cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of short- and long-term function and radiographic osteoarthrosis in dogs after postoperative physical rehabilitation and tibial plateau leveling osteotomy or lateral fabellar suture stabilization.

Objectives— To compare short- and long-term functional and radiographic outcome of cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) injury in dogs treated with postoperative physical rehabilitation and either tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) or lateral fabellar suture stabilization (LFS). Study Design— Prospective observational clinical study. Animals— Medium to large breed dogs with naturally occurring CrCL injury (n=65). Methods— Dogs with CrCL injury were treated with either TPLO or LFS and with identical physical rehabilitation regimes postoperatively. Limb peak vertical force (PVF) was measured preoperatively and at 3, 5, and 7 weeks, and 6 months and 24 months postoperatively. Stifles were radiographically assessed for osteoarthrosis (OA) preoperatively and 24 months postoperatively. Results— Thirty-five dogs had LFS and 30 dogs had TPLO. Radiographic OA scores were significantly increased at 24 months compared with preoperative scores in all dogs. Radiographic OA scores preoperatively and at 24 months were not significantly different between treatment groups. PVF was significantly increased from preoperative to 24 months among both treatment groups but not significantly different between treatment groups preoperatively or at 3, 5, 7 weeks, 6, or 24 months. Conclusion— No significant difference in outcome as determined by ground reaction forces or radiographic OA scores were found between dogs with CrCL injury treated with LFS or TPLO. Clinical Relevance— LFS and TPLO remain good options for stabilizing stifles with CrCL injury with all dogs showing significant functional improvement. This study does not support the superiority of either surgical technique.
The distributed boosting algorithm

In this paper, we propose a general framework for distributed boosting intended for efficient integrating specialized classifiers learned over very large and distributed homogeneous databases that cannot be merged at a single location. Our distributed boosting algorithm can also be used as a parallel classification technique, where a massive database that cannot fit into main computer memory is partitioned into disjoint subsets for a more efficient analysis. In the proposed method, at each boosting round the classifiers are first learned from disjoint datasets and then exchanged amongst the sites. Finally the classifiers are combined into a weighted voting ensemble on each disjoint data set. The ensemble that is applied to an unseen test set represents an ensemble of ensembles built on all distributed sites. In experiments performed on four large data sets the proposed distributed boosting method achieved classification accuracy comparable or even slightly better than the standard boosting algorithm while requiring less memory and less computational time. In addition, the communication overhead of the distributed boosting algorithm is very small making it a viable alternative to the standard boosting for large-scale databases.
Self-healing ability and particle size effect of encapsulated cerium nitrate into pH sensitive microcapsules

Abstract The effect of the particle size of pH sensitive microcapsules (pH-MC) containing corrosion inhibitors on corrosion protection was investigated. Cerium nitrate as a corrosion inhibitor was encapsulated in pH-MC by water-in-oil emulsion polymerization. By adjusting the agitation speed of the emulsion, the particle size of cerium nitrate containing pH-MC (Ce-MC) was controlled in the range of 7 μm to 18 μm. Underfilm corrosion on steel substrate was improved by adding Ce-MC into the coating matrix; particularly, smaller particle size microcapsules displayed better corrosion inhibition properties. Potentiodynamic polarization scans (PDS) indicated that the suppression of the anodic reaction may be the reason for underfilm corrosion protection. A uniform oxide layer consisting of globular cerium oxide was observed on the steel substrate upon immersion in electrolyte containing cerium nitrate or Ce-MC; these distinctive corrosion products may further enhance the corrosion resistance of coatings containing Ce-MC. This mechanism was supported by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements because the charge transfer resistance of coating containing Ce-MC increased with exposure to the electrolyte.
Subjective Criteria in Faculty Employment Decisions Under Title VII: A Camouflage for Discrimination and Sexual Harassment

Most colleges and universities make faculty employment decision in an extremely decentralized system that relies heavily on subjective criteria. This system may meet the needs of an educational institution, but it also creates difficulty in detecting sexual discrimination. This article examines the unique decision-making process used in higher education, including the need to use subjective criteria, and analyzes court and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission decisions in this area. The article concludes by offering guidelines for ensuring that both the rights of faculty and the needs of institution are protected during the decision-making process.
High Speed Signal Transmission using Through-Si Vias and Coplanar Waveguides in a 3D IC Test Structure

High frequency signal transmission through silicon substrates is critical for 3D heterogeneous integration. This paper presented fabrication, testing, and simulation of high-frequency interconnects based on through-silicon vias (TSVs) and coplanar waveguides (CPWs) for stacked 3D integrated circuits (3D ICs). Our simulation results showed that adding ground TSVs can improve signal transmission by 6× at 50GHz. We further investigated signal/ground TSV (1SXG) configurations for high-bandwidth signal transmission links. Scattering parameter measurements of fabricated 1SXG TSV structures for frequencies from 100MHz to 50GHz show low insertion loss (S21 less than −1dB up to 50GHz) and return loss (S11 lower than −15dB). These results indicate that these vertical interconnects exhibit good performance for high speed signal transmission. To understand the RF signal transmission in 3D interconnects, we used full wave electromagnetic simulation to investigate the electromagnetic field distribution associated with ...
Cancer-Associated Carbohydrate Antigens in Mucins

Many monoclonal antibodies which detect differentiation or cancer-associated antigens are directed against carbohydrates. Of about 500 monoclonal antibodies that we have obtained from different laboratories, 124 bind carbohydrates. We have determined the carbohydrate structure of the epitope for 93 of these antibodies. Most tumor markers of gastrointestinal and pancreatic cancer are sialylated oligosaccharides found in mucins in patient ’ss era. Some of theseoligosaccharides, such assialylated Le a (19–9), are found in both glycolipids (1) and mucins (2 ) Determining the structure o f this particular antigen has been helpful in evaluating its genetic distribution in cancer patients. As predicted by the Lewis blood group association of this structure , Le(-) individuals lack this antigen, Le(b+) individuals synthesize low or undetectable levels, while Le (a +) individuals systhesize high level soft his antigen (3 ). This knowledge helps improve the reliability of current assays for 19–9 in patients' sera.
Telran vs. Charlton – The Israeli Approach to Anti-Circumvention Law Under Copyright

The Israel Supreme Court held that: 1. Secondary liability for copyright infringement prerequisites an act of direct infringement. 2. Viewing technologically protected broadcasts that are subject to copyright exclusivity while applying satellite decoding cards is not a direct infringement of copyright, since mere viewing does not implicate any exclusive right under the Copyright Act of 1911. 3. Selling and distributing decoding cards that can decrypt scrambled satellite signals of copyrighted broadcasts do not subject the seller and distributor to secondary infringement liability. The comment reviews the decision of the Supreme Court and provides some observations regarding the notion and application of anti-circumvention bans in a jurisdiction where such bans have not been enacted (yet).
Architecture of Dynamic Capabilities across Inter-Organizational Activities

In this paper we develop a theoretical framework that explores different components of dynamic capabilities related to firm’s boundary-spanning linkages across two different types of inter-organiza...
Data-driven operator inference for nonintrusive projection-based model reduction

Abstract This work presents a nonintrusive projection-based model reduction approach for full models based on time-dependent partial differential equations. Projection-based model reduction constructs the operators of a reduced model by projecting the equations of the full model onto a reduced space. Traditionally, this projection is intrusive, which means that the full-model operators are required either explicitly in an assembled form or implicitly through a routine that returns the action of the operators on a given vector; however, in many situations the full model is given as a black box that computes trajectories of the full-model states and outputs for given initial conditions and inputs, but does not provide the full-model operators. Our nonintrusive operator inference approach infers approximations of the reduced operators from the initial conditions, inputs, trajectories of the states, and outputs of the full model, without requiring the full-model operators. Our operator inference is applicable to full models that are linear in the state or have a low-order polynomial nonlinear term. The inferred operators are the solution of a least-squares problem and converge, with sufficient state trajectory data, in the Frobenius norm to the reduced operators that would be obtained via an intrusive projection of the full-model operators. Our numerical results demonstrate operator inference on a linear climate model and on a tubular reactor model with a polynomial nonlinear term of third order.
Sodium efflux at 0°C in single barnacle muscle fibers

A study has been made of the efflux of radiosodium in single barnacle muscle fibers cooled to 0°C. Cooling from 24 to 0°C results in a rapid fall in the Na efflux, the magnitude of which averages 81%. Rewarming leads to almost complete restoration of the Na efflux. The Arrhenius plot shows no “breaks” and gives anE a value of 14.2 kcal/mol. External application of 10−4 m-ouabain following cooling to 0°C causes a fall in the residual efflux (∼8%). Rewarming results in partial restoration of the Na efflux. Lowering external pH (pH e ) results in a rise in Na efflux at 0°C, which peaks and declines rather slowly. The magnitude of the stimulatory response to acidification is a function of pH e over the pH e 7.00–5.8 range, the theoretical threshold being pH e 7.1. The magnitude of the response to acidification of cooled, ouabain-poisoned fibers suspended in Li-ASW is the same as that of fibers suspended in Na-ASW. Injection of pure protein kinase inhibitor into fibers maintained at 0°C fails to reduce the size of the response to acidification. Benzolamide but not acetazolamide, ethoxzolamide or Cl 13,580 abolishes the response to acidification. It also reverses the response to acidification. SITS is also able to abolish the response to acidification. An additional new observation is that the Na efflux at 0°C is stimulated following the injection of CaCl2 in a concentration-dependent manner. A similar response is not seen with MgCl2. Acidification (pH e 5.8) following peak stimulation by injection of CaCl2 is without effect. These results add up to a refutation of the concept that the Na efflux at 0°C is wholly passive and that the response to acidification involves Na:Na or Na:Ca exchange. The results also weaken the argument that stimulation of the efflux by acidification is the result of activation of carbonic anhydrase.
Transient Analysis of Serial Production Lines with Perishable Products: Bernoulli Reliability Model

Manufacturing systems with perishable products are widely observed in practice (e.g., food industry, biochemical productions, battery and semiconductor manufacturing). In such systems, the quality of the product is highly affected by its exposure time while waiting for the next operation, i.e., the residence time of intermediate parts within the system. Such a time should be strictly limited in order to ensure the product usability. The parts that reach the maximum allowable residence time need to be scrapped, thus impeding the production. To achieve an efficient production, the time-dependent or transient analysis is important to uncover the underlying principles governing production operations. In this paper, a serial production line model with two Bernoulli reliability machines, a finite buffer and perishable products is presented to analyze the transient behavior of such systems. The analytical formulas are derived to evaluate transient performance, and structural properties are investigated to study the effect of system parameters. In addition, using the model, we address problems of settling time estimation and production control to demonstrate the importance of the proposed method for transient analysis.
A Simple Approach to Manipulate Dissolved Oxygen for Animal Behavior Observations

The ability to manipulate dissolved oxygen (DO) in a laboratory setting has significant application to investigate a number of ecological and organismal behavior questions. The protocol described here provides a simple, reproducible, and controlled method to manipulate DO to study behavioral response in aquatic organisms resulting from hypoxic and anoxic conditions. While performing degasification of water with nitrogen is commonly used in laboratory settings, no explicit method for ecological (aquatic) application exists in the literature, and this protocol is the first to describe a protocol to degasify water to observe organismal response. This technique and protocol were developed for direct application for aquatic macroinvertebrates; however, small fish, amphibians, and other aquatic vertebrates could be easily substituted. It allows for easy manipulation of DO levels ranging from 2 mg/L to 11 mg/L with stability for up to a 5 min animal-observation period. Beyond a 5 min observation period water temperatures began to rise, and at 10 min DO levels became too unstable to maintain. The protocol is scalable to the study organism, reproducible, and reliable, allowing for rapid implementation into introductory teaching labs and high-level research applications. The expected results of this technique should relate dissolved oxygen changes to behavioral responses of organisms.
Development of a mixer-viscometer for studying rheological behavior of settling and non-settling slurries

Slurry transport has become a subject of interest in several industries, including oil and gas. The importance of slurry/solid transport in the oil and gas industry is evident in areas of cuttings transport, sand transport and, lately, hydrates. There is therefore a great need to develop instrumentation capable of characterizing fluids with high solid content. Presence of solids in fluids makes the rheological characterization of these systems difficult. This is because available rheometers are designed with a narrow gap and cannot prevent solids from settling. The main aim of this paper is to present a step-by-step procedure of converting torque and shaft speed into viscosity information by applying the Couette analogy, equivalent diameter and inverse line concepts. The use of traditional impeller geometries such as cone and plate may be challenging due to their narrow gap and inability to prevent settling. Therefore, the use of non-conventional impeller geometry is imperative when dealing with settling slurries and suspensions. The most challenging task using complex geometry impeller is data interpretation especially when dealing with complex rheology fluids. In this work, an autoclave is transformed into a mixer-type viscometer by modifying its mixing, cooling and data acquisition systems. Mathematical models relating the measured torque to shear stress and the measured shaft speed to shear rate were developed and expressed in terms of the equivalent diameter. The shear rate and shear stress constants were expressed in terms of equivalent diameter and measureable parameters such as impeller speed and torque. The mixer-type viscometer was calibrated using four Newtonian and four Power-Law fluids to determine the rheological constants (equivalent diameter, shear rate and shear stress constants). The concept of inverse line was used to identify the laminar flow regime. The calibrated instrument was used to characterize two Power-Law fluids. This procedure can be extended to any rheological model. Methods developed in this work can be used to characterize fluids with high solid content. This is particularly important when dealing with complex rheology slurries such as those encountered in food processing, oil and gas and pharmaceuticals.
Personalized Medicine for Hepatitis C Virus

More than 20 years of study has provided a better understanding of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) life cycle and the general properties of viral RNA and proteins. This effort has facilitated the development of sensitive diagnostic and monitoring tools and effective antiviral treatments. Quantitation and genotyping of HCV RNA are important tools to determine the optimal duration of antiviral therapy and predict the likelihood of response. Major improvements in the treatment of HCV-positive patients have occurred during the last 5 years. In the early 2000s, pegylated interferon plus ribavirin became the standard anti-HCV treatment. However, this therapy is not ideal. Host genetics factors such as polymorphisms in IL28b gene were identified to play a role in the response to this therapy. Today we have direct antiviral agents such as Boceprevir, Telaprevir, Simeprevir, Sofosbuvir, and Harvoni, among others that are approved by Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of HCV infections. It is likely that new all-oral, interferon-free, pan-genotyping, anti-HCV therapies will be available within the next few years and hence the majority of HCV infections will be cured by these antiviral treatments. However, not all patients are expected to be cured due to viral resistance and the high cost of antiviral treatments.
Scylla and Charybdis: Adaptationism, Reductionism, and the Fallacy of Equating Race with Disease

In the Odyssey of Homer, the goddess Circe gives Odysseus instructions to aid him in his journey home. He is warned that only one sea road can take him to Ithaca. That road runs between an impassable whirlpool created by the monster Charybdis and along the cliffs of the horrible six-headed monster Scylla.
Health & access to care among working-age lower income adults in the Great Recession: Disparities across race and ethnicity and geospatial factors

Abstract In the United States (US) and elsewhere, residents of low resource areas face health-related disparities, and may experience different outcomes throughout times of severe economic flux. We aimed to identify individual (e.g. sociodemographic) and environmental (e.g. region, rurality) factors associated with self-reported health and forgone medical care due to the cost of treatment in the US across the Great Recession (2008–2009). We analyzed nationally representative data (2004–2010) using the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System in the US. Individual and geospatial factors (rurality, census region) were used to identify differences in self-reported health and forgone medical care due to the cost. Adjusted-analyses taking into account individual and geospatial factors among those with incomes Policies affecting improvements in health and access for vulnerable populations (e.g., low-income minority adults) are critical. Monitoring trends related to Social Determinants of Health, including the relationship between health and place (e.g. Census region, rurality), is necessary in efforts targeted towards ameliorating disparities.
Does the acquisition of spatial skill involve a shift from algorithm to memory retrieval

Performance on verbal and mathematical tasks is enhanced when participants shift from using algorithms to retrieving information directly from memory (Siegler, 1988a). However, it is unknown whether a shift to retrieval is involved in dynamic spatial skill acquisition. For example, do athletes mentally extrapolate the trajectory of the ball, or do they retrieve the future location from memory? To examine this question, 2 experiments were conducted using a task paradigm similar to the game Pong-a ball was launched from 1 side of the screen and participants attempted to position a paddle to intercept the ball. In Experiment 1, participants responded to a limited number of repeated trajectories. During the learning phase, the response deadline was near the paddle. During the difficult phase, the response deadline was closer to the launch point. During the critical phase, novel trajectories were introduced at the difficult response deadline. If participants are using a retrieval strategy by the critical phase, performance should be significantly worse on the novel trajectories, whereas if they are using an algorithmic strategy, performance on the novel trials should be similar to performance on the repeated trajectories. In Experiment 2, half the participants followed an experimental paradigm similar to Experiment 1 and half experienced all novel trajectories throughout the task. Our results were consistent with a shift from algorithmic processing to retrieval-participants performed significantly better on repeated trajectories relative to novel trajectories. Furthermore, retrieval strategies enhance performance above and beyond what is gained by practicing the algorithm alone. (PsycINFO Database Record
Autonomous locomotion of a miniature, untethered origami robot using hall effect sensor-based magnetic localization

Autonomous control of magnetically-actuated miniature robots enables greater versatility and complexity in function but has so far been a challenge to implement. In this paper, we present closed-loop position feedback control of a miniature origami robot utilizing its integrated magnet and an array of Hall effect sensors, enabling the robot's actuation, detection, and locomotion to be initiated from outside its body. An array of 33 Hall effect sensors arranged in repeated triangles cover a range of 60 mm by 75 mm, enabling position detection of the robot with average error of 0.995±0.520 mm. The robot's speed response to applied magnetic field was characterized, and a controller was designed to actuate the robot dependably. We demonstrate autonomous movement of the robot along preplanned paths and the viability of magnetic detection and actuation.
Proteome-wide Map of Targets of T790M-EGFR-Directed Covalent Inhibitors

Summary Patients with non-small cell lung cancers that have kinase-activating epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations are highly responsive to first- and second-generation EGFR inhibitors. However, these patients often relapse due to a secondary, drug-resistant mutation in EGFR whereby the gatekeeper threonine is converted to methionine (T790M). Several third-generation EGFR inhibitors have been developed that irreversibly inactivate T790M-EGFR while sparing wild-type EGFR, thus reducing epithelium-based toxicities. Using chemical proteomics, we show here that individual T790M-EGFR inhibitors exhibit strikingly distinct off-target profiles in human cells. The FDA-approved drug osimertinib (AZD9291), in particular, was found to covalently modify cathepsins in cell and animal models, which correlated with lysosomal accumulation of the drug. Our findings thus show how chemical proteomics can be used to differentiate covalent kinase inhibitors based on global selectivity profiles in living systems and identify specific off-targets of these inhibitors that may affect drug activity and safety.
I, Thou, and the Sphere Between: Reflections on Dancing Difference in One Direction

This paper addresses the subjects of dance and exile in relation to diverse cultural histories in Germany and their resonances across distinct time periods. As my central example, I introduce Dancing Exile, an ongoing improvisation and performance project developed across borders, cultures, and experiences. The project underscores the work of political and artistic representation past and present in Hamburg, by looking at the lives of contemporary refugees alongside earlier Jewish holocaust histories tied to the cityscape. Sharing the collaborative work of performers from Afghanistan, Germany, and the US, including myself, I discuss the aesthetic and social dynamics of this ongoing creative project in relation to questions of migration, mobility, relationship, and exchange.
A 1.24 $\mu$ A Quiescent Current NMOS Low Dropout Regulator With Integrated Low-Power Oscillator-Driven Charge-Pump and Switched-Capacitor Pole Tracking Compensation

Supply regulation using low quiescent current linear regulators helps in extending the battery life of power aware applications with very long standby time. A 1.24 $\mu \text{A}$ quiescent current NMOS low dropout (LDO) that uses a hybrid bias current generator (HBCG) which boosts the bias current dynamically and adaptively to improve the transient response is presented in this paper. A bias-current scalable error amplifier with an on-demand pull-up/pull-down buffer drives the NMOS pass device. The error amplifier is powered with an integrated dynamic frequency charge pump to ensure low dropout voltage. A low-power relaxation oscillator (LPRO) generates the charge pump clocks. A novel switched-capacitor pole tracking (SCPT) compensation scheme is proposed to ensure stability up to maximum load current of 150 mA with a low-ESR 1 $\mu \text{F}$ output capacitor. Designed in a 0.25 $\mu \text{m}$ CMOS process, the LDO has an output voltage range of 1–3 V, a dropout voltage of 240 mV, and a core area of 0.11 mm2.
The Dangers of Magical Thinking: Situating Right To Try Laws, Patient Rights, and the Language of Advocacy

On the surface, “right-to-try” laws claim to benefit seriously ill patients by expanding their access to experimental medications. I suggest that a broader “Right To Try” discourse, unlike a historically significant earlier critique of FDA practice, ACT UP’s FDA Action Handbook , undercuts the possibility for what Nathan Stormer (2004) calls prosthetic thinking by eliding material experience from its consideration of medical rights. By emphasizing a language of constitutional rights, including an ill-defined belief in a right to health, Right To Try discourse participates in practices that Edward Herman and Noam Chomsky (1988) might associate with manufacturing consent, or creating the appearance of personal agency by leveraging public opinion through propaganda. In replacing medical information with language about constitutional rights, Right To Try discourse looks past the reality of physical bodies as well as conceptual bodies of medical knowledge, compromising the possibility for meaningful rhetorical articulation.
Comparative risk of lipophilic and hydrophilic statins on incident depression: A retrospective cohort study.

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the risk of new-onset depression in a cohort of US adult patients initiating lipophilic statin therapy compared to hydrophilic statin therapy. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Large US commercial claims database Participants 1:1 propensity score matched cohort of lipophilic (atorvastatin, lovastatin and simvastatin) and hydrophilic (pravastatin and rosuvastatin) statin initiators between January 2009 to June 2015. Outcome New onset of depression. Results In a propensity-score matched cohort of 299,298 statin initiators, the crude incidence of depression in the hydrophilic and lipophilic group was 136.6 and 142.8 per 10,000 person-years respectively. Compared to hydrophilic statin use, lipophilic statin use was not associated with a statistically significant increase in the risk of depression, adjusted HR 1.05 (95% CI, 1.00–1.10, p = 0.078) and excess incidence of 6.3 (95% CI, -0.7–13.7) per 10,000 person-years. Findings were consistent across the subgroups of patients with history of psychiatric conditions HR 1.05 (95% CI, 0.94–1.16, p = 0.41), and those initiating statins for primary or secondary prevention, HR 1.03 (95% CI, 0.97–1.10, p = 0.33) and 1.07 (95% CI, 0.99–1.16, p = 0.10) respectively. Within individual lipophilic statins, only simvastatin was associated with a moderate increase in the risk of depression HR 1.09 (95% CI, 1.02–1.16, p = 0.003), followed by lovastatin HR 1.07 (95% CI, 0.93–1.24, p = 0.34) and atorvastatin HR 1.05 (95% CI, 0.97–1.13, p = 0.27). Limitations Findings are generalizable to patients with commercial insurance. Conclusions Lipophilic statin use was not associated with a significant increase in the risk of incident depression.
Postinduction Tests of Responsiveness

At the conclusion of an induction, many suggestors may wish to test the subject’s responsiveness before proceeding further. The first test administered for this purpose usually involves suggestions of eyelid catalepsy, or inability to open one’s eyes when challenged, which is at the low or easy end of most suggestibility scales (Hilgard, 1965).
Selegiline improves cardiac sympathetic terminal function and β-adrenergic responsiveness in heart failure

Selegiline is a centrally acting sympatholytic agent with neuroprotective properties. It also has been shown to promote sympathetic reinnervation after sympathectomy. These actions of selegiline ma...
Early Administration of Intravenous Fluids in Sepsis: Pros and Cons

Fluid resuscitation in the management of patients with sepsis and severe sepsis has been considered the standard of care for almost 2 decades. The rationale for fluid resuscitation is related to improvement in cardiac output and organ perfusion. Recent research evidence challenges the use of fluid resuscitation in patients diagnosed with sepsis. Research is needed to determine the timing of fluid administration, as well as the volume and type of fluid to achieve positive patient outcomes. This article discusses the pros and cons of early fluid administration in the management of patients with sepsis.
Systemic Therapy for the Management of Neuroendocrine Tumor Liver Metastases

Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors are a rare but heterogeneous disease entity. As patients are often asymptomatic, presentation with metastatic disease is common with the liver being a commonly afflicted organ site. There are a wide variety of treatment options available for patients with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, and this depends on the site of primary tumor involvement and tumor grade. For intestinal neuroendocrine tumors, also known as carcinoids, treatment modalities include somatostatin analogues, liver-directed therapy, surgical resection for tumor debulking, targeted therapy, and peptide receptor radionuclide therapy. For patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, appropriate treatments include somatostatin analogues, liver-directed therapy, targeted therapy, systemic chemotherapy and peptide receptor radionuclide therapy. For patients with aggressive high-grade neuroendocrine carcinomas, systemic chemotherapy is the only treatment option. This chapter will review the various medical interventions that are used for the treatment of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms.
IT General Controls Testing: Assessing the Effectiveness of User Access Management

ABSTRACT The verification of Information Technology (IT) controls is a core responsibility of IT auditors. This case places the student in the role of an IT auditor assigned to test the operating e...
The effects of conflict and displacement on violence against adolescent girls in South Sudan: the case of adolescent girls in the Protection of Civilian sites in Juba

There is a paucity of data on violence against women and girls (VAWG) during times of conflict in general and even less information specifically on violence against adolescent girls. Based on secon...
Cooperative Inverse Reinforcement Learning

For an autonomous system to be helpful to humans and to pose no unwarranted risks, it needs to align its values with those of the humans in its environment in such a way that its actions contribute to the maximization of value for the humans. We propose a formal definition of the value alignment problem as cooperative inverse reinforcement learning (CIRL). A CIRL problem is a cooperative, partial- information game with two agents, human and robot; both are rewarded according to the human’s reward function, but the robot does not initially know what this is. In contrast to classical IRL, where the human is assumed to act optimally in isolation, optimal CIRL solutions produce behaviors such as active teaching, active learning, and communicative actions that are more effective in achieving value alignment. We show that computing optimal joint policies in CIRL games can be reduced to solving a POMDP, prove that optimality in isolation is suboptimal in CIRL, and derive an approximate CIRL algorithm.
Tumor Lysis Syndrome.

1. Thomas B. Russell, MD* 2. David E. Kram, MD, MCR* 1. *Section of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC * AKI: : acute kidney injury ALL: : acute lymphoblastic leukemia HRD: : high-risk disease IRD: : intermediate-risk disease LRD: : low-risk disease TLS: : tumor lysis syndrome Along with knowledge of how to evaluate a pediatric patient with a suspected malignancy, general pediatricians must maintain a high level of suspicion of tumor lysis syndrome for initial management and timely patient referral. This syndrome is largely preventable, and certainly manageable, with prompt diagnosis and appropriate intervention. After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Define and diagnose tumor lysis syndrome (TLS). 2. Recognize the risk factors for TLS. 3. Stratify pediatric patients with cancer according to risk of developing TLS. 4. Identify interventions to prevent TLS. 5. Discuss management strategies for patients with TLS. Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is a life-threatening oncologic emergency that occurs when cancer cells break down, either spontaneously or after initiation of cytotoxic chemotherapy, and release their intracellular contents into the bloodstream. This massive release of uric acid, potassium, and phosphorous, which under normal physiologic conditions are excreted in the urine, can lead to hyperuricemia, hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, and hypocalcemia. These metabolic derangements increase the risk of severe complications, including acute kidney injury (AKI), cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, and even death. TLS is the most common oncologic emergency, and it occurs most frequently in children with acute leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. TLS is often preventable; clinicians must maintain a high index of suspicion and rely on effective prevention and treatment strategies. This review will serve to update the readership on TLS in pediatric oncology patients, including the definition, common risk factors, epidemiology, pathophysiology, and clinical consequences, as well as preventive and management measures for children with suspected or newly diagnosed cancers. TLS consists of a constellation of laboratory findings, including hyperuricemia, hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, and hypocalcemia and the consequential clinical …
Emulating the First Principles of Matter: A Probabilistic Roadmap.

This chapter provides a tutorial overview of first principles methods to describe the properties of matter at the ground state or equilibrium. It begins with a brief introduction to quantum and statistical mechanics for predicting the electronic structure and diverse static properties of of many-particle systems useful for practical applications. Pedagogical examples are given to illustrate the basic concepts and simple applications of quantum Monte Carlo and density functional theory -- two representative methods commonly used in the literature of first principles modeling. In addition, this chapter highlights the practical needs for the integration of physics-based modeling and data-science approaches to reduce the computational cost and expand the scope of applicability. A special emphasis is placed on recent developments of statistical surrogate models to emulate first principles calculation from a probabilistic point of view. The probabilistic approach provides an internal assessment of the approximation accuracy of emulation that quantifies the uncertainty in predictions. Various recent advances toward this direction establish a new marriage between Gaussian processes and first principles calculation, with physical properties, such as translational, rotational, and permutation symmetry, naturally encoded in new kernel functions. Finally, it concludes with some prospects on future advances in the field toward faster yet more accurate computation leveraging a synergetic combination {of} novel theoretical concepts and efficient numerical algorithms.
Cascade evolution in poxviruses: retrotransposon-mediated host gene capture, complementation and recombination

There is ample phylogenetic evidence that many critical virus functions, like immune evasion, evolved by the acquisition of genes from their hosts by horizontal gene transfer (HGT). However, the lack of an experimental system has prevented a mechanistic understanding of this process. We developed a model to elucidate the mechanisms of HGT into poxviruses. All identified gene capture events showed signatures of LINE-1-mediated retrotransposition. Integrations occurred across the genome, in some cases knocking out essential viral genes. These essential gene knockouts were rescued through a process of complementation by the parent virus followed by non-homologous recombination to generate a single competent virus. This work links multiple evolutionary mechanisms into one adaptive cascade and identifies host retrotransposons as major drivers for virus evolution.
Action mechanism of the beveled tip aspiration catheter

We read with great interest the recent paper by Vargas et al describing a novel beveled tip aspiration catheter with improved recanalization and patient outcome compared with conventional non-beveled tip catheters in a single-center retrospective study.1 We want to express our sincere congratulations to the authors on this finding but also want to present our disagreement with the mechanisms explaining the improved performance of the beveled tip catheter as compared with standard catheters. The authors conclude that a primary reason for the higher rate of complete clot ingestion with the beveled tip catheter relates to the area of the catheter tip. It is widely accepted that ingestion force predicts recanalization efficacy, and …
Safety and efficacy of topically administered netarsudil-latanoprost fixed dose combination (FDC; Rocklatan™) in normal and glaucomatous dogs with ADAMTS10-open-angle glaucoma (ADAMTS10-OAG).

OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to evaluate safety and efficacy of topically administered 0.02% netarsudil-0.005% latanoprost fixed-dose combination (FDC) (Rocklatan™; Aerie Pharmaceutical) in normal and glaucomatous dogs with ADAMTS10-open-angle glaucoma (ADAMTS10-OAG). ANIMALS STUDIED Five normal and five glaucomatous beagle dogs with ADAMTS10-OAG were the study animals. PROCEDURES In each dog, left (OS) or right eye (OD) was randomly selected for netarsudil-latanoprost FDC treatment. Contralateral eyes served as latanoprost-treated controls. The study was divided into four consecutive study periods: following a 4-day baseline period, two sequential 8-day study periods followed with once daily (q24h) and twice daily (q12h) treatments and ending with a washout period. Efficacy was measured by diurnal intraocular pressure (IOP) and pupil diameter. Safety was assessed by routine ophthalmic examination, gonioscopy, and pachymetry. Differences in least square means of quantitative outcome measures were compared between FDC and latanoprost treatments by using the linear Gaussian model. RESULTS Baseline IOPs were 13.6 ± 0.7 mmHg (mean ± SEM) in normal and 28.3 ± 1.4 mmHg in OAG-affected dogs. There was a significant decrease in mean diurnal IOP following FDC administration in both normal (q24h: -2.1 mmHg; q12h: -4.1 mmHg) and glaucomatous dogs (q24h: -14.2 mmHg; q12h: -17.7 mmHg; p < .0001). There was no significant difference in the treatment effect when comparing FDC to latanoprost. Both FDC and latanoprost administration resulted in similarly significant pupil constriction (p < .0001). The FDC administration was well-tolerated but resulted in conjunctival hyperemia. CONCLUSIONS Once or twice daily administration of netarsudil-latanoprost FDC (Rocklatan™) and latanoprost was equally effective in lowering IOP in normal and OAG-affected dogs. There was no netarsudil-related added treatment effect.
Big runs of little fish: first estimates of run size and exploitation in an amphidromous postlarvae fishery

Amphidromous postlarvae fisheries (APFs) constitute a globally widespread and distinctive class of fishery that is largely unknown to fisheries science. APFs harvest ocean-to-river migrating fishes...
A study of cosmic-ray positron and electron spectra in interplanetary and interstellar space and the solar modulation of cosmic rays

The differential energy spectra of cosmic-ray positrons and negatrons with energies between approximately 11 and 1500 MeV was measured during the period 1968-1971 using a balloon-borne magnetic spectrometer. These measurements fill a gap in the previously existing data and permit the determination of the interstellar spectra of cosmic-ray positrons and electrons. Knowledge of these spectra provides a crucial tool for studies of the distribution and density of matter and magnetic fields in the interstellar medium and the origin and dynamics of energetic particles contained in the fields. The differential energy spectrum of interstellar electrons may be represented as a power-law, j alpha T to the -1.8 power for 100 MeV approximately T approximately 2 GeV, but must flatten considerably at lower energies. From the measured electron charge composition, it is concluded that the majority of cosmic-ray electrons with energies above approximately 10 MeV originate in primary sources.
A biomechanical and subjective comparison of two powered ambulance cots

This study investigated biomechanical effects of different leg folding/unfolding mechanisms used for loading/unloading two powered cots (Cots A and B) into and from a simulated ambulance. Sixteen experienced emergency medical service (EMS) workers loaded and unloaded cots with weights of 45, 68 and 91 kg placed on the cots to simulate patients. Peak back and shoulder/arm muscle activity was reduced 52–87% when using Cot A in comparison to Cot B. Peak ground reaction force (PGRF) was reduced by 74% with Cot A. Adding weight resulted in increased muscle activity and PGRF when using Cot B, but had little effect when using Cot A. Task time was longer with Cot A, though was not perceived unfavourably by participants. This study confirmed that it is possible to substantially reduce physical stress imposed on EMS workers when loading and unloading a cot to and from an ambulance through improvements in cot design.
Antigen-Specific Th1 But Not Th2 Cells Provide Protection from Lethal Trypanosoma cruzi Infection in Mice

Infection with Trypanosoma cruzi results in the development of both type 1 and type 2 patterns of cytokine responses during acute and chronic stages of infection. To investigate the role of Th1 and Th2 subsets of CD4 + T cells in determining the outcome of T. cruzi infection in mice, we have developed T. cruzi clones that express OVA and have used OVA-specific TCR-transgenic T cells to generate OVA-specific Th1 and Th2 cells. BALB/c mice receiving 10 7 OVA-specific Th1 cells and then challenged with OVA-expressing T. cruzi G-OVA.GPI showed significantly lower parasitemia and increased survival in comparison to mice that received no cells. In contrast, recipients of OVA-specific Th2 cells developed higher parasitemias, exhibited higher tissue parasitism and inflammation, and had higher mortality than recipients of Th1 cells after infection with T. cruzi G-OVA.GPI. Mice receiving a mixture of both Th1 and Th2 OVA-specific cells also were not protected from lethal challenge. The protective effect of the OVA-specific Th1 cells was OVA dependent as shown by the fact that transfer of OVA-specific Th1 or Th2 cells failed to alter the course of infection or disease in mice challenged with wild-type T. cruzi . Immunohistochemical analysis of OVA-specific Th1 and Th2 cells at 4, 15, and 30 days postinfection revealed the persistence and expansion of these cells in mice challenged with T. cruzi G-OVA.GPI but not in mice infected with wild-type T. cruzi . We conclude that transfer of Ag-specific Th1 cells but not Th2 cells protect mice from a lethal infection with T. cruzi.
Patterns of student drug use.

A description of the socio-demographic characteristics associated with student drug use is discussed. Of particular interest is the fact that this study explored the extent and nature of drug use a...
Vaginal Atrophy in the Postmenopausal Woman: The Importance of Sexual Activity and Hormones

The effect of sexual activity on vaginal atrophy was investigated in a group of 52 postmenopausal women (mean age, 57 years). Subjects were divided into two groups: sexually active (intercourse frequency, three or more times monthly) and sexually inactive (intercourse frequency, less than ten times yearly). Two gynecologists examined all subjects and completed an index of vaginal atrophy that assessed six genital dimensions. Blood samples were also analyzed by radioimmunoassay for levels of circulating estrone, estradiol, androstenedione, testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone (LH). As predicted, less vaginal atrophy was apparent in the sexually active women as opposed to the sexually inactive women. Further, women with less vaginal atrophy had significantly higher mean levels of androgens (androstenedione and testosterone) and gonadotropins (particularly LH). We discuss herein the implications of this study, particularly the importance of androgens in reducing atrophy and maintaining sexual interest.
Experimental study on infrared nanosecond laser-induced backside ablation of sapphire

Abstract Experimental study has been performed on infrared nanosecond laser-induced backside ablation (LIBA) of sapphire with black paint as the backing layer, where laser energy absorption and material removal occur around the sapphire–backing-layer interface. The effect of laser fluence and pulse duration on ablation rate has been revealed. It has been found that LIBA using nanosecond lasers can produce ∼ 3 to ∼ 80 times higher ablation rate than direct laser ablation using femtosecond or picosecond laser pulses with the same fluence per pulse. Reasonably good ablation quality can be obtained using LIBA without chemical contamination from the backing layer. It has also been found that under the studied conditions the ablation rate in LIBA is not sensitive to laser pulse duration, and the damage threshold is not sensitive to laser pulse number. The experimental data in this work provides very important and useful information for practical applications of LIBA in sapphire micromachining and for the fundamental understanding and quantitative modeling of the process.