cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Detecting Significant Multidimensional Spatial Clusters

Assume a uniform, multidimensional grid of bivariate data, where each cell of the grid has a count ci and a baseline bi. Our goal is to find spatial regions (d-dimensional rectangles) where the ci are significantly higher than expected given bi. We focus on two applications: detection of clusters of disease cases from epidemiological data (emergency department visits, over-the-counter drug sales), and discovery of regions of increased brain activity corresponding to given cognitive tasks (from fMRI data). Each of these problems can be solved using a spatial scan statistic (Kulldorff, 1997), where we compute the maximum of a likelihood ratio statistic over all spatial regions, and find the significance of this region by randomization. However, computing the scan statistic for all spatial regions is generally computationally infeasible, so we introduce a novel fast spatial scan algorithm, generalizing the 2D scan algorithm of (Neill and Moore, 2004) to arbitrary dimensions. Our new multidimensional multiresolution algorithm allows us to find spatial clusters up to 1400x faster than the naive spatial scan, without any loss of accuracy.
Pond history as a source of error in fish culture experiments: a quantitative assessment using covariate analysis

Knud-Hansen, C.F., 1992. Pond history as a source of error in fish culture experiments: a quantitative assessment using covariate analysis. Aquaculture, 105: 2 1-36. Nine successive 5-month experiments, which examined relationships between fertilization strategies (with chicken manure, triple superphosphate and urea), water quality and yields of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niioticus), took place from February 1985 through March 1990 in 16 earthen ponds at the Ayutthaya Freshwater Fisheries Center, Bang Sai. Thailand. Over the course of these experiments, randomization of treatments resulted in all ponds having different fertilization histories. Analysis of covariance was used to quantify the carry-over effects of nutrient inputs from earlier experiments on experimental errors in Experiment 9. Analyses of variance indicated that the residual (experimental error) accounted for approximately 39% of the total variation of net fish yield (NFT) observed in Experiment 9. Covariate analysis revealed that residuals were most significantly correlated to accumulated chicken manure input from Experiments 5 through 8. Previous pond fertilizations accounted for approximately 49% of total experimental variation in NN observed in Experiment 9. Multiple linear regression analysis, using treatment inputs and the pond history covariate as the two independent variables to explain NFY, gave an r2=0.75 (PiO.OO1). Pond sediment chemistry data proved to be ineffective as covariates for reducing experimental error and/or predicting NFY. Reasons for the positive effect of earlier experiments on NN most likely involved the inverse relationship between the ability of pond sediments to remove soluble phosphorus from overlying water, and the accumulation of organic matter and phosphorus on pond bottoms. Pond management considerations and recommendations for fish culture experiments are given to better account for betweenpond variability due to different fertilization histories.
Inability of Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells To Directly Lyse HIV-Infected Autologous CD4+ T Cells despite Induction of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand

The function of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDC) in chronic human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection remains controversial with regard to its potential for sustained alpha interferon (IFN-α) production and induction of PDC-dependent tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-mediated cytotoxicity of HIV-infected cells. We address these areas by a study of chronically HIV-1-infected subjects followed through antiretroviral therapy (ART) interruption and by testing PDC cytolytic function against autologous HIV-infected CD4+ T cells. Rebound in viremia induced by therapy interruption showed a positive association between TRAIL and viral load or T-cell activation, but comparable levels of plasma IFN-α/β were found in viremic ART-treated and control subjects. While PDC from HIV-infected subjects expressed less interferon regulator factor 7 (IRF-7) and produced significantly less IFN-α upon Toll-like receptor 7/9 (TLR7/9) engagement than controls, membrane TRAIL expression in PDC from HIV+ subjects was increased. Moreover, no significant increase in death receptor 5 (DR5) expression was seen in CD4+ T cells from viremic HIV+ subjects compared to controls or following in vitro infection/exposure to infectious and noninfectious virus or exogenous IFN-α, respectively. Although activated PDC killed the DR5-expressing HIV-infected Sup-T1 cell line, PDC did not lyse primary autologous HIV+ CD4+ T cells yet could provide accessory help for NK cells in killing HIV-infected autologous CD4+ T cells. Taken together, our data show a lack of sustained high levels of soluble IFN-α in chronic HIV-1 infection in vivo and document a lack of direct PDC cytolytic activity against autologous infected or uninfected CD4+ T cells.
EXAMINATION OF STEROID-INDUCED CHANGES IN LHRH GENE TRANSCRIPTION USING 33P- AND 35S-LABELED PROBES SPECIFIC FOR INTRON 2

We previously demonstrated that estrogen, but not progesterone, induces a increase in LHRH messenger RNA levels between 0800 and 1200 h in numerous of the rostral preoptic area/organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis (rPOA/OVLT). To determine whether these changes are a result of increased transcription, we used in situ hybridization histochemistry to examine the temporal effects of estradiol (E2) and progesterone on cellular levels of intron-2-containing LHRH heteronuclear RNA transcripts. To make our method sufficiently sensitive to detect changes in these levels, we used 33P/35S probes to minimize both background and grain stacking over labeled cell nuclei. We found that levels of LHRH heteronuclear RNA rose between 0800 and 1000 in OVX, E2-treated rats, remained elevated at 1200 h, and declined by 1400 h. Progesterone did not affect these E2-induced changes. Our results suggest that an E2-dependent signal initiates LHRH gene transcription in neurons of the rPOA/OVLT hours before LHRH release begins and that progesterone does not affect this signal.
Advances in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer: molecular markers take the stage.

Increasing evidence that non-small cell lung cancer is a systemic disease from the outset confirms the rationale for adjuvant chemotherapy. However, clinical trial evidence of benefit is still awaited. The position is clearer in the case of neoadjuvant therapy because long-term follow up of two trials now shows that patients randomized to chemotherapy before surgery were significantly more likely to survive to 5 years than patients treated with surgery alone. Early data suggest that neoadjuvant chemotherapy based on docetaxel (Taxotere; Aventis, Antony, France) (possibly used sequentially with other agents) may be as effective as older regimens and better tolerated. Because p53 status influences the expression of microtubule-associated proteins and hence the sensitivity of a tumor to taxanes, it is possible that molecular markers could be used to customize chemotherapy to individual patients. Generally, it is becoming clearer that molecular staging is a more sensitive means of demonstrating tumor dissemination than light microscopy. The Cancer and Leukemia Group B is undertaking a prospective study using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction to detect MUC-I RNA in bone marrow and hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes removed at resection with the aim of distinguishing between stage I patients likely to remain disease-free for long periods and those at high risk of relapse. A study of small cell lung cancer is using automated fluorescence microscopy to detect keratin-positive cells in the marrow and blood of patients who have a complete response to initial therapy but are nevertheless at high overall risk of relapse. The identification of genetic lesions in a high proportion of patients with non-small cell lung cancer may guide the development of new therapies aimed at increasing rates of apoptosis among tumor cells.
Factors to consider in the rehabilitation aspect of burn care.

The rehabilitation of an individual with burns presents a formidable challenge to physical therapists. Early physical therapy intervention and prevention of joint deformity is the key to maximal functional recovery. Throughout the period of rehabilitation, the frequent changes of a patient's condition may require a process of ongoing evaluation and appropriate adjustments in the physical therapy program. This article identifies factors that contribute to the loss of functional mobility and discusses considerations for treatment. An awareness and understanding of the problems commonly encountered during the care of a patient with burns may assist physical therapists in anticipating potential loss of function and in planning a proactive rather than a reactive treatment program.
Differential effects of 11-ketotestosterone on dimorphic traits in a teleost with alternative male reproductive morphs

Species with dimorphic males typically have one morph (type I) associated with territoriality and courtship, and another morph (type II) associated with cuckoldry. In teleost fishes, type I males generally have higher levels of the androgen 11-ketotestosterone (KT) than type II males. Is KT causal to phenotypic differences between morphs? We investigated this question in the midshipman fish (Porichthys notatus) in which type I males have detectable levels of KT during the breeding season, whereas levels in type II males are usually undetectable. Type I midshipman will either cuckold or hold territories and court females, whereas type II males are only known to cuckold. Acoustic courtship by type I's is supported by the sonic motor nucleus, which innervates a sound-producing sonic muscle. Type I males have larger sonic motor nuclei and larger sonic muscles than type II males, consistent with the more dynamic vocal repertoire of type I's. Here, we tested whether intraperitoneal KT implants in adult type II males would induce type I male-like traits in brain, sonic muscle, and behavior. Type II's treated with KT did not differ from blank-implanted type II's in sonic motor nucleus volume. Sonic muscle mass increased in KT-implanted type II's, but did not reach the relative mass naturally observed in type I's. While neither territoriality nor courtship were induced, cuckoldry behavior intensified in KT-implanted type II's. Thus, for some but not all characters, KT exaggerated the expression of already existing type II male traits rather than inducing the type I male-like traits of territoriality, courtship, and an expansive vocal motor system.
Treating the Mare with Placentitis: A Clinical Approach

Abstract Placentitis is a challenging condition in the mare to both diagnose and treat. The identification of clinical signs, use of ultrasonography, and interpretation of laboratory values (serum progestin and mammary secretion electrolytes) will be described. Current therapies for treating placental infections will be discussed. In addition, recommendations for managing the postpartum mare and neonate will be provided.
Futility, Autonomy, and Cost in End‐of‐Life Care

This paper uses the controversy over the denial of care on futility grounds as a window into the broader issue of the role of cost in decisions about treatment near the end of life. The focus is on a topic that has not received the attention it deserves: the difference between refusing medical treatment and demanding it. The author discusses health care reform and the ethics of cost control, arguing that we cannot achieve universal access to quality care at affordable care without better public understanding of the moral legitimacy of taking cost into account in health care decisions, even decisions at the end of life.
Market imperative meets normative power: Human rights and European arms transfer policy:

Arms transfers are both an economic necessity for the European arms industry and a potential obstacle for the EU’s emerging normative power role. Nevertheless, research on how well EU members’ arms...
The Health Effects of Work‐based Welfare

Purpose: To identify effects of work-based welfare on the health and well-being of participants. Data included the needs and experiences of people in the work-based welfare program. Design: The population for this qualitative study was adults enrolled in the work-based welfare program in a large urban community in the U.S. Midwest. The sample was 34 women who were enrolled in this program. The interview settings were an inner-city adult education center, an inner-city church, a subsidized housing development, or homes of participants. Data were collected between July 1999 and June 2000. Methods: Snowball sampling was used to identify participants. Instruments used for this report were a semi-structured interview guide, a demographic data sheet, and the General Wellbeing Schedule. Findings: The human costs to people enrolled in work-based welfare included anxiety and depression as well as negative effects on health and well-being. Participants also reported positive effects on well-being and empowerment. Conclusions: The findings indicate the complex interplay of the socioeconomic environment, mental and physical health, and the well-being of families. The women's perceptions of the effects that welfare policy has had on them and their families indicate the need for a broader response to poverty than the largely economic response of work-based welfare.
Global Perspectives on Mobile Learning in Home Economics/Family and Consumer Sciences

The purpose was to explore and examine factors that influence the use of mobile technology for learning by Home Economics/Family and Consumer Sciences (HE/FCS) educators and their current use of mobile technology. Mobile learning offers opportunities for HE/FCS educators to extend their influence globally. An online survey was distributed to HE/FCS professionals all around the world. The sample consisted of 60 professionals from 12 countries. Confidence levels of participants were moderately high in learning and adopting new technology. Although participants believed that mobile learning could improve access to resources, they were less confident in their ability to implement and use mobile learning in their teaching.
Transient localized accumulation of actin in Caenorhabditis elegans blastomeres with oriented asymmetric divisions

During Caenorhabditis elegans embryogenesis, specific cells in the P1 lineage rotate their duplicated centrosome pair onto the anterior-posterior axis; this rotation is correlated with and necessary for a differential inheritance of cytoplasmic determinants in the daughter cells. Centrosome pair rotation is sensitive to inhibitors of actin and microtubule polymerization and may require microtubule attachment to a specific cortical site. We show that actin and the barbed-end binding protein, capping protein, transiently accumulate at this cortical site, possibly by assembly onto persistent remnants of previous cell divisions. Based on these observations, we propose a model for the molecular basis of centrosome rotation that is consistent with the dependence of rotation on actin filaments and microtubules.
Inducible expression of erythrocyte band 3 protein.

A permanent cell line with inducible expression of the human anion exchanger protein 1 (hAE1) was constructed in a derivative of human embryonic kidney cells (HEK-293). In the absence of the induce...
Required to Report Misconduct

Should Kentucky lawyers be required to report the misdeeds of other lawyers? Lawyers in forty-six states and the District of Columbia must report. Most of these jurisdictions have required lawyers to report the misdeeds of other lawyers since at least the 1970s. Until 1990 the ethics rules in effect in Kentucky required Kentucky lawyers to report the misdeeds of other lawyers. In contrast, the Kentucky Bar Association (KBA) Board of Governors has recommended to the Kentucky Supreme Court that it adopt an aspirational rule, not a rule requiring lawyers to report. This article examines the arguments in favor and against a mandatory reporting requirement for lawyers.
Regulation of pool size of bile acids in man.

Various components of the enterohepatic circulation were investigated in 33 subjects to determine their effects on bile acid pool size. The pool size and secretion rates of bile acids were measured using an intestinal perfusion method, and bile acid synthesis was determined by fecal excretion. From these measurements, cycling frequency of the pool and intestinal absorption of bile acids were calculated. Results were analyzed for the group as a whole and for four subgroups based on incremental pool sizes (1 to 2 g, 2 to 3 g, 3 to 4 g, and > 4 g). Factors that should regulate pool size are synthesis, absorption efficiency, and cycling frequency of the pool. In subjects with relatively low pools, steady state synthesis and absorption of bile acids were not reduced. However, two other factors appeared especially important in keeping pool sizes in the lower ranges —a high cycling frequency and overly sensitive feedback inhibition of bile acid synthesis. First, there was a significant inverse correlation between cycling frequency and pool size. Theoretically, a high cycling frequency should reduce pools in two ways —by suppressing synthesis and by increasing fecal losses. Second, in patients with low pools, transhepatic flux of bile acids was also reduced, and daily synthesis of bile acid, although being in the same range as those with larger pools, was inappropriate for the magnitude of the flux. With this overactive feedback on bile synthesis, these patients were unable to increase their bile acid synthesis to supranormal levels so as to cause a reexpansion of the pool to higher levels.
Measurement of the multi-photon absorption and nonlinear refraction spectra in PTS from 800 to 1600 nm

Since the first measurements of large nonlinear optical coefficients in -π-electron conjugated systems, such materials have been studied for all-optical applications.' Single crystal PTS seems to offer a very large n2.2 Often, however, associated with a large n2, is strong two photon absorption, which can limit a material’s usefulness for all-optical devices. We report the first picosecond pulse, tunable, multi-photon absorption coefficient and nonlinear refraction measurements on single crystal samples of PTS. The complete spectra yield the two photon resonances obtained from near-resonant to off-resonant conditions. The resonant structure, in turn, reveals the locations of the two-photon states and unveils spectral regions where the two-photon figure of merit, T, may he suitable for all-optical switching.
Identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL) for fruit-quality traits and number of weeks of flowering in the cultivated strawberry

Fruit quality and repeat flowering are two major foci of several strawberry breeding programs. The identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL) and molecular markers linked to these traits could improve breeding efficiency. In this work, an F1 population derived from the cross ‘Delmarvel’ × ‘Selva’ was used to develop a genetic linkage map for QTL analyses of fruit-quality traits and number of weeks of flowering. Some QTL for fruit-quality traits were identified on the same homoeologous groups found in previous studies, supporting trait association in multiple genetic backgrounds and utility in multiple breeding programs. None of the QTL for soluble solids colocated with a QTL for titratable acids, and, although the total soluble solid contents were significantly and positively correlated with titratable acids, the correlation coefficient value of 0.2452 and independence of QTL indicate that selection for high soluble solids can be practiced independently of selection for low acidity. One genomic region associated with the total number of weeks of flowering was identified quantitatively on LG IV-S-1. The most significant marker, FxaACAO2I8C-145S, explained 43.3 % of the phenotypic variation. The repeat-flowering trait, scored qualitatively, mapped to the same region as the QTL. Dominance of the repeat-flowering allele was demonstrated by the determination that the repeat-flowering parent was heterozygous. This genomic region appears to be the same region identified in multiple mapping populations and testing environments. Markers linked in multiple populations and testing environments to fruit-quality traits and repeat flowering should be tested widely for use in marker-assisted breeding.
Fostering Organizational Change through Co-Designing Collaborative Media

It is widely accepted within the fields of Design and Human-Computer Interaction that designing products in collaboration with end users can lead to more useful, usable, and desirable products. Less explored is the co-design process's potential to change organizational culture through introduction and illustration of its central principles at work: such as prioritizing participants needs and experiences; mutual learning; and sustainability into organizations' practices and processes. This poster presents a case study on how the process of co-designing a collaborative digital application introduced change within the processes and practices of an autism support service organization in the US towards a human-centered approach.
Clinical presentation and echocardiographic characteristics of Uhl's anomaly

Uhl's anomaly is a rare cardiac malformation that results in partial or complete absence of the right ventricular myocardium. It most commonly presents in prenatal or newborn infants; however, it may also be found in some adults as advanced right-sided heart failure. Differential diagnoses include arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia and Ebstein's anomaly. Herein, we describe the clinical presentation of Uhl's anomaly in a previously undiagnosed middle-aged adult, and review the echocardiographic criteria used to diagnose and differentiate this rare, albeit important, myocardial disorder.
Type-II superlattice unipolar barrier infrared detectors

Recent material and device architecture development have led to significant advances in III-V semiconductor infrared detectors and focal plane arrays. We provide an overview of high-performance type-II superlattice based unipolar barrier infrared detectors.
Compressibility of Sands of Various Geologic Origins at Pre-crushing Stress Levels

This study quantifies the influence of various intrinsic soil properties including particle roundness, R, sphericity, S, 50% size by weight, D 50, coefficient of uniformity, C u, and the state property of relative density, D r, on the compression and recompression indices, C c and C r, of sands of various geologic origins at pre-crushing stress levels. Twenty-four sands exhibiting a wide range of particle shapes, gradations, and geologic origins were collected for the study. The particle shapes were determined using a computational geometry algorithm which allows characterization of a statistically large number of particles in specimens. One dimensional oedometer tests were performed on the soils. The new data was augmented with many previously published results. Through statistical analyses, simple functional relationships are developed for C c and C r. In both cases, the models utilized only R and D r since other intrinsic properties proved to have lesser direct influence on the compression indices. However, previous studies showed that the contributions of S and C u are felt through their effects on index packing void ratios and thus on D r. The accuracy of the models was confirmed by comparison of predicted and observed C c and C r values.
The Impact of Innovation and the Role of IP Rights on U.S. Productivity, Competitiveness, Jobs, Wages and Exports

Intellectual property rights and innovation are primary drivers of job creation and American economic growth. IP-intensive industries — such as life sciences, software, and aerospace — are succeeding globally, driving innovation, and investing heavily in research and development; this in turn grows the economy by creating jobs and driving exports in a variety of different careers and trades.
Single-Tone Optical Frequency Shifting and Nonmagnetic Optical Isolation by Electro-Optical Emulation of a Rotating Half-Wave Plate in a Traveling-Wave Lithium Niobate Waveguide

In this paper, we demonstrate a frequency shifter at 780 nm based on an X -cut Z -propagating lithium niobate waveguide platform with an isotropic orientation. The electro-optic effect modulates the signal with traveling-wave configuration. The frequency-shifting device emulates a rotating half-wave plate when it converts left circular polarized input light to right circular polarized output light and changes the original optical frequency by its modulation frequency. We characterize the device by conducting the polarization conversion experiment and achieve the frequency shift at up to 2 GHz and more than 20 dB extinction ratio. The device needs 30 dBm RF power to perform a frequency shift with high extinction ratio. With the same device, we also demonstrate optical isolation with 18.5 dB extinction ratio.
Approximate Matching of Network Expressions with Spacers

We present two algorithmic results pertinent to the matching of patterns of interest in macromolecular sequences. The first result is an output sensitive algorithm for approximately matching network expressions, i.e., regular expressions without Kleene closure. This result generalizes the O(kn) expected-time algorithm of Ukkonen for approximately matching keywords [Ukk85]. The second result concerns the problem of matching a pattern that is a network expression whose elements are approximate matches to network expressions interspersed with specifiable distance ranges. For this class of patterns, it is shown how to determine a backtracking procedure whose order of evaluation is optimal in the sense that its expected time is minimal over all such procedures.
Fission Nuclear Power Plants for Renewable Energy Source

In this chapter, the history of nuclear power plant is presented, and need for nuclear power plant for production of electricity is argued. The foundation has been structured and consequently some technology of ongoing research that makes production of electricity from the nuclear power plant more cost-effective. For the nuclear reactors to be more comparative with fossil and gas fuel power plants, they need to be as efficient as the traditional power plants are, when it comes to output thermal efficiency. As this chapter suggests, utilizing the combined cycles to drive and produce electricity via nuclear fuel makes more sense to own them from return on investment, total cost of ownership, and efficient for their owners, namely, electricity companies. Results of modeling a combined cycle Brayton-Rankine power conversion system are presented in this chapter and based model reactor for this purpose was chosen to be the molten salt reactor type. The Rankine bottoming cycle appears to offer significant advantages over the recuperated Brayton cycle. The overall cycle in the modeling for purpose of writing this chapter was optimized as a unit, and lower pressure Rankine systems did seem to be more efficient. The combined cycle requires a lot less circulating water for a heat dump than current power plants. The Rankine bottoming cycle appears to offer significant advantages over the recuperated Brayton cycle as part of computer simulation written by this author. The overall cycle was optimized as a unit, and lower pressure Rankine systems seem to be more efficient. The combined cycle requires a lot less circulating water for a heat dump than current power plants. Molten salt reactors and lead-cooled reactors have been extended to temperatures typical of liquid metal-cooled fast reactors. A split compressor with intercooler has been added to the Brayton cycle that serves as a “feed water heater” for the steam bottoming cycle as part of computer simulation. Adding this component to the system provides about a 3% increase in efficiency. For the purpose of simplicity, an in-house computer code was developed, where the consideration was on the steady-state situation; however a more sophisticated computer code is needed, which will take the transient approach under consideration for better accuracy and optimization of these analysis.
PsrA controls the synthesis of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa quinolone signal via repression of the FadE homolog, PA0506

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a ubiquitous, Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen that can cause disease in various sites within the human body. This bacterium is a major source of nosocomial infections that are often difficult to treat due to high intrinsic antibiotic resistance and coordinated virulence factor production. P. aeruginosa utilizes three cell-to-cell signaling systems to regulate numerous genes in response to cell density. One of these systems utilizes the small molecule 2-heptyl-3-hydroxy-4-quinolone (Pseudomonas quinolone signal [PQS]) as a signal that acts as a co-inducer for the transcriptional regulator PqsR. Quinolone signaling is required for virulence in multiple infection models, and PQS is produced during human infections, making this system an attractive target for potential drug development. In this study we have examined the role of a TetR-type transcriptional regulator, PsrA, in the regulation of PQS production by P. aeruginosa. Previous studies showed that PsrA regulates genes of the fatty acid β-oxidation pathway, including PA0506, which encodes a FadE homolog. In this report, we show that deletion of psrA resulted in a large decrease in PQS production and that co-deletion of PA0506 allowed PQS production to be restored to a wild type level. We also found that PQS production could be restored to the psrA mutant by the addition of oleic or octanoic acid. Taken together, our data suggest that psrA positively affects PQS production by repressing the transcription of PA0506, which leads to a decrease in the conversion of acyl-CoA compounds to enoyl-CoA compounds, thereby allowing some octanoyl-CoA to escape the s-oxidation pathway and serve as a PQS precursor.
Differences and Similarities in Forgiveness Seeking Across Childhood and Adolescence.

The current study examines age-related differences and similarities in forgiveness seeking. Students in third, seventh, and 12th grade imagined themselves committing various transgressions and the ...
Caught in the act: Incipient speciation across a latitudinal gradient in a semifossorial mammal from Madagascar, the mole tenrec Oryzorictes hova (Tenrecidae)

Abstract Madagascar is one of the world’s foremost biodiversity hotspots, yet a large portion of its flora and fauna remains undescribed and the driving forces of in situ diversification are not well understood. Recent studies have identified a widespread, latitudinally structured phylogeographic pattern in Madagascar’s humid-forest mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and insects. Several factors may be driving this pattern, namely biogeographic barriers (i.e., rivers or valleys) or past episodes of forest contraction and expansion. In this study, we describe the phylogeographic structure of the small, semifossorial mammal Oryzorictes hova, one of Madagascar’s two species of mole tenrec, found throughout Madagascar’s eastern humid forest belt, from high-elevation montane forest to low-elevation forests, as well as disturbed habitat such as rice fields. Using one mitochondrial locus, four nuclear loci, and 31 craniomandibular measurements, we identified three distinct populations of O. hova associated with the northern, central, and southern regions of the island. We found little evidence of gene flow among these populations, so we treated each population as a potential species. We validated species limits using two Bayesian methods: BP&P, employing only DNA sequence data, and iBPP using both DNA and morphological data, and we assessed whether these methods are susceptible to producing false positive errors. Molecular and morphological data support the recognition of each of the three populations of O. hova as distinct species, but formal species descriptions will require additional data from type specimens. This study illustrates the importance of using integrative datasets, multiple methodological approaches, and extensive geographic sampling for species delimitation and adds evidence for a widespread phylogeographic pattern in Madagascar’s humid forest taxa.
Nuclear safety at a waste examination and assay facility

This paper discusses the impact of the Price Anderson Amendments Act (PAAA) of 1988 and the new U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) nuclear safety requirements on operations at the Waste Examination and Assay Facility (WEAF). The WEAF is located at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The primary function of the WEAF is to perform nondestructive examination and assay of the contents of waste containers containing contact-handled transuranic (CH-TRU) wastes, CH-TRU mixed wastes, and low-level waste (LLW).
Immune-mediated modulation of sarcoplasmic reticulum function in human dilated cardiomyopathy.

Calcium transport by the cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum is depressed in human dilated cardiomyopathy, but the mechanisms involved are not clear. The possible involvement of immunological mechanisms was explored by evaluating the effect of sera from 49 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy on oxalate-facilitated Ca2 + uptake. In 14 of these patients, serum or IgG induced a time- and concentration-dependent decline (29 ± 4% at 100-fold serum dilution) in Ca 2+ transport. In 14 patients, autoantibodies against the -adrenoceptor were also demonstrated by a ligand binding inhibition assay. Serum from these patients inhibited the isoproterenol-mediated stimulation of Ca2+ uptake in permeabilized cardiac myocytes, but did not prevent the effect of protein kinase A. Anti-β-receptor antibodies were present in 50% of the sera inhibiting Ca2 + uptake compared to 20% of those without inhibitory activity, (p < 0.01). There was a strong correlation between the inhibition of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ transport and the HLA-DR4 phenotype (78% compared to 30% in patients with no inhibitory effect). These results suggest that immunological mechanisms play an important role in modifying sarcoplasmic reticulum function in about a third of the patients with detailed cardiomyopathy.
Learning Vehicle Surrounding-aware Lane-changing Behavior from Observed Trajectories

Predicting lane-changing intentions has long been a very active area of research in the autonomous driving community. However, most of the literature has focused on individual vehicles and did not consider both the neighbor information and the accumulated effects of vehicle history trajectories when making the predictions. We propose to apply a surrounding-aware LSTM algorithm for predicting the intention of a vehicle to perform a lane change that takes advantage of both vehicle past trajectories and their neighbor’s current states. We trained the model on real-world lane changing data and were able to show in simulation that these two components can lead not only to higher accuracy, but also to earlier lane-changing prediction time, which plays an important role in potentially improving the autonomous vehicle’s overall performance.
Use of perioperative epidural analgesia among Medicare patients undergoing hepatic and pancreatic surgery

Abstract Background We sought to characterize epidural analgesia (EA) use among Medicare patients undergoing hepatopancreatic (HP) procedures, identify factors associated with EA use and asses perioperative outcomes. Methods Patients undergoing HP surgery were identified using the Inpatient Standard Analytic Files. Logistic regression was utilized to identify factors associated with EA receipt, and assess associations of EA with in-hospital outcomes and Medicare expenditures. Results Among 20,562 patients included in the study, 6.7% (n =1362) had EA. There was no difference in the odds of complications (OR 1.05, 95% CI 0.93–1.19) or blood transfusions (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.79–1.03) with EA versus conventional analgesia (CA). The odds of prolonged LOS (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.03–1.30) were higher with EA; the odds of in-hospital mortality were higher with conventional analgesia (OR 1.90, 95% CI 1.28–2.83). Medicare payments for liver surgery were comparable among EA ($19,500) versus conventional analgesia ($19,300, p = 0.85) and slightly higher for EA ($23,600) versus conventional analgesia ($22,000, p Conclusion EA utilization among Medicare patients undergoing HP was low. While EA was not associated with morbidity, it resulted in an average additional one day LOS and slightly higher expenditures in pancreatic surgery.
Favorable long-term toxicity for salvage low-dose rate prostate brachytherapy for recurrent prostate cancer after external beam radiotherapy from a phase II prospective trial (NRG Oncology/RTOG 0526).

External beam radiotherapy (EBRT) is the most commonly employed non-surgical treatment for prostate cancer in the modern era (1). Local recurrence of prostate cancer after EBRT occurs in up to 15% of patients (2-4). Local recurrence is not only common and often symptomatic, but is also a risk factor for developing distant disease. Dose-escalated EBRT reduced local recurrence risk and need for salvage local therapy in a large Phase III trial (5); however, local recurrence after EBRT remains an important problem. The morbidity and mortality associated with local failure suggests a possible role for local salvage therapies for appropriately selected patients (6,7).
Hydrocarbon long-range interaction coefficients from point charge model formulae

Two-body interaction coefficientsC6 andd4 and the three-body coefficient γ3 are calculated for interactions between like species for a variety of hydrocarbons. Three different point charge models are employed and results are similar when Frost model Lewis set wavefunctions are used and in agreement with other literature values where available. We also consider simple Slater-Kirkwood type formulae for the coefficients and it turns out that very similar results to theab initio model values are found ford4. The formulae can also be used in conjunction with molecular fragment wavefunctions.
Translating Neurobiology into Practice in Tobacco, Alcohol, Drug, and Behavioral Addictions

Abstract Addiction is a major public health problem in the United States, accounting for significant morbidity and mortality. Drugs of abuse produce neuroplasticity changes in the brain that profoundly alter how the brain experiences and responds to rewarding and stressful situations and stimuli. These changes in brain plasticity and the resultant endophenotypes are relatively well characterized, and current pharmacotherapy for addiction is largely directed towards blocking craving and mitigating binge use, but does not address changes in reward threshold (e.g., anhedonia) or negative affective states that are characteristic of addictive disorders and often drive recidivism. Translational research towards drug development should thus focus on directly targeting anhedonic and negative affect states.
Ketamine Administration During Hospitalization Is Not Associated With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Outcomes in Military Combat Casualties: A Matched Cohort Study

Background Ketamine is routinely used within the context of combat casualty care. Despite early concerns that ketamine administration may be associated with elevated risk of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), more recent evidence suggests no relationship. Because PTSD occurs with regular frequency in Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom (OIF/OEF) Service Members (SMs) and combat-related injuries are associated with higher likelihood of PTSD, it is important to investigate the relationship between ketamine exposure during inpatient medical and surgical care and PTSD symptoms in OIF/OEF SMs. Methods Medical record data from OIF/OEF SMs medically evacuated from combat (N = 1158) included demographic characteristics, injury severity, body areas injured, and PTSD Checklist (PCL) scores. The primary analysis assessed the association between ketamine versus nonketamine exposure on positive PTSD screen (logistic regression) and PCL scores (linear regression) after using 1:1 propensity score matching to adjust for available potential confounding variables. Because there were 2 primary outcomes, the binary positive PTSD screen (yes/no) and continuous PCL score, the significance level was set at P ≤ .025. In sensitivity analyses, propensity scores were used to match ketamine to nonketamine records in a 1:4 ratio, as well as to conduct inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW). Regressions examining the relationship between ketamine exposure and outcomes were repeated for unconditional, 1:4 matching, and IPTW models. Results In the sample, 107 received ketamine and 1051 did not. In the logistic regression, the probability of a positive PTSD screen was not significantly different between ketamine versus nonketamine patients (odds ratio [OR] = 1.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.48-3.47; P = .62). In the linear regression, PCL scores were not significantly different between ketamine versus nonketamine patients (mean difference = 1.98 [95% CI, -0.99 to 4.96]; P = .19). The results were consistent in the unconditional, 1:4 matching, and IPTW models. Conclusions No differences in PTSD screening risk or symptom levels between ketamine exposed and nonexposed were found. Given the small sample size, wide CIs of the effects, and additional confounds inherent to retrospective studies, future studies are needed to examine the complex relationships between ketamine and psychological symptoms.
Should Clinicians Use Chloroquine or Hydroxychloroquine Alone or in Combination With Azithromycin for the Prophylaxis or Treatment of COVID-19? Living Practice Points From the American College of Physicians (Version 1).

Should clinicians use chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine alone or in combination with azithromycin for prophylaxis against and treatment of COVID-19?
Low renal transplantation rates in children with end‐stage kidney disease: A study of barriers in a low‐resource setting

After 2 decades as a low-cost transplant centre in India, our rates of kidney transplantation are low compared to the burden of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). We performed this study to identify possible barriers inhibiting paediatric kidney transplant and to assess the outcomes of paediatric ESKD. A retrospective chart review of ESKD patients (2013 - 2018) at a tertiary paediatric nephrology centre was conducted. Medical/non-medical barriers to transplant were noted. Patient outcomes were classified as "continued treatment," "lost to follow-up (LTFU)" or "died." Of 155 ESKD patients (monthly income 218 USD [146, 365], 94% self-pay), only 30 (19%) were transplanted (28 living donor). Sixty-five (42%) were LTFU, 19 (12%) died, and 71 (46%) continued treatment. LTFU/death was associated with greater travel distance (300 km [60, 400] vs 110 km [20, 250] km, P < .0001) and lower monthly income (145 USD [101, 290] vs 290 USD [159, 681], P < .0001). Among those who continued treatment, 41 proceeded to transplant evaluation of whom 13 had no living donor and remained waitlisted for 27 months (15, 30). The remainder (n = 30) did not proceed to transplant due to unresolved medical issues (n = 10) or a lack of parental interest in pursuing transplant (n = 20). Barriers to transplantation in low-resource setting begin in ESKD. LTFU resulted in withdrawal of care and was associated with low socioeconomic status. Among those who continued treatment, transplant rates were higher but medical challenges and negative attitudes towards transplant and organ donation occurred.
Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid review in acute promyelocytic leukemia differentiation syndrome

The patient was a 62-year-old Caucasian man with blood smear and flow cytometry concerning for acute promyelocytic leukemia with FISH ultimately confirming PML-RARA translocation. He had a 30-year history of employment at a nuclear power plant. He presented with diffuse intravascular coagulation, hyperleukocytosis, and quickly developed acute respiratory distress syndrome. On day four of ATRA + Hydrea, a bronchoalveolar lavage was performed and was non-bloody. On microscopic fluid review, abnormal immature cells with bilobed nuclear contours were identified, similar in morphology to those seen on the diagnostic blood smear review, amidst background alveolar-type macrophages. Subsequent flow cytometric analysis showed these cells to be abnormal promyelocytes; however, they differed from the blood flow cytometry study performed prior to initiation of ATRA by showing maturational immunophenotypic changes. While the leukemic promyelocytes on bronchoalveolar lavage were morphologically immature, these immunophenotypic changes somewhat recapitulated those seen in normal granulocyte maturation and were thus suggestive of so-called differentiation syndrome. Unfortunately, the patient passed away during induction chemotherapy due to complications from diffuse intravascular coagulation and differentiation syndrome. Important pathobiological information can be gathered from fluid review and concomitant flow cytometric analysis.
Ocular Blood Flow in Preterm Neonates: A Preliminary Report

Purpose Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a vision-threatening complication occurring in pre-term neonates. The standard of care entails regular monitoring by dilated ophthalmoscopy examinations, which entail stress and potential morbidity. In this pilot study, we used plane-wave ultrasound (PWUS) to image, measure, and assess the association of blood-flow velocities in the retrobulbar vessels with ROP stages ranging from stage 0 (immature vessels without ROP) to stage 3. Methods Both eyes of 14 preterm neonates at risk for ROP were examined by 18 MHz PWUS. All but two subjects had a follow-up examination. PWUS was acquired for 1.5 seconds at 3000 compound B-scans/sec. Data were postprocessed to form color-flow images and spectrograms depicting flow velocity in the central retinal artery (CRA), central retinal vein (CRV), and the short posterior ciliary arteries (SPCA). Flow parameters derived from spectrograms were compared by ROP stage. Results ROP stage was found to correlate with flow velocities. Velocities were significantly elevated with respect to non-ROP eyes in all vessels at stage 3 and in the SPCAs at stage 2. Conclusions PWUS measurement of blood flow may provide a quantitative, clinically important, and easily tolerated means for detecting and assessing the risk of ROP in preterm neonates. We speculate that the observed increase in flow velocity results from elevated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in ROP eyes. Translational relevance PWUS offers a gentle, nonmydriatic method for monitoring neonates at risk for ROP that would complement ophthalmoscopy.