cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
333 EFFECT OF KEPIVANCE ON THE INCIDENCE OF MUCOSITIS, HOSPITAL STAY, AND TOTAL PARENTERAL NUTRITION IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING STEM CELL TRANSPLANTATION.

Kepivance is a keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) that stimulates the growth of cells in the skin, mouth, stomach, and colon. It has been suggested that Kepivance may reduce the incidence and severity of oral mucositis in patients receiving a total body irradiation (TBI) conditioning regimen followed by autologous stem cell rescue. Very few studies have shown the effect of Kepivance on chemotherapy-induced mucositis in patients receiving allogeneic/autologous stem cell transplantation. We analyzed retrospectively the charts of all patients who underwent stem cell transplantation in 2005-2006 at Texas Tech University Health Science Center. The charts of 36 patients were reviewed, of which 21 received Kepivance. The decision to receive Kepivance was judged by the treating physician. Patients with a high risk of developing mucositis from intensive chemotherapy, older patients, type of conditioning regimen, and type of transplant dictated which patient should receive Kepivance. Conditioning regimens in the Kepivance group were as follows: high-dose melphalan (10); TBI, VP-16, and cyclophosphamide (1); BCNU, VP-16, and cyclophosphamide (2); fludarabine and melphalan (1); melphalan and VP-16 (1); busulfan and fludarabine (6). Conditioning regimens in the non-Kepivance group were as follows: melphalan and busulfan (1); melphalan and fuldarabine (2); BCNU, VP-16, and cyclophosphamide (4); high-dose melphalan (8). Of 21 patients who received Kepivance, 12 patients received autologous transplant and 9 patients received allogeneic transplants. Of the 21 patients who received Kepivance, 8 experienced grade II-III mucositis compared with 3 of 15 patients in the non-Kepivance group. No patients in both groups experienced grade IV mucositis. In both groups, 50% of the patients required total parenteral nutrition (TPN). The average length of stay in patients who received kepivance was 31 days versus 36 days in patients who did not receive Kepivance. Day 100 mortality in the Kepivance group was five, all of whom received allogeneic transplant, whereas there was only one death (who received allogeneic transplantation) in the non-Kepivance group. We concluded that Kepivance reduces the hospital stay in patients undergoing stem cell transplantation; however, there were no noted benefits of Kepivance in TPN requirement or the incidence of mucositis. This may be due to physician bias in selecting patients who should receive Kepivance. High-risk patients received Kepivance. A randomized clinical trial is needed to confirm these results.
Analysis on PCS Topological Structure for Large-scale Battery Energy Storage System

After large-scale wind power and photovoltaic power is connected with the grid, the inherent intermittent and volatility of wind power and photovoltaic power may have adversely affects on the security and stability of power grid. With the rapid development of wind power and photovoltaic power generation, this problem is increasingly outstanding. So it is very important to development the technology research of large-scale battery energy storage system (BESS). The article respectively carried out comparative analysis on the converter and the filter, which were the components of power conversion system (PCS) as an important component of BESS. Based on the existing battery technology, the results show that the converter only containing DC/AC link and the converter containing Z-source network and DC/AC link both have the characteristics of higher energy conversion efficiency and simple control, compared with traditional converter which contains DC/DC link and DC/AC link. Compared with the traditional L filter and LC filter, the LCL filter can restrain high harmonics better, effectively reduce the inductance value, improve the dynamic performance of the system, and be less affected by the grid. Combined with analysis conclusion, the article put forward two new topological structures of PCS.
Infant rats exposure to aspartate and glutamate: Neuroendocrinopathies and structural analysis of brain damage

The acidic amino acids Aspartate (Asp) and Glutamate (Glu) appear to be excitatory neurotransmitters in the central nervous system (CNS). In addition to their neurotransmission roles, these compounds can produce neurotoxic effects, supposedly by an excitoxic mechanism. The most striking example of this effect is seen in the developing CNS of rodents. If rodents are exposed to either, exogenously administered, amino acid during the first days of life, there is a very specific pattern of the CNS that encompasses the degeneration of the retina and optic nerve and destruction of a large portion of the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus. When these animals grow to adulthood, they exhibit disorders of the endocrine system: reduced endocrine organs, obesity, and a slight hyperprolactinemia. Some of these disorders can be explained by the absence of a control mechanism from the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus to the pituitary. An unexplainable item is that prenatal Glu or Asp does not lead to the endocrinopathies described above. Yet we find that both compounds cross readily the placenta and move into the circulation of the fetus. Our ultrastructural results suggest that Glu acts in a different manner than Asp at the level of the hypothalamus. We find that the pattern of brain damage after Glu is more widespread than that seen with Asp. Yet Asp treatment seems to be more debilitating in terms of the extent of the endocrinological pathologies. We suggest that the differences observed between prenatal and postnatal treatments and the differences observed between the two amino acids represent a difference in the development of the receptor systems in the hypothalamus of the developing mammal.
Lessons from Nature: A Personal Perspective

This chapter highlights selected contributions to photosynthesis research made from an evolutionary and ecological perspective and, specifically, to the characterization of zeaxanthin-associated thermal energy dissipation. First, contributions of comparative ecophysiology to the discovery of different CO2 fixation pathways are examined, followed by a summary of the historical developments leading to documentation of the relationship between zeaxanthin and photoprotective energy dissipation. Evergreen species exhibit exceptionally strong non-photochemical quenching of chlorophyll fluorescence (NPQ) and very high levels of zeaxanthin formation. This enabled an unveiling of the correlation between zeaxanthin versus NPQ and/or photosystem II quantum efficiency (as inferred from the ratio of variable to maximal fluorescence, Fv/Fm), even prior to development of technology currently used in the assessment of these features. Results from characterization of the wide variety of different manifestations (with respect to extent and/or kinetics) of the conversion of xanthophylls, and changes in NPQ and/or Fv/Fm in different plant species and diverse environments are placed in an evolutionary and ecological context. Lastly, themes emerging from the international research community on NPQ and photoprotective thermal dissipation are summarized, and suggestions presented for how utilization of plants genetically adapted and acclimated to high levels of light stress may aid in addressing open questions.
Headache and Aphasia in a Young Woman with Protein S Deficiency and Nephrotic Syndrome

We present sequential brain imaging findings in a young woman who while being evaluated for a newly discovered nephrotic syndrome developed headache followed by aphasia. The patient's symptoms were due to cerebral venous thrombosis in the setting of protein S deficiency and oral contraception.
Vertical Air Motions and Raindrop Size Distributions Estimated Using Mean Doppler Velocity Difference From 3- and 35-GHz Vertically Pointing Radars

Vertical profiles of vertical air motion and raindrop size distributions (DSDs) within stratiform rain are estimated using two collocated vertically pointing radars (VPRs) operating at 3 and 35 GHz. Different raindrop backscattering cross sections occur at 3 and 35 GHz with Rayleigh scattering occurring for all raindrops at 3 GHz and Mie scattering occurring for larger raindrops at 35 GHz. This frequency-dependent backscattering cross section causes differently shaped reflectivity-weighted Doppler velocity spectra leading to radar transmit frequency-dependent radar moments of intrinsic reflectivity factor, mean Doppler velocity, and spectrum variance. The retrieval method described herein uses four radar moments as inputs to retrieve four outputs at each height within a precipitation column. The inputs include 3-GHz VPR mean Doppler velocity and unattenuated reflectivity factor and 35-GHz VPR mean Doppler velocity and spectrum variance. The outputs include vertical air motion and three parameters of a gamma-shaped DSD. To account for different VPR sample volumes, radar observations were accumulated over 45 s and over several range gates to represent time-space scales larger than either VPR sample volumes. Observed variability over this common time-space scale is used to estimate retrieval uncertainties. The retrieved air motions and DSD parameters compare well against retrievals from a collocated 449-MHz VPR that estimated air motions from Bragg scattering signals and DSD parameters from Rayleigh scattering signals.
Rabbit Model of Cryptococcal Meningitis

Publisher Summary This chapter presents a rabbit model of cryptococcal meningitis. This model focuses on the active proliferation stage of cryptococcal infection as the yeast primarily produces infection within the central nervous system (CNS). This model introduces yeasts directly into the subarachnoid space of anesthetized rabbits through a cisternal inoculation. Although infection is primarily expressed in the subarachnoid space and adjacent brain parenchyma, yeast can disseminate from CNS and grow in other organs such as liver, lung, spleen, and kidney. Pathogen-free 2–3 kg male New Zealand White rabbits are used and fed standard diets of Purina rabbit chow and water ad lib. Male rabbits are used as they tend to be more susceptible to cryptococcosis. Rabbits are treated with cortisone acetate one day prior to inoculation of C. neoformans. The corticosteroid is given intramuscularly in the hind quarters and injections are repeated daily throughout the infection. Cortisone doses can significantly affect the progression of infection and are a major factor in the temporal control of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) yeast counts within a single strain. Inocula are injected percutaneously into the cisternal magna of anesthetized rabbits and CSF is withdrawn through a similar percutaneous needle-stick. Inoculation is performed with rabbits in a prone position and with flexion of the head. This model is best characterized with a single strain (H99), which is a serotype a, MAT-alpha Cryptococcus neoformarts strain, isolated from a patient with cryptococcal meningitis and Hodgkin's disease in 1978.
Population pharmacokinetic (PK) analysis of laromustine, an emerging alkylating agent, in cancer patients

1. Alkylating agents are capable of introducing an alkyl group into nucleophilic sites on DNA or RNA through covalent bond. Laromustine is an active member of a relatively new class of sulfonylhydrazine prodrugs under development as antineoplastic alkylating agents, and displays significant single-agent activity. 2. This is the first report of the population pharmacokinetic analysis of laromustine, 106 patients, 66 with hematologic malignancies and 40 with solid tumors, participated in five clinical trials worldwide. Of these, 104 patients were included in the final NONMEM analysis. 3. The population estimates for total clearance (CL) and volume of distribution of the central compartment (V1) were 96.3 L/h and 45.9 L, associated with high inter-patient variability of 52.9% and 79.8% and inter-occasion variability of 26.7% and 49.3%, respectively. The population estimates for Q and V2 were 73.2 L/h and 29.9 L, and inter-patient variability in V2 was 63.1%, respectively. 4. The estimate of Vss (75.8 L) exceeds total body water, indicating that laromustine is distributed to tissues. The half-life is short, less than 1 h, reflecting rapid clearance. Population PK analysis showed laromustine pharmacokinetics to be independent of dose and organ function with no effect on subsequent dosing cycles.
Automatic Tooth Segmentation Using Active Contour Without Edges

Automating the postmortem identification of deceased individuals based on dental characteristics is receiving increased attention especially with the large number of victims encountered in mass disasters. An automated dental identification system compares the teeth present in multiple digitized dental records in order to access their similarity. The primary step in such a system is the estimation of the contour of each tooth in order to permit efficient feature extraction. Extracting the contour of the teeth is a very challenging task and has received inadequate attention in the literature. In this paper, the task of teeth contour extraction is accomplished using active contour without edges. This technique is based on the intensity of the overall region of the tooth image and, therefore, does not necessitate the presence of a sharp boundary between teeth. Further, this technique can extract the region contour in the presence of additive noise and in the absence of well-defined image gradients. Experimental results indicate the benefits of the proposed approach.
Innovative green economy, urban economic performance and urban environments: an empirical analysis of US cities

Green-city innovation uses industrial and entrepreneurial ecosystems that can reduce environmental and ecological risks and achieve sustainable urban development without degrading urban environment...
Experimental Acetylcholinesterase Autoimmunity

We are studying the immunopathology of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) with the aim of producing useful experimental models for diseases of the cholinergic nervous system. AChE is affected directly or indirectly when cholinergic neurons degenerate, as in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Fernandez et al., 1986), Alzheimer’s disease (Atack et al., 1983; Fishman et al, 1986; Hammond and Brimijoin, 1988), Down’s Syndrome (Yates et al., 1980), Parkinsonism (Perry et al., 1985), and olivopontocerebellar atrophy (Kish et al., 1988). Because of AChE’s physiological importance in the cholinergic synapse, we constructed an animal model of passive AChE-autoimmunity based upon in vivo injections of monoclonal antibodies to neural AChE. The intent was not to promote the idea of an immunologic pathogenesis for any particular neural disorder, but to explore the possibilities and consequences of experimentally inducing antibody-mediated lesions in cholinergic systems. Here we present some of our current results and review recently published findings.
Differentiation and Lineage Commitment of Murine Embryonic Stem Cells into Insulin Producing Cells

Pluripotent embryonic stem (ES) cells and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells recently developed in our laboratory can be used to generate the much needed insulin producing cells (IPCs) for the treatment of type 1 diabetes. However, currently available differentiation protocols generate IPCs at a very low frequency. More importantly, it is difficult to purify the IPCs from the mixed cell population due to the lack of well characterized pancreatic beta cell-specific cell surface markers. Subsequently, multiple studies have been published with limited success. A major cause for these poor results is an inadequate Pdx1 expression in the embryoid body (EB) or definitive endoderm (DE)-derived precursors. Here we investigated whether ectopic expression of pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 (Pdx1), an essential pancreatic transcription factor, in mouse ES cells leads to enhanced differentiation into IPCs. Here we describe a new approach for the generation of glucose responsive IPCs using ES cells ectopically expressing pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 (Pdx1) and paired box gene 4 (Pax4).
Infidelity’s aftermath: Appraisals, mental health, and health-compromising behaviors following a partner’s infidelity

Guided by transactional stress theory, this research investigated the role of appraisals in noninvolved partners’ mental health and health-compromising behaviors after infidelity. Responses from 232 college students who were recently cheated on revealed that negative appraisals (partner blame, self-blame, and causal attribution) had indirect effects on health-compromising behaviors through mental health (depression, anxiety, and distress). Moderated mediation analyses revealed that gender altered the indirect effect of partner and self-blame on health-compromising behaviors through mental health. Men’s health-compromising behaviors did not differ based on their appraisals or mental health. However, women who reported negative appraisals and high levels of mental health consequences engaged in more health-compromising behaviors. These findings suggest that perceptions of a partner’s infidelity are important, and that those perceptions affect noninvolved partners’ mental health and physical health behaviors.
Concomitant Noncardiac Surgery During Mechanical Circulatory Support: Management of Therapy

As greater numbers of heart failure patients are given the option of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) as bridge-to-transplant therapy as well as destination therapy, physicians and practitioners across specialties will need to have working access to cursory knowledge of the physiology and anatomic placement of these cardiac devices. As this unique patient population experiences both enhanced length and quality of life, the incidence of patients on MCS who develop both acute and more slowly developing general surgical problems that require intervention will continue to rise. It is expected that over time this emphasis will shift from acute general surgical problems related to initial device placement to a greater proportion of outpatient and more traditional general surgical problems as both mechanical circulatory devices and care methods advance.
Modality of Primary HIV Disclosure and Association with Mental Health, Stigma, and Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence in Tanzanian Youth Living with HIV.

Abstract Disclosing HIV status to children before adolescence is a major challenge facing families and healthcare providers. This study used a mixed methods approach to explore the youth perspective of how youth living with HIV (YLHIV) found out their status and to quantify the association of disclosure modality with mental health, stigma, adherence, and HIV outcomes in adolescence. Youth 11–24 years of age attending adolescent HIV clinic in Moshi, Tanzania were included. Adolescents answered questions, including when and how they found out they had HIV, mental health surveys (nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire, Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, and modified University of California Los Angeles trauma screen), modified Berger's stigma scale, and self-reported adherence. HIV-1 RNA and latest CD4 were obtained. In-depth interviews were conducted using a convenience sample. The majority of youth reported that they found out their HIV status on their own (80%). Youth attending the government site ...
Maternal Responsiveness Protects Exuberant Toddlers from Experiencing Behavior Problems in Kindergarten.

Research Findings: Exuberant temperament, characterized by high approach and positive affect, is linked to socioemotional outcomes including risk of externalizing symptoms across development. Exter...
The origin of the biological week from data on the rhythm of cardiac contractions in people during the solar activity cycle

A human biologic week in the heart rate variations was compared with the variations of the sunspot area and geomagnetic activity over the solar cycle. The low ratio of amplitude of circaseptan rhythm to that of circadian rhythm in the heart rate of several clinically healthy men who did around-the-clock self-measurements in a number of years coincides with the period of anomalously low amplitude of circaseptan rhythm of the solar activity. Results herein suggest that physiologic circaseptan rhythms are built into the genome being adapted evolutionary to the original heliogeomagnetic environmental circaseptans.
Is There a First-Drafter Advantage in M&A?

Does the party that provides the first draft of a merger agreement get better terms as a result? There is considerable lore among transactional lawyers on this question, yet it has never been examined empirically. In this Article, we develop a novel dataset of drafting practices in large M&A transactions involving U.S. public-company targets. First, we find that acquirers and sellers prepare the first draft of the merger agreement with roughly equal frequency, contrary to the conventional wisdom that acquirers virtually always draft first. Second, we find that providing the first draft offers little or no advantage with regard to the most monetizable merger agreement terms, such as merger breakup fees. Third, and notwithstanding, we do find an association between drafting first and attaining a more favorable outcome for terms that are harder to monetize, that are more complex, and that tend to be negotiated exclusively by counsel, such as the material adverse change (MAC) clause. These findings are consistent with the view that the negotiation process generates frictions and agency costs, which can affect the final deal terms and result in a limited first-drafter advantage.
Acoustic measures of paraspeech in speakers with multiple sclerosis: A study of neuropsychological status and its role in diadochokinesis

Paraspeech tasks are frequently incorporated in motor speech disorder assessments and include syllable diadochokinesis (DDK), the rapid repetition of alternating movements (Kent, 2015). DDK measures indicate movements of the oral articulators and may detect problems before specific functions such as speech are affected in neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Although there is growing appreciation from studies of various clinical populations that cognitive and speech motor processes influence or interact with one another (Kent, 2004), the impact of cognitive limitations of speakers with dysarthria on DDK performance is not well understood. Toward this end, the current study explored cognitive status as a factor in DDK performance for 48 speakers with MS and 12 healthy adults. All speakers were recorded as they repeated various syllables as quickly and steadily as possible. Standard acoustic criteria were used to obtain global and segmental temporal measures of DDK using speech analysis software. In addition, all speakers underwent rigorous cognitive testing (e.g., information processing efficiency). Because controversy continues over the use of DDK, this study sought to provide evidence for the clinical value of paraspeech in the assessment of motor speech disorders as well as cognitive status. [Work supported by the ASH Foundation and the University at Buffalo MDRF.]
Sample Efficient Text Summarization Using a Single Pre-Trained Transformer

Language model (LM) pre-training has resulted in impressive performance and sample efficiency on a variety of language understanding tasks. However, it remains unclear how to best use pre-trained LMs for generation tasks such as abstractive summarization, particularly to enhance sample efficiency. In these sequence-to-sequence settings, prior work has experimented with loading pre-trained weights into the encoder and/or decoder networks, but used non-pre-trained encoder-decoder attention weights. We instead use a pre-trained decoder-only network, where the same Transformer LM both encodes the source and generates the summary. This ensures that all parameters in the network, including those governing attention over source states, have been pre-trained before the fine-tuning step. Experiments on the CNN/Daily Mail dataset show that our pre-trained Transformer LM substantially improves over pre-trained Transformer encoder-decoder networks in limited-data settings. For instance, it achieves 13.1 ROUGE-2 using only 1% of the training data (~3000 examples), while pre-trained encoder-decoder models score 2.3 ROUGE-2.
A Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating the BREASTChoice Tool for Personalized Decision Support About Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy.

Objective To evaluate a web-based breast reconstruction decision aid, BREASTChoice. Summary and background data Although postmastectomy breast reconstruction can restore quality of life and body image, its morbidity remains substantial. Many patients lack adequate knowledge to make informed choices. Decisions are often discordant with patients' preferences. Methods Adult women with stages 0-III breast cancer considering postmastectomy breast reconstruction with no previous reconstruction were randomized to BREASTChoice or enhanced usual care (EUC). Results Three hundred seventy-six patients were screened; 120 of 172 (69.8%) eligible patients enrolled. Mean age = 50.7 years (range 25-77). Most were Non-Hispanic White (86.3%) and had a college degree (64.3%). Controlling for health literacy and provider seen, BREASTChoice users had higher knowledge than those in EUC (84.6% vs. 58.2% questions correct; P 0.05). There were no differences in consultation length between BREASTChoice and EUC groups (mean = 29.7 vs. 30.0 minutes; P > 0.05). BREASTChoice had high usability (mean score = 6.3/7). Participants completed BREASTChoice in about 27 minutes. Conclusions BREASTChoice can improve breast reconstruction decision quality by improving patients' knowledge and providing them with personalized risk estimates. More research is needed to facilitate point-of-care decision support and examine BREASTChoice's impact on patients' decisions over time.
Extended Design Space of Silicon-on-Nothing MEMS

Complex monolithic Si MEMS can be created using a single mask by extending the empty-space-in-silicon (ESS) or silicon-on-nothing (SON) technology. The fabrication combines isotropic and anisotropic etching with selective removal of passivation layers followed by hydrogen annealing. The resulting expanded design space includes multilayer structures and embedded cavities. The MEMS formation by the hydrogen annealing is simulated both at large scales and microscopic scales that together predict the shape of the finished MEMS. We demonstrate the accuracy of our process and simulations by fabricating single- and double-layer evacuated silicon voids that form Fabry-Perot optical pressure sensors with the sealed voids as pressure references. We also create multi-layered sensors with an integrated photonic crystals sensing diaphragm for improved optical readout. The sensors have a calculated 6.7 $\mu \text{V}$ /Pa sensitivity and low noise over a dynamic range of over 70.9 kPa. [2019-0091]
Outcomes of upper tract urothelial carcinoma with isolated lymph node involvement following surgical resection: implications for multi-modal management

There are limited data on the oncologic outcomes of upper tract urothelial carcinoma with isolated lymph node (LN) involvement (pN+ M0) following surgical resection. We examined pN+ M0 UTUC in a large, nationwide oncology dataset to characterize its natural history, describe trends in utilization of perioperative chemotherapy, and identify clinicopathologic features associated with survival. We identified 794 patients aged 18–89 years who underwent radical nephroureterectomy with lymph node dissection for pN+ M0 UTUC from 2006 to 2013 in the National Cancer Database. The associations of clinicopathologic features with overall survival (OS) were evaluated using Cox regression models, and a simplified risk score was created. Median follow-up among survivors was 39.5 months, during which time 555 (70%) patients died. Over the study period, neoadjuvant chemotherapy utilization increased from 6.7 to 14.2% (p = 0.002), while adjuvant chemotherapy utilization remained stable (42.7 to 44.3%; p = 0.86). One-, 5-, and 8-year OS rates were 63.7%, 24.2%, and 18.7%, respectively. On multivariable analysis, older age, larger tumor size, higher pT stage, positive surgical margins, number of positive LNs, and non-receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy were independently associated with worse OS. A simplified risk score consisting of age, tumor size, pT stage, number of positive LNs, and margin status was created with predicted 5-year OS ranging from 12 to 44%. In this large, contemporary cohort, pN+ M0 UTUC was associated with a 5-year OS of only 24%. Clinicopathologic predictors of survival after surgical resection may improve risk-stratification, counseling, and selection of patients for multimodal management.
Text Modeling with Syntax-Aware Variational Autoencoders.

Syntactic information contains structures and rules about how text sentences are arranged. Incorporating syntax into text modeling methods can potentially benefit both representation learning and generation. Variational autoencoders (VAEs) are deep generative models that provide a probabilistic way to describe observations in the latent space. When applied to text data, the latent representations are often unstructured. We propose syntax-aware variational autoencoders (SAVAEs) that dedicate a subspace in the latent dimensions dubbed syntactic latent to represent syntactic structures of sentences. SAVAEs are trained to infer syntactic latent from either text inputs or parsed syntax results as well as reconstruct original text with inferred latent variables. Experiments show that SAVAEs are able to achieve lower reconstruction loss on four different data sets. Furthermore, they are capable of generating examples with modified target syntax.
A Sensitivity Analysis for the Derived Micromort Value of Life and Death Decisions Using Two Methods for Constructing Utility Functions

This paper provides various sensitivity analyses for the effects of the elicitation parameters of two methods for the utility function assessments needed to deal with risky decisions involving health state and consumption. The two methods include: a) Using a utility function over a deterministic value function, and b) Using a utility copula function over utility functions for each attribute. The two methods are explored and compared in terms of the derived Micromort value (a way to value a risky decision deal in dollars) and how it is sensitive to each parameter needed for the assessments of each method. The results show that the Micromort value increases with the consumption level and decreases with age. As the decision-maker increases the tradeoff between health and wealth, the Micromort value tends to increase. In addition, becoming highly risk averse over value, the decision-maker also has a higher Micromort value.
Authoritarianism in the information age: state branding, depoliticizing and ‘de-civilizing’ of online civil society in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates

Much academic and media attention has been focussed on states’ development of powerful surveillance capabilities to police the online space in recent years. In authoritarian contexts, these technol...
Optimized methods for production and purification of Titanium-45.

Abstract Titanium-45 (t1/2 = 3.08 h) is a radiometal with excellent nuclear characteristics, including a high positron branching ratio (85%) and low average positron energy (0.439 MeV), for the development of PET imaging agents. 45Ti was produced via the 45Sc(p,n)45Ti reaction on the University of Alabama at Birmingham TR24 cyclotron in GBq quantities. Optimized separation methods were developed and preliminary radiochemistry studies were also carried out. This work shows 45Ti is a promising radiometal for future studies.
The case for model-driven interpretability of delay-based congestion control protocols

Analyzing and interpreting the exact behavior of new delay-based congestion control protocols with complex non-linear control loops is exceptionally difficult in highly variable networks such as cellular networks. This paper proposes a Model-Driven Interpretability (MDI) congestion control framework, which derives a model version of a delay-based protocol by simplifying a congestion control protocol's response into a guided random walk over a two-dimensional Markov model. We demonstrate the case for the MDI framework by using MDI to analyze and interpret the behavior of two delay-based protocols over cellular channels: Verus and Copa. Our results show a successful approximation of throughput and delay characteristics of the protocols' model versions across variable network conditions. The learned model of a protocol provides key insights into an algorithm's convergence properties.
Telehealth for Older Adults with Skin Disease: A Qualitative Exploration of Dermatologists' Experiences & Recommendations for Improving Care.

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the use of telehealth, defined as the delivery of health care via remote technologies1 , with widespread adoption of live-interactive video visits across the US.2 3 4 Yet, it is important to avoid exacerbating healthcare disparities for vulnerable populations such as older adults, who traditionally have more technological literacy barriers.5 6 Our aim was to explore dermatologists' experiences of using telehealth with older adults, in order to identify and summarise recommendations to improve telehealth care.
Vascular Endothelial Adiponectin Signaling Across the Lifespan.

Cardiovascular disease risk increases with age regardless of sex. Some of this risk is attributable to changes in natural hormones throughout the lifespan. The quintessential example of this being ...
Deficiency of methyl-CpG binding protein-2 in CNS neurons results in a Rett-like phenotype in mice

Mecp2 is an X-linked gene encoding a nuclear protein that binds specifically to methylated DNA (ref. 1) and functions as a general transcriptional repressor by associating with chromatin-remodeling complexes. Mecp2 is expressed at high levels in the postnatal brain, indicating that methylation-dependent regulation of gene expression may have a crucial role in the mammalian central nervous system. Consistent with this notion is the recent demonstration that MECP2 mutations cause Rett syndrome (RTT, MIM 312750), a childhood neurological disorder that represents one of the most common causes of mental retardation in females. Here we show that Mecp2-deficient mice exhibit phenotypes that resemble some of the symptoms of RTT patients. Mecp2-null mice were normal until 5 weeks of age, when they began to develop disease, leading to death between 6 and 12 weeks. Mutant brains showed substantial reduction in both weight and neuronal cell size, but no obvious structural defects or signs of neurodegeneration. Brain-specific deletion of Mecp2 at embryonic day (E) 12 resulted in a phenotype identical to that of the null mutation, indicating that the phenotype is caused by Mecp2 deficiency in the CNS rather than in peripheral tissues. Deletion of Mecp2 in postnatal CNS neurons led to a similar neuronal phenotype, although at a later age. Our results indicate that the role of Mecp2 is not restricted to the immature brain, but becomes critical in mature neurons. Mecp2 deficiency in these neurons is sufficient to cause neuronal dysfunction with symptomatic manifestation similar to Rett syndrome.
Effects of Castration and Electrical Stimulation on Beef Carcass Quality and Palatability Characteristics

Summary Thirty bull and 30 heifer Hereford x Simmental calves were weaned at approximately 5 mo of age and assigned randomly to one of the following treatments: intact, conventionally castrated or luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone-immunized (LHRH). All animals were slaughtered at 16 mo of age and the right side of each carcass was electrically stimulated (ES) or restimulated (RES). Yield and quality grades were determined on both right and left sides after 24 h chilling. Longissimus muscles (LD) were obtained at 7 d postmortem for objective color measurements, chemical analysis, shear force and trained sensory panel evaluation. Semitendinosus muscles (ST) were also obtained at 7 d postmortem for shear evaluation. Differences among the three male groups in quality grade scores and lean color were nonsignificant, but bull and LHRH-bull carcasses were leaner with a higher percentage protein when compared with steer carcasses. Shear values for both LD and ST muscles indicated that steers had more tender meat than bulls and LHRH-treated males. Collagen content and
A century (plus) of parenthood: Changes in living with children, 1880–1990

This paper summarizes the broad foundations of the changing nature of parenthood by examining trends in coresidence with children under age 15. Our study uses data from the Integrated Public Use Microdata Samples (IPUMS) to provide a portrait of demographic parenthood in the US over the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. In describing changes in parenthood over the past 110 years, we distinguish between those living with own children and those living with other children. We focus in particular on changes in gender patterns of coresidential parenthood and changes in the likelihood that divorced men and women live with children. We also examine the impact of the baby boom on parenting. Our findings support a recasting of ongoing discussions of the parental roles of American men and women by shifting the historical demographic focus from biological transitions to the social aspects of parenting.
A DC model for the high electron mobility transistor (HEMT)

A novel analytical HEMT model is developed. The conduction mechanism due to the 2-DEG (two-dimensional electron gas) and the parallel AlGaAs is included. The numerical calculations of n/sub s/ and n/sub t/ were fitted to two closed-form analytical expressions that are easily integrable along the channel and are smooth to avert any discontinuity in the model parameters. The current contribution due to the parasitic MESFET in AlGaAs relative to the total current was determined. Second-order effects were included in the model. The theoretical predictions of the model are compared with experimental data and are found to be in good agreement over a wide range of bias conditions. >
Economic performance in small open economies : the Caribbean experience, 1980-1992

The authors study the economic performance of ten Caribbean islands in two groups: six small islands from the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and four larger islands: Barbados, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago. They compute external shocks together with each island's performance response to them. Some islands resorted inordinately to external financing to cope with adverse shocks. Others tried to compensate by stimulating exports and tourism. The buildup of debt created problems for some of the governments later in the decade, resulting in the need for strong contractionary measures. But the difference in performance between islands cannot be explained by external shocks alone. The OECS group achieved superior performance even though they faced roughly the same shocks as the larger islands. It helped that they had a monetary board that encouraged high investment levels. But this was complemented by concessionary flows used productively and by foreign direct investment. Now the question is how well these economies will fare when they face the inevitable reduction in concessionary flows in coming years.
LEADING EDGE DEPLOYMENT SPEED OF PRODUCTION AIR BAGS

Air bags have proven to be effective in preventing deaths and serious injuries; however, in some instances when an occupant contacts an air bag while it is still deploying, injuries may result from this contact. most of these are minor injuries, such as skin abrasions, which are believed to be caused by the contact pressure created by the deploying air bag surface. To assess the relative potential of different air bag designs to cause skin abrasions, a series of static deployment tests was conducted to measure the leading-edge speed of driver-side air bags from several 1993 model cars. Results indicate that air bags exhibit a wide range of leading-edge speeds and that, in some cases, maximum leading-edge speed is a highly variable characteristic among air bags from the same model car. Maximum leading edge speeds ranged from 171 to 328 km/h. Comparison of speed profiles to an approximate abrasion reference value showed that many of the tested air bags are traveling at a speed great enough to cause abrasions as far away as 286 mm from the steering wheel; however, some air bags never reached this reference speed.
Thyroid Hormone Mediated Modulation of Energy Expenditure

Thyroid hormone (TH) has diverse effects on mitochondria and energy expenditure (EE), generating great interest and research effort into understanding and harnessing these actions for the amelioration and treatment of metabolic disorders, such as obesity and diabetes. Direct effects on ATP utilization are a result of TH’s actions on metabolic cycles and increased cell membrane ion permeability. However, the majority of TH induced EE is thought to be a result of indirect effects, which, in turn, increase capacity for EE. This review discusses the direct actions of TH on EE, and places special emphasis on the indirect actions of TH, which include mitochondrial biogenesis and reduced metabolic efficiency through mitochondrial uncoupling mechanisms. TH analogs and the metabolic actions of T2 are also discussed in the context of targeted modulation of EE. Finally, clinical correlates of TH actions on metabolism are briefly presented.
New advances in acute pancreatitis.

We reviewed studies this past year that further characterize the epidemiology, etiology and risk stratification of AP. Evolving areas include chemoprevention of post-ERCP AP and enteral feeding and antibiotics in severe AP. We await translation of novel therapies from the bench to bedside.
Effects of anesthetic and sedative agents commonly employed in obstetric practice on isolated human uterine muscle.

Abstract 1. 1. An attempt to assay the effects of commonly employed anesthetic and sedative agents on human uterine muscle tissues is described. 2. 2. All of the inhalation anesthetics tested were found to be markedly depressant to gravid and nongravid uterine muscle activity in vitro, with the single exception of trichloroethylene. 3. 3. Morphine, scopolamine, Demerol, atropine, and phenobarbital produced no significant effect on the activity and tonus of uterine muscle samples obtained from both nongravid and gravid uteri. 4. 4. Nembutal was found to be without marked effect on tissues from nongravid uteri, but to possess a depressant action on samples from the gravid uterus when in sufficiently high concentration. 5. 5. Magnesium sulfate depressed contractility and lowered tonus in muscle strips from both nongravid and gravid uteri.
Modeling and H2/H∞ MIMO Control of an Earthmoving Vehicle Powertrain

Coordination of the power distribution in a Multi-Input Multi-Output (MIMO) electrohydraulic transmission is investigated for the case of an earthmoving vehicle powertrain. A generalized model of a representative system is presented along with the development of both H 2 and H ∞ MIMO controller designs. The controllers are developed based on a linearized model of the system about some nominal operating point. Multiple inputs are coordinated to control multiple load outputs simultaneously. Since typical MIMO electrohydraulic transmission systems have significant nonlinear dynamics that vary with system operating conditions, a robust controller design is paramount. The increased robustness of the H ∞ controller over the H 2 scheme is demonstrated qualitatively in the time domain through both disturbance rejection and trajectory tracking comparisons. A frequency domain criterion quantitatively provides quantifiable comparisons between the two methods. Hardware-in-the-Loop experiments validate the modeling and control performance on an Earthmoving Vehicle Powertrain Simulator (EVPS).
Treatment of skin and soft tissue infections with oral ciprofloxacin

Thirty adult patients with severe skin and soft tissue infections (four with contiguous osteomyelitis) caused by a variety of bacterial pathogens were treated with oral ciprofloxacin. Favourable clinical responses were observed in 23 (92%) of the 25 evaluable cases. All Enterobacteriaceae and anaerobic bacteria were eradicated during treatment. Enterococci, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were usually eradicated but occasional strains persisted during treatment. Strains that persisted during treatment were associated with therapeutic failure in two cases, one with contiguous osteomyelitis and one with vascular gangrene. The only significant adverse reaction observed was nausea and/or vomiting in five of the 30 patients.
Paradigms, promises, and the potential of clinical psychology.

Both Plaud's and Ilardi and Feldman's articles call for clinical psychology to redefine itself according to a particular paradigm or "unifying framework." This commentary focuses on the nature of clinical psychology as an applied discipline, whether clinical psychology in fact has an urgent need for a unifying framework, and whether radical behaviorism or cognitive neuroscience could provide such a framework. It is concluded that, as an applied field that draws both theory and method from a number of natural and social sciences, clinical psychology is served best by continued development and appropriation of competing scientific viewpoints rather than by fealty to a single perspective or paradigm.
Enhanced Histopathology of the Bone Marrow

Changes in bone marrow cellularity can be an indicator of systemic toxicity and, therefore, bone marrow should be included in the battery of tissues examined for enhanced histopathology. However, the majority of changes in the bone marrow that are observed in toxicology studies are a response to hematological changes or lesions elsewhere in the body. For this reason, a consideration of all tissue changes in the body is required in order to differentiate toxic effects versus physiological responses in the bone marrow. While enhanced histopathology involves evaluation of the separate compartments in each lymphoid organ using descriptive rather than interpretive terminology, bone marrow is unique in that it lacks specific compartments. Furthermore, identification of erythroid, myeloid, megakaryocytic, and stromal cells, plus adipose tissue and hemosiderin-laden macrophages, can be accomplished from conventional H&E-stained sections, but conclusive identification of lymphoid lineage cells is not likely. This limits the extent of initial enhanced histopathology on bone marrow and argues for the use of cytological preparations for more comprehensive assessment of potential immunomodulatory effects.
Supporting Real-Time Video in SCTP Networks

In this paper, we present adaptation strategies for real-time video streams over Stream Control Transmission Protocol (SCTP), where we switch among several versions of the coded video to match the available network bandwidth accurately, and meet client delay constraints. By monitoring the application buffer at the server, we estimate the current and future server buffer drain delay, and derive the transmission rate to minimize client buffer starvation. We also show that the adaptation accuracy can be significantly improved by a simple scaling to SCTP send-buffer size. The proposed mechanisms were evaluated through simulation and real Internet traces. Performance results show that the adaptation mechanism is responsive to bandwidth fluctuations, while ensuring that the client buffer does not underflow, and that the quality adaptation is smooth so that the impact on the perceptual quality at the client is minimal.