cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Students and instructors respond to a course on global IT: a case study

We designed our course, Global and Strategic Issues in Information Technology, to incorporate systematic intercultural sensitization within the context of the Information Technology field. Essentially, this means we gradually exposed our students to increasingly more intense and complex intercultural concepts through experiential activities. According to the Internet World Stats website, there are currently more than 2 billion internet users worldwide, which is a 528% increase from the year 2000 with North America representing only approximately 12% of all internet users [6]. With nearly 90% of the internet users outside of North America, understanding cultural differences is critical to the success of international IT projects and corporations. The goal of the course was to begin to move our students from an U. S. American-centric outlook to a more multicultural worldview. What would students say about this approach? Students from the course and their instructors offer their opinions on how effective the course design was on learning and engagement.
PEM Fuel Cells: Current Status and Challenges for Electrical Vehicle Applications

Proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell technology has already made tremendous advances. However, performance, cost, and durability remain the key problems before PEM fuel cells can be successfully commercialized. This paper is a review of current status in the study of PEM fuel cells and the existing challenges for their use in electrical vehicle (EV) applications,basedon a survey of the published literature. In reviewing the current status, we introduce presentstate-of- the-art PEM fuel cell technology for EV applications and look at key technical achievements. PEM fuel cell research has made particularly significant progress in improving performance, cost, and durability, primarily focusing on the main components of the stack and system. Nonetheless, commercialization of fuel cell electrical vehicle (FCEV) applications is still confronted with performance, cost, and durability hurdles, hindering the achievement of the 2010/2015 US DOE (Department of Energy) targets. The maintenance of fuel cell vehicles as another component of their future commercializationwas also reviewed.
In-vitro studies with ceftazidime

MIC determinations for 275 multiply-resistant nosocomial isolates of enterobacteria showed that ceftazidime was more effective than cefotaxime, cefoxitin or cephalothin. Enterobacter species were the most resistant with 12% isolates resistant to more than 8 mg/l of ceftazidime, but this was still the most active agent. Of 150 isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (55% of which were resistant to gentamicin), only 9% were resistant to 8 mg/l of ceftazidime and 2% to cefsulodin, both of which were more active than cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, cefoperazone or moxalactam. Ceftazidime was less active than cefoxitin against Bacteroides fragilis, with 30% of strains resistant to 8 mg/l of ceftazidime, but it was more active than cefotaxime or cephalothin.
Phosphonothioate Hydrolysis by Molybdocene Dichlorides: Importance of Metal Interaction with the Sulfur of the Thiolate Leaving Group

The metallocene bis(cyclopentadienyl)molybdenum(IV) dichloride Cp2MoCl2 hydrolyzes O,S-diethyl phenylphosphonothioate (1) with only P–S scission to yield a phosphonate under mild aqueous conditions. In terms of degrading phosphonothioate neurotoxins, exclusive cleavage of the P–S linkage is preferred, for P–O scission yields another toxic phosphonothioate. Structure–activity relationship studies were undertaken with various phosphonothioates to test the hypothesis for the exclusive P–S scission by Cp2Mo(aq). Kinetics data show that the rates of phosphonothioate hydrolysis correspond to the size of the alkanethiolate leaving group on treatment with Cp2MoCl2. This suggests that the exclusive P–S scission of 1 is due to the interaction between the thiophilic Cp2Mo with the sulfur site of the P–SR linkage.
Consequences Relating to the Inclusion of Female Sarcophagids (Diptera) as Prey by Oxybelus sparideus (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae)

In a 5-yr study, females of the solitary sand wasp Oxybelus sparideus Cockerell included females of one or more sarcophagid flies as prey in 169 of 842 cells. In 17 cells, viviparous maggots emerged from the paralyzed female prey, destroyed the wasp's egg or larva and, in most instances, consumed the prey contents of the cell. Senotainia trilineata (Van der Wulp) adults were reared from maggots collected from two of the cells, Blaesoxipha impar (Aldrich) from one cell, B. kellyi (Aldrich) from one cell, and Helicobia rapax (Walker) from six cells. Two other cells contained maggots that consumed only the wasp's egg and failed to survive; one contained a female Ravinia derelicta (Walker) as part of the prey, the other contained single female R. derelicta and Oxysarcodexia conclausa (Walker). Maggots from the remaining five cells destroyed the prey in the cell but failed to mature. The inclusion of sarcophagid females as prey reduces the number of successful cells of O. sparideus . However, detrimental effects (i.e., the destruction of the contents of those cells by the viviparous maggots) may be offset by the beneficial effects achieved from the use of female sarcophagids because these are rarely used by other Oxybelus . In addition, the capture of females of those sarcophagid species that are cleptoparasitic should reduce the number of cells of O. sparideus and other sphecid wasps normally cleptoparasitized.
The time of ovulation in the menstrual cycle of the monkey, Macacus rhesus.∗

Available data for placing the time of ovulation in the sexual cycle of primates is meager in comparison to that for other mammals. Much of the evidence consists of the finding of early corpora lutea in the ovaries. Since in most cases it has not been possible to correlate the condition of the ovum discharged or its position in the tube with the stage of development of the corresponding corpus luteum, this evidence is incomplete.Recently Corner1 recovered an ovum from the tube of a monkey on the 14th day of the cycle. This was the first unfertilized tubal ovum of a primate to be recovered after being freed from the ovary. A degenerating ovum was also removed from the uterus on the 17th day of the cycle. In six other animals, all of which had menstruated within two weeks of the time of killing, no signs were found in the ovaries of recent or impending ovulation.In the course of some experimental work upon injections of the ovarian follicular hormone into monkeys, operations have been performed at several i...
Colorectal cancer screening in African Americans: practice patterns in the United States. Are we doing enough?

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common form of malignancy and a leading cause of death in the United States. Screening decreases CRC incidence and mortality. African Americans are at an increased risk of developing CRC, and recommendations are to initiate screening at the age of 45. This study aims to assess the rate of screening for colorectal cancer in African Americans between the ages of 45–49. Methods: African Americans between the ages of 45–49 were identified in the Explorys national database. Patients who completed a colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy or fecal occult blood test were identified and stratified by sex and insurance status. A P value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: A total of 181 200 African Americans were identified as eligible for screening. Only 31 480 patients (17.4%) received at least one screening procedure for CRC. The majority of patients (66.7%) were screened via colonoscopy. African American females were more likely to complete a screening test (17.8% vs 16.7%; P < 0.01). The majority of patients (66.0%) who completed a screening test had private insurance. Conclusion: Race, gender and barriers to medical care contribute to disparities in CRC screening rates. Among African Americans, CRC screening remains suboptimal. Tailored public health initiatives, medical record alerts and improved communication between providers and patients are fundamental to addressing issues that impact poor adherence to CRC screening in African Americans.
Associations Between Sedentary Time, Physical Activity, and Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry Measures of Total Body, Android, and Gynoid Fat Mass in Children.

Negative health outcomes are associated with excess body fat, low levels of physical activity (PA), and high sedentary time (ST). Relationships between PA, ST, and body fat distribution, including android and gynoid fat, assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) have not been measured in children. The purpose of this study was to test associations between levels of activity and body composition in children and to evaluate if levels of activity predict body composition by DXA and by body mass index percentile in a similar manner. PA, ST, and body composition from 87 children (8.8-11.8 yr, grades 3-5, 44 boys) were used to test the association among study variables. Accelerometers measured PA and ST. Body composition measured by DXA included bone mineral content (BMC) and fat and lean mass of the total body (TB, less head), android, and gynoid regions. ST (range: 409-685 min/wk) was positively associated with TB percent fat (0.03, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.00-0.05) and android fat mass (1.5 g, 95% CI: 0.4-3.0), and inversely associated with the lean mass of the TB (-10.7 g, 95% CI: -20.8 to -0.63) and gynoid regions (-2.2 g, 95% CI: -4.3 to -0.2), and with BMC (-0.43 g, 95% CI: 0.77-0.09). Moderate-to-vigorous PA was associated with lower TB (-53 g, 95% CI: -87 to -18), android (-5 g, 95% CI: -8 to -2]), and gynoid fat (-6 g, 95% CI: -11 to -0.5). Vigorous activity results were similar. Light PA was associated with increased TB (17.1 g, 95% CI: 3.0-31.3) and gynoid lean mass (3.9 g, 95% CI: 1.0-6.8) and BMC (0.59 g, 95% CI: 0.10-1.07). In boys, there were significant associations between activity and DXA percent body fat measures that were not found with the body mass index percentile. Objective measures of PA were inversely associated with TB, android, and gynoid fat, whereas ST was directly associated with TB percent fat and, in particular, android fat. Activity levels predict body composition measures by DXA and, in particular, android fat distribution.
Elliptic Polarization Characteristics of Polarizahle Sphere

The vector characteristics of electromagnetic wave are described with elliptic polarization parameters of the electromagnetic waves. The elliptic polarization parameters of polarizable high resistive sphere, non-polarizing high resistive sphere, polarizable low resistive sphere and non-polarizing sphere in even hemispace are calculated under effect of magne-totelluric field source, profile and cross-sectional characteristics of polarizable sphere are analytically compared with that of the non-polarizing sphere under the same conditions. The result indicates that under the same conditions the polarizing sphere has obvious abnormal morphologic characteristics.
A comparison of methods for dealing with troublesome examination questions.

This study compared two methods for identifying troublesome examination questions: a postexam student "challenge committee" process and a "question citation" procedure allowing students to identify...
Event-by-event respiratory motion correction for PET with 3-Dimensional internal-external motion correlation

Respiratory motion during PET/CT imaging can cause substantial image blurring and underestimation of tracer concentration for both static and dynamic studies. In this study, we developed an event-by-event respiratory motion correction method that used 3-Dimensional internal-external motion correlation in listmode reconstruction. In the proposed method, the positional translation of the internal organ during respiration was first determined from the reconstructions of 8 phase-gated images. A level set (active contour) segmentation method was used to segment the targeted internal organ, and the centroids of the segmented organ were determined. The mean displacements of the external respiratory signal acquired by the Anzai system that corresponded to each phase frame of the respiratory cycle were determined. Three linear correlation functions between the centroids of the internal organ (x,y,z) and the Anzai mean displacements were established. An internal organ motion file was then generated by applying the correlation functions to the entire Anzai trace onto each dimension to guide event-by-event motion correction in Iistmode reconstruction. The proposed method was evaluated with a NEMA phantom driven by a QUASAR respiratory motion platform and three human pancreas studies with the tracer [18F]FP(+)DTBZ used to study pancreatic beta cell for diabetes acquired on a Siemens mCT PET/CT scanner. Our results show that the proposed method improved the average contrast ratio recovery for the hot spheres in the NEMA phantom by 7% and 33% compared to the reconstructions with only ID motion correction and no motion correction, respectively, and yielded comparable contrast ratio recovery to the static scan data without increasing image noise. In the human studies, the proposed method improved the image quality by reducing the blurring of pancreas and kidney cortex caused by respiratory motion, and also demonstrated the effectiveness on compensating for intra-gate motion. The measurements of the time-activity-curves showed that the proposed method yielded 18% and 11 % increases of the tracer concentration in the pancreas and kidney cortex, respectively. The initial results suggest that the proposed method effectively compensated for respiratory motion while preserving all the counts, and is applicable to dynamic studies.
Once Daily Ganciclovir (ODG) as Initial Pre-Emptive Therapy (PT) Delayed until Threshold Viral Load ≥10,000 Copies/ml: A Safe and Effective Strategy for Post-Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant (ASCT) Patients.

CMV infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients who have undergone ASCT. We previously evaluated the efficacy of ODG (5mg/kg/day) for 21 days as pre-emptive treatment for CMV viremia and found it to be effective and better tolerated than twice daily doses. We now report data evaluating ODG and PT using a quantitative CMV PCR strategy. At our institution, the detection limit of whole blood CMV PCR (WBP) is 200 copies/ml and the lower limit of quantitation 2000 copies/ml. No criteria for a standard treatment threshold currently exist for quantitative CMV PCR in plasma or whole blood. We elected to initiate treatment with ODG using a threshold WBP ≥10,000 copies/ml in clinically stable patients. Dose escalation was permitted for increasing WBP on ODG treatment. From 4/03 to 3/04, 98 patients underwent ASCT (44 related donors and 54 unrelated donors). 69/98 patients were at risk for CMV reactivation (donor/recipient CMV seropositive). Median follow-up was 318 (120–478) days post transplant. 48/69 (69.6%) patients had 1 or more episodes of CMV viremia (WBP >200 copies/ml). In 5/48 (10.4%) patients the WBP remained 200 copies/ml) and 51.7 (27–196) days (≥10,000 copies/ml) post transplant. 10/28 patients increased ganciclovir to 5mg/kg/BID a mean of 12 (4–19) days after initiation of therapy due to increasing WBP (30,200–231,000 copies/ml). One patient developed neutropenia and was changed to foscarnet. In patients for whom WBP were available for the time points indicated, time to clearance of viremia (≤2000 copies/ml) for the 28 patients was 1/21 (5%) week 1, 8/25 (32%) week 2, 14/26 (54%) week 3, 22/27 (82%) week 4 and 26/28 (93%) week 5. Two patients did not clear their viremia at 5 weeks. One developed CMV colitis which was successfully treated. 17/28 patients remained on ODG for the 21 day treatment period. Time to clearance of viremia in this group was 1/10 (10%) week 1, 8/14 (57%) week 2, 12/15 (80%) week 3, 15/16 (94%) week 4, and 17/17 (100%) week 5. Recurrent viremia (WBP ≥10,000 copies/ml) occurred in 12/28 (43%) patients a mean of 109 (54–247) days post transplant. 2/28 (7%) patients developed CMV disease (colitis), 1 during the initial episode of viremia and 1 during a recurrence. Both were successfully treated. There were no deaths due to CMV disease in patients initiating therapy with ODG. Conclusion: Delaying treatment with ODG as initial PT until WBP ≥10,000 copies/ml is a safe and effective treatment strategy for CMV viremia post ASCT. This strategy reduces over treatment of patients and neutropenia.
Structural Probing and Molecular Modeling of the A3 Adenosine Receptor: A Focus on Agonist Binding

Adenosine is an endogenous modulator exerting its functions through the activation of four adenosine receptor (AR) subtypes, termed A1, A2A, A2B and A3, which belong to the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily. The human A3AR (hA3AR) subtype is implicated in several cytoprotective functions. Therefore, hA3AR modulators, and in particular agonists, are sought for their potential application as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and cardioprotective agents. Structure-based molecular modeling techniques have been applied over the years to rationalize the structure–activity relationships (SARs) of newly emerged A3AR ligands, guide the subsequent lead optimization, and interpret site-directed mutagenesis (SDM) data from a molecular perspective. In this review, we showcase selected modeling-based and guided strategies that were applied to elucidate the binding of agonists to the A3AR and discuss the challenges associated with an accurate prediction of the receptor extracellular vestibule through homology modeling from the available X-ray templates.
KDM1 links nuclear GSK3β to epigenetic alterations

(CSCs) play an important role during the processes of tumor development, progression, and recurrence and are primarily responsible for therapeutic resistance and poor clinical outcome of patients (1). Epigenetic alterations, particularly histone methylation, have been increasingly recognized as a global transcriptional regulator that contributes to stem cell self-renewal and differentiation under physiological and pathological conditions (2). For example, methylations of Lys9 and Lys27 residues of histone H3 (H3K9me2/3 and H3K27me3), associate with heterochromatin and transcriptional repression; whereas H3K4me2/3, often found in active gene promoters, is associated with transcriptional activation. These epigenetic modiﬁcations create unique promoter architectures that control gene expression. Glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β) has been shown to take part in the regulation of histone methylation including H3K4 methylation in the promoter regions of multiple genes (3,4). However, the molecular mechanisms for GSK3β in mediating alterations of histone methylation remain to be defined. In September 2016 issue of Nature Cell Biology , Zhou et al. (5) addressed this challenge and singled out a connection between nuclear GSK3β and epigenetic aberration via regulation of lysine-specific histone demethylase 1A (KDM1A) stability.
Adherence in pediatric kidney transplant recipients: solutions for the system.

Non-adherence remains a significant problem among pediatric (and adult) renal transplant recipients. Non-adherence among solid organ transplant recipients results in US$15–100 million annual costs. Estimates of non-adherence range from 30 to 70% among pediatric patients. Research demonstrates that a 10% decrement in adherence is associated with 8% higher hazard of graft failure and mortality. Focus has begun to shift from patient factors that impact adherence to the contributing healthcare and systems factors. The purpose of this review is to describe problems within the systems implicated in non-adherence and potential solutions that may be related to positive adherence outcomes. Systems issues include insurance and legal regulations, provider and care team barriers to optimal care, and difficulties with transitioning to adult care. Potential solutions include recognition of how systems can work together to improve patient outcomes through improvements in insurance programs, a multi-disciplinary care team approach, evidence-based medical management, pharmacy-based applications and interventions to simplify medication regimens, improved transition protocols, and telehealth/technology-based multi-component interventions. However, there remains a significant lack of reliability in the application of these potential solutions to systems issues that impact patient adherence. Future efforts should accordingly focus on these efforts, likely by leveraging quality improvement and related principles, and on the investigation of the efficacy of these interventions to improve adherence and graft outcomes.
Evidence-Based Practice Beliefs and Implementation in Doctor of Nursing Practice Students.

Background Doctors of Nursing Practice focus on leadership in evidence-based practice (EBP). EBP is influenced by one's beliefs in and implementation of EBP. Little is known to date about the EBP beliefs and implementation of Doctor of Nursing Practice students and outcomes of Doctor of Nursing Practice education. Aims Guided by the Advancing Research and Clinical practice through close Collaboration (ARCC) Model, the Evidence-Based Practice Beliefs (EBPB) and Implementation (EBPI) tools were used to assess the impact of EBP as a program pillar, curricular thread, and content area on EBPB and EBPI of Doctor of Nursing Practice-Family Nurse Practitioner students. Methods Five cohorts who completed the same curriculum were studied. Fifty-four of the 89 students across the five cohorts began and completed the study. Results Paired t-test for group effects showed statistical significance from pre- to post-measure in students overall EBPB, t = 4.4 (52), p < .001, and EBPI, t = 8.4 (52), p < .001. A large effect size of .75 standard deviation (SD) gain above the mean for EBPB, and a very large effect size of 1 SD gain above the mean for EBPI were observed. Repeated measures ANOVA showed that all cohorts made gains across the curriculum. Effect sizes for EBPB ranged from .25 to 1 SD above the mean, and .75 to 1.5 for EBPI. Linking Evidence to Action DNP students who are educated to be EBP leaders must have a curriculum that supports them in the knowledge and skill-set needed to translate evidence into practice. The ARCC Model can guide faculty in EBP curriculum development. EBPB and EBPI are valid and reliable measures to assess for gains across a curriculum. Through educational outcomes, educators can assess desired student outcomes for EBP across a curriculum and can build an evidence base for ongoing curriculum development.
Evaluating the Maximum MSE of Mean Estimators with Missing Data

In this article, we present the wald_mse command, which computes the maximum mean squared error of a user-specified point estimator of the mean for a population of interest in the presence of missing data. As pointed out by Manski (1989, Journal of Human Resources 24: 343–360; 2007, Journal of Econometrics 139: 105–115), the presence of missing data results in the loss of point identification of the mean unless one is willing to make strong assumptions about the nature of the missing data. Despite this, decision makers may be interested in reporting a single number as their estimate of the mean as opposed to an estimate of the identified set. It is not obvious which estimator of the mean is best suited to this task, and there may not exist a universally best choice in all settings. To evaluate the performance of a given point estimator of the mean, wald_mse allows the decision maker to compute the maximum mean squared error of an arbitrary estimator under a flexible specification of the missing-data process.
On the adaptivity gap in two-stage robust linear optimization under uncertain packing constraints

In this paper, we study the performance of static solutions in two-stage adjustable robust packing linear optimization problem with uncertain constraint coefficients. Such problems arise in many important applications such as revenue management and resource allocation problems where demand requests have uncertain resource requirements. The goal is to find a two-stage solution that maximizes the worst case objective value over all possible realizations of the second-stage constraints from a given uncertainty set. We consider the case where the uncertainty set is column-wise and constraint-wise (any constraint describing the set involve entries of only a single column or a single row). This is a fairly general class of uncertainty sets to model constraint coefficient uncertainty. We show that the two-stage adjustable robust problem is $$\varOmega (\log n)$$ -hard to approximate. On the positive side, we show that a static solution is an $$O\big (\log n \cdot \min (\log \varGamma , \log (m+n))\big )$$ -approximation for the two-stage adjustable robust problem where m and n denote the numbers of rows and columns of the constraint matrix and $$\varGamma $$ is the maximum possible ratio of upper bounds of the uncertain constraint coefficients. Therefore, for constant $$\varGamma $$ , surprisingly the performance bound for static solutions and therefore, the adaptivity gap matches the hardness of approximation for the adjustable problems. Furthermore, in general the static solution provides nearly the best efficient approximation for the two-stage adjustable robust problem.
Searching for marker of REM sleep behavior disorder: submentalis muscle EMG amplitude analysis during sleep in patients with narcolepsy/cataplexy.

WE FOUND THE ARTICLE BY FERRI ET AL.1 ON A POLYSOMNOGRAPHIC MARKER OF REM SLEEP BEHAVIOR DISORDER (RBD) VERY INTERESTING AS IT HIGHLIGHTS the importance of assessing for RBD among narcolepsy patients. Recent studies on narcolepsy show that up to 60% of patients report RBD symptoms, and 43% had an RBD episode during video-polysomnography.2 Notably in the pediatric narcolepsy population, RBD is under-recognized.3 We did not identify RBD in a single child with narcolepsy/cataplexy.4 This may be related to inadequate screening questions asked during the initial evaluation of patients with narcolepsy/cataplexy to rule out RBD. Ferri et al. used quantitative and computerized methods of analysis of the EMG signal and found significant polysomnographic signs of motor dyscontrol among patients with narcolepsy compared to controls. Using the REM Sleep Atonia Index, 38% of patients with narcolepsy/cataplexy were found to have REM without atonia (RWA). This altered RWA index in patients with narcolepsy/cataplexy was largely related to increase in short lasting EMG activity which may differentiate RBD in patients with narcolepsy/cataplexy from those with idiopathic/symptomatic RBD. These results provide a tool to detect subclinical RBD, which is especially useful in the pediatric narcolepsy population, where history may be unreliable. Future research will be needed to develop a consensus about the accurate diagnosis of RBD, especially in patients with narcolepsy/cataplexy. More importantly, RBD can cause significant nocturnal sleep dysfunction in patients with narcolepsy/cataplexy, and recognition of this comorbid disorder can also guide treatment choices. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been recently used as first-line treatment of cataplexy in patients with narcolepsy. Both SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants have been associated with worsening of, or precipitating symptoms of RBD.5 It is important to differentiate whether the treatment of narcolepsy/cataplexy with these medications may contribute to development of RBD in this population, or if RBD exists de novo in patients with narcolepsy/cataplexy. Though it has not been adequately studied, it is possible that a noradrenergic drug such bupropion would be a better suited medication in this situation, as its properties are likely more dependent on dopaminergic mechanisms, thus not worsening symptoms of RBD.5 Whether it treats cataplexy effectively needs to be further explored. In our own practice, SSRIs have been discontinued in narcoleptic patients with RBD symptoms, and sodium oxybate used to improve nocturnal sleep, daytime alertness, and cataplexy. Attempts to screen for RBD must be made in every new-onset patient with narcolepsy/cataplexy via directed questions. Consensus for appropriate treatment in this situation also needs to be developed.
Mowat-Wilson Syndrome Presenting With Purpura Fulminans.

Purpura fulminans is a rapidly progressive syndrome of intravascular thrombosis and hemorrhagic infarction of the skin. The most common infectious etiology is Neisseria meningitidis sepsis, and less commonly it has been documented as a complication of invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae. In children who are otherwise healthy, splenic dysfunction is a significant predisposing factor for invasive pneumococcal infection. We present the case of a 10-month-old girl with a history of developmental delay, who developed an overwhelming infection complicated by purpura fulminans and was found to have previously undiagnosed Mowat-Wilson syndrome with anatomic asplenia. We propose screening patients with clinical features suggestive of Mowat-Wilson syndrome for asplenia to evaluate the need for additional preventive care.
Higher curvature effects in Arkani-Hamed-Dimopoulos-Dvali and Randall-Sundrum models

We explore the collider phenomenology of terascale extra-dimensional models with gravitational actions that contain higher curvature terms. In particular, we examine how the classic collider signatures of the models of Arkani-Hamed, Dimopoulos and Dvali (ADD) and of Randall and Sundrum (RS) are altered by these modifications to the usual Einstein-Hilbert (EH) action. Not only are the detailed signatures for gravitationally induced processes altered but new contributions are found to arise due to the existence of additional scalar Kaluza-Klein (KK) states in the spectrum.
Interactions of Glycolytic Enzymes with Cellular Membranes

Publisher Summary This chapter presents the interactions of glycolytic enzymes with cellular membranes. It is generally accepted that glycolytic enzymes are located in the cytoplasm or extramitochondrial regions of mammalian cells. However, there is at present ample evidence that some of these enzymes are associated with macromolecules of the cells. Mammalian hexokinase activity is partitioned between particulate and soluble fractions. In brain homogenates, as much as 80% of the enzyme is found in the mitochondrial fractions, and in other tissues a considerable proportion of the enzyme is also in particulate rather than soluble fractions. Cellular location of hexokinase may differ depending on the tissues or cell types. This is related perhaps to the physiological importance of the enzyme and of glycolysis in the overall metabolism of glucose in these cells. The protection against degradation may be crucial for the survival of red cells as these anucleated cells lack the capacity to synthesize the enzymes. Another possibility is that drastic conditions, such as ischemia, demanding rapid activation of glycolysis may require participation of the membrane-bound enzymes such as hexokinase and PFK, both more active forms than the free enzymes.
Thermal-Electric Transient analysis for Metal Line under High Frequency Pulse Direct Current

Temperature is one of the most sensitive factors for device and interconnects reliability, especially for Electromigration (EM). A 5°C temperature rise in metal line will induce a 30% EM lifetime decrease [1]. In order to achieve good EM lifetime, Root Mean Square of current (Irms) rule was designed to limit interconnects temperature rise induced by self-heating. Peak current (Ipeak) rule was also designed to prevent sudden temperature rise caused by instantaneous high current. Previous study reported [2] a high frequency pulse current (PDC) resulted in lower joule heating (JH) compared to an equivalent steady state condition. However, the effect of very high frequency (1GHz~1THz) with various duty ratios is still unclear. In this paper, both experimental measurement and finite element method (FEM) simulation approach were used to investigate the impact of temperature rise due to JH by high frequency PDC with various duty ratios. Special thermal test macros using 64nm pitch double patterning LELE technology have been implemented to study frequency and duty ratio effects on JH. Metal width effect was investigated as well. A waveform generator measurement unit was used to measure the resistance profile under different frequency waves. Temperature change was estimated using the temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR). Finite Element Model (FEM) was built based on process assumption, metal width and via profile which were verified by cross section measurement. The FEM model was validated by experimental data in intermediate frequency range, and then used to study very high frequency situation, which cannot be handled by experiment. It was found that high frequency can suppressed Joule heating in metal line. But it also limited metal line to cooling down when power is off. For very high frequency PDC, peak/bottom temperatures approach constant temperature, which is frequency independent. This constant temperature can be determined from steady state thermal model. Reducing duty ratio can control device turn on time thereby reducing peak and average temperature.
The Role of Energy Availability in Reproductive Function in the Female Athlete Triad and Extension of its Effects to Men: An Initial Working Model of a Similar Syndrome in Male Athletes

The Female Athlete Triad represents three interrelated conditions of (i) low energy availability (energy deficiency), presenting with or without disordered eating, (ii) menstrual dysfunction, and (iii) poor bone health, each of which can exist along a continuum of severity ranging from mild and moderate subclinical health concerns to severe clinical outcomes, including eating disorders, amenorrhea, and osteoporosis. This review provides a brief overview of the Female Athlete Triad, including updating the current thinking regarding energy availability and how it relates to reproductive function, and sets the stage for an initial working model of a similar syndrome in males that will be based on currently available evidence and will later be defined and referred to as a Male Athlete Triad by the newly re-named Female and Male Athlete Triad Coalition. A primary focus of this paper will be on the physiology of each Triad model with an emphasis on low energy availability and its role in reproductive function, with a brief introduction on its effects on bone health in men. From the data reviewed, (i) a specific threshold of energy availability below which menstrual disturbances are induced is not supported; (ii) it appears that the energetic, reproductive, and bone systems in men are more resilient to the effects of low energy availability compared to those of women, requiring more severe energetic perturbations before alterations are observed; and (iii) it appears that recovery of the hypothalamic pituitary gonadal axis can be observed more quickly in men than in women.
Tradition and Reform: Aristotle’s Response to Modern Alternatives

This essay is an attempt to articulate an Aristotelian alternative to two prominent contemporary ways of understanding human freedom and dependence on the past, and to the implications these unders...
Inpatient Insulin Pump Management

Over the last decade, continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) pumps and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems have been widely used for the management of type 1 and sometimes type 2 diabetes. The American Diabetes Association advocates for allowing patients to continue to use their insulin pump while in hospital if they are physically and mentally able to do so. Studies on insulin pump use in the hospital are sparse, uncontrolled, and mostly based on retrospective analyses.
Dynamic Field Performance of Glued Laminated Timber Bridges

To use and develop timber structures in transportation better, the U.S. government implemented several national programs starting in the early 1990s to address the needs of the timber industry. One need was to investigate the dynamic field performance of timber bridges in relation to vehicular loading. The AASHTO load and resistance factor design specifications recommend a dynamic load allowance of 0.165 for timber bridges. To investigate this codified value, research was needed to determine the dynamic characteristics of timber bridges and to study their dynamic performance. To obtain dynamic performance data, five glued laminated girder bridges and four longitudinal glued laminated panel bridges were selected for testing. The testing involved loading the nine structures to obtain dynamic performance data including deflection and acceleration, as well as to assess the overall condition state of the bridges. The nine bridges tested were found to have fundamental frequencies between 5 Hz and 11 Hz as well as a dynamic load allowance of less than 0.25. The bridges found to have dynamic amplifications above specified code values were also found to have physical characteristics (i.e., rough entrances) that likely caused the higher dynamic amplification values.
Replication and Extension of the Effects of Lag Schedules on Mand Variability and Challenging Behavior During Functional Communication Training

More is known about how to reduce challenging behavior with functional communication training (FCT) than how to mitigate its resurgence during or following a course of treatment. Research suggests reinforcing mand variability during FCT may mitigate the resurgence of challenging behavior, but validated procedures for reinforcing mand variability are limited and poorly understood. Lag schedules can reinforce variability in verbal behavior such as manding in individuals with autism, but studies have been largely limited to nonvocal mand modalities. Therefore, in the current study, we further evaluated the effects of FCT with lag schedules on vocal mand variability and challenging behavior in children with autism. The results suggest lag schedules alone or in combination with response prompt-fading strategies during FCT can increase mand variability and expand mand response classes but may fail to produce clinically significant reductions in challenging behavior.
Proteomic and Genomic Methylation Signatures of Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis

OBJECTIVE Idiopathic subglottic stenosis (iSGS) is a chronic inflammatory condition that causes dyspnea and affects middle-aged women of White race and non-Latino or Hispanic ethnicity. To better characterize its phenotype and pathogenesis, we assessed the proteomic and genomic methylation signatures of subglottic tissue collected from iSGS patients compared to controls. STUDY DESIGN Molecular analysis of clinical biospecimens. METHODS We collected subglottic tissue biopsies from 12 patients during direct laryngoscopy, immediately prior to surgical treatment of iSGS; as well as from 4 age-, sex-, and race/ethnicity-matched control patients undergoing other direct laryngoscopic procedures. We isolated protein and genomic DNA, acquired proteomic data using label-free quantitative mass spectrometry techniques, and acquired genome-wide methylation data using bisulfite conversion and a microarray platform. We compared molecular profiles across the iSGS and control groups, and with respect to clinical course in the iSGS group. Eight of the 12 iSGS patients underwent subsequent blood collection and plasma isolation for further assessment. RESULTS Proteomic analysis revealed 42 differentially abundant proteins in the iSGS biopsies compared to controls, inferring enrichment of biological pathways associated with early wound healing, innate immunity, matrix remodeling, and metabolism. Proteome-based hierarchical clustering organized patients into two iSGS and one control subgroups. Methylation analysis revealed five hypermethylated genes in the iSGS biopsies compared to controls, including the biotin recycling enzyme biotinidase (BTD). Follow-up analysis showed elevated plasma BTD activity in iSGS patients compared to both controls and published normative data. CONCLUSION iSGS exhibits distinct proteomic and genomic methylation signatures. These signatures expand current understanding of the iSGS phenotype, support the possibility of disease subgroups, and should inform the direction of future experimental studies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Not applicable Laryngoscope, 131:E540-E546, 2021.
Investigating the Effects of Lithium Phosphorous Oxynitride Coating on Blended Solid Polymer Electrolytes

Solid-state electrolytes are very promising to enhance the safety of lithium-ion batteries. Two classes of solid electrolytes, polymer and ceramic, can be combined to yield a hybrid electrolyte that can synergistically combine the properties of both materials. Chemical stability, thermal stability, and high mechanical modulus of ceramic electrolytes against dendrite penetration can be combined with the flexibility and ease of processing of polymer electrolytes. By coating a polymer electrolyte with a ceramic electrolyte, the stability of the solid electrolyte is expected to improve against lithium metal, and the ionic conductivity could remain close to the value of the original polymer electrolyte, as long as an appropriate thickness of the ceramic electrolyte is applied. Here, we report a bilayered lithium-ion conducting hybrid solid electrolyte consisting of a blended polymer electrolyte (BPE) coated with a thin layer of the inorganic solid electrolyte lithium phosphorous oxynitride (LiPON). The hybrid system was thoroughly studied. First, we investigated the influence of the polymer chain length and lithium salt ratio on the ionic conductivity of the BPE based on poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) with the salt lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI). The optimized BPE consisted of 100 k molecular weight PEO, 50 k molecular weight PPC, and 25(w/w)% LiTFSI, (denoted as PEO100PPC50LiTFSI25), which exhibited an ionic conductivity of 2.11 × 10-5 S/cm, and the ionic conductivity showed no thermal memory effects as the PEO crystallites were well disrupted by PPC and LiTFSI. Second, the effects of LiPON coating on the BPE were evaluated as a function of thickness down to 20 nm. The resulting bilayer structure showed an increase in the voltage window from 5.2 to 5.5 V (vs Li/Li+) and thermal activation energies that approached the activation energy of the BPE when thinner LiPON layers were used, resulting in similar ionic conductivities for 30 nm LiPON coatings on PEO100PPC50LiTFSI25. Coating BPEs with a thin layer of LiPON is shown to be an effective strategy to improve the long-term stability against lithium.
Pasture production, persistence of legumes and lamb growth in summer-dry hill pastures

Pasture legumes that persist under challenging agroecological conditions are crucial to ensure high lamb growth rates in dryland pastures. Pasture and lamb production from binary and diverse mixtures (Mix) of tall fescue (TF) with white clover (Whc), balansa clover (Bc), subterranean clover (Sc) and birdsfoot trefoil (Bft) were compared in a summer‐dry hill site in Corvallis, Oregon over a two‐year period. In 2018, all pasture combinations provided similar lamb liveweight gains (LWG, mean 177 g/day) in the first half of spring. Lambs in TF‐Bc and TF‐Mix pastures grew 31 to 41 g/day faster than those grazing TF‐Sc, TF‐Whc and TF‐Bft in the second half of spring (p < .05). Overall, TF‐Bc and TF‐Mix had higher (p < .05) legume contents (32% and 37% respectively) compared to other pasture combinations. In spring 2019, lambs that grazed the TF‐Mix and TF‐Whc pastures had higher LWG than those on other pastures (p < .05). The superior lamb growth rates were associated with the higher legume content and pasture quality maintained into the late spring period. Overall, the legume content of all pastures decreased over the course of the two‐year trial, with the decline being substantial for balansa clover. The present study confirmed that a high legume content of pastures leads to greater lamb growth rates. Total annual yields of pastures that had greater legume contents were superior to others (p < .05). Thus, a combination of self‐regenerating annual clovers with perennial legumes in pasture mixtures may ensure a higher legume content and longer persistence in dryland hill pastures.
Detection of Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease using Dual-task Gait Assessments and Machine Learning.

Abstract Objective Early detection of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) can increase access to treatment and assist in advance care planning. However, the development of a diagnostic system that d7oes not heavily depend on cognitive testing is a major challenge. We describe a diagnostic algorithm based solely on gait and machine learning to detect MCI and AD from healthy. Methods We collected “single-tasking” gait (walking) and “dual-tasking” gait (walking with cognitive tasks) from 32 healthy, 26 MCI, and 20 AD participants using a computerized walkway. Each participant was assessed with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). A set of gait features (e.g., mean, variance and asymmetry) were extracted. Significant features for three classifications of MCI/healthy, AD/healthy, and AD/MCI were identified. A support vector machine model in a one-vs.-one manner was trained for each classification, and the majority vote of the three models was assigned as healthy, MCI, or AD. Results The average classification accuracy of 5-fold cross-validation using only the gait features was 78% (77% F1-score), which was plausible when compared with the MoCA score with 83% accuracy (84% F1-score). The performance of healthy vs. MCI or AD was 86% (88% F1-score), which was comparable to 88% accuracy (90% F1-score) with MoCA. Conclusion Our results indicate the potential of machine learning and gait assessments as objective cognitive screening and diagnostic tools. Significance Gait-based cognitive screening can be easily adapted into clinical settings and may lead to early identification of cognitive impairment, so that early intervention strategies can be initiated.
A Kato-Yau inequality and decay estimate for eigenspinors

We show that harmonic spinors obey a strengthened version of the well-known pointwise Kato inequality for sections of a vector bundle with a connection. We then give two different proofs an interesting decay estimate for harmonic spinors, one using our Kato-Yau estimate and resulting differential inequality, and a second using known eigenvalue calculations for the Dirac operator on the three-sphere. As an example of the use of these estimates, we also describe some new applications to the problems of gluing and ungluing PU(2) monopoles.
Separate and Unequal: The Institutional Racism of the Supreme Court

Brown v. Board of Education was widely viewed as ushering in a new perspective on the part of the Supreme Court about racial issues. Prior to Brown, the most significant Supreme Court cases addressing race were overtly racist and white supremacist, upholding state actions that explicitly favored whites and oppressed ethnic minorities. While the Court’s approach after Brown has been less overt, I shall argue that its decisions have contributed to an institutionalized racism whose effect is to maintain the black community as a whole as well as other people of color in a subordinate position in the society. After laying out the argument, I shall offer some thoughts on what is needed now to revitalize the struggle for racial justice.