cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sacral neuromodulation for the dysfunctional elimination syndrome: a 10-year single-center experience with 105 consecutive children.

Objective To evaluate our initial experience using sacral neuromodulation via implanted pulse generator as a treatment for children with dysfunctional elimination syndrome and symptoms refractory to maximum medical therapy. Materials and Methods There were 105 consecutive patients who underwent a 2-stage procedure with a trial period (n = 89) or a single procedure (n = 16) for device implantation. They were followed up prospectively for a median of 2.72 years (average, 3.18 years; range, 0.01-9.63 years) for symptom improvement and resolution. Results Nearly all children (99 of 105 [94%]) experienced improvement of at least 1 symptom; 12 of 105 patients (11%) had at least 1 symptom worsen. Urinary incontinence, constipation, frequency and/or urgency, and nocturnal enuresis improved in 89 of 101 (88%), 73 of 92 (79%), 54 of 81 (67%), and 59 of 89 (66%) children, respectively, and resolved in 41 of 101 (41%), 37 of 92 (40%), 23 of 81 (28%), and 25 of 89 (28%) children, respectively. Outcomes among patients who did and did not undergo the trial were not significantly different ( P = .19-1.00), and only 2 of 88 patients did not undergo permanent implantation. Reoperations (n = 85) occurred in 59 of 105 children (56%), mainly for device malfunction (n = 42), whereas explantation was performed in 36 of 104 children (35%) at an average of 2.68 years since implantation (median, 2.36 years; range, 0.03-9.04 years), mainly for complete symptom resolution (n = 12). Explantation for any reason was less common after single-stage procedures (1 of 16 [6%] vs 35 of 88 [40%] patients; P = .01). Conclusion Sacral neuromodulation should be considered for children with dysfunctional elimination syndrome whose symptoms are refractory to maximum medical therapy understanding that the risk of reoperation is >50%. Elimination of the trial period reduces the number of general anesthetics without sacrificing outcomes.
The Aging Networks: A Guide to Programs and Services (8th ed.) bY Kelly Niles-Yokum and Donna L. Wagner

As may be deduced from the fact that The aging networks: A guide to programs and services is in its eighth edition, several generations of gerontology students and practitioners have relied on this...
Tax Shelters, Dutch Books, and the Fundamental Theorem of Asset Pricing

Because the tax law makes many distinctions not based on fundamental economic differences, taxpayers can exploit these inconsistencies to create opportunities for tax arbitrage. This article argues that any interpretative system which requires consistency in the application of rules where the system itself is based on fundamental inconsistencies will always allow for arbitrage. This result applies equally to purposive interpretations of the tax law as well as to more formal or literal systems of interpretation. That is, the problem of tax arbitrage is concomitant with the existence of non-economic principles of tax law embedded in a system that interprets these rules in a consistent manner. While this idea has been applied to questions of whether a tax system can impede the ability of the economy to reach equilibrium, it has not been applied to the legal analysis of tax shelters themselves. The result of this line of reasoning is that tax shelters are the inevitable result of any tax system with inherent inconsistencies which attempts to bring an artificial consistency to these non-economic based distinctions. The article goes on to argue that one of the methods by which tax shelters are addressed by the courts is the use of inconsistent methods of applying the law to these transactions.
Predicting Fourth Grade Student English Language Art (ELA) Achievement Among New York Schools

The researchers used structural equation modeling (SEM) to create a model to predict fourth-grade student achievement in English Language Arts (ELA) by exploring the relationships among: student, household, school, and teacher factors. Public data from the New York State Education Department (NYSED) 2012–13 school report card data, NYSED fiscal reporting system, Census 2010 School District Demographics System, and 2011 Civil Right Data Collection were used from 1,263 schools in New York excluding New York City. Variables were chosen using this convenient sample and supported by our conceptual rationale.The model predicted fourth-grade ELA achievement with 73 percent of effect size. Household attributes had the strongest predictive value for student achievement. School attendance rate, and the percentage of teachers with master’s degrees plus 30 additional educational credits in the school had medium predictive value for student achievement. The model also predicted the percentage of economically disadvantaged (ED) students in a grade with 73 percent of effect size based on the school district household attributes. Single family household was a major predictor for ED students.
Politics at the Local–Global Intersection: Meanings of Bentuhua and Transnational Feminism in China

AbstractThis article examines contemporary Chinese feminism’s processes of “connecting with the international tracks” as well as bentuhua (indigenisation), arguing that these processes are inseparable from both domestic and international power relations and thus asserting the need for a critical perspective on bentuhua. An “institutional-discursive” focus on both political and cultural contexts reveals that the usage of bentuhua can be literally and metaphorically spatial in quality, as well as regarded as a resource that is part of the grammar of social transformation in China. Neoliberal globalisation promotes a “project”-oriented approach to feminist activism that has benefits and costs. Transnationalism can be a source of resistance to the continued authoritarian party-state, as well as to homogenising effects of nationalist tendencies. Thus, from a theoretical standpoint it is useful to comprehend contemporary Chinese feminist thought from the understanding that the local and the global are inextrica...
Cell proliferation accelerating and inhibiting substances in blood serum during pregnancy.

Summary1. Two types of factors which affect cell proliferation have been observed in blood serum, one of which accelerates the rate of normal cell proliferation, and the other inhibits the proliferation of normal cells. Normal blood serum contains a predominance of factcrs which accelerate the rate of normal cell proliferation. During pregnancy there is a progressive change in the balance of factors which affect cell proliferation such that the factors which inhibit proliferation of normal cells become predominant.2. The rate of cell proliferation of a cell suspension in vitro of cells obtained from rat embryos and fetuses, at least up to the 15th day of pregnancy, is accelerated by 2-amino-4-hydroxy-7-methyl pteridine and cancer blood serum and inhibited by xanthopterin and normal human blood serum.3. The rate of cell proliferation of a cell suspension in vitro, of cells obtained from rat young at the time of birth, is accelerated by xanthopterin and normal human blood serum and inhibited by 2-amino-4-hy...
Borate as a synergistic anion for Marinobacter algicola ferric binding protein, FbpA: a role for boron in iron transport in marine life.

Boron in the ocean is generally considered a nonbiological element due to its relatively high concentration (0.4 mM) and depth independent concentration profile. Here we report an unexpected role for boron in the iron transport system of the marine bacterium Marinobacter algicola. Proteome analysis under varying boron concentrations revealed that the periplasmic ferric binding protein (Mb-FbpA) was among the proteins whose expression was most affected, strongly implicating the involvement of boron in iron utilization. Here we show that boron facilitates Fe3+ sequestration by Mb-FbpA at pH 8 (oceanic pH) by acting as a synergistic anion (B(OH)41–). Fe3+ sequestration does not occur at pH 6.5 where boric acid (B(OH)3; pKa = 8.55) is the predominant species. Borate anion is also shown to bind to apo-Mb-FbpA with mM affinity at pH 8, consistent with the biological relevance implied from boron’s oceanic concentration (0.4 mM). Borate is among those synergistic anions tested which support the strongest Fe3+ bin...
The anti-dialectical signification of Erzulie Danthor and Bois Caiman of the Haitian Revolution

AbstractThis work focuses on how and why the purposive-rationality of the originating moments of the Haitian Revolution at Bois Caiman is an anti-dialectical, as opposed to a dialectical, movement against enslavement as offered by traditional interpretations of the Revolution. The author concludes that the intent, as reflected in Boukman’s prayer, of the originating moments of the Haitian Revolution at Bwa Kayiman (Bois Caiman) was not for equality of opportunity, distribution, and recognition with whites by reproducing their norms and structure, as in the case of the Affranchis under the purposive-rationality of the mulatto elites and petit-bourgeois blacks, but for the reconstitution of a new world order or structuring structure ‘enframed’ by an African spiritual and linguistic community, Vodou and Kreyol, respectively, grounded in, and ‘enframing,’ liberty and fraternity among blacks or death. In fact, the author posits that it is the infusion of the former worldview, liberal bourgeois Protestantism vi...
Complete Genome Sequence of Mycoplasma yeatsii Strain GM274B (ATCC 43094)

ABSTRACT Mycoplasma yeatsii is a goat mycoplasma species that, although an obligate parasite, accommodates this lifestyle as an inapparent commensalist. High-frequency transformation has also been reported for this species. The complete 895,051-bp genome sequence of strain GM274B has been determined, enabling an analysis of the features of this potential cloning host.
Analysis on epidemic situation of influenza virus infection in Dongguan city in 2009

Objective:To understand the epidemic situation of influenza virus infection in Dongguan city.Methods:To collect the swabs of doubtful cases,to detect the nucleic acid by real time RT-PCR,to isolate virus by MDCK cells.the positive specimens by hemagglutination test were identified by hemagglutination inhibition test.Results:Total 2489 specimens were detected,including 1235 sentinel hospitals monitoring specimens and 1254 epidemic outbreaks and some inpatients specimens.134 seasonal influenza virus strains were isolated from 667 specimens,the total positive isolation rate was 20.09%,including 36 strains seasonal H1,50 strains seasonal H3,48 strains type B.2081 specimens were detected by real time RT-PCR,911specimens were positive,including 652 pandemic influenza A(H1N1),63 strains seasonal H1,140 strains seasonal H3,56 type B.The nucleic acid positive rate of the monitoring specimens and the epidemic outbreaks specimens were 41.84% and 43.70% respectively.there were no significant differences between them.pandemic influenza A(H1N1) account for 54.82% and 82.66% of all the positive specimens detected by real time RT-PCR respectively.there were significant differences between them.Conclusion:The seasonal influenza virus isolation rate of 2009 was higher than that of former years,the highest rate reached to 55%.pandemic influenza A(H1N1) in 10-12 month had absolute predominance in all the influenza type,above 95%.The percentage of pandemic influenza A(H1N1) in the influenza nucleic acid positive specimens of epidemic outbreaks was high than that of the sentinel hospitals monitoring specimens.
The kidney transplant process model (KTPM): simulation tool for the transplant process

The Kidney Transplant Process Model (KTPM) was created to demonstrate the kidney transplant process from initial placement on the waiting list to life post-transplant. The KTPM focuses on the effects of donor availability on the complete transplant process with a specific concentration on ethnicity. The model was designed as a tool for analyzing the transplant process and its outcomes and is supplemented with the database from the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) and reports [14, 16, 13]. Experiments with this model have shown that if changes are not made to the kidney transplant process, the waiting list will continue to grow in the future. While increases in the availability of donors are not likely to entirely eliminate the waiting list in the near term, these solutions could help to decrease the size of the list. A specific increase in living donor transplants in minorities would also help to decrease the size of the waiting list for kidney transplants. The KTPM is an effective and efficient way to model the waiting activity of the waiting list over time. This model can be used to simulate and predict the effects of various changes to the current transplant system.
Elasticity at Swelling Equilibrium of Ultrasoft Polyelectrolyte Gels: Comparisons of Theory and Experiments

We have studied the elasticity of low volume fraction hyaluronic acid polyelectrolyte gels in swelling equilibrium as a function of salt concentration and strand length. By measuring the shear modulus at different salt concentrations for a constant volume fraction, and for different volume fractions at constant salt concentrations, we uniquely identify the physical parameters responsible for swelling, the chain hydrophobicity, χ, and the degree of ionization of the network, α, for our experimental conditions. Using these parameters, we predict the complex relationship between the elasticity of the network and the polymer volume fraction. The relationship is nonmonotonic due to the internal pressure of the system, and we predict that even in the equilibrium linear-elastic regime, polyelectrolyte gels stiffen as they swell in low salt solutions. For higher salt concentrations, the relationship is reversed, and the modulus increases with polymer volume fraction as expected. Using dynamic light scattering and...
Measuring the academic radiologist's clinical productivity: applying RVU adjustment factors.

Abstract Rationale and Objectives To improve understanding of academic radiologists' clinical workloads, the Society of Chairmen of Academic Radiology Departments (SCARD) performed surveys to collect workload data for radiologists in 20 departments; workload was measured in relative value units (RVUs) per full-time equivalent (FTE). Although they were useful for comparisons within some subspecialties, the workload data proved inadequate for comparisons across sections, and adjustment factors were needed for each Current Procedure Terminology (CPT) code. Materials and Methods All CPT codes for examinations were divided into groups with similar radiologist work effort. Focusing on radiologists who worked almost exclusively in each group, the authors created adjustment factors by using data from the individual radiologists at each institution. Results The adjustment factors are 0.50 for angiography, 0.58 for computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, and 1.0 for nuclear medicine, plain radiography, and special procedures (no adjustment needed for these groups). These factors are multiplied by the work RVUs for each examination to create the adjusted workload RVUs. Conclusion The SCARD survey provided very useful clinical workload data, with workload measured in work RVUs per FTE for specific subspecialty sections. The new adjusted workload RVUs allow comparison of radiologists' workload across subspecialties.
The role of a dairy fraction rich in milk fat globule membrane in the suppression of postprandial inflammatory markers and bone turnover in obese and overweight adults: an exploratory study

Inflammation is associated with increased bone resorption; the role of inflammation in postprandial bone turnover has not been explored. Consumption of milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) reduces inflammation in animal models. This study aimed to measure postprandial changes in bone turnover after intake of high saturated fat test meals, with- and without the anti-inflammatory ingredient MFGM. Subjects (n = 36 adults) were obese (BMI 30–39.9 kg/m2) or overweight (BMI 25–29.9 kg/m2) with two traits of Metabolic Syndrome. Subjects consumed a different test meal on four occasions at random; blood draws were taken at baseline and 1, 3, and 6 h postprandial. Test meals included whipping cream (WC), WC + MFGM, palm oil (PO) and PO + MFGM. Biomarkers of bone turnover and inflammation were analyzed from all four time points. Test meal (treatment) by time interactions were significant for bone resorption marker C-telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTX) (p < 0.0001) and inflammatory marker interleukin 10 (IL-10) (p = 0.012). Significant differences in overall postprandial response among test meals were found for CTX and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM), with the greatest overall postprandial suppression of CTX occurring in meals containing MFGM. However, test meal by MFGM interactions were non- significant for bone and inflammatory markers. Correlations between CTX and inflammatory markers were non-significant. This exploratory analysis advances the study of postprandial suppression of bone turnover by demonstrating differing effects of high SFA meals that contained MFGM; however MFGM alone did not directly moderate the difference in postprandial CTX response among test meals in this analysis. These observations may be useful for identifying foods and ingredients which maximize the suppression of bone resorption, and for generating hypotheses to test in future studies examining the role of inflammation in postprandial bone turnover. Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01811329 . Registered 11 March 2013.
Alarming Symptoms and Red Flag Findings

Trotter, whose interests extended from neurosurgery to development of the herd instinct theory, the latter based on observing flocks of sheep, packs of wolves, and hives of bees, suggests that we should pay close attention to clinical symptoms and signs – the often-subtle clues to diagnosis. Some of these clues – such as back pain after heavy lifting or the painful blisters of a zoster infection – will be mundane. Others, however, may be both understated – the “casual parenthesis” – and alarming. These are the red flags of medicine, calling for prompt attention. This chapter examines some of these.
Factors Influencing American Plastic Surgery Residents Toward an Academic Career.

Background:Plastic surgery residency program directors have an interest in recruiting applicants who show an interest in an academic practice. Medical school achievements (ie, United States Medical...
Differential arterial and venous endothelial redox responses to oxidative stress.

OBJECTIVE Oxidative stress is a central event linked with endothelial dysfunction and inflammation in several vascular pathologies, marked by over-production of ROS and concomitant decreases in antioxidants, for example GSH. Here, we distinguish endothelial oxidative stress regulation and associated functional disparities in the two main vascular conduits, (arteries and veins) following decreases in GSH. METHODS MAECs and VCECs were used as models of arterial and venular endothelium, respectively, and BSO (0-100 μmol/L) was used to indirectly increase cellular oxidative stress. Inflammatory responses were measured using immune cell attachment and immunoblotting for endothelial cell adhesion molecule (ICAM-1, VCAM-1) expression, altered cell proliferation, and wound healing. RESULTS MAECs and VCECs exhibited differential responses to oxidative stress produced by GSH depletion with VCECs exhibiting greater sensitivity to oxidative stress. Compared to MAECs, VCECs showed a significantly increased inflammatory profile and a decreased proliferative phenotype in response to decreases in GSH levels. CONCLUSIONS Arterial and venous endothelial cells exhibit differential responses to oxidant stress, and decreases in GSH:GSSG are more exacerbated in venous endothelial cells. Specific pathogenesis in these vascular conduits, with respect to oxidant stress handling, warrants further study, especially considering surgical interventions such as Coronary artery bypass grafting that use both interchangeably.
Lipid Molecular Species Composition of Granal and Stromal Lamellae

We are investigating the lipid biosynthetic pathways involved in both the development of chloroplast membranes and the lipid-protein interactions in a mature chloroplast. We report the molecular species compositions of monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG) and digalactosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG) from highly purified granal and stromal lamellae of Splrodela oligorrhiza. Characteristic differences in the lipids suggest that constituent lipid molecular species (formed via different pathways) are associated with the specialized structure and function of the chloroplast membrane systems.
Intermediate step of cohesin’s ATPase cycle allows cohesin to entrap DNA

Cohesin is a four-subunit ATPase in the family of structural maintenance of chromosomes (SMC). Cohesin promotes sister chromatid cohesion, chromosome condensation, DNA repair, and transcription regulation. Cohesin performs these functions as a DNA tether and potentially a DNA-based motor. At least one of its DNA binding activities involves entrapment of DNA within a lumen formed by its subunits. This activity can be reconstituted in vitro by incubating cohesin with DNA, ATP, and cohesin loader. Previously we showed that a mutant form of cohesin (DE-cohesin) possesses the ability to bind and tether DNA in vivo. Using in vitro reconstitution assays, we show that DE-cohesin can form stable complexes with DNA without ATP hydrolysis. We show that wild-type cohesin with ADP aluminum fluoride (cohesinADP/AlFx) can also form stable cohesin–DNA complexes. These results suggest that an intermediate nucleotide state of cohesin, likely cohesinADP-Pi, is capable of initially dissociating one interface between cohesin subunits to allow DNA entry into a cohesin lumen and subsequently interacting with the bound DNA to stabilize DNA entrapment. We also show that cohesinADP/AlFx binding to DNA is enhanced by cohesin loader, suggesting a function for loader other than stimulating the ATPase. Finally, we show that loader remains stably bound to cohesinADP/AlFx after DNA entrapment, potentially revealing a function for loader in tethering the second DNA substrate. These results provide important clues on how SMC complexes like cohesin can function as both DNA tethers and motors.
Magnetic field sensor based on nickel-coated S-shaped long period fiber grating

The paper presents the fabrication of S-shaped metallic long period fibre grating (MLPFG) based on electroforming process for the realization of metal-based micro-electro-mechanical systems magnetic field sensors. The fabricated S-shaped MLPFG sensors were then tested in a magnetic field experiment. The NdFeB magnet was used to control the size of the magnetic field, and a gaussmeter was used to measure the magnetic field to analyse the spectral changes in the sensor in different magnetic fields. The results showed that an external magnetic load (NdFeB magnet) attracted the nickel structure, which changed the periodic metal structure size, disturbing the refractive index of the LPFG structure and altering the coupling coefficient, which increased the transmission loss as the magnetic field varied from 0 to 350 Gauss. The optimal sensitivity of the magnetic field to the loss was − 0.0084 dB/Gauss and R2 was 0.9426. Therefore, the S-shaped metallic LPFG sensor developed in this study can be used to detect magnetic fields.
The role of social expectation in the perception of gay speech

Previous sociophonetic studies have characterized lengthened /s/ as one of several acoustic correlates of gay(-sounding) speech (Linville 1998; Rogers et al. 2000). It has also been shown that listeners adjust their perceptual expectations when given social information about a speaker (Strand & Johnson 1996; Nidzielski 1999; McGowan 2015). There is evidence that /s/ duration serves as a cue in the perception of a speaker’s sexual orientation, but only when paired with another acoustic cue (Levon 2007). Can a social cue serve this role instead? Given these findings, how might the timecourse of lexical activation be affected as listeners are given social information about a speaker? The present investigation addresses these questions using eye tracking in a visual world paradigm to examine the effect of social expectation on the timecourse of lexical activation. Participants (N = 22) heard /CVs/ and /CVsC/ words with digitally lengthened /s/, in two test conditions. First, participants had no social information about the speaker; second, the speaker’s sexuality was given implicitly. Gaze patterns differed based on listeners’ experience levels with gay speech, with a higher latency to response for high-experience listeners. This suggests that social expectation varies as a function of listener experience with a sociolinguistic variety.
The Competing Influences of Transformational Leadership and LMX on Follower Engagement

Scholars of transformational leadership and leader-member exchange (LMX) have argued that leaders are able to positively influence the job attitudes and behaviors of followers by different means. W...
Biomembrane Mechanical Properties Direct Diverse Cell Functions

The shape of any cell is defined and delimited by the shape of the outermost membrane of lipid. Whether a cell’s membrane is locally flat, protrusive, or invaginated at a given instant is often the resultant of forces generated by molecules within the cell as well as those attributable to external factors. For mammalian cells, major changes in cell shape are evident in processes that include cell spreading, migration, and cell division as well as differentiation and death. Such processes are illustrated here for blood cells, starting with stem cells in bone marrow plus the many different types of circulating cells, particularly RBCs whose membranes have been more deeply studied for decades compared to other mammalian cell types. A handful of the key proteins that apply or resist forces at the membrane are described here while focusing on the cortical protein meshworks that underlie membranes and contribute to properties and processes. Engulfment of particles and cells is one particular focus, with broad relevance to disease and therapy. Equally interesting is the frequently noted observation that changes in cell shape and orientation are also evident in shape and orientation changes of the cell's nucleus—which is again delimited by a membrane. A final section focuses on the physics of a sub-membranous lamina in the nucleus, which interfaces with the genome and provides insight into mechanosensing and cell fates.
Endothelial Cell Polarization During Lumen Formation, Tubulogenesis, and Vessel Maturation in 3D Extracellular Matrices

A fundamental event during vascular morphogenesis is the formation of endothelial cell (EC) lumens and tube networks in 3D extracellular matrices (ECM). This morphogenic step leads to rapid EC polarization in that apical and basal membrane domains are created, with fluid contacting the developing apical membrane surface, while ECM is in contact with the basal membrane surface. Interestingly, it has been difficult to identify specific apical vs. basal markers in ECs. This suggests that their ability to polarize is distinct from other cell types such as epithelial cells which have more extensive cell–cell junctional contacts and more specialized apical domains with exocrine abilities where substantial fluids can be generated and released apically. One key difference is that ECs in contact with blood must be flat in order to properly function and respond to fluid flow forces. Interestingly, our recent studies reveal that tubulins and, in particular, modified tubulins such as acetylated tubulin are distributed in a subapical domain that supports the developing apical membrane surface during EC lumen formation and tube maintenance. Disruption of the tubulin cytoskeleton can lead to failure of tube formation and rapid tube collapse suggesting that the polarized shape of EC-lined tubes in 3D extracellular matrices is strongly dependent on the tubulin cytoskeleton rather than the actin cytoskeleton (although both are clearly important). EC tube polarization is also strongly affected by the recruitment of mural cells (i.e., pericytes) which, in conjunction with ECs, leads to critical extracellular matrix remodeling including deposition of the vascular basement membrane matrix which is laid down on the basal surface in between the basally distributed pericytes which co-contribute this matrix along with ECs. In conclusion, the mechanisms that stimulate EC tubulogenesis establish apical–basal cytoskeletal and membrane polarity during morphogenic events in 3D matrices. EC polarization is further enhanced by the recruitment of mural cells such as pericytes along the abluminal EC surface which stimulates vascular basement membrane assembly along this basal surface to further contribute to EC polarity and maintenance of EC-lined tubes. At this point, flow forces and components of blood together will provide additional polarizing information to the EC apical surface and contribute to vascular tube stabilization and the development of EC quiescence in the mature vasculature.
Supplying Conditions for Having up to 1000 Degress of Freedom in the Onset of Inflation, Instead of 2 to 3 Degrees of Freedom, Today, in Space-Time.

The following document attempts to answer the role additional degrees of freedom have as to initial inflationary cosmology. I.e. the idea is to cut down on the number of independent variables to get as simple an emergent space time structure of entropy and its generation as possible. One parameter being initial degrees of freedom, the second the minimum allowed grid size in space time, and the final parameter being emergent space time temperature. In order to initiate this inquiry, a comparison is made to two representations of a scale evolutionary Friedman equation, with one of the equations based upon LQG, and another involving an initial Hubble expansion parameter with initial temperature TPlanck ~ 10^19 GeV used as an input into T4 times N(T). Initial assumptions as to the number of degrees of freedom has for TPlanck ~ 10^19 GeV a maximum value of N(T) ~ 103 . Making that upper end approximation for the value of permissible degrees of freedom is dependent upon a minimum grid size length as of about lPlanck ~ 10^-33 centimeters. Should the minimum uncertainty grid size for space time be higher than lPlanck ~ 10^-33 centimeters, then top value degrees of freedom of phase space as given by a value N(T) ~ 10^3 drops. In addition, the issue of bits, i.e. information is shown to not only have temperature dependence, but to be affected by minimum 'grid size' as well. A bifurcation diagram argument involving Hemoltz free energy as a 'driver' to push through a transition from a prior universe to the present universe, with classical physics behavior down to a grid size of lPlanck ~ 10^-33 centimeters ( i.e. start of quantum gravity effects) is employed to invoke use of classical physics down to lPlanck ~ 10^-33 centimeters. Subsequent chaotic dynamics during the expansion phase driven by Helmholtz free energy leads to up to N(T) ~ 103 degrees of freedom at the start of the inflationary regime. The possibility this semi classical argument for increase of the degrees of freedom up to N(T) ~ 10^3 is tied in with the possible emergence of space time E8 embedding is included as a speculative bonus. This is akin to Bogolyubov "spontaneous" particle creation arguments outlined in the article.
Generalized Urticaria and Decreased Consciousness After Barbecue

When no suspected allergen exists or the patients is not identified as being allergic to the exposed substance, the diagnosis of anaphylaxis is based on mucocutanous manifestations and at least one of the respiratory or cardiovascular systems When there is a history of exposure to a likely/common allergen, the diagnosis is confirmed by involvement of two of the cutaneous, respiratory, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal systems Following exposure to a known allergen for that patient a decrease in blood pressure (hypotension) is enough to start treatment Intravenous fluids, antihistamines, glucocorticoids and inhaled short-acting beta agonists, as well as high flow oxygen are second-line options for management of an anaphylactic reaction Previous use of beta blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs report of a more severe anaphylactic attack Provide the patient with anaphylactic attack with an autoinjector epinephrine and refer him/her to an allergist upon discharge from emergency department
Linking primary care and community organizations to increase colorectal cancer screening rates: the HAPPI project

Abstract: Objective: The Healthy Aging Partnerships in Preven tion Initiative (HAPPI) aims to increase the use of clinical preventive services (CPS) among underserved Latinos and African Americans in South Los Angeles who are 50+ years old. Materials and methods: HAPPI uses an evidence-based model, SPARC, to leverage existing resources and link community resources. HAPPI’s multi-sectoral partnerships include local non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community health centers (CHCs), aging and public health agencies serving the City and County of Los Angeles, and a university. Activities include CHC capacity assessment and training, and community capacity-building that included a small grants program. Results: We engaged five CHCs in quality improvement activities and eight NGOs in networking and programming to increase awareness and receipt of CPS. We discuss barriers and facilitators including the success of trainings conducted with CHC providers and NGO re presentatives. Conclusion: Multi-sectoral collaborations hold promise for increasing awareness and use of CPS in underserved communities.
Otolaryngology Resident Practices and Perceptions in the Initial Phase of the U.S. COVID-19 Pandemic.

Author(s): Cai, Yi; Jiam, Nicole T; Wai, Katherine C; Shuman, Elizabeth A; Roland, Lauren T; Chang, Jolie L | Abstract: ObjectiveThe coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had widespread implications on clinical practice at U.S. hospitals. These changes are particularly relevant to otolaryngology-head and neck surgery (OHNS) residents because reports suggest an increased risk of contracting COVID-19 for otolaryngologists. The objectives of this study were to evaluate OHNS residency program practice changes and characterize resident perceptions during the initial phase of the pandemic.Study designA cross-sectional survey of U.S. OHNS residents at 81 programs was conducted between March 23, 2020, and March 29, 2020.ResultsEighty-two residents from 51 institutions (63% of invited programs) responded. At the time of survey, 98% of programs had enacted policy changes to minimize COVID-19 spread. These included filtered respirator use for aerosol-generating procedures even in COVID-19-negative patients (85%), decreased resident staffing of surgeries (70%), and reduced frequency of tracheotomy care (61%). The majority of residents (66%) perceived that residents were at higher risk of contracting COVID-19 compared to attendings. Residents were most concerned about protective equipment shortage (93%) and transmitting COVID-19 to patients (90%). The majority of residents (73%) were satisfied with their department's COVID-19 response. Resident satisfaction correlated with comfort level in discussing concerns with attendings (r = 0.72, P l .00001) and inversely correlated with perceptions of increased risk compared to attendings (r = -0.52, P l .00001).ConclusionU.S. OHNS residency programs implemented policy changes quickly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sources of resident anxieties demonstrate the importance of open communication and an integrated team approach to facilitate optimal patient and provider care during this unprecedented crisis.Level of evidence4. Laryngoscope, 130:2550-2557, 2020.
‘I feel fat when I feel fat’: affective forces of trauma in anorexia and bulimia

Eating disorders (EDs) such as anorexia and bulimia continue to be persistent problems and their treatment fraught. As others have identified, these issues are in part due to the continued overemph...
A Malignant Case of Arrested Development: Cancer Cell Dormancy Mimics Embryonic Diapause

Writing in Cancer Cell and Cell, two groups investigate the nature of dormant cancer cells that persist after chemotherapy. These cells adopt a state that resembles diapause, an evolutionarily conserved adaptation used by embryos to survive inhospitable conditions. Understanding cancer diapause could uncover therapeutic strategies that reduce cancer relapse.
Behavior of a Diesel Injection System with Biodiesel Fuel

Biodiesel fuels are widely known to yield an increase in NOx emissions in many diesel engines. It has been suggested that the increase in NOx is due to injection timing differences caused by the low compressibility of biodiesel. In this work, comparisons of injection timing and duration were performed for diesel fuel and a range of biodiesel blends (B20 to B100). The fuel injector on a 4-stroke, single-cylinder, four horsepower, air-cooled, direct injection diesel engine was positioned in a spray chamber while the engine was motored and fuel was delivered to the injector by the fuel pump on the engine. Spray visualization and quantification of injection timing were performed in the spray chamber using an engine videoscope, light attenuation from a HeNe laser and fuel line pressure, and were synchronized to crank shaft position. Shifts in injection timing were observed between the fuel blends, amounting to a 1 crank angle (CA) degree difference between diesel fuel and pure biodiesel (B100). Combustion studies were also performed to see how the shift in injection timing affected the timing of the combustion process. There was an advance in ignition of up to 4 CA degrees with B100 which can be attributed, at least in part, to the advanced injection timing.
How do Quadratic Regularizers Prevent Catastrophic Forgetting: The Role of Interpolation

Catastrophic forgetting undermines the effectiveness of deep neural networks (DNNs) in scenarios such as continual learning and lifelong learning. While several methods have been proposed to tackle this problem, there is limited work explaining why these methods work well. This paper has the goal of better explaining a popularly used technique for avoiding catastrophic forgetting: quadratic regularization. We show that quadratic regularizers prevent forgetting of past tasks by interpolating current and previous values of model parameters at every training iteration. Over multiple training iterations, this interpolation operation reduces the learning rates of more important model parameters, thereby minimizing their movement. Our analysis also reveals two drawbacks of quadratic regularization: (a) dependence of parameter interpolation on training hyperparameters, which often leads to training instability and (b) assignment of lower importance to deeper layers, which are generally the place forgetting occurs in DNNs. Via a simple modification to the order of operations, we show these drawbacks can be easily avoided, resulting in 6.2% higher average accuracy at 4.5% lower average forgetting. Code available at \url{this https URL}
Present and future trends in spin ARPES

Spin-orbit (SO) coupling combined with space inversion symmetry breaking is at the origin of the lifting of the spin degeneracy in the band structure of many materials. The momentum-dependent energy splitting and the degree of spin polarization are indicative of the strength and symmetry of the SO interaction, and enter in the figure of merit of essentially all conceptual designs aiming to control the electron spin degree of freedom in solids. Here we briefly review the role played by spin-and-angle-resolved photoemission (spin ARPES or SARPES) in revealing the spin polarization specifically in the topological states of 3-dimensional (3D) topo- logical insulators (TIs), and we discuss how the progress in the technique can assist the rise of several active fields like spintronics, spin-orbitronics or the generation of spin-polarized beams.
Superconductivity of incoherent electrons in the Yukawa Sachdev-Ye-Kitaev model

We study a model of $N$ fermions in a quantum dot, coupled to $M$ bosons by a disorder-induced complex Yukawa coupling [Yukawa Sachdev-Ye-Kitaev (SYK) model], in order to explore the interplay between non-Fermi liquid and superconductivity in a strongly coupled, (quantum-)critical environment. We analyze the phase diagram of the model for an arbitrary complex interaction and arbitrary ratio of $N/M$, with special focus on the two regimes of non-Fermi-liquid behavior: an SYK-like behavior with a power-law frequency dependence of the fermionic self-energy and an impuritylike behavior with frequency independent self-energy. We show that the crossover between the two can be reached by varying either the strength of the fermion-boson coupling or the ratio $M/N$. We next argue that in both regimes the system is unstable to superconductivity if the strength of time-reversal-symmetry-breaking disorder is below a certain threshold. We show how the corresponding onset temperatures vary between the two regimes. We argue that the superconducting state is highly unconventional with an infinite set of minima of the condensation energy at $T=0$, corresponding to topologically different gap functions. We discuss in detail similarities and differences between this model and the model of dispersion-full fermions tuned to a metallic quantum-critical point, with an effective singular dynamical interaction $V(\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Omega}})\ensuremath{\propto}1/{|\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Omega}}|}^{\ensuremath{\gamma}}$ (the $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ model).
Optimal lighting control in greenhouse by incorporating sunlight prediction

Abstract Supplemental lighting is an effective means for increasing greenhouse productivity. Recently, the use of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), capable of precise and quick dimmability, has increased in greenhouses. However, electricity cost of lighting can be significant, and hence, it is necessary to find optimal lighting strategies to minimize electrical lighting cost. In this paper, we model supplemental lighting in the greenhouses equipped with LEDs as a constrained optimization problem, and we aim to minimize electricity cost of supplemental lighting. We consider not only plant daily light integral (DLI) need during its photoperiod but also sunlight prediction and variable electricity pricing in our model. We use Markov chains to model sunlight irradiance and predict it during the day. By taking sunlight prediction information into account, we avoid supplying more light than the crop requires. Therefore, our lighting strategy prepares sufficient light for plant growth while minimizing electricity cost during the day. We propose an algorithm to find optimal supplemental lighting and evaluate its performance through exhaustive simulation studies using a whole year of weather data and compare it to a heuristic method, which aims to supply a fixed photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) to plants at each time step during the day. In addition to simulation studies, we also implemented the proposed lighting strategy in a research greenhouse in Athens, GA. Our prediction-based lighting approach shows (on average) over 45% electricity cost reduction compared to the heuristic method throughout the entire year.
The Human–Animal Bond and Grief and Loss: Implications for Social Work Practice:

The human–animal bond (HAB) is a powerful emotional attachment which often elevates pets to the status of a family member. Because companion animals typically live much shorter lives than humans, g...
"Off the Straight Path": Illicit Sex, Law, and Community in Ottoman Aleppo

The legal treatment of sexual behavior is a subject that receives little scholarly attention in the field of Middle East women's studies. Important questions about the relationship between sexuality and the law and about the societies enforcing that relationship are rarely addressed in the current literature. Elyse Semerdjian's ""Off the Straight Path"" takes a bold step toward filling that gap, offering a fascinating look at the historical progression of Islamic law's treatment of illicit sex.Semerdjian provides a comprehensive review of the concept of zina, sexual indiscretion, exploring the diverse interpretation of zina crime as presented in a variety of sources from the Qur'an and hadith to legal literature. She then delves into the history of legal responses to zina within the specific community of Aleppo, Syria.Drawing on a wealth of shari 'a court records, Semerdjian brings to life Syrian society during the Ottoman period. With vivid detail, she describes specific women's lives and experiences as their cases are presented before the court. Semerdjian argues that the actual treatment of zina crimes in the courts differs substantially from sentences prescribed by codifed Islamic jurisprudence. In contrast to the violent corporal punishments dictated in the Islamic legal code, the courts often punished crimes of sexual indiscretion with nonviolent sentences, such as removal from the community. Employing exceptional insight, ""Off the Straight Path"" presents a powerful challenge to the traditional view of Islamic law, enabling a richer understanding of Islamic society.
Topological Integrals of Motion in Gauge Theory

The existing models combining strong, weak and electromagnetic interactions (grand unification models) are built using the same principles as the theory of electroweak interaction. We take the Lagrangian $$L = {L_0} - \Gamma \bar \psi \psi \varphi - U\left( \varphi \right)$$ (12.1) , where ψ = (ψ 1,..., ψ m ) is a multicomponent fermion field, φ = (φ 1,..., φ m ) a multicomponent scalar field, and L 0 the free Lagrangian describing the interaction of these fields. Assume that (12.1) is invariant under an internal symmetry group G. This means that ψ and φ transform in a certain way under transformations in G (they take values in some representation space of G) and that the Lagrangian is a scalar with respect to this group; in particular, the polynomial U(φ) and the expression \(\Gamma \bar \psi \psi \varphi = {G_{ijk}}\overline {{\psi ^i}} {\psi ^j}\varphi \) are G-invariant.
Performance Comparison of Fiber Optic Tips in Interferometric Displacement Measurements

Fiber optic displacement sensors have many potential advantages over traditional displacement measurement techniques, including small size, immunity to electromagnetic interference, electrical isolation, and high resolution. In this report, we focus on an interferometric fiber optic sensor, where the gap between the fiber tip and the device under test forms a Fabry-Perot resonant cavity. An optical interrogator measures the reflected intensity at wavelengths ranging from 1510 to 1590 nm. The spacing between resonant frequencies allows us to determine the distance from the tip to the device under test. We consider ferrule connector angled physical contact (FC/APC), ferrule connector ultra physical contact (FC/UPC) and unpolished cleaved tips and compare their influence on sensor performance. A plane wave propagation model is proposed for predicting tip effects. Comparisons are made on the basis of sensor measurement range, resolution, and sensitivity to changes in test conditions. In this paper, we discuss the experimental setup, detail our analysis, and present test results with recommendations for the applications of each tip.