cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hybrid No-Reference Natural Image Quality Assessment of Noisy, Blurry, JPEG2000, and JPEG Images

In this paper, we propose a new image quality assessment method based on a hybrid of curvelet, wavelet, and cosine transforms called hybrid no-reference (HNR) model. From the properties of natural scene statistics, the peak coordinates of the transformed coefficient histogram of filtered natural images occupy well-defined clusters in peak coordinate space, which makes NR possible. Compared to other methods, HNR has three benefits: 1) It is an NR method applicable to arbitrary images without compromising the prediction accuracy of full-reference methods; 2) as far as we know, it is the only general NR method well suited for four types of filters: noise, blur, JPEG2000, and JPEG compression; and 3) it can classify the filter types of the image and predict filter levels even when the image is results from the application of two different filters. We tested HNR on very intensive video image database (our image library) and Laboratory for Image & Video Engineering (a public library). Results are compared to the state-of-the-art methods including peak SNR, structural similarity, visual information fidelity, and so on.
Cytokine expression profiles of bovine lymph nodes: effects of Mycobacterium bovis infection and bacille Calmette--Guérin vaccination

Cytokine expression in lymph nodes from cattle inoculated intranasally with Mycobacterium bovis was compared to that of non-infected animals using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The effect of M. bovis infection, 4 months post-challenge, was to suppress the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-10 as well as the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and IL-6. Expression of interferon (IFN)-gamma and IL-12 was maintained. Animals vaccinated with bacille Calmette-Guerin responded differently to challenge with M. bovis. In particular, no decrease in expression of IL-4 or IL-6 was observed following challenge of vaccinated animals and decreased IFN-gamma was detected. Also, vaccinated animals had higher levels of IL-4 and IL-10 transcripts compared to unvaccinated animals following challenge. These changes in cytokine expression levels led to a significant shift in the IFN-gamma/IL-4 or IFN-gamma/IL-10 ratio within the lymph node following challenge. Challenged animals generally showed a strong Th1 bias that was not seen in animals vaccinated prior to challenge. An inverse correlation between the level of pathology and bacterial load within the lymph node and the expression of IL-4, IL-10 and TNF was also observed. These results suggest that in the lymph nodes of cattle with established tuberculosis and a persisting bacterial infection, maintenance of the pro-inflammatory response in combination with a suppressed anti-inflammatory response may control the infection but contribute to host-induced tissue damage. Vaccination, which reduces the bacterial load and consequently the IFN-gamma response, may result in less suppression of anti-inflammatory cytokines.
Evaluating the Relationship between Pedofacies and Faunal Composition: Implications for Faunal Turnover at the Paleocene–Eocene Boundary

Fossil vertebrates commonly are preserved in paleosols that originally formed on the floodplains of ancient rivers. Laterally adjacent paleosols that differ in terms of their chemistry and morphology due to geological and environmental gradients on the ancient floodplain are called pedofacies. Vertebrate fossil assemblages from the Willwood Formation (Bighorn Basin, Wyoming) are investigated to determine if there is a relationship between faunal composition and pedofacies. This question is particularly important for the Willwood Formation because it records dramatic temporal changes in both faunal composition and pedofacies across the Paleocene–Eocene boundary—an interval marked by pronounced global warming. To understand the underlying causes of these temporal patterns, it is important to know the degree to which pedofacies and faunal composition are linked. Two separate analyses are conducted to investigate the relationship between pedofacies and faunal composition. Analysis 1 evaluates faunal compositions of established localities that are stratigraphically adjacent but characterized by different mean pedofacies. Results indicate that faunal compositions of these localities are not related to pedofacies but instead correspond to differences in the estimated body masses of the taxa. Results of Analysis 2, which evaluates new paleosol-specific collections from the same stratigraphic interval, indicate that different pedofacies are characterized by nearly identical faunas. The only exception is lizards, which are significantly more abundant in mature paleosols. Environmental gradients on the ancient floodplain seem to have exerted very little control on faunal composition at this spatial scale, but size sorting may have been an important taphonomic process in these Willwood collections.
Legislative Policy in Support of Vietnam SMEs: Analysis and Propositions

This paper focuses on legislative policy in support of Vietnam SMEs. On the basis of literature review, we will analyze the current policies of Vietnam Government and also experiences of some relevant countries. Then, we will propose recommendations for policy in support of SMEs in their development and competitiveness improvements, such as in finance, law, investment in technology, manpower development or trade promotion activities… face to near future international economic integration, particularly the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) recently reached.
A DCE-MRI based approach to FLT PET ROI definition for early therapy response assessment in GBM.

1788 Objectives Heterogeneity in blood-brain-barrier (BBB) permeability confounds quantification of 18F-Fluorothymidine (FLT) PET of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Dynamic contrast enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) measures permeability of tumor vasculature via the modeling parameter Ktrans. We explore a Ktrans based ROI definition method for quantifying FLT PET data. Methods N=3 GBM patients received baseline (BL) and early therapy assessment (ETA; 2 wks post-radio-chemo-therapy) dynamic FLT PET (Siemens HR+) and DCE-MRI (Siemens 3T TimTrio or 3T mMR) scans. PET acquisitions (68min) commenced with injection of 5mCi of FLT. DCE-MRI scans initiated with injection (Medrad injector) of 0.1mmol/kg of contrast agent (Magnevist). Voxelwise maps of Ktrans were computed from ETA DCE-MRI using a modified Tofts model and image based input function. Subject BL PET, ETA PET, and ETA Ktrans maps were co-registered to ETA contrast enhanced MRI (PMOD 3.5, PMOD Technologies Ltd). Two ROI were derived from each subject’s ETA Ktrans map using a threshold equal to half the maximum Ktrans value: voxels with Ktrans above the threshold formed the high Ktrans ROI, while voxels with Ktrans below the threshold formed the low Ktrans ROI. 2-tissue compartment modeling was used to compute subject specific FLT flux (KFLT ) for each ROI at each timepoint. Results Comparison of KFLT between high and low Ktrans ROI at BL showed larger KFLT values in the high Ktrans ROI compared to low Ktrans ROI for all subjects, while at ETA KFLT was larger in the high Ktrans ROI compared to the low Ktrans ROI for 2 of 3 subjects. KFLT decreased between BL and ETA timepoints in both the high and low Ktrans ROI for 2 subjects. For the third subject KFLT decreased between BL and ETA in the high Ktrans ROI, but increased in the low Ktrans ROI. Conclusions Regions of high Ktrans (suggesting comparatively higher BBB permeability) are associated with higher KFLT values compared to regions of low Ktrans. Research Support US National Institutes of Health research grants U01CA140230 and P30CA047904.
ASSESSMENT OF IMPACTS OF HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS ON THE ELECTRIC AND TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURES IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

A tendency affecting the performance of infrastructures in developing countries is the growing number of high-rise buildings. These new buildings put intense pressure on existing infrastructures especially on road transportation and electric systems, due to the traffic they generate and the high number of resources they require to function. This study uses a hybrid approach to assess the impact of high-rise buildings on two critical infrastructures. First, a user-equilibrium approach is used to assess the effect of high-rise buildings on the performance of the transportation infrastructure. A system dynamics model is then used to evaluate the effect of high-rise buildings on the electric power system. The models developed are verified and validated using data from a large city in a developing country. This research illustrates the impact of new disruptors, on the services provided by critical infrastructures and on their interdependencies in developing countries.
Bilateral Ptosis as Initial Presentation of Gliomatosis Cerebri: Case Report

Gliomatosis cerebri is a rare, diffuse glioma of neuroepithelial origin involving more than two cerebral lobes. Clinical presentation of gliomatosis cerebri is variable and depends on the degree, extent, and location of cortical involvement. Signs and symptoms related to supratentorial cortical involvement predominate and the diagnosis is reached through a combination of clinical, radiographic, and histopathological evaluations. This is a report of a young man who presented with visual problems and bilateral ptosis, which were eventually attributed to gliomatosis cerebri. Standard radiation and chemotherapy were administered but the patient eventually succumbed to the disease. The unique clinical presentation is discussed in light of this rare neoplasm of the central nervous system.
Reproduction, Growth, and Development in the Yucatan Deer Mouse, Peromyscus yucatanicus

Measures of reproduction, growth, and development were monitored in a laboratory population of the neotropical Yucat n deer mouse, Peromyscus yucatanicus , over an 18-month period. Supplementary data on reproduction were obtained from field studies, a literature survey, and museum specimens. In addition to the yucatanicus studies, information on embryo counts was obtained from the literature and from museum specimens for other species in the mexicanus species-group of Peromyscus . The reproductive pattern of yucatanicus differs from that of species of Peromyscus with a generally northern distribution in length of breeding season, which is thought to be year-round in yucatanicus , and in the gestation period of non-lactating females, longest yet reported for a species of Peromyscus . All other aspects of reproduction studied were similar to those of various northern species. Rates of growth and development were slower than those reported for most northern species; in many respects, rates for yucatanicus were remarkably similar to those of the pinon mouse, P. truei . There was a strong negative feedback of large litters on rates of growth and development in yucatanicus , suggesting a long history of close regulation of litter size to approximately three offspring. The pattern of reproduction, growth, and development in this species is examined in light of the ecology of this species, apparently unique in the mexicanus species-group.
A Review of Computational Electromagnetic Methods for Graphene Modeling

Graphene is a very promising optoelectronic material and has gained more and more attention. To analyze its electromagnetic properties, several numerical methods have been developed for graphene simulation. In this paper, a review of application of graphene in electronic and photonic device is provided, as well as some widely used computational electromagnetic algorithms for graphene modeling. The advantages and drawbacks of each method are discussed and numerical examples of these methods are given to illustrate their performance and application.
Comparative Effects of Irreversible Electroporation, Radiofrequency Ablation, and Partial Nephrectomy on Renal Function Preservation in a Porcine Solitary Kidney Model

Objective To evaluate kidney function preservation or regeneration and pathological changes post-irreversible electroporation (IRE) in comparison with partial nephrectomy and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in a solitary kidney porcine model. Tissue ablation using IRE has been reported to spare critical anatomic structures within or near the ablation zone with associated regeneration of adjacent parenchyma, possibly offering functional preservation. Methods Fifteen pigs initially underwent laparoscopic nephrectomy. The lower third of the remaining kidney was then ablated or removed with either IRE, RFA, or partial nephrectomy. Serum creatinine (SCr) was measured at baseline, 24 hours, 3, 7, 14, and 28 days postoperatively. The impact of the type of procedure on SCr over time was evaluated. Acute and chronic histological changes were analyzed and cellular viability was assessed using nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide staining in the IRE ablations. Results Ten ablations (5 IRE, 5 RFA) and 5 partial nephrectomies of the entire lower third of a solitary kidney were performed. The type of procedure did not affect SCr significantly at baseline ( P = .14) or change in SCr over time ( P = .48). Histologically, IRE and RFA lesions showed similar findings including coagulative necrosis that progressively was replaced by reparative stromal changes and fibrous tissue. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide staining of the IRE lesions at 14 and 28 days showed no viability in the necrotic areas with viable tissue at the margins demonstrating reparative changes. Conclusion Large volume IRE ablation of normal renal parenchyma in the porcine model does not provide a functional advantage as compared with conventional renal tumor treatments.
How do patients use email to communicate with their doctor

OBJECTIVE To evaluate unsolicited email sent from patients to a general obstetrician-gynecologist. STUDY DESIGN A retrospective review was performed of 60 unsolicited emails sent to an obstetrician-gynecologist. Time sent, content, and physician response were evaluated. RESULTS Most emails were sent during office hours. Fifty-four percent of the emails had content related to gynecologic issues. Twenty-seven percent of the emails had content related to obstetrical concerns. Nineteen percent of emails were nonclinical in nature. Fourteen percent of emails required a follow-up phone call. Twenty-nine percent of emails necessitated an office visit. CONCLUSION Patients did not use email for emergency communication. The participating physician was pleased with the ease of responding to patients, especially while away from the office.
An equivalent boundary model for effects of adjacent spans on wind reliability of wood utility poles in overhead distribution lines

Abstract Overhead distribution lines in the United States are primarily supported by wood poles. These utility poles are vulnerable to high wind loads from hurricanes which has resulted in a large number of power outages during past hurricanes, especially in coastal areas. Risk management of distribution systems requires development of distribution line models to reliably assess their performance under hurricanes. However, modeling the entire distribution line is not practically feasible as they are very long and consist of a large number of spans. The present study proposes analytical models to capture boundary effects of adjacent spans on the wind response of the pole of interest via equivalent springs and wind-induced forces. The stiffness of conductors (cables) is derived through a simplified solution that considers the shape of the conductors under lateral static gust wind and gravity loadings; this model is shown to be very accurate when compared to the exact analytical as well as Finite Element solutions. Deterministic and probabilistic studies are performed to assess the impact of boundary conditions on the performance of the poles; results indicate that pole boundaries may have a considerable impact on the estimates of failure probabilities especially when the extent of difference in the properties of adjacent spans is not negligible. Specifically, neglecting boundary effects from neighboring spans may result in underestimation of failure probabilities of stronger poles and overestimation of failure probabilities of weaker poles as load sharing effects among the poles are not considered. The proposed boundary model enables more reliable hurricane risk assessment of power distribution systems to effectively manage the risk of outages.
Feasibility Study of AlGaN/GaN HEMT for Multi-megahertz DC/DC Converter Applications

The DC and AC characteristics of a 30 V AlGaN/GaN HEMT was investigated by numerical simulations. By properly model the 2DEG in the AlGaN/GaN interface, we obtain a maximum transconductance of 221 mS/mm, a saturation current density of 1.28 A/mm, a specific Rdson of 2.5 mOmega-mm2, a specific Qgd of 0.62 nC/mm2 and the value of FOM of 1.6 mOmeganC. The comparison with of the state-of-the-art Si-LDMOS and Si-Trench MOSFET were carried out and the results indicate that HEMTs could be a good candidate for very high frequency DC/DC converter applications
Assessing colonic anatomy normal values based on air contrast enemas in children younger than 6 years.

Contrast enemas with barium or water-soluble contrast agents are sometimes performed in children with severe intractable constipation to identify anatomical abnormalities. However there are no clear definitions for normal colonic size or abnormalities such as colonic dilation or sigmoid redundancy in children. To describe characteristics of colonic anatomy on air contrast enemas in children without constipation to provide normal values for colonic size ratios in children. We performed a retrospective chart review of children aged 0–5 years who had undergone air contrast enemas for intussusception. The primary outcome measures were the ratios of the diameters and lengths of predetermined colonic segments (lengths of rectosigmoid and descending colon; diameters of rectum, sigmoid, descending colon, transverse colon and ascending colon) in relation to the L2 vertebral body width. We included 119 children (median age 2.0 years, range 0–5 years, 68% boys). Colonic segment length ratios did not change significantly with age, although the differences for the rectosigmoid/L2 ratio were borderline significant (P = 0.05). The ratios that involved the rectal and ascending colon diameters increased significantly with age, while diameter ratios involving the other colonic segments did not. Differences by gender and race were not significant. These data can be used for reference purposes in young children undergoing contrast studies of the colon.
Barriers to Uptake of Presbyopic Correction among Primary and Secondary Teachers in Public Schools in B/K-Dere Communities in Rivers State, Nigeria

Background Presbyopia is an age related loss of accommodation that results in an inability to focus at near distances and is a problem associated with aging Since teachers do a lot of near work and most fell within the age bracket for presbyopia this study aims to determine the barriers of uptake of presbyopic correction among teachers in some rural schools in Rivers State Methodology This is descriptive cross sectional study where teachers were randomly selected from cluster of primary and secondary schools according to size using simple random technique Visual acuity VA was tested with Snellen rsquo s chart Where the visual acuity was or less a pinhole was presented and the test repeated Teachers with distance visual acuity VA and near vision N or worse were refracted using Keeler streak retinoscope keeler professional and trial lenses This was followed by eye examination and questionnaire administration For the purposes of this study teachers whoare years or older who were emmetropic and had near visions less than N were considered presbyopic Data was analyzed using the IBM Statistical software package Epi Info ver d A p value of nbsp was considered statistically significant Result The prevalence of presbyopia among the teachers was Among the presbyopes N did not have any presbyopic correction Of these subjects were not aware they needed eyeglasses lack of felt need felt presbyopic correction would weaken their eyes one respondent said the eyeglasses were heavy and the remaining n did not want to wear eyeglasses Conclusion Findings from this study show that the main barriers to uptake of presbyopic correction are things that can be easily handled by ophthalmic health education since most are due to ignorance
Momentum distributions for 2 H(e ,e ' p )

Background: A primary goal of deuteron electrodisintegration is the possibility of extracting the deuteron momentum distribution. This extraction is inherently fraught with difficulty, as the momentum distribution is not an observable and the extraction relies on theoretical models dependent on other models as input.Purpose: We present a new method for extracting the momentum distribution which takes into account a wide variety of model inputs thus providing a theoretical uncertainty due to the various model constituents. To test the extraction, pseudodata were generated, and the extracted ``experimental'' distribution, which has theoretical uncertainty accounted by this extraction method, can be compared to the theoretical distribution. This procedure can provide an upper bound on the deuteron momentum distribution.Method: The calculations presented here are using a Bethe-Salpeter-like formalism with a wide variety of bound state wave functions, form factors, and final state interactions.Results: In the examples we compared, the original distribution was typically within the error band of the extracted distribution. The input wave functions do contain some outliers which are discussed in the text. Due to the reliance on the theoretical calculation to obtain this quantity, any extraction method should account for the theoretical error inherent in these calculations due to model inputs.Conclusions: The extraction method works well and provides a systematic way to investigate the deuteron momentum distribution, while accounting for theoretical uncertainty and providing a theoretical error band.
Development and prototype testing of MgCl2/graphite foam latent heat thermal energy storage system

Abstract Composites of graphite foam infiltrated with a magnesium chloride phase-change material have been developed as high-temperature thermal energy storage media for concentrated solar power applications. This storage medium provides a high thermal energy storage density, a narrow operating temperature range, and excellent heat transfer characteristics. In this study, experimental investigations were conducted on laboratory-scale prototypes with magnesium chloride/graphite foam composite as the latent heat thermal energy storage system. Prototypes were designed and built to monitor the melt front movement during the charging/discharging tests. A test loop was built to ensure the charging/discharging of the prototypes at temperatures >700 °C. Repeated thermal cycling experiments were carried out on the fabricated prototypes, and the experimental temperature profiles were compared to the predicted results from numerical simulations using COMSOL Multiphysics software. Experimental results were found to be in good agreement with the simulations to validate the thermal models.
Stem Cells for HIV Gene Therapy

Autologous hematopoietic stem cells are excellent targets for stem cell gene therapy for HIV. Previous and also upcoming clinical trials utilize these types of stem cells. They can be obtained either from the bone marrow or by mobilization and subsequent apheresis from the peripheral blood. After transplantation, there is no rejection issue; however, a high-enough transduction efficiency to elicit a clinical benefit is difficult to obtain. Selection of transduced cells could be a solution to this problem. Anti-HIV gene-modified hematopoietic stem cells could also be generated from pluripotent stem cells that were gene modified with anti-HIV genes. A pluripotent, anti-HIV gene-modified cell clone could be used to generate enough hematopoietic stem cells to engraft the recipient. The generation of a patient’s own gene-modified stem cells is possible by the use of autologous, induced pluripotent stem cells.
Some Uses of Tritium-Labeled Compounds in Pharmaceutical Research

Some of the basic problems in medical research involve studies of the absorption, translocation, “mode of action” and excretion of drugs. A pharmaceutical firm producing products for the medical profession is heavily concerned with the detailed biochemistry of its products. As criteria for acceptance and rejection of drugs become more refined, more energy will be expended in studying the precise biochemical handling of drugs. Important tools for such studies are labeled drugs and labeled metabolites.
Altered Microbiota and Their Metabolism in Host Metabolic Diseases

The mammalian intestine harbors trillions of bacteria collectively known as the gut microbiota. This menagerie of gut microbes performs diverse metabolic roles, many of which are prerequisites to maintaining their symbiotic relationship with the host. Recent years have seen a surge in studies underscoring the profound consequences of microbiota dysregulation and dysbiosis in promoting metabolic disorders. This chapter examines several key concepts and potential mechanisms that accentuate the link between gut microbiome and metabolic diseases. Accumulated data from a variety of animal and human studies indicate that a dysbiotic microbiota can play a key role in the instigation of metabolic diseases via the following potential mechanisms: increasing calorie extraction; producing obesogenic metabolites; causing metabolic endotoxemia-induced, low-grade, chronic inflammation; and reprogramming the host inflammatory/metabolic responses to favor the development of metabolic syndrome.
Comment: Homing in on a Balanced Psychology:

Hernandez et al.’s (2018) review provides clear evidence that positive affect can contribute to well-being and fits nicely within the positive psychology framework. The emergence of positive psycho...
Internal Diffraction of Acoustic Waves in Silicon

Phonon focusing has been extensively studied using phonons with frequencies of several hundred GHz [1]. We have recently reported a related technique for studying anisotropies of acoustic flux at sub-GHz frequencies [2]. In these experiments using coherent waves, ultrasound is generated and detected by focused immersion transducers in a water bath. The transducers act as a point-source/point-receiver pair, one of which is scanned to produce an ultrasound image. We present here the experimental results for Si along with a model which accurately reproduces the observed images.
Trips, Pharmaceutical Innovation and Access to Medicines

In the late 1970s, creative minds began harnessing the power of genetics and molecular biology to fuel an emerging revolution in drug development. Ever since, pharmaceutical innovations have been prolonging human life and alleviating human suffering, by treating what were once intractable diseases and medical conditions. In the years ahead, patients will likely benefit further from a growing arsenal of precision-guided weapons that more effectively target the lifelines of disease while minimizing the collateral damage of side effects. While patients in developed countries will soon have access to a plethora of next-generation pharmaceuticals, ailing citizens of poor and developing nations will still be struggling to procure drugs of last generation. Already, in industrialized countries, antiretroviral therapies are helping the majority of HIV-positive individuals live longer, often symptom free, lives; yet, in sub-Saharan Africa only 11% of the HIV-infected population can even acquire these life-saving treatments.1 Amidst the multitude of barriers that impede access, new international political considerations may be making prospects worse for those least able to help themselves. One such consideration centers upon the issue of patents for pharmaceutical products. International disputes over access to medicines and property rights have already led to the establishment of the WTO’s Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPs), which sets minimum standard intellectual property rights (IPRs) that member nations must respect and enforce. Further public health considerations regarding developing and least-developed countries were taken into account in the Doha Declaration, a WTO ministerial
Contextual affordances for intelligent virtual characters

Building artificial intelligence for games is an extremely involved process, and the cost of developing AI for minor characters may be greater than the payoff in increased immersion. Affordances, used to create smart objects, reduce the complexity of character controllers. While affordances improve the complexity of individual controllers, the technique does not take advantage of environmental information to reduce the behavioral decision space. We present contextual affordances, which extend basic affordances to use context from object, agent, and environmental state to present only the most relevant actions to characters. We show how contextual affordances improve even random-decision agents, and discuss the complexity of building contextual objects.
Exploring the mechanism of action of insecticidal proteins by genetic engineering methods.

Since 1995 a most astounding revolution has been taking place in the field of agriculture. The introduction of systemic insecticidal proteins in plants has revolutionized pesticide application. The impact of this new technology has already been touched upon in this series (1–5). To a large extent this has been possible because of the extensive basic research that has been done on the Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Cry proteins (5,6). The following review will provide an update on the mechanism of action of the Bt Cry proteins. With this base of knowledge, the possibilities are open to protein engineering of Cry proteins for improved pest control and reduced impact on non-target pests and we shall discuss some beginning efforts in the area on Protein Engineering of Bt toxins. In her landmark book, The Silent Spring, Rachel Carson (7) pointed the way to an alternate method of controlling pests. She described the then embryonic use of Bt as a sprayable pesticide. In the intervening 37 years the use of Bt has remained a viable and ecologically softer pest control agent. Bt has a limited host range and therefore has less environmental impact than broad-spectrum conventional pesticides. The Cry proteins are biodegradable and have minimal impact on non-target insects. New strains of Bt were discovered that had improved activity against target pests. However, despite these advantages and improvements, Bt remained only a minor player compared to conventional pesticides as a treatment for crops (about 2% of the pesticide market). The major reason for this is that farmers preferred the quick knock-down of conventional pesticides to the slower and more laborious timing protocols of Bt applications; i.e., economic reasons have prevented Bt from achieving its potential.
ACTIVATION OF THE LOCUS CERULEUS BRAIN NORADRENERGIC SYSTEM DURING STRESS : CIRCUITRY, CONSEQUENCES, AND REGULATION

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews that physiological evidence supporting the hypothesis that corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) serves as a neurotransmitter in the locus ceruleus (LC) to mediate its activation by particular stimuli. The chapter also describes potential circuitry underlying CRF-LC interactions, speculates on consequences of LC activation by CRF, and discusses regulation of CRF-LC interactions. Anatomical and physiological findings suggest that endogenous CRF, perhaps acting as a neurotransmitter within the LC, activates the LC-noradrenergic (NE) system under physiological conditions and that this activation is sufficient to impact on LC targets. The hypotensive stress that has been examined is sufficient to elicit CRF release into the hypophyseal portal system and activate the hypothalamic- pituitary-adrenal axis, and, therefore, may be classified as a stressor. The potential circuitry underlying LC activation by hypotension and possible consequences are discussed in the chapter. It has been suggested that CRF-LC interactions and CRF neurohormone activity may be coregulated. Such parallel regulation could underlie the coexistence of neuroendocrine and behavioral dysfunction in certain psychiatric disorders. CRF-LC interactions may be important components of the stress response and serve to link certain peripheral autonomic effects with forebrain activity. Finally, coregulation of CRF-LC interactions and neurohormone CRF may be important in symptoms of stress-related psychiatric disorders.
Health Information Discrepancies Between Internet Media and Scientific Papers Reporting on Omega-3 Supplement Research: Comparative Analysis.

Background: Dietary supplements are the most used complementary and alternative health modality in the United States, and omega-3 supplements continue to be the most popularly used nonvitamin or nonmineral supplements by adults. Users of dietary supplements report that they obtain health guidance from internet media resources, but there is question as to whether or not these resources provide the necessary evidence to guide health decisions. Current evidence suggests that there is a mistranslation occurring somewhere between researchers and the media. Objective: The aim of this study was to conduct a comparative cross-sectional analysis to identify areas of discordance created when science is translated from the laboratory to Web-based news media. Methods: A Google news search provided our convenience sample of 40 omega-3 supplement–based media reports stratified by the years 2009 to 2012. Media reports (n=17) were compared with the corresponding scientific papers for content. Report and scientific paper content were extracted using commonly accepted reporting guideline domains, and domains were then compared for detecting underlying omissions or mistranslations in reporting. Mean scores for all of the scientific papers and media reports were assessed for each domain. Results: Scientific papers (n=14) generally maintained a mean close to complete for each reporting domain. The only domain where there was not a significant difference between media and scientific reporting match was within the objectives domain (χ21= 0.8, P=.36). Media reports (n=17) more frequently reported potential caveats and warnings for consumers with a mean domain for caveat reporting of 0.88, with possible scores falling between 0 and 1. Conclusions: There are inherent differences in the intended audience, structure, and goals in scientific and media communications. These differences should be explored further, and consumers should be made aware of them. Additional considerations for balanced reporting and reader accessibility are also necessary to take into account and are explored further in this analysis.
Log Ratio of Entropy Powers

In his landmark 1948 paper [1], Shannon defined what he called the derived quantity of entropy power, also called entropy rate power, to be the power in a Gaussian white noise limited to the same band as the original ensemble and having the same entropy. He then used the entropy power in bounding the capacity of certain channels and for specifying a lower bound on the rate distortion function of a source. Kolmogorov [2] and Pinsker [3] derived an expression for the entropy rate power of a discrete-time stationary random process in terms of its power spectral density. The entropy power inequality also plays an important role in multiterminal information theory. These have been the major applications of entropy power in the last (almost) 70 years. We reconsider entropy rate power and use the log ratio of entropy powers to analyze the performance of tandem communications and signal processing systems in terms of the change in mutual information with each stage. We also examine ways to calculate or approximate the entropy rate power when performing the analyses.
Tobacco dependence is associated with increased risk for multi-morbid clustering of posttraumatic stress disorder, depressive disorder, and pain among post-9/11 deployed veterans

Tobacco use is highly prevalent among individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depressive disorders, and pain. Research has revealed pairwise relationships among these conditions but has not examined more complex relationships that may influence symptom severity, chronicity, and treatment outcome. To examine the clustering of current PTSD, depressive disorders, and clinically significant pain according to current tobacco use and dependence among post-9/11 deployed veterans. Logistic regression was used to examine the clustering of these conditions in relationship to current tobacco use/dependence, while adjusting for age and total combat exposure, in 343 post-9/11 deployed veterans enrolled in the Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders (TRACTS) cohort (Mage = 32.1 + 8.3 years; 38% current tobacco use; 25% low and 12% moderate/high tobacco dependence). A three-way clustering of PTSD, depressive disorder, and pain was more likely than any single or pairwise combination of these conditions in moderate/high tobacco-dependent veterans compared to tobacco non-users (adjusted ORs = 3.50 to 4.18). This multi-morbidity cluster also was associated with increased PTSD severity. Moderate to high dependence on tobacco is associated with substantially increased clustering of PTSD, depression, and clinically significant pain in veterans. Research examining synergistic interactions among these conditions, biological vulnerabilities shared among them, and the direct impact of tobacco use on the pathophysiology of PTSD, depression, and pain is needed. The results of such work may spur development of more effective integrated treatments to reduce the negative impact of these multi-morbid conditions on veterans’ wellbeing and long-term health.
Activity coefficients at infinite dilution for various organic solutes in the ionic liquid 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate

Abstract Activity coefficients at infinite dilution ( γ i ∞ ) for a variety of polar and non-polar organic solutes (alkanes, cycloalkanes, alkenes, alkyl benzenes, alcohols, 1,4-dioxane, acetone, acetonitrile, tetrahydrofuran, chloroform and dichloromethane) in the ionic liquid (IL) 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([C2OHmim][PF6]) have been determined by gas-liquid chromatography using the IL as the stationary phase. The measurements were conducted over the temperature range of 303–353 K. The partial molar excess Gibbs energies ( Δ G i E , ∞ ) , enthalpies ( Δ H i E , ∞ ) and entropies ( Δ S i E , ∞ ) at infinite dilution of the 29 solutes in the IL have been calculated from the experimental γ i ∞ values obtained over the temperature range. The selectivity s ij ∞ and capacity k j ∞ at T = 323.15 K for aliphatic/aromatic hydrocarbons and aliphatic/alcohol separation problems were calculated from the γ i ∞ and compared to the reported literature data for other [C2OHmim] based ILs.
Development and Clinical Validation of a Sensitive Lateral Flow Assay for Rapid Urine Fentanyl Screening in the Emergency Department.

Background Rapid identification of fentanyl at the point-of-care is critical. Urine fentanyl concentrations in overdose cases start at single-digit nanograms per milliliter. No fentanyl point-of-care assay with a cutoff at single-digit nanograms per milliliter is available. Methods A competitive lateral flow assay (LFA) was developed using gold nanoparticles and optimized for rapid screening of fentanyl in 5 minutes. Urine samples from 2 cohorts of emergency department (ED) patients were tested using the LFA and LC-MS/MS. The 2 cohorts consisted of 218 consecutive ED patients with urine drug-of-abuse screen orders and 7 ED patients with clinically suspected fentanyl overdose, respectively. Results The LFA detected fentanyl (≥1 ng/mL) and the major metabolite norfentanyl (≥10 ng/mL) with high precision. There was no cross-reactivity with amphetamine, cocaine, morphine, tetrahydrocannabinol, methadone, buprenorphine, naloxone, and acetaminophen at 1000 ng/mL and 0.03%, 0.4%, and 0.05% cross-reactivity with carfentanil, risperidone, and 9-hydroxyrisperidone, respectively. In 218 consecutive ED patients, the prevalence of cases with fentanyl ≥1 ng/mL or norfentanyl ≥10 ng/mL was 5.5%. The clinical sensitivity and specificity of the LFA were 100% (95% CI, 75.8-100%) and 99.5% (95% CI, 97.3-99.9%), respectively. The positive and negative predictive values were 92.3% (95% CI, 66.7-98.6%) and 100% (95% CI, 98.2-100%), respectively. The concordance between the LFA and LC-MS/MS was 100% in the 7 suspected fentanyl overdose cases (5 positive, 2 negative). Conclusions The LFA can detect fentanyl and norfentanyl with high clinical sensitivity and specificity in the ED population with rapid fentanyl screening needs.
Outcomes with enoxaparin dose reductions during thrombocytopenia in patients with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).

IntroductionAppropriate dosing of therapeutic anticoagulation during periods of thrombocytopenia remains uncertain for patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCT). There is a pau...
Developing Emergency Triage Systems in Cambodia.

As Cambodia works to rebuild its public health system, an area of focus has been improving the quality of emergency services. After a needs assessment in 2011, project partners identified the implementation of a patient triage system as the first target for development efforts. A context-specific triage system was created using the input of a spectrum of local stakeholders. It was tailored to fit the needs and resources available within the Cambodian health system. The system was implemented through a series of educational interventions at 35 public hospitals throughout nine Cambodian provinces. Follow-up quality improvement visits occurred on a quarterly basis between February 2016 and September 2018, during which feedback on the system was gathered using both quantitative and qualitative methods, and additional system updates were implemented. In this technical report we aim to describe the triage system design, implementation and quality improvement processes utilized with the hope of informing and supporting colleagues working to address similar challenges in other areas of the world. Through this assessment process a number of key observations were made: 1) Establishment of context-specific emergency triage systems is feasible in low resource settings; 2) Development of new triage processes requires an iterative approach; 3) Successful uptake of new practice systems requires flexibility from both the implementers and end-users in the development relationship; 4) Process improvement requires consistent retraining and reinforcement.
Deprescribing Medications Among Older People to Reduce Polypharmacy at a Comprehensive Academic Medical Center.

Objective To evaluate deprescribing of select high-risk medications (HRMs) in an Acute Care for the Elderly (ACE) unit with pharmacist involvement compared with usual care in older people. Design Retrospective, single-center case-control study. Setting Medical-surgical units at an urban academic medical center. Participants Patients 65 years of age and older admitted April-June 2019, with 1 or more of the following target HRMs prior to admission were included in the study: acid suppressants, antipsychotics, or insulin. Patients admitted to the ACE unit were included in the case group; all other patients were randomly matched by HRMs in a 2:1 ratio into the control group. Interventions The Acute Care for the Elderly pharmacist reviewed patients' medications to identify and deprescribe select HRMs. Deprescribing was defined as discontinuation, dose or frequency reduction. Results A total of 47 patients with 56 HRMs and 89 patients with 126 HRMs were included in the case and control groups, respectively. The primary outcome of HRMs deprescribed were similar between the case and control groups (21.4% and 25.4%; P = 0.56). Among the HRMs deprescribed (discontinued, dose or frequency reduced), 83.2% were complete discontinuations in case patients and 34.4% were complete discontinuations in control patients.
Virulence and infectivity of UC, MD and L strains of infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) in four populations of Columbia River Basin Chinook salmon

Infectious Hematopoietic Necrosis Virus (IHNV) infects juvenile salmonid fish in conservation hatcheries and aquaculture facilities, and in some cases, causes lethal disease. This study assesses intra-specific variation in the IHNV susceptibility of Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in the Columbia River Basin (CRB), in the northwestern United States. The virulence and infectivity of IHNV strains from three divergent virus genogroups are measured in four Chinook salmon populations, including spring-run and fall-run fish from the lower or upper regions of the CRB. Following controlled laboratory exposures, our results show that the positive control L strain had significantly higher virulence, and the UC and MD strains that predominate in the CRB had equivalently low virulence, consistent with field observations. By several experimental measures, there was little variation in host susceptibility to infection or disease. However, a small number of exceptions suggested that the lower CRB spring-run Chinook salmon population may be less susceptible than other populations tested. The UC and MD viruses did not differ in infectivity, indicating that the observed asymmetric field prevalence in which IHNV detected in CRB Chinook salmon is 83% UC and 17% MD is not due to the UC virus being more infectious. Overall, we report little intra-species variation in CRB Chinook salmon susceptibility to UC or MD IHNV infection or disease, and suggest that other factors may instead influence the ecology of IHNV in the CRB.
Self-efficacy proxy predicts frailty incidence over time in non-institutionalized older adults.

Background Physical frailty is defined as a syndrome of decreased physiologic reserve conferring vulnerability to functional decline, mortality, and other adverse outcomes upon experiencing stressors. Self-efficacy, which is confidence in one's ability to perform well in a domain of life, is modifiable. Self-efficacy is associated with improved health behavior and decreased chronic disease burden. Its relationship to frailty is unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether a general self-efficacy proxy predicts incident frailty. Methods A nationally representative sample of 4825 U.S. older adults aged 65 and older living in the community or non-nursing home care setting enrolled in the National Health and Aging Trends Study from 2011 to 2018 was used. Self-efficacy was dichotomized into low and high groups using the one-item self-efficacy proxy measure. The Physical Frailty Phenotype was used to categorize participants as frail and non-frail. A discrete time hazard model using data from eight rounds was used to obtain incident hazard ratios of frailty in two models. Model 1 was adjusted for age, race, sex, education, and income. Model 2 contained Model 1 covariates and added disability and comorbidities. Results Among people without frailty at baseline, risk of developing frailty over 7 years was increased by 41% among those with low versus high self-efficacy after adjustment for sociodemographics (P = 0.002), and by 27% after further adjustment for disability and comorbidities (P = 0.032). Conclusion This study generates a rationale to further explore self-efficacy in frailty research. Self-efficacy may be a key modifiable element to incorporate into multimodal physical frailty interventions.