cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The NRL High Transition Temperature Superconductor Space Experiment (HTTSSE)

NRL has initiated a program whose objective is to launch each year an experimental satellite containing successively more complicated superconducting components or systems. The idea is to significantly shorten the time between the development of superconducting technology and its insertion into real systems, in this case space systems. The first such experiment will be in 1992 and the components will include a significant number of thin film passive microwave components that have been manufactured by industrial contractors as well as NRL. In this talk I will present an overview of the program as well as a detailed description of the various thin film devices that NRL itself is going to supply. This includes filters, resonators and delay lines.
Interventional techniques in managing persistent pain after vertebral augmentation procedures: a retrospective evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Based on systematic reviews, it appears that at least 10% of patients may continue to suffer with residual or persistent pain after successful vertebral or sacral augmentation procedures. OBJECTIVE: To report and evaluate the incidence and prevalence of different spinal injections in patients who received vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty, and sacroplasty procedures for both benign and malignant compression fractures. DESIGN: A retrospective case review. METHODS: Retrospective review of all cases of vertebroplasty, sacroplasty, and kyphoplasty performed in a 12-month period in a single outpatient setting of interventional radiology was conducted. RESULTS: In a 12-month period starting from October 2005 to September 2006, 144 patients underwent cement augmentation procedures. Of the 144, 34 patients required a spinal injection procedure for residual or persistent pain within a 1-year period after the augmentation procedure. Twenty-four patients required epidural steroid injections, 6 patients required intercostal nerve blocks, 5 patients required trigger point injections, 5 patients required sacroiliac joint injections, and 1 patient required facet joint injections. Nine patients who required lumbar epidural steroid injections and all patients who required intercostal nerve blocks and had underwent a thoracic cement augmentation procedure. CONCLUSION: A small proportion of patients undergoing percutaneous cement augmentation for vertebral compression fractures or sacral insufficiency fractures potentially require spinal injections to treat residual pain after the procedure.
SU-F-R-55: Early Detection of Treatment Induced Bone Marrow Injury During Chemoradiation Therapy Using Quantitative CT

Purpose: Acute hematologic toxicity associated with bone marrow injury is a common complication of chemoradiation therapy (CRT) for pelvic malignancies. In this work, we investigate the feasibility of using quantitative CT to detect bone marrow injury during CRT. Methods: Daily CTs were acquired during routine CT-guided radiation therapy using a CT-on-rails for 15 cervical cancer patients. All patients treated with a radiation dose of 45.0 to 50.4 Gy in 1.8 Gy/fraction along with chemotherapy. For each patient, the contours of bone marrow were generated in L4, L5 and sacrum on the first daily CT and then populated to other daily CTs by rigid registration using MIM (MIM Software Inc., Cleveland, OH) with manual editing if possible. A series of CT texture parameters, including Hunsfield Unit (HU) histogram, mean HU, entropy, energy, in bone marrow contours were calculated using MATLAB on each daily CT and were correlated with the completed blood counts (CBC) collected weekly for each patient. The correlations were analyzed with Pearson correlation tests. Results: For all patient data analyzed, mean HU in bone marrow decreased during CRT delivery. From the first to the last fraction the average mean HU reduction is 58.1 ± 13.6 HU (P<0.01). This decrease can be observed as early as after first 5 fractions and is strongly associated with the changes of most CBC quantities, such as the reductions of white and blood cell counts (r=0.97, P=0.001). The reduction of HU is spatially varied. Conclusion: Chemoradiation induced bone marrow injury can be detected during the delivery of CRT using quantitative CT. Chemoradiation results in reductions in mean HU, which are strongly associated with the change in the pretrial blood cell counts. Early detection of bone marrow injury with commonly available CT opens a door to improve bone marrow sparing, reducing risk of hematologic toxicity.
Hate Crimes in Post-9/11 Pennsylvania: Case Characteristics and Police Response Revisited

Extant research suggests that police involvement with hate crimes and bias incidents may be affected by case- and community-level characteristics. Triggering events, such as the terrorist attacks o...
Exercising in the Fasted State Reduced 24-Hour Energy Intake in Active Male Adults

The effect of fasting prior to morning exercise on 24-hour energy intake was examined using a randomized, counterbalanced design. Participants (12 active, white males, years old, : mL/kg/min) fasted (NoBK) or received breakfast (BK) and then ran for 60 minutes at 60% . All food was weighed and measured for 24 hours. Measures of blood glucose and hunger were collected at 5 time points. Respiratory quotient (RQ) was measured during exercise. Generalized linear mixed models and paired sample -tests examined differences between the conditions. Total 24-hour (BK: kJ versus NoBK: kJ; ) and evening (BK: kJ versus NoBK: ; ) energy intake and RQ (BK: versus NoBK: ; ) were significantly higher in BK than NoBK. Blood glucose was significantly higher in BK than NoBK before exercise ( versus mmol/L; ). Hunger was significantly lower for BK than NoBK before exercise, after exercise, and before lunch. Blood glucose and hunger were not associated with energy intake. Fasting before morning exercise decreased 24-hour energy intake and increased fat oxidation during exercise. Completing exercise in the morning in the fasted state may have implications for weight management.
Second line treatment of small cell lung cancer: more is better?

Extensive stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive disease that leaves less than 10% of patients alive at 2 years (1).
SYSTEMATIC DESENSITIZATION OF ANOREXIA NERVOSA SEEN AS A WEIGHT PHOBIA

A case of anorexia nervosa in which phobic components appeared to be a primary factor in the maladaptive behavior, showed a marked response to systematic desensitization. There was not only a weight gain, but also changes in affect and social behavior. Improvement was maintained at follow-up 6 months later.
Microglia activation and phagocytosis: relationship with aging and cognitive impairment in the rhesus monkey.

While cognitive decline is observed in the normal aging monkey, neurons are not lost with age. Instead, frontal white matter is lost as myelin degenerates and both correlate with age-related cognitive decline. As age-related myelin damage increases, there should be an increase in clearance of damaged myelin by microglial phagocytosis. In this study, brains of behaviorally tested rhesus monkeys were assessed using unbiased stereology to quantify the density of activated microglia (LN3 antibody positive) and phagocytic microglia (galectin-3 (Gal-3) antibody positive) in three white matter regions: the corpus callosum, cingulum bundle (CGB), and frontal white matter (FWM). LN3 cell density was significantly increased in the CGB, whereas Gal-3 cell density was significantly increased in all regions. Increases in Gal-3 cell density in the FWM were associated with cognitive impairment. In the FWM of old animals, Gal-3-positive microglia were classified by morphological subtype as ramified, hypertrophic, or amoeboid. The densities of hypertrophic and amoeboid microglia significantly correlated with cognitive impairment. Finally, microglia were double-labeled with LN3 and Gal-3 showing that 91% of Gal-3 cells were also LN3 positive, thus expressing an “activated” phenotype. Furthermore, 15% of all double-labeled cells formed phagocytic cups. Overall, these results suggest that microglia become activated in white matter with age where the majority express a phagocytic phenotype. We hypothesize that age-related phagocytic activation of microglia is a response to accumulating myelin pathology. The association of Gal-3 in the FWM with cognitive impairment may reflect regional differences in damage or dysfunction of normal clearance mechanisms.
Small effect-size mutations cumulatively affect yeast quantitative traits

Quantitative traits are influenced by pathways that have traditionally been defined through genes that have a large loss- or gain-of-function effect. However, in theory, a large number of small effect-size genes could cumulative play a substantial role in pathway function, potentially by acting as modifiers that tune the levels of large effect size pathway components. To understand the role of these small effect-size genes, we used a quantitative assay to determine the number, strength, and identity of all non-essential genes that affect two galactose-responsive (GAL) traits, in addition to re-analyzing two previously screened quantitative traits. Over a quarter of assayed genes have a detectable effect; approximately two thirds of the quantitative trait variation comes from small effect-size genes. The functions of small effect-size genes are partially overlapping between traits and are enriched in core cellular processes. This implies that genetic variation in one process has the potential to influence behavior or disease in seemingly unconnected processes.
Heart Rate and Rhythm Disorders.

1. Philip Wackel, MD* 2. Bryan Cannon, MD* 1. *Pediatric Cardiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN * Abbreviations: AV: : atrioventricular AVR: : accelerated ventricular rhythm ECG: : electrocardiogram PAC: : premature atrial contraction PVC: : premature ventricular contraction QTc: : corrected QT SVT: : supraventricular tachycardia VT: : ventricular tachycardia 1. Proper evaluation of pediatric rhythm disorders can be challenging and requires knowledge of what tests are available and most appropriate to aid in this challenge. (1) 2. Correctly identifying common normal variants in the rhythm and distinguishing them from common abnormal findings is needed to properly triage and treat patients. After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Identify by history the symptoms concerning for rhythm disorders. 2. Select appropriate tests in the evaluation of suspected rhythm disorders. 3. Discuss common benign findings and appropriately limit testing/referrals. 4. Describe common rhythm disorders and potential associated underlying problems. Rhythm disorders in pediatric patients encompass a vast and diverse group of problems that vary greatly not only in etiology but also in presentation. These disorders can range from bradycardia to tachycardia but also include inherited channelopathies as well as rhythm disorders associated with underlying congenital heart disease. With such a diverse group of potential problems and the high degree of variability in presenting symptoms, the evaluation and diagnosis of rhythm disorders can be difficult. As with most medical issues, starting with a thorough history and physical examination will help guide the need for further evaluation and testing to reach the appropriate diagnosis. The presentation of arrhythmias varies depending on the type of arrhythmia, but even within the same arrhythmia there can be significant variation in presenting symptoms. Palpitations are a common complaint in the pediatric population, but most patients with palpitations do not have an underlying arrhythmia. Determining which patients …
A Polycation Antimicrobial Peptide Mimic without Resistance Buildup against Propionibacterium Acnes.

A preliminary study is reported for a polycation antimicrobial peptide (AMP) mimic against Propionibacterium acnes, which is associated with acne vulgaris, a common skin condition. Antibiotics are commonly used against P. acnes but buildup of resistance is well-known. Worse, antibiotic regimens build up resistance for more sensitive bacteria such as Staphylococcus epidermidis. The polycation AMP mimic C12-50, 1, is chosen for the present study as it has been previously shown to have high antimicrobial effectiveness. This study reports that C12-50 is active against P. acnes (strain ATCC 6919) with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 6.3 µg mL−1. To monitor resistance build-up ten passages are conducted with C12-50 against P. acnes. The MIC remains constant with no resistance buildup. Parallel studies with erythromycin confirm previously reported resistance buildup. The results point to a promising pathway to applications for polycation AMP mimics against P. acnes.
How many people work in your operating room? An assessment of factors associated with instrument recounts within plastic surgery

Summary Background Intraoperative instrument recounts are performed to avoid retained foreign surgical items. These additional counts, however, beget risks of their own, including prolonged operative times, exposure to radiation, and increased cost. Our study aimed to identify factors that increase the likelihood of instrument recounts during plastic surgery procedures, and use our findings to guide potential solutions for preventing unnecessary recounts across all surgical fields. Study design This is a retrospective review of all plastic surgical cases in the main operating setting at New York University Langone Medical Center (NYULMC) between March 2014 and February 2015. Results Of 1285 plastic surgery cases, 35 (2.7%) reported a missing instrument necessitating a recount. Of all subspecialties within plastic surgery, only microsurgery conferred an increased risk of a recount event. We identified multiple factors that increased the odds of a recount event, including increased operative time, number of surgical sites, and intraoperative instrument handoffs. Conclusion Instrument recounts, although designed to prevent inadvertently retained surgical items, present inherent risks of their own. In a large retrospective review of plastic surgery cases at our medical center, we identified many factors that increased the likelihood of an instrument recount. On the basis of our findings and prior literature, we recommend limiting the number of staff handling instrument, the number of handoffs, and a heightened awareness by surgeons and perioperative staff of specific procedures and factors that increase the risk of a miscount event.
Diluting lidocaine and mepivacaine in balanced salt solution reduces the pain of intradermal injection.

Background and Objectives. Intradermal injection of local anesthetics prior to percutaneous needle insertion is often painful. This study evaluated the effect of diluting lidocaine and mepivacaine with balanced salt solution on perception of pain on intradermal injection. Methods. Twenty healthy volunteers were each intradermally injected with six solutions in random order. These solutions were: normal saline (NS), 0.9% benzyl alcohol in NS, 0.2% lidocaine in NS, 0.2% lidocaine in balanced salt solution, 0.2% mepivacaine in NS, and 0.2% mepivacaine in balanced salt solution. Discomfort of each injection was reported on a 0-2 pain scale. The degree of anesthesia at each site was evaluated by pinprick every minute for 20 minutes. Results. Benzyl alcohol and lidocaine and mepivacaine in balanced salt solution caused the least injection pain. However, mepivacaine in NS and NS alone caused the most pain. The anesthetic effect of benzyl alcohol was judged adequate for only 4 minutes whereas both lidocaine and mepivacaine in either NS or balanced salt solution gave adequate anesthesia for at least 15 minutes. Conclusions. The dilution of lidocaine and mepivacaine with balanced salt solution produces a solution that is both painless on injection and of moderate duration.
Cardiovascular risks in chronic kidney disease pediatric patients (Review)

One of the common factors for the premature death in children is advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD). Most often cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the reason for mortality. The cardiovascular (CV) morbidity starts early in the disease process and renal transplanted children (CKD-T) are also at risk. The present review is focused on the current views of the cardiovascular risks during CKD in pediatric patients. Variable data sources for the latest literature collection were explored which mainly included PubMed and Google Scholar. The most important risk factors for subclinical CVD were a young age, elevated BMI and systolic blood pressure z-scores as well as a low GFR and present albuminuria. Increasing blood pressure and BMI over follow-up were also important cardiac risk factors longitudinally. The present review concludes that altered cardiac function and remodeling are a concurrent part of the CKD process, start early in the disease development, and persist after renal transplantation. The findings suggest that children with CKD or CKD-T are at high risk for future CVD where younger patients with elevated BMI and slightly increased blood pressures, as well as present albuminuria, are those at greatest risk, thus indicating targets for future interventions.
11 – Stafford Act Assistance to Communities

By far the most important single federal statute in the area of disaster management is the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, commonly known as the Stafford Act. Its stated goal is “to provide an orderly and continuing means of assistance by the Federal Government to State and local governments in carrying out their responsibilities to alleviate the suffering and damage which result from such disasters.” The agency responsible for implementing the Stafford Act is the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Through FEMA, tens—sometimes hundreds—of millions of dollars are distributed each year to help individuals and communities recover from natural or human-caused disasters.
Repeated Exposure to Experimental Pain Differentiates Combat Traumatic Brain Injury with and without Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Abstract Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are highly comorbid conditions that often co-occur with chronic pain. We have shown that women with PTSD subsequent to intimate partner violence show attenuated brain response to repeated experimental pain that was related to symptoms of avoidance. The aim of this study was to extend our past findings to males with combat trauma and to examine brain response to experimental pain in men with and without PTSD who sustained mTBI during combat. Seventy male veterans performed an experimental pain paradigm during functional magnetic resonance imaging fMRI. Of the 70 total subjects, 46 self-reported a history of mTBI during combat (46 of 70). Of those with mTBI, 26 also met criteria for PTSD (26 of 46). As in our previous study, we examined change in brain activity to repeated heat pain with linear mixed-effects modeling for group by administration interaction effects. We observed a significant group by administration interact...
Cost-Effectiveness of a Technology-Facilitated Depression Care Management Adoption Model in Safety-Net Primary Care Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract Background The Diabetes-Depression Care-Management Adoption Trial is a translational study of safety-net primary care predominantly Hispanic/Latino patients with type 2 diabetes in collaboration with the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services. Objectives To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of an information and communication technology (ICT)-facilitated depression care management program. Methods Cost-effectiveness of the ICT-facilitated care (TC) delivery model was evaluated relative to a usual care (UC) and a supported care (SC) model. TC added automated low-intensity periodic depression assessment calls to patients. Patient-reported outcomes included the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey converted into quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and the 9-Item Patient Health Questionnaire–calculated depression-free days (DFDs). Costs and outcomes data were collected over a 24-month period (−6 to 0 months baseline, 0 to 18 months study intervention). Results A sample of 1406 patients (484 in UC, 480 in SC, and 442 in TC) was enrolled in the nonrandomized trial. TC had a significant improvement in DFDs (17.3; P = 0.011) and significantly greater 12-Item Short Form Health Survey utility improvement (2.1%; P = 0.031) compared with UC. Medical costs were statistically significantly lower for TC (−$2328; P = 0.001) relative to UC but not significantly lower than for SC. TC had more than a 50% probability of being cost-effective relative to SC at willingness-to-pay thresholds of more than $50,000/QALY. Conclusions An ICT-facilitated depression care (TC) delivery model improved QALYs, DFDs, and medical costs. It was cost-effective compared with SC and dominant compared with UC.
Threshold concepts and core competences in the library and information science (LIS) domain: Methodologies for discovery

Researchers have used a variety of methodologies for investigating threshold concepts, and this paper considers these approaches for library and information science (LIS) domains. The focus is on specific benefits of constructivist grounded theory for eliciting evidence of core knowledge, and elements of research design for this purpose are discussed, including the importance of collecting experiences from the learners themselves as well as effective protocols for data gathering and analysis through the use of active tasks and semi-structured interviews. The discussion extends to implications of the research design for how it may be applied to thematic analysis more broadly and to discovering critical knowledge that does not have the characteristics of threshold concepts but which may indicate attributes of core competences in the LIS discipline.
What do medical students know about e-cigarettes? A cross-sectional survey from one U.S. medical school

Although electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use has rapidly increased, there is little data about what United States medical students know or are taught about them. This study examined medical students’ experiences, knowledge, and attitudes regarding e-cigarettes, as well as their evaluation of their education on e-cigarettes. A cross-sectional online survey of medical students currently enrolled at the University of Minnesota Medical School (n = 984) was conducted over a three-week period in August and September 2015. Primary outcomes included students’ personal experiences with e-cigarettes, knowledge and attitudes about e-cigarettes, and students’ assessment of their education on e-cigarettes. 66.9% medical students completed the survey. 58% (n = 382) of participants identified as female. 35.8% (n = 235) were “not sure” whether e-cigarettes were approved by the FDA for smoking cessation, while 4.1% (n = 27) falsely believed they were. While 82.9% (n = 543) agreed or strongly agreed that they felt confident in their ability to discuss traditional cigarette use with patients, only 12.4% (n = 81) agreed or strongly agreed that they felt confident in their ability to discuss e-cigarettes with patients. 94.8% (n = 619) of participants believed that they had not received adequate education about e-cigarettes in medical school. A higher proportion of males reported ever using an e-cigarette. The gaps in medical student knowledge and wide variances in attitudes about e-cigarettes at one medical school together with their report of inadequate education in an environment of increasing use of e-cigarette use in the U.S. speaks to a need for the development of medical school curriculum on e-cigarettes.
Effect of a formal oncofertility program on fertility preservation rates-first year experience.

Background: A formal fertility preservation program was initiated at our institution in 2016 as part of a multi-disciplinary oncofertility initiative to improve the reproductive needs of oncologic patients. After 1 year of initial experience, we assessed sperm banking rates in men diagnosed with cancer, as well as examined the trends in the use of fertility preservation services. Methods: We performed a chart review from 2011 to 2017 for men newly diagnosed with cancer, and for all men who underwent fertility preservation during that period of time at our institution. We assessed the rates of sperm banking among patients newly diagnosed with cancer, before and after the implementation of a standardized oncofertility program in 2016. The program includes nursing and physician education regarding indications of fertility preservation. Additionally, we evaluated the overall population undergoing sperm cryopreservation at our institution during the study period. Results: From 2011 to 2016, 30 of 902 oncologic patients underwent sperm banking prior to their treatment (3.3% of total cancer patients). After the program was implemented, 42 of 218 patients underwent fertility preservation between June 2016 and August 2017 (19.3% of total cancer patients). In this group, patients’ mean age was 30.14 years old (range, 13–69 years old), with 6 pediatric patients; 36 of the samples (85.7%) were obtained from masturbation. When viable sperm could not be obtained from ejaculation, patients underwent either testicular or epididymal sperm extraction (6 cases). Overall, 98 men used the formal fertility preservation service. Of these, 42 were cancer patients and 56 were non-cancer patients. Of the non-cancer patients, 17 banked sperm after varicocelectomy, 6 prior to vasectomy and 6 because of hypogonadism. Conclusions: Rate of sperm banking increased nearly six-fold after institution of a formal fertility preservation program, indicating the clinical need for such a program at academic institutions. Oncofertility is a relevant part of the care for oncologic patients, and should be considered as part of counseling before cancer treatment.
WEST 120-Gbit/s 3/spl times/3 wavelength-division multiplexed cross-connect

Summary form only given. The emergence of dense wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) networks is stimulating interest in the development of WDM cross-connects. The WEST cross-connect is an optical four wavelength per fiber 3/spl times/3 WDM cross-connect that utilizes high-speed electronics and optoelectronics to implement the core switching function, the transmitters, and the receivers. Applications of this system element include: WDM network cross-connect, OC-48 or OC-192 add/drop network access, bi-directional SONET ring interconnection, large ATM switch synthesis, and distributed computing. The asynchronous electronic switch allows for arbitrary wavelength translation, remote monitoring/control and data regeneration, making it well-suited for application in WDM networks particularly for interexchange cross-connection. This electronic approach reduces problems posed by all optical approaches including erbium-doped fiber amplifier gain flatness, network monitoring, optical nonlinearities, and chromatic dispersion. The WDM cross-connect is divided into two main modules: the transmitter/receiver and the 12/spl times/12 crosspoint switch.
Perceived discrimination in health care among american Indians/Alaska natives

Objectives We compared the prevalence of, and reasons for, perceived discrimination in health care among American Indian/Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) and persons of AI/AN + White heritage to African Americans, Asian Americans, and Whites. Design Data on perceived discrimination were collected by the 2001 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS). We used chi-square tests to evaluate the prevalence of perceived discrimination and the reasons for perceived discrimination across racial groups. Setting The 2001 CHIS, a telephone survey, one of the largest cross-sectional surveys ever conducted in the United States. Participants Participants in this analysis were adults > or = 18 years of age, interviewed from 55,000 households that took part in the survey. Interventions Participants in the 2001 CHIS were asked "Thinking of your experiences with receiving health care in the past 12 months, have you felt you were discriminated against for any reason?" Respondents who endorsed this item were asked about possible reasons for the discrimination. Main outcome measures 1) Does the prevalence of perceived discrimination in health care differ between AI/ANs, AI/AN + Whites, African Americans, Asian Americans, and Whites? and 2) Do the reasons for perceived discrimination in health care vary by race or ethnicity? Results Discrimination was perceived by 7.1% of the AI/AN alone group, 8.8% of AI/AN + White respondents, 5.6% of African Americans, 4.3% of Whites, and 2.6% of Asian Americans. After adjusting for covariates, the odds of perceived discrimination were different for AI/AN + White (odds ratio [OR] =2.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.5-2.5) and Asian American (OR = .5, 95% CI .4-.7) when compared to Whites. Conclusions AI/ANs, and especially those who identify as AI/AN + White, were the most likely among racial groups to report discrimination in health care.
An Integrated Model for Customer Online Repurchase Intention

The explosion of e-commerce activities required industry and academia to understand the key determinants of consumers' online repurchase intention. We developed an integrated model by examining how...
Local-scale patterns in species richness

To my mind, there is nothing prettier than an English chalk meadow on an early summer’s day. Scattered through the closely nibbled turf are yellow, purple, blue, and red flowers of many different hues, sparkling there like little jewels. In the most diverse spots within chalk grassland, there can be more than 50 species of plants packed into a single square meter.
Mobile money and branchless banking regulations affecting cash-in, cash-out networks in low- and middle-income countries

Background: We examined recent trends in mobile money and branchless banking regulations related to cash-in, cash-out (CICO) networks (physical access points allowing users to exchange physical cash and electronic money) in low- and middle-income countries, and reviewed evidence on the impacts of CICO regulations on markets and financial inclusion. Methods: Regulation and literature searches began in August 2017 and concluded in June 2018. For the regulatory search we compiled an original database of regulations targeting CICO networks in Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Tanzania, and Uganda. To review evidence of impacts of regulations we conducted additional global searches on Scopus, Google Scholar, and Google using keywords for specific regulatory approaches (e.g., regulation of CICO agents) or hypothesized impacts (e.g., financial inclusion). Results: The resulting database of CICO regulations in the eight focus countries includes 127 regulatory documents, which we coded for four groups of regulations, namely: Business Channel Requirements; Agent Requirements; Regulations on Caps, Fees and Charges; and Customer Identification Requirements. Early CICO regulations focused on agent selection rules, limits on fees, and know-your-customer requirements. More recent waves of regulation have expanded or restricted services CICO agents provide, and also imposed reporting requirements on service providers in an effort to prevent fraud or enhance financial inclusion. Our search for evidence of impacts of CICO regulations resulted in a sample of 90 documents published since 2005, of which only 31 provided evidence on CICO regulation impacts, with most limited in scope—suggesting rigorous policy analysis remains lacking in this quickly expanding sector. Conclusions: Many low- and middle-income countries have introduced regulations that may affect CICO networks, with regulatory approaches differing across geographies and over time. While anecdotal reports of regulatory impacts exist, we found limited evidence of impacts of regulations on CICO networks or on CICO-related financial inclusion.
Chapter 258 - Reiterative and Concurrent Use of EGFR and Notch Signaling during Drosophila Eye Developmement

Notch and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathways are conserved throughout evolution and function together in many different developmental contexts. During the specification of the Drosophila eye, these two pathways either function in synergy or in opposition to achieve different outcomes. Similarly, in some instances, EGFR activation causes a serial activation of the Notch pathway through the control of the Notch ligand Delta, while in others, the two pathways act together on the same enhancer element in parallel to control target gene expression. This chapter proposes that the combinatorial effects of these two pathways have evolved as a network that generates a significant diversity in output with a small number of components used in a reiterative fashion.
Review of the Current Basic Science Strategies to Treat Critical Limb Ischemia

Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is a highly morbid disease with many patients considered poor surgical candidates. The lack of treatment options for CLI has driven interest in developing molecular therapies within recent years. Through these translational medicine studies in CLI, much has been learned about the pathophysiology of the disease. Here, we present an overview of the macrovascular and microvascular changes that lead to the development of CLI, including impairment of angiogenesis, vasculogenesis, and arteriogenesis. We summarize the randomized clinical controlled trials that have used molecular therapies in CLI, and discuss the novel imaging modalities being developed to assess the efficacy of these therapies.
Macular Carotenoids and Cognitive Function in a Young Adult Population (FS05-07-19)

Improving cognitive health in young adulthood may improve academic and career success and prevent early age-related cognitive decline. A growing body of evidence suggests that the dietary carotenoid lutein may promote cognitive function; however, these studies have primarily been conducted in Non-Hispanic White populations. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between macular pigment optical density (MPOD), a biomarker of lutein status, and cognitive function in a diverse, young adult population. Further, we examined the association between fruit and vegetable (F&V) intake and MPOD scores. In this cross-sectional study, seventy young adults (Mean = 20.2, SD = 2.3 years of age), were recruited from a university in Central Texas. Daily F&V intake were assessed by the NCI fruit and vegetable intake screener. MPOD was measured with heterochromatic flicker photometry. Cognitive performance was assessed with the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery, and fully corrected T-scores that correct for age, gender, race/ethnicity, and education were used for analyses. Participants were split into Low and High MPOD groups based on the MPOD median of the sample. The association between F&V intake and MPOD was assessed by multiple linear regression, including body fat percentage as a covariate. F&V intake as a function of MPOD group was analyzed by ANOVA, and cognitive scores were compared using ANCOVA with BMI as a covariate. The sample was primarily female (68.5%) and Caucasian (72.7%), and 40% of the population was Hispanic. The MPOD mean (Mean = 0.39, SD = 0.17) of the sample was above the reported national average of 0.33. Participants consumed approximately 1 cup of fruits and 1 cup of vegetables a day. F&V intake was not correlated with MPOD scores (R² = −0.03, P = 0.81), and F&V intake did not significantly differ between High and Low MPOD groups. Episodic memory performance was significantly higher in the high MPOD group compared to those with low MPOD (P = 0.041). No other differences were found between the MPOD groups for the other fluid cognitive tests. MPOD was not a biomarker for F&V intake which may be due to the overall low intakes of these lutein-containing foods in the young adult sample. Lutein's cognitive benefits in young adults may be domain specific. none.
Efficacy of Auricular Neurostimulation in Adolescents With Irritable Bowel Syndrome in a Randomized, Double-Blind Trial

Abstract Background & Aims Auricular neurostimulation therapy, in which a non-invasive device delivers percutaneous electrical nerve field stimulation (PENFS) to the external ear, is effective in pediatric patients with functional abdominal pain disorders. Preclinical studies showed that PENFS modulates central pain pathways and attenuates visceral hyperalgesia. We evaluated the efficacy of PENFS in adolescents with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Methods We analyzed data from pediatric patients with IBS who participated in a double-blind trial at a tertiary care gastroenterology clinic from June 2015 through November 2016. Patients were randomly assigned to groups that received PENFS (n=27; median age, 15.3 y; 24 female) or a sham stimulation (n=23; median age, 15.6 y; 21 female), 5 days/week for 4 weeks. The primary endpoint was number of patients with a reduction of 30% or more in worst abdominal pain severity after 3 weeks. Secondary endpoints were reduction in composite abdominal pain severity score, reduction in usual abdominal pain severity, and improvement in global symptom based on a symptom response scale (–7 to +7; 0=no change) after 3 weeks. Results Reductions of 30% or more in worst abdominal pain were observed in 59% of patients who received PENFS vs 26% of patients who received the sham stimulation (P=.024). The patients who received PENFS had a mean reduction in composite pain median score of 7.5 (interquartile range [IQR], 3.6–14.4) vs 14.4 for the sham group (IQR, 4.5–39.2) (P=.026) and a mean reduction in the usual pain median score of 3.0 (IQR, 3.0–5.0) vs 5.0 in the sham group (IQR, 3.0–7.0) (P=.029). A symptom response scale score of 2 or more was observed in 82% of patients who received PENFS vs 26% of patients in the sham group (P≤.001). No significant side effects were reported. Conclusions Auricular neurostimulation reduces abdominal pain scores and improves overall wellbeing in adolescents with IBS. PENFS is a non-invasive treatment option for pediatric patients with functional bowel disorders. ClinicalTrials.gov no: NCT02367729
A novel MCT1 and MCT4 dual inhibitor reduces mitochondrial metabolism and inhibits tumour growth of feline oral squamous cell carcinoma

Monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) support tumour growth by regulating the transport of metabolites in the tumour microenvironment. High MCT1 or MCT4 expression is correlated with poor outcomes in human patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Recently, drugs targeting these transporters have been developed and may prove to be an effective treatment strategy for HNSCC. Feline oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is an aggressive and treatment-resistant malignancy resembling advanced or recurrent HNSCC. The goals of this study were to investigate the effects of a previously characterized dual MCT1 and MCT4 inhibitor, MD-1, in OSCC as a novel treatment approach for feline oral cancer. We also sought to determine the potential of feline OSCC as a large animal model for the further development of MCT inhibitors to treat human HNSCC. In vitro, MD-1 reduced the viability of feline OSCC and human HNSCC cell lines, altered glycolytic and mitochondrial metabolism and synergized with platinum-based chemotherapies. While MD-1 treatment increased lactate concentrations in an HNSCC cell line, the inhibitor failed to alter lactate levels in feline OSCC cells, suggesting an MCT-independent activity. In vivo, MD-1 significantly inhibited tumour growth in a subcutaneous xenograft model and prolonged overall survival in an orthotopic model of feline OSCC. Our results show that MD-1 may be an effective therapy for the treatment of feline oral cancer. Our findings also support the further investigation of feline OSCC as a large animal model to inform the development of MCT inhibitors and future clinical studies in human HNSCC.
TP53 Gain-of-Function Mutations in Circulating Tumor DNA in Men With Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer.

Abstract Background Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), which can be assessed by liquid biopsy, can provide valuable genomic information that may affect treatment response in prostate cancer. The aim of this study was to characterize TP53 mutations and treatment history in prostate cancer. Patients and Methods This study included 143 patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer who had undergone ctDNA sequencing via Guardant360 testing. The presence or absence of TP53 mutations was analyzed along with treatment history for this group. TP53 mutations were further classified as gain of function (GOF) or not GOF, and analyzed with prior therapies. Results Chi-square analysis was performed for treatment history and TP53 status (further specified as all TP53 mutations or only TP53 GOF mutations). There were no associations between prior receipt of abiraterone/enzalutamide therapy and all TP53 mutations, or between docetaxel therapy and all TP53 mutations. However, TP53 GOF mutations had a positive association with prior abiraterone/enzalutamide therapy (P = .047). There was no association of TP53 GOF mutations with prior docetaxel therapy. The most frequent alterations co-occurring with all TP53 mutations were in AR, BRAF, EGFR, MYC, and PIK3CA. Common coalterations with TP53 GOF mutations included AR, BRAF, EGFR, RB1, NF1, and PIK3CA. There was an association of RB1 mutations with TP53 GOF mutations, versus RB1 mutations and no TP53 GOF mutations (P = .0036). Conclusion TP53 GOF mutations may provide a valuable pathway to delineate metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer TP53 mutations into therapeutic categories. Association with disease progression while receiving abiraterone/enzalutamide therapy was apparent in this study; however, further studies are needed to elaborate the therapeutic and prognostic implications.
Political Performance, Profanation, and Mundane Interaction: a Revised Cultural Sociology of the 2016 American Presidential Election

For more than a decade, Jeffrey Alexander has been developing the cultural sociology of politics as an alternative to rationalist theories of political life. Nearly every part of the 2016 US presidential election offers some vindication for Alexander’s cultural sociology of politics. The election of Donald Trump suggested that performance, stage craft, and messaging might be more fundamental to presidential campaigns. Yet on closer examination, political performance in the 2016 election challenges certain aspects of the cultural sociology of politics. Specifically, the performance of Donald Trump frequently occasioned the violation of the background representations of American political life. This article uses the 2016 campaign of Donald Trump to investigate how a single candidate can be a successful political performer even while profaning a society’s sacred or animating ideals. In the course of this analysis, I argue for a greater appreciation of the value of mundane social interaction in political performance. In liberal and democratic societies, the value of individualism means that the principles of social interaction will be as important to political performance as the ability to channel other principles and ideals.
Social justice as a foundation for democracy and health

Jennifer Prah Ruger uses the covid-19 pandemic to show the importance of countries implementing a justice framework for health and equality
Contrast mammography in clinical practice: Current uses and potential diagnostic dilemmas

Abstract Objective This article will discuss the indications for Contrast Enhanced Spectral Mammography (CESM) with a focus on imaging interpretation including diagnostic dilemmas and pitfalls which may be encountered in practice. Conclusion Understanding potential diagnostic dilemmas and pitfalls of CESM allows for enhanced interpretation. The clinical utilization of Contrast Enhanced Spectral Mammography (CESM) has increased significantly over the last few years. CESM demonstrates comparable sensitivity and accuracy to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the evaluation of breast cancer but is less time consuming and less expensive. Because of this, CESM is now being used in lieu of MRI for many diagnostic indicators including the evaluation of abnormal mammographic findings, extent of disease, and response to neoadjuvant therapy. Additionally, ongoing research into the role of CESM in asymptomatic screening for breast cancer is evolving. As this technique becomes more popular, focusing on appropriate technique and interpretation is important. This article reviews the current and potential roles of CESM. It provides examples of CESM utilized for diagnostic indications while highlighting diagnostic dilemmas, pitfalls, and artifacts that may be encountered when interpreting CESM images.
Creating an Opioid Recommendation Card for Trainees: Methods, Use, and Impact:

BackgroundIn academic hospitals, surgical residents write most of the postoperative prescriptions; yet, few residents are trained on postoperative analgesia. This leads to wide variability in pract...
Language abilities and awareness of stuttering in normally fluent children: preliminary findings

Although awareness and negative evaluation of stuttering are important information for the assessment and treatment of stuttering in children, little is known about what constitutional factors are ...
Mining Incomplete Data with Many Missing Attribute Values A Comparison of Probabilistic and Rough Set Approaches

In this paper, we study probabilistic and rough set approaches to missing attribute values. Probabilistic ap- proaches are based on imputation, a missing attribute value is replaced either by the most probable known attribute value or by the most probable attribute value restricted to a concept. In this paper, in a rough set approach to missing attribute values we consider two interpretations of such value: lost and "do not care". Additionally, we apply three definitions of approximations (singleton, subset and concept) and use an additional parameter called . Our main objective was to compare probabilistic and rough set approaches to missing attribute values for incomplete data sets with many missing attribute values. We conducted experiments on six incomplete data sets with as many missing attribute values as possible. In these data sets an additional incremental replacement of known values by missing attribute values resulted with the entire records filled with only missing attribute values. Rough set approaches were better for five data sets, for one data set probabilistic approach was more successful.
The Genesis of Dynamic Systems Governed by Metzler Matrices

The literature on dynamic systems in economics is vast, and an important part of that deals with systems of differential or of difference equations where the Jacobian of the right-hand side is a Metzler matrix, i. e., a matrix whose off-diagonal elements are non-negative. Such matrices have a wide range of applicability in dynamic economic models, in input-output analysis, in stability analysis of systems of excess demands governing price changes, and in multi-sector and multi-national Keynesian income determination models. Oskar Morgenstern early perceived the importance of such models and encouraged research in them, as seen in the papers by Y.K. Wong and M.A. Woodbury in Morqenstern (3). For a later survey, see (2).