cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Re-Negotiating a Theory of Social Contract for Universal Health Care in America or, Securing the Regulatory State?

Political ideologies and evolving notions of social justice have shaped public health policies throughout American history in a quest to find a point of balance between the collective good and economic realities. In pursuit of this balance, Congress enacted the Affordable Care Act in 2010. This Article first examines the new law through the lens of the social contract as envisioned by Rousseau and adopted by the Framers of the Constitution. Using economic data, public opinion, and information from the medical community, Smith and Gallena proceed to offer a frank appraisal of the state of health care in America and the future implications of the Act.The Article then examines the structure, power, and mandate of the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB). Created by the Affordable Care Act, the IPAB simultaneously concentrates legislative authority in an autonomous executive agency, while shielding its actions from judicial review. Smith and Gallena argue that the IPAB undermines the fundamental principle of the separation of powers, poses an inevitable threat to current and future Medicare beneficiaries, and may ultimately destabilize the state of healthcare in the United States. Finally, Smith and Gallena propose a model for allocating health care resources that comports with both the philosophical underpinnings of the social contract and social justice.
Use of external fixation in the reconstruction of the Charcot foot and ankle.

Charcot disease presents a challenging problem to the foot and ankle surgeon. Many surgeons will not surgically address this pathology because of its progressive nature, small patient pool, and patient compliance problems. Past surgical methods of treating this pathology usually involved simple lump-and-bump exostectomies. Internal fixation methods using screws and plates have been incorporated with some success, but external fixation has changed the way this disease process is addressed, allowing the foot and ankle surgeon to correct both simple and complex Charcot pathology in a safe and aggressive manner.
On architecting and intelligent transport systems

Intelligent transport systems (ITS) are members of an emerging class of systems which have highly distributed architectures and are equally distributed in their development, procurement, and management. Important characteristics of such systems include: (1) the lack of a client with ownership and developmental responsibility for the system, (2) considerable uncertainty in system purposes and a recognition that they will extensively evolve in unknown directions over the lifetime of the system, and (3) the need for extensive voluntary cooperation in their deployment and use. This work uses ITS as an example of how system architecting methods, especially heuristic refinement, can be used to provide developmental guidance and to organize the process of architecture evaluation and selection. In the particular case of ITS, these methods suggest an appropriate abstraction level for the architectural components, and means for combining deployment and architectural concerns.
Amino Acid Derivatives of Aminosalicylic Acids

Abstract A series of amide derivatives of 3‐, 4‐, and 5‐aminosalicylic acids with α‐amino acids has been prepared by a method which involves amide formation between the carboxyl group of the aminosalicylic acid and the amino group of the amino acid. The stability as well as the ease of formation of the compounds was increased by utilization of the O‐benzyl ethers of the nitrosalicylic acids and ester hydrochlorides of the amino acids.
Sequential Localization Algorithm for Active Sensor Network Deployment

There has been a lot of work on localization for sensor networks. Most localization schemes assume an already deployed network. Very little research has been done for active sensor deployment with mobile robots. In this paper, we present a distributed sequential localization process which is tightly integrated with robotic sensor deployment. Being location-aware, sensors can be placed in advantageous locations to avoid big localization errors. In turn, the accurate localization result helps further sensor deployment. We compare our distributed sequential localization scheme with five existing localization algorithms, both through simulations and through repeated runs on a mote testbed. Results show that the distributed sequential localization algorithm produces comparable results to the state-of-the-art centralized localization algorithms. Experiments also show that pre-post processing plays important roles at getting good localization results for all localization algorithms.
Signal modeling with self-similar /spl alpha/-stable processes: the fractional Levy stable motion model

The purpose of the correspondence is the introduction of fractional Levy stable motion (fLsm) as a model for signals with long-memory and high variability commonly encountered in natural processes. We present a concise description of this model from a signal processing viewpoint and its successful application to real-world infrared signals for the purpose of resolution enhancement via stochastic interpolation.
Respiratory-related evoked potential elicited by expiratory occlusion

Respiratory-related evoked potentials (RREPs) have been elicited by inspiratory loads in adults and children. The RREP was recorded over the somatosensory region of the cerebral cortex. It was hypo...
Regional centromeres in the yeast Candida lusitaniae lack pericentromeric heterochromatin

Point centromeres are specified by a short consensus sequence that seeds kinetochore formation, whereas regional centromeres lack a conserved sequence and instead are epigenetically inherited. Regional centromeres are generally flanked by heterochromatin that ensures high levels of cohesin and promotes faithful chromosome segregation. However, it is not known whether regional centromeres require pericentromeric heterochromatin. In the yeast Candida lusitaniae, we identified a distinct type of regional centromere that lacks pericentromeric heterochromatin. Centromere locations were determined by ChIP-sequencing of two key centromere proteins, Cse4 and Mif2, and are consistent with bioinformatic predictions. The centromeric DNA sequence was unique for each chromosome and spanned 4-4.5 kbp, consistent with regional epigenetically inherited centromeres. However, unlike other regional centromeres, there was no evidence of pericentromeric heterochromatin in C. lusitaniae. In particular, flanking genes were expressed at a similar level to the rest of the genome, and a URA3 reporter inserted adjacent to a centromere was not repressed. In addition, regions flanking the centromeric core were not associated with hypoacetylated histones or a sirtuin deacetylase that generates heterochromatin in other yeast. Interestingly, the centromeric chromatin had a distinct pattern of histone modifications, being enriched for methylated H3K79 and H3R2 but lacking methylation of H3K4, which is found at other regional centromeres. Thus, not all regional centromeres require flanking heterochromatin.
Homogeneity Breeds Political Participation: A Look at Context and Participation Among Asian Americans

This paper examines the contextual effects of co-ethnic homogeneity on the political participation of Asian Americans. By examining the degree of homogeneity within churches, neighborhoods, workplaces and friendship networks, I explore the extent to which different contexts influence political participation. Previous studies have found that ethnic concentration in neighborhoods depresses turnout amongst Asians and suggest that lack of mobilization efforts decrease information flow in these settings. On the other hand, research has shown that churches are more influential than neighborhood context and scholars also argue that homogeneous settings increase trust and political activity. Using the National Politics Survey from 2004, I test these two theories to explore the effects of homogeneity and examine if one context is more influential than the other. Using logit regressions, I find that those who are members of ethnic churches and who have a co-ethnic friendship networks are more likely to participate in non-electoral activities. These findings suggest that mobilization efforts are likely to occur among friends and within churches.
Bosonic integer quantum Hall states in topological bands with Chern number two

We study the interacting bosons in topological Hofstadter bands with Chern number two. Using exact diagonalization, we demonstrate that the bosonic integer quantum Hall (BIQH) state emerges at integer boson filling factor $\ensuremath{\nu}=1$ of the lowest Chern band with evidence including a robust spectrum gap and quantized topological Hall conductance two. Moreover, the robustness of BIQH state against different interactions and next-nearest-neighbor hopping is investigated. The strong nearest-neighbor interaction would favor a charge density wave. When the on-site interaction decreases, the BIQH state undergoes a continuous transition into a superfluid state. Without next-nearest-neighbor hopping, the ground state is possibly in a metallic Fermi-liquid-like phase.
Comparison of Heidelberg Retina Tomograph with disc-macula distance to disc diameter ratio in diagnosing optic nerve hypoplasia.

Purpose To evaluate whether Heidelberg Retinal Tomograph (HRT) is a valid test for diagnosing congenital optic nerve hypoplasia (CONH) compared to the ratio of the distance between the centre of the optic disc and the centre of the macula and the mean optic disc diameter (DM:DD ratio). Furthermore, to determine the optimal cut-off value of HRT disc area to differentiate a hypoplastic disc from a normal optic disc. Methods A total of 33 subjects with CONH (4–67 years old) and 160 normal subjects (5–65 years old) were recruited and underwent comprehensive eye examinations, fundus photography and HRT. Receiver operating characteristic curves for DM:DD ratio and HRT disc area were constructed based on data from the 46 CONH eyes and 160 control eyes. Results Mean (±S.D.) HRT disc area was 1.94 (±0.54) mm2 for the control eyes and 0.84 (±0.35) mm2 for the CONH eyes (p < 0.0001). The area under the curve (AUC) for DM:DD ratio was 0.83 (95% confidence interval: 0.76–0.90). The AUC for HRT disc area was 0.96 (95% confidence interval: 0.94–0.99). A statistically significant difference was found between AUC for HRT disc area and that for DM:DD ratio (p = 0.0004). The optimal cut-off value for HRT disc area was 1.42 mm2 with 95% sensitivity and 85% specificity. The optimal cut-off value for DM:DD ratio was 3.20 with 78% sensitivity and 78% specificity. Conclusions Both HRT and the DM:DD ratio are valid tests to aid diagnosis of CONH. HRT is superior to DM:DD ratio in diagnosing CONH with higher sensitivity and specificity. We suggest the optimal cut-off value for HRT disc area as 1.42 mm2 in order to discriminate a hypoplastic disc from a normal optic disc.
A Woman's Place: A Follow-Up Analysis of the Roles Portrayed by Women in Magazine Advertisements:

In the February 1971 issue of the Journal of Marketing Research, Alice E. Courtney and Sarah W. Lockeretz analyzed the roles portrayed by women in magazine advertisements in general interest publications [2]. Their study led them to conclude that advertisements appearing in April 1970 issues of 7 general publications did not present a full view of the variety of roles women actually play in American society. This article determines whether, during a time interval of 20 months, advertisers have responded to many critics who have claimed that too many advertisements have overemphasized the role of women as mere housewives in our society. A follow-up study was undertaken by examining advertisements appearing in the January 1972 issues of 7 general magazines-Life, Newsweek, The New Yorker, Saturday Review, Time, U.S. News and World Report, Reader's Digest, and New York Times Magazine Section. The first 6 general magazines examined were identical with those used in the original study. Since Look suspended publication, the only change in publications examined was the substitution of the January 2 issue of New York Times Magazine Section for Look. The same occupational and nonoccupational classifications of women were also used in the follow-up study. As in the original study, advertisements evaluated contained one or more adults.
Coarse-Grained Modeling of Simple Molecules at Different Resolutions in the Absence of Good Sampling

Many problems of interest in modern science originate from the complex network of interactions of different molecular structures, each possessing its own typical length and time scale of relevance. In such materials, nontrivial properties emerge from the different length and time scales involved that could not be predicted from the properties of each individual subunit taken alone. A solution to the formidable theoretical and computational issues raised by these systems involves coarse-graining, a procedure in which multiple atoms are grouped into a few interaction sites. The coarse-grained approach aims at constructing an effective Hamiltonian from available information about the system and then using this Hamiltonian to investigate the behavior of the system on the length and time scales of interest. In this paper, we aim at determining how far we can coarse-grain a system using only the commonly used pairwise, spherically symmetric potentials, as well as assessing the impact of poor initial sampling on...
Situating On-farm Apprenticeships within the Alternative Agrifood Movement: Labor and Social Justice Implications

The beginning farmer phenomenon offers an array of possibilities for facilitating social, economic, and political changes in the agrifood system. Apprenticeships within both formal and informal institutions are increasingly important in the education and social connectivity of beginning farmers. Although apprenticeship opportunities are popular for "new farmers," "aspiring farmers," and their on-farm hosts for a number of reasons, a critical approach is necessary in the design and nature of these experiences, in light of inequitable structural conditions that may reproduce potentially insurmountable barriers to new farm entry and sustainability. Drawing upon alternative agrifood movement discourse and social reproduction at work within critical traditions of sociocultural learning, we illustrate on-farm apprenticeship learning from a critical perspective in order to better describe and understand this form of beginning farmer education. We share findings from a mixed-methods empirical study of on-farm apprenticeship learning in Virginia, where we focus on the practices, structures, and institutional activity that inform on-farm apprenticeship experiences. This study sought to answer the questions: what kinds of on-farm apprenticeships are available, to whom, and in what ways? Also, what are important educational practices, structures, and/or institutions that support on-farm apprenticeship learning? Data are derived from qualitative interviews of host farmer/educators, on-farm apprentices, and new farmers who were recently apprentices; and from a quantitative survey of Virginia farmers who host apprentices. Our findings situate on-farm apprenticeship within a broader discourse about farm labor, as we open the discussion surrounding the relationship between difficulties experienced by small, diversified farms in meeting their labor needs, and the growing popularity of the apprenticeship model on individual farms. We also explore how cultural whiteness within alternative agrifood movements (AAMs) translates to low inclusivity of historically underrepresented groups, and consider how the low- or no-pay model for the tenured duration of the apprenticeship may affect structural barriers to entry for members of low socioeconomic groups, within on-farm apprenticeship and thus within beginning farmer education. Through the themes that emerged in our study, we posit considerations for social justice implications of on-farm apprenticeship, offer several recommendations for the practice and planning of on-farm apprenticeship, and lay groundwork for future exploration of the ways in which the apprenticeship model may reproduce equitable learning spaces.
Blind-Transport-Format Detection Method Based on Ant Colony Merge Algorithm

In this paper, a new blind transport-format detection method based on ant colony merge algorithm for WCDMA systems is proposed. The method is designed to alleviate detriments to link performance using currently available blind-transport- format algorithms. Such algorithms use the ant colony to remember historical information about the transport format, and merge the detection judgment according to the reliability. Simulations show that the proposed algorithm significantly improves link performance in all practical scenarios.
Sedation and pain management for the critically ill.

A large array of drugs and methods for optimal sedation and pain control for critically ill patients are available. These include epidural and intrathecal narcotics, patient controlled analgesia, and an array of new sedative and narcotic agents. Critical care environments are particularly suited to use of these techniques and drugs because of the availability of close monitoring. After reading this article the practi-tioner should be in a better position to tailor an appropriate regimen of pain control and sedation for the critically ill patient.
Urothelial hyperplasia and neoplasia: A response to chronic urinary tract infections in rats

The rat was used as an animal model to examine the effect of foreign bodies and long term infection (24 weeks) on bladder epithelium. Stainless steel wire implants and multiple injections of Escherichia coli were compared to control rat bladders by gross observation, light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Hyperplastic alterations, (papilloma, von Brunn's nests), dysplasia (squamous metaplasia, microvilli) and early lesions consistent with neoplasia occurred in rats with bladder implants and multiple bacterial injections but not in controls. Epithelial changes were not associated with sterile bladder implants. Bladder papillomata could be observed as early as 2 weeks in rats having both an implant and an infection, but the majority of hyperplastic and early neoplastic-like changes occurred after 6 weeks. Long-term infections, both with and without a bladder implant, can lead to lesions consistent with neoplasia in bladder epithelium.
Asymptotic Approximations for Prolate Spheroidal Wave Functions

Uniformly valid (with respect to the independent variable) asymptotic approximations to the radial, prolate spheroidal wave functions are constructed from Bessel-function and Coulomb-wave-function models for large values of the wave number c. The prolate angular functions also are considered, but more briefly. The emphasis is on qualitative accuracy (such as might be useful to the physicist), rather than on efficient algorithms for very accurate numerical computation, and the error factor for most of the approximations is 1 + O (1/c) as c∞.
Efficient functional verification for mixed signal IP

We describe a methodology for verifying the functional operation of a mixed-signal circuit block to be used in a larger integrated circuit. Methodology requirements are outlined, including: compatibility with digital verification at the chip level, compatibility with circuit analysis at the block level, and compatibility with project schedule and resource availability. The methodology is described with examples on a case-study using a 10/100 Ethernet physical layer implementation. Results from the case study show the benefits of applying the methodology to future mixed-signal design projects.
Thin film transistor circuits integrated onto elastomeric substrates for elastically stretchable electronics

We fabricated integrated inverter circuits directly on an elastic silicone membrane substrate. Using an all-dry process, amorphous silicon thin film transistors were prepared on platforms of stiff silicon nitride, and were interconnected to inverters with elastically stretchable gold metallization. With the elastomeric substrate, rigid device islands, thin film transistors, and elastic metal interconnects, all components for an elastically stretchable active-matrix backplane have been demonstrated and integrated
Regulatory B Cells Increased Following Treatment of Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Patients with BG-12 (P3.064)

Background: BG-12 is an oral treatment for relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) that reduces levels of peripheral blood lymphocytes. This report focused on changes within the B cell subsets following BG-12-treatment. Design/Methods: Peripheral blood B cells were compared for surface marker expression in RRMS patients prior to initiation of treatment, after 4-6 months, and at more than one year of treatment with BG-12. Production of IL-10 by RRMS patient B cells was also analyzed. Results: Total numbers of peripheral blood B lymphocytes declined after 4-6 months of BG-12 treatment, due to losses in both the CD27+ memory B cells and CD27neg B cell subsets. Some inter-patient variability was observed. In contrast, circulating CD24highCD38high (T2-MZP) B cells increased in percentage in the majority of RRMS patients after 4-6 months and were present in higher numbers in all of the patients after 12 months of treatment. The CD43+CD27+ B-1 B cells also increased at the later time point in most patients but were unchanged at 4-6 months compared to pretreatment levels. Purified B cells from seven of the nine RRMS patients tested after 4-6 months of treatment were able to produce IL-10 following CD40 ligand-stimulation, and the amount corresponded with the combined levels of T2-MZP and B-1 B cells in the sample. None of the RRMS patients in this study have had a relapse while taking BG-12. Conclusions: These data suggest that BG-12 differentially affects B cell subsets in RRMS patients, resulting in increased numbers of circulating B lymphocytes with regulatory capacity. Disclosure: Dr. Mao-Draayer received research support from EMD serono, Pfizer,Inc., and Bayer Health Care. Dr. Lundy has nothing to disclose. Dr. Wu has nothing to disclose. Dr. Wang has nothing to disclose. Dr. Dowling has nothing to disclose. Dr. Taitano has nothing to disclose. Dr. Mao has nothing to disclose.
TiN/GaN Metal/Semiconductor Multilayer Nanocomposites Grown by Reactive Pulsed Laser Deposition

TiN/GaN multilayers with periods ranging from 5 nm to 50 nm were grown by reactive pulsed laser deposition (PLD) using elemental metal targets in an ammonia ambient at 20mtorr onto Si(100), MgO(100) and sapphire(0001) substrates. For growth on Si and MgO substrates, an epitaxial 40 nm thick TiN buffer layer was deposited prior to deposition of the multilayers. An epitaxial 150 nm GaN buffer layer was grown on sapphire substrates. For all substrates, layer thicknesses and periods investigated, x-ray diffraction and cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy revealed (0001) texture for GaN, and (111) texture for TiN in the multilayers. Both TiN layers and GaN layers thicker than ∼ 2nm appear to be continuous, with no evidence of agglomeration. Both phases are crystalline, with lateral grain sizes comparable to the layer thickness. These results suggest that epitaxy will not be necessary to fabricate pinhole free metal/semiconductor multilayers in the nitride system.
Steigerung der Formatflexibilität von Verpackungsmaschinen

Kurzfassung Der Bedarf nach formatflexiblen Verpackungsmaschinen wird zukunftig immer groser. Die Steigerung der Formatflexibilitat ist eine neue Zielgrose fur die Produktentwicklung. Fur die umfassende Berucksichtigung dieser Zielgrose fehlen methodische und gestaltungsorienierte Hilfsmittel. Wissensbasierte Vorgehensweisen sind ein vielversprechender Ansatz. Ein Konzept auf Basis einzelner wissensbasierer Losungsbausteine wird im vorliegenden Beitrag vorgestellt und einzelne anlagentechnische Flexibilisierungsansatze dargelegt.
Release of Prostanoids from Paired Venules Regulates Functional Vasodilation of 3rd Order But NOT 4th Order ARterioles.

P32 Previous studies from our laboratory suggest that functional arteriolar dilation of larger diameter “feed” arterioles paired with venules is mediated by arachidonic acid metabolites released from the venular endothelium. The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that the release of prostanoids from venules is important in the functional arteriolar dilation of 3rd and 4th order arterioles. The microcirculation of the hamster cremaster muscle was visualized using in vivo video microscopy. We measured the diameter responses of arterioles paired and unpaired with venules in response to 2 minutes of field stimulation (40 μs, 10V, 1 Hz). Indomethacin (28 μM) superfused on the preparation was used to inhibit prostanoid release. For the unpaired vessels field stimulation resulted in an increase in diameter of 3rd order vessels from 14 ± 1 to 26 ± 2 μm (n=6) and 4th order vessels from 11 ± 2 to 21 ± 2 μm (n=6). This response was not affected by indomethacin. 3rd order arterioles dilated 14 ± 2 to 26 ± 3 μm, 4th order arterioles dilated 10 ± 1 to 19 ± 2 μm. For the paired vessels there were differences in the responses between 3rd and 4th order arterioles. The diameter of 3rd-order arterioles averaged 32 ± 3 μm (n=6) and increased to 57 ± 5 μm following 2 minutes of field stimulation. During indomethacin treatment an inhibition of the functional vasodilation was observed as the arteriolar diameter increased from 29 ± 4 to only 38 ± 5 μm (p
Developing product quality standards for wheelchairs used in less-resourced environments

Background: Premature failures of wheelchairs in less-resourced environments (LREs) may be because of shortcomings in product regulation and quality standards. The standards published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) specify wheelchair tests for durability, safety and performance, but their applicability to products used in the rugged conditions of LREs is unclear. Because of this, wheelchair-related guidelines published by the World Health Organization recommended developing more rigorous durability tests for wheelchairs. Objectives: This study was performed to identify the additional tests needed for LREs. Methods: First, a literature review of the development of ISO test standards, wheelchair standards testing studies and wheelchair evaluations in LREs was performed. Second, expert advice from members of the Standards Working Group of the International Society of Wheelchair Professionals (ISWP) was compiled and reviewed. Results: A total of 35 articles were included in the literature review. Participation from LREs was not observed in the ISO standards development. As per wheelchair testing study evidence, wheelchair models delivered in LREs did not meet the minimum standards requirement. Multiple part failures and repairs were observed with reviewed field evaluation studies. ISWP experts noted that several testing factors responsible for premature failures with wheelchair parts are not included in the standards and accordingly provided advice for additional test development. Conclusion: The study findings indicate the need to develop a wide range of tests, with specific tests for measuring corrosion resistance of the entire wheelchair, rolling resistance of castors and rear wheels, and durability of whole wheelchair and castor assemblies.
Distinct distances and arithmetic progressions

Abstract According to a theorem of Szemeredi (1975), for every positive integer k and every δ > 0 , there exists S = S ( k , δ ) such that every subset X of { 1 , 2 , … , S } of size at least δ S contains an arithmetic progression with k terms. Here we generalize the above result to any set of real numbers. For every positive integer k and every c > 0 , there exists N = N ( k , c ) such that every set of n ≥ N points on the line that determine at most c n pairwise distances contains k points that form an arithmetic progression. A quantitative expression for N ( k , c ) is derived.
Sensing Chemical Warfare Agent Simulants via Photonic Crystals of the Morpho didius Butterfly

The rapid and portable detection of trace chemical warfare agents (CWAs) remains a challenge for the international security and monitoring community. This work reports the first use of natural photonic crystals (PhCs) as vapor sensors for CWA simulants. Dimethyl methylphosphonate, a nerve agent simulant, and dichloropentane, a mustard gas simulant, were successfully detected at the parts per million level by processing visible light reflected from the PhC inherent to the wing scales of the Morpho didius butterfly. Additionally, modeling of this natural system suggested several parameters for enhancing the sensitivity of a synthetic PhC toward CWA simulants, including materials selection, structure, and spacing of the PhC, and partial functionalization of the PhC toward the analyte of interest. Collectively, this study provides strategies for designing a sensitive, selective, rapid, and affordable means for CWA detection.
Final results of a phase I dose-escalation, dose-expansion study of adding disulfiram with or without copper to adjuvant temozolomide for newly diagnosed glioblastoma.

Disulfiram has shown promising activity including proteasome inhibitory properties and synergy with temozolomide in preclinical glioblastoma (GBM) models. In a phase I study for newly diagnosed GBM after chemoradiotherapy, we have previously reported our initial dose-escalation results combining disulfiram with adjuvant temozolomide and established the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) as 500 mg per day. Here we report the final results of the phase I study including an additional dose-expansion cohort of disulfiram with concurrent copper. The phase I study consisted of an initial dose-escalation phase of disulfiram 500–1000 mg daily during adjuvant temozolomide, followed by a dose-expansion phase of disulfiram 500 mg daily with copper 2 mg three times daily. Proteasome inhibition was assessed using fluorometric 20S proteasome assay on peripheral blood cell. A total of 18 patients were enrolled: 7 patients received 500 mg disulfiram, 5 patients received 1000 mg disulfiram, and 6 patients received 500 mg disulfiram with copper. Two dose-limiting toxicities occurred with 1000 mg disulfiram. At disulfiram 500 mg with or without copper, only 1 patient (7%) required dose-reduction during the first month of therapy. Addition of copper to disulfiram did not increase toxicity nor proteasome inhibition. The median progression-free survival was 4.5 months (95% CI 0.8–8.2). The median overall survival (OS) was 14.0 months (95% CI 8.3–19.6), and the 2-year OS was 24%. The MTD of disulfiram at 500 mg daily in combination with adjuvant temozolomide was well tolerated by GBM patients, but 1000 mg daily was not. Toxicity and pharmacodynamic effect of disulfiram were similar with or without concurrent copper. The clinical efficacy appeared to be comparable to historical data. Additional clinical trials to combine disulfiram and copper with chemoradiotherapy or to resensitize recurrent GBM to temozolomide are ongoing.
Inferior Vena Cava Filter Migration to the Right Ventricle Causing Nonsustained Ventricular Tachycardia

Inferior vena cava filters are commonly used to prevent pulmonary embolism in patients who manifest deep vein thrombosis and recurrent pulmonary embolism despite anticoagulation, or in patients with contraindications to anticoagulation. We report the case of a 69-year-old man with a structurally normal heart who experienced migration of an inferior vena cava filter to the right ventricle, which caused the abrupt onset of recurrent episodes of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia unresponsive to intravenous antiarrhythmic medication. Cardiac imaging revealed the location of the filter within the right ventricle, and the device was removed, with subsequent resolution of the arrhythmia. We anticipate that the incidence of inferior vena cava filter migration might increase in the future because of recent changes in device construction. The sudden appearance of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia in a patient with an inferior vena cava filter might indicate the occurrence of this potentially life-threatening sequela and should lead to emergent cardiac imaging.
Sustainability Problems Facing Industrial Settlement Systems

In this chapter, Bowen and Gleeson argue that the evolutionary processes that have created today’s global network of human settlements have also created unfathomably large-scale, complex problems. The two greatest problems are persistent institutionalized inequality and anthropogenic climate change. The GST model of human settlement evolution reveals that these problems cannot be solved by any one factor related to material systems, living systems, or human systems. The evolved human mind simply cannot obtain all of the necessary information and knowledge to design and prescribe centrally controlled collective actions of sufficient magnitude and complexity to solve them. Polycentric, evolutionary governance solutions therefore offer the greatest promise for adaption and simultaneous preservation of human freedom and dignity.
TCT-486 Patent Foramen Ovale Closure Versus Medical Therapy for Cryptogenic Stroke: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The role of Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) closure in the prevention of stroke in patients with prior cryptogenic stroke (CS) has been controversial. We performed an updated systematic review and meta-analysis to assess safety and efficacy of PFO closure as compared to medical therapy (antiplatelet and/
Literacy and Digital Problem -solving Skills in the 21st Century: What PIAAC Says about Educators in the United States, Canada, Finland and Japan

The purpose of our study is to delve into the education gap between the United States and some countries by examining the literacy and digital problem-solving skills of American educators, and comp...
An avatar for precision cancer therapy.

Screening patient-derived tumor cell cultures against a drug library is a promising adjunct to clinical decision-making.
Understanding the Changing Landscape of Data Protection Laws

As businesses and other entities have sought to collect more personal data on individuals, the public has pushed back, and lawmakers throughout the United States and elsewhere have responded by passing data protection laws. Recent data protection laws passed by the European Union and by several states have already resulted in a number of lawsuits against businesses who handle personal data. Attorneys should become familiar with this changing legal landscape in order to best protect their clients, practices, and their own personal accounts. This article discusses recent legislation addressing data protection and data privacy, including the 2018 General Data Protection Regulation passed in the European Union, and the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018. This article next discusses how data protection and privacy laws will continue to evolve in the United States and elsewhere. This article concludes by providing recommendations for attorneys in adapting to the changing landscape of data protection and privacy laws.
Combining sensor-based measurement and modeling of PM2.5 and black carbon in assessing exposure to indoor aerosols

Accurate, cost-effective methods are needed for rapid assessment of traffic-related air pollution (TRAP). Typically, real-time data of particulate matter (PM) from portable sensors have been adjust...
Phase separation and charge transfer in a K-doped C 60 monolayer on Ag(001)

We have performed a scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy study of potassium-doped ${\text{C}}_{60}$ monolayers $({\text{K}}_{\text{x}}{\text{C}}_{60})$ on Ag(001) in the regime of $x\ensuremath{\approx}1$. Low-temperature annealing (640 K) leads to the formation of two well-ordered ${\text{K}}_{\text{x}}{\text{C}}_{60}$ phases that exhibit differing levels of electron charge transfer. Further annealing (710 K) distills out the higher electron-doped phase from the lower electron-doped phase, leaving behind a third ${\text{C}}_{60}$ phase completely devoid of K. Spectroscopic measurements indicate that the electron-doping level of the higher electron-doped ${\text{KC}}_{60}$ phase is anomalously large.
Evidence From a Multistate Cohort: Enrollment in Affordable Care Act Qualified Health Plans' Association With Viral Suppression.

Background Healthcare delivery changes associated with viral suppression (VS) could contribute to the United States' "Ending the HIV Epidemic" (EtHE) initiative. This study aims to determine whether Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) purchased by AIDS Drug Assistance Programs (ADAPs) are associated with VS for low-income people living with HIV (PLWH) across three states. Methods A multistate cohort of ADAP clients who were eligible for ADAP-funded QHPs were studied (2014-2015). A log-binomial model was used to estimate the association of demographics and healthcare delivery factors with QHP enrollment prevalence and one-year risk of VS. A number needed to treat/enroll (NNT) for one additional person to achieve viral suppression was calculated. Results Of the cohort (n=7776), 52% enrolled in QHPs. QHP enrollment in 2015 was associated with QHP coverage in 2014 (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] 3.28; 95% confidence interval 3.06-3.53) and engagement in care in 2014 (aPR 1.16; 1.04-1.28).PLWH who were engaged in care (n=4597) and had QHPs had a higher VS rate than those who received medications from Direct ADAP (86.0% vs. 80.2%). QHPs' NNT for an additional person to achieve VS is 20 (14.1-34.5). Starting undetectable (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] 1.39; 1.28-1.52) and enrolling in QHPs in 2015 (aRR 1.06; 0.99-1.14) was associated with VS. Conclusions Once enrolled in ADAP-funded QHPs, ADAP clients stay enrolled. Enrollment is associated with VS across states and demographic groups. ADAPs, especially in the South and in Medicaid non-expansion states, should consider investing in QHPs because increased enrollment could improve VS rates. This evidence-based intervention could be a part of EtHE.
Intercalation Compounds of Graphite

Intercalation compounds of graphite are of interest, both scienfically and technologically because of unusual properties that derive mainly from high degree of crystal anisotropy. This structure, composed of atoms tightly bonded in loosely stacked planes, produces a two dimensionality that yields a high in-plane strength and elastic modulus, high electrical conductivity, selective catalytic and chemical reactions and other interesting phenomena. Since a wide range of variables can control these effects, the materials scientist is afforded an opportunity for the design of synthetic materials rather than relying upon the limited properties of natural materials. Thus in this conference on molecular metals the exposure of unconventional properties is to be expected. The science of materials that produces this design information lies at the juncture of chemistry and physics, employing the former for the intelligent synthesis of materials and the latter for rationalization of properties. This paper will present intercalation compounds of graphite from the point of view of a quest for a synthetic material of high electrical conductivity.
Pricing, Bandwidth Allocation, and Service Competition in Heterogeneous Wireless Networks

Small-cells deployed in licensed spectrum can expand wireless service to low mobility users, which potentially reduces the demand for macro-cellular networks with wide-area coverage. Introducing such heterogeneity also makes network resource allocation more complicated. To understand these challenges and tradeoffs we present a two-tier heterogeneous wireless network model with two types of users: mobile users that can only connect to macro-cells; and fixed users that can associate with either macro-cells or small-cells. We study pricing strategies and bandwidth allocation across macro- and small-cells, assuming both monopoly and competitive Service Providers (SPs). For a monopoly SP, we characterize the revenue-maximizing prices and bandwidth allocations. We then consider a competitive scenario, and we show the existence of a unique Nash equilibrium. The possible Nash equilibria for different system parameters are sorted into four categories corresponding to whether or not different SPs assign bandwidth to the macro- and/or small-cells. We also study the allocations that maximize social welfare. For the competitive scenario, we characterize the conditions under which the optimal social welfare is obtained in equilibria as the number of SPs tends to infinity. Case study examples and numerical results illustrate the corresponding pricing and bandwidth allocations.
Human Enhancement from the Overview Effect in Long-Duration Space Flights

The purpose of this chapter is to review the potential metabolic, neurotransmitter, and morphological changes that may occur in the human central nervous system (CNS) during long-duration habitation of Earth’s Moon. When there are either permanent space habitats or long-duration interplanetary missions, we must determine if there will be any detrimental reversible or irreversible effects on the brain from this prolonged exposure to, for example, the lunar environment. Like space, it has many troublesome characteristics, including electromagnetic fields, radiation, and one-sixth gravity, which may have effects on the function and morphology of the CNS. The potential for changes in a lunar environment can, to an extent, already be anticipated from research on microgravity, including alterations in the neurovestibular system, cephalic fluid shifts, loss of total body fluid, changes in electrolyte concentrations, decreases in muscular and skeletal mass, alterations in sensory perception, changes in proprioception, and changes in human behavior. Important issues are at stake, including human health and adaptation to a lunar environment for work, recreation, and eventually, the construction of permanent human communities.
Japanese social capital and social vulnerability indices: Measuring drivers of community resilience 2000–2017

Abstract Recently, scholars have turned to publicly available data to measure the resources and vulnerability of communities in the face of disasters [1,2]. However, when measuring community resilience to climate change, custom surveys of social capital are often costly or unfeasible to conduct for every community in a country. Despite suffering numerous disasters in the last thirty years, Japanese disaster scholarship lacks municipality-level measures of social capital and social vulnerability. This study uses publicly available data to develop new bonding, bridging, and linking social capital indices, paired with a new social vulnerability index, available for each of Japan's 1741 municipalities, using principal component analysis and validation techniques. Scholars and policymakers can directly apply these indices to evaluate the social capital or vulnerability of specific communities, compare across multiple communities, model their effect of outcomes, and better prepare for future disasters.
Short sleep duration and physical and psychological health outcomes among adult survivors of childhood cancer

BACKGROUND To examine associations between phenotypes of short sleep duration and clinically assessed health conditions in long-term survivors of childhood cancer. METHODS Survivors recruited from the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort (n = 911; 52% female; mean age 34 years; 26 years postdiagnosis) completed behavioral health surveys and underwent comprehensive physical examinations. Sleep was assessed with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Short sleep was defined as ≤6 h per night with phenotypes of short sleep including poor sleep efficiency (<85%), prolonged sleep onset latency (SOL; ≥30 min), and wake after sleep onset (≥3 times per week). Covariates included childhood cancer treatment exposures, demographics, body mass index, and physical inactivity. Separate modified Poisson regression models were computed for each health category to estimate relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Multinomial logistic regression models examined associations between sleep and an aggregated burden of chronic health conditions. RESULTS Short sleep duration was reported among 44% (95% CI 41%-47%) of survivors. In multivariable models, short sleep duration alone was associated with pulmonary (RR = 1.35, 95% CI 1.08-1.69), endocrine (RR = 1.22, 95% CI 1.06-1.39) and gastrointestinal/hepatic conditions (RR = 1.46, 95% CI 1.18-1.79), and anxiety (RR 3.24, 95% CI 1.64-6.41) and depression (RR = 2.33, 95% CI 1.27-4.27). Short sleep with prolonged SOL was associated with a high/severe burden of health conditions (OR = 2.35, 95% CI 1.12-4.94). CONCLUSIONS Short sleep duration was associated with multiple clinically ascertained adverse health conditions. Although the temporality of these associations cannot be determined in this cross-sectional study, sleep is modifiable and improving sleep may improve long-term health in survivors.
Modern Fundamental Life System

Objective of the study on the origin of life is to make clear how the fundamental life system composed of six members or gene, genetic code, tRNA, metabolism, cell structure and protein, was established. When we explore the origin of life, I first recommend to consider that organisms are living under the core life system composed of gene (DNA-mRNA; genetic information), tRNA (genetic code) and protein (Fig. 2.1a), rather than under the so called “Central dogma” (DNA, mRNA and protein) (Fig. 2.1b), because tRNA played important roles in establishing the fundamental life system as explained in Chap. 8: Sect. 3.1. On the other hand, it is important to confirm whether or not the first three members could be formed through random processes, only which occurred on the primitive Earth. For the purpose, general features of the six modern members are described in every Chapter in order of protein, protocell, metabolism, tRNA, genetic code and gene or in order of the members which would be formed until the first life emerged, because it is necessary to understand well the features of the respective members to confirm whether or not the most primitive members assumed are suitable to the most primitive forms leading to modern ones. In addition, it is also important to confirm whether or not the most primitive members produced with the random process could evolve to the respective modern ones. Therefore, matters necessary to unravel the riddle of the origin of life are described in this Chapter. Outline of the establishment process of the fundamental life system or the steps from chemical evolution to the emergence of life is also described.
Sanitizing agri-food tech: COVID-19 and the politics of expectation

Several emerging technologies for agri-food systems are promoted by supporters as alleviating the instabilities of COVID-19 and thus increasingly necessary and inevitable. Compelled to pivot toward...
All-in-one bipolar electrode: A new concept for compact and efficient water electrolyzers

Abstract Highly compact and efficient proton exchange membrane electrolyzer cells (PEMECs) are strongly desired for commercializing hydrogen production. Here, a novel concept of all-in-one bipolar electrode (AIOBE) is proposed for high-efficiency and compact PEMECs with the help of 3D printing and sputtering coating. AIOBE ideally integrated catalyst layer (CL)/gas diffusion layer/bipolar plate/current distributor/gasket, which significantly reduced component quantity on the cathode side of PEMECs from 5 to 1, cut down on part weight and volume, and drastically accelerated the fabrication and maintenance processes. Moreover, AIOBE with the micro-scale flat surface and nano-scale rough CL provided an ultralow ohmic resistance (~ 100 mOhm cm2) and a high catalyst utilization. Finally, AIOBE delivered a practical voltage of 1.62 V and a high energy efficiency of 91% at 1000 mA/cm2, and its mass activity (4.48 A/mgPt) was 14 times higher than conventional PEMECs. This work provides a new route for developing highly compact electrochemical devices, such as fuel cells, electrolyzers for N2 reduction and CO2 conversion, and many more.