cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Improving paclitaxel pharmacokinetics by using tumor-specific mesoporous silica nanoparticles with intraperitoneal delivery

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) containing paclitaxel for intraperitoneal (i.p.) delivery were developed to exploit the tumor specific accumulation of these nanocarriers after i.p. injection and the slow release of paclitaxel from the MSNs. A 3.5-fold increase in tumor cellular drug uptake was observed for the paclitaxel-loaded MSNs compared with free paclitaxel. An in vivo study using xenograft mice bearing peritoneal human pancreatic carcinoma MIA PaCa-2 demonstrated that the MSN-paclitaxel formulation, compared to free paclitaxel, exhibited a 3.2-fold increase in peritoneal cavity residence time, slower absorption into the systemic circulation with one third systemic exposure, but a 6.5-fold increase in peritoneal tumor accumulation. Tissue distribution imaging showed significantly greater accumulation of fluorescent MSNs in tumor tissues compared to other peritoneal tissues. In conclusion, intraperitoneal administration of drug-containing MSNs was effective at reducing systemic exposure and increasing the peritoneal tumor accumulation of paclitaxel.
Analysis on Theoretical Benchmark Generation Price for Thermal Units in a Province

On the basis of the operation period price policy,the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) promulgated a benchmark price policy in 2004. Coal prices increased constantly during 2007-2008,which brought difficulties to power generation companies. In order to understand the operation conditions of power generation companies and provide a reference for the government departments to set a reasonable price for newly commissioned generation units,a study is carried out on the theoretical benchmark price of generation units in a province. Based on the analysis of a large number of the operation data of power generation companies,the input parameters are obtained for the generation price calculation model in the operation period,and a sensitivity analysis is also conducted for them.
Applications of magnetic resonance imaging for treatment-resistant late-life depression

Late-life depression (LLD) is a growing public and global health concern with diverse clinical manifestations and etiology. This literature review summarizes neuroimaging findings associated with depression in older adults and treatment-response variability. LLD has been associated with cerebral atrophy, diminished myelin integrity, and cerebral lesions in frontostriatal-limbic regions. These associations help explain the depression-executive dysfunction syndrome observed in LLD, and support cerebrovascular burden as a pathogenic mechanism. Furthermore, this review suggests that neuroimaging determinants of treatment resistance also reflect cerebrovascular burden. Of the theoretical etiologies of LLD, cerebrovascular burden may mediate treatment resistance. This review proposes that neuroimaging has the potential for clinical translation. Controlled trials may identify neuroimaging biomarkers that may inform treatment by identifying depressed adults likely to remit with pharmacotherapy, identifying individualized therapeutic dose, and facilitating earlier treatment response measures. Neuroimaging also has the potential to similarly inform treatment response variability from treatment with aripiprazole (dopamine modulator) and buprenorphine (opiate modulator).
Hemodynamic and functional changes in xenogenic, perfused, isolated lungs

Hyperacute pulmonary rejection was reproduced by perfusion of the isolated lung with heparinized heterologous blood. The cat lung was perfused with dog venous blood at a pressure of 30 mm. Hg. Pulmonary hemodynamic and functional studies showed that blood flow decreased to 14 per cent of the control and pulmonary vascular resistance increased sevenfold. Dynamic pulmonary compliance decreased only slightly to 83 per cent at 15 minutes, but normal pH, PO2, and PCO2 were maintained in the pulmonary venous blood even 15 minutes after the start of perfusion, because perfusion was decreased to a greater extent than ventilation.
Management of hormone-secreting pituitary adenomas

Pituitary adenomas are one of the most common primary central nervous system tumors and have an estimated prevalence of 17%. Approximately half of pituitary adenomas secrete distinct pituitary hormones (most often prolactin, growth hormone, or adrenocorticotropic hormone). While these tumors are histologically benign, they have potent endocrine effects that lead to significant morbidity and shortened lifespan. Because of their pathophysiologic endocrine secretion and anatomic location near critical neural/vascular structures, hormone-secreting pituitary adenomas require defined management paradigms that can include relief of mass effect and biochemical remission. Management of hormone-secreting pituitary adenomas involves a multidisciplinary approach that can incorporate surgical, medical, and/or radiation therapies. Early and effective treatment of hormone-secreting pituitary adenomas can reduce morbidity and mortality. Consequently, understanding clinical features as well as therapeutic options in the context of the specific biological features of each type of hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma is critical for optimal management.
The Purpose, Structure and Limitations of the Electoral College

The U.S. Constitution was drafted in Philadelphia from late May to mid-September 1787. The fifty-five delegates to the Constitutional Convention gathered to revise the Articles of Confederation but...
Children's sensitivity to configural cues in faces undergoing rotational motion

One account of face processing in childhood claims that featural cue processing dominates early in life, and more sophisticated configural cue processing skills emerge more gradually. The opposing view holds that most experimental demonstrations of diminished configural processing in early childhood reflect overall cognitive immaturity, not a true insensitivity to configural cues. This is typically assessed in discrimination tasks, via recognition accuracy with upright faces, as well as ldquoinversion effectsrdquo, relatively high performance with upright faces compared to relatively low performance with inverted faces. Larger relative inversion effects are taken to indicate proficiency in configural processing, which is specific to upright faces. In adults, the less sophisticated featural processing is assumed to proceed when configural cues are inaccessible, as in the case of an inverted face. Compared to adults, children typically have shown worse general performance with upright faces, as well as smaller inversion costs. The current study investigated the ability of motion to facilitate configural cue processing in 8 year-old children. The use of a 3D-based stimulus production system allowed us to generate facial stimuli that could be rotated in depth, which were presented in a typical discrimination task. The utility of rotational motion has seldom been explored in previous developmental tests. The current study failed to find evidence of a configural deficit in children relative to adults was not found. Additionally, the hypothesis that motion information would allow children to construct a stronger configural representation was not supported. These data are discussed in the context of task-specific encoding strategies.
The clinical and financial impact of a pediatric surgical neuro-oncology clinical trial

Pediatric surgical trials are rare and the impact of such trials on the institutions in which they are conducted is unknown. The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical and financial impact of The Re-MATCH trial, a Phase I clinical trial requiring the biopsy or resection of recurrent medulloblastoma or PNET for enrollment. Inpatient financial and clinical volume information was collected during the 3 years of trial enrollment and the years preceding and following it. The primary endpoints were the difference in direct contribution margin (DCM), or net gain, of study and non-study patients and the difference in surgical volume during the study and non-study periods. The trial enrolled 18 patients; 15 had surgery at the sponsor institution and three had surgery at their home institution, then transferred tumor material to the sponsor institution. There were no differences between the two groups for potentially confounding variables such as neurosurgical procedure work relative value units (P = 0.13) or insurance provider (P = 0.26). There was no difference between the inpatient DCM per case for the institution for non-study patients (mean ± SD, $9039 ± $28,549) and study patients ($14,332 ± $20,231) (P = 0.4819). During the non-study period, there were a mean of 2.78 ± 1.65 pediatric brain tumor resections per month compared to 3.34 ± 1.66 cases per month during the study period, a 17% increase. When the 15 study patients were excluded, there were 2.97 ± 1.64 cases per month, a 7% increase. However, this increase in total case volume including study and non-study patients was not significant (P = 0.121). Phase I investigator-initiated surgically-based clinical trials may increase institutional surgical volume without imposing a financial burden. Finances are unlikely to be a barrier for researchers negotiating for resources to conduct such trials.
PTH- PTHR1 Axis Control on Anti-Myeloma Effect of Proteasome Inhibitors

Abstract Abstract 5017 Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell malignancy with high osteolytic capacity and impaired bone formation. Our recent studies have demonstrated that PTH serum increases are associated with Bortezomib responses in multiple myeloma patients, indicating a possible role of PTH in anti myeloma effect of Bortezomib. We first tested the 5TGM1 cell line for sensitivity to bortezomib, PTH, and [TYR34]bPTH-(7-34) bovine (a specific PTHR1 inhibitor) in various combinations. In an in vitro study, 5TGM1 cells were sensitive to cytotoxicity of bortezomib and PTH in a dose dependent fashion. TYR compound was found to have no effect as single agent on 5TGM1 cell survival, but was able to partially block the inhibitory effect of bortezomib on cell growth (Figure 1). In an in vivo study using the 5TGM1 C 57BL/KaLwRijmice, we tested PTH-PTHR1 axis on bortezomib anti-myeloma activity. As shown in Figure 1, mice survival was positively affected by bortezomib administration (P = 0.04), and the combination of PTH + bortezomib showed a trend to further improve survival (P = 0.09). Interestingly, the concomitant use of [TYR] compound with bortezomib completely abrogated the efficacy of the proteasome inhibitor on survival. Tumor burden assessed by M-protein levels decreased consistently in mice treated with bortezomib alone, PTH alone, or a combination of PTH + bortezomib compared with the control group treated with PBS (P = 0.003, P = 0.05, P = 0.01 respectively). Importantly the tumor burden in the mice treated with bortezomib was significantly lower than in mice treated with bortezomib plus the PTH inhibitor (TYR), again indicating that the PTHR inhibitor abrogates the effect of Bortezomib on tumor growth. Similar results were obtained using the same systems for other commercially available proteasome inhibitors. Thus, we conclude that the PTH- PTHR1 pathway appears essential for proteasome inhibition activity in myeloma. Our observations may lead to novel treatment approaches in myeloma. Download : Download high-res image (346KB) Download : Download full-size image Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
High Relapse Rate Following Alemtuzamab Use in Allogeneic Transplants for Myeloid Hematologic Malignancies.

Abstract Chakravarti, (Blood, 2002, p1071) and others have described the use of alemtuzamab, a monoclonal antibody that binds to CD52 on T cells, B cells, monocytes and dendritic cells in vivo for control of graft vs host disease in reduced intensity or fully-ablative matched related and unrelated transplant regimens for hematologic malignancies. Control of GVHD has been good, but high relapse rates and infectious complications have been seen. We report our experience with 42 pts who underwent matched related (27) or unrelated (15) bone marrow (8), blood stem cell (33), or both (1) transplants for hematologic malignancies. There were 16 women and 26 men, median age 48, and median f/u is 9 months. All AML pts had high-risk disease defined as beyond CR1 (11), CR1 with high risk cytogenetics (5), AML with tri-lineage dysplasia (6), or failed prior autologous transplant (1) Three had >10% marrow blasts at time of transplant. All other pts had advanced and multiply recurrent disease. All pts received alemtuzamab either at 20 mg/m2/d x 5 (17), or 30 mg/m2/d x 3 (25) between days -8 through -4. The conditioning regimens also included 12.8 mg/kg IV busulfan, (27), 6.4 mg/kg IV busulfan (8), melphalan 140 mg/m2 (6), or Cy/TBI (1). All non-TBI patients received 30 mg/m2/d x 5 of fludaribine. Median recovery of ANC to >500/ul and platelets > 20,000/ul w/o transfusion were 13 and 14 days, respectively. TRM included 1 pt each with intracranial hemorrhage at day 8, multi-organ failure/sepsis at day 28, and IPS/ARDS at day 119. Two of the 3 deaths were in MRD transplants; no serious episodes of VOD were observed. Grade 2–4 GVHD was seen in 4/14 evaluable MUD pts and 1 (sex mismatched) of 26 evaluable MRD pts. CMV reactivation has been seen in nearly all CMV sero+ pts, and bk reactivation was seen in 25 pts with hemorrhagic cystitis in 10. One case of PTLD, 3 graft failures, and one severe case of disseminated adenovirus infection resulting in nephritis, cystitis and transient cardiomyopathy were also seen. Relapse/# evaluable for different diseases are as follows: AML 12/22, Gleevec-resistant CML 3/3, MDS 0/4, MM 3/3, NHL 0/3, ALL 0/3, CLL 0/2. Relapse rates in evaluable MRD pts, 15/26 (58%), were statistically higher compared to MUD pts, 3/14 (21%) (p = 0.05). RR in marrow, 2/8, vs BSC, 16/32, were comparable. Alemtuzamab use has been effective at controlling GVHD and infectious complications can be reduced with early and pre-emptive use of ganciclovir. Nevertheless, high relapse rates remain a significant problem and preclude routine use of this approach in MRD patients with advanced myeloid diseases. Current use of this agent has been individualized for donor (MRD vs MUD) and disease (myeloid vs other) status.〉
Evaluating the stability of NASA’s space launch system with adaptive augmenting control

NASA’s baseline space launch system (SLS) flight control system (FCS) design includes an adaptive augmenting control (AAC) component that modifies the attitude control system response by augmenting the classical gain-scheduled architecture with additional performance and robustness. The NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) teamed with the SLS Program to perform a comprehensive assessment of the stability and robustness of this FCS with emphasis on the AAC component. Multiple analysis techniques applicable to nonlinear systems were commissioned as part of this assessment, which was conducted in parallel with the program’s standard design analysis cycle. The following analyses were included, with each technique adding unique valuable insights: Lyapunov-based stability analysis, classical stability analysis with static AAC gain variations, circle criterion-based analysis of the FCS with a time-varying gain element, time-domain stability margin assessment, Monte Carlo simulations with expanded dispersions, and an extensive set of stressing cases. Several of the completed analyses focused on determining whether the inclusion of AAC introduced risk to the FCS, while others quantified the benefits of the adaptive augmentation.
Genetic Separation of Sae2 Nuclease Activity from Mre11 Nuclease Functions in Budding Yeast.

Sae2 promotes the repair of DNA double-strand breaks in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The role of Sae2 is linked to the Mre11/Rad50/Xrs2 (MRX) complex, which is important for the processing of DNA ends into single-stranded substrates for homologous recombination. Sae2 has intrinsic endonuclease activity, but the role of this activity has not been assessed independently from its functions in promoting Mre11 nuclease activity. Here we identify and characterize separation-of-function mutants that lack intrinsic nuclease activity or the ability to promote Mre11 endonucleolytic activity. We find that the ability of Sae2 to promote MRX nuclease functions is important for DNA damage survival, particularly in the absence of Dna2 nuclease activity. In contrast, Sae2 nuclease activity is essential for DNA repair when Mre11 nuclease is compromised. Resection of DNA breaks is impaired when either Sae2 activity is blocked, suggesting roles for both Mre11 and Sae2 nuclease activities in promoting the processing of DNA ends in vivo. Finally, both activities of Sae2 are important for sporulation, indicating that the processing of meiotic breaks requires both Mre11 and Sae2 nuclease activities.
Poverty, Effects of on Social and Emotional Development

The prevalence of child and family poverty in the United States has sparked research around the negative associations between poverty and child development in families who cannot afford basic goods and services, such as food, clothing, and healthcare. More specifically, literature suggests that poverty hinders social and emotional development in children of all ages. The depth, persistence, and timing of poverty have a moderating role in the association between income and socio-emotional development. There are also many mechanisms through which poverty and its correlates impinge on early development: parents, the home environment, early education and care settings, and neighborhoods.
The Nasal Valves

The nasal valve is the narrowest portion of the nasal airway. As such, it is the primary regulator of nasal airflow. Iatrogenic collapse of the nasal valve is a common cause of nasal airway obstruction following reduction rhinoplasty. Nasal airway obstruction due to nasal valve dysfunction may also occur naturally, unrelated to prior surgery. In these instances, nasal valve obstruction occurs as a result of the native shape and weakness of the upper and lower lateral cartilages or as a result of traumatic deformity of the cartilaginous support of the nasal sidewall. It is imperative that the nasal surgeon be aware of the nasal valve and its contribution to the nasal airway. In this way, surgical intervention may include correction of nasal valve dysfunction through a variety of surgical reparative methods.
Brief Report: Reduced Use of Illicit Substances, Even Without Abstinence, Is Associated With Improved Depressive Symptoms Among People Living With HIV.

PURPOSE Substance use is linked with poor outcomes among people living with HIV (PLWH) and is associated with mental health disorders. This analysis examines the impact of decreasing substance use, even without abstinence, on depressive symptoms among PLWH. METHODS Data are from PLWH enrolled in the Centers for AIDS Research Network of Integrated Clinical Sites cohort. Participants completed longitudinal assessments of substance use (modified ASSIST) and depressive symptoms (PHQ-9). Changes in substance use frequency were categorized as abstinence, reduced use, and nondecreasing use. Adjusted linear mixed models with time-updated change in substance use frequency and depressive symptom scores were used to examine associations between changes in the use of individual substances and depressive symptoms. Analyses were repeated using joint longitudinal survival models to examine associations with a high (PHQ-9 ≥10) score. RESULTS Among 9905 PLWH, 728 used cocaine/crack, 1016 used amphetamine-type substances (ATS), 290 used illicit opiates, and 3277 used marijuana at baseline. Changes in ATS use were associated with the greatest improvements in depressive symptoms: stopping ATS led to a mean decrease of PHQ-9 by 2.2 points (95% CI: 1.8 to 2.7) and a 61% lower odds of PHQ-9 score ≥10 (95% CI: 0.30 to 0.52), and decreasing ATS use led to a mean decrease of 1.7 points (95% CI: 1.2 to 2.3) and a 62% lower odds of PHQ-9 score ≥10 (95% CI: 0.25 to 0.56). Stopping and reducing marijuana and stopping cocaine/crack use were also associated with improvement in depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated that both substance use reduction and abstinence are associated with improvements in depressive symptoms over time.
Unsolvated homo- and heterometallic highly fluorinated β-diketonate complexes of copper(II)

Abstract The unsolvated Cu(II) complex with bis(pentafluorobenzoyl)methanide ligand (L, C6F5COCHCOC6F5−) is prepared and crystallized as [CuL2] (1) using gas phase sublimation-deposition at 150 °C. The X-ray crystallographic characterization confirmed the centrosymmetric mononuclear structure of 1 with a square planar geometry around Cu(II) (Cu–Oav 1.9149(8) A). The reaction of 1 with sodium hexafluoroacetylacetonate [Na(hfac)] in a solvent-free environment afforded [Na2Cu2L4(hfac)2] (2), the first heterometallic Na–Cu β-diketonate characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In the centrosymmetric tetranuclear structure of 2, a dimeric [Na(hfac)]2 unit is sandwiched between two CuL2 units. The L-ligands function as chelating-bridging between Cu and Na through one of their O-atoms. The hfac ligands are chelating-bridging between Cu and Na and between Na(1) and Na(1A) through both O-atoms. In addition to the five primary Na–O interactions (av. 2.4109(17) A), three secondary Na–F contacts (av. 2.6006(15) A) contribute to the overall distorted square antiprismatic coordination environment for Na. The geometry of Cu is square pyramidal with Cu–O(L) distances averaging at 1.922(14) A and Cu–O(hfac) of 2.3021(15) A. Thermal decomposition of 2 yields a mixture of NaCuF3, Na2CuF4 and NaF, when conducted at 230 °C in argon at ambient pressure.
Does stakeholder engagement through corporate social and environmental behaviors affect innovation

Abstract Firms often engage with their internal and external stakeholders to enrich their knowledge base and augment innovation. An important yet under-examined mechanism to tap into knowledge stakeholders can provide is corporate social and environmental behaviors (CSEB) that firms undertake. This study examines the impact of stakeholder engagement through CSEB on firm investment in innovation. Drawing arguments from the knowledge-based view (KBV), stakeholder theory, and the upper echelons perspective, we argue that undertaking higher levels of corporate social and environmental behaviors lead to better innovation outcomes through different pathways. We test our proposed model on a sample of Fortune 500 firms and find that while corporate social behaviors (CSB) have a direct positive effect on firms' subsequent R&D investments, the impact of corporate environmental behaviors (CEB) on innovation is conditioned by executive tenure. We contribute to innovation, CSB, and CEB literatures by clarifying different mechanisms through which CSB and CEB impact innovation.
Suicide Attempt Admissions From a Single Children's Hospital Before and After the Introduction of Netflix Series 13 Reasons Why.

Abstract Purpose Release of the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why in March 2017 raised concern over associated suicide attempts. This study aimed to identify trends in self-harm admissions to a tertiary children's hospital with special attention paid to the time after series release. Methods Records for admitted patients ages 4–18 years from January 2012 to October 2017 were identified based on ICD codes indicating self-harm. Admissions were grouped by month, and the ARMA (Auto Regression and Moving Average) model was used in analysis. Log transformation was used to obtain a constant variance, and seasonal terms were added for adjustment. A “postintervention” level shift, temporary shift, and linear growth term were incorporated as predictors in ARMA models to test for differences using the series premier as the intervention. Terms from the best fitting model (without intervention effects) were fit to preintervention data and forecast predictions were compared to the observed data from the postintervention period. Results Seven hundred seventy-five records were included in analysis. There was an increase of .024 in the log of suicide admission counts per month (p Conclusions Suicide admission counts increased over the time series. Actual suicide admissions following March 2017 were higher than predicted using the optimal model, suggesting an effect that temporally coincides with the release of 13 Reasons Why.
Mast Cells in Stress, Pain, Blood-Brain Barrier, Neuroinflammation and Alzheimer’s Disease

Mast cell activation plays an important role in stress-mediated disease pathogenesis. Chronic stress cause or exacerbate aging and age-dependent neurodegenerative diseases. The severity of inflammatory diseases is worsened by the stress. Mast cell activation-dependent inflammatory mediators augment stress associated pain and neuroinflammation. Stress is the second most common trigger of headache due to mast cell activation. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive irreversible neurodegenerative disease that affects more women than men and woman's increased susceptibility to chronic stress could increase the risk for AD. Modern life-related stress, social stress, isolation stress, restraint stress, early life stress are associated with an increased level of neurotoxic beta amyloid (Aβ) peptide. Stress increases cognitive dysfunction, generates amyloid precursor protein (APP), hyperphosphorylated tau, neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), and amyloid plaques (APs) in the brain. Stress-induced Aβ persists for years and generates APs even several years after the stress exposure. Stress activates hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis and releases corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) from hypothalamus and in peripheral system, which increases the formation of Aβ, tau hyperphosphorylation, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption in the brain. Mast cells are implicated in nociception and pain. Mast cells are the source and target of CRH and other neuropeptides that mediate neuroinflammation. Microglia express receptor for CRH that mediate neurodegeneration in AD. However, the exact mechanisms of how stress-mediated mast cell activation contribute to the pathogenesis of AD remains elusive. This mini-review highlights the possible role of stress and mast cell activation in neuroinflammation, BBB, and tight junction disruption and AD pathogenesis.
Do timely mental health services reduce re-incarceration among prison releasees with severe mental illness?

Objective To examine whether the receipt of timely mental health services is associated with changes in criminal justice interactions. Data sources We used linked administrative data from Medicaid, mental health, and criminal justice settings in Washington State for persons with severe mental illness released from prison (n = 3086). Study design We estimate local and average treatment effects to examine measures of criminal justice use in the year following release as a function of timely mental health services. Data extraction methods Measures of timely service and criminal justice use within 12 months postrelease were created from administrative data. Principal findings Individuals receiving timely mental health services are more likely to experience prison re-incarceration overall and specifically for technical violations 12 months postrelease. The effect of service receipt on incarceration for new charges was negative but not significant. Conclusions The finding that mental health services receipt is associated with increased risk of re-incarceration due to technical violations speaks to the complexity of the relationship between mental health and criminal justice services for justice-involved persons with severe mental illness. Further research should examine strategies at the interface of criminal justice and mental health that can improve mental health and criminal justice outcomes for this vulnerable population.
Inhibition of acid undercutting of inorganic/organic hybrid polyurethane coatings

Abstract This study investigated the corrosion resistance of inorganic/organic hybrid polyurethane based coatings by using a mixture of sol-gel precursors. Four sol-gel precursor, tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), titanium(IV) isopropoxide (TIP), and zirconium(IV) propoxide (ZRP), were utilized in this study. Salt spray, acid undercutting, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were conducted to study the anticorrosion behavior of the coatings. Generally, samples based on mixed sol-gel precursors exhibited better protection compared to the urethane coating without sol-gel precursors or the coating with only TEOS as the single sol-gel precursor. In acid undercutting experiments, mixed sol-gel precursor samples provided the best results compared to the control and TEOS-based samples. Comparison of parameters extracted by EIS describing water uptake indicates mixed sol-gel precursor composition had the best anticorrosion performance, which was consistent with acid undercutting results. The impedance of the hybrid coatings, at the order of 1010 ohms cm2 at 0.01 Hz, were ca. 3 orders higher than the control sample. Coating capacitance for all the hybrid coatings were stable throughout the immersion time while that for the control sample had a significant change after short time. The water uptake for the control sample was close to 2.5% while that for all the hybrid coatings were about or lower than 0.5%. Morphology from SEM revealed that the organic inorganic sample with TEOS/TIP/ZRP mixed precursors maintained the coating integrity while higher porosity was developed in the control sample.
Backstepping Control-based Trajectory Tracking for Tail-actuated Robotic Fish

In this work, we propose a backstepping-based trajectory tracking control approach for a tail-actuated robotic fish, which has highly nonlinear and under-actuated dynamics. A modified heading error is introduced that augments the heading error with a term dependent on lateral tracking error, which enables the exploitation of dynamics coupling to address the under-actuation challenge and stabilize both the heading and lateral tracking errors. Furthermore, the input constraints imposed by physical limitations are accounted for with the incorporation of an auxiliary system. Simulation results support the efficacy of the proposed control approach and its advantages are shown via comparison with a PI controller.
Simultaneous determination of 44 pharmaceutically active compounds in water samples using solid-phase extraction coupled with ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

This study examines an improved and simplified method for solid-phase extraction (SPE), which offers rapid and accurate determination and identification of 44 pharmaceutically active compounds using ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). The common active compounds include four macrolides, seventeen sulfonamides, four quinolones, chloramphenicol, eight β-lactams, four tetracyclines, lincomycin, amantadine, 4-acetamidophenol, phenylbutazone, trimethoprim, clenbuterol, and hydrocortisone in water samples. We optimized crucial parameters of MS/MS, UPLC, and SPE and studied the matrix effect related to the modified analytical process from water samples. The matrix-matched calibration curves were accomplished at seven concentration levels and a satisfactory linear relationship (r2 > 0.994) was observed within the range of 0.1–500 ng/mL. Results show varying limits of detection (0.0111–0.966 ng/L for different analytes based on signal-to-noise (S/N) = 3) and limits of quantitation (0.0382–3.26 ng/L). Recoveries of the spiked samples ranged from 75.7 to 108% with relative standard deviation lower than 9.6%. The proposed method was successfully applied to the analysis of real samples.
Seasonal Changes of Host Use by Culiseta melanura (Diptera: Culicidae) in Central Florida.

The mosquito Culiseta melanura (Coquillett) is the primary enzootic vector of eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV), a zoonotic Alphavirus endemic to eastern North America. In its northern range, Cs. melanura is considered a strict avian biter, transmitting EEEV among susceptible birds in a cycle of enzootic amplification. In its southern range, however, Cs. melanura is more general in host use, feeding heavily upon birds but also reptiles and mammals. The goal of this study was to better understand how host use of Cs. melanura changes throughout the year in Florida, where year-round EEEV transmission is observed. Mosquitoes were sampled in 2018 from nine sites across three central Florida counties. In total, 213 Cs. melanura bloodmeals were identified by PCR consisting of 39 species of birds, reptiles, and mammals. Avian bloodmeals were prominent throughout the year (range = 30-85%), and songbirds were a large portion of identified bloodmeals (37.1%). Reptiles surpassed birds only in spring (April-June), and brown anole (Anolis sagrei Dumeril and Bibron, 1837 [Reptilia: Dactyloidae]) was the most commonly detected single host species (22.1% overall). Mammalian bloodmeals were mainly observed in summer, with humans being the most fed on mammal (12.7% overall). This study reveals that in southern foci of EEEV transmission, Cs. melanura host use varies throughout the year with reptiles providing the majority of blood meals in spring (51.3%), and birds are fed on more than other host groups during all other seasons (50.6-70.1%). In addition, feeding on mammals increases during summer months, which may implicate Cs. melanura in epizootic transmission in Florida.
Copula Approach for Developing a Biomarker Panel for Prediction of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever

The choice of variable-selection methods to identify important variables for binary classification modeling is critical for producing stable statistical models that are interpretable, that generate accurate predictions, and have minimal bias. This work is motivated by the availability of data on clinical and laboratory features of dengue fever infections obtained from 51 individuals enrolled in a prospective observational study of acute human dengue infections. Our paper uses objective Bayesian method to identify important variables for dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) over the dengue data set. With the selected important variables by objective Bayesian method, we employ a Gaussian copula marginal regression model considering correlation error structure and a general method of semi-parametric Bayesian inference for Gaussian copula model to estimate, separately, the marginal distribution and dependence structure. We also carry out a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis for the predictive model for DHF and compare our proposed model with the other models of Ju and Brasier (Variable selection methods for developing a biomarker panel for prediction of dengue hemorrhagic fever. BMC Res Notes 6:365, 2013) tested on the basis of the ROC analysis. Our results extend the previous models of DHF by suggesting that IL-10, Days Fever, Sex and Lymphocytes are the major features for predicting DHF on the basis of blood chemistries and cytokine measurements. In addition, the dependence structure of these Days Fever, Lymphocytes, IL-10 and Sex protein profiles associated with disease outcomes was discovered by the semi-parametric Bayesian Gaussian copula model and Gaussian partial correlation method.
Where does your guacamole come from? Detecting deforestation associated with the export of avocados from Mexico to the United States.

The United States (U.S.) imports 87 percent of its avocados from a single Mexican region, Michoacan. Although environmental and social costs associated with avocado production are significant, consumers and retailers in the U.S. cannot clearly discern them in part due to complex, opaque supply chains. In this paper, we use a novel methodology, TRAcking Corporations Across Space and Time (TRACAST), to reconstruct avocado supply chains between the U.S. retailers and Mexican producers and exporters. Using remote sensing and machine learning, we document how avocado plantations are associated with deforestation in Michoacan, whose forests are important reservoirs for biodiversity, especially for the Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus). We estimate that ~20% of the total deforestation in Michoacan between 2001 and 2017 is associated with the expansion of avocado plantations. Despite these impacts, interviews reveal that industry associates (namely, representatives of firms and associations) do not consider avocado production to be a driver of deforestation in the region. This disconnect between actual and perceived environmental impacts can be addressed by the U.S. governmental agencies that play influential roles in regulating avocado imports for sanitary and health purposes and by the vertically integrated avocado trading firms that connect Michoacan packing houses to Kroger, Costco, and other prominent U.S. grocers. Key measures to make the U.S.-Mexico avocado supply chain more sustainable include conventional regulatory tools, greater transparency, and improved governance through multi-stakeholder initiatives.
Impact of Random Phase Distribution in 3D Vertical NAND Architecture of Ferroelectric Transistors on In-Memory Computing

Ferroelectric field-effect transistors (FeFETs) with 3D vertical NAND architecture (3D V-NAND) are investigated for in-memory computing. In polycrystalline ferroelectric Hafnia thin film, there are different phases such as monoclinic (M), and orthorhombic (O) phases. Those are randomly distributed throughout the ferroelectric gate stack. Such positional dispersion of two phases introduces read-out current variation in 3D V-NAND of FeFETs. Herein, we employ TCAD simulations to quantify such variation and optimize bias conditions for improving the accuracy of in-memory computing.
Expectations and beliefs: How single young gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men envision romantic relationships.

We developed measures of relational beliefs and expectations among single young gay and bisexual men (YGBM). Data come from an online cross-sectional study YGBM, which ran from July 2012 until January 2013. There were 50 items on relational beliefs and 25 items on relational expectations. We used random split samples and a priori analysis to group items together and applied principal axis factoring with varimax orthogonal rotation. We had a total N = 1582 in our analytical sample and identified six constructs of relational expectations (restrictions, negative break up, masculine and gender norms, optimism, cheating, immediacy) and two constructs of relational beliefs (sex beliefs, equality). Our findings highlight specific relational cognitions among YGBM and offer insight into the beliefs and expectations that may inform their relationships. Findings may be useful for health professionals to help YGBM reflect and understand the health implications of their beliefs and expectations about same-sex relationships to promote healthy decision-making as they seek future partners.
Hyperlipidaemia and mortality among patients hospitalised with pneumonia: retrospective cohort and propensity score matched study.

Objective To characterise the potential association of hyperlipidaemia (HLP) versus no HLP with all-cause mortality among patients hospitalised for pneumonia. Design Propensity score matched retrospective study. Participants The study cohort consisted of consecutive 8553 adults hospitalised at a large academic centre with a discharge diagnosis of pneumonia from 1996 through 2015, followed until death or end of the study period, 17 August 2017. Outcomes The outcome was HR for mortality at 28 days and in the long term in patients with pneumonia with concurrent HLP compared with those with no HLP. We first constructed multivariable Cox proportional regression models to estimate the association between concurrent HLP versus no HLP and mortality after pneumonia hospitalisation for the entire cohort. We then identified 1879 patients with pneumonia with concurrent HLP and propensity score matched in a 1:1 ratio to 1879 patients with no HLP to minimise the imbalance from measured covariates for further analysis. Results Among 8553 unmatched patients with pneumonia, concurrent HLP versus no HLP was independently associated with lower mortality at 28 days (HR 0.52, 95% CI 0.41 to 0.66) and at a median follow-up of 3.9 years (HR 0.75, 95% CI 0.70 to 0.80). The risk difference in mortality was consistent between 1879 propensity score matched pairs both at 28 days (HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.86) and at a median follow-up of 4 years (HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.81 to 0.96). In the subgroup of patients with clinically measured low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), graded inverse associations between LDL-C levels and mortality were found in both unmatched and matched cohorts. Conclusions Among hospitalised patients with pneumonia, a diagnosis of HLP is protective against both short-term and long-term risk of death after adjustment for other major contributors to mortality in both unmatched and propensity score matched cohorts. These findings should be further investigated.
Crossing Traffic Avoidance of Automated Vehicle Through Bird-View Control, a Reinforcement Learning Approach

This paper presents an innovative bird-view control framework for connected automated vehicles (CAV). Most recent tested automated vehicles are based on sensing systems equipped on the car body, which require the self-driving policy to be robust and adaptive to various environmental uncertainties. Inspired by the vehicle to infrastructure technologies, the self-driving technology can also be achieved through the communication between road infrastructure and the vehicle, where sensors are mainly installed on the road in a high position, which can collect traﬃc information from a bird-view. To this end, we developed a fusionbased Q-learning method to yield an optimal birdview control policy for a CAV on a single lane. With our control policy, the CAV can drive smartly under complicated traﬃc environment, interacting with leading vehicles and crossing traﬃc simultaneously. A series of case studies show our CAV control policy is string stable and can avoid collisions under various scenarios.
Active Versus Passive Academic Networking: Evidence from Micro-Level Data

This paper examines determinants of networking by academics. Using information from a unique large survey of German researchers, the key contribution focuses on the active versus passive networking distinction. Is active networking by researchers a substitute or a complement to passive networking? Other contributions include examining the role of geographic factors in networking and whether research bottlenecks affect a researcher’s propensity to network. Are the determinants of European conference participation by German researchers different from conferences in rest of the world? Results show that some types of passive academic networking are complementary to active networking, while others are substitute. Further, we find differences in factors promoting participation in European conferences versus conferences in rest of the world. Finally, publishing bottlenecks as a group generally do not appear to be a hindrance to active networking. Implications for academic policy are discussed.
Fixes that Fail: A system archetype for examining racialized structures within the food system.

Access to fresh and healthy food within a neighborhood has been identified as a social mechanism contributing to community health. Grounded in the understanding that challenges related to equity within a food system are both structural and systemic, our research demonstrates how systems thinking can further understandings of food system complexity. Within systems thinking, we provide an illustration of how system archetypes offer an analytic tool for examining complex community issues. We map semi-structured interview data from community stakeholders (N = 22) to the "Fixes that Fail" system archetype to illuminate systemic challenges, such as incarceration and poverty, that structure food system inequity in urban communities. Within our research, the "Fixes that Fail" archetype provided a narrative interpretive tool for unveiling complexity within the food system and interdependencies with racialized systems such as criminal justice and labor markets. This system archetype provided an accessible approach for generating narratives about systemic complexity, the production of inequity through racialized forces, and opportunities for transformation.
Continuous Tracking of Foot Strike Pattern during a Maximal 800-Meter Run

(1) Background: Research into foot strike patterns (FSP) has increased due to its potential influence on performance and injury reduction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in FSP throughout a maximal 800-m run using a conformable inertial measurement unit attached to the foot; (2) Methods: Twenty-one subjects (14 female, 7 male; 23.86 ± 4.25 y) completed a maximal 800-m run while foot strike characteristics were continually assessed. Two measures were assessed across 100-m intervals: the percentage of rearfoot strikes (FSP%RF), and foot strike angle (FSA). The level of significance was set to p ≤ 0.05; (3) Results: There were no differences in FSP%RF throughout the run. Significant differences were seen between curve and straight intervals for FSAAVE (F [1, 20] = 18.663, p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.483); (4) Conclusions: Participants displayed decreased FSA, likely indicating increased plantarflexion, on the curve compared to straight intervals. The analyses of continuous variables, such as FSA, allow for the detection of subtle changes in foot strike characteristics, which is not possible with discrete classifiers, such as FSP%RF.
Oral Iron Supplementation in Pregnancy: Current Recommendations and Evidence-Based Medicine.

Objective To review the evidence about universal iron supplementation in pregnancy to prevent maternal anemia. Methods Bibliographic research of randomized and controlled clinical trials, meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and clinical guidelines, published between August 2009 and August 2019, using the MeSH terms: iron; therapeutic use; pregnancy; anemia, prevention and control. Results We included six clinical guidelines, three meta-analyses and one randomized controlled clinical trial. Discussion Most articles point to the improvement of hematological parameters and reduction of maternal anemia risk, with supplementary iron. However, they do not correlate this improvement in pregnant women without previous anemia with the eventual improvement of clinical parameters. Conclusion Universal iron supplementation in pregnancy is controversial, so we attribute a SORT C recommendation strength.
Mode specificity in bond selective reactions F + HOD → HF + OD and DF + OH

The influence of vibrational excitations in the partially deuterated water (HOD) reactant on its bond selective reactions with F is investigated using a full-dimensional quantum wave packet method on an accurate global potential energy surface. Despite the decidedly early barrier of the F + H2O reaction, reactant vibrational excitation in each local stretching mode of HOD is found to significantly enhance the reaction which breaks the excited bond. In the mean time, excitation of the HOD bending mode also enhances the reaction, but with much lower efficacy and weaker bond selectivity. Except for low collision energies, all vibrational modes are more effective in promoting the bond selective reactions than the translational energy. These results are compared with the predictions of the recently proposed sudden vector projection model.
3D quantitative analysis of graphite morphology in high strength cast iron by high-energy X-ray tomography

The size and morphology of the graphite particles play a crucial role in determining various mechanical and thermal properties of cast iron. In the present study, we utilized high-energy synchrotron X-ray tomography to perform quantitative 3D-characterization of the distribution of graphite particles in high-strength compacted graphite iron (CGI). The size, shape, and spatial connectivity of graphite were examined. The analysis reveals that the compacted graphite can grow with a coral-tree-like morphology and span several hundred microns in the iron matrix.