cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hollow steel tips for reducing distal fiber burn-back during thulium fiber laser lithotripsy

The use of thulium fiber laser (TFL) as a potential alternative laser lithotripter to the clinical holmium:YAG laser is being studied. The TFL’s Gaussian spatial beam profile provides efficient coupling of higher laser power into smaller core fibers without proximal fiber tip degradation. Smaller fiber diameters are more desirable, because they free up space in the single working channel of the ureteroscope for increased saline irrigation rates and allow maximum ureteroscope deflection. However, distal fiber tip degradation and “burn-back” increase as fiber diameter decreases due to both excessive temperatures and mechanical stress experienced during stone ablation. To eliminate fiber tip burn-back, the distal tip of a 150-μm core silica fiber was glued inside 1-cm-long steel tubing with fiber tip recessed 100, 250, 500, 1000, or 2000 μm inside the steel tubing to create the hollow-tip fiber. TFL pulse energy of 34 mJ with 500-μs pulse duration and 150-Hz pulse rate was delivered through the hollow-tip fibers in contact with human calcium oxalate monohydrate urinary stones during ex vivo studies. Significant fiber tip burn-back and degradation was observed for bare 150-μm core-diameter fibers. However, hollow steel tip fibers experienced minimal fiber burn-back without compromising stone ablation rates. A simple, robust, compact, and inexpensive hollow fiber tip design was characterized for minimizing distal fiber burn-back during the TFL lithotripsy. Although an increase in stone retropulsion was observed, potential integration of the hollow fiber tip into a stone basket may provide rapid stone vaporization, while minimizing retropulsion.
Electrochemical Reduction of Cinnamyl Bromide at Carbon Cathodes in Acetonitrile: A Further Mechanistic Study

Cyclic voltammetry and controlled-potential electrolysis have been employed to examine the electrochemical reduction of cinnamyl bromide at glassy carbon cathodes in acetonitrile containing tetramethylammonium tetrafluoroborate. A cyclic voltammogram for the reduction of cinnamyl bromide exhibits one irreversible wave, which is due to the cleavage of the carbon-bromine bond. Bulk electrolyses of the substrates have been carried out at two different potentials (-1.35 and -1.85 V vs saturated calomel electrode) in the absence and in the presence of diethyl malonate as a proton donor. Coulometric n values and product distributions indicate that the reduction of cinnamyl bromide at -1.35 V mainly gives radical intermediates, whereas that at 1.85 V forms cinnamyl anions. A direct reduction of cinnamyl bromide in the presence of nitric oxide (NO) at -1.35 V reveals that the cinnamyl radical can couple with NO to generate cinnamaldehyde oxime and cinnamonitrile. More interestingly, both 5-phenylisoxazoline and 5-phenylisoxazole, arising from the cyclization of cinnamaldehyde oxime, have been found among the products. Detailed mechanisms for the reductions are proposed and discussed.
The DNA-binding Polycomb-group protein Pleiohomeotic maintains both active and repressed transcriptional states through a single site

Although epigenetic maintenance of either the active or repressed transcriptional state often involves overlapping regulatory elements, the underlying basis of this is not known. Epigenetic and pairing-sensitive silencing are related properties of Polycomb-group proteins, whereas their activities are generally opposed by the trithorax group. Both groups modify chromatin structure, but how their opposing activities are targeted to allow differential maintenance remains a mystery. Here, we identify a strong pairing-sensitive silencing (PSS) element at the 3' border of the Drosophila even skipped (eve) locus. This element can maintain repression during embryonic as well as adult eye development. Transgenic dissection revealed that silencing activity depends on a binding site for the Polycomb-group protein Pleiohomeotic (Pho) and on pho gene function. Binding sites for the trithorax-group protein GAGA factor also contribute, whereas sites for the known Polycomb response element binding factors Zeste and Dsp1 are dispensible. Normally, eve expression in the nervous system is maintained throughout larval stages. An enhancer that functions fully in embryos does not maintain expression, but the adjacent PSS element confers maintenance. This positive activity also depends on pho gene activity and on Pho binding. Thus, a DNA-binding complex requiring Pho is differentially regulated to facilitate epigenetic transcriptional memory of both the active and the repressed state.
Technology Integration: PDAs as an Instructional and Reflective Tool in the Science Classroom

The role of technology has an increased emphasis in the PK-12 classroom and in the preparation of teachers. The wide support for the integration of technology in day-to-day instruction is evidenced at many levels and through many organizations. The current study focused on examining and describing the experiences of faculty and interns as they relate to the use of the PDA. Results indicate that a clear and effective purpose for technology that matched specified outcomes was key for all of informants in this study. Results also indicated that the simplest, most efficient technology for a particular task was essential.
The chromatic index of graphs with a spanning star

Vizing's Theorem states that any graph G has chromatic index either the maximum degree Δ(G) or Δ(G) + 1. If G has 2s + 1 points and Δ(G) = 2s, a well-known necessary condition for the chromatic index to equal 2s is that G have at most 2s2 lines. Hilton conjectured that this condition is also sufficient. We present a proof of that conjecture and a corollary that helps determine the chromatic index of some graphs with 2s points and maximum degree 2s − 2.
TorsinA: Movement at Many Levels

TorsinA is the causative protein in the human neurologic disease early onset torsin dystonia, a movement disorder involving dysfunction in the basal ganglia without apparent neurodegeneration. Most cases result from a dominantly acting three-base pair deletion in the TOR1A gene causing loss of a glutamic acid near the carboxyl terminus of torsinA. Torsins are members of the AAA(+) superfamily of ATPases and are present in all multicellular organisms. Initial studies suggest that torsinA is an ER protein involved in chaperone functions and/or membrane movement.
Concomitant decline in heat-induced hyperthermia and HSP70 mRNA expression in aged rats

An age-related impairment in the induction of heat-shock proteins (HSPs), which are thought to comprise a protective or adaptive response to cellular stress, may contribute to a reduction in thermal tolerance with age. When 5- and 24-mo-old rats were exposed to ambient temperatures of 23, 35, 37.5, or 40 degrees C for 90 min, a graded increase in the level of HSP70 mRNA expression was observed in brain, lung, and skin of animals from both groups. However, at temperatures above 23 degrees C, HSP70 expression was less in tissues of older rats when compared with those of young animals. This relative decline of heat-induced HSP70 mRNA levels with age correlated with an attenuated increase in colonic temperature (Tc) of old rats resulting from heat exposure. In other experiments, it was determined that the duration of hyperthermia was also an important factor in determining the level of HSP70 mRNA expression in vivo. Thus age-related differences in heat-induced HSP70 mRNA expression appear to result from differences in Tc due to heat stress rather than an impairment in the regulation of HSP70 gene expression.
Multiple cancer, primary in the female genitals and other sites.

Abstract 1. In 618 cases of cancer of the female genitals, there were fifteen multiple primary cancers in which the female genitals were the site of one of the tumors. 2. There were six instances of synchronous, and nine of metachronous multiple cancers. Two triple cancers (one involving breast, sigmoid, and uterus; and one involving uterus, ovary, and colon) are included. 3. The relative importance of the methods of establishing a definite diagnosis of female genital cancers has been discussed. The value of diagnostic curettage and exfoliative cytology have been emphasized, particularly in female malignancies of all types. 4. There should be no defeatism because of the appearance of multiple primary cancers. Rather, aggressive measures directed toward determination of the nature of each new growth and eradication of it must be instituted.
Probing the Impact of Acidification on Spider Silk Assembly Kinetics.

Spiders utilize fine adjustment of the physicochemical conditions within its silk spinning system to regulate spidroin assembly into solid silk fibers with outstanding mechanical properties. However, the exact mechanism about which this occurs remains elusive and is still hotly debated. In this study, the effect of acidification on spider silk assembly was investigated on native spidroins from the major ampullate (MA) gland fluid excised from Latrodectus hesperus (Black Widow) spiders. Incubating the protein-rich MA silk gland fluid at acidic pH conditions results in the formation of silk fibers that are 10–100 μm in length and ∼2 μm in diameter as judged by optical and electron microscope methods. The in vitro spider silk assembly kinetics were monitored as a function of pH with a 13C solid-state MAS NMR approach. The results confirm the importance of acidic pH in the spider silk self-assembly process with observation of a sigmoidal nucleation-elongation kinetic profile. The rates of nucleation and elong...
Use of Riparian and Upland Habitats by Small Mammals

Mark-recapture was conducted from 1981 through 1983 in the Cascade Range of Oregon to examine the use of riparian and upland habitats by small mammals. Both number of individuals and species richness were greater in riparian than in upland areas. Because of the occurrence of several less-commonly captured species in riparian locations, species evenness was greatest in the upland. Among Insectivora, Sorex monticolus and S. trowbridgii were captured most often on riparian sites. Among insectivores adult males weighed more in riparian zones. Three rodents ( Peromyscus maniculatus, Microtus oregoni , and Zapus trinotatus ) were captured more frequently in riparian habitats; two rodents ( Tamias townsendii and Clethrionomys californicus ) were captured more frequently in upland habitats. Among all rodents, except Z. trinotatus , adult males weighed more in riparian areas. Mustela erminea was captured more frequently in riparian sites. Eight species had greater numbers of adults in breeding condition in riparian than in upland habitats. Conversely, six species had greater numbers of juveniles in the upland. Data from several species, including T. townsendii, P. maniculatus, Z. trinotatus , and Glaucomys sabrinus , indicated that riparian habitats act as a species source and upland areas act as a dispersal sink.
Historical Perspectives: Perinatal Profiles: Martin Couney and Newborn Infant Sideshows

Among the many interesting, if bizarre, chapters in neonatal history, the one that ranks on top is the story of preterm baby sideshows, which were organized by Dr Martin Couney (Fig 1), starting in 1896 and continuing for 40 years. This article traces the origins and growth of the baby shows, with a perspective on their effect on contemporary neonatal practice and a reflection on the boundaries between propaganda, publicity, public education, and service. Figure 1. Presumed photograph of the young Martin Couney from the Pan-American Exhibition in Buffalo, New York, 1901. At the time of the French Revolution, the infant death rate in France was well over 50%. Alarmed by this crisis, the Revolutionary Council enacted a decree in 1789 proclaiming that the working-class parents “have a right to the nation's succors at all times,” (1) heralding reforms toward making the country an idealistic welfare state. France also began collecting national vital statistics, becoming one of the first countries to do so. Despite these efforts, due to continued high infant mortality and declining birthrates, negative population growth continued through much of the 19th century. This led to an unexpected consequence of shortages of men enlisting into the army. As France was engaged in several battles with Prussia and other neighbors, a thinning army was highly worrisome. A series of measures were taken to improve maternal and neonatal care and to reduce child mortality, (2)(3) and young parents were urged to uphold their patriotism and bear “more children to man the future armies.” What an irony that such noble intentions as saving babies had to be motivated by the brutal needs for manning the armies! According to a popular story, Stephane Tarnier, a highly respected French obstetrician, was so inspired by the optimal …
Multi-objective grey target decision-making based on prospect theory

In view of the multi-objective decision problem that the attribute values are interval grey numbers and the attribute weights partially known,considering the impact on the multi-objective decision from risk attitudes,the multi-objective grey target decision-making method based on prospect theory is proposed.Firstly,the interval number linear transformation operator with the features of the "rewarding good and punishing bad" is used to standardize the original decision-making information and get the positive and negative ideal bull's eye.According to the prospect theory and grey target decision making method,the prospect value function is defined,and an optimization model is built,then the optimum weight vector is solved,and the order of the program is determined.Finally,an example shows the feasibility and effectiveness of the model, and illustrates that the proposed model is suitable used in multi-objective decision making with interval numbers.
Architectural Implications of Social Media Analytics in Support of Crisis Informatics Research.

Crisis informatics is a field of research that investigates the use of computer-mediated communication— including social media—by members of the public and other entities during times of mass emergency. Supporting this type of research is challenging because large amounts of ephemeral event data can be generated very quickly and so must then be just as rapidly captured. Such data sets are challenging to analyze because of their heterogeneity and size. We have been designing, developing, and deploying software infrastructure to enable the large-scale collection and analysis of social media data during crisis events. We report on the challenges encountered when working in this space, the desired characteristics of such infrastructure, and the techniques, technology, and architectures that have been most useful in providing both scalability and flexibility. We also discuss the types of analytics this infrastructure supports and implications for future crisis informatics research.
Dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis: A forecast of pharmaceutical approaches

Five classes of lipid-lowering drugs are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in the United States: nicotinic acid, bile acid sequestrants, fibric acid derivatives, reductase inhibitors, and probucol. None of the agents has an antiatherosclerotic indication. Cholestyramine and gemfibrozil have received indications for preventing complications of atherosclerosis, namely, myocardial infarction and coronary artery disease death. Foreseeable pharmacological strategies to reduce lipid-related cardiovascular risk might be divided into three categories. First, the present approach of lowering lipid and lipoprotein concentrations might be extended through modification of available agents (e.g., a more potent or soluble bile acid resin) or development of agents of novel mechanism (e.g., acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase [ACAT] inhibition or inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis at a step other than HMG-CoA reductase). Second, blood lipids could be directly addressed outside of lipid-lowering strategies. Raising high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels has not been fully explored, or the target might be modification of the lipoproteins themselves rather than their concentrations. Areas of particular interest in the latter regard are hepatic lipase activity, cholesteryl ester transfer protein activity, and differences between oxidized or otherwise modified low density lipoprotein (LDL) particles and normal LDL. Third, it may be possible to directly lessen the atherosclerotic potential of the vessel wall (e.g., through protecting it from the effects of certain growth factors or altering its state of relaxation.
Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is an important clinical entity diagnosed by the presence of both subjective and objective evidence of chronic sinonasal inflammation. Symptoms include anterior or posterior rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, hyposmia, and/or facial pressure or pain that last for a duration of more than 12 weeks. Nasal polyps are inflammatory lesions that project into the nasal airway, are typically bilateral, and originate from the ethmoid sinus. Males are more likely to be affected than females, but no specific genetic or environmental factors have been strongly linked to the development of this disorder to date. CRSwNP is frequently associated with asthma and allergic rhinitis, but the cellular and molecular mechanisms that contribute to the clinical symptoms are not fully understood. Defects in the sinonasal epithelial cell barrier, increased exposure to pathogenic and colonized bacteria, and dysregulation of the host immune system are all thought to play prominent roles in disease pathogenesis. Additional studies are needed to further explore the clinical and pathophysiological features of CRSwNP so that biomarkers can be identified and novel advances can be made to improve the treatment and management of this disease.
Adaptive Capacity in Community Forest Management: A Systematic Review of Studies in East Asia

This study investigated the indicators of adaptive capacity along with disturbances in community forest management systems in the East Asian countries, China, Japan and South Korea. Although these countries have centuries-old traditions of community-based forest management, they have been less researched in light of adaptive capacity for resilient social-ecological systems. Recent social and ecological disturbances bring about new challenges and/or opportunities to the capacity of forest related communities to adapt to rapidly changing conditions. Through a systematic review of the community forestry and related adaptive capacity literature in three East Asian countries, this study addressed the role of diverse knowledge systems, such as traditional and Western scientific knowledge, and civic traditions of self-organization in local communities that characterized adaptive capacity of this region. This study extends our understanding of community-based conservation efforts and traditions of this region, and adds to the understandings gleaned from studies of community forestry in the West and sacred forests in other parts of Asia and Africa. Further research on ways to increase adaptive capacity is needed in a site-specific context.
Between East Asia and Southeast Asia: Nanyang Studies, Chinese Migration, and National Jinan University, 1927–1940 (在東亞與東南亞之間：南洋研究、華人移民、與國立暨南大學,1927–1940)

Global port cities have played important roles in the migration of ethnic Chinese worldwide. This article argues that the scholarship on Chinese migration between port cities in East Asia and Southeast Asia has overemphasized business and trading networks. It suggests instead that other topics should be examined since Chinese migration has been complex and multi-faceted. This article does so through analyzing the history of Nanyang studies, a Chinese-language scholarly field that is renowned among Chinese intellectuals in East Asia and Southeast Asia. Nanyang studies began with the establishment of the Nanyang Cultural Affairs Bureau at Jinan University, the first school in China for Chinese migrants, because the Bureau was the first systematic attempt by China-based scholars to study the Nanyang (Southeast Asia). This article analyzes the history of Nanyang studies from the Bureau’s founding in 1927 to 1940, when the center for Nanyang studies shifted to Singapore in the Nanyang.全球港口城市和全球華人移民已有密切關係。本文認為，關於東亞和東南亞的港口城市之間華人移民的學術著作過度注重商業貿易網絡。它建議由於華人移民是複雜的，多方面的，所以其他議題也有重要性。因此，本文將通過南洋研究的歷史而分析華人移民。南洋研究在東亞和東南亞是個著名的學術領域。它的起源於南洋文化教育事業部之暨南大學的創辦。這是因為暨南是中國第一所華僑華人學府，而南洋文化教育事業部是中國學者第一個正式研究南洋(東南亞)的機構。本文將分析南洋研究的歷史，從成立於1927年到1940年轉移到南洋之中的新加坡為止。 (This article is in English).
Immediate tissue expander or implant-based breast reconstruction does not compromise the oncologic delivery of post-mastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT)

Increasingly, women are choosing immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) following mastectomy. Reports have indicated IBR may compromise post-mastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT). We investigated the impact of IBR on timing of PMRT, target coverage, and doses to organs at risk in a modern radiotherapy practice using advanced planning techniques. Between 2013 and 2015, PMRT was delivered to 116 patients (66 mastectomy alone, 50 IBR). PMRT was delivered with a median dose of 50 Gy in 25 fractions. Left-sided patients were treated in breath-hold under image guidance. Differences in dosimetric parameters and time to the initiation of PMRT were assessed between patients with and without reconstruction. Reconstructed patients were younger and had lower clinical stage disease. Reconstruction did not significantly increase the mean time to PMRT initiation (51 days reconstructed vs. 45 days non-reconstructed, p = 0.14) or the number of patients who initiated PMRT within 12 weeks of the last therapeutic intervention (48/50 [96.0] vs. 61/66 [92.4%], p = 0.41). There was no significant difference in the percentage of patients in whom the internal mammary lymph nodes (IMNs) were targeted (72 vs. 80%, p = 0.29) or in IMN target coverage (mean IMN V40.5 Gy 92.6 vs. 94.1%, p = 0.62). Reconstruction did not significantly affect the mean ipsilateral lung V20 (25.4 vs. 26.4%, p = 0.37) or the mean heart dose (2.2 vs. 2.1 Gy, p = 0.63). In a specialized breast multidisciplinary practice, immediate breast reconstruction did not significantly delay PMRT, compromise target coverage, or increase dose to organs at risk.
Performance and design differences between PMOS and NMOS CMOS imagers

NMOS and PMOS CMOS imager design comparisons and performance differences are reviewed for night vision and scientific applications. Parameters include pixel read noise, charge transfer efficiency, charge collection efficiency, pixel readout speed, dark current and radiation damage tolerance. Focus of the paper is given to pixel read noise and dark current since these are the only parameters that require further development for our CMOS imagers. Discussions reveal that PMOS read noise is limited to ~ 1 h+ rms by flicker noise and why PMOS can fundamentally achieve lower noise than NMOS. We will examine where flicker noise is apparently generated and discuss various experiments that have been tried to lower it. New design and fabrication remedies are explored to reduce read noise below 1 h+ rms floor without reducing 1/f noise. Data is presented showing that PMOS and NMOS imagers are generating the same amount of dark current that is limited by silicon wafer contamination sources introduced in the fabrication process. Test data from a new stitched PMOS/NMOS Mk x Nk x 10 um pixel CMOS sensor suited for space borne NASA scientific applications is presented.
Polarized metrology systems (Conference Presentation)

Polarization is a unique property of light, providing a number of advantages in optical metrology. In this talk, I will discuss principles and experimental results of polarization techniques in fringe project metrology and interferometric measurement.
Motility disorders in infants

Gastrointestinal motility disorders are common in the pediatric population and may affect the entire gastrointestinal tract and can vary from mild to severe conditions. They may clinically manifest as gastro-esophageal reflux symptoms, feeding difficulties and failure to thrive, constipation and diarrhea amongst others. This review first highlights the embryologic development of the gastrointestinal tract, after which the prenatal and neonatal development of gastrointestinal motility is discussed. Normal motility patterns as seen in (preterm) infants are described as a background for the discussion of the most common congenital and acquired motility disorders in infancy. This review specifically focuses on the role of preterm birth on the development of these disorders.
Oxidative Degradation of Bisphenol A Using Recyclable Nanomaterials

Two types of nanomaterials with promising potential for bisphenol A (BPA) degradation have been synthesized using two simple methods. In the first method (mode 1; M1-MnOX), KMnO4 solution was added to pre-synthesized magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MC) under ultrasonic mixing and subsequently, MnSO4 solution was added dropwise to the suspension. In the second method (mode 2; M2-MnOX), the mode of reagent addition was reversed; MnSO4 solution was added to MC under continuous sonication prior to the dropwise addition of KMnO4 solution to the suspension. The nanomaterials were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The application of the nanomaterials as reusable magnetic materials for BPA degradation in water was investigated. The M1-MnOX and M2-MnOX, nanomaterials with sizes in the range 10–18 nm, were composed of iron oxide core and amorphous manganese oxide shell. Interestingly, the maximum amount of BPA degraded by M1-MnOX within 48 h was ~1 mg BPA/g wet nanoparticles, which was significantly higher than the amount degraded by M2-MnOX nanoparticles (~0.16 mg BPA/g wet nanoparticles). Furthermore, the M1-MnOX nanoparticles could be efficiently reused four successive times without major loss of degradation activity. These low cost nanomaterials could be easily recovered by magnetic separation and washed for reuse, overcoming both filtration and reuse problems often associated with conventional use of colloidal manganese oxides as sorbents or catalysts.
Photovoltaic Activities Within the United States Electric Utility Industry

Interest in photovoltaic conversion is growing in the United States electric utility industry, stemming from a perception that photo-voltaics (PV) is one of several emerging renewable resource technologies that may contribute to bulk electricity supplies before the turn of the century. The 1980 EPRI Survey of Electric Utility Solar Energy Activities has identified 32 U.S. electric utilities engaged in a total of 48 activities related to PV, with government and/or private financial support.
A Disconnect between Science and Management for Double-Crested Cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) in Northern Lake Michigan, USA, 2000–2016

In 2000, studies began on the Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) in the Beaver Archipelago, Lake Michigan, Michigan, USA, and have continued through the present. Research was conducted to determine whether Double-crested Cormorants were preying on smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) and causing a decline in this fishery. Breeding Double-crested Cormorant population estimates were recorded to document population dynamics before management and throughout the intensive control program, initiated in 2007. Research included studies using telemetry, raft surveys, banding, game cameras, and development of several bioenergetics models. In addition, co-nesting species were monitored to investigate impacts of Double-crested Cormorant control on non-target species. Results indicated that Double-crested Cormorants do not negatively impact smallmouth bass populations, co-nesters or other components of the system. However, control measures were initiated and continued through 2015; litigation ended control activities in 2016. Research suggested that control led to abandonment by Double-crested Cormorants of traditional colony sites, a switch from ground to tree nesting, and impacts on co-nesting species. This review demonstrates a significant disconnect between science-based knowledge and chosen management practices. Although court rulings ceased Double-crested Cormorant control, this disconnect should be addressed and remedied; science-based knowledge should be emphasized in any future management.
Understanding the Causes of Non-Transferability of EXAFS Amplitude

The use of the extended x-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) technique has expanded rapidly in recent years.1,2 EXAFS provides information about the local environment of the x-ray absorbing atom. In addition to the interatomic distances r, the mean square deviation, δ 2, of r and the number of atoms, N, at r can be extracted from an EXAFS spectrum. However, in order to extract N and δ 2 the amplitude of the EXAFS spectrum must be calibrated. This has been done using theoretical calculations3 or empirically using known materials as standards,4 but depends critically on the accuracy of transferability from sample to sample. It is the aim of this paper to assess experimentally the accuracy of amplitude transferability and to understand some of the factors that may cause variability.
Pharmacologic treatment of eating disorders.

Objective:Eating disorders are a serious group of conditions that affect 3% of women in industrialized nations over their lifetimes. Recent years have seen considerable progress in the treatment of these disorders. This article reviews the current body of evidence for the pharmacologic treatment of eating disordersMethod:We undertook a literature review.Results:For patients with anorexia nervosa (AN), drug trials have been disappointing. In contrast, numerous studies have demonstrated a clear role for antidepressants in the treatment of bulimia nervosa (BN). Pharmacologic investigations of binge eating disorder (BED), a more recently defined entity, have identified several promising drugs. There is also support for the utility of combined medication and psychotherapy.Conclusion:Continued research efforts are necessary, particularly regarding the long-term effects of therapy and the development of new pharmacologic strategies.
Real Analysis: Open Sets and Closed Sets

Open Sets One of the themes of this (or any other) course in real analysis is the curious interplay between various notions of “big” sets and “small” sets. We have seen at least one such measure of size already: Uncountable sets are big, whereas countable sets are small. In this chapter we will make precise what was only hinted at in Chapter Three – the rather vague notion of a “thick” set in a metric space. For our purposes, a “thick” set will be one that contains an entire neighborhood of each of its points. But perhaps we can come up with a better name.… Throughout this chapter, unless otherwise specified, we live in a generic metric space ( M, d ). A set U in a metric space ( M, d ) is called an open set if U contains a neighborhood of each of its points. In other words, U is an open set if, given x ∈ U , there is some e > 0 such that B e ( x ) ⊂ U . Examples 4.1 (a) In any metric space, the whole space M is an open set. The empty set o is also open (by default). (b) In ℝ, any open interval is an open set. Indeed, given x ∈ ( a, b ), let e = min { x − a, b − x }. Then, e > 0 and ( x − e, x + e) ⊂ ( a, b ). […]
La máquina de visión: estudios de género e imágenes

En el cine se potencian las relaciones arbitrarias y simbolicas que han sido establecidas culturalmente con relacion a la mujer. Dichas relaciones situan a la mujer, al mismo tiempo, como objeto y fundamento de la representacion, fin y origen del deseo del hombre y de su impulso de representarlo, y objeto y signo de (su) cultura y creatividad. A su vez, este funciona como maquina de creacion de imagenes, que al producir dichas imagenes (de mujeres o no) tiende tambien a reproducir a la mujer como icono. Y en este proceso de subjetivacion se define en relacion a un sujeto masculino; con el hombre como unico termino de referencia.
A System for Accurate Tracking and Video Recordings of Rodent Eye Movements using Convolutional Neural Networks for Biomedical Image Segmentation

Research in neuroscience and vision science relies heavily on careful measurements of animal subject’s gaze direction. Rodents are the most widely studied animal subjects for such research because of their economic advantage and hardiness. Recently, video based eye trackers that use image processing techniques have become a popular option for gaze tracking because they are easy to use and are completely noninvasive. Although significant progress has been made in improving the accuracy and robustness of eye tracking algorithms, unfortunately, almost all of the techniques have focused on human eyes, which does not account for the unique characteristics of the rodent eye images, e.g., variability in eye parameters, abundance of surrounding hair, and their small size. To overcome these unique challenges, this work presents a flexible, robust, and highly accurate model for pupil and corneal reflection identification in rodent gaze determination that can be incrementally trained to account for variability in eye parameters encountered in the field. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first paper that demonstrates a highly accurate and practical biomedical image segmentation based convolutional neural network architecture for pupil and corneal reflection identification in eye images. This new method, in conjunction with our automated infrared videobased eye recording system, offers the state of the art technology in eye tracking for neuroscience and vision science research for rodents.
Reduced emissions through climate damage to the economy.

Today, most global economic production depends on energy produced from burning fossil fuels, which emit carbon dioxide as a byproduct. Although the costs of carbon-free energy such as wind and solar have come down dramatically over recent decades, there are substantial challenges to completely decarbonizing our electricity system, and even greater challenges to completely decarbonizing the transportation and industrial sectors (1). Thus, economic activity is projected to produce greenhouse gas emissions throughout this century. These emissions of greenhouse gases are causing Earth to warm, and, in aggregate, the effects of global warming are expected to be deleterious. These deleterious effects are expected to harm global welfare and diminish economic productivity. This diminution of production, other things being equal, would lead to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and, thus, would lessen the anticipated warming. In PNAS, Woodard et al. (2) find that the reduction in emissions through damage to economic activity is roughly the same magnitude as, but opposite in sign to, natural carbon cycle feedbacks that are projected to increase carbon dioxide levels relative to a world without carbon–climate feedbacks. The net effect of the socioeconomic carbon–climate feedbacks is estimated to be about the same magnitude as, but opposite in sign to, natural biogeophysical carbon–climate feedbacks. As a result, the level of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere in 2100 is projected to be about the same as if neither feedback (socioeconomic or natural biogeophysical) were active. Woodard et al. (2) analyze various influences on carbon dioxide emissions using the Kaya identity, which represents these emissions as the product of population, per-capita productivity, energy used per unit of production [energy intensity of gross domestic production (GDP)], and carbon emitted per unit of energy used (carbon intensity of energy). Reduced per-capita economic productivity due to climate change is projected to be … [↵][1]1To whom correspondence should be addressed. Email: kcaldeira{at}carnegiescience.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Neuroma Management: Capping Nerve Injuries With an Acellular Nerve Allograft Can Limit Axon Regeneration:

Background: Management of painful neuromas continues to challenge clinicians. Controlling axon growth to prevent neuroma has gained considerable traction. A logical extension of this idea is to therefore develop an approach to control and arrest axon growth. Given the limits in axonal regeneration across acellular nerve allografts (ANAs), these constructs could provide a means to reliably terminate axon regeneration from an injured nerve. The purpose of this study was to determine if attaching an ANA to an injured nerve could provide a means to control and limit axon regeneration in a predictable manner. Methods: Twenty (20) adult rats received a sciatic nerve transection, where only the proximal nerve was repaired using an ANA of variable length (0.5, 2.5, and 5.0 cm) or left unrepaired (control). The nerves were harvested 5 weeks post-operatively for gross and histomorphometric analysis. The extent of myelinated axons in regenerated tissue was quantified. Results: At 5 weeks, limited axon regeneration within the ANAs was observed. All lengths of ANAs lead to reduced myelinated axon numbers in the most terminal tissue region compared to untreated injured nerve (P = .002). Additionally, ANA length 2.5 cm or greater did not contain any axons at the most terminal tissue region. Conclusions: This study demonstrates a proof of concept that ANAs attached to the proximal end of an injured nerve can limit axon growth in a controlled manner. Furthermore, the extent of axon growth from the injured nerve into the ANA is dependent on the ANA length.
Thermally Induced Restructuring of Pd@CeO2 and Pd@SiO2 Nanoparticles as a Strategy for Enhancing Low-Temperature Catalytic Activity

Retaining high catalytic activity after exposure to elevated temperatures remains a crucial challenge for applications such as automotive emissions control. While catalysts generally sinter and los...
Multifidelity flutter prediction using regression cokriging with adaptive sampling

Abstract This work presents a flutter prediction approach that uses regression cokriging metamodels of generalized aerodynamic influence coefficients with adaptive sampling based on propagated model uncertainty along the flutter boundary. The use of regression cokriging models is compared to cokriging and regression cokriging with reinterpolation, as well as their single-fidelity counterparts. Comparisons to direct quantity-of-interest-based metamodeling are also shown. Several infill criteria based on the propagated flutter speed uncertainty are demonstrated on common flutter test cases. The value of adaptive sampling, multiple fidelity levels, and metamodeling of intermediate quantities is investigated by quantifying average cost and error metrics for the cases. Scalability with the number of structural modes is also investigated to gauge how the approach might fare for more conventional aircraft. Overall, the main benefits seen in this work stem from modeling intermediate quantities, with direct modeling costing six to eight times as much for multifidelity approaches, and three to five times as much for the single-fidelity comparators. In addition, using multiple fidelities was more accurate and required fewer infill points for convergence, leading to a cost savings of roughly 25% to 70%, depending on the case.
Providing Data Samples for Free

We consider the problem of a data provider (Seller of information) who sells information to a firm (Buyer of information) regarding an unknown (to both parties) state of the world. Traditionally, the literature explores one-round strategies for selling information due to the Seller’s hold-up problem: once a portion of the dataset is released, the Buyer’s estimate improves and as a result the value of the remaining dataset drops. In this paper we show that this intuition is true when the Buyer’s objective is to improve the precision of her estimate. On the other hand, we establish that when the Buyer’s objective is to improve operational decisions (e.g. better pricing decisions on a market with unknown elasticity) and when the Buyer’s initial estimate is misspecified, one-round strategies are outperformed by free-sample selling strategies and dynamic pricing. In particular, we provide conditions under which free sample strategies generate strictly higher revenues than static strategies (with and without strategic Buyers) and provide examples that illustrate the benefit of providing data samples for free.
A Model Centric Framework and Approach for Complex Systems Policy

Twenty-first century systems engineering is no longerdocument-centric; instead, it is model-centric. Model-centric systems engineering helps reduce ambiguity, increase clarity, and increase the analytics of the resulting complex systems. However, complex systems are governed by organizational policies that are still document-centric. Such policies are difficult to analyze, and gaps in policy can lead to major deficiencies in the resulting complex systems. This article introduces a framework for policy content modeling (PCM) and analysis. The framework represents the conceptual view and is supported by a step-by-step approach to achieve complete policy modeling and analysis. This approach was used with the intention of identifying and analyzing gaps in policy content and calculating policy toxicity, which negatively affects the resulting system. This framework and approach was also applied to Veterans Affairs (VA) and university policies. The VA PCM is conducted to discover toxicity in the policies and University policies modeling is done to graphically represent an undocumented policy and toxicity in the policy implementation.
ΔNp63 regulated epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition state heterogeneity confers a leader-follower relationship that drives collective invasion

Defining how interactions between tumor subpopulations contribute to invasion is essential for understanding how tumors metastasize. Here, we find that the heterogeneous expression of the transcription factor ΔNp63 confers distinct proliferative and invasive EMT states in subpopulations that establish a leader-follower relationship to collectively invade. A ΔNp63-high EMT program coupled the ability to proliferate with an interleukin 1α (IL-1α) and miR-205-dependent suppression of cellular protrusions that are required to initiate collective invasion. An alternative ΔNp63-low EMT program conferred cells with the ability to initiate and lead collective invasion. However, this ΔNp63-low EMT state triggered a collateral loss of fitness. Importantly, rare growth-suppressed ΔNp63-low EMT cells influenced tumor progression by leading the invasion of proliferative ΔNp63-high EMT cells in heterogeneous primary tumors. Thus, heterogeneous activation of distinct EMT programs promotes a mode of collective invasion that overcomes cell intrinsic phenotypic deficiencies to induce the dissemination of proliferative tumor cells.
Euro Currency Risk and the Geography of Debt Flows to Peripheral European Monetary Union Members

The pattern of debt flows to peripheral European Monetary Union members seems puzzling: they are mostly indirect and channeled through the large countries of the European Monetary Union. This paper examines to what extent the introduction of the euro and the elimination of the intra-area currency risk can explain this puzzle. A three-country dynamic stochastic general equilibrium framework with endogenous portfolio choice and two currencies is developed. In the equilibrium, the core members of the European Monetary Union emerge as the main group of lenders to the peripheral European Monetary Union members. Outside lenders are pushed from the periphery debt markets because of currency risk. The model generates a pattern of debt flows consistent with the data despite the absence of any exogenous frictions or market segmentations.
Assault-related Concussions: Visit Characteristics and Outcomes

Objective: While research and policy predominantly focus on concussions sustained in sports and recreation, other significant mechanisms of injury exist in the pediatric setting. Some evidence suggests that youth who experience motor vehicle crash-related concussions experience prolonged recovery, however little is known about outcomes from other mechanisms, particularly interpersonal assault. The objective of this study was to compare demographic characteristics, medical care, and outcomes among patients with assault-related concussion (ARC) versus sports and recreation-related concussion (SRC). We hypothesized that patients with ARC would experience prolonged time to recovery and would have increased emotional …
Crisis and Disaster Management of Local Hotels based on Statistics in Ningbo during COVID-19

In 2020, the outbreak of COVID-19 had a significant negative impact on local hotels. This paper conducts a case study through in-depth interview with managers of three different-tiers hotels and customers to find out the impact of COVID - 19 on hotel industry in Ningbo and relevant solutions adopted by hotels. The results show that hotels with different tiers suffered diversely and applied various measures. In addition to the hotel itself, the roles played by government and customers’ considerations are also essential in the survival of hotels during this period of time. Suggestions for future epidemic management and other crisis or disaster management have been presented.
Moderating effects of social support on the relationship between substance use disorders and HIV viral load and medication adherence among Black women living with HIV in the United States.

Substance use may predict lower rates of antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence and viral suppression among Black Women Living with HIV (BWLWH). We assessed how perceived social support (PSS) moderates the relationship between substance use disorder (SUD) and viral load (VL) and ART adherence. 119 BWLWH provided information on PSS, SUD, alcohol use disorder (AUD) and adherence (via Wisepill). Higher PSS from friends (β = -.263, p = .008) and significant others (β = -.219, p = .025) predicted lower VL. SUD predicted low Wisepill adherence (a) in the past week (β = -.273, p = .035) and past two weeks (β = -.273, p = .033) only for women low in PSS from friends, and (b) in the past two weeks only for women low in total PSS (β = -.294, p = .024). Ironically, for women high in total PSS, SUD predicted higher adherence in the past four weeks (β = .360, p = .006). Adherence and VL may be bolstered by understanding the role of various forms of PSS and SUDs.
Estimation of hybrid systems using discrete sensors

State estimation of hybrid systems is a significant problem for the design of feedback control and model-based diagnosis algorithms. In this paper, a methodology for state estimation of hybrid systems with discrete sensors based on particle filtering is presented. The quality of the algorithm is evaluated by comparing its performance with Cramer-Rao bounds computed for the discrete-time hybrid filtering problem. The approach is illustrated using simulation results of a tank system example.