cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Toleration and Identity: Foundations in Early Modern Thought and Sensual Philosophy: Toleration, Skepticism, and Montaigne's Politics of Self

Toleration and Identity: Foundations in Early Modern Thought. By Ingrid Creppell. New York: Routledge, 2003. 212p. $75.00 cloth, $22.95 paper. Sensual Philosophy: Toleration, Skepticism, and Montaigne's Politics of Self. By Alan Levine. Lanham, MD: Lexington Books, 2001. 336p. $80.00 cloth, $26.95 paper. Toleration has once again become a central focus of liberal theories of justice. In recent years, many liberal theorists have put aside foundational arguments about autonomy and equality in order to explore directly how individuals with diverse identities and beliefs can live together peacefully. Early modern proponents of liberalism were similarly animated by concerns about identity and difference, originally developing the modern concept of toleration amidst the conflicts of the European wars of religion. In the works under review here, Ingrid Creppell and Alan Levine admirably plumb the insights of these authors in order to propose more fruitful ways for conceptualizing toleration in our own times.
Detection of radar echoes in noise revisited

The analysis of radar detection probability in the presence of unknown parameters, given by Kelly, Reed, and Root for maximum-likelihood detection procedures, is extended in this paper to cases where the detection procedures still belong to the class of maximum-likelihood procedures, but the actual waveform, or noise covariance, or both, may differ from those for which the detection procedure would be maximum likelihood. The analysis covers detection procedures ranging from fully coherent, through partially coherent, to pulse-to-pulse incoherent cases. These cases are distinguished by changing the list of parameters treated as unknown by the detection procedure. The resulting equations for the characteristic function of the detection test variable lead to probability distribution functions which are incomplete Toronto functions or generalizations of them; this is convenient for performance analysis, since these functions have been extensively studied. The analysis is further extended to the case of signals having fluctuating amplitudes and phases, for cases ranging from pulse-to-pulse fluctuations, through partially correlated fluctuations, to the case of complete correlation for the duration of the received waveform on a single scan. In the case of partially correlated fluctuations of amplitude and phase, the situation is considered where such fluctuations impose the limit on the amount of coherent integration which can be accomplished. The analysis is brought within the Kelly, Reed, Root framework by modifying the maximum-likelihood procedure to take account of a priori knowledge of the correlation properties of the signal amplitude and phase fluctuations, so that the resulting detection procedure becomes a maximum a posteriori procedure. A classification of special cases is given, with attention focused on the question of when it is still true (as in the case considered by Kelly, Reed, and Root) that the detection probability is given by an incomplete Toronto function, and when generalizations of these must be used. Also, a classification is given of the appropriate definition of signal-to-noise ratio for various special cases.
When is it safe not to replace an implantable cardioverter defibrillator generator

In most reports on patients receiving implantable cardioverter defibrillators. shocks were received mainly during the first 2 to 3 years. Thus, the question had been raised as to the need for device replacement after 3 or 4 years if no shocks had been received. In order to answer this question, shock experience in 184 putients receiving the implantable cardioverter defibrillator was analyzed. Patients were followed for a mean of 24 ± 18.7 months. A patient's shock was judged to be appropriate if there was electrocardio-graphic documentation of sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmia at the time of shock or if it was preceded by sudden onset of presyncopal or syncopal symptoms. The majority of patients had coronary artery disease. In approximately two-thirds of patients, left ventricular ejection fraction was below 40%. One hundred fourteen patients had inducible sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia. On follow-up, there were 29 deaths, five of which were sudden. Sixty-eight patients received an appropriate shock during follow-up (37%). Over 90% of these 68 received their first shock within the 2 years after implant. The actuarial risk of receiving an appropriate shock by the fifth year after implant was 69%. Conversely, 31% of patients who survived 5 years had not received an appropriate shock. Hazard analysis indicates that there is a high incidence of first appropriate shock during the year following implant. Subsequently, the incidence dropped to a relatively steady rate with a rise in this rate during the fifth year. This analysis suggested a bimodal distribution of appropriate shocks. The results indicate that implantable cardioverter defibrillator generators should be replaced even up to the fifth year despite the fact that a patient had not received an appropriate shock.
Frequency and significance of occult late potentials on the signal-averaged electrocardiogram in sustained ventricular tachycardia after healing of acute myocardial infarction☆

Abstract The quantitative and morphologic characteristics and significance of late potentials on the signal-averaged electrocardiographic QRS complex remain unknown. To assess this, the signal-averaged electrocardiogram of 48 patients (mean age ± standard deviation 62 ± 9 years) with sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) after healing of acute myocardial infarction and late potentials were analyzed. Late potentials could be classified into 3 morphologic subtypes: type I late potentials (19 patients, 40%) occurred in the terminal 40 ms of the QRS complex; type II late potentials (16 patients, 33%) started before the end of the QRS complex and extended 30 ± 17 ms into the ST segment; type III late potentials (13 patients, 27%) started after the end of the QRS complex in the ST segment and ended 67 ± 27 ms after the end of the QRS complex. The amplitude of the late potentials in type III, when compared with types I and II, was significantly lower, whereas the QRS duration on the electrocardiogram in type I, when compared with types II and III, was significantly longer. Computer algorithm based on noise failed to identify most type III late potentials. No difference was noted in age, sex, site of the myocardial infarction, and rate of induced VT among the 3 types. It is concluded that (1) morphologic types of late potentials are likely a function of anatomic and geometric differences with resultant differences in conduction; (2) occult late potentials (type III) are seen in 27% of patients with sustained VT after healing of acute myocardial infarction and likely reflect activation of a smaller mass of muscle bundles with a smaller extracellular field, as compared with type I and II late potentials; and (3) because type III late potentials are often missed by computer algorithms based on noise, they are better suited for qualitative analysis.
Variation of surface air temperatures in relation to El Nino and cataclysmic volcanic eruptions, 1796-1882

During the contemporaneous interval of 1796-1882 a number of significant decreases in temperature are found in the records of Central England and Northern Ireland. These decreases appear to be related to the occurrences of El Nino and/or cataclysmic volcanic eruptions. For example, a composite of residual temperatures of the Central England dataset, centering temperatures on the yearly onsets of 20 El Nino of moderate to stronger strength, shows that, on average, the change in temperature varied by about +/- 0.3 C from normal being warmer during the boreal fall-winter leading up to the El Nino year and cooler during the spring-summer of the El Nino year. Also, the influence of El Nino on Central England temperatures appears to last about 1-2 years. Similarly, a composite of residual temperatures of the Central England dataset, centering temperatures on the month of eruption for 26 cataclysmic volcanic eruptions, shows that, on average, the change in temperature decreased by about 0.1 - 0.2 C, typically, 1-2 years after the eruption, although for specific events, like Tambora, the decrease was considerably greater. Additionally, tropical eruptions appear to produce greater changes in temperature than extratropical eruptions, and eruptions occurring in boreal spring-summer appear to produce greater changes in temperature than those occurring in fall-winter.
Smart electronic phase control for phased array antennas

Phase shifters are the key devices that can highly boost the performance of current electronic phased array systems. Usually by setting the element angles, the array is pointed in the direction of an incoming signal for maximum reception. In this paper, a microprocessor controlled phased array system is presented which can point in a desired direction as in conventional phased array systems. The additional feature is that even if the source changes potion relative to the original beam direction, microprocessor controlled system checks for the maximum signal direction regularly and changes the necessary phase angles of the phase shifters to point in the incoming signal direction. This is realized by continues detecting and tracking functions. Details of the design, choice of phase detectors and implementation using a linear and planar arrays swill be presented
Clinical questions raised by providers in the care of older adults: a prospective observational study

Objective To characterise clinical questions raised by providers in the care of complex older adults in order to guide the design of interventions that can help providers answer these questions. Materials and methods To elicit clinical questions, we observed and audio recorded outpatient visits at three healthcare organisations. At the end of each appointment, providers were asked to identify clinical questions raised in the visit. Providers rated their questions based on their urgency, importance to the patient9s care and difficulty in finding a useful answer to. Transcripts of the audio recordings were analysed to identify ageing-specific factors that may have contributed to the nature of the questions. Results We observed 36 patient visits with 10 providers at the three study sites. Providers raised 70 clinical questions (median of 2 clinical questions per patient seen; range 0–12), pursued 50 (71%) and successfully answered 34 (68%) of the questions they pursued. Overall, 36 (51%) of providers’ questions were not answered. Over one-third of the questions were about treatment alternatives and adverse effects. All but two clinical questions were motivated either directly or indirectly by issues related to ageing, such as the normal physiological changes of ageing and diseases with higher prevalence in the elderly. Conclusions The frequency of clinical questions was higher than in previous studies conducted in general primary care patient populations. Clinical questions were predominantly influenced by ageing-related issues. We propose a series of recommendations that may be used to guide the design of solutions to help providers answer their clinical questions in the care of older adults.
Isotope Shift in the Spectrum of Mercury

By using separated isotopes of mercury 198 and mercury 202, in sealed discharge tubes, the isotope shift in several lines from 16 000 A to 4000 A has been measured with direct recording techniques. A grating in crossed with a pressure tuned Fabry-Perot interferometer was coupled to electronic detectors to make a linear recording system. The detectors were a photomultiplier tube in the visible and a lead sulfide cell in the infrared. The output of the detector is amplified and then recorded on a strip chart recorder. By optical switching between the two discharge tubes during the recording both isotopes appear on the same record without overlapping of the intensity pattern. Because of the inherently high accuracy of this type of system the probable errors are small.
Endovascular management of spinal arteriovenous malformations

Spinal arteriovenous malformations (sAVMs) are rare vascular lesions whose natural history remains incompletely defined. Several classification schemes for sAVMs have evolved based on an improved understanding of the anatomic characteristics as well as pathophysiologic behavior of these arteriovenous shunts. Advances in endovascular technology have inspired the adoption of interventional techniques both as stand-alone treatment and as part of a multi-modality management paradigm for sAVMs. Further refinements in liquid embolic agents as well as improved microcatheter navigability will contribute to an ever-expanding role for endovascular intervention in the management of these lesions.
Transgenic Complementation of Leptin-Receptor Deficiency: I. Rescue of the Obesity/Diabetes Phenotype of LEPR-Null Mice Expressing a LEPR-B Transgene

Mice homozygous for the Lepr db3J ( db 3J ) mutation are null for all known isoforms of the leptin receptor (LEPR). These animals are obese, hyperphagic, cold intolerant, insulin resistant, and infertile. Mice homozygous for the Lepr db ( db ) mutation (lacking the B isoform only) have the same phenotype as db 3J animals. To better understand the function(s) of the LEPR isoforms in vivo, we generated db 3J /db 3J and db/db mice bearing a transgene (neuron-specific enolase [NSE]-Rb) expressing the B isoform of LEPR, the isoform capable of activating the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway, under the control of the neuron-specific enolase enhancer/promoter. The NSE-Rb transgene was expressed in the brain, with low levels of expression in adrenals, testis, and white adipose tissue. LEPR-B transgene expression in NSE-Rb db 3J /db 3J mice partially corrected the increased fat mass, hyperphagia, and glucose intolerance while restoring fertility in males and rescuing the cold intolerance in both sexes. The body weights of NSE-Rb transgenic mice that possessed the full complement of short LEPR isoforms (NSE-Rb db/db mice) were similar to those of NSE-Rb db 3J /db 3J mice, suggesting that the short LEPR isoforms play little role in body weight regulation. Based on quantitative analysis of hypothalamic neuropeptide gene expression in the transgenic animals, we infer full restoration of leptin sensitivity to proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons, partial correction of leptin sensitivity in agouti gene-related protein (AGRP)/neuropeptide Y (NPY) neurons, and a lack of effect on leptin sensitivity of melanin concentrating hormone neurons. Thus, hypothalamic POMC and AGRP/NPY neurons are primary candidates as the mediators of the effects of the NSE-Rb transgene on energy homeostasis, ingestive behavior, the neuroen-docrine system, and glucose metabolism.
Perioperative management of the oral and maxillofacial surgery patient, part I.

Like many in our esteemed profession, I have spent my entire professional life (over 28 years) working almost exclusively in a hospital setting within an American Dental Association–approved Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency Training Program. Much has changed during this time, mostly for the better. As the national percentage of older (ie, over 65 years of age) Americans continues to grow and our profession’s scope of services continues to increase, it is becoming quite evident that our patient practice demographics will also begin to shift. As a profession, we will begin performing more complex reconstructive procedures on patients who have compromised health histories. It is with that thought in mind that this two-part issue was planned: to serve as a text and reference work for better management in the perioperative care of the medically compromised and hospitalized patient segment of our practices. We hope that the readership will find this two part series useful and valuable to their everyday clinical practice. On a personal note, being involved with the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinics of North America is always a most rewarding and fulfilling experience, and I would like to thank John Vassallo, Editor, for his support and assistance. To the Senior Administration of The Brooklyn Hospital Center, Mr. Sam
The Inherent Jurisdiction in Judicial Review

(2000). The Inherent Jurisdiction in Judicial Review. Judicial Review: Vol. 5, No. 2, pp. 80-84.
Fractionated Space Systems: Decoupling Conflicting Requirements and Isolating Requirement Change Propagation

The fractionated space systems vision can potentially provide various levels of flexibility and adaptability that make a space system capable of overcoming a number of uncertain scenarios during its development and operational lifetime. Significant research is being performed on the benefits and drawbacks of such systems under operational scenarios, but their capabilities during development phase remain rather unknown. This paper evaluates how fractionated space systems can respond to requirements change during their development with higher level of adaptability and, specifically, how fractionation can facilitate the detection and resolution of conflicting requirements. We will also study how fractionation helps in isolating the effects of change propagation in requirements during system development. We suggest two frameworks for those purposes, which in addition provide analytical capabilities to evaluate the difficulty induced by a set of requirements that need to be fulfilled simultaneously and trade it against a variety of architectural design choices.
Utilization of sulfur amino acids during healing of experimental wounds.

SummaryWounded rats, injected with L-methionine-S35, accumulate the radio-sulfur in the wound tissue, even when the S35 content of the other tissues is decreasing. The largest part of the S35 in the wound tissue appears as cystine-S35. The rate of deposition of cystine in the regenerating wound tissue is greater than that of methionine. The rate of healing (as measured by the healing index) is a function of the cystine content of the wound tissue.
The Cellie Coping Kit for Sickle Cell Disease: Initial acceptability and feasibility

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and its treatment can place physical and psychosocial strain on children and their families, underlining the need for behavioral and emotional support. Much of SCD is often managed at home, which may prevent children from obtaining supportive services from medical and psychosocial teams. Children with SCD report a restricted number of coping strategies specific to managing SCD and may benefit from education on adaptive coping. To address this unmet need, a coping tool for children with cancer (Cellie Cancer Coping Kit) was adapted for children with SCD. The Cellie Coping Kit for SCD (Cellie Coping Kit) includes a stuffed "Cellie" toy, coping cards for children, and a book for caregivers. This study sought to assess the acceptability and feasibility of an intervention utilizing the Cellie Coping Kit. Fifteen children with SCD (ages 6-14) and their caregivers participated in a baseline assessment including semi-structured interviews to examine SCD-related stressors and coping strategies. Next, families received a brief introduction to the Cellie Coping Kit and were provided with a kit to use independently over the next four weeks before completing a follow-up assessment. Results indicated strong intervention acceptability overall. While families reported using and learning information and skills from the Cellie Coping Kit, several challenges were identified (e.g., child's living situation, busy schedules). The Cellie Coping Kit is a promising tool to support children with SCD and their families. Future research should examine whether use of the Cellie Coping Kit impacts behavioral change and improved health outcomes.
Oviposition Preference in Two Laboratory Colonies of Boll Weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Oviposition preference of two laboratory colonies of boll weevils, Anthonomus grandis grandis Boheman, was measured on day-neutral (flowering response not sensitive to daylength) progenies of primitive cottons, Gossypium hirsutum L. These day-neutral cottons carry resistance to boll weevil oviposition. Rate of oviposition was used to compare the two colonies of insects. Colony 1 has been in mass production for several years without infusion of wild types. Colony 2 has not been in mass production, and wild weevils have been introduced yearly. No significant differences in oviposition rate were found between the primitive cottons and the susceptible control, ‘Stoneville 213’, when weevils from colony 1 were used for testing. Significantly fewer eggs were laid on the primitive cottons than on the control when weevils from colony 2 were tested. The long-term mass-reared boll weevil colony did not exhibit an oviposition preference; therefore, it was not suitable for use in evaluating cotton strains for differential rates of oviposition.
Management Situation of Institutions Reporting Zero or a Few Communicable Disease Cases in Luzhou

Objective To understand the status of communicable disease management of medical institutions reporting zero or a few cases for the purpose of improvement.Methods Twenty-nine hospitals including hospitals of Chinese medicine(HCM),township health centers(THC) and maternal-child health hospitals(MCH) were estimated under communicable disease management instructions.Results The comprehensive score of the 29 institutions was 77.52;scoring rates concerning management,training and reporting quality were 62.79%,67.59% and 90.82% respectively.Scores of CTM hospitals,THC and MCH was 85.40,78.75,and 67.03.Concerning outpatient clinic log,rate of accuracy and usage was 5.36%(30/560),and 86.30%(334/387) respectively.Rates of admission and discharge,inspection records,radiology and records with completeness were 3.57%(20/560),66.54%(173/260) and 57.95%(113/195) respectively.The average relevant knowledge score of the 107 medical staff was 42.7 with a pass rate of 18.69%.Reported rate of notifiable diseases was 89.58%(129/144);rate of timely report,completeness,accuracy,enter concodance was 98.37%,94.72%,91.87% and 80.08% respectively.Conclusion The management quality of communicable disease needs to be improved in MCH and TCH hospitals of Luzhou;reporting management of communicable diseases as well as professional training in hospitals are weaknesses that need to be strengthened.
Primary and metastatic tumors of the thoracic spine: En bloc spondylectomy for tumor resection

Spinal malignancies historically had been treated with piecemeal excision or curettage of vertebral tumors because of a lack of more sophisticated techniques. The obvious disadvantage of this approach is the high risk of tumor cell contamination of surrounding structures and the tendency to get subtotal resection because of the inability to sometimes distinguish between normal tissue and tumor. Multiple studies have reported excellent clinical and oncological results with the use of spondylectomy for en bloc resection of tumor. Spondylectomy for en bloc resection of tumor is an important skill set for a spinal oncologist to have in his armamentarium. Spondylectomy is derived from the Greek spondylos, which means vertebra. Thus, spondylectomy means to remove an entire vertebra or segment of the spine, including the vertebral body, pedicles, pars, transverse processes, lamina, spinous process, and superior and inferior articulating processes. Resection of an entire spinal segment in a single en bloc manner in the thoracic spinal region is not feasible given the presence of the spinal cord in the bony confines of the spinal canal. However, spondylectomy for en bloc resection of tumor can be performed as two pieces: (1) the posterior elements to allow a window for the spinal cord to pass and (2) the rest of the vertebra.
Open access phone triage for veterans with suspected malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Abstract Background Phone triaging patients with suspected malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) within the Veterans Healthcare Administration (VHA) system offers a model for rapid, expert guided evaluation for patients with rare and treatable diseases within a national integrated healthcare system. To assess feasibility of national open access telephone triage using evidence-based treatment recommendations for patients with MPM, measure timelines of the triage and referral process and record the impact on “intent to treat” for patients using our service. Methods A retrospective study. The main outcome measures were: (1) ability to perform long distance phone triage, (2) to assess the speed of access to a mesothelioma surgical specialist for patients throughout the entire VHA, and (3) to determine if access to a specialist would alter the plan of care. Results Sixty veterans were screened by our phone triage program, 38 traveled an average of 997 miles to VA Boston Healthcare system. On average, 14 d elapsed from initial phone contact until the patient was physically evaluated in our general thoracic clinic in Boston. The treatment plan was altered for 71% of patients evaluated at VA Boston Healthcare system based on 2012 International Mesothelioma Interest Group guidelines. Conclusions Our initial experience demonstrates that in-network centralized care for Veterans with MPM is feasible within the VHA. National open access phone triage improves access to expert surgical advice and can be delivered in a timely manner for Veterans using our service. Guideline-based treatment recommendations (“intent to treat”) changed the therapeutic course for the majority of patients who used our service.
Acetaldehyde Disrupts Interferon Alpha Signaling in Hepatitis C Virus‐Infected Liver Cells by Up‐Regulating USP18

Background Alcohol consumption exacerbates the pathogenesis of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and worsens disease outcomes. The exact reasons are not clear yet, but they might be partially attributed to the ability of alcohol to further suppress the innate immunity. Innate immunity is known to be already decreased by HCV in liver cells. Methods In this study, we aimed to explore the mechanisms of how alcohol metabolism dysregulates IFNα signaling (STAT1 phosphorylation) in HCV+ hepatoma cells. To this end, CYP2E1+ Huh7.5 cells were infected with HCV and exposed to the acetaldehyde (Ach) generating system (AGS). Results Continuously produced Ach suppressed IFNα-induced STAT1 phosphorylation, but increased the level of a protease, USP18 (both measured by Western blot), which interferes with IFNα signaling. Induction of USP18 by Ach was confirmed in primary human hepatocyte cultures and in livers of ethanol-fed HCV transgenic mice. Silencing of USP18 by specific siRNA attenuated the pSTAT1 suppression by Ach. The mechanism by which Ach down-regulates pSTAT1 is related to an enhanced interaction between IFNαR2 and USP18 that finally dysregulates the cross talk between the IFN receptor on the cell surface and STAT1. Furthermore, Ach decreases ISGylation of STAT1 (protein conjugation of a small ubiquitin-like modifier, ISG15, Western blot), which preserves STAT1 activation. Suppressed ISGylation leads to an increase in STAT1 K48 polyubiquitination which allows pSTAT1 degrading by proteasome. Conclusions We conclude that Ach disrupts IFNα-induced STAT1 phosphorylation by the up-regulation of USP18 to block the innate immunity protection in HCV-infected liver cells, thereby contributing to HCV-alcohol pathogenesis. This, in part, may explain the mechanism of HCV-infection exacerbation/progression in alcohol-abusing patients.
Charge Stripe Formation in Molecular Ferroelectric Organohalide Perovskites for Efficient Charge Separation

Despite rapid progress in the efficiency of organohalide perovskite based solar cells, physical mechanisms underlying their efficient charge separation and slow charge recombination still elude us. Here we provide direct evidence of spontaneous charge separation via first-principles simulations. The excitons are predicted to self-organize into stripes of photoexcited electrons and holes, spatially separated as effective channels for charge transport. The rotation of organic cations deforms the inorganic framework, and as the deformation reaches a critical value, a direct band gap transforms to an indirect one, and the photoexcited electrons rotate in alignment with the deformation-induced electric fields. The latter triggers a Stark effect which in turn leads to the formation of charge stripes. The interplay between dynamic disorder, ionic bonding, and polarization is responsible for the formation of the charge stripes and the indirect band gap, both of which could lead to efficient charge separation and ...
Novel technique for harvesting the sternoclavicular graft.

Abstract Purpose Originally introduced for mandibular reconstruction more than 40 years ago, the sternoclavicular graft (SCG) has gained widespread popularity for the reconstruction of the ramus-condyle unit (RCU) owing to its anatomic and histological likeness to the normal mandibular condyle. Conventional longitudinal osteotomy design for its harvest has been fraught with considerable complications at the donor site including fracture clavicle and major neurovascular injury. In an attempt to alleviate these ill effects, a new technique for procuring the sternoclavicular graft is presented. Material and methods A split-thickness cortico-cancellous graft was harvested form the sternal end of the clavicle along with the articular disk with the osteotomy cut oriented parallel to the coronal plane, with limited soft tissue dissection. Donor site complications were assessed in terms of incidence of clavicle fracture, neurovascular injury, pleural tear and radiographic healing as seen in the six-month postoperative chest radiograph. Results 17 patients suffering from unilateral temporomandibular joint ankylosis underwent SCG harvesting for RCU reconstruction following osteoarthrectomy. No adverse events were seen in the intra- and post-operative period in any patient and satisfactory radiographic osseous healing was observed after six months. Conclusion The proposed harvest technique for SCG results in reduced donor site morbidity and favourable healing and greater patient comfort.
An Efficient Cross-Layer Optimization Algorithm for Data Transmission in Wireless Sensor Networks

In this paper, we propose a cross layer congestion optimization scheme for allocating the resources of wireless sensor networks to achieve maximization of network performance. The congestion control, routing selection, link capacity allocation, and power consumption are all taken account to yield an optimal scheme based on the Lagrangian optimization. The Lagrangian multiplier is adopted to adjust power consumption, congestion rate, routing selection and link capacity allocation, so that the network performance can be satisfied between the trade-off of efficiency and fairness of resource allocation. The proposed algorithm can significantly achieve the maximization of network performance in relieving the network congestion with less power consumption. Excellent simulation results are obtained to demonstrate our innovative idea, and show the efficiency of our proposed algorithm.
Serum factors which alter cell membranes

Mammalian cell membranes are much more sensitive to changes in serum ion concentrations than they are to serum cholesterol. Because of this, arterial cells function normally only in a very narrow range of serum ion concentrations. Unfortunately, new introductions into the food supply have been made in the diet since 1920 which may perturb the delicate relationships between arterial cell membranes and the blood serum to which they are exposed. For example, powerful surface active agents are used to emulsify fats in a host of popular food items. None of them have been adequately tested for their possible role in changing phospholipid head group composition of arterial or myocardial cell membranes. Ocean salt has been replaced by refined table salt removing a rich source of magnesium from the diet of Northern Europeans and Americans. Excessive amounts of Vitamin D, which may calcify soft tissue, have been added to the diet as a means of preventing a disease that does not develop in babies exposed to sunshine. The introduction of hydrogenated vegetable oil to the diet has helped to stimulate per capita fat consumption to almost twice the level of 1920. How the introduction of such technology has changed arterial cell membrane structure or function has not been considered. It is now possible to consider the influence of this technology on the food supply by the application of modern genetic engineering methods. The application of this type of methodology in the study of cholesterol metabolism and its role in atherosclerosis may help to find means of preventing heart disease and strokes.
Serotonin Regulates the Feeding and Reproductive Behaviors of Pratylenchus penetrans

The success of all plant-parasitic nematodes is dependent on the completion of several complex behaviors. The lesion nematode Pratylenchus penetrans is an economically important parasite of a diverse range of plant hosts. Unlike the cyst and root-knot nematodes, P. penetrans moves both within and outside of the host roots and can feed from both locations. Adult females of P. penetrans require insemination by actively moving males for reproduction and can lay eggs both within and outside of the host roots. We do not have a complete understanding of the molecular basis for these behaviors. One candidate modulator of these behaviors is the neurotransmitter serotonin. Previous research demonstrated an effect of exogenously applied serotonin on the feeding and male mating behaviors of cyst and root-knot nematodes. However, there are no data on the role of exogenous serotonin on lesion nematodes. Similarly, there are no data on the presence and function of endogenous serotonin in any plant-parasitic nematode. Here, we establish that exogenous serotonin applied to P. penetrans regulates both feeding and sex-specific behaviors. Furthermore, using immunohistochemistry and pharmacological assays, our data suggest that P. penetrans utilizes endogenous serotonin to regulate both feeding and sex-specific behaviors.
Order, Distance, and Local Development over the Long-Run

We argue that local, long-term exposure to a centralized political authority determines sub-national patterns of contemporary economic development. Older research on economic development has focused on cross-national income accounts, often ignoring the large sub-national variation in income differences. Likewise, research on the effects of political institutions on development has mostly neglected sub-national variation in the institutional environment. Yet a growing body of work shows that the geographic reach of states within countries and their ability to foster economic exchange have varied dramatically through history. We contribute to recent research on sub-national development by creating a new measure of local historical exposure to state institutions that codes geographic distance to historical capital cities and use highly spatially disaggregated data on economic development, based on satellite data, to test their relationship. We find clear evidence, using fixed-effects estimations for both European and global data, that local historical proximity to capital cities is associated with higher levels of economic development. This finding is further substantiated through a number of robustness checks covering alternative measures, specifications, and sensitivity analyses.
A numerical analysis for non-linear radiation in MHD flow around a cylindrical surface with chemically reactive species

Abstract Boundary layer flow around a stretchable rough cylinder is modeled by taking into account boundary slip and transverse magnetic field effects. The main concern is to resolve heat/mass transfer problem considering non-linear radiative heat transfer and temperature/concentration jump aspects. Using conventional similarity approach, the equations of motion and heat transfer are converted into a boundary value problem whose solution is computed by shooting method for broad range of slip coefficients. The proposed numerical scheme appears to improve as the strengths of magnetic field and slip coefficients are enhanced. Axial velocity and temperature are considerably influenced by a parameter M which is inversely proportional to the radius of cylinder. A significant change in temperature profile is depicted for growing wall to ambient temperature ratio. Relevant physical quantities such as wall shear stress, local Nusselt number and local Sherwood number are elucidated in detail.
Electrodeposition of manganese thin films on a rotating disk electrode from choline chloride/urea based ionic liquids

Abstract The electrodeposition behavior of manganese from the choline chloride/urea based deep eutectic solvent is studied on a rotating disk electrode. Additionally, the effect of the organic additive glycine is analyzed and the characteristics of deposited Mn films are examined. It is determined that Mn deposition will occur in this solvent at potentials below −1.2 V (vs. Ag), and is accompanied by one or more side reactions. Glycine is found to inhibit the deposition of Mn. In addition to an analysis of the potential dependent deposition behavior, this report studies the morphology of galvanostatic manganese deposits to determine the effect of the rate of Mn deposition.
Estimation of Passengers Left Behind by Trains in High-Frequency Transit Service Operating Near Capacity:

Measuring rail system crowding is important to transit agencies. Crowding data has implications for safety, operations control, service planning, performance measurement, and customer information. ...
‘GUILD FREE CHOICE’, ‘MARKET FREE CHOICE’ AND COMPETITIVE MEDICAL PLANS

This chapter discusses an economic analysis of the traditional system of fee-for-service, solo practice, and third party insurance with “free choice of doctor” that the organized medical profession has succeeded in establishing in many countries, including the Netherlands and the United States. Organized medicine has interpreted “free choice of doctor” to mean that every insurance scheme must leave the patient at all times free in choice of the doctor, and that every doctor must be allowed to participate in every insurance scheme on equal terms. Free choice of prescription means no utilization review or quality control. It permits the doctor to exploit the large advantage of superior information he or she has over the patient and the insurer. Not being physicians themselves and not having the benefit of a broad base of relevant data and experience, most patients are at a large disadvantage in dealing with their doctors. If insured, patients are not likely to care about cost.
Quality Assessment of Synthetic Fluorescence Microscopy Images for Image Segmentation

Synthetic images are widely used in image segmentation for algorithm training and performance assessment. Recently, advances in image synthesis techniques, especially generative adversarial networks (GANs), have made it possible to generate fluorescence microscopy images with remarkably realistic appearance. However, intuitive and specific metrics to assess the quality of these images remain lacking. Here, we propose three quality metrics that quantify the fidelity of the foreground signal, the background noise, and blurring, respectively, of synthesized fluorescence microscopy images. Using these metrics, we examine images of mitochondria synthesized by two representative GANs: pix2pix, which requires paired training data, and CycleGAN, which does not require paired training data. We find that both networks generate realistic images and achieve similar fidelity in reproducing background noise and blurring of real images. However, CycleGAN achieves significantly higher fidelity than pix2pix in reproducing intensity patterns of real mitochondria. When used to train the U-Net for segmentation, images synthesized by both networks achieve performance on par with real images. Overall, we have developed a method to assess quality of synthetic fluorescence microscopy images and to evaluate their training performance in image segmentation. The quality metrics proposed are general and can be used to assess fluorescence microscopy images synthesized by different methods.
Left Dominant Perisylvian Network for Language Syndromes (and Language ICN Network)

From a philosophical point of view, it is difficult to separate thought and language. Although we may think silently, also termed inner speech (endophasia), we can both speak and write our thoughts, also termed exophasia. Gardiner appropriately termed thoughts and words as the “mental commerce of the mind” [1]. Another language researcher, Brain, considered language and words as “the guardians of our thoughts” [2]. Language and speech in that language, if impaired (dysphasia), are attributable to a left-brain lesion in most people, and speech impairment or dysarthria is consequent to an extracerebral derangement often due to cranial nerve impairment or speech musculature or due to vocal cord disturbance. In brief the neurobiology of language components and related activities can be summarized as follows:
Genetically Encodable Fluorescent and Bioluminescent Biosensors Light Up Signaling Networks

Cell signaling networks are intricately regulated in time and space to determine the responses and fates of cells to different cues. Genetically encodable fluorescent and bioluminescent biosensors enable the direct visualization of these spatiotemporal signaling dynamics within the native biological context, and have therefore become powerful molecular tools whose unique benefits are being used to address challenging biological questions. We first review the basis of biosensor design and remark on recent technologies that are accelerating biosensor development. We then discuss a few of the latest advances in the development and application of genetically encodable fluorescent and bioluminescent biosensors that have led to scientific or technological breakthroughs.
Effect of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm extent on outcomes in patients undergoing fenestrated/branched endovascular aneurysm repair.

Abstract Objective The outcomes after open repair of thoracoabdominal aneurysms (TAAAs) have been definitively demonstrated to worsen as the TAAA extent increases. However, the effect of TAAA extent on fenestrated/branched endovascular aneurysm repair (F/BEVAR) outcomes is unclear. We investigated the differences in outcomes of F/BEVAR according to the TAAA extent. Methods We reviewed a single-institution, prospectively maintained database of all F/BEVAR procedures performed in an institutional review board-approved registry and/or physician-sponsored Food and Drug Administration investigational device exemption trial (trial no. G130210). The patients were stratified into two groups: group 1, extensive (extent 1-3) TAAAs; and group 2, nonextensive (juxtarenal, pararenal, and extent 4-5) TAAAs. The perioperative outcomes were compared using the χ2 test. Kaplan-Meier analysis of 3-year survival, target artery patency, reintervention, type I or III endoleak, and branch instability (type Ic or III endoleak, loss of branch patency, target vessel stenosis >50%) was performed. Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to assess the independent effect of extensive TAAA on 1-year mortality. Results During the study period, 299 F/BEVAR procedures were performed for 87 extensive TAAAs (29%) and 212 nonextensive TAAAs (71%). Most repairs had used company-manufactured, custom-made devices (n = 241; 81%). Between the two groups, no perioperative differences were observed in myocardial infarction, stroke, acute kidney injury, dialysis, target artery occlusion, access site complication, or type I or III endoleak (P > .05 for all). The incidence of perioperative paraparesis was greater in the extensive TAAA group (8.1% vs 0.5%; P = .001). However, the incidence of long-term paralysis was equivalent (2.3% vs 0.5%; P = .20), with nearly all patients with paraparesis regaining ambulatory function. On Kaplan-Meier analysis, no differences in survival, target artery patency, or freedom from reintervention were observed at 3 years (P > .05 for all). Freedom from type I or III endoleak (P Conclusions Unlike open TAAA repair, the F/BEVAR outcomes were similar for extensive and nonextensive TAAAs. The differences in perioperative paraparesis, branch instability, and type I or III endoleak likely resulted from the increasing length of aortic coverage and number of target arteries involved. These findings suggest that high-volume centers performing F/BEVAR should expect comparable outcomes for extensive and nonextensive TAAA repair.
Selective Neuronal Vulnerability in Alzheimer's Disease: A Modern Holy Grail.

In this issue of Neuron, through an elegant progression of computational and bio-informatic experiments centered on transcriptomic comparison of vulnerable and resistant neurons across species, Roussarie et al. (2020) predict and provide experimental support for specific genes and molecular pathways driving Alzheimer's disease, including the splicing factor PTBP1.
Hyaluronan is abundant in COVID-19 respiratory secretions

COVID-19 respiratory infections are associated with copious, adherent respiratory secretions that prolong chronic ventilation and contribute to the morbidity and mortality caused by the disease. We hypothesized that hyaluronan, an extracellular matrix glycosaminoglycan produced at sites of active inflammation that promotes edema in other settings, might be a component of these secretions. To interrogate this, we examined the respiratory secretions collected from eight intubated patients with COVID-19, six control patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), a different respiratory disease also associated with thick adherent secretions, and eight healthy controls. In this sample set we found that hyaluronan content is increased approximately 20-fold in both CF and COVID-19 patients compared to healthy controls. The hyaluronan in COVID-19 samples was comprised of low-molecular weight fragments, the hyaluronan form most strongly linked with pro-inflammatory functions. Hyaluronan is similarly abundant in histologic sections from cadaveric lung tissue from COVID-19 patients. These findings implicate hyaluronan in the thick respiratory secretions characteristic of COVID-19 infection. Therapeutic strategies targeting hyaluronan should be investigated further for potential use in patients with COVID-19.
David Oliver: Wider health determinants aren't just for pandemics.

Health politics are dominated by the power of the immediate. Future health gains through long term policies are easier to ignore than what happens now. The truism that we need to rebalance priorities away from reacting to sickness towards preventing ill health, tackling inequalities, maximising wellbeing, or helping people live better with long term conditions has become an orthodoxy. But the rhetoric is rarely matched by policy levers and investment big enough to do the job. We haven’t put our money where our mouth is. Rapid access to urgent and emergency care, responsive primary care services for patients with immediate needs, and shorter waits for planned investigations and procedures always seem to dominate headlines. Political efforts to improve these are more likely to deliver measurable improvements within the lifespan of a parliament or politician. Bad …