cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effective Ionic Conductivity of a Novel Intermediate-Temperature Mixed Oxide-Ion and Carbonate-Ion Conductor

The discovery of new fast ionic conductors has been long pursued by solid state chemists due to the important roles they play in modern solid state ionic devices. The Sr- and Mg-doped LaGaO3 LSGM perovskite oxide-ion conductor discovered in the mid1990s is a good example illustrating the fruition of years’ of continual efforts in this area. The oxide-ion conductivity of LSGM at 800°C is as high as that of Y2O3-doped ZrO2 at 1000°C and is stable over a broad range of partial pressures of oxygen. As an electrolyte of the solid oxide fuel cell SOFC, these attributes connote higher chemical-to-electrical conversion efficiency or less performance loss at a given temperature and/or reduced operating temperature for a given performance. The latter is of practical importance because lowering the operating temperature of an SOFC could drastically improve the performance stability and reduce the system cost, the two foremost obstacles presently impeding the commercialization of the SOFC technology. The common features of existing good oxide-ion conductors such as ZrO2-, CeO2-, and LaGaO3-based oxides can be characterized by oxygen vacancies available in the lattice and cubic structure of high symmetry. 1-3
Jaundice in chronic hepatitis (cirrhosis of the liver).

Summary In order to determine the meaning and pathogenesis of jaundice in portal cirrhosis, 28 consecutive cases with marked jaundice were studied by simultaneous clinical and histological observation and by conventional biochemical determinations. A previous history of alcoholism was found in 23 of the 28, and an insidious onset of jaundice in 21 of 28. The presence of one or several of the following findings was of considerable importance in establishing the diagnosis of chronic hepatitis: collateral circulation of the abdomen, spider nevi, telangiectasis, hard or nodular liver, and varicose veins of the esophagus. Punch liver biopsy was the most important single diagnostic procedure used, since it served to demonstrate not only liver fibrosis but also changes of the liver parenchyma. Jaundice in patients with cirrhosis represents active parenchymatous liver disease and as such cannot be regarded as a manifestation of "compensated cirrhosis." Pathologically there were active changes of the liver parenchyma; which varied considerably in type and severity. There was no relation between jaundice and the degree or type of fibrosis. Jaundice appeared as a slight, transitory, almost unnoticed episode in the course of chronic hepatitis, or most commonly it was accompanied by other symptoms and findings of liver failure such as edema, ascites, and encephalopathy. Jaundice is considered a very serious sign; its presence contraindicates abdominal surgery. The importance of adequate medical management of portal cirrhosis with jaundice is emphasized, since even patients with severe liver failure can recover clinically. Recovery is accompanied by disappearance of degenerative features, regeneration of the liver parenchyma, and marked improvement of parenchymal function.
ERα in Tac2 Neurons Regulates Puberty Onset in Female Mice

A variety of data suggest that estrogen action on kisspeptin (Kiss1)-containing arcuate nucleus neurons (which coexpress Kiss1, neurokinin B (the product of Tac2) and dynorphin (KNDy) neurons restrains reproductive onset and function, but roles for estrogen action in these Kiss1 neurons relative to a distinct population of rostral hypothalamic Kiss1 neurons (which does not express Tac2 or dynorphin) have not been directly tested. To test the role for estrogen receptor (ER)α in KNDy cells, we thus generated Tac2(Cre) and Kiss1(Cre) knock-in mice and bred them onto the Esr1(flox) background to ablate ERα specifically in Tac2-expressing cells (ERα(Tac2)KO mice) or all Kiss1 cells (ERα(Kiss1)KO mice), respectively. Most ERα-expressing Tac2 neurons represent KNDy cells. Arcuate nucleus Kiss1 expression was elevated in ERα(Tac2)KO and ERα(Kiss1)KO females independent of gonadal hormones, whereas rostral hypothalamic Kiss1 expression was normal in ERα(Tac2)KO but decreased in ERα(Kiss1)KO females; this suggests that ERα in rostral Kiss1 cells is crucial for control of Kiss1 expression in these cells. Both ERα(Kiss1)KO and ERα(Tac2)KO females displayed early vaginal opening, early and persistent vaginal cornification, increased gonadotropins, uterine hypertrophy, and other evidence of estrogen excess. Thus, deletion of ERα in Tac2 neurons suffices to drive precocious gonadal hyperstimulation, demonstrating that ERα in Tac2 neurons typically restrains pubertal onset and hypothalamic reproductive drive.
AFRICAN MUSICIANS IN CONTEMPORARY PARIS: POST-COLONIAL CULTURE IN EXILE

L'A. examine la situation des musiciens africains immigres (le courant musical Afropop) dans le Paris d'aujourd'hui comme expression de la culture africaine dispersee dans le monde et comme exemple de culture postcoloniale. Il s'interesse a la maniere dont ces musiciens envisagent leurs differences et leurs origines dans une optique resolument cosmopolite
Structure of 16 Ne ground state

Consideration of Coulomb energy for the lowest ${0}^{+}$ states with $T=2$ in $A=16$ allow a determination of the ${s}^{2}{/d}^{2}$ mixture in those states. We also discuss the behavior of the ${2s}_{1/2}$ occupancy as a function of A for nearby nuclei.
Information Sharing in Distributed Teams

Better understanding of information sharing in complex, distributed environments is critical for enhancing distributed team operations. This paper examines information sharing among distributed team members in an applied Army setting, with focus placed on precursors to information sharing, the importance of perceived interdependence and trustworthiness of distributed teammates for information sharing, and the effect of information sharing in these complex environments on team states and processes such as the building of trust and team cohesion. Importance is placed on better understanding the processes affecting information sharing in a distributed environment, influencing both research and practice involving distributed team collaboration.
HPLC simultaneous determination of three effective components in compound Xiakucao liniment

Objective:To establish an HPLC method for the determination of berberine hydrochloride,psoralen and isopsoralen in compound Xiakucao liniment.Methods:A Zorbax SB-C18 column(250 mm×4.6 mm,5 μm) was used,the mobile phase consisted of methanol-0.1% phosphoric acid(45∶ 55) at the flow rate of 1.1 mL·min-1,the column temperature was 40 ℃,and the detection wavelength was set at 265 nm.Results: The linear ranges of berberine hydrochloride,psoralen and isopsoralen were 21.0-315.0 μg·mL-1(r=0.9994),14.4-216.0 μg·mL-1(r=0.9996),17.3-260.0 μg·mL-1(r=0.9997),respectively;the average recoveries(n=6) was 97.9%,98.5%,98.9% with RSDs of 1.5%,1.3%,0.9%,respectively.Conclusion:The method can be used for quality control of compound Xiakucao liniment.
Effect of case stiffness on the grain strength when applied internal pressure

Based on the elastic stress solution of heavy wall cylinder to which applied both internal and external pressure,the strain and displacement of cylinder are derived in terms of the three-dimensional stress/strain relationship.In accordance with the radial displacement continuous condition at the bondline between the circular port grain and composite case,the pressure between grain and case is obtained under internal pressure.The influence of this pressure on the stresses and strains in the grain is approached.The formulae of stress and strain are given in the grain.The results show that the hoop strain is reduced obviously on the inner surface of grain when the stiffness of case cylinder is increased and/or the parameter m is decreased.Therefore,it is suggested that the carbon fiber of the medium strength and high modulus should be applied to manufacture the case for SRM used to tactical missile stzviced wnder the low temperature condition.
Effect of Formaldehyde Pollution on Human Health in An Office Building of Beijing City

[Objective]To investigate the effect of formaldehyde pollution on human health in an office building of Beijing City.[Methods] The influencing factors of formaldehyde pollution in the office buildings and the health status of office staff. The concentration of formaldehyde was measured by apparatus according to national standard.[Results]A total of 25 companies in the building were monitored,the average formaldehyde concentration was 0.088mg/m3,unqualified rate was 20%; there was statistically significant difference in formaldehyde pollution between the companies decorating the wall with common paint and harmless paint (P0.05); significant differences existed in unqualified rates between the companies buying and not buying new furnitures(P0.05),and the differences existed between companies with different decoration grades and companies with different grades of furniture; the difference of unqualified rate was significant between companies having and not having green plants(P0.01); And between exposure group and non-exposure group in adverse reaction incidence,there was also statistically significant difference (P0.05,P0.01).[Conclusion]Formaldehyde concentration is one of the factors contributing to adverse reaction. Buying new furniture,decorating the wall with common paint,decorating the floor with wooden floorboard is the major source of pollution; plants can purify the air to a certain degree,and time can not obviously influence the formaldehyde concentration.
Changes in crestal bone levels for immediately loaded implants.

PURPOSE The authors' objective was to measure crestal bone level change in subjects with immediately loaded implants and to identify risk factors associated with changes in bone level. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective cohort study design was used. The sample comprised subjects who had had endosseous implants placed and immediately loaded between July 2001 and July 2003. Demographic, health status-related, anatomic, implant-specific, prosthetic, and surgical variables were examined. The primary outcome variable was change in crestal bone level over time. Appropriate uni-, bi-, and multivariate statistics were computed. RESULTS The sample comprised 174 subjects who received 347 immediately loaded implants. The mean duration of radiographic follow-up was 6.9 +/- 4.0 months, respectively. Mean changes in radiographic bone level were -0.5 mm and -0.6 mm on the mesial and distal surfaces, respectively, after a mean of 6.9 months of radiographic follow-up. Using least squares methods, it was estimated that radiographic bone levels would be -1.0 mm and -0.8 mm on the mesial and distal surfaces, respectively, at 12 months. The multivariate model revealed that radiolucency at or adjacent to implant site was associated with an increased risk of crestal bone loss (odds ratio, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.00 to 3.60). Twelve months after placement, 92.5% of implants had had < or = 1.5 mm of crestal bone loss. DISCUSSION The results of this study were comparable to the results of other studies comparing immediate loading to delayed loading. Further research to estimate long-term changes in crestal bone loss and to identify risk factors for bone loss with immediate loading is recommended. CONCLUSION This study suggests that crestal bone level changes with immediately loaded implants were within the recommended range for 92.5% of the evaluated implants. The mandible showed a higher risk for crestal bone loss compared to the maxilla.
Generation of Customizable Micro-wavy Pattern through Grayscale Direct Image Lithography

With the increasing amount of research work in surface studies, a more effective method of producing patterned microstructures is highly desired due to the geometric limitations and complex fabricating process of current techniques. This paper presents an efficient and cost-effective method to generate customizable micro-wavy pattern using direct image lithography. This method utilizes a grayscale Gaussian distribution effect to model inaccuracies inherent in the polymerization process, which are normally regarded as trivial matters or errors. The measured surface profiles and the mathematical prediction show a good agreement, demonstrating the ability of this method to generate wavy patterns with precisely controlled features. An accurate pattern can be generated with customizable parameters (wavelength, amplitude, wave shape, pattern profile and overall dimension). This mask-free photolithography approach provides a rapid fabrication method that is capable of generating complex and non-uniform 3D wavy patterns with the wavelength ranging from 12 μm to 2100 μm and an amplitude-to-wavelength ratio as large as 300%. Microfluidic devices with pure wavy and wavy-herringbone patterns suitable for capture of circulating tumor cells are made as a demonstrative application. A completely customized microfluidic device with wavy patterns can be created within a few hours without access to clean room or commercial photolithography equipment.
Thiol Probes To Detect Electrophilic Natural Products Based on Their Mechanism of Action.

New methods are urgently needed to find novel natural products as structural leads for the development of new drugs against emerging diseases such as cancer and multiresistant bacterial infections. Here we introduce a reactivity-guided drug discovery approach for electrophilic natural products, a therapeutically relevant class of natural products that covalently modify their cellular targets, in crude extracts. Using carefully designed halogenated aromatic reagents, the process furnishes derivatives that are UV-active and highly conspicuous via mass spectrometry by virtue of an isotopically unique bromine or chlorine tag. In addition to the identification of high-value metabolites, the process facilitates the difficult task of structure elucidation by providing derivatives that are primed for X-ray crystallographic analysis. We show that a cysteine probe efficiently and chemoselectively labels enone-, β-lactam-, and β-lactone-based electrophilic natural products (parthenolide, andrographolide, wortmannin,...
Comparing clinical outcomes of repeat discectomy versus fusion for recurrent disc herniation utilizing the N(2)QOD.

OBJECTIVE Recurrent lumbar disc herniation (RLDH) is a significant cause of morbidity in patients undergoing lumbar discectomy and has been reported to occur in up to 18% of cases. While repeat discectomy is often successful in treating these patients, concern over repeat RLDH may lead surgeons to advocate instrumented fusion even in the absence of instability. The authors' goal was to compare clinical outcomes for patients undergoing repeat discectomy versus instrumented fusion for RLDH. METHODS The authors used the National Neurosurgery Quality and Outcomes Database (N2QOD) to assess outcomes of patients who underwent repeat discectomy versus instrumented fusion at a single institution from 2012 to 2015. Primary outcomes included Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score, visual analog scale (VAS) score, and quality-adjusted life year (QALY) measures. Secondary outcomes included hospital length of stay, discharge status, and hospital charges. RESULTS The authors identified 25 repeat discectomy and 12 instrumented fusion patients with 3- and 12-month follow-up records. The groups had similar ODI and VAS scores and QALY measurements at 3 and 12 months. Patients in the instrumented fusion group had significantly longer hospitalizations (3.7 days vs 1.0 days, p < 0.001) and operative times (229.6 minutes vs 82.7 minutes, p < 0.001). They were also more likely to be female (p = 0.020) and to be discharged to inpatient rehabilitation instead of home (p = 0.036). Hospital charges for the instrumented fusion group were also significantly higher ($54,458.29 vs $11,567.05, p < 0.001). Rates of reoperation were higher in the repeat discectomy group (12% vs 0%), but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.211). CONCLUSIONS Repeat discectomy and instrumented fusion result in similar clinical outcomes at short-term follow-up. Patients undergoing repeat discectomy had significantly shorter operative times and length of stay, and they incurred dramatically lower hospital charges. They were also less likely to require acute rehabilitation postoperatively. Further research is needed to compare these two management strategies.
Radar Sensor Based Accurate Tumor Tracking for Respiratory-Gated Lung Cancer Radiotherapy

As a promising motion-adaptive tumor treatment, respiratory-gated radiotherapy carries its merits of minimizing incidence and severity of normal tissue complication by precisely adapting the radiation beam to the targeted lung tumor. Accurate measurement of respiration motion is of vital importance in respiratory-gated radiotherapy. However, conventional gating techniques, relying on implanted internal markers or external markers placed on patients’ body, are either invasive to the patient’s body or bring insufficient accuracy and discomfort to the patients. In this paper, we present an accurate noncontact means of deriving respiratory gating signals for the use in gated lung cancer radiotherapy. Two 5.8 GHz radar sensors are used to monitor the chest wall and abdominal movements simultaneously to get high resolution and enhanced parameter identification. The radar sensors can also be used in structural health monitoring (SHM). It is shown that our multiple radar system can supply reliable gating signals for accurate mobile tumor tracking in radiotherapy.
Analysis of actively transcribed DNA repair using a transfection-based system.

Host cell reactivation (HCR) is a transfection-based assay in which intact cells repair damage localized to exogenous DNA. This chapter provides instructions for the application of this technique, using as an exemplar UV irradiation as a source of damage to a luciferase reporter plasmid. Through measurement of the activity of a successfully transcribed and translated reporter enzyme, the amount of damaged plasmid that a cell can “reactivate” or repair and express can be quantitated. Different DNA repair pathways can be analyzed by this technique by damaging the reporter plasmid in different ways. Since it involves repair of a transcriptionally active gene, when applied to UV damage the HCR assay measures the capacity of the host cells to perform transcription-coupled repair, a subset of the overall nucleotide excision repair pathway that specifically targets transcribed gene sequences.
Measuring Patient-Centeredness of Care for Seriously Ill Individuals: Challenges and Opportunities for Accountability Initiatives.

Abstract Patient- and family-centeredness of care is particularly important for individuals with serious illness. In this article, we describe methodological challenges of using measures of patient- and family-centeredness in accountability initiatives such as public reporting and pay for performance. We begin with background on measuring patient- and family-centered care using standardized surveys, describe evidence of the use of these measures for quality improvement, and highlight methodological challenges in the development and implementation of these measures for use in accountability. To ensure that patient- and family-centeredness is the cornerstone of public and private accountability initiatives designed to promote high-quality care to seriously ill patients, we recommend development of (1) a nationally endorsed survey instrument that assesses patient and family experiences of serious illness care across the full range of patient trajectories and care settings in which this care is provided; (2) ...
GABA-A Receptors Mediate Tonic Inhibition and Neurosteroid Sensitivity in the Brain

Neurosteroids like allopregnanolone (AP) are positive allosteric modulators of synaptic and extrasynaptic GABA-A receptors. AP and related neurosteroids exhibit a greater potency for δ-containing extrasynaptic receptors. The δGABA-A receptors, which are expressed extrasynaptically in the dentate gyrus and other regions, contribute to tonic inhibition, promoting network shunting as well as reducing seizure susceptibility. Levels of endogenous neurosteroids fluctuate with ovarian cycle. Natural and synthetic neurosteroids maximally potentiate tonic inhibition in the hippocampus and provide robust protection against a variety of limbic seizures and status epilepticus. Recently, a consensus neurosteroid pharmacophore model has been proposed at extrasynaptic δGABA-A receptors based on structure-activity relationship for functional activation of tonic currents and seizure protection. Aside from anticonvulsant actions, neurosteroids have been found to be powerful anxiolytic and anesthetic agents. Neurosteroids and Zn2+ have preferential affinity for δ-containing receptors. Thus, Zn2+ can prevent neurosteroid activation of extrasynaptic δGABA-A receptor-mediated tonic inhibition. Recently, we demonstrated that Zn2+ selectively inhibits extrasynaptic δGABA-A receptors and thereby fully prevents AP activation of tonic inhibition and seizure protection. We confirmed that neurosteroids exhibit greater sensitivity at extrasynaptic δGABA-A receptors. Overall, extrasynaptic GABA-A receptors are primary mediators of tonic inhibition in the brain and play a key role in the pathophysiology of epilepsy and other neurological disorders.
Ideal form of optical plasma lenses

The canonical form of an optical plasma lens is a parabolic density channel. This form suffers from spherical aberrations, among others. Spherical aberration is partially corrected by adding a quartic term to the radial density profile. Ideal forms which lead to perfect focusing or imaging are obtained. The fields at the focus of a strong lens are computed with high accuracy and efficiency using a combination of eikonal and full Maxwell descriptions of the radiation propagation. The calculations are performed using a new computer propagation code, SeaRay, which is designed to transition between various solution methods as the beam propagates through different spatial regions. The calculations produce the full Maxwell vector fields in the focal region.
Radiographic Evaluation of the Response of Osteosarcoma to Induction Chemotherapy

The improved survival of patients with osteosarcoma that has occurred within the past 10 years has been the result of new protocols utilizing neoadjuvant chemotherapy, better radiographic imaging modalities, and improved surgical and pathologic guidelines. MRI spin echo imaging has been demonstrated by several previous studies to be a particularly sensitive imaging modality for osteosarcoma as well as other musculoskeletal sarcomas. The purpose of this retrospective review was to assess the typical presenting radiographic image of high grade osteosarcoma and how that initial image changes with induction chemotherapy [1–5].
Mössbauer Spectroscopy of Amorphous Semiconductors and Glasses Containing Antimony, Tin, and Iron: A Review

A comprehensive review is given of Mossbauer studies of bond character, electronic structure and glass-crystal transltion in amorphous semiconductors and glasses containing antimony, tin and iron. The isomer shift is correlated with electron density (calculated from HFSCF) at the tin and antimony nuclei to delineate electronic structure in amorphous tin and antimony chalcogenides. The Debye temperature is computed for tin chalcogenides. Comprehensive data on Mossbauer parameters are presented along with an extensive bibliography.
Student gender, counselor gender, and college advice

A gender gap currently exists in college STEM majors, with a lower percentage of females entering math intensive fields. One possible explanation is the advice students receive in high school. We c...
Evaluación a nivel laboratorio de la capacidad de remoción de materia orgánica de Chlorella vulgaris en las aguas residuales de la PTAR Salitre

The primary process carried out by the Salitre Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) does not achieve a removal greater than 60% of organic matter. In this research, a biotreatment was done with the microalgae Chlorella vulgaris of the wastewater treated by this plant, prior to its dumping, with an emphasis on the removal of organic matter by chemical demand of oxygen and total suspended solids, in order to evaluate its efficiency. The incidence of microalgae in other physicochemical parameters was also evaluated. At the end of the biotreatment, the mentioned parameters were analyzed in the supernatant to compare the results of the chemical treatment performed by the Salitre WWTP (COD removal of 35.30% and 57.51% by SST) with the best biotreatment result (Sample 1: 81.80% by COD and 89.91% by SST). Finally, a better CDO removal percentage was achieved in relation to similar works by other authors.
Preliminary Psychometric Analyses and Clinical Performance of a Caregiver Self-efficacy Scale for Food Allergy Self-management

M Greenhawt, A DunnGalvin. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2018;120(1):73–79 To examine the reliability, validity, and clinical performance of a novel food allergy self-efficacy tool to help assess caregiver burden in food allergy. The study was a cross-sectional, observational study of caregivers of children who are food allergic ( n = 2308). A self-administered, 8-item Food Allergy Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (FASEQ) was coadministered with the Food Allergy Quality of Life Parental Burden (FAQL-PB) (a 17-item questionnaire that is used to measure the effect of pediatric food allergy on caregivers) index to …
Insulation Considerations in Form-Wound Armature Windings for High-Frequency Electric Machines

Advanced high speed permanent magnet synchronous machines (PMSM) have been the subject of recent research for electrified transportation. Specific power of electric machines must increase in order to make hybrid-electric passenger aircraft feasible. Raising operating frequency improves specific power and requires robust windings. This paper will present dielectric and thermal design considerations of the form- wound air-core armature windings for a high-speed PMSM. System level considerations will also be examined.
Collision and breakup of fractal particle agglomerates in a shear flow

A computational study was performed both of a single agglomerate and of the collision of two agglomerates in a shear flow. The agglomerates were extracted from a direct numerical simulation of a turbulent agglomeration process, and had the loosely packed fractal structure typical of agglomerate structures formed in turbulent agglomeration processes. The computation was performed using a discrete-element method for adhesive particles with four-way coupling, accounting both for forces between the fluid and the particles (and vice versa) as well as force transmission directly between particles via particle collisions. In addition to understanding and characterizing the particle dynamics, the study focused on illuminating the fluid flow field induced by the agglomerate in the presence of a background shear and the effect of collisions on this particle-induced flow. Perhaps the most interesting result of the current work was the observation that the flow field induced by a particle agglomerate rotating in a shear flow has the form of two tilted vortex rings with opposite-sign circulation. These rings are surrounded by a sea of stretched vorticity from the background shear flow. The agglomerate rotates in the shear flow, but at a slower rate than the ambient fluid elements. In the computations with two colliding agglomerates, we observed cases resulting in agglomerate merger, bouncing and fragmentation. However, the bouncing cases were all observed to also result in an exchange of particles between the two colliding agglomerates, so that they were influenced both by elastic rebound of the agglomerate structures as well as by tearing away of particulate matter between the agglomerates. Overall, the problems of agglomerate–flow interaction and of the collision of two agglomerates in a shear flow are considerably richer in physical phenomena and more complex than can be described by the common approximation that represents each agglomerate by an ‘equivalent sphere’.
134) Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS) Therapy among Active Duty Military Members Decreased Opioid Therapy and Improves Overall Pain

Active duty military members (ADMM) are at greater risk of developing chronic pain compared to civilians. The use of opioids for chronic pain can impact ADMM ability to remain in the military. Spinal cord stimulators (SCS) are a treatment option for some ADMM to manage pain and increase functioning. The objective of this quality improvement project was to determine if SCS implantation improves outcomes for ADMM. This project compared a sub-sample of the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) SCS Cohort: patients who were ADMM at the time of implantation and for those whom we had data at 3-months and 6-months following implantation (N=89). The majority of our patient population was male, in the U.S. Army, and had experienced non-combat related injuries. RANOVA results suggest that ADMM who underwent SCS implantation, and were prescribed opioids pre-implantation, had a significant reduction in morphine equivalent (MEQ) from baseline (mean=29.086) to 3-months (mean=8.054) and baseline to 6-months (mean=3.009) post-implantation. RANOVA results also suggest a significant reduction in pain intensity from baseline (mean pain score=6.322) to 3-months (mean pains score=3.844) and baseline to 6-months (mean=4.256) post-implantation. The findings suggest that SCS implantation in ADMM who are undergoing opioid medication management may have a significant reduction in MEQ at both 3 and 6-months post-implantation. These findings may suggest that SCS implantation may reduce the pain intensity and increase the functionality of ADMM who may have otherwise be disqualified from certain jobs and/or remaining in the military.
Faecal microbiota transplantation for eradicating carriage of multidrug-resistant organisms: a systematic review.

Abstract Background Multidrug-resistant (MDR) microorganism development in the gut is frequently the result of inappropriate antibiotic use. Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) restores normal gut microbiota in patients with Clostridium difficile infection. We hypothesized that it may help in decolonizing MDR organisms (MDROs) and in preventing recurrent MDR infections. Objectives To assess FMT efficacy (eradication rate) for decolonizing MDROs and preventing recurrent MDR infections. Data sources Medline, Embase and Web of Science (inception through 11 February 2019). Study eligibility criteria Clinical trials, retrospective studies, case reports and case series. Participants Patients with MDR infections or MDRO colonization treated with FMT. Interventions FMT. Methods Systematic review. Results Twenty-one studies (one randomized clinical trial, seven uncontrolled clinical trials, two retrospective cohort studies, two case series, nine case reports) assessing 192 patients were included. Three studies assessed FMT efficacy in preventing MDR infections; 16 assessed its effect on MDRO colonization; two assessed both. Data from 151 patients were included in the final analyses. In studies with low to moderate risk of bias, the eradication rate was 37.5% to 87.5%. Efficacy was similar in studies looking at infection or colonization and did not differ by length of follow-up. No serious adverse events from FMT were reported. Seven patients died of other causes. Conclusions FMT could be used as a treatment for eradicating MDR colonization and possibly preventing recurrent MDR infections, once more supporting efficacy and safety data are available. Larger well-designed randomized controlled trials are needed to further explore this therapy.
TOWARD SOL-GEL-PROCESSED CHEMICAL SENSING PLATFORMS : EFFECTS OF DOPANT ADDITION TIME ON SENSOR PERFORMANCE

The development of new chemical and biochemical sensing schemes has been a topic of growing interest. Simplicity of preparation and mild processing conditions have made sol-gel-derived composites attractive for many chemical sensing schemes. A portion of our research centers on using sol-gel-processed materials for the development of selective sensors. Over the years we have aimed to characterize the analytical performance of these types of sol-gel-based sensing platforms. In the course of this work we recently discovered that the time (prior to casting) when the sensing chemistry is actually doped into the sol-gel processing solution plays a critical role in a given sensor's analytical performance. In this paper we report on the effects of doping time on the behavior of a model organic dopant (pyrene) sequestered within sol-gel-derived microfiber tips and films. We use O2 as the analyte and determine the sensor sensitivity and temporal response as a function of doping time. We also quantify the local dipolarity of the immediate environment surrounding the average pyrene molecule as a function of doping time.
Evaluating Street Quality for Walkability from 3D Models

Street quality is critical to urban sustainability. Well-designed streets encourage walking behaviour and attract public activities, thus advancing the sustainability of a city as a whole. Currently, most quantificational analyses of street quality are based on two dimensional maps, using network algorithms and economic theories to calculate accessibility and land value or to account for a series of elements such as number of trees and number of courtyards in order to audit quality scores. The analysis from three dimensional models and human-centred views is rarely utilized but could offer new possibilities to provide urban planners and designers with analytical feedback on the built environment and design process. This research explores ways to relate physical features with walking behaviour using Reid Ewing's Urban Design Tool to measure the street quality for walkability. It applies physical metrics from measuring parameters in 3D models based on the human's perspective and other building metrics from GIS data online to systematically audit street walkability. To validate this method, we take two separate studies. One is a case study to evaluate the street walkability of two districts in NYC from their 3D models and GIS data and to visualize the scores. The result from digital models and real environment are similar which indicates the feasibility of applying this method in urban scale. The other is a pilot study asking a group of students (N = 8) to evaluate street walkability of 3D models, telling them the scores calculated by this method, to explore how the scores influence their evaluations. This study illustrates the possibility to quantify the evaluation of street quality for walkability using Urban Design Tool in 3D models to inform urban designer's evaluation in street scale during the design process.
Evaluation of an interprofessional naloxone didactic and skills session with medical residents and physician assistant learners

Background: The CDC has reported 399,230 opioid-related deaths from 1999-2017. In 2018, the US surgeon general issued a public health advisory, advising all Americans to carry naloxone. Studies show that enhanced naloxone access directly reduces death from opioid overdose. Despite this, health care professional learners report low knowledge and confidence surrounding naloxone. Therefore, it becomes critical that medical education programs incorporate didactic and experiential sessions improving knowledge, skills and attitudes regarding harm reduction through naloxone. Objectives: 1. Describe the components and evaluation of a replicable and adaptable naloxone didactic and skills session model for medical providers; 2. Report the results of the evaluation from a pilot session with family medicine residents and physician assistant students; and 3. Share the session toolkit, including evaluation surveys and list of materials used. Methods: In July 2017, a literature search was completed for naloxone skill training examining best practices on instruction and evaluation. A training session for family medicine residents and physician assistant learners was designed and led by University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and College of Pharmacy faculty. The same faculty designed a pre and post session evaluation form through internal review on elements targeting naloxone knowledge, attitude, and self-efficacy. Results: The training session included one hour for a didactic and one hour for small group live skills demonstration in four methods of naloxone administration (syringe and ampule, nasal atomizer, branded nasal spray and auto injector). Forty-eight participants showed statistically significant (p<0.05) improvement in knowledge (67.5% to 95.9%), attitudes (71.2% to 91.2%), and self-efficacy (62.1% to 97.8%) from pre to post assessment. Forty-four of 48 participants agreed that the pace of the training was appropriate and that the information will be of use in their respective primary care practices. Supply costs for the session were USD 1,200, with the majority being reusable on subsequent trainings. Conclusions: Our study of a naloxone didactic and skills session for primary care trainees demonstrated significant improvements in knowledge, self-efficacy, and attitudes. It provides an adaptable and efficient model for delivery of knowledge and skills in naloxone administration training. The pilot data suggest that the training was efficacious.
CuO enhances the photocatalytic activity of Fe2O3 through synergistic reactive oxygen species interactions

Abstract Iron oxide (α-Fe2O3, hematite) colloids were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and investigated as catalysts for the photodegradation of an organic dye under broad-spectrum illumination. To enhance photocatalytic performance, Fe2O3 was combined with other transition-metal oxide (TMO) colloids (e.g., CuO and ZnO), which are sensitive to different regions of the solar spectrum (far visible and ultraviolet, respectively), using a ternary blending approach for compositional mixtures. For a variety of ZnO/Fe2O3/CuO mole ratios, the pseudo-first-order rate constant for methyl orange degradation was at least double the sum of the individual Fe2O3 and CuO rate constants, indicating there is an underlying synergy governing the photocatalysis reaction with these combinations of TMOs. A full compositional study was carried out to map the interactions between the three TMOs. Additional experiments probed the identity and role of reactive oxygen species and elucidated the mechanism by which CuO enhanced Fe2O3 photodegradation while ZnO did not. The increased photocatalytic performance of Fe2O3 in the presence of CuO was associated with hydroxyl radical ROS, consistent with heterogeneous photo-Fenton mechanisms, which are not accessible by ZnO. These results imply that low-cost photocatalytic materials can be engineered for high performance under solar illumination by selective pairing of TMOs with compatible ROS.
Implementation of Enhanced Recovery in Gynecologic Surgery to Improve Outcomes at an Urban Safety-Net Hospital

Background: This study aims to implement an enhanced recovery pathway (ERP) for patients undergoing gynecologic surgery and to track clinical outcomes, including perioperative opioid use and adverse events. Methods: Patients undergoing gynecologic surgery with a planned overnight stay were eligible. The primary outcome measure was perioperative opioid use in oral morphine milligram equivalents. Secondary outcome measures included bundle completion and length of stay. Balancing measures included rates of total and specific adverse events. Data were stratified by route of surgery and univariate analyses were performed between pre- and post-ERP groups to compare demographic factors and outcome measures. Linear regression analyses were run to assess mean differences in perioperative opioid use and length of stay when adjusting for route of surgery, age, body mass index (BMI), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) status, surgical subspecialty, and postoperative hemoglobin change, and/or bundle completion score. Results: The ERP was implemented in 16 weeks and selected in 63 eligible patients from February 1 to April 30, 2017. ERP bundle completion was significantly higher for all surgical categories following formal pathway implementation. Compared to the pre-ERP cohort, the ERP cohort demonstrated significantly decreased total opioid use in laparotomies (175.5 mg vs. 209.8 mg, P = 0.03) and minimally invasive surgeries (125 mg vs. 170.3 mg, P = 0.018). Additionally, significantly decreased intraoperative opioids were used in both laparotomies (95 mg vs. 105 mg, P = 0.03) and minimally invasive surgeries (75 mg vs. 108.5 mg, P < 0.0001), as well as significantly decreased postoperative opioid use in minimally invasive surgeries (15 mg vs. 45 mg, P = 0.04). A one-point increase in ERP bundle completion score was associated with a 9.2 mg decrease in total opioid used (P = 0.0375) as well as a 4.8 h decrease in length of stay (P < 0.0001) when adjusting for route of surgery, age, BMI, ASA status, surgical subspecialty, and case length. There were no significant differences in adverse events when ERP was used. Conclusions: ERP implementation was rapidly accomplished at our urban, safety-net hospital. The pathway reduced perioperative opioid use without increasing adverse events. Continued monitoring of enhanced recovery quality improvement measures, including bundle completion, is essential to ensure adherence, safety, and effectiveness. J Clin Gynecol Obstet. 2020;9(3):43-52 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jcgo666
Cardinal: A Lower-Length-Scale Multiphysics Simulator for Pebble-Bed Reactors

This paper demonstrates a multiphysics solver for pebble-bed reactors, in particular, for Berkeley’s pebble-bed -fluoride-salt-cooled high-temperature reactor (PB-FHR) (Mark I design). The FHR is a...
La Storia Dei Mascherari: Nietzsche, Deleuze and the (Un)Masking of Subjectivity

An excavation of the mask’s presence within Deleuze’s writing–specifically, in Nietzsche and Philosophy and Difference and Repetition – may illustrate how Deleuze enriched and complicated the Nietzschean mask to further his own critical endeavors. I will argue that two of animating principles of Difference and Repetition – a historical excavation of the notion of the "subject" and the delineation of the relationship between memory and difference - are brought together through the image of the mask. In joining what I perceive to be two of the major theoretical arcs of Difference and Repetition, I hope to determine how the mask can serve as a critical theoretical tool in the negotiation of subjectivity and the paradoxical role power maintains in the founding of the subject. Published as part of the Nietzsche 13/13 seminar series, held at Columbia Law School.
A Transferable Force Field for Predicting Adsorption and Diffusion of Hydrocarbons and Small Molecules in Silica Zeolites with Coupled-Cluster Accuracy

We present a transferable force field for hydrocarbons (linear and branched olefins and paraffins) and small adsorbates (CO2, O2, N2, and H2O) in pure silica zeolites. The fitting procedure is base...
Freestream velocity-profile measurement in a large-scale, high-enthalpy reflected-shock tunnel

We apply Krypton Tagging Velocimetry (KTV) to measure velocity profiles in the freestream of a large, national-scale high-enthalpy facility, the T5 Reflected-Shock Tunnel at Caltech. The KTV scheme utilizes two-photon excitation at 216.67 nm with a pulsed dye laser, followed by re-excitation at 769.45 nm with a continuous laser diode. Results from a nine-shot experimental campaign are presented where N $$_2$$ and air gas mixtures are doped with krypton, denoted as 99% N $$_2$$ /1% Kr, and 75% N $$_2$$ /20% O $$_2$$ /5% Kr, respectively. Flow conditions were varied through much of the T5 parameter space (reservoir enthalpy $$h_R\approx 5-16$$ MJ/kg). We compare our experimental freestream velocity-profile measurements to reacting, Navier–Stokes nozzle calculations with success, to within the uncertainty of the experiment. Then, we discuss some of the limitations of the present measurement technique, including quenching effects and flow luminosity; and, we present an uncertainty estimate in the freestream velocity computations that arise from the experimentally derived inputs to the code.
Volume-outcome relationships for kidney cancer may be driven by disparities and patient risk.

ABSTRACT Purpose Provider and hospital factors influence healthcare quality, but data are lacking to assess their impact on renal cancer surgery. We aimed to assess factors related to surgeon and hospital volume and study their impact on 30-day outcomes after radical nephrectomy. Materials and Methods Renal surgery data were abstracted from Maryland's Health Service Cost Review Commission from 2000 to 2018. Patients ≤18 years old, without a diagnosis of renal cancer, and concurrently receiving another major surgery were excluded. Volume categories were derived from the mean annual cases distribution. Multivariable logistic and linear regression models assessed the association of volume on length of stay, intensive care days, cost, 30-day mortality, readmission, and complications. Results 7,950 surgeries, completed by 573 surgeons at 48 hospitals, were included. Demographic, surgical, and admission characteristics differed between groups. Radical nephrectomies performed by low volume surgeons demonstrated increased post-operative complication frequency, mortality frequency, length of stay, and days spent in intensive care relative to other groups. However, after logistic regression adjusting for clinical risk and socioeconomic factors, only increased length of stay and ICU days remained associated with lower surgeon volume. Similarly, after adjusted logistic regression, hospital volume was not associated with the studied outcomes. Conclusions Surgeons and hospitals differ in regards to patient demographic and clinical factors. Barriers exist regarding access to high-volume care, and thus some volume-outcome trends may be driven predominantly by disparities and case mix.
Clinical Characteristics, Course, and Outcomes of Vertebral Artery Dissections in the Postpartum Period

Background Postpartum vertebral artery dissections (ppVADs) are rare but potentially morbid conditions that occur in otherwise healthy patients. Objective To evaluate clinical characteristics of ppVADs. Methods Demographic, clinical, treatment, and outcome data were collected on ppVADs and are presented in a case series of 12 patients and compared to the general cohort. Results In total, 12 patients had ppVADs in our cohort of 310 patients with vertebral artery dissections (VADs). They occurred 11.27 days (95% CI, -0.85 to 23.39) postdelivery. Of these, there were 5 (42%) with a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, and 4 (33%) who had migraines. A total of 3 (25%) had ischemic strokes and 1 (8%) had a subarachnoid hemorrhage. In total, 2 patients (17%) had unfavorable modified Rankin Scale (mRS, 2-6) at discharge from hospital. Patients with ppVADs more often had bilateral VADs (42% vs 17%, P = .03), had pseudoaneurysms (50% vs 18%, P = .0068), were younger (33.83 years vs 44.32 years, P = .018), and had lower Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI = 0 vs 0.99, P = .0038). Anticoagulant treatment was used in a similar percentage of patients. Multivariate analysis revealed 3 factors were predictive of change in mRS: CCI (OR = 1.09, 95% CI, 1.02-1.15), stroke (OR = 0.78, 95% CI, 0.65-0.95), and mRS at hospital discharge (OR = 0.80, 95% CI, 0.74-0.87). Conclusion There are only 15 isolated ppVADs reported in the literature; this study adds 12 patients with 17 ppVADs. Postpartum VADs occur in younger, healthier patients than in the general cohort, raising questions about mechanism of injury. The majority of ppVADs have good neurological outcomes.