed on the basis of their rapid implantation techniques with avoidance of sutures and reduced aortic cross-clamp times. We report a case of an early failure of a SPV nearly 4 years after implantation in a 58-year-old woman who was low-risk. While the patient's symptoms initially improved with SAVR with a sutureless bioprosthetic valve, they progressively worsened as the valve degraded, and the leaflets became increasingly calcified and stenotic ultimately, requiring reoperative SAVR with a St. Jude mechanical valve. This case raises the issue of the lack of much-needed data describing the long-term durability and hemodynamic performance of these valves, particularly in a low-risk patient with excellent functional status. We hope to shed further insight into the lack of long-term studies on patients with SPV to assess their longevity and long-term effectiveness, as well as elucidation of possible prevention and monitoring of these potential complications. The use of newer generation prostheses, although attractive for their ease of implantation, potentially carries higher long-term risk due to shorter durability leading to reintervention to address valve deterioration. This is especially true in low-risk patients who are young and active. Cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery societies need to develop a universal registry with follow-up of all valves in order to track and study the durability of these valves, and to evaluate for incidence of known and potential complications.
Towards a heterogeneous IoT privacy architecture

The increasing growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) poses a wide range of privacy and security threats to consumers. Current research have addressed some of these challenges but recent privacy breaches in Home Assistant services show the gap between the current approaches and what is required. In this paper, we propose a privacy protection framework for the IoT called HIPA (Heterogeneous IoT Privacy Architecture) which aims at resolving some of the privacy concerns in a heterogeneous environment. With the help of a hypothetical case study, we illustrate how our framework can address the inconsistencies and risks of a new IoT device deploying within a heterogeneous network. Our initial analysis shows that our proposed framework can potentially help the user to analyze the risk and make the decision prior to the installation of any new IoT device.
Cryogenic single-molecule fluorescence annotations for electron tomography reveal in situ organization of key proteins in Caulobacter

Superresolution fluorescence microscopy and cryogenic electron tomography (CET) are powerful imaging methods for exploring the subcellular organization of biomolecules. Superresolution fluorescence microscopy based on covalent labeling highlights specific proteins and has sufficient sensitivity to observe single fluorescent molecules, but the reconstructions lack detailed cellular context. CET has molecular-scale resolution but lacks specific and nonperturbative intracellular labeling techniques. Here, we describe an imaging scheme that correlates cryogenic single-molecule fluorescence localizations with CET reconstructions. Our approach achieves single-molecule localizations with an average lateral precision of 9 nm, and a relative registration error between the set of localizations and CET reconstruction of ∼30 nm. We illustrate the workflow by annotating the positions of three proteins in the bacterium Caulobacter crescentus: McpA, PopZ, and SpmX. McpA, which forms a part of the chemoreceptor array, acts as a validation structure by being visible under both imaging modalities. In contrast, PopZ and SpmX cannot be directly identified in CET. While not directly discernable, PopZ fills a region at the cell poles that is devoid of electron-dense ribosomes. We annotate the position of PopZ with single-molecule localizations and confirm its position within the ribosome excluded region. We further use the locations of PopZ to provide context for localizations of SpmX, a low-copy integral membrane protein sequestered by PopZ as part of a signaling pathway that leads to an asymmetric cell division. Our correlative approach reveals that SpmX localizes along one side of the cell pole and its extent closely matches that of the PopZ region.
A new measure of model misspecification with the no-arbitrage constraint: extending the second Hansen–Jagannathan distance

This paper proposes a new measure for evaluating asset pricing models with the no-arbitrage constraint which naturally extends the classical (second) distance of Hansen and Jagannathan (J Polit Econ 99(2):225–262, 1991, J Finance 52(2):57–590, 1997). The new measure is designed to capture model misspecifications in terms of arbitrary moments/co-moments in the stochastic discount factors in contrast to the classical Hansen–Jagannathan distance which only uses information contained in the first two moments/co-moments. The new measure $$D_{p}^{+}$$ is defined for any $$1<p<+\infty$$ , which reduces to the Hansen–Jagannathan distance when $$p=2;$$ but for other values of p, the new measure captures model misspecifications in terms of higher or lower moments/co-moments of the model stochastic discount factors and asset returns. An explicit representation of the new measure is obtained by solving the conjugate problem using convexity arguments. The relationship between the new distance and pricing errors is also established. An empirical analysis of the Fama–French 6-portfolios is conducted to illustrate the applications of the new measure.
Compact, unit magnification, reflective imaging relay using freeform surfaces

We present a design for a unit magnification imaging relay that is compact. The design uses two mirrors, and one is used by light twice for a three-reflection system. The mirrors are specified with freeform surfaces. There are several tradeoffs of performance depending on field of view, F / #, and wavelength range. One example provides a 30-mm circular field of view at F / 2.8, and another example provides a circular field of view of 40 mm in diameter at F / 4 for a length of ∼400 mm. Adding a third nearly flat mirror allows a system to provide a 50-mm field of view at F / 4 for a length of 420 mm. A last example includes a beam splitter cube to allow accessing the full field of view. These systems are diffraction limited at 550 nm.
Innovative overhead transparent plastic barrier with powered suction technique intended to limit coronavirus disease 2019 aerosols spread during fiber-optic intubation and throughout the surgery

Background In the context of the current coronavirus pandemic, we propose an inexpensive, innovative overhead transparent plastic barrier with powered suction (OTPBPS) technique using materials that are ubiquitous in the hospital, easy to set up in minutes and well tolerated by the patients. As presented in this case report, it is an effective method to reduce viral spread from patients with positive or suspected yet unconfirmed coronavirus disease 2019 status. Case description A 49-year-old male was admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of cervical stenosis and a C6-C7 disc herniation with spinal cord compression. The OTPBPS technique was set up to create a negative pressure environment around the patient's head, using a Mayo stand, a transparent plastic bag, and powered wall canister suction. The neurosurgeon successfully performed an anterior cervical discectomy and instrumented fusion under OTPBPS. The patient was satisfied with the intubation and anesthetic management and reported excellent feedback. Conclusion The OTPBPS technique helps control the spread of an aerosolized viral load from the patient's mouth or airway during awake fiber-optic intubation. This technique will help anesthesiologists and other front-line health-care providers manage copious endotracheal secretions and droplet particles, which have an immense infectious potential.
Sirtuins in aging, age-related pathologies and their association with circadian rhythm

Abstract Sirtuins are class of histone deacetylases identified to extend life span in yeast and later human longevity or slow down aging. Aging alters chromosomal ends that in turn affect DNA repair, replication, growth factor signaling, circadian rhythm, and sirtuins. As we age, reduced calorie intake extends life span through epigenetic modulations via sirtuins. In this paper, apart from the classic role of sirtuins in controlling transcription factors, we summarize the current literature and focus on the potential role of each sirtuin with calorie restriction and circadian rhythm. Alterations in these two factors cause several age-related diseases mainly focusing on the eye, but neuronal and cardiac diseases are also described here. In addition, how sirtuins control and interlink circadian rhythm with longevity genes are discussed with the help of current studies.
Calcium-sensing receptor and CPAP-induced neonatal airway hyperreactivity in mice.

Background Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in preterm infants is initially beneficial, but animal models suggest longer term detrimental airway effects towards asthma. We used a neonatal CPAP mouse model and human fetal airway smooth muscle (ASM) to investigate the role of extracellular calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) in these effects. Methods Newborn wild type and smooth muscle-specific CaSR-/- mice were given CPAP for 7 days via a custom device (mimicking CPAP in premature infants), and recovered in normoxia for another 14 days (representing infants at 3-4 years). Airway reactivity was tested using lung slices, and airway CaSR quantified. Role of CaSR was tested using NPS2143 (inhibitor) or siRNA in WT mice. Fetal ASM cells stretched cyclically with/without static stretch mimicking breathing and CPAP were analyzed for intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) responses, role of CaSR, and signaling cascades. Results CPAP increased airway reactivity in WT but not CaSR-/- mice, increasing ASM CaSR. NPS2143 or CaSR siRNA reversed CPAP effects in WT mice. CPAP increased fetal ASM [Ca2+]I, blocked by NPS2143, and increased ERK1/2 and RhoA suggesting two mechanisms by which stretch increases CaSR. Conclusions These data implicate CaSR in CPAP effects on airway function with implications for wheezing in former preterm infants. Impact Neonatal CPAP increases airway reactivity to bronchoconstrictor agonist. CPAP increases smooth muscle expression of the extracellular calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR). Inhibition or absence of CaSR blunts CPAP effects on contractility. These data suggest a causal/contributory role for CaSR in stretch effects on the developing airway. These data may impact clinical recognition of the ways that CPAP may contribute to wheezing disorders of former preterm infants.
TFTR ECS safety ground switch soft close modification

The safety disconnect and grounding switches represent a major group of components used to support the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor. There are fifteen such switches in the TFTR power conversion TF and PF coil system. These switches are metal enclosed DC equipment, rated at 15 kV (2500 amperes continuous). They contain gapless zinc oxide arrestors, a stored-energy-operated, double-pole, single-throw grounding switch (capable of closing in on an 80 kA load current), a double-pole, single-throw disconnect switch (to isolate the load from the power supplies), and polarity reversal bus links. In addition to circuit protection the switches provide a level of electrical isolation when it is necessary to access the DC side of the machinery. The operation of the stored energy grounding switches are the subject of this paper.
Cyanate Ester Resins

Cyanate ester resins are an important class of thermosetting polymers with high glass-transition temperature, low outgassing, and low dielectric constant and loss. These resins are used in a variety of applications such as printed circuit boards, radomes, structural composites for space applications, and adhesives. This review describes how cyanate ester monomers are synthesized, how these monomers and oligomers are polymerized into cross-linked polymer networks, and how the chemical structures of commercial cyanate esters influence the physical and thermomechanical properties of the polymer. Processing issues such as curing in the presence of moisture and blending with epoxies and bismaleimides are also discussed. Data from various analytical techniques, including differential scanning calorimetry, gel permeation chromatography, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and dynamic mechanical analysis are presented to elucidate the behavior of specific cyanate ester systems. Keywords: high temperature resin; thermoset; polycyanurates; polymer blends; cyanate ester resin
Tolerance of Lactose by Free-Flying Adult Worker Honeybees

SummaryWhen adult worker honeybees in small hives, kept in screen flight cages, were fed sucrose syrup containing 5%, 10%, 15% of lactose or 2·5%, 5%, 7·5% of galactose, galactose was found in their faecal droppings. The quantity of faecal galactose increased as the feeding period increased. Significantly more faecal galactose was found in bees fed 10% and 15% of lactose than in bees fed 5% (P < 0·05 in both cases), further indicating the stimulating effect of lactose feeding on activity of lactase (β-galactosidase). However, significantly higher mortality (P < 0·05) occurred in bees fed 10% and 15% (but not 5%) of lactose than in control bees. The data suggest that the bees could tolerate no more than 5% of lactose.Bees fed galactose at various concentrations had significantly higher mortality than the control bees (P < 0·001 in all cases), although large amounts of the ingested galactose were excreted during cleansing flights. Presumably galactose interferes with carbohydrate metabolism of bees, and is ...
A Logic-Free Method for Modular Composition of Specifications

CLEAR MATHEMATICAL DESCRIPTIONS OF LARGE SCALE COMPUTER SYSTEMS ARE NOT POSSIBLE WITHOUT EXTENSIVE USE OF ENCAPSULATION. WE ARGUE THAT STANDARD MODELS OF CONCURRENCY AND COMPOSITION ARE TOO UNSTRUCTURED TO SUPPORT MODULAR COMPOSITION AND VERIFICATION OF SYSTEMS. WE OFFER AN ALTERNATIVE MODEL BASED ON ALGEBRAIC FEEDBACK PRODUCTS OF FINITE STATE MACHINES. WE ALSO DESCRIBE A TECHNIQUE FOR CONCISELY SPECIFYING COMPLEX STATE MACHINES IN TERMS OF STATE DEPENDENT (MODAL) FUNCTIONS. THE PRODUCT AUTOMATA MODEL PROVIDES A PRECISE INTERPRETATION FOR THE FORMAL EXPRESSIONS, AND THE FORMAL EXPRESSIONS PROVIDE AN INTUITIVE LANGUAGE FOR DESCRIBING MULTI-LAYER CONCURRENT DIGITAL SYSTEMS. WE DEVELOP SEVERAL EXAMPLES, SHOWING HOW SPECIFICATIONS OF VARYING LEVELS OF ABSTRACTNESS CAN BE COMPOSED TO SPECIFY RATHER COMPLEX SYSTEMS. THE PRODUCT FORM OF STATE MACHINES IS DEFINED, AND WE SHOW HOW FORMAL EXPRESSIONS CAN BE GIVEN CONCRETE NUMERIC INTERPRETA- TIONS.
Creation of prominences and filaments.

Because chromospheric filaments are invariably associated with polarity inversions in the photospheric magnetic field, they have long been used to trace the evolution of global patterns of magnetic flux. Individual quiescent filaments may last a single solar rotation or less, but it is commonly believed that the channels in which they form are much longer-lived. Attempts to trace the inverse process — the origin of a filament channel and a filament during the evolution of specific patches of flux — are of more recent origin. New observations are now forcing a revision in our ideas about filament formation. After reviewing some of the new key facts, a recent case study is reported in which a filament channel and filament are seen to form on the edge of a growing activity complex. The evidence points to the formation of this channel as a surface phenomenon driven by emerging magnetic flux. The filament forms when its channel is constricted between the expanding new region and a preexisting plage.
Speed of mental processing in the middle of the night

This study aimed to determine whether human mental processing actually slows down during the night hours, separately from the previously documented microsleeps, lapses in attention, and general slowing of motor responses. Eighteen healthy young adults were studied during 36 hours of constant wakeful bedrest. Every 2 hours, they performed a logical reasoning task. Items phrased in the negative voice took reliably longer to respond to than items phrased in the positive voice, indicating the need for more mental processing in those items. By subtracting "negative" from "positive" reaction times at each time of day, we were able to plot a circadian rhythm in the time taken for this extra mental processing to be done separately from microsleeps, psychomotor slowing, and inattention. The extra mental processing took longer at night and on the day following sleep loss than it did during the day before the sleep loss, suggesting that human mental processing slows down during the night under sleep deprivation.
An observational and idealized numerical examination of low-level counter-rotating vortices in the rear flank of supercells

Observations are reviewed that show that the dominant kinematic elements of the supercell rear flank are a downdraft trailing an adjacent updraft, a gust front, and counter-rotating vortices embedded in the gust front convergence zone. The associated vortex lines are shaped like arches. In an idealized simulation of the evolution of this flow structure, vortex rings are observed to form around a cool downdraft and in the adjacent periphery of the updraft. These rings are lofted in the rear portion of the updraft, and depressed in the downdraft. This resulting kinematic pattern strongly resembles the observations. Such a baroclinically-forced process is plausible in actual supercells, although it is uncertain whether it is ever sufficient for tornado formation, and to what extent the tilting of low-level quasi-streamwise vorticity plays a role.
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome in advanced Parkinson's disease

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a serious complication of levodopa withdrawal in patients with Parkinson's disease. We report a patient with advanced parkinsonism who developed neuroleptic malignant syndrome in the setting of inadequate levodopa intake. His symptoms improved with levodopa replacement, but dramatically worsened when enteral feeding was begun due to interference with intestinal absorption of levodopa.
Perceptions of Preservice Educators, Inservice Educators, and Professional Development Personnel Regarding Effective Methods for Learning Technology Integration Skills

This study examined educators' preferences for learning technology integration skills in order to provide the education community with justifiable data concerning the need for educator training alternatives. A survey was distributed to compare preservice educators, inservice educators, and professional development personnel's perceived effectiveness of eight training methods (N=759). The four research questions examined were: Do differences exist among preservice educators, inservice educators, and professional development personnel in the perceived effectiveness of different methods for learning technology integration skills? (2) Do differences exist among preservice educators, inservice educators, and professional development personnel in the perceived effectiveness of different methods for learning technology integration skills when categorized by age? (3) Do differences exist among preservice educators, inservice educators, and professional development personnel in the perceived effectiveness of different methods for learning technology integration skills when categorized by total hours of instruction? (4) Do differences exist among preservice educators, inservice educators, and professional development personnel in the perceived effectiveness of different methods for learning technology integration skills when categorized by locus of control? All groups were measured for similarities and differences in preferences on credit classes, workshops, open computer labs, technology personnel support, peer support, online help, printed documentation, and trial and error. In addition, those training preferences were cross-referenced with age, training hours, and the locus of control personality factor. MANOVAs and post-hoc analyses were performed for each major research question as well as trends in the data were examined. This study indicated that the most effective training methods were technical support, peer support, and credit courses. The least effective training methods were online help, printed documentation, workshops, and computer labs. Age, amount of training hours, and locus of control score did not provide as much information as did educator type when predicting training preference. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that educator training programs be revamped to include the methods that the educators themselves have affirmed as effective for learning technology integration skills. This assures that teachers are prepared to integrate technology into the curriculum and students are prepared for a technological society.
Closed-Form Procedure for Predicting the Capacity and Demand of Steel Beam-Columns under Fire

During a fire, columns on the perimeter of a building will be subject to moments induced by both a thermal gradient and the restraint of axial expansion by adjacent heated beams, which themselves develop axial load. These members thus act as beam-columns because they are then subject to a combination of axial load plus moment caused by a combination of gravity plus thermal loading. This paper presents a two-pronged procedure to predict the behavior of the perimeter column as a beam-column, considering both the individual member response (including thermal gradients) and the global response (including the interactions of adjacent members). All methods discussed in the paper are closed-form (i.e., they require no iteration) and can therefore be solved by using a spreadsheet or simple mathematical algorithm. The framework is sufficiently simple for use in codified structural-fire design and could be included in a reference of performance-based analysis methods for steel structures. Although this paper specif...
Engineering the nm-thick Interface Layer Formed Between a High-k Film and Silicon

The interface layer between thin sputter-deposited tantalum oxide (TaOx) high-k film and silicon substrate was engineered with the Hf doping method and the insertion of a thin 5A TaNx interface. The following results have been obtained: 1) the Hf dopant in the TaOx film was involved in the interface formation process, e.g., forming a new, thinner high-k HfSixOy interface layer rather than the SiOx layer, 2) when the TaNx interface was inserted, the interface layer composition was even more complicated, e.g., including TaOxNy and HfSixOy structures. No hafnium nitride or oxynitride was detected, 3) the interface layer structure was changed, e.g., from single-zone to multi-zone with different compositions, 4) when a low concentration of Hf existed in the TaOx film, the high-k dielectric properties, such as the k value, fixed charge density, dielectric strength, were improved, and 5) when the thin TaNx interface layer was inserted, the above electric properties were further improved. However, the fixed charge density and interface states were increased due to the insertion of the TaNx interface layer. These results were contributed by factors such as the charge-trapping characteristics in the interface layer and the some damage repairing mechanisms. In summary, this research proved that the high-k film's interface layer and bulk properties could be were improved with the doping process as well as the insertion of an ultra-thin TaNx interface film.