cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Should all surgery patients get statins pre-operatively? Clear or blurry VISION?

This editorial refers to ‘Association between pre-operative statin use and major cardiovascular complications among patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery: the VISION study’, by O. Berwanger et al ., doi:10.1093/eurheartj/ehv456. One of the biggest advances in medicine in the past three decades has been the use of statins for prevention of cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality. With numerous trials across populations of patients with known vascular disease (secondary prevention) and those at risk of events (primary prevention), statins have been seen to reduce CV (and in turn total) mortality, and prevent myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and the need for coronary revascularization.1 Later, studies found that high-dose statin was better in preventing non-fatal events as compared with standard dose statin.1,2 There were minimal adverse effects, and no difference in the risk of developing cancer.3 In addition to the above groups of patients, many other patient populations appeared to benefit, including those with aortic stenosis,4 with the only exception being patients with heart failure,5 although those with ischaemia-related heart failure did appear to benefit.6 It was thought that patients with chronic kidney disease may not benefit, but the SHARP trial documented benefit.7 Studies then focused on timing of benefit, and its effect on patients undergoing cardiac procedures. A series of >20 trials has looked at starting statin prior to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and found remarkably consistent benefit in the prevention of peri-procedural MI.8,9 Another …
Analyzing the dynamics of evolutionary prisoner's dilemma on structured networks

The spread of cooperation in the evolutionary dynamics of social dilemma games such as Prisoner’s Dilemma can be facilitated by various means such as topological heterogeneities, a high benefit-to-cost ratio, or asymmetric interactions. In evolutionary dynamics, the agents adopt the strategies of neighbors with higher payoffs with a probability proportional to the payoff difference. In this study, we analyze evolutionary dynamics of mixed strategies in the Prisoner’s Dilemma game through the expected value of the payoff difference for arbitrary neighbors and the evolutionary advantage/disadvantage of nodes due to the degree distributions within their neighborhoods. Simulation results for various networks and game parameters are also presented.
Photophysical Properties and Electronic Structure of Chlorin-Imides: Bridging the Gap between Chlorins and Bacteriochlorins

Efficient light harvesting for molecular-based solar-conversion systems requires absorbers that span the photon-rich red and near-infrared (NIR) regions of the solar spectrum. Reported herein are the photophysical properties of a set of six chlorin-imides and nine synthetic chlorin analogues that extend the absorption deeper (624–714 nm) into these key spectral regions. These absorbers help bridge the gap between typical chlorins and bacteriochlorins. The new compounds have high fluorescence quantum yields (0.15–0.34) and long singlet excited-state lifetimes (4.2–10.9 ns). The bathochromic shift in Qy absorption is driven by substituent-based stabilization of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital, with the largest shifts for chlorins that bear an electron-withdrawing, conjugative group at the 3-position in combination with a 13,15-imide ring.
Epidural block for hemicolectomy in a patient with bilateral diaphragmatic paralysis.

A patient with respiratory function embarrassed by bilateral diaphragmatic paralysis after cardiac surgery was anesthetized for colectomy with a combined epidural-general technique using controlled ventilation. Spontaneous respiration resumed quickly after surgery, acceptable levels of blood gases were maintained postoperatively, and the overall perioperative course was uneventful.
A Selective Spectral Discretization Model for Computing Participating-Media Radiation Heat Transfer

A selective spectral discretization scheme has been developed for modeling properties of radiatively participating media. This new model automatically assigns more but narrower intervals into wavelength regions where there is strong spectral variation, yielding more accurate representation of the actual properties. New discrete ordinates solutions for a benchmark problem have been obtained in order to assess the impact of the new discretization model. The benchmark problem involves three-dimensional radiative heat transfer in a rectangular enclosure containing CO2, N2, and carbon particles. It was found that depending on the optical thickness of the medium, computation time decreased by 15 to 37% compared to results obtained with an equally spaced discretization model. The values for the surface radiative heat flux and the divergence of the net radiative heat flux both increased. Nomenclature E Weighted Emissive Power (W/m3) eb Spectral Emissive Power (W/m2 um) f Coefficient for the Delta-Eddington Phase Function
QUANTITATIVE GENETICS IN PLANTS: THE EFFECT OF THE BREEDING SYSTEM ON GENETIC VARIABILITY.

The expected effects of breeding system on quantitative genetic variation under various models for the maintenance of such variation are examined, with particular emphasis on the contrast between randomly mating and highly self-fertilizing populations. Estimates of quantitative genetic parameters from plant populations are reviewed. There is some evidence for reduced within-population genetic variance in highly inbreeding populations, compared with outbreeders, but more empirical work appears necessary. Although the estimate of the magnitude of the effect of breeding system is subject to considerable error, the reduction in genetic variance in inbreeding populations appears greater than expected if the variation were maintained by overdominance, or if it were due to neutral mutations. It is more consistent with models involving mutation-selection balance, although a rather larger reduction in genetic variance is estimated than is expected theoretically. We discuss some possible reasons for the lower level of genetic variance in selfers than is predicted by such models.
Estimates and Recommendations for Coincidence Geometry

When two truly coincident gamma-rays deposit their energy within the same detector, a composite pulse which is indistinguishable from one due to a single event may be recorded by that detector. This summing e effct is known to become more important as the distance from source to detector is decreased [1]. In this short report, we give a rough estimate for the size of this e ect as a function of source-to-detector distance. The formalism used in this report is taken mainly from [2], and similar results can also be found, e.g., in [1, 3, 4]. In general, the size of the e ect will depend on the exact level scheme of the nucleus studied, but for the sake of extracting numerical values, we will assume a particular level scheme in this report.
Robust continuous-discrete extended Kalman filter for estimating machine states with model uncertainties

Dynamic state estimation for synchronous generators is rapidly gaining importance due to its impact on wide-area control and stability of large scale power grids. However, the underlying uncertainties in the dynamic models of the generators may influence the estimation results. In this paper, a robust extended Kalman filter is developed for estimating machine states in the presence of model uncertainties. The proposed filter is based on minimizing the squared residual norm under the worst possible case, which indicates the uncertainties in the model should be bounded. The proposed algorithm is derived in two steps. First, the nonlinear dynamic equations of the machine model as well as the structured uncertainties are discretized and linearized. Second, by constructing the min-max optimization problem and solving it with considerable algebra, the time- and measurement-update expressions of the Kalman filter can be reformulated with modified parameters. The proposed filter is tested numerically based on a typical machine model and the results are presented.
Using multiple Dirichlet distributions to improve parameter plausibility.

Predictive accuracy and parameter plausibility are two major desired aspects for a student modeling approach. Knowledge tracing, the most commonly used approach, suffers from local maxima and multiple global maxima. Prior work has shown that using Dirichlet priors improves model parameter plausibility. However, the assumption that all knowledge components are from a single Dirichlet distribution is questionable. To address this problem, this paper presents an approach to integrate multiple distributions and Dirichlet priors. We show that modeling groups of students separately based on their distributional similarities produces model parameters that provide a more plausible picture of student knowledge, even though the proposed solution did not improve the model’s predictive accuracy. We also show Dirichlet priors might be hurt by outliers and models with trimming work better.
Reliability-performance tradeoffs between 2.5D and 3D-stacked DRAM processors

Three-dimensional DRAM stacking has emerged as a vehicle for scaling system densities and performance improvement. The two design choices for interfacing to processors are — i) a separate core die connected to the DRAM stack via a silicon interposer (2.5D), and ii) DRAM die stacked on top of the core die (3D). These alternatives have different performance, power, and reliability behaviors. Specifically, 3D designs realize higher performance but operate at higher temperatures and thus exhibit lower lifetime. On the other hand, 2.5D designs provide lower bandwidth between the core die and the DRAM stack, but exhibit significantly longer lifetime due to less thermally-induced degradation. This paper explores this tradeoff between reliability and performance of 3D and 2.5D stacked memory systems. Our results indicate that, in general, lower voltage and frequency operations with 3D stacked systems may achieve balanced reliability-performance tradeoff.
AN OPTIMIZATION-BASED APPROACH FOR FACILITY ENERGY MANAGEMENT WITH UNCERTAINTIES

Abstract Effective energy management for facilities is becoming increasingly important. This paper presents an energy management model and the corresponding methodology to control HVAC equipment a key electricity consumption apparatus. The problem is to minimize the energy and demand costs while satisfying human comfort and other requirements in a stochastic setting. How to solve this non-separable integer optimization problem and how to handle uncertainties are major challenges. An advanced method that combines Lagrangian relaxation and stochastic dynamic programming is developed. Numerical testing results show that the method can effectively handle uncertainties and is significantly better than a few selected heuristics.
Transforming Your Data with dplyr

Transforming your data is a basic part of data wrangling. This can include filtering, summarizing, and ordering your data by different means. This also includes combining disparate data sets, creating new variables, and many other manipulation tasks. Although many fundamental data transformation and manipulation functions exist in R, historically they have been a bit convoluted and lacked a consistent and cohesive code structure. Consequently, Hadley Wickham developed the very popular package to make these data processing tasks more efficient along with a syntax that is consistent and easier to remember and read.
Application of Artificial Neural Networks to Reliable Nuclear Data for Nonproliferation Modeling and Simulation

Detection and identification of special nuclear materials SNMs are an essential part of the US nonproliferation effort. Modern cutting-edge SNM detection methodologies rely more and more on modeling and simulation techniques. Experiments with radiological samples in realistic configurations, is the ultimate tool that establishes the minimum detection limits of SNMs in a host of different geometries. Modern modeling and simulation approaches have the potential to significantly reduce the number of experiments with radioactive sources needed to determine these detection limits and reduce the financial barrier to SNM detection. Unreliable nuclear data is one of the principal causes of uncertainty in modeling and simulating nuclear systems. In particular, nuclear cross sections introduce a significant uncertainty in the nuclear data. The goal of this research is to develop a methodology that will autonomously extract the correct nuclear resonance characteristics of experimental data in a reliable way, a task previously left to expert judgement. Accurate nuclear data will in turn allow contemporary modeling and simulation to become far more reliable, de-escalating the extent of experimental testing. Consequently, modeling and simulation techniques reduce the use and distribution of radiological sources, while at the same time increase the reliability of the currently used methods for the detection and identification of SNMs.
Peripheral artery disease and risk of adverse outcomes in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Background Peripheral artery disease (PAD) in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is associated with an increased mortality risk, but the risk of individual outcomes associated with PAD in this patient group is less clear. Hypothesis PAD is associated with adverse outcomes in HFpEF, including hospitalization and specific cardiovascular outcomes. Methods We examined the association between PAD and adverse outcomes in 3385 patients with HFpEF (mean age, 69 ± 9.6 years; 49% male; 89% white) from the Treatment of Preserved Cardiac Function Heart Failure With an Aldosterone Antagonist Trial (TOPCAT). Baseline PAD was identified by self-reported history and medical-record review. The following outcomes were adjudicated by a clinical endpoint committee: hospitalization, hospitalization for heart failure (HF), myocardial infarction, stroke, death, and cardiovascular death. Results Over a median follow-up of 3.4 years (interquartile range, 2.0–4.9 years), an increased risk for hospitalization (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.36, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.16-1.60), myocardial infarction (HR: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.07-2.67), death (HR: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.22-1.99), and cardiovascular death (HR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.12-2.10) was observed for those with PAD compared with those without PAD. PAD was not associated with incident stroke. The association between PAD and hospitalization for HF was limited to participants with prior history of HF hospitalization (n = 2449; HR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.09-2.13). Conclusions PAD increases the risk for adverse outcomes in HFpEF and is associated with HF rehospitalization. Practitioners should be aware of the inherent risk associated with PAD in HFpEF.
Azure Data Lake Store: A Hyperscale Distributed File Service for Big Data Analytics

Azure Data Lake Store (ADLS) is a fully-managed, elastic, scalable, and secure file system that supports Hadoop distributed file system (HDFS) and Cosmos semantics. It is specifically designed and optimized for a broad spectrum of Big Data analytics that depend on a very high degree of parallel reads and writes, as well as collocation of compute and data for high bandwidth and low-latency access. It brings together key components and features of Microsoft?s Cosmos file system-long used by internal customers at Microsoft and HDFS, and is a unified file storage solution for analytics on Azure. Internal and external workloads run on this unified platform. Distinguishing aspects of ADLS include its design for handling multiple storage tiers, exabyte scale, and comprehensive security and data sharing features. We present an overview of ADLS architecture, design points, and performance.
Abstract 441: Central Infusion of Angiotensin(1-7) Attenuates Aldosterone/Salt-Induced Increases in Blood Pressure in Ovariectomized Female Rats

In comparison to male rodents, females are protected against angiotensin II (ANG II)- and aldosterone (Aldo)-induced hypertension. However, the mechanism underlying this protective effect is not well understood. ANG(1-7) is formed from ANG II by angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and plays an anti-hypertensive effect in the CNS. Recent studies from our laboratory demonstrate that central blockade ANG(1-7) augments Aldo-induced hypertension in intact female rats. The present study further determined whether central infusion of ANG(1-7) will attenuate Aldo/salt-induced increase in blood pressure (BP) in ovariectomized (OVX) female rats. Systemic infusion of Aldo (0.75 μg/h, 4 weeks) into OVX female rats with 1% salt as their sole drinking fluid resulted in a significant increase in BP (Δ26.9±2.9 mmHg). Central infusion of ANG(1-7) significantly attenuated this Aldo/salt pressor effect (Δ11.9±2.8 mmHg). RT-PCR analysis revealed that mRNA expression of renin (from 3.6 to1.1-fold) and ACE1 (from 2.6 to 0.9-fold) were significantly reduced in Aldo/salt treated rats with central infusion of ANG(1-7) when compared with central vehicle infusion. In contrast, mRNA expression of ACE2 (from 1.0 to 1.4-fold), AT 2 R (from 0.4 to 1.2-fold) and estrogen receptor alpha (ERα, from 0.9 to 1.7-fold) were significantly increased in the lamina terminalis. Taken together these results suggest that a central antihypertensive arm of the brain renin-angiotensin system (ACE2/ANG(1-7)/Mas) may play an important compensatory role in the development of Aldo/salt induced hypertension in females. (HL-14388, HL-98207, DK-66086, and MH-80241)
Crusoe and Crossbones : Longitude and Liberalism

The final chapter shows how films and television programs like Crusoe (2008, 2009) and Crossbones (2014) represent the long eighteenth century to establish a “creation myth” that justifies real or projected aspects of early millennium ideology. These programs locate the origins of technophilia and social liberalism in the eighteenth century, and depict them as close bedfellows whose relationship began in the long eighteenth century. Both programs celebrate technology and both programs endorse a seemingly egalitarian approach to race, class, and gender that they associate with technology. Further examination in the chapter reveals, however, that the social and economic values are ultimately as conservative if not more so than they are liberal, and that technology’s origins are described to support extant economic and social structures and systems.
An Interview with Reuben Hersh

In this interview with Reuben Hersh, we delve into his formative experiences in the Bronx, and his unusual journey into the world of mathematics.
Perceptions of Quality of Life and Pollution among China's Urban Middle Class: The Case of Smog in Tangshan

After decades of rapid economic development, China is facing severe environmental problems. In particular, smog in urban areas has recently attracted a great deal of scientific and media attention both domestically and internationally. Our focus in this article is on public perceptions of smog in the northern city of Tangshan, which is routinely ranked as one of the urban areas with the worst air quality in the nation. In this article, we present the results of qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys with 341 urban residents. We examine how these residents perceive and weigh the importance of various aspects related to quality of life, including their experience with air pollution. Study participants considered environmental quality an issue of lower priority than many others; however, they surprisingly ranked it over economic concerns such as jobs and income. Their responses suggest that, for many urban residents, environmental problems like smog are fundamentally linked to basic quality of life concerns such as physical health and family well-being. We interpret our findings in the context of literature on the rise of China's middle class, the rise of environmental consciousness, and the role of gender in mediating perceptions of pollution and family health. We also consider the implications of these findings for the control and remediation of air pollution in China today.
A Structure Theorem for Power Series Rings

Publisher Summary This chapter highlights a universal identity satisfied by the minors of any matrix. The chapter presents an assumption wherein R is an excellent discrete valuation ring and X = ( X 1 , …, X n ) be variables. Then, the power series ring [[ X ]] is a direct limit of smooth [ X ]-algebras. This theorem follows from follows from Neron's p -desingularization in the case n = 0. The chapter presents the properties required for a local morphism : R → R ' of discrete valuation rings to be regular.
The impact of an obesity awareness intervention on anti-fat attitudes and expectations of pre-service physical educators

Childhood obesity and the decline of physical activity are real concerns for physical educators. Physical educators are in a key position to positively affect physical activity among youth at risk ...
Radiofrequency Assisted Hepatic Parenchyma Resection Using Radiofrequent Generator (RF) Generator.

Introduction: The role of Radio frequent Generator (RF) has been extended from simple tumor ablation to routine hepatic resection. RF energy precoagulates the tissue and thus allows the closure of small blood vessels and bile ducts. The development of surgical techniques and modern technological advances have enabled liver resections to be significantly surgically better controlled in the sense of bleeding, and are more successful and safer for patients. The RF generator has its advantages and disadvantages and as such can be equally used in resective liver surgery. Aim: Display the intraoperative and postoperative complications among patients that had been subjected to liver resection using a RF generator (RF resection), compared to those that had been subjected to liver resection without the use of RF generators (classical liver resection methods of CC resection). Material and methods: The study included 60 patients of both sexes which had resective operative surgery or metastasectomy on the liver due to the basic process. The study was conducted at the Clinic for General and Abdominal Surgery of the Clinical Center of the University of Sarajevo in a four-year period. The study was designed as a comparative study of outcome and postoperative complications of surgical treatment, i.e. resective liver interventions using two operating techniques (RFÂ–liver resection and Classical resection techniques on the liver). Results: The highest number of surgical procedures was due to colorectal cancer. A slightly smaller number was performed due to primary liver cancer and gallbladder cancer. The highest number of surgical interventions remain on non-anatomic resections. Smaller number remains to large resective operations. The length of hospitalization was significantly correlated with blood loss (r = 713 p = 0,000) and the average hospitalization time ranged from 10.5 to 53.3 days. Conclusion: We have shown that the use of RF generators does not significantly reduce intraoperative and postoperative complications. There is a justification for using both techniques for resection on the liver. The resective liver operation depends mostly on the personal stance and the surgeons training.
An inexpensive smartphone-based device for point-of-care ovulation testing

The ability to accurately predict ovulation at-home using low-cost point-of-care diagnostics can be of significant help for couples who prefer natural family planning. Detecting ovulation-specific hormones in urine samples and monitoring basal body temperature are the current commonly home-based methods used for ovulation detection; however, these methods, relatively, are expensive for prolonged use and the results are difficult to comprehend. Here, we report a smartphone-based point-of-care device for automated ovulation testing using artificial intelligence (AI) by detecting fern patterns in a small volume ( 99% accuracy in effectively predicting ovulation.
The Effect of Chronic Hypoxia on Airway Remodeling in Murine Model of Asthma

Background and Hypothesis: Chronic hypoxia during growth and development results in adaptive responses to increase oxygen transport to tissues, such as increasing lung volume and lung diffusion. Asthma is characterized by airway hyper-reactivity, which can result from increased airway smooth muscle (ASM) and airway remodeling following airway inflammation. Chronic hypoxia may attenuate airway inflammation, airway reactivity and airway remodeling in patients with asthma. Measured by in vivo airway resistance in response to 50 mg/ml Ach, our preliminary data suggests that rats conceived and raised under chronic hypoxic conditions (15% O2) exhibit lower airway reactivity, compared to room air controls (20% O2) at baseline (0.397, 0.789 respectively) and following Ova sensitization/challenge (0.696, 1.159 respectively). We hypothesized lower airway reactivity was associated with less ASM in response to hypoxic conditions. Methods: Sprague Dawley rats were conceived, raised and evaluated in 4 groups: hypoxia/PBS challenge (HA-PBS); hypoxia/Ova challenge (HA-Ova); normoxia/PBS challenge (RA-PBS); normoxia/Ova challenge (RA-Ova). The lung tissue (4 animals/group) was fixed, sectioned, and ASM was quantified by immunohistochemistry using imageJ software. Results: Measured ASM (mm2) from each group was log transformed to normalize data acquired from various lumen sizes and the least square means of each group were calculated. Airways from HA-PBS animals (N= 59) tended to have the lowest ASM, and ASM progressively increased in RA-PBS (N=41), HA-Ova (N=58) and RA-Ova groups (N=38 airways) [-6.41, -6.3, -6.26, -6.17]. There was an excellent correlation between ASM and airway resistance; more ASM was associated with greater airway reactivity (Pearson correlation of 0.99). Conclusions and Potential Impact: Chronic hypoxia may suppress ASM development, as well as suppress the increase in ASM associated with atopic inflammation. Understanding the mechanisms that inhibit ASM growth under conditions of chronic hypoxia may provide insight into new therapies for asthma.
The Relationship Between Body Mass Index and Pain Intensity Among Veterans with Musculoskeletal Disorders: Findings from the MSD Cohort Study.

Objective To examine the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and pain intensity among veterans with musculoskeletal disorder diagnoses (MSDs; nontraumatic joint disorder; osteoarthritis; low back, back, and neck pain). Setting Administrative and electronic health record data from the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Subjects A national cohort of US military veterans with MSDs in VHA care during 2001-2012 (N = 1,759,338). Methods These cross-sectional data were analyzed using hurdle negative binomial models of pain intensity as a function of BMI, adjusted for comorbidities and demographics. Results The sample had a mean age of 59.4, 95% were male, 77% were white/Non-Hispanic, 79% were overweight or obese, and 42% reported no pain at index MSD diagnosis. Overall, there was a J-shaped relationship between BMI and pain (nadir = 27 kg/m2), with the severely obese (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2) being most likely to report any pain (OR vs normal weight = 1.23, 95% confidence interval = 1.21-1.26). The association between BMI and pain varied by MSD, with a stronger relationship in the osteoarthritis group and a less pronounced relationship in the back and low back pain groups. Conclusions There was a high prevalence of overweight/obesity among veterans with MSD. High levels of BMI (>27 kg/m2) were associated with increased odds of pain, most markedly among veterans with osteoarthritis.
Transmission-based surface-consistent framework for residual statics, deconvolution, and FWI: A new paradigm for near-surface analysis

Abstract We developed a novel surface-consistent processing framework that applies to transmitted wavefields (e.g., diving waves/refracted waves). Automatic velocity estimation from traveltime and ...
Leiomyosarcoma of renal vein.

Abstract Primary tumors of blood vessels are sufficiently rare to warrant the reporting of individual cases. The purpose here is to report on a rare primary leiomyosarcoma originating from the left renal vein.
Reliability of Serological Prestin Levels in Humans and its Relation to Otoacoustic Emissions, a Functional Measure of Outer Hair Cells.

Objectives Serological biomarkers, common to many areas of medicine, have the potential to inform on the health of the human body and to give early warning of risk of compromised function or illness before symptoms are experienced. Serological measurement of prestin, a motor protein uniquely produced and expressed in outer hair cells, has recently been identified as a potential biomarker to inform on the health of the cochlea. Before any test can be introduced into the clinical toolkit, the reproducibility of the measurement when repeated in the same subject must be considered. The primary objective of this study is to outline the test-retest reliability estimates and normative ranges for serological prestin in healthy young adults with normal hearing. In addition, we examine the relation between serum prestin levels and otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) to compare this OHC-specific protein to the most common measure of OHC function currently used in hearing assessments. Design We measured prestin levels serologically from circulating blood in 34 young adults (18 to 24 years old) with clinically normal pure-tone audiometric averages at five different timepoints up to six months apart (average intervals between measurements ranged from Results Serum prestin levels demonstrated good to excellent reliability between and across the five different time points, with correlation coefficients and intraclass correlations >0.8. Across sessions, the average serum prestin level was 250.20 pg/mL, with a standard error of measurement of 7.28 pg/mL. Moreover, positive correlations (generally weak to moderate) were found between prestin levels and OAE magnitudes and signal-to-noise ratios. Conclusions Findings characterize serum prestin in healthy young adults with normal hearing and provide initial normative data that may be critical to interpreting results from individuals with sensorineural hearing loss. Our results demonstrate reliability of serum prestin levels in a sample of normal-hearing young adults across five test sessions up to 6 months apart, paving the way for testing larger samples to more accurately estimate test-retest standards for clinical protocols, including those involving serial monitoring. The positive correlations between serum prestin and OAE levels, although weak to moderate, reinforce that the source of serum prestin is likely the outer hair cells in the inner ear, but also that serum prestin and OAEs each may also index aspects of biologic function not common to the other.
Miniature planar telescopes for efficient, wide-angle, high-precision beam steering

Non-mechanical beam steerers with lightweight, compact, high-efficiency, high-precision, and/or large-angle are pivotal for light detection and ranging (LiDAR) of autonomous vehicles, eye-tracking for near-eye displays, microscopy, optical tweezers, and high-precision three-dimensional (3D) printing. However, even the most matured optical phased array can only provide quasi-continuous, efficient beam steering within a small angle range. A telescope module with an angle magnification function can be coupled to enlarge the steering range or precision. But obtaining a compact, low-cost, lightweight, high-quality telescope module with conventional optics remains challenging. Patterned liquid crystal-based planar optical elements offer great design freedom for manipulating the phase profile of light in 2D space. Owing to the advantages of high efficiency, thinness, low cost, easy processing, flexibility, and response to environmental stimuli, a plethora of high-quality optical devices have been demonstrated. Here, a miniature planar telescope mediated by liquid crystal polymers is proposed to offer angle magnification independent of incident spatial location. It consists of two cascaded liquid crystal planar optical elements, each performing a predefined mathematical transformation. By this concept, planar optical elements are fabricated using a new exposure method and assembled into planar telescopes with different magnification factors. Within the incident field range, over 84.6% optical efficiency is achieved with small wavefront distortion. Such a miniature planar telescope shows the potential of cascaded liquid crystal planar optical elements for realizing functionalities that cannot be fulfilled by single optical elements, and enables lightweight, low loss, passive optical transmitters for widespread applications.
The Landscape of Non-state Actors and China Environmental Governance: Illustrative Roadmaps to Processes and Institutions

This chapter aims at illustrating the landscape of non-state actors—including shiye danwei, business associations, private companies and NGOs—in Chinese environmental governance, namely the roles fulfilled by them, their relationships with state actors and modes of cooperation between different organizations. The chapter explores these issues with seven examples: three standard-related processes (standard-making, supervision and evaluation), two environmental issues (water and air governance) and environmental governance in two industries (the air-conditioning and refrigeration industry and the textile industry). These examples show that while state actors are the dominant and driving force in standard setting, supervision and environmental law enforcement, non-state actors are also important in executing and supporting standard-making processes as well as in complementing state actors’ role in supervision. Moreover, non-state actors also exhibit some spontaneity in starting and participating in environmental governance initiatives relatively independently from government influence. With these initial observations, this chapter hopes to instigate further examination and discussion on non-state actors and organizational dynamics in Chinese environmental governance.
Once- Versus Twice-Daily Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors for Blood Pressure Control in Adult Patients With Hypertension

This review aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of once- versus twice-daily administration of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors for the management of hypertension. A literature search on PubMed and Google Scholar was performed (January 1980 to June 2020) using the following search terms: ACE inhibitors, lisinopril, enalapril, fosinopril, trandolapril, ramipril, perindopril, captopril, benazepril, ambulatory blood pressure, hypertension, twice-daily dosing, once-daily dosing. Reference lists from retrieved articles were examined for additional reports. Relevant English-language studies or those conducted in humans were considered. Overall, six studies were included that compared the efficacy of once-daily to twice-daily dosing of ACE inhibitors. Similar blood pressure-lowering effects, and, in some studies, greater blood pressure lowering has been noted in the twice-daily administration arm than once-daily administration of ACE inhibitors. ACE inhibitors' pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties play an integral role in determining the expected blood pressure-lowering outcome. It is noteworthy that adherence issues may arise when transitioning from a once-daily regimen to a twice-daily regimen. There appear to be no added safety concerns between twice-daily and once-daily administration of ACE inhibitors regarding safety outcomes. After reviewing the available literature, twice-daily dosing of ACE inhibitors may promote added blood pressure-lowering effects, with the advantages of reducing cost, reducing the risk of drug-drug interactions, reducing polypharmacy, and reducing patient confusion about their medications. Recommendations for twice-daily administration of ACE -inhibitors should be made via shared decision-making with the patient, and clinician judgment, to drive treatment selection.
Commentary-Long-term active problems in patients with cloacal exstrophy: A systematic review.

Abstract This is a commentary on the manuscript entitled “Long-term active problems in patients with cloacal exstrophy: a systematic review” by Musleh L, Privitera L, Paraboschi I, et al.
Surface integral and finite element hybrid method for two- and three-dimensional fracture mechanics analysis

This paper summarizes the development of the surface integral and finite element hybrid method for two and three dimensional fracture mechanics analysis. The fracture, which is a discontinuity in the displacement field, is modeled explicitly and efficiently by use of dislocations for two dimensional analysis and by dipoles of point forces for three dimensional applications. The boundary value problem of a fracture in a finite domain is solved by (incremental) superposition of a finite element model of the finite body without the crack and a surface integral model of an infinite body with the crack, ensuring proper traction and displacement matching at the boundaries. Finite elements are also used to model nonhomogeneity and plasticity, though isotropic kernels are used for the integral equation. A variety of two and three dimensional problems have been modeled and excellent agreement with analytical solutions has been obtained. Propagation problems in two dimensions have also been modeled and the predicted results agree very well with experimental observations.
Transnational digital government research project highlights

Transnational digital government relies on collaborative government processes that use information technology to address problems of regional or global nature. The broad context of the research done in this project is the ongoing process of transnational counter-narcotics cooperation among all Western Hemisphere governments whose goal is to reduce illicit drug production, traffic and consumption. The process is coordinated by CICAD-- the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission -- which is a technical body of the Organization of American States (OAS), and composed of 34 member states. This project conducts research that has broad applicability to processes that require countries to monitor, share, analyze and integrate data and information on activities related to illegal drugs and other criminal activities. Broadly stated, research challenges on technology and tools for the collection, processing, exchange and integration of information needed by transnational digital government include:- Spoken dialogue systems for data collection, training and learning;- Data management and security techniques for rule -based data sharing and filtering;- Machine translation technology for sharing documents across different languages and countries;- Middleware for transnational (heterogeneous) information grids that enable private, secure and dependable automation of collaboration processes and policies, and the delivery of computing services through Internet portals; and- Network behavior modeling and optimization for delivery of acceptable quality of service.
Isolation of Relevant Visual Features from Random Stimuli for Cortical Complex Cells

A crucial step in understanding the function of a neural circuit in visual processing is to know what stimulus features are represented in the spiking activity of the neurons. For neurons with complex, nonlinear response properties, characterization of feature representation requires measurement of their responses to a large ensemble of visual stimuli and an analysis technique that allows identification of relevant features in the stimuli. In the present study, we recorded the responses of complex cells in the primary visual cortex of the cat to spatiotemporal random-bar stimuli and applied spike-triggered correlation analysis of the stimulus ensemble. For each complex cell, we were able to isolate a small number of relevant features from a large number of null features in the random-bar stimuli. Using these features as visual stimuli, we found that each relevant feature excited the neuron effectively in isolation and contributed to the response additively when combined with other features. In contrast, the null features evoked little or no response in isolation and divisively suppressed the responses to relevant features. Thus, for each cortical complex cell, visual inputs can be decomposed into two distinct types of features (relevant and null), and additive and divisive interactions between these features may constitute the basic operations in visual cortical processing.
Milk’s effect on the bioavailability of iron from cereal-based diets in young women by use of in vitro and in vivo methods

A study was conducted in healthy young women to measure and compare the availability of iron from cereal-based diets with and without milk by use of in vivo and in vitro methods. In vitro iron-bioavailability tests demonstrated that the amounts of soluble and ionizable iron in cereal-based diets were increased two- and three-fold, respectively, when milk was added. 54Fe, a stable isotope of iron, and fecal monitoring were used to determine iron absorption in eight young women. Iron absorption was higher with milk than without milk in seven of the eight subjects but did not differ significantly between the two treatments. The results suggest that in vivo and in vitro effects differ and that the absorption of iron from cereal-based diets is neither enhanced nor inhibited by the addition of milk.
Digital Modulation Techniques

First considers the three basic forms of digital modulation: amplitude-shift-keying, frequency-shift keying, and phase-shift keying Compares binary modulation systems, in terms of power efficiency and spectrum efficiency Explains the principle of quadrature modulation used with M-ary PSK Describes three modulation techniques that offer certain advantages for band-limited, nonlinear channels: offset quadrature phase-shift keying, QPSK, and minimum-shift keying Explains how the technique of quadrature partial response increases the bandwidth efficiency of OAM signaling Describes trellis coded modulation as a combination of convolutional coding and digital modulation, and show an example in detail Shows the principles behind orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) Compares digital modulation techniques in terms of error performance, complexity of implementation, and all bandwidth efficiency
Leadership and the Role of Information: Making the Creatively Informed Questioner

The quintessential leader is an informed leader. So it is said. However, this concept of being informed seems to lack definition and purpose. What does it mean to be informed? And what is the role of information in leadership?People often think that leaders are informed because they are educated or quick learners. To some extent this may be true. A more realistic view would be that they use their education in a manner that positions themselves and those around them to succeed and sustain their success. How do they do this? An explanation follows.
Self-consistent simulation of multipactor discharge at HPM dielectric windows

Summary form only given. Modeling multipactor discharges is important for understanding window breakdown and parasitic plasma discharges in high power microwave tubes. We have added new physics models to the ICEPIC (Improved Concurrent Electromagnetic Particle-In-Cell) code to study these phenomena, including a Vaughn model for secondary emission, and a Monte-Carlo collision package for studying the formation of plasma from ionization of background gas. We verify that the secondary model produces the expected behavior by comparing our results with theory and with the OOPIC 2d code. This paper compare and contrast 1d fully electromagnetic simulations (with full space-charge effects) with 1d theory without space-charge effects. Then we expand this model to be periodic transverse to the dielectric. Finally we show a multipactor discharge forming at a waveguide-dielectric window interface. This suite of simulations explore the effect of the finite electron hopping distance on the discharge. We analyze the transmitted and reflected power from the discharge and the distribution of electrons that impact the dielectric surface.
Baseline Susceptibility and Cross-Resistance in Adult and Larval Alphitobius diaperinus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) Collected from Poultry Farms in Arkansas

Insecticide resistance in the lesser mealworm, Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), can pose a serious threat to their successful management in broiler chicken farms in Arkansas. Resistance and cross-resistance were determined in lesser mealworm populations collected from two broiler farms in Arkansas, with different insecticide application histories. Farm M was treated with insecticides over the past 10 yr, whereas Farm S had no insecticidal usage history. Concentration-mortality bioassays using selected insecticides were conducted on adults and seventh-instar larval beetles. A probit analysis suggested the M population to be resistant to cyfluthrin and tetrachlorvinphos, while the S population was susceptible to both compounds. The M population showed no cross-resistance to imidacloprid, spinosad, or chlorfenapyr. The M and S populations were similar in their susceptibility to imidacloprid, spinosad, and chlorfenapyr. The suitability of imidacloprid and spinosad, and further testing of chlorfenapyr as a potential candidate for lesser mealworm control is discussed.
Prenyl transferases from Micrococcus luteus: Characterization of undecaprenyl pyrophosphate synthetase☆

Abstract Three prenyl transferases in Micrococcus luteus were recovered in the soluble fraction following cell disruption. Undecaprenyl pyrophosphate (C55-PP) synthetase chromatographed on DEAE-cellulose independently from geranylgeranyl-PP and octaprenyl-PP synthetases. Further purification of C55-PP synthetase resulted in an approximate 250-fold purification over the crude lysate. The molecular weight of the synthetase was estimated to be between 47,000 and 49,000 by Sephadex G-100 chromatography. The enzyme had a broad specificity toward the allylic pyrophosphate substrate. The reactivities of the allylic substrates increased with chain length, C10
The Inefficacy of Dietary Nicotine for Growth Promotion

Abstract Graded levels of nicotine were added to the diets of broiler chicks to determine its effect on their rate of growth. The results of three trials, each consisting of 240 broiler chicks, demonstrated that nicotine had no consistent value in the stimulation of growth of broilers to eight weeks of age.