cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Capacity of multi-channel wireless networks: impact of number of channels and interfaces

This paper studies how the capacity of a static multi-channel network scales as the number of nodes, n, increases. Gupta and Kumar have determined the capacity of single-channel networks, and those bounds are applicable to multi-channel networks as well, provided each node in the network has a dedicated interface per channel.In this work, we establish the capacity of general multi-channel networks wherein the number of interfaces, m, may be smaller than the number of channels, c. We show that the capacity of multi-channel networks exhibits different bounds that are dependent on the ratio between c and m. When the number of interfaces per node is smaller than the number of channels, there is a degradation in the network capacity in many scenarios. However, one important exception is a random network with up to O(log n) channels, wherein the network capacity remains at the Gupta and Kumar bound of Θ(W√noverlog n) bits/sec, independent of the number of interfaces available at each node. Since in many practical networks, number of channels available is small (e.g., IEEE 802.11 networks), this bound is of practical interest. This implies that it may be possible to build capacity-optimal multi-channel networks with as few as one interface per node. We also extend our model to consider the impact of interface switching delay, and show that in a random network with up to O(log n) channels, switching delay may not affect capacity if multiple interfaces are used.
The effect of imputation of exposure estimates on the association between fine particulate matter and mortality.

PURPOSE: The Harvard Six Cities Study (HSCS) found a small but significant association between daily PM2.5 and daily mortality count. The HSCS findings have been used as the basis for new EPA regulations, requiring lower levels of PM2.5. We feel that there are unresolved issues regarding the HSCS that should be fully evaluated prior to its findings being used as the basis of new regulation, including how the extent and method of imputing exposure data affect the association with daily mortality counts.METHODS: We examined the association between PM2.5 levels and daily mortality count, comparing the results from the HSCS methods with results based on an alternate imputation method, and with non-missing data.RESULTS: Overall, approximately 30% of the data points used in the HSCS were imputed. The method of imputation affected the association between particulate matter and mortality to a substantial degree in most of the cities. When the model using the HSCS method was compared to the model using the alternate method, in two areas the coefficients decreased substantially and lost significance. In two areas they changed little; in one area it rose substantially and became significant; and in one area it declined substantially but remained significant. When compared to the model based on the non-missing data, somewhat different patterns were observed. In both comparisons there were some large changes in the magnitude of the effect, but these were not consistent with the model used.CONCLUSIONS: We are concerned about the degree of data imputation and the effect that the method of imputation has on the association between particulate matter levels and mortality. In the case of the HSCS it appears that the imputed data are more strongly associated with the outcome than other methods of imputation and than the non-missing data. The reasons for these observations are not readily apparent, but the differences in effect should be explored and explained.
Intensive monitoring of interictal psychosis in epilepsy

Ten epileptic patients developed interictal psychosis while being treated in hospital for seizure control. They were subjected to intensive behavioral, video-electroencephalographic, and serum anticonvulsant monitoring for an average of 7.1 weeks in a specialized epilepsy unit. In 9 patients, the interictal psychosis was indistinguishable from acute schizophrenia. Only 5 of these patients had complex partial seizures; the other 4 showed evidence of generalized epilepsies. Thus a "unique" association between schizophreniform psychosis and complex partial seizures, noted by previous authors, could not be confirmed. Only 1 patient showed normalization of the electroencephalogram during psychosis and an inverse relationship between psychosis and seizure frequency. In most cases the emergence of psychosis could not be explained. Interictal psychosis in epilepsy appears to be a spectrum of disorders that may be multifactorially determined.
Taking seriously the intellectual growth of students: Accommodations for self‐authorship

Student learning and student development are part of a unified framework rather than separate interests to be pursued independently.
Experimental Evaluation of Beam-Bending Method of Determining Glass Viscosities in the Range 108 to 1015 Poises

The method of determining the viscosity of a glass by the viscous bending of a simple beam is experimentally compared with the fiber-elongation technique. For a standard soda-lime-silica glass, beam-bending viscosity data are found to agree well with fiber-elongation measurements reported by the National Bureau of Standards. An apparatus using the beam-bending principle is described with which reliable viscosity measurements for glasses are obtained in the range 108 to 1015 poises at temperatures up to 1500°C.
The Genus Ceraeochrysa (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) of America North of Mexico: Larvae, Adults, and Comparative Biology

Ceraeochrysa, with 46 described species, is the largest New World genus in the green lacewing tribe Chrysopini. It encompasses numerous species that have major potential for efficient mass rearing and use in biological control. Here we record Ceraeochrysa claveri (Navas) from the United States for the first time, and we describe or redescribe the trash-carrying larvae and adults of all seven Ceraeochrysa species that are known from America, north of Mexico. In addition to C. claveri, these include C. cincta (Schneider), C. cubana (Hagen), C. lineaticornis (Fitch), C. placita (Banks), C. smithi (Navas), and C. valida (Banks). Furthermore, the literature on the biology of each species is summarized, and keys are presented for identifying larvae and adults. Larvae of six of the species share numerous traits that indicate a close phylogenetic relationship; whereas those of C. placita have a number of unique character states, particularly in the first instar. The pattern of variation indicates that Ceraeochrysa, as it currently stands, is a diverse genus that may need subdivision.
A 9 MHz–2.4 GHz Fully Integrated Transceiver IC for a Microfluidic-CMOS Platform Dedicated to Miniaturized Dielectric Spectroscopy

This paper presents a fully integrated transceiver IC as part of a self-sustained, microfluidic-CMOS platform for miniaturized dielectric spectroscopy (DS) from MHz to GHz. Fabricated in AMS $0.35~\mu{\rm m}$ 2P/4M RF CMOS, the transmitter (TX) part of the IC generates a single-tone sinusoidal signal with frequency tunability in the range of $\sim 9~{\rm MHz}{\mathchar"702D}2.4~{\rm GHz}$ to excite a three-dimensional (3D), parallel-plate, capacitive sensor with a floating electrode and $9~\mu{\rm L}$ microfluidic channel for sample delivery. With a material-under-test (MUT) loaded into the sensor, the receiver (RX) part of the IC employs broadband frequency response analysis (bFRA) methodology to measure the amplitude and phase of the RF excitation signal after transmission through the sensor. A one-time, 6-point sensor calibration algorithm then extracts both the real and imaginary parts of the MUT complex permittivity, $\epsilon_{r}$ , from IC measurements of the sensor transmission characteristics in the voltage domain. The “sensor $+$ IC” is fully capable of differentiating among de-ionized (DI) water, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), and alcoholic beverages in tests conducted at four excitation frequencies of $\sim 50~{\rm MHz}$ , 500 MHz, 1.5 GHz, and 2.4 GHz generated by the TX. Moreover, permittivity readings of PBS by the sensor interfaced with the IC at six excitation frequencies in the range of $\sim 50~{\rm MHz}{\mathchar"702D}2.4~{\rm GHz}$ are in excellent agreement (rms error of 1.7% (real) and 7.2% (imaginary)) with those from bulk-solution reference measurements by commercial benchtop equipment. The total power consumption of the IC is $ with 1.5 V (analog) and 3.3 V (digital) supplies.
Unusual Liver-Spleen Scan Findings

Radioisotope scintigraphy is a widely used procedure for the evaluation of various forms of liver disease. It provides information regarding the size, shape, and position of the liver, as well as identification of any space-occupying lesions of the liver or spleen (1–4,6–8). The amount of radiocolloid clearance in liver, spleen and bone marrow depends on the distribution of radioactivity in reticuloendothelial (RE) tissue, the degree of liver disease and its effect on relative blood flow (1,9,10). We present an unusual liver-spleen scan demonstrating delayed clearance of blood-pool activity due to portal hypertension and consequent severe RE shift to spleen and bone marrow (1,5,11–13).
Dynamic host feeding by the parasitoid Aphytis melinus: the balance between current and future reproduction

1. In many species of parasitoid Hymenoptera, adult females can use hosts either for oviposition or «host feeding». Oviposition is current reproduction and host feeding represents investment towards future reproduction. 2. We investigated the influences of egg load, diet, age, experience and host size on host-feeding behaviour in the aphelinid parasitoid Aphytis melinus attacking oleander scale Aspidiotus nerii (Homoptera: Diaspididae). Hosts were either rejected, used exclusively for host feeding, used for both oviposition and host feeding concurrently, or used exclusively for oviposition. When hosts were used for both oviposition and host feeding, parasitoid progeny did not develop to adulthood. 3. Behavioural records were analysed with the logistic regression model, a statistical tool for assessing the relative contributions of multiple, potentially correlated, variables. 4. Variation in egg load was obtained by (i) using diet and age treatments to manipulate the rate of egg resorption by parasitoids and (ii) taking advantage of size-related differences in egg load. Parasitoids with lower egg loads were more likely to host feed than to ovipost. This result is consistent with recently developed theory. 5. During their first-ever encounter with a host, parasitoids that had been fed a pure sucrose diet during their adult life were more likely to host feed than were parasitoids fed a sucrose diet supplemented with yeast. 6. Contrary to theoretical predictions, younger parasitoids were not more likely to host feed than older parasitoids. 7. Smaller hosts were (i) more frequently used for host feeding than were larger hosts, and (ii) less suitable for progeny development than were larger hosts
REDUCTION IN LIPOPROTEIN (A) WITH EVOLOCUMAB: ELUCIDATION OF THE ROLE OF THE LDL RECEPTOR FROM CLINICAL TRIALS AND IN-VITRO MODELS

Lp(a) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease risk. Statins increase low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) activity but have little effect on Lp(a), while the PCSK9-inhibitor evolocumab consistently reduces Lp(a) 20-30% by a yet unknown mechanism. We investigated the possible role
Exercise resistance across the prediabetes phenotypes: Impact on insulin sensitivity and substrate metabolism

Prediabetes is a heterogeneous term that encompasses different origins of insulin resistance and insulin secretion that contribute to distinct patterns of hyperglycemia. In fact, prediabetes is an umbrella term that characterizes individuals at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes (T2D) and/or cardiovascular disease (CVD). Based on current definitions there are at least 3 distinct phenotypes of prediabetes: impaired fasting glucose (IFG), impaired glucose tolerant (IGT), or the combination of both (IFG + IGT). Each phenotype is clinically relevant as they are uniquely recognized as having different levels of risk for progressing to T2D and CVD. Herein, we discuss the underlying pathophysiology that characterizes IFG, IGT and the combination, as well as examine how some of these phenotypes appear resistant to traditional exercise interventions. We propose that substrate metabolism differences between the prediabetes phenotypes may be a unifying mechanism that explains the inter-subject variation in response to exercise seen across obese, metabolic syndrome, pre-diabetic and T2D patients in the current literature. Ultimately, a better understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms that govern disturbances responsible for fasting vs. postprandial hyperglycemia and the combination of both is important for designing optimal and personalized exercise treatment strategies that treat and prevent hyperglycemia and CVD risk.
Is the grass on the other side greener? Testing the cross-border effect for U.S. acquirers

Why do U.S. acquirers fare worse when acquiring targets in foreign countries than when acquiring domestic targets? This paper investigates reasons for the so called “cross-border effect” by examining the influence of target public status and competitiveness of the takeover market in the target country. Our findings show that the listing status of the target drives the cross-border effect in two opposite directions: acquirers of private targets fare worse in cross-border takeovers, while acquirers of public targets experience significantly higher gains in acquisitions of foreign targets. The positive cross-border benefit for acquirers of public targets is more pronounced if the target is from a country with a less competitive takeover market.
Genome-wide approaches to studying yeast chromatin modifications

The genomes of eukaryotic organisms are packaged into nuclei by wrapping DNA around proteins in a structure known as chromatin. The most basic unit of chromatin, the nucleosome, consists of approximately 146 bp of DNA wrapped around an octamer of histone proteins. The placement of nucleosomes relative to a gene can influence the regulation of the transcription of this gene. Furthermore, the N-terminal tails of histone proteins are subjected to numerous post-translational modifications that are also known to influence gene regulation. In recent years, a number of genome-scale approaches to identify modifications to chromatin have been developed. Techniques combining chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) with microarrays (ChIP-chip) and second-generation sequencing (ChIP-Seq) have led to great advances in our understanding of how chromatin modifications contribute to gene regulation. Many excellent protocols related to ChIP-chip have been published recently (Lieb, J. D. (2003) Genome-wide mapping of protein-DNA interactions by chromatin immunoprecipitation and DNA microarray hybridization. Methods Mol. Biol. 224, 99-109.). For this reason, we will focus our attention here on the application of second-generation sequencing platforms to the study of chromatin modifications in yeast. As these genome-scale experiments require both wet-lab and bioinformatic components to reach their full potential, we will detail both the wet-lab protocols and bioinformatic steps necessary to fully conduct genome-scale studies of chromatin modifications.
ALLOSTERIC EFFECTS IN STILBENEDISULFONATE BINDING TO BAND 3 PROTEIN (AE1)

Stilbenedisulfonates are potent competitive inhibitors of the anion exchange (AE) class of transporters. Although these molecules have been extensively used in studies of the anion exchange function, the actual mechanism by which stilbenedisulfonates compete with transported anions has been uncertain. Over the last several years, work in my laboratory has focused on understanding the mechanism of stilbenedisulfonate binding to human erythrocyte band 3 (AE1), with particular emphasis placed on deciding whether stilbenedisulfonates are pure competitive inhibitors, or whether they inhibit transport allosterically. I summarize our results suggesting that stilbenedisulfonates are allosteric inhibitors of band 3 anion exchange. I also summarize results which show that covalent binding of stilbenedisulfonates to one subunit produces allosteric effects which extend to the neighboring subunit in a band 3 dimer. Such allosteric subunit interactions have been observed: a) in divalent anion influx exchange experiments; b) in reversible stilbenedisulfonate binding studies, and c) in thermal unfolding studies of the membrane domain of band 3. In addition, two quaternary conformational states of the band 3 dimer, modulated by ligands of the stilbenedisulfonate site, have been identified in protein crosslinking studies. Finally, new evidence is discussed showing that Southeast Asian ovalocytic band 3 in a heterodimer composed of mutant and wild-type subunits, increases the 4,4'-diisothiocyanodihydro-2,2'-stilbenedisulfonate (H2DIDS) affinity of the wild-type subunit. Taken together, these results challenge the view that band 3 exists as structurally independent monomers. In addition, they suggest that subunit interactions may play a significant role in the transport function.
Points of Order: The Trimming of Medical Literature

(1981). Points of Order: The Trimming of Medical Literature. Hospital Practice: Vol. 16, No. 11, pp. 79-80.
Glibenclamide attenuates adenosine-induced bradycardia and coronary vasodilatation

The effects of the ATP-sensitive K(+)-channel blocker glibenclamide on the cardiovascular responses to adenosine in dogs were determined. Adenosine (0.01-20 mumol/kg iv) caused coronary vasodilatation, arterial hypotension, and bradycardia in dogs with either combined beta-adrenergic and muscarinic receptor blockade or with bilateral cervical vagotomy plus beta-adrenergic receptor blockade. The 50% effective dose for adenosine-induced coronary dilatation was increased from 0.13 +/- 0.04 mumol/kg in the control state to 1.1 +/- 0.5 mumol/kg after 2 mg/kg of glibenclamide (P less than 0.001). Adenosine at 5 mumol/kg reduced heart rate by 19 +/- 5% from a baseline of 158 +/- 6 beats/min in five anesthetized dogs. After glibenclamide (10 mg/kg), this dose of adenosine failed to cause a significant change in heart rate. The arterial hypotensive effects of adenosine were also attenuated by glibenclamide. Thus glibenclamide inhibited adenosine-induced bradycardia, hypotension, and coronary dilatation. On the other hand, glibenclamide did not affect the reductions in heart rate caused by vagus nerve stimulation. The mechanism of this adenosine antagonism is not known but, in the case of bradycardia, it does not appear to involve any of the steps shared in common by both adenosine-induced and vagal responses of the sinoatrial node.
Superconducting Super Collider data compression and driver/modulator architecture

Presents a prototype architecture that provides chip-level data compression and high-speed optical drive capabilities for rad-hard Super Collider data acquisition applications. The data compression is accomplished through a pipelined edge-detection and clustering algorithm, while the driver/modulator uses high-throughput data-management techniques, including variable register lengths, bus queuing, and time-division-multiplexing for fast optical-data transmission. An architecture of this sort can provide efficient transmission of a very large number of events. A practical 4*128 compressor architecture is introduced to illustrate the algorithm. >
High Incidence of Celiac Disease in a Long-term Study of Adolescents With Susceptibility Genotypes

Background & Aims Little is known about the incidence of celiac disease in the general population of children in the United States. We aimed to estimate the cumulative incidence of celiac disease in adolescents born in the Denver metropolitan area. Methods We collected data on HLA-DR, DQ genotypes of 31,766 infants, born from 1993 through 2004 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Denver, from the Diabetes Autoimmunity Study in the Young. Subjects with susceptibility genotypes for celiac disease and type 1 diabetes were followed up for up to 20 years for development of tissue transglutaminase autoantibodies (tTGA). Outcomes were the development of celiac disease autoimmunity (CDA) or celiac disease. CDA was defined as persistence of tTGA for at least 3 months or development of celiac disease. Celiac disease was defined based on detection of Marsh 2 or greater lesions in biopsy specimens or persistent high levels of tTGA. For each genotype, the cumulative incidence of CDA and celiac disease were determined. To estimate the cumulative incidence in the Denver general population, outcomes by each genotype were weighted according to the frequency of each of these genotypes in the general population. Results Of 1339 subjects followed up, 66 developed CDA and met criteria for celiac disease and 46 developed only CDA. Seropositivity for tTGA resolved spontaneously, without treatment, in 21 of the 46 subjects with only CDA (46%). The estimated cumulative incidence for CDA in the Denver general population at 5, 10, and 15 years of age was 2.4%, 4.3%, and 5.1%, respectively, and incidence values for celiac disease were 1.6%, 2.8%, and 3.1%, respectively. Conclusions In a 20-year prospective study of 1339 children with genetic risk factors for celiac disease, we found the cumulative incidence of CDA and celiac disease to be high within the first 10 years. Although more than 5% of children may experience a period of CDA, not all children develop celiac disease or require gluten-free diets.
Challenges to the Standard Euclidean Spatial Model

Spatial models of political competition over multiple issues typically assume that agents’ preferences are represented by utility functions that are decreasing in the Euclidean distance to the agent’s ideal point in a multidimensional policy space. I describe theoretical and empirical results that challenge the assumption that quasiconcave, differentiable or separable utility functions, and in particular linear, quadratic or exponential Euclidean functions, adequately represent multidimensional preferences, and I propose solutions to address each of these challenges.
Nonlinear h∞ Control with Unbounded Controls: Viscosity Solutions and Feedback Design

Abstract It is well-known that the Hamilton-Jacobi-Isaacs (HJI) equation associated with a nonlinear H ∞ -optimal control problem on an infinite-time horizon generally admits nonunique, and in fact infinitely many, viscosity solutions. This makes it difficult to pick the relevant viscosity solution for the problem at hand, particularly when it is computed numerically. For the finite-horizon version of the problem, however, there is generally a unique viscosity solution (under appropriate conditions), which brings up the question of obtaining the viscosity solution relevant to the infinitehorizon problem as the limit of the unique solution of the finite-horizon one. This paper addresses this question for nonlinear systems affine in the control and the disturbance, and with a cost function quadratic in the control, where the control is not restricted to lie in a compact set. It establishes the existence of a well-defined limit, and also obtains a result on global asymptotic stability of closed-loop system under the H ∞ controller and the corresponding worst-case disturbance.
The Anterior-posterior Distance Between the Tibial Tuberosity and Trochlear Groove:

Objectives:Tibial tuberosity osteotomy is often performed to correct excessive lateralization of the tuberosity in patients with patellar instability. An anteriorizing component has been recommende...
Errors detected in pediatric oral liquid medication doses prepared in an automated workflow management system.

Purpose The effectiveness of barcode-assisted medication preparation (BCMP) technology on detecting oral liquid dose preparation errors. Methods From June 1, 2013, through May 31, 2014, a total of 178,344 oral doses were processed at Children’s Mercy, a 301-bed pediatric hospital, through an automated workflow management system. Doses containing errors detected by the system’s barcode scanning system or classified as rejected by the pharmacist were further reviewed. Errors intercepted by the barcode-scanning system were classified as (1) expired product, (2) incorrect drug, (3) incorrect concentration, and (4) technological error. Pharmacist-rejected doses were categorized into 6 categories based on the root cause of the preparation error: (1) expired product, (2) incorrect concentration, (3) incorrect drug, (4) incorrect volume, (5) preparation error, and (6) other. Results Of the 178,344 doses examined, 3,812 (2.1%) errors were detected by either the barcode-assisted scanning system (1.8%, n = 3,291) or a pharmacist (0.3%, n = 521). The 3,291 errors prevented by the barcode-assisted system were classified most commonly as technological error and incorrect drug, followed by incorrect concentration and expired product. Errors detected by pharmacists were also analyzed. These 521 errors were most often classified as incorrect volume, preparation error, expired product, other, incorrect drug, and incorrect concentration. Conclusion BCMP technology detected errors in 1.8% of pediatric oral liquid medication doses prepared in an automated workflow management system, with errors being most commonly attributed to technological problems or incorrect drugs. Pharmacists rejected an additional 0.3% of studied doses.
Moonlighting? - Consequences of lunar cues on anuran reproductive activity

Abstract While the influence of environmental variables, particularly temperature and rainfall, on the breeding behavior of amphibians is widely recognized, relatively few studies have addressed how the moon affects amphibian behavior. Yet, the lunar cycle provides several rhythmic temporal cues that animals could use to time important group events such as spawning, and the substantial changes in light levels associated with the different moon phases may also affect the behavior of nocturnal frogs. Using seven years of field observation data, we tested for lunar effects on the reproductive activity of male and female Eastern Gray Treefrogs (Hyla versicolor). We found that chorusing and breeding activity was statistically more likely to occur around the first quarter of the moon and during intermediately bright nights, but that reproductive activity also occurred during various other times during the lunar cycle. We discuss these findings in relation to the two main hypotheses of lunar effects on animals: predator avoidance and temporal synchronization of breeding.
Fragility Fracture Risk in Elderly Patients With Cervical Myelopathy.

STUDY DESIGN Retrospective review. OBJECTIVE To identify and compare the incidences of fragility fractures amongst three elderly populations: the general population, patients with surgically treated cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM), and patients with CSM not surgically treated. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA CSM is a common disease in the elderly. Progression of myelopathic symptoms, including gait imbalance, can be a source of morbidity as it can lead to increased falls. METHODS Records of elderly patients with Medicare insurance from 2005 to 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Three mutually exclusive populations of patients were identified for analysis, including a cohort of patients with a diagnosis of CSM who were not treated with surgery; a cohort of patients with CSM who were treated with surgery; and a group of control patients who had never been treated with cervical spine surgery nor were diagnosed with CSM. Incidence of fractures of the distal radius, proximal humerus, proximal femur, and lumbar spine were assessed and compared between cohorts, adjusted by age, sex, osteoporosis, dementia, cerebrovascular disease, and Charlson Comorbidity Index. RESULTS A total of 891,864 patients were identified, of which 60,332 had a diagnosis of CSM and 24,439 underwent cervical spine surgery. Compared to general population controls, the 12-month adjusted odds of experiencing at least one fragility fracture were 1.59 times higher in patients with CSM who were not treated with surgery (P < 0.001). The analogous odds ratio was 1.34 (P < 0.001) at 3 years. Compared to nonsurgically treated patients with CSM, the odds of experiencing at least one fragility fracture were reduced to 0.89 in surgically treated patients (P = 0.008). CONCLUSION Fragility fractures are a significant source of morbidity and mortality in elderly patients. CSM is associated with increased rates of fragility fractures, although surgical management of CSM may be protective against risk of fragility fracture. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3.
BEHAVIORAL AND LETHAL ACTIONS OF AMIDINES ON INVERTEBRATES

Abstract Two distinct actions of amidine pesticides on the invertebrate nervous system are described. In the crayfish giant axon chlordimeform induces a depolarizing after-potential and repetitive discharges. Voltage clamp studies reveal a prolonged sodium tail-current in treated axons which could account for the membrane destabilization. The threshold for this response lies between 10 and 100 μM. At slightly higher concentrations both sodium and potassium conductances are blocked in a local anesthetic-like action. Such effects on excitable membranes could account for some of the excitatory and lethal actions seen in invertebrates. The second type of effect involves agonistic activity at octopaminergic junctions. The most potent amidines stimulate octopamine-sensitive adenylate cyclase from insects and ticks in the range of 1 nM to 1 μM. Evidence that stimulation of octopamine receptors accounts for some of the behavioral and lethal actions of amidines is derived from several sources. Structural requirements for these actions are similar to those for active agonists, certain octopamine antagonists such as phentolamine block some behavioral effects in vivo , and phosphodiesterase inhibitors synergize the excitatory effects of amidines. The potency of the octopaminergic actions of amidines suggests that they may be particularly important in those responses occurring at low doses.
The Internal Energy of a PV = RT Gas: A Univariable or Multivariable Function

Historically, the characterization of the internal energy of a simple gas is based on free expansion experiments and imprecise use of the word function, which is rigorously defined in mathematics. Univariable equations of state show that the internal energy of simple monatomic, diatomic, and polyatomic gases can be expressed as a “function” of temperature “only”. However, multivariable equations of state derived from composite functions confirm that the internal energy of these gases can in each situation also be expressed as a “function” of pressure and volume “only”. It is essential that the mathematical definition of the word function be adhered to in science because it is fundamental for the formulation of the calculus, a mathematical tool essential for solving a variety of thermodynamics problems.
The Rational Fractional Approach: A Tool for Computer Aided Feedback System Design

In 1976, Youla, Bongiorno and Jabr published two, now classical, papers in which a complete parameterization of a set of stabilizing compensators for a multivariate feedback system was obtained [11],[12]. In the ensuing years, this work, which is often termed the YBJ theory, has led to the development of an entirely new approach to the feedback system design problem.
Intracerebral Hemorrhage. New Challenges and Steps Forward.

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. With the aging population, increased use of anticoagulants, and changing racial and ethnic landscape of the United States, the incidence of ICH will increase over the next decade. Improvements in preventative strategies to treat hypertension and atrial fibrillation are necessary to change the trajectory of this increase. Advances in the understanding of ICH at the vascular and molecular level may pave the way to new treatment options. This article discusses the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and current treatment options for patients with ICH. Differences in outcome and treatment between patients taking and not taking anticoagulant therapies are considered.
Clinical Reasoning: A 54-year-old woman with confusion and visual disturbances.

A 54-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with several days of visual disturbance. Her medical history included alcoholic liver cirrhosis with portosystemic encephalopathy (PSE), chronic hyponatremia, and chronic pain on opioids. She had a recent hospitalization for hepatic encephalopathy, but presented now with 5 days of new visual disturbance described mostly as an inability to see and impaired ability to focus. The patient's husband corroborated that this episode was different from her past episodes of PSE and noted that she seemed unable to attend to him during their conversations and he wondered if she was looking at things that were not present. Typically her PSE episodes were characterized by lethargy, confusion, and disorientation, whereas now she was alert, oriented to herself and recognized familiar people, and was able to have a conversation despite her visual complaints.
Parabolized Stability Equation Analysis of Crossflow Instability on HIFiRE-5b Flight Test

Basic state calculations were performed for the Hypersonic International Flight Research Experiment 5 geometry for both flight and wind-tunnel conditions using the US3D flow solver. Linear paraboli...
Examining Urban and Rural Differences in How Distance to Care Influences the Initiation and Completion of Treatment among Insured Cervical Cancer Patients.

Background: Although rural cancer patients encounter substantial barriers to care, they more often report receiving timely care than urban patients. We examined whether geographic distance, a contributor to urban–rural health disparities, differentially influences treatment initiation and completion among insured urban and rural cervical cancer patients. Methods: We identified women diagnosed with cervical cancer from 2004 to 2013 from a statewide cancer registry linked to multipayer, insurance claims. Primary outcomes were initiation of guideline-concordant care within 6 weeks of diagnosis and, among stage IB2-IVA cancer patients, completion of concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) in 56 days. We estimated risk ratios using modified Poisson regressions, stratified by urban/rural status, to examine the association between distance and treatment timing (initiation or completion). Results: Among 999 stage IA-IVA patients, 48% initiated guideline-concordant care within 6 weeks of diagnosis, and 37% of 492 stage IB2-IVA cancer patients completed CCRT in 56 days. In urban areas, stage IA-IVA patients who lived ≥15 miles from the nearest treatment facility were less likely to initiate timely treatment compared with those Conclusions: Geographic distance differentially influences the initiation and completion of treatment among urban and rural cervical cancer patients. Impact: Distance was an access barrier for insured cervical cancer patients in urban areas whereas rural patients may require more intensive outreach, support, and resources, even among those living closer to treatment.
Identifying patient-centered outcomes for children with cancer and their caregivers when they seek care in the emergency department.

BACKGROUND Children with cancer have high utilization of the emergency department (ED), but little is known about which outcomes are most important to them and their caregivers when they seek care in the ED. PROCEDURE A qualitative evaluation of ED experience for children with cancer and their caregivers was performed using self-reported interactive toolkits. Eligible participants included children with cancer (ages 11-19) and caregivers of children with cancer whose child received cancer therapy within the last year and had an ED visit within the last 2 years. Eligible participants received toolkits by mail and received incentives if they completed the toolkit. Toolkits were transcribed, thematically coded, and iteratively analyzed using Nvivo 11.0 software. RESULTS There were 26 toolkits received-seven by children aged 11-17 years and 19 by caregivers (11 with children aged 2-7 years, eight with children aged 11-17 years). About half were from within 1 h of their treating institution. The most important outcomes to this population included system-level issues (eg, cleanliness of space, timeliness of evaluation) and oncology-provider- and ED-provider-level issues (eg, ability to access port-a-caths, quality of communication). Participants also identified outcomes that were within the control of the patient/caregiver, such as improving their sense of preparedness. CONCLUSION The important outcomes to children with cancer and their caregivers when they seek care in the ED are distinct from current quality metrics. Future research should focus on the development and validation of a patient-centered outcomes tool.
PrEP Use and Sexually Transmitted Infections Are Not Associated Longitudinally in a Cohort Study of Young Men Who Have Sex with Men and Transgender Women in Chicago

Our goal was to understand whether PrEP users are at increased risk for STIs, a key target in prevention efforts aimed at disrupting the spread of STIs and likely downstream HIV infection risk. Data were collected as part of RADAR, a cohort study of young men who have sex with men and transgender women (YMSM/TW) (aged 16-29) in Chicago. Longitudinal lagged regression models were utilized to assess the relationship between PrEP use and odds of rectal STI acquisition. Mediation models were also utilized to consider the potential pathway between PrEP use, condomless anal sex (CAS), and rectal STI. One hundred eighty-seven (16.2%) participants had a rectal STI at baseline. In both cross-sectional and longitudinal models, no significant association was observed between PrEP use and STI. In mediation models, PrEP use was significantly associated with increased CAS, however, CAS was not associated with STI status. We demonstrated that, overall, PrEP use was not associated with STIs among YMSM/TW but did observe that PrEP users were more likely to report increased participation in CAS at the subsequent study visit.
Personalized treatment selection using data from crossover designs with carry-over effects.

In this work, we propose a semiparametric method for estimating the optimal treatment for a given patient based on individual covariate information for that patient when data from a crossover design are available. Here, we assume there are carry-over effects for patients switching from one treatment to another. For the K treatment (K ≥ 2) scenario, we show that nonparametric estimation of carry-over effects can have the undesirable property that comparison of treatment means can only be done using independent outcome measurements from different groups of patients rather than using available joint measurements for each patient. To overcome this barrier, we compare probabilities of outcome variable of each treatment dominating outcome variables for all other treatments conditional on patient-specific scores constructed from patient covariates. We suggest single-index models as appropriate models connecting outcome variables to covariates and our empirical investigations show that frequencies of correct treatment assignments are highly accurate. The proposed method is also rather robust against departures from a single-index model structure. We also conduct a real data analysis to show the applicability of the proposed procedure.
Locks, Lights, out of Sight: Assessing Students' Perceptions of Emergency Preparedness across Multiple Lockdown Drills.

Despite their proliferation in schools across the U.S., the impact of lockdown drills on students remains largely understudied. Despite their goal of preparing students – along with teachers and sc...
Burden of Complications in U.S. Adults With Young-Onset Type 2 or Type 1 Diabetes

Young-onset type 2 diabetes has a more aggressive clinical course than type 2 diabetes that occurs at an older age (1). Accruing evidence suggests that young adults with type 2 diabetes have complication rates exceeding those of individuals of similar age with type 1 diabetes (1–3). However, prior studies have focused on select populations and the generalizability of their findings is not clear. To address this gap in the literature, we analyzed recent national data to characterize the prevalence of complications among U.S. adults with young-onset type 1 and type 2 diabetes. We pooled data from the 2016 and 2017 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). The NHIS is the only representative U.S. study that collects self-reported information on types of diabetes. Participants reported whether they had ever been diagnosed with diabetes other than during pregnancy. Those with diagnosed diabetes reported the type of diabetes (type 1, type 2, other), age of diagnosis, and use of antidiabetes medication. Following past research, we defined young-onset type 2 diabetes as being diagnosed before age 40 (1). We defined young-onset type 1 diabetes using this same cut point for comparability. We classified …
Distinct classes of multi-subunit heterogeneity: analysis using Fourier Transform methods and native mass spectrometry

Native electrospray mass spectrometry is a powerful method for determining the native stoichiometry of many polydisperse multi-subunit biological complexes, including multi-subunit protein complexes and lipid-bound transmembrane proteins. However, when polydispersity results from incorporation of multiple copies of two or more different subunits, it can be difficult to analyze subunit stoichiometry using conventional mass spectrometry analysis methods, especially when m/z distributions for different charge states overlap in the mass spectrum. It was recently demonstrated by Marty and co-workers (K. K. Hoi, et al., Anal. Chem., 2016, 88, 6199-6204) that Fourier Transform (FT)-based methods can determine the bulk average lipid composition of protein-lipid Nanodiscs assembled with two different lipids, but a detailed statistical description of the composition of more general polydisperse two-subunit populations is still difficult to achieve. This results from the vast number of ways in which the two types of subunit can be distributed within the analyte ensemble. Here, we present a theoretical description of three common classes of heterogeneity for mixed-subunit analytes and demonstrate how to differentiate and analyze them using mass spectrometry and FT methods. First, we first describe FT-based analysis of mass spectra corresponding to simple superpositions, convolutions, and multinomial distributions for two or more different subunit types using model data sets. We then apply these principles with real samples, including mixtures of single-lipid Nanodiscs in the same solution (superposition), mixed-lipid Nanodiscs and copolymers (convolutions), and isotope distribution for ubiquitin (multinomial distribution). This classification scheme and the FT method used to study these analyte classes should be broadly useful in mass spectrometry as well as other techniques where overlapping, periodic signals arising from analyte mixtures are common.
Seizure Prophylaxis in Unruptured Aneurysm Repair: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Abstract Background Prophylactic antiepileptic drugs (pAEDs) are often prescribed for seizure prophylaxis in patients undergoing surgical treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs). We aimed to evaluate the benefit of pAEDs in patients undergoing surgical repair of UIAs. Methods We randomly assigned eligible patients undergoing surgical repair of UIAs to receive levetiracetam for seven days post-operatively or standard care alone. The primary outcome was the evaluation of seizures in the perioperative period (within 4 weeks). We also evaluated seizure occurrence throughout follow-up and assessed functional outcomes using the modified Rankin scale score (mRS). Results 35 patients were randomized to the “no-levetiracetam” group and 41 patients were randomized to receive levetiracetam. The two study groups had similar overall baseline characteristics and the surgical complication rate was similar for both groups (p = 0.8). One patient in the “no-levetiracetam” group had a seizure in the perioperative period versus 2 patients in the group randomized to receive levetiracetam (2.9% vs 4.9%, respectively, p = 1.00). No patients in the “no-levetiracetam” group had any additional late seizures (mean follow-up of 20.4 months), but three patients in the levetiracetam group had late seizures during follow-up (mean follow-up of 19.1 months) (0% vs 7.3%, p = 0.2). mRS score of 0-2 at 90 days and at the latest follow-up were similar between the two groups (p = 1.00). Conclusions Perioperative seizure prophylaxis with levetiracetam does not reduce the rate of seizures as compared to controls in patients undergoing surgical repair of UIAs.
Epac1 regulates TLR4 signaling in the diabetic retinal vasculature.

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) polymorphisms occur in diabetic patients. Previous work showed that TLR4 is in the retina of diabetic mice, as well as in retinal endothelial cells (REC) and Muller cells. Since we have shown that exchange protein activated by cAMP 1 (Epac1) can reduce inflammatory mediators, we hypothesized that Epac1 would inhibit TLR4 signaling. We also hypothesized that direct TLR4 inhibition would protect the diabetic retina. Human REC in normal and high glucose were treated with an Epac1 agonist to explore the actions of Epac1 on TLR4 signaling in vitro. Subsequently, 2-month diabetic endothelial cell specific knockout mice for Epac1 (Cdh5Cre-Epac1) and Epac1 floxed mice retinas were used for Western blotting for TLR4 signaling pathways. We also used direct inhibition of TLR4 via Tak242 to investigate diabetes-induced changes in retinal permeability and neuronal loss in the mice. The Epac1 agonist reduced TLR4 signaling in REC grown in high glucose. TLR4 levels and both MyD88-dependent and -independent signaling pathways are increased in Cdh5Cre-Epac1 mice compared to Epac1 floxed mice. Tak242 reduced TLR4 signaling in diabetic mice and reduced diabetes-induced increases in permeability and cell loss in the ganglion cell layer in the Epac1 floxed and Cdh5Cre-Epac1 mice. In conclusion, Epac1 reduced TLR4 signaling in the retina and in REC. Direct inhibition of TLR4 was able to protect the retina against diabetes-induced changes in permeability and cell numbers in the ganglion cell layer.
Glossary of terms and concepts relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion to reflect on, debate, and raise awareness of: A report from the Society for Vascular Surgery Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.

Abstract The presented glossary highlights the concepts and terminology related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Although this list should not be considered all-inclusive, it will provide our vascular surgical community with a common vocabulary to help propel change toward improved diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, practices, and culture. As these concepts and terminology find their place in our everyday lives, the Society for Vascular Surgery and its leadership believe that expanding the diversity, equity, and inclusion of vascular surgical professionals is a mission-critical step. This mission will help us improve patient experience through successfully delivering culturally sensitive care for our diverse community. Now is the time.