cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Robotic hepatobiliary and gastric surgery

Hepatobiliary surgery is a challenging surgical subspecialty that requires highly specialized training and an adequate level of experience in order to be performed safely. As a result, minimally invasive hepatobiliary surgery has been met with slower acceptance as compared to other subspecialties, with many surgeons in the field still reluctant about the approach. On the other hand, gastric surgery is a very popular field of surgery with an extensive amount of literature especially regarding open and laparoscopic surgery but not much about the robotic approach especially for oncological disease. Recent development of the robotic platform has provided a tool able to overcome many of the limitations of conventional laparoscopic hepatobiliary surgery. Augmented dexterity enabled by the endowristed movements, software filtration of the surgeon's movements, and high-definition three-dimensional vision provided by the stereoscopic camera, allow for steady and careful dissection of the liver hilum structures, as well as prompt and precise endosuturing in cases of intraoperative bleeding. These advantages have fostered many centers to widen the indications for minimally invasive hepatobiliary and gastric surgery, with encouraging initial results. As one of the surgical groups that has performed the largest number of robot-assisted procedures worldwide, we provide a review of the state of the art in minimally invasive robot-assisted hepatobiliary and gastric surgery.The English full-text version of this article is available at SpringerLink (under supplemental).
Response of Acoustic Sense Cell of the Bollworm and Tobacco Budworm to Ultrasound

The A-1 acoustic sense cell in the tympanic ears of bollworm moths, Heliothis zea (Boddie), and tobacco budworm moths, Heliothis virescens (F.), responded to sound pulses at frequencies ranging from 10 to 100 kilohertz (KHz), but was most sensitive to frequencies between 18 and 25 KHz. Free-flying moths of both species responded with similar evasive behavior when they were stimulated with pulses of ultrasound at frequencies of 21-22 KHz. However. in a preliminary field test, ultrasound at frequencies of 21-22 KHz and a rate of 10 pulses per second did not materially affect the populations of bollworms or tobacco budworms in cotton fields. Equipment failures were probably at least partially responsible for the lack of control.
Judgment in managing hernias. Diagnosis and treatment.

Hernias are common surgical problems and diagnosis usually is not difficult. Many patients have the mistaken idea that operation is the only solution for hernia. In most cases it is easy to decide whether surgical repair is urgent or can be delayed for elective surgery. However, in a few instances, the best advice is to avoid operation. Some points that contribute to good judgment in treating hernia are presented.
Effects of a Standardized Phenolic-Enriched Maple Syrup Extract on β-Amyloid Aggregation, Neuroinflammation in Microglial and Neuronal Cells, and β-Amyloid Induced Neurotoxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans

Published data supports the neuroprotective effects of several phenolic-containing natural products, including certain fruit, berries, spices, nuts, green tea, and olive oil. However, limited data are available for phenolic-containing plant-derived natural sweeteners including maple syrup. Herein, we investigated the neuroprotective effects of a chemically standardized phenolic-enriched maple syrup extract (MSX) using a combination of biophysical, in vitro, and in vivo studies. Based on biophysical data (Thioflavin T assay, transmission electron microscopy, circular dichroism, dynamic light scattering, and zeta potential), MSX reduced amyloid β1−42 peptide (Aβ1−42) fibrillation in a concentration-dependent manner (50–500 μg/mL) with similar effects as the neuroprotective polyphenol, resveratrol, at its highest test concentration (63.5 % at 500 μg/mL vs. 77.3 % at 50 μg/mL, respectively). MSX (100 μg/mL) decreased H2O2-induced oxidative stress (16.1 % decrease in ROS levels compared to control), and down-regulated the production of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated inflammatory markers (22.1, 19.9, 74.8, and 87.6 % decrease in NOS, IL-6, PGE2, and TNFα levels, respectively, compared to control) in murine BV-2 microglial cells. Moreover, in a non-contact co-culture cell model, differentiated human SH-SY5Y neuronal cells were exposed to conditioned media from BV-2 cells treated with MSX (100 μg/mL) and LPS or LPS alone. MSX-BV-2 media increased SH-SY5Y cell viability by 13.8 % compared to media collected from LPS-BV-2 treated cells. Also, MSX (10 μg/mL) showed protective effects against Aβ1−42 induced neurotoxicity and paralysis in Caenorhabditis elegans in vivo. These data support the potential neuroprotective effects of MSX warranting further studies on this natural product.
Too Low To Go

This case discusses a pharmacokinetic interaction between erythromycin and nifedipine resulting in postinduction hypotension. Nifedipine is a cytochrome P450 3A4 substrate and erythromycin is a 3A4 inhibitor.
Therapeutics for the Treatment of Insomnia

Insomnia is a disorder characterized by chronic sleep disturbance associated with daytime disability or distress, such as memory impairment and fatigue, that occurs despite adequate opportunity for sleep. Insomnia may present as difficulty falling/staying asleep or as sleep that is nonrestorative. Studies show a strong correlation between insomnia and impaired quality of life. Pain conditions and depression are commonly associated with insomnia, either as secondary or comorbid conditions. In addition, a greater incidence of anxiety, alcohol and drug dependence, and cardiovascular disease is found in people with insomnia. Data indicate insomnia results from over-engaged arousal systems. Insomnia patients experience increased metabolic rate, body temperature, and heart rate, and elevated levels of norepinephrine and catecholamines. Pharmacologic options for the treatment of insomnia include benzodiazepine hypnotics, a selective melatonin receptor agonist, and sedating antidepressants. However, insomnia may be best treated with cognitive-behavioral therapy and instruction in good sleep hygiene, either alone or in concert with pharmacologic agents. Studies on the effects of insomnia treatment use variable methodologies or do not publish negative results, and there are currently no studies of treatment focusing on morbidity. Further research is necessary to better understand the effects of insomnia therapies on medical and psychiatric disorders. In this Clinical Information Supplement, Thomas Roth, PhD, describes the nature of insomnia and its pathophysiology. Next, Andrew D. Krystal, MD, MS, reviews morbidities associated with insomnia. Finally, Joseph A. Lieberman III, MD, MPH, provides an overview of therapeutics utilized in patients with insomnia, including behavioral therapies and pharmacologic options.
Inside Out and Outside In: Rethinking Spelling in Inclusive Elementary Classrooms

This case study traces the process surrounding changes three second-grade teachers made in their teaching of spelling over the course of one school year. The single-case design draws on sociocultural theory to examine school-university partnerships and their role in teacher change. Data were collected from multiple sources, including interviews, formal and informal classroom observations, documents, questionnaires, and email exchanges. The teachers in this study made substantial changes to their teaching of spelling though the changes were transactional rather than transformational. Changing practice entails various complexities, including lack of time and resources, in addition to static paradigms; yet, perceived changes can result in self-efficacy growth and momentum for future changes.
Investigation of semileptonic B meson decays to p-wave charm mesons

We have studied semileptonic B meson decays with a p-wave charm meson in the final state using 3.29×10^6 BB events collected with the CLEO II detector at the Cornell Electron-Positron Storage Ring. We find a value for the exclusive semileptonic product branching fraction B(B^-→D_1^0l^-ν _l)B(D_1^0→D^(*+)π^-) = (0.373±0.085±0.052±0.024)% and an upper limit for B(B^-→D_2^(*0)l^-ν_l)B(D_2^(*0)→D^(*+)π^-)<0.16% (90% C.L.). Furthermore, we present the first measurement of the q^2 spectrum for B^-→D_1^0l^-ν_l.
Information Technology and the “Arab Spring”

The demonstrations, revolts, and protests collectively known as the Arab Spring have destabilized many long-standing autocratic governments in the Middle East. Central to this process were several types of information technology, including mobile phones, the internet, Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook. Unfortunately this issue is often represented in simplistic, technologically deterministic terms. This essay examines the distribution and growth of several digital information technologies in seven countries rocked by recent protests. It opens with a conceptual analysis grounded in the works of Jurgen Habermas, asserting that information technology has democratized the sphere of public debate throughout the Arab world. Second, it charts the Arab space of flows, the infrastructure and usage of the internet, cell phones, and social media. Third, it outlines government attempts to censor the Arab internet. The fourth part details how various information technologies were utilized by the Arab masses, particularly...
Community Projects and the Mediating Role of Local Organizations

The changing economic and social conditions of local communities influence important outcomes like crime rates and safety, health and educational attainment, and the provision of public goods. A related phenomenon that warrants scrutiny is the efficacy of what we call community projects, wherein community members come together to raise support and resources for specific causes. The performance of these projects is critical to addressing a range of issues like AIDS and breast cancer, homelessness and poverty. However, their collective orientation makes them vulnerable to the deterioration of structural factors within communities, notably changes in economic adversity, racial diversity, and residential instability. After showing empirically how these kinds of changes can hinder a community’s ability to effectively collectively identify and support specific causes, we turn to the mediating role played by local organizations in buttressing community projects. We propose that schools – more so than churches or...
Pain and Its Control in Reptiles

Reptiles have the anatomic and physiologic structures needed to detect and perceive pain. Reptiles are capable of demonstrating painful behaviors. Most of the available literature indicates pure μ-opioid receptor agonists are best to provide analgesia in reptiles. Multimodal analgesia should be practiced with every reptile patient when pain is anticipated. Further research is needed using different pain models to evaluate analgesic efficacy across reptile orders.
Wheat Yield and Yield Stability of Eight Dryland Crop Rotations

The winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)–fallow (WF) dryland production system employed in the Central Great Plains has evolved in the past 40 yr to include a diversity of other crops, with a reduction in fallow frequency. Wheat remains the base crop for essentially all cropping systems. Decisions to change a farming system benefit from information about average wheat yields, yield stability, and probabilities of obtaining a specified minimum wheat yield. The objective of this experiment was to quantify wheat yields, yield stability, and the probability of obtaining a specified minimum yield in eight dryland rotational systems varying in cropping intensity. The study was conducted over a 24-yr period at Akron, CO. Yield stability was characterized with six stability measures. The probability of obtaining a yield less than 1500 kg ha⁻¹ was also calculated for each rotation. Wheat yields were greatest in rotations where wheat followed a fallow period and least where wheat followed millet production. Rotations ranked from most stable to least stable wheat production (averaged over the six stability measures) were WF(NT), WF(CT), WMF, WCMP, WCM, WCMF, WM, and WCF. The probability of producing <1500 kg ha⁻¹ was very low for rotations with wheat following fallow (about 0.03) and much higher for wheat following pea (0.35) or millet (0.48–0.58). The study results identified the WMF rotation as an intensified rotation with relatively high average wheat yields and yield stability.
Mirtazapine-Induced Pancreatitis—A Case Report:

Acute pancreatitis has numerous etiologies, with the most common including gallstones, alcohol abuse, and medications such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, statins, and diuretics. Mirtazapine has been associated with increased serum cholesterol and serum triglyceride levels. However, few studies have reported dangerously elevated triglyceride levels resulting in acute pancreatitis. This report discusses a case of mirtazapine-induced pancreatitis in a 46-year-old African American female. The patient presented to the emergency department with pancreatitis, presumably alcohol-induced as with a prior admission, but she denied any recent alcohol use. Mirtazapine then became the suspected cause of her hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis and was discontinued. After discontinuing mirtazapine, and utilizing an insulin infusion, her triglyceride levels normalized and symptoms of pancreatitis resolved. Using the Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction Probability Scale, a total score of 5 was calculated indicating a probable adverse drug reaction of acute pancreatitis from mirtazapine.
Probing the effect of morphology on lymphatic valve dynamic function

The lymphatic system is vital to the circulatory and immune systems, performing a range of important functions such as transport of interstitial fluid, fatty acid, and immune cells. Lymphatic vessels are composed of contractile walls and lymphatic valves, allowing them to pump lymph against adverse pressure gradients and to prevent backflow. Despite the importance of the lymphatic system, the contribution of mechanical and geometric changes of lymphatic valves and vessels in pathologies of lymphatic dysfunction, such as lymphedema, is not well understood. We develop a fully coupled fluid-solid, three-dimensional computational model to interrogate the various parameters thought to influence valve behavior and the consequences of these changes to overall lymphatic function. A lattice Boltzmann model is used to simulate the lymph, while a lattice spring model is used to model the mechanics of lymphatic valves. Lymphatic valve functions such as enabling lymph flow and preventing backflow under varied lymphatic valve geometries and mechanical properties are investigated to provide an understanding of the function of lymphatic vessels and valves. The simulations indicate that lymphatic valve function is optimized when valves are of low aspect ratio and bending stiffness, so long as these parameters are maintained at high enough values to allow for proper valve closing. This suggests that valve stiffening could have a profound effect on overall lymphatic pumping performance. Furthermore, dynamic valve simulations showed that this model captures the delayed response of lymphatic valves to dynamic flow conditions, which is an essential feature of valve operation. Thus, our model enhances our understanding of how lymphatic pathologies, specifically those exhibiting abnormal valve morphologies such as has been suggested to occur in cases of primary lymphedema, can lead to lymphatic dysfunctions.
Importance of saprophytic competence for introduced rhizobia

The ambitious goal of expanding or enhancing legume production on marginal agricultural land led to the development of a concept that rhizobia in possession of special symbiotic and saprophytic attributes would be required. Although 20 years have passed since the term saprophytic competence was applied to describe soil colonization, survival, and persistence by rhizobia, there is no direct evidence for the possession of specific phenotypes being critical to the success or failure of rhizobia in soil. In this paper, selected data are summarized on the density and dynamics of soil populations of rhizobia. We reaffirm old observations that Bradyrhizobium and Rhizobium might be rather distinct in their saprophytic behavior. Progress in the field of competitive nodulation continues to be slow due not only to our poor understanding of the composition of soil populations, but due to inadequate attention given to the behavior of rhizobia in the soil and rhizosphere phases. Some of our own data are presented which suggest that saprophytic competence may be different between the members of a naturalized population of Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii. Such a conclusion is derived from differences measured in: i) population densities of serotypes, ii) percentage of viable cells within serotypes, and iii) kinetics of substrate responsiveness of serotypes. Rhizosphere biologists must begin to integrate the large data base being generated on different ‘specialist’ organisms if a comprehensive understanding of microbial activity, and population dynamics at the root-soil interface is to be achieved.
Cantor Sets and Singular Functions

In Chapter 7, we defined a singular function to be a nonconstant function whose derivative is zero a.e. The Cantor ternary function of Chapter 1 is an example of a continuous increasing singular function. In this chapter we consider singular functions in more detail. The study of such functions illustrates the beauty and subtlety of analysis in R1 as well as providing important applications to other fields, in particular, harmonic analysis. We begin the chapter with a recap of the results found in Chapter 1 on the Cantor ternary set and function, adding the result by Randolph that the set of distances between points of the Cantor set fills up the unit interval, some geometric results from Hille and Tamarkin, and a discussion of derivatives of the Cantor ternary function. In Section 8.2, we introduce Hausdorff measure and Hausdorff dimension and calculate the Hausdorff dimension of the Cantor ternary set. Sections 8.3, 8.4, and 8.5 present generalized Cantor sets and Cantor-like sets and their corresponding functions which share many, but not all, of the properties of the Cantor ternary set and function. A modulus of continuity result is given for Cantor-like sets in Section 8.5. The final section of this chapter gives details of the construction of two strictly increasing singular functions.
A Framework for “Just-in-Time Learning” Decision Support in Organizations

This article describes an integrated “Just-in-Time Learning” framework for providing decision support in organizations. The framework emerges from years of work with the national laboratories and facilities that are under the direction of the United States Department of Energy. The article begins by describing expert systems technology and how it has been used to provide decision support in organizations. This is followed by a discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of expert systems technology for this purpose. Next, a “Just-in-Time Learning” framework is introduced where the theoretical foundation for the framework is described. Afterwards, the other aspects of the framework including the types of knowledge, learners it serves, and how the framework can be utilized for decision support are detailed. Finally, a discussion section summarizes how a Just-in-Time Learning Framework can achieve some of the strengths -- while overcoming some of the weaknesses -- of expert system technology for providing decision support in organizations.
Molecular characterization of putative neuropeptide, amine, diffusible gas and small molecule transmitter biosynthetic enzymes in the eyestalk ganglia of the American lobster, Homarus americanus

The American lobster, Homarus americanus, is a model for investigating the neuromodulatory control of physiology and behavior. Prior studies have shown that multiple classes of chemicals serve as locally released/circulating neuromodulators/neurotransmitters in this species. Interestingly, while many neuroactive compounds are known from Homarus, little work has focused on identifying/characterizing the enzymes responsible for their biosynthesis, despite the fact that these enzymes are key components for regulating neuromodulation/neurotransmission. Here, an eyestalk ganglia-specific transcriptome was mined for transcripts encoding enzymes involved in neuropeptide, amine, diffusible gas and small molecule transmitter biosynthesis. Using known Drosophila melanogaster proteins as templates, transcripts encoding putative Homarus homologs of peptide precursor processing (signal peptide peptidase, prohormone processing protease and carboxypeptidase) and immature peptide modifying (glutaminyl cyclase, tyrosylprotein sulfotransferase, protein disulfide isomerase, peptidylglycine-α-hydroxylating monooxygenase and peptidyl-α-hydroxyglycine-α-amidating lyase) enzymes were identified in the eyestalk assembly. Similarly, transcripts encoding full complements of the enzymes responsible for dopamine [tryptophan-phenylalanine hydroxylase (TPH), tyrosine hydroxylase and DOPA decarboxylase (DDC)], octopamine (TPH, tyrosine decarboxylase and tyramine β-hydroxylase), serotonin (TPH or tryptophan hydroxylase and DDC) and histamine (histidine decarboxylase) biosynthesis were identified from the eyestalk ganglia, as were those responsible for the generation of the gases nitric oxide (nitric oxide synthase) and carbon monoxide (heme oxygenase), and the small molecule transmitters acetylcholine (choline acetyltransferase), glutamate (glutaminase) and GABA (glutamic acid decarboxylase). The presence and identity of the transcriptome-derived transcripts were confirmed using RT-PCR. The data presented here provide a foundation for future gene-based studies of neuromodulatory control at the level of neurotransmitter/modulator biosynthesis in Homarus.
Building Virtual Age-Friendly Communities in Minecraft

A key theme of Age-Friendly Honolulu’s initiative is intergenerational exchange. The initiative believes that youth need to be aware of aging issues, demographic change, and think critically about the potential impact on their lives. The goal of the Age-Friendly Honolulu Youth Engagement Initiative is to teach youth about the role of the built environment and community features in promoting active aging and engagement among older adults. This article describes a new program in the field that teaches youth and older adults to assess the built environment and then use design thinking and Minecraft (a popular video game in which players use 3-D blocks to create virtual lands) to develop and envision ideas to improve the livability of their neighborhood.
Design and Testing of an Instrumented Infant Feeding Bottle

Existing methods to assess infant nutritive sucking patterns are often limited to modified bottle apparatuses used solely in the clinic, and time-consuming analyses of videotaped meals by trained observers who count the number of sucks during a meal. To address the need for a method to efficiently assess meal and sucking patterns of infants across different settings, we developed an unobtrusive Instrumented Bottle (IB) based on a commercially available bottle. Sensors are located in a detachable bottom and include a digital 14-bit pressure sensor that measures pressure inside of the bottle $(range \ \pm 10\mathrm{cm} H20)$ , a 3-axis accelerometer that measures orientation of the bottle, and a 5 megapixel camera that takes images of the infant face at preset intervals. In-vitro testing of the IB included bench testing where sucking patterns were generated by a commercially available breast pump, over a range of sucking frequencies and strengths offered by the pump. The mean relative error in suck count estimation was $2\%\pm 1.5{\%}$ , assessed against observer annotation of the video of the experiments. Pilot in-vivo testing was performed in small cohort of 4 female infants, age 6–22 weeks, all consuming breast milk from the IB. The mean absolute error in suck count estimation by IB in reference to video-annotated counts was $14\%\pm 51{\%}$ , These pilot results suggest that that IB may be an accurate instrument to assess infant feeding, however, larger human studies are needed to assess factors affecting accuracy in invivo.
Climate Change and Psychology: Effects of Rapid Global Warming on Violence and Aggression

An important question regarding rapid climate change concerns its likely effects on violence. Rapid climate change is likely to produce sociological, political, economic, and psychological changes that will increase the likelihood of violent behavior. This article examines relevant theory and research. We examine three lines of research: (a) how hot temperatures directly influence aggression and violence; (b) how rapid climate change indirectly increases adulthood violence proneness through its effects on physiological and psychological development; (c) and how ecomigration influences group-level aggression. We also discuss arguments against the effects of climate change on aggression and violence. Research and theory reveal three ways that rapid global warming can increase aggression and violence. We describe a model showing the relationship between rapid global warming on antisocial behaviors and risk factors for aggression and violence.
Positive Interpersonal Processes

Good relationships are characterized by frequent positive social interactions, such as having fun together, sharing laughs, doing kind things for one another, and expressing gratitude. Here, buildi...
Dynamic and multiband RF spectral processing

Emerging RF systems utilize multiple frequency bands to facilitate multi-function operations and to adapt to dynamic transmission conditions, making multiband RF systems an essential infrastructure for applications in the commercial, defense, and civilian federal marketplace. While multiband RF systems are the backbone for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, as well as for supporting data-intensive physical weaponry in the battlefield; Civilians also rely on multiband RF systems for all types of day-to-day applications including smart home system control, entertainment, virtual reality and augmented reality learning. With the recent development of 5G networks, the spectrum of multiband networks could spend from hundreds of MHz to tens of GHz range, which could support new applications and improve the quality of services. The benefits associated with using multiband and wideband RF technologies can only be realized if it is possible to dynamically manipulate the ultra-wide multiband spectrum to ensure high-quality transmission performance. This is challenging, however, as the bandwidth of multiband RF signal could be as wide as several GHz with a center frequency from hundreds of MHz to tens of GHz range, and neither RF electronics nor digital signal processing are capable of dynamically manipulating spectrum of GHz wide. In this paper, we will present our recent advancement on novel photonic systems for dynamically manipulating the wide RF spectrum for multiband and wideband emerging RF systems.
Video capsule endoscopy for upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage in the emergency department: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract Objective The assessment of the severity of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage in emergency department (ED) patients is difficult to assess with commonly available diagnostic tools. Small studies have shown that video capsule endoscopy (VCE) is a promising risk-stratification method and may be better than current clinical decision rules such as the Rockall score and the Glasgow Blatchford score. This review aims to assess the accuracy of VCE to detect active upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage compared to a reference standard. Methods The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) methodology was used to perform a review of studies that have measured the diagnostic accuracy of VCE. Studies were included if they measured ED use of VCE for upper GI hemorrhage as compared to a reference standard of an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). A meta-analysis was performed on select patients using a fixed effects and random-effects model to determine the primary outcome of diagnostic test accuracy. Results 40 studies were screened for eligibility and five studies representing 193 patients met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. All patients received both a VCE and an EGD. The sensitivity and specificity of VCE were 0.724 and 0.748, respectively. The diagnostic odds ratio was 6.29 (95% CI: 3.23–12.25) and the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.782. Conclusions VCE demonstrated high accuracy for detecting upper GI hemorrhage in this meta-analysis of existing studies. In light of the potential advantages of VCE in the ED, further research is warranted to further establish its role.
Abstract WP377: Stroke Awareness in the Age of Social Media

Background: May is recognized as Stroke Awareness month and many stroke programs design public awareness campaigns to provide education about the signs and symptoms of stroke and modifiable risk fa...
3 – Plasma exhaust

Plasma-materials interactions (PMI) are well-managed in present-day devices, but become more challenging for ITER and reactors. Plasma exhaust basics are discussed, with a focus on the use of divertors to manage steady-state power, particle, and momentum exhaust. The factors that determine the peak heat flux, which must be maintained below known technological heat transfer limits, are emphasized. The need to mitigate transients, both repetitive edge localized modes and disruptions, as well as the presence of 3D perturbations that cause additional heat flux peaking, are described. Finally, protection of the wall from PMI, and the candidates for the materials that formulate the plasma facing surfaces, including solids and liquids are reviewed. Due to the higher power density, longer pulse length, and neutron environment, the plasma exhaust challenges for DEMO are more difficult than ITER, possibly requiring additional improvements from innovative divertor concepts presently being studied by the community.
Aortic Neck Rupture During Endovascular Aneurysm Repair in a Patient with a Horseshoe Kidney

Aortic neck rupture occurred during endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) which was managed by balloon occlusion followed by aortic cuff placement. Patient developed Type IA endoleak 8 years later which was managed by coil embolization of the proximal false aneurysm sac and placement of an iCAST stent in the left renal artery using snorkel technique. Patient has recently developed Type II endoleak, the source of which is not entirely clear.
Food Addiction, Binge Eating, and the Role of Dietary Restraint: Converging Evidence from Animal and Human Studies

With emerging evidence of a biological basis to binge eating, questions about the role of food addiction (FA) have stimulated scholarly debate. A major criticism of the FA construct is its failure to account for dietary restraint and weight suppression, known contributors to binge eating. In this chapter, we examine animal and human models of addiction-like eating in the context of binge eating. Overlapping mechanisms such as reward dysfunction, craving, impulsivity, and attentional bias from animal and human studies are discussed. Directionality of the binge eating cascade is explored across different theoretical models with empirical support for multiple pathways. We offer a “Diet Drives the Binge” theory of food addiction, and a “Food Environment Drives Addiction” theory of binge eating. While FA research highlights the neurobiological vulnerability of certain people, there is less consensus about effective interventions at the individual level. We discuss current controversies surrounding FA and important findings that may have public health implications.
Quiet Sun electron densities and their uncertainties derived from spectral emission line intensities

The goal of this paper is to apply statistical methods to determine electrons densities and their errors from measurements of density-sensitive line intensities in the quiet Sun. Three methods are employed. The first is the use of L-function plots to provide a quick visual assessment of the likelihood that a set of line intensities can provide a robust estimate of these quantities. A second methods involves a chi-squared minimization together with a prescription for determining the regions of statistical confidence in addition to the best-fitting value. A third method uses a Bayesian inference technique that employs a Monte-Carlo Markov-chain (MCMC) calculation from which an analysis of the posterior distributions provide estimates of the mean and regions of high probability density. Using these three methods, observations of extreme-ultraviolet spectral lines originating from regions of the quiet Sun have been analyzed. The quantitative chi-squared minimization and MCMC sampling provide results that are generally in good agreement, especially for sets of lines of ions that have L-function plots that suggest that a robust analysis might be possible.
Heparin sensing based on multisite-binding induced highly ordered perylene nanoaggregates

Highly ordered perylene nanoaggregates with ultra-low fluorescence were employed for the selective and sensitive fluorescence sensing of heparin. A supramolecular host-guest complex was used as a displacement probe to improve the sensitivity.
Asymmetric conjugate addition reactions with chiral oxadiazinones: Unusual conformational properties of the oxadiazinones

Abstract A series of Ephedra based oxadiazinones have been prepared, acylated, and examined in the asymmetric conjugate addition reaction with Grignard reagents in the presence of copper(I) bromide-dimethyl sulfide complex. The highest diastereoselectivity that was obtained in the conjugate addition reaction was observed with the (1R,2S)-ephedrine based N4-methyloxadiazinone (5:1 d.r.) favoring the formation of the (S)-configuration of the conjugate addition product. Efforts to enhance the level of diastereoselection via increasing the steric volume of the stereo-directing N4-substituent of the oxadiazinone (N4- = p-methoxyphenyl or -isopropyl) led to an observed decrease in the level of diastereoselection. A computational study was conducted to examine the conformations adopted by the N4-methyloxadiazinone vs. the N4-isopropyl-oxadiazinone that yielded the lower diastereoselectivity. An argument is made for the stereoelectronic properties of the N4-substituent being the cause of both the moderate diastereoselectivity and the unexpected facial preference for the conjugate addition.
Uncontrolled hypertension among tobacco-users: women of prime childbearing age at risk in India.

Uncontrolled hypertension and tobacco use are two major public health issues that have implications for reproductive outcomes. This paper examines the association between tobacco-use status and uncontrolled hypertension among prime childbearing age (20–35) women in India. We used the India National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4) 2015–2016 to obtain data on hypertension status and tobacco use for 356,853 women aged 20–35. We estimated multivariate logistic regressions to obtain the adjusted odds ratio for tobacco users in favor of having uncontrolled hypertension. We examined the adjusted odds at different wealth index quintiles, at different educational attainment, and at different level of nutritional status measured by body mass index. We found that the odds of having uncontrolled hypertension for the tobacco user women in India was 1.1 (95% CI: 1.01–1.19) times that of tobacco non-users at prime childbearing age. The odds were higher for tobacco-users at the poorest quintile (1.27, 95% CI: 1.14–1.42) and with no education (1.22, 95% CI: 1.10–1.34). The odds were also higher for tobacco-users who were overweight (1.88, 95% CI: 1.57–2.29) or obese (2.82, 95% CI: 1.88–4.24). Our findings highlight the disproportionate dual risk of uncontrolled hypertension and tobacco use among lower-income women of prime childbearing age, identifying an opportunity for coordinated tobacco control and hypertension prevention initiatives to ensure better health of reproductive-age women in India.
Seroprevalence of an Endometriotropic Bovine Herpes Virus-4 in a Georgia Dairy

The University of Georgia Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory has now confirmed more than 60 cases of suppurative, ulcerative endometritis associated with Bovine Herpesvirus-4 (BHV-4) in postparturient dairy cows. These cases have a clinical pattern of metritis that occurs 3 to 28 days postpartum. Beginning at 3 to 7 days postpartum, the uterus is characterized by necrotic, ulcerated endometrial mucosa with only mild inflammation in the lamina propria and submucosa. Over the ensuing 21 days, the ulcers become confluent/diffuse and epithelium is replaced by fibrinonecrotic, suppurative mats resulting in severe bacterial pyometra by day 24, usually involving Arcanobacterium pyogenes or Escherichia coli. In addition to the gross pathology, histopathologic evidence demonstrates viral inclusion bodies and virus detection techniques yield positive results for BHV-4.3 Before 1999, BHV-4-associated endometritis had rarely been recognized in the United States,4 but a syndrome of epizootic metritis similar in timing, course and outcome attributed to BHV-4 was reported in Europe in the 1980s.1,2,6 Significant seroconversion to BHV-4 occurs in affected herds. The viral sequence of this endometriotropic strain of BHV-4 differs from the BHV-4 strain that is associated with mild respiratory disease (DN599).3 Herds affected by this endometriotropic strain of BHV-4 have experienced high morbidity and mortality rates.3 One endemic dairy herd had a period mortality rate of 70% due to BHV-4- associated metritis (7 of 10 dead in one two-week interval). Due to concurrent or subsequent bacterial metritis associated with this viral infection, large economic losses are incurred from death, delayed breeding and infertility, discarded milk from antibiotic therapy, and decreased milk production from systemic effects of the metritis. Similar reports from other diagnostic laboratories indicate BHV-4 appears to be an emerging cause of endometritis in cattle throughout the southern and midwestern United States.
Perspectives on pharmacy access to hormonal contraception among rural New Mexico women.

Abstract Objective In 2017, New Mexico approved an amendment allowing pharmacists to prescribe and dispense hormonal contraception. We interviewed rural New Mexico women to determine their perceptions of pharmacy access to hormonal contraception. Study design We conducted semi-structured telephone interviews with women recruited from rural New Mexico communities. The interview guide explained the amendment followed by questions about the advantages and disadvantages of pharmacy access to hormonal contraception within rural communities. Results Between November 2017 and May 2018, we recruited 32 women to participate. Participants were young (26/32 18–29 years old), gravid (27/31), employed (30/32), white (22/32) and Hispanic (26/31). The majority used Medicaid as their primary insurance (16/28). Most participants were supportive of pharmacy access to hormonal contraception. Participants saw their rural communities as facing health care barriers, some of which could be alleviated by pharmacy access. Perceived benefits of pharmacy access included convenience of pharmacy hours, shorter wait times, and no need for an appointment. Participants expressed concerns about lack of privacy in their pharmacies. Many expressed trust in their pharmacist to review side effects and explain usage of contraception- a role that was considered separate from that of a primary care provider who offers regular medical visits for routine screening and nuanced or complex discussions about contraception. Some participants expressed that pharmacy access could be especially beneficial for teens. Conclusions Rural New Mexico women were supportive of pharmacy access to contraception and accept pharmacists as trusted members of the health care team. Implications Rural New Mexico women find benefit in pharmacy access to hormonal contraception, citing improved access to contraceptives in their communities.
Influence of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol on photically evoked after-discharge potentials.

Two cannabinoids, Δ9 and cannabidiol, and several reference drugs were compared relative to their effects in a recently developed anticonvulsant test system, the after-discharge potentials of the visually evoked response; the potentials were recorded electrophysiologically from electrodes permanently mounted over the visual cortices of conscious rats. In anticonvulsant doses, trimethadione and ethosuximide produced an extensive depression of after-discharge activity, whereas diphenylhydantoin and cannabidiol exerted no such effect. In contrast, anticonvulsant doses of Δ9 and subconvulsant doses of pentylenetetrazol markedly increased after-discharge activity, which may represent a manifestation of their central nervous system excitatory properties. The data from the present study support our previously published observations from several other anticonvulsant tests that indicate the anticonvulsant characteristics of cannabidiol resemble those of diphenylhydantoin rather than those of trimethadione and that the central excitatory properties of Δ9 distinguish it from cannabidiol. The results consistently suggest that the cannabinoids will be effective against grand mal but not absence seizures.
Nucleophilic reactivity of the carbon-carbon double bond—V

Abstract The acetolysis of 3-(Δ 2 -cyclohexenyl)propyl p -nitrobenzenesulfonate ( 11 ) is 1·64 times as fast as that of its saturated analog, the 3-cyclohexylpropyl ester; it leads to a mixture including 18·9% of bicyclic products, which consist of olefins (3 or 4) and acetate (2) in the ratio of 1·67 to 1. The product is closely related in composition to that obtained 7 by acetolysis of the toluenesulfonate ( 14 ) of 9-bicylo(3.3.1)nonanol, except for a threefold lower proportion of olefins (characteristics of the π route) and greater stereospecificity in the acetates. The acetolysis of trans -2-(2-vinylcyclopentyl)ethyl p -nitrobenzenesulfonate ( 12 ) is only 95% as fast as the saturated standard, and leads to 95% of unrearranging acetate, 5% of equatorial trans -4-hydrindyl acetate, and no olefins. The isomeric p -nitrobenzenesulfonate ( 13 ) of cis -2-(2-vinylcyclopentyl) ethanol undergoes acetolysis at a rate 5·78 times that of the saturated standard. The product is 76% bicyclic and containts four hexahydroindenes and four hydrindyl acetates in the olefin/acetate ratio of 0·39, twelve times lower than that in the σ route from 14 . The solvolysis rates are rationalized in terms of the conformational barriers to be surmounted in the formation of the transition state, and are correlated with the fractions of bicyclic product formed. In line with earlier work, the olefin/acetate ratio in the product is regarded as an indication of the relative involvement of classical ion pairs in the reaction sequence, which is always less in the π route than in the σ route for reasons which are discussed. Differences in product compositions also require the occurrence of bridged ion pairs with different properties in the several cases.
Safety of midazolam for sedation of HIV-positive patients undergoing colonoscopy.

Objectives Because of concerns regarding interactions between midazolam and antiretroviral therapy (ART), alternative sedatives are sometimes used during procedural sedation. Our objective was to compare outcomes in patients on ART who received intravenous (iv) midazolam vs. iv diazepam, a second-line agent, during colonoscopy. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of adult HIV-positive patients who underwent colonoscopy over a 3.5-year period. Primary outcomes were sedation duration, nadir systolic blood pressure (SBP), nadir oxygen saturation, abnormal cardiac rhythm, and change in level of consciousness using a standardized scale. We calculated rates of adverse events according to benzodiazepine use and identified risk factors for complications using univariate and multivariate analyses. Results We identified 136 patients for this analysis: 70 received midazolam-based sedation and 66 received a diazepam-based regimen. There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to sedation duration (mean 48.0 vs. 45.7 minutes for the midazolam and diazepam groups, respectively; P = 0.68), nadir SBP (mean 97.0 vs. 101.6 mmHg; P = 0.06), nadir oxygen saturation (mean 94.6 vs. 94.8%; P = 0.72) or rate of abnormal cardiac rhythm (11.4 vs. 19.7%; P = 0.18). More patients in the midazolam group experienced a depressed level of consciousness (91% vs. 74% in the diazepam group; P = 0.0075), but no patient required reversal of sedation or became unresponsive. Conclusions We did not find evidence that patients who received midazolam for procedural sedation had clinical outcomes statistically different from those who received diazepam. These findings should be confirmed in prospective studies or in a randomized controlled trial.
Training a multi-layer feedforward neural network to play Othello using the backpropogation algorithm and reinforcement learning

Determining a strong strategy for a game is a difficult task. What are good heuristics to use? What kind of states should be considered valuable or detrimental? With practice and analysis, a human can acquire this knowledge; is the same possible for a computer? Certainly a computer can be programmed with seemingly effective heuristics, but can a computer learn on its own what moves lead to victory and what others lead to defeat? The goal of this project is to take a computer with zero strategic knowledge of a game (for this project, Othello) and have it become on its own as great a player as it can without any external force guiding it. The approach taken to achieve this objective is to use an artificial neural network and train it with reinforcement learning techniques.
Growth studies of (Nb2O5)(1-X): XTiO2 & (Nb2O5)(1-X):XSiO2 single crystals and their dielectric behaviors

Abstract Nb2O5:TiO2 and Nb2O5:SiO2 systems show interesting dielectric properties. This presentation describes recent progress in growing (Nb2O5)1-x:xTiO2, (Nb2O5)1-x:xSiO2, ×=0.05, single crystals by the laser heated pedestal growth (LHPG) technique and their dielectric behavior. Ceramic rods were used as seed and feed prepared by the mixed oxide method. Growth conditions such as temperature of melting zone and pulling rate were adjusted for each composition. Crystal symmetry and Growth direction were investigated by X-ray diffraction and Laue back-reflection analysis. Temperature dependences of the dielectric constant and loss tangent were measured over a broad frequency range (1 KHz-1 MHz) on sample cut parallel and the perpendicular to the growth direction.
Civil Society and Electoral Accountability in Mexico

Elections have long been a feature of the Mexican political landscape, but meaningful competition has not. From 1929 to 2000 a single party, the Partido Revolucionario Institucional (PRI), controlled the presidency. Until the late 1980s, that same party controlled all the Senate seats, the majority of seats in the Chamber of Deputies, all governorships and all but a small fraction of municipal offices. Mexico’s democratization process has been characterized by its gradualism, including the evolution of freer and fairer electoral competition. Dramatic improvements in the conduct of elections throughout the 1990s transformed single-party rule to robust multiparty competition. The PRI lost its outright majority in the Chamber of Deputies in 1997 and in the Senate in 2000; the Partido de la Revolucion Democratica (PRD) won the influential Head of Government in Mexico City in 1997, 2000 and 2006; and the Partido Accion Nacional (PAN) won the presidency in two consecutive elections, 2000 and 2006.