cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ground Bounce and Ringing

We have spent the first four chapters studying the basics, including circuit boards and “lumped” parameters such as resistance, capacitance, and inductance. We also studied important consequences of these parameters, such as how return current follows the signal path. Now we are going to study two of the effects that these lumped parameters cause, ground bounce and ringing.
New Results from KTEV: 1

I summarize the status of the Fermilab KTeV-E832 experiment. The principle goal of this experiment is to probe the origin of CP violation by measuring Real(∈′/∈) to a precision of 1 × 10−4. A successful run during 1996–97 has resulted in the collection of approximately 4–5 million of the statistics-limiting K L 2π0 decays, which corresponds to a measurement of Real(∈′/∈) with statistical precision in the vicinity of 1.5 × 10−4. While the Real(∈′/∈) measurement is in progress, an unrelated result from approximately one day of E832 data on the search for supersymmetric particles containing light gluinos has been published[1].
Growth of Literature on Bradford's Law

ABSTRACT This paper analyzes the literature produced on Bradford's Law from 1934 to June 2012. The study compiled 936 documents produced by 1,123 authors, working in sixteen languages to communicate the results of their research, with English the leading language, followed by Chinese, Spanish and Portuguese. The study reveals the fifteen most productive authors, all of which work in English in both academic journals and conference settings. This literature is growing exponentially (R 2 = 0.974), at a rate of 5.4% per year and doubling in size every 13.2 years.
Predicting Optimal Targeting Strategies in Multispecies Fisheries: A Portfolio Approach

When regulations are species specific but the species are part of a multispecies fishery, studies show that harvest rates are correlated such that net revenues attributed to each species are also correlated. This correlation suggests that portfolio theory is well suited for multispecies fisheries that exhibit joint productive characteristics. This paper uses a portfolio approach to model the behavior of fishermen faced with multiple targeting options in a randomharvest fishery. The approach draws from the expected utility hypothesis and financial portfolio theory to predict optimal targeting strategies. The methodology is applied to the pelagic longline fleet operating in the U.S. Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico. The model provides evidence that area closures aimed at reducing juvenile swordfish mortality will be more effective in certain regions. Efficient risk-return frontiers are also generated for use in predicting targeting behavior in lieu of a closure.
Maximum power point tracking for solar panel companion inverters

Solar Panel Companion Inverter (SPCI) has been proposed as an H-bridge inverter embedded with a PV module. Each inverter converts the DC voltage output of the module, to a quasi-square wave voltage with variable pulse width. When these voltages are aggregated across multiple panels connected in a series string, they synthesize an AC waveform that can be interfaced with the power grid. The inverter functionality is distributed along the string, with no microinverter, no central inverter, and no voltage boosting required. In this paper, a new Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithm for Solar Panel Companion Inverters (SPCI) is proposed. This MPPT algorithm implements maximum power extraction at a system level. Also, closed loop current control scheme for a grid connected SPCI is implemented. Simulation results demonstrating the working of the closed loop current control and maximum power point tracking algorithm, for various operating scenarios are presented.
The Cost-effectiveness of a Point-of-Care Paper Transaminase Test for Monitoring Treatment of HIV/TB Co-Infected Persons.

Background Persons with HIV and tuberculosis (TB) co-infection require transaminase monitoring while on hepatotoxic medications. A novel paper-based, point-of-care transaminase test is in development at an anticipated cost of $1 per test. Methods To project long-term clinical outcomes and estimate the cost-effectiveness of using a paper-based fingerstick test to monitor for drug-induced liver injury (DILI), as compared with automated testing and with no laboratory monitoring. The design was a decision analytic model, including deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. Data sources were observational cohorts and a validation study of the paper-based test. The target population was HIV/TB co-infected persons in South Africa on antiretroviral therapy who were initiating TB therapy. Interventions: (1) clinical (no laboratory) monitoring; (2) monitoring using the paper-based test with a ≥120 IU/mL threshold for positivity; (3) monitoring using the paper-based test with a ≥200 IU/mL threshold for positivity; (4) monitoring using the paper-based test using 1 of 3 categories: 200 IU/mL ("bin placement"); (5) monitoring using automated ALT testing using the same 3 categories ("automated testing"). The outcome measures were discounted quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), costs, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs). Results The ICER of automated testing was $5180/QALY. Use of the paper-based test with the bin placement strategy was cost-effective compared with clinical monitoring alone. Conclusion At its current performance, monthly DILI monitoring by bin placement using the paper-based test was cost-effective, compared with clinical monitoring, in HIV/TB co-infected persons in South Africa.
Remodeling of Actin Filaments by Drebrin A and Its Implications

Dendritic spines are small protrusions of dendrites that are critical for synaptic transmission. The plasticity and stability of dendritic spines is tightly linked to actin cytoskeleton. However, our understanding of specific properties and the fine-tuning of neuronal actin structures is incomplete. Drebrin A is highly enriched in dendritic spines, but its effects on actin morphology, dynamics, and interplay with other actin regulators are yet to be clarified. Here we review recent advances in understanding drebrin effects on actin morphology and dynamics.
Asian Americans’ concerns and plans about Alzheimer's disease: The role of exposure, literacy and cultural beliefs

Responding to the increase of the Asian American population and the growing imperative to address issues on Alzheimer's disease (AD) in diverse populations, this study examined Asian Americans' concerns about AD (both concerns about one's own development of AD and about becoming an AD caregiver) and plans for AD. Focus was given on exploring the role of AD exposure, AD literacy and cultural beliefs about AD in predicting AD-related concerns and plans. Using data from 2,609 participants in the 2015 Asian American Quality of Life survey (aged 18-98), logistic regression models of three outcome measures (concerns about one's own development of AD, concerns about becoming an AD caregiver and plans about AD) were estimated. AD exposure and literacy (perceived knowledge and awareness of services) were common predictors of all three outcomes. Beliefs that associate AD with a normal part of ageing and a matter of fate increased the odds of having AD concerns. The odds of having AD plans were found to be higher among those with such concerns. Findings not only identified the factors associated with the concerns and plans about AD but also informed ways to develop targeted AD interventions for Asian Americans.
Lymphangitis carcinomatosa of a cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

An 83-year-old woman presented with erythema, papules and nodules on the left upper arm (figure 1A). She was treated with antibiotics by her general practitioner, with no disease response. Eight months earlier a 2.5 cm poorly differentiated primary cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the left preauricular area, with metastases to the regional lymph nodes, was staged T2N2M0 (tumour, node, metastases). She was treated with radical tumour resection, parotidectomy, and levels 2, 3 and 5 lymph node dissection, followed by postoperative radiotherapy. A total body skin examination was performed. On the left upper arm and adjacent to the axillary sulcus, a poor demarcated area of erythema with papules and nodules was noted. …
Calibration confidence regions for asbestos fibers with heteroscedasticity and interlaboratory variability

It is well known that asbestos exposure causes mesothelioma and asbestosis. We present statistical methodologies for analyzing airborne asbestos fiber counts measured by transmission electron microscopy. We observed from multiple laboratories that the variability of asbestos measurements increases with the true concentration levels. In order to account for the heteroscedasticity and between-laboratories variation of asbestos fiber counts, we use a two-component mixed model as well as a gamma mixed model. We construct calibration confidence regions for unknown true measurements borrowing strength from multiple laboratories. The performances of our calibration confidence regions and their robustness are studied via simulation. To illustrate our results, we analyze a real data set of amosite asbestos.
Covering the hermit regime: A comparison of North Korea coverage at the Associated Press and NK News:

How do traditional and new media outlets cover North Korea? This article analyzes content at NK News – a US-based niche news site – and the AP in 2014. I look at the ‘softness’ and ‘hardness’ of co...
A Sensored Projectile Impact on a Composite Sandwich Panel

Common impact events occurs between a single target and a single projectile, and traditionally the targeted is of most interest. Various sensors, such as strain gauges and force transducers, are commonly applied to the target in order to understand and record the impact event through the prospective of the target [1,2]. This approach leaves much to be desired due to the limited, and more so, qualitative data that is usually recorded. Witnessing the impact event through the prospective of the projectile not only provides more meaningful data regarding the impact, but records data through the entire impact event of the composite sandwich panel as the projectile travels through the face sheets and core. Additionally, the material – target impact interaction can be more closely evaluated. However, sensoring the projectile in conjunction with the inherent speed and confinement issues of a gas gun has presented many challenges for experimental implementation.
The Ripples of Fear, Comfort and Community Identity During the Boston Bombings

The Boston Marathon bombing event presents a rare opportunity to study how a massive disruptive event triggers emotional contagion. In this work, we use over 180 million geocoded tweets over an entire month to study how Twitter users expressed shared fear, comfort and community identity, over time and across different cities following the bombings. We quantify the level of shared fear by using the sentiment and time-series analyses. The expressions of comfort and community identity are studied based on the emergent use of two hashtags widely adopted after the bombings: #prayforboston and #bostonstrong. We found that these emotional responses varied with their geographical distances from the Boston area. However, statistical analyses show that users’ direct experience of being in Boston predicts the shared fear better, and users’ social networks are more effective in predicting the occurrences of expressing comfort and community identity. Our study has implication in identifying potentially vulnerable population, and predicting the perceived threat in the face of future massive disruptive events such as terrorist attacks.
A hardware/software approach for alleviating scalability bottlenecks in transactional memory applications

Scaling processor performance with future technology nodes is essential to enable future applications for devices ranging from smart-phones to servers. But the traditional methods of achieving that performance through frequency scaling and single-core architectural enhancements are no longer viable due to fundamental scaling limits. To continue scaling performance, parallel computers in the form of Chip Multi-processors (CMPs) are now prevalent, moving the challenge of parallel programming from a niche to the general domain. One challenging area is scalable synchronization to shared data structures using traditional methods. It can take many years for expert programmers using traditional methods to craft a scalable and correct scheme to synchronize access to data-structures in a complex program. Researchers have been searching for methods to make synchronization more tractable. One proposal is to use “Transactional Programming” to abstract synchronization to shared data structures as transactions in a similar fashion as database operations. Transactional programming can be efficiently supported by using a “Transactional Memory” (TM) system. One main problem with TM systems is scalability bottlenecks. When transactional applications are written to emulate future average programmer practices, performance can be worse than a single processor on large CMPs. This should not happen on a system meant to make programming easier. This happens because transactions as represented in the TM system may be dependent on each other—accessing the same data and therefore must serialize—without the programmer being knowledgable about these dependencies due to the abstraction hiding system details. This thesis develops a hardware/software approach to alleviate scalability bottlenecks in TM systems, while maintaining the level of abstraction presented in transactional programming. I first introduce “Proactive Transaction Scheduling” (PTS), a technique that profiles parallel code at runtime to determine orders transactions should execute in to maintain acceptable forward progress. I then propose using PTS to automatically determine transactions causing large amounts of serialization. These transactions are then accelerated using an asymmetric CMP to get better performance. I also show PTS can be used to partition resources in a Multi-threaded processor core for better overall performance over a fair partitioning of resources.
Totally Resorbable High-Strength Composite Material

Metal plating is the traditional technique used to repair fractured bones invasively. Because these plates can be up to 15 times as stiff as normal bone, they act as a mechanical shunt, however, and direct forces around the bone that are normally transmitted through the bone at the fracture site. This condition usually results in stress protection which may lead to osteoporosis and atrophy. Also, a second surgical procedure is required to remove metallic or other nonresorbable plates. At this time, the healed bone may not be strong enough to support normal loads, making refacture a frequent occurrence. We have developed a new, totally resorbable composite material with mechanical properties similar to that of healthy bone. Because the material mimics the behavior of bone, it allows primary osseous union to be achieved. Postsurgically, the material begins to soften and resorb, allowing the healing bone to be exercised so that normal bone remodeling may occur. The material is eventually totally resorbed after healing is complete.
Current Medical and Surgical Management of Nonvariceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Various pharmaceutical agents have been assessed for their ability to impact on the course of acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage. The results of the randomized trials to date have not revealed consistent benefit for any of these medications to halt ongoing bleeding or prevent recurrent bleeding within the same hospitalization. Conversely, encouraging data suggesting a benefit to estrogens in chronic recurrent bleeding from gastrointestinal angiodysplasias are accumulating. Additionally, stress ulcer syndrome with a significant gastrointestinal bleeding appears to be seen less frequently, and this probably relates to the availability of effective prophylactic agents. Surgical intervention for ongoing gastrointestinal bleeding remains necessary in a significant number of patients. The timing of such intervention and the type of procedure performed depends on the source and severity of bleeding and the clinical characteristics of the patient.
Treatment of Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in the Era of Targeted Therapy

Since the identification of multiple mutations associated with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), many targeted therapies have been developed for the treatment of this subgroup of lung cancers. These targeted therapies have changed the landscape of lung cancer treatment when compared to standard chemotherapy, with improved survival and quality of life. In this review article, we will review the major mutations associated with advanced NSCLC, namely EGFR, ALK, and ROS1. We will discuss their discovery, their clinical significance, and the diagnostic tests used for their detection. We will also review the respective targeted therapies developed, and the clinical trials that led to their approval. We will also review the most recent advances in targeted therapies in the treatment of advanced NSCLC, including recent data on tyrosine kinase inhibitor osimertinib showing equal effectiveness to other first-line therapy and accordingly recommended in first line for EGFR-positive advanced NSCLC. We will discuss emerging targetable mutations such as HER2, RET, and MET. Targeted therapies will likely shape the future of NSCLC treatment. They have been shown to provide survival advantage over chemotherapy, while providing better quality of life through ease of administration (most are oral drugs), as well as tolerability and better toxicity profile. Further elucidation of these and mutations may provide for future more effective targeted therapies.
Deep domain adaptation with manifold aligned label transfer

We propose a novel deep learning domain adaptation method that performs transductive learning from the source domain to the target domain based on cluster matching between the source and target features. The proposed method combines Adaptive Batch Normalization and Locality Preserving Projection-based subspace alignment on deep features to produce a common feature space for label transfer. Adaptive Batch Normalization automatically conditions the features from the source/target domain by normalizing the activations in each layer of our network. Following Manifold Subspace Alignment, we cluster the data in each domain using Gaussian Mixture Model clustering in feature space. The clusters are matched between domains to transfer labels from the closest source cluster to each target cluster. The transfer labels are compared to the network prediction, and the samples with consistent labels are used to adapt the network on the target domain. The proposed manifold-guided label transfer method produces state-of-the-art results for deep adaptation on digit recognition datasets. Furthermore, we perform domain adaptation on remote sensing datasets.
Esmolol: a viable option for current antinociceptive clinical research

We acknowledge the Letter to the Editor authored by Dr Nair.[1][1] We agree with Dr Nair on several points, and respectfully disagree on others. Our Daring Discourse[2][2] was first submitted in 2017, and therefore the review/opinion article by Sultana et al [3][3] was not available to us at the
Interface for Human Machine Interaction for assistant devices: A Review

Interface for the Human Machine Interaction has become a prominent area of research due to the rapid growth of automation and robotics in the recent few decades. Although an abundance of frameworks have been emerged to make the interaction between human and machine easy and robust, a substantial portion of these is not flourished in their scope. Through this review, we have tried to reveal different types of interfacing technique between human and machine to exhibit the evolution of the related technologies in developing assistant devices. This review explores the contemporary groundbreaking technologies developed for this purpose and their advantages and limitations. An outline is drawn for forthcoming development in the field of human machine interaction, human computer interaction and human robot interaction by using this review. This review draws a broad perspective on status quo and perspective on the possible future development of interfaces of assistant devices in the field of Human machine interaction.
JPHMP’s 21 Public Health Case Studies on Policy & Administration: edited by Lloyd F. Novick, Cynthia B. Morrow, and Carole Novick, Philadelphia, Wolters Kluwer, 2017, 368 pp. (paperback), ISBN-13: 978-1-4963-7709-08 (cloth), ISBN-10: 1-4963-7709-5 (cloth).

JPHMP’s 21 Public Health Case Studies on Policy & Administration is a collection of stand-alone cases that illustrate complexities in the development, implementation, and management of public healt...
Modulation of [3H]-serotonin Release in Rat Spinal Cord Synaptosomes via Dihydropyridine-sensitive Calcium Channels and Protein Kinase C

Depolarization-induced release of [3H]-5HT from spinal cord synaptosomes is enhanced by activation of either L-type voltage dependent Ca2+ channels (VDCC) or protein kinase C(PKC). Enhancement with either activation requires 15 mM K+ and Ca2+ and is concentration-dependent. Enhanced release of [3H]-5HT by 1,4-dihydropyridine (1,4-DHP) activators of the L-type VDCC is blocked by 1,4 DHP antagonists as well as inhibitors of PKC. Similarly enhanced release of [3H]-5HT due to PKC activation is blocked by PKC inhibitors as well as 1,4 DHP antagonists. Furthermore the combined effects of submaximal concentrations of activators of L-type VDCC and PKC are additive with respect to enhanced release in the presence of 15 mM K+. These results suggest the coupling of L-type VDCC and PKC in modulating K+-induced [3H]-5HT release from spinal cord synaptosomes.
The Resurrection of Winnie Mandela, by Sisonke Msimang

(2019). The Resurrection of Winnie Mandela, by Sisonke Msimang. Scrutiny2: Vol. 24, No. 2-3, pp. 110-111.
Definitive Treatment With Microsurgical Clipping After Recurrence and Rerupture of Coiled Anterior Cerebral Artery Aneurysms.

Background The extent of obliteration of ruptured intracranial aneurysms treated with coil embolization has been correlated with the risk of rerupture. However, many practitioners consider that a small neck remnant is unlikely to result in significant risk after coiling. Objective To report our recent experience with ruptured anterior cerebral artery aneurysms treated with endovascular coiling, which recurred or reruptured, requiring microsurgical clipping for subsequent treatment. Methods Retrospective review of patients with intracranial aneurysms treated at our institution since August 2018. Patient and aneurysm characteristics, initial and subsequent treatment approaches, and outcomes were reviewed. Results Six patients were included. Out of those 6 patients, 5 patients had anterior communicating artery aneurysms, and 1 patient had a pericallosal aneurysm. All initially presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and were treated with coiling. Recurrence occurred at a median of 7.5 mo. In 2 cases, retreatment was initially performed with repeat endovascular coiling, but further recurrence was observed. Rerupture from the residual or recurrent aneurysm occurred in 3 cases. In 2 cases, the aneurysm dome recurred; in 1 case, rerupture occurred from the neck. All 6 patients underwent treatment with microsurgical clipping. Follow-up catheter angiography demonstrated a complete occlusion of the aneurysm in all cases with the preservation of the parent vessel. Conclusion Anterior cerebral artery aneurysms may recur after endovascular treatment, and even small neck remnants present a risk of rerupture after an initial SAH. Complete treatment requires a complete exclusion of the aneurysm from the circulation. Even in cases that have been previously coiled, microsurgical clipping can represent a safe and effective treatment option.
Thermal stability of microscale additively manufactured copper using pulsed electrodeposition

Abstract Micro/nanoscale 3D printing of metals is promising for printed electronics and sensors. It is important to evaluate how material properties of the microscale 3D-printed metals change at high temperature, though such studies are currently very limited. Here, we investigate morphological and mechanical property changes in copper interconnects 3D-printed by pulsed electrodeposition process. The results revealed significant surface damage and void formation in printed Cu after annealing at 450 °C. No significant surface damages or voids were observed for printed Cu annealed at 300 °C, however, their strength dropped ~40% from the strength of the as-deposited material (~868 MPa). Such results are important to determine the operation temperature range for interconnects fabricated by microscale 3D printing.
Frequency dependence of inclusion characterization in harmonic motion imaging

Harmonic motion imaging (HMI) is an elasticity imaging method that employs an amplitude modulated (AM) acoustic radiation force to generate oscillations within the tissue. Recently, the capability of HMI in characterizing tumors with different geometries and pathologies was demonstrated in murine and human subjects using an AM frequency of 25 Hz. However, there is still a need to optimize the technique to reconstruct small lesions and improve image contrast. In this study, we investigated the role of the AM frequency in HMI and how it can detect and characterize inclusions with different sizes and stiffnesses in experimental tissue-mimicking phantoms.
To be liked or feared: Honor-oriented men's sensitivity to masculine reputation concerns depends on status-seeking strategy

Abstract Cultures of honor are societies that strongly emphasize values of loyalty and integrity, as well as the need to defend and maintain one's reputation. Research has focused heavily on men's acquisition of repute as tough and masculine and their use of physical aggression for reputational defense, but much less is known about whether men display similar vigilance in managing their reputation for other elements of honor (e.g., loyalty, integrity). The two primary routes for men in honor cultures to acquire reputation—through acts of aggression or integrity—resemble evolutionary accounts of status acquisition in which men can gain status via dominance or prestige. Using a sample of undergraduate men (N = 221) from a U.S. honor culture, the present work tested the hypotheses that (1) honor endorsement would positively predict both status-seeking strategies, (2) that dominance-strategists would be sensitive to masculinity threats and boosts, and (3) that honor-oriented men's sensitivity to masculinity threats (and boosts) would be indirectly explained by the use of dominance-based, but not prestige-based, strategies to acquire status and reputation. Results supported these hypotheses. We also found evidence that the prestige-based strategy seemed to buffer against masculinity threats. Implications for men's mental health outcomes are discussed.
Feasibility of Ethyl Glucuronide Nail Testing Biomarker for Alcohol Use Among Youth Living With HIV.

Abstract Purpose We assessed the feasibility of the ethyl glucuronide biomarker (EtG) through nail sampling to measure alcohol use among youth living with HIV in the United States (YLWH, N = 183); we also evaluated concordance between this EtG biomarker and self-reported measures of alcohol use, specifically, the Alcohol Timeline Followback (TFLB) and Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST). Methods EtG, TFLB, and ASSIST were collected at 4 points over 1 year. At baseline and 52 weeks, 78.1% and 70.1%, respectively, provided a valid (full or partial) sample. Results At 16 weeks, EtG was associated with ASSIST (r = .25, p Conclusions We found that nail-based EtG biomarker was feasible to measure alcohol use among YLWH; we also found concordance between EtG, TLFB, and ASSIST, supporting ongoing use of self-reported alcohol use measures with YLWH.
After the Plague: Revisiting Experiential and Adventure Education Outcome Variables After Covid-19

Background: The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the way the world works and experiential and adventure education programs are no exception. These changes have significantly affected various outdoor a...
Mining for Oil Forecasts: Supplementary Appendix

This Online Appendix contains details on our futures return calculation as well as additional appendix figures and tables referred to in the main body of the paper.
A Nation Fragmented: The Public Agenda in the Information Age: by J. A. Edy and P. C. Meirick, Philadelphia, PA, Temple University Press, 2019, 278 pp., $34.95, ISBN 978-1-4399-1600-1

What do you think is the most important problem facing this country today?Gallup has been asking survey participants that question since 1935. Only the firm’s polling of presidential favorability h...
Heme Effects in Lowering Patient Discomfort in Radial Artery Verapamil Injection.

Background: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate whether diluting verapamil with heme as compared to normal saline reduces patient discomfort during radial artery injection. Following radial artery access, verapamil is frequently administered to reduce the incidence of radial artery spasm. The injection of verapamil via the radial artery is associated with a temporary “burning” discomfort. It has been hypothesized that the dilution of verapamil with heme rather than saline leads to less patient discomfort during administration. Methods: This prospective, single-center, randomized study enrolled patients undergoing coronary angiography via radial artery access between August 2017 and April 2018. Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive either verapamil/heme or verapamil/saline administration. Patient discomfort was assessed at the time of injection, and 1-h post procedure. Results: A total of 214 patients were enrolled in the study. Of these, 103 patients were included in the verapamil/heme group and 100 in the verapamil/saline group. For the primary objectives, there were no statistically significant differences in patient discomfort at the time of verapamil injection (P = 0.15), or 1-h post injection (P = 0.48). However, in the verapamil/heme group, there was a trend towards a lower post-injection pain score (M = 2.83, standard deviation (SD) = 3.18) compared to the verapamil/saline group (M = 3.48, SD = 3.01) (P = 0.15). Conclusion: There was no significant difference in immediate or 1-h post-procedure patient discomfort with verapamil diluted with heme as compared to dilution with saline. While there was a trend towards lower immediate patient discomfort in the verapamil/heme group, larger studies are needed to further evaluate this trend. Cardiol Res. 2021;12(5):286-292 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/cr1313
Building a COVID-19 repository website for healthcare professionals in Ethiopia

Health professionals dealing with the COVID-19, both clinically and in the public health domain, require up-to-date and relevant scientific information. The Diaspora and Ethiopian Advisory Councils on the COVID-19 pandemic in Ethiopia joined forces with the Ethiopian Medical Association to create a local repository of comprehensive peer-screened information on COVID-19. We describe the motivating factors for such a repository, the process of creating the website, and the utilization of this information source for Ethiopian healthcare professionals.
Psychophysical rating of image compression techniques

Image compression schemes abound with little work which compares their bit-rate performance based on subjective fidelity measures. Statistical measures of image fidelity, such as squared error measures, do not necessarily correspond to subjective measures of image fidelity. Most previous comparisons of compression techniques have been based on these statistical measures. A psychophysical method has been used to estimate, for a number of compression techniques, a threshold bit-rate yielding a criterion level of performance in discriminating original and compressed images. The compression techniques studied include block truncation, Laplacian pyramid, block discrete cosine transform, with and without a human visual system scaling, and cortex transform coders.
Chemistry and pharmacology of naturally occurring bioactive compounds

Chemistry and Pharmacology of Naturally Occurring Bioactive Compounds Goutam Brahmachari Impact of Solid-Supported Cyclization-Elimination Strategies toward the Development of Natural Product Inspired Molecules in Drug Discovery Research Dhananjay Kumar, Bhuwan B. Mishra, Divya Kushwaha, and Vinod K. Tiwari Synthesis and Biological Studies of Novel ss-Lactams Bimal K. Banik Applications of Isatin Chemistry in Organic Synthesis and Medicinal Chemistry Girija S. Singh and Zelalem Y. Desta Role of Organic Carbamates in Anticancer Drug Design Devdutt Chaturvedi Rational Design of New Molecules of Biological Significance from Phenolic Constituents of Some Tropical Plants as Renewable Materials Vladimir V. Kouznetsov, Diego R. Merchan Arenas, Fernando A. Rojas Ruiz, and Leonor Y. Vargas Mendez Synthesis and Biological Activity of Promising Azole Marine Products: Largazole and Neopeltolide Danilo Davyt and Gloria Serra Omega-3 (omega-3) Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Philip C. Calder Structure and Biological Activity of Natural Melanin Pigments Krystyna Stepien, Anna Dzierzega-Lecznar, Irena Tam, and Slawomir Kurkiewicz Recent Acquisitions on Naturally Occurring Oxyprenylated Secondary Plant Metabolites Francesco Epifano and Salvatore Genovese Role of Curcumin in Ameliorating Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration Associated with Alzheimer's Disease Sumit Sarkar, Balmiki Ray, Jay Sharma, Larry Schmued, and Debomoy K. Lahiri Plant Metabolites Marina P. Polovinka and Nariman F. Salakhutdinov X-Ray Structural Behavior of Some Significant Bioactive Steroids and Their Chemistry in the Crystal Packing and Related Matters Vivek K. Gupta Three-Dimensional Structure of Xanthones Luis Gales and Ana M. Damas Gambogic Acid Goutam Brahmachari Neuroplasticity as a New Approach to the Pathophysiology of Depression and the Role of Antidepressants in Inhibiting Brain Stress-Induced Changes Gianluca Serafini, Maurizio Pompili, and Paolo Girardi Statins Vincent Gullo and Arnold L. Demain Molecular Aspects of Fungal Bioactive Polyketides Ira Bhatnagar and Se-Kwon Kim Marine Microalgal Metabolites S.W.A. Himaya and Se-Kwon Kim Rosmarinic Acid Juan C. Luis, Maria Y. Gonzalez-Padron, Raquel M. Perez, Ignacio F. Viera, and Francisco V. Gonzalez Enhancement of Natural Antioxidants in Plants by Biosynthetic Pathway Modulation Kanakapura K. Namitha and Pradeep S. Negi Plant as Biofactories of Pharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals Dandara R. Muniz, Raquel de Oliveira Faria, Vagner Augusto Benedito, Angelo de Fatima, and Luzia Valentina Modolo
Bacterial inhibition of phagocytosis

The concerted study of molecular mechanisms of phagocytosis and the inhibition of phagocytosis by specific products of extracellular bacterial pathogens has borne considerable fruit. The importance of tyrosine phosphorylation and of the Rho family of GTPases has become clear to cell biologists, but pathogenic bacteria recognized the importance of these signalling pathways in phagocytic cells long ago. The discoveries described in this review are only the beginning. The simultaneous pursuit of the mechanisms and molecules involved in the initiation and regulation of phagocytosis and that pathogenic bacteria use to inhibit phagocytosis will surely identify more interesting pathways on each side of the contest. Are there any obvious possibilities? There are several bacterial factors that have the potential to inhibit known mechanisms of phagocytosis. Clostridium species, for example, make a number of exotoxins of interest. Clostridium botulinum and Clostridium tetani neurotoxins inactivate the regulated secretory machinery by proteolytic cleavage of SNARE proteins, and targets of tetanus toxin and botulinum b toxin inhibit the exocytotic delivery of membrane vesicles needed for phagocytosis of large particles (Hackam et al., 1998). Moreover, the C3 exotoxin of C. botulinum catalyses ADP ribosylation and inactivation of rho family GTPases (Wiegers et al., 1991), and toxins A and B of C. difficile UDP-glucosylate and inactivate rho GTPases and thereby disrupt the actin cytoskeleton (Just et al., 1995a,b). However, as Clostridia lack the machinery for type III secretion, these proteins are not rapidly targeted to the phagocyte cytoplasm. More searching may reveal a pathogen that has combined the type III secretory machinery with clostridia toxin-like substrates. A potentially unique strategy for remaining outside phagocytes is exhibited by Helicobacter pylori, which contain a type IV secretion system. Unopsonized virulent strains of H. pylori bind readily to macrophages but are only internalized after a delay of several minutes. Such a delay appears to be sufficient for the bacteria to remain extracellular (Allen et al., 2000). Elucidation of the mechanism used by H. pylori to delay phagocytosis may reveal one or more novel virulence factors as well as one or more novel targets in the phagocyte that will add to the understanding of a fundamental process in host defence. Another field ripe for further mechanistic investigation is complement receptor-mediated phagocytosis. Dedicated study of the molecular events and molecular mediators of phagocytosis downstream of CR3 is likely to reveal interesting differences from FcgammaR phagocytosis and is just as likely to reveal that microbes have discovered unique mechanisms for circumventing them. Study of extracellular pathogens and the mechanisms that they use to remain outside phagocytic cells has revealed a great deal about the initial encounter between pathogen and phagocyte. We can look forward to additional discoveries about the host-pathogen interactions and the mechanisms and factors that each side uses to battle against the other.
Structural characterization and chromosomal location of the gene encoding human platelet glycoprotein Ib beta.

Abstract Human platelet glycoprotein Ib beta (GPIb beta) (M(r) 22,000) is part of the GPIb-V-IX system that constitutes the receptor for von Willebrand factor and mediates platelet adhesion in the arterial circulation. The four members of the receptor (GPs Ib alpha, Ib beta, V, and IX) share structural and functional features. Individually, GPIb beta contributes to surface expression of the receptor and participates in transmembrane signaling through phosphorylation of its intracellular domain. To define the structure of the GPIb beta gene, a cosmid clone from a human genomic library was analyzed. The transcriptional start site was located by both primer extension and the "anchored" polymerase chain reaction. Similar to the genes for Ib alpha, V, and IX, the Ib beta gene is compact with a single 274-base intron inserted into the 5' end of the open reading frame. The 5'-flanking region of the gene contains both GATA and ets sites that are also found in the 5' promoter regions of other described megakaryocyte/platelet genes. The GPIb beta gene was localized to chromosome 22q11.2 by fluorescence in situ hybridization. The GPIb beta gene has a simple structure, similar to that of other described megakaryocyte/platelet genes, including those of the GPIb-V-IX system.
Biaxial gage factors for piezoresistive strain gages

Theoretical considerations of piezoresistive strain gages show that the change in electrical resistivity depends on the biaxial state of strain at the surface of the specimen to which the gage is bonded. In particular, whenV is the initial voltage across the gage and (\( \in _{11} , \in _{22} , \in _{12} \)) is the surface-strain state at the point of attachment, the gage-voltage change ΔV is given by\(\frac{{\Delta V}}{V} = G_{11} \in _{11} + G_{22} \in _{22} + G_{12} \in _{12} \) whereG11,G22 andG12 are the biaxial gage factors.
REDD+ and Biodiversity Conservation: A Review of the Biodiversity Goals, Monitoring Methods, and Impacts of 80 REDD+ Projects

Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+) presents an unprecedented opportunity to conserve biodiversity, but whether these biodiversity benefits are delivered will depend on how REDD+ is designed and implemented. In order to inform ongoing policy discussions on REDD+ and biodiversity, we examined how 80 existing REDD+ projects are addressing biodiversity issues, assessing the types of biodiversity benefits these projects aim to provide, the activities they are undertaking to achieve biodiversity goals, their plans for monitoring biodiversity, and the types of biodiversity impacts they are delivering. While all 80 REDD+ projects described biodiversity conservation goals, these goals typically lacked specificity. Furthermore, in 33 of 80 projects, there was a lack of coherence across the stated biodiversity goals, project activities and intended monitoring plans. The lack of specific goals and logical links between these goals, project interventions and monitoring suggests that the projects will have difficulty achieving and measuring biodiversity impacts. Future REDD+ projects and national level REDD+ programs could enhance the biodiversity outcomes by more explicitly articulating biodiversity goals, carefully identifying and addressing threats to biodiversity, tailoring interventions and monitoring plans to specific goals and threats, and more explicitly linking REDD+ activities to national biodiversity conservation efforts.
Algorithmic Aspects of Secure Computation and Communication

We survey some recent progress in the design of efficient protocols for secure computation and communication, in a variety of cryptographic settings. The common thread is the usefulness of interesting algorithmic methods originally developed for non-cryptographic applications. We also present some intriguing open problems for which new algorithmic ideas may be needed.
Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia in Cancer

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is a common and clinically important drug-induced complication that can cause life- and limbthreatening thrombosis. Epidemiologically, the disease has been studied in many different clinical settings, but little is known about it in cancer patients, a population at increased risk for thrombosis and thus exposure to heparin products. Additionally, thrombocytopenia is a common finding in cancer patients. The convergence of these variables highlights the importance of an increased understanding of the disease in cancer patients.
Novel supramolecular architectures in group 13 perfluoroaryl complexes. Synthesis and structures of [AlMe(C6F5)(μ-Me)]2 and GaMe(C6F5)2

Novel supramolecular architectures are observed in the solid state structures of [AlMe(C6F5)(μ-Me)]2 (1) and Ga(C6F5)2Me (2) via π–π stacking between C6F5 rings and intermolecular aryl-F→Ga interactions, respectively.
Effects on substrate reduction of substitution of histidine-195 by glutamine in the alpha-subunit of the MoFe protein of Azotobacter vinelandii nitrogenase.

Studies of the substrate-reducing capabilities of an altered nitrogenase MoFe protein (α-195Gln instead of α-195His) from a mutant of Azotobacter vinelandii show, contrary to an earlier report [Kim, C.-H., Newton, W. E., and Dean, D. R. (1995) Biochemistry 34, 2798−2808], that the α-195Gln MoFe protein can reduce N2 to NH3 but at a rate that is <2% of that of the wild type. The extent of effective binding of N2 by this altered MoFe protein, as monitored by the inhibition of H2 evolution, is markedly increased as temperature is lowered but virtually eliminated at 45 °C. This inhibition of H2 evolution results in an increase in the ATP:2e- ratio, i.e., the number of molecules of MgATP hydrolyzed for each electron pair transferred to substrate, from ca. 5 (the wild-type level) at 45 °C to nearly 25 at 13 °C. Like wild-type nitrogenase, the N2 inhibition of H2 evolution reaches a maximum at an Fe protein:MoFe protein molar ratio of ca. 2.5, suggesting that a highly reduced enzyme may not be necessary for N2 b...
Spectroscopic Observations of Reactions between Lactoflavin, the Coulter Compound, 'Cytochrome b ' and Cytochrome c

FROM diphtheria toxin, one of us (M. D. E.) has prepared a solution continuing the “complex por-phyrin” of Coulter1, and also a compound characterized by an α -band located in the same position as that of Cytochrome b (563 mµ). The preparation will be described elsewhere.
Computing harmony with PerLogicArt: perceptual logic inspired collaborative art

This paper proposes a new model of perception called Perceptual Logic and applies it to the domain of art to understand artistic style. We describe style in terms of affordances, or ways in which an artist can interact with and contribute to an artwork. Different types of Perceptual Logic are found to influence the perceived affordances of an artwork. We present a computational collaborative art program called PERLOGICART that uses a computational model of Perceptual Logic to learn an artist's style through collaboration. The research is conducted using a practice-based method --- we are working on building an interactive tool to support the making of artworks and the understanding of the creative process at the same time. PERLOGICART is a compelling interactive artwork as well as a valuable research tool that records and categorizes the creative process in a systematic manner.
Microtopographical effects of natural scaffolding on cardiomyocyte function and arrhythmogenesis.

A natural myocardial patch for heart regeneration derived from porcine urinary bladder matrix (UBM) was previously reported to outperform synthetic materials (Dacron and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE)) used in current surgical treatments. UBM, an extracellular matrix prepared from urinary bladder, has intricate three-dimensional architecture with two distinct sides: the luminal side with a smoother surface relief; and the abluminal side with a fine mesh of nano- and microfibers. This study tested the ability of this natural scaffold to support functional cardiomyocyte networks, and probed how the local microtopography and composition of the two sides affects cell function. Cardiomyocytes isolated from neonatal rats were seeded in vitro to form cardiac tissue onto luminal (L) or abluminal (Ab) UBM. Immunocytochemistry of contractile cardiac proteins demonstrated growth of cardiomyocyte networks with mature morphology on either side of UBM, but greater cell compactness was seen in L. Fluorescence-based imaging techniques were used to measure dynamic changes in intracellular calcium concentration upon electrical stimulation of L and Ab-grown cells. Functional differences in cardiac tissue grown on the two sides manifested themselves in faster calcium recovery (p < 0.04) and greater hysteresis (difference in response to increasing and decreasing pacing rates) for L vs Ab side (p < 0.03). These results suggest that surface differences may be leveraged to engineer the desired cardiomyocyte responses and highlight the potential of natural scaffolds for fostering heart repair.
Macular fibrosis associated with talc retinopathy.

Abstract PURPOSE: To investigate a patient with talc retinopathy who developed macular fibrosis with resultant visual loss. METHODS: A 64-year-old intravenous drug abuser was evaluated for bilateral peripheral retinal neovascularization. He admitted to abusing oral methylphenidate intravenously. Funduscopy showed numerous intravascular talc particles in the macular area of both eyes. Over a period of next 4 years, visually significant macular fibrosis gradually developed in both eyes, the left eye more than the right eye. RESULTS: Fluorescein angiography confirmed the presence of bilateral peripheral retinal neovascularization with adjacent areas of ischemic retina. The patient was treated with peripheral laser treatment to the ischemic retina with resultant regression of peripheral retinal neovascularization. Bilateral macular fibrosis accounted for the reduced vision in our patient. CONCLUSION: Talc retinopathy can be associated with macular fibrosis with resultant visual loss.