cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Initial Serum Vancomycin Trough Concentrations and Their Association with Initial Empirical Weight-Based Vancomycin Dosing and Development of Nephrotoxicity in Children: A Multicenter Retrospective Study

Study Objectives To determine whether a relationship exists between initial serum vancomycin trough concentrations and initial empirical vancomycin dose, patient weight, and patient age, and to determine the risks for vancomycin-associated nephrotoxicity in pediatric patients stratified by hospital setting. Design Stepwise linear and multinomial logistic regression analysis of retrospectively collected data. Setting Two geographically distinct children's tertiary care medical centers. Patients A total of 316 pediatric patients without preexisting renal dysfunction who were managed outside of the neonatal intensive care unit and were treated with at least 3 doses of vancomycin for gram-positive bacterial infections and had at least one serum vancomycin trough concentration between January 1, 2008, and July 31, 2010. Measurements and Main Results Elevated vancomycin trough concentrations had no statistically significant relationship with initial empirical vancomycin dosing across all hospital settings. Serum vancomycin trough concentrations (lower than 15 mg/L or 15–20 mg/L) were not associated with increased risk of nephrotoxicity. Concomitant nephrotoxic agents, however, including loop diuretics, vasopressors, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were significantly associated with the development of nephrotoxicity in medical-surgical and intensive care patients. Based on this analysis, use of loop diuretics and vasopressors increased the odds of developing nephrotoxicity (odds ratio [OR] 42.8 [p=0.001] and 18.4 [p=0.02], respectively). Use of NSAIDS and ACE inhibitors also increased the odds of developing nephrotoxicity (OR 18.6 [p=0.02] and 4.7 [p=0.03], respectively). Conclusion No significant associations were found between initial empirical weight-based vancomycin dosing or elevated serum trough concentrations and development of nephrotoxicity in children; rather, nephrotoxicity was associated with combination therapy with vancomycin and other potentially nephrotoxic agents.
High Spatial Resolution Phase Measurements Of Optical Surfaces

The requirements on figure quality of large optics, particularly in the mid to high spatial frequen-cies have pushed beyond the limits of resolution of some common wavefront analysis methods such as the reduction of interferograms. The smoothness requirement for some large mirrors on spatial scales of a few centimeters can be on the order of 0.01 χ rms, making fabrication and testing of these mirrors difficult. The advent of direct phase measuring interferometry with the use of high density CCD or photodiode arrays can provide the means to achieve the needed spatial resolution.
Optical frequency domain imaging with a rapidly swept laser in the 815-870 nm range

Optical frequency domain imaging (OFDI) in the 800-nm biological imaging window is demonstrated by using a novel wavelength-swept laser source. The laser output is tuned continuously from 815 to 870 nm at a 43.2-kHz repetition rate with 7-mW average power. Axial resolution of 10-µm in biological tissue and peak sensitivity of 96 dB are achieved. In vivo imaging of Xenopus laevis is demonstrated with an acquisition speed of 84 frames per second (512 axial lines per frame). This new imaging technique may prove useful in comprehensive retinal screening for medical diagnosis and contrast-agent-based imaging for biological investigations.
Achondroplasia: Pre- and Postsurgical Considerations for Midface Advancement

Abstract Achondroplasia, the most common type of dwarfism, involves several physical characteristics that can cause pre- and intraoperative respiratory problems. The characteristics include rib-cage deformities, midface hypoplasia, choanal stenosis, muscular hypotonia, foramen magnum compression, and cervical abnormalities. Specific pre- and postoperative strategies for dealing with achondroplastic dwarfs are discussed.
Clicking, Assessing, Immersing, and Sharing An Empirical Model of User Engagement with Interactive Media

This article explicates the concept of user engagement by synthesizing a disparate body of scholarship, and suggests a measurement and a structural model for empirically capturing the meaning and process of user engagement, specifically in the context of interactive media. A second-order confirmatory factor analysis of data from two experiments (N = 263) shows that four attributes—physical interaction, interface assessment, absorption, and digital outreach—together constitute a valid and reliable operationalization of the concept of user engagement. A structural equation model reveals that greater amount of physical interaction with the interface and a more positive assessment of the interface predict cognitive absorption with the content, which in turn is associated with greater behavioral intention to manage and socially distribute the content. In addition, predictive validity tests show that the four subscales are predictors of attitudinal and learning outcomes.
It’s Not All About Resources: Explaining (or Not) the Instability of Individual-Level Political Participation Over Time

The dominant political science explanations of the causes of individual-level political participation converge on three sets of antecedents—resources/skills, recruitment, and political engagement. However, the overwhelming majority of the empirical tests of these antecedents rely on cross-sectional data, obscuring the fact that micro-level participation in the United States is more accurately characterized by instability rather than by stability. Using the American National Election Study and Jennings time-series data, we for the first time demonstrate the inability of traditionally examined antecedents to explain individual-level variation in political behavior over time. Finding extant theory inadequate in this regard, we propose a modification of participation theories that puts the concept of motivation in the foreground. We argue that a model that includes motivation may both pave the way for a better understanding of the variation in participation over time and suggest possible prescriptions to help...
Size-Dependent Surface Free Energy and Tolman-Corrected Droplet Nucleation of TIP4P/2005 Water

Classical nucleation theory is notoriously inaccurate when using the macroscopic surface free energy for a planar interface. We examine the size dependence of the surface free energy for TIP4P/2005 water nanodroplets (radii ranging from 0.7 to 1.6 nm) at 300 K with the mitosis method, that is, by reversibly splitting the droplets into two subclusters. We calculate the Tolman length to be −0.56 ± 0.09 A, which indicates that the surface free energy of water droplets that we investigated is 5–11 mJ/m2 greater than the planar surface free energy. We incorporate the computed Tolman length into a modified classical nucleation theory (δ-CNT) and obtain modified expressions for the critical nucleus size and barrier height. δ-CNT leads to excellent agreement with independently measured nucleation kinetics.
Pairing and anti-pairing: a balancing act in the diploid genome

The presence of maternal and paternal homologs appears to be much more than just a doubling of genetic material. We know this because genomes have evolved elaborate mechanisms that permit homologous regions to sense and then respond to each other. One way in which homologs communicate is to come into contact and, in fact, Dipteran insects such as Drosophila excel at this task, aligning all pairs of maternal and paternal chromosomes, end-to-end, in essentially all somatic tissues throughout development. Here, we reexamine the widely held tenet that extensive somatic pairing of homologous sequences cannot occur in mammals and suggest, instead, that pairing may be a widespread and significant potential that has gone unnoticed in mammals because they expend considerable effort to prevent it. We then extend this discussion to interchromosomal interactions, in general, and speculate about the potential of nuclear organization and pairing to impact inheritance.
A simplified protocol for high-yield expression and purification of bacterial topoisomerase I.

Type IA topoisomerases represent promising antibacterial drug targets. Data exists suggesting that the two bacterial type IA topoisomerase enzymes-topoisomerase I and topoisomerase III-share an overlapping biological role. Furthermore, topoisomerase I has been shown to be essential for the survival of certain organisms lacking topoisomerase III. With this in mind, it is plausible that topoisomerase I may represent a potential target for selective antibacterial drug development. As many reported bacterial topoisomerase I purification protocols have either suffered from relatively low yield, numerous steps, or a simple failure to report target protein yield altogether, a high-yield and high-purity bacterial topoisomerase I expression and purification protocol is highly desirable. The goal of this study was therefore to optimize the expression and purification of topoisomerase I from Streptococcus mutans, a clinically relevant organism that plays a significant role in oral and extra-oral infection, in order to quickly and easily attain the requisite quantities of pure target enzyme suitable for use in assay development, compound library screening, and carrying out further structural and biochemical characterization analyses. Herein we report the systematic implementation and analysis of various expression and purification techniques leading to the development and optimization of a rapid and straightforward protocol for the auto-induced expression and two-step, affinity tag purification of Streptococcus mutans topoisomerase I yielding >20 mg/L of enzyme at over 95% purity.
A data complexity approach to kernel selection for support vector machines

We describe a data complexity approach to kernel selection based on the behavior of polynomial and Gaussian kernels. Our results show how the use of a Gaussian kernel produces a gram matrix with useful local information that has no equivalent counterpart in polynomial kernels. By exploiting neighborhood information embedded by data complexity measures, we are able to carry out a form of meta-generalization. Our goal is to predict which data sets are more favorable to particular kernels (Gaussian or polynomial). The end result is a framework to improve the model selection process in Support Vector Machines.
The Crystalline State

This chapter describes networks of points in space, or space lattices, such that each point is similarly placed in relation to the rest. It is useful to do so because these lattices underlie the placing of atoms in crystalline substances and are used to define and classify them. The chapter also focuses on the general lattice, the seven primitive lattices, the 14 bravais lattices and crystalline solids. A particular chemical substance is crystalline when an identical unit group of atoms, characteristic of the substance, similarly replaces each point of a bravais lattice. Thus, it is a substance in which each atom has the same surroundings as every other—the only way of ensuring that each part has the properties of the whole. The substance is said to have a crystal structure defined by the size and shape of its unit cell and by the nature and positions of the atoms in its unit group. The unit group in its simplest form is merely one atom, as in several elements. The unit group in its next simplest form consists of two like atoms, as in the metals beryllium and magnesium.
Nutritional Management of Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients

Protein-energy wasting (PEW) is a common and strong predictor of poor outcomes in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). In particular low body weight-for-height or body mass index (BMI), reduced serum cholesterol, albumin and prealbumin (transthyretin), and decreased protein intake have been shown to occur frequently in MHD patients and are also associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Recent longitudinal studies in large numbers of MHD patients suggest that a gain in post-hemodialysis dry weight over time is associated with greater survival whereas unintentional weight loss harbors increased mortality risk over time. This thesis, i.e. increasing nutritional intake will reduce mortality risk, still needs to be tested in randomized prospective clinical trials.
A design methodology for class-D resonant rectifier with parallel LC tank

This paper presents a design methodology for the tuning of a class-D half-wave resonant rectifier with a parallel LC resonant tank input network. Class-D resonant rectifiers offer numerous advantages at high operating frequencies that are leveraged here in the design of a high-voltage rectifier. The absence of a systematic design process, however, has been a limiting factor. Designers have been relying largely on parametric variation during transient simulation to design a rectifier with resistive input impedance at the fundamental frequency of operation. In this paper, we propose a systematic design procedure that begins with universal design curves applicable to any rectifier design of this topology. This is followed by parameter selection and a convergence check that ensures the rectifier operates with the desired output voltage. Experimental results confirm the validity of the design method for both linear and nonlinear resonant capacitances. Based on the outlined procedure, a 25 MHz 500 V rectifier with resistive input impedance is designed and experimentally verified.
Predictors of specific phobia in children with Williams syndrome

Background Specific phobia (SP) is the most common anxiety disorder among children with Williams syndrome (WS); prevalence rates derived from Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-based diagnostic interviews range from 37% to 56%. We evaluated the effects of gender, age, intellectual abilities and/or behaviour regulation difficulties on the likelihood that a child with WS would be diagnosed with SP. Methods A total of 194 6 – 17-year-olds with WS were evaluated. To best characterise the relations between the predictors and the probability of a SP diagnosis, we explored not only possible linear effects but also curvilinear effects. Results No gender differences were detected. As age increased, the likelihood of receiving a SP diagnosis decreased. As IQ increased, the probability of receiving a SP diagnosis also decreased. Behaviour regulation difficulties were the strongest predictor of a positive diagnosis. A quadratic relation was detected: The probability of receiving a SP diagnosis gradually rose as behaviour regulation difficulties increased. However, once behaviour regulation difficulties approached the clinical range, the probability of receiving a SP diagnosis asymptoted at a high level. Conclusion Children with behaviour regulation difficulties in or just below the clinical range were at the greatest risk of developing SP. These findings highlight the value of large samples and the importance of evaluating for nonlinear effects to provide accurate model specification when characterising relations among a dependent variable and possible predictors.
FoxO1 and FoxM1 Transcription Factors Have Antagonistic Functions in Neonatal Cardiomyocyte Cell-Cycle Withdrawal and IGF1 Gene Regulation

Rationale: In the mammalian heart, cardiomyocytes withdraw from the cell cycle and initiate hypertrophic growth soon after birth, but the transcriptional regulatory mechanisms that control these neonatal transitions are not well-defined. Objective: Forkhead family transcription factors have been implicated as positive (forkhead box [Fox] transcription factor M1) and negative (FoxO1 and FoxO3) regulators of cardiomyocyte proliferation prenatally, but their regulatory interactions and functions in neonatal cell-cycle withdrawal have not been reported previously. Potential regulators of Fox activity, including the metabolic indicator AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and Fox transcriptional targets ( p21 , p27 , insulin-like growth factor 1 [ IGF1 ]) also were examined. Methods and Results: In cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes, AMPK activates FoxOs, and AMPK inhibition is sufficient to induce cell proliferation. In vivo, combined loss of FoxO1 and FoxO3 specifically in cardiomyocytes leads to delayed cell-cycle withdrawal and increased expression of IGF1 and FoxM1 . Conversely, cardiomyocyte-specific loss of FoxM1 results in decreased neonatal cardiomyocyte cell proliferation, decreased expression of IGF1 , and increased expression of cell-cycle inhibitors p21 and p27 . IGF1 is a direct downstream target of cardiac Fox transcription factors, which is negatively regulated by FoxOs and positively regulated by FoxM1, dependent on AMPK activation status. Conclusions: These data support a regulatory mechanism whereby the balance of FoxO and FoxM1 transcription factors integrates metabolic status, mediated by AMPK, and cell-cycle regulation, through competitive regulation of target genes, including IGF1 , in neonatal cardiomyocytes.
How long should we follow patients after apparently curative parathyroidectomy

Background Little is known about the long-term recurrence risk for primary hyperparathyroidism after immediately “curative” parathyroidectomy. This study aimed to evaluate the risk of recurrent hyperparathyroidism in the 10 years after operation. Method We retrospectively identified patients with sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism undergoing initial parathyroidectomy between November 1, 2000 and June 30, 2005. Recurrence was defined as serum calcium >10.2 mg/dL after 6 months from operation. Kaplan-Meier estimates and Cox proportional hazards were used to evaluate disease-free survival and predictors of recurrence. Results We evaluated 196 patients with a 14.8% 10-year recurrence rate. Median time to recurrence was 6.3 years (interquartile range 3.4–10.8 years), and 34.5% of all recurrences were identified >10 years after operation. There was no difference in recurrence between open and minimally invasive operation ( P = .448). Double adenomas ( P = .006), intraoperative parathyroid hormone drop P = .015), and young age ( P = .032) were predictive of disease recurrence. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that older age was protective against recurrence (hazard ratio 0.97, 95% confidence interval 0.94–0.99, P = .034), while double adenomas (hazard ratio 3.52, 95% confidence interval 1.23–10.08, P = .019) were an independent predictor for recurrence. Conclusion The long-term recurrence rate for sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism after “curative” parathyroidectomy is likely greater than reported. With over one-third of our institutional recurrences at >10 years after the initial operation, long-term follow-up is essential.
Association of pretransplant kidney function with outcomes after lung transplantation

Purpose There is a lack of data regarding the independent association of pre-transplant kidney function with early and late outcomes among lung transplant (LT) recipients. Methods We queried the UNOS database for adult patients (≥ 18 years of age) undergoing LT between 1987 and 2013. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated using the Modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) and the Chronic kidney disease epidemiology collaboration (CKD-EPI) equations. The study population was split into four groups (>90, 60-90, 45-59.9 and <45 ml/min/1.73m2) based upon the estimated GFR at the time of listing. Results Overall there was a good correlation between the GFR estimated from the two equations (n=17884, Pearson r=0.816, p<0.001). There was a consistent and independent association of worse early and late outcomes with declining GFR throughout the spectrum including those above 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 (p<0.001 for overall comparisons). Although GFR<45 ml/min/1.73 m2 was associated with worse early and late survival, patients with GFR 45-59.9 ml/min/1.73 m2 do not appear to have survival advantage beyond 3 years post transplant. Conclusion There is a good correlation between GFR estimated using MDRD and CKD-EPI equations among patients being considered for LT. Early and late outcomes after LT worsen in a linear fashion with progressively lower pre-transplant GFR. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Status Epilepticus due to Intraperitoneal Injection of Vehicle Containing Propylene Glycol in Sprague Dawley Rats.

Published reports of status epilepticus due to intraperitoneal injection containing propylene glycol in rats are sparse. In fact, there are no reports specifying a maximum safe dose of propylene glycol through intraperitoneal administration. We report here a case of unexpected seizures in Sprague Dawley rats after receiving an intraperitoneal injection containing propylene glycol. Nine-week-old, 225–250 gram male rats were reported to experience tremor progressing to seizures within minutes after given injections of resveratrol (30 mg/kg) dissolved in a 40 : 60 propylene glycol/corn oil vehicle solution by direct intraperitoneal (IP) slow bolus injection or via a preplaced intraperitoneal catheter. The World Health Organization suggests a maximum dose of 25 mg/kg/day of propylene glycol taken orally and no more than 25 mg/dL in blood serum, whereas the animals used in our study got a calculated maximum 0.52 g/kg (25 times lower dose). Blood tests from the seizing rat support a diagnosis of hemolysis and lactic acidosis which may have led to the seizures, all of which appeared to be a consequence of the propylene glycol administration. These findings are consistent with oral and intravenous administration of propylene glycol toxicity as previously reported in other species, including humans. To our knowledge, this report represents the first published case of status epilepticus due to an IP injection containing propylene glycol.
Ultra-low Power Charge-Pump-Based Bandgap References

This paper presents a 48 nW, − 60 dB PSRR@ DC, switched capacitor bandgap reference circuit operational from 500 mV V DD . The design uses a switched capacitor network for the architecture, where instead of resistors, switching capacitors are used for generating the reference. A charge-pump network is used to reduce the minimum V DD required to operate the circuit. Compared to the prior work, this design improves the PSRR well over − 60 dB by using current source architecture. Measurement result shows a 1 mV change in output voltage for a 4.9 V change in V DD for a high-voltage version of the design. It achieves a stability of 45 ppm/∘C at an output voltage of 500 mV. We also present the theoretical background of the charge-pump-based bandgap while reviewing prior low-voltage bandgap circuits.
Analysis of DFT-Based Channel Estimation for Uplink Massive MIMO Systems

To reduce the edge effect in discrete Fourier transform-based channel estimation, various schemes have been proposed to estimate the channel response at the non-allocated subcarriers. However, it is not easy to estimate the channel response accurately at the non-allocated subcarriers, particularly at low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Moreover, the estimation places an additional computational burden on the receiver. The analysis in this letter shows that the edge effect is not serious in uplink massive multiple-input multiple-output systems. Zero padding at the non-allocated subcarriers is asymptotically optimal in the low SNR regime. We can also use fast Fourier transform/inverse fast Fourier transform pruning to reduce the computational complexity dramatically.
Identification of the Thioredoxin Partner of Vitamin K Epoxide Reductase in Mycobacterial Disulfide Bond Formation.

ABSTRACT Disulfide bonds influence the stability and activity of many proteins. In Escherichia coli, the DsbA and DsbB enzymes promote disulfide bond formation. Other bacteria, including the Actinobacteria, use instead of DsbB the enzyme vitamin K epoxide reductase (VKOR), whose gene is found either fused to or in the same operon as a dsbA-like gene. Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other Gram-positive actinobacteria secrete many proteins with even numbers of cysteines to the cell envelope. These organisms have predicted oxidoreductases and VKOR orthologs. These findings indicate that such bacteria likely form disulfide bonds in the cell envelope. The M. tuberculosisvkor gene complements an E. colidsbB deletion strain, restoring the oxidation of E. coli DsbA. While we have suggested that the dsbA gene linked to the vkor gene may express VKOR9s partner in mycobacteria, others have suggested that two other extracytoplasmic oxidoreductases (DsbE or DsbF) may be catalysts of protein disulfide bond formation. However, there is no direct evidence for interactions of VKOR with either DsbA, DsbE, or DsbF. To identify the actual substrate of VKOR, we identified two additional predicted extracytoplasmic DsbA-like proteins using bioinformatics analysis of the M. tuberculosis genome. Using the five potential DsbAs, we attempted to reconstitute disulfide bond pathways in E. coli and in Mycobacterium smegmatis, a close relative of M. tuberculosis. Our results show that only M. tuberculosis DsbA is oxidized by VKOR. Comparison of the properties of dsbA- and vkor-null mutants in M. smegmatis shows parallels to the properties of dsb mutations in E. coli. IMPORTANCE Disulfide bond formation has a great impact on bacterial pathogenicity. Thus, disulfide-bond-forming proteins represent new targets for the development of antibacterials, since the inhibition of disulfide bond formation would result in the simultaneous loss of the activity of several classes of virulence factors. Here, we identified five candidate proteins encoded by the M. tuberculosis genome as possible substrates of the M. tuberculosis VKOR protein involved in disulfide bond formation. We then reconstituted the mycobacterial disulfide bond formation pathway in E. coli and showed that of the five candidates, only M. tuberculosis DsbA is efficiently oxidized by VKOR in E. coli. We also present evidence for the involvement of VKOR in DsbA oxidation in M. smegmatis.
Attitudes of U.S. Hispanic and non-Hispanic women toward congenital CMV prevention behaviors: a cross sectional study

Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is the most common intrauterine infection. The only way to protect against congenital CMV infection is to practice CMV prevention behaviors. CMV seroprevalence rates are high in Hispanic women. It is unknown whether communication strategies should differ by ethnicity. The purpose of this study was to understand differences between U.S. Hispanic and non-Hispanic women’s attitudes toward CMV prevention behaviors and examine the relationship between perceived subjective norms and these attitudes. This was a cross-sectional study using an online panel. Participants were U.S. women of childbearing age. The dependent variable was attitude toward practicing CMV prevention behaviors, specifically avoiding sharing cups, food, and utensils with a child and not kissing a child on the lips. Among 818 women (50% Hispanic), 16.8% of Hispanic women and 9.7% of non-Hispanic women (p = 0.002) reported familiarity with CMV. Attitudes toward CMV prevention through avoiding sharing behaviors (M Hispanic = 5.55 vs. M non-Hispanic = 5.20; p = 0.002) and not kissing a child on the lips (M Hispanic = 4.80 vs. M non-Hispanic = 4.21; p = 0.001) were positive for both ethnicities, but higher for Hispanic women. Hispanic women (M = 5.11) reported higher perceived behavioral control for avoiding kissing a child on the lips than non-Hispanic women (M = 4.63; p = 0.001). Hispanic women who were U.S. born or spoke English primarily more frequently kissed a child on the lips or engaged in sharing behaviors. Additionally, those who spoke Spanish mostly held more positive attitudes toward not kissing on the lips. Significant predictors for more positive attitudes toward CMV prevention behaviors were associated with perceived subjective norms, perceived behavioral control and pre-survey participation in risk behaviors. Hispanic women have more positive attitudes toward CMV prevention behaviors than non-Hispanic women, however in regression models other factors are more important predictors of positive attitudes than ethnicity. In developing strategies to encourage women to practice CMV prevention behaviors, a focus on further understanding and increasing subjective norms and perceived control over those behaviors may be warranted.
Embryology of Retina and Choroid

The retina is a part of the brain. At the end of the first month in the development of the human embryo, two optic vesicles develop at the lateral surfaces of the embryonic forebrain. The lumina of the optical vesicles are continuous with the primitive ventricular system. At the end of the fourth week, the optical vesicles collapse and form optic cups. The ventricular space is reduced to a capillary cleft between two sheaths of neuroectodermal epithelium. The optical cups, connected to the forebrain by the optical stalks, induce the formation of the eyes in a complicated sequence of events (see for example: Starck 1975). In the adult, the anterior part of the retina, covering the ciliary body and iris, retains the original structure of two epithelial sheaths; the apical poles of their cells face each other. In the posterior part of the retina, the outer neuroectodermal sheath of the eyecup remains a single layer. It becomes the retinal pigment epithelium, whereas the inner sheath transforms into the nervous tissue of the neuroretina. The former optical ventricle remains a distinct extracellular compartment between the neuroretina and pigment epithelium: It is commonly termed subretinal space. A summary of recent research on vertebrate retinal development can be found in Barnstable (1987).
An Energy Saving Process for the Reactivation of Activated Carbon Saturated with Organic Contaminants

Activated carbon is the best broad-spectrum adsorbent available for the removal of dissolved organic material in aqueous solution. Granular activated carbon (GAC) has been commonly used to adsorb molecules that cause taste and odor, mutagenicity and toxicity. Synthetic organics, natural organic matter (humic and fulvic acids) pharmaceuticals, personal care products and disinfection by-products (chloroform) are well removed from domestic and industrial wastewaters. Physical adsorption efficiency of GAC is due to extensive surface area within the adsorbent deposited in a large range of pore sizes and volumes while the adsorbent surface chemistry affects chemisorption of adsorbates. Activated carbons have finite adsorption capacity that when exceeded, the adsorbent must be reactivated before reuse.
Constant Peak Wavelengths and Variable Half-Widths of the Four Major Forms of Chlorophyll

The main reason for our ignorance about the chemistry of chlorophyll in its natural state is that the complexes are not soluble and so the different varieties cannot be separated from each other for chemical analysis. That there are several different forms of natural chlorophyll complexes is, however, very clearly evident from the absorption spectra of various chloroplast preparations made from leaves or algae. The number and identity of the different components present is, however, not easy to deduce from casual inspection of the curves. The leaves of most land plants are very much alike in their content of the different forms of chlorophyll. We have, therefore, found it far more profitable to investigate the spectra of native chlorophyll from algae because the range of variation is much greater in algae than in leaves.
Integrated photocapacitors based on dye-sensitized TiO2/FTO as photoanode and MnO2 coated micro-array CNTs as supercapacitor counter electrode with TEABF4 electrolyte

Harvesting solar energy using dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) has been a promising option. Successful integration of a DSSC electrode with an energy storage electrode represents the next challenge for the researchers. In this paper, the fabrication and characterization of an integrated dye-sensitized photoanode and a supercapacitor cathode or a photocapacitor has been presented. This novel device employs N-719 dye-sensitized titanium dioxide on fluorine-doped tin oxide glass substrate as the photoanode. The supercapacitive counter electrode comprises MnO2 coated, vertically aligned, micro-array patterned carbon nanotubes (MA-CNTs). The CNTs were grown on n++ silicon (Si) substrates in a hot filament chemical vapor deposition system followed by in-situ electrochemical deposition of MnO2. Tetraethyl ammonium tetrafluoroborate electrolyte was used to investigate the photovoltaic and energy storage performances of the photocapacitors under 1-sun illumination and constant-current discharge tests. A high discharge capacitance of 13 mF/cm2 at 0.932 V was achieved by coating MnO2 onto the high surface area of MA-CNTs due to the pseudocapacitive behavior of MnO2, which led to a nearly 3-fold increase in the short circuit current density to 0.749 mA/cm2 and more than a 2-fold enhancement in the open circuit voltage to 0.46 V, as compared to the baseline CNT counter electrode. The corresponding increase in the fill factor and efficiency was also observed. Overall, we have demonstrated the viability of a compact, easy to fabricate, integrated photocapacitor with promising energy generation/storage performance.
National and Global Rural Health Crisis: Spatial Injustice

Environmental injustices in the rural landscape created unnecessary exposure to pollution in water and air, land-use abuse, health challenges and economic depression. Themes in political ecology and environmental injustice are merged in this chapter to provide substance on the politics associated with environmental justice and to characterize political, economic and social factors as major contributors. Environmental issues are then grounded in an articulation of power relations, marginalization, degradation and environmental conflict, with special emphasis on the role of industry and capitalism in diminishing civic engagement and social protections.
Trauma, Harry Potter, and the Demented World of Academia

The following text presents my personal experience of psychological trauma as part of regular and ongoing processes of institutional (re)socialization into academe as a pre-tenure faculty member of color. In giving voice to this experience of trauma, the paper adopts a testimonio narrative function to highlight the shared nature of this experience even while foregrounding the uniqueness of my situation as a member of a marginalized and gendered body living in a specific geographical context and socio-political time. Though testimonio provides structure to my narrative, J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter novels—a series about individual and collective trauma at the mortifying hands of resocializing institutions—provide an incidental, but integral, narrative lens through which I make meaning and offer advice on surviving traumatic experiences in institutional spaces.
Brewster angle optical reflection observation of self-limiting nanoparticle monolayer self-assembly at a liquid/liquid interface

Real-time optical reflection of incident p-polarized light near Brewster’s angle shows that after drop-casting iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs) in heptane on top of a diethylene glycol (DEG) liquid substrate, an iron oxide NP layer forms at the DEG/heptane interface, and it self-limits to a monolayer even when there are excess NPs dispersed in the upper heptane phase. Most modes of NP self-assembly do not self-limit growth after the formation of a single monolayer. Observations are compared to a reflection model incorporating the reflectances expected at each interface. An effective medium model of the dielectric constant is used to model the reflectance of the NP layer at the DEG/heptane interface.
Low-Frequency Noise of Magnetic Sensors Based on the Anomalous Hall Effect in Fe-Pt Alloys.

We took advantage of the large anomalous Hall effect (AHE) in Fe–Pt ferromagnetic alloys and fabricated magnetic sensors for low-frequency applications. We characterized the low-frequency electronic noise and the field detectability of the FexPt100-x system with various thin film thicknesses and Fe concentrations. The noise source consisted of 1/f and Johnson noise. A large current density increased the 1/f noise but not the Johnson noise. We found that the field detectability of the optimized Fe–Pt thin film offers much better low-frequency performance than a highly sensitive commercial semiconductor Hall sensor. Anomalous Hall effect sensors are, therefore, good candidates for magnetic sensing applications.
1031 - ONTOGENY OF THE HEMATOPOIETIC HIERARCHY

Our work focuses on the clonal dynamics of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells throughout embryogenesis and adult mammalian life. Via novel use of a multi-colored lineage trace reporter, we showed that hundreds of embryonic precursors contribute to life-long hematopoiesis during mammalian ontogeny. We recently used this approach to systematically and non-invasively analyze the number of clones supporting steady-state hematopoiesis throughout mammalian life. We found that the number of clones supporting the major blood and bone marrow (BM) hematopoietic compartments in mice declines with age by about 30% and 60%, respectively. As previously reported, aging dramatically reduced HSC in vivo repopulating activity, lymphoid potential and increased functional heterogeneity. Repeated challenge by serial transplantation provoked the clonal collapse of both young and aged hematopoietic systems. Whole exome sequencing of serially transplanted aged and young hematopoietic clones confirmed oligoclonal hematopoiesis and revealed mutations in at least 27 genes, including nonsense, missense and deletion mutations in Bcl11b, Hist1h2ac, Npy2r, Notch3, Ptprr and Top2b, implicating these genes in clonal selection during intense hematopoietic stress. Finally, to better understand the developmental bottlenecks that dictate which embryonic HSCs realize their potential to contribute to life-long hematopoiesis, we interrogated the phenotype, frequency and function of all major HSPC populations in the fetal and neonatal BM between E15.5 and early neonatal life. Here, we observed surprising shifts in the phenotype and frequency of specific HSPCs during this window of ontogeny. Cues present immediately following birth appear to play a major role in establishing the HSPC hierarchy of adult BM. We are currently working to identify these cues.
Retrospective Assessment of Desmopressin Effectiveness and Safety in Patients With Antiplatelet-Associated Intracranial Hemorrhage*

Objective:Current international guidelines offer a conditional recommendation to consider a single dose of IV desmopressin (DDAVP) for antiplatelet-associated intracranial hemorrhage based on low-quality evidence. We provide the first comparative assessment analyzing DDAVP effectiveness and safety i
Bayesian Utility-Based Designs for Subgroup-Specific Treatment Comparison and Early-Phase Dose Optimization in Oncology Clinical Trials

PURPOSEDespite the fact that almost any sample of patients with a particular disease is heterogeneous, most clinical trial designs ignore the possibility that treatment or dose effects may differ b...
A Bottom-Up Approach Grafts Collagen Fibrils Perpendicularly to Titanium Surfaces

Currently, titanium dental implant apposition to bone is achieved via osseointegration leading to ankylosis. A biomimetic Sharpey’s fiber-type interface could be constructed around collagen fibrils...
An Objective Pain Score for Chronic Pain Clinic Patients.

Objectives. Although numerous studies have looked at the numeric rating scale (NRS) in chronic pain patients and several studies have evaluated objective pain scales, no known studies have assessed an objective pain scale for use in the evaluation of adult chronic pain patients in the outpatient setting. Subjective scales require patients to convert a subjective feeling into a quantitative number. Meanwhile, objective pain scales utilize, for the most part, the patient’s behavioral component as observed by the provider in addition to the patient’s subjective perception of pain. This study aims to examine the reliability and validity of an objective Chronic Pain Behavioral Pain Scale for Adults (CBPS) as compared to the traditional NRS. Methods. In this cross-sectional study, patients were assessed before and after an interventional pain procedure by a researcher and a nurse using the CBPS and the NRS. Interrater reliability, concurrent validity, and construct validity were analyzed. Results. Interrater reliability revealed a fair-good agreement between the nurse’s and researcher’s CBPS scores, weighted kappa values of 0.59 and 0.65, preprocedure and postprocedure, respectively. Concurrent validity showed low positive correlation for the preprocedure measurements, 0.34 (95% CI 0.16–0.50) and 0.47 (95% CI 0.31–0.61), and moderate positive correlation for the postprocedure measurements, 0.68 (95% CI 0.56–0.77) and 0.67 (95% CI 0.55–0.77), for the nurses and researchers, respectively. Construct validity demonstrated an equally average significant reduction in pain from preprocedure to postprocedure, CBPS and NRS median (IQR) scores preprocedure (4 (2–6) and 6 (4–8)) and postprocedure (1 (0–2) and 3 (0–5)), . Discussion. The CBPS has been shown to have interrater reliability, concurrent validity, and construct validity. However, further testing is needed to show its potential benefits over other pain scales and its effectiveness in treating patients with chronic pain over a long-term. This study was registered with ClinicalTrial.gov with National Clinical Trial Number NCT02882971 .
Primary Hypoparathyroidism and Recurring Hypocalcemia in a Quarter Horse Gelding-A Case Report.

Abstract Hypoparathyroidism is an uncommon endocrine disorder in the horse characterized by a transient or permanent parathyroid hormone insufficiency. Hypoparathyroidism is associated with hypocalcemia and hyperphosphatemia, primarily presenting with clinical signs consistent with hypocalcemia. This case report describes clinical presentation and treatment of a horse with severe hypocalcemia due to primary hypoparathyroidism. A 17-year-old, 542 kg Quarter Horse gelding presented for shaking and tremors. Significant findings include generalized muscle fasciculations, synchronous diaphragmatic flutter, and a markedly hypermetric hindlimb gait. Hematology revealed a moderate hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypomagnesemia, and severe hypocalcemia. Initial treatment consisted of oral and intravenous calcium supplementation and fluid therapy. Thirty-six hours after presentation, clinical signs resolved, and treatment was discontinued. Clinical signs reoccurred after the discontinuation of treatment. A presumptive diagnosis of primary hypoparathyroidism was made based on low parathyroid hormone in the presence of low ionized calcium. The patient was maintained on oral calcium carbonate (feed grade lime) and vitamin AED supplementation. Hypoparathyroidism is rare but oral supplementation of calcium with calcium carbonate resulted in a favorable outcome with no apparent decrease in performance. Long-term supplementation may be required to prevent disease recurrence.
Reamer-irrigator-aspirate versus bone marrow aspirate concentrate for osteoprogenitor cell retention and osteoinductive protein release on cancellous bone.

Abstract Bone defects often require operative intervention with the use of bone graft. Two sources of autologous bone graft include reamer-irrigator-aspirate (RIA) and bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMC). Osteoprogenitor cells and osteoconductive proteins have been identified in both sources. This study collected samples of these cells and proteins from a canine model and cultured them on human cancellous allograft bone blocks. Findings suggest that BMC may be preferred for indications that allow for delivery via injection, saturation of the patient's tissues, or an implanted scaffold, whereas RIA may be preferred when the biologic augment is delivered as a scaffold or graft.
Legalized Marijuana Presents Challenges for Substance Abuse Prevention in Higher Education University Business Magazine

At the time of this writing 21 states have legalized marijuana. The legalization of marijuana presents many challenges for college and university administrators. Excessive marijuana smoking can lead to the same problems caused by excessive alcohol consumption, such as erratic driving, fighting, vandalizing, stealing, and so forth. This is due to THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) the psychoactive component of marijuana that causes impairment, that is, diminished judgment and motor functions. A new app for protecting students is discussed including information regarding how they can use this app.
The Legal and Institutional Foundations of Silicon Valley’s Technological Innovation: An Interdisciplinary Literature Review

This article reviews interdisciplinary literature to explain how state legislation and the practice of law in California influenced the success of Silicon Valley in creating a startup business culture involving the commercialization of technologies built on venture capital finance. Scholarship has identified four major factors in the rise of Silicon Valley: business culture, symbiotic institutional relations with research universities, California contract and employment law, and Silicon Valley law firm culture. Both law and institutional support have been central to the commercialization of scientific knowledge that is the hallmark of Silicon Valley. Silicon Valley companies have remained leaders in technological innovation for over sixty years, encompassing various technologies from semiconductors to personal computers to the Internet. This entrepreneurial approach to technology continues to this day as exemplified by the successful DoorDash and Airbnb IPOs launched in 2020. The paradigmatic Silicon Valley technology company consists of a small group of entrepreneurs building a start-up technology company funded by a venture capital fund. The venture capitalists (VC) maintain hands-on management of the company and receive seats on the board of director and preferred stock rights. If the business plan is successful, the company offers shares to the public through an initial public offering (IPO), or arranges additional funding from another VC fund. This Silicon Valley model is characterized by a tolerance for failure and high labor mobility. Technology company employees have the freedom to leave established companies to start their own ventures.
Development of a causal model of perceptions of boards of education which will predict effectiveness in their schools

This study examined the causal relationships between eight factors determining the perceived importance of school board functions and effective schools. Measures were obtained from 84 school districts in a mid-western state. Two instruments were used, a self report survey for school board members, and a school effectiveness rating determined by regional educational specialists. The school board data were factor analyzed, and eight constructs emerged. A regression model adjusting school effectiveness ratings for two demographic characteristics was used to obtain the dependent variable for the path model. Path analysis findings did not verify that there was a causal relationship between perceived school board functions and effective school districts. In recent years attention in education has been focused on how to improve our methods of instruction. New technology and progressive methods have been implemented by administrative and instructional leaders. Educators have been encouraged to experiment with a variety of teaching and learning styles in an effort to facilitate the acquisition of skills and thought processes. Along with the surge in awareness of improving instruction, equally there has been a push for accountability. Traditional methods of measuring student performance have provided incongruous results to which schools are "doing the job" and why. Because many studies are conducted at the elementary level, it is often