cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neural Network-Based Drug Abuse Treatment Optimization

Abstract In 2009, 2.6 million people in the United States over 12 years of age received treatment for substance abuse at a “specialty facility”. The direct cost of substance abuse treatment was estimated to be $22 billion in 2005, up from $11 billion in 1991. With recent federal health care reform, more clients may seek treatment, but it is unclear how this would affect clinics’ costs per client. Although past studies on substance abuse costs find some evidence of economies of scale, they also find wide variation in the average costs of treatment, the reasons for which require further investigation. As a result, state substance abuse agencies and other payers face difficulty in determining how to pay providers, in fact, very often funding is inadequate or wasted. The drug abuse treatment process can be viewed as a complex adaptive system in which system inputs such as workers, physical capital and other materials are converted into outputs such as treatment completions and outcomes. Treatment clinics desire the most cost efficient input mix to generate desired outputs. Although substance abuse researchers are ahead of many other fields in developing and refining instruments such as the Drug Abuse Treatment Cost Analysis Program, many of these instruments are restricted by the fact that databases have many omissions making it difficult to answer research questions that might otherwise be informed by economic analysis. Additionally, due to the large numbers of variables involved, trade-offs are difficult to explore. Questions such as “what are the relationships between costs and case-mix?” or “what are reasonable reimbursement rates for substance abuse treatment and how do they differ for specialized populations such as heroin users?” are difficult to answer. The work reported in this paper provides significant insight that can help policymakers to decide where to focus funding through 1) prediction of missing treatment data and 2) identification of critical variables.
The General Conditions of Knowledge: Justification

To know that p it is not enough to be sure that p and happen to be right. One’s confidence must be justified and that justification must be disinterested.
Accuracy of Knowledge of Child Development in Mothers of Children Receiving Early Intervention Services

Parents’ involvement in early intervention (EI) services fosters positive developmental trajectories in young children. Although EI research on parenting skills has been abundant, fewer data are available on parents’ knowledge of normative child development. Sixty-seven mothers of children participating in a Midwestern city’s EI program completed the Knowledge of Infant Development Inventory. Compared with mothers in normative referent samples, mothers of children enrolled in EI reported significantly less knowledge of normative child development and were significantly more likely to underestimate the timing of normative developmental milestones. The race/ethnicity of mothers of children in EI was significantly related to their milestone accuracy scores even after the mothers’ education level was controlled. Implications of the findings are discussed within the context of providing EI services that are family centered.
Effect of Geometry on the Fracture of Metal-Polymer Interfaces

The fracture behavior of the Au(Cr)/PMDA-ODA interface was investigated using a stretch deformation method. The study has been focused on thc effects of metal dimension on the delamination behavior, the fracture morphology, and energy dissipation rate of the interface. The delamination behavior shows complex geometrical dependence, with changes observed in the magnitude of strain at failure as well as the progression of the fracture process. The fracture morphology and energy dissipation rate also show apparent dependence on the metal dimensions. The crack growth, as examined by the rate of energy dissipation, seems to consist of thrce stages: crack initiation, crack growth and post growth. Only the growth region exhibits a constant dissipation rate and the fracture energy determined in this stage is in good agreement with that obtained from energy balance. These results can be attributed to the change in the mechanical coupling between the metal and the polymer layers, which was evaluated using a finite element analysis with plastic deformation taken into aiccount.
Should Committees That Write Guidelines and Recommendations Publish Dissenting Opinions

Medical guidelines tend to convey a sense of unanimity of opinion that may not reflect the deliberations of the experts who wrote them. Using, as an example, an analysis of the recently published recommendations on administering pneumococcal conjugate vaccine to adults, the present article raises the question of whether official recommendations and guidelines should include dissenting opinions, analogous to decisions issued by the US Supreme Court. The argument that such a policy would lead to confusion in our profession is addressed in 2 ways: (1) the current system, in which different professional societies publish conflicting recommendations, as in the case of breast or prostate cancer screening, can be far more confusing, and (2) in the long run, greater transparency will lead to more thoughtful and higher-quality medical care. Perhaps the most important point of this paper is the suggestion that it is far better to bring dissent into the recommendation process than to act as if it is not there.
Blacklisted: Boundaries, Violations, and Retaliatory Behavior in the BDSM Community

ABSTRACTThis qualitative ethnographic study sought to gain insight into how participants in the Bondage/Discipline/Sadomasochism (BDSM) community negotiate and maintain boundaries in order to engage in mutually satisfying BDSM activities. Additionally, this study explored how boundary violations are handled by a community stigmatized by the larger culture. Results indicated that participants employ methods to keep BDSM play ‘safe, sane, and consensual’, although boundary violations do occur. These violations are handled internally by appointed community members and participants may engage in retaliatory behavior, with the occasional member employing violence. Implications of the research and future avenues for exploration are discussed.
Reverse hypercontractivity using information measures

We provide an equivalent description of reverse hypercontractivity using inequalities among information measures.
Placental Pathologic Associations With Morbidly Adherent Placenta: Potential Insights Into Pathogenesis.

BackgroundThe pathology that underlies morbidly adherent placenta (MAP) is poorly understood. The objective of this study was to describe the placental pathology, especially implantation site pathology, associated with MAP.MethodsThis was a single institution, retrospective case-control study design examining placentas of patients who delivered between January 2008 and September 2013. MAP cases were defined by the need for clinical intervention at delivery beyond spontaneous placental delivery or simple manual extraction of the placenta. Controls consisted of patients with placentas sent for examination due to a history of maternal malignancy with no clinical suspicion of accreta. Placental pathologic findings of maternal vascular underperfusion (MVU), acute inflammation, chronic inflammation, fetal vascular obstruction, and hemorrhage were recorded and compared using bivariable and multivariable analyses.ResultsThree categories of pathologic changes were seen more commonly in MAP placentas (N = 101) than...
Endovascular Stent Graft Repair is an Effective and Safe Alternative Therapy for Arteriovenous Graft Pseudoaneurysms.

Objective/Background Pseudoaneurysm formation occurs in 2–10% of hemodialysis arteriovenous grafts (AVGs). Surgical repair often requires pseudoaneurysm resection, interposition graft placement, and insertion of a catheter as a bridge. Endovascular stent graft repair is a controversial alternative therapy. This study was performed to examine the effectiveness and mid-term outcomes of stent graft repair for AVG pseudoaneurysms. Methods All patients who had undergone stent graft repair for AVG pseudoaneurysms between December 2012 and July 2015 were identified from hospital medical records for retrospective analysis. Outcome measures were technical success, early and late complications, and primary and secondary patency rates. Results A total of 37 stent graft repairs of AVG pseudoaneurysms were performed in 35 patients (42.9% men; mean age 66.9 years). The mean time from AVG creation to pseudoaneurysm repair was 69 months. The indications of treatment (as per the institutional policy) were large pseudoaneurysm (56.7%), impending rupture (27.1%), and bleeding (16.2%). Mean pseudoaneurysm diameter was 23.0 mm. The most common diameter and length of stent graft used were 7 mm (67.6%) and 50 mm (48.6%), respectively. Technical success was 100%. Only one early complication occurred after stent graft repair, which was due to recurrence of the pseudoaneurysm as a result of a short landing zone. Late complications included infection (17.1%) and thrombosis (37.1%). The 1, 6, and 12 month primary patency rates were 89.2%, 55.5%, and 22.0%, respectively. The 1, 6, and 12 month secondary patency rates were 100%, 88.6%, and 78.6%, respectively. The median follow up was 12.3 months. Conclusions The study demonstrates that endovascular stent graft repair is an effective and safe alternative therapy for AVG pseudoaneurysms. However, the rate of thrombosis and infection was high and needs to be balanced against open surgery in future studies.
Mobile walking game and group-walking program to enhance going out for older adults

Japan is aging rapidly, so "tojikomori" has become an important issue. In the field of gerontology, "tojikomori" means shutting oneself in a room or house. Tojikomori is caused not only by physical factors but also by social and psychological ones. Once an elderly person becomes tojikomori, it takes a lot of time and energy to recover. It is important to take primary preventive measures, especially for currently active older adults because a little help has a great benefit. A previous study identified two key factors of tojikomori in an urban area: no exercise habits and no participation in community activities. Therefore, we developed a walking game to enhance physically healthy behavior and motivate the elderly to explore a city and lead to the discovery of favorite spots they want to visit again. In addition, we designed a group-walking program utilizing the walking game aimed for face-to-face communication with other community-dwelling elderly people. Our results show that our approach was well received, enjoyable, and effective for older adults in a real-world situation.
Early Results Suggest That Epoetin Alfa 60,000 U Every 2 Weeks Improves Hemoglobin in Patients with Cancer Not Receiving Chemotherapy or Radiotherapy.

Abstract Epoetin alfa has been shown to increase hemoglobin (Hb), decrease transfusion requirements, and improve quality of life (QOL) in patients receiving chemotherapy (CT) and/or radiotherapy (RT). However, the efficacy of epoetin alfa in cancer patients receiving neither CT nor RT is not as well characterized, particularly at doses less frequent than 3 times weekly. The objective of this open-label, nonrandomized, multicenter pilot study was to evaluate epoetin alfa 60,000 U subcutaneously (SC) every 2 weeks (Q2W) in 50 anemic patients with cancer who were not receiving CT or RT. The primary efficacy endpoint is the proportion of patients achieving a hematopoietic response (HR; Hb increase ≥2 g/dL from baseline and/or Hb increase to ≥12 g/dL at any scheduled visit) independent of transfusion within 28 days. Patients with histologically confirmed nonmyeloid malignancy, Hb ≤11 g/dL, and who had not received CT in the previous 8 weeks or RT in the previous 4 weeks were enrolled. Patients were permitted to receive hormonal therapy, androgen deprivation therapy, and/or immunotherapy. Patients were to receive epoetin alfa 60,000 U SC Q2W, with escalation to 80,000 U Q2W after 4 weeks if Hb increased ≤1 g/dL. Dose will be titrated to maintain Hb ≤13 g/dL; all patients were to receive oral ferrous sulfate 325 mg daily. Patients will be treated for up to 12 weeks, with a 4-week follow-up after last dose of study drug. As of July 2004, 18 patients are evaluable for efficacy (modified intent-to-treat, ie, all enrolled patients who received ≥1 dose of study drug and had ≥1 postbaseline Hb or transfusion evaluation) and 18 for safety (all enrolled patients who received ≥1 dose of study drug). Mean age was 74.4 ± 8.7 yrs, mean baseline Hb was 10.0 ± 1.0 g/dL (n=18), and 7/18 were men. Of these patients, 7 completed 4 weeks, 3 completed 8 weeks, and 1 completed 12 weeks on study. The HR of these patients was assessed regardless of how many weeks of study they completed at the time of this interim analysis; HR was 44.4%. Hb increased 1.4 ± 0.7 g/dL (n=11) after 4 weeks and 1.2 ± 1.4 g/dL (n=4) after 8 weeks of treatment. Adverse events were limited to 1 patient, who experienced back pain and epistaxis. No patients died during the study, and no thrombotic vascular events were reported. Early results of this study suggest that epoetin alfa 60,000-80,000 U SC given every other week is well tolerated and appears to effectively increase Hb in anemic cancer patients not receiving CT or RT. The study is currently ongoing.
A grammar of Donno So or Kamma So

Reference grammar of Donno So (also known as Kamma So), a Dogon language of Mali, including sample texts.
594. Exosome-Associated AAV Enhances Retinal Transduction Following Intravitreal Injection

Introduction Adeno-associated virus (AAV) has been shown to be associated with cell derived exosomes (exo-AAV). Exo-AAV outperforms regular AAV in transduction efficacy and evades neutralizing anti-AAV antibodies. Here we investigate the retinal transduction profile of exo-AAV vectors when administered intravitreally in BL6 adult mice. Methods Exo-AAV vectors were isolated from the culture media of triple-transfected 293T cells (AAV2 rep/cap, GFP transgene and adenovirus helper plasmid) by differential centrifugation. Regular AAV vectors were isolated from the cell lysate by iodixanol density gradient ultracentrifugation. To assess the transduction ability of the regular AAV2 and exo-AAV2 , we performed intravitreal injections into mice (n= 12 eyes, 1×1012 VG/mL), using AAV2 as the control (n=14 eyes, 1×1012 VG/mL). Fundus imaging was performed at 2 and 4 weeks post-injection, at which point the eyes were collected for immunohistological processing. Results We found that the exo-AAV2 showed an early onset of robust GFP expression via fundus imaging at 2 weeks post injection, as compared to regular AAV2. This was further enhanced by larger spread and brightness of GFP expression at 4 weeks. Histological processing of retinal sections shows GFP expression after exo-AAV2 expression in the nerve fiber layer, retinal ganglion cell layer, inner nuclear layer, outer nuclear layer and photoreceptor inner and outer segments. Staining with ganglion cell and bipolar cell markers show co-localization of GFP in these cell types. AAV2 injected animals show GFP expression mostly restricted to the nerve fiber and ganglion cell layers. Conclusion Intravitreal injections are an ideal delivery route to the retina in humans as it is minimally invasive and performed routinely in the clinic. Repeated pre-clinical work by others and us using AAV2 shows that an intravitreal injection is limited to targeting the nerve fiber layer (consequently, optic nerve) and retinal ganglion cells. Here, we demonstrate that exo-AAV2 targets all cell layers of the retina at robust levels and successfully targets retinal bipolar cells. As a result, an intravitreal injection of exo-AAV with a cell specific promoter may be the vector of choice for future gene therapy.
Rainfall variability counteracts N addition by promoting invasive Lonicera maackii and extending phenology in prairie

Although encroaching woody plants have reduced the global extent of grasslands, continuing increases in soil nitrogen availability could slow this trend by favoring resident herbaceous species. At the same time, projected increases in rainfall variability could promote woody encroachment by aligning spatiotemporal patterns of soil moisture availability with the needs of woody species. We evaluated the responses of two deciduous woody species to these simulated environmental changes by planting seedlings of Quercus palustris and Lonicera maackii into tallgrass prairie communities grown under a factorial combination of increased rainfall variability and nitrogen addition. Lonicera maackii growth was reduced 20% by nitrogen addition, and increased rainfall variability led to 33% larger seedlings, despite greater competition for light and soil resources. In contrast, Q. palustris growth showed little response to either treatment. Increased rainfall variability allowed both species to retain their leaves for an additional 6.5 d in autumn, potentially in response to wetter end-of-season shallow soils. Our findings suggest increases in rainfall variability will counteract the inhibitory effect of nitrogen deposition on growth of L. maackii, extend autumn phenology, and promote the encroachment of some woody species into grasslands.
Let’s Go Color Shopping with Charles Sanders Peirce: Color Scientists as Consumers of Color

Scientists who studied color were also consumers of colored goods, manifesting a dual identity that sometimes engendered epistemological misgivings. This essay examines the relationship between colored goods and color science through an examination of the color work of philosopher Charles Sanders Peirce and his sometimes friend, physicist Ogden Rood. While scientists needed colored goods in order to study the nature of color, they frequently balked at the suggestion that science and consumer culture could be so closely related. Rossi details the epistemological maneuverings contrived by scientists such as Peirce and Rood when they went shopping for colors–maneuverings designed to insure that the colors they studied were objects of science, whereas the items they purchased were objects of commerce.
Reliable and Reproducible GABA Measurements Using Automated Spectral Prescription at Ultra-High Field

Purpose: To evaluate spectral acquisition processes important for obtaining reliable and reproducible γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) signals from volunteers in brain regions that are frequently used for neuroimaging studies [anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), superior temporal gyrus, and caudate] at ultra-high field. Methods: Ten healthy volunteers were studied using a single-voxel Point-RESolved Spectrosocpy (PRESS) sequence with band selective inversion with gradient dephasing pulses (BASING). The editing pulse was designed to be symmetrically placed at 2.0 and 1.4 ppm in the two cycles to reduce the co-editing of macro-molecules (MM). Spectral data were obtained with phase encoding matrix 8 × 8 × 1 and two editing cycles or 1 × 1 × 1 and 64 editing/64 non-editing. The total acquisition time was approximately 4.5 min for each acquisition. An automated MRS prescription method was utilized for the placement of the GABA scan location in 5/10 subjects. Three regions of interest were predefined in the MNI152 space and then registered and transformed to subject space. These volunteers also had repeat scans to examine between-session reproducibility. Results: The placement of editing pulses symmetrically at 1.7 ppm reduced the effect of MM contributions and provided more accurate GABA estimation. Chemical shift misregistration errors caused by classic PRESS localization sequence are more significant at ultra-high field strength. Therefore, a large over-excitation factor was needed to reduce this error. Furthermore, the inefficiency of saturation bands and unspoiled coherence could also interfere with the quality of the data. Reliable recovery of metabolite signals resulted from the implementation of 8 × 8 × 1 phase encoding that successfully removed artifacts and errors, without compromising the total acquisition time. Between successive scans on the same subject, dice overlap ratios of the excited spectral volume between the two scans were in the range of 92-95%. Within subject variability of metabolites between two repeat scans was smaller in the ACC and left superior temporal gyrus when compared to that in the right caudate, with averaged coefficients of variation being 3.6, 6.0, and 16.9%, respectively. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the feasibility of obtaining reliable and reproducible GABA measurements at ultra-high field.
Workplace contextual supports for LGBT employees: A review, meta‐analysis, and agenda for future research

The past decade has witnessed a rise in the visibility of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. This has resulted in some organizational researchers focusing their attention on workplace issues facing LGBT employees. While empirical research has been appropriately focused on examining the impact of workplace factors on the work lives of LGBT individuals, no research has examined these empirical relationships cumulatively. The purpose of this study was to conduct a comprehensive review and meta-analysis of the outcomes associated with three workplace contextual supports (formal LGBT policies and practices, LGBT-supportive climate, and supportive workplace relationships) and to compare the relative influence of these workplace supports on outcomes. Outcomes were grouped into four categories: (a) work attitudes, (b) psychological strain, (c) disclosure, and (d) perceived discrimination. Results show that supportive workplace relationships were more strongly related to work attitudes and strain, whereas LGBT supportive climate was more strongly related to disclosure and perceived discrimination compared to the other supports. Our findings also revealed a number of insights concerning the measurement, research design, and sample characteristics of the studies in the present review. Based on these results, we offer an agenda for future research.
Chemically Induced Renal Epithelial Neoplasia in Experimental Animals

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses chemically induced renal tubular epithelial cell neoplasia in experimental animals. A number of compounds from diverse chemical classes have induced renal neoplasms in different species of experimental animals. The types of chemicals capable of inducing renal carcinoma include indirect-acting chemical carcinogens that require metabolism to exert their carcinogenic potential, direct-acting alkylating agents, metals, and a number of compounds with poorly understood mechanisms of action. While the kidneys of experimental animals can respond to carcinogenic stimuli with the development of a number of different morphological types of neoplasms, renal epithelial neoplasms constitute the vast majority. The classifications of renal epithelial neoplasms can generally be divided into two categories according to the cell of origin: (1) renal tubule cell neoplasia, which is postulated to be derived from epithelial cells lining the proximal tubule, and (2) transitional cell neoplasia derived from the transitional epithelial cells lining the renal pelvis. Renal neoplasms of mesenchymal cell origin and, to a lesser extent, nephroblastomas have also been induced by carcinogenic agents. The pattern of neoplasm induction is similar to the pattern in humans, where over 90% of the diagnosed renal neoplasms are of epithelial origin. The overwhelming evidence from morphological studies indicated that chemically induced renal carcinoma originates from proximal tubule epithelial cells.
Externally Modeling Mental Models

Meaningful learning, as opposed to reproductive learning, is active, constructive, intentional, authentic, and collaborative. When learners engage in meaningful learning, they naturally construct mental models. When learners collaborate, they naturally construct group mental models. One method for engaging learners in meaningful learning is to have them construct computer-based models that externalize their mental models. Using tools such as databases, concept maps, expert systems, spreadsheets, systems modeling tools, microworlds and simulation tools, teachable agents, computer conferences, and hypermedia, learners can construct models of domain knowledge, problems, systems, semantic structures, and thinking processes.
How to Choose the Number of Gradient Directions for Estimation Problems from Noisy Diffusion Tensor Data

We consider two popular nonparametric models describing measurements obtained from low and high angular resolution diffusion tensor imaging. The balance between the number of distinct directions for measurements and the number of repetitions is investigated from the statistical point of view. We show that designs with multiple independent repetitions using one set of six directions for the low resolution case yield smaller norms of the estimator’s covariance function than designs where a large set of directions with no repetitions is used, assuming that norms of covariances of image components are similar for both types of designs. The difference is inversely proportional to the number of repetitions. Similar result is obtained for the high resolution case. This yields a practical guideline on how to choose the number of gradient directions and the number of repetitions for estimation problems in this imaging context.
Westerly Flow Past an Obstacle in a Rotating Hemispherical Shell

Further results obtained in the model experiments originally discussed by Long and Fultz are described including the details of wave-number changes and the characteristic types of wave patterns associated with certain latitudes of the obstacle. Possible analogies between circulations in the model and in the atmosphere are drawn.
2555. Predicting Risk of Breakthrough Invasive Pneumococcal Disease in Children After 13-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccination

Background Thirteen-valent-pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) replaced PCV7 in the childhood immunization schedule in Massachusetts beginning in April 2010. We evaluated the predictors of vaccine-type (VT) invasive pneumococcal infection (IPD) occurrence despite vaccination.
The effects of environmental light on the reorganization of chloroplasts in the resurrection of Selaginella tamariscina

Chloroplast repair and reorganization are crucial for the rehydration of resurrected plants. As one of the most important organelles in plant, photosynthesis takes place in chloroplasts. Meanwhile, light is important to the biosynthesis and activity regulation of chloroplasts. Here, we investigate the recovery of the chloroplasts and photosynthetic system in plant: Selaginella tamariscina under dark condition and environmental light (dark-light transition) condition. This study used the S. tamariscina grown in a culturing room, dehydrated S. tamariscina and S. tamariscina rehydrated in environmental light and dark conditions for 72 h as experimental material to measure and observed the chlorophyll content, chloroplast ultrastructure, photosynthesis, chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters. Specific leaf area and relative water content recovered in dark-rehydration conditions and were higher than those of light-rehydration, while dark-rehydration did not fully recover the chlorophyll content, net photosynthetic rate, water-use efficiency, nor the Fv/Fm. Dehydration did not destroy the chloroplast envelop, but increased the number of plastoglobules and disturbed the granum structure. As a homeochlorophyllous resurrection plant, reorganization, not the rebuilding of chloroplasts, occurs during the dehydration and rehydration processes in S. tamariscina. Environmental light signals play an important role in the recovery of photosynthetic systems.
Breast Cancer: Role of Imaging

Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers in women; about one in eight women will be affected by it. Also, it is one of the leading causes of death in women. It is critical to get involved in breast screening to enable early detection with consequent decreased morbidity and mortality associated with breast cancer.
Hydration of ternary Portland cement blends containing metakaolin and sodium bentonite

Abstract Although metakaolin can enhance the hydration of cement, its pozzolanic reactions occur primarily at the early age with a high heat-release rate and low degree of reaction resulting in a reduction in the composite strength especially at high substitution levels. To address this challenge, a combination of metakaolin and sodium-bentonite is adopted as a partial replacement of cement. The influence of coupled substitutions of these two clays on hydration of Portland cement is investigated by characterizing hydration kinetics and products related to microstructural and physico-chemical parameters. The results indicate that the coexistence of sodium-bentonite and metakaolin enhances the cement hydration in terms of strength development, portlandite consumption and formation of supplementary calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) phases with elongated molecular chain lengths. Dissolution of metakaolin is increased in the presence of bentonite. It was found that the conversion of ettringite to monosulfate, the formation of stratlingite, and the length of aluminosilicate chains increase with increasing Al/Si ratio, which is related to the amount of dissolved metakaolin. A thermodynamic simulation is also presented to support these findings.
Addiction Informed Immigration Reform

Immigration law fails to align with the contemporary understanding of substance addiction as a medical condition. The Immigration and Nationality Act regards noncitizens who suffer from drug or alcohol substance use disorder as immoral and undesirable. Addiction is a ground of exclusion and deportation and can prevent the finding of “good moral character” needed for certain immigration applications. Substance use disorder can lead to criminal behavior that lands noncitizens, including lawful permanent residents, in removal proceedings with no defense. The time has come for immigration law to catch up to today’s understanding of addiction. The damage done by failing to contemporize the law extends beyond the harms of unwarranted family separation due to the deportation or exclusion of people who suffer from substance use disorder. Holding noncitizens to an archaic standard threatens our civic and political identity as a diverse and democratic country. The bigger the gap between contemporary mores and immigration law and policy, the harder it is for U.S. citizens to develop a civic and political identity that is free of ethnic and racial animus. Double standards for citizens and noncitizens create cognitive dissonance, leaving society vulnerable to discriminatory or stereotypical views to justify the differential treatment. This phenomenon not only harms noncitizens but thwarts the formation of a national civic and political identity free of ethnic and racial bias. This Article proposes and explains the legislative reforms necessary to remedy the current state of immigration law’s treatment of substance use disorder.
Effects of gamma-interferon on keratocyte-induced collagen gel contraction and keratocyte proliferation

Purpose Gamma-interferon has been shown to be an effective immunoregulatory polypeptide that can modulate fibroblastic response. We investigated the effects of gamma-interferon on keratocyte proliferation and keratocyte-induced collagen gel contraction. Methods Gamma-interferon in concentrations of 0.01, 1, 100, and 1000 U/ml of media was added to keratocytes embedded in polymerized type I collagen and the gel area was measured after 5 days with an image analysis system. The rate of keratocyte proliferation within and outside the collagen gel under the influence of gamma-interferon was also investigated. Results Keratocyte-induced collagen gel contraction was significantly inhibited at all concentrations above 0.01 U/ml. The keratocyte proliferation was not affected by low and moderate concentrations and was significantly stimulated at concentration of 1000 U/ml. Conclusion Keratocyte-induced collagen gel contraction is inhibited by gamma-interferon and the mechanism of this effect is not inhibition of keratocyte proliferation by gamma-interferon.
Equalizing Recourse across Groups.

The rise in machine learning-assisted decision-making has led to concerns about the fairness of the decisions and techniques to mitigate problems of discrimination. If a negative decision is made about an individual (denying a loan, rejecting an application for housing, and so on) justice dictates that we be able to ask how we might change circumstances to get a favorable decision the next time. Moreover, the ability to change circumstances (a better education, improved credentials) should not be limited to only those with access to expensive resources. In other words, \emph{recourse} for negative decisions should be considered a desirable value that can be equalized across (demographically defined) groups. This paper describes how to build models that make accurate predictions while still ensuring that the penalties for a negative outcome do not disadvantage different groups disproportionately. We measure recourse as the distance of an individual from the decision boundary of a classifier. We then introduce a regularized objective to minimize the difference in recourse across groups. We explore linear settings and further extend recourse to non-linear settings as well as model-agnostic settings where the exact distance from boundary cannot be calculated. Our results show that we can successfully decrease the unfairness in recourse while maintaining classifier performance.
Force Metrics and Suspension Times for Microlaryngoscopy Procedures.

Summary Objective To determine the difference in force metrics measured by the laryngeal force sensor for various suspension microlaryngoscopy (SML) procedures and their perioperative narcotic requirements. Study Design Prospective observational study. Setting Academic tertiary center. Methods The laryngeal force sensoris a force sensor designed for SML procedures. Prospectively enrolled patients had dynamic recordings of maximum force, average force, suspension time, and total impulse. Procedures were grouped into excision of striking zone lesions, nonstriking zone lesions, endoscopic cancer surgery with margin control, and airway dilation. Narcotic administration in the intraoperative period and postanesthesia care unit was also recorded and converted into IV morphine equivalents. Surgeons were blinded to the force recordings during surgery to prevent operator bias. Results In total, 110 patients completed the study. There was no significant difference in average force across different procedures, however, a significant difference was seen for maximum force (P = 0.025), suspension time (P Conclusion Significant differences in force metrics exist between various SML procedures. Endoscopic cancer surgery is associated with higher force metrics and perioperative narcotic requirements.
ATF4-Mediated Upregulation of REDD1 and Sestrin2 Suppresses mTORC1 Activity during Prolonged Leucine Deprivation

Background The protein kinase target of rapamycin (mTOR) in complex 1 (mTORC1) is activated by amino acids and in turn upregulates anabolic processes. Under nutrient-deficient conditions, e.g., amino acid insufficiency, mTORC1 activity is suppressed and autophagy is activated. Intralysosomal amino acids generated by autophagy reactivate mTORC1. However, sustained mTORC1 activation during periods of nutrient insufficiency would likely be detrimental to cellular homeostasis. Thus, mechanisms must exist to prevent amino acids released by autophagy from reactivating the kinase. Objective The objective of the present study was to test whether mTORC1 activity is inhibited during prolonged leucine deprivation through ATF4-dependent upregulation of the mTORC1 suppressors regulated in development and DNA damage response 1 (REDD1) and Sestrin2. Methods Mice (8 wk old; C57Bl/6 × 129SvEV) were food deprived (FD) overnight and one-half were refed the next morning. Mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs) deficient in ATF4, REDD1, and/or Sestrin2 were deprived of leucine for 0-16 h. mTORC1 activity and ATF4, REDD1, and Sestrin2 expression were assessed in liver and cell lysates. Results Refeeding FD mice resulted in activation of mTORC1 in association with suppressed expression of both REDD1 and Sestrin2 in the liver. In cells in culture, mTORC1 exhibited a triphasic response to leucine deprivation, with an initial suppression followed by a transient reactivation from 2 to 4 h and a subsequent resuppression after 8 h. Resuppression occurred concomitantly with upregulated expression of ATF4, REDD1, and Sestrin2. However, in cells lacking ATF4, neither REDD1 nor Sestrin2 expression was upregulated by leucine deprivation, and resuppression of mTORC1 was absent. Moreover, in cells lacking either REDD1 or Sestrin2, mTORC1 resuppression was attenuated, and in cells lacking both proteins resuppression was further blunted. Conclusions The results suggest that leucine deprivation upregulates expression of both REDD1 and Sestrin2 in an ATF4-dependent manner, and that upregulated expression of both proteins is involved in resuppression of mTORC1 during prolonged leucine deprivation.
Quantum confinement: Size on the grill!

Abstract Quantum effects becomes more and more pronounced at the nanoscale. However, the size where those effects appear strongly depends on the nature of the semiconductor. This paper presents a simple methodology to calculate precisely the size where quantum effects appear for each individual semiconductor. This critical size is calculated from the bulk energy bandgap, index of refraction or dielectric constant of the semiconductor. This work paves the way to experimentalists who will now be able to precisely determine in which confinement regime their semiconductor nanostructure belongs to. Trends within the two most important group of semiconductors, II-VI and III-V, are also clarified based on the spin-orbit coupling.
Recurrent syncope while eating: an unusual presentation of a diaphragmatic hernia.

A male patient with dementia, benign prostatic hyperplasia and chronic hepatitis C presented with a several month history of syncope while eating. The ECG, echocardiogram, electroencephalogram, brain CT and carotid ultrasound were unrevealing. The chest and abdominal radiographs showed a possible
High-Dose Opioid Use Among Veterans with Unexplained Gastrointestinal Symptoms Versus Structural Gastrointestinal Diagnoses

In a cohort of Veterans dually enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Medicare Part D, we sought to describe high-dose daily opioid use among Veterans with unexplained gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and structural GI diagnoses and examine factors associated with high-dose use. We used linked national patient-level data from the VA and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). We grouped patients into 3 subsets: those with unexplained GI symptoms (e.g., chronic abdominal pain); structural GI diagnoses (e.g., chronic pancreatitis); and those with a concurrent unexplained GI symptom and structural GI diagnosis. High-dose daily opioid use levels were examined as a binary variable [≥ 100 morphine milligram equivalents (MME)/day] and as an ordinal variable (50–99 MME/day, 100–119 MME/day, or ≥ 120 MME/day). We identified 141,805 chronic GI patients dually enrolled in VA and Part D. High-dose opioid use was present in 11% of Veterans with unexplained GI symptoms, 10% of Veterans with structural GI diagnoses, and 15% of Veterans in the concurrent GI group. Compared to Veterans with only an unexplained GI symptom or structural diagnosis, concurrent GI patients were more likely to have higher daily opioid doses, more opioid days ≥ 100 MME, and higher risk of chronic use. Factors associated with high-dose use included opioid receipt from both VA and Part D, younger age, and benzodiazepine use. A significant subset of chronic GI patients in the VA are high-dose opioid users. Efforts are needed to reduce high-dose use among Veterans with concurrent GI symptoms and diagnoses.
Gene activation via Cre/lox-mediated excision in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata)

Expression of Cre recombinase by AtRps5apro or AtDD45pro enabled Cre/lox-mediated recombination at an early embryonic developmental stage upon crossing, activating transgenes in the hybrid cowpea and tobacco. Genetic engineering ideally results in precise spatiotemporal control of transgene expression. To activate transgenes exclusively in a hybrid upon fertilization, we evaluated a Cre/lox-mediated gene activation system with the Cre recombinase expressed by either AtRps5a or AtDD45 promoters that showed activity in egg cells and young embryos. In crosses between Cre recombinase lines and transgenic lines harboring a lox-excision reporter cassette with ZsGreen driven by the AtUbq3 promoter after Cre/lox-mediated recombination, we observed complete excision of the lox-flanked intervening DNA sequence between the AtUbq3pro and the ZsGreen coding sequence in F1 progeny upon genotyping but no ZsGreen expression in F1 seeds or seedlings. The incapability to observe ZsGreen fluorescence was attributed to the activity of the AtUbq3pro. Strong ZsGreen expression in F1 seeds was observed after recombination when ZsGreen was driven by the AtUbq10 promoter. Using the AtDD45pro to express Cre resulted in more variation in recombination frequencies between transgenic lines and crosses. Regardless of the promoter used to regulate Cre, mosaic F1 progeny were rare, suggesting gene activation at an early embryo-developmental stage. Observation of ZsGreen-expressing tobacco embryos at the globular stage from crosses with the AtRps5aproCre lines pollinated by the AtUbq3prolox line supported the early activation mode.
Learning Best Practices: Can Machine Learning Improve Human Decision-Making?

Workers spend a significant amount of time learning how to make good decisions. Evaluating the efficacy of a given decision, however, is quite complicated. For one, decision outcomes are often long...
Adrenalectomy outcomes predicted by a 5-item frailty index (5-iFI) in the ACS-NSQIP database.

BACKGROUND Frailty has been shown to be a predictor of adverse postoperative outcomes. This study aims to evaluate a 5-item frailty index (5-iFI) as a predictor of complications as well as healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) following adrenalectomy. METHODS All adrenalectomy cases recorded in the ACS-NSQIP database from 2015 to 2018 were analyzed. Primary outcomes of interest were Clavien-Dindo [CD] I/II or CD IV complications and HCRU. HCRU outcomes were prolonged length of stay (PLOS), discharge to continued care (DCC), and unplanned 30-day readmission (UR). RESULTS 4358 patients were included. Higher 5-iFI scores were associated with higher rates of CDI/II, CDIV, and increased HCRU (p < 0.05). On multivariate analysis, 5-iFI scores were found to be independent predictors of adverse clinical and HCRU outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Frailty tools like the 5i-FI can be useful in preoperative risk-benefit analysis, patient counseling, and planning prehabilitation interventions.
Social and Emotional Learning Policies and Physical Education

There is a current push to broaden the educational agenda by integrating social and emotional learning (SEL) competencies into the academic curriculum. This article describes how physical education (PE) provides a strong platform for integrating SEL standards into the curriculum. The alignment between SEL and the affective learning objectives of PE can be leveraged to advocate for the importance of PE within the broader curriculum.
The Determinants of Government Environmental Performance : An Empirical Analysis of Chinese Townships

This paper explores the determinants of government environmental performance at the local level. Chinese township governments, the lowest level in the hierarchical government structure, were selected for this exercise. The performance indicators used in the analyses include the efforts of enforcing government environmental regulations and of providing environmental services to polluting enterprises. The performance determinants identified include environmental performance of upper-level governments, local development status, industrial employment, income of workers in polluting enterprises, local environmental quality, and public pressure for environmental quality improvement. A survey of 85 townships and interviews of 151 township government leaders were conducted in three provinces of China. The statistical results show that: a) The environmental performance of upper-level governments in China strongly and positively influences the environmental efforts of the township governments. b) Public pressure has created incentives for the township governments to improve their efforts in both enforcing environmental regulations and providing environmental services, while the environmental quality did not show significant impacts. c) Higher employment in industries tends to have a negative influence on the regulatory enforcement, but a positive influence on environmental service provision. d) A higher enforcement effort and a lower service provision are associated with higher wages the workers received from industries. This implies that the industries offering higher wages to the workers are subject to more stringent environmental enforcement but receive less environmental services. 5) Richer townships tend to have less regulatory enforcement but better environmental services.
Remodeling of arachidonate and other polyunsaturated fatty acids in Alzheimer’s disease

AD is the most common dementia, afflicting millions in developed countries [1]. AD is a neurodegenerative process characterized by irreversible destruction of the neocortex leading to impairment of memory and cognitive function, language deterioration, poor judgment, indifferent attitude, but preserved motor function. An estimated 7% of people above 65 years old have AD and its prevalence is expected to increase as better medical science increase life expectancy [1]. Although AD is the most characterized dementia, no effective treatments are available for controlling this debilitating disease. Definitive diagnosis of AD is made at autopsy. The pathogenic characteristics of AD include the cleavage of β-amyloid precursor protein (βAPP) to form neurotoxic β-amyloid (βA) peptides that are two amino acids longer than normal, and an aggregated insoluble polymer of βA that forms senile plaques [2, 3]. Enzymes known as secretases mediate processing of βAPP. In addition to plaques, the formation of intraneuronal tau pathology yielding widespread deposits of argyrophilic neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) is typical in AD. In addition to plaque formation, enhancement of inflammatory responses in the brain mediated by neurotoxic peptides is characteristic of AD. These peptides and inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α) are implicated in the activation of glial cells and astrocytes [4].
Detection of Myocardial Damage in Patients With Sarcoidosis

Background— In patients with sarcoidosis, sudden death is a leading cause of mortality, which may represent unrecognized cardiac involvement. Delayed-enhancement cardiovascular magnetic resonance (DE-CMR) can detect minute amounts of myocardial damage. We sought to compare DE-CMR with standard clinical evaluation for the identification of cardiac involvement. Methods and Results— Eighty-one consecutive patients with biopsy-proven extracardiac sarcoidosis were prospectively recruited for a parallel and masked comparison of cardiac involvement between (1) DE-CMR and (2) standard clinical evaluation with the use of consensus criteria (modified Japanese Ministry of Health [JMH] guidelines). Standard evaluation included 12-lead ECG and at least 1 dedicated non-CMR cardiac study (echocardiography, radionuclide scintigraphy, or cardiac catheterization). Patients were followed for 21±8 months for major adverse events (death, defibrillator shock, or pacemaker requirement). Patients were predominantly middle-aged (...