cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the Carbon Dioxide Laser and the Radiofrequency Unit for Feline Onychectomies

This study compared the collateral tissue damage and incisional bridging with granulation tissue via histopathological examination following feline onychectomy performed by radiofrequency (RF) and carbon dioxide (CO2) laser. Two cats were euthanized, and their digits were harvested for histopathological evaluation on days 1, 3, and 7 post-onychectomy. Each digit was evaluated for total lesion width, total necrosis width, and degree of edema, hemorrhage, and inflammation. This study found few significant differences in collateral tissue damage between RF and CO2 laser, but more incisional bridging by granulation tissue was noted with RF for feline onychectomies. These results indicate that RF for feline onychectomy is a reasonable alternative to CO2 laser in regard to collateral tissue damage and bridging of the incision by granulation tissue. In addition, RF is not accompanied by the strict safety considerations and initial expense of acquisition of a CO2 laser.
Overview of NIST Activities on Subsize and Miniaturized Charpy Specimens: Correlations With Full-Size Specimens and Verification Specimens for Small-Scale Pendulum Machines

NIST in Boulder, CO investigated the correlations between impact test results obtained from standard, full-size Charpy V-notch (CVN) specimens and specimens with reduced thickness (subsize Charpy V-notch specimens (SCVN)) or reduced or scaled cross section dimensions (miniaturized Charpy V-notch specimens (MCVN)). A database of instrumented impact test results was generated from four line pipe steels: two quenched alloy steels, a tempered alloy steel, and a 18 Ni maraging steel. Correlations between specimen types were established and compared with the previously published relationships, considering absorbed energy (KV), ductile-to-brittle transition temperature (DBTT), and upper shelf energy (USE). Acceptable correlations were found for the different parameters, even though the uncertainty of predictions appears exacerbated by the expected significant experimental scatter. Furthermore, we report on the development of MCVN specimens for the indirect verification of small-scale pendulum machines (with potential energies between 15 J and 50 J), which cannot be verified with full-size verification specimens. Small-scale pendulum machines can now be verified at room temperature with certified reference specimens of KLST type (3 mm × 4 mm × 27 mm), supplied by NIST at three certified KV levels (low energy (LL), 1.59 J; high energy (HH), 5.64 J; and super-high (SH) energy, 10.05 J). These specimens can also be used to verify the performance of instrumented Charpy strikers through certified maximum force values. Certified reference values for both KV and maximum force were established by means of an interlaboratory comparison (Round-Robin), which involved nine qualified and experienced international laboratories.
Religion to the Rescue (?) in an Age of Climate Disruption

Since the early 1990s calls by religious elites as well as by scholars who afﬁliate with and study religions to address the negative consequences of anthropogenic climate change have been increasing. An important example of the trend occurred in November 2014 during the annual meeting of the American Academy of Religion in San Diego where ‘Religion and Climate Change’ was the conference’s central theme. Data presented at this meeting, however, was not encouraging for those hoping that religious individuals were embracing consensus scientiﬁc understandings about anthropogenic climate change, and becoming deeply concerned about climate disruption and making a strong response to it a high priority. The scientiﬁc study of the religious dimensions of perceptions and actions related to climate change, for its part, is showing signs of becoming more rigorous and illuminating, better able to track changes that might unfold with regard to religious perceptions and practices related to the earth’s environmental systems.
Stanton Convention Centre

Synopsis Used hypodermic needles were found in Stanton Convention Centre. The Centre’s department heads suggested installing secure needle receptacles. June Patterson, General Manager, quickly learned this was a divisive issue. Heated arguments focussed on two opinions: first, the Centre owed employees a safe working environment and needles constituted a significant risk to safety. Second, other department heads believed that presence of needle boxes would diminish customers’ perceptions of the Centre. According to one, “You wouldn’t find needle boxes in nice restaurants or golf courses.” Having promised a decision by the next meeting, Patterson mulled the question over and wondered how to proceed. Research methodology This case was written based on information obtained in interviews with the manager described in the case. The manager’s name, the name of the organization, and the city where it is located have all been disguised. Relevant courses and levels The authors use this case as the first contact with cases for our incoming MBA cohort in the summer pre-session to acquaint them with the basics of case analysis. However, this compact case could be used in many management courses, graduate or undergraduate, to illustrate difficulties in management decision making for different stakeholder groups. Theoretical bases The concepts most central to our discussions of the case are management decision making and the influences of diverse stakeholder opinions on those decisions.
Legal and Governance Structures Built to Share

This short piece, scheduled to appear in the book "The Rise of Platform Cooperativism" (editors Trebor Scholz & Nathan Schneider), discusses the legal issues around choice of entity and governance for on-demand platforms. While platforms are currently established as for-profit businesses that typically match or hire workers, this is not the only option. Instead, new worker owned platforms are being established that could incorporate heightened labor standards. While there are no existing statues that have been written just for platform cooperatives, existing legal structures such as LLCs or B Corporations could be modified for this purpose. While not a perfect fit, these alternatives could accommodate worker-owned platforms.
The effects of using axial magnetic field in extreme ultraviolet photon sources for nanolithography – recent integrated simulation

We developed a comprehensive model for simulating laser/target interaction in the presence of external axial magnetic fields. The model was integrated into the framework of the HEIGHTS-LPP computer simulation package and benchmarked with recent experimental results. The package was then used to study the angular distribution of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) photon output in plasmas produced in tin planar targets by a Nd:YAG laser. A moderate (0.5 T) permanent magnetic field does not affect EUV source evolution and output. More effective control of plasma plume expansion should be based on magnetic field gradients, that is, on the temporary varying magnetic fields as a magnetic pinch. Analysis of angular EUV output showed strong anisotropy of photon emissions. We found that the correct monitoring angle (i.e., at which the measured EUV flux corresponds to the averaged value after the correctly integrated angular distribution) does not depend on laser irradiance in the studied range and is equivalent to ~60°. We recommend arranging the EUV sensors accordingly in experiments with planar tin targets.
Bilateral renal artery stenosis.

A 49-year-old Hispanic female was admitted to the hospital with sepsis and an infected upper extremity arteriovenous fistula dialysis port. Her medical history was significant for dialysis-dependent, endstage renal disease for the previous six years. Additional history was limited due to language barriers but included hypertension and hyperlipidemia. Blood cultures from admission grew Staphylococcus aureus for which intravenous vancomycin therapy was initiated. Despite aggressive therapy including fistula debridement and excision and additional broad spectrum antimicrobial coverage, she clinically deteriorated and died on hospital day 13. Full, unrestricted autopsy permission was granted under coroner authorization. Pertinent findings at autopsy included bilateral renal atrophy (Table 1) and bilateral, grossly evident stenosis of the renal arteries (Figure 1). Luminal narrowing was estimated at 90%-95% in the mid and distal segments of both arteries. No atheromatous plaques were present; no mural thrombi were noted. The ostia at the aortic origin were patent. Additional related findings were fibrinous pericarditis, bilateral pleural effusions with pleural adhesions, hypertensive cardiovascular disease, a remote infarct of the right insular cortex, and remote myocardial infarct by histology. Microscopic sections of the renal arteries showed marked wall thickening with collagenous deposition in the vascular intima associated with fragmentation and duplication of the internal elastic lamina. There was slight medial thickening and adventitial fibrosis (Figure 2A-B). The intimal thickening extended into the renal arterioles but without significant luminal narrowing. Section from the left anterior descending coronary artery also showed similar findings, but the vascular lumen was not critically stenotic.
Positive and Negative Predictive Value of PET-CT in Skull Base Lesions: Case Series and Systematic Literature Review.

Objectives To study positive (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of positron emission tomography with computed tomography (PET-CT) scans in determining malignancy in skull base lesions and perform a systematic literature review for optimal PET-CT interpretation. Design Retrospective case series and systematic literature review of the current English literature. Setting Tertiary referral academic medical center. Participants All patients with skull base lesions that underwent PET-CT and tissue biopsy from 2010 to 2013. Main Outcome Measures PPV and NPV of radiologist's report and standardized uptake value (SUV) cutoff of 2.5 and 3, biopsy with pathologic interpretation, clinical follow-up. Results A total of 31 PET-CT scans of 16 patients were studied; 10 PET-CT were performed upfront for diagnostic purposes and 21 were post-treatment surveillance scans. The PPV of radiologist's interpretation, SUV cutoff of 2.5, and SUV cutoff of 3.0 was 80%, 60%, and 68.4%, with a NPV of 100%, 83.3%, and 75%, respectively. Literature search yielded 500 abstracts; 7 studies met inclusion criteria for detailed review. No consensus or guidelines for optimal SUV cutoff value was found. Conclusions PET-CT based on SUV cutoff criteria alone has high NPV but low PPV in determining malignancy in skull base lesions. Interpretation by a radiologist experienced in nuclear medicine and neuroradiology, synthesizing clinical, SUV, and radiologic data are of superior value.
Application of Distributed Technologies in the Power Big Data High-Performance Processing

With the coming of big data era for the power industry in China,application requirements of the big data in electric power production and management become prominent.To solve the present performance bottlenecks of the power big data in storage and computing,and improve the ability of power business system to cope with the big data,a solution of the power big data storage and computing based on distributed technologies is put forward.Using distributed storage and parallel computing technologies based on the Hadoop framework,the optimization of traditional relational database platform is completed.Finally the performance test results in typical business scenarios of the power grid show that the solution is feasible and better than the existing solution in terms of performance.
Reduction of auditory P50 gating response in marihuana users: further supporting data.

This report attempts to replicate our recent finding of a significantly reduced sensory gating response in medically and psychiatrically normal chronic marihuana users. After exclusions, 10 normal heavy marihuana users (> or = 3 times per week) and 10 normal non-user controls were tested with the paired auditory P50 sensory gating procedure. Sensory gating ratios were significantly higher (i.e., impaired suppression) for THC users as compared to controls. Using combined data from the current and previous report, the degree of sensory gating impairment among THC users was significantly correlated with the frequency of marihuana use per week. Suggestions for further research are offered.
Chemical Physics of Molecular Systems in Condensed Phases

Many quantum mechanical phenomena connected with molecular systems in condensed phases can be treated using Monte Carlo evaluation of path integrals. A key point is that the dynamics of the condensed phase environment can be included via an influence functional. This paper discusses first the calculation of these influence functionals and then the unique features of evaluating path integrals including them. The phenomena discussed focus on localization, tunneling and bonding in condensed phases. Nonstandard approaches are introduced for dealing with real time dynamical correlations and with systems having several fermionic degrees of freedom.
Internet-Delivered Acceptance-Based Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention for Social Anxiety Disorder With and Without Therapist Support: A Randomized Trial:

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is one of the most prevalent psychiatric disorders in the United States. Although evidenced-based behavioral treatments are available, less than 20% of those with SAD receive treatment. Internet-based interventions can address barriers to treatment access, and guided Internet-based treatments have been demonstrated to be effective for SAD. However, the optimal role (if any) of the therapist in such programs remains unclear. We examined the acceptability and efficacy of a novel Internet-based cognitive-behavior therapy for SAD that utilizes traditional behavioral interventions (e.g., exposure) within the context of a model emphasizing mindfulness and psychological acceptance. Forty-two participants were randomized to an eight-module self-help intervention with ( n = 20) or without ( n = 22) adjunctive therapist support; the therapist support was delivered through 10 to 15 min of weekly videoconferencing and daily text messages. Both groups experienced a significant reduction in SAD symptoms and improvements in functioning and quality of life, with no significant differences between groups in both completer-only and intent-to-treat analyses. However, the therapist support group evidenced lower attrition than the minimal support group (20% vs. 50%). Implications for dissemination and future directions are discussed.
Normal Cervical Lymph Node Appearance and Anatomic Landmarks in Neck Ultrasound

The lymph nodes associated with the glands and structures in the neck are classified into compartments or levels according to anatomic landmarks and boundaries. Ultrasonography of the neck is a first-line imaging modality for evaluation of the cervical lymph nodes in addition to examination of the thyroid and parathyroid glands themselves. Recognition and communication of suspicious or malignant findings involving the cervical lymph nodes requires familiarity with these landmarks and with the sonographic characteristics of benign lymph nodes in the neck.
Autoantigens ADAMTSL5 and LL37 are significantly upregulated in active Psoriasis and localized with keratinocytes, dendritic cells and other leukocytes

Psoriasis is a common immune-mediated disease that affects 2%-4% of individuals in North America and Europe. In the past decade, advances in research have led to an improved understanding of immune pathways involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and has spurred the development of targeted therapeutics. Recently, three psoriasis autoantigens have been described: cathelicidin (LL37), a disintegrin and metalloprotease domain containing thrombospondin type 1 motif-like 5 (ADAMTSL5), and lipid antigens generated by phospholipase A2 (PLA2) group IVD (PLA2G4D). It is important to establish the expression, regulation and therapeutic modulation of these psoriasis autoantigens. In this study, we performed immunohistochemistry and two-colour immunofluorescence on non-lesional and lesional psoriasis skin to characterize ADAMTSL5 and LL37, and their co-expression with T cells, dendritic cells, neutrophils and macrophages, which are the main immune cells that drive this disease. Our results showed that ADAMTSL5 and LL37 are significantly (P<.05) increased in lesional skin and are co-expressed by many dendritic cells, macrophages and some T cells in the dermis. Gene expression analysis showed significant (P<.05) upregulation of LL37 in lesional skin and significant downregulation following treatment with etanercept. ADAMTSL5 and LL37 are also significantly decreased by IL-17 or TNF-α blockade, suggesting feed-forward induction of psoriasis autoantigens by disease-related cytokines.
Electronic consultation system demonstrates educational benefit for primary care providers

Background Electronic consultation systems allow primary care providers to receive timely speciality expertise via iterative electronic communication. The use of such systems is expanding across the USA with well-documented high levels of user satisfaction. We characterise the educational impact for primary care providers of a long-standing integrated electronic consultation and referral system. Methods Primary care providers' perceptions of the educational value inherent to electronic consultation system communication and the impact on their ability to manage common speciality clinical conditions and questions were examined by electronic survey using five-point Likert scales. Differences in primary care providers' perceptions were examined overall and by primary care providers' speciality, provider type and years of experience. Results Among 221 primary care provider participants (35% response rate), 83.9% agreed or strongly agreed that the integrated electronic consultation and referral system provided educational value. There were no significant differences in educational value reported by provider type (attending physician, mid-level provider, or trainee physician), primary care providers' speciality, or years of experience. Perceived benefit of the electronic consultation and referral system in clinical management appeared stronger for laboratory-based conditions (i.e. subclinical hypothyroidism) than more diffuse conditions (i.e. abdominal pain). Nurse practitioners/physician assistants and trainee physicians were more likely to report improved abilities to manage specific clinical conditions when using the electronic consultation and/or referral system than were attending physicians, as were primary care providers with ≤10 years experience, versus those with >20 years of experience. Conclusions Primary care providers report overwhelmingly positive perceptions of the educational value of an integrated electronic consultation and referral system. Nurse practitioners, physician assistants, trainee physicians and less-experienced primary care providers report the greatest clinical educational benefit, particularly for conditions involving lab-based diagnosis and management.
Effects of Partial and Continuous Reinforcement on Conditioned Heart Rate and Corneoretinal Potential Responses in the Rabbit (Oryctolagus Cuniculus)

Corneoretinal potential (CRP) and heart rate (HR) changes were assessed in a simple classical conditioning experiment in which different groups of rabbits received (a) partial reinforcement, (b) continuous reinforcement, or (c) random CS-UCS presentations. The results showed that the initial conditioned heart rate response, under both partial and continuous reinforcement conditions, was a deceleration in rate. However, after considerable experience this initial deceleration changed to an acceleration in the continuous reinforcement group; accelerative CRS were minimal under partial reinforcement conditions. Although partial reinforcement lowered CRP response frequency, it enhanced HR decelerative CRS. Several possible explanations for these somatic-autonomic response system divergencies are discussed.
Finite Difference Methodology

This chapter elaborates the application and yield of finite difference methodology. It is applicable to differential equations. It yields a finite difference scheme that can be used to numerically approximate a given differential equation. For the first-order ordinary differential equation y’ = f ( x, y ), the general multistep (or fc-step) method is considered. It is observed that to obtain a discretization for a differential equation, it is possible to obtain a finite difference formula for every term in the differential equation and then combine these formulas in the obvious manner. Combining formulas in this way for partial differential equations without understanding the underlying physics of the problem and the approximations can quickly produce results that are unrelated to the true problem.
Model Consistency and Computational Allowability

Chapter 5 discusses the general issue of constraint propagation through a connected model graph of regular relations. A detailed procedure for determining model consistency and computational allowability in such a model is introduced. In addition, techniques to detect overlapping BNSs, relieving over- and under-constraint, expanding resultant constraint domains, and processing computational requests made on a model are demonstrated. Finally, Section 5.8 provides a constraint theory toolkit to employ the rules and theorems in an orderly manner,and which can find BNSs trillions of times faster than brute force approaches.
The Role of Fast Imaging Employing Steady-State Acquisition (FIESTA) Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Assessment of Delayed Enhancement of Fat Graft Packing on Postoperative Imaging After Vestibular Schwannoma Surgery.

Objective To investigate the role and efficacy of fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition (FIESTA) imaging in distinguishing fat graft enhancement from residual or recurrent tumor after vestibular schwannoma (VS) surgery. Methods A retrospective study of 33 patients who underwent VS resection via the retrosigmoid or translabyrinthine approach with fat graft reconstruction was performed. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was collected at different time points: preoperative, immediate postoperative (24–48 hours), delayed postoperative (3–6 months after surgery), and yearly postoperative. The image sets contained T1, T2, fat-suppressed T1-weighted with gadolinium, and FIESTA. The radiographs were analyzed for tumor recurrence by the primary neurosurgeon and an independent blinded neuroradiologist. If fat-suppressed T1-weighted images demonstrated postoperative enhancement in the resection bed, a comparison was made with FIESTA imaging. Results At 3–6 months postoperatively and at 1 year and beyond, 28 (84.8%) and 33 (100%) of patients, respectively, displayed delayed enhancement of the fat graft on postgadolinium fat-suppressed T1-weighted MRI. The enhancement seen on postgadolinium, fat-suppressed, T1-weighted MRI consistently correlated with the characteristic fat graft signal on FIESTA imaging and not tumor recurrence. FIESTA imaging was able to distinguish residual tumor from enhancing fat graft compared with postgadolinium, fat-suppressed, T1-weighted MRI (P Conclusions FIESTA is an effective tool in discerning fat graft enhancement from residual or recurrent tumor on delayed postoperative imaging after VS resection. Fat graft used in reconstruction consistently enhances on delayed postoperative postgadolinium, fat-suppressed, T1-weighted imaging, which correlates with the fat graft signal seen on FIESTA images.
Step-up training for colorectal and gastric ESD and the challenge of ESD training in the proximal colon: results from a German Center

Background and study aims The endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) of cancerous and precancerous lesions in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is an effective but difficult-to-learn procedure, especially for Western endoscopists. We developed a step-up training protocol and evaluated its outcome on a single endoscopist using specific performance measures. Patients and methods The training protocol included a 12-month period of 50 observational and supervised ESD cases as well as 24 animal procedures. After completion of the protocol, ESD competency was evaluated in the first 30 independent ESD cases. Majority of lesions were located in the stomach and rectum. Performance measures included R0-resection rate, complication rate and resection speed. Results R0 resection rate was 93 %, complication rate was 7 % and median resection speed was 6,77 cm2/h. 1 case of delayed perforation with subsequent hemicolectomy occurred in the descending colon. Conclusion The ESD step-up training protocol used in this study on a single endoscopist showed excellent outcomes for lesions in the rectum and stomach. However, ESD training in the upper colon remains a challenge.
The brain that longs to care for itself: The current neuroscience of self-compassion

Abstract In the absence of any published research literature directed to an investigation of the neuroscience of Self-Compassion, we present here a review of the extant research on subcomponents of this important “new” construct. It is hoped that through this reductionistic analysis, this review will inform and facilitate the beginnings of a body of research into the neuroscience of self-compassion. Additionally, a model is presented for a daily meditation on self-compassion which specifically incorporates these three subcomponents toward the installation of greater thoughts and feelings of loving kindness toward the self as well as an abiding sense of unity with personkind. Directions for research examining this model as well as the specific subcomponents are offered.
High Velocity Guns for Free-Flight Ranges

Free-flight ranges have been modified for research in high velocity flight. Tests can be carried out under the conditions of re-entry of missiles and spacecraft. Instruments have been devised for recording the optical radiation, the ionization, and other features of re-entry flight. Guns have been developed which will fire aerodynamic models at the velocities of full-scale flight. A study of gun performance suggests that the highest velocities in firing aerodynamic models will be produced by a gun which accelerates the model with a constant force throughout the firing run. The accelerated-reservoir light-gas (AR-LG) gun appears to fire models with this constant acceleration performance. An analysis of the gun's operation is being carried out, and a systematic series of firings is being carried out to evaluate the gun's performance. Comparison of theory and experiment indicates that in fact the AR-LG gun accelerates projectiles with a nearly constant force. Experience in firing “difficult” projectiles substantiates this contention. An AR-LG gun at the Flight Physics Laboratory has fired a saboted glass sphere at a velocity of 26,800 ft/sec and a solid plastic cylinder at a velocity of 32,800 ft/sec. In both of these categories, it is believed that these velocities are the highest reached with guns up to the present time.
Workfile Disk Management for Concurrent Mergesorts in a Multiprocessor Database System

This paper studies workfile disk management for concurrent mergesorts ina multiprocessor database system. Specifically, we examine the impacts of workfile disk allocation and data striping on the average mergesort response time. Concurrent mergesorts in a multiprocessor system can creat severe I/O interference in which a large number of sequential write requests are continuously issued to the same workfile disk and block other read requests for a long period of time. We examine through detailed simulations a logical partitioning approach to workfile disk management and evaluate the effectiveness of datastriping. The results show that (1) without data striping, the best performance is achieved by using the entire workfile disks as a single partition if there are abundant workfile disks (or system workload is light)s (2) however, if there are limited workfile disks (or system workload is heavy), the workfile disks should be partitioned into multiple groups and the optimal partition size is workload dependents (3) data striping is beneficial only if the striping unit size is properly chosens and (4) with a proper striping size, the best performance is generally achieved by using the entire disks as a single logical partition.
Morphology and Internal Geometry and Stratification of Highstand and Transgressive Deposits: Comparison and Contrast, Gulf of Lions and Central Adriatic Sea

Abstract : The long-term goal of our research is to improve our understanding of how marine sedimentary strata accumulate and how they combine to form characteristic stratigraphic sequences, such as drapes, aprons, wedges, sigmoids, and other well-recognized geometrical patterns. Recognizing diagnostic sediment geometries, as represented by acoustic reflectors in the upper 50 m of the shoreface, continental shelf and continental slope is critical to interpreting the evolution of sedimentary strata and sequences and inferring the mechanisms of sediment transport and deposition. Interpreting the signatures of various processes in near-surface deposits provides a critical link between knowledge gained from measuring physical processes that are dominant over time spans from the duration of a single event to several years, and those inferred from interpretations of entire stratigraphic sequences on continental margins that may represent much longer (centuries to millennia) periods of deposition. We were funded by ONR to participate in the US-European planning and research studies for the stratigraphy component of EuroSTRATAFORM. This included active participation and leadership in collaborative workshops and conduct of studies of shallow stratigraphy in the Gulf of Lions. The objective of our field research was to identify the character and origin of sediment bodies on the continental shelf surrounding and within the Cap de Creus Canyon. Overall, our study emphasizes the internal architecture and evolutionary growth of geologically young shelf and nearshore sediment bodies. EuroSTRATAFORM is a North American-European research program to observe, measure and model the processes-from long-term climatic cycles to short-term storm events--that erode, transport, and deposit sediment on continental margins. The study emphasizes the processes and events that create and destroy sedimentary strata over time scales ranging from weeks to millennia.
The Human Rights Implications of Extreme Inequality

In a report to the UN Human Rights Council the author focuses on the relationship between extreme poverty and extreme inequality and argues that a human rights framework is critical in addressing extreme inequality. The analysis provides an overview of the widening economic and social inequalities around the world; illustrates how such inequalities stifle equal opportunity, lead to laws, regulations and institutions that favor the powerful, and perpetuate discrimination against certain groups, and further discusses the negative effects of economic inequalities on a range of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights. The Study also analyses the response of the international community, including the United Nations, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, to the challenge of extreme inequality, finding that human rights are absent in the inequality debate and that little has been done to follow up on any of the studies or recommendations emerging from the United Nations human rights system. In conclusion, the study proposes an agenda for the future for tackling inequality, including: committing to reduce extreme inequality; giving economic, social and cultural rights the same prominence and priority as are given to civil and political rights; recognizing the right to social protection; implementing fiscal policies specifically aimed at reducing inequality; revitalizing and giving substance to the right to equality; and putting questions of resource redistribution at the center of human rights debates.
Predicting and Controlling Entangled Two-Photon Absorption in Diatomic Molecules

The use of nonclassical states of light to probe organic molecules has received great attention due to the possibility of providing new and detailed information regarding molecular excitations. Experimental and theoretical results have been reported which show large enhancements of the nonlinear optical responses in organic materials due to possible virtual-electronic-state interactions with entangled photons. In order to predict molecular excitations with nonclassical light, more detailed investigations of the parameters involved must be carried out. In this report we investigate the details of the state-to-state parameters important in calculating the contribution of particular transitions involved in the entangled two-photon absorption process for diatomic molecules. The theoretical discussion of the entangled two-photon process is described for a set of diatomic molecules. Specifically, we provide detailed quantum chemical calculations which give accurate energies and transition moments for selection-rule allowed intermediate states important in the entangled nonlinear effect for the diatomic molecules. These results are used to estimate in a more accurate manner the nonmonotonic behavior of the entangled two-photon absorption cross-section. We also derive accurate approximations that can be used to predict the period between entanglement-induced transparencies without needing exact values of the transition dipole moments. These results suggest that with the additional parameters allotted by the entangled two-photon absorption (in comparison to the classical case), it may be possible to predict and later control the nonlinear absorption and transparency of a molecule at a constant incident photon frequency.
The role of out-of-home caregivers in the achievement of child welfare permanency

Abstract With the passage of the Adoption and Safe Families Act in 1997 (ASFA), legal permanency emerged as a priority of those committed to the wellbeing of children who have been removed from parental custody. To date, no studies have specifically focused on the roles played by out-of-home (OOH) caregivers in the permanency process. OOH caregivers may influence the journey to permanency in a number of significant ways: by adopting the children for whom they are providing care, by enabling the timely completion of child-level judicial mandates and by providing high-quality care that can influence child behavior. This longitudinal study is the first to evaluate the ways in which OOH caregivers influence permanency outcomes for children in the foster care system while controlling for child-level and parent-level characteristics. Analyses were conducted on two waves of quantitative data from the National Study of Child and Adolescent Well-being II (NSCAW II) dataset. We find that the availability of respite services for OOH caregivers and communication between foster care caseworkers and OOH caregivers predicted permanency for the children in our sample. Child welfare administrators could contribute to these exploratory findings by evaluating the extent to which their own respite programs and caseworker responsiveness may impact time to permanency and type of permanency in the various contexts in which they operate.
A Single Dose of 225Ac-RPS-074 Induces a Complete Tumor Response in an LNCaP Xenograft Model.

Promising biochemical responses to 225Ac-PSMA-617, even in patients that are refractory to beta-particle radiation, illustrate the potential of targeted alpha therapy (TAT) for the treatment of metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer. However, side effects such as xerostomia are severe and irreversible. In order to fully harness the potential of TAT, it is necessary to increase the therapeutic index of the targeted radioligands. One emerging strategy is to Increase clearance half-life through enhanced binding to serum albumin. We have evaluated the albumin-binding PSMA-targeting ligand RPS-074 in a LNCaP xenograft model to determine its potential value to the treatment of prostate cancer. Methods:225Ac-RPS-074 was evaluated in male BALB/c mice bearing LNCaP xenograft tumors. A biodistribution study was performed over 21 d to determine the dosimetry in tumors and normal tissue. The dose response was measured in groups of 7 mice using 37 kBq, 74 kBq, and 148 kBq 225Ac-RPS-074 and compared to positive and negative control groups. Mice were sacrificed when tumor volume exceeded 1500 mm3. Results:225Ac-RPS-074 was labeled in >98% radiochemical yield and showed high (>10 %ID/g) and sustained accumulation in LNCaP tumors from 24 h to beyond 14 d. Signal in blood and highly vascularized tissues was evident over the first 24 h p.i., and cleared by 7 d. The tumor-to-kidney ratio was 4.3 ± 0.7 at 24 h and 62.2 ± 9.5 at 14 d. A single injection of 148 kBq induced a complete response in 6/7 tumors with no apparent toxic effects. Treatment with 74 kBq induced a partial response in 7/7 tumors, but from 42 d, 6/7 experienced significant regrowth. The 37 kBq group experienced a survival benefit relative to the negative control, but not compared to the positive control group. Conclusion: A single dose of 148 kBq 225Ac-RPS-074 induced a complete response in 86% of tumors, with tumor-to-normal tissue ratios that predict an improved therapeutic index. The use of the macropa chelator enabled quantitative radiolabeling and may facilitate the clinical translation of this promising targeted alpha therapeutic.
Multiple episodes of interbreeding between Neanderthal and modern humans

Neanderthals and anatomically modern humans overlapped geographically for a period of over 30,000 years following human migration out of Africa. During this period, Neanderthals and humans interbred, as evidenced by Neanderthal portions of the genome carried by non-African individuals today. A key observation is that the proportion of Neanderthal ancestry is ~12–20% higher in East Asian individuals relative to European individuals. Here, we explore various demographic models that could explain this observation. These include distinguishing between a single admixture event and multiple Neanderthal contributions to either population, and the hypothesis that reduced Neanderthal ancestry in modern Europeans resulted from more recent admixture with a ghost population that lacked a Neanderthal ancestry component (the ‘dilution’ hypothesis). To summarize the asymmetric pattern of Neanderthal allele frequencies, we compiled the joint fragment frequency spectrum of European and East Asian Neanderthal fragments and compared it with both analytical theory and data simulated under various models of admixture. Using maximum-likelihood and machine learning, we found that a simple model of a single admixture did not fit the empirical data, and instead favour a model of multiple episodes of gene flow into both European and East Asian populations. These findings indicate a longer-term, more complex interaction between humans and Neanderthals than was previously appreciated. Studying the asymmetry in the pattern of Neanderthal introgression in modern human genomes between individuals of East Asian and European ancestry, the authors show recurrent gene flow from Neanderthals into modern humans.
Rehabilitation in the Department of Veterans Affairs Polytrauma System of Care: Historical Perspectives

The purpose of this article is to inform the reader of the historical aspects of the Polytrauma System of Care, understand the solutions that were implemented in addressing the continuum of care needs for service members and veterans, and provide an understanding of ongoing research efforts that will inform future solutions to strategically identified future care needs.
Statements of Mentorship.

The Landis Award for Outstanding Mentorship was created in 2018 by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) to recognize that “mentorship and training are critical to the development of exceptional future scientists” and to honor the legacy of former NINDS Director Story Landis, PhD, in mentoring generations of neuroscientists. I was honored to be nominated by my mentees and then selected by the committee as part of the inaugural group that received the award. While profoundly touched by the recognition, I am the first to admit that in mentoring, my aspirations exceed my capacities or training (and anybody who has worked in my lab will be the second to admit that). My mentorship skills are a work in progress. Yet unlike scientific ideas, which are also “works in progress” that benefit from the critiques of our peers, mentoring approaches seldom benefit from the comments and wisdom of our colleagues and mentees. For example, I must have written, in the 10 years I have been faculty member, dozens of research statements and plans, progress reports, and grants that have all benefited from the collective wisdom of my colleagues and mentees. My science is better for it. Yet, when it comes to one of the most important activities I do, the training of mentees, it was in preparing for the Landis Award that I wrote my very first Statement of Mentorship. To be sure, one could argue that writing a Statement of Mentorship is not necessary or even important to being a good mentor. That the tasks necessary for being a good mentor are self-evident. Some might even argue that the best way to be a good mentor is to focus solely on the scientific ideas, not so much on the individual mentee. Yet I would argue that the …
Posttraumatic cognitions, childhood sexual abuse characteristics, and posttraumatic stress disorder in men who have sex with men.

Abstract Background High rates of experience of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) among in men who have sex with men (MSM) place this population at increased risk for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Objective This study explores how specific characteristics of CSA relate to posttraumatic cognitions (PTCs) and explores the role that specific PTCs play in the relationship between CSA and PTSD in MSM. Methods Two-hundred and ninety MSM completed a CSA interview, the Davidson Trauma Scale, and the Posttraumatic Cognitions Inventory. Results Controlling for sociodemographic factors, CSA involving physical injury and CSA with intense fear were associated with higher levels of PTCs about the self and world, but not with self-blame. We did not find significant associations for CSA involving a family member, CSA with penetration, or duration or frequency of CSA with any subscale on the PTCI. Experiencing CSA for the first time during adolescence was associated with higher self-blame. Analyses revealed that physical injury and intense fear each had indirect effects on PTSD symptoms through negative cognitions about the self and world. First CSA episode during adolescence had an indirect effect on PTSD symptoms through self-blame. CSAs accounted for 16.7% and PTCs accounted for 31.7% of the variance in PTSD, underlining the importance of PTCs. Conclusions Assessing for physical injury, intense fear, and age at first CSA are particularly relevant to PTCs and of critical importance to advancing assessment and treatment strategies for PTSD in MSM.
Ring-assisted Mach-Zehnder interferometer switch with multiple rings per switch element

Wavelength-selective switches have been proposed for datacenter use to enhance their scalability and to help in meeting ever-increasing traffic demands. We have previously demonstrated a 4 × 4 ring-based crossbar silicon photonic switch in which each cross-point contained three ring pairs to partition the free spectral range (FSR) into three equal regions to reduce wavelength tuning range per ring pair— thereby reducing both the tuning power consumption and stress on the rings—while maintaining full routing flexibility. However, the question of scalability remains for the crossbar switch in which 96 signal pads—routed to each ring—are required to fully control it. The pad count scales by 2&#119872;&#119873;2 for an &#119873; × &#119873; switch with &#119872; ring pairs. In this paper we present a 4-port silicon photonic ring-assisted Mach-Zehnder interferometer (RAMZI) switch, fabricated in the AIM Photonics process, with multiple-sized rings per switching elements in a Benes network configuration to reduce the number of electrical pads required to 36 signal pads. The switch is 500μm 3mm in size and is packaged on a custom PCB. In such a switch, the pad count scales by 2&#119872;(&#119873; log2 &#119873; − &#119873;). Another advantage the RAMZI switch has over the crossbar switch is that the loss through the switch is not path-dependent due to its balanced path configuration. In the crossbar switch, the difference between the shortest and longest paths is 2(&#119873; − 1) switching elements.
Hannah Arendt’s machines: Re-Evaluating marketplace theory in the AI era

Artificially intelligent communicators are increasingly influencing human discourse. Algorithms and bots are determining the range and frequency of ideas individuals encounter, ultimately raising q...
Systematic integrated analysis of genetic and epigenetic variation in diabetic kidney disease

Poor metabolic control and host genetic predisposition are critical for diabetic kidney disease (DKD) development. The epigenome integrates information from sequence variations and metabolic alterations. Here, we performed a genome-wide methylome association analysis in 500 subjects with DKD from the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort for DKD phenotypes, including glycemic control, albuminuria, kidney function, and kidney function decline. We show distinct methylation patterns associated with each phenotype. We define methylation variations that are associated with underlying nucleotide variations (methylation quantitative trait loci) and show that underlying genetic variations are important drivers of methylation changes. We implemented Bayesian multitrait colocalization analysis (moloc) and summary data-based Mendelian randomization to systematically annotate genomic regions that show association with kidney function, methylation, and gene expression. We prioritized 40 loci, where methylation and gene-expression changes likely mediate the genotype effect on kidney disease development. Functional annotation suggested the role of inflammation, specifically, apoptotic cell clearance and complement activation in kidney disease development. Our study defines methylation changes associated with DKD phenotypes, the key role of underlying genetic variations driving methylation variations, and prioritizes methylome and gene-expression changes that likely mediate the genotype effect on kidney disease pathogenesis.
Impact of telemedicine on visit attendance for paediatric patients receiving endocrinology specialty care

BackgroundChildren in rural communities often lack access to subspecialty medical care. Telemedicine has the potential to improve access to these services but its effectiveness has not been rigorou...
Rengasvirus, a Circular Replication-Associated Protein-Encoding Single-Stranded DNA Virus-Related Genome That Is a Common Contaminant in Metagenomic Data

We report the genome of a circular replication-associated protein (Rep)-encoding segmented or satellite virus, which we have provisionally named rengasvirus. In metagenomic studies of virus-enriched fractions, rengasvirus was detected widely, including in reagent-negative controls. We thus report this genome to help others recognize a probable contaminating sequence.