cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Myeloperoxidase-Generated Oxidants Modulate Left Ventricular Remodeling but Not Infarct Size After Myocardial Infarction

Background— Inflammation after myocardial infarction (MI) heralds worse left ventricular (LV) function and clinical outcomes. However, whether inflammation affects LV function by extending myonecrosis and/or altering LV remodeling remains unknown. We hypothesized that cytotoxic aldehydes generated during oxidative stress may adversely affect remodeling and infarct size. One theoretical source of reactive aldehydes is oxidation of common α-amino acids by myeloperoxidase (MPO) released by leukocytes. However, a role for MPO in formation of aldehydes in vivo and the functional consequences of MPO-generated oxidants in ischemia/reperfusion models of MI have not been established. Methods and Results— In studies with cell types found in vascular tissue, MPO-oxidation products of glycine (formaldehyde) and threonine (acrolein) were the most cytotoxic. Mass spectrometry studies of myocardial tissue from murine models of acute MI (both chronic left anterior descending coronary artery ligation and ischemia/reperfus...
The impact of spinal cord injury on long-term survival.

Injury to the spinal cord has devastating physical consequences, resulting in impairments of mobility and independence. The autonomic consequences are equally devastating. Impaired bladder function can predispose to urinary tract infection and loss of renal function. Weakness of the muscles of respiration can impair breathing capacity and the ability to cough. The loss of sensation over bony prominences in weightbearing areas of the body can result in the development of pressure necrosis of the skin. Modern rehabilitation efforts have been directed to the prevention of these complications with improved management of the urinary tract and respiratory function. Patients are taught how to avoid pressure sores and to use specialized wheelchair cushions that avoid focusing pressure over the bony prominences of the pelvis.1
Hybrid Instruments: Jurisdiction Dependent Characteristics

The article discusses a recent proliferation of the hybrid financial instruments and strives to aid the tax practitioner in understanding the analytical framework underlying such instruments, which often raise heightened attention of the revenue authorities in various jurisdictions and are sometimes thought to be problematic from the tax compliance point of view. The article reaches a conclusion that the current legal framework does not prohibit hybrid instruments per se and argues that most of such transactions are not abusive.
Abstract 285: Bisphenol A Increases Atherosclerosis Mediated by the Human Pregnane X Receptor

Objective: Bisphenol A (BPA) is a base chemical used extensively in many consumer products. BPA has recently been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in multiple large-scale human population studies but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. We previously reported that BPA activates the pregnane X receptor (PXR) which acts as a xenobiotic sensor to regulate xenobiotic metabolism and has pro-atherogenic effects in animal models upon activation. BPA is a potent agonist of human PXR but has no effects on mouse or rat PXR activity, which confounds the use of rodent models to evaluate mechanisms of BPA-mediated CVD risk. This study aims to investigate the atherogenic mechanism of BPA using a novel PXR-humanized mouse model. Approach and Results: We generated PXR-humanized ApoE deficient (huPXR•ApoE-/-) mice that respond to human PXR ligands and therefore constitute a model to study the atherogenic effects of BPA. Feeding studies were performed to determine the effects of BPA expos...
Bringing clarity to the prediction of protein-ligand binding free energies via "blurring"

We present a method to evaluate the free energies of ligand binding utilizing a Monte Carlo estimation of the configuration integrals concomitant with uncertainty quantification. Ensembles for integration are built through systematically perturbing an initial ligand conformation in a rigid binding pocket, which is optimized separately prior to incorporation of the ligand. We call the procedure producing the ensembles “blurring”, and it is carried out using an in-house developed code. The Boltzmann factor contribution of each pose to the configuration integral is computed and from there the free energy is obtained. Potential function uncertainties are estimated using a fragment-based error propagation method. This method has been applied to a set of small aromatic ligands complexed with T4 Lysozyme L99A mutant. Microstate energies have been determined with the force fields ff99SB and ff94, and the semiempirical method PM6DH2 in conjunction with continuum solvation models including Generalized Born (GB), th...
Lexical and Indexical Conversational Components That Mediate Professional Noticing During Lesson Study

Background:Previous research has demonstrated that preservice teachers can professionally notice in an authentic field placement context while engaging in lesson study with a facilitator and a classroom teacher.Materials and methods:This qualitative case study examined the specific lexical and indexical conversational components of lesson analysis meetings that afford or constrain elementary preservice teachers’ incidences of professionally noticing students’ mathematical thinking.Results:Results indicated that the facilitator supported preservice teachers to identify and provide evidence of student thinking through direct questioning and probing, allowing free discussion, modeling interpretations of student thinking by connecting student actions to broader mathematical education learning theory, and gesturing to explain mathematical concepts. Conversational components that constrained professional noticing included discussion of pedagogical procedures and longer talk segments by the facilitator or classroom teacher.Conclusions:These findings demonstrate that lesson study can support preservice teachers' professional noticing. The lexical and indexical inclusions in the lesson study analysis meetings encouraged discussion and connections to students’ learning. As demonstrated by the facilitator in our study, we suggest that facilitators pay close attention to the prompts they pose and how they model analysis of student thinking during lesson study analysis meetings.
Cervical Cancer Incidence and Mortality in Tbilis

According to the GLOBOCAN/IARC (2013) estimated 530 000 cases of cervical cancer incidence and 275 000 cervical cancer related deaths were registered worldwide in 2008. Epidemiological study on clarification of the burden of cervical cancer in Tbilisi has been carried out at the University of Georgia. Primary data on 3773 cases of cervical cancer incidence during the years 1998 2010 was obtained from the National Center for Disease Controland Public Health (NCDC) and National Statistics Office of Georgia (GEOSTAT) provided data on 5440 cancer related death cases in female population in Tbilisi during the years 2003 - 2007. Basing on descriptive data analyses, it was identified that the burden of cervical cancer in female population in Tbilisi, presents the important problem of medical and social character. Cervical cancer incidence rate in Tbilisi (ASR=37,0%000) correspondsto the average rate of incidence in the world developing countries and mortality rate caused by this disease (ASR=3,6%000)corresponds to the same level of the developed countries. Dynamics of the disease shows the increase of the cervical cancer incidence. During the study period, cervical cancer incidence rate has increased by 1.5 times (SRR) and 53.9 % (SIR). The peak level of cervical cancer incidence was registered in the age group 40-44. Cervical cancer was the sixth most common cause of death in the structure of cancer related deaths with the ratio 2.9 %of all cases. Recommendations have been developed basing on the results of the study.
Oxidative stress and inflammation in diabetic retinopathy and retinal vascular diseases: Modulation by Nrf2

I and oxidative stress play an important role in the development and progression of diabetic retinopathy and other retinal vascular diseases. These processes contribute significantly to retinal damage and dysfunction in these conditions, including vascular permeability, neuronal impairment, and capillary degeneration. It is therefore critical to gain further insights into the mechanisms governing oxidative stress and inflammation in the retina, as well as approaches for modulating these processes. The transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (also known as NFE2L2 or NRF2) is an important regulator of oxidative stress and also has anti-inflammatory effects. It is well-known to play a cytoprotective role in many tissues systemically, but its effects in the retina have been less clear. Our lab has shown that Nrf2 is expressed in the retina in multiple cell types. In order to determine the role of Nrf2, we are examining the effects of Nrf2 deficiency in mouse models of retinal vascular disease, including ischemia-reperfusion injury and diabetic retinopathy. We find that Nrf2 knockout mice (Nrf2 -/-) exhibit significant exacerbation of oxidative stress and inflammation in these models. In addition, Nrf2 knockout mice exhibit increase in pathological endpoints in these models, including retinal vascular permeability, neuronal impairment, and capillary degeneration. With systemic administration of a triterpenoid, we are able to activate Nrf2 in the retina and thereby ameliorate retinal damage. Together, this indicates that Nrf2 plays a protective role in the retina, and pharmacologic modulation of Nrf2 represents a potential therapeutic strategy for retinal vascular disease processes.
Growth of CsCe 2 Cl 7 and Cs 3 CeCl 6 utilizing the Bridgman method

We present progress on the growth of single crystals of Cs 3 CeCl 6 and CsCe 2 Cl 7 , two materials recently discovered to have good scintillation properties with light yields of 21,000 and 26,000 ph/MeV respectively. While still early in their development for potential use as X-ray and gamma-ray detectors, their growth as single crystals has been studied little, and in this work, we present growth of these materials using the vertical Bridgman method which has produced improved crystal size and quality over previous efforts from investigators in recent years.
Thyroid Hormone and Transcriptional Regulation in the Central Nervous System

Thyroid hormone (TH) is important in both the development and adult function of the central nervous system (CNS). In human development, lack of iodine or congenital abnormalities in TH production or action are known causes of mental retardation. TH action involves secretion of TH by the thyroid gland into the circulation, uptake of TH by target tissues, activation or inactivation of TH by deiodinase enzymes, binding of TH to nuclear receptors that act as ligand-regulated transcription factors, and regulation of expression of target genes. Several actions of TH in the CNS are discussed: regulation of glucose utilization, synaptic activity and oligodendrocyte differentiation; axonal and dendritic outgrowth; and differentiation of the visual and auditory systems.
Age is not a determinant factor in susceptibility of broilers to H5N2 clade 2.3.4.4 high pathogenicity avian influenza virus.

In 2014–2015, the US experienced an unprecedented outbreak of H5 clade 2.3.4.4 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus. The H5N2 HPAI virus outbreak in the Midwest in 2015 affected commercial turkey and layer farms, but not broiler farms. To assess any potential genetic resistance of broilers and/or age-related effects, we investigated the pathogenesis and transmission of A/turkey/Minnesota/12582/2015 (H5N2) (Tk/MN/15) virus in commercial 5-week-old broilers, 8-week-old broilers, and >30-week-old broiler breeders. The mean bird lethal dose (BLD50) was 5.0 log10 mean egg infectious dose (EID50) for all age groups. The mean death time (MDT) was statistically not different among the three age groups, ranging between 3.2 and 4.8 days. All broilers that became infected shed high levels of virus with transmission to contacts and demonstrated severe pathology. Mortality and virus shedding results indicated that age is not a determinant factor in susceptibility of broilers to H5N2 clade 2.3.4.4 HPAI virus. Previously, the Tk/MN/15 virus had a BLD50 of 3.6 log10 EID50 and MDT of 2 days in White Leghorn chickens and a BLD50 of 5.0 log10 EID50 and MDT of 5.9 days in turkeys, suggesting that the broiler breed is less susceptible to Midwestern H5N2 virus than the layer breed but similarly susceptible to turkeys. Therefore, genetic resistance of broilers to infection may have accounted only partially for the lack of affected broiler farms in the Midwestern outbreaks, with other contributing factors such as fewer outside to on farm exposure to contacts, type of production management system or enhanced biosecurity.
Against Financial Regulation Harmonization: A Comment

This comment is on a paper by Christian Kirchner and Wulf Kaal, which proposes a variety of post-financial crisis regulatory reforms under a common theme of minimizing “regulatory arbitrage.” The comment focuses on one of their proposals, hedge fund regulation, and then picks up on the theme of regulatory arbitrage to discuss a broader reform issue regarding financial regulatory architecture. I contend that the move to regulate hedge funds is misguided because hedge funds were not a cause of the recent crisis, nor are they likely to cause a future one. Rather, the regulatory response to hedge funds can best be understood in terms of the historical pattern of hostility to short sellers. I further contend that the post-crisis emphasis on regulatory consolidation and harmonization, which is a common legislative response following a crisis, is as misguided as the regulatory focus on hedge funds. In particular, in a regime of global harmonization, regulatory error can result in heightened systemic risk, as regulatory incentives lead financial institutions worldwide to adopt similar business strategies. When such strategies fail, they do so on a global basis, and can thereby precipitate a global financial crisis. Accordingly, regulatory arbitrage, a byproduct of regulatory diversity, provides a valuable, and little appreciated, hedge against systemic failure.
Early Development of Neonatal and Infant Behavior

To understand the behavior of the neonate, one must see it as adaptive. Not only is the newborn well-organized for survival, but for eliciting the nurturing necessary for his development. His dependency led, in the past, to the view that he was undifferentiated and poorly organized. An alternate view is that this very dependency requires that he is able to elicit nurturing from his environment. This demands that he have a set of organized and complex behaviors. Thus, if we are to look for the infant’s primary behavioral capabilities, we must look for them in his exchanges with the social environment. In that context he emerges as organized in the motor, perceptual, and emotional spheres, able to shape his environment and ready to be shaped by it (Als, 1975).
Skin resistance in relation to stimulus change and estrus in rats

Basal Skin Resistance (BRL) was measured in 6 male and 14 female rats during 25-min. periods in a monotonous stimulus environment on five successive days. The doors were opened during the 11th and 12th minutes and again at the end of the period, permitting assessment of the BRL response to stimulus change. Significant drops in resistance were seen in both males and females. The resting level BRL and the response to stimulus change appeared to vary with the stage of estrus in the females, but the obtained differences, except for response to stimulus change in one stage, failed to reach statistical significance.
Peptidoglycan Cross-Linking Preferences of Staphylococcus aureus Penicillin-Binding Proteins Have Implications for Treating MRSA Infections

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections are a global public health problem. MRSA strains have acquired a non-native penicillin-binding protein called PBP2a that cross-links peptidoglycan when the native S. aureus PBPs are inhibited by β-lactams. It has been proposed that the native S. aureus PBPs can use cell wall precursors having different glycine branch lengths (penta-, tri-, or monoglycine), while PBP2a can only cross-link peptidoglycan strands bearing a complete pentaglycine branch. This hypothesis has never been tested because the necessary substrates have not been available. Here, we compared the ability of PBP2a and two native S. aureus transpeptidases to cross-link peptidoglycan strands bearing different glycine branches. We show that purified PBP2a can cross-link glycan strands bearing penta- and triglycine, but not monoglycine, and experiments in cells provide support for these findings. Because PBP2a cannot cross-link peptidoglycan containing monoglycine, this study impli...
Marginalized zero-inflated generalized Poisson regression.

The generalized Poisson (GP) regression model has been used to model count data that exhibit over-dispersion or under-dispersion. The zero-inflated GP (ZIGP) regression model can additionally handle count data characterized by many zeros. However, the parameters of ZIGP model cannot easily be used for inference on overall exposure effects. In order to address this problem, a marginalized ZIGP is proposed to directly model the population marginal mean count. The parameters of the marginalized zero-inflated GP model are estimated by the method of maximum likelihood. The regression model is illustrated by three real-life data sets.
Ganglioglioma and Gangliocytoma

These are neuroepithelial tumors composed of mature neurons (gangliocytoma) or a mixed population of ganglion cells and glial cells (ganglioglioma). Well differentiated gangliocytomas are classified as WHO grade I while gangliogliomas may be classified as WHO grade I or II. Anaplastic ganglioglioma with a malignant glial component is classified as WHO grade III. Gangliogliomas and gangliocytomas may occur in all age groups but they are frequently seen in the young with a peak between the age of 10 and 30 years and representing about 0.4% of all tumors in the central nervous system.
When Enough Is Enough: Decision Criteria for Moving a Known Drug into Clinical Testing for a New Indication in the Absence of Preclinical Efficacy Data.

Abstract Many animal models of disease are suboptimal in their representation of human diseases and lack of predictive power in the success of pivotal human trials. In the context of repurposing dr...
Impact of resident participation on outcomes following lumbar fusion: An analysis of 5655 patients from the ACS-NSQIP database.

Abstract The role of resident involvement on patient safety, morbidity, and mortality in lumbar spinal surgery has been poorly defined in the literature. The objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between resident involvement in the operating room and 30-day complication rates in patients undergoing lumbar spinal fusion procedures. We used the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database to retrospectively identify all patients who underwent a lumbar spinal fusion from 2006 to 2013. A propensity score matching algorithm was employed to minimize baseline differences. Multivariate logistic regression analysis of unadjusted and propensity-matched groups was performed to examine the effect of resident participation on operative details and 30-day complication rates. A total of 5655 patients met the inclusion criteria and propensity score matching yielded 1965 well-matched pairs. Resident involvement in lumbar fusion procedures was not found to be a significant predictor for mortality or reoperation. It was found to be a significant predictor for increased hospital stay (matched non-resident 4.0 ± 5.8 days vs. resident 4.6 ± 4.3 days, p
Implications for Policy Design, Delivery, and Evaluation

From the perspective of developmental contextualism, policies—and the programs that do (or should) derive from them—merge (or, better, synthesize) basic and applied research. They represent the means through which ecologically valid interventions may be enacted. Evaluation of these interventions provides information, then, both about the adequacy of these “applied” endeavors and about “basic” theoretical issues of human development—about bases for the enhancement of the life courses of individuals, families, and communities (Lerner & Miller, 1993; Lerner, et al., 1994).
Making a Confident Diagnosis of Obliterative Bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) is a dreaded complication of lung transplantation. Despite the fact that over 50 % of lung transplant recipients will eventually be diagnosed with BOS, it remains a challenging diagnosis to make with complete certainty. This diagnostic dilemma is a product of the inherent limitations of spirometry, the parameter upon which the diagnosis relies, as well as the many confounding diagnoses that must be considered and excluded before the diagnosis of BOS can be made. This chapter seeks to explore the diagnostic challenges surrounding BOS with the aim of establishing a diagnostic framework to assist the clinician with making a more confident diagnosis of BOS.
Resources and Environment: Contingent Valuation

Contingent valuation (CV) is a survey-based approach to putting an economic value on goods that are not ordinarily bought and sold in the marketplace. It is frequently used in benefit–cost analyses of environmental amenities ranging from clean water and wildness areas to health risks and outdoor recreation. CV is generally the only technique available for measuring what has been termed existence or passive use values. Passive use values can be present if the person does not use or visit the environmental amenity. There has been a large ongoing debate with respect to the use of CV. Some of these issues are technical and are related to microeconomic theory and survey design considerations. On these issues there has been considerable progress and a wide range of empirical tests have been conducted. Other issues are more philosophical in nature and often reflect the large difference that inclusion of passive use values can make in a benefit–cost or damage assessment.
Immune cell profiles in response to silver nanoparticles associated with medical devices (P3357)

Silver nanomaterials are increasingly being used as antimicrobial agents in medical devices, yet their effects on immunocompetence are unclear. This study investigated modulation of immune cell profiles and cell activation by exposure to silver nanoparticles (AgNP). Mice were injected iv (each day for 2 d) with 66 or 300 µg of either 20 or 110 nm AgNP (or sodium citrate) and sacrificed 1 d later. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that injection of 66 µg of 20 nm AgNP increased Th2 cells and decreased effector memory cells, while exposure to the same dose of larger-sized AgNP had no effect on numbers of CD3+,CD4+, Th1, Th2, Th17 cells, CD4/CD8 ratio, or total memory/naive/central memory/effector memory cells compared to controls. At 300 µg, 20 nm AgNP significantly decreased the number of naive CD4+ cells and CD3+CD4- cells (i.e., cytotoxic T cells), while increasing central memory cells, activated central memory cells, effector memory cells, activated effector memory cells, total memory cells, and natural killer cells. A somewhat different cell profile was observed following exposure to the same dose of 110 nm AgNP including an increase in activated CD11c+ cells (macrophages). Taken together, these data indicate that systemic AgNP exposure can modulate the immune system in a dose-dependent manner, with smaller size particles leading to more drastic effects. Overall, these studies have policy implications and demonstrate the need for protecting already vulnerable individuals.
Alkyl Radical Addition to Aliphatic and Aromatic N-Acylhydrazones Using an Organic Photoredox Catalyst.

Increased versatility of intermolecular radical addition to imino acceptors via photoredox catalysis is reported. Primary and secondary radicals, generated via visible-light photocatalysis from alk...
Attending Code Status Discussions at Admission

Authors’ reply—We thank Dr. Brauner and colleagues for their response to our article, and agree that discussions in which providers aim to convince patients to accept a DNR order are troublesome from both autonomy and physician–patient relationship perspectives. These discussions must instead be designed to ensure that code status be based on patients’ goals and values. Thus, physicians must be willing to recommend that seriously ill patients receive CPR, if consistent with their goals and values. Further, though physicians should recommend attempting or withholding CPR based on patients’ prognosis, goals and values, patients must retain the ability to refuse physicians’ recommendations. Regarding the concern about singling out seriously ill patients for code status discussions, our intent is to target individuals who are most at risk for having the indication for a therapy—in this case CPR—so that their goals and values can inform whether they receive the therapy. Aversion to planning one’s own death is certainly a barrier to discussing and making decisions about life-sustaining therapies1. We understand that in response, some advocate making DNR, rather than CPR, the default, given the procedure’s low success rate, especially in seriously ill patients. However, we feel that changing the default status of CPR presents a serious challenge to patients’ autonomy. In addition, selecting a subset of patients to be DNR presents significant logistical difficulties, given physicians’ inability to predict outcomes of CPR2, and the not insignificant percentage of seriously ill patients who survive CPR3. Thus, as the alternative to CPR is certain death, and some patients find the achievable outcomes of CPR acceptable, we feel that patients should retain the right to decide about CPR, and that these decisions continue to be made in the context of physician–patient discussions. We feel that discussing overall prognosis, with the patient’s permission, is an important frame for CPR discussions with seriously ill patients, so long as patients can freely choose CPR4. Research indicates that physician-patient discussions about end-of-life issues and better understanding of prognosis are associated with decreased use of life-sustaining therapies, as well as better quality of life near the end of life for patients and their families5. However, the goal of discussing prognosis must not be to achieve a DNR order, but instead to ensure that treatments are best matched to patients' goals.
Deep learning in mental health outcome research: a scoping review

Mental illnesses, such as depression, are highly prevalent and have been shown to impact an individual's physical health. Recently, artificial intelligence (AI) methods have been introduced to assist mental health providers, including psychiatrists and psychologists, for decision-making based on patients' historical data (e.g., medical records, behavioral data, social media usage, etc.). Deep learning (DL), as one of the most recent generation of AI technologies, has demonstrated superior performance in many real-world applications ranging from computer vision to healthcare. The goal of this study is to review existing research on applications of DL algorithms in mental health outcome research. Specifically, we first briefly overview the state-of-the-art DL techniques. Then we review the literature relevant to DL applications in mental health outcomes. According to the application scenarios, we categorize these relevant articles into four groups: diagnosis and prognosis based on clinical data, analysis of genetics and genomics data for understanding mental health conditions, vocal and visual expression data analysis for disease detection, and estimation of risk of mental illness using social media data. Finally, we discuss challenges in using DL algorithms to improve our understanding of mental health conditions and suggest several promising directions for their applications in improving mental health diagnosis and treatment.
Detection of Chinese stock market bubbles with LPPLS confidence indicator

Abstract We present an advance bubble detection methodology based on the Log Periodic Power Law Singularity (LPPLS) confidence indicator for the early causal identifications of positive and negative bubbles in the Chinese stock market using the daily data on the Shanghai Shenzhen CSI 300 stock market index from January 2002 through April 2018. We account for the damping condition of the LPPLS model in the search space and implement the stricter filter conditions for the qualification of the valid LPPLS fits by considering the maximum relative error, performing the Lomb log-periodic test of the detrended residual, and the unit-root tests of the logarithmic residual based on both the Phillips–Perron test and the Dickey–Fuller test to improve the performance of the LPPLS confidence indicator. Our analysis shows that with forward prediction, the LPPLS detection strategy based on the LPPLS confidence indicator can diagnose both the positive and the negative bubbles corresponding to well-known historical events, demonstrating its outstanding performance to foretell the bubbles in advance. We find that the probability density distribution of the estimated beginning time of bubbles appears to be skewed and the mass of the distribution is concentrated on the area where the price starts to have an obvious super-exponential growth. This study is the first work in literature that identifies the existence of bubbles in the Chinese stock market using the daily data of CSI 300 index with the advance bubble detection methodology of the LPPLS confidence indicator. By forecasting the prospective positive and negative bubbles and their impending crashes ahead of time, one can potentially help limit the bubble sizes and eventually minimize the damages from the bubble crashes.
Evaluating the efficacy of peracetic acid on Salmonella and Campylobacter on chicken wings at various pH levels.

Abstract Peracetic acid (PAA) is commonly used as an antimicrobial aid during poultry processing to reduce the pathogen load on poultry and poultry products. However, limited research is available on the effects of pH on the efficacy of PAA against Salmonella and Campylobacter. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of PAA in reducing Salmonella and Campylobacter populations on chicken wings adjusted to various pH levels. Chicken wings (0.454 kg each) were inoculated with nalidixic acid–resistant (200 ppm) Salmonella Typhimurium (∼7 log10 cfu/mL) and gentamicin-resistant (200 ppm) Campylobacter coli (∼6–7 log10 cfu/mL). Inoculated wings were treated with PAA by immersion for 10 s or 60 min at 4°C to 6°C. The treatments included 50 ppm (0.005%) and 500 ppm (0.05%) PAA at 3 pH levels (8.2, 10, and 11) or sodium hydroxide (NaOH, pH 11). Surviving populations of Salmonella and Campylobacter were determined by sampling the chicken wings after treatments. Irrespective of concentration and pH of PAA, higher (P ≤ 0.05) reductions of Salmonella were observed subsequent to 60 min exposure as compared with 10 s of immersion. Immersion time and the higher pH of antimicrobial solutions did not affect (P > 0.05) the antimicrobial efficacy of PAA (50 or 500 ppm) against Campylobacter. The antimicrobial efficacy of PAA was not affected by pH of the antimicrobial solutions, and longer exposure time and higher PAA concentrations improve the antimicrobial efficacy.
Predicting Criticality in COVID-19 Patients

The COVID-19 pandemic has infected millions of people around the world, spreading rapidly and causing a flood of patients that risk overwhelming clinical facilities. Whether in urban or rural areas, hospitals have limited resources and personnel to treat critical infections in intensive care units, which must be allocated effectively. To assist clinical staff in deciding which patients are in the greatest need of critical care, we develop a predictive model based on a publicly-available data set that is rich in clinical markers. We perform statistical analysis to determine which clinical markers strongly correlate with hospital admission, semi-intensive care, and intensive care for COVID-19 patients. We create a predictive model that will assist clinical personnel in determining COVID-19 patient prognosis. Additionally, we take a step towards a global framework for COVID-19 prognosis prediction by incorporating statistical data for geographically and ethnically diverse COVID--19 patient sets into our own model. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first model which does not exclusively utilize local data.
Associations of behavioral problems and white matter properties of the cerebellar peduncles in boys and girls born full term and preterm

ABSTRACT Accumulating evidence suggests that the role of cerebellum includes regulation of behaviors; Cerebellar impairment may lead to behavioral problems. Behavioral problems differ by sex: internalizing problems are more common in girls, externalizing problems in boys. Behavioral problems are also elevated in children born preterm (PT) compared to children born full-term (FT). The current study examined internalizing and externalizing problems in 8-year-old children in relation to sex, birth-group, FA of the cerebellar peduncles, and interactions among these predictor variables. Participants (N=78) were 44 boys (28 PT) and 34 girls (15 PT). We assessed behavioral problems via standardized parent-reports and FA of the cerebellar peduncles using deterministic tractography. Internalizing problems were higher in children born PT compared to children born FT (p=.032); the interaction of sex and birth-group was significant (p=.044). When considering the contribution of the mean-tract FA of cerebellar peduncles to behavioral problems, there was a significant interaction of sex and mean-tract FA of the ICP with internalizing problems; the slope was negative in girls (p=.020) but not boys. In boys, internalizing problems were only associated with mean-tract FA ICP in those born preterm (p=.010). We found no other significant associations contributing to internalizing or externalizing problems. Thus, we found sexual dimorphism and birth-group differences in the association of white matter metrics of the ICP and internalizing problems in school-aged children. The findings inform theories of the origins of internalizing behavioral problems in middle childhood and may suggest approaches to treatment at school age.
Early versus late enteral nutrition in critically ill patients receiving vasopressor support

BACKGROUND Outcomes of early enteral nutrition (EEN) in critically ill patients on vasoactive medications remain unclear. We aimed to compare in-hospital outcomes for EEN vs late EN (LEN) in mechanically ventilated patients receiving vasopressor support. METHODS This was a retrospective study using the national eICU Collaborative Research Database. Adult patients requiring vasopressor support and mechanical ventilation within 24 h of admission and for ≥2 days were included. Patients with an admission diagnosis that could constitute a contraindication for EEN (eg, gastrointestinal [GI] perforation, GI surgery) and patients with an intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS) <72 h were excluded. EEN and LEN were defined as tube feeding within 48 h and between 48 h and 1 week (nothing by mouth during the first 48 h) of admission, respectively. Propensity score matching was performed to derive two cohorts receiving EEN and LEN that were comparable for baseline patient characteristics. RESULTS Among 1701 patients who met the inclusion criteria (EEN: 1001, LEN: 700), 1148 were included in propensity score-matched cohorts (EEN: 574, LEN: 574). Median time to EN was 29 vs 79 h from admission in the EEN and LEN groups, respectively. There was no significant difference in mortality or hospital LOS between the two nutrition strategies. EEN was associated with shorter ICU LOS, lower need for renal replacement therapy, and lower incidence of electrolyte abnormalities. CONCLUSION This study showed no difference in 28-day mortality between EEN and LEN in critically ill patients receiving vasopressor support.
Molecular and Kinetic Characteristics

Ornithine transcarbamylase has been isolated and purified partially or extensively from five mammalian livers: human(89–91), rat(93–96), beef,(97–99), pig(100) and dolphin (Stenella)(101) where OTC serves for detoxification of ammonia by the urea (ornithine) cycle. Urea synthesis and OTC activity occurs in a wide spectrum of vertebrate species for various reasons: amphibians after metamorphosis from the ammoniatelic state(102,103); turtles and tortoises for ammonia detoxification(103,104); sharks, rays, skates, Chimaera and coelacanths using urea as an osmolyte(104,105); a gobiid fish (Mugilogobius abei)(710) and an estivating lungfish for ammonia detoxification(106); toadfish using urea for nitrogen cycling between liver and gut(104); and for ammonia detoxification some teleost fish embryos and larvae (rainbow trout, cod(107), freshwater, air-breathing teleosts(108) and a tilapia fish living in an alkali lake(109). OTC activity has been detected in many species of mammals in addition to those noted above(102). Some hibernating mammals use the urea cycle to recycle nitrogen between liver and gut(104). Although birds excrete waste nitrogen as uric acid, the chicken kidney contains OTC for unknown reasons(110). Non-vertebrates which have a functioning urea cycle and OTC include earthworms and land planarians(111). A number of higher plant species as well as blue-green algae(112) contain OTC.
Computing the Value of a Boolean Expression with Interval Inputs is NP-Hard

To make an expert system work, we must store the statements that comprise expert knowledge. These statements usually have a degree of uncertainty associated with them, and these degrees of uncertainty are naturally described by intervals (sub-intervals of the interval [0, 1]). When we ask a query that is a logical combination of the statements stored in the system, we must, therefore, use interval computations to compute its resulting degree of certainty. In this paper, we prove that in general, computing these degrees of belief is intractable (NP-hard).
Impact of die sensing on CPU power delivery

This study is regarding power delivery to a desktop microprocessor. It shows the advantages and disadvantages of sensing the feedback signals of the voltage regulator at the silicon die of the CPU, compared to the current method of sensing it at the socket. The main advantage is that the response time of the voltage regulator is improved, without increasing the bandwidth of the feedback loop. The down side is that the tolerance band of the voltage regulator increases. In most cases the net benefit of die sensing is positive, resulting in increased microprocessor performance at no additional cost. Simulated and measured results are presented.
A Free Financial Calculator

Yan (2012) calls for an internet connected financial calculator. The reality is that many finance professors are still teaching our students how to use a financial calculator. For those professors and students, I wrote my financial calculator during my last winter break. Yes, I WROTE a calculator which could be downloaded at no cost. The advantages of my financial calculator include: free, easy to use, examples are offered, same formulae as shown in the textbooks, easy to solve cases with multiple IRRs and conversion between APRs.
Thermo-Hydraulic Analysis of Superconducting Toroidal-Field Magnets for the Tokamak Physics Experiment

The superconducting magnets in Fusion Reactors are subjected to pulsed, nuclear, and resistive heating. The thermo-hydraulic response of the helium forced-flow cooled conductors to the various heat sources is critical to magnet design and performance. Recently developed computer codes allow accurate modeling of conductor response and have been used as an aid to design of the toroidal field (TF) magnets for the Tokamak Physics eXperiment (TPX). We present results of design studies that determine the trade-off between double-and single-pancake helium flow configurations, the minimum-temperature margin, and the stability against rapid heat input. The results guide the choice and design of the liquid helium refrigerator.
‘Mafia Baroque’: post‐socialist architecture and urban planning in Bulgaria

This paper traces the reception of the architectural style known as ‘Mafia Baroque’ within the professions of architecture and urban planning in Bulgaria. The debate within these professions was strongly linked to the general decline of power among former intellectual elites and the specific decline of architects and planners, who were sidelined as arbiters of ‘good taste’ and disempowered as regulators of urban growth. The reaction to this style also highlights the rise in public concern over corruption and organized crime and dissatisfaction with post-socialist urbanization. This paper chronicles the extent of changes in construction and regulation in Bulgaria during the 1990s and argues that planners and architects were challenged not only by their professional marginalization but also by a deeper embarrassment over cultural change. It then relates this debate to broader post-socialist anxieties over insufficient regulation of urbanization and fear of failing to meet Western European goals for economic and political change.
Stability of irinotecan hydrochloride in aqueous solutions

The stability of irinotecan after reconstitution in several vehicles for i.v. infusion was studied. Irinotecan hydrochloride injection was diluted in phosphate buffer solution (pH 4.0, 6.0, and 7.4), 5% dextrose injection, and 0.9% sodium chloride injection to a final concentration of 20 micrograms/mL. The solutions were stored at 25, 37, and 50 degrees C and assayed at intervals up to 24 hours by high-performance liquid chromatography for the concentration of the lactone form of irinotecan remaining. The effect of temperature and pH on the extent and rate of degradation of irinotecan was determined. The hydrolysis of irinotecan to its carboxylate form was reversible. The rate and extent of hydrolysis increased with increasing pH. The use of a weakly acidic vehicle, such as 5% dextrose injection, for reconstitution of irinotecan may maintain the drug's stability prior to administration.
Dramas and Texts: The Anthropology of Victor Turner

Victor Turner. On the Edge of the Bush: Anthropology as Experience. Tucson, Arizona: The University of Arizona Press. 327 pp. $29-95 (cloth).
Multiple polyps of the buccal mucous membrane

Abstract A case is reported in which multiple papillary excrescences occurred on the buccal mucous membranes. The white, flattened tumors were so numerous as to appear confluent, but on close examination were each seen to have a broad pedunculated base. The tumors were characterized histologically by acanthosis, parakeratosis, and vacuolization of epithelial cells. There was no ulceration of these lesions, or other evidence of neoplastic degeneration.
An Attempt to Physiologically Discriminate Imagined Withdrawal and High States in Narcotic Addicts under Treatment

Pupil size was continuously monitored during responses to a set of taped instructions which asked a group of 20 addicts under treatment, in a counterbalanced design, to think about withdrawal, and to think about a drug-high. The results indicated that there were no differences in responses to the two imagined states. A number of possible interpretations of the results are offered. One of the more promising of these suggests that addicts may not be able to reconstruct the affective components of their drug experience to the same extent that nonad-dicts are able to recreate their life experiences. Suggestions for the direction of further research are made.
Studies with 1,1′-Ethylidenebis(tryptophan), a Contaminant Associated with L-Tryptophan Implicated in the Eosinophilia-Myalgia Syndrome

L-Tryptophan binds to a rat liver nuclear envelope protein, and this binding is saturable, stereospecific, and of high affinity. Utilizing an in vitro assay of [3H]tryptophan binding to rat hepatic nuclear envelopes, we have previously determined that the L-tryptophan obtained from Showa Denko and which was implicated in cases of the eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS) inhibited [3H]tryptophan binding differently than did control L-tryptophan (not implicated in EMS). Therefore, in this study we investigated whether the addition of 1,1'-ethylidenebis(tryptophan) (EBT), a contaminant or impurity in L-tryptophan implicated in EMS, would have an effect. Our results indicate that EBT alone has little inhibitory binding effect compared with that of control L-tryptophan and that when EBT was added to control L-tryptophan the inhibitory binding effort was similar to that of control L-tryptophan alone. On the other hand, in vitro addition of EBT plus L-tryptophan to nuclei of cultured murine macrophages (WLG5) results in less inhibition of [3H]-tryptophan binding than does addition of L-tryptophan alone. Similar in vitro additions to nuclei of rat brain reveal little effect on binding, as was also the case for hepatic nuclear envelopes. Adding EBT to an in vitro hepatic protein synthesis system and measuring [3H]tryptophan incorporation into acid-precipitable proteins reveal that it competes similarly to that found with equimolar concentrations of unlabeled L-tryptophan. It does not affect [14C]leucine incorporation into proteins. [14C]EBT becomes incorporated in vitro into proteins (acid-precipitable), and this incorporation is diminished in the presence of equimolar concentrations of unlabeled EBT or L-tryptophan. This suggests that EBT or possibly a breakdown product becomes incorporated into proteins. Speculation as to how EBT may affect tissues in experimental animals is presented.
Interface cracking between functionally graded coatings and a substrate under antiplane shear

Abstract Coating technology plays a significant role in a number of applications such as high temperatures, corrosion, oxidation, wear, and interface. In this paper, we investigate the interface cracking between ceramic and/or functionally graded coatings (FGM coatings) and a substrate under antiplane shear. Four coating models are considered, namely single layered homogeneous coating, double layered piece-wise homogeneous coating, single layered FGM coating and double layered coating with an FGM bottom coat. Mode III stress intensity factors (SIFs) are calculated for the different coating models. In the case of μL > μ0 where μ0 is the shear modulus of the substrate and μL the shear modulus of the material at the surface of the coating, it is found that the single layered FGM coating reduces SIF slightly, whereas the coating system with a top homogeneous layer and a thin FGM bottom layer reduces SIF significantly. In the case of μL