cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Decreased expression of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ in CFTR-/- mice

Some of the pathological manifestations of cystic fibrosis are in accordance with an impaired expression and/or activity of PPARgamma. We hypothesized that PPARgamma expression is altered in tissues lacking the normal cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator protein (CFTR). PPARgamma mRNA levels were measured in colonic mucosa, ileal mucosa, adipose tissue, lung, and liver from wild-type and cftr-/- mice by quantitative RT-PCR. PPARgamma expression was decreased twofold in CFTR-regulated tissues (colon, ileum, and lung) from cftr-/- mice compared to wild-type littermates. In contrast, no differences were found in fat and liver. Immunohistochemical analysis of PPARgamma in ileum and colon revealed a predominantly nuclear localization in wild-type mucosal epithelial cells while tissues from cftr-/- mice showed a more diffuse, lower intensity labeling. A significant decrease in PPARgamma expression was confirmed in nuclear extracts of colon mucosa by Western blot analysis. In addition, binding of the PPARgamma/RXR heterodimer to an oligonucletotide containing a peroxisome proliferator responsive element (PPRE) was also decreased in colonic mucosa extracts from cftr-/- mice. Treatment of cftr-/- mice with the PPARgamma ligand rosiglitazone restored both the nuclear localization and binding to DNA, but did not increase RNA levels. We conclude that PPARgamma expression in cftr-/- mice is downregulated at the RNA and protein levels and its function diminished. These changes may be related to the loss of function of CFTR and may be relevant to the pathogenesis of metabolic abnormalities associated with cystic fibrosis in humans.
Sequential Precipitation of MgAl2O4 on Mg1-x CaxAl2O4 in Hot-Pressed MgO Single Crystals

In a hot-pressed and deformed MgO single crystal, precipitates of Mg1-xCaxAl2O4 spinel upon which MgAl2O4 spinel subsequently precipitated were observed and analyzed using transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. This behavior is related to the respective solubility limits of CaO and Al2O3 in MgO at the hot-pressing temperature and may be aided by impurity segregation to the dislocations. The spinel selectively precipitated at the nodes of a dislocation network which was formed during [001] hot-pressing deformation, as a result of the reaction b3= b1+ b2= (1/2) [011] + (1/2) = [001]. The dislocation is sessile, and the precipitates have a matrix? spinel coherent relationship.
A simple conceptual model for two‐photon absorption

The process of two‐photon excitation of atoms is explained by a simple conceptual model which takes into account virtual states of the atom as well as photon statistics. In addition to predicting the correct dependence of the two‐photon excitation probability on the intensity of incident light, the model also provides an explanation for a number of experimentally observed effects.
Donor Criteria in Lung Transplantation: An Issue Revisited

The availability of suitable lung donors is the major limitation to increasing the number of lung transplants performed. Donor criteria developed early in the lung transplant era have not been rigorously evaluated. Each of the "standard" lung donor criteria currently in use should be challenged by obtaining, analyzing, and using multicenter data from a well-designed database. Only in this way will our understanding of appropriate lung donor criteria advance and the pool of lungs available for transplantation increase.
A nonlinear least-squares approach for identification of the induction motor parameters

A nonlinear least-squares method is presented for the identification of the induction motor parameters. A major difficulty with the induction motor is that the rotor state variables are not available measurements so that the system identification model cannot be made linear in the parameters without overparametrizing the model. Previous work in the literature has avoided this issue by making simplifying assumptions such as a "slowly varying speed." Here, no such simplifying assumptions are made. The problem is formulated as a nonlinear least-squares identification problem and uses elimination theory (resultants) to compute the parameter vector that minimizes the residual error. The only requirement is that the system must be sufficiently excited. The method is suitable for online operation to continuously update the parameter values. Experimental results are presented.
Blind deconvolution of spatially invariant image blurs with phase

This paper is concerned with the digital estimation of the frequency response of a two-dimensional spatially invariant linear system through which an image has been passed and blurred. For the cases of uniform linear camera motion and an out-of-focus lens system it is shown that the power cepstrum of the image contains sufficient information to identify the blur. Methods for deblurring are presented, including restoration of the density version of the image. The restoration procedure consumes only a modest amount of computation time. Results are demonstrated on images blurred in the camera.
Preparation, nucleophilic reactivity, nmr, uv and fluorescence spectroscopy, and matrix photoionization of a li-tmeda salt of the benzocyclobut[a]acena

Abstract Deprotonation of 6b,10b-dihydrobenzo[j]cyclobut[a]acenaphthylene 1a produces a monoanion 2 or a condensed cyclobutadiene dianion 3 depending on reaction conditions. A crystalline salt of 3 was isolated and analyzed for 2Li+-2TMEDA-3. Both 2 and 3 are deuterated and methylated at the bridgehead positions. The NMR spectrum of 2 suggests exclusive delocalization of charge into the naphthalene subunit, that of 3 shows some interesting differences in charge distribution in comparison to the dianions of acenaphthylene and fluoranthene. Matrix photoionization of the dianion 3 leads reversibly to the condensed cyclobutadiene radical anion 4, photoejection of a second electron destroys 4 irreversibly. The UV-visible spectra of 3 and 4 are compared and interpreted; 3 shows intense red fluorescence, unusual for a hydrocarbon dianion. The charge distribution in 3 and the UV-visible spectra of 3 and 4 are discussed in terms of π-electron calculations.
Is a Venacavogram Necessary after Inferior Vena Cava Filter Retrieval

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the utility of venacavography after optional inferior vena cava (IVC) filter retrieval using routine and complex techniques. Materials and Methods Patients (N = 224; 228 patient encounters) in whom venacavography was performed before and after IVC filter retrieval were reviewed from a 12-year period ending March 2014. Retrieval was considered complex if it required forceps or other adjuncts. Venacavograms were assessed for abnormalities including stenosis, filling defects, dissection, and extravasation of contrast material. Results Filling defects (n = 53; 23%) and stenosis (n = 137; 60%) were significantly more frequent after retrieval ( P r = 0.002, P = .977). Conclusions The lack of abnormalities requiring treatment on venacavography after routine IVC filter retrieval may justify omitting venacavography after retrieval regardless of dwell time. Although uncommon, extravasation requiring treatment may be seen after complex retrieval; venacavography remains warranted in this setting.
The Relationship between Different Types of Sharps Containers and C. difficile Infection Rates in Acute Care Hospitals

†Reusable is the comparison group Hospital Characteristics, N = 539 N (%) N (%) Geographic Region Ownership Status Northeast 76 (14.1) Non-profit 362 (67.2) Midwest 133 (24.7) For profit/Physician owned 112 (20.8) South 217 (40.3) Government 65 (12.1) West 113 (21.0) Urbanicity Bedsize Metropolitan (≥ 1 million) 281 (52.1) 100-199 218 (40.5) Metro (250K – 1 million) 98 (18.2) 200-299 135 (25.1) Metro (<250 K) 78 (14.5) 300-499 126 (23.4) Non-Metro 82 (15.2) ≥500 60 (11.1) Teaching status Mean (SD) Major + Minor 202 (37.5) Discharges (continuous) 5208 (3572) None 337 (62.5)
White matter alterations in youth with acute mild traumatic brain injury

PURPOSE To examine acute alterations in white matter (WM) diffusion based on diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in youth with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) relative to orthopedic injury (OI) controls. METHODS A prospective cohort study of 23 patients with mTBI and 20 OI controls ages 11-16 years were recruited from the emergency department (ED). DTI was performed within 96 hours. Voxel based analysis quantified group differences for DTI indices: fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD). The Post Concussion Symptom Scale assessed symptom burden. RESULTS Youth with mTBI had significantly higher symptom burdens in the ED and at scanning than controls. The mTBI group had significantly higher levels of FA and AD in several WM regions including the middle temporal gyrus WM, superior temporal gyrus WM, anterior corona radiata, and superior longitudinal fasciculus. The mTBI group had significantly lower levels of MD and/or RD in a few WM regions including the middle frontal gyrus WM and anterior corona radiata. Diffusion alterations correlated poorly with acute symptom burden. CONCLUSIONS Alterations of diffusivity were detected in spatially heterogeneous WM regions shortly after mTBI in youth. The pattern of alterations may reflect restrictive water diffusion in WM early post-injury.
The Mechanical and Biochemical Environment Controls Cellular Differentiation During Muscle Regeneration

Urodele amphibians like the newt, are able to completely regenerate lost organs and appendages without scarring. Differentiated tissues are considered a reservoir for uncommitted blastema cells that participate in the regeneration of the lost structure. To determine the influence of the extracellular matrix (ECM) on the recruitment of progenitor cells from the skeletal muscle, we immunohistochemically mapped the limb in 3D and found that a transitional ECM rich in hyaluronic acid (HA), tenascin-C (TN) and fibronectin (FN) is dynamically expressed during the early stages of regeneration [1]. Functional in vitro testing of different ECM components on primary muscle cells revealed that HA and TN support myoblast migration, inhibit differentiation and enhance the fragmentation of multinucleate myotubes and production of viable mononucleate myoblasts, cellular behaviors necessary for blastema formation [1]. In contrast, myoblasts plated on matrices that mimic ECM around differentiated muscle (FN, Matrigel and laminin) induced both proliferation and fusion.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
IMMUNOFLUORESCENCE TECHNIQUES FOR DEMONSTRATING BACTERIAL PATHOGENS ASSOCIATED WITH CEREBROSPINAL MENINGITIS. I. CLINICAL EVALUATION OF CONJUGATES ON SMEARS PREPARED DIRECTLY FROM CEREBROSPINAL FLUID SEDIMENTS.

Abstract Techniques were described for the cultivation and immunofluorescent identification of Hemophilus influenzae, Diplococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitis, and eight less common pathogens in specimens of cerebrospinal fluid from 100 patients with bacterial meningitis. A comparison of the results obtained by conventional methods and by immunofluorescent staining indicated that the latter method was fully an sensitive as the former and was more accurate in treated cases. Some of the dangers involved in the use of the Gram stain of the sediment as a tool for presumptive diagnosis were discussed, as were shortcomings of fluorescent antibody staining, particularly in infections caused by uncommon gram-negative organisms. The immunofluorescent staining technique was recommended for the rapid screening of spinal fluid specimens, as well as of cultural isolates.
The Effect of Solvent on the Lifetime of the Lowest Excited Singlet S1 (21Ag) State of Spheroidene

We are investigating the mechanisms by which carotenoids carry out their light-harvesting and photoprotective roles in photosynthesis. We are focusing on the carotenoid spheroidene (Fig. 1) which is found in both reaction center and antenna pigment-protein complexes from Rhodobacter sphaeroides wild type strain 2.4.1. A complete understanding of the spectroscopic and photochemical properties of spheroidene in vitro would be of substantial benefit in elucidating how it, and carotenoids in general, function in vivo. The effect of different solvent environments on the absorption, S0 → S2 (11Ag → 11Bu), spectra of carotenoids, including spheroidene, has been explored (1, 2). However, owing to the ultrafast lifetimes of the excited states of spheroidene, little is known about the effect different environments have on the dynamics of its excited states (3).
Abstract 3843: The Composition and Morphology of the Carotid Artery are Associated with Coronary Artery Disease: A Case-Control High Resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study

Background: To improve the prediction of cardiovascular events in asymptomatic individuals, non-invasive imaging techniques have been increasingly investigated as a potential supplement to the clinically-based risk stratification criteria. We sought to identify structural and compositional differences in the carotid arterial wall via high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) between participants with angiographically defined obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD, > 50% stenosis, case) and those with normal coronary arteries (no lumen irregularities, control). Methods: Ninety-four participants (56% female; 20% diabetic; 54% smokers; 55% CAD cases) who underwent coronary angiography but were not selected on the basis of carotid disease status were imaged with a multi-sequence, high-resolution carotid MRI protocol on a 1.5T scanner. Two reviewers blinded to CAD status reached a consensus interpretation for each scan. At each axial imaging location, lumen area (LA), total vessel area (TVA), wall area (WA), mean wall thickness (MWT) and normalized wall index (NWI = WA/[LA + WA]) were determined. Area measurements of calcification (CA) and lipid-rich necrotic core (LRNC) were also recorded. Results were compiled after controlling for gender and within-subject correlations among arterial sites. Results: In the internal carotid artery (ICA), CAD cases demonstrated a smaller mean LA and TVA, while having a larger MWT, NWI and CA (Table 1). In the distal bulb, CA and LRNC were larger in CAD cases (Table 1). CAD cases also demonstrated a greater prevalence (9.9% vs. 2.9%, p = 0.004) of CA in the ICA. No differences between groups were identified in the common carotid artery. Conclusions: Statistically significant structural and compositional differences in the carotid artery exist between subjects with and without CAD. These findings provide compelling evidence that carotid MRI may be an effective screening tool for identifying subjects at risk from CAD.
Ultrasound directed self-assembly of three-dimensional user-specified patterns of particles in a fluid medium

We use ultrasound directed self-assembly to organize particles dispersed in a fluid medium into a three-dimensional (3D) user-specified pattern. The technique employs ultrasound transducers that line the boundary of a fluid reservoir to create a standing ultrasound wave field. The acoustic radiation force associated with the wave field drives particles dispersed in the fluid medium into organized patterns, assuming that the particles are much smaller than the wavelength and do not interact with each other. We have theoretically derived a direct solution method to calculate the ultrasound transducer operating parameters that are required to assemble a user-specified 3D pattern of particles in a fluid reservoir of arbitrary geometry. We formulate the direct solution method as a constrained optimization problem that reduces to eigendecomposition. We experimentally validate the solution method by assembling 3D patterns of carbon nanoparticles in a water reservoir and observe good quantitative agreement betwee...
Neural responses to social threat and predictors of cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy in social anxiety disorder

Previous research has often highlighted hyperactivity in emotion regions to simple, static social threat cues in social anxiety disorder (SAD). Investigation of the neurobiology of SAD using more naturalistic paradigms can further reveal underlying mechanisms and how these relate to clinical outcomes. We used fMRI to investigate responses to novel dynamic rejection stimuli in individuals with SAD (N=70) and healthy controls (HC; N=17), and whether these responses predicted treatment outcomes following cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Both HC and SAD groups reported greater distress to rejection compared to neutral social stimuli. At the neural level, HCs exhibited greater activations in social pain/rejection regions, including dorsal anterior cingulate cortex and anterior insula, to rejection stimuli. The SAD group evidenced a different pattern, with no differences in these rejection regions and relatively greater activations in the amygdala and other regions to neutral stimuli. Greater responses in anterior cingulate cortex and the amygdala to rejection vs. neutral stimuli predicted better CBT outcomes. In contrast, enhanced activity in sensory-focused posterior insula predicted ACT responses.
Psychosocial correlates of apparent treatment-resistant hypertension in the Jackson Heart Study

Psychosocial correlates of apparent treatment-resistant hypertension in the Jackson Heart Study
Interactions of Lymphocytes

This chapter discusses the interaction of lymphocytes. The major cells functioning in cellular and humoral immunity consist of lymphocytes and macrophages; those that may be considered to be the minor components consist of the granulocytes and mast cells. Among the vertebrates, lymphocytes have evolved into two types. Those that develop in ontogeny from the thymus are T cells, and those from the bursa of Fabricius of birds, or the bone marrow of mammals, are B cells. If the function of each cell type is viewed separately, it is easier to understand how they may function together in antibody synthesis. Macrophages are known to trap or to process antigen. T lymphocytes, aside from their role in cell-mediated immune reactions, are effective in antigen recognition. B-cells, when specifically triggered by antigen, synthesize and secrete antibody. Cooperation, presented simply, assumes that specific B-cell triggering requires at least two signals: (1) the binding of antigenic determinants to membrane immunoglobulin receptors; and (2) the reception of some other signal from cooperating T cells, macrophages, or from some intrinsic property of the antigen itself.
Adaptive Markov Chain Monte Carlo confidence intervals

In Adaptive Markov Chain Monte Carlo (AMCMC) simulation, classical estimators of asymptotic variances are inconsistent in general. In this work we establish that despite this inconsistency, confidence interval procedures based on these estimators remain consistent. We study two classes of confidence intervals, one based on the standard Gaussian limit theory, and the class of so-called fixed-b confidence intervals. We compare the two procedures by deriving upper bounds on their convergence rates. We establish that the rate of convergence of fixed-b variance estimators is at least log(n)/ √ n, while the convergence rate of the classical procedure is typically of order n−1/3. We use simulation examples to illustrate the results.
Characterization of Reentrant Circuit in Macroreentrant Right Atrial Tachycardia After Surgical Repair of Congenital Heart Disease Isolated Channels Between Scars Allow “Focal” Ablation

Background—The purpose of this study was to characterize the circuit of macroreentrant right atrial tachycardia (MacroAT) in patients after surgical repair of congenital heart disease (SR-CHD). Methods and Results—Sixteen patients with atrial tachycardia (AT) after SR-CHD were studied (atrial septal defect in 6, tetralogy of Fallot in 4, and Fontan procedure in 6). Electroanatomic right atrial maps were obtained during 15 MacroATs in 13 patients, focal AT in 1 patient, and atrial pacing in 2 patients without stable AT. A large area of low bipolar voltage (≤0.5 mV) involved most of the free wall in all patients and contained 2 to 7 dense scars or lines of double potentials, forming 29 narrow channels (width ≤2.7 cm) between scars in all but 1 patient, who had a single scar and only focal AT. All 15 MacroATs were propagated through narrow channels. Ablation within the channel eliminated all 15 MacroATs with 1 to 3 (median 1) radiofrequency applications. Ablation was performed in 9 other channels identified ...
Water Issues Related to Transitioning from Conventional to Unconventional Oil Production in the Permian Basin

The Permian Basin is being transformed by the “shale revolution” from a major conventional play to the world’s largest unconventional play, but water management is critical in this semiarid region. Here we explore evolving issues associated with produced water (PW) management and hydraulic fracturing water demands based on detailed well-by-well analyses. Our results show that although conventional wells produce ∼13 times more water than oil (PW to oil ratio, PWOR = 13), this produced water has been mostly injected back into pressure-depleted oil-producing reservoirs for enhanced oil recovery. Unconventional horizontal wells use large volumes of water for hydraulic fracturing that increased by a factor of ∼10–16 per well and ∼7–10 if normalized by lateral well length (2008–2015). Although unconventional wells have a much lower PWOR of 3 versus 13 from conventional wells, this PW cannot be reinjected into the shale reservoirs but is disposed into nonproducing geologic intervals that could result in overpres...
Numerical solution of multi-order fractional differential equations with multiple delays via spectral collocation methods

Abstract This paper discusses a general framework for the numerical solution of multi-order fractional delay differential equations (FDDEs) in noncanonical forms with irrational/rational multiple delays by the use of a spectral collocation method. In contrast to the current numerical methods for solving fractional differential equations, the proposed framework can solve multi-order FDDEs in a noncanonical form with incommensurate orders. The framework can also solve multi-order FDDEs with irrational multiple delays. Next, the framework is enhanced by the fractional Chebyshev collocation method in which a Chebyshev operation matrix is constructed for the fractional differentiation. Spectral convergence and small computational time are two other advantages of the proposed framework enhanced by the fractional Chebyshev collocation method. In addition, the convergence, error estimates, and numerical stability of the proposed framework for solving FDDEs are studied. The advantages and computational implications of the proposed framework are discussed and verified in several numerical examples.
Out-of-Pocket Spending and Premium Contributions After Implementation of the Affordable Care Act

Importance The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was associated with a reduced number of Americans who reported being unable to afford medical care, but changes in actual health spending by households are not known. Objectives To estimate changes in household spending on health care nationwide after implementation of the ACA. Design, Setting, and Participants Population-based data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey from January 1, 2012, through December 31, 2015, and multivariable regression were used to examine changes in out-of-pocket spending, premium contributions, and total health spending (out-of-pocket plus premiums) after the ACA’s coverage expansions on January 1, 2014. The study population included a nationally representative sample of US adults aged 18 to 64 years (n = 83 431). In addition, changes were assessed in the likelihood of exceeding affordability thresholds for each outcome and spending changes for income subgroups defined under the ACA to determine program eligibility at 138% or less, 139% to 250%, 251% to 400%, and greater than 400% of the federal poverty level (FPL). Exposure Implementation of the ACA’s major insurance programs on January 1, 2014. Main Outcomes and Measures Mean individual-level out-of-pocket spending and premium payments and the percentage of persons experiencing high-burden spending, defined as more than 10% of family income for out-of-pocket expenses, more than 9.5% for premium payments, and more than 19.5% for out-of-pocket plus premium payments. Results In this nationally representative survey of 83 431 adults (weighted frequency, 49.1% men and 50.9% women; median age, 40.3 years; interquartile range, 28.6-52.4 years), ACA implementation was associated with an 11.9% decrease (95% CI, −17.1% to −6.4%;P Conclusions and Relevance Implementation of the ACA was associated with reduced out-of-pocket spending, particularly for low-income persons. However, many of these individuals continue to experience high-burden out-of-pocket and premium spending. Repeal or substantial reversal of the ACA would especially harm poor and low-income Americans.
Hemostatic agent use in thyroid surgery: A meta-analysis

Background: The use of hemostatic agents in thyroid surgery has been widely reported in the literature. The aim of this study is to assess the safety and efficacy of hemostatic agents in comparison to conventional techniques for hemostasis by meta-analysis of the current literature. Methods: Articles were identified from PubMed and EMBASE using the following keyword searches: “hemostatic agent and thyroid surgery” and “hemostatic agent and thyroidectomy”. Outcomes included total operative time, estimated blood loss, length of hospital stay, and intraoperative and postoperative complications. Data were extracted following review of appropriate studies by two independent authors and outcome differences were calculated using analysis of variance and the Bonferroni method. Results: Thirty-four publications were identified and 10 studies met our inclusion criteria, totaling 941 patients, 519 (55.1%) of which received a hemostatic agent during thyroid surgery. Of these patients who had hemostatic agents, 369 (71%) received a hemostatic gel and 150 (29%) received an oxidized cellulose patch. Outcome measures in each of these groups were compared with the patients receiving only conventional methods of hemostasis. The risk of hematoma formation in the hemostatic gel group was comparable to conventional hemostatic methods (95% CI: 0.33, 2.59). This was also true when comparing conventional hemostasis to the patch (95% CI: 0.64, 15.24). No difference in the risk for seroma formation was found between the conventional and hemostatic gel groups (95% CI: 0.26, 3.95). Drain output was significantly less in the gel group 40.75±35.6 mL compared to 66.26±31.2 mL in the conventional group (95% CI: −23.422, −7.460). Patients who received hemostatic agents had shorter hospital stays when compared to the conventional group (95% CI: −1.057, −0.203). Conclusions: Our meta-analysis suggests that the use of a hemostatic agent in thyroid surgery yields minimal advantages for the management of perioperative bleeding risk.
The relationship between conflict events and commodity prices in Sudan

Abstract Though recent literature uncovers linkages between commodity prices and conflict, the causal direction of the relationship remains ambiguous. We attempt to contribute to this strand of research by studying the dynamic relationship of commodity prices and the onsets of conflict events in Sudan. Using monthly data ranging from January 2001 through December 2012, we identify a structural breakpoint in the multivariate time series model of prices of the three staple foods (sorghum, millet, and wheat) and conflict measure (number of conflict events) in September of 2011. Applying structural vector autoregression (SVAR) and linear non-Gaussian acyclic model (LiNGAM), we find that wheat price fluctuation is a root cause of conflict events in Sudan. We recommend several policy and programmatic suggestions structured toward production, subsidy, price regulation and support for rural farmers and consumers to stabilize commodity prices.
Concussion: a Primer for the Anesthesiologist

The purpose of this review is to provide a brief summary of the epidemiology and pathophysiology of concussion. We also address anesthesia utilization in patients with concussion and provide some recommendations for the management of patients with concussion in the perioperative period. Concussion is associated with alterations in brain homeostasis despite a lack of findings on imaging. These changes may persist over weeks independent of the absence or resolution of clinical manifestations. Multiple repeated concussions are associated with the development of chronic traumatic encephalopathy that consists of classic neuropathological and behavioral changes. The perioperative period represents a time where, following concussion, the vulnerable brain may be subject to secondary insults. Anesthesia to facilitate diagnostic and therapeutic procedures is common following concussion, especially immediately following concussion. Anesthesia professionals should have a high index of suspicion for concussion in patients with recent trauma. Elective procedures requiring anesthesia in patients with active symptoms of concussion should be postponed, if possible, until at least symptoms resolve. In patients receiving anesthesia following concussion, clinicians should strive to maintain cerebral homeostasis.
Other Fiduciary Duties: Implementing Loyalty and Care

This book chapter, prepared for the forthcoming Oxford Handbook of Fiduciary Law, canvasses the fiduciary duties other than the primary duties of loyalty and care. The core claim is that these other, subsidiary duties are field-specific elaborations of the primary duties of loyalty and care that implement those duties as applied to commonly recurring circumstances within the particular type or kind of fiduciary relationship. Together, the primary duties of loyalty and care, structured as open-ended standards, and the subsidiary duties, structured as rules or at least more specific standards, provide for fiduciary governance by a mix of rules, specific standards, and open-ended standards that mitigates the weaknesses of governance entirely by rules or standards alone. Fiduciary law thus improves on the familiar trope of rules versus standards as competing governance strategies. The increased specification provided by the subsidiary duties simplifies application of fiduciary obligation to cases that fall within their terms. But because the primary duties of loyalty and care remain operative, the specification for recurring matters provided by the subsidiary duties does not provide a roadmap for strategic avoidance behavior. If a fiduciary acts in a manner that is inimical to the principal’s interests and not addressed by a subsidiary duty, the principal may still invoke the open-ended primary duties of loyalty and care in challenging the fiduciary’s actions.
Toxicology of the Group III–V Intermetallic Semiconductor, Gallium Arsenide

Group IV elements in the ultrapure form are used in the manufacture of semiconductor devices and other components used in the electronics industry. The most common materials are made from crystalline or amorphous elemental silicon. In addition to these elements, it is also possible to prepare semiconductors from materials isoelectronic with the group IV elements, specifically, intermetallic compounds from group III-group V elements and from group II-group VI elements. This discussion will focus on the intermetallic compounds from group III (A1, Ga, In)-group V (P, As, Sb) elements and will describe results from studies on gallium arsenide (GaAs). It should be recognized that there are a large number of intermetal1ic compounds that have been made and could be used in electronic devices. These compounds not only include binary compounds, but also could include ternary and higher compounds of these elements╌e. g., AlGaAs.
A diptych reading of Christ’s transfiguration: trans and intersex aesthetics reveal baptismal identity

The synoptic Gospels describe Jesus Christ’s transfiguration not as a mode of ontological change, but rather as a means of revelation – that he is the second person of the Trinity. Through a diptyc...
Estimation of transducer translation using channel-domain correlation

Swept synthetic aperture imaging has been previously proposed as a method of extending the effective size of an ultrasound transducer to improve lateral resolution, especially at depth. This method requires precise knowledge of array position and orientation in space as it is moved across a field of view. Previous experimental realizations have used motorized translation stages or calibrated measurement arms to track the transducer. We demonstrate a 1 degree-of-freedom sweep device that constrains the transducer motion and enables a new channel-domain motion estimation method. This channel correlation method is compared against conventional speckle tracking motion estimation and the known applied motion from a motorized stage. Swept synthetic aperture was successfully performed in a phantom using both estimators without external position tracking to extend a 2 cm transducer over a 5 cm sweep and achieve a lateral resolution improvement of 70%.
A Critical Look at the 2019 College Admissions Scandal

As the college admissions scandal (Operation Varsity Blues) story evolved over the past year, the reporting covering it has reached a level of absurdity that is breathtaking. My breaking point came a few days ago, so I decided to try to contextualize the narrative. Here is a humble reality check for those who were misled into believing that this story is newsworthy. In the end, Operation Varsity Blues will produce little of enduring value beyond increasing media advertising revenue and advancing a few political careers.
Predictive Analytics for Roadway Maintenance: A Review of Current Models, Challenges, and Opportunities

With the pressing need to improve the poorly rated transportation infrastructure, asset managers leverage predictive maintenance strategies to lower the life cycle costs while maximizing or maintaining the performance of highways. Hence, the limitations of prediction models can highly impact prioritizing maintenance tasks and allocating budget. This study aims to investigate the potential of different predictive models in reaching an effective and efficient maintenance plan. This paper reviews the literature on predictive analytics for a set of highway assets. It also highlights the gaps and limitations of the current methodologies, such as subjective assumptions and simplifications applied in deterministic and probabilistic approaches. This article additionally discusses how these shortcomings impact the application and accuracy of the methods, and how advanced predictive analytics can mitigate the challenges. In this review, we discuss how advancements in technologies coupled with ever-increasing computing power are creating opportunities for a paradigm shift in predictive analytics. We also propose new research directions including the application of advanced machine learning to develop extensible and scalable prediction models and leveraging emerging sensing technologies for collecting, storing and analyzing the data. Finally, we addressed future directions of predictive analysis associated with the data-rich era that will potentially help transportation agencies to become information-rich.
A Comparison of Teacher and Student Ratings in a Self-Monitoring Intervention:

Self-monitoring interventions for students with challenging behavior are often teacher-managed rather than self-managed. Teachers direct these interventions by completing parallel monitoring proced...
Critical barriers to the large scale commercialization of silicon-containing batteries

Silicon has received a considerable amount of attention in the last few years because of its large lithiation capacity. Its widespread utilization in real-life lithium-ion batteries has so far been prevented by the plethora of challenges presented by this material. This review discusses the most promising technologies that have been put forward to address these issues. While silicon is now much closer to being compatible with commercial-grade storage devices, some critical barriers still deserve further attention. Most importantly, device performance is strongly dependent on particle size and size distribution, with these parameters strongly controlled by the particle synthesis technique. Moreover, the nanoparticle synthesis technique ultimately controls the material manufacturing cost and compatibility with large-scale utilization. These issues are discussed in detail, and recommendations to the community are provided.
Recurrent Fevers in a Triathlete.

Human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) is a tick-borne illness that typically causes a self-limited febrile illness. We describe herein a healthy triathlete who had recurrent fevers for six weeks as a result of HGA and discuss the impact of this patient's HGA on his metabolic fitness during training over a three month time period. We also review the literature for other cases of Ehrlichia and Anaplasma with prolonged courses.
Factors Associated With Early Return to Driving Following Total Joint Arthroplasty.

Abstract Background Patients often ask when they can safely return to driving a car following total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Most prior research has relied on driving simulators. Our study sought to learn more about real-world patient experiences in returning to driving after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) or total hip arthroplasty (THA). Methods Our institutional total joint registry was used to identify living patients aged 18-85 who underwent primary TKA or primary THA for a primary diagnosis of osteoarthritis between January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2019. Patients who had undergone multiple TJA operations in 2019 or had a primary mailing address outside of the United States were excluded. Ultimately 2508 eligible TJA patients received a survey by mail. Results A total of 1128 of 2508 eligible patients (45%) completed surveys and returned them by mail. After 121 surveys were discarded for incompletion, inconsistency, or limited preoperative driving volume, 1007 patients were included in our study. Among these patients, 99% returned to driving postoperatively, with 23% returning within 2 weeks, and 88% returning within 6 weeks. Factors associated with the odds of a patient returning to driving within 2 weeks included laterality, gender, postoperative confidence, postoperative comfort, and surgeon advice. Ten patients (1%) have been involved in a car accident postoperatively. Conclusion Almost all patients returned to driving postoperatively without being involved in a car accident. Gender, laterality, patient confidence, and comfort as well as surgeon advice were significantly associated with the odds of a patient returning to driving within 2 weeks postoperatively.
Pediatric Neurodevelopmental Delays in Children 0 to 5 Years of Age With Sickle Cell Disease: A Systematic Literature Review.

Introduction Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common abnormal genetic blood disease that affects ∼100,000 Americans. Approximately 20% to 37% of children with sickle cell anemia have silent cerebral infarcts by the age of 14 years old. Neurocognitive deficits are identified in infants and preschool children with SCD. The purpose of this systematic literature review is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the prevalence, severity, and the associated risk factors for neurodevelopmental delays (NDDs) in children with SCD 5 years of age and younger. Methods Systematic search of 6 databases identified 2467 potentially relevant publications and 8 were identified through a manual search. Only 24 articles met the inclusion criteria. Results We identified an increased prevalence of NDDs (cognitive, motor, or both). Children experienced deficits with language, attention and behavior, executive functioning, school readiness and/or academic performance, and motor skills (fine and gross motor functioning). Risk factors include silent cerebral infarcts and strokes, SCD genotype (HbSS>HbSC), other biological, and social factors. Conclusion NDDs are common in children ages 0 to 5 years old with SCD. There is an opportunity to improve adherence to national guideline recommendations and early detection practices by pediatricians, hematologists, and other health care providers.
Linguistic Conventions and Language

Conventions are important to a theory of language because they are the typical cause of a linguistic expression having its meaning. But, contrary to what some seem to think, conventions do not constitute the meanings of a language. And a linguistic convention is not constituted by the regularity it usually gives rise to. The literal meaning of a word in a person’s idiolect is constituted by her disposition to associate the word with that meaning in the production and comprehension of language. If she has that disposition because, in an appropriate way, other members of her community have it, then that meaning is conventional. John Collins, a follower of Chomsky, is highly critical of appeals to conventions in explaining language. Indeed, he doubts that talk of conventions could be theoretically respectable anywhere until it has been fully explained. I argue against this view. Chomsky himself claims that the “regularities in usage” needed for linguistic conventions “are few and scattered”. Furthermore, such conventions as there are do not have “any interesting bearing on the theory of meaning or knowledge of language”. I argue that these claims are very mistaken: there are many linguistic conventions and these are central to explaining language. The chapter concludes by discussing malapropisms and related phenomena in responding critically to Davidson’s claim that “there is no such thing as a language…we should give up the attempt to illuminate how we communicate by appeal to conventions”.
HPV Virology: Cellular Targets of HPV Oncogenes and Transformation

A subtype of head and neck cancer (HNC) characterized by infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) is clinically and molecularly distinct from classical HNC. In general these tumors arise in younger patients and respond better to therapy, while also expressing wild-type tumor suppressor proteins. Owing to these observations, efforts are currently being made to understand HPV+ HNC biology to improve clinical treatment regimens and develop novel therapeutic agents. To best predict which treatment strategies and novel therapeutics will have the most impact in patient care, a working understanding of how the HPV arsenal of oncogenes manipulates and transforms cells is crucial. This chapter will highlight the most important and clinically interesting cellular targets of the HPV oncogenes; the mechanisms by which the viral oncogenes subvert cell cycle checkpoints, DNA repair, immune surveillance, and cell death to promote malignant transformation; and promising future therapeutic options to target the functions of HPV oncogenes.
Comparison of two methods for solving three-dimensional unsteady compressible viscous flows

Numerical solutions of three-dimensional unsteady compressible viscous flows for several cases have been obtained using two time-marching procedures: a noniterative alternating direction implicit (ADI) scheme and a generalized minimal residual (GMRES) method using an iterative version of the ADI scheme as a preconditioner. Results obtained are compared with each other and also with experimental data. The GMRES scheme can reduce CPU time by as much as 60% compared to the noniterative ADI scheme
Review: power and information technology research: a metatriangulation review

This study uses a metatriangulation approach to explore the relationships between power and information technology impacts, development or deployment, and management or use in a sample of 82 articles from 12 management and MIS journals published between 1980 and 1999. We explore the multiple paradigms underlying this research by applying two sets of lenses to examine the major findings from our sample. The technological imperative, organizational imperative, and emergent perspectives (Markus and Robey 1988) are used as one set of lenses to better understand researchers' views regarding the causal structure between IT and organizational power. A second set of lenses, which includes the rational, pluralist, interpretive, and radical perspectives (Bradshaw-Camball and Murray 1991), is used to focus on researchers' views of the role of power and different IT outcomes. We apply each lens separately to describe patterns emerging from the previous power and IT studies. In addition, we discuss the similarities and differences that occur when the two sets of lenses are simultaneously applied. We draw from this discussion to develop metaconjectures, (i.e., propositions that can be interpreted from multiple perspectives), and to suggest guidelines for studying power in future research.
Effect of Bacteriophage Ghost Infection on Protein Synthesis in Escherichia coli

The rate of protein synthesis by Escherichia coli markedly decreased within 1 min after phage T4 infection, whereas a complete cessation of protein synthesis was observed within at least 25 sec after T4 ghost infection. The cellular level of amino acids and aminoacyl-transfer ribonucleic acid (tRNA) did not change drastically upon infection with ghosts, indicating that the inhibition of protein synthesis took place at a step(s) beyond aminoacyl-tRNA formation. The host messenger RNA remained intact and still bound to ribosomes shortly after ghost infection. Kinetic studies of the effect of ghosts on host protein synthesis revealed that nascent peptide chains on ribosomes were not released upon ghost infection.
What cannot be said in science

The scientific enterprise is full of experts on specialist areas but woefully short of people with a unified world-view. This state of affairs can only inhibit progress, and could threaten political and financial support for research.
An Overview of Variational Integrators

The purpose of this paper is to survey some recent advances in variational integrators for both finite dimensional mechanical systems as well as continuum mechanics. These advances include the general development of discrete mechanics, applications to dissipative systems, collisions, spacetime integration algorithms, AVI’s (Asynchronous Variational Integrators), as well as reduction for discrete mechanical systems. To keep the article within the set limits, we will only treat each topic briefly and will not attempt to develop any particular topic in any depth. We hope, nonetheless, that this paper serves as a useful guide to the literature as well as to future directions and open problems in the subject.
Gastric damage caused by acidified ethanol: role of molecular HCl

This study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that an increase in the concentration of molecular HCl in ethanolic solutions is at least partly responsible for the severity of damage seen with acidified ethanol. To accomplish this goal, we studied the synergistic relationship of HCl and ethanol by holding ethanol constant at 50% (vol/vol) and varying the acid concentration. In another experiment, acid concentration was held constant at 150 mM HCl, and the percentage of ethanol was varied. Our hypothesis was also tested by substituting sulfate for chloride to form H2SO4, a nonpermeant molecular acid. Results of our studies clearly showed that substitution of sulfate for chloride greatly reduced gastric damage, supporting the hypothesis that diffusion of molecular HCl is contributing to the damage by acidifying cells. In all cases, acidified ethanol solutions using HCl were more damaging than the individual components alone, and the severity of the damage caused by 50% ethanol was noted to be dependent on the concentration of HCl. We therefore conclude that the severity of acidified ethanol damage is dependent on cellular acidification caused by diffusion of molecular HCl.