cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Exogenous Thioredoxin Reduces Inflammation in Autoimmune Myocarditis

Levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are tightly regulated in mammalian cells. A variety of enzymes produce ROS, including NAD(P)H oxidase, xanthine oxidase, glucose oxidase, myeloperoxidase, the family of nitric oxide synthases, and mitochondrial enzymes.1–4 Low levels of ROS such as superoxide or hydrogen peroxide regulate highly specific targets.5,6 In the cardiovascular system, for example, ROS serve as signaling molecules, mediating vascular endothelial growth factor signal transduction, activating matrix metalloproteinases, and regulating cell cycle phosphatases. Host defenses that protect against oxidative stress include small antioxidant molecules such as ascorbate, α-tocopherol, glutathione, and thioredoxin (Trx), as well as antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, paraoxonase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, and Trx reductase. See p 1276 However, excessive oxidative stress—caused by either increased ROS production or inadequate antioxidant defenses—can lead to cardiovascular diseases. For example, genetic deficiency of glutathione peroxidase-1 is associated with increased levels of vascular hydrogen peroxide and arterial thrombosis.7,8 Another example of an imbalance in oxidant stress occurs when elevated levels of angiotensin II trigger excess ROS production by the vascular NAD(P)H oxidase Mox1, contributing to decreased nitric oxide bioavailability, endothelial dysfunction, and atherogenesis.9,10 Additionally, increased levels of ROS generated by xanthine oxidase in the heart impair cardiac energetics, playing a role in the development of cardiomyopathy.11,12 Finally, ROS may play …
A cytomegalovirus vaccine for transplantation: are we closer?

Cytomegalovirus (CMV), a betaherpesvirus, causes significant human morbidity and mortality. It is present in at least 60% of the US population [1], with a prevalence of >90% in high-risk groups, including men who have sex with men [2, 3]. In immunocompetent hosts, CMV infection is usually asymptomatic, but it persists throughout an individual's lifetime and has the potential to reactivate and cause disease. CMV also causes significant disease in newborns, which can result in sensorineural hearing loss, other central nervous system abnormalities, and death. In immunocompromised individuals, CMV is the most common viral cause of severe disease, including gastrointestinal manifestations and pneumonia in the transplant population and, in addition, retinitis in HIV-positive individuals [4,5].
Enlarged thalamic volumes and increased fractional anisotropy in the thalamic radiations in veterans with suicide behaviors.

Post-mortem studies have suggested a link between the thalamus, psychiatric disorders, and suicide. We evaluated the thalamus and anterior thalamic radiations (ATR) in a group of Veterans with and without a history of suicidal behavior (SB) to determine if thalamic abnormalities were associated with an increased risk of SB. Forty Veterans with mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) and no SB (TBI-SB), 19 Veterans with mild TBI and a history of SB (TB+SB) and 15 healthy controls (HC) underwent MRI scanning including a structural and diffusion tensor imaging scan. Suicidal behaviors were evaluated utilizing the Columbia Suicide Rating Scale and impulsivity was measured using the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS). Differences in thalamic volumes and ATR fractional anisotropy (FA) were examined between 1) TBI+SB versus HC and 2) TBI+SB versus combined HC and TBI-SB and 2) between TBI+SB and TBI-SB. Left and right thalamic volumes were significantly increased in those with TBI+SB compared to the HC, TBI-SB and the combined group. Veterans with TBI+SB had increased FA bilaterally compared to the HC, HC and TBI-SB group, and the TBI-SB only group. Significant positive associations were found for bilateral ATR and BIS in the TBI+SB group. Our findings of thalamic enlargement and increased FA in individuals with TBI+SB suggest that this region may be a biomarker for suicide risk. Our findings are consistent with previous evidence indicating that suicide may be associated with behavioral disinhibition and frontal-thalamic-limbic dysfunction and suggest a neurobiologic mechanism that may increase vulnerability to suicide.
Incremental estimation of dense depth maps from image sequences

The authors introduce a novel pixel-based (iconic) algorithm that estimates depth and depth uncertainty at each pixel and incrementally refines these estimates over time. They describe the algorithm for translations parallel to the image plane and contrast its formulation and performance to that of a feature-based Kalman filtering algorithm. They compare the performance of the two approaches by analyzing their theoretical convergence rates, by conducting quantitative experiments with images of a flat poster, and by conducting qualitative experiments with images of a realistic outdoor scene model. The results show that the method is an effective way to extract depth from lateral camera translations and suggest that it will play an important role in low-level vision. >
Invasive echocardiography: the use of catheter imaging by the interventional cardiologist.

Ultrasound imaging is frequently used for diagnostic purposes or guidance during procedures in the pediatric and congenital cardiac catheterization laboratory. As new imaging modalities emerged, many interventional cardiologists rather than noninvasive specialists are now performing the ultrasound imaging as part of the catheterization. The focus of this discussion will be to detail the technique and application of echocardiography by the interventional cardiologist.
First case of Tsukamurella pulmonis infection in an immunocompetent patient

1755-0017/$ – see front matter 2009 Elsevier Ltd. doi:10.1016/j.rmedc.2009.02.004 We report a case of pneumonia due to Tsukamurella pulmonis in a 76-year-old immunocompetent woman with chronic pulmonary disease. Microbiological diagnosis was made by bacteriological and molecular means and infection was cured by empirical antibiotic treatment. This work highlights the potential role of Tsukamurella in pathogenesis of pneumonia in immunocompetent patients.
Life History Variation in the Yazoo Shiner (Notropis Rafinesquei) in Three Mississippi Streams

ABSTRACT We investigated the life history and demographics of Notropis rafinesquei (Cyprinidae) in three streams in north Mississippi, USA, over 2 y. Size at maturity (22.5–29.3 mm SL) and the timing and duration of the reproductive period (Apr.–Aug.) were similar among all three streams in both years. We consistently detected two young-of-the-year cohorts, one strong cohort appearing in early summer and the other of varying strength in fall. In contrast, we found striking variation in most other life history traits including female length, body weight, clutch size, ova diameter and sex ratios, despite the close geographic proximity of these populations. Life history traits of all other species in the Notropis longirostris clade (N. ammophilus, N. longirostris and N. sabinae) are similar to N. rafinesquei, but like N. rafinesquei, vary widely among and within species. The highly plastic nature of reproductive traits in N. rafinesquei and other members of the N. longirostris clade is likely an important ad...
Asteroids: Relics of Ancient Time

Preface Acknowledgments 1. It's a small world 2. A night at the zoo 3. It came from outer space 4. A day at the museum 5. The gambler's fallacy 6. Remembrance of things past 7. The ties that bind 8. Terra incognita 9. To your scattered bodies go 10. Scouts, sappers, and miners Glossary References Index.
Quantitative trait evolution with arbitrary mutational models

When models of quantitative genetic variation are built from population ge- netic first principles, several assumptions are often made. One of the most important assumptions is that traits are controlled by many genes of small effect. This leads to a prediction of a Gaussian trait distribution in the population, via the Central Limit Theorem. Since these biological assumptions are often unknown or untrue, we charac- terized how finite numbers of loci or large mutational effects can impact the sampling distribution of a quantitative trait. To do so, we developed a neutral coalescent-based framework, allowing us to experiment freely with the number of loci and the underlying mutational model. Through both analytical theory and simulation we found the nor- mality assumption was highly sensitive to the details of the mutational process, with the greatest discrepancies arising when the number of loci was small or the mutational kernel was heavy-tailed. In particular, fat-tailed mutational kernels result in multimodal sampling distributions for any number of loci. Since selection models and robust neutral models may produce qualitatively similar sampling distributions, we advise extra caution should be taken when interpreting model-based results for poorly understood systems of quantitative traits.
Standards and Barriers in Acute Stroke Therapy: A Leap Forward in the Evolution of Endovascular Interventions for Stroke.

Whether interventional approaches to stroke neurology have lagged behind those aimed at heart attack—for reasons biological or practical—are topics for another day. However, the balance has changed. Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) was first approved in the United States for intravenous
A Recommendation for Standard EEG Montages

(1977). A Recommendation for Standard EEG Montages. American Journal of EEG Technology: Vol. 17, No. 2, pp. 105-114.
Facilitators and Barriers to Care for Haitian Americans with HIV or AIDS

Abstract Since the outbreak of HIV/AIDS in the 1980s, Haitian Americans living in the United States have not only been one of the groups most affected by HIV/AIDS, but also one of most underserved groups in relation to health and social services. This ethnographic study explores facilitators and barriers to health and social services, which have been identified by Haitian Americans infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS, and provides recommendations to health and social service providers for improving access to services for this population.
‘Being’ a critical multicultural pedagogue in the art education classroom

ABSTRACTArt educators continuously struggle to understand what multiculturalism ‘looks like’ in the art classroom. This has resulted in multicultural art education becoming superficial, in which art teachers guide students through art projects like creating African masks, Native American dream catchers, Aboriginal totems, and sand paintings, all without communicating the context of the art. This type of multiculturalism essentializes cultures, and builds Western, myopic narratives about groups of people, specifically about their ‘Art’. Critical multiculturalism is a power-focused upgrade of multiculturalism that calls for a critique of power and demands recognition that racism and other discriminations are enmeshed in the fabric of our social order. Teaching through a critical multiculturalism framework helps teachers dismantle Western, normalized narratives and produce counter-hegemonic curriculum that contextualizes culture and reveals its fluidity. In this article, the author shares a teacher action re...
Health Management Status of Xuzhou City Community Health Service Center

Objective: To study the health management work problems and residents literacy understanding situation in Jiangsu Xuzhou community health service centers. Methods: The literature retrieval and the quantitative surrey were combined in this study. Study the health literacy of Xuzhou residents and health management satisfaction, to understand the problems. Results: the youth group correct rate of health knowledge, health behavior were significantly higher than that of old group. The differences were statistically significant(P0.05). For residents the planned immunization work, prevention and treatment of infectious diseases and maternal and child health care work showed a high degree of satisfaction. But in health education and medical staff satisfaction were poor. There still exist many problems in the health management mechanism. Conclusion: There is a big age difference in health literacy in Xuzhou city residents. Residents of health management satisfaction should be improved. It is important to strengthen the reference with innovation, establish the operation mechanism with Chinese characteristics as soon as possible.
Study on Plastic Film Mulching and Sowing Directly Technology of Hybrid Glutinous Sorghum in Southeast Sichuan

[Objective]The aim was to solve the correlation technology problems during plastic film mulching and sowing directly of hybrid glutinous sorghum,such as varieties selection and sowing depth,and to provide a technological basis for promotion of plastic film mulching and sowing directly. [Method]The split plot experiment design was used,and the main treatment was plastic film mulching depth(the plastic film mulching depth was 3,6,9 cm,resp.,marked for A1,A2,A3,conventional seedling transplanting was taking as control,marked for A0),the deputy treatment was 3 sorghum varieties( Sichuan waxy sorghum No. 1,Luzhou glutinous No. 12 and Luzhou glutinous No. 8 was marked for B1,B2,B3). [Result]In three varieties,the lodging rate of Luzhou glutinous No. 12 was the lowest,the emergence rate of Sichuan waxy sorghum No. 1 was the highest,ant both the lodging rate and the emergence rate decreased with the increase of sowing depth. The emergence rate of Luzhou glutinous No. 12 of sowing 3 cm depth directly and Sichuan waxy sorghum No. 1 of sowing 6 cm depth directly were high and their lodging rate were low. Plastic film mulching and sowing directly made the growth period of hybrid glutinous sorghum obviously shortened,plant height increased significantly,while sowing depth had no significant effects on their growth period and plant height. The growth and plant height of Luzhou glutinous No. 12 and Sichuan waxy sorghum No. 1 were shorter. The yield of Sichuan waxy sorghum No. 1of plastic film mulching and sowing directly was the highest,and significantly higher than the other two varieties,significantly higher than the same period of seedling transplanting,but the three sowing depth had no significant effect on yield. [Conclusion]Sichuan waxy sorghum No.1 is most suitable for plastic film mulching and sowing directly,sowing depth of 6 cm is the best.
Current management of esophageal varices.

Despite impressive progress in the understanding of the etiology, pathophysiology, and natural history of portal hypertension, the mortality remains high. Two aspects of the problem are focused upon: In the individual with active upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding, are varices present and are they the source of bleeding? When varices are identified as the source of bleeding, what are the therapeutic options open to the surgeon?
Radiation-Enhanced Diffusion and Defect Reaction Rate Theory

We have developed an understanding of the formation of point defects, their motion or diffusion in a solid, and the configurations of some of the common types of defect clusters encountered in irradiated and unirradiated metals. Clearly, the formation, growth, and dissolution of defect aggregates such as voids, dislocation loops depend upon the diffusion of point defects and their reaction with the defect aggregates.
Overview of the 2016 U.S. Food and Drug Administration Circulatory System Devices Advisory Panel Meeting on the Absorb Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffold System.

Abstract Objectives This study aims to describe the discussions and recommendations made during the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Circulatory System Device Panel pre-market approval application for the Absorb Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffold (BVS) System. Background The Absorb BVS System is a first-of-its-kind fully bioresorbable percutaneous coronary intervention technology. The absorb BVS was studied in the ABSORB III (A Clinical Evaluation of Absorb BVS, the Everolimus Eluting Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffold in the Treatment of Subjects with de Novo Native Coronary Artery Lesions) trial, the pivotal U.S. investigational device exemption trial. Methods Observational report of the FDA Circulatory System Device Panel pre-market approval application meeting held on March 15, 2016. Results The U.S. FDA Circulatory System Device Panel members reviewed the ABSROB III trial outcomes and additional post hoc analyses presented by the sponsor and the FDA. The ABSORB III trial met the primary endpoint of noninferiority of Absorb BVS compared with the control, XIENCE drug-eluting stent, for target lesion failure at 1 year. Although a higher numerical trend for adverse outcomes was reported for the Absorb BVS, there were no statistical differences between Absorb BVS and XIENCE for any safety or effectiveness components for target lesion failure or for the secondary pre-specified outcomes. Panel members raised concerns with regard to the ABSORB III results and post hoc analyses focusing mainly on the noninferiority design of the trial, the apparent safety issues of the Absorb BVS in small vessels, the mismatch of visually versus intravascular imaging assessed vessel size found in ABSORB III and its implications on the adequate device labeling, the safety of Absorb BVS in specific patient and lesion subsets, and the post-approval commitments of the sponsor. Conclusions Following panel discussions and the evidence presented, the panel voted for approval of the device.
Credentialing: Safe for Another 800 Years?

Credentialing has been important since the medieval university. A credible university’s graduates bore approval of edicts by the Pope or the King. Because the university’s purposes now include vocational training, students want a credential which trumpets their legitimacy in their chosen vocation.
Nitrogen-doped nanocarbon materials under electroreduction operating conditions and implications for electrocatalysis of CO2

Abstract We have used Kohn-Sham density functional theory with atomistic thermodynamics to identify various forms of N-doped graphene basal planes and nanoribbons that are thermodynamically relevant for CO 2 electroreductions. Using our computational results, we derive phase diagrams for different nanocarbon structures, and we report which structures are suitable for hydrogen transfers to CO 2 with low overpotentials. With the incorporation of N atoms, standard reduction potentials resulting in hydrogenated surfaces become less negative, and this effectively opens pathways for hydrogen atom shuttling to CO 2 with reversibly hydrogenating nanocarbon catalysts. Of all morphologies considered, N-doped zigzag nanocarbon edges are most favorable for energetically efficient CO 2 electroreductions.
Native T1 Mapping Demonstrating Apical Thrombi in Eosinophilic Myocarditis Associated with Churg-Strauss Syndrome

Eosinophilic myocarditis is a disease characterized by eosinophilic infiltration of the myocardium, consisting of acute necrotic stage, thrombotic stage, and fibrotic stage. Although T1 mapping has been increasingly used in various cardiac pathologies, there has been no report of T1 mapping in eosinophilic myocarditis. We report a case of 75-year-old female with eosinophilic myocarditis, whose cardiac magnetic resonance imaging included native T1 mapping, in which apical thrombi were distinctly seen as areas with decreased T1 values, next to areas of inflammation seen as increased T1 value in subendocardium.
Which Graphs Do We Consider

This chapter discusses the graphs with which we shall work, as well as several graph-theoretical tools. Except for the basic definitions in Sect. 2.1–2.3 the reader should skip the remaining parts of this chapter until the need for them arises.
Fool Me Thrice: The Evolving Story of Multiply Recurrent Clostridium difficile Infection

Ma and colleagues report a retrospective cohort study to address gaps in our knowledge about mrCDI. The editorialists discuss the study's findings and limitations and why a better understanding of ...
Organic farmer perceptions of reduced tillage: A Michigan farmer survey

A common critique of organic farming is that it is very tillage intensive, and therefore deleterious to soil quality. However, little information is available on the tillage practices currently employed by organic farmers, as well as organic farmers’ attitudes toward reduced tillage (RT). To address these knowledge gaps, a detailed written survey of Michigan organic field crop and vegetable farmers was conducted to investigate their current tillage practices, as well as their perceptions of the barriers and benefits to adoption of RT. Respondents reported a wide range in tillage frequency and intensity, both across and within production of specific crops, with operations split evenly between field preparation and cultivation. Compared with field crop growers, vegetable growers were generally smaller scale and relied more heavily on a limited set of tillage (e.g., rototiller) and cultivation tools. Interest in adoption of RT practices among respondents was low to moderate with median Likert scale ratings (0–7 scale with 0 representing no interest and 7 extreme interest) of 4 or less for all forms of RT. Vegetable growers were most interested in permanent beds, rotational tillage and strip tillage, whereas field crop growers were most interested in rotational tillage and strip tillage. The greatest perceived benefits to adoption of RT were improved soil quality and fuel savings. Both groups ranked weeds, impacts on yields, residue management and crop establishment as high barriers to RT adoption. Vegetable growers also cited lack of scale appropriate equipment as a major barrier. Survey results suggest that future research efforts should focus on overcoming key barriers to adoption, such as weed management and access to low-cost adaptable RT equipment rather than reiterating relatively well-known soil quality benefits. Our results also suggest that promotion of incremental reductions in the frequency and intensity of tillage operations on organic farms may be more realistic and equally valuable compared with promotion of more extreme forms of RT such as no-till.
Asthma Morbidity, Comorbidities, and Modifiable Factors among Older Adults

Background Asthma morbidity is increased among older adults, especially older adult women. Interventions to improve asthma control in this population are not well described. Objective The objective of this study was to identify risk factors (including modifiable factors) associated with asthma-related hospitalizations and emergency department or urgent care center visits (ED/UCV) among older adults. A secondary objective was to investigate sex differences in variables relevant to asthma control. Methods Data were obtained from 14,076 older adults ≥65 years with active asthma participating in the 2006-2010 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Asthma Call-back Survey (a random-digit dialed survey) in 40 US states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, representative of >2.6 million persons. Weighted, adjusted logistic regression was conducted. Results One or more asthma-related hospitalizations in the past year were reported by 5.7% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 5.0% to 6.4%) of participants; 10.6% (95% CI = 9.7% to 11.5%) reported ≥1 asthma-related ED/UCV. Compared with older adults without asthma-related hospitalizations, adjusted odds were higher among those with ≥1 asthma-related hospitalization for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), coronary artery disease, depression, cockroaches or mold in the home, and cost barriers to asthma-related health care or medication. All these factors, except for cockroaches, were associated with asthma-related ED/UCV. Compared with males, adjusted odds were higher among females for COPD, depression, obesity, and cost barriers to asthma-related health care or medication. Conclusions Among older adults, asthma-related hospitalizations and ED/UCV were associated with clinical comorbidities, mold in the home, and financial barriers to asthma-related health care. Interventions addressing modifiable factors could reduce asthma morbidity among older adults.
Counteracting Ascarosides Act through Distinct Neurons to Determine the Sexual Identity of C. elegans Pheromones

Sex pheromones facilitate reproduction by attracting potential mates and altering their behavior and physiology. In C. elegans, males and hermaphrodites secrete similar blends of pheromone molecules, two of which are present in different relative concentrations: ascr#3, which is more abundant in hermaphrodites, and ascr#10, which is more abundant in males. It is not currently understood how this compositional difference results in sex-specific effects, for example, the slower aging of the hermaphrodite germline in the presence of physiologically relevant concentrations of male pheromones. Here we report three key elements of the mechanism responsible for this phenomenon. First, ascr#3 counters the activity of ascr#10. This antagonism decreases the magnitude and the sensitivity of the hermaphrodite response to the male pheromone, restricting it to situations in which the presence of a male could be inferred with high confidence. Second, hermaphrodites recognize pheromone as male if the concentration of ascr#10 is higher than that of ascr#3. Third, the response to ascr#10 requires TRPV channel function in the ADL neurons and the daf-7 signaling from the ASI neurons, whereas the response to ascr#3 relies on cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-gated channels and activity of the ASJ, AWB, and AWC neurons. These results argue that the counteracting activities of distinct neuronal circuits determine the sexual identity of the pheromone. The parallels between this mechanism and other signaling systems suggest that diverse organisms may perform particular neuronal computations using similar general principles.
Fabrication of High Content Carbon Nanotube–Polyurethane Sheets with Tailorable Properties

We have fabricated carbon nanotube (CNT)–polyurethane (TPU) sheets via a one-step filtration method that uses a TPU solvent/nonsolvent combination. This solution method allows for control of the composition and processing conditions, significantly reducing both the filtration time and the need for large volumes of solvent to debundle the CNTs. Through an appropriate selection of the solvents and tuning the solvent/nonsolvent ratio, it is possible to enhance the interaction between the CNTs and the polymer chains in solution and improve the CNT exfoliation in the nanocomposites. The composition of the nanocomposites, which defines the characteristics of the material and its mechanical properties, can be precisely controlled. The highest improvements in tensile properties were achieved at a CNT:TPU weight ratio around 35:65 with a Young’s modulus of 1270 MPa, stress at 50% strain of 35 MPa, and strength of 41 MPa, corresponding to ∼10-fold improvement in modulus and ∼7-fold improvement in stress at 50% stra...
Temperature dependence of the energy bandgap of multi-layer hexagonal boron nitride

The temperature dependence of the energy bandgap of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) has been probed via photoluminescence emission characteristics of a donor-to-acceptor pair transition in a 20-layer h-BN epilayer. The results indicate that the universal behavior of bandgap decreasing with temperature is absent in multi-layer h-BN. Below 100 K, the bandgap energy variation with temperature, Eg vs. T, is dominated by the electron-phonon coupling and conforms to the common behavior of redshift with an increase in temperature. At T > 100 K, the bandgap shows an unusual blueshift with temperature, which can be attributed to the unique behavior of the in-plane thermal expansion coefficient of h-BN that becomes negative above around 60 K. Although both graphite and h-BN have negative thermal expansion coefficients in a broad temperature range, graphite has a zero energy bandgap, which makes h-BN a unique semiconductor to exhibit this unusual temperature dependence of the energy bandgap.
Imaging for Maxillofacial Surgery

The perioperative imaging assessment of maxillofacial surgery patients encompasses a broad range of conditions. This chapter will focus on the imaging assessment in the setting of trauma, non-traumatic emergencies, and oncology and will use numerous case examples to illustrate how different imaging modalities are utilized.
A Cyfip2-Dependent Excitatory Interneuron Pathway Establishes the Innate Startle Threshold

Sensory experiences dynamically modify whether animals respond to a given stimulus, but it is unclear how innate behavioral thresholds are established. Here, we identify molecular and circuit-level mechanisms underlying the innate threshold of the zebrafish startle response. From a forward genetic screen, we isolated five mutant lines with reduced innate startle thresholds. Using whole-genome sequencing, we identify the causative mutation for one line to be in the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP)-interacting protein cyfip2. We show that cyfip2 acts independently of FMRP and that reactivation of cyfip2 restores the baseline threshold after phenotype onset. Finally, we show that cyfip2 regulates the innate startle threshold by reducing neural activity in a small group of excitatory hindbrain interneurons. Thus, we identify a selective set of genes critical to establishing an innate behavioral threshold and uncover a circuit-level role for cyfip2 in this process.
Synthesis of halide glasses by reactive processing of sol-gel materials: Code: H2

This paper aims to introduce fluoride materials, their conventional processing and how sol-gel processing can be used both to simplify processing and to improve properties. A multistep process incorporating sol-gel synthesis and reactive treatment is used to prepare a monolithic ZBLA fluoride glass. The first step is synthesis of a porous, monolithic, atomically homogeneous hydrous oxide gel containing zirconium, barium, lanthanum, aluminum and possibly sodium as components (ZBLA or ZBLAN). The second step is a relatively low-temperature reactive treatment of the gel with a fluorinating agent to achieve a porous fluoride glass. Subsequently, the gel is viscous sintered to a dense glass. The present status and future challenges in the preparation of optical-quality fluoride glasses via this method will be presented.
MECHANISTIC STUDIES ON THE INHIBITION OF CYTOCHROME P-450-MEDIATED MIXED FUNCTION OXIDATION

Stable type III optical difference spectra with dual Soret peaks at 427nm and 455nm are observed following incubation of many methylenedioxyphenyl (MDP) compounds with NADPH-fortified microsomal suspensions and are thought to represent inhibitory MDP-carbene complexes with ferrocytochrome P-450. Under similar conditions MDP compounds also generate carbon monoxide from the methylenic carbon of the MDP ring. Carbon monoxide production is correlated with the Hammett sigma constants of the aromatic substituent and appears to result from spontaneous breakdown of the 455nm spectral complex. Studies with both microsomal suspensions and reconstituted systems incorporating individual purified cytochrome P-450s have established that MDP compounds exhibit considerable selectivity in their inhibitory interactions with different forms of cytochrome P-450. MDP complexes with dual Soret peaks are formed only with cytochrome P-450 (phenobarbital-type). MDP complexes with cytochrome P-448 (3-methylcholanthrene-type) show only a 456nm spectral peak. Only reactions catalyzed by cytochrome P-450 are susceptible to inhibition by MDP compounds. It is concluded that the inhibitory activity of MDP compounds is closely associated with formation of the 427nm spectral complex and that the 455nm complex is of little or no significance to inhibition. These findings are discussed in terms of the possible nature and mechanism of the inhibitory interactions of MDP compounds with cytochrome P-450.
Chapter 10 Testing trade theories and predicting trade flows

Publisher Summary The major obstacle to the testing of trade theories has been the difficulty of constructing tests that is theoretically sound. The intuitive content of most trade theories is quite simple and straightforward. But empirical tests of the theories are often faulted on the grounds that they test propositions that do not derive rigorously from the theories. The problem seems to lie in the theories themselves, which are seldom stated in forms that are compatible with the real world complexities that empirical research cannot escape. This chapter discusses the problems that arise in testing trade theories independent of the theory being tested. To the extent that many of the specific explanations of trade have a common foundation in the theory of comparative advantage, they also share some of the same empirical complications, and it is useful to look at these before becoming immersed in the particular problems that arise from specific theories. The chapter reviews the empirical tests and implementations of the Ricardian theory, the Heckscher–Ohlin theory, and the technology theory. The chapter also reviews an assortment of other approaches to trade. These include both recently articulated theories that have not yet been tested, such as the monopolistic competition model, and empirical tests that have been done without benefit of theory, such as the so-called gravity models.
Cross Component Optimization for Modern LTE Downlink Shared Channel Implementation

Field-programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) arethe preferred technology for implementing Software DefinedRadios (SDRs). This is increasingly true for LTE as the paceof LTE releases is very fast, and flexibility as well as speed ofimplementation is required. We have modeled and implementedthe whole LTE Downlink Shared Channel (DL-SCH) processingchain in FPGA hardware. We show that it is important toconsider the whole DL-SCH processing chain's design whenallocating data buffers. Prior work looked at each elementin the processing chain in isolation, while we make use ofcross-component optimization, which can save 20% or more ofBRAMs. This savings helps us to keep up with the requirementsof newer LTE releases.
Atomic-Scale Structure and Stress Release Mechanism in Core-Shell Nanoparticles.

Core–shell nanoparticles find applications in catalysts, sensors, and theranostics. The full internal 3D atomic structure, however, cannot be resolved by current imaging and diffraction techniques....
Risk factors for 30-day readmission following hip arthroscopy.

Hip arthroscopy is known to be safe with low rates of postoperative complications. The purpose of this study is to evaluate hip arthroscopy cases in a national surgical database to identify risk factors associated with readmission. The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried from 2012 to 2016 for current procedural terminology billing codes related to hip arthroscopy. International Classification of Diseases diagnostic codes were used to exclude cases involving infection, fracture, or open procedures. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors associated with 30-day readmission. 1493 patients were identified who had undergone hip arthroscopy. The most common procedures were labral resection or chondroplasty (n = 589, 39.5%) and femoroplasty (n = 527, 35.3%). The 30-day complication rate was 1.7% and the most common complications following the procedure were bleeding (n = 12, 0.8%) superficial infections (n = 5, 0.3%), and returning to the operating room (n = 4, 0.3%). The 30-day readmission rate was 1.3%. On multivariate analysis, hypertension requiring anti-hypertensive medication (odds ratio [OR], 3.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4–8.7) and chronic corticosteroid or immunosuppressant use (OR 7.2; 95% CI 1.9–26.7) were identified as independent risk factors for readmission. There was no difference in complication rates when hip arthroscopy was performed with isolated femoroplasty (n = 340), isolated acetabuloplasty (n = 103), both (n = 187) or neither (n = 863). These findings confirm that the 30-day readmission (1.3%) and complication rate (1.7%) are low for isolated hip arthroscopy procedures; however, hypertension and chronic steroid use are independent risk factors for readmission. Retrospective comparative study, Level III.
A new metal–organic open framework enabling facile synthesis of carbon encapsulated transition metal phosphide/sulfide nanoparticle electrocatalysts

Engineering 3d to 5d nonprecious transition metal electrocatalysts to demonstrate both high activity and superior durability for both the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), which would be ideal for enabling low-cost hydrogen production from water splitting, remains a serious challenge. Herein, we report the rational design and experimental realization of a new metal–organic open framework (MOF) to enable a facile and scalable synthesis of transition metal phosphide (TMP) and sulfide (TMS) composite nanoparticle electrocatalysts encapsulated by heteroatom-doped carbon (TMP/C and TMS/C) as bifunctional electrocatalysts for water splitting. Using this new MOF, we synthesized NiP/NiFeP/C and MoWS/MoP/C composite nanoparticle electrocatalysts that exhibited outstanding electrocatalytic activities and durability that are among the higher values reported in the literature for HER and OER electrocatalysts. A two-electrode water-splitting device using our bifunctional NiP/NiFeP/C catalyst reached 10 mA cm−2 at a cell voltage of 1.53 V and 100 mA cm−2 at 1.68 V in 1.0 M KOH. The device showed excellent stability for overall water splitting with almost 98% retention of its initial current of 100 mA cm−2 for over 20 h. Our results demonstrate the versatility of the new MOF to synthesize highly active and stable TM-based electrocatalysts for water splitting.
Escaping the routine: Unlocking group intervention

Courses: Campaigns, Account Planning, Public Relations (PR), and any other strategic communication course where groups are assigned.Objectives: The purpose of this single-class escape-room activity...
Cascoded Ring Amplifiers for High Speed and High Accuracy Settling

This paper presents a method of biasing high gain ring amplifiers with cascoded output stages while retaining the high slew capability of the ring amplifier. The proposed method biases all devices in the output stage using voltages from the previous stage made available by a resistor ladder. Transistor level simulations of a ring amplifier in a 65nm CMOS process are presented showing 80dB settling accuracy within 2ns. The design is used in a switched capacitor amplification configuration with a closed loop gain of 64.
The tax-rate induced bond substitution hypothesis and the traditional textbook treatment of the relationship between tax-free and taxable bond yields

ABSTRACTThis empirical study posits and tests the ‘tax-rate induced bond substitution hypothesis,’ wherein the propensity for bond buyers to substitute tax-exempt municipal bonds for taxable bonds ...
Design of the multi-ion injector linac for the JLAB EIC (JLEIC)

An Electron Ion Collider (EIC) is the highest priority for future U.S. accelerator-based nuclear physics facility following the completion of the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB). Two laboratories are competing to host the future EIC: Brookhaven National Lab. (BNL) and Jefferson Lab. (JLab). The baseline design of JLab’s Electron Ion Collider (JLEIC) ion complex comprises a pulsed superconducting (SC) linac injector capable of accelerating all ions from protons to lead, where proton and light ion beams can be polarized. After reviewing the design requirements for the injector linac, important design choices such as the room-temperature (RT) section design, the transition energy between the RT and SC sections and the stripping energy for heavy ions will be discussed. The design of the different linac sections will be presented as well as the results of end-to-end beam dynamics simulations for polarized deuterons and un-polarized lead ions.
The Management of Chronic Insomnia Disorder and Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Synopsis of the 2019 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and U.S. Department of Defense Clinical Practice Guidelines.

Description In September 2019, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) approved a new joint clinical practice guideline for assessing and managing patients with chronic insomnia disorder and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This guideline is intended to give health care teams a framework by which to screen, evaluate, treat, and manage the individual needs and preferences of VA and DoD patients with either of these conditions. Methods In October 2017, the VA/DoD Evidence-Based Practice Work Group initiated a joint VA/DoD guideline development effort that included clinical stakeholders and conformed to the Institute of Medicine's tenets for trustworthy clinical practice guidelines. The guideline panel developed key questions, systematically searched and evaluated the literature, created three 1-page algorithms, and advanced 41 recommendations using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) system. Recommendations This synopsis summarizes the key recommendations of the guideline in 3 areas: diagnosis and assessment of OSA and chronic insomnia disorder, treatment and management of OSA, and treatment and management of chronic insomnia disorder. Three clinical practice algorithms are also included.
The design and implementation of restraint devices for the injection of pathogenic microorganisms into Galleria mellonella.

The injection of laboratory animals with pathogenic microorganisms poses a significant safety risk because of the potential for injury by accidental needlestick. This is especially true for researchers using invertebrate models of disease due to the small size of the animals and the required precision and accuracy of the injection. The immobilization of the greater wax moth larvae ( Galleria mellonella ) is often achieved by grasping a larva firmly between finger and thumb. Needle resistant gloves or forceps can be used to reduce the risk of a needlestick but can result in animal injury, a loss of throughput, and inconsistencies in experimental data. Immobilization devices are commonly used for the manipulation of small mammals, and in this manuscript, we describe the construction of injection chambers that can be used to entrap and restrain G. mellonella larvae prior to injection with pathogenic microbes. These devices significantly reduce the manual handling of larvae and provide protection against accidental needlestick injury while maintaining a high rate of injection.
MethylationToActivity: a deep-learning framework that reveals promoter activity landscapes from DNA methylomes in individual tumors

Although genome-wide DNA methylomes have demonstrated their clinical value as reliable biomarkers for tumor detection, subtyping, and classification, their direct biological impacts at the individual gene level remain elusive. Here we present MethylationToActivity (M2A), a machine learning framework that uses convolutional neural networks to infer promoter activities (H3K4me3 and H3K27ac enrichment) from DNA methylation patterns for individual genes. Using publicly available datasets in real-world test scenarios, we demonstrate that M2A is highly accurate and robust in revealing promoter activity landscapes in various pediatric and adult cancers, including both solid and hematologic malignant neoplasms.
Utility of Mycobacterium tuberculosis PCR in ruling out active disease and impact on isolation requirements in a low prevalence setting.

Abstract Objective To analyze and interpret clinical microbiology data for specimens tested with the fluorochrome stain (AFB stain), mycobacterial culture and a laboratory-developed Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) PCR in order to understand the performance of each test and to demonstrate the utility of MTB PCR to assist with decisions regarding discontinuation of airborne isolation. Methods Retrospective cohort analysis of 2798 respiratory specimens from 2006 patients in the period between November 1st, 2011 and January 1st, 2018. Results 53.7% were males, median age was 61 years, and 43 patients were HIV positive. Results demonstrated positive mycobacterial cultures for MTB in 52 specimens (1.9%) and for nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) or aerobic actinomycetes (eg., Nocardia spp.) in 435 specimens (16%). Using mycobacterial culture as the gold standard, AFB smear had a sensitivity of 48.1% while MTB PCR had a sensitivity of 96.0% in AFB smear positive specimens and an overall sensitivity of 57.7% with PPV of 94% and a NPV of 99%. Conclusions The combination of a positive AFB smear with a negative MTB PCR offers a rapid result to rule out active pulmonary MTB in a low prevalence setting. In this study, that combination reliably excluded active tuberculosis (NPV of 99.2%). The combination of a positive AFB smear with a negative MTB PCR indicated pulmonary NTM infection with the results available within 1 day. There was little benefit to pursuing collection and testing of more than 2 respiratory specimens in a low prevalence setting for both long term diagnostic or rapid isolation discontinuation purposes.
Fostering creative minds: what predicts and boosts design competence in the classroom?

Can originality in real-world creative design thinking be improved through instruction and practice? Do such frequently-used measures of creative ideation as the Alternative Uses Task or Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking, or other factors predict students' performance on actual industry-based design-brief challenges? Results to date are weakly promising but mixed. Here, we adopt a multi-componential view of creativity, according to which creative performance is influenced by multiple intrapersonal cognitive-motivational and environmental factors. As part of a 14-week undergraduate creative methods course, we obtained performance-based measures on several cognitive-behavioral divergent thinking tasks, together with self-report measures of personality and task-related interest. Analyses of the creative performance of 98 students who completed the creative methods course showed that (1) originality on a pre-course design challenge was predicted by a composite of performance on divergent-thinking tasks, personality, and task-related interest factors, (2) students demonstrated large and significant pre-to-post gains in originality on the design challenge and on two verbal Torrance tests, (3) gains were shown equally regardless of initial design performance. Those who started the course with lower originality scores on the design challenge gained at least as much as those who embarked with higher originality scores. These results are consistent with a multi-componential theoretical view of creativity, suggesting that a multipronged training approach, involving hands-on individual and team activities combined with explicit instruction, can markedly boost creative problem-solving capabilities. Taken together, our findings indicate that creative abilities are not fixed and can improve through training and mentoring that embraces iterative design processes.
3D printable compact THz spectral splitters via inverse design

In this work, we experimentally demonstrate a 3D printed compact THz spectral splitter based on a single planar broadband diffractive optical element, designed to disperse an incident collimated THz beam (0.5 THz to 0.7 THz) designed with the help of an inverse design technique namely gradient descent assisted binary search algorithm. Aside from the current challenges associated with 3D printing and better measurement facilities, preliminary experimental demonstration highlights the fact that these computationally optimized free space devices could be a significant step towards enabling new types of compact THz spectral splitters or even splitters operating beyond the THz regime.
Gambling and Alcohol Problems during the College Years: Personality, Physical and Emotional Health and Gambling Beliefs.

Gambling and alcohol problems commonly co-occur during emerging adulthood. Co-occurring problems may relates to personality factors, physical health, mental health and gambling belief systems. In a...