cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A reduce and replace strategy for suppressing vector-borne diseases: insights from a stochastic, spatial model.

Two basic strategies have been proposed for using transgenic Aedes aegypti mosquitoes to decrease dengue virus transmission: population reduction and population replacement. Here we model releases of a strain of Ae. aegypti carrying both a gene causing conditional adult female mortality and a gene blocking virus transmission into a wild population to assess whether such releases could reduce the number of competent vectors. We find this “reduce and replace” strategy can decrease the frequency of competent vectors below 50% two years after releases end. Therefore, this combined approach appears preferable to releasing a strain carrying only a female-killing gene, which is likely to merely result in temporary population suppression. However, the fixation of anti-pathogen genes in the population is unlikely. Genetic drift at small population sizes and the spatially heterogeneous nature of the population recovery after releases end prevent complete replacement of the competent vector population. Furthermore, releasing more individuals can be counter-productive in the face of immigration by wild-type mosquitoes, as greater population reduction amplifies the impact wild-type migrants have on the long-term frequency of the anti-pathogen gene. We expect the results presented here to give pause to expectations for driving an anti-pathogen construct to fixation by relying on releasing individuals carrying this two-gene construct. Nevertheless, in some dengue-endemic environments, a spatially heterogeneous decrease in competent vectors may still facilitate decreasing disease incidence.
Irradiation of the head. Immediate effect on growth hormone secretion in children.

Plasma growth hormone (GH) was determined in samples obtained hourly from 1000 h to 0700 h before, and after a 3 week course of ‘prophylactic’cranial irradiation, in ten leukemic children who had no clinical or laboratory evidence of central nervous system involvement. The mean per hour value of GH prior to irradiation (4,1±2.4 ng/ml) was similar to that of 7 endocrinologically normal children (4.09±2.4 ng/ml), a finding strongly suggesting normal pituitary function prior to irradiation* Following irradiation GH levels at each hour were, in general, lower than before. The difference is statistically significant at0l00h. The peak GH responses were lower following than preceeding irradiation (P <0.02). The findings suggest an immediate suppressive effect of irradiation on the apparently normal hypothalamic pituitary axis in children.
Evidence for chemicals sensitizing discharge from skeletal muscle afferents supporting cardiorespiratory reflexes during simulated exercise

the chemical metabolites in skeletal muscle that sensitize the activity of small-diameter afferents and support increases in cardiorespiratory function during exercise have been the subject of much investigation with a variety of methods. The chemicals that change within muscle with exercise have
The composite regressor algorithm for IIR adaptive systems

An adaptive IIR algorithm called the composite regressor algorithm (CRA) is developed. The algorithm is a generalization of the common equation error, a priori output error, and a posteriori output error adaptive IIR algorithms. The CRA is analyzed for convergence in a noiseless environment and for bias in a stochastic setting. It is determined that, by using a parameter called the regressor composition parameter, a tradeoff can be obtained between the automatic convergence but large bias results of the equation error algorithm and the difficult convergence condition but small bias results of the output error algorithms. In proving results for the CRA, it is shown that the a posteriori output error algorithm produces estimates with nonzero bias when the adaptive gain is small but bounded away from zero. A convergence condition for the a priori output error algorithm is derived for the first time. >
Simple space-varying least squares model for lossless medical image compression

The authors present a simple method for lossless predictive coding of medical images using two-dimensional space-varying least squares models. The performance of the proposed method is compared with that of a popular existing technique called HINT. The experimental results clearly indicate that the proposed scheme achieves higher compression compared to HINT with very little additional computational complexity.
Gap length and sensor height effects on readback signals in shielded magnetoresistive sensors

Shielded magnetoresistive transducers, linearized by a combination of shunt biasing and soft adjacent layer biasing, were fabricated with a range of gap lengths and sensor heights. The signal amplitude increased with the terminal resistance, but it appeared to be independent of the total gap length. Placing the sensor asymmetrically between the shields did not introduce any obvious longitudinal distortion into the shape of the isolated pulse. The pulse amplitude asymmetry was sensitive to the sensor height, with the degree of this sensitivity affected by the lengths of the two gaps. A transmission line calculation shows how the amplitude asymmetry is affected by the placement of the sensor between the two shields. The spatial sensitivity across the track was affected by both the sensor height and the sense current, systematically changing its apparent magnetic position. >
The search for extra-terrestrial intelligence: current status and future prospects

The idea that credible searches for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence (ETI) could be carried out were laid out in detail in a classic paper by Morrison and Cocconi (1959).1 They suggested using the radio band for these searches. Since then radio searches have been carried out by over sixty different groups. No signals from ETIs have been identified. In this paper I will discuss the argument for the existence of extra-terrestrial intelligence. I will provide a method to estimate the number of extragalactic civilizations that are capable of signaling us and consider the uncertainties inherent in this estimate. I will provide the rationale for searching for these signals in the radio band. Finally I will discuss the future prospects for this endeavor.
Minocycline and N-methyl-4-isoleucine cyclosporin (NIM811) mitigate storage/reperfusion injury after rat liver transplantation through suppression of the mitochondrial permeability transition.

Graft failure after liver transplantation may involve mitochondrial dysfunction. We examined whether prevention of mitochondrial injury would improve graft function. Orthotopic rat liver transplantation was performed after 18 hours' cold storage in University of Wisconsin solution and treatment with vehicle, minocycline, tetracycline, or N-methyl-4-isoleucine cyclosporin (NIM811) of explants and recipients. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), necrosis, and apoptosis were assessed 6 hours after implantation. Mitochondrial polarization and cell viability were assessed by intravital microscopy. Respiration and the mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) were assessed in isolated rat liver mitochondria. After transplantation with vehicle or tetracycline, ALT increased to 5242 U/L and 4373 U/L, respectively. Minocycline and NIM811 treatment decreased ALT to 2374 U/L and 2159 U/L, respectively (P < 0.01). Necrosis and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick-end labeling (TUNEL) also decreased from 21.4% and 21 cells/field, respectively, after vehicle to 10.1% and 6 cells/field after minocycline and to 8.7% and 5.2 cells/field after NIM811 (P < 0.05). Additionally, minocycline decreased caspase-3 activity in graft homogenates (P < 0.05). Long-term graft survival was 27% and 33%, respectively, after vehicle and tetracycline treatment, which increased to 60% and 70% after minocycline and NIM811 (P < 0.05). In isolated mitochondria, minocycline and NIM811 but not tetracycline blocked the MPT. Minocycline blocked the MPT by decreasing mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake, whereas NIM811 blocks by interaction with cyclophilin D. Intravital microscopy showed that minocycline and NIM811 preserved mitochondrial polarization and cell viability after transplantation (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Minocycline and NIM811 attenuated graft injury after rat liver transplantation and improved graft survival. Minocycline and/or NIM811 might be useful clinically in hepatic surgery and transplantation. (HEPATOLOGY 2007.)
Real Estate Marketing: An Experiential Learning Approach

The first purpose of this article is to describe a real estate course entitled “Real Estate Marketing,” which is based primarily on the experiential learning model. The second purpose is to provide...
Correcting the Hydrogen Diffusion Limitation in Rotating Disk Electrode Measurements of Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Kinetics

Rotating disk electrode (RDE) method is widely employed in studies on the hydrogen oxidation/evolution reaction (HOR/HER) owing to its well-defined mass transport behaviors. While it is accepted that the measured HOR current is controlled by both the electrode kinetics and the diffusion of H2, HER is typically assumed to be free of diffusion limitation. Here we demonstrate that HER could also be diffusion limited when the electrode kinetics is fast, as evidenced by the rotation speed dependent HER current on Pt in acid (pH = 1) and the overlap of the HER polarization curve with the concentration overpotential curve. The HER diffusion limitation originates from the insufficient mass transport of produced H2 from the electrode surface to the bulk electrolyte and the highly reversible nature of HOR/HER. Kinetic analyses based on HER polarization curves on Pt in acid without correcting for the diffusion limitation could lead to inaccurate Tafel slopes and mechanistic interpretations, and significantly underestimated HER activities. A general data analysis protocol based on the reversible Koutecky-Levich equation is developed to obtain accurate kinetic information of HOR/HER even when electrode kinetics is facile. This new method is compared with other existing methods on Pt disk electrodes at different pHs and thin-film electrodes with different Pt loadings. © The Author(s) 2015. Published by ECS. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial No Derivatives 4.0 License (CC BY-NC-ND, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/),
Search for narrow-band-noise modulations of the infrared transmission of blue bronze

We have searched for narrow-band-noise (NBN) modulations of the infrared transmission in blue bronze, using tunable diode lasers. No modulations were observed, giving an upper limits for NBN changes in the absorption coefficient of Δα NBN < 0.3 / cm (= α/2000). The implication of these results on proposed CDW properties and NBN mechanisms are discussed.
INHIBITION OF Ca++ TRANSPORT INTO RAT BRAIN SYNAPTOSOMES BY DIPHENYLHYDANTOIN (DPH)

The effect of diphenylhydantoin (DPH) on Ca++ uptake by isolated presynaptic nerve endings (synaptosomes) was studied. At concentrations of 0.2 mM or greater. DPH significantly inhibited Ca++ influx into synaptosomes depolarized by 69 mM K+. Ca++ transport into undepolanized synaptosomes was not inhibited until the level of DPH was equal to or greater than 0.4 mM. DPH appeared to depress the initial, rapid rate of entry of Ca++ into depolarized synaptosomes and had no effect on the subsequent slower rate of Ca++ influx. These results support the concept that a major pharmacological action of DPH is inhibition of Ca++ transport into stimulated neural tissue. It is postulated that this is the mechanism by which DPH suppresses post-tetanic potentiation.
Effect of cortisone on treatment of tetanus with antitoxin.

Conclusion1. The therapeutic effectiveness of very large doses of tetanus antitoxin is markedly reduced by simultaneous administration of cortisone, when both agents are given 24 hours after injection of toxin. 2. Administration of steroid has little or no effect on the course of experimental tetanus if administration of antitoxin is delayed 48 or more hours after exposure to toxin. 3. Cortisone increases the activity of tetanus toxin. 4. Results suggest strongly that the use of cortisone in addition to antitoxin for treatment of human tetanus may produce a deleterious effect.
A simple method of producing control guinea pig immune sera for use with complement fixing antigens for the arthropod-borne virus encephalitides.

SummaryHerein is described a simple, economical and quick method for preparing highly specific, high titer guinea pig immune sera for use as positive controls, and for standardizing antigens in the complement fixation test. This method has been used for producing sera for Western and Eastern equine, St. Louis, Japanese B, West Nile, Russian Spring-summer andthe Hammon-Reeves California virus.
Stress, longevity and cardiovascular outcomes among African American families in the Jackson Heart Study

Objective : Little is known about the relationship between family longevity, stress, and CVD in African Americans. Methodology: Data consisted of 3274 participants aged $50 years with information on parental living status, the three indicators of stress, and cardiovascular health from the Jackson Heart Study (JHS). Results: Those with both parents dead had significantly fewer life events than those with mother alive but father dead and those with both parents alive. Controlling for age, sex, and education, there were significant main effects for the number of life events, as well as the three parental living status variables in comparison to the both dead category. There is evidence for mediation with life events and weekly stress events, but not with global stress. Discussion: The results show that there is a pattern on longevity in African American families that intersects with their stress experiences. Further examination of how generational patterns of stress are passed down is warranted. (Ethn Dis. 2014;24[4]:456–461)
Lysophosphatidic acid, serum, and hyposmolarity activate Cl- currents in corneal keratocytes.

The influence of serum, lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), and hyposmotic stress on the ion channel activity of normal and cryo-injured rabbit corneal keratocytes was investigated. Whole cell currents were examined using the amphotericin perforated-patch technique. In cells from wounded corneas, fetal bovine serum activated large, holding voltage-insensitive, fast-activating, 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DIDS)-, flufenamic acid-, and 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)benzoic acid (NPPB)-blockable outward currents showing inactivation at depolarized voltages. LPA activated identical currents, also only in cells from wounded corneas. Blocker and reversal potential experiments characterized the current as a Cl - current (I Cl ). Lysophosphatidylcholine (10 μM) failed to activate the current. An identical current was activated by hyposmotic stimulation in cells from control and wounded corneas. Hyposmotic stimulation also activated I Cl in cells from wounded corneas that were unresponsive to LPA. We conclude that serum, LPA, and hypotonic stress activate I Cl in keratocytes from wounded corneas. We also conclude that LPA is a serum factor that can activate I Cl and that hyposmotic activation may work through a signaling pathway separate from that of LPA.
The failure rate and likelihood ratio orderings of standby redundant systems

There are various notions of partial ordering between lifetimes of systems; stochastic ordering, failure rate ordering, and likelihood ratio ordering. In this paper we show that for series systems with noni.i.d. exponential lifetimes of components, standby redundancy at component level is better than that at system level in failure rate ordering and likelihood ratio ordering. We also demonstrate that for 2-component parallel systems withi.i.d. exponential lifetimes of components, standby system redundancy is better than standby component redundancy in failure rate ordering and likelihood ratio ordering.
Pelvic inflammatory disease with intrauterine device use: a reassessment *

This reassessment of IUDs as a risk factor for PID contrasts study results from prospective and case-control studies. Except for a transient increased risk after IUD insertions, increased risk is seen mainly in case-control studies after 1973, the time of a major PID epidemic and adverse publicity related to the Dalkon Shield. Removal of oral contraceptive users from case-control studies generally reduces their reported odds ratios, frequently to borderline statistical significance for studies with high accuracy of PID diagnosis. The remaining elevated odds ratios likely relate to diagnostic bias as primary care clinicians are more likely to refer patients wearing an IUD to referral centers where case-control studies are conducted. Biased case-control studies provided evidence for expensive litigation, resulting in removal of IUDs from the American market. The Food and Drug Administration requirements for postmarketing surveillance are inadequate to provide prospective data to avoid this kind of loss.
The Role of Spleen-Derived Immune Cells in Ischemic Brain Injury

Neuroinflammation modulates brain injury and recovery after stroke. The spleen, as the largest secondary lymphoid organ, contributes to this neuroinflammation, and therefore influences stroke-induced brain injury. When stroke occurs, pro-inflammatory cytokines in the ischemic brain are produced that stimulate inflammatory brain receptors, which initiate communication between the brain and the spleen via the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), and hypothalamus-pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis. The spleen contains various immune cells, including T cells, B cells, monocytes, macrophages, NK, and NKT cells. SNS activity leads to the rapid release of immune cells from the spleen, transient increases of released immune cells into the blood circulation, and their migration to the ischemic brain, thus exacerbating neuroinflammation in the ischemic region and enlarging the infarction. Direct evidence that the spleen contributes to brain injury is the fact that splenectomy robustly reduces infarct size. In addition, reductions in spleen size are correlated with the severity of stroke. Furthermore, immune cells in the spleen are found in the ischemic brain. Nevertheless, although it is well established that the spleen contributes to brain injury, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Future studies will reveal how the spleen modulates brain injury, which immune cell types in the spleen play the most important roles, and whether the spleen has a long-term effect on brain recovery after stroke.
Metal–organic framework photophysics: Optoelectronic devices, photoswitches, sensors, and photocatalysts

The development of new hierarchical materials capable of efficient energy transfer along a predesigned pathway will boost various applications, ranging from organic photovoltaics to catalytic systems. Due to their exceptional tunability and structural diversity, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) offer a unique platform to study and model directional energy-transfer processes and, thereby, an efficient path for energy utilization. This article summarizes the latest advances in MOF applications in the fields of optoelectronics, photoswitching, sensing, and photocatalysis, for which development is highly dependent on fundamental studies of MOF photophysics.
Designs for the evaluation of teacher training materials

EVALUATION QUESTIONS This paper describes methods of assessing the impact on students of a teacher's use of skills learned in a training program. Although we describe a particular set of training materials and methods for measuring their effectiveness, the intention is to illustrate evaluation designs that have wide application for assessing the effects of using teaching skills in terms of student outcomes.
Correction of poor platelet transfusion responses with leukocyte-poor HL-A-matched platelet concentrates

Matching donor-recipient pairs for HL-A antigens provides a logical starting point for selecting donors for recipients with extensive prior transfusion histories. However, during the course of continued exposure to even HL-A-matched platelet concentrates, further sensitization occurs, as indicated by progressively poorer post-transfusion increments and transfusion reactions. There is evidence that such sensitization may be due to non-HL-A antigens. Finally, it is postulated that the poor post-transfusion platelet increments obtained when standard platelet concentrates are used result from the leukoagglutinin antigen-antibody reaction involving the platelet as an “innocent bystander.” The standard platelet concentrate can be purified by a simple method of centrifugation (178 g times 3 min), removing about 96% of the contaminating white blood cells with concomitant loss of about 21% of the platelets. The use of these leukocyte-poor platelet concentrates can restore compatible transfusion increments in highly alloimmunized thrombocytopenic recipients. The luekocyte-poor concentrates can diminish undesirable transfusion reactions following imcompatible platelet transfusions.
Comparison of 15° and 30° angle acquisition digital breast tomosynthesis for visualization and characterization of breast abnormalities

Investigations reporting digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) describe better depiction of masses and architectural distortions and reduced recall for additional imaging. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the conspicuity and characterization of common findings (mass/distortion or calcifications) on DBT examinations performed by both 15° and 30° scan angles. Three readers independently reviewed 61 DBTs containing 78 findings, without knowledge which were 15( versus 30(acquisitions, and rated DBT lesion depiction using a 7-point Likert scale. An evaluation of image quality with respect to eliminating superimposed tissue and an overall DBT preference were also recorded. Our study showed no overall difference in readers' rating between 150 and 300 angle acquisition DBT exams for masses and distortions; for calcifications, there was a statistically significant preference favoring the narrow-angle scans. For overall image quality, a slight trend preferring narrow angle DBT was found, with readers' overall preference for narrow angle DBT being statistically significant.
Wells to wheels: Environmental implications of natural gas as a transportation fuel

Abstract We assessed freshwater consumption, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and air emissions of using compressed and liquefied natural gas (NG) as transportation fuels by three heavy-duty NG vehicles (NGV) types from a wells-to-wheels (WTW) perspective. We analyzed freshwater consumption for NG production in major U.S. shale gas plays from recent reports and studies. We reviewed recent literature quantifying methane leakage from the NG supply chain and vehicle use to improve the estimates of NGV GHG emissions. Results show that NGVs could reduce freshwater consumption significantly and offer air emissions reduction benefits compared to their diesel counterparts. NGV WTW GHG emissions are largely driven by the vehicle fuel efficiency, as well as methane leakage rates of both the NG supply chain and vehicle end use: we estimate WTW GHG emissions of NGVs to be slightly higher than those of the diesel counterparts given the estimated WTW methane leakage. NGVs utilizing the newest aftertreatment systems have lower WTW and vehicle operation NOx emissions across different duty-cycles and slightly lower WTW PM emissions than their diesel counterparts. We found that the cost-effectiveness of NGVs is impacted by incremental cost of NG storage tanks and the price difference between NG and diesel fuels. These findings for NGVs shed light on their environmental and economic impacts from a WTW holistic point of view.
Automated Breast Cancer Diagnosis Using Deep Learning and Region of Interest Detection (BC-DROID)

Detection of suspicious regions in mammogram images and the subsequent diagnosis of these regions remains a challenging problem in the medical world. There still exists an alarming rate of misdiagnosis of breast cancer. This results in both over treatment through incorrect positive diagnosis of cancer and under treatment through overlooked cancerous masses. Convolutional neural networks have shown strong applicability to various image datasets, enabling detailed features to be learned from the data and, as a result, the ability to classify these images at extremely low error rates. In order to overcome the difficulty in diagnosing breast cancer from mammogram images, we propose our framework for automated breast cancer detection and diagnosis, called BC-DROID, which provides automated region of interest detection and diagnosis using convolutional neural networks. BC-DROID first pretrains based on physician-defined regions of interest in mammogram images. It then trains based on the full mammogram image. The resulting network is able to detect and classify regions of interest as cancerous or benign in one step. We demonstrate the accuracy of our framework's ability to both locate the regions of interest as well as diagnose them. Our framework achieves a detection accuracy of up to 90% and a classification accuracy of 93.5% (AUC of 92.315%). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work enabling both automated detection and diagnosis of these areas in one step from full mammogram images. Using our framework's website, a user can upload a single mammogram image, visualize suspicious regions, and receive the automated diagnoses of these regions.
OR16 Donor-specific antibodies (DSA) detected by C1Q and C3D assays predict antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) in renal transplant (TX) patients, but specific detection of IGG2, IGG3, IGG4, IGA, and IGM DSA, and ANTI-AT1R and anti-etar antibodies do not

Aim To investigate the specific roles for Class I and Class II DSA, complement binding and activation, and non-HLA antibodies, in renal tx patients with AMR. Methods One Lambda®: LABScreen™ (routine total IgG and modified to detect IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgA, IgM); C1qScreen™; anti-AT1R; anti-ETAR. Immucor®: LIFECODES C3d. Assays were used to detect the presence of antibodies and DSA. The quantity of each antibody and capacity to bind and activate complement were correlated with the histopathologic features found in biopsy specimens. Among 480 renal transplants performed between 2009 and 2014, we enrolled 17 (∼4%) patients with clinical and histopathologic diagnosis of AMR, and compared with matched-controls who had anti-HLA antibodies and apparent DSA, but had not exhibited AMR. We assessed antibodies and DSA MFI values prior to transplantation and at the time of AMR. Results Detection of anti-AT1R, anti-ETAR, and Class I DSA did not correlate with AMR. Class II IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgA, and IgM DSA did not correlate with AMR. Class II DSA >500 MFI detected by LABScreen™ + C1q + IgG1 + C3d identified 82% of patients and only 12% of controls, p = 0.00009 (88% PPV, 17% NPV), whereas, C1q + C3d identified 71% of patients and no controls, p = 0.00002 (100% PPV, 23% NPV). Notable is that anti-HLA Class II DSA detected by C1q and C3d correlates with rejection, and the injury found on biopsies was primarily tubulointerstitial, consistent with the region where constitutive expression of HLA Class II occurs in renal tissue. Conclusions Clinically “reversible” AMR appears to be due to Class II anti-HLA DSA, which can bind and activate complement. Detection of anti-HLA DSA by the C1q and C3d assays correlate with histological characteristics (tubulointerstitial injury) of AMR in renal allografts, and indicates that monitoring for anti-HLA DSA, which can bind and activate complement, may be useful to detect patients at risk for AMR; thus allowing for earlier detection and treatment prior to graft injury or graft loss.
Mitigating Unintended Impacts? The Effects of Premiums for Underserved Populations in Performance-Funding Policies for Higher Education

Performance funding is an increasingly prevalent policy state officials use to allocate a portion of state funds to public colleges and universities. Researchers have begun to evaluate the effect of these policies, finding bleak evidence of their effectiveness in yielding intended outputs and suggesting the policies may even result in limited college access for underserved students. There may also be differences in policy effects depending on performance-funding policy designs, which vary considerably across states. Of particular interest to this study are premiums—financial bonuses to institutions—for promoting access and success for specified underserved student groups. Using difference-in-differences models and an original dataset on premiums in funding models, this study evaluates the impact of premiums for underserved students in performance-funding models on selectivity and the enrollment of minority and low-income students at 4-year universities from 1993 to 2014. We find that the share of both low-income and Hispanic students increases in institutions with performance-funding premiums for underserved students compared to institutions subject to performance funding without such premiums. Effects vary depending on premium type and longevity. The findings also reveal unexpected, negative effects of premiums on Black student enrollments. Our findings suggest that, by incorporating premiums, performance-funding model designers might prevent, minimize, or reverse the negative consequences of performance funding on vulnerable student groups. However, given variation in premium effects across student groups, performance- funding model designs should be tailored to local contexts.
Advancing Predictive Hepatotoxicity at the Intersection of Experimental, in Silico, and Artificial Intelligence Technologies.

Adverse drug reactions, particularly those that result in drug-induced liver injury (DILI), are a major cause of drug failure in clinical trials and drug withdrawals. Hepatotoxicity-mediated drug attrition occurs despite substantial investments of time and money in developing cellular assays, animal models, and computational models to predict its occurrence in humans. Underperformance in predicting hepatotoxicity associated with drugs and drug candidates has been attributed to existing gaps in our understanding of the mechanisms involved in driving hepatic injury after these compounds perfuse and are metabolized by the liver. Herein we assess in vitro, in vivo (animal), and in silico strategies used to develop predictive DILI models. We address the effectiveness of several two- and three-dimensional in vitro cellular methods that are frequently employed in hepatotoxicity screens and how they can be used to predict DILI in humans. We also explore how humanized animal models can recapitulate human drug meta...
Fatigue Life Prediction of Self-Piercing Rivet Joints Between Magnesium and Aluminum Alloys

Various light materials including aluminum alloys and magnesium alloys are being used to reduce the weight of vehicle structures. Joining of dissimilar materials is always a challenging task to construct a solid structure. Self-piercing rivet (SPR) joint is one of various joining methods for dissimilar materials. Front shock tower structures were constructed with magnesium alloy (AM60) joined to aluminum alloy (Al6082) by SPR joints. To evaluate the durability performance of the SPR joints in the structures, fatigue tests of the front shock tower structures were conducted with constant amplitude loadings. Furthermore, this study investigated fatigue life prediction method of SPR joints and compared the fatigue life prediction results with that of experimental results. For fatigue life prediction of the SPR joints in the front shock tower structures, lap-shear and cross-tension specimens of SPR joint were constructed and tested to characterize the fatigue properties of the SPR joint. Then, the SPR joint was represented with area contact method (ACM) in finite element (FE) models. The load-life curves of the lap-shear and cross-tension specimens were converted to a structural stress-life (S-N) curve of the SPR joints. The S-N curve was used to predict fatigue life of SPR joints in the front shock tower structures. The test results and the prediction results were well correlated.
Dynamic statistical process control limits for power quality trend data

Statistical process control (SPC) is a well-known method to monitor behavior and control of process parameters through statistical analysis. In power quality (PQ), we can apply this method to PQ parameters such as harmonics, imbalance, and flicker to analyze when values are outside a normal range. However, the normal range for these PQ parameters can vary depending on known conditions relating to time of day, day of the week, or even time of year. To have a tighter set of continuous control during these periods, a dynamic set of limits would be preferred over one static limit to highlight unknown abnormalities. This paper analyzes methods to create dynamic statistical process control limits for PQ data.
Do Means of Program Delivery and Distributional Consequences Affect Policy Support? Experimental Evidence About the Sources of Citizens’ Policy Opinions

Recent scholarship argues that citizens’ support for specific government programs in the United States is affected by the means through which benefits are delivered as well as the distributional consequences of these policies. In this paper, we extend this literature in two ways through a series of novel survey experiments, deployed on a nationally representative sample. First, we directly examine differences in public support for prospective government spending when manipulating the mode of delivery. Second, we examine whether information about the distributional consequences of two existing government programs affects their popularity. We find that citizens have a preference for indirect spending that is independent of the distributional consequences of a given policy and identify mechanisms that may explain this view. Furthermore, we find little evidence that highlighting the regressive effects of current government programs significantly reduces the demand for their policy benefits. Our findings have implications for understanding the political calculus of policy design and the potential for public persuasion.
Reducing residual stress by selective large-area diode surface heating during laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing

Abstract High residual stresses are typical in additively manufactured metals and can reach levels as high as the yield strength, leading to distortions and even cracks. Here, an in situ method for controlling residual stress during laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing was demonstrated. By illuminating the surface of a build with homogeneously intense, shaped light from a set of laser diodes, the thermal history was controlled thereby reducing the residual stress in as-built parts. 316L stainless steel bridge-shaped parts were built to characterize the effect of in situ annealing on the residual stress. A reduction in the overall residual stress value of up to 90% was realized without altering the as-built grain structure (no grain growth). Some annealing effects on the cellular-dendritic solidification structure (patterns of higher solute content) occurred in areas that experienced prolonged exposure to elevated temperature. A comparison of the in situ process to conventional post-build annealing demonstrated equivalent stress reduction compared to rule-of-thumb thermal treatments. Use of this method could reduce or remove the need for post processing to remove residual stresses.
Revisiting the link between childhood sexual abuse and adult sexual aggression.

Abstract Background Childhood maltreatment poses a risk factor for adult sexual aggression among men. Objective Efforts were made to examine links between childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and sexual aggression after controlling variance associated with other forms of abuse. Participants and setting This sample was comprised of men (n = 489) who completed a national survey regarding their history of possible abuse and/or sexual aggression. Methods Maltreatment indices included CSA, parental and sibling physical abuse, exposure to domestic violence, peer bullying, and family emotional abuse. Self-report indicators of sexual frotteurism, coercion and rape were provided by the Sexual Experiences Survey–Short Form Perpetration. Results CSA links with the criterion indicators were relatively stronger (r = 0.36, d = 0.65, p Conclusions Multiple forms of child maltreatment, particularly CSA, were strongly associated with adult sexual aggression in this sample of men from the general population.
Compensatory Health Beliefs Relate to Decision-Making Coherence and Health Patterns

This study tested hypotheses that link cognitive decision-making coherence and health behavioral patterns to the endorsement of compensatory health beliefs (CHBs). Structural equation modeling was used to investigate relationships among the latent variables Compensatory Health Beliefs and 2 other constructs: Decision-Making Coherence (measured by resistance to framing, under/overconfidence, applying decision rules, consistency in risk perception, and resistance to sunk cost bias), and Risk Tendencies with Health Consequences (measured by self-control, the Health Behavior Checklist, and risk perception scales). An online, adult, United States sample—recruited through Amazon.com®’s Mechanical Turk (MTurk)—was assessed. The model described key relationships for the MTurk sample. Low levels of Decision-Making Coherence and Risk Tendencies with Health Consequences were associated with increased endorsement of Compensatory Health Beliefs. Results can help clarify the relationship between health-related cognitions and actions, and impact the design of interventions that rely on the use of the CHB scale.
Preserving the Legacy of an Artist and Conservator: Technical Study of Paintings by Felrath Hines in the Collection of the National Museum of African American History and Culture

Felrath Hines (b. Samuel Felrath Hines 1913, d. 1993) was an African American artist and paintings conservator based in New York and Washington, DC. After observing deterioration on an untitled 197...
What sensitivities matter in dental anxiety? Investigating sensitivity to anxiety, pain, and disgust.

Dental anxiety affects many people worldwide and interferes with oral health. Beyond emotional distress, avoidance of dental care visits can lead to serious dental and health consequences. Although...
Co-expression of c-Myc and E2F1 in a mouse model of liver cancer suppresses apoptosis through activation of Akt/mTOR/p70S6K and COX-2 pathways: relevance for human hepatocellular carcinoma

1107 We have previously shown that targeted over-expression of c-Myc or E2F1 in the mouse liver elicits similar oncogenic effects. Here we investigated the effect of c-Myc and E2F1 co-expression on hepatocarcinogenesis. Simultaneous expression of c-Myc and E2F1 in hepatocytes conferred a strong resistance to apoptosis and accelerated liver tumor development in the double transgenic mice when compared with either c-Myc or E2F1 parental lines. The average apoptotic indices in tumors arising in c-Myc/E2F1 mice were about 5-fold lower than in c-Myc mice, and 2-fold lower than in E2F1 mice, implying that over-expression of E2F1 interferes with c-Myc-mediated apoptosis. Importantly, inhibition of cell death was paralleled by a remarkable induction of the Akt/mTOR/p70 S6 kinase pathway in all E2F1 (n=20) and c-Myc/E2F1 (n=30) but not in c-Myc (n=20) HCCs. These data indicate that overexpression of E2F1 in the liver promotes survival of neoplastic hepatocytes through activation of the Akt/mTOR/p70 S6K pathway. In particular, liver tumors from E2F1 and c-Myc/E2F1 transgenic mice showed overexpression of Akt, mTOR, p70S6K, elF4E, and elF4G with concomitant inactivation of GSK-3β, BAD, and 4E-BP1. On the other hand, all c-Myc/E2F1 HCCs displayed upregulation of COX-2 and COX-2 target genes, such as Mcl-1 and bcl-2, whereas the same pathway was rarely activated in E2F1 (5/20, 25%) and not induced in c-Myc HCCs. Activation of COX-2 in c-Myc/E2F1 HCCs led to suppression of Trail-mediated apoptosis, including downregulation of DR5 and inhibition of cytochrome C release and caspase 8 activation. Subsequent analysis of thirty four human HCCs and corresponding surrounding non-tumorous tissues showed that the Akt/mTOR/p70S6K and COX-2 pathways were constitutively activated in all human liver tumors. Taken together, these data demonstrate that co-expression of c-Myc and E2F1 enhances liver tumorigenesis mainly through activation of Akt/mTOR/p70S6K and COX-2 pathways, which results in suppression of apoptosis. The c-Myc/E2F1 model may be useful in validating the efficacy of antineoplastic strategies leading to the suppression of Akt and COX-2 pathways in human hepatocellular carcinoma.
High-Z Metal–Organic Frameworks for X-ray Radiation-Based Cancer Theranostics

X-ray radiation is commonly employed in clinical practice for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Over the past decade, developments in nanotechnology have led to the use of high-Z elements as the basis for innovative new treatment platforms that enhance the clinical efficacy of X-ray radiation. Nanoscale metal-frameworks (nMOFs) are coordination networks containing organic ligands that have attracted attention as therapeutic platforms in oncology and other areas of medicine. In cancer therapy, X-ray activated, high-Z nMOFs have demonstrated potential as radiosensitizers that increase local radiation dose deposition and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This minireview summarizes current research on high-Z nMOFs in cancer theranostics and discusses factors that may influence future clinical application.
Treating in place: Acute care for long‐stay residents in nursing facilities under a CMS initiative

Background/objectives Nursing facility (NF) residents are commonly hospitalized, and many of these hospitalizations may be avoidable. A Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) initiative enables participating NFs to bill Medicare for providing on-site acute care to long-stay residents diagnosed with one of six ambulatory care sensitive conditions (pneumonia, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, dehydration, skin infection, and urinary tract infection) that account for many avoidable hospitalizations. This study describes the frequency of initiative-related treatment for the six conditions, both on site and in the hospital, and the health status of residents who were treated. Design We used the Minimum Data Set V3.0 and Medicare data to identify eligible residents, detect on-site treatment under the initiative as well as in-hospital treatment both before and during the initiative, and measure health status. Setting Participating NFs during fiscal years 2017 to 2018. Participants There were 47,202 long-stay NF residents from 260 facilities in seven states. Intervention CMS initiative to reduce avoidable hospitalizations among NF residents-payment reform. Measurements Percentage per year who received on-site treatment (2017-2018), and who received in-hospital treatment (2014-2018), for the six conditions. Results Each year, approximately 20% of residents received treatment on site during 2017 to 2018, and under 10% received treatment in the hospital during 2014 to 2018, with little change over these years. Residents treated on site had less chronic illness than those treated in the hospital. Conclusion Although the initiative sought to reduce hospitalizations, in-hospital treatment for the six conditions did not substantially change after initiative implementation, despite substantial new billing for on-site treatment for those conditions. These findings suggest that many residents treated on site would likely not have been hospitalized even absent the initiative. The residents treated on site tended to have fewer chronic conditions than those treated in the hospital.
Comorbid Dysphagia and Malnutrition in Elderly Hospitalized Patients.

Objective/hypothesis Elderly individuals account for one-third of all hospitalizations. The goal of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of dysphagia in elderly patients admitted to a tertiary care center. It also sought to investigate how dysphagia is identified, how it covaries with malnutrition and other conditions, and how it impacts hospital stay. Study design Case Series. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed. All patients >65 years admitted to a tertiary care center in January and February 2016 were included. Patients with primary psychiatric diagnoses and patients with upper aerodigestive tract malignancy or surgery were excluded. Results A total of 655 patients were identified. Mean age was 76.6 years. Twenty-four percent (155 patients) had dysphagia while 43% (282 patients) had malnutrition. Thirteen percent (84 patients) had both dysphagia and malnutrition. Fifty percent of patients who had malnutrition were seen by speech language pathology (SLP). One hundred percent of malnourished patients that saw SLP were identified as having dysphagia. Three hundred and eighty-two patients (58%) were seen by the dietician but not by SLP. Multiple logistic regression indicated that the presence of dysphagia was positively associated with age, presence of malnutrition, admission to either cardiology or neurology service as compared to medicine service, and history of stroke. Conclusions One-quarter of elderly patients admitted to our tertiary care center had dysphagia. Dysphagia, especially when linked with malnutrition, has poorer outcomes and increased healthcare costs. Our data suggests a possible disconnect between malnutrition diagnosis and dysphagia identification. This is an important area of intervention that has the potential to improve the treatment and outcomes of these patients. Level of evidence 4 Laryngoscope, 131:2441-2447, 2021.
Facilitating the Scholarship of Discovery: Using the Mini-Ethnographic Case Study Design:

Background: Case study is widely used in teaching and learning literature; however, the extant literature contains few examples of student-developed case studies. This study used the situated persp...
Wind Energy Source Assessment for Four Locations in the Adrar Region: Southern Algeria

This paper1 presents a statistical analysis of wind potential of four locations at Adrar region in Southern Algeria (Adrar, B.B.Mokhtar, Reggane and Timimoun); we used the Weibull distribution to estimate the monthly, seasonal and annual wind energy produced by Whisper 200 wind turbines. Taking into account the location of these areas and the difference in air density, the treatment of the data collected (wind and temperature) every 3 hours. After calculated the wind energy, we estimated the quantity of equivalent fossil energy (natural gas, Gasoil and Gasoline), finally we estimated the quantity of CO2 that can be avoided. The annual electricity produced by wind turbines Whisper 200 range from 0.24 toe to 0.37 toe, that means we keep a quantity of natural gas range from 2401.25 m3to 3660.89 m3, If we give up diesel generators, it is possible to avoid burning a quantity of Gasoil range from 0.24 tons to 0.36 tons, in the case of gasoline generators, the depleted quantity ranges from 0.23 tons to 0.35 tons