cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spatial effects in the photodegradation of poly(acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene): a study by ATR-FTIR

Abstract Spatial effects in the degradation of poly(acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene) (ABS) exposed to UVB radiation (λ=290–330 nm ) and oxygen in a weathering chamber at 318 K were studied by attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). The polymer contained 2 wt% Tinuvin 770, a hindered amine stabilizer (HAS). ABS samples of thickness 4 mm were irradiated, microtomed, and sections of thickness 50 and 150 μm were studied as a function of treatment time. ATR-FTIR profiling indicated that the degradation was spatially heterogeneous: significant amounts of photoproducts were detected only in the directly irradiated layer of depth ≈50 μm. In this layer, major damage was reflected in the appearance of the hydroxyl (3600–3200 cm−1) and the carbonyl (1800–1600 cm−1) peaks, and in the disappearance of the 967 cm−1 peak from 1,4 butadiene units (1,4 PB). The hydroxyl and carbonyl peaks were also detected in the second layer of thickness ≈50 μm. Slight changes in the intensity of peaks in the above three spectral regions, compared to a nonirradiated reference sample, were also detected on the nonexposed sample side, and assigned to thermal degradation. For irradiation times up to ≈2000 h, the spectra indicated damage of the butadiene structure, and no changes in the styrene–acrylonitrile (SAN) matrix. The present study confirmed major conclusions deduced from 1D and 2D nondestructive electron spin resonance imaging (ESRI) experiments performed on the same samples in our laboratory, and provided additional information on the spatial distribution of stable degradation products.
Barycentric formulae for cardinal (SINC-) interpolants by Jean-Paul Berrut

A formula for the efficient evaluation of the (truncated) cardinal series is known to be numerically unstable near the interpolation abscissae. Here it is shown how the series can be evaluated in an entirely stable manner.
Study of the effects of copper to superconductor ratio on stability

Abstract Accelerator dipole magnets operate with very low copper to superconductor ratios ( R ). This ability to operate with low R is significant in its impact on cost. The optimum value of R has been an issue of considerable debate. This study shows that the minimum propagating zone length is greatest for copper to superconductor ratios well below 1.5, which appears to be in contradiction with some of the data.
Cuts between the septum and preoptic area increase ultrasound production, lordosis, and body weight in female hamsters.

Abstract Studies of the mechanisms for female-typical mating behavior have focused on the ventromedial hypothalamus, and on the decrements in lordosis caused by lesions of this structure. However, opposed changes of comparable size are produced, at least in rats, by horizotal cuts extending forward from the anterior commissure (anterior roof deafferentation, or ARD). This suggests the existence of a lordosis-inhibiting system of forebrain structures that may include the lateral septum and preoptic area. To test the generality of this system, ovariectomized hamsters in hormone-induced estrus were observed for levels of ultrasound production and lordosis during tests with male conspecifics. In addition, subjects were observed for lordosis responses to light manual stimulation. Upon the completion of these tests, subjects received control treatments or ARD prior to a second round of behavioral observations. These postoperative tests revealed clear ARD-stimulated increases in ultrasound production and body weight. In contrast, the facilitation of lordosis was more subtle, appearing in tests with manual stimulation, but not in response to males. These results, then, demonstrate some consistency across species in the effects of ARD. At the same time, however, they suggest species differences in the magnitude of these effects, in turn, suggesting species differences in the dependence of receptivity on forebrain lordosis-inhibiting mechanisms.
Estimation of anatomical locations using standard frame of reference in chest CT scans

We propose a method to establish the standard chest frame of reference (CFOR) using the rib cage in a lung CT scan. Such a reference frame is essential for referring to a certain location within a chest region and may facilitate the registration across multiple scans of a given subject as well as the comparative studies within a cohort of subjects. The robustness of the established CFOR was evaluated by estimating the anatomical locations within chest in the follow-up scan given the location in the first scan. Specifically, tracheal bifurcation point of airway tree and the center of pulmonary nodule were used as the anatomical points of interest. The CFOR was also used for exploring the spatial distribution of the anatomical location for a large number of individuals. The results show that on average the point of interest can be estimated accurately within 10.3 mm for the bifurcation point and within 12.5 mm for the pulmonary nodule’s center point. Further analyzing the spatial distribution of the CFOR coordinates across 86 subjects shows that we can localize the bifurcation point to the small subregion within the CFOR.
Quantum revivals and many-body localization

The authors consider the phenomena of quantum revivals in a system exhibiting many-body localization. To this end the authors study a qubit attached to a disordered insulator. Without interactions, the qubit undergoes revivals at a rate that approaches a constant as time goes to infinity. If interactions are added to the insulator, this rate sees instead a logarithmic suppression in time. This logarithmic behavior is related to the same mechanism that underpins the logarithmic growth in entanglement entropy after a quantum quench in a many-body localized system.
Apparatus for Production, Measurement and Reaction Studies of Dissociated Gases at Elevated Temperatures

An apparatus is described which is used for the controlled production, characterization, and study of dissociated gases in a microwave discharge at elevated temperatures. A unique feature is the ability to produce and study a microwave discharge plasma in the heated zone. This allows elevated temperature reactions to be studied in high concentrations of dissociated gases. Further, the system permits weight change measurements of specimens in the plasma, thus facilitating reaction rate determinations. Included is a description of a cavity for use on a 50-mm diameter cylindrical reactor. The effects of flow rate, pressure, temperature, power, metal sample, and sampling position on dissociation percentage of oxygen in the apparatus are described as well as a technique for sample temperature measurements in the plasma which permits determination of high temperature recombination coefficients and reaction rates.
Análisis multiestado multivariado de la formación y disolución de las parejas conyugales en México

This article analyzes the formation and dissolution of conjugal couples in Mexico. Information from Enadid 1997 is used to model the process using the analysis of the history of events based on a scheme that simultaneously considers five states and seven transitions, which makes it possible to estimate both the risk of transition between states and the effect of variables associated with the occurrence of transitions. The results suggest that although women of recent generations are postponing marriage, they are also entering common-law marriage at an earlier age. The likelihood of legalizing common-law marriages is higher than the risk of dissolution. Nevertheless, the common-law marriages entered into by women of recent generations are more likely to dissolve in comparison with those of women of previous generations. Likewise, the dissolution of legal union is greater in younger generations. Although factors associated with separation or divorce are similar for both types of union, common law marriages are more likely to dissolve than marriages. These results contribute to the debate that attempts to place Mexico within the “second demo­graphic transition”.
Low-power design techniques for high-performance CMOS adders

A high-performance adder is one of the most critical components of a processor which determines its throughput, as it is used in the ALU, the floating-point unit, and for address generation in case of cache or memory access. In this paper, low-power design techniques for various digital circuit families are studied for implementing high-performance adders, with the objective to optimize performance per watt or energy efficiency as well as silicon area efficiency. While the investigation is done using 100 MHz, 32 b carry lookahead (CLA) adders in a 0.6 /spl mu/m CMOS technology, most techniques presented here can also be applied to other parallel adder algorithms such as carry-select adders (CSA) and other energy efficient CMOS circuits. Among the techniques presented here, the double pass-transistor logic (DPL) is found to be the most energy efficient while the single-rail domino and complementary pass-transistor logic (CPL) result in the best performance and the most area efficient adders, respectively. The impact of transistor threshold voltage scaling on energy efficiency is also examined when the supply voltage is scaled from 3.5 V down to 1.0 V. >
Convex Programming and Duality in Normed Space

This paper describes some extensions of classical convex programming to problems formulated on an abstract normed space. The utility of the normed-space formulation is illustrated by some simple applications.
Multilayer micromolding of degradable polymer tissue engineering scaffolds

Precise surface geometrical morphologies have been shown to improve cellular proliferation, adhesion, and functionality. It has been found that cells respond strongly to feature dimensions a fraction of their size. In this paper, soft lithography techniques were applied to microfabricate polydimethylsiloxane molds with precisely controlled micro-scale patterns. Three-dimensional polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds were fabricated using a multilayer micromolding (MMM) method. Proper heating and stamping parameters were developed for micromolding PCL. This process allowed control of the size, shape, and spacing of support structures within the scaffold. The micromolding of multiple layers with independent features allowed for alignment between layers. The high porosity, abundant interconnections, and sharp features were inherent advantages of the scaffolds. Human osteosarcoma cells were seeded in the 3-D scaffolds for cell growth testing. Fluorescent microscopy and scanning electron micrographs showed that cells responded well to the 3-D scaffolds and the scaffolds regulated cell morphology and adhesion.
The VNAV Tutor: addressing a mode awareness difficulty for pilots of glass cockpit aircraft

One of the major tasks of pilots of modern aircraft is monitoring and understanding the status and behavior of the auto-flight system, i.e., mode awareness. In order to maintain mode awareness in the dynamic environment, pilots must be continuously vigilant of indications from several locations within the cockpit. Lacking accurate and complete system knowledge and interfaces that clearly present the system state and constraints, pilots may misunderstand the control modes, pilots often cite vertical path navigation (VNAV) as a flight management system function that "surprises" them. The VNAV Tutor, a computer-based training system, was developed to address this issue. The VNAV Tutor attempts to improve pilots' understanding of VNAV control modes and the interaction of the mode control panel functions with the flight management system during VNAV usage. An evaluation showed that the VNAV Tutor enhanced both the conceptual understanding and the operational use of the vertical navigation function by pilots transitioning to aircraft with sophisticated auto-flight systems.
Note---A Brand Switching Model with Implications for Marketing Strategies

A two-class “Hard-Core Loyal” and “Potential Switcher” latent model for the analysis of brand switching data is proposed. Some previously unpublished automobile data will be presented and analyzed along with another data set for frequently purchased packaged goods. We show how our simple model can be easily estimated using a standard log-linear modeling approach. We hope that the approach, examples, and managerial implications presented will stimulate increased collection and analysis of switching data in the areas of durables and services. In fact our model may well be more appropriate for these two aspects of marketing than it is for consumer packaged goods---which up to now represents almost all of the published work using switching data.
Excretion behavior of adult female crab spiders Misumena vatia (Araneae, Thomisidae)

Abstract Excreta potentially provide parasites or predators with information about the presence of hosts or prey; hence, vulnerable individuals experience strong selection to minimize danger from this source. Alternatively or additionally, excreta could alert potential prey to a spider's presence. Adult female crab spiders Misumena vatia (Clerck 1757) exhibited a strong reluctance to excrete when retained under tightly confined conditions. Only 5% of regularly fed individuals (1% of total observations) excreted over observation periods of as many as 50 days while confined in 7-dram vials (5 cm high, 3 cm diameter). Individuals retained large amounts of excreta during this time. However, when released upon vegetation over two-thirds of them excreted within 5 min, after moving to the distal end of a leaf or petal such that the excreta fell below them onto lower vegetation or the substrate. In the field they showed little tendency to excrete close to their hunting sites. The ability to retain excreta should ...
Preparation of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)(PEDOT) coated silica core-shell particles and PEDOT hollow particles.

Nanometre-sized PEDOT-silica core–shell particles were synthesized and self-assembled into crystalline colloidal arrays with a reflection peak in the visible region; these particles were also etched with hydrofluoric acid to produce hollow PEDOT particles.
Influenza in Bristol Bay, 1919

The 1918 influenza pandemic has been blamed for as many as 50 million deaths worldwide. Like all major disasters, the full story of the pandemic includes smaller, less noted episodes that have not attracted historical attention. The story of the 1919 wave of the influenza pandemic in Bristol Bay Alaska is one such lost episode. It is an important story because the most accessible accounts—the Congressional Record and the Coast Guard Report—are inconsistent with reports made by employees, health care workers, and volunteers at the site of the disaster. Salmon fishing industry supervisors and medical officers recorded their efforts to save the region’s Native Alaskans in private company reports. The federal Bureau of Education physician retained wireless transmission, reports, and letters of events. The Coast Guard summarized its work in its Annual Report of 1920. The independent Bureau of Fisheries report to the Department of Commerce reveals the Coast Guard report at striking odds with others and reconciles only one account. This article explores the historical oversight, and attempts to tell the story of the 1919 wave of the pandemic which devastated the Native Alaskan population in this very remote place.
Electrical Bending and Mechanical Buckling Instabilities in Electrospinning Jets

The determination of the behavior of the jet path in the vicinity of the onset of the primary electrical bending instability is important for the orderly collection of the nanofibers produced by electrospinning. A stable jet was observed with a high frame rate, short exposure time video camera. The collection process was complicated but predictable within limits, so the design and creation of some two or three dimensional structures of nanofibers is feasible, if the considerations described below are incorporated into the design and production processes. The fluid jet in the straight segment of the path, and the more solid nanofibers in the coils of the primary electrical bending instability were collected on stationary and moving surfaces. The diameter and characteristic path of the jet depended on the exact distance between the orifice and the collector, if other parameters were not changed. The moving surfaces caused the various coils that were collected to be displaced rather than superimposed. The fiber collected on the moving surfaces preserved a record of the electrical and mechanical instabilities that occurred. If the straight segment was very fluid, the jet formed a series of small sessile drops on the collector, but when the jet was more solid, buckling occurred and produced small, complicated loops close to point at which the jet hit the surface. Buckling was observed during collection of the straight segment and the first coils of the electrically driven electrical bending instability. A moving inclined collector was used to collect the fibers. Surface velocities were up to about 5 meters per second. These velocities are commensurate with the velocities at which the solidifying jet approached the surface. A variety of structures of loops, both conglutinated and not, associated with the instabilities were created. The jets used in this work were formed from solutions of polyethylene oxide, nylon-6, poly lactic acid, and other polymers. Several solvents were used for some of the polymers, and details of the jet path changed when the solvent or the concentration changed. The jets issued from a pendent drop on a glass capillary with an orifice diameter of about 160 microns. A potential difference in the range of 500 to 13,000 volts was applied between the orifice and the collector. The distance from the orifice to the grounded collector varied from 1 mm to 30 cm. Interference colors associated with jet diameters around 10 microns were observed in the straight segment. The color patterns were stable, indicating that the process variations were small.
Locked Tight Storage Facilities

This case provides an opportunity to introduce and apply the pure-expectations theory of interest rates. It also brings out the fundamentals of option pricing by considering the refinancing option embedded in the long-term mortgage alternative. Because of the refinancing option, the spread charged by the bank for the long-term mortgage is too low, which suggests that an arbitrage opportunity is available by constructing a "homemade" interest-rate swap.
TRANSGENDER CARE BY ENDOCRINOLOGISTS IN THE UNITED STATES

Objective Little is known about the attitudes and practice patterns of transgender care by endocrinologists. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, practice patterns, access, and competency among a representative sample of endocrinologists in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Methods An anonymous 19-item paper survey was administered to 80 conference attendees that included 61 adult endocrinologists, 13 endocrinology fellows, 2 pediatric endocrinologists, and 4 nurse practitioners/physician assistants. Results The participation rate was estimated to be ~80%. Sixty-three percent of endocrinology providers were willing to provide transgender care, but the majority of providers had no current transgender patients under their care. Half of providers had read the Endocrine Society's clinical practice guidelines, with a rate of 70% among those under age 40. Nonetheless, only 20% were "very" comfortable in discussing gender identity and/or sexual orientation, and 41% described themselves as "somewhat" or "very" competent to provider transgender care. Conclusion Endocrinologists and other providers have received more education and training on transgender care within the past decade. Nevertheless, many participants have had little opportunity to care for transgender patients, and they rate their competency to do so as low. Research is needed on how to increase comfort levels regarding gender identity among those who provider care to transgender patients.
Detection and Intraretinal Localization of an 'Invisible' Retinoblastoma Using Optical Coherence Tomography.

Purpose: To report the use of handheld spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (HHSD OCT) to identify and define the intraretinal location of a small retinoblastoma that was not detectable by indirect ophthalmoscopy. Methods: This is a retrospective case report of a tumor identified with HHSD OCT in a single patient. Results: A 7-week-old male was diagnosed with unilateral group E retinoblastoma in the right eye. An enucleation was completed successfully with histopathologic confirmation of the diagnosis. The normal left eye was monitored for the development of retinoblastoma, and 10 weeks after diagnosis, three new small retinoblastomas were noted in the posterior pole. Identification of the smallest of the three tumors was facilitated by HHSD OCT; it was adjacent to the optic nerve head, and involved the outer nuclear layer, outer plexiform layer, and inner nuclear layer, with the inner retina draping over the tumor. Conclusion: HHSD OCT can aid the ocular oncologist in the identification of very small retinoblastomas before they are visible to the eye, which allows for earlier and potentially vision-sparing treatment of these lesions. Additionally, the ability to identify these very small tumors and to localize them anatomically within the retinal layers may aid in our understanding of retinoblastoma tumorigenesis.
Promising biomarkers for superimposed pre-eclampsia in pregnant women with established hypertension and chronic kidney disease

The incidence of pre-eclampsia is high in women with chronic kidney disease and hypertension and the diagnosis is particularly challenging. Bramham et al. (2016) studied various biomarkers with the primary aim of predicting superimposed pre-eclampsia requiring delivery within 14 days of sampling. Their findings of the utility of a single biomarker for diagnosis in this high-risk group is a major advance that has significant implications and holds promise for the future.
Amoebae and Mammals Deliver Protein-Rich Atkins Diet Meals to Legionella Cells: Legionella pneumophila promotes proteasome-mediated protein degradation of its diverse hosts to meet its specific carbon and energy needs

Key to survival of any organism is its harnessing of nutrients. For intracellular bacterial pathogens, gaining access to sufficient nutrients poses a particular challenge. The host sequesters some necessary nutrients while others are present in insufficient quantities. Although microbial acquisition of such nutrients and in vivo bacterial metabolism are fundamental to pathogen-host interactions, our understanding of these processes is limited.
Synthesis and Catalytic Activity of Heterobimetallic Rare Earth–Zinc Ethyl BINOLate Analogues of Shibasaki’s Catalysts

Shibasaki’s heterobimetallic complexes [M3(THF)n][(BINOLate)3RE] (BINOLate = 1,1′-bi-2-naphtholate; RE = LnIII, YIII; M = Li+, Na+, K+) are among the most general and highly enantioselective catalysts known. Their structures, however, have been limited to group I metals in the peripheral sites. We envisioned that the utility of this class of catalysts could be broadened by the synthesis of new members. Herein, we report the first synthesis of Shibasaki-type catalysts that incorporate divalent Zn2+ ions in the peripheral positions. The compounds (EtZn)3(THF)2(BINOLate)3RE(THF) (RE = LaIII, PrIII, EuIII) are easily prepared from the corresponding tris(silylamide) precursors RE[N(SiMe3)2]3, 3 equiv of (S)-BINOL, and 3 equiv of ZnEt2 in 68–86% crystalline yields. The compounds are isostructural with known [Li3(THF)4][(BINOLate)3RE(THF)] catalysts. We have demonstrated that the (EtZn)3(THF)2(BINOLate)3RE(THF) complexes are catalytically active in the enantioselective addition of diethylzinc to benzaldehyde wit...
Assessment of Tesla Turbine Performance for Small Scale Solar Rankine Combined Heat and Power Systems

For solar Rankine cycle combined heat and power systems for residential buildings and other small-scale applications (producing 1–10 kWe), a low manufacturing cost, robust and durable expander is especially attractive. The Tesla turbine design has these desired features. This paper summarizes a theoretical exploration of the performance of a Tesla Turbine as the expander in a small-scale Rankine cycle combine heat and power system. A one-dimensional idealized model of momentum transfer in the turbine rotor is presented which can be used to predict the efficiency of the turbine for typical conditions in these systems. The model adopts a non-dimensional formulation that identifies the dimensionless parameters that dictate performance features of the turbine. The model is shown to agree well with experimental performance data obtained in earlier tests of prototype Tesla turbine units. The model is used to explore the performance of this type of turbine for Rankine cycle applications using water as a working fluid. The model indicates that isentropic efficiencies above 0.70 can be achieved if the operating conditions are tailored in an optimal way. The scalability of the turbine design, and the impact of the theoretical model predictions on development of solar combined heat and power systems are also discussed.© 2009 ASME
Corticofugal Amplification of Facilitative Auditory Responses of Subcortical Combination-Sensitive Neurons in the Mustached Bat

Corticofugal amplification of facilitative auditory responses of subcortical combination-sensitive neurons in the mustached bat. Recent studies on the bat’s auditory system indicate that the cortic...
Abstract P087: Ethnic and Educational Disparities in Morbid Obesity Among Employees of a Large Healthcare Organization: The Baptist Health South Florida Employee Study

Background: Ethnic differences in obesity are well documented; however, the epidemiological evidence of the impact of socioeconomic and educational status on its relationship is sparse. We sought t...
TU-AB-BRA-09: A Novel Method of Generating Ultrafast Volumetric Cine MRI (VC-MRI) Using Prior 4D-MRI and On-Board Phase-Skipped Encoding Acquisition for Radiotherapy Target Localization

Purpose: To develop a technique generating ultrafast on-board VC-MRI using prior 4D-MRI and on-board phase-skipped encoding k-space acquisition for real-time 3D target tracking of liver and lung radiotherapy. Methods: The end-of-expiration (EOE) volume in 4D-MRI acquired during the simulation was selected as the prior volume. 3 major respiratory deformation patterns were extracted through the principal component analysis of the deformation field maps (DFMs) generated between EOE and all other phases. The on-board VC-MRI at each instant was considered as a deformation of the prior volume, and the deformation was modeled as a linear combination of the extracted 3 major deformation patterns. To solve the weighting coefficients of the 3 major patterns, a 2D slice was extracted from VC-MRI volume to match with the 2D on-board sampling data, which was generated by 8-fold phase skipped-encoding k-space acquisition (i.e., sample 1 phase-encoding line out of every 8 lines) to achieve an ultrafast 16–24 volumes/s frame rate. The method was evaluated using XCAT digital phantom to simulate lung cancer patients. The 3D volume of end-ofinhalation (EOI) phase at the treatment day was used as ground-truth onboard VC-MRI with simulated changes in 1) breathing amplitude and 2) breathing amplitude/phase change from the simulation day. A liver cancer patient case was evaluated for in-vivo feasibility demonstration. Results: The comparison between ground truth and estimated on-board VC-MRI shows good agreements. In XCAT study with changed breathing amplitude, the volume-percent-difference(VPD) between ground-truth and estimated tumor volumes at EOI was 6.28% and the Center-of-Mass-Shift(COMS) was 0.82mm; with changed breathing amplitude and phase, the VPD was 8.50% and the COMS was 0.54mm. The study of liver patient case also demonstrated a promising in vivo feasibility of the proposed method Conclusion: Preliminary results suggest the feasibility to estimate ultrafast VC-MRI for on-board target localization with phase skipped-encoding k-space acquisition. Research grant from NIH R01-184173
Workflow to track I-125 seed from receipt to storage

2373 Objectives I-125 seeds have become an alternative to wire-localization in breast cancer surgery. While this technique has clear benefits, more precise localization and ease in scheduling, multiple factors must be considered to ensure a smooth process and compliance with regulatory bodies. The following workflow has been developed through years of experience at Mayo Clinic Arizona. Methods Seeds are ordered in a bulk vial. The seeds are placed in packets and brought to Central Services by a technologist. After standard sterilization, the seeds are retrieved and stored, shielded, in the hot lab. The seeds are calibrated and brought to Breast Imaging on a per patient basis. Central Services and Breast Imaging are posted when the seeds are present. The seed placement is performed in breast imaging and recorded in a tracking database. This database is again accessed post-operatively to document seed count reconciliation. The dose is also recorded in the pharmacy manager system, EMR, and the RIS system. The patient reports to the hospital for the surgical procedure. The seed is removed with the specimen, and imaged in general radiology to confirm seed count and removal. The specimen is brought to pathology and the seed removed. The seed is brought to Nuclear Medicine, recorded in the database, and stored for decay. This database is a key aspect of the workflow because it is accessible by all, as they are in separate physical locations. It serves as a single reference that documents all staff that was involved in handling, seed count, and the final receipt and disposal of the seeds. Results To date we have safely administered 163 seeds to 149 patients with no seeds lost and zero patient complications. Conclusions This technique can be successfully administered in a large multi-site integrated group practice with a broad scope license, such as Mayo Clinic Arizona. Additional considerations would need to be considered for receipt, storage, handling, and transportation of the seed if multiple independent facilities, such as imaging and surgery centers are involved
Counseling for Spiritually Empowered Wholeness: A Hope-Centered Approach, by Howard Clinebell

In the latest edition of this pastoral counseling classic, Howard Clinebell offers a slightly revised introduction to Growth or Wholeness Counseling. As stated by the author, his personal and profe...
Effect of Herbal Remedies on Clinical Laboratory Tests

Herbal remedies can affect laboratory test results by several mechanisms. Many herbs cause organ damage resulting in abnormal liver function tests, kidney function tests, thyroid profile, etc. For example, kava kava, chaparral, germander, mistletoe, and related herbs may cause significant liver damage as reflected by abnormal liver function tests. Drug–herb interactions may be reflected as an unexpected level of a therapeutic drug during routine monitoring. A herbal product may be contaminated with a Western drug, resulting in an unexpected drug level. Certain Chinese medicines and Indian Ayurvedic medicines are contaminated with heavy metals, especially lead, and may cause lead poisoning in a patient in whom there is no suspected source of lead except ingestion of alternative medicine. Falsely elevated or falsely lowered digoxin levels may be encountered in a patient taking digoxin and certain Chinese medicines, such as Chan Su or Lu-Shen-Wan, as well as oleander-containing herbs due to direct interference of a component of Chinese medicine with the antibody used in an immunoassay. Therefore, use of alternative medicines may significantly alter laboratory results, and communication between pathologists, clinical laboratory scientists, and physicians providing care to the patient is important to interpret these results.
Predicting ICU mortality risk by grouping temporal trends from a multivariate panel of physiologic measurements

ICU mortality risk prediction may help clinicians take effective interventions to improve patient outcome. Existing machine learning approaches often face challenges in integrating a comprehensive panel of physiologic variables and presenting to clinicians interpretable models. We aim to improve both accuracy and interpretability of prediction models by introducing Subgraph Augmented Non-negative Matrix Factorization (SANMF) on ICU physiologic time series. SANMF converts time series into a graph representation and applies frequent subgraph mining to automatically extract temporal trends. We then apply non-negative matrix factorization to group trends in a way that approximates patient pathophysiologic states. Trend groups are then used as features in training a logistic regression model for mortality risk prediction, and are also ranked according to their contribution to mortality risk. We evaluated SANMF against four empirical models on the task of predicting mortality or survival 30 days after discharge from ICU using the observed physiologic measurements between 12 and 24 hours after admission. SANMF outperforms all comparison models, and in particular, demonstrates an improvement in AUC (0.848 vs. 0.827, p<0.002) compared to a state-of-the-art machine learning method that uses manual feature engineering. Feature analysis was performed to illuminate insights and benefits of subgraph groups in mortality risk prediction.
Effectiveness of DDAVP in Von Willebrand’s Disease.

Objective: Of the inherited bleeding disorders von Willebrand’s disease (VWD) is the most common, with a prevalence of one in 10,000. Desmopressin (1-deamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin [DDAVP]) and a variety of plasma-derived concentrates of Factor VIII (FVIII) and von Willebrand factor (VWF) have been used to treat VWD. A prospective multicenter European study recently reported the effectiveness of DDAVP to be 27% in type 1 VWD and 18% in all type 2, which suggests that DDAVP is less effective than previously thought. Here we report our experience in a retrospective analysis of patients with known VWD challenged with DDAVP. Method s: Intranasal DDAVP was administered to 20 patients with known VWD who were studied before and 2 hours after dosing. A response to DDAVP was defined by a 2-fold increase in both FVIII concentration and ristocetin cofactor activity (VWF:RCo) as well as attainment of a level of at least 30 IU/dL. In addition, 6 subjects had bleeding time (BT) tests performed. Statistical analysis was performed using one-tailed multivariate Student’s t-test. Results: Three of the 20 patients were excluded from the study: 2 had acquired VWD and 1 inadequate data. Of the 17 evaluable patients, 13 were type 1 and four type 2 (confirmed by multimer analyses). Overall response in the 17 patients was 59% (p 10 min prior to DDAVP and decreased significantly, to ≤7.5 min, in 5 of the 6 patients after DDAVP. Even when more stringent requirements for defining a response were used (a 3 fold increase and a level of at least 30 IU/dL of both FVIII and VWF:RCo activity, as used by the European multicenter study), 5 of 13 (39%, p=0.01) of the type 1 patients had a response. The average increase in responders in VWF:RCo was 3.33 fold and FVIII, 4.43 fold. Conclusions: The majority of patients with VWD have a significant biological response to intranasal DDAVP; a challenge test with intranasal drug identifies responders who should be considered for treatment with this agent.
Intra-renal splenosis mimicking a solid renal mass.

We present the case of a young woman found to have an exophytic solid renal mass who was referred to our institution for ablation of said mass versus partial nephrectomy. The patient had a history ...
Neighborhood Disadvantage and Neuropsychological Functioning as Part Mediators of the Race–Antisocial Relationship: A Serial Mediation Model

We test a serial multiple mediation model in which the relationship between ethnicity and antisocial behavior is sequentially mediated by disadvantaged neighborhoods and impaired neuropsychological functioning. Parental and self-report measures of antisocial behavior were assessed in a community sample of 341 adolescent males and females. Neighborhood disadvantage was assessed from census data. Neuropsychological functioning was evaluated using a computerized battery. Separate serial multiple mediation models were tested using non-executive functioning and executive functioning. The serial mediation model for executive functioning was supported, with the pathway from race to antisocial behavior through neighborhood disadvantage and executive functioning in serial accounting for 10.8% of the total effect of race on antisocial behavior. Findings support social neurocriminology theory by integrating neighborhood disadvantage and executive functioning as sequential mediators of the race–antisocial relationship. To our knowledge, these are the first findings to explain the race–antisocial relationship in terms of connected social and neuropsychological processes. While this pathway is significant, the effect is still relatively small and thus should be understood as one of many mechanisms through which race may affect antisocial behavior. From a translational science standpoint, the identification of neurocognitive mechanisms by which neighborhood disadvantage predisposes to antisocial behavior suggests the potential benefits of cognitive enhancement techniques to remediate the negative effects of adverse neighborhoods on brain functioning in at-risk minority groups.
Valid statistical inference on automatically matched files

We develop a statistical process for determining a confidence set for an unknown bipartite matching. It requires only modest assumptions on the nature of the distribution of the data. The confidence set involves a set of linear constraints on the bipartite matching, which permits efficient analysis of the matched data, e.g., using linear regression, while maintaining the proper degree of uncertainty about the linkage itself.
Nutrient feedbacks to soil heterotrophic nitrogen fixation in forests

Multiple nutrient cycles regulate biological nitrogen (N) fixation in forests, yet long-term feedbacks between N-fixation and coupled element cycles remain largely unexplored. We examined soil nutrients and heterotrophic N-fixation across a gradient of 24 temperate conifer forests shaped by legacies of symbiotic N-fixing trees. We observed positive relationships among mineral soil pools of N, carbon (C), organic molybdenum (Mo), and organic phosphorus (P) across sites, evidence that legacies of symbiotic N-fixing trees can increase the abundance of multiple elements important to heterotrophic N-fixation. Soil N accumulation lowered rates of heterotrophic N-fixation in organic horizons due to both N inhibition of nitrogenase enzymes and declines in soil organic matter quality. Experimental fertilization of organic horizon soil revealed widespread Mo limitation of heterotrophic N-fixation, especially at sites where soil Mo was scarce relative to C. Fertilization also revealed widespread absence of P limitation, consistent with high soil P:Mo ratios. Responses of heterotrophic N-fixation to added Mo (positive) and N (negative) were correlated across sites, evidence that multiple nutrient controls of heterotrophic N-fixation were more common than single-nutrient effects. We propose a conceptual model where symbiotic N-fixation promotes coupled N, C, P, and Mo accumulation in soil, leading to positive feedback that relaxes nutrient limitation of overall N-fixation, though heterotrophic N-fixation is primarily suppressed by strong negative feedback from long-term soil N accumulation.
Toward a Cognitive View of Signalling Theory: Individual Attention and Signal Set Interpretation

Research on organizational signaling tends to focus on the effects of isolated or congruent signals, assuming highly rational responses to those signals. In this study, we theorize about the cognitive processes associated with the attention paid to and interpretation of multiple, often incongruent signals that organizations send to consumers, financiers, and other stakeholders who make organizational assessments. Contributing a cognitive perspective of signal attention and interpretation, alongside the introduction of signal sets, we provide a more complete picture of how organizational signaling unfolds in the field. Our research opens new frontiers for future inquiry into the cognitive foundations of signal attention, multi-signal interpretation, and incongruent signals. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Analysis of Potential for Human Exposure to Aerial Dispersant Application

ABSTRACT The response to the Macondo oil well blow-out in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010, utilized significant quantities of dispersants. The way dispersants make oil available to natural biodegradatio...
The concept of Stimmung: From indifference to xenophobia in Germany’s refugee crisis

This article deals with the German concept of Stimmung, which does not allow a translation into the English notion of “affective mood,” but rather is simultaneously an internal and external state, subjective (involving the “I”) and objective (involving attunement [einstimmen] to others), enveloping both content and form. To understand the essential imbrication of individual and collective moods summoned by the term, we examine three empirical cases of Stimmungswechsel, or “mood shifts”—from indifference to ambivalence, to xenophilia and xenophobia—as they shaped the September 2016 German regional electoral campaigns. Following Sally Falk Moore, we focus on the “diagnostic events” which triggered these shifts, observed in fieldwork encounters with Germans concerning migrants and refugees who entered Germany in 2015. How did the perception and experience of “the refugee” become internal to the “mood shifts”? How is Stimmung linked to relations to refugees as psychic attachments that either echo an originary...
Endomyocardial biopsy at the time of ablation or device implantation

Cardiomyopathies frequently lead to conduction system disease and/or arrhythmias necessitating device therapy, catheter ablation, or both. Endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) is avoided with recent right ventricle (RV) lead implants and optimal timing is uncertain. We determined outcomes of EMB at the time of ablation or device implantation procedures. We retrospectively analyzed patients undergoing EMB during their electrophysiological procedure between January 2014 and July 2016. EMB was obtained using cephalic/subclavian access prior to device implants or femoral venous/arterial access after ablation procedures. Sites of electrogram (EGM) abnormality and/or scar on imaging were targeted when possible. Twenty-five patients (23 male, 59.7 ± 15.1 years) were included. Sixteen had reduced ejection fraction. EMB was performed during device implants in 9, during ablation in 13, and during combined procedures in 3 patients. RV and left ventricle (LV) EMB were obtained in 19 and 6 patients, respectively. 3.9 ± 1.8 samples/patient (median 4) were obtained. EMB yielded a diagnosis in 7 (28%, all RV) patients (4 cardiac implantable electronic device implantation, 2 ablation, and 1 both): cardiac amyloid in 4, lymphocytic myocarditis in 2, and cardiac sarcoid in 1. All 7 patients had imaging or voltage abnormalities in the chamber biopsied. Abnormal but non-diagnostic findings, most commonly fibrotic change, were found in 14 patients. At mean follow-up of 1.1 ± 0.9 years, 5 other patients received a clinical diagnosis (3 cardiac sarcoid, 1 arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, and 1 Brugada syndrome/arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy overlap syndrome). Two patients developed minor device pocket hematomas and one developed pericardial effusion (underwent concomitant epicardial mapping and ablation for VT). RV or LV EMB can be performed safely during EP procedures and can assist with diagnosis, influencing management. EGM-guided EMB in patients presenting with scar-related VT was low yield for specific pathologies.
Rapid Infant Prefrontal Cortex Development and Sensitivity to Early Environmental Experience.

Abstract Over the last fifteen years, the emerging field of developmental cognitive neuroscience has described the relatively late development of prefrontal cortex in children and the relation between gradual structural changes and children’s protracted development of prefrontal-dependent skills. Widespread recognition by the broader scientific community of the extended development of prefrontal cortex has led to the overwhelming perception of prefrontal cortex as a “late developing” region of the brain. However, despite its supposedly protracted development, multiple lines of research have converged to suggest that prefrontal cortex development may be particularly susceptible to individual differences in children’s early environments. Recent studies demonstrate that the impacts of early adverse environments on prefrontal cortex are present very early in development: within the first year of life. This review provides a comprehensive overview of new neuroimaging evidence demonstrating that prefrontal cortex should be characterized as a “rapidly developing” region of the brain, discusses the converging impacts of early adversity on prefrontal circuits, and presents potential mechanisms via which adverse environments shape both concurrent and long-term measures of prefrontal cortex development. Given that environmentally-induced disparities are present in prefrontal cortex development within the first year of life, translational work in intervention and/or prevention science should focus on intervening early in development to take advantages of this early period of rapid prefrontal development and heightened plasticity.
Single-Party Regimes

The year 1949 witnessed the establishment of the both the People’s Republic of China on mainland China and after the Kuomintang’s (KMT) flight, the reconstitution of the Republic of China (ROC) on the island sanctuary of Taiwan. In both the PRC and the pre-transitional ROC (hereafter referred to as “Taiwan”), highly institutionalized autocracies were constructed that could be categorized as single-party regimes. As discussed in greater depth in this chapter, in addition to their shared regime type, the two authoritarian cases are members of a common Chinese nation and cultural tradition. Also, both underwent rapid economic “miracles” that produced dramatic transformations to society, unleashed new and contentious social forces and led to a rise in the frequency and intensity of popular protests. In both cases, this challenged established modes of authoritarian political control. However, despite these commonalities, the two cases diverged substantially along the critical variable of the degree of state centralization and ultimately, the durability of single-party autocratic rule in their respective societies. Whereas KMT-dominated Taiwan maintained a high degree of functional centralization and a highly centralized coercive apparatus into the 1980s, subnational authorities in the post-Maoist PRC grasped a growing share of state power, soon emerging as important wielders of functional and coercive power.
Research Challenges in Supply Chain Planning with Flexible Demand

This chapter discusses the limitations of the models we have discussed throughout the book, and uses these limitations to characterize challenging future research directions. In doing so, we discuss the relation of the models we have considered to practice, and their potential for use in practical applications. We also consider the potential for expanding the definition of demand flexibility, as well as the technical difficulties inherent in meeting the challenges implied by potential future research avenues.