cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fibonacci and Lucas Identities via Graphs

The Fibonacci number of a graph, defined by Prodinger and Tichy in 1982, is the number of independent sets on the graph. The Fibonacci number of the path graph, P n , is the Fibonacci number F n+2 and the Fibonacci number of the cycle graph, C n , is the Lucas number L n . This paper combines the visual nature of graph theory with combinatorial methods to prove new identities for the Fibonacci and Lucas numbers.
Empirical Return Periods of the Most Intense Vapor Transports during Historical Atmospheric River Landfalls on the U.S. West Coast

AbstractAtmospheric rivers (ARs) come in all intensities, and clear communication of risks posed by individual storms in observations and forecasts can be a challenge. Modest ARs can be characteriz...
Abstract 117: Lysyl oxidase secreted by PTEN-deficient glioblastoma cells recruits macrophages and promotes malignant growth

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most lethal form of brain cancer in adults. The median survival of GBM patients is only about one year after initial diagnosis. Genomic profiling has stratified GBM into various subgroups, which are driven by specific genetic alternations of core signaling pathways, including RTK/RAS/PI3K, P53 and RB pathways. Loss of PTEN, TP53 and CDKN2A tumor suppressors, and amplification of EGFR are frequently observed in GBM. However, targeted therapies, such as therapy against EGFR, have failed in the clinic, and no effective therapeutic drugs available to target tumor suppressors. The main reason for this failure is tumor-cell genetic heterogeneity, which induces aberrant activation of multiple signaling pathways. Stromal/immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) are genetically stable, which not only play a pivotal role in GBM progression by affecting multiple cancer hallmarks, but can also be educated by cancer cells. However, whether and how the behavior and function of specific stromal/immune cells in the TME are regulated by cancer cell genetic alternations in GBM remain relatively undefined. Here, we show that PTEN deficiency in GBM specifically triggers immune response by promoting macrophage recruitment, while without affecting macroglia and other immune cells. Using unbiased transcriptome profiling, we identified that lysyl oxidase (LOX) is preferentially secreted by PTEN-deficient cancer cells, and is a potent macrophage chemoattractant. Transcriptome profiling following Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and functional validation demonstrated that activation of SRC and AKT signaling pathways drives LOX upregulation in PTEN-deficient cancer cells via the YAP1-TEAD complex. Upon the secretion from PTEN-deficient cancer cells, LOX can be uptaken by macrophages via integrin β1 signaling. Using the phospho-kinase antibody array, we identified PYK2 as the main downstream of LOX that is responsible for macrophage migration. Genetic and pharmacological inhibition of LOX in PTEN-deficient cancer cells does not affect tumor cell proliferation in vitro, but markedly inhibits macrophage density and tumor growth in vivo. Bioinformatics analysis in clinical samples demonstrated that PTEN-YAP1-LOX-integrin β1 axis is enriched in GBM patients with higher macrophage density, and that these patients show lower survival. Together, our findings highlight the significance of PTEN-YAP1-LOX-integrin β1 axis in macrophage infiltration in GBM, and demonstrate a possibility of improving GBM treatment by targeting this axis-mediated macrophage recruitment. Citation Format: Peiwen Chen, Alan Y. Wang, Ronald A. DePinho. Lysyl oxidase secreted by PTEN-deficient glioblastoma cells recruits macrophages and promotes malignant growth [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 117.
Empirical studies to investigate the usability of text- and image-based CAPTCHAs

Abstract This article reports the findings of two empirical studies investigating the usability of image-based and text-based CAPTCHAs that authenticate users accessing the web. The first investigated four image-based CAPTCHAs, Asirra, ESP-PIX, SQ-PIX and IMAGINATION, with twenty participants interacting with five of each type on a desktop computer. The participants then completed the computer system usability questionnaire (CSUQ), the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX), and a final post-test subjective questionnaire ranking the CAPTCHAs based on preference. The results found statistically significant differences among the CAPTCHAs for all dependent variables except task completion time, with participants preferring Asirra and ESP-PIX. The second compared the usability of these two with the two most commonly used text-based CAPTCHAs, ReCAPTCHA and Google's CAPTCHA. After receiving training on Asirra and ESP-PIX, twenty-four participants completed 10 trials with each type on a desktop computer, subsequently completing the CSUQ and the NASA-TLX followed by a retrospective think-aloud session. The results of this second study indicated that Google's CAPTCHA and ReCAPTCHA took the least amount of time to complete. The workload associated with Asirra and ReCAPTCHA was lower than that for ESP-PIX and Google's CAPTCHA. Perceived overall usability tended to be highest for Asirra and ReCAPTCHA. Participant comments indicated that Google's CAPTCHA was too visually distorted and ESP-PIX had commonalities between the images that weren't immediately obvious, factors perhaps contributing to their lower perceived usability scores. Overall, ReCAPTCHA is recommended for use on a desktop computer because of its high perceived usability, low completion time, and low workload.
Implications of intersecting socioeconomic and racial-ethnic identities for academic achievement and well-being.

Abstract The evolving study of identity development has become increasingly attentive to the ways that young people think about their socioeconomic and racial-ethnic identities. The status-based identity framework provides one way to analyze the implications of these dynamic identities, particularly as people approach young adulthood. For students from low socioeconomic status (SES) backgrounds, the experience of socioeconomic mobility can accompany an aversive sense of uncertainty about their own SES, termed status uncertainty, with potential negative implications for their academic behaviors and outcomes. A longitudinal study and experiment demonstrate some of these consequences and suggest how intersections between socioeconomic and racial-ethnic identities may be associated with well-being. This perspective on the dynamic identities of young people calls for consistent attention to the various levels of context that can be leveraged to support positive development, effective goal pursuit, and desired life trajectories.
Evaluating the Influence of Specific Mechanical Energy on Biopolymer Blends Prepared via High-Speed Reactive Extrusion

This work studies, for the first time, the influence of specific mechanical energy (SME) on the reaction efficiency and blend’s performance during reactive extrusion of biopolymer compounds. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) were compounded separately with poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) and a premade maleic anhydride (MAH) compatibilizer to achieve functionalization. Different screw speeds (reaching 1000 rpm) and flow rates were tested. Results indicated that the grafting efficiency was directly proportional to the SME imparted in the system. The PBS blends compounded at shorter times and faster speeds experienced less degradation and better mechanical properties than blends compounded at longer times. The effect was similar but less pronounced for the PLA formulations. It is possible to optimize the reactive compatibilization of biopolymer blends by means of SME calculations and that better blend performance is achieved when conducting high-speed extrusion at short residence times.
Non-commutative Bloch theory

For differential operators which are invariant under the action of an abelian group Bloch theory is the preferred tool to analyze spectral properties. By shedding some new non-commutative light on this we motivate the introduction of a non-commutative Bloch theory for elliptic operators on Hilbert C*-modules. It relates properties of C*-algebras to spectral properties of module operators such as band structure, weak genericity of cantor spectra, and absence of discrete spectrum. It applies e.g. to differential operators invariant under a projective group action, such as Schroedinger, Dirac and Pauli operators with periodic magnetic field, as well as to discrete models, such as the almost Matthieu equation and the quantum pendulum.
Cell-Derived Vesicles for in Vitro and in Vivo Targeted Therapeutic Delivery

Efficient delivery of therapeutics across the cell membrane to the interior of the cell remains a challenge both in vitro and in vivo. Here, we demonstrate that vesicles derived from cellular membranes can be efficiently loaded with cargo that can then be delivered to the interior of the cell. These vesicles demonstrated cell-targeting specificity as well as the ability to deliver a wide range of different cargos. We utilized this approach to deliver both lipophilic and hydrophilic cargos including therapeutics and DNA in vitro. We further demonstrated in vivo targeting and delivery using fluorescently labeled vesicles to target tumor xenografts in an animal. Cell-derived vesicles can be generated in high yields and are easily loaded with a variety of cargos. The ability of these vesicles to specifically target the same cell type from which they originated provides an efficient means of delivering cargo, such as therapeutics, both in vitro and in vivo.
A Search for Spatially Resolved Infrared Ro-Vibrational Molecular Hydrogen Emission from the Disks of Young Stars

We present results from a survey searching for spatially resolved near-infrared line emission from molecular hydrogen gas in the circumstellar environments of nine young stars: AA Tau, AB Aur, DoAr 21, GG Tau, GM Aur, LkCa 15, LkH$\alpha$ 264, UY Aur, and V773 Tau. Prior high-resolution spectra of these stars showed the presence of ro-vibrational H$_2$ line emission at 2.12$\mu$m with characteristics more typical of gas located in proto-planetary disks rather than outflows. In this study, we spatially resolve the H$_2$ emission in the eight stars where it is detected. LkCa 15 is the only target that exhibits no appreciable H$_2$ despite a prior detection. We find an anti-correlation between H$_2$ and X-ray luminosities, likely indicating that the X-ray ionization process is not the dominant H$_2$ excitation mechanism in these systems. AA Tau, UY Aur, and V773 Tau show discrete knots of H$_2$, as typically associated with shocks in outflowing gas. UY Aur and V773 Tau exhibit spatially resolved velocity structures, while the other systems have spectrally unresolved emission consistent with systemic velocities. V773 Tau exhibits a complex line morphology indicating the presence of multiple excitation mechanisms, including red and blue-shifted bipolar knots of shock-excited outflowing gas. AB Aur, GM Aur, and LkH$\alpha$ 264 have centralized, yet spatially resolved H$_2$ emission consistent with a disk origin. The H$_2$ images of AB Aur reveal spiral structures within the disk, matching those observed in ALMA CO maps. This survey reveals new insights into the structure and excitation of warm gas in the circumstellar environments of these young stars.
Shifting Gears: Characteristics and Consequences of Latent Class Transitions in Doctoral Socialization

Using a national sample of 336 biology Ph.D. students, this study classified students based on their interactions with faculty and peers, and investigated longitudinal changes in their interaction classifications over 3 years. We also examined associations between students’ interaction classifications, their demographic backgrounds (e.g., gender, international student status, first-generation status, and underrepresented racial/ethnic minority status), and doctoral outcomes (e.g., sense of belonging, satisfaction with academic development, institutional commitment, and scholarly productivity). The findings revealed that three distinct subgroups existed among the current sample of biology Ph.D. students, with respect to their interactions with their faculty and peers: high interaction with faculty and peers, high interaction with peers only, and low interaction with faculty and peers. However, such patterns of doctoral students’ interactions with faculty and peers tended to, in general, be stable over time. In addition, while the differential effects of demographic variables on changes in these interaction patterns were widely founded, such changes were not substantially linked to doctoral student outcomes. Implications for research on doctoral education and socialization theory are discussed.
Proximal Radioulnar Translocation Associated with Posterior Fracture-Dislocation of Elbow in an Adolescent Girl: A Case Report.

Case A 14-year-old girl sustained a posterior elbow dislocation and presented with a proximal radioulnar translocation (PRUT) and a displaced fracture of the radial head. Reduction of the elbow dislocation and the proximal radioulnar translocation were achieved by external manipulation in the operating room. The radial head was not amenable to closed reduction and remained entrapped in the anteromedial compartment of the elbow. So open reduction and internal stabilization was carried out. Conclusions In PRUT, closed reduction should be attempted. The radial head should be preserved even if it is fully dislocated from metaphysis. Retrograde intramedullary radial nailing provides enough stability of the fracture to promote early mobilization and facilitate union.
From Spanning Trees to Meshed Trees

Switching operations, at Layer 2 of the network protocol stack, are fundamental to network communications. The internal networks of data centers, as well as traditional Layer 2 networks - customer, service provider, and backbone provider networks [1], [2] - rely primarily on switching operations.
"Landmark" Articles in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery: Do We Read What We Cite?

Objective The aim of the study was to describe the provision of a "landmark" article reading list to trainees by their Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS) fellowship programs. Methods In this cross-sectional study, a web-based survey was sent to program coordinators of accredited FPMRS programs. Available reading lists were collected, and a master list compiled. Nonparametric tests were used to investigate the association between the number of faculty members and presence of a reading list. Results We received a response from 46 (92%) of the 50 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education programs contacted. Half the programs (23/46, 50%) reported that they do not offer a recommended reading list, 5 programs were unsure and over more than 60% with a list (12/18, 67%) shared their list with the investigators. Programs had between 2 and 14 core faculty members with a median (interquartile range) of 4 (3-6). Programs with a reading list had significantly fewer faculty members (3.5, 3-5 vs 5, 3-6, P = 0.03). There were 323 unique articles across the 12 lists, with a median of 25 articles per list. Thirty-four articles were on 4 or more lists; 9 of these (9/34, 26%) have previously been identified as citation classics. Conclusions At least 50% of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education accredited programs do not provide their fellows with a recommended reading list, and fewer core faculty members are associated with the presence of such a list. Although some commonalities are found between reading lists, a universal reading list of "landmark" articles could improve the consistency of FPMRS fellowship education.
A Web-Based Geolocated Directory of Crisis Pregnancy Centers (CPCs) in the United States: Description of CPC Map Methods and Design Features and Analysis of Baseline Data.

Background: Crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs) are nonprofit organizations that aim to dissuade people considering abortion. The centers frequently advertise in misleading ways and provide inaccurate health information. CPCs in the United States are becoming more medicalized and gaining government funding and support. We created a CPC Map, a Web-based geolocated database of all CPCs currently operating in the United States, to help individuals seeking health services know which centers are CPCs and to facilitate academic research. Objective: This study aimed to describe the methods used to develop and maintain the CPC Map and baseline findings regarding the number and distribution of CPCs in the United States. We also examined associations between direct state funding and the number of CPCs and relationships between the number of CPCs and state legislation proposed in 2018-2019 to ban all or most abortions. Methods: In 2018, we used standard protocols to identify and verify the locations of and services offered by CPCs operating in the United States. The CPC Map was designed to be a publicly accessible, user-friendly searchable database that can be easily updated. We examined the number of CPCs and, using existing data, the ratios of women of reproductive age to CPCs and CPCs to abortion facilities nationally and by region, subregion, and state. We used unadjusted and adjusted negative binomial regression models to examine associations between direct state funding and the number of CPCs. We used unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models to examine associations between the number of CPCs by state and legislation introduced in 2018-2019 to ban all or most abortions. Adjusted models controlled for the numbers of women of reproductive age and abortion facilities per state. Results: We identified 2527 operating CPCs. Of these, 66.17% (1672/2527) offered limited medical services. Nationally, the ratio of women of reproductive age to CPCs was 29,304:1. The number of CPCs per abortion facility was 3.2. The South and Midwest had the greatest numbers of CPCs. The number of CPCs per state ranged from three (Rhode Island) to 203 (Texas). Direct funding was associated with a greater number of CPCs in unadjusted (coefficient: 0.87, 95% CI 0.51-1.22) and adjusted (coefficient: 0.45, 95% CI 0.33-0.57) analyses. The number of CPCs was associated with the state legislation introduced in 2018-2019 to ban all or most abortions in unadjusted (odds ratio [OR] 1.04, 95% CI 1.01-1.06) and adjusted analyses (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.04-1.19). Conclusions: CPCs are located in every state and particularly prevalent in the South and Midwest. Distribution of CPCs in the United States is associated with state funding and extreme proposals to restrict abortion. Researchers should track CPCs over time and examine factors that influence their operations and impact on public health and policy.
Lessons learned from clinical trial queries on small biopsy collections: importance of rapid on-site evaluation.

Introduction Small biopsies and cytology specimens have become increasingly important for clinical trials and biomarker testing. Thus, institutions must ensure that adequate lesional material meeting the specifications for a multitude of different protocols is available. This can be achieved using rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE). The aim of the present study was to determine the recent clinical trial biopsy characteristics and study the feedback on these collections at our institution. Materials and methods Clinical trial biopsies performed at our institution and trial feedback (including “queries”) were analyzed from the 2017 to 2019. The query data were reviewed in detail, in addition to any protocol modifications related to biopsy requirements and study protocol changes. Results A total of 698 biopsy collections were performed for clinical trial purposes for 95 trials, with most requiring biopsies at >1 time point (63.2%), for phase I or II trials (92.6%), and for specific tumor types (67.4%). Only 18 of the trials (18.9%) requiring fresh tissue biopsies provided feedback. The feedback included data from 90 cases (12.9%), of which 27 (30.0%) had queries regarding insufficient (n = 10; 37.0%) or borderline (n = 17; 63.0%) tumor tissue. Only 1 (3.7%) of these had had ROSE by cytology. ROSE was performed in accordance with institutional guidelines (45.3%), as required by the study (1.1%), or because of trial modification (5.3%). Conclusions The present investigation has shown the high volume of clinical trial biopsies managed at our academic cancer center. Feedback from the trials was low at 18.9% and frequently involved suboptimal cases without ROSE used at acquisition. This has led to more widespread adoption of ROSE to mitigate insufficient biopsy specimens and repeat procedures. The high volume of clinical trial biopsies and variability in trial needs necessitates a collaborative multidisciplinary network, including cytology services, to facilitate these important biopsies for patients with cancer.
Effects of meteorological factors on prevalence of animal plague in the natural plague foci of Spermophilus alaschanicus of Gansu Province

Objective To explore the effects of meteorological factors on population densities of the host and the prevalence of animal plague in the natural plague foci of Spermophilus alaschanicus. Methods The surveillance data of seroprevalence rate in natural plague foci of Spermophilus alaschanicus of Gansu Province in current year, one previous year (relative to current year as a reference), as well as two and three previous years' meteorological data such as average annual rainfall, temperature, relative humidity were collected from 1962 to 2014. SAS 9.3 software was used for correlation and regression analysis of the influencing meteorological factors on the density of Spermophilus alaschanicus and prevalence of animal plague; generalized additive model (GAM) was used for quantitative study of meteorological factors on density of Spermophilus alaschanicus; logistic regression analysis was used to study the effect of meteorological factors on prevalence of Spermophilus alaschanicus plague. Results Serum positive rate of Spermophilus alaschanicus was positively correlated with average annual rainfall of current and previous one year, and with relative humidity of current year (r= 0.279, 0.341, 0.654, P < 0.05); serum positive rate was negatively correlated with average annual temperature of current and preceding first, second and third years (r=- 0.360,- 0.339,- 0.273, - 0.323, P < 0.05). The average annual rainfall of preceding second and third years was significantly associated with the densities of Spermophilus alaschanicus by GAM parameter estimation (t= 2.88, 2.42, P < 0.05). The average annual rainfall of preceding second and third years was significantly associated with the densities of Spermophilus alaschanicus by GAM nonparameter estimation (χ2= 31.580, 13.428, P < 0.05), but the effect was nonlinear. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that average annual rainfall of preceding first year [odds ratio (OR)= 2.475, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.175- 5.213] was risk factor for the prevalence of the animal plague in the natural plague foci of Spermophilus alaschanicus. Conclusions Rainfall is risk factor for the prevalence of the animal plague in the natural plague foci of Spermophilus alaschanicus. There is a lag effect of rainfall on the numbers of hosts and the prevalence of Spermophilus alaschanicue plague. When the rainfall in the region (not continuously) reaches a certain amount, it will provide favorable conditions for the spread of Yersinia pestis. Key words: Yersinia pestis; Meteorological factor; Correlation analysis
Evidence for topological semimetallicity in a chain-compound TaSe3

Among one-dimensional transition-metal trichalcogenides, TaSe3 is unconventional in many respects. One is its strong topological semimetallicity as predicted by first-principles calculations. We report the experimental investigations of the electronic properties of one-dimensional-like TaSe3 single crystals. While the b-axis electrical resistivity shows good metallicity with a high residual resistivity ratio greater than 100, an extremely large magnetoresistance is observed reaching ≈7 × 103% at 1.9 K for 14 T. Interestingly, the magnetoresistance follows the Kohler’s rule with nearly quadratic magnetic field dependence, consistent with the electron–hole compensation scenario as confirmed by our Hall conductivity data. Both the longitudinal and Hall conductivities show Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations with two frequencies: Fα ≈ 97 T and Fβ ≈ 186 T. Quantitative analysis indicates that Fα results from the two-dimensional-like electron band with the non-trivial Berry phase [1.1π], and Fβ from the hole band with the trivial Berry phase [0(3D) − 0.16π(2D)]. Our experimental findings are consistent with the predictions based on first-principles calculations.
Rethinking the theory of money, credit, and macroeconomics: a review essay.: John Smithin, Rethinking the Theory of Money, Credit, and Macroeconomics: A New Statement for the Twenty-First Century (Lanham, MD: Lexington Books, 2018), ISBN 978-1-4985-4281-4, 239 pp., $115.00

This article provides a summary, analysis, and critique of John Smithin’s recently published book Rethinking the Theory of Money, Credit, and Macroeconomics. The book can be viewed as Smithin’s mag...
Augmented Reality-Based Lung Ultrasound Scanning Guidance

Lung ultrasound (LUS) is an established non-invasive imaging method for diagnosing respiratory illnesses. With the rise of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) as a global pandemic, LUS has been used to detect pneumopathy for triaging and monitoring patients who are diagnosed or suspected with COVID-19 infection. While LUS offers a cost-effective, radiation-free, and higher portability compared with chest X-ray and CT, its accessibility is limited due to its user dependency and the small number of physicians and sonographers who can perform appropriate scanning and diagnosis. In this paper, we propose a framework of guiding LUS scanning featuring augmented reality, in which the LUS procedure can be guided by projecting the scanning trajectory on the patient’s body. To develop such a system, we implement a computer vision-based detection algorithm to classify different regions on the human body. The DensePose algorithm is used to obtain body mesh data for the upper body pictured with a mono-camera. Torso sub-mesh is used to extract and overlay the eight regions corresponding to anterior and lateral chests for LUS guidance. To minimize the instability of the DensePose mesh coordinates based on different frontal angles of the camera, a machine learning regression algorithm is applied to predict the angle-specific projection model for the chest. ArUco markers are utilized for training the ground truth chest regions to be scanned, and another single ArUco marker is used for detecting the center-line of the body. The augmented scanning regions are highlighted one by one to guide the scanning path to execute the LUS procedure. We demonstrate the feasibility of guiding the LUS scanning procedure through the combination of augmented reality, computer vision, and machine learning.
Evaluating the U.S. Air Quality Index as a risk communication tool: Comparing associations of index values with respiratory morbidity among adults in California.

Background The Air Quality Index (AQI) in the United States is widely used to communicate daily air quality information to the public. While use of the AQI has led to reported changes in individual behaviors, such behavior modifications will only mitigate adverse health effects if AQI values are indicative of public health risks. Few studies have assessed the capability of the AQI to accurately predict respiratory morbidity risks. Methods and findings In three major regions of California, Poisson generalized linear models were used to assess seasonal associations between 1,373,165 respiratory emergency department visits and short-term exposure to multiple metrics between 2012-2014, including: daily concentrations of NO2, O3, and PM2.5; the daily reported AQI; and a newly constructed health-based air quality index. AQI values were positively associated (average risk ratio = 1.03, 95% CI 1.02-1.04) during the cooler months of the year (November-February) in all three regions when the AQI was very highly correlated with PM2.5 (R2 ≥ 0.89). During the warm season (March-October) in the San Joaquin Valley region, neither AQI values nor the individual underlying air pollutants were associated with respiratory morbidity. Additionally, AQI values were not positively associated with respiratory morbidity in the Southern California region during the warm season, despite strong associations of the individual underlying air pollutants with respiratory morbidity; in contrast, health-based index values were observed to be significantly associated with respiratory morbidity as part of an applied policy analysis in this region, with a combined risk ratio of 1.02 (95% CI: 1.01-1.03). Conclusions In regions where individual air pollutants are associated with respiratory morbidity, and during seasons with relatively simple air mixtures, the AQI can effectively serve as a risk communication tool for respiratory health risks. However, the predictive ability of the AQI and any other index is contingent upon the monitored values being representative of actual population exposures. Other approaches, such as health-based indices, may be needed in order to effectively communicate health risks of air pollution in regions and seasons with more complex air mixtures.
Theatrical Compressions of Time and Space

This chapter discusses the wider implications of global capitalism, per David Harvey’s theorisation of ‘time–space compression’, by analysing plays that theatricalise spatial collapse and temporal acceleration. Lucy Kirkwood’s Chimerica (2013) dramatises capitalism’s uneven development in China and the United States, while debbie tucker green’s stoning mary (2005) transplants underreported stories more commonly associated with the Global South into working-class England, alerting us to the structural inequities (domestically and internationally) that are a consequence (if not an aim) of the neoliberal state. Meanwhile, Alistair McDowall’s Pomona (2014) and X (2016) frustrate temporality to convey the intractability of the consumerist ethos and reveal time as a regulatory function of capitalist discipline. These disparate spatial and temporal threads come together to evince the extent to which onstage compressions of time and space can vividly capture the neoliberal reconfiguration of social life.
Women’s Role in Management of Small Enterprises in Malang Municipality

This study aimed to analyze the role of women in management functions of small businesses such as planning, organization, motivation, staffing and supervision. The study was conducted in Malang Municipality using a survey method, to women who managed small enterprises that get funding urban poverty alleviation program (P2KP = Program Pengentasan Kemiskinan Perkotaan). Data collected from respondents randomly selected through interviews using a questionnaire and in-depth interview and then analyzed descriptively and gender analysis. The results showed that women managers of small enterprises have a relatively large role in the planning, organization, motivation, staffing and supervision in their businesses. The role of women in management functions is more dominant than her husband, either alone or together. Empirical evidence on the important role of women in small businesses will be a consideration for policy makers.
The role of preoperative anemia in patients undergoing colectomy for diverticular disease: does surgical urgency matter?

Surgery especially in the emergent setting carries higher rates of morbidity and mortality. The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of preoperative anemia on outcomes for patients undergoing colectomy for acute diverticulitis in both elective and emergent settings. We performed a 4-year analysis of the ACS-NSQIP and included adult patients with acute diverticulitis who underwent colectomy. Patients were stratified into two groups based on preoperative hemoglobin levels, preop anemia and no-preop Anemia. Outcome measures were 30-day complications, anastomotic leaks, readmissions, mortality, and intra-/postoperative blood transfusion. We also performed a sub-analysis for patients who underwent emergent colectomy. Six thousand nine hundred sixty-three patients were included in the analysis, of which 37% (n = 2571) had preoperative anemia. Patients in the anemia group were more likely to have higher ASA class and receive blood 72-h preoperatively (5.4% vs. 0.2%, p < 0.01). Patients in the anemia group had higher rates of complications (35.4% vs. 24.7%, p < 0.01), unplanned readmission (9.2% vs 7.2%, p < 0.01), mortality (4.5% vs. 1.8%, p < 0.01), and intra/postoperative transfusion requirement (21% vs. 3.8%, p < 0.01) with no difference in rate of anastomotic leaks. On sub-analysis, 39% of the cases were completed in an emergent setting, 85% of which were due to perforation. Patients with preoperative anemia that underwent colectomy in an emergent setting had higher odds of intra/postoperative blood transfusion (OR 51.6, CI 3.87–6.87, p < 0.01) with no statistical significance in 30-day complications (p = 0.51). Preoperative anemia in patients undergoing colectomy for acute diverticular disease is associated with higher odds complications, readmissions, and intra/postoperative blood transfusions.
Persistent neuromuscular junction transmission defects in adults with spinal muscular atrophy treated with nusinersen.

Objective Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a motor neuron disease caused by low levels of survival motor neuron (SMN) protein. Prior work in models and patients has demonstrated electrophysiological and morphological defects at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). Therapeutic development has resulted in clinically available therapies to increase SMN protein levels in patients and improve muscle function. Here we aimed to investigate the effect of SMN restoration (via nusinersen) on NMJ transmission in adults with SMA. Methods Participants undergoing nusinersen treatment underwent 3 Hz repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS) of the spinal accessory nerve to assess compound muscle action potential amplitude decrement. Maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVICT), Revised Upper Limb Module (RULM), and 6 min walk test (6MWT) were assessed for correlations with decrement. Results Data from 13 ambulatory (7 men/6 women, mean age 40±11 years) and 11 non-ambulatory (3 men/8 women, mean age 38±12 years) participants were analysed. Cross-sectional analyses of RNS decrement were similar at 14 months of nusinersen (−14.2%±11.5%, n=17) vs baseline (−11.9%±8.3%, n=15) (unpaired t-test, p=0.5202). Longitudinal comparison of decrement in eight participants showed no change at 14 months (−13.9%±6.7%) vs baseline (−16.9%±13.4%) (paired t-test, p=0.5863). Decrement showed strong correlations with measures of MVICT, RULM and 6MWT but not age or disease duration. Conclusion Adults with SMA had significant NMJ transmission defects that were not corrected with 14 months of nusinersen treatment. NMJ defects were negatively associated with physical function, and thus may represent a promising target for additive or combinatorial treatments.
Adenosine and Ethanol

The study of the actions of ethanol on the brain has generated a wide range of hypotheses concerning the mechanisms by which it alters neuronal activity. These include relatively non-specific actions (e.g., increases in membrane fluidity), that might ultimately alter the function of proteins embedded in the lipid bilayer. However more recent studies have focused on specific interactions between ethanol with membrane proteins, such as neurotransmitter receptors and voltage-gated ion channels. It has been hypothesized that the interaction is between ethanol and a hydrophobic pocket in the protein molecule (Figure 1). The enhancement or antagonism of the function of such membrane proteins has been posited to underlie the alterations in neural activity that ultimately result in the intoxicating effects of ethanol.
Vector Spaces and Subspaces

In this chapter we formalize and generalize many of the ideas encountered in the previous chapters, by introducing the key notion of vector space. The central focus is a good theory of dimension for vector spaces spanned by finitely many vectors. This requires a detailed study of spanning and linear independent families of vectors in a vector space.
Physiotherapy led weaning plans reduce the number of days patients require non-invasive ventilation (NIV)

Background Respiratory physiotherapists at ASPH assess, monitor and wean patients requiring NIV. In May 2009, as a result of previous NIV audit data, a physiotherapy led weaning proforma was implemented to improve successful weaning rates. Aims and objectives The aim of the investigation was to establish if physiotherapy led weaning plans reduced the number of days patients spent on NIV. Methods Data were collected prospectively from 255 consecutive patients requiring NIV over a two year period from May 2009 to April 2011 using a locally adapted version of the BTS NIV data collection tool. Number of days on NIV were collected from patients nursing notes. 84 patients had physiotherapy led weaning plans and were included in the analysis (t-test). Results 33% (n=84) of patients had a physiotherapy led weaning plan. The impact of physiotherapy led weaning plans is summarised. 8% (n=21) patients required referral for domiciliary NIV and therefore could not be weaned and were excluded from the analysis. Conclusion Physiotherapy led weaning plans reduce the length of time patients remain on NIV. A possible explanation could be faster optimisation in the first 24 hours facilitating a shortened weaning time. Further investigation is required to establish if earlier physiotherapy input can impact on NIV outcome. Thanks to Tina Thomas for data entry.
Plane Strain Tests on A Saturated Remoded Clay

Specimens of saturated, remolded clay were K (sub o) consolidated and subsequently sheared under undrained plane strain conditions. The angle of shearing resistance and the ratio betweeen the undrained shearing strength and the maximum effective consolidation pressure was found to be slightly higher under plane strain conditions than the respective values obtained from corresponding standard triaxial tests. The results of both types of test suggest that the pore water pressure is controlled by the octrahedral stresses; the magnitude of the intermediate principal stress under plane strain conditions is considerably less than one-half the sum of the other two principal stresses.
Differential effects of the integrins alpha9beta1, alphavbeta3, and alphavbeta6 on cell proliferative responses to tenascin. Roles of the beta subunit extracellular and cytoplasmic domains.

Members of the integrin family manifest considerable overlap in ligand specificity, and many cells have the capacity to express multiple integrin receptors for the same ligand. For example, at least 5 different integrins recognize tenascin as a ligand, and 4 of these bind to the same region of the protein, the third fibronectin type III repeat (TNfn3). We utilized colon carcinoma cells (SW480) that do not normally attach to TNfn3 to examine the possibility that ligation of different integrin receptors for this ligand would induce different effects on cell behavior and intracellular signaling. Heterologous expression of the tenascin receptors αvβ3 and α9β1 produced comparable effects on cell adhesion and spreading on TNfn3, but αvβ3-transfectants proliferated considerably better on each concentration examined. αvβ6-transfectants attached (although less avidly), but completely failed to spread or proliferate. Expression of a chimeric β subunit composed of the β3 extracellular domain fused to the β6 transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains resulted in adhesion and spreading similar to that seen with β3-transfectants, but considerably less proliferation. When the same cell lines were plated on fibronectin, αvβ6-transfectants spread and proliferated as well as cells transfected with the chimeric β3/β6 subunit, but, again, neither cell line proliferated as well as cells expressing αvβ3. Cell proliferation was always associated with spreading and with phosphorylation of the focal adhesion kinase, paxillin, and the mitogen-activated kinase, Erk2, but cell attachment in the absence of spreading or proliferation was not associated with phosphorylation of any of these proteins. These data suggest that different integrin receptors for a single ligand can produce markedly different effects on cell proliferation, and that both the extracellular and cytoplasmic domains of integrin β subunits contribute to these differences.
Adrenal Androgens and Androgen Precursors—Definition, Synthesis, Regulation and Physiologic Actions

The human adrenal produces more 19 carbon (C19) steroids, by mass, than either glucocorticoids or mineralocorticoids. However, the mechanisms regulating adrenal C19 steroid biosynthesis continue to represent one of the most intriguing mysteries of endocrine physiology. This review will discuss the C19 steroids synthesized by the human adrenal and the features within the adrenal that allow production of these steroids. Finally, we consider the effects of these steroids in normal physiology and disorders of adrenal C19 steroid excess.
Chronic nasopharyngeal obstruction as a cause of cardiomegaly, cor pulmonale, and pulmonary edema.

Partial airway obstruction and respiratory abnormality due to enlargement of tonsils and adenoids is a well-recognized clinical entity, but the cardiorespiratory changes which severe chronic obstruction may cause have not been widely documented. Four patients with severe nasopharyngeal obstruction have been observed to have cardiorespiratory complications ranging from moderate cardiac enlargement and right ventricular hypertrophy to cor pulmonale and pulmonary edema. Hemodynamic studies showed swings in pulmonary artery and aortic pressures; pCO2 was varyingly elevated in arterialized capillary blood. It is believed that hypoxia leads to increased pulmonary resistance and elevated pulmonary artery pressure which, over a period of months, results in right heart hypertrophy and failure. Furthermore, hypoxia may contribute to the development of pulmonary edema in a manner similar to that which occurs at high altitudes. Wide swings in intrathoracic pressure also probably played an important role in the etiology of pulmonary edema. Individual susceptibility to hypoxia and pressure changes is suspected to be an important etiologic factor. The problem of chronic upper airway obstruction caused by tremendously enlarged tonsils and adenoids in children warrants further investigation and more widespread recognition as being potentially dangerous from cardiorespiratory standpoints.
Spatial‐temporal variations of evapotranspiration and runoff/precipitation ratios responding to the changing climate in the Pacific Northwest during 1921‐2006

[1] Water resources in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) are very sensitive to climate change. There are still big knowledge gaps on how evapotranspiration (ET) varies in responding to changing temperature (T) and precipitation (P) over different zones in terms of supply and demand regime for ET. Here, we employ the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) hydrologic model and a high-resolution meteorological data set to quantify spatial and seasonal variations of ET and the runoff (R)/precipitation (P) ratio over the PNW and attribute effects of T and P. We evaluate modeled ET and R with eddy covariance measurements, upscaled regional ET, and reconstructed natural streamflow. Simulation results indicate that water-limited (annual potential ET (PET) ≥ P) and energy-limited zones (annual PET < P) have different responses to changing climate. In general, water-limited zones tend to be more associated with increasing ET and decreasing R/P than do energy-limited regions. With controlled simulation experiments, we document that trends in annual and warm-season ET and R/P are dominantly controlled by P, while in the cool season they are mainly controlled by T. During an entire cycle of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (1947-2006), the PNW experienced a substantial increase in ET and a decrease in R and R/P under the trends of warming and drying. In this snowmelt-dominated region where warming-induced changes to the snowpack are impacting seasonal freshwater availability, decreases in R/P could further aggravate water scarcity. To reduce uncertainties, high-resolution meteorological data sets and intensive model calibrations and evaluations against ET are required.
Scatterometry as a practical in-situ metrology technology

A very fast and accurate forward scattering method has been developed and implemented for detailed lithographic sytems. This method has been employed in an inverse scattering algorithm developed and implemented for various {\it in-situ } metrology tasks. This forward scattering algorithm utilizes complex realization of the permitivity functions of highly lossy materials, obtained from a newly developed algorithm, part of which is employed in the hybrid inverse system. This hybrid system has been devised to predict wafer properties like feature profiles and layer thicknesses. It combines several components due to the inapplicability of standard inve rse methods such as conjugate gradient and Hessian matrix inversion. It is demonstrated that initial and final spectra match. A comparison between measured and evaluated material properties are in very good agreement as well. Examples of stacks, resist feature and profile roughness are demonstrated. This newly developed and implemented methodology is self-contained and can serve as a versatile metrology tool.
Effects of Clostridium perfringens Recombinant and Crude Phospholipase C and θ-toxin on Rabbit Hemodynamic Parameters

Clostridium perfringens exotoxins have been implicated as major virulence factors responsible for shock and organ failure in gas gangrene, yet the mechanism(s) by which they mediate cardiovascular dysfunction remain enigmatic. Recombinant (r) phospholipase C (PLC), r theta-toxin, culture supernatant (crude toxin), or 0.9% NaCl was infused intravenously into awake rabbits. Cardiac index (CI), mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), central venous pressure (CVP), arterial blood gases, and hematocrit were measured 1 h before and for 3 h after toxin infusion. Crude toxin and rPLC decreased CI, MAP, and HR and increased CVP; mortality was 87.5% and 83%, respectively. r theta-toxin did not decrease CI or MAP and mortality was 25%. Further, crude toxin and rPLC but not r theta-toxin inhibited cardiac contractility (dF/dt) in isolated rabbit atrial muscles. These results suggest that PLC-induced myocardial dysfunction contributes to shock in C. perfringens infection.