cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An electrospray membrane probe for the analysis of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds in water

A new membrane probe incorporating electrospray ionization (ESI) was designed, built and coupled to an ion trap mass spectrometer to detect low levels of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) in water. Similar to other membrane introduction mass spectrometry (MIMS) systems, the probe contains a capillary polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membrane to allow for the preferential permeation of small molecules but, in contrast, the interface uses a liquid/membrane/liquid interface rather than liquid/membrane/gas. The ESI source allows the probe to be operated at atmospheric pressure in positive or negative ionization mode and the lack of fragmentation in ESI allows for the simultaneous screening of many analytes with high sensitivity. The interface allows for the addition of additives to both the external and the internal liquid mobile phases to selectively improve permeation and/or the ionization efficiency of various classes of compounds. Characterization of the probe with methanol as the internal mobile phase showed that the signal for aniline optimized at 60 degrees C and an internal flow rate between 2-5 microL/min. The transfer of analyte through the membrane from water to methanol ensures a strong signal and robust electrospray for both positive and negative ion mode which is not typical when spraying pure water. Detection limits for aniline, pyridine and pentachlorophenol, and for the herbicides alachlor, atrazine, butachlor, metolachlor and simazine, were in the ppb to pptr range.
Quantum-statistical properties of pulse amplification in optical fibers with gain saturation

We studied the quantum-statistical properties of pulse amplification in erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (OFAs), including saturation of the atomic population inversion and pump depletion. We use a fully quantum theory to describe the atom-field interaction as wed as the light propagation. The generating function of the output photon number distribution (PND) is determined as a function of time during the course of the pulse, with an arbitrary input PND assumed. For input light with Poisson PND, the output PND is shown to be the Laguerre distribution with parameter 1 at all times smaller than the coherence time /spl tau//sub c/, even in the presence of nonlinear effects. An expression for the photon count moment generating function is found for counting times T/spl Gt//spl tau//sub c/. The mean pulse shape is shown to be altered by the nonlinear amplification. The variance is similarly altered, and the excess amplifier noise is greater at the leading side of the pulse. >
Estimating State-Level Input-Output Relationships from U.S. Multiregional Data

State input-output coefficient matrices can be obtained from the data embedded in the U.S. Multiregional Input-output Model (MRIO). Individual cells and multipliers in the survey-based tables for K...
Hierarchical clustering for complex data

In this paper we introduce a new tree-structured self-organizing neural network called a dynamical growing self-organizing tree (DGSOT). This DGSOT algorithm constructs a hierarchy from top to bottom by division. At each hierarchical level, the DGSOT optimizes the number of clusters, from which the proper hierarchical structure of the underlying data set can be found. We propose a K-level up distribution (KLD) mechanism. This KLD scheme increases the scope for data distribution in the hierarchy, which allows the data mis-clustered in the early stages to be re-evaluated at a later stage increasing the accuracy of the final clustering result. The DGSOT algorithm, combined with the KLD mechanism, overcomes the drawbacks of traditional hierarchical clustering algorithms (e.g., hierarchical agglomerative clustering). The DGSOT algorithm has been tested on two benchmark data sets including gene expression complex data set and we observe that our algorithm extracts patterns with different levels of abstraction. ...
Serum Concentrations of Aerosolized Tobramycin in Medical, Surgical, and Trauma Patients

Combination antibiotic therapy is often indicated for health care-associated pneumonia due to resistant pathogens and is recommended in the Infectious Diseases Society of America/American Thoracic Society guidelines on the management of community-acquired pneumonia and health care-associated
Salesperson-Sales Manager Social Interaction And Communication Quality: The Impact On Salesperson Cooperation

To get the highest level of performance out of salespeople, companies are searching internally to identify factors that lead to salesperson cooperation. Sales managers create a normative culture that engages the salesperson, which is demonstrated through communication and social interaction. A salesperson who feels connected to the organization is more likely to exert additional effort, such as cooperating with the manager to meet sales objections. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of the salesperson's social interaction and communication quality with their sales manager on their willingness to cooperate with the manager. The results show that when salespeople interact with their manager in a social setting and discuss non-work related information, salespeople become more willing to cooperate with their manager. Sales manager's communication quality was not found to have a significant relationship between the salesperson's willingness to cooperate with the sales manager. Instead, we find that sales manager's communication quality with the salesperson significantly moderates the relationship between salesperson's social interaction with the sales manager and salesperson's willingness to cooperate with the sales manager.
Year-to-Year Fluctuations of Global Mass Balance of Small Glaciers and Their Contribution to Sea-Level Changes

We estimate the means and the interannual variability during the last 30 yr of the mass balances of the small glaciers of the world (all glaciers except for the two large ice sheets), as well as the influence of these mass balance changes on fluctuations of sea level and their relation to climate. The mass balance data base was enriched by data for glaciers of the Arctic islands, Antarctica, and mountainous areas of Siberia, Central Asia, and the Caucasus, which have not been included in previous compilations. We also use a new estimate of the total area for the small glaciers on Earth: 680 X lo3 km2.The global mean mass balance as a function of time was calculated three ways: the arithmetic mean for all glaciers (Gb,), arithmetic mean for a group of representative glaciers with longterm mass balance records (Gb,), and an area-weighted mean (Gb,). The last was calculated for seven large regions in order to estimate the contribution of small glaciers to sea-level change more precisely. The results include the following: Gb, and Gb, show good correlations with each other and with global air temperature anomalies, with correlation coefficients around 0.90. Gb, produces a new global mass balance value, averaging - 130 2 33 mm yr-I, totaling -3.9 m in water equivalent for 1961-1990 period, or 0.25 + 0.10 rnrn yrr' in sea-level equivalent. This is about 14 to 18% of the average rate of sea-level rise in the last 100 yr. In the years with unusually negative mass balances, ice wastage contributed about 0.9 mm yrL to global sea-level rise, about 50% of the average rise over the recent
Standard Polarization-Maintaining Fiber as a Photon Source for Quantum Communication Applications

We investigate state engineering with a standard polarization-maintaining fiber-based photon-pair source, demonstrating the generation of polarization-entangled photons and the ability to tailor spectral entanglement using two distinct pump pulses.
Influence of Microclimate, Food, and Predation on Anopheles quadrimaculatus (Diptera: Culicidae) Growth and Development Rates, Survivorship, and Adult Size in a Michigan Pond

Recently, the need for ecological management of mosquitoes has sparked a new interest in their larval ecology as an important component in malaria control programs. Three factors affecting larval growth and development rates, survivorship and adult size were tested with a natural population of Anopheles quadrimaculatus (Say) in a Michigan pond. Second-instar An. quadrimaculatus ( n = 40) were collected from a field population and maintained in floating microcosms. Before larval introductions, microcosms were placed in 2 pond habitats (open water zones and vegetated areas). Experimental treatments in this study included algal clump, algal clump/predator, and predator only. Control treatment microcosms contained An. quadrimaculatus larvae only. The minimum temperature at the water surface was significantly greater in the open water habitat. Laboratory experiments show that food quality and temperature had a significant effect on larval survivorship. Developmental rates, survivorship, and adult size were higher in the algal clump treatment. The results of this study indicate that factors like surface water microclimates and enhanced food resources can be used to predict An. quadrimaculatus larval distribution and success.
A Multilevel Examination of the Relationship Between Leader–Member Exchange and Work–Family Outcomes

Purpose Recent work–family literature has identified leadership as an area for practical research inquiry. The purpose of the present study was to conduct a multilevel analysis that applies leader–member exchange (LMX) and conservation of resources theories as frameworks for optimizing subordinates’ work–family experiences.
Prenatal glucocorticoids stimulate neonatal juxtamedullary proximal convoluted tubule acidification.

The rate of neonatal proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) HCO3 absorption is lower than that of adult animals. The present in vitro microperfusion study examined whether prenatal dexamethasone (60 micr...
Protein kinase Cɛ activity regulates mGluR5 surface expression in the rat nucleus accumbens

Type 5 metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR5) activate protein kinase C (PKC) via coupling to Gαq/11 protein signaling. We have previously demonstrated that the epsilon isoform of PKC (PKCɛ) is a critical downstream target of mGluR5 in regulating behavioral and biochemical responses to alcohol. Recent evidence suggests that PKC-mediated phosphorylation of mGluR5 can lead to receptor desensitization and internalization. We therefore sought to examine the specific involvement of PKCɛ in the regulation of mGluR5 surface expression in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), a key regulator of alcohol-associated behaviors. Coronal brain sections from male Wistar rats were analyzed for either colocalization of mGluR5 and PKCɛ via immunohistochemistry or changes in mGluR5 surface expression and PKCɛ phosphorylation following local application of PKCɛ translocation activator or inhibitor peptides and/or an orthosteric mGluR5 agonist. We observed colocalization of mGluR5 and PKCɛ in the NAc. We also showed that intra-NAc infusion of the PKCɛ translocation inhibitor ɛV1-2 increased mGluR5 surface expression under baseline conditions. Stimulation of mGluR5 with an orthosteric agonist DHPG, dose dependently increased ERK1/2 and PKCɛ phosphorylation as well as mGluR5 internalization in acute NAc slices. Finally, we observed that activation of PKCɛ translocation with Tat-ΨɛRACK peptide mediates agonist-independent mGluR5 internalization, whereas PKCɛ translocation inhibitor ɛV1-2 prevents agonist-dependent internalization of mGluR5 in NAc slice preparations. These findings suggest that the subcellular localization of mGluR5 in the NAc is regulated by PKCɛ under basal and stimulation conditions, which may influence the role of mGluR5-PKCɛ signaling in alcohol-related behaviors. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Simple stochastic model for El Niño with westerly wind bursts.

Atmospheric wind bursts in the tropics play a key role in the dynamics of the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO). A simple modeling framework is proposed that summarizes this relationship and captures major features of the observational record while remaining physically consistent and amenable to detailed analysis. Within this simple framework, wind burst activity evolves according to a stochastic two-state Markov switching–diffusion process that depends on the strength of the western Pacific warm pool, and is coupled to simple ocean–atmosphere processes that are otherwise deterministic, stable, and linear. A simple model with this parameterization and no additional nonlinearities reproduces a realistic ENSO cycle with intermittent El Nino and La Nina events of varying intensity and strength as well as realistic buildup and shutdown of wind burst activity in the western Pacific. The wind burst activity has a direct causal effect on the ENSO variability: in particular, it intermittently triggers regular El Nino or La Nina events, super El Nino events, or no events at all, which enables the model to capture observed ENSO statistics such as the probability density function and power spectrum of eastern Pacific sea surface temperatures. The present framework provides further theoretical and practical insight on the relationship between wind burst activity and the ENSO.
Re-Assessing the Silent Treatment: Emotional Expression, Preventive Health, and the Care of Others and the Self

Trauma provides a pragmatic framework linking past exposure to extreme violence and suffering to present day distress. One important therapeutic approach to trauma is through individual and group talk therapy. This paper argues for the limited cultural applicability of these frameworks to Bolivian migrants to Spain. Analytically the framework of trauma has been less adept at explaining the erosive effects of chronic stresses related to poverty and economic uncertainty. Therapeutically, the treatment of trauma through talk overlooks the powerful and instrumental effects silence and non-disclosure can have in sustaining sociality, intimacy and resilience among migrants and their family members back home. Closer attention to the relationship between talk and local conceptualizations of the body and emotions can broaden our analytical understanding of multiple types of trauma.
Dynamical Evolution of Planetesimals in the Outer Solar System II. The Saturn/Uranus and Uranus/Neptune Zones

Abstract We report on numerical simulations exploring the dynamical stability of planetesimals in the gaps between the outer Solar System planets. We search for stable niches in the Saturn/Uranus and Uranus/Neptune zones by employing 10,000 massless particles—many more than previous studies in these two zones—using high-order optimized multistep integration schemes coupled with roundoff error minimizing methods. An additional feature of this study, differing from its predecessors, is the fact that our initial distributions contain particles on orbits which are both inclined and noncircular. These initial distributions were also Gaussian distributed such that the Gaussian peaks were at the midpoint between the neighboring perturbers. The simulations showed an initial transient phase where the bulk of the primordial planetesimal swarm was removed from the Solar System within 10 5 years. This is about 10 times longer than we observed in our previous Jupiter/Saturn studies. Next, there was a gravitational relaxation phase where the particles underwent a random walk in momentum space and were exponentially eliminated by random encounters with the planets. Unlike our previous Jupiter/Saturn simulation, the particles did not fully relax into a third Lagrangian niche phase where long-lived particles are at Lagrange points or stable niches. This is either because the Lagrangian niche phase never occurs or because these simulations did not have enough particles for this third phase to manifest. In these simulations, there was a general trend for the particles to migrate outward and eventually to be cleared out by the outermost planet in the zone. We confirmed that particles with higher eccentricities had shorter lifetimes and that the resonances between the jovian planets “pumped up” the eccentricities of the planetesimals with low-inclination orbits more than those with higher inclinations. We estimated the expected lifetime of particles using kinetic theory and even though the time scale of the Uranus/Neptune simulation was 380 times longer than our previous Jupiter/Saturn simulation, the planetesimals in the Uranus/Neptune zone were cleared out more quickly than those in the Saturn/Uranus zone because of the positions of resonances with the jovian planets. These resonances had an even greater effect than random gravitational stirring in the winnowing process and confirm that all the jovian planets are necessary in long simulations. Even though we observed several long-lived zones near 12.5, 14.4, 16, 24.5, and 26 AU, only two particles remained at the end of the 10 9 -year integration: one near the 2 : 3 Saturn resonance, and the other near the Neptune 1 : 1 resonance. This suggests that niches for planetesimal material in the jovian planets are rare and may exist either only in extremely narrow bands or in the neighborhoods of the triangular Lagrange points of the outer planets.
KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF COMMON COLD AND ITS MANAGEMENT AMONG DOCTORS OF PAKISTAN

Background: Antibiotic misuse for upper respiratory tract infections such as the common cold is widespread in clinical practice. Excessive prescription of antibiotics by doctors has resulted in increased antimicrobial resistance. This led to our objective of determining the percentage of doctors in Pakistan prescribing antibiotics for the treatment of common cold and to know about their knowledge in preventing the spread of this disease. Methods : It was a cross-sectional descriptive study, conducted in 9 cities of Pakistan including Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Peshawar, Lahore, Karachi, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Multan and D.G. Khan over a period of 03 months –from October to December, 2013. Questionnaire regarding the disease spread and its treatment was distributed among 300 randomly selected doctors in nine cities of Pakistan from both public and private sector. Results: Eighteen percent of the doctors prescribe antibiotics for common cold. Only 113 (37.7%) doctors correctly responded that mean incubation period for common cold was 1–2 days. Two hundred and nine (69.7%) answered correctly that cold weather increases susceptibility to common cold. Only 84 (28%) responded correctly by choosing that regular and frequent hand-washing with good quality soaps was the most effective way to prevent spread of this disease in day-to-day life. Conclusion: Antibiotics are being prescribed for treatment of common cold by a large proportion of doctors. There is insufficient knowledge among our doctors regarding the factors which aggravate or alleviate common cold symptoms as well as the methods by which these infections can be prevented. Keywords: Antibiotics, Antimicrobial Resistance, Common Cold, Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTIs), Viruses
Store-operated Ca 2+ entry is not required for fertilization-induced Ca 2+ signaling in mouse eggs

Repetitive oscillations in cytoplasmic Ca2+ due to periodic Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) drive mammalian embryo development following fertilization. Influx of extracellular Ca2+ to support the refilling of ER stores is required for sustained Ca2+ oscillations, but the mechanisms underlying this Ca2+ influx are controversial. Although store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) is an appealing candidate mechanism, several groups have arrived at contradictory conclusions regarding the importance of SOCE in oocytes and eggs. To definitively address this question, Ca2+ influx was assessed in oocytes and eggs lacking the major components of SOCE, the ER Ca2+ sensor STIM proteins, and the plasma membrane Ca2+ channel ORAI1. We generated oocyte-specific conditional knockout (cKO) mice for Stim1 and Stim2, and also generated Stim1/2 double cKO mice. Females lacking one or both STIM proteins were fertile and their ovulated eggs displayed normal patterns of Ca2+ oscillations following fertilization. In addition, no impairment was observed in ER Ca2+ stores or Ca2+ influx following store depletion. Similar studies were performed on eggs from mice globally lacking ORAI1; no abnormalities were observed. Furthermore, spontaneous Ca2+ influx was normal in oocytes from Stim1/2 cKO and ORAI1-null mice. Finally, we tested if TRPM7-like channels could support spontaneous Ca2+ influx, and found that it was largely prevented by NS8593, a TRPM7-specific inhibitor. Fertilization-induced Ca2+ oscillations were also impaired by NS8593. Combined, these data robustly show that SOCE is not required to support appropriate Ca2+ signaling in mouse oocytes and eggs, and that TRPM7-like channels may contribute to Ca2+ influx that was previously attributed to SOCE.
Solar Energy: The Largest Energy Resource

This chapter discusses the solar energy as the largest energy resource. The fraction of electricity generated by solar technologies is small but growing rapidly, with enormous potential to generate a large fraction of the world's electricity needs while significantly reducing global carbon emissions. Realizing this potential, however, will require overcoming both technical and economic barriers. In the short term, it will be important to decrease costs, improve solar conversion efficiency, and implement electricity rate structures that capture the time-varying value of solar-generated electricity. In the long term, challenges will include using material resources more efficiently, integrating intermittent photovoltaic electricity into the grid, and building transmission capacity for utility-scale solar generation systems linking areas with good solar resources to population centers.
Seeking sanctuary: (re)claiming the power of historically Black colleges and universities as places of Black refuge

Historically, Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have consistently functioned as engines of social change and racial uplift and are among the few places where Black culture is placed at the fo...
Results of a phase I study of clofarabine (CLO) plus cyclophosphamide (CY) in adult patients (pts) with relapsed and/or refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)

7020 Background: CLO is a second generation nucleoside analog with FDA approval for children with ALL relapse. Single agent CLO in adult ALL was less active so that combinations of CLO with other active agents are pursued. As CLO inhibits DNA repair following exposure to DNA damaging agents, we designed a phase I study of the combination of CLO with CY. Methods: Pts ≥ 21 years (yrs) with primary refractory or relapsed ALL, NYHA class < 3, and a cardiac ejection fraction ≥ 45% were eligible. The continual reassessment method (CRM) was used to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) from 4 pre-defined dose levels. The starting dose level was CLO 40 mg/m2 i.v. daily x 3d and CY 200 mg/m2 i.v. q12h x 3d. For cohort 2, CY was 300 mg/m2 and cohorts 3 and 4 maintained these doses with the treatment duration extended to 4 and 5 days, respectively. Results: Thirty pts have been enrolled. Median age was 28 yrs (range 21–72). Twenty-one pts had pre-B ALL, 5 pts pre-T/T ALL, 1 pt mature B ALL, and 3 pts biphenotyp...
A SECOND-STAGE EDDY-VISCOSITY CALCULATION FOR THE FLAT-PLATE TURBULENT BOUNDARY LAYER

Publisher Summary This chapter presents a second-stage eddy-viscosity calculation for the flat-plate turbulent boundary layer. The concept of the dual structure of turbulence, that is, large eddies and small eddies, was developed extensively by Townsend. Lumley gave the first objective mathematical definition of the large eddies; this definition also provides a scheme whereby these structures can be removed from experimental, two-point, velocity covariance data usually obtained via hot-wire or laser-Doppler anemometry. Payne and Lemmerman applied Lumley's definition to two flow prototypes. Based upon the large-eddy velocity data calculated by Lemmerman, its two-point correlation was constructed. This provided an overwhelming mass of data for full six-dimensional analysis. The chapter focuses on the analysis of one-point correlations of the large-eddy components, that is, a three-dimensional analysis. The subsequent calculation of small-eddy viscosity yields an approximately linear relation between small-eddy viscosity and the coordinate normal to the wall in the logarithmic region of 2-D turbulent boundary layers with zero pressure gradient.
Epithelial stem-like cells of the rodent liver

The idea that rodent liver contains stem-like* epithelial cells that can give rise to hepatocytes and biliary epithelial cells has developed from evidence that has accumulated from nearly 100 years of investigation into the biology of the liver. Early in this century, investigators recognized potential lineage relationships among biliary epithelial cells, transitional cells and hepatocytes in several rodent models of liver regeneration (MacCallum, 1902, 1904; Muir, 1908; Milne, 1909). Studies on hepatocarcinogenesis produced additional evidence that hepatocytes could be generated through the proliferation and differentiation of transitional cells possessing features of both ductular cells and hepatocytes (Price et al., 1952; Firminger, 1955). Subsequently, Wilson and Leduc (1958) suggested that cells contained in the cholangioles or terminal bile ductules constitute a compartment of stem-like cells that can proliferate and generate hepatocytes in some forms of liver injury. Since then, the concept of the liver stem cell has been the subject of considerable debate and discussion, and several reviews have appeared recently (Fausto, 1990; Sell, 1990; Aterman, 1992; Thorgeirsson, 1993; Fausto, 1994; Sell, 1994; Alison, Golding and Sarraf, 1996; Golding et al., 1996; Grisham and Coleman, 1996; Grisham and Thorgeirsson, 1997). The debate surrounding the liver stem cell is fueled by the fact that stem cells and their phenotypic characteristics are largely intuitive concepts. As is true for other tissues, putative stem cells of the liver have not been identified microscopically and have not been isolated from the normal liver in pure form.
Lewis Acid Carbonyl Complexation

Over 100 years have passed since the appearance of the first report of the formation of crystalline complexes between boron trifluoride and aromatic aldehydes.1 Since then, Lewis acids have found a prominent role in organic synthesis through their action on carbonyl-containing compounds. They have been used as additives or catalysts in carbonyl addition processes, and in many cases they constitute the essential component of basic carbon-carbon bond forming reactions. Most recently there has been impressive development in the area of asymmetric catalysis by Lewis acids. New chiral reagents possessing near complete asymmetric control are being reported at an increasingly rapid rate. The true origins of the ‘Lewis acid effect’, however, are still poorly understood. Three examples from simple nucleophilic additions to 4-t-butylcyclohexanone (1) are illustrative.
Fast Sensorimotor Skill Acquisition based on Rule-Based Training of Neural Networks

Complex, yet efficient, sensorimotor responses can be learned by an individual if given verbal explanations of how to accomplish a task, examples of typical motions involved, and time to practice. As designers of robot control systems, we aim to emulate characteristics of human-to-human skill transfer, and subsequent improvements in computational efficiency, in order to maximize ultimate robot capability while minimizing the amount of design effort required to obtain it. Our approach to robotic skill acquisition involves transitioning between declarative and reflexive forms of processing, implemented using knowledge-based systems and neural networks. A pole-balancing problem demonstrates how a rule-based control law can be used to train neural networks for fast and dramatic improvements in system performance.
Determination of Source Mechanism and Hypocentral Coordinates from Waveform Data

We describe a procedure that could become an important tool in the utilization of the recently established global digital seismograph network towards routine estimation of the principal seismic source parameters (hypocentral coordinates, seismic moment tensor) for earthquakes of moderate size. Considering the usual level of global seismic activity, the analysis could eventually be applied to as many as several hundred events per year, rapidly transforming our level of understanding of the process of stress accumulation and release.
Clinical Efficacy in Relieving Dentin Hypersensitivity of Nanohydroxyapatite-containing Cream: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective The study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Apadent Pro (Sangi) Nanohydroxyapatite (nHAP) dental cream to relieve Dentin Hypersensitivity (DHS), compared with a positive control cream containing 20% pure silica (Silica). Methods In this double-blind, randomized, parallel-group clinical trial, patients diagnosed with DHS and qualified to participate were randomized into two groups, nHAP (n=25) and Silica (n=26). Subjects' baseline and posttreatment sensitivity were assessed using two pain scales, a four-point Dental Pain Scale (DPS) followed by a linear Visual Analog Scale (VAS), after the application of ice-cold and air stimuli. Subjects used custom-fabricated trays to apply their respective cream for 5 minutes once daily following brushing with standard fluoride toothpaste. Posttreatment sensitivity (efficacy) was assessed every 2 weeks for 8 weeks. Mean treatment outcomes (percentage change from baseline) at each time point were compared using the Tukey HSD test for multiplicity (P<0.05). Results With either air or cold stimulus, VAS and DPS indicated a significant (P<0.001) reduction in DHS at each time point with either nHAP or Silica. Comparing pain scales, VAS showed no significant difference in DHS reduction between the products with either air or cold. However, with DPS, DHS reduction was significantly (P<0.05) better with Silica than with nHAP at all time points with cold, and at 2, 4, and 8 weeks with air. Conclusion Both Apadent Pro nHAP and Silica dental creams are effective at promoting the relief of DHS symptoms. When comparing the efficacy of the two compounds to relieve DHS, results of the two pain scales were conflicting.
Etiology and Treatment Outcomes for Sural Neuroma

Background:Neuroma results from disorganized regeneration following nerve injury and may be symptomatic. The aim of this study was to investigate the causes, treatment, and outcomes of operatively ...
Kidney Transplant Evaluation: Inferences from Qualitative Interviews with African American Patients and their Providers

Completing pre-transplant evaluation is often a barrier to kidney waiting list placement among African American (AA) patients. Interventions are needed to provide AAs with culturally sensitive, understandable information that increases their capacity to achieve placement on the kidney transplant waiting list. Research about enabling and constraining factors for patients to complete the waitlisting process is necessary to inform such interventions; however, few such studies have been conducted specific to AA patient needs. Semistructured qualitative focus groups and interviews were conducted with 24 AA listed or transplanted patients (along with their caregivers when available) and 14 transplant providers to explore thoughts, feelings, and assumptions about transplant evaluation. Questions also probed participants’ perceptions of enabling and constraining factors to wait-listing. Interviews were recorded and transcribed and inductive thematic analysis was performed to inform message content for a future educational video intervention. Three themes emerged from thematic content analysis: (1) transplant center support in navigating steps to wait-listing, (2) provider attitude and messaging, and (3) education about evaluation and the waiting list. Enabling factors for evaluation completion included staff assistance with completing testing, frequent communication, and positive staff messaging. Constraining factors were staff inaccessibility, patient scheduling difficulties, and misunderstanding/misinformation regarding the role of the transplant coordinator, process of and requirements for listing, and understanding allocation. We identified information based on patients’ expressed needs and experiences managing evaluation completion. These findings are valuable in efforts going forward to empower AAs to achieve placement on the waiting list.
Exploiting Edge Features for Graph Neural Networks

Edge features contain important information about graphs. However, current state-of-the-art neural network models designed for graph learning, \eg, graph convolutional networks (GCN) and graph attention networks (GAT), inadequately utilize edge features, especially multi-dimensional edge features. In this paper, we build a new framework for a family of new graph neural network models that can more sufficiently exploit edge features, including those of undirected or multi-dimensional edges. The proposed framework can consolidate current graph neural network models, e.g., GCN and GAT. The proposed framework and new models have the following novelties: First, we propose to use doubly stochastic normalization of graph edge features instead of the commonly used row or symmetric normalization approaches used in current graph neural networks. Second, we construct new formulas for the operations in each individual layer so that they can handle multi-dimensional edge features. Third, for the proposed new framework, edge features are adaptive across network layers. As a result, our proposed new framework and new models are able to exploit a rich source of graph edge information. We apply our new models to graph node classification on several citation networks, whole graph classification, and regression on several molecular datasets. Compared with the current state-of-the-art methods, i.e., GCNs and GAT, our models obtain better performance, which testify to the importance of exploiting edge features in graph neural networks.
Assessment of clinical outcomes with immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy in melanoma patients with CDKN2A and TP53 pathogenic mutations.

Background CDKN2A and TP53 mutations are recurrent events in melanoma, occurring in 13.3% and 15.1% of cases respectively and are associated with poorer outcomes. It is unclear what effect CDKN2A and TP53 mutations have on the clinical outcomes of patients treated with checkpoint inhibitors. Methods All patients with cutaneous melanoma or melanoma of unknown primary who received checkpoint inhibitor therapy and underwent genomic profiling with the 50-gene Mayo Clinic solid tumor targeted cancer gene panel were included. Patients were stratified according to the presence or absence of mutations in BRAF, NRAS, CDKN2A, and TP53. Patients without mutations in any of these genes were termed quadruple wild type (QuadWT). Clinical outcomes including median time to progression (TTP), median overall survival (OS), 6-month and 12-month OS, 6-month and 12-month without progression, ORR and disease control rate (DCR) were analyzed according to the mutational status of CDKN2A, TP53 and QuadWT. Results A total of 102 patients were included in this study of which 14 had mutations of CDKN2A (CDKN2Amut), 21 had TP53 mutations (TP53mut), and 12 were QuadWT. TP53mut, CDKN2Amut and QuadWT mutational status did not impact clinical outcomes including median TTP, median OS, 6-month and 12-month OS, 6-month and 12-month without progression, ORR and DCR. There was a trend towards improved median TTP and DCR in CDKN2Amut cohort and a trend towards worsened median TTP in the QuadWT cohort. Conclusion Cell cycle regulators such as TP53 and CDKN2A do not appear to significantly alter clinical outcomes when immune checkpoint inhibitors are used.
SABR for Skull Base Malignancies: A Systematic Analysis of Set-Up and Positioning Accuracy.

Abstract Purpose Here we provide an analysis of the set-up and positioning accuracy of SABR for skull base malignancies to evaluate the use of site- or axis-specific margins to reduce field size. Methods and Materials Data were prospectively collected on 63 patients who received 304 fractions of SABR for recurrent/previously irradiated skull base tumors. Using our custom cushion-mask-bite-block immobilization system combined with ExacTrac x-ray and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), set-up, residual, CBCT-positioning agreement, and intrafractional errors were measured. The resulting planning target volume (PTV) margins were estimated across 4 skull base subsites: anterior (group 1), central (group 2), posterolateral (group 3), and skull base–associated sites (eg, nasopharynx/retropharyngeal, cervical vertebrae 1-2, occiput) (group 4). Results On initial set-up, 66% of treatment courses required shifts of >2 mm or >2°, necessitating 4.9 mm PTV margins without image guidance. After correction, only 6 of 304 treatment sessions had residual errors >1 mm. CBCT-ExacTrac agreement was ≤1 mm in 89.1% of treatments and ≤1.5 mm in all but 1 session. Group 4 showed a higher rate of >1 mm or >1° CBCT-positioning differences compared with other groups (24.5% vs 7.8%; P = .0001), and the greatest variations occurred in the craniocaudal translational and the pitch rotational axes. Overall calculated PTV margins (based on intrafractional error) were 1.5 mm across subsites except for group 4, which required 2.0 mm margins. Conclusions The use of 2.0 mm PTV margins for skull base SABR appears feasible using ExacTrac x-ray as the sole imaging modality for most subsites. However, PTVs were not uniformly equal, and the use of a site-specific nonuniform margin reduction to optimize critical-organ dose sparing may be feasible for select cases. These findings warrant clinical investigation.
Ecological validity of experimental set-up affects parietal involvement during letter production

Abstract Studies of symbol production using fMRI often use techniques that introduce an artificial pairing between motor production and visual perception. These techniques allow participants to see their own output by recording their pen trajectories using a touchscreen-only tablet and displaying these productions on a mirror placed above their head. We recently developed an MR-safe writing tablet with video display that allows participants to see their own hand and their own productions while producing symbols in real time on the surface where they are producing them—allowing for more ecologically valid fMRI studies of production. We conducted a study to determine whether the participation of posterior parietal cortex during symbol production was affected by the pairing of motor production and visual feedback associated with the two types of tablets. We performed ROI analyses in intraparietal sulcus while adult participants produced letters to dictation using either a touchscreen-only tablet (no visual guidance of the hand) (n = 14) or using a touchscreen-and-video-display tablet (visual guidance of the hand) (n = 14). We found that left posterior intraparietal sulcus was more active during production with the touchscreen-only tablet than during production with the touchscreen-and-video-display tablet. These results suggest that posterior parietal involvement during production tasks is associated with the somewhat artificial visual-motor pairing that is introduced by the techniques used in some studies of symbol production.
When Technology Meets Beliefs

AbstractThis study investigated preservice teachers’ perceptions of the teacher’s role in classrooms with computers. The teacher’s role was measured as teacher centeredness versus student centeredness. The study findings show no significant difference between preservice teachers’ perceptions of teacher-centered roles and their perceptions of student-centered roles in classrooms with computers. The preservice teachers perceived that they were likely to engage in teacher-centered activities and student-centered activities on an equal basis when teaching in classrooms with computers. Nevertheless, when tested on their choice of computer uses, preservice teachers shifted to teacher-centered computer uses. There was a significant difference between the preservice teachers’ choice of teacher-centered computer use and student-centered computer use. The preservice teachers would more likely use the computer as a teacher-centered tool than as a student-centered tool.
Street-Level Bureaucrats and Intersectional Policy Logic: a Case Study of LGBTQ Policy and Implementation Barriers

Without clear federal mandates protecting the rights of transgender and gender nonconforming people, local governments are drafting their own legislation that either protects or limits these populations’ rights. This leaves street-level bureaucrats situated in between competing auspices, conflicting mandates, and a constrained sense of self-determination when they are tasked with applying emerging legislation in a policy gray area. This paper considers the policy logic of an intersectional approach to LGBTQ policy, as well as the implementation barriers street-level bureaucrats may face when operationalizing LGBTQ policy in a politically complex environment. First, we use a piece of local legislation designed by transgender and LGB youth as an implementation case study focused on policy logic and policy triggers. Second, we employ thematic analysis for analyzing open-ended responses to 281 surveys completed by teachers and other school staff after training around implementation of a new district-wide policy anchored in an intersectional approach. Beyond normative, protracted implementation timelines, even when front-line workers were in full support of LGBTQ rights, tension still surfaces around the internalization of bureaucracy, fear of disciplinary sanctions, a perception of competing rights, and ambivalence with mediating between personal, familial, and youth agency. Even when using equity-focused policy approaches, stakeholders can expect to encounter implementation barriers with street-level bureaucrats (SLBs) while trying to influence higher orders of government through local advocacy and action. Altering the discourse on gender identity remains difficult in the current political environment surrounding LGBTQ rights.
Transversus Abdominis Plane Block as a Treatment Modality for Chronic Abdominal Pain.

BACKGROUND This study describes the use of transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks to treat and manage chronic abdominal pain (CAP) in patients who have exhausted other treatment options. Typically, this is a procedure prescribed for treating acute abdominal pain following abdominal surgery. Here we evaluate the use of TAP blocks for longer relief from CAP. OBJECTIVES To assess the efficacy of TAP blocks for pain control in patients with CAP. STUDY DESIGN This was a retrospective chart review and analysis of TAP blocks performed over 5 years. This project qualified for institutional review board exemption. SETTING This study was completed at an academic institution. METHODS We reviewed the charts of 92 patients who received TAP blocks for CAP after previous treatment was ineffective. Some patients underwent multiple TAP blocks, with a total of 163 individual procedures identified. For most blocks, a solution of 0.25% bupivacaine and triamcinolone was injected into the TAP. Efficacy of the injection was measured using pain scores, percent improvement, and duration of relief from pain. RESULTS TAP blocks were associated with a statistically significant (P <= 0.05) improvement in abdominal pain scores in 81.9% of procedures. Improvement was 50.3% ± 39.0% with an average duration of 108 days after procedures with ongoing pain relief at time of follow-up were removed. There was a significant reduction in emergency department visits for abdominal pain before and after the procedure (P <= 0.05). LIMITATIONS This was a retrospective chart review with lack of a control group. CONCLUSIONS TAP blocks can be extrapolated for treating abdominal pain beyond acute settings. TAP injections can be considered as a treatment option for patients with somatosensory CAP refractory to other forms of pain management. KEY WORDS Abdominal pain, transversus abdominis plane block, chronic pain, chronic abdominal pain, pain management, somatosensory pain, transversus abdominis plane, steroid injection.
A Textual Study of Lawrence Durrell’s Revolt of Aphrodite: The Book that Has Not yet Been

Textual research on Lawrence Durrell’s works can be complex. His playfulness with and attention to textual variants is already well established (Gifford 15), as is his awareness of the importance o...
Oil Immersed Lossless Total Analysis System (OIL-TAS): Integrated RNA Extraction and Detection for SARS-CoV-2 Testing

Abstract The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic exposed difficulties in scaling current quantitative PCR (qPCR)-based diagnostic methodologies for large-scale infectious disease testing. Bottlenecks include the lengthy multi-step process of nucleic acid extraction followed by qPCR readouts, which require costly instrumentation and infrastructure, as well as reagent and plastic consumable shortages stemming from supply chain constraints. Here we report a novel Oil Immersed Lossless Total Analysis System (OIL-TAS), which integrates RNA extraction and detection onto a single device that is simple, rapid, cost effective, uses minimal supplies and requires reduced infrastructure to perform. We validated the performance of OIL-TAS using contrived samples containing inactivated SARS-CoV-2 viral particles, which show that the assay can reliably detect an input concentration of 10 copies/μL and sporadically detect down to 1 copy/μL. The OIL-TAS method can serve as a faster, cheaper, and easier-to-deploy alternative to current qPCR-based methods for infectious disease testing.
Coherent Spin Precession and Lifetime-Limited Spin Dephasing in CsPbBr3 Perovskite Nanocrystals.

Carrier spins in semiconductor nanocrystals are promising candidates for quantum information processing. Using a combination of time-resolved Faraday rotation and photoluminescence spectroscopies, ...
Minimally invasive lumbar endoscopic discectomy and interbody fusion with percutaneous posterior cortical-trajectory pedicle screw and rod stabilization – A case series

Abstract Minimally invasive (MIS) lumbar endoscopic discectomy and MIS interbody cage fusion, augmented by a posterior percutaneous pedicle screw and rod instrumented stabilization is increasing in popularity for the surgical management of degenerative lumbar pathology. Minimally invasive techniques are favored as they entail less muscle and tissue dissection, shorter recovery time, less blood loss, and shorter hospital length of stay compared to conventional open techniques. We provide a novel description of performing an endoscopic discectomy with interbody cage placement followed by minimal access posterior approach cortical-trajectory pedicle screw and rod stabilization. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review of five patients who underwent a MIS single level lumbar endoscopic discectomy and interbody fusion augmented by posterior cortical-trajectory pedicle screw and rod instrumented stabilization. Surgical techniques are discussed in detail and clinical outcomes for each case were reviewed. Results We present five patients who underwent MIS endoscopic discectomy and interbody cage fusion augmented by percutaneous cortical-trajectory pedicle screw and rod instrumented stabilization. All patients demonstrated improvement in pain postoperatively with only one relevant complication. Conclusions The cases reviewed illustrate the feasibility of performing MIS endoscopic discectomy and interbody cage fusion augmented by percutaneous cortical-trajectory pedicle screw and rod instrumented stabilization for select patient populations.