cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Distribution kernel methods for multiple-instance learning

I propose to investigate learning in the multiple-instance (MI) framework as a problem of learning from distributions. In many MI applications, bags of instances can be thought of as samples from bag-generating distributions. Recent kernel approaches for learning from distributions have the potential to be successfully applied to these domains and other MI learning problems. Understanding when distribution-based techniques work for MI learning will lead to new theoretical insights, improved algorithms, and more accurate solutions for real-world problems.
The Right to Equality in the Public Sector: An Assessment of Post-Colonial Hong Kong

The Bill of Rights Ordinance established an enforceable right to equality in Hong Kong's public sector. This right was further developed in 1995 when the Sex Discrimination Ordinance and the Disability Discrimination Ordinance were enacted. This legislation should have spurred a comprehensive review of government policies. However, recent cases demonstrate that the government has failed to conduct such a review and that it has actively resisted the Equal Opportunities Commission's (EOC's) efforts to enforce the laws. The government's failure to comply with its own legislation sets a poor example for the private sector and undermines the entire enforcement model, which is supposed to be based largely upon conciliation and public education. In light of this record, the author argues that the EOC should be given stronger enforcement powers and broader jurisdiction over discriminatory acts by the government and public authorities.
Differential thermal analysis curves of carbonate minerals

Fifty-one differential thermal analysis curves are presented and interpreted. These curves are of forty-eight carbonate minerals, one artificial carbonate, one oxide mineral, and one artificial oxide.
Comparison of Rapid Clottable Fibrinogen Assays

Measurements of fibrinogen concentration by use of two rapid methods (clot-weight method and thrombin-turbidity method) were compared with the reference thrombin-coagulation method of Ratnoff and Menzie [ J. Lab. Clin. Med. 37, 316 (1951)]. Both rapid methods gave results (in the high, middle, and low ranges) that correlated well with those of the thrombin-coagulation method. However, the thrombin-turbidity method was more precise, easier, and quicker than the clot-weight method.
Endotoxin Enhancement of Morphine-Induced Conditioned Place Preference

Morphine, used clinically for pain management for its potent analgesic effects, has a high abuse potential. In this study, we utilized the conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm and tail-flick latency to examine the effects of the endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on sensitivity to morphine. Rats were pretreated with either LPS (250 μg/kg) or saline, followed by either a higher dose of LPS (2 mg/kg) or saline. Rats were then given either morphine (3.5 mg/kg) or saline every other day for 6 d starting 72 h after the last dose of LPS or saline as part of the conditioning phase. Drug preference was assessed during the postconditioning phase. LPS-treated rats displayed a stronger and prolonged morphine preference during the 20 d of extinction testing. A parallel analysis revealed that tail-flick latencies were significantly longer in LPS-treated rats. Together, our data indicate that systemic infections can increase sensitivity to morphine both physiologically and behaviorally.
An "Insulating" Boundary-Layer Experiment

T^RIEF REPORTS of investigations in the aerospace sciences and discussions of papers pub-*-** lished in the JOURNAL are presented in this special department. Entries must be restricted to a maximum of 1,300 words or the equivalent of one JOURNAL page including formulas and illustrations. Publication is completed as soon as possible after receipt of the material. The Editorial Committee does not hold itself responsible for the opinions expressed by the correspondents.
Material characterization and hydraulic conductivity modeling of macroporous recycled-aggregate pervious concrete

Abstract The objective of this work was to characterize the mechanical, physical, and hydraulic conductivity properties of macroporous (>30% voids) pervious concrete (MPC) containing recycled aggregates and two binder additives, namely sand and titanium dioxide (TiO2). While MPC exhibited lower compressive strength and higher permeability than normal pervious concrete, the experimental data suggest that the high absorption and low specific gravity of recycled aggregates did not compromise the mechanical properties or permeability of MPC. A modification to the well-known Carman–Kozeny hydraulic conductivity model is proposed to more accurately predict the permeability of both normal and macroporous pervious concrete.
Student's music exposure: Full-day personal dose measurements

Previous studies have shown that collegiate level music students are exposed to potentially hazardous sound levels. Compared to professional musicians, collegiate level music students typically do not perform as frequently, but they are exposed to intense sounds during practice and rehearsal sessions. The purpose of the study was to determine the full-day exposure dose including individual practice and ensemble rehearsals for collegiate student musicians. Sixty-seven college students of classical music were recruited representing 17 primary instruments. Of these students, 57 completed 2 days of noise dose measurements using Cirrus doseBadge programed according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health criterion. Sound exposure was measured for 2 days from morning to evening, ranging from 7 to 9 h. Twenty-eight out of 57 (49%) student musicians exceeded a 100% daily noise dose on at least 1 day of the two measurement days. Eleven student musicians (19%) exceeded 100% daily noise dose on both days. Fourteen students exceeded 100% dose during large ensemble rehearsals and eight students exceeded 100% dose during individual practice sessions. Approximately, half of the student musicians exceeded 100% noise dose on a typical college schedule. This finding indicates that a large proportion of collegiate student musicians are at risk of developing noise-induced hearing loss due to hazardous sound levels. Considering the current finding, there is a need to conduct hearing conservation programs in all music schools, and to educate student musicians about the use and importance of hearing protection devices for their hearing.
Rainbow Of Followers Attributes In A Leadership Process

While the breeze of leadership is swaying the continent of North America with irresistible appeal, followership is left to rest in the shade. The subject has been given a very limited attention, thus, the paper attempts to address this deficiency and propose attributes of effective followers. Statistical survey design and correlation procedures are applied to assess selected variables and their relationship when examining the results of a multicultural survey conducted among leaders and followers of six countries. The results of the sample countries Russia and Belarus are being reviewed. Findings indicate that respondents tend to have an involuntary inclination towards group work and camaraderie, and are comfortable in the atmosphere of togetherness. Results also illustrate that respondents of the sample have a different understanding of notion of tolerance than respondents in the United States. The study discusses the need to understand how individual traits are assessed and developed, and how individuals can be formed, nurtured and prepared to become effective followers. The criticality of certain attributes characteristic to followers is examined along with practical suggestions of how some attributes can be brought to a more advanced level. The significance of having a leader inside every follower is emphasized. Uncomplicated, yet effective strategies on how to unleash and sustain followership capacity in individuals are described.
A Model and Methodology for the Development of Consumer Information Programs

Consumer information programs can be more effective if they are conceived within a marketing framework which views consumer information as a product to be marketed. A methodology is outlined which ...
SPECKLE-TRACKING ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY IS USEFUL IN PRE-OPERATIVE RISK STRATIFICATION PRIOR TO THE FONTAN PROCEDURE

Single ventricular function is thought to be associated with outcomes after staged surgical palliation. However, challenges exist in reliably quantifying ventricular function in patients with heterogenous ventricular morphologies. Speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) is a geometry-independent
Potential role for gluconeogenesis in pyruvate stimulation of H+ transport by turtle urinary bladder.

The rate of H+ transport (JH) by turtle bladder is coupled to glucose metabolism by the pentose shunt and can be stimulated in bladders depleted of endogenous substrate by pyruvate. In order to def...
Fused‐s‐triazino heterocycles. VII. 1,3,5,7,9b‐Pentaazaphenalene and 1,3,4,6,8,9b‐hexaazaphenalene

Cyclization of 2,6-diaminopyrazine to two new heterocyclic ring systems, 1,3,5,7,9b-pentaazaphenalene and 1,3,4,6,8,9b-hexaazaphenalene is reported.
Planning of Reactive Power in Medium-voltage Distribution Network Based on Local Distribution

The purpose of reactive power planning in distribution network lies in reasonably determining capacity of the reactive power compensation equipment,decreasing the reactive power flow in distribution network, ensuring the distribution network provide high quality electricity to users safely and economically.Combining with power grid planning scheme of the medium-voltage distribution network in one city,a method of reactive power planning for medium-voltage distribution network summing up the characteristics of load,the type and length of power supply line etc.and its implementation steps have been presented.
Improving wireless network performance using sensor hints

With the proliferation of mobile wireless devices such as smartphones and tablets that are used in a wide range of locations and movement conditions, it has become important for wireless protocols to adapt to different settings over short periods of time. Network protocols that perform well in static settings where channel conditions are relatively stable tend to perform poorly in mobile settings where channel conditions change rapidly, and vice versa. To adapt to the conditions under which communication is occurring, we propose the use of external sensor hints to augment network protocols. Commodity smartphones and tablet devices come equipped with a variety of sensors, including GPS, accelerometers, magnetic compasses, and gyroscopes, which can provide hints about the device's mobility state and its operating environment. We present a wireless protocol architecture that integrates sensor hints in adaptation algorithms. We validate the idea and architecture by implementing and evaluating sensor-augmented wireless protocols for bit rate adaptation, access point association, neighbor maintenance in mobile mesh networks, and path selection in vehicular networks.
Food Safety of Animals Produced by Biotechnology

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is responsible for the safety, wholesomeness, and accurate labeling of meat and poultry products. It is anticipated that several products of biotechnology will soon appear among those regulated by FSIS. In general, these products will not differ substantially from traditional ones. FSIS will regulate such new products in the same manner as traditional products, taking into consideration the method of production and its effect on the finished product. There is considerable interest in developing transgenic food animals. At the present state of technology, such animals are not likely to vary significantly from animals produced by traditional breeding and are likely to be demonstrated safe for human consumption. Worth noting are some considerations regarding the risk of using biotechnology in food and food animal production versus the risks incurred by avoiding such use. For example, transgenesis provides a specific method for producing faster-growing or disease-resistant animals without employing xenobiotics. This could result in an economic advantage as well as potentially reduce the human and environmental risks that may be associated with the misuse of animal drugs and agricultural chemicals.
Who, Me? An Inductive Study of Novice Experts in the Context of How Editors Come to Understand Theoretical Contribution

The social sciences, including management, are at a crossroads. Globally, scholars are increasingly pressured to publish in top journals, compelling editorial boards to recruit more individuals—inc...
Syntheses of Families of Enantiopure and Diastereopure Cobalt Catalysts Derived from Trications of the Formula [Co(NH2CHArCHArNH2)3]3.

Aerobic reactions of CoX2 (X = OAc, Cl) or Co(ClO4)2 with (S,S)-1,2-diphenylethylenediamine [(S,S)-dpen] in CH3OH, followed by HCl or HClO4 additions, give the diastereomeric lipophobic salts Λ-[Co((S,S)-dpen)3]3+3Cl– [Λ-(S,S)-13+3Cl–] or Δ-(S,S)-13+3ClO4– (60–65%) with high degrees of selectivity. Anion metatheses (room temperature) and equilibrations (charcoal, CH3OH, 70 °C) show that the former is more stable than Δ-(S,S)-13+3Cl–, and the latter is more stable than Λ-(S,S)-13+3ClO4–. Additional anion metatheses lead to large families of lipophilic salts Λ- and Δ-(S,S)-13+2X–X′– [X/X′ = Cl/BArf [BArf = B(3,5-C6H3(CF3)2)4], PF6/BArf, BF4/BArf, PhBF3/BArf, Cl/BArf20 [BArf20 = B(C6F5)4], BArf/BArf, BArf20/BArf20, BF4/BF4, PF6/PF6]. Mixed salts of the formula Λ- and Δ-[Co((S,S)-NH2CHArCHArNH2)3]3+2Cl–BArf– are similarly prepared (Ar = 4-C6H4n-Bu, 4-C6H4Cl, 4-C6H4CF3, 4-C6H4OCH3, α-naphthyl, β-naphthyl, 2-C6H4OBn). The diastereotopic NHH′ protons exhibit different 1H NMR signals; one shifts far downfield whe...
Surgeons’ perceptions on industry relations: A survey of 822 surgeons

Background The relationships between industry and medical professionals are controversial. The purpose of our study was to evaluate surgeons' current opinions regarding the industry-surgery partnership, in addition to self-reported industry ties. Methods After institutional review board approval, a survey was sent via RedCap to 3,782 surgeons across the United States. Univariate and multivariable regression analyses were performed to evaluate the responses. Results The response rate was 23%. From the 822 responders, 226 (27%) reported at least one current relationship with industry, while 297 (36.1%) had at least one such relationship within the past 3 years. There was no difference between general surgery versus other surgical specialties (P = .5). Among the general surgery subspecialties, respondents in minimally invasive surgery/foregut had greater ties to industry compared to other subspecialties (P = .001). In addition, midcareer surgeons, male sex, and being on a reviewer/editorial board were associated with having industry ties (P Conclusion Our study showed that relationships between surgeons and industry are common, because more than a quarter of our responders reported at least one current relationship. Industry relations are perceived as necessary for operative innovation.
High-sensitivity C-reactive protein is an independent marker of abnormal coronary vasoreactivity in patients with non-obstructive coronary artery disease

Abstract Background Coronary endothelial dysfunction (CED) is an early stage of atherosclerosis and is associated with adverse cardiovascular events. Inflammation may play a role in the development of endothelial dysfunction. To date no study has evaluated the relationship between C-reactive protein and CED. We aimed to determine if C-reactive protein is associated with CED. Methods In 1016 patients (mean age 50.7±12.3years, 34% male) presenting to the catheterization laboratory with chest pain and non-obstructive coronary artery disease, coronary vasoreactivity was assessed by measuring the percent change in coronary blood flow (% Δ CBF) and coronary artery diameter (% Δ CAD) in response to intracoronary acetylcholine. Plasma high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) was measured and patients were divided into 2 groups: hs-CRP≤3.0mg/L (low-intermediate cardiovascular risk n=169) and 3mg/L Results Patients with a high risk hs-CRP had a significantly lower % Δ CBF and % Δ CAD in response to acetylcholine vs. low risk hs-CRP (43.8±6.1 vs. 65.8±4.5, P =.004 and −17.2±1.5 vs. −13.1±0.8, P =.02 respectively). Low risk hs-CRP was associated with significantly higher % Δ CBF and % Δ CAD vs. high risk hs-CRP (27.1±11.0, P =.01 and 4.5±1.9, P =.02 respectively). CED was associated with significantly higher hs-CRP levels and high risk hs-CRP was independently associated with abnormal coronary vasoreactivity, OR 1.82 (95% CI 1.25–2.69). Conclusions Hs-CRP is independently associated with and a strong predictor of abnormal coronary vasoreactivity inpatients with non-obstructive coronary artery disease.
Automated detection and enumeration of waterborne pathogens using mobile phone microscopy and machine learning

We present a field portable and cost-effective smartphone based microscopy platform for rapid and sensitive detection and automated counting of waterborne pathogens, i.e., Giardia lamblia cysts, in large volume water samples using machine learning.
Pension Plan Types and Financial Literacy in Later Life

Background and objectives The ongoing shift from defined benefit (DB) to defined contribution (DC) pension plans means that middle-aged and older adults are increasingly being called upon to manage their own fiscal security in retirement. Yet, half of older Americans are financially illiterate, lacking the knowledge and skills to manage financial resources. This study investigates whether pension plan types are associated with varying levels of financial literacy among older Americans. Research design and methods Cross-sectional analyses of the 2010 Health and Retirement Study (HRS) (n = 1,281) using logistic and linear regression models were employed to investigate the association between different pension plans and multiple indicators of financial literacy. The potential moderating effect of gender was also examined. Results Respondents with DC plans, with or without additional DB plans, were more likely to correctly answer various financial literacy questions, in comparison with respondents with DB plans only. Men with both DC and DB plans scored significantly higher on the financial literacy index than women with both types of plans, relative to respondents with DB plans only. Discussion and implications Middle-aged and older adults, who are incentivized by participation in DC plans to manage financial resources and decide where to invest pension funds, tend to self-educate to improve financial knowledge and skills, thereby resulting in greater financial literacy. This finding suggests that traditional financial education programs may not be the only means of achieving financial literacy. Further consideration should be given to providing older adults with continued, long-term exposure to financial decision-making opportunities.
Treatment of Children with Persistent and Chronic Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura: 4 Infusions of Rituximab and Three 4-Day Cycles of Dexamethasone

Objectives To assess initial and long-term outcome of children with persistent/chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) treated with 4 infusions of rituximab and three 4-day cycles of dexamethasone (4R+3Dex) including cohorts with most benefit and/or treatment associated toxicity. Study design All pediatric patients with ITP at Weill-Cornell who received 4R+3Dex were included in this retrospective study. Duration was median time from first rituximab infusion to treatment failure. Patient cohort included 33 children ages 1-18 years with persistent/chronic ITP; 19 were female, 10 of whom were adolescents. Every patient had failed more than 1 and usually several ITP treatments. Results Children were treated with rituximab, 375 mg/m2 weekly for 4 weeks and three 4-day courses of dexamethasone 28 mg/m2 (40 mg max). Average age of nonresponders was 7.75 years, and initial responders averaged 12.7 years (P = .0073); 30% maintained continuing response at 60 months or last check-up. Eight of the 10 patients who underwent remission were female with ITP Conclusions Durable unmaintained ITP remission after 4R+3Dex was seen almost exclusively in female adolescents with
Terrain-trapped Airflows and Orographic Rainfall along the Coast of Northern California. Part II: Horizontal and vertical structures observed by a scanning Doppler radar

AbstractThis study documents the mean properties and variability of kinematic and precipitation structures associated with orographic precipitation along the coast of Northern California in the con...
Origin of the cilium: novel approaches to examine a centriolar evolution hypothesis

Recently, a new hypothesis was proposed regarding the evolution of the cilium from an enveloped RNA virus (Satir et al., 2007, Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 64, 906). The hypothesis predicts that there may be specific centriolar or basal body RNAs with sequences reminiscent of retroviruses, and/or that the nuclear genes for certain centriole-specific proteins would have viral origins. Four independent laboratories have reported the existence of centrosomal RNA (cnRNA). Methods for studying cnRNA are described. We analyzed evidence of relatedness of known full-length cnRNAs to extant viral molecules. Out of 14 cnRNAs studied, 12 have similarity to entries in viral databases, all but one of these with E-values of < or = 1e(-4). Some centrosomal, and possibly uniquely centriolar, proteins also have relatives in viral databases that meet the criteria accepted to indicate a relationship by descent. Nine general cytoskeleton proteins exhibited no significant similarity to viral proteins. The speculation that centrioles are invaders of RNA viral origin in the evolving eukaryotic cell is strengthened by these findings.
Molecular Mechanisms of IgE Class Switch Recombination.

Immunoglobulin (Ig) E is the most tightly regulated of all Ig heavy chain (IgH) isotypes and plays a key role in atopic disease. The gene encoding for IgH in mature B cells consists of a variable region exon—assembled from component gene segments via V(D)J recombination during early B cell development—upstream of a set of IgH constant region CH exons. Upon activation by antigen in peripheral lymphoid organs, B cells can undergo IgH class switch recombination (CSR), a process in which the initially expressed IgH μ constant region exons (Cμ) are deleted and replaced by one of several sets of downstream CH exons (e.g., Cγ, Ce, and Cα). Activation of the IL-4 receptor on B cells, together with other signals, can lead to the replacement of Cμ with Ce resulting in CSR to IgE through a series of molecular events involving irreversible remodeling of the IgH locus. Here, we discuss the molecular mechanisms of CSR and the unique features surrounding the generation of IgE-producing B cells.
Programming in Visual Basic 6.0 Update Edition with CD

Intro Programming course is estimated currently at 150-200,000 and growing. Visual Basic is taking over where BASIC, Qbasic, and QuickBasic once dominated, in the Introductory Business Programming course. That trend will continue as VB continues to encroach on other less progressive languages such as COBOL and the Basic variations listed above within CIS and Business departments. The courses that can be supported by this text are not specific to any one type of institution, since VB in a Business course is largely a functional topic needed by all types of students from 2-4 year, to Vo-Tech, to extended, to even adult education. Table of contents 1. Introduction to Visual Basic2. More Controls 3. Variables, Constants, and Calculations 4. Decisions and Conditions 5. Menus, Sub Procedures, and Sub Functions 6. Multiple Forms 7. Lists, Loops, and Printing 8. Arrays 9. OOP-Creating Object-Oriented Programs 10. Data Files 11. Accessing Database Files 12. Data Handling-Grids, Validation, Selection, and Sorting 13. Drag-and-Drop 14. Graphics 15. Advanced Topics in Visual Basic Appendix A Answers to Feedback QuestionsAppendix B Functions for Working with Dates, Financial Calculations, Mathematics, and String OperationsAppendix C Tips and Shortcuts for Mastering the VB EnvironmentAppendix D A Preview of Microsoft?s VB.NET
Challenges in the Evaluation and Management of Bone and Joint Infections and the Role of New Antibiotics for Gram Positive Infections

CA-MRSA isolates are increasingly common pathogens in children with acute, hematogenously acquired osteomyelitis and clinicians have to consider this pathogen in the selection of initial empiric treatment. With the emergence of pvl+ CA-MRSA isolates, unusual manifestations of acute osteomyelitis have become common including venous thromboses and multiple sites of infection. MRI is currently the imaging modality of choice for osteomyelitis. Drainage of purulent collections is also more common in association with the pvl+ strains. The role of newer antibiotics such as linezolid and daptomycin for the treatment of CA-MRSA musculoskeletal infections in children needs further study.
Antiemetic Treatment for Gastroparesis

Nausea and vomiting are prominent symptoms reported by the majority of patients with gastroparesis. Agents which stimulate gastric emptying have been considered the drugs of choice for this condition; however, such prokinetic drugs often are ineffective by themselves or produce unacceptable toxicity. As a consequence, antiemetic medications without motor stimulatory properties commonly are given. The clinical benefits of antiemetics with selective receptor antagonist or agonist effects have been well characterized in other clinical settings. Likewise, other preparations with complex mechanisms of action exhibit antiemetic action in selected patient subsets. There are very few reports detailing the benefits of antiemetic medications in gastroparesis. Nevertheless, given the significant morbidity produced by this illness, it is reasonable to recommend antiemetic drugs either alone or in combination with other agents as treatment in gastroparesis.
Reducing Carbon Footprint of Water Consumption: A Case Study of Water Conservation at a University Campus

This chapter reports on a study to promote environmentally relevant behavior on a university campus. Ten residence halls at Virginia Tech were included in the study, and the project employed five different strategies, each with a different number of prompting strategies to determine which approach was most effective at influencing reductions in water use. Consumption reductions were observed in most of the residence halls participating in the study, but no one strategy was more effective than another. Even though reductions were not achieved in all residence halls, overall water consumption was reduced by 11.6%. Reducing the consumption of water also resulted in the reduction of energy used to treat and transport the water from the University’s water source – the New River. Therefore, the energy savings achieved resulted in a reduction of the University’s carbon footprint.
The Effects of Coding the Location of Individual Objects in a Normative Sample of Rorschach Data.

AbstractThe locations people use when constructing responses to the Rorschach task demonstrate their style of perceiving the environment. Current systems code location use into three mutually exclu...
The Law of Failure: A Tour Through the Wilds of American Business Insolvency Law

If a broker-dealer liquidates in federal bankruptcy court, why does an insurance company liquidate in state court, and a bank outside of court altogether? Why do some businesses re-organize under state law 'assignments', rather than the more well-known Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code? Why do some laws use the language of bankruptcy but without advancing policy goals of the Bankruptcy Code? In this illuminating work, Stephen J. Lubben tackles these questions and many others related to the collective law of business insolvency in the United States. In the first book of its kind, Lubben notes the broad similarities between the many insolvency systems in the United States while describing the fundamental differences lurking therein. By considering the whole sweep of these laws - running the gamut from Chapter 11 to obscure receivership provisions of the National Bank Act - readers will acquire a fundamental understanding of the 'law of failure'.
Risk of Systemic Adverse Events Associated with Intravitreal Anti-VEGF Therapy for Diabetic Macular Edema in Routine Clinical Practice.

Purpose Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pharmacotherapy has become standard of care for the management of diabetic macular edema (DME). The systemic safety profile of this treatment in routine clinical practice remains incompletely understood. We used a large claims database to investigate the risk of systemic serious adverse events (SAEs) in patients receiving anti-VEGF for DME compared with controls treated with macular laser photocoagulation or intravitreal corticosteroid. Design Retrospective cohort study. Participants By using a large U.S. insurance database, we identified privately insured and Medicare Advantage patients aged ≥18 years treated with anti-VEGF for DME between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2015, along with control patients receiving macular laser or corticosteroid. We included patients with 1 year of medical coverage before initial DME treatment. Methods We assessed associations between treatment modalities and predefined systemic outcomes using Cox proportional hazards regression. We performed 2 separate comparisons, one between anti-VEGF and macular laser and one between anti-VEGF and corticosteroid. We used inverse propensity score weighting for the first comparison to account for treatment selection bias. For the second, we used 2:1 propensity score matching on demographics, year, and baseline comorbidities because of the smaller number of corticosteroid-treated patients. Main Outcome Measures Risk of cerebrovascular disease, myocardial infarction, major bleeding, and all-cause hospitalization occurring within 6 months of initial DME treatment as hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results A total of 23 348 patients receiving treatment for DME met inclusion criteria; 13 365 received macular laser, 9219 received intravitreal anti-VEGF, and 764 received intravitreal corticosteroid as initial treatment. Anti-VEGF pharmacotherapy was not associated with an increased hazard of cerebrovascular disease (HR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.65–1.41; P = 0.83), major bleeding (HR, 1.23; 95% CI, 0.76–1.99; P = 0.41), or myocardial infarction (HR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.73–1.44; P = 0.88) when compared with macular laser for DME; however, there was an increased hazard of post-treatment all-cause hospital admission (HR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.05–1.30; P = 0.01). The rates of all primary systemic SAE outcomes were similar after treatment with anti-VEGF versus corticosteroid (P > 0.05 for all). Conclusions We identified no increased risk of cerebrovascular disease, myocardial infarction, or major bleeding within 6 months after intravitreal anti-VEGF pharmacotherapy for the treatment of DME in routine clinical practice. A potential difference in all-cause hospitalization may merit further investigation.
Economic Sanctions and North Korea

The United States has enacted economic sanctions against North Korea since the early 1950s when North Korea attacked South Korea. Can North Korea be pressured into giving up its nuclear weapons? Th...
Select Interviews From the INS Annual Meeting-Keith Humphreys, Tom Insel, Uma Karmarkar, Carl Marci, Ariel Cascio, Winston Chiong, Frederic Gilbert, Cynthia Kubu, and Jonathan Pugh.

The editorial staff of AJOB Neuroscience interviewed several speakers and panelists at the 2018 International Neuroethics Society Annual Meeting, held November 1–2 in San Diego, CA. These interview...
miRNA-Microbiota Interaction in Gut Homeostasis and Colorectal Cancer.

Gut homeostasis is maintained by dynamic host–microbiota interactions. Recently, miRNAs have emerged as key molecular regulators in the mediation of such interactions. Here, we discuss the role of a host miRNA–microbiome axis in gut homeostasis and colorectal cancer (CRC) and the involvement of diet and microbial metabolites in miRNA-mediated intestinal health.
Influenza-associated encephalopathy with focal late reduced diffusion circumscribing a pre-existing cortical lesion.

Journal of Neuroradiology - In Press.Proof corrected by the author Available online since mardi 11 fevrier 2020
Neutrophils in Biomaterial-Guided Tissue Regeneration: Matrix Reprogramming for Angiogenesis.

Biomaterial-guided in situ tissue regeneration uses biomaterials to stimulate and guide the body's endogenous, regenerative processes to drive functional tissue repair and regeneration. To be succe...
Assessing the Impact of Sequential Data Presentation on Specific Learning Disabilities Identification Decisions Using Patterns of Strengths and Weaknesses Methods.

Patterns of strengths and weaknesses represent relatively novel methods for identifying specific learning disabilities (SLD) with proponents asserting that the incorporation of multiple sources of ...
Interventions Addressing Depression and HIV-Related Outcomes in People with HIV.

People with HIV (PWH) are more likely to experience depression than those without HIV. Depression is not only distressing and interfering in and of itself, but it is also consistently associated with non-adherence to antiretroviral treatment (ART). Accordingly, research and clinical priorities require updated knowledge about interventions that address depression in PWH. Twenty efficacy trials and nine pilot studies since a 2009 review emerged in the literature review search. Of these, 11 and 6 respectively had a depression-related inclusion criterion. The intervention strategies included individual psychotherapy (n=6), group therapy (n=6), telehealth (n=3), and antidepressant medication (n=5). Generally, these interventions demonstrated acute efficacy for improving depression symptoms in PWH, with some also addressing ART non-adherence. However, not all studies collected follow-up data. Furthermore, trials that addressed depression but did not specifically address non-adherence did not also show adherence improvements. Existing interventions for depression have demonstrated efficacy in PWH, and these may have both positive mental and physical health outcomes. Future trials should measure and boost longer-term effects. It would be useful to incorporate adherence interventions into depression treatment to improve self-care behaviors and health outcomes.
Delayed Anterior Cervical Screw Migration Causing Swallowing Difficulty.

Cervical disc disease is a common pathology that may require surgical intervention. A common surgical intervention for cervical disc disease is anterior discectomy and fusion. A number of complications are associated with this technique, including hoarseness, dysphagia, pseudoarthrosis, adjacent segment disease, and hardware failure. Here, we present a case detailing a unique complication of delayed migration of an anterior cervical screw which resulted in swallowing difficulties. Subsequently, we discuss the related reports and highlight the literature on the topic. We conclude with a brief discussion on the principle of patient autonomy.
737 Inhibition of P21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) reverts immune exclusion and restores anti-tumor immunity in the tumor microenvironment

Background P21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) is a serine/threonine protein kinase that is mostly expressed in tumor and stroma cells. PAK4 activates tumor WNT/β-catenin pathway and regulates cellular morphology, motility, EMT, cell proliferation and survival. Recent studies also showed that PAK4 can actively exclude T cells from tumors, suggesting that therapeutic inhibition of PAK4 can increase T cell infiltration in tumor microenvironment and overcome resistance to checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy.1 Methods We generated PAK4 knockout (KO) clones in human and mouse tumor cells to validate its biology in vitro and in vivo. We also performed pharmacological evaluation of PAK4 inhibition using Pfizer compounds (referred to as 9PAK4i compounds9 below) for their potential tumor-intrinsic and immune-regulatory roles. Results Nanostring, qPCR and RNASeq analysis showed that PAK4 depletion led to increase of cytokine expression in tumor, including conventional dendritic cell (cDC)- recruiting chemokine CCL4, and type I IFN / ISG pathway genes that are associated with MHC upregulation such as CXCL10. In addition, PAK4 KO sensitizes B16F10 tumors to anti-PD-1 treatment and increases infiltration of cDC and T cells in the tumor microenvironment.We also showed that small molecule PAK4i compounds induced more potent cancer cell growth inhibition over treated normal PBMCs. PAK4i compounds also increased immune-activating and decreased immune exclusion genes in B16F10 cells and tumor explants in vitro. Although PAK4 target engagement is demonstrated by CETSA assay, the compound potency on modulating PAK4 downstream Wnt/ β-catenin pathway is low, suggesting that the aforementioned phenotypic changes induced by PAK4i compounds may be partially attributed to other off-target effects. Conclusions Collectively, our data suggests that genetic depletion or pharmacological inhibition of PAK4 may induce immune-activating cytokine production in tumor cells, revert immune cell exclusion in tumor microenvironment, and synergize with checkpoint blockade therapies. However, further optimization on these PAK4i compounds is needed to improve its specificity on modulating PAK4 enzyme activities. Reference Abril-Rodriguez G, Torrejon DY, Liu W, Zaretsky JM, Nowicki TS, Tsoi J, Puig-Saus C, Baselga-Carretero I, Medina E, Quist MJ, Garcia AJ, Senapedis W, Baloglu E, Kalbasi A, Cheung-Lau G, Berent-Maoz B, Comin-Anduix B, Hu-Lieskovan S, CWang CY, Grasso CS & Ribas A. PAK4 inhibition improves PD-1 blockade immunotherapy. Nat Cancer 2020;1:46–58. Ethics Approval All animal studies were conducted in accordance with protocols approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of Pfizer. Approved protocol # LAJ-2019-01347
Targeting Voters: Citizens and Partisan Get-Out-The-Vote Efforts

The major political parties have put more resources into their get-out-the-vote (GOTV) efforts since the 2000 elections. Both parties have turned to "microtargeting" to develop sophisticated strategies to contact those citizens who can be persuaded to turn out and to vote for their candidate. In this paper, we examine who gets contacted by the parties and whether the parties’ investments in microtargeting appear to produce different patterns in contacting over time. Of course, parties have always sought to turnout their most loyal supporters on election day, but if the parties' microtargeting strategies work as intended we should see individual partisanship being less predictive of who gets contacted as parties are better able to contact citizens who may not be ardent supporters but are persuadable. Using data from the National Election Studies for both congressional and presidential elections from 1990-2008, we examine who is most likely to be contacted and whether the characteristics of targeted potential voters have changed over time.
Religious communities on the internet

Conference proceedings often do not lend themselves to effective publications, but the fruit of this 2003 conference on The Impact of Information and Communication Technologies on Religious, Ethnic and Cultural Diaspora Communities in the West, held in Gothenburg, Sweden, is an exception. The nine articles and preface by the editor provide a significant contribution to the rapidly growing field of studies of religion on the Internet. Acknowledging the need to collect more empirical data on Internet use patterns, Larsson notes that research needs to be conducted both online and offline (p. 9). The case studies here cover a variety of local contexts in Denmark, Egypt, Great Britain, North Africa, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United States. Sociologist Lorne L. Dawson provides a methodological discussion on the appropriateness of labeling online social networks as ‘communities’ in the Gemeinschaft sense first proposed by Ferdinand Toennies in the 19th century. Noting that the term ‘community’ has been applied loosely to all kinds of networking groups on the Internet, Dawson argues that the definitional confusion be mitigated with ‘a plausible set of variable features of online interaction to provide us with empirical evidence of the relative presence of communal life’ (p. 43). The author’s list of eight insights drawn from recent Internet research in the field of Sociology is a valuable contribution. For example, he observes: ‘For individuals, life online must be placed in the context of life offline. Life online is largely in continuity with life offline and must be examined with that relationship in mind. Life online may have distinct features and possibilities, but its meaning is always influenced by the broader life experiences of users’ (p. 33). This is an important methodological consideration in light of earlier flirtation of some enthusiasts with the notion of humans becoming cyborgs. Morten Thomsen Hojsgaard suggests a model for studying the Internet arena of circulation of interfaith dialogue online. He Cont Islam (2009) 3:197–199 DOI 10.1007/s11562-008-0058-7
Murnaghan-Nakayama rules for characters of Iwahori-Hecke algebras of classical type

In this paper we give Murnaghan-Nakayama type formulas for computing the irreducible characters of the Iwahori-Hecke algebras of types An−1, Bn, and Dn. Our method is a generalization of a derivation of the Murnaghan-Nakayama formula for the irreducible characters of the symmetric group given by Curtis Greene. Greene’s approach is to sum up the diagonal entries of the matrices of certain cycle permutations in Young’s seminormal representations. The analogues of the Young seminormal representations for the Iwahori-Hecke algebras of types An−1, Bn, and Dn were given by Hoefsmit.
Protective clothing and the agricultural worker

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the role of protective clothing in hazard reduction for pesticide applicators and mixer/loaders. Research and other activities of the Office of Pesticide Programs, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, relating to worker exposure and protective clothing are discussed, including field and laboratory studies. The goal of the program, to identify personal protective equipment that will be effective from performance and worker acceptability standpoints, is also discussed.
Acute Interstitial Nephritis

Acute Interstitial nephritis is an inflammatory parenchymal renal disease with major involvement of the tubules and interstitial regions of the kidney. It encompasses many etiologies including idiopathic disease, and forms associated with the use of medications, infectious agents, and autoimmune disorders. Although the mechanisms of renal damage may vary from one etiology to another, cellular interstitial infiltrates and “tubulitis” are hallmarks of the disease process. Clinical features also vary, but most patients present with acute kidney injury which is often non-oliguric in nature. In many medication-related forms the clinical picture is characterized by rash, fever, and eosinophilia, while the urinary findings are of hematuria and eosinophiluria. Therapy must be directed at the underlying etiology of the disease process, but use of steroids and perhaps other immunosuppressives appear to be of value in some patients.
Celebrating Soft Matter's 10th Anniversary: Sequential phase transitions in thermoresponsive nanoemulsions

We report the coexistence of stress-bearing percolation with arrested phase separation in a colloidal system of thermoresponsive nanoemulsions spanning a broad range of volume fractions (0.10 ≤ ϕ ≤ 0.33) and temperatures (22 °C ≤ T ≤ 65 °C). Here, gelation is driven by short-range interdroplet polymer bridging at elevated temperatures. Direct visualization of the gel microstructure shows that nanoemulsions undergo a homogenous percolation transition prior to phase separation. Rheological characterization shows that both the percolated and the phase separated structures are capable of supporting a significant amount of elastic stress. As the system is heated, the sequential onset of these phase transitions is responsible for the unusual two-step increase in the linear viscoelasticity of the gels. In addition, we find that slowing the heating rate significantly reduces the elasticity of the gels at high temperatures. Our results suggest that the formation of metastable gelled states not only depends on the attraction strength and volume fraction of the system, but is also sensitive to the rate at which the attraction strength is increased.
Pregnenolone sulfate as a modulator of synaptic plasticity.

Rationale The neurosteroid pregnenolone sulfate (PregS) acts as a cognitive enhancer and modulator of neurotransmission, yet aligning its pharmacological and physiological effects with reliable measurements of endogenous local concentrations and pharmacological and therapeutic targets has remained elusive for over 20 years.
Exposure Time: It Can Be Important

All electronic flash sources have "fast," that is, "short" exposure times compared to conventional shutters. There are many users who do not realize that the effective exposure time is not the same for all flash equipments. This paper discusses the exposure time and how it is influenced by the electrical characteristics of the flash lamp, and the electrical discharge circuit. It is pointed out that the "exposure time" of many electronic flash lamps is entirely too long for some applications. The "blur" experienced in a photograph of each subject is directly due to the exposure time, and the velocity of the subject. It is obvious that photographs of people do not require as short an exposure as does the photography of a fast moving bullet. Most of the imporant factors influencing the flash-duration of electronic flash lamps will be discussed in detail. Specialized equipment for bullet and bird photography, where extra short exposure times are important, will also be described.© (1983) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.