cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fatal graft-versus-host disease following blood transfusion in Hodgkin's disease documented by HLA typing

Fatal graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) developed in a patient with Hodgkin's disease treated with combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy following the transfusion of 2 U of packed red blood cells. Clinical features of the GVHD included the development of exfoliative dermatitis, progressive hepatic dysfunction, aplastic anemia, and finally progressive fatal pneumonia. GVHD was documented by skin biopsy and chimerism by HLA typing. The HLA phenotype of the patient's skin fibroblasts [A3, Bw44 (w4)/A2, B15 (w4)] was appropriate for parental haplotypes and probably represented her true HLA phenotype. Lymphocytes from the patient (peripheral blood and lymph node biopsy) were of a different HLA phenotype (A3; Bw35, w38, w4, w6; Cw4), which was inappropriate for parental HLA haplotypes but identical to the HLA phenotype of one of the blood donors. The HLA-DR typing of the patient's family and of the blood donor demonstrated that the patient and the donor probably were HLA-DR identical (DRw5/DRw6), although no B lymphocytes could be obtained from the patient for direct DR typing. We are currently irradiating all blood products administered to patients with Hodgkin's disease receiving intensive treatment. Further observations will be necessary to determine whether transfusions to other cancer patients with immunodeficiency states should be restricted to irradiated blood products.
Denoising Time Series by Way of a Flexible Model for Phase Space Reconstruction

We present a denoising technique in the domain of time series data that presumes a model for the uncorrupted underlying signal rather than a model for noise. Specifically, we show how the non-linear reconstruction of the underlying dynamical system by way of time delay embedding yields a new solution for denoising where the underlying dynamics is assumed to be highly non-linear yet low-dimensional. The model for the underlying data is recovered using a non-parametric Bayesian approach and is therefore very flexible. The proposed technique first clusters the reconstructed phase space through a Dirichlet Process Mixture of Exponential density, an infinite mixture model. Phase Space Reconstruction is accomplished by time delay embedding in the framework of Taken's Embedding Theorem with the underlying dimension being determined by the False Neighborhood method. Next, an Infinite Mixtures of Linear Regression via Dirichlet Process is used to non-linearly map the phase space data points to their respective temporally subsequent points in the phase space. Finally, a convex optimization based approach is used to restructure the dynamics by perturbing the phase space points to create the new denoised time series. We find that this method yields significantly better performance in noise reduction, power spectrum analysis and prediction accuracy of the phase space.
E-120 novel double catheter technique with detachable microcatheter for treatment of arteriovenous malformations

Onyx has improved the curative rates of embolization as it allows for more controlled injection over a period of time. 1 We describe a new double arterial catheterization technique using a detachable tip micro catheter in conjunction with a second micro catheter to form a proximal Onyx plug to treat an AVM with better penetration. A 21 year old male with a known ruptured AVM presented for elective staged treatment. Cerebral DSA showed a right frontal SM grade 5 AVM with MCA and ACA feeders. In the fifth session, through a guiding catheter, an Echelon-10 micro catheter was advanced, with the help of 0.08-inch microguidewire (Mirage, ev3) to access a distal M4 branch supplying the AVM. An Apollo™ 3cm detachable tip microcatheter was navigated alongside the first catheter in the same feeder but more distally into the nidus. The Echelon micro catheter tip was positioned between the most distal marker and the detachment zone of Apollo and an Onyx plug created to prevent reflux. It was then removed and the Apollo microcatheter was used to inject Onyx 18 into the nidus of the AVM. After embolization was confirmed by control angiogram, the Apollo tip was detached and micro catheter removed under fluoroscopic guidance. Flow was eliminated through a significant portion of the nidus using this technique. The patient remained hemodynamically stable throughout the procedure and no immediate complications were noted Discussion Inadvertent occlusion of the draining vein before complete occlusion of the nidus and reflux around the delivery micro catheter into important normal arterial branches remain a major challenge. 2 To overcome these limitations, we used a second micro catheter to form an Onyx plug to create a seal around the distally placed detachable tip. 3 This wedge flow condition reduced the blood supply and contrast washout during selective injections. It prevented Onyx from reflux into important vessels and allowed for more forceful and thorough embolization. Chapot et al . 4 described a “pressure-cooker” technique based on a similar concept but used coils and glue to form the plug which makes it more challenging and risky. References Valavanis A, Pangalu A, Tanaka M. Endovascular treatment of cerebral arteriovenous malformations with emphasis on the curative role of embolisation. Schweizer Arch fur Neurol und Psychiatr. 2004;155(7):341–347 Sekhar LN, Biswas A, Hallam D, Kim LJ, Douglas J, Ghodke B. Neuroendovascular management of tumors and vascular malformations of the head and neck. Neurosurg Clin N Am. 2009;20(4):453–485 Altschul D, Paramasivam S, Ortega-Gutierrez S, Fifi JT, Berenstein A. Safety and efficacy using a detachable tip microcatheter in the embolization of pediatric arteriovenous malformations. Child’s Nerv Syst. 2014;30(6):1099–1107 Chapot R, Stracke P, Velasco A, Nordmeyer H, Heddier M, Stauder M, Schooss P, Mosimann PJ. The pressure cooker technique for the treatment of brain AVMs. J Neuroradiol. 2014;41(1):87–91 Disclosures A. Biswas: None. M. Echt: None. D. Altschul: None. D. Gordon: None.
The Corporate Takeover Market: Common Takeover Tactics, Antitakeover Defenses, and Corporate Governance

The corporate takeover has been dramatized in Hollywood as motivated by excessive greed, reviled in the press as a job destroyer, hailed as a means of dislodging incompetent management, and often heralded by shareholders as a source of windfall gains. The reality is that corporate takeovers may be a little of all of these things. The purpose of this chapter is to discuss the effectiveness of commonly used tactics to acquire a company and evaluate the effectiveness of various takeover defenses. The market in which such takeover tactics and defenses are employed is called the corporate takeover market, which serves two important functions in a free market economy. First, it facilitates the allocation of resources to sectors in which they can be used most efficiently. Second, it serves as a mechanism for disciplining underperforming corporate managers. By replacing such managers through hostile takeover attempts or proxy fights, the corporate takeover market can help to promote good corporate governance practices. This chapter defines corporate governance as factors internal and external to the firm, which interact to protect the rights of corporate stakeholders. Finally, case studies at the end of the chapter provide an excellent illustration of how takeover tactics are used in a hostile takeover to penetrate a firm's defenses.
Performing labour: ethical spectatorship and the communication of labour conditions in pornography

ABSTRACTGeneric conventions used to communicate the labour conditions of pornography within texts have become increasingly prominent in light of a focus on ethical porn production. Such conventions, which include interviews with performers, behind-the-scenes material, as well as outtakes and other instances of failed labour, blur the line between pornographic performance and documented reality. This article challenges their status as documentary evidence, suggesting instead that they be understood as elements of pornographic performance and regarded with the same scepticism and attention to skill, artistry, and power as other aspects of the performance. The article demonstrates the danger of conflating performance with reality, and asserts that doing so has the unintended consequences of effacing the labour of pornographic performance, perpetuating certain damaging understandings of such work and encouraging naive spectatorial practices. As such, ethical spectatorship cannot arise simply from consuming po...
Advanced oxidation of five contaminants in water by UV/TiO2: Reaction kinetics and byproducts identification.

The extent and kinetics of degradation of 1,4 dioxane, n-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), tris-2-chloroethyl phosphate (TCEP), gemfibrozil, and 17β estradiol in a prepared aqueous matrix by means of UV/TiO2 (ultraviolet light/titanium dioxide) oxidation was evaluated. Degussa P25 TiO2 was employed as a photocatalyst excited by UV light in a 1 L water-jacketed batch photoreactor. The rate of degradation was modeled using a pseudo-first order rate model and the Langmuir-Hinshelwood rate model with a high correlation. Degradation rate constants were found to be maximum at pH 5.0 and 1.5 g L(-)(1) TiO2 dose. For these conditions first order rate constants, values were as follows: 0.29 min(-1) for 1,4 dioxane, 0.50 min(-1) for NDMA, 0.12 min(-1) for TCEP, 0.61 min(-1) for gemfibrozil, and 0.53 min(-1) for 17β estradiol. While for the Langmuir-Hinshelwood rate model, the following constants were found: 0.11 Lmg(-1) and 2.81 mgL(-1) min(-1) for 1,4 dioxane, 0.12 Lmg(-1) and 4.35 mgL(-1) min(-1) for NDMA, 0.06 Lmg(-1) and 1.79 mgL(-1) min(-1) for TCEP, 0.21 Lmg(-1) and 3.27 mgL(-1) min(-1) for gemfibrozil, and 0.15 Lmg(-1) and 3.43 mgL(-1) min(-1) for 17β estradiol. In addition, specific byproducts of degradation were identified using GC/MS analysis. The results obtained from the kinetics analysis showed that UV/TiO2 oxidation is a promising process for treating trace organic contaminants in water, but further research is needed to better understand how to incorporate these findings into pilot and full-scale designs. The toxicity of oxidation byproducts, and their potential for interacting with other compounds should be considered in the treatment of contaminated waters using the UV/TiO2 oxidation process.
Psychiatric Disorders in People With Intellectual Disabilities: Steps Toward Eliminating Research and Clinical Care Disparities

Abstract This critique takes a look both back and forward at research, services, and training for people with intellectual disabilities (IDs) and cooccurring psychiatric disorders. Despite multiple National Institutes of Health (NIH)-sponsored conferences, Surgeon General Reports, editorials, reviews, books, and calls to action, we have yet to reach a tipping point that galvanizes the field into reducing mental health research and clinical care disparities in this population. Four overarching challenges are presented: (1) what to call this subspecialty; (2) an inadequately trained mental health workforce with little motivation to work in this population; (3) establishing meaningful psychiatric diagnoses and developing nuanced mental health outcome measures; and (4) the systematic exclusion of people with low IQs in psychiatric research programs and clinical trials. Looking forward, four bold recommendations, intended to stir debate, are provided: (1) designate IDs as a Medically Underserved Population and US Health Disparity Population; (2) add disability status to NIH's required human subject section in grant applications; (3) reform and improve training in specific mental health professions and train nonspecialists to deliver care; and (4) integrate primary heath care and mental health services. These are actionable goals that necessarily entail placing a higher value on the well-being and contributions of a persistently stigmatized group.
Regulation of Corneal Endothelial Function

Corneal hydration is the main determinant of corneal transparency. The stromal glycosaminoglycans passively draw water into the cornea (the leak). Osmotic gradients created by the active ion transport mechanisms of the corneal endothelium (the pump), drives fluid movement that exactly counterbalances the Leak. This pump–leak mechanism preserves a constant stromal hydration, and thereby maintains optical transparency. The pump is mainly dependent on bicarbonate transport and hence on the activity of carbonic anhydrases. Several bicarbonate-transport mechanisms have been identified, but a complete picture remains elusive. The pump cannot maintain deturgescence of the stroma unless the barrier function of the endothelium is intact. The barrier integrity – which is dependent on tight and adherens junctions – is regulated by actomyosin contraction. Elevated cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) can increase fluid transport by the endothelium and promotes cell–cell apposition by opposing actomyosin contraction, promoting barrier integrity.
Germ Cell Tumors: Classifications, Definitions, and Terminology

The terminology of testicular, ovarian, and extragonadal germ cell tumors has been marred historically by histogenetic and diagnostic controversies and a lack of uniform approach to classification of these neoplasms. Even though some inconsistencies and controversies persist, the terminology has in general become less contentious. Furthermore, the usage of diagnostic categories in daily practice of pathology has become less uneven, enabling better clinical-pathologic correlations and a more standardized approach to the treatment of these neoplasms. The advances in experimental pathology of teratomas and human embryonic stem cells have improved our understanding of the histogenesis and cellular/molecular biology of germ cell tumors in general. However, the terminology used in experimental laboratory studies and in clinics still shows some discordances which remain to be reconciled and unified into a universally acceptable nomenclature.
Calculating Iso-Committor Surfaces as Optimal Reaction Coordinates with Milestoning

Reaction coordinates are vital tools for qualitative and quantitative analysis of molecular processes. They provide a simple picture of reaction progress and essential input for calculations of free energies and rates. Iso-committor surfaces are considered the optimal reaction coordinate. We present an algorithm to compute efficiently a sequence of isocommittor surfaces. These surfaces are considered an optimal reaction coordinate. The algorithm analyzes Milestoning results to determine the committor function. It requires only the transition probabilities between the milestones, and not transition times. We discuss the following numerical examples: (i) a transition in the Mueller potential; (ii) a conformational change of a solvated peptide; and (iii) cholesterol aggregation in membranes.
Computer-based training (CBT) intervention reduces workplace violence and harassment for homecare workers

Background The study examines the effectiveness of a workplace violence and harassment prevention and response program with female homecare workers in a consumer driven model of care. Methods Homecare workers were randomized to either; computer based training (CBT only) or computer-based training with homecare worker peer facilitation (CBT + peer). Participants completed measures on confidence, incidents of violence, and harassment, health and work outcomes at baseline, 3, 6 months post-baseline. Results Homecare workers reported improved confidence to prevent and respond to workplace violence and harassment and a reduction in incidents of workplace violence and harassment in both groups at 6-month follow-up. A decrease in negative health and work outcomes associated with violence and harassment were not reported in the groups. Conclusion CBT alone or with trained peer facilitation with homecare workers can increase confidence and reduce incidents of workplace violence and harassment in a consumer-driven model of care.
International Perceptions of Cyberbullying Within Higher Education

In this study, we investigated perceptions of cyberbullying within higher education among 1,587 professionals from Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Regardless of countr...
The State of Federal and State Accountability Systems That Support P-12 and Postsecondary Transition Services for English Learners with Disabilities

The number of English Language Learners (ELLs) enrolled in P-16 school entities and as college undergraduates in the United States has increased significantly from the 2000 to 2010 U.S. Census increasing to 14% of the public-school population (from 3.7 million to 4.7 million) and 14% of the college student population (The Condition of Education, 2012). As the number of ELLs increases, the number of ELLs identified as possessing a disability has also increased to slightly over 18% of the public school aged population in 2013–2014 (U.S. Department of Education, 2015).
Pipes and praxis: a methodological contribution to the urban political ecology of water

This article contributes to the urban political ecology of water through applied anthropological research methods and praxis. Drawing on two case studies in urban Sonora, Mexico, we contribute to critical studies of infrastructure by focusing on large infrastructural systems and decentralized alternatives to water and sanitation provisioning. We reflect on engaging with residents living on the marginal hillsides of two rapidly urbanizing desert cities using ethnographic methods. In the capital city of Hermosillo, Radonic emphasizes how collaborative reflection with barrio residents led her to reframe her analytical approach to water governance by recognizing informal water infrastructure as a statement of human resilience in the face of social inequality, resource scarcity, and material disrepair. In the border city of Nogales, Kelly-Richards reflects on the outcomes of conducting community-based participatory research with technical students and residents of an informally settled colonia around the construction of a composting toilet, while also investigating municipal government service provision efforts. Our article invites readers to view these infrastructure alternatives as ways to explore how applied anthropology can advance the emancipatory potential of urban political ecology through a collaborative investigation of uneven urbanization and basic service provisioning. We emphasize everyday situated relationships with infrastructure in informally organized neighborhoods. Using praxis to collectively investigate the complex and entangled relations between large piped water and sanitation projects and locally developed alternatives in under serviced areas, the two case studies reveal lessons learned and illuminate grounded research openings for social justice and environmental sustainability.
A systematic review of clinic and community intervention to increase fecal testing for colorectal cancer in rural and low-income populations in the United States - How, what and when?

Interventions to improve fecal testing for colorectal cancer (CRC) exist, but are not yet routine practice. We conducted this systematic review to determine how implementation strategies and contextual factors influenced the uptake of interventions to increase Fecal Immunochemical Tests (FIT) and Fecal Occult Blood Testing (FOBT) for CRC in rural and low-income populations in the United States. We searched Medline and the Cochrane Library from January 1998 through July 2016, and Scopus and clinicaltrials.gov through March 2015, for original articles of interventions to increase fecal testing for CRC. Two reviewers independently screened abstracts, reviewed full-text articles, extracted data and performed quality assessments. A qualitative synthesis described the relationship between changes in fecal testing rates for CRC, intervention components, implementation strategies, and contextual factors. A technical expert panel of primary care professionals, health system leaders, and academicians guided this work. Of 4218 citations initially identified, 27 unique studies reported in 29 publications met inclusion criteria. Studies were conducted in primary care (n = 20, 74.1%), community (n = 5, 18.5%), or both (n = 2, 7.4%) settings. All studies (n = 27, 100.0%) described multicomponent interventions. In clinic based studies, components that occurred most frequently among the highly effective/effective study arms were provision of kits by direct mail, use of a pre-addressed stamped envelope, client reminders, and provider ordered in-clinic distribution. Interventions were delivered by clinic staff/community members (n = 10, 37.0%), research staff (n = 6, 22.2%), both (n = 10, 37.0%), or it was unclear (n = 1, 3.7%). Over half of the studies lacked information on training or monitoring intervention fidelity (n = 15, 55.6%). Studies to improve FIT/FOBT in rural and low-income populations utilized multicomponent interventions. The provision of kits through the mail, use of pre-addressed stamped envelopes, client reminders and in-clinic distribution appeared most frequently in the highly effective/effective clinic-based study arms. Few studies described contextual factors or implementation strategies. More robust application of guidelines to support reporting on methods to select, adapt and implement interventions can help end users determine not just which interventions work to improve CRC screening, but which interventions would work best in their setting given specific patient populations, clinical settings, and community characteristics. In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, our systematic review protocol was registered with PROSPERO, the international prospective register of systematic reviews, on April 16, 2015 (registration number CRD42015019557 ).
Novel surfactant self-assembly process generates multi-scale surface topographies for stem cell growth and differentiation

Topographical features on a substrate can greatly influence stem cell fate through contact guidance. While the response of stem cells to topography at the nano-, micro-, and meso-scale has been studied extensively, little is known about the interplay of surface features acting simultaneously across multiple length scales. A limiting factor has been the availability of high throughput methods for probing the potentially unlimited parameter space. Herein we describe a facile method for rapidly generating a hierarchy of multi-scaled topographical features on polymer substrates via the self-assembly of surfactants at the monomer/water interface. Having previously assembled polydimethylsiloxane-diacrylate (PDMS-DA) into surfaces resembling multiple tissue morphologies, the current study refines this method to produce biocompatible substrates. To manage the large parameter space, we limit the scope of this study to surface features spanning nanometer (< 1 µm) and micrometer (1-50 µm) length scales, which arise both individually and in combination. Adipose-derived stem cells were plated onto five surface types and their morphology, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation were assessed after non-inductive and osteogenic culture. We observed statistically significant differences in cellular responses to each surface. Among our observations, the increased osteogenesis of cells on surfaces with nano-scaled features superimposed over micro-scaled features suggests that such hierarchical surface structure mediates the osteogenic properties of a surface.
‘Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous’: The Great Gatsby in the 1980s

This essay illustrates the application of reception study, the subfield of literary history that emphasises the historical experiences of readers, to pedagogical contexts by investigating the teach...
EVALUATING THE SLEEPY PATIENT

Excessive daytime sleepiness has various causes, and appropriate treatment varies accordingly. The diagnosis requires a history, physical examination, and polysomnographic study. A case report exemplifies the clinical approach.
The Variability Approach and the Multiproduct Firm

In the variability approach presented in this monograph, each unit of a product is entirely produced in one firm.1 We must explain now the real world fact that often more than one product is produced by one firm. That is, we must explain the existence of the multiproduct firm.
Facets of Generalized Uncertainty-based Information

Review of current research on broad concepts of uncertainty and information that is based on uncertainty reduction. A formalization of these concepts is conceived, in general, within a broad framework consisting of fuzzy set theory and fuzzy measure theory. This framework is sufficiently general to capture virtually all conceivable types of uncertainty via appropriate uncertainty theories. Three levels are distinguished in each uncertainty theory: uncertainty formalization, uncertainty measurement, and uncertainty utilization. Thus far, uncertainty (and uncertainty-based information) has been investigated at each of these three levels only in the Dempster-Shafer theory of evidence and its special branches. Results of these investigations are reviewed.
Fargo: To Be Continued…

The anthologised TV series, Fargo, is characterised by its intertextual complexity and by its capacity to appropriate a particular auteur style aesthetic over and above adaptation of narrative content. This chapter explores the ways in which adaptive processes at work in the series’ transition from film to TV revolve around various textual continuities that establish the series’ ongoing relationship with not only the film it references in its title but a range of Coen brothers’ films. These cultural, geographical, mythical and stylistic continuities also serve as points of departure that facilitate an expansion of the existing Fargo story world, affording the series its own distinctive identity, its own narrative momentum and visual aesthetic.
RTN and LFN Noise Performance in Advanced FDSOI Technology

This work presents the impact of carrier distribution in RTN and LFN performance. Using ad-hoc devices in 22nm FDSOI technology, we show how the free carrier distribution in the conduction channel is modulated by the applied back-bias as well as by the integrated well type. Appropriate use of back-bias potential and n-type well leads to minimum device noise overcoming standard bulk technology.
Option Market Signals and the Disposition Effect Around Equity Earnings Announcements

The authors provide evidence that equity traders who miss or ignore signals from the options market have an increased disposition to hold their loser positions following earnings announcements. Pos...
Structural prerequisites for CRM1-dependent nuclear export signaling peptides: accessibility, adapting conformation, and the stability at the binding site

Nuclear export signal (NES) motifs function as essential regulators of the subcellular location of proteins by interacting with the major nuclear exporter protein, CRM1. Prediction of NES is of great interest in many aspects of research including cancer, but currently available methods, which are mostly based on the sequence-based approaches, have been suffered from high false positive rates since the NES consensus patterns are quite commonly observed in protein sequences. Therefore, finding a feature that can distinguish real NES motifs from false positives is desired to improve the prediction power, but it is quite challenging when only using the sequence. Here, we provide a comprehensive table for the validated cargo proteins, containing the location of the NES consensus patterns with the disordered propensity plots, known protein domain information, and the predicted secondary structures. It could be useful for determining the most plausible NES region in the context of the whole protein sequence and suggests possibilities for some non-binders of the annotated regions. In addition, using the currently available crystal structures of CRM1 bound to various classes of NES peptides, we adopted, for the first time, the structure-based prediction of the NES motifs bound to the CRM1's binding groove. Combining sequence-based and structure-based predictions, we suggest a novel and more straight-forward approach to identify CRM1-binding NES sequences by analysis of their structural prerequisites and energetic evaluation of the stability at the CRM1's binding site.
Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Monoarthritis of the Knee in Children: A Case Report.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis monoarthritis is a rare form of TB, occurring in 1-2% of cases in the United States. Delays in definitive diagnosis and subsequent treatment are common. While case reports of tuberculous arthritis have been presented in international literature, there is a relative paucity of literature from within the United States. Given the difficulty in diagnosis and adverse outcomes of delayed diagnosis, we present the case of an 11-year-old otherwise healthy male with isolated monoarticular TB septic arthritis of the right knee. A discussion, including review of current literature, regarding presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of tuberculous monoarthritis follows. The emerging role of arthroscopy as a diagnostic and treatment modality for tuberculous monoarthritis of the knee is discussed. Level of Evidence: VI
Whither the All-Volunteer Force?

Unprecedented in ambition, uneven in experience, controversial from the outset, and facing serious challenges in the years ahead, the All-Volunteer Force (AVF), launched in 1973, remains one of the most significant and debatable developments in postwar U.S. security policy. Never before had the United States attempted to maintain so large a standing force composed entirely of volunteers.1 Few other nations rely wholly on volunteers for their military forces, and indeed none relies on volunteers on anything near the scale of the AVF.2
Sublimating Home Rule and Municipal Separation of Powers in Knick v. Township of Scott

It may be bordering on apostacy in certain circles to suggest that Knick v. Township of Scott–in which a sharply-divided Supreme Court held that municipal and local governments may be sued to recover just compensation for Fifth Amendment regulatory takings in federal court — is a ruling that municipalities could celebrate. After all, how could a decision that overruled a case that for more than three decades had effectively shut federal takings claimants out of federal court by relegating them to (presumably) more local government-friendly state courts be a good thing for local governments? The Knick majority concluded that a federal regulatory takings claim is ripe for federal court from the moment a municipality adopts an allegedly confiscatory regulation without providing compensation, even if a state court would also entertain a state law takings or inverse condemnation claim. The reason why local governments should look for a silver lining in the majority ruling is the unstated premise which all the Justices confronted: are local governments merely conveniences of the state, or are they separate from the state and its judiciary? In this article, I suggest the answer to that question is no: state courts resolving state law inverse condemnation and state takings claims are not part of a local government’s taking and compensation mechanism.
The Utility of Pharmacometric Models in Clinical Pharmacology Research in Infants

Acquiring knowledge on drug disposition and action in infant is challenging because of the problem of sparse and unbalanced data obtained for each individual infant due to the limited blood volume as well as the issue of extensive intersubject and intrasubject variability in drug exposure and response due to the fast growth and dynamic maturation changes in infants. This commentary highlights the importance of using population-based pharmacometric models to improve knowledge on drug disposition and action in infants. Pharmacometric modeling remains to be critical in clinical pharmacology research in infants. Many pediatric covariate models developed for scaling of drug clearance use a combination of allometric weight scaling to account for size change and a sigmoid function of antenatal development and postnatal maturation to characterize the age-related maturation. To expedite the development of safe and effective dosing regimens in infants, a number of strategies have been proposed recently, including the use of pediatric covariate model obtained from one drug for extrapolation to other drugs undergoing similar elimination pathways, as well as the combination of opportunistic clinical studies and population-based pharmacometric models. Population-based pharmacometric modeling plays a pivotal role in clinical pharmacology research in infants. Most of the covariate models reported so far focus on antibiotics undergoing renal elimination. Novel modeling strategies have been proposed recently to facilitate clinical pharmacology research and expedite the dose optimization process in infants.
Robust Polarimetry with Convex Optimization

We present a mathematical method of correcting non-physical results from polarimetry measurements based on convex optimization. We show the experimental nonphysical measurements and the corresponding corrected results.
Vaginal necrosis: A rare late toxicity after radiation therapy

Vaginal necrosis is a late radiation tissue injury with serious morbidity complications. It is rare, and its incidence is not well assessed in prospective trials. Patient comorbidities and radiation dose can significantly increase the risk. As treatment of gynecologic malignancies often involve a multidisciplinary approach, timely diagnosis and appropriate management by physicians of the team are crucial. Untreated vaginal necrosis can lead to infection, hemorrhage, necrosis-related fistulation to the bladder or rectum, perforation, and death. In this review, we describe the pathophysiology of vaginal necrosis, its clinical course, and management options.
Rarefied particle motions on hillslopes - Part 4: Philosophy

Abstract. Theoretical and experimental work (Furbish et al., 2021a, b, c) indicates that the travel distances of rarefied particle motions on rough hillslope surfaces are described by a generalized Pareto distribution. The form of this distribution varies with the balance between gravitational heating due to conversion of potential to kinetic energy and frictional cooling by particle–surface collisions. The generalized Pareto distribution in this problem is a maximum entropy distribution constrained by a fixed energetic “cost” – the total cumulative energy extracted by collisional friction per unit kinetic energy available during particle motions. The analyses leading to these results provide an ideal case study for highlighting three key elements of a statistical mechanics framework for describing sediment particle motions and transport: the merits of probabilistic versus deterministic descriptions of sediment motions, the implications of rarefied versus continuum transport conditions, and the consequences of increasing uncertainty in descriptions of sediment motions and transport that accompany increasing length scales and timescales. We use the analyses of particle energy extraction, the spatial evolution of particle energy states, and the maximum entropy method applied to the generalized Pareto distribution as examples to illustrate the mechanistic yet probabilistic nature of the approach. These examples highlight the idea that the endeavor is not simply about adopting theory or methods of statistical mechanics “off the shelf” but rather involves appealing to the style of thinking of statistical mechanics while tailoring the analysis to the process and scale of interest. Under rarefied conditions, descriptions of the particle flux and its divergence pertain to ensemble conditions involving a distribution of possible outcomes, each realization being compatible with the controlling factors. When these factors change over time, individual outcomes reflect a legacy of earlier conditions that depends on the rate of change in the controlling factors relative to the intermittency of particle motions. The implication is that landform configurations and associated particle fluxes reflect an inherent variability (“weather”) that is just as important as the expected (“climate”) conditions in characterizing system behavior.
A state-of-the-science review of polychlorinated biphenyl exposures at background levels: Relative contributions of exposure routes

Abstract Exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) can occur through multiple routes and sources, including dietary intake, inhalation, dermal contact, and ingestion of dust and soils. Dietary exposure to PCBs is often considered the primary exposure route for the general population; however, recent studies suggest an increasing contribution from indoor inhalation exposure. Here, we aim to estimate the relative contribution of different PCB exposure pathways for the general population, as well as for select age groups. We conducted a targeted literature review of PCB concentrations in environmental media, including indoor and outdoor air, indoor dust, and soils, as well as of total dietary intake. Using the average concentrations from the studies identified, we estimated PCB exposure through different routes for the general population. In addition, we assessed exposure via environmental media for select age groups. We identified a total of 70 studies, 64 that provided background PCB concentrations for one or more of the environmental media of interest and 6 studies that provided estimates of dietary intake. Using estimates from studies conducted worldwide, for the general population, dietary intake of PCBs was the major exposure pathway. In general, our review identifies important limitations in the data available to assess population exposures, highlighting the need for more current and population-based estimates of PCB exposure, particularly for indoor air and dietary intake.
Synthesis of Functionalized Styrene Butadiene Rubber and Its Applications in SBR–Silica Composites for High Performance Tire Applications

Styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) is commonly synthesized from 1,3-butadiene and styrene monomers via two ubiquitous synthetic pathways, by emulsion (ESBR) and solution (SSBR) processes. Emulsion SBR ...
Opioid Withdrawal Produces Sex-Specific Effects on Fentanyl-Versus-Food Choice and Mesolimbic Transcription

Abstract Background Opioid withdrawal is a key driver of opioid addiction and an obstacle to recovery. However, withdrawal effects on opioid reinforcement and mesolimbic neuroadaptation are understudied, and the role of sex is largely unknown. Methods Male (n = 13) and female (n = 12) rats responded under a fentanyl-versus-food choice procedure during daily 2-hour sessions. In addition to the daily choice sessions, rats were provided extended access to fentanyl during 12-hour self-administration sessions. After 2 weeks of this self-administration regimen, the nucleus accumbens and ventral tegmental area of a subset of rats were subjected to RNA sequencing. In the remaining rats, a third week of this self-administration regimen was conducted, during which methadone effects on fentanyl-versus-food choice were determined. Results Before opioid dependence, male and female rats similarly allocated responding between fentanyl and food. Abstinence from extended fentanyl access elicited similar increases in somatic withdrawal signs in both sexes. Despite similar withdrawal signs and extended-access fentanyl intake, opioid withdrawal was accompanied by a maladaptive increase in fentanyl choice in males, but not females. Behavioral sex differences corresponded with a greater number of differentially expressed genes in the nucleus accumbens and ventral tegmental area of opioid-withdrawn females relative to males. Methadone blocked withdrawal-associated increases in fentanyl choice in males but failed to further decrease fentanyl choice in females. Conclusions These results provide foundational evidence of sex-specific neuroadaptations to opioid withdrawal, which may be relevant to the female-specific resilience to withdrawal-associated increases in opioid choice and aid in the identification of novel therapeutic targets.
Experimental investigation of rooftop hotspots during wildfire ember storms

Abstract Results are presented from of experiments to determine the susceptibility of rooftops to embers staying in contact during wildfires. Wind tunnel experiments were run in which the rooftops of model houses were covered with model embers and exposed to the wind. Tests covered a range of wind speeds, wind directions, and roof geometries. Experiments were filmed and image analysis showed regions on the rooftops where embers remained after prolonged exposure to the wind. Rooftop ember removal is controlled by the flow separation over the roof and around the building as well as the building geometry. Counterintuitively, the flow separation means that, for certain wind directions, increasing the roof slope actually results in larger regions of the rooftop where embers are retained. Internal corners, such as around dormers, can be regions of high ember stability. However, these regions of high stability are also dependent on the wind direction. For one building tested, the fraction of the roof that remained covered varied by 46% for the same wind speed but different wind angles. The results show that ember retention on rooftops is highly dependent on the flow over and around the whole building and, therefore, tests should model the entire building.
Water Quality Sampling in Billy Barquedier National Park and Surrounding Areas, Belize, C.A.

Looking at the physical, microbial, and chemical makeup of water samples gives a good indication of the drinking quality, which is important as it’s a vital human need. Testing water from Billy Barquedier National Park and the Valley community in the Stann Creek District, Belize, CA. is important to tell whether contamination is taking place from the water source or in the pipe systems. Testing involved taking samples as well as testing in the field with the Pro DSS water quality meter. Lab testing used a colorimeter and autoclave to test the microbial and chemical makeup. It’s important to look to at the connection between the chemical and physical components compared to the microbial components to see connections between harmful bacteria such as Escherichia coli and fecal coliforms.
Performance Analysis of an Input-Series-Output-Parallel LLC Resonant Converter with Parameters Mismatch

Input-series-output-parallel (ISOP) converters enable the use of low voltage devices in high voltage applications. Additional benefits include modularity and increased efficiency due to improved device figure-of-merit (FOM) for low voltage devices. A ISOP system typically consists of many converter modules. In order to ensure proper system operation, voltage and current among each module should be equal. However, parameter mismatch is inevitable between converter modules, causing input voltage and current unbalanced. In this paper, performance of an ISOP LLC converter with resonant tank parameter mismatch is analyzed. Impedance model analysis of system input voltage sharing (IVS) is established and conducted under first harmonic approximation (FHA) assumption. Analysis shows that the ratio of resonant inductor Lr and magnetizing inductor Lm has a major impact on input voltage sharing, while voltage sharing is not affected significantly by L m value. To achieve an ISOP LLC with good input voltage sharing, small $L_{r}/L_{m}$ ratio is expected. A 3kW, 400V to 48V four-module ISOP LLC is developed to verify the conclusion and good input voltage sharing property is demonstrated by simulations and experiments.
The poisoning of our children.

In the second half of the 1980s, almost four million exposures to poison were reported for children less than six years of age. The causes, types of poisoning and treatment are reviewed. Language: en
274 Nurse prescribing for children with cystic fibrosis (CF). An initiative to improve service delivery

Children with CF often require medication, particularly antibiotics, at times when they are not being reviewed by the hospital medical team. These medications are usually prescribed by the child's GP at the request of the CF team. The CF Nurse Specialist (NS) team would assess the patients needs and discuss a course of treatment with the registrar, a faxed prescription request would then be made. This was time consuming and often resulted in a delay in prescription requests being generated hence the possibility of treatment being delayed. Prescriptions for the home intravenous antibiotic therapy service, which is organised by the CF NS, were also reliant on the availability of a registrar or consultant to prescribe. Whilst this did not usually result in delayed treatment it was often time consuming and inefficient. Following completion of a non-medical prescribing course and the subsequent registration of one of the CF NS, these prescribing functions were taken over by the CF Nursing team. In order to ensure that appropriate decisions were made, a tool for telephone consultations was utilised to document the prescribing decision. A review of the prescribing activity was undertaken prior to the initiative being implemented and repeated once it had been established in practice. This review found a reduction in time from prescribing decision being made to generation of prescription or fax from an average of 14 hrs to 1 hr 49minutes. This initiative therefore demonstrates a considerable efficiency saving, hence an improvement to service delivery.
All that glitters is not gold: Zero-point energy in the Johnson noise of resistors

The zero-point (quantum) term in the Johnson noise of resistors has been a controversial topic. In this talk, we add new arguments to the discussion to clarify the matter, however, open questions will still remain.
Magnetic Fields on K and M Dwarfs

Of seven late K and early M dwarfs, six were observed to have magnetic fields. No relationship was seen between effective temperature and either field strength or filling factor. Magnetic flux was observed not to be constant over this range of effective temperature.
Potato spindle tuber virus: A plant virus with properties of a free nucleic acid: II. Characterization and partial purification

Abstract An infectious entity extracted from tissue infected with potato spindle tuber virus (PSTV) with buffers of high ionic strength sedimented in sucrose gradients at approximately the same rate as particles with a sedimentation coefficient of 10 S. Treatment with phenol affected neither the sedimentation properties nor the infectivity of this entity significantly. Infectivity of the agent was not reduced when it was treated with deoxyribonuclease, but at low ionic strength the agent was sensitive to treatment with ribonuclease. After incubation with ribonuclease in media of high ionic strength, some infectivity remained. In cesium chloride and cesium sulfate gradients, infectious material equilibrated at buoyant densities characteristic of RNA and not of DNA. After treatment with deoxyribonuclease, infectious material sedimented more slowly in sucrose gradients than before the treatment. Isolation of subcellular particles revealed that infectivity was primarily associated with nuclear fractions and with the cell debris. The infectious material eluted from columns of methylated serum albumin at approximately 0.7 M NaCl, together with the host DNA. From cellulose columns, infectious material eluted in buffers containing ethanol as well as in buffer alone. With any of the analytical methods used, comparisons of extracts from infected tissue with extracts prepared identically from healthy tissue failed to reveal UV-absorbing components that were present only in extracts from infected tissue and could be correlated with infectivity. Our data are most compatible with the hypothesis that PSTV is a nucleic acid of double-helical structure, at least one strand of which is composed of RNA. This nucleic acid is remarkably stable, is readily transmitted, and has a very high specific infectivity.