cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A very fast video spatial resolution reduction transcoder

With the introduction of the next generation wireless network, mobile devices access increasingly more media-rich content. However, a key factor that prevents a mobile device from accessing multimedia content is that it does not have enough display real estate to render the content that is traditionally created for the desktop web client. Moreover, the wireless network typically has lower bandwidth compared to a wired network of the same time frame. Therefore, a transcoder is needed somewhere in the network to transform multimedia content to the appropriate form factor and bandwidth requirement. This paper introduces an extremely fast transcoder of such kind. Comparing to the previous methods, additional computation is saved while the quality of transcoding is maintained. This saving in computing resources maps into the benefit that more concurrent sessions can be supported on one transcoding device. This scalability is crucial for the wireless network to handle user requests that might be very intensive at times.
Synergistic relationship between hyperglycaemia and inflammation with respect to clinical outcomes in non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes: analyses from OPUS-TIMI 16 and TACTICS-TIMI 18

Aims To investigate the relationship between diabetes and inflammation and the potentially synergistic relationship between hyperglycaemia and inflammation on clinical outcomes in non ST-elevation ACS. Methods and results The principal analysis was conducted in 2200 patients in OPUS-TIMI 16 with C-reactive protein data available and then validated in the invasive arm of TACTICS-TIMI 18 ( n = 929). In addition, two further inflammatory markers [monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and von Willebrand factor (vWF)] were assessed in OPUS-TIMI 16. Diabetic patients had higher C-reactive protein and MCP-1 levels vs. non-diabetic patients in OPUS-TIMI 16 (9 vs. 7.8 mg/L, P = 0.002, and 190.6 vs. 170.8 pg/mL, P = 0.04, respectively), higher C-reactive protein levels in TACTICS-TIMI 18 (6.6 vs. 5.2 mg/L, P = 0.0005), and as expected higher glucose levels in both trials. Stratifying by the median C-reactive protein and diabetes in OPUS-TIMI 16, diabetic patients with C-reactive protein greater than or equal to the median were the highest risk group vs. non-diabetic patients with C-reactive protein less than the median (adjusted HR 1.63, 95% CI 1.20–2.23, P = 0.002). Directionally, similar findings were observed for MCP-1 and vWF in OPUS-TIMI 16 and for C-reactive protein in TACTICS-TIMI 18. After adjustment for diabetes, the risk associated with a 1 mmol/L increase in glucose was greater among those with a C-reactive protein greater than or equal to the median (HR 1.07, 95% CI 1.03–1.11) vs. those with a C-reactive protein less than the median (HR 1.02, 95% CI 0.97–1.06). After multivariable adjustment, the synergistic relationship between glucose and C-reactive protein and clinical outcomes remained statistically significant ( P = 0.01). A similar pattern was observed in TACTICS-TIMI 18. Conclusion Among ACS patients, diabetes was associated with both greater inflammation and higher glucose levels and patients with both hyperglycaemia and inflammation had worse outcomes. Better control of both inflammation and hyperglycaemia should be assessed in future ACS trials as a means to reduce the cardiovascular risk among diabetics.
Obstetrics in a time of violence: mexican midwives critique routine hospital practices

Mexican midwives have long taken part in a broader Latin American trend to promote "humanized birth" as an alternative to medicalized interventions in hospital obstetrics. As midwives begin to regain authority in reproductive health and work within hospital units, they come to see the issue not as one of mere medicalization but of violence and violation. Based on ethnographic fieldwork with midwives from across Mexico during a time of widespread social violence, my research examines an emergent critique of hospital birth as a site of what is being called violencia obstetrica (obstetric violence). In this critique, women are discussed as victims of explicit abuse by hospital staff and by the broader health care infrastructures. By reframing obstetric practices as violent-as opposed to medicalized-these midwives seek to situate their concerns about women's health care in Mexico within broader regional discussions about violence, gender, and inequality.
Indirect Measurements via a Polynomial Chaos Observer

This paper proposes an innovative approach to designing algorithms for indirect measurements based on a polynomial chaos observer (PCO). A PCO allows the introduction and management of uncertainty in a process. The structure of this algorithm is based on the standard closed-loop structure of the observer that is originally introduced by Luenberger. This structure is extended here to formally include uncertainty in the measurement and in the model parameters. Possible applications of this structure are discussed
Understanding Sector Dependencies in the Stabilization and Reconstruction of Nation-States

Abstract The United States Army is undergoing a re-definition of its Civil Affairs officer positions. A recent project to define the educational requirements for an Army Civil Affairs Officer (38G) identified an educational requirement to help officers understand the complex ways in which the operations that advance the achievement of one stabilization objective often hinder the achievement of other objectives. The system level thinking was seen to be frequently insufficiently ingrained amongst Civil Affairs Officers (and the leaders they advised), who were both often perceived to be inclined, in the face of the complexities of the situation on the ground, to become too narrowly focused on achieving their specific assigned responsibilities, limiting their ability to see how the mission effectiveness of what they were recommending would be influenced by the state and trajectory of other Sectors and how, in turn, their recommendations would influence the mission effectiveness of other Sector stewards. While system dynamics modeling has proven itself to be effective in capturing and effectively communicating feedback loops that define such non-linear (and non-intuitive) systems they do not, in themselves, provide sufficient modeling richness to comprehensively capture the critical spatial (geographical) determinants of a successful state reconstruction process. For these purposes, a multi-agent cellular automata model is recommended both as a vehicle for introducing students to the complex nature of the state reconstruction process and, eventually, for use in the field by deployed Civilian Affairs Officers at all levels. This paper describes the problem and the modeling approach to address it.
Is Non-Compliance Costly? Investor Responses to IMF Program Failures

This paper reinvestigates the catalytic effects of IMF programs on investment controlling for the implementation of the program, allowing us to ascertain if capital markets respond to the mere announcement of a Fund program or its sustained positive implementation. Using a panel of data based on the experience of 106 developing countries entering Fund programs between 1979 and 1995, I employ both probit and tobit estimations to assess the effects of the announcement of a Fund program (and performance under it) on inflows of portfolio investment. I find that mixed evidence that good implementation serves to slow capital flight. I find consistently strong evidence that failed Fund programs produce portfolio flight. The findings suggest that we should think about the Fund's influence (both positive and negative) in light of how capital markets respond to its signals.
THE SKIN STEROLS OF NORMAL AND TRIPARANOL-TREATED RATS.

The skin sterols of normal rats and of rats treated with the drug triparanol have been analyzed by means of chromatography on silicic acid followed by gas-liquid chromatography of the components of the peaks obtained from the silicic acid chromatogram. These two procedures complement each other in leading to complete separations of pairs of sterols that are poorly separated in either system alone. The results are shown to indicate the presence in rat skin of several previously undetected compounds for which molecular structures are proposed on the basis of the retention factor method. Evidence is presented for at least two effects of the drug triparanol, (1) in causing accumulation of the Δ24-analogues of all the intermediates in cholesterol biosyntheis that normally occur in the 24,25-dihydro form, and (2) in causing marked alterations in the proportions of Δ7- to Δ8-isomers of these intermediates. The significance of these findings is discussed in the light of current views of the pathway of cholesterol biosynthesis.
Differentiation of Aurantii fructus immaturus and Fructus poniciri trifoliatae immaturus by Flow-Injection with Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Detection and Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Using Partial Least-Squares Discriminant Analysis

Two simple fingerprinting methods, flow-injection coupled to ultraviolet spectroscopy and proton nuclear magnetic resonance, were used for discriminating between Aurantii fructus immaturus and Fructus poniciri trifoliatae immaturus. Both methods were combined with partial least-squares discriminant analysis. In the flow-injection method, four data representations were evaluated: total ultraviolet absorbance chromatograms, averaged ultraviolet spectra, absorbance at 193, 205, 225, and 283 nm, and absorbance at 225 and 283 nm. Prediction rates of 100% were achieved for all data representations by partial least-squares discriminant analysis using leave-one-sample-out cross-validation. The prediction rate for the proton nuclear magnetic resonance data by partial least-squares discriminant analysis with leave-one-sample-out cross-validation was also 100%. A new validation set of data was collected by flow-injection with ultraviolet spectroscopic detection two weeks later and predicted by partial least-squares discriminant analysis models constructed by the initial data representations with no parameter changes. The classification rates were 95% with the total ultraviolet absorbance chromatograms datasets and 100% with the other three datasets. Flow-injection with ultraviolet detection and proton nuclear magnetic resonance are simple, high throughput, and low-cost methods for discrimination studies.
EDITOR'S COMMENTS: Current Issues and Future Directions in Child Sexual Abuse

This article briefly reviews the current state-of-the-art concerning child sexual abuse. The purpose is to describe some of the key issues, questions, and .concerns in the field of child sexual abuse that impacts upon the child and adolescent victims, adult survivors, and offenders. Therefore, the focus is on the clinical issues and research information that is currently available. Information that is still required is discussed as well as the directions for future research and intervention. There are many questions to be answered in Ihe field of child sexual abuse, and lhese are presented and briefly discussed. Finally, the goals of the Journal of Child Sexual Abuse (JCSA) are stated, with particular emphasis given to ublishing articles concerning those issues in need of clarification. e aboration, or further study.
Prenatal domoic acid exposure disrupts mouse pro-social behavior and functional connectivity MRI

Domoic acid (DA) is a toxin produced by marine algae and known primarily for its role in isolated outbreaks of Amnestic Shellfish Poisoning and for the damage it inflicts on marine mammals, particularly California sea lions. Lethal effects of DA are often preceded by seizures and coma. Exposure to DA during development can result in subtle and highly persistent effects on brain development and include behavioral changes that resemble diagnostic features of schizophrenia and anomalies in social behavior we believe are relevant to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). To more fully examine this hypothesis, we chose to examine adolescent mice exposed in utero to DA for endpoints relevant to ASD, specifically changes in social behavior and network structure, the latter measured by resting state functional connectivity (rs-fcMRI). We found that male offspring exposed in utero to DA expressed reproducible declines in social interaction and atypical patterns of functional connectivity in the anterior cingulate, a region of the default mode network that is critical for social functioning. We also found disruptions in global topology in regions involved in the processing of reward, social, and sensory experiences. Finally, we found that DA exposed males expressed a pattern of local over-connectivity. These anomalies in brain connectivity bear resemblance to connectivity patterns in ASD and help validate DA-exposed mice as a model of this mental disability.
Simultaneous determination of 7 food additives in beverage by high performance liquid chromatography

Objective A method for the simultaneous determination of 7 food additives in beverage by HPLC were established.Methods Using C18 column, methanol and ammonium acetate as the mobile phase with gradient elution, flow rate to 0.02 mol/L, UV detector, a direct injection, simultaneous determination of 7 food additives. Results The method has good linearity in the range of 10~50 μ g/L, the correlation coefficients reached 0.999. Conclusions This method is a separation of the 7 kinds of food additive, is simple, fast, suitable for mass sample determination and some additives.
Theory Choice in Medieval Alchemy

Theory choice is not a term often used in the context of medieval alchemy. Alchemists aspired to achieve extraordinary and, by our standards, impossible transformations: the transmutation of base metals into gold, the prolongation of human life, and the attainment of celestial perfection even within the flawed elemental world.
McNemar’s Test for Differences in Proportions: The Forgotten Tool for Marketing Research Practitioners

More than a third of a century has elapsed since McNemar (1947)described a simple procedure for comparing the differences between proportions in two related samples. While the technique has received attention in such fields as behavioral and medical research, it has, ironically, never received its due recognition in business research endeavors. Therefore, it is the goal of this paper to describe the importance of the McNemar procedure as a tool for marketing, advertising, and consumer research practitioners and to demonstrate its potential uses through a variety of applications.
Behavior in Relation to Objects in Space: Some Historical Perspectives

Some of the best minds in learning theory circa 1930–1950 dealt with problems involving spatial orientation in animals. In the ensuing Skinner era of the ’50s and ’60s, spatial problems were mostly ignored while attention was focused on reinforcement schedules and repetitive manipulative behavior. Late in the 1960s, however, learning researchers began returning to spatial problems, as did others whose interests lay in memory, reasoning and the neural mechanisms of behavior. Today, the ambience in parts of the field is strongly evocative of the 1930s. Problems, apparatuses and theoretical languages that were in vogue half a century ago appear in the current literature once again, and spatial behavior figures prominently in this trend.
Electrolyzed Oxidizing Water for Food and Equipment Decontamination

Abstract There has been an increasing demand for the microbial safety of food products. Therefore appropriate cleaning and sanitizing is of great importance. The cleaning and sanitizing of food-processing equipment ensures the safety of food prepackaging; the cleaning and sanitizing of the consumed fresh produce, on the other hand, requires even higher levels of safety since most ready-to-eat food requires none or a minimal level of treatment before being consumed. As a novel technology, electrolyzed oxidizing (EO) water turns out to be an outstanding minimal processing method, as demonstrated by many studies in the literature. EO water has been used on a variety of food equipment and produce, including fresh fruits and vegetables, animal products, and food-processing equipment. Despite the progress made in utilizing EO water, there are some knowledge gaps needed for a solid understanding of the mechanism of the EO water cleaning and decontamination before applying to the real world. Therefore this chapter reviews EO water generation, applications of EO water on the cleaning and sanitization of fresh produce and food-processing equipment, as well as its limitations of utilization along with potential future investigations and improvements.
Aeroelastic stability of a flexible ribbon rotor blade

Abstract This paper describes the static and dynamic aeroelastic behavior of a thin ribbon that is used as an extremely flexible helicopter rotor blade. The non-dimensional torsional stiffness of this rotor blade is three orders of magnitude lower than that of a conventional helicopter rotor blade. As a result, the rotor blade undergoes large torsional deformation and its static and dynamic behavior are dominated by centrifugal forces. An aeroelastic analysis is developed based on Euler–Bernoulli beam theory including large twist angles and unsteady aerodynamics including the effect of returning wake. The flow is assumed to be attached at all times, and only classical divergence and flutter stability are evaluated. The analysis is validated with deformation measurements of a 23 cm diameter rotor with ribbon blades. Divergence and flutter stability boundaries are identified, and the effects of rotational speed, rotor diameter, location of blade center of gravity and blade pitch are discussed. The analysis can be used as a design tool for flexible ribbon rotors in a variety of missions.
Fundamental Features and Approaches of The S-Step Enterprise*

The story here is in three parts. Part 1 discusses what is gained from a systematic analysis of the s-step enterprise’s basic features or “commonplaces.” In the present case, it proffides readers not only with an organized view of the forest, but also a view of exemplars of each species of tree. Part 2 presents what Part 1 promises. After presenting criteria for selecting representative studies, it describes fourteen basic features of the field extracted from analysis of 125 representative studies. After examining in detail the six most prominent features, Part 2 proceeds to detail various approaches within each feature. Part 3 offers reflections on how the field might be enriched and advanced, and positions the s-step enterprise within the academy.
A sequential algorithm for piecewise linear classification functions

A sequential algorithm for designing piecewise linear classification functions without a priori knowledge of pattern class distributions is described. The algorithm combines, under control of a performance criterion, adaptive error correcting linear classifier design procedures and clustering techniques. An error rate criterion is used to constrain the classification function structure so as to minimize design calculations and to increase recognition throughput for many classification problems. Examples from the literature are used to evaluate this approach relative to other classification algorithms.
Visualizing a Malware Distribution Network

In this paper, we present a case study of visual analytics of a Malware Distribution Network (MDN), a connected set of maliciously compromised domains used to disseminate malicious software to victimize computers and users. We formally define the graph of an MDN to visualize top-level-domain (TLD) data collected from Google Safe Browsing reports in a temporal manner characterizing the topological structure. From the collected data, we were able to identify and label a TLD's role in malware distribution. The visual analytics provided insights on the topological structure of MDNs over time including highly connected and persistent TLDs and subnetworks.
Agreeing to disagree

A recent poll has highlighted physicists' differing views over the interpretation of fundamental aspects of quantum theory, but Maximilian Schlosshauer argues that it might not be so bad.
Escitalopram-Induced Amenorrhea and False Positive Urine Pregnancy Test

Escitalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressant approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. A 34-year-old female patient with major depressive disorder developed amenorrhea and had a false-positive urine pregnancy test after initiation of escitalopram treatment. To our knowledge, no published case report of amenorrhea and false-positive urine pregnancy tests in women taking escitalopram exists. This case report suggests that women of child-bearing age should be carefully monitored for amenorrhea while they are on an antidepressant treatment regimen.
A New Approach for Testing the Significance of Differences Between ROC Curves Measured from Correlated Data

Receiver Operating Characteristic analysis is now generally recognized as the most appropriate methodology for evaluating the diagnostic performance of medical imaging procedures (1–7). ROC analysis has been used in the field of psychophysics for three decades, and its theory and experimental methodology have been developed in considerable detail (8–13). Perhaps surprisingly, the statistical properties of ROC measures had received relatively little attention until several years ago, when the limited size of practical data sets in medical applications indicated the need for careful study of this issue. Recent progress in the statistical analysis of ROC data includes the work of Metz and Kronman (14,15), who developed a bivariate test for the statistical significance of differences between ROC curves measured from independent data sets; the work of Hanley and McNeil, who studied the statistical properties of the area under an ROC curve and developed techniques to predict the number of cases required tc demonstrate the significance of differences between ROC “Area Indexes” measured from either independent (16) or correlated (17) data sets; and the work of Swets and Pickett (7), who identified three components of variation in ROC measures and outlined a general statistical protocol for testing the significance of differences in the Area Index.
Surgical management and surveillance of pediatric appendiceal carcinoid tumor.

Abstract Purpose Appendiceal carcinoid tumors are rare neuroendocrine neoplasms. The aim of this study was to determine if postoperative oncologic follow-up was necessary for this tumor. Methods A retrospective review was performed of patients with appendiceal carcinoid 2000–2015. Results 8382 patients underwent appendectomy 2000–2015. 30 (0.3%) had appendiceal carcinoid. 70% were female (n=21) with an average age of 13.5±2.8 years (range 8–18). Most presented with abdominal pain (n=29, 97%). 20% (n=6) had appendiceal perforation. Mean tumor size was 5.4±4mm (range microscopic – 15mm) with most at the appendiceal tip (n=18, 60%). No node infiltration was found, although 10% (n=3) had perineural and 3% (n=1) had lymphovascular invasion. Five were transmural (17%). Most patients were referred to oncology (n=19, 63%) for staging and surveillance including ultrasonography (n=11, 65%), MRI (n=7, 41%), and CT (n=6, 35%). The majority (79%, n=15) underwent serial 5-HIAA testing. All surveillance was found to be normal, and no patients required further treatment. Mean follow-up was 36±34 months, with 58% (n=11) continuing surveillance. Medical charges ranged $8500–$44,000. No recurrences have been identified. Conclusion Appendectomy is an adequate treatment for pediatric appendiceal carcinoid Level of evidence III. Type of study Retrospective comparative study.
Are Residents Prepared for Surgical Cases? Implications in Patient Safety and Education

Objective In surgical education, the areas of focus and evaluation are skewed toward technical skill and operative knowledge; less emphasized is familiarity with the patient’s medical history. The purposes of this study were to characterize how surgical trainees prepare for cases and to determine the comprehensiveness of their preparation. Design A 27-question survey was created through a web-based software program and distributed to all resident physicians and fellows in the Departments of Surgery, Neurosurgery, and Otolaryngology at our institution. Survey responses were collected anonymously and analyzed. Institutional review board exemption was obtained. Setting This study was performed at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, at an institutional hospital setting. Participants The survey was distributed to current surgical trainees at Washington University in St. Louis in the Departments of Surgery, Neurosurgery, and Otolaryngology. Further, 130 of 169 surgical residents and fellows completed the survey. Results Most respondents (96%) taught themselves case preparation. Only 57% of respondents reviewed the patients medical record before every surgery. Although most respondents (83%) felt they were prepared or very prepared from a patient-specific standpoint, only 24% felt that their handoff of a patient to on-call colleagues was comprehensive enough to include all pertinent aspects of a patient’s history and expected perioperative course. From a technical perspective, most residents (63%) felt they were prepared or very prepared, and this level of comfort increased with postgraduate year; 76% of respondents would not feel comfortable telling their attending they were not adequately prepared. Conclusions Although most trainees feel prepared or very prepared for cases from a patient-specific regard, only half review the patient’s medical record before every surgery. Furthermore, almost all trainees have taught themselves how to prepare for surgery. This represents a critical gap in residency education and an opportunity to improve patient safety and quality of care.
Effectiveness of community-based condom distribution interventions to prevent HIV in the United States: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Author(s): Malekinejad, Mohsen; Parriott, Andrea; Blodgett, Janet C; Horvath, Hacsi; Shrestha, Ram K; Hutchinson, Angela B; Volberding, Paul; Kahn, James G | Abstract: BackgroundDespite significant public health implications, the extent to which community-based condom distribution interventions (CDI) prevent HIV infection in the United States is not well understood.MethodsWe systematically reviewed research evidence applying Cochrane Collaboration methods. We used a comprehensive search strategy to search multiple bibliographic databases for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs published from 1986-2017. We focused on CDI that made condoms widely available or accessible in community settings. Eligible outcomes were HIV infection (primary), sexually transmitted infections, condom use, and multiple sexual partnership. Two reviewers independently screened citations to assess their eligibility, extracted study data, and assessed risk of bias. We calculated risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and pooled them using random-effects models. We assessed evidence quality using GRADE.ResultsWe reviewed 5,110 unique records. Nine studies (including one RCT) met eligibility criteria. Studies were conducted in 10 US states between 1989 and 2011. All studies were at high risk of bias. Interventions were categorized into three groups: "Ongoing" (unlimited access to condoms), "Ongoing-plus" (unlimited access to condoms, with co-interventions), and "Coupon-based" (coupons redeemed for condoms). No studies reported incident HIV. Ongoing CDI (four non-RCTs) modestly reduced condomless sex (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.78 to 0.99). Ongoing-plus CDI (two non-RCTs) significantly reduced multiple sexual partnership (RR 0.37, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.87). Of two coupon-based studies, one (non-RCT) showed reduction in condomless sex in female participants (Odds Ratio 0.67, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.96), while the other one (RCT) showed no effect on STI incidence (RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.63 to 1.31). Evidence quality was "very low" for all outcomes.ConclusionsCDI may reduce some risky sexual behaviors, but the evidence for any reduction is limited and of low-quality. Lack of biological outcomes precludes assessing the link between CDI and HIV incidence.
Electro-absorption plasmonic modulator in lithium niobate

Efficient electro-absorption modulator integrated with Ti diffused LiNbO 3 waveguide consisting of stack of ITO/SiO 2 /Au and TiO2 film extended partially over the waveguide is presented. Simulation predicts insertion loss to be 0.04dB and extinction ratio to be 3.75dB for 20μm device under 2V switching voltage.
Premature Infants: Issues Associated with Prematurity

This is the population that has been discussed most extensively in the literature. This chapter will discuss the changing neurodevelopmental outcomes at varying gestational age/birth weight over time as it relates to new interventions in the NICU. Risk factors such as intraventricular hemorrhage and bronchopulmonary dysplasia within this population are addressed.
Reproductive Physiology of the Male Camelid

The physiology of reproduction with emphasis on endocrinology of llamas and alpacas is addressed. Information regarding male anatomy, puberty, testicular function, semen description, and sexual behavior is also included.
Full-Scale Implementation and Testing of Full-Depth Precast Bridge Deck Panels

A bridge deck panel system using nonprestressed full-depth precast concrete bridge deck panels with continuous shear pockets was investigated. First, the research team performed conceptual improvement, design, detailing, and fabrication studies on a specific deck replacement system (System CD-2) previously proposed by NCHRP Project 12-65 researchers. Key improvements to the CD-2 deck panel system included modifications to the transverse joint coupler for ease of construction and the addition of a longitudinal staged-construction joint to expedite bridge deck replacement projects. Next, an experimental program was carried out to construct and perform service-level load testing on a full-size precast deck panel assemblage that incorporated the refinements. On the basis of static and cyclic loading test results, it was found that the modified CD-2 deck panel system as a whole performed satisfactorily with regard to AASHTO serviceability requirements.
Computational Audiovisual Composition Using Lua

We describe extensions to the Lua programming language constituting a novel platform to support practice and investigation in computational audiovisual composition. Significantly, these extensions enable the tight real-time integration of computation, time, sound and space, and follow a modus operandi of development going back to immanent properties of the domain.
Abstract #1567: Use of titanium-dioxide nanoparticles for increased cytotoxicity of radiation therapy in vitro

Our laboratory investigates different potential uses of TiO2 nanoparticles as vehicles for bio-nanotechnology. Nanoconjugates have been designed which consist of a nanoparticle covalently bound to nucleic acid sequences which allow targeting of the nanoconjugates to oncogenes with sequence specificity. Subsequent exposure to photons at 3.2 eV or greater takes advantage of the photocatalytic properties of TiO2 and allows for sequence specific DNA cleavage. Past studies have used xenon lamp irradiation to induce cleavage. Due to the limited tissue penetration of visible light, the utility of the nanoconjugates is limited to superficial in vivo targets. The goal of current experiments was to investigate the potential of TiO2 nanoparticles to be excited with ionizing gamma radiation, which would extend their utility to internal in vivo targets. The endpoint for the experiment described here was cell killing of cultured cells. Treatments included radiation alone, treatment with NPs alone, and pre-treatment with NPs followed by radiation. Eight nm nanoparticles (NPs) made of cobalt-iron oxide with titanium-dioxide shell were synthesized and dialyzed against 10mM Na2HPO4 buffer (pH=7). HeLa cells in culture at 90% confluency were serum starved and exposed for four hours to (a) 200 nM NPs in media; (b) 5 Gy of gamma radiation; (c) 200 nM NP in media followed by ionizing radiation (5 Gy) or (d) nothing. Following treatment, cells were left in media for one day to allow for cell death to occur. To determine dead cell numbers, DAPI stain was used and cells were submitted to FACS analysis, and data quantification was done using FCS Express software. Results were that cells pretreated with NPs and 5 Gy of ionizing radiation showed an increase in cell mortality compared to treatment with NPs or radiation alone. Cells treated with NPs alone did show higher rates of mortality than non-treated control cells. Results of three trials comparing cells treated with NPs and radiation vs. radiation alone showed rates of mortality of 33.610% vs. 15.947% (p=0.0385). From the experimental data, it can be concluded that pre-treatment of cells with NPs increased the cytoxic effect of subsequent treatment with ionizing radiation. Comparison of equal doses of radiation in cells pre-treated with NPs and with no pre-treatment showed that NPs increased the cytotoxic effect of radiation by 111%. Current studies are underway to find the treatment conditions that maximize the observed cytotoxicity and to determine mechanisms underlying it. Citation Information: In: Proc Am Assoc Cancer Res; 2009 Apr 18-22; Denver, CO. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; 2009. Abstract nr 1567.
An exponential time differencing method of lines for Burgers–Fisher and coupled Burgers equations

Abstract An exponential time differencing scheme using the method of lines is developed in this article for the numerical solution of the generalized Burgers–Fisher and coupled Burgers equations. In each of the aforementioned cases, the resulting nonlinear systems are solved explicitly using a second order modified predictor–corrector method. The efficiency of the method introduced is tested by comparing our experimental results with others selected from the available literature.
Orbital angular momentum constraints in the variational optimization of the two-electron reduced-density matrix

The direct variational determination of the two-electron reduced-density matrix (2-RDM) corresponding to an atomic or molecular system is usually carried out in a basis of real-valued atom-centered Gaussian basis functions, under the assumption that the 2-RDM is a real-valued quantity. However, for systems that possess orbital angular momentum symmetry, the description of states with a well-defined, nonzero $z$ projection of the orbital angular momentum requires a computational framework generalized to include either complex basis functions or a complex-valued 2-RDM. We consider a semidefinite program suitable for the direct optimization of a complex-valued 2-RDM and explore the role of orbital angular momentum constraints in systems that possess the relevant symmetries. For atomic systems, constraints on the expectation values of the square and $z$ projection of the orbital angular momentum operator allow one to optimize 2-RDMs for multiple orbital angular momentum states. Similarly, in linear molecules, orbital angular momentum projection constraints enable the description of multiple electronic states and, moreover, the application of such constraints is essential for a qualitatively correct description of the electronic structure. For example, in the case of molecular oxygen, we demonstrate that orbital angular momentum constraints are necessary to recover the correct energy ordering of the lowest-energy singlet and triplet states near the equilibrium geometry. However, care must still be taken in the description of the dissociation limit, because the 2-RDM-based approach is not size consistent, and the size-consistency error varies dramatically, depending on the $z$ projections of the spin and orbital angular momenta.
Electrocatalytic reduction of nitrobenzene using TiO2 nanotube electrodes with different morphologies: Kinetics, mechanism, and degradation pathways

Abstract Here we report on one of the first studies utilizing self-doped TiO2 nanotube arrays (NTAs) for electrocatalytic reduction of water pollutants with nitrobenzene (NB) as the model compound. In particular, we focused on the effects of morphological and crystallographic characteristics on the electrochemical reactivity of TiO2 NTAs towards the target pollutant. The TiO2 NTAs with different morphologies and exposed facets were synthesized by tuning a suite of anodization parameters and applying a post-anodization treatment. A series of electrochemical reduction tests using TiO2 NTAs as the cathode were carried out to investigate the effects of nanotube morphologies and operating conditions. Results indicate that the {0 0 1}-exposed facet, longer nanotube length, and larger nanotube diameter are the structural and morphological features that can lead to enhanced performance of TiO2 NTA electrodes. With the applied cathode potential of −1.20 V/SCE and an initial concentration of 300 mg/L, >95% NB can be efficiently degraded at the energy consumption of 2.07 kWh/m3 (EE/O), 7.67 kWh/kg (NB), and 30 kWh/kg (C), all of which are much lower than those of electrochemical oxidation processes. The good stability of the TiO2 NTA cathode was also demonstrated in 10 cyclic runs. Furthermore, CV measurements and scavenger tests were employed to study the reaction mechanism. It was found that both the direct reduction and surface adsorbed H* contributed to NB degradation. The NB transformation pathway and degradation kinetics of NB and the intermediate products were also investigated. Results obtained from this study suggest that the self-doped TiO2 NTA is a promising cost-effective electrode material for electrocatalytic reduction of water pollutants with high efficiency and stability.
Interactions Between Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapeutics and Potassium Regulation

Commonly used medications for hypertension and heart failure affect either glomerular filtration rate or sodium reabsorption in portions of the tubules proximal to the potassium secreting regions, thereby affecting conditions that determine potassium flux from the principal cells to the tubular lumen. As a result, potassium depletion and hypokalemia are common complications associated with treatment of these diseases.
Response Properties of Cells Within the Rostral Superior Colliculus of Strabismic Monkeys

Purpose The superior colliculus (SC) is an important oculomotor structure which, in addition to saccades and smooth-pursuit, has been implicated in vergence. Previously we showed that electrical stimulation of the SC changes strabismus angle in monkey models. The purpose of this study was to record from neurons in the rostral SC (rSC) of two exotropic (XT; divergent strabismus) monkeys (M1, M2) and characterize their response properties, including possible correlation with strabismus angle. Methods Binocular eye movements and neural data were acquired as the monkeys performed fixation and saccade tasks with either eye viewing. Results Forty-two cells with responses likely related to eye misalignment were recorded from the rSC of the strabismic monkeys of which 29 increased firing for smaller angles of exotropia and 13 increased firing for larger exotropia. Twenty-six of thirty-five cells showed a pause (decrease in firing rate) during large amplitude saccades. Blanking the target briefly during fixation did not reduce firing responses indicating a lack of visual sensitivity. A bursting response for nystagmus quick phases was identified in cells whose topographic location matched the direction and amplitude of quick phases. Conclusions Certain cells in the rSC show responses related to eye misalignment suggesting that the SC is part of a vergence circuit that plays a role in setting strabismus angle. An alternative interpretation is that these cells display ocular preference, also a novel finding, and could potentially act as a driver of downstream oculomotor structures that maintain the state of strabismus.
“I look deep into this stuff because it’s a part of me”: Toward a critically relevant civics education

In communities historically shaped by processes of de jure and de facto segregation; police repression; and lack of access to equitable housing, jobs, and labor-rights, young people find very littl...
More Unnecessary Imaginary Worlds - Part 2: The ICER Evidence Report on Modeling Oral Semaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes.

On 9 December 2019, the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) released its final evidence report to establish the value of oral semaglutide (Novo Nordisk) for Type 2 diabetes (T2DM). A key element in this report was the development of a lifetime cost effectiveness microsimulation model based on a small sample of NHANES diabetes respondents. The model contrasted oral semaglutide added to current antihyperglycemic treatment for T2DM. The purpose of the model was to estimate outcomes that included life years (LYs) gained, an estimate of equal value life years gained (evLYGs), QALYs gained, clinical events, cost per major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) avoided and total costs for each intervention over a lifetime time horizon. Previous commentaries in INNOVATTIONS in Pharmacy have provided detailed critiques of the ICER modeling framework. While this model differs from previous ICER models, the result is still a framework that constructs a so-called evidence base that fails the demarcation test. It is best described as pseudoscience. The model creates, by assumption, an imaginary world. The claims made for oral semaglutide by ICER should not be taken seriously by health care decision makers. The purpose of this commentary is to point to the limitations of the model with particular reference to the utility metrics employed, the resulting claims for quality adjusted life years (QALYs) and consequent recommendations for price discounting and affordability. Article Type: Commentary
Editorial: Therapy of Acute Leukemia, 1965

Dameshek, W., Necheles, T. F., Finkel, H. E., and Allen, D. M.: Therapy of acute leukemia, 1965. Blood 26 (2):220, 1965. In the August 1965 issue of Blood, a line of type was inadvertently omitted and a line repeated in the editorial, "Therapy of Acute Leukemia, 1965." The second paragraph of the editorial (p. 220) should read: Following the introduction of the folic acid antagonists, corticosteroids and 6-mercaptopurine, there occurred an hiatus during which, although many agents were tested, little progress was made. Comparatively recently, the chemotherapy of acute leukemia has again advanced, this time in two directions. One has been the introduction of other effective antileukemic agents; the other parallels recent developments in the use of antibiotics, and might be termed "new ways with old drugs." An excellent review by Freireich and Frei of some of these advances has recently appeared.1
Chapter 12 – Adrenoblockers

Adrenergic antagonists (adrenoblockers) are compounds that inhibit the action of adrenaline (epinephrine), noradrenaline (norepinephrine), and other catecholamines that control autonomic outflow and some functions of the central nervous system at the adrenergic receptors or inhibit their release. Adrenoblockers are highly effective pharmaceuticals that are used broadly in treatment of cardiac diseases. Their physiological effects include the dilation of blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure and slows heart rate. Two types of adrenoreceptors—α1 and α2—are known. Selective α1 adrenoblockers inhibit the ability of catecholamines to constrict the blood vessels. α2 Adrenoblockers are mainly used in research, finding limited clinical application. β Adrenoblockers are divided into β1, β2, and β3 blockers. Nonselective β blockers usually are classified as first-generation drugs, the cardioselective β1 blockers as second-generation drugs, and the recently discovered β blockers with vasodilator action (selective or nonselective) as third-generation drugs. There are no therapeutically useful selective β2 adrenoblockers. This chapter describes the syntheses of adrenoblockers that are included in the list of Top 200 Drugs by sales for the 2010s are described.
The Appreciative Team Huddle: Real-Time, Best-Self Feedback in Student Teams:

Team experiences afford opportunities for students to expand their self-knowledge based on peer feedback, yet feedback processes tend to be cumbersome and difficult to manage. Thus, educators often...
Proprioceptive Feedback from AMI Amputation Modulates Cortical and Subcortical Reorganization

Maladaptive cerebral neuroplasticity is a well-established consequence of limb amputation. However, little is known about the potentially causal role of neuromuscular feedback in preserving the cortical and subcortical structures essential for sensation and motor planning, or modulating phantom limb sensation and pain. In this investigation, we study the impact of the agonist-antagonist myoneural interface (AMI) amputation procedure, which preserves proprioceptive neuromuscular feedback, on subcortical and cortical reorganization. We perform neuroimaging on subjects with AMI amputation (AA, n = 10), traditional amputation (TA, n = 10) and no amputation (NA, controls, n = 10). While TAs demonstrate diminished subcortical gray matter volume in the pallidum, accumbens and thalamus (p < 0.05) as compared to NAs, AAs had no significant changes when compared to NAs (p < 0.05). Cortical thickness of Broadmann area 3a and 3b were also significantly increased in TAs, but remained unchanged in AAs, as compared to NAs (p < 0.05). Further, we find phantom limb sensation to be significantly correlated with the reorganization of the accumbens, thalamus, Broadmann area 3a and 3b, suggesting a potential mechanistic linkage to sensorimotor reorganization. The AMI amputation, by preserving afferent proprioceptive feedback, may minimize reorganization and promote conventional sensorimotor neurophysiological pathways.
Emergency Department Management of Severe Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure in Adults With COVID-19.

Abstract Background While emergency physicians are familiar with the management of hypoxemic respiratory failure, management of mechanical ventilation and advanced therapies for oxygenation in the emergency department have become essential during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Objective We review the current evidence on hypoxemia in COVID-19 and place it in the context of known evidence-based management of hypoxemic respiratory failure in the emergency department. Discussion COVID-19 causes mortality primarily through the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), with hypoxemia arising from shunt, a mismatch of ventilation and perfusion. Management of patients developing ARDS should focus on mitigating derecruitment and avoiding volutrauma or barotrauma. Conclusions High flow nasal cannula and noninvasive positive pressure ventilation have a more limited role in COVID-19 because of the risk of aerosolization and minimal benefit in severe cases, but can be considered. Stable patients who can tolerate repositioning should be placed in a prone position while awake. Once intubated, patients should be managed with ventilation strategies appropriate for ARDS, including targeting lung-protective volumes and low pressures. Increasing positive end-expiratory pressure can be beneficial. Inhaled pulmonary vasodilators do not decrease mortality but may be given to improve refractory hypoxemia. Prone positioning of intubated patients is associated with a mortality reduction in ARDS and can be considered for patients with persistent hypoxemia. Neuromuscular blockade should also be administered in patients who remain dyssynchronous with the ventilator despite adequate sedation. Finally, patients with refractory severe hypoxemic respiratory failure in COVID-19 should be considered for venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.