cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Use of a Whole-Blood Benchtop Analyzer (Nova 16) in a Cardiac STAT Intensive Care Unit

The Nova 16 STAT Chemistry Analyzer is designed to provide quick laboratory results of a chemistry profile consisting of glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, sodium, potassium, chloride, carbon dioxide, and hematocrit. The analyzer may be of use in the emergency department, the STAT laboratory, or as a mobile laboratory on a movable cart. We obtained the instrument to provide immediate results to the cardiac STAT intensive care unit for the above chemistry constituents. These analytes were previously performed on serum with a Beckman Instrument CX3 analyzer with an ∼45 min turnaround time. The major components of the 45 min required to provide these laboratory results were the time to allow specimens to clot, time for centrifugation, and internal laboratory transport times. The Nova 16 whole-blood analyzer eliminates the times required for specimen clotting and centrifugation. Bringing the analyzer physically closer to the patient treatment area or locating it in close proximity of a pneumatic tube system provides further reduction in the turnaround times. We evaluated the performance of the Nova 16 to determine the suitability of this instrument for use in the cardiac STAT …
EXFOLIATION SYNDROME PREVALENCE IN THE GLAUCOMA POPULATION OF SOUTH LOUISIANA

. A prospective study was performed to determine the prevalence of exfoliation syndrome in a glaucoma population of South Louisiana. Five hundred consecutive open angle glaucoma patients over 50 years of age (median age 70.6 years) from both indigent clinic and private referral sources were examined for the presence of exfoliation material on the lens capsule. The prevalence in caucasian patients was 2.7 %, blacks 0.4 %, combined 1.4 %. This compares with a reported prevalence of exfoliation syndrome among patients with open angle glaucoma in the United States of 3 % to 28 %, Denmark of 26 %, Ireland of 66 %, and Sweden of 75 %. This low prevalence may be a reflection of the ethnic origin of the population, but other explanations are considered.
Evaluating the extended mind

According to proponents of radically extended cognition, some cognition is located outside the boundaries of biological organisms. In this paper, I offer a new argument for a modest version of this view according to which some cognitive processes are radically extended. I do so by showing that features of a subject's environment�in particular, the pen and paper that a subject uses to solve complex mathematical problems�can have epistemic roles that are indicative of cognitive roles. I end the paper by discussing how epistemology might play a significant role in diagnosing alleged cases of radically extended cognition.
Traumatic aneurysm and pseudoaneurysm of the right ventricle: a diagnosis by echocardiography.

Abstract We report a case of a rare aneurysm of the right ventricular outflow tract, and a pseudoaneurysm of the right ventricle caused by a remote motor vehicle accident. (J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2002;15:1025-6.)
Diagnosis, Treatment, and Reporting of Adverse Effects of Transfusion

The risks of transfusion remain significant. Familiarity with the incidence, etiology, management, and prevention of commonly encountered transfusion reactions is integral to the practice of transfusion medicine. This review intends to serve as a practical guide reflecting the current understanding of adverse transfusion events, clinical features helpful for diagnosis, and recommended management strategies for typical scenarios. Severe and mild transfusion reactions are covered, with a focus on the distinguishing features of challenging clinical dilemmas. Topics include pulmonary complications of transfusion, hemolytic reactions, allergic and anaphylactic reactions, septic reactions, and febrile responses to transfusion. We also discuss a consultative approach to evaluation and reporting of transfusion reactions.
Innovation and Sustainability at Nike

(2009). Innovation and Sustainability at Nike. Fashion Practice: Vol. 1, No. 1, pp. 109-113.
Groundwater Monitoring at the 1100-EM-1 Operable Unit

The purpose of this report is to provide a comprehensive summary of the distribution and trends of volatile organic compound concentrations near USDOE’s Horn Rapids Landfill (HRL). This report focuses mainly on the TCE plume monitored in the top of the unconfined aquifer near the HRL, but also addresses potential breakdown products of TCE. TCE concentrations in deep portions of the unconfined aquifer and the underlying confined aquifer are discussed to show the vertical extent of contamination. This report incorporates TCE data from offsite wells at the AREVA facility south of the Hanford Site. Discussion of TCE in groundwater in the 300 Area is included to differentiate between contaminant plumes and their sources in the 300 Area and near the HRL. Chromium monitoring results from a specific well downgradient of the 1171 Building is also included.
Decomposition drives convergence of forest litter nutrient stoichiometry following phosphorus addition

Nutrient levels in decomposing detritus and soil can influence decomposition rates and detrital nutrient dynamics in differing ways among various detrital components of forests. We assessed whether increased phosphorus (P) levels in litter and soil influenced decomposition rates and litter nutrient dynamics of foliage, fine roots, and twigs in nitrogen (N)-rich Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) forests in the Oregon Coast Range. We decomposed fresh foliage, fine root, and twig litter from Douglas-fir seedlings at three sites for two years. Half of the seedlings and half of the plots at each of the sites were fertilized with P resulting in a factorial design with the following treatments: control (no P fertilization), plant P (P-fertilized litter), soil P (P-fertilized soil), and plant P × soil P. Soil P fertilization slightly decreased foliage decomposition rates. Fertilization of seedlings increased litter P concentrations by an average of 250 % relative to controls, but did not alter litter decomposition rates. Litter fertilized with P mineralized P rapidly and early in the decomposition process compared to N. Litter P concentrations decreased over the 2 years for all treatments, whereas N concentrations increased. Decomposition rates and loss of N and P were strongly related to initial litter chemistry. Despite different initial litter C:N:P ratios in P fertilized seedlings, ratios of C:N, C:P and N:P converged to similar values across treatments within a given litter type over 2 years. We conclude that litter P concentrations and to some extent soil P may influence litter nutrient dynamics during decomposition, resulting in a convergence of element ratios that reflect the balance of substrate decomposition and microbial nutrient stoichiometry.
A CFD Assessment of Entrance Area Distributions in a Centrifugal Compressor Vaneless Diffuser

The paper presents the results of a CFD study that assessed the various area distributions typically found in impeller / diffuser transitions in industrial centrifugal compressor stages. Results for two transition area schedules are compared. The findings agree with recently published data and suggest that problems exist in some standard configurations that could lead to rotating stall in the downstream vaneless diffuser.Copyright © 1994 by ASME
Residues of Organophosphorus Pesticides in Vegetables,Fruits and Grains in Mianyang in 2012

Objective To investigate the residues of organophosphorus pesticides( OPPs) in vegetables,fruits and grains in Mianyang and to provide scientific references for surveillance on edible agricultural products. Methods Samples were selected from supermarkets, farm product markets and farmers in Mianyang. The residual quantity of the OPPs were detected by Gas Chromatography according to NY /T761-2008,and the results were evaluated according to GB2763- 2012. Results Totally 138 samples were detected and 116 were all qualified with respect of 16 kinds of organophosphorus pesticide residues,with a qualified rate of 84. 1 %. The detection rate of OPPs for grains, vegetables and fruits were respectively 11. 1 %,57. 8 % and 33. 3 %, with statistically difference( P 0. 05). The disqualification rates of vegetables, fruits and grains were respectively 16. 7 %,16. 7 % and 11. 1 %,and 33. 3 % for cauline leaf and cauliflower vegetables. The detection and disqualification rates showed no seasonal difference( P 0. 05). The disqualification rates of the different sample sources showed no statistical difference( P 0. 05). Conclusion OPPs residues are all detected in the vegetables,fruits and grains,with more severity in those cauline leaf and cauliflower vegetables.
Study on interventional preventive service in venereal clinic

Objective To study and evaluate the effect of developing the preventive service in venereal clinic.Methods The questionnaire survey on the selected outpatients was performed by the trained medical personnel in the venereal disease clinic of 5medical institutions in Chongqing.The intervention services were carried out by providing healthy advices and tailor-made preventive packs.The healthy knowledge publicity were posted in the waiting area of the venereal clinic.The questionnaire investigation in the re-visiting patients was performed again to understand the awareness of prevention venereal disease knowledge and the condom use.Results 96.4% of outpatients in this study accepted the AIDS-related knowledge at the first visit.84.1% of them acquired the knowledge by consulting their doctor,60.9% of the patients insisted on using condom in sexual activity after accepting the intervention knowledge,which was much higher than 17.4% before intervention.Conclusion The STD clinic attenders satisfy the interventional preventive service in the venereal clinic,the improvement of the venereal disease related knowledge and the adverse behaviors is obvious.
Results of Renal Transplantation in Boys Treated for Posterior Urethral Valves

The results of renal transplantation in boys treated for posterior urethral valves were evaluated and compared with a matched control group. Patient and graft survival was equal in both groups, although serum creatinine levels were slightly higher in the posterior urethral valves group. Postoperative complications, such as urinary tract infections, occurred more frequently in the posterior urethral valves group. Urodynamic evaluation was performed before transplantation in 11 of 20 patients. Adequate treatment of bladder dysfunction, such as poor compliance and/or hyperreflexia, is essential in diminishing the risks of secondary graft damage due to severe bladder dysfunction.
Words of advice

This study examined how exposure to thin/obese and attractive/unattractive model pictures in websites affected language use when responding to weight loss or body acceptance posts. Participants exposed to attractive models were less socially oriented as indicated by using fewer function words and pronouns. These participants also used fewer discrepancy words (e.g., could, would), which may reflect upward social comparisons and activation of physical attractiveness stereotypes. Additionally, participants exposed to obese and unattractive models used more pronouns and perception words (e.g., weight, thin), implying downward social comparisons and priming of unhealthiness stereotypes that increased attention to other people's body shape. The findings show how words of advice are affected by situational cues including website images and persuasive posts. Participants gave online advise after exposure to website photos and weight-related posts.Language use showed decreased social orientation after exposure to attractive models.Word choice revealed social comparisons and activation of stereotypes.Overall, words of advice are affected by website images and persuasive posts.
Globally Intelligent Leadership: Toward an Integration of Competencies

A wide variety of antecedents have been theoretically and empirically supported in the prediction of effective global leadership. However, current research in this area is scattered and separate. This chapter undertakes to introduce and develop a parsimonious framework. This framework endeavors to tap into the underlying capabilities of effective global leadership by synthesizing several antecedents found to be related to leadership effectiveness. A brief literature review of antecedents of effective global leadership, including the three variables utilized in the framework, is presented followed by an integration of the literature. The development process involves a disintegration of emotional intelligence (EI), cultural intelligence (CQ), and personality along with subsequent restructuring and consolidation of the individual components of those constructs. Given the role of intelligences in the foundational theories, we call this framework “Globally Intelligent Leadership” (GIL). With the purpose of providing structure and organization, GIL is comprised of three sub-dimensions: mindset, skill, and knowledge. The consolidation of these constructs provides a simplified theoretical framework with implications for practice and research in global leadership.
Predictors of Student Productivity in Biomedical Graduate School Applications

Many US biomedical PhD programs receive more applications for admissions than they can accept each year, necessitating a selective admissions process. Typical selection criteria include standardized test scores, undergraduate grade point average, letters of recommendation, a resume and/or personal statement highlighting relevant research or professional experience, and feedback from interviews with training faculty. Admissions decisions are often founded on assumptions that these application components correlate with research success in graduate school, but these assumptions have not been rigorously tested. We sought to determine if any application components were predictive of student productivity measured by first-author student publications and time to degree completion. We collected productivity metrics for graduate students who entered the umbrella first-year biomedical PhD program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill from 2008-2010 and analyzed components of their admissions applications. We found no correlations of test scores, grades, amount of previous research experience, or faculty interview ratings with high or low productivity among those applicants who were admitted and chose to matriculate at UNC. In contrast, ratings from recommendation letter writers were significantly stronger for students who published multiple first-author papers in graduate school than for those who published no first-author papers during the same timeframe. We conclude that the most commonly used standardized test (the general GRE) is a particularly ineffective predictive tool, but that qualitative assessments by previous mentors are more likely to identify students who will succeed in biomedical graduate research. Based on these results, we conclude that admissions committees should avoid over-reliance on any single component of the application and de-emphasize metrics that are minimally predictive of student productivity. We recommend continual tracking of desired training outcomes combined with retrospective analysis of admissions practices to guide both application requirements and holistic application review.
Single Molecule Microscopy Is Useful Technique For DNA Hairpin FRET Systems.

Nanometre sized semiconductor quantum dots as fluorescent materials are now becoming as ubiquitous as the organic dyes that preceded them. By virtue of their tuneable optical properties, narrow emission profiles and photostability, QDs have proved themselves as resilient and multifarious in both their applications and their underlying photophysics compared to their organic dye counterparts. Single Molecule Microscopy techniques (SM) are especially relevant to macromolecular biochemistry as chemical processes occurring within large molecules that are often too complicated to study in the ensemble. Using both total internal reflection (TIR) and Confocal Microscopy (CM) and both image processing and photon counting to achieve understanding of the binding kinetics and dynamic properties exhibited by the molecule via FRET studies. Several versions of the system have been examined to optimize the FRET pairing of donor/acceptor tags, achieve quantitative and ratiometric bioconjugation to nanocrystals and perfect techniques of microscopy and image processing.
Ode on a random urn (functional pearl)

We present the urn, a simple tree-based data structure that supports sampling from and updating discrete probability distributions in logarithmic time. We avoid the usual complexity of traditional self-balancing binary search trees by not keeping values in a specific order. Instead, we keep the tree maximally balanced at all times using a single machine word of overhead: its size. Urns provide an alternative interface for the frequency combinator from the QuickCheck library that allows for asymptotically more efficient sampling from dynamically-updated distributions. They also facilitate backtracking in property-based random testing, and can be applied to such complex examples from the literature as generating well-typed lambda terms or information flow machine states, demonstrating significant speedups.
Expansion of the ranges of land mollusks of the genus Xeropicta (Gastropoda, Hygromiidae) in Ukraine

We analyzed samples of land mollusks of the genus Xeropicta collected on the Northern Black Sea Coast and others regions of Ukraine between 1990 and 2015. The findings indicate that the range of X. derbentina and X. krynickii has expanded as a result of human activities. Now the distribution of X. krynickii on the Northern Black Sea Coast is mainly limited to coastal territories. X. derbentina spreads much deeper into the mainland. Isolated colonies of this species were even recorded in the forest-steppe zone of Ukraine and in Zakarpattia oblast.
The Cultural and Political Impact of Missionaries and Foreign Hegemony in the Pacific Islands

This chapter examines elements of traditional societies of the tropical Pacific, emphasizing those of Polynesia and Tahiti in particular. In Tahiti and elsewhere in the Pacific the general sequence of events was that missionaries follow trade, and flags followed the missionaries. The (Protestant) London Missionary Society was the first to evangelize in these islands, and did so within 30 years of their European discovery. The interactions of the LMS with the native people and the cultural landscape they created are described, as are the political alliances they helped foster. However, Catholic France ultimately untied the relationship between the Tahitian monarchy and the British Protestantism. The British and the Wesleyan Church in Fiji became embroiled in a dispute between American business interests and a local king who was forced to protect his interests by asking Britain to annex his homeland. The role of plantation owners in the nefarious practice of blackbirding is also described. Missionaries additionally became active in the Hawaiian Islands in the early nineteenth century and gave rise to a business class that undermined the monarchy. This was accomplished through the actions of the political action of the Missionary Party, eventually causing the Kingdom of Hawaii to become a territory of the United States.
Theoretical assessment of the Ca2+ oscillations in the afferent arteriole smooth muscle cell of the rat kidney

The afferent arteriole (AA) of rat kidney exhibits the myogenic response, in which the vessel constricts in response to an elevation in blood pressure and dilates in response to a pressure reductio...
Sensitivity of linear systems to input orientation and novelty

Abstract This paper introduces a framework for quantitative characterization of the sensitivity of time-varying linear systems (or networks) in terms of input orientation. The motivation for such an approach comes from the study of biophysical sensory networks in the brain, wherein responsiveness to both energy and salience (in terms of input orientation and novelty) is presumably critical for mediating behavior and function. Here, we use an inner product to define the angular separation of the current input with respect to past inputs. Then, by constraining input energy, we define an optimal control problem to obtain the minimally novel input –the one that has the smallest relative angle –that effects a given state transfer. We provide analytical conditions for existence and uniqueness for the solution in both continuous and discrete-time. A closed-form expression for the minimally novel input is derived and from this solution, a fundamental relationship between control energy and input orientation sensitivity is highlighted. We provide an example that demonstrates the utility of the developed sensitivity analysis.
30Hz Object Detection with DPM V5

We describe an implementation of the Deformable Parts Model [1] that operates in a user-defined time-frame. Our implementation uses a variety of mechanism to trade-off speed against accuracy. Our implementation can detect all 20 PASCAL 2007 objects simultaneously at 30Hz with an mAP of 0.26. At 15Hz, its mAP is 0.30; and at 100Hz, its mAP is 0.16. By comparison the reference implementation of [1] runs at 0.07Hz and mAP of 0.33 and a fast GPU implementation runs at 1Hz. Our technique is over an order of magnitude faster than the previous fastest DPM implementation. Our implementation exploits a series of important speedup mechanisms. We use the cascade framework of [3] and the vector quantization technique of [2]. To speed up feature computation, we compute HOG features at few scales, and apply many interpolated templates. A hierarchical vector quantization method is used to compress HOG features for fast template evaluation. An object proposal step uses hash-table methods to identify locations where evaluating templates would be most useful; these locations are inserted into a priority queue, and processed in a detection phase. Both proposal and detection phases have an any-time property. Our method applies to legacy templates, and no retraining is required.
The Evolution of Phenotypic Diversity in Metastatic Tumor Cells

It has been approximately one hundred years since Paget (1889) proposed the “seed and soil” hypothesis of tumor spread. This hypothesis was developed to explain the nonrandom occurrence of metastases in particular organs. Paget proposed that the microenvironment in unique organs or tissues (“soil”) influenced the extravasation, survival, and growth of particular tumor cells (“seeds”). This hypothesis has remained one of the most important concepts of tumor metastasis. We now know that malignant neoplasms are composed of diverse cell “seeds” that are heterogeneous for a multitude of cellular properties, including cellular morphology, surface antigens, glycolipids, glycoproteins, recognition and adhesion components, and degradative and biosynthetic enzymes. They are also quite variable in their abilities to communicate with other cells, invasiveness, and metastatic properties, and, as expected, heterogeneity also exists in their sensitivities to various therapeutic agents (such as drugs, radiation, and hyperthermia), as well as host—response mechanisms (reviewed in Hart and Fidler, 1981; Fidler and Hart, 1982; Nicolson, 1982, 1984a; Nicolson and Poste, 1982, 1983a,b). Heterogeneity in cellular properties is also present in normal cells and tissues, but the range of diversity may not be as extensive as in malignant neoplasms (Peterson et al., 1981, 1983).
Finite-Horizon Learning Control

In the two preceding chapters we have presented a general development of the learning control problem for linear time-invariant (LTI) systems. The results presented can be applied to both finite- and infinite-horizon problems. However, as we have noted, any practical implementation of an iterative learning controller will be a finite-time problem. That is, the duration of each trial will be fixed to some time less than infinity. This is inherent in the nature of repetitive operations. In addition, our formulation and results are equally valid for continuous-time and discrete-time systems. However, to implement a learning control scheme we will have to use a microprocessor-based controller. For these reasons, it is reasonable to restrict our attention to discrete-time plants that are operated repetitively on a finite time horizon. In this chapter we consider the learning control problem for such systems. Our results are given for LTI, single-input, single-output plants, but can be generalized to multiple-input, multiple-output systems. We first give a learning control scheme with memory, using an l∞, criterion. Then we show that this scheme can actually be modified to give a single-trial convergence rate. In the third section we present a learning control scheme for a discrete-time system with multirate sampling. These techniques are illustrated with examples. The final section of the chapter discusses extensions of these results to linear time-varying systems.
The “Rip Word” And Tattered Syntax: From “the word go” to “the word begone”

Starting with a close analysis of Beckett’s “brotherly likes”, those seemingly infinite patterns of “generation and reproduction” that informs all of Beckett’s oeuvre, the essay examines Beckett’s “ronde syntaxique” (syntactic circle or syntactic round) and the close relationship between words and images in his work, as well as on his Ur-image of the clouds parting at sunset. This “introduces the new matter of loss, lessness, of a movement not in rounds but worstward, not Joyce’s ‘the seim anew’ but change, although for the worst”.
Quantifying Resolution Sensitivity of Spatial Autocorrelation: A Resolution Correlogram Approach

Raster spatial datasets are often analyzed at multiple spatial resolutions to understand natural phenomena such as global climate and land cover patterns. Given such datasets, a collection of user defined resolutions and a neighborhood definition, resolution sensitivity analysis (RSA) quantifies the sensitivity of spatial autocorrelation across different resolutions. RSA is important due to applications such as land cover assessment where it may help to identify appropriate aggregations levels to detect patch sizes of different land cover types. However, Quantifying resolution sensitivity of spatial autocorrelation is challenging for two important reasons: (a) absence of a multi-resolution definition for spatial autocorrelation and (b) possible non-monotone sensitivity of spatial autocorrelation across resolutions. Existing work in spatial analysis (e.g. distance based correlograms) focuses on purely graphical methods and analyzes the distance-sensitivity of spatial autocorrelation. In contrast, this paper explores quantitative methods in addition to graphical methods for RSA. Specifically, we formalize the notion of resolution correlograms(RCs) and present new tools for RSA, namely, rapid change resolution (RCR) detection and stable resolution interval (SRI) detection. We propose a new RSA algorithm that computes RCs, discovers interesting RCRs and SRIs. A case study using a vegetation cover dataset from Africa demonstrates the real world applicability of the proposed algorithm.
Historical Introduction to Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy

The purpose of this chapter is to introduce briefly most of the arguments that will be expanded in the following chapters. By way of introduction, before going back in history, it is necessary to define the terms used in the title of this volume. Clinical psychology is meant to include psychological evaluation as the most specific and unique contribution that this profession has made, can make, and should make. However, in addition to evaluation, different types of interventions, not unique to clinical psychology, and overlapping with other mental health professions are self-help, health promotion, illness prevention, crisis-intervention or psychotherapy, and rehabilitation. None of these approaches are specific to clinical psychology, only psychological evaluation is. All other types of interventions are shared with other mental health disciplines and professions. All these approaches usually imply an f2f, tb, 1on1 professional relationship between a professional helper and clients, either singly, or in couples, or in families and groups. These brief definitions will be expanded in subsequent chapters.
Effects of expanding functional trait diversity on productivity and stability in cultivar mixtures of perennial ryegrass

Abstract Cultivar mixtures can provide a host of beneficial agroecosystem services in annual grain crops; however, it remains unclear whether these same benefits apply to perennial forage cropping systems, or the degree to which beneficial effects depend on the functional trait diversity of the mixtures. We conducted a field experiment across four locations in the Northeast US in which we grew perennial ryegrass cultivar mixtures varying in cultivar number and range of expression of three functional traits (winter hardiness, heading date, and extended growth) and assessed the effects on dry matter yield and inter-annual yield variability. Trait ratings supplied by the seed company were related to observed variation in perennial ryegrass productivity and/or stability at both the individual cultivar and mixture levels. Winter hardiness was associated with greater perennial ryegrass cumulative biomass, and lower interannual stability. In contrast, extended growth was associated with lower cumulative biomass, and both extended growth and later heading date were associated with greater interannual variability. Overall, cultivar richness was negatively associated with perennial ryegrass biomass and stability; however, the best performing mixtures performed as well as the recommended cultivar for the region. When comparing mixtures with equal cultivar richness, functional trait diversity measured as the additive trait range—the summed range of the three traits associated with the cultivars in that mixture—was positively associated with biomass production and over-yielding, but not interannual variability. Cultivar mixtures of perennial ryegrass can lead to improved forage production when specific functional traits are optimized within mixtures. Our results support the growing understanding that efforts to ecologically intensify agriculture through enhancement of crop diversity are more likely to succeed when they explicitly consider the functional traits of the crops involved rather than solely numbers of cultivars or species.
Two-Port Networks

A pair of terminals, which are external terminal points for currents to enter or leave a circuit, is called a port. Elements, such as a resistor with two terminals, are one-port circuit. A two-port circuit has two separate ports for input and output. Several currents flow through circuit elements in a circuit and, consequently, voltages appear at their terminals. But, not all of them are interest in applications. Modeling a circuit by a two-port circuit reduces the current variables to two. The two currents and the corresponding voltages are related by nodal and loop analysis. A two-port circuit may have dependent sources but no independent source.
Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome and Its Associated Conditions

The risk factors and associated conditions of median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) have not been well characterized in the literature. In this study, we aim to investigate the presentation and outcomes of MALS patients with an emphasis on the prevalence of other uncommon disorders. To this end, data of patients with MALS who underwent surgery between 2013 and 2018 were collected and compiled into a retrospective database and analyzed. Eleven patients were identified. Seven of these eleven patients underwent diagnostics to evaluate gastric emptying. Five of these seven patients (71.4%) had radiographic evidence of delayed gastric emptying. Four of the eleven patients (36.4%) were found to have anatomic abnormalities of their visceral vasculature. Two of the eleven patients (18.2%) were found to have connective tissue disorders, both with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Three of the eleven (27.3%) had a diagnosis of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. This is the first case series reporting on an association between MALS and delayed gastric emptying. We also explored the relationship between MALS and visceral vascular abnormalities, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. It is notable that these conditions are more prevalent in the MALS population than in the general population, suggesting a possible pathophysiologic relationship.
N-Heterocyclic Carbenes as Reversible Exciton-Delocalizing Ligands for Photoluminescent Quantum Dots

Delocalization of excitons within semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) into states at the interface of the inorganic core and organic ligand shell by so-called “exciton-delocalizing ligands (EDLs)” is ...
An Old Disease With an Unfamiliar Face: A Case Report of Ocular Syphilis.

Syphilis is an infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum . Patients with syphilis can present with a wide range of symptoms depending on the stage of disease. An underappreciated manifestation of syphilis is ocular involvement, which has been increasingly reported in the last several years. Delay in diagnosis and treatment of ocular syphilis can increase the risk of irreversible vision loss. Syphilis can affect almost every structure in the eye; however, most commonly presents with panuveitis. Ocular syphilis is treated similarly to neurosyphilis with prompt initiation of intravenous penicillin G. J Med Cases. 2020;11(3):77-78 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jmc3438
Anesthetic Agents in Pediatric Patients, A Comprehensive Review of Pharmacological Considerations in Clinical Practice

Pediatric anesthesia is a specialized subset of general anesthesia that differs in several important ways from adult anesthesia. This field focuses on the routine care of neonates, infants, children and adolescents and includes a thorough preoperative evaluation, patient and parent preparation, induction of anesthesia, maintenance of anesthesia and emergence from anesthesia There are important differences in anatomy, physiology, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics must be considered and a thorough understanding of the differences between anesthesia in children and adults. In this review these important differences between pediatric anesthesia and adult anesthesia are discussed. The present investigation also describes relevant anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology, and the techniques required for the preparation, intubation, induction of anesthesia, and maintenance of anesthesia in pediatric patients. Finally, newer drug considerations in the pediatric population, such as magnesium sulfate as an adjuvant drug and albuterol for children undergoing tonsillectomy, are reviewed.
Bound State Solutions of the Klein-Gordon Equation for the Mathews-Lakshmanan Oscillator

We study a boundary-value problem for the Klein-Gordon equation that is inspired by the well-known Mathews-Lakshmanan oscillator model. By establishing a link to the spheroidal equation, we show that our problem admits an infinite number of discrete energies, together with associated solutions that form an orthogonal set in a weighted L2-Hilbert space.
Direct numeracy activities and early math skills: Math language as a mediator

Abstract A number of studies provide evidence that the home numeracy environment is important for the development of early numeracy skills. There is also evidence that preschoolers understanding of math language is a strong predictor of numeracy skills. However, there is limited research on the role of math language knowledge in the relation between the home numeracy environment and early numeracy skills. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relation between the home numeracy environment (engagement in direct numeracy activities) and numeracy skills while considering math language as a mediator. Participants included 125 children between 3.12–5.26 years (M = 4.17, SD = 0.58) and their parents. Parents reported on the frequency of engaging children in direct numeracy activities. Children were assessed in the fall and spring of their preschool year on their numeracy skills and math language knowledge. Results suggest that math language mediates the relation between the direct home numeracy environment and numeracy skills. These findings provide evidence that the relation between the direct home numeracy environment and early numeracy may be explained by preschooler’s math language knowledge.
Multimodal, Multiparty Modeling of Collaborative Problem Solving Performance

Modeling team phenomena from multiparty interactions inherently requires combining signals from multiple teammates, often by weighting strategies. Here, we explored the hypothesis that strategic weighting signals from individual teammates would outperform an equal weighting baseline. Accordingly, we explored role-, trait-, and behavior-based weighting of behavioral signals across team members. We analyzed data from 101 triads engaged in computer-mediated collaborative problem solving (CPS) in an educational physics game. We investigated the accuracy of machine-learned models trained on facial expressions, acoustic-prosodics, eye gaze, and task context information, computed one-minute prior to the end of a game level, at predicting success at solving that level. AUROCs for unimodal models that equally weighted features from the three teammates ranged from .54 to .67, whereas a combination of gaze, face, and task context features, achieved an AUROC of .73. The various multiparty weighting strategies did not outperform an equal-weighting baseline. However, our best nonverbal model (AUROC = .73) outperformed a language-based model (AUROC = .67), and there were some advantages to combining the two (AUROC = .75). Finally, models aimed at prospectively predicting performance on a minute-by-minute basis from the start of the level achieved a lower, but still above-chance, AUROC of .60. We discuss implications for multiparty modeling of team performance and other team constructs.
Availability of food determines the need for sleep in memory consolidation

Sleep remains a major mystery of biology, with little understood about its basic function. One of the most commonly proposed functions of sleep is the consolidation of memory1–3. However, as conditions such as starvation require the organism to be awake and active4, the ability to switch to a memory consolidation mechanism that is not contingent on sleep may confer an evolutionary advantage. Here we identify an adaptive circuit-based mechanism that enables Drosophila to form sleep-dependent and sleep-independent memory. Flies fed after appetitive conditioning needed increased sleep for memory consolidation, but flies starved after training did not require sleep to form memories. Memory in fed flies is mediated by the anterior–posterior α′/β′ neurons of the mushroom body, while memory under starvation is mediated by medial α′/β′ neurons. Sleep-dependent and sleep-independent memory rely on distinct dopaminergic neurons and corresponding mushroom body output neurons. However, sleep and memory are coupled such that mushroom body neurons required for sleep-dependent memory also promote sleep. Flies lacking Neuropeptide F display sleep-dependent memory even when starved, suggesting that circuit selection is determined by hunger. This plasticity in memory circuits enables flies to retain essential information in changing environments. Hunger status in a fly is shown to drive either sleep-dependent or sleep-independent memory formation through different mushroom body circuits.
Organic photodetectors reach silicon-level performance

In this talk, we will discuss a detailed study of the performance of organic photodiodes (OPDs) based on polymeric bulk heterojunctions. We will show that their performance is comparable with that of low-noise SiPDs in all metrics, except response time within the visible spectral range. Furthermore, OPDs present significant advantages over their inorganic counterparts since they can be fabricated on flexible substrates and their level of performance remains unprecedented even when their area is increased. Advantages of OPDs are further illustrated and quantified in a biometric monitoring application that uses ring-shaped, large-area, flexible OPDs, while maintaining low-noise SiPD-level performance. We will discuss how this remarkable performance arises from the selection of photoactive layer materials and by device-geometry optimization without charge-blocking layers.
A Combination of Atorvastatin and Aspirin Enhances the Pro-Regenerative Interactions of Marrow Stromal Cells and Stroke-Derived Monocytes In Vitro.

Background and Purpose: Marrow stromal cells (MSCs) are being tested in clinical trials for stroke patients. MSCs appear to promote recovery through secretomes that promote modulation of immune cells, including myeloid phagocytes. Many stroke patients have comorbidities such as metabolic syndrome, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes for which they are prescribed medications that might affect the function of MSCs and monocytes (Mo) when they are administered in stroke patients. We studied the effects of the two most commonly prescribed stroke medications, statin and statin plus aspirin, on the secretomes of MSCs and their modulation of Mo derived from stroke patients. Methods: Human MSCs, Mo and their co-cultures were exposed to atorvastatin or atorvastatin plus aspirin followed by secretome analysis at 24 h. Monocytes were isolated from healthy controls as well as stroke patients with NIHSS ranging from 11 to 20. Secretome composition was measured using multiplex immunoassay. We used MTT assay to measure proliferation of monocytes. The mixed model was used to analyze experimental data. p-values less than 0.05 were considered significant. Results: Atorvastatin and aspirin combination increased the release of IL-1RA from stroke Mo. In MSCs, atorvastatin and aspirin combination reduced the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1 and IFN-γ. Atorvastatin alone reduced the release of IL-6, IL-8 and MCP-1 from co-cultures of stroke monocytes and MSCs. Combination of atorvastatin and aspirin had additive effect on reducing the secretion of IL-6 from co-cultures of stroke Mo and MSCs. Conclusion: Atorvastatin, alone and in combination with aspirin can promote anti-inflammatory effect by modulating the secretome profile of Mo and MSCs. Our results suggest that stroke trials involving the use of intravenous MSCs should consider the effect of aspirin and atorvastatin, both of which are administered to the majority of hospitalized ischemic stroke patients.
Group 14 Central Atoms and Halogen Bonding in Different Dielectric Environments: How Germanium Outperforms Silicon

The nature of halogen bonding under different dielectric conditions remains underexplored, especially for inorganic systems. The structural and energetic properties of model halogen bonded complexes (R3 M-I-NH3 for R=H and F, and M=C, Si, and Ge) are examined computationally for relative permittivities between 1 and 109 using an implicit solvent model. We confirm and assess the exceptionally high maximum potentials at the sigma hole on I (Vs,max ) in F3 Ge-I relative to cases where M=C or Si. In particular, Ge far outperforms Si in mediating inductive effects. Linear relationships, typically with R2 >0.97, are identified between Vs,max , the full point charge on I in R3 M-I, and the interaction energy, and optimized I-N distance in the complexes. An anomalous trend is identified in which, for each M, F3 M-I-NH3 becomes less stable as the optimized I-N distance gets shorter in different dielectric environments; it is explained using the F-I-NH3 complex as a reference.
Effects of consensus messages and political ideology on climate change attitudes: inconsistent findings and the effect of a pretest

There are inconsistent findings concerning the efficacy of consensus messages to persuade individuals to hold scientifically supported positions on climate change. In this experiment, we tested the impact of consensus messages on skeptics’ climate beliefs and attitudes and investigated how the decision to pretest initial climate beliefs and attitudes prior to consensus message exposure may influence results. We found that although consensus messages led individuals to report higher scientific agreement estimates, total effects on key variables were likely an artifact of study design; consensus messages only affected climate attitudes and beliefs when they were measured both before and after message exposure. In the absence of a pretest, we did not observe significant total effects of consensus messages on climate outcomes. These results highlight the limitations of consensus messaging strategies at reducing political polarization and the importance of experimental designs that mimic real-world contexts.
Design and structural assessment of the Spallation Neutron Source 2.0 MW target

Abstract The Proton Power Upgrade (PPU) project is underway at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The project will double the proton accelerator power from 1.4 MW to 2.8 MW, increase power to the First Target Station (FTS), and enable a future Second Target Station (STS). The power increase partly comes from raising proton energy from 1.0 GeV to 1.3 GeV. The STS will operate at 0.7 MW at 15 Hz when completed. Until then, PPU will provide the capability to operate the FTS at 2.0 MW at 60 Hz. Maximum power at the FTS to date has been 1.4 MW at 60 Hz with 1.0 GeV protons. A new mercury target module design to operate reliably under PPU conditions has been completed after a multi-year effort. The design philosophy and assessment of the structural analysis are described here. This target underwent an unprecedented design and analysis process for SNS using the latest engineering techniques and incorporating years of operating lessons and outcomes from R&D to meet structural design criteria. It also incorporates high-flow gas injection to further mitigate pulse fatigue stresses as well as cavitation damage to the mercury vessel.
Promoting Freedom through Problem-based Learning

Problem-based Learning (PBL) is an instructional tool for encouraging active thinking about realistic problems and making sense of them through multiple content-focused lenses. It also has the power to bring faculty together in support of academic and social goals for students. We share the story of a rural school district’s faculty and administrators who decided to implement a school-wide, week-long PBL activity. In this manuscript, we focus on the social studies component of the PBL activity, describing the initial decisions teachers made to create this project, the planning teachers completed throughout the semester leading up to it, and students’ experiences across the week of PBL. Finally, we share suggestions about how other teachers and school districts can leverage PBL instruction in support of the Ohio Revised Standards in Social Studies.
Rigidity of some Weyl manifolds with nonpositive sectional curvature

We provide a list of all locally metric Weyl connections with nonpositive sectional curvatures on two types of manifolds, n-dimensional tori T and M = S 1 x S n-1 with the standard conformal structures. For M we prove that it carries no other Weyl connections with nonpositive sectional curvatures, locally metric or not. In the case of T we prove the same in the more narrow class of integrable connections.