cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fe(III) Hydroxide Nucleation and Growth on Quartz in the Presence of Cu(II), Pb(II), and Cr(III): Metal Hydrolysis and Adsorption

Fe(III) hydroxide nanoparticles are an essential carrier for aqueous heavy metals. Particularly, iron hydroxide precipitation on mineral surfaces can immobilize aqueous heavy metals. Here, we used grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS) to quantify nucleation and growth of iron hydroxide on quartz in 0.1 mM Fe(NO3)3 solution in the presence of Na(+), Cu(2+), Pb(2+), or Cr(3+) at pH = 3.7 ± 0.1. In 30 min, the average radii of gyration (R(g)) of particles on quartz grew from around 2 to 6 nm in the presence of Na(+) and Cu(2+). Interestingly, the particle sizes remained 3.3 ± 0.3 nm in the presence of Pb(2+), and few particles formed in the presence of Cr(3+). Quartz crystal microbalance dissipation (QCM-D) measurements showed that only Cr(3+) adsorbed onto quartz, while Cu(2+) and Pb(2+) did not. Cr(3+) adsorption changed the surface charge of quartz from negative to positive, thus inhibiting the precipitation of positively charged iron hydroxide on quartz. Masses and compositions of the precipitates were also quantified. This study provided new insights on interactions among quartz, iron hydroxide, and metal ions. Such information is helpful not only for environmental remediation but also for the doping design of iron oxide catalysts.
Predictive Rate-Distortion for Infinite-Order Markov Processes

Predictive rate-distortion analysis suffers from the curse of dimensionality: clustering arbitrarily long pasts to retain information about arbitrarily long futures requires resources that typically grow exponentially with length. The challenge is compounded for infinite-order Markov processes, since conditioning on finite sequences cannot capture all of their past dependencies. Spectral arguments confirm a popular intuition: algorithms that cluster finite-length sequences fail dramatically when the underlying process has long-range temporal correlations and can fail even for processes generated by finite-memory hidden Markov models. We circumvent the curse of dimensionality in rate-distortion analysis of finite- and infinite-order processes by casting predictive rate-distortion objective functions in terms of the forward- and reverse-time causal states of computational mechanics. Examples demonstrate that the resulting algorithms yield substantial improvements.
Analysis of coordinate control tactic for 600 MW supercritical unit and input of AGC

The paper introduced the control tactic of coordinate control system for 600 MW unit,the dynamic characteristic of regulating objects and the setting method of relevant parameters,and analyzed the key points while the coordinate control system is put into use at steady-state and quickly increases and decreases loads at dynamic-state and solutions to control static.Explained the input AGC mode of operation after passing variable load disturbance test.
Model predictive control of vapor compression cycle for large transient heat flux cooling

Critical heat flux (CHF) avoidance is crucial to the safe operation of two-phase cooling systems, such as a vapor compression cycle (VCC). Due to the relatively slow dynamics, feedback control alone may be insufficient to reject large transient heat loads. When such heat loads are known beforehand, e.g., due to planned operations, model predictive control (MPC) is an effective tool to preemptively steer the VCC to a more advantageous operating point. In order to compensate for the valve nonlinearity and save computational cost, we adopt a two-loop control structure. The outer-loop MPC operates on a slower update frequency and optimizes the input trajectories for efficiency and disturbance rejection. The inner-loop feedback control tracks the refrigerant mass-flow-rate setpoint using electronic expansion valves (EEV). Experimental validations indicate successful CHF avoidance control for large transient heat-loads.
Public Choice, Markets and the Problem of Ensuring an Adequate Minimum Level of Welfare

The topic of this symposium is public choice and agricultural economics. Since I am trained as a philosopher, I might be expected to address some philosophical problem that arises in the application of this paradigm to the economic aspects of agricultural production and distribution. A striking feature of the literature within agricultural economics, however, is that both those who defend, and those who object to, the application of the public choice paradigm focus on the strengths and weaknesses of the paradigm itself and have little to say about problems regarding its application to the particular subject matter of agricultural economics.1 I shall follow their lead. I want to explore an argument that, if successful, calls into question one presupposition of much public choice theory. This is that policy conclusions based on an appeal to some standard other than that of Pareto-efficiency (in particular, distributive concerns) requires specification of a social welfare function, something that lies beyond the competence of the economist as (social) scientist. Moreover, the argument I want to explore turns on considerations that are clearly within the public choice tradition itself, when it is more broadly conceived. Finally, if the argument succeeds, it also challenges another central presupposition of most public choice literature, that is, the standard model of homo economicus.
Gene therapy for stargardt disease associated with ABCA4 gene

Mutations in the photoreceptor-specific flippase ABCA4 lead to accumulation of the toxic bisretinoid A2E, resulting in atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and death of the photoreceptor cells. Many blinding diseases are associated with these mutations including Stargardt’s disease (STGD1), cone-rod dystrophy, retinitis pigmentosa (RP), and increased susceptibility to age-related macular degeneration. There are no curative treatments for any of these dsystrophies. While the monogenic nature of many of these conditions makes them amenable to treatment with gene therapy, the ABCA4 cDNA is 6.8 kb and is thus too large for the AAV vectors which have been most successful for other ocular genes. Here we review approaches to ABCA4 gene therapy including treatment with novel AAV vectors, lentiviral vectors, and non-viral compacted DNA nanoparticles. Lentiviral and compacted DNA nanoparticles in particular have a large capacity and have been successful in improving disease phenotypes in the Abca4 -/- murine model. Excitingly, two Phase I/IIa clinical trials are underway to treat patients with ABCA4-associated Startgardt’s disease (STGD1). As a result of the development of these novel technologies, effective therapies for ABCA4-associated diseases may finally be within reach.
Participatory Visual Methods: Revisioning the Future of Adult Education

This chapter brings together significant themes in the previous chapters, including collaborative research partnerships, voice and agency, self-image, relationships, multiple ways of knowing, difficult conversations, social change, and alternative adult education.
Continuity of Medication Management among Adults with Schizophrenia and Comorbid Cardiometabolic Conditions.

Objectives Adults with schizophrenia and cardiometabolic conditions may be good candidates for co-management by primary care prescribers and specialists. Associated risks for discontinuity in medication management have not been well-studied. This study examines whether medication adherence, inpatient admissions, and emergency department (ED) visits vary by the number and types of prescribers seen by adults with schizophrenia and cardiometabolic conditions. Methods This study used a retrospective cohort of 4,223 adult Medicaid enrollees with schizophrenia and hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and/or diabetes from three states in 2009-2010. Logistic regression models were run on outcome variables reflecting medication adherence, ED utilization, and inpatient admissions as a function of the number and types of prescribers. Key findings Increases in number of psychiatric specialists were associated with better antipsychotic adherence, but decreasing statin adherence. Increases in number of psychiatric specialists were also associated with a higher probability of inpatient admission and ED visits, while increases in number of primary care prescribers were associated with increases in the probability of ED visits. Conclusion Greater antipsychotic adherence for adults receiving prescriptions from multiple psychiatric specialists was counteracted by lower statin adherence and greater risk of ED and inpatient utilization. This may help inform optimal care models for these complex individuals.
Pediatric sleep resistance

The developmental importance of sleep cannot be overstated from both physical and psychological perspectives. Not only can insufficient quantity or quality of sleep result in growth deficits and other negative physical health outcomes but can also mimic or exacerbate several behavioral concerns such as anxiety, learning disabilities, and/or attentional difficulties and has been shown to increase the incidence of accidents and injuries (Paruthi et al., 2016). Sleeplessness in teenagers has been associated with serious mood disorders and even higher rates of suicidal and parasuicidal behavior (Paruthi et al., 2016). Moreover, sleep problems create a behavioral ripple effect within the family system, often adversely affecting not only the identified child but also their parents and siblings. Surveys of both pediatric medical providers and parents suggest that upwards of 20% of young children experience clinically noteworthy difficulties falling or staying asleep on at least an intermittent basis (Davis et al., 2012; Owens, 2008). Despite the high prevalence of concern, however, sleep problems are often not adequately addressed in the primary care setting. Given that children are seen within primary care on a regular and frequent basis compared to adults both for well-child and sick visits, this is the ideal setting in which to assess for and intervene on sleep problems.
Mechanisms of Cachexia

Cachexia is brought about by a synergistic combination of a dramatic decrease in appetite and an increase in metabolism of fat and lean body mass. This combination is found in a number of disorders including cancer, chronic kidney disease (CKD), AIDS, cystic fibrosis, chronic heart failure, rheumatoid arthritis, and Alzheimer’s disease. Cachexia has a stronger correlation with survival than any other current measure of diseases such as AIDS, cancer, and CKD. The underlying mechanism of increased resting metabolic rate may involve the increased activity of mitochondrial uncoupling proteins. Chronic overproduction of cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α, may lead to cachexia in various chronic illness models, through the nuclear factor-KB and ATP-ubiquitin-dependent proteolytic pathways. Inhibition of these cytokines in experimental models ameliorated cachexia. Cytokines may also act on the central nervous system to alter the release and function of neuropeptides and melanocortin receptors in the hypothalamus, thereby altering both appetite and metabolic rate. Further research into the molecular pathways leading to cachexia may lead to novel therapeutic therapy for this devastating and potentially fatal complication of chronic disease.
Hybrid Polymer Grafted Nanoparticle Composites for Blast-Induced Shock-Wave Mitigation

In this work, we seek to create elastomeric nano composites for blast-induced shock-wave management. There are three main elements of nano composite structure, namely the particle (hard), the matrix (soft), and the interfacial chemistry connecting these two. For compositing, the blending approach allows for superb control of particle size, shape, and density; however, the hard/soft interface is typically weak for simple blends. Here we develop hybrid polymer grafted nanoparticle composites, which allow for tuning of the interface to overcome this deficiency. These nanoparticles have tethered polymer chains that can interact with their surrounding environment and provide a method to control enhanced nano-composites. We have established a “grow-from” method to covalently link polymers of variable molecular weight and chemical functionality to the surface of silica nanoparticles. The resulting nano-composite consists of homogeneously dispersed silica nanoparticles with tethered polymer chains within a bulk elastomeric matrix. Such a composite can manage shock-wave energy via dissipation and resonant trapping. The work described here is part of an ongoing effort to develop and verify rules and tools for creating elastomeric composites with optimally designed compositions and characteristics to manage blast-induced shock-wave energy.
Temporal order, timing, and probability context effects on pattern recognition and categorization in neural networks

Abstract The system presented here models the interplay between timing, temporal order, probability context and the crucial steps of pattern identification, categorization, and abstraction. These interactions are supported by combinations of bottom-up and top-down, short or long-range information transfers in neural pathways represented by adaptive filters, and by a wide range of different memory register dynamics, in the temporal domain. Modulation of these cognitive processes by phasic orienting, focal tonic attention or incentive motivation are a result of external goal directions or rewards, internally generated mismatches, priming, or associative learning.
Advocating for Quality Cancer Care: Making Evidence-Based Practice a Reality

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To highlight oncology nurses as innovators who evaluate published data, develop new skills, and incorporate current knowledge into practice. DATA SOURCES Published articles and book chapters. DATA SYNTHESIS Established methods of synthesizing knowledge that can be used to evaluate data and identify areas of innovation. Oncology nurses can influence the adoption of new ideas into their practice. As healthcare evolves, oncology nurses need to adapt and refine their skills. CONCLUSIONS Oncology nurses and oncology practices will need to demonstrate their value in the future healthcare paradigm. Oncology nurses must think more broadly about their roles. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE Nurses should incorporate evidence-based techniques into their practice. Oncology nurses should identify and begin obtaining the skills needed to continue offering high-quality patient care as healthcare systems evolve.
Remarks on the solution of first degree equations in groups

In the late 1950's M. Kervaire asked (see [MKS] page 403) whether a group G ~ [e) could ever be made trivial by the addition of a single generator and relation, i.e. can G * Z/r = [e]. Considering the ranks of the abelianized groups, Ab(G) and Ab(G* Zir) = Ab(G) @ Z/r one sees that any example of G and r (r E G * Z) with G * Z/r = [e) must satisfy i) G = [G,G] i.e., G is perfect and 2) degz(r ) = • i, where degz(r ) is the summation of the exponents of Z oceuring in r. It follows quickly from [GR] that any such example satisfies: 3) G contains no proper normal subgroups of finite index. We will always assume that G ~ [e) and that degz(r ) = ~i. Let z be regarded as a variable and the other letters occuring in r as constants. Suppose that G can be injected via ~ : G ~ G I into a group G ~ in which the equation (~(r))(z) = 0 has a solution s. Then if (G,s) is the subgroup of G I generated by G and s~ G ~ (G,s) is an injection and we have a con~utative diagram with the straight compositions exact:
Experimental Yield Surface Determination for Metal Matrix Composites

An experimental method for the construction of yield surfaces for metal matrix composites is presented. Tubular specimens are subjected to axial-torsion loading. Multiple probes and multiple runs can be conducted on a single specimen. Offset strains are used to unload yield surface probes, but permanent strains are used to determine yield points. Initial and subsequent yield surfaces are obtained for aluminum alloy 6092 reinforced with silicon carbide particles having a 0.175 particle volume fraction and for aluminum reinforced with alumina fibers having a 0.55 fiber volume fraction. The fibrous composites tested are [04], [904], [0 ∕ 90]2 laminates. All yield loci are ellipses in the axial-shear stress plane. Subsequent yield surfaces exhibit significant translational hardening.
Modeling of response of composite materials with damage

Damage treated here is a multitude of surfaces formed within a composite that permanently change its response to external impulses. Examples of such damage are matrix cracking at different scales, fiber breakage, fiber/matrix debonding, and interply cracking (delamination). The response affected could be mechanical (stiffness properties), thermal (expansion and conductivity), time-dependent (viscoelastic), and in general any that is sensitive to the presence of internal surfaces. The representation of damage is by internal variables and the response functions are formulated in a thermodynamics framework. Although specific cases considered here are composite laminates with multiple sets of intralaminar cracks, the formulation has sufficient generality to treat other composite configurations and other energy-dissipating mechanisms such as thermal oxidation and radiation-induced morphological changes in polymers.
Constitutive Activation of NAD-Dependent Sirtuin 3 Plays an Important Role in Tumorigenesis of Chromium(VI)-Transformed Cells.

Chronic exposure of human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells to hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] causes malignant cell transformation. Sirtuin-3 (SIRT3) regulates mitochondrial adaptive response to stress, such as metabolic reprogramming and antioxidant defense mechanisms. In Cr(VI)-transformed cells, SIRT3 was upregulated and mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production and proton leak were reduced. Knockdown of SIRT3 by its shRNA further decreased mitochondrial ATP production, proton leak, mitochondrial mass, and mitochondrial membrane potential, indicating that SIRT3 positively regulates mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and maintenance of mitochondrial integrity. Mitophagy is critical to maintain proper cellular functions. In Cr(VI)-transformed cells expressions of Pink 1 and Parkin, two mitophagy proteins, were elevated, and mitophagy remained similar as that in passage-matched normal BEAS-2B cells, indicating that in -Cr(VI)-transformed cells mitophagy is suppressed. Knockdown of SIRT3 induced mitophagy, suggesting that SIRT3 plays an important role in mitophagy suppression of Cr(VI)-transformed cells. In Cr(VI)-transformed cells, nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) was constitutively activated, and protein levels of p62 and p-p62Ser349 were elevated. Knockdown of SIRT3 or treatment with carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazone (CCCP) decreased the binding of p-p62Ser349 to Keap1, resulting in increased binding of Keap1 to Nrf2 and consequently reduced Nrf2 activation. The results from CHIP assay showed that in Cr(VI)-transformed cells binding of Nrf2 to antioxidant response element (ARE) of SIRT3 gene promoter was dramatically increased. Knockdown of SIRT3 suppressed cell proliferation and tumorigenesis of Cr(VI)-transformed cells. Overexpression of SIRT3 in normal BEAS-2B cells exhibited mitophagy suppression phenotype and increased cell proliferation and tumorigenesis. The present study demonstrated that upregulation of SIRT3 causes mitophagy suppression and plays an important role in cell survival and tumorigenesis of Cr(VI)-transformed cells.
Medication Nonadherence or Self-care? Understanding the Medication Decision-Making Process and Experiences of Older Adults With Heart Failure.

Background More than half of all patients with heart failure (HF) do not take medications as prescribed, resulting in negative health outcomes. Research has shown that medication adherence may be intentional rather than the ability to follow prescribed regimens, yet very little is known about medication-taking decisions in older patients with HF. Objective The purpose of this qualitative study was to gain insight into the decision-making processes and experiences of older patients with HF by exploring the different aspects in choosing to take or not take medications as prescribed in the community setting. Methods Using a narrative inquiry approach, the personal narratives of 11 adults 65 years or older who took at least 2 daily medications for HF were gathered using in-depth, semistructured interviews. The data in this study were organized and analyzed using Riessman's framework for narrative analysis. Results Participants made intentional decisions to take particular medications differently than prescribed. A worrisome symptom prompted a naturalistic decision-making process. When a medication interfered with attaining a personal goal, participants coped by individualizing their medication regimen. Participants did not consider taking a medication differently than prescribed as nonadherence but a necessary aspect of maintaining a personal level of health, which could be seen as self-care. Conclusions The older patient with HF should be carefully assessed for nonadherence. The development of interventions that are patient specific, target medications with the greatest potential for nonadherence, and use easy-to-access resources may promote decisions for medication adherence. More research is needed to develop interventions that promote decisions for medication adherence.
P276 Three cases of complicated bacterial sinusitis in older children

Aims The paranasal sinuses are a common site of infection in children and adolescents. While these are usually viral respiratory infections, a small percentage can be complicated by secondary bacterial infection which can give rise to potentially serious complications. Three cases of complicated bacterial sinusitis presented to Temple Street Emergency Department in September 2018. We carried out a case series detailing their presentations, clinical courses and outcomes, and discussed the identification and management of complications of bacterial sinusitis. Methods Three cases of complicated sinusitis from September 2018 were selected from the emergency department admissions record. Their medical records including lab results and imaging reports were reviewed and comparisons between the three cases were made. Results The three cases, all male, were aged 14, 11 and 11. All three had had preceding symptoms of coryza, pyrexia and headache. One developed neck pain and vomiting and was initially thought to have meningitis. CT brain revealed left sided sinusitis with an extradural abscess. The other two patients were initially treated as orbital cellulitis. One was transferred from a peripheral hospital, where he had presented with eye swelling and pain, after he developed diplopia and frontal bone swelling. CT showed pansinusitis with a right sided frontal osteomyelitis and a subperiosteal collection in keeping with Pott’s puffy tumour. The other presented with eye swelling and pain; CT showed pansinusitis with an extradural empyema. All three patients had markedly raised inflammatory markers on presentation. All required prolonged courses of IV antibiotics. All three had neurosurgery and ENT involvement, the cases of orbital cellulitis had daily ophthalmology reviews. Two had FESS procedures with drainage of their abscess. Conclusion These three cases demonstrate the potential for bacterial sinusitis to cause serious complications. It is important for the clinician to bear these complications in mind when evaluating the child with rhinosinusitis and to consider imaging when there is a clinical suspicion. Speciality involvement is vital in the management of complicated sinusitis. There is a role for the development of a national clinical guideline pertaining to the management of bacterial sinusitis in the paediatric population.
An analysis of atmospheric water vapor variations over a complex agricultural region using airborne imaging spectrometry.

Understanding atmospheric water vapor patterns can inform regional understanding of water use, climate patterns and hydrologic processes. This research uses Airborne Visible Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) reflectance and water vapor imagery to investigate spatial patterns of water vapor in California’s Central Valley on a June date in 2013, and 2015, and relates these patterns to surface characteristics and atmospheric properties. We analyze water vapor imagery at two scales: regional and agricultural field, to examine how the slope, intercept, and trajectory of water vapor interact with the landscape in a highly diverse and complex agricultural setting. At the field scale, we found significant quadratic relationships between water vapor slope and wind magnitude in both years (p<0.001). Results showed a positive correlation between crop water use and the frequency with which crops showed directional agreement between wind and water vapor (r = 0.23). At the regional scale, we found patterns of water vapor that indicate advection of moisture across the scene. Water vapor slope was inversely correlated to field size with correlations of -0.37, and -0.28 for 2013 and 2015. No correlation was found between green vegetation fraction and vapor slope (r = 0.001 in 2013, r = 0.02 in 2015), but a weak correlation was found for the intercept (r = 0.11 in 2013, r = 0.26 in 2015). These results lead us to conclude that accumulation of water vapor above fields in these scenes is observable with AVIRIS-derived water vapor imagery whereas advection at the field level was inconsistent. Based on these results, we identify new opportunities to use and apply water vapor imagery to advance our understanding of hydro-climatic patterns and applied agricultural water use.
Angular Correlation of the Gamma Rays of Ba 134

The angular correlations have been measured between the following pairs of gamma rays from ${\mathrm{Ba}}^{134}$: 605 kev-797 kev, 1368 kev-605 kev, and 570 kev-605 kev. These measurements indicate that the spins of the states associated with these gamma rays are 4, 4, 2, 0. The 605, 797, and 1368-kev gamma rays are pure quadrupole while the 570-kev gamma ray is a mixture of 94 percent quadrupole and 6 percent dipole.
Combining Neurobehavioral Analysis and In Vivo Photoaffinity Labeling to Understand Protein Targets of Methamphetamine in Casper Zebrafish

Photoaffinity labeling (PAL) remains one of the most widely utilized methods of determining protein targets of drugs. Although useful, the scope of this technique has been limited to in vitro applications because of the inability of UV light to penetrate whole organisms. Herein, pigment-free Casper zebrafish were employed to allow in vivo PAL. A methamphetamine-related phenethylamine PAL probe, designated here as 2, demonstrated dose-dependent effects on behavior similar to methamphetamine and permitted concentration-dependent labeling of protein binding partners. Click chemistry was used to analyze binding partners via fluoroimaging. Conjugation to a biotin permitted streptavidin pull-down and proteomic analysis to define direct binding partners of the methamphetamine probe. Bioinformatic analysis revealed the probe was chiefly bound to proteins involved in phagocytosis and mitochondrial function. Future applications of this experimental paradigm combining examination of drug-protein binding interactions alongside neurobehavioral readouts via in vivo PAL will significantly enhance our understanding of drug targets, mechanism(s) of action, and toxicity/lethality.
In vitro and in vivo activities of the carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, dorzolamide, against vancomycin-resistant enterococci.

Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are a serious public health threat and a leading cause of healthcare-associated infections. Bacterial resistance to antibiotics recommended for the treatment of enterococcal infections complicates the management of these infections. Hence, there is a critical need for the discovery of new anti-VRE agents. We previously reported carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (CAIs) as new potent VRE inhibitors. In the present study, the activity of the CAI, dorzolamide was evaluated against VRE both in vitro and in vivo. Dorzolamide exhibited potent activity against a panel of clinical VRE isolates, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 1 µg/mL to 8 µg/mL. A killing kinetics experiment determined that dorzolamide exhibited a bacteriostatic effect against VRE, which was similar to the drug of choice (linezolid). Dorzolamide interacted synergistically with gentamicin against four strains of VRE, and exhibited an additive interaction with gentamicin against six VRE strains, reducing gentamicin’s MIC by several folds. Moreover, dorzolamide outperformed linezolid in an in vivo VRE colonization reduction mouse model. Dorzolamide significantly reduced the VRE burden in fecal samples of mice by 2.9-log10 (99.9%) and 3.86-log10 (99.99%) after 3 and 5 days of treatment, respectively. Furthermore, dorzolamide reduced the VRE count in the cecal (1.74-log10 (98.2%) reduction) and ileal contents (1.5-log10 (96.3%)) of mice, which was superior to linezolid. Collectively, these results indicate that dorzolamide represents a promising treatment option that warrants consideration as a supplement to current therapeutics used for VRE infections.
Inward Ca2+ current through the polycystin-2-dependent channels of renal primary cilia

In autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, it is proposed that Ca2+ entering the primary cilium through polycystin-2 (PC2) channels may limit the formation of cysts. Recent studies predict th...
Predictors of Pursuing Intralesional Xiaflex in Peyronie's Disease Patients

ABSTRACT Background Intralesional collagenase such as Xiaflex (ILX) has become a standard treatment for Peyronie's disease (PD). Many robust studies have demonstrated its clear efficacy in the treatment algorithm. Aim To examine predictors of the patient decision to pursue ILX in PD patients. Methods The study included PD patients (i) with stable disease (ii) who had doppler duplex ultrasonography (DUS) at least 6 months prior to analysis date and (iii) did not choose an operation. All patients received a standard discussion regarding treatment options, specifically, observation, ILX and penile reconstructive surgery (plication, plaque incision and grafting, implant surgery). Patients who opted to use ILX were compared to those who opted against it. Comorbidity, demographic and PD characteristics were recorded at the initial PD visit. All patients completed three validated questionnaires including the PD questionnaire (PDQ), Self-Esteem and Relationship (SEAR) questionnaire and a depression questionnaire (CES-D). Logistic regression was used to determine predictors of ILX use. Outcomes Predictors of ILX utilization. Results Four hundred and fifty stable PD men had DUS completed 6 months before to allow sufficient time for treatment decision. Of these, 111 (24.7%) patients had ILX treatment and 339 (75.3%) did not. Mean age, relationship status and pain occurrence were similar between groups, but ILX patients had less bother defined as PDQ ≥ 9 (46.8% vs 53.7%, P = .02). ILX patients had more complex curves (79.3% vs 47.8%, P Clinical Implications Educates providers as to which patients are more likely to choose ILX. Strengths & Limitations Our study has a large sample size and all patients received the same standardized treatment discussion. Our study is limited by the absence of insurance data on all patients, and its retrospective single center design. Conclusion ILX was chosen by the minority of stable PD patients. While moderate to severe instability and significant bother is predictive of ILX use, other demographic factors including relationship status, sexual orientation or pain were not. Punjani N, Nascimento B, Salter C, et al. Predictors of Pursuing Intralesional Xiaflex in Peyronie's Disease Patients. J Sex Med 2021;18:1258–1264.
Disparities in eye care utilization during the COVID-19 pandemic

Purpose : Telemedicine utilization has risen dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly during the state-wide shut down, but multiple factors contribute to its potential inaccessibility to different populations. To explore these factors, we conducted a prospective mixed-methods study to assess the relationship between telemedicine utilization and socio-demographic factors among patients seeking eye care. We also assessed patient satisfaction with eye care using a health disparities lens. Methods : We conducted phone interviews with a stratified random sample of 1,720 patients who had a visit scheduled at the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan from 4/30/20-5/25/20 to ascertain patient perception of care received during the COVID-19 pandemic. The participant data was stratified by visit type and then analyzed by demographic variables. A Chi-square test was used to assess for association between categorical variables. Associations between visit type were determined using a multinomial logistic regression model. Open ended questions were stratified by race and analyzed using grounded theory to identify whether themes varied through a disparities lens. Results : Non-white patients had lower odds of having an in-person visit (p<0.02). Older patients had lower odds of having a video visit (p=0.007) and higher odds of having an inperson visit (p=0.023) compared to younger patients. The mean neighborhood median household income varied significantly (p<0.0001) by race with Blacks having the lowest estimated mean. Access to broadband signal with faster download speeds compared to slower was associated with lower odds of an in-person visit (p=0.022). No differences between races were identified in patient satisfaction or perception of care. Conclusions : Disparities existed in how patients accessed eye care during the COVID-19 pandemic with non-white patients less likely to access care. Coupled with other barriers such as lower income, which, on a population level, may limit access to broadband internet, reimbursing telemedicine solely through broadband internet connection may further exacerbate disparities in access to eye care. Insurers should consider continued reimbursement of telemedicine delivered via phone to prevent further marginalization of underserved communities.
Large-Scale Land Cover Mapping of Satellite Images Using Ensemble of Random Forests with Multi-Resolution Label – IEEE Data Fusion Contest 2020 Track 2

This paper describes our approach in the land cover classification with low- and high-resolution labels challenge of 2020 IEEE Data Fusion Contest. The challenge features the large-scale land cover mapping based on weakly annotated samples. We firstly refine the samples based on prior knowledge on class confusion and the confidence of the samples. Subsequently, an ensemble of random forests is used for classification and a post-processing step is performed to improve the results. This approach achieves an average accuracy of 0.6142 on the test dataset and achieves the 1st place in Track 2 of the Data Fusion Contest 2020.
Biography and the History of Science

As a genre at the intersection of history and literature, biography challenges its writer to decide organizational rules and elements of plot that are faithful to the subject and attractive to the reader. Mary Jo Nye suggests that there are three principal forms of biography in which the subject is a scientist: the life of the scientist, the scientific life, and the life of scientific collaboration. She explains the meaning of these terms by drawing upon a range of recent biographies in modern science, including Kostas Gavroglu’s biography of Fritz London.
Environmental Advocacy Litigation in Brazil and the United States

Environmental advocacy litigation has become a significant aspect of environmental law implementation and enforcement in both Brazil and the US. A difference however is immediately apparent: in Brazil, most environmental advocacy suits are filed by public prosecutors while in the US, most such suits are filed by environmental groups. Using an empirically-based contextual approach, this article explains why different approaches emerged in each country and analyzes the significance of the difference. In Brazil, the legal framework for environmental advocacy litigation was forged by public prosecutors. In the US, the legal framework emerged within a tradition of private enforcement of public law. The analysis further shows that each approach in its context has strengthened environmental enforcement and public participation in environmental law.
Factors influencing dust suppressant effectiveness

Water sprays are a common method used to reduce particulate matter (PM) emissions. Various factors such as wettability, surface area coverage, fine particle engulfment rates, interparticle adhesion forces, suppressant penetration and suppressant longevity have all been suggested as critical factors in achieving effective PM control. However, it has not been established which of these factors are the most important. Experimental work indicated that suppressant penetration is the most critical of these factors. The length of time after application that suppressants were effective was also improved by using hygroscopic reagents that retained moisture to prevent evaporation. Maximizing suppressant penetration and improving suppressant longevity led to an average 86% reduction in PM10 concentrations in laboratory dust tower tests.
Hiring internationally educated nurses in hospitals: role of competition and resource availability

Objective: This study used Porter’s Five Forces Model and the Resource Dependence Theory (RDT) to examine the association of competition and other market factors with the hospital’s decision to hire internationally educated nurses. Methods: A panel design was used comprising a national sample of nonfederal, acute care hospitals (n = 4,116) in the United States. Data, for the years 2008-2012, were derived from American Hospital Association’s Annual Survey and Area Health Resource File. Logistic regression with hospital random effects and state and year fixed effects was conducted to test the above mentioned association. Results: The study findings suggest that hospitals hire internationally educated nurses as a strategy to meet their staffing needs in more competitive and diverse markets. Moreover, hospitals that hire internationally educated nurses are system-affiliated, larger, and see more Medicare patients than those that do not hire them. Conclusions: Findings of this study could help health care managers to understand the influence of market factors on utilization of internationally educated nurses to fulfill their hospitals’ nurse staffing needs. Furthermore, the study findings can inform policymakers in crafting policies on the use of internationally educated nurses as a strategy to address nursing shortages.
Privatizing the Commons and Economic Degradation

We develop a dynamic model of the exploitation of an environmental resource with endogenous property rights. We are able to explain both the evolution of property rights and environmental quality. In some circumstances the time path of environmental quality is U-shaped and resembles an Environmental Kuznets Curve. However this patern derives from changes in the property rights regime, not from changes in income.
IL-27 enhances the survival of tumor antigen-specific CD8+ T cells and programs them into IL-10-producing, memory precursor-like effector cells.

IL-27 is a member of the IL-12 family of cytokines that is comprised of an IL-12 p40-related protein subunit, EBV-induced gene 3, and a p35-related subunit, p28. IL-27 functions through IL-27R and has been shown to have potent antitumor activity via activation of a variety of cellular components, including antitumor CD8+ T-cell responses. However, the exact mechanisms of how IL-27 enhances antitumor CD8+ T-cell responses remain unclear. Here we show that IL-27 significantly enhances the survival of activated tumor antigen-specific CD8+ T cells in vitro and in vivo, and programs tumor antigen-specific CD8+ T cells into memory precursor-like effector cells, characterized by upregulation of Bcl-6, SOCS3, Sca-1, and IL-10. While STAT3 activation and the CTL survival-enhancing effects can be independent of CTL IL-10 production, we show here that IL-27-induced CTL IL-10 production contributes to memory precursor cell phenotype induction, CTL memory, and tumor rejection. Thus, IL-27 enhances antitumor CTL responses via programming tumor antigen-specific CD8+ T cells into a unique memory precursor type of effector cells characterized by a greater survival advantage. Our results have important implications for designing immunotherapy against human cancer.
Professional Writing in the English Classroom: Good Writing: The Problem of Ethics

The article focuses on good writing in the English classroom. It mentions that the way to know if one has good writing is to see how the audience reacts to it. Writing professionals argue that good writers anticipate readers' reactions as they shape style, page design, and content and every aspect of their writing. It notes that one of the main goals in professional writing is to teach students to use of rhetoric tools to influence their audiences and to emphasize ethical decision-making.
One approach for generalization of real-time distributed systems benchmarking

Practically, there are endless variations of the implementation of real-time distributed systems (RTDSs). These variations are the consequences of the different hardware, system software architectures and application requirements. These variations make the testing of RTDSs more implementation dependent. To the contrary benchmarking can be considered to be domain specific. In general any RTDS can be considered to have three scheduling domains: the node's processor scheduling domain, the node's communication scheduling domain, and the nodes' priority domain. The only way a benchmark would be able to integrate these three scheduling domains and also be hardware and system software architecture independent, is to present itself as an application to the RTDS. From the application point of view, the RTDS can be seen as set of tasks (processes) located on different nodes, which communicate with each other by exchanging messages. The tasks as well the messages have timing constraints. The Hartstone Distributed Benchmark (HDB) can be viewed as an application-oriented benchmark applicable to any type of RTDS. The HDB provides figures of merit for the performance evaluation of the end-to-end scheduling of messages.
The FliO, FliP, FliQ, and FliR proteins of Salmonella typhimurium: putative components for flagellar assembly

The flagellar genes fliO, fliP, fliQ, and fliR of Salmonella typhimurium are contiguous within the fliLMNOPQR operon. They are needed for flagellation but do not encode any known structural or regulatory components. They may be involved in flagellar protein export, which proceeds by a type III export pathway. The genes have been cloned and sequenced. The sequences predict proteins with molecular masses of 13,068, 26,755, 9,592, and 28,933 Da, respectively. All four gene products were identified experimentally; consistent with their high hydrophobic residue content, they segregated with the membrane fraction. From N-terminal amino acid sequence analysis, we conclude that fliO starts immediately after fliN rather than at a previously proposed site downstream. FliP existed in two forms, a 25-kDa form and a 23-kDa form. N-terminal amino acid analysis of the 23-kDa form demonstrated that it had undergone cleavage of a signal peptide--a rare process for prokaryotic cytoplasmic membrane proteins. Site-directed mutation at the cleavage site resulted in impaired processing, which reduced, but did not eliminate, complementation of a fliP mutant in swarm plate assays. A cloned fragment encoding the mature form of the protein could also complement the fliP mutant but did so even more poorly. Finally, when the first transmembrane span of MotA (a cytoplasmic membrane protein that does not undergo signal peptide cleavage) was fused to the mature form of FliP, the fusion protein complemented very weakly. Higher levels of synthesis of the mutant proteins greatly improved function. We conclude that, for insertion of FliP into the membrane, cleavage is important kinetically but not absolutely required.
The diagnosis of intracardiac metastasis of colon carcinoma by radioisotopic and roentgenographic studies

Abstract A 67 year old white woman presented with the clinical findings of cardiac tamponade, heart murmur and a history of recurrent carcinoma of the rectosigmoid. Radioisotopic angiography performed after injection of an intravenous bolus of 99m technetium pertechnetate substantiated the presence of pericardial effusion and also showed a large filling defect in the right ventricle. The presence of the defect was confirmed by selective contrast angiography, and a diagnosis of right ventricular tumor was made. Subsequently, over a period of 5 weeks, radioisotopic angiocardiography was used 3 times to assess any change in tumor size resulting from megavoltage radiation therapy. Postmortem examination confirmed the presence of a large malignant intracavitary tumor, histologically of colonic origin, involving the right ventricle. The endocardium, myocardium and the pericardium were involved.
Analytic Solutions for the Time Evolution of Dipolar-Dephasing NMR Signals

Abstract The time evolution of dipolar-dephasing NMR signals reveals the strength of dipolar couplings in solids. In most instances where microcrystalline samples are investigated, numerical simulations of dipolar-dephasing intensities provide fits to experimental data in order to determine internuclear distances. In this paper, analytic solutions are derived for the time evolution of signals in heteronuclear SEDOR, REDOR, and TEDOR experiments. These solutions, in terms of infinite series of Bessel functions of the first kind, are exact and replace a numerical integration over the possible orientations of the internuclear vectors in a powdered or amorphous sample. Results from the analytic solutions converge rapidly and are compared here with results from numerical integration. A method for efficient least-squares fitting of dipolar-dephasing data is also demonstrated, including fits to experimental SEDOR and TEDOR dephasing curves.
Framework for application interoperability in manufacturing enterprises

Currently, customized point-to-point integration is no longer acceptable because of the expensive cycle time needed to implement them. Over the past two and a half years IBM and the University of North Carolina have been working to supply the demand for a plug-and-play interoperability methodology among enterprise application. This methodology we called FAIME, a framework for application interoperability for manufacturing enterprise systems. FAIME was designed to help analyst overcome obstacles while integrating enterprise processes using the integration tools suite created using this methodology. FAIME has been successfully prototype within the area of enterprise planning systems and manufacturing execution systems. This document covers this methodology and the integration tools created so we could prototype this methodology against enterprise applications.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.