cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reduction of spin diffusion artifacts from 2D zfr-INADEQUATE MAS NMR spectra

Abstract The primary shortcoming of the z-filtered refocused INADEQUATE MAS NMR pulse sequence is the possibility of artifacts introduced during the z-filter due to spin diffusion where by extra peaks in the single-quantum dimension (from other sites in the molecule) appear correlated with a given double-quantum frequency. This is a problem when the spinning speeds are too slow (less than 15 kHz) to sufficiently average the proton–proton homonuclear dipolar couplings. This would be especially important when working with large volume rotors that are difficult to spin fast enough to completely average the homonuclear couplings. In our experiments we used the frequency-switched Lee–Goldberg (FSLG) method of homonuclear decoupling during the z-filter to remove the artifact peaks. This method has the advantage of being quite easy to setup and implement on most modern NMR spectrometers.
An Analog Light Scattering Experiment of Hexagonal Icelike Particles. Part II: Experimental and Theoretical Results

Abstract The scattering properties of hexagonal icelike crystals as measured in the analog manner by the experimental apparatus described in Part I are presented. The crystals are made out of sodium fluoride (NaF), which has an index of refraction similar to that of water ice. The experimentally determined light intensities scattered from fixed and integrated random orientations of a NaF hexagonal crystal, oriented to produce a two-dimensional scattering profile, compares favorably to the expectations derived from geometric ray tracing methods. Also, the three-dimensional scattering properties of a simulated NaF Parry column, a NaF crystal aggregate, and a NaF plate with a rough surface are compared to results computed from the geometric ray tracing approach. From these comparisons the authors conclude that within the experimental measurement uncertainties and to the degree in which the NaF crystal models approach the geometric and optical ideal, the geometric ray tracing approach is an excellent method t...
An adaptive model for gas–liquid mass transfer in a Taylor vortex reactor

Abstract Gas–liquid Taylor–Couette flow devices have attracted interest for use as chemical and biological reactors, and consequently the accurate prediction of interphase mass transfer coefficients is crucial for their design and optimization. However, gas–liquid mass transport in these systems depends on many factors such as the local velocity field, turbulent energy dissipation rate, and the spatial distribution and size of bubbles, which in turn have complicated dependencies on process, geometric, and hydrodynamic parameters. Here we overcome these problems by employing a recently developed and validated Eulerian two-phase CFD model to compute local values of the mass transfer coefficient based upon the Higbie theory. This approach requires good estimates for mass transfer exposure times, and these are obtained by using a novel approach that automatically selects the appropriate expression (either the penetration model or eddy cell model) based upon local flow conditions. By comparing the simulation predictions with data from corresponding oxygen mass transfer experiments, it is demonstrated that this adaptive mass transfer model provides an excellent description for both the local and global mass transfer of oxygen in a semibatch gas–liquid Taylor–Couette reactor for a wide range of azimuthal Reynolds numbers and axial gas flow rates.
Transforming memory systems: Optimizing for client value on emerging workloads

Computing systems are increasingly being transformed to better satisfy the demands of cloud computing, Big Data, and deep, sophisticated analytics applications. These applications are driving an explosion in volume of data, acceleration of the rate at which this data must be consumed, and an increase in the diversity of sources of data. Memory system architectures and designs are perhaps most affected by these changes in computing applications. The disruptive trends resulting from these new application spaces lead to significant capacity, power, and cost pressures on computing systems. These trends will lead to changes in traditional memory technologies and memory systems and represent an opportunity of new memory technologies and organizations. Storage class memory is particularly suited to a significant set of these application spaces.
Phentermine Interference and High l-Methamphetamine Concentration Problems in GC–EI-MS SIM Analyses of R-(−)-α-Methoxy-α-(Trifluoromethyl)Phenylacetyl Chloride-Derivatized Amphetamines and Methamphetamines

In order to achieve chromatographic separation, urine samples shown to be initially positive for amphetamines and methamphetamines in US Department of Defense immunoassays are derivatized with R-(-)-α-methoxy-α-(trifluoromethyl)phenylacetyl chloride (R-(-)-MTPA) prior to gas chromatography-electron impact-mass spectrometry (GC-EI-MS) analysis. Phentermine, a member of the phenethylamine class of drugs and a common appetite suppressant, interferes with GC-EI-MS assays of R-(-)-MTPA-derivatized d-amphetamine, degrading the chromatography of the internal standard and analyte ions and skewing concentration calculations. Additionally, when specimens with high concentrations of l-methamphetamine are derivatized with R-(-)-MTPA, signal peaks have the potential to be misidentified by integration software as d-methamphetamine. We have found that replacing R-(-) MTPA with (S)-(+)-α-methoxy-α-(trifluoromethyl)phenylacetyl chloride reduces phentermine interference problems related to internal standard chromatography, reduces the possibility of concentrated l-methamphetamine peaks being misidentified by integration software, improves resolution of d-methamphetamine in the presence of high l-methamphetamine concentrations, and is a cost-neutral change that can be applied to current amphetamines GC-EI-MS methods without the need for method modification.
Calosoma sayi and Labidura riparia Predation on Noctuid Prey in Soybeans and Locomotor Activity

Observations of predatory behavior of a carabid beetle, Calosoma sayi Dejean, and the striped earwig, Labidura riparia (Pallas), were carried out in soybean fields and the functional responses of adult females of each species to noctuid prey were studied in laboratory and field experiments. Each C. sayi female consumed ca. 1–3 noctuid pupae each day regardless of numbers available, but consumed more small pupae than large ones. C. sayi preyed upon 0.95±0.23 to 15.20±3.67 Anticarsia gemmatalis Hubner larvae daily when 1–20 hosts were available, respectively. Pupae on the soil surface and in the soybean canopy were attacked without bias. Adult C. sayi were crepuscular in their locomotor activity and their larvae were active only during daylight. L. riparia consumed ca. 2 noctuid pupae/day and were not inhibited by the presence of the silk cocoon covering the pupae of soybean loopers ( Pseudoplusia includens (Walker)). When from 5–100 soybean looper larvae were available daily, L. riparia attacked 4.51±0.96 to 37.93±16.68, respectively.
Progress towards a strontium single-ion optical clock with mHz uncertainty

The strontium ion clock developed at the National Research Council of Canada has reached an uncertainty level of 5 mHz in recent years. This low level of uncertainty was achieved in great part by using methods that harness specific properties of the clock transition that allow either a very high level of cancellation or a strong suppression of frequency shifts that would otherwise dominate the uncertainty budget. The shifts controlled by these methods are the electric quadrupole shift, the tensor Stark shifts, and the micromotion shifts. With these methods in place, the main limitation to the accuracy of the clock transition frequency is the uncertainty in the evaluation of blackbody radiation (BBR) field. In this paper, we review the methods used to control the shifts to the 5 mHz level and present our plans for the evaluation of the BBR field that is expected to reduce the total uncertainty to the mHz level.
Maternal obesity and prenatal programming

Obesity is a significant and increasing public health concern in the United States and worldwide. Clinical and epidemiological evidence clearly shows that genetic and environmental factors contribute to the increased susceptibility of humans to obesity and its associated comorbidities; the interplay of these factors is explained by the concept of epigenetics. The impact of maternal obesity goes beyond the newborn period; fetal programming during the critical window of pregnancy, can have long term detrimental effects on the offspring as well as future generations. Emerging evidence is uncovering a link between the clinical and molecular findings in the offspring with epigenetic changes in the setting of maternal obesity. Research targeted towards reducing the transgenerational propagation and developmental programming of obesity is vital in reducing the increasing rates of disease.
Toward a New Value Standard in Economics

The reason for considering the ‘practical and political implications of different views on value theory’ is to further economic progress broadly speaking by furthering economic knowledge. Ultimately, better economic policy and practice awaits better economic theory, method, and philosophy. Such progress revolves around the radical notion of demystification, so I will focus on value theory in relation to that task.
Vortices in Saturn's Northern Hemisphere (2008-2015) Observed by Cassini ISS.

We use observations from the Imaging Science Subsystem on Cassini to create maps of Saturn's Northern Hemisphere (NH) from 2008 to 2015, a time period including a seasonal transition (i.e., Spring Equinox in 2009) and the 2010 giant storm. The processed maps are used to investigate vortices in the NH during the period of 2008-2015. All recorded vortices have diameters (east-west) smaller than 6000 km except for the largest vortex that developed from the 2010 giant storm. The largest vortex decreased its diameter from ~ 11000 km in 2011 to ~ 5000 km in 2015, and its average diameter is ~ 6500 km during the period of 2011-2015. The largest vortex lasts at least 4 years, which is much longer than the lifetimes of most vortices (less than 1 year). The largest vortex drifts to north, which can be explained by the beta drift effect. The number of vortices displays varying behaviors in the meridional direction, in which the 2010 giant storm significantly affects the generation and development of vortices in the middle latitudes (25°-45°N). In the higher latitudes (45°-90°N), the number of vortices also displays strong temporal variations. The solar flux and the internal heat do not directly contribute to the vortex activities, leaving the temporal variations of vortices in the higher latitudes (45°-90°N) unexplained.
Author’s reply to Fisken

Fisken is right to highlight that older people living with frailty, dementia, or complex needs can struggle at home and are often at risk of serial re-admission to hospital because they need more support.1 2 He is also right to raise the key role of carers, around …
Solidarity and sweat equity : for reciprocal food justice research

Researchers committed to food justice often enter communities and nonprofits with a desire to help. They often think there is a scarcity, such as food, that they want to understand and help to increase. At the same time, research obligations may lead to extracting "findings" without advancing food justice. Such actions may unintentionally work against food justice, especially the goal of dismantling structural inequalities and advancing social equity. This commentary chronicles the ongoing and incomplete process by which I have carried out food justice research and worked toward food justice. In short, reciprocal research requires working with, not for, organizations and communities. This entails ongoing acts of solidarity. One way to express this is through flexibility with research goals in order to tailor all or parts of one's project to answer questions that increase understanding of how to challenge structural inequalities and advance social equity. Relatedly, openness to how food justice activists and organizations confront the food movement and society more broadly to address whiteness, privilege, racial inequality, and notions of diversity can enrich critical social science. Of equal importance is sweat equity. Most food justice activists and organizations have few resources and cannot serve the whims of researchers. Therefore, providing labor is an important allied act. This increases the researchers' empathy with activists, organizations, and communities, and creates opportunities to build trust and dissolve social boundaries. To enter into a situation that deepens our knowledge of the food justice movement and advances food justice requires solidarity and sweat equity.
An in vitro model for oral cancer progression: Transformation of the oral keratinocyte cell line (MSK Leuk1) by benzopyrene-7,8-dihydrodiol-9,10-epoxide

788 Leukoplakia is a highly prevalent premalignant disease state of the oral cavity with a relatively high tumorigenic potential. MSK Leuk1 is an oral keratinocyte cell line spontaneously-derived from an oral leukoplakia lesion that exhibits an immortalized but non-tumorigenic phenotype. In an attempt to obtain an in vitro model for oral cancer progression from leukoplakia to oral cancer, MSK Leuk1 cells were treated with benzo[a]pyrene (BaP)- 7,8-diol-9,10-epoxide (BPDE), the ultimate carcinogenic metabolite of BaP, a potent and abundant tobacco smoke carcinogen. MSK Leuk1 cells were exposed to titrated doses of BPDE (0.2 through 1.6 μM) for up to 8 hours of treatment. BPDE-treated cells were then continuously sub-cultured and tested for neoplastic transformation as determined by anchorage-independent growth in semisolid agar (0.3% Noble soft agar with DMEM/F-12 medium) in colony formation assays. In addition, morphologic alterations, growth rates and foci formation were monitored in regular culture medium. BPDE-treated but not vehicle-treated MSK Leuk1 cells formed colonies after growth in soft agar, with the colony forming efficiency of BPDE-treated cells increasing in a dose-dependent manner. Similarly, foci formation was observed for BPDE-treated but not vehicle-treated MSK Leuk1 cells, with the foci-forming efficiency of BPDE-treated cells increasing in a dose-dependent manner. BPDE (1.6 uM)-treated cells had a growth rate that was significantly (p
Energy and power considerations of GPUs

This chapter discusses the impact of different algorithm implementations, program inputs, core and memory clock frequencies, and source-code optimizations on the energy consumption, power draw, and performance of a modern compute GPU. We distinguish between memory- and compute-bound codes as well as regular and irregular codes and point out behavioral differences between these classes of programs. We present examples of software approaches to alter the energy, power, and runtime of GPU kernels and explain how they can be employed by the end user to improve energy efficiency.
Nonlinear Optical Imaging of Melanin Species using Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering (CARS) and Sum-Frequency Absorption (SFA) Microscopy

Skin pigmentation correlates with melanoma incidence, and melanin subtypes are known to play key roles in melanoma pathogenesis. Here, we propose the use of CARS and SFA microscopy to selectively visualize melanins in live cells.The annual global incidence of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, exceeds 232,000 cases worldwide, resulting in over 55,000 deaths. It has long been known that skin pigmentation strongly correlates with skin cancer incidence and, in the specific case of melanoma, carcinogenesis may in fact arise independently of ultraviolet irradiation. Indeed, the ultraviolet-radiation-independent pathway to melanoma pathogenesis is thought to be largely mediated by pheomelanin – the red/blond melanin subtype. Other studies have also shown that some resistant melanoma cell lines can overcome administration of drugs by increasing melanin production and thereby sequestering therapeutics in melanosomes, the organelles responsible for melanin production bound for cellular export. In order to further study melanoma pathogenesis and therapeutic resistance, novel imaging modalities to selectively image melanin subtypes have been developed: on one hand, coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy can uniquely identify pheomelanin, while on the other, sum-frequency absorption (SFA) microscopy can be used to visualize total melanin distribution.
Preparation of Musts and Juice

The natural variation in almost every aspect of grape composition is a major feature of wines and is the cause of the seasonal, varietal, and regional differences that they display. The application of scientific understanding to the production of the best possible wines requires that we take steps to protect the most desirable components of the juice, sometimes by intervening with natural reactions and sometimes to overcome natural deficiencies or imbalances that exist by nutrient additions and physical treatments.
Legalized marijuana: Language-associated knowledge of laws and risk perceptions among Latinos

This study examines the extent to which knowledge of recreational marijuana laws, health effects, and perceptions of risk for marijuana use differ between Spanish- and English-speaking Latino survey respondents from a registry of Colorado adults. Spanish-speaking Latino respondents (n = 47) had less accurate knowledge of laws permitting use of marijuana than English-speaking Latino respondents (n = 154), while reporting greater agreement with negative health effects and higher perception of risk associated with marijuana use. The results suggest that efforts to communicate health and informational messaging to the public about legalized marijuana should consider linguistic variations when tailoring campaigns for Latino audiences.
Student’s Perceptions of School Safety: It Is Not Just About Being Bullied:

This study examined the relationship of students' perceptions of school safety and school avoidance related to feeling unsafe with predictor variables: bullying victimization, student/teacher/parent/administration relations, rule clarity and consistency, school physical environment (negative and positive), and student's belongingness. In a public high school sample ( n = 585), 24.7% of students felt unsafe and 14.4% avoided school due to feeling unsafe during the past month. Being female and experiencing bullying was associated with feeling unsafe. However, after accounting for demographics and bullying victimization, perceptions of safety increased when students reported positive student and teacher relations, consistent rules, a clean school that is also crowded/noisy, and a sense of school belonging. Avoiding school because of safety concerns was related to decreased school belonging and teacher/student relationships, but not bullying. Focusing on enhancing the school climate/environment, facilitating student belongingness, and reducing bullying are ways school nurses can help promote safer schools.
Oral ivermectin for the treatment of head lice infestation.

Purpose Published literature describing the use of oral ivermectin for the treatment of head lice infestation is reviewed. Summary In the United States and globally, head lice infestation, or pediculosis capitis, remains a public health issue with both social and medical implications. Treatment with oral or topical medications is typically required for head lice eradication. Resistance to traditional topical therapies for head lice infestation is increasing, creating a need for consideration of additional treatment options. A growing body of data describing the potential role of oral ivermectin for the treatment or prevention of head lice infestation is available. A literature search identified 5 clinical trials that evaluated safety and/or effectiveness outcomes of oral ivermectin use as an alternative to malathion, other topical prescription medications, and traditional, nonprescription remedies; those studies were conducted in various parts of the world (e.g., Australia, Brazil, Mexico, Egypt) and likely involved varying types and degrees of lice resistance. Clinical research findings to date, while not consistently robust, suggest that oral ivermectin is comparable or superior in effectiveness to other topical treatment options for head lice infestation while being well tolerated and favorably perceived by patients and caretakers. Conclusion Oral ivermectin is an option for the treatment of head lice infestation, especially in individuals who have experienced a treatment failure. Published evidence from clinical trials indicates that oral ivermectin is as effective as currently available topical treatments.
Blue-Collar Teaching in a White-Collar University

Blue-collar students and faculty are a decreasing population in American higher education. Drawing upon my working-class roots and experiences as a first-generation college student and faculty memb...
Physicians, the Elderly, Adolescents, and Substance Abuse

In any discussion of substance abuse there is a tendency to view patients as a homogeneous entity presenting with similar symptoms and responding alike to treatment. Rarely is the clinician so lucky Specific subgroups have been discussed throughout this text, and this chapter focuses on many of these groups in greater detail.
Linear Cellular Automata

In the theory of classical systems, linear concepts play a fundamental role for at least two reasons: (a) they are usually about the only ones that admit a satisfactory mathematical analysis; and (b) nonlinear systems can usually be studied through linear approximations. At least part (a) has been true in the study of cellular automata. Emerging evidence suggests that (b) may bear some truth as well. In this chapter we introduce linear cellular automata and study their basic properties. We assume, as usual, that the nodes in the center cell‘s neighborhood N have been numbered in a fixed (but arbitrary) order x 1… x 2… x n and that N . denotes N expanded to include the center cell.
Methodological Issues, Explanation, and Theory in Experimental Aging Research

The cognitive skills and behaviors brought into the laboratory by experimental psychologists are by no means trivial ones. Indeed, these skills and behaviors enter into a wide variety of activities in the real world that exists outside the laboratory. Knowledge about adult age differences and changes in these skills and behaviors is indispensable for our understanding of the capabilities and limitations of a rapidly growing elderly population. In addition, research by experimental psychologists often provides valuable insights into the reasons for age-related deficits in skills and behaviors. Without due consideration of the findings derived from experimental research on aging, the lives of our senior citizens may continue to be regulated by rules that, at one extreme, force retirement from work at some arbitrary age and, at the other extreme, permit operation of a lethal weapon, namely the automobile, by any slow-reacting octogenarian capable of passing a simple visual test and paying a small license fee.
OSW-1: A novel anticancer agent with potent anticancer activity and unique mechanism of action.

2254 Background: OSW-1 is a naturally occurring compound found in the bulbs of Ornithogalum saudersiae . Previous in vitro study showed that OSW-1 has a potent cytotoxic activity against cancer cells, but the mechanism of the drug action remains unknown. Our present study tested the anticancer activity of OSW-1 against a variety of human cancer cell lines and primary leukemia cells from patients, and investigated the mechanisms responsible for its anticancer activity. Methods: The cytotoxic activity of OSW-1 was tested using MTT assay and apoptosis analyses including annexin-V reactivity, loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential, caspase activation, and loss of DNA integrity. DNA microarray analysis was used to assess changes in gene expression after cancer cells were incubated with OSW-1. Special sub-clones of leukemia cells with mitochondrial DNA alterations and respiration deficiency cells were used to evaluate the role of mitochondrial respiration in OSW-1 action. Electronic microscopy was used to reveal the morphological changes in mitochondria after drug treatment. Results: The IC 50 of OSW-1 in several leukemia cell lines, ovarian and pancreatic cancer cells were between 0.03- 0.3 nM. The median IC 50 in primary leukemia cells isolated from 35 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is 0.24 nM. Normal lymphocytes and normal ovarian epithelial cells were less sensitive to the cytotoxic action of OSW-1 in comparison with leukemia and ovarian cancer cells, respectively. Microarray assay revealed that OWS-1 induced significant alterations in expression of genes involved in mitochondrial respiration. Cells with respiration deficiency were relatively resistant to OSW-1. Morphological analysis by electronic microscopy revealed that OSW-1 induced significant mitochondrial swelling, flatting of cristae, and decreased matrix density. Conclusions: OSW-1 exhibits potent anticancer activity against a wide spectrum of cancer cells and is relatively less toxic to normal cells. Its mechanism of action seems to involve mitochondrial respiration.
Updating a Perinatal Risk Scoring System to Predict Infant Mortality.

Objective The Birth Score Project (Project WATCH) began in the rural state of West Virginia (WV) in the United States in 1984. The project is intended to identify newborns with a greater risk of infant mortality. The primary objective of this study was to update the current Birth Score based on current literature and rigorous statistical methodology. Study Design The study merged data from the Birth Score, Birth Certificate (birth years 2008–2013), and Infant Mortality Data (N = 121,640). The merged data were randomly divided into developmental (N = 85,148) and validation (N = 36,492) datasets. Risk scoring system was developed using the weighted multivariate risk score functions and consisted of infant and maternal factors. Results The updated score ranged from 0 to 86. Infants with a score of ≥17 were categorized into the high score group (n = 15,387; 18.1%). The odds of infant mortality were 5.6 times higher (95% confidence interval: 4.4, 7.1) among those who had a high score versus low score. Conclusion The updated score is a better predictor of infant mortality than the current Birth Score. This score has practical relevance for physicians in WV to identify newborns at the greatest risk of infant mortality and refer the infants to primary pediatric services and case management for close follow-up.
Periodic Traits of Second Order Nonlinear Difference Equations

Our intent in this chapter is to study the periodicity properties of second order nonlinear difference equations. We will focus on examining the periodic traits of rational difference equations and Max-Type difference equations.
Some Supercongruences for Truncated Hypergeometric Series

We prove various supercongruences involving truncated hypergeometric sums. These include a strengthened version of a conjecture of van Hamme. Our method is to employ various hypergeometric transformation and evaluation formulae to convert the truncated sums to quotients of Γ-values. We then convert these to quotients of Γp-values and use Taylor’s Theorem to make p-adic approximations. In the cases under consideration higher order coefficients often vanish leading to the supercongruences.
Identification and design of novel small molecule inhibitors against MERS-CoV papain-like protease via high-throughput screening and molecular modeling

The development of new therapeutic agents against the coronavirus causing Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is a continuing imperative. The initial MERS-CoV epidemic was contained entirely through public health measures, but episodic cases continue, as there are currently no therapeutic agents effective in the treatment of MERS-CoV, although multiple strategies have been proposed. In this study, we screened 30,000 compounds from three different compound libraries against one of the essential proteases, the papain-like protease (PLpro), using a fluorescence-based enzymatic assay followed by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) direct binding analysis for hit confirmation. Mode of inhibition assays and competition SPR studies revealed two compounds to be competitive inhibitors. To improve upon the inhibitory activity of the best hit compounds, a small fragment library consisting of 352 fragments was screened in the presence of each hit compound, resulting in one fragment that enhanced the IC50 value of the best hit compound by 3-fold. Molecular docking and MM/PBSA binding energy calculations were used to predict potential binding sites, providing insight for design and synthesis of next-generation compounds.
Economic Vulnerability and Partisanship in Latin America

A significant proportion of the population in Latin America depends on the informal economy and lacks adequate protection against a variety of economic risks. This article suggests that economic vulnerability affects the way individuals relate to political parties. Given the truncated structure of welfare states in the region, citizens in the informal sector receive lower levels of social security benefits and face higher economic uncertainty. This vulnerability makes it difficult for voters to establish strong programmatic linkages with political parties because partisan platforms and policies do not necessarily represent their interests and needs. Using cross-national microlevel data, this study shows that individuals living in informality are skeptical about state social policy efforts and exhibit weaker partisan attachments. The findings suggest that effective political representation of disadvantaged groups remains a challenge in Latin American democracies.
Archaeology under the bell: The mission as situated history in seventeenth century New Mexico

The frontier mission, or doctrina, has long been cast as the seminal institution of the Spanish colonial state. Missions were the single most important location of colonial and indigenous contact and the context in which colonialism as an historical process was situated. Drawing on material from seventeenth century New Mexico mission settings, this paper examines the social and historical production of the mission as a place.
Bayesian estimation of ruin probability based on NHPP claim arrivals and Inverse-Gaussian distributed claim aggregates

The purpose of this article is to estimate the ruin probability at a future time Tτ past a truncated time τ before which ruin has not occurred. It is assumed that claim arrivals are from a non-homo...
Author Correction: Plasma microRNA markers of upper limb recovery following human stroke.

Author(s): Edwardson, Matthew A; Zhong, Xiaogang; Fiandaca, Massimo S; Federoff, Howard J; Cheema, Amrita K; Dromerick, Alexander W | Abstract: An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Geographical and Racial Disparities in Head and Neck Cancer Diagnosis in South-Eastern United States: Using Real-World Electronic Medical Records Data.

Background: Rurality, race, and age at diagnosis are important predictors in head and neck cancer (HNC) prognosis. However, literature on the associations of rurality and race with age at HNC diagn...
Out‐of‐Hospital Cardiac Arrests and Wildfire‐Related Particulate Matter During 2015–2017 California Wildfires

Background The natural cycle of large‐scale wildfires is accelerating, increasingly exposing both rural and populous urban areas to wildfire emissions. While respiratory health effects associated w...
Competition Is (Still) a Tough Weed: A Review Essay of Thomas Philippon’s the Great Reversal

In The Great Reversal, Philippon makes the case that competition in America has weakened during the past two decades. His book contributes to the rapidly developing literature on the macroeconomic consequences of market power. I argue that Philippon fails to convincingly support his hypothesis because (1) he does not consider competition as a process operating on several margins, with the price being only of them, (2) The available empirical data does not unambiguously show a rise in market power. Philippon's work suffers from similar flaws as the "structure-conduct-performance" paradigm. I also review the recent attempts to estimate aggregate market power and explain why the methods used for such estimations are calculated by making assumptions over which margins entrepreneurs compete and suffer from serious knowledge problems. Finally, I offer an alternative view of competition which focuses on how and at what speed rents are being dissipated instead of the markup of price over marginal cost.
An objective criteria used to support a practitioner's decision between sedation versus general anesthesia for the dental treatment of uncooperative pediatric patients

Abstract Purpose This purpose of this study was to create a criteria and assess its performance with the results as to use of conscious sedation versus general anesthesia for dental care of uncooperative pediatric patients. Methods A retrospective study was designed to include children who received dental care under GA (General Anesthesia) or CS (Conscious Sedation) over a one year period in Newark, NJ. A study sample size of 80 children was created according to a power analysis used to yield a sample with 80% power at the 0.05 significance level. Children were divided into two groups. 35 subjects were in the CS group and 45 in GA group. For each child; the total score of the suggested criteria was calculated using the collected data. The suggested criteria combined seven scales, the criteria's total score is the sum of the seven scales' scores. The scale was designed such that a higher score would indicate the need for GA rather than CS. The criteria was designed to indicate the use of GA when the total score is 16 points or higher. Results This evaluation showed that there is a positive correlation between the proposed criteria and the decision made retrospectively to use GA versus CS for uncooperative children needing dental care. Conclusion The scale is a valid indicator of the need for GA versus CS, except for a child's age.
Literature and Cartography: Theories, Histories, Genres

I have been thinking a lot about introductions lately. Part of why introductions have been on my mind is that, like many of us, I have had to adapt in these spring 2020 months to making introductio...
Increased intrinsic excitability and decreased synaptic inhibition in aged somatosensory cortex pyramidal neurons

Sensorimotor performance declines during advanced age, partially due to deficits in somatosensory acuity. Cortical receptive field expansion contributes to somatosensory deficits, suggesting increased excitability or decreased inhibition in primary somatosensory cortex (S1) pyramidal neurons. To ascertain changes in excitability and inhibition, we measured both properties in neurons from vibrissal S1 in brain slices from young and aged mice. Because adapting and non-adapting neurons-the principal pyramidal types in layer 5 (L5)-differ in intrinsic properties and inhibitory inputs, we determined age-dependent changes according to neuron type. We found an age-dependent increase in intrinsic excitability in adapting neurons, caused by a decrease in action potential threshold. Surprisingly, in non-adapting neurons we found both an increase in excitability caused by increased input resistance, and a decrease in synaptic inhibition. Spike frequency adaptation, already small in non-adapting neurons, was further reduced by aging, whereas sag, a manifestation of Ih, was increased. Therefore, aging caused both decreased inhibition and increased intrinsic excitability, but these effects were specific to pyramidal neuron type.
Factors that Predict the Need for Subtotal Cholecystectomy.

BackgroundSubtotal cholecystectomy is a “damage control” or “bailout procedure” that is used in difficult gallbladder cases when severe inflammation distorts the local anatomy resulting in increase...
Relational approaches to community-based health promotion across scales of practice

In this article, we describe a personalized approach to meeting individual and community health needs that foregrounds relational learning. This article analyzes how relational approaches to learni...
Pain Catastrophizing Mediates and Moderates the Link Between Acute Pain and Working Memory

Abstract The bidirectional relationship between pain and working memory (WM) deficits is well-documented but poorly understood. Pain catastrophizing—exaggerated, negative cognitive and emotional responses toward pain—may contribute to WM deficits by occupying finite, shared cognitive resources. The present study assessed the role of pain catastrophizing as both a state-level process and trait-level disposition in the link between acute pain and WM. Healthy, young adults were randomized to an experimentally-induced ischemic pain or control task, during which they completed verbal and non-verbal WM tests. Participants also completed measures of state- and trait-level pain catastrophizing. Simple mediation analyses indicated that participants in the pain group (vs. control) engaged in more state-level catastrophizing about pain, which led to worse verbal and non-verbal WM. Moderated mediation analyses indicated that the indirect (mediation) effect of state-level pain catastrophizing was moderated by trait-level pain catastrophizing for both verbal and non-verbal WM. Participants in the pain group who reported a greater trait-level tendency to catastrophize about pain experienced greater state-level catastrophizing about pain during the ischemic task, which led to worse verbal and non-verbal WM performance. These results provide evidence for pain catastrophizing as an important mechanism and moderating factor of WM deficits in acute pain. Future research should replicate these results in chronic pain samples, investigate other potential mechanisms (e.g., sleep disturbances), and determine if interventions that target pain catastrophizing directly can ameliorate cognitive deficits in people with pain. Perspective This article presents a laboratory study examining the relationships among pain, pain catastrophizing, and working memory in healthy participants. The results shed new light on these relationships and raise the possibility that interventions that reduce catastrophizing may lead to improved cognitive function among people with pain.
Topological order in Mott insulators

Abstract In this commemorative issue for Phil Anderson, I reproduce parts of a joint unpublished paper that first got me thinking about topological order in Mott insulators. With Phil, we explored aspects of the momentum distribution function and the non-classical rotational inertia in the Bose Hubbard model close to the quantum phase transition. My interest on this question continued, and later in the article I take up the question of topological order in the Kitaev Mott insulator on the honeycomb lattice with bond-dependent interactions in a finite magnetic field. Kitaev obtained the exact solution for zero field that demonstrated an exotic Z 2 quantum spin liquid phase with topological order. In a finite magnetic field, we discovered a new intermediate U ( 1 ) gapless quantum spin liquid phase, sandwiched between the known gapped Kitaev spin liquid and a polarized phase, that harbors fractionalized neutral fermionic excitations, dubbed spinons, that remarkably form a Fermi surface in a Mott insulator.
Discomfort glare is task dependent

This study evaluated the effect of task difficulty on discomfort glare. Subjects performed two tasks on each trial. The first was a gap detection task, in which the subject indicated whether the gap had appeared on the top or bottom edge of the outline of a briefly projected square. The difficulty of this task was manipulated by changing the size of the gap in the square. The second was a discomfort–glare rating, in which the subject gave a numerical rating of the discomfort experienced from a glare source that was presented simultaneously with the gap–detection stimulus. The hypothesis was that the resulting changes in the difficulty of the gap–detection task would influence discomfort glare. The results indicate that (1) an increase in the difficulty of the gap–detection task resulted in an increase in discomfort glare, and (2) subjects with poorer overall gap detection performance tended to assign more discomfort to the glare stimuli than subjects with better gap–detection performance. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that discomfort glare is related to task difficulty. Consequently, a valid evaluation of discomfort glare in a given situation requires the presence of the relevant visual task. One interpretation is that task difficulty influences discomfort glare by modifying an observer's perceived level of visual impairment.
Book Review: 13 Ways to Steal a Bicycle: Theft Law in the Information Age

Stuart Green's 13 Ways to Steal a Bicycle: Theft Law in the Information Age provides an extensive overview of the foundations, logic, and tensions of theft law. In this solicited book review, I present the content of his important work and critique some of its conclusions about the taking of intangible property such as various forms of IP.
An anti-lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus ribozyme expressed in tissue culture cells diminishes viral RNA levels and leads to a reduction in infectious virus yield

Abstract Ribozymes, RNA molecules which cleave RNA in a sequence-specific manner, are a promising tool in the development of specific antiviral therapies. The viruses most susceptible to ribozymes may be those in which all aspects of the viral life cycle depend on RNA, with no DNA intermediate. Consequently, we have chosen as a model one such virus, the arenavirus lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), and have previously reported the design of specific anti-LCMV ribozymes (Z. Xing and J. L. Whitton, J. Virol. 66:1361-1369, 1992). Here we describe the establishment of several cell lines, each stably expressing an antiarenaviral ribozyme of different specificity. Expression of a single ribozyme leads to a reduction in LCMV RNA levels, and stimulation of ribozyme transcription amplifies the effect. Target site selection may be an important determinant of antiviral effectiveness, since the extent of the antiviral effect, measured by assay of viral RNA, varies with the specificity of the antiviral ribozyme expressed. Furthermore, infectious virus production is reduced approximately 100-fold. This effect is LCMV specific, as yield of a related arenavirus is not similarly curtailed. We are currently investigating the mechanism underlying the ribozyme-mediated antiviral effect.
Spectral anomalies due to coupling-induced frequency shifts in dielectric coupled-resonator filters

Coupling-induced frequency shift is identified as a source of spectral response degradation in higher-order coupled-resonator add/drop filters that must be compensated in design. The theoretical basis and experimental verification are presented, and generic solutions proposed.
Modelling the effects of an oil spill on open populations of intertidal invertebrates

Summary 1 Knowledge of the impact of oil spills on coastal communities, in California and elsewhere, is currently limited by a lack of long-term data, the inability to infer causality from monitoring studies, and the necessarily limited spatial and temporal scales of experimental studies. 2 This study therefore used a modelling approach to investigate the combined effects of different intensities of an oil spill and recruitment variation on a barnacle Chthamalus fissus population. The methodology and results are likely to apply to any similarly open marine populations with dispersive larval forms. 3 The model consisted of a source population comprising individuals that reproduced based on size and probability of mortality. Larvae from the source population entered a larval pool. A proportion of the larvae from the larval pool recruited to a focal population within the region. 4 The model was used to assess the effects on recruitment to the focal population of (i) the size structure of the source population, (ii) the intensity of oil spills in the source population, and (iii) recruitment intensity to the focal population. 5 Differences in the size structure of the source population had little effect on the reproductive output of the population relative to the intensity of the oil spill. Similarly, the intensity of the oil spill had a stronger influence on recruitment to the focal population than the size structure of the source population. Size structure of the source population was important, however, when evaluating the seasonal trajectory of the focal population. 6 Modelling provides a format in which questions about the effects of human impacts can be addressed that would be intractable using experiments. The results of this model suggest that recruitment variation, along with the processes underlying recruitment variation, are critical to predicting the effects of disturbance on open marine populations.
The Emergence of Private Environmental Governance

Environmental law has long been viewed as a public law field, with policymakers and practitioners conditioned to look to government for solutions to environmental problems, but private governance is playing an increasingly important role. Will private environmental governance become a mainstay of environmental law and policy, or is it another passing fad? This Article examines several issues that will determine the answer to this question. The Article concludes that although private environmental governance is not a substitute for public governance, it is a discrete field worthy of attention by policymakers, practitioners, and theorists.
Rayleigh--Taylor instability and the use of conformal maps for ideal fluid flow

Abstract Potential theory permits ideal fluid dynamics to be formulated in terms of boundary motion. In two dimension, the flow can then be found using conformal mapping. The evolution of some Rayleigh-Taylor instabilities is calculated well into the large amplitude nonlinear regime. The Rayleigh-Taylor calculation for Atwood ratio unity is used as a prototype for a system of theoretical and numerical techniques exploiting complex variable theory and high-order quadrature methods.
Hearing versus Seeing: A Comparison of Consumer Learning of Spoken and Pictorial Information in Television Advertising

Abstract Many television viewers process only the audio or visual channel. The generalizability of the picture superiority effect observed for print is studied by comparing product information presented aurally with similar information presented pictorially. The study supports a picture superiority effect that unexpectedly did not decline when the number of exposures increased from one to two or four or increase when learning was measured after a seven-day delay rather than immediately. However, it was smaller when recognition rather than recall was used to measure learning. Advertisers should be aware of single channel processing and the paper offers suggestions for designing appropriate messages.
Labilization of the superficial layer and reduction in size of yolk platelets during early development of Xenopus laevis

Abstract Yolk platelets from blastulae and gastrulae of Xenopus laevis were isolated by a standardized procedure and examined by electron microscopy for evidence of stage-dependent changes of structure. Compared to those from blastulae, gastrula platelets frequently lost the superficial layer during isolation, indicating its increased lability. In addition, platelet dimensions were compared for different stages in situ by light microscopy, and gastrula platelets near the animal pole were found to be 10–20% smaller along both elliptical axes relative to blastula platelets. It is suggested these alterations represent early steps in the preparation of yolk platelets for breakdown.