cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adaptive output feedback regulation of a class of nonlinear systems

In this paper we consider a minimum-phase, input-output linearizable system that is represented globally by an nth order differential equation. The nonlinearities of the system depend linearly on unknown parameters which belong to a known convex set. We design a semiglobal adaptive output feedback controller to ensure boundedness of all state variables and regulation of the output to zero (an open-loop equilibrium condition). It is shown that the adaptive controller is robust with respect to bounded disturbances in the sense that the root mean square regulation error is of the order of the magnitude of the disturbance. Moreover, if the disturbance vanishes when the input and output are identically zero and if its slope is sufficiently small, then the adaptive controller will ensure convergence of the regulation error.
Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia: A Review of Laboratory Findings and Clinical Aspects

Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) is a rare B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder with clinical features of lymphoplasmacytic infiltration of the bone marrow, progressive anemia, and immunoglobulin M (IgM) monoclonal gammopathy. It can be distinguished from other B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders by molecular, cytogenetic and immunophenotyping. Despite advancements in therapy, WM is incurable and remains a challenging disease to diagnose and manage in patients with familial predisposition and second cancers. This report provides a review of the current clinical presentations, laboratory findings, and treatment of WM. * WM : Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia MGUS : monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance SWM : smoldering Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia BLys : B-lymphocyte stimulator HL : Hodgkin lymphoma NHL : non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Quantifying the performance of in vivo portal dosimetry in detecting four types of treatment parameter variations.

Purpose: To quantify the ability of electronic portal imaging device(EPID)dosimetry used during treatment (in vivo) in detecting variations that can occur in the course of patient treatment. Methods: Images of transmitted radiation from in vivoEPID measurements were converted to a 2D planar dose at isocenter and compared to the treatment planningdose using a prototype software system. Using the treatment planning system (TPS), four different types of variability were modeled: overall dose scaling, shifting the positions of the multileaf collimator(MLC) leaves, shifting of the patient position, and changes in the patient body contour. The gamma pass rate was calculated for the modified and unmodified plans and used to construct a receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve to assess the detectability of the different parameter variations. The detectability is given by the area under the ROC curve (AUC). The TPS was also used to calculate the impact of the variations on the target dose–volume histogram. Results: Nine intensity modulation radiation therapy plans were measured for four different anatomical sites consisting of 70 separate fields. Results show that in vivoEPIDdosimetry was most sensitive to variations in the machine output, AUC = 0.70 − 0.94, changes in patient body habitus, AUC = 0.67 − 0.88, and systematic shifts in the MLC bank positions, AUC = 0.59 − 0.82. These deviations are expected to have a relatively small clinical impact [planning target volume (PTV) D99 change <7%]. Larger variations have even higher detectability. Displacements in the patient’s position and random variations in MLC leaf positions were not readily detectable, AUC < 0.64. The D99 of the PTV changed by up to 57% for the patient position shifts considered here. Conclusions: In vivoEPIDdosimetry is able to detect relatively small variations in overall dose, systematic shifts of the MLC’s, and changes in the patient habitus. Shifts in the patient’s position which can introduce large changes in the target dose coverage were not readily detected.
In Situ Transplantation of Alginate Bioencapsulated Adipose Tissues Derived Stem Cells (ADSCs) via Hepatic Injection in a Mouse Model.

Objective Adipose tissue derived stem cells (ADSCs) transplantation has recently gained widespread enthusiasm, particularly in the perspective to use them as potential alternative cell sources for hepatocytes in cell based therapy, mainly because of their capability of hepatogenic differentiation in vitro and in vivo. But some challenges remain to be addressed, including whether ADSCs can be provided effectively to the target organ and whether subsequent proliferation of transplanted cells can be achieved. To date, intrasplenic injection is the conventional method to deliver ADSCs into the liver; however, a number of donor cells retained in the spleen has been reported. In this study, our objective is to evaluate a novel route to transplant ADSCs specifically to the liver. We aimed to test the feasibility of in situ transplantation of ADSCs by injecting bioencapsulated ADSCs into the liver in mouse model. Methods The ADSCs isolated from human alpha 1 antitrypsin (M-hAAT) transgenic mice were used to allow delivered ADSCs be readily identified in the liver of recipient mice, and alginate was selected as a cell carrier. We first evaluated whether alginate microspheres are implantable into the liver tissue by injection and whether ADSCs could migrate from alginate microspheres (study one). Once proven, we then examined the in vivo fate of ADSCs loaded microspheres in the liver. Specifically, we evaluated whether transplanted, undifferentiated ASDCs could be induced by the local microenvironment toward hepatogenic differentiation and the distribution of surviving ADSCs in major tissue organs (study two). Results Our results indicated ADSCs loaded alginate microspheres were implantable into the liver. Both degraded and residual alginate microspheres were observed in the liver up to three weeks. The viable ADSCs were detectable surrounding degraded and residual alginate microspheres in the liver and other major organs such as bone marrow and the lungs. Importantly, transplanted ADSCs underwent hepatogenic differentiation to become cells expressing albumin in the liver. These findings improve our understanding of the interplay between ADSCs (donor cells), alginate (biomaterial), and local microenvironment in a hepatectomized mouse model, and might improve the strategy of in situ transplantation of ADSCs in treating liver diseases.
Thermodynamic limit of bifacial double-junction tandem solar cells

A traditional single-junction solar panel cannot harness ground-scattered light (albedo reflectance, RA), and also suffers from the fundamental sub-band-gap and the thermalization losses. In this paper, we explain how a “bifacial tandem” panel would dramatically reduce these losses, with corresponding improvement in thermodynamic performance. Our study predicts (i) the optimum combination of the band-gaps, empirically given by Eg(t)opt≈Eg(b)opt(2+RA)/3+(1−RA) and the (ii) corresponding optimum normalized output power given by ηT(opt)*≈RA (2ηSJ(opt))+(1−RA)ηDJ(opt). Empirically, ηT(opt)* interpolates between the thermodynamic efficiency limit of classical double-junction tandem cell ( ηDJ) and twice that of a single-junction cell ( ηSJ). We conclude by explaining how the fundamental loss mechanisms evolve with RA in a bifacial tandem cell.
Toward a Conjurisdictional Law

In their study of the NATO Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), Snee and Pye stated that a new conjurisdictional law was being developed with respect to the right to exercise criminal jurisdiction under status of forces agreements. Their study and most other studies, however, are concerned only with the jurisdictional arrangements under the NATO agreement. If a new law is developing, it will evolve not only from the NATO agreement but also from other less publicized agreements. Therefore, these other agreements must be studied in order to determine if the NATO SOFA is setting a standard for the development of such a law.
Social Status and Intertemporal Preferences

The field of household finance has established a correlation between savings behavior and education, income, and race. This is partly explained by a high discount rate ultimately leading to low social status. This paper establishes causation in the opposite direction, with a relatively low social status position leading to a relatively high discount rate. The method used is experimental, with 154 subjects interacting in high- or low-status assignments. The subsequent change in intertemporal preference is significantly determined by the status assignment. The effect is strongest among the subjects who initially have higher discount rates and does not depend on the sex of the subject. This result implies low status consumers have higher discount rates and make worse financial choices because of their low social status, a finding that must be addressed in the regulation of consumer financial products.
Constitutional Reforms of the 1970s and the Performance of Swedish Governance: Statistical Evidence

Swedish constitutional documents are relatively easy to modify and so continue to be a work in progress. However, the last major reform of the basic procedures and constraints under which governmental decisions are made took place in the 1970s. Although the major reforms were adopted with broad support within the Riksdag, not all of the changes adopted can be regarded as improvements based on the abstract analysis of part II. The matter taken up in the present chapter is whether the problems anticipated by the theoretical analysis have in fact materialized.
Complex Powers of Elliptic Operators

Let Λ be a subset of the complex plane (in the applications this will, as a rule, be an angle with the vertex at the origin). In spectral theory it is useful to consider operators depending on a parameter λ ∈ Λ (an example of such an operator is the resolvent (A − λI)−1).
Ohmic contact of cadmium oxide, a transparent conducting oxide, to n-type indium phosphide.

Good ohmic contact to n-type indium phosphide (n-InP) with cadmium oxide (CdO), a transparent conducting oxide (TCO), has been achieved. Hydrogen plasma surface pretreatment of the n-InP substrate, prior to the pulsed laser deposition (PLD) of the CdO film, is key to achieving ohmic contact. On substrates pretreated with a hydrogen plasma, contact resistances as low as (6.8 ± 2.8) × 10−6 Ω cm2 are obtained.
Quantifying ice loss in the eastern Himalayas since 1974 using declassified spy satellite imagery

Abstract. Himalayan glaciers are important natural resources and climate indicators for densely populated regions in Asia. Remote sensing methods are vital for evaluating glacier response to changing climate over the vast and rugged Himalayan region, yet many platforms capable of glacier mass balance quantification are somewhat temporally limited due to typical glacier response times. We here rely on declassified spy satellite imagery and ASTER data to quantify surface lowering, ice volume change, and geodetic mass balance during 1974–2006 for glaciers in the eastern Himalayas, centered on the Bhutan–China border. The wide range of glacier types allows for the first mass balance comparison between clean, debris, and lake-terminating (calving) glaciers in the region. Measured glaciers show significant ice loss, with an estimated mean annual geodetic mass balance of −0.13 ± 0.06 m w.e. yr−1 (meters of water equivalent per year) for 10 clean-ice glaciers, −0.19 ± 0.11 m w.e. yr−1 for 5 debris-covered glaciers, −0.28 ± 0.10 m w.e. yr−1 for 6 calving glaciers, and −0.17 ± 0.05 m w.e. yr−1 for all glaciers combined. Contrasting hypsometries along with melt pond, ice cliff, and englacial conduit mechanisms result in statistically similar mass balance values for both clean-ice and debris-covered glacier groups. Calving glaciers comprise 18 % (66 km2) of the glacierized area yet have contributed 30 % (−0.7 km3) to the total ice volume loss, highlighting the growing relevance of proglacial lake formation and associated calving for the future ice mass budget of the Himalayas as the number and size of glacial lakes increase.
Characterization of Silicon Carbide thin Films Deposited by Laser Ablation on [001] and [111] Silicon Wafers

Stoichiometric films of 3C SiC, 50 to 1000 nm thick were deposited on Si wafers by laser ablation of ceramic stoichiometric SiC targets. Films grown at substrate temperatures above 1000° C on [001] and above 900° C on [111] show orientation epitaxial to the Si substrate along the film normal. Depending on the deposition conditions, the oriented crystallite dimension along this direction ranges from 20 nm to over 100 nm. The crystallite dimensions in the film plane range from 20 to 70 nm. Raman spectra show the expected TO and LO lines from SiC but indicate that the films sometimes contain other material, for example (30 to 50 A) graphitic inclusions or small amounts of polycrystalline silicon.
Plasma adriamycin and daunorubicin levels by fluorescence and radioimmunoassay

Abstract In 38 adriamycin experiments and 4 daunorubicin experiments, radioimmunoassay readily and reproducibly detects and estimates these drugs and immunologically similar metabolites in patients' plasma and urine to at least 120 hr after dosing without interference by concurrent medication. The plasma drug decay follows first-order kinetics in a triphasic pattern. Radioimmunoassay and fluorescence assay show similar decay up to 4 hr but diverge at that point with the fluorescence assay yielding higher values. Pharmocokinetic differences are amplified in patients with liver dysfunction and may be caused by fluorescent drug metabolites not sensitive to radioimmunoassay or nonspecific fluorescent materials. The radioimmunoassay offers the capability to measure adriamycin and daunorubicin in clinical settings in which fluorescence assay is not available.
STEM students' global awareness knowledge assessment

Assessing professional skills, such as teamwork, global awareness, ethics and creative problem solving, in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines encourages growth and experience for students. The paper focuses on the professional skill, global awareness, and gauging students' knowledge about this skill. According to the Model of Domain Learning (MDL), as students progress throughout their education in a domain, the knowledge of the domain becomes more cohesive and deeper. To assess students' knowledge of global awareness, we developed an instrument, i.e., a questionnaire, which gauges what students know about the world and specific nations based upon the following categories: customs and culture, religion, geography, economy, food, languages, history, health, politics and the environment. The plan for the administration of the questionnaire is discussed. Primary findings will also be used to group the questionnaire items into three developmental stages of the MDL-acclimation, competency, and proficiency.
Digoxin: A systematic review in atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure and post myocardial infarction.

Digoxin: A systematic review in atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure and post myocardial infarction
Stability of a Tick-Borne Flavivirus in Milk

The tick-borne flaviviruses (TBFV) occur worldwide and the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) members of the group often cause severe, debilitating neurological disease in humans. Although the primary route of infection is through the bite of an infected tick, alimentary infection through the consumption of TBEV-contaminated dairy products is also well-documented and is responsible for some disease in endemic areas. Experimental infection of goats, cattle, and sheep with TBEV shows that the virus can be excreted in the milk of infected animals. Additionally, the virus remains infectious after exposure to low pH levels, similar to those found in the stomach. To evaluate the survival of virus in milk, we studied the stability of the BSL-2 TBFV, Langat virus, in unpasteurized goat milk over time and after different thermal treatments. Virus was stable in milk maintained under refrigeration conditions; however, there was a marked reduction in virus titer after incubation at room temperature. High temperature, short time pasteurization protocols completely inactivated the virus. Interestingly, simulation of a typical thermal regime utilized for cheese did not completely inactivate the virus in milk. These findings stress the importance of proper milk handling and pasteurization processes in areas endemic for TBEV.
Instrumentalization of Ethnic Media

The ever widening gap in public discourse within a multicultural society is of concern. Among many factors, continuing and emerging practices of marginalization of ethnic minorities, ethnic media, and ethnic discourse in the media industries in Canada deserve attention. Parallel to the under-representation of ethnic minorities in mainstream media production and content, ethnic media organizations and the discourse they produce are equally under-represented in the media industries and public discourse. A recent new shift in this practice is the “instrumentalization of ethnic media”—that is, a strategic use of ethnic media as an instrument to serve the interests of stakeholders rather than of the general public. This commentary problematizes this new shift and calls for more research and policy attention. Un ecart sans cesse grandissant dans le discours public au sein d’une societe multiculturelle est preoccupant. En effet, entre autres facteurs, des pratiques continues et emergentes de marginalisation de minorites, medias et discours ethniques dans les industries des medias au Canada meritent une attention particuliere. En plus d’une sous-representation de minorites ethniques dans la production et le contenu des medias dominants, les organisations mediatiques ethniques et le discours qu’elles produisent sont aussi sujets a une sous-representation. D’autre part, un developpement recent de cette pratique est « l’instrumentalisation de medias ethniques », c’est-a-dire l’utilisation strategique de medias ethniques comme instruments pour servir les interets de parties prenantes plutot que du grand public. Cet article problematise ce developpement et recommande davantage de recherche et d’attention politique.
Fighting liver cancer disparities in the medically underserved Asian community

B42 Learning Objectives: >By the end of the presentation participants will be able to: 1) Identify a silent killer in the Asian community, 2) Apply routine hepatitis B screening of all foreign-born Asian adults. > >Background: >One of the greatest health disparities between Asian and Pacific Islanders (APIs) and their white counterparts is liver cancer. The disparity in liver cancer incidence and mortality is largely due to the high prevalence of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among APIs. San Jose, California has the third largest API population in the U.S., and 1 in 10 APIs has chronic hepatitis B. Left undiagnosed, 1 in 4 of them will die from cirrhosis or liver cancer. > >Setting: >Safety-net clinic in San Jose > >Population: >API immigrants with low income, no health insurance, and low English proficiency > >Project Description: >Hep B Free Clinic is a medical student-run program to provide: 1) comprehensive HBV education with medical interpreting, 2) screening, 3) vaccinations, 4) liver ultrasounds, 5) referrals for advanced care and triphasic CT scans, and 6) antiviral treatment. We address the unmet health care needs of immigrants with limited resources and English proficiency by offering free or low-cost services and education in a culturally appropriate manner. > >Results/Lessons Learned: >Within twelve days of clinic operation, we had 213 total patient visits. Of the 158 patients screened, the age range was 19-79 years. Most of our patients (96%) were born in Asia or the Pacific Islands, and 95% had no health insurance. Of those screened, 1 in 5 (19%) was chronically infected with HBV, and 1 in 4 (26%) lacked protective antibodies against HBV. Patients were provided with culturally appropriate information to prevent disease transmission and proper medical management to reduce their risk of liver disease. We believe that the screening of all foreign-born API adults should become a routine practice for healthcare providers that serve this population.
Improved quality-of-life of caregivers of children with asthma through guideline-based management.

ABSTRACTObjective: The quality of life (QOL) of caregivers of children with asthma may be related to children's responses to asthma management. Aim: To evaluate change in QOL over time of caregivers of children with asthma through guideline-based management. Design: This was a 3-year prospective cohort study of children with asthma referred to our pediatric asthma center. Families completed Pediatric Asthma Caregiver's Quality of Life Questionnaire (PACQLQ), the Asthma Control Test™ (ACT), and reported the number of days/month of albuterol use and wheezing at each clinic visit. Results: We enrolled 143 children, ages 7–17 years (mean = 10.6 ± 2.9), 56.6% male, 70.6% Caucasian. Patients were managed by the same MD (n = 65,45.5%) or APN (n = 78,54.5%) over time. The mean total PACQLQ significantly increased over the 3-year period (F = 67.418, p < .001). Total scores at the first visit were 4.8 ± 1.6, which improved to 6.1 ± 1 at the 3-month follow-up visit. This improvement was sustained at the 1, 2, and 3-...
Narcissism and social media use: A meta-analytic review.

The relationship between narcissism and social media use has been a topic of study since the advent of the first social media websites. In the present manuscript, the authors review the literature published to date on the topic and outline 2 potential models to explain the pattern of findings. Data
Predicting Protein-protein Association Rates using Coarse-grained Simulation and Machine Learning.

Protein–protein interactions dominate all major biological processes in living cells. We have developed a new Monte Carlo-based simulation algorithm to study the kinetic process of protein association. We tested our method on a previously used large benchmark set of 49 protein complexes. The predicted rate was overestimated in the benchmark test compared to the experimental results for a group of protein complexes. We hypothesized that this resulted from molecular flexibility at the interface regions of the interacting proteins. After applying a machine learning algorithm with input variables that accounted for both the conformational flexibility and the energetic factor of binding, we successfully identified most of the protein complexes with overestimated association rates and improved our final prediction by using a cross-validation test. This method was then applied to a new independent test set and resulted in a similar prediction accuracy to that obtained using the training set. It has been thought that diffusion-limited protein association is dominated by long-range interactions. Our results provide strong evidence that the conformational flexibility also plays an important role in regulating protein association. Our studies provide new insights into the mechanism of protein association and offer a computationally efficient tool for predicting its rate.
The Metabolism of Steroid Hormones in Breast Cancer: A Reappraisal

MacMahon (1), Lemon (2) and Smith and Smith (3) have emphasized that abnormal ovarian function or steroid metabolism not modified by pregnancy in early life, may well be implicated in human breast cancer etiology. Wynder (4) and Dao (5) have pointed toward an etiological role for estrogen metabolism and nutritionally-conditioned alteration of estrogen metabolism in breast cancer, as also have Stocks (6) and Hems (7). The study of steroid excretion patterns in women with breast cancer (or prior to the onset of the disease) is further recommended by Bulbrook’s observations in the women of Guernsey (8). Furthermore, there is some evidence (9) that at least part of the genetic predisposition of certain mouse strains is the result of genetically-determined ovarian function. These are but a few of the reports, published in the past decade, that pertain to steroid hormone metabolism in mammary cancer. However, before reappraising the data in this field it may be helpful to summarize what is now known of the fate of steroid hormones in the mammal.
Reforming the Soviet Economy: Equality versus efficiency: Ed A. Hewett Washington, DC: The Brookings Institution, 1988, 404 pp

(1991). Reforming the Soviet Economy: Equality versus efficiency. The Social Science Journal: Vol. 28, No. 4, pp. 537-538.
Preface to the revolution: digital specters of communism and the expiration of politics

ABSTRACTThe fall of the Berlin wall was immediately succeeded by the rise of the internet. In the ‘West’ revolutionary discourse was used to sell computational advances that ultimately colonized and financialized everyday life and eviscerated communal linguistic power. In the ‘East’, cybernetics was first understood as an imperialist science while Stalinism coercively reorganized linguistic practice such that in the Soviet Union too, folks learned to deny the evidence of their senses in service of the protocols of power. In both cases, under the auspices of revolution, everyday language became a subroutine of domination. ‘Post-socialism’ indexes a socialism that never was. In naming the unification of a division within capital it simultaneously indicates the widespread colonization of language (and its users) by capitalized power and places ‘socialism’ under erasure.
Changes in Cerebral Biogenic Amine Metabolism During Passive Avoidance Behaviour in Mice

ABSTRACT Concentrations of cerebral biogenic amines and their catabolites, and of plasma corticosterone were determined 10 minutes after training and testing of passive avoidance behaviour in mice. Training, and testing of mice that had acquired the task well resulted in statistically significant increases of plasma corticosterone, and of the DOPAC:DA ratio (an index of dopamine (DA) metabolism) in prefrontal cortex, and of MHPG:NE ratios (an index of norepinephrine (NE) metabolism) in hypothalamus and brain stem. There were also decreases of NE in hypothalamus and brain stem, and an increase of 5-HIAA:5-HT (an index of serotonin (5-HT) metabolism) and of tryptophan in brain stem. Some of these changes also occurred in mice merely exposed to the apparatus but not trained. Plasma corticosterone was significantly greater in mice that performed the task well compared to those that did not, and there were significant correlations between this measure and the avoidance performance. Although there was only one statistically significant correlation between a cerebral metabolite and the avoidance performance (a decrease in hypothalamic NE), there were indications of relationships between cerebral biogenic amine metabolism and the performance. The patterns of neurochemical and endocrine changes closely resemble those previously observed in response to various stressors. Thus, the changes probably reflect stress responses, which may or may not be related directly to the performance of the avoidance task.
Mary Gladstone and the Victorian Salon: Music, Literature, Liberalism

The daughter of one of Britain's longest-serving Prime Ministers, Mary Gladstone was a notable musician, hostess of one of the most influential political salons in late-Victorian London, and probably the first female prime ministerial private secretary in Britain. Pivoting around Mary's initiatives, this intellectual history draws on a trove of unpublished archival material that reveals for the first time the role of music in Victorian liberalism, explores its intersections with literature, recovers what the high Victorian salon was within a wider cultural history, and shows Mary's influence on her father's work. Paying close attention to literary and biographical details, the book also sheds new light on Tennyson's poetry, George Eliot's fiction, the founding of the Royal College of Music, the Gladstone family, and a broad plane of wider British culture, including political liberalism and women, sociability, social theology, and aesthetic democracy.
Coexistence of type-II Dirac point and weak topological phase in Pt 3 Sn

Intriguing topological phases may appear in both insulating and semimetallic states. Topological insulators exhibit topologically nontrivial band inversion, while topological Dirac/Weyl semimetals show ``relativistic'' linear band crossings. Here, we report an unusual topological state of ${\mathrm{Pt}}_{3}\mathrm{Sn}$, where the two topological features appear simultaneously. Based on first-principles calculations, we show that ${\mathrm{Pt}}_{3}\mathrm{Sn}$ is a three-dimensional weak topological semimetal with topologically nontrivial band inversion between the valence and conduction bands, where the band structure also possesses type-II Dirac points at the boundary of two electron pockets. The formation of the Dirac points can be understood in terms of the representations of relevant symmetry groups and the compatibility relations. The topological surface states appear in accordance with the nontrivial bulk band topology. The unique coexistence of the two distinct topological features in ${\mathrm{Pt}}_{3}\mathrm{Sn}$ enlarges the material scope in topological physics, and is potentially useful for spintronics.
Determination of the Elastic and Plastic Properties of Transversely Isotropic Thin Films on Substrates by Sharp Indentation

A combination of dimensional analysis and finite element modeling was invoked to characterize the indentation behavior of transversely isotropic thin films on substrate materials. Through indentation simulations of over 13,500 combinations of properties for the thin film system, functional relationships that connect the indentation responses of the thin films with the elastic and plastic properties of the thin films were obtained. The forward algorithms that predict the indentation response characteristics from known material properties and the reverse algorithms that predict the material properties from known indentation responses were verified to be very accurate. Thus, the viability of using the indentation method to determine the elastic and plastic properties of transversely isotropic thin films on substrate materials was demonstrated.
Pendulum swings in HIV-1 and infant feeding policies: now halfway back.

As one of the defining characteristics of mammalian reproduction, it should come as no surprise that breastfeeding is the norm, the healthiest practice for both mothers and infants regardless of where they live [1]. Benefits of breastfeeding have been noticed by health practitioners since the middle ages with poignant records of the outcomes of foundlings given human milk compared to those fed with artificial feeds [2]. By the mid-twentieth century, the industry producing and selling infant formula was so confident that their product was equivalent to mother nature’s “product” that a vast population-level experiment was conducted with tragic results. Infant formula began to be actively promoted in sub-Saharan Africa leading to the well-publicized increases in infant death [3].
Methane in groundwater from a leaking gas well, Piceance Basin, Colorado, USA.

Abstract Site-specific and regional analysis of time-series hydrologic and geochemical data collected from 15 monitoring wells in the Piceance Basin indicated that a leaking gas well contaminated shallow groundwater with thermogenic methane. The gas well was drilled in 1956 and plugged and abandoned in 1990. Chemical and isotopic data showed the thermogenic methane was not from mixing of gas-rich formation water with shallow groundwater or natural migration of a free-gas phase. Water-level and methane-isotopic data, and video logs from a deep monitoring well, indicated that a shale confining layer ~125 m below the zone of contamination was an effective barrier to upward migration of water and gas. The gas well, located 27 m from the contaminated monitoring well, had ~1000 m of uncemented annular space behind production casing that was the likely pathway through which deep gas migrated into the shallow aquifer. Measurements of soil gas near the gas well showed no evidence of methane emissions from the soil to the atmosphere even though methane concentrations in shallow groundwater (16 to 20 mg/L) were above air-saturation levels. Methane degassing from the water table was likely oxidized in the relatively thick unsaturated zone (~18 m), thus rendering the leak undetectable at land surface. Drilling and plugging records for oil and gas wells in Colorado and proxies for depth to groundwater indicated thousands of oil and gas wells were drilled and plugged in the same timeframe as the implicated gas well, and the majority of those wells were in areas with relatively large depths to groundwater. This study represents one of the few detailed subsurface investigations of methane leakage from a plugged and abandoned gas well. As such, it could provide a useful template for prioritizing and assessing potentially leaking wells, particularly in cases where the leakage does not manifest itself at land surface.
Focused Neuro-Otological Review of Superficial Siderosis of the Central Nervous System.

Abstract Background: Infratentorial siderosis (iSS) is a progressive degenerative disorder targeting primarily the cerebellum and cranial nerve eighth; therefore, progressive ataxia and bilateral cochleovestibular loss are common. Toxicity from hemosiderin involves selectively vulnerable neurons and glia in these posterior fossa structures. Other neurologic findings may be present, though our focus relates to the cochlea-vestibular cerebellar involvement. Radiographic evidence of siderosis may be the result of recurrent, albeit covert bleeding in the subarachnoid (SA) space, or the consequence of an overt post-traumatic or aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage SAH. The radiographic iSS appearance is identical regardless of the SAH cause. A recent study provides compelling evidence to search and correct possible hemorrhage sources in the spinal canal. The removal of residual existing hemosiderin deposits that may potentially cause clinical symptoms remains as a major therapeutic challenge Methods: We reviewed large data sources and identified salient papers that describe the pathogenesis, clinical and neurotologic manifestations and the radiographic features of iSS. Results: The epidemiology of iSS is unknown. In a recent series, clinically evident iSS was associated with recurrent SAH; in contrast, in a follow-up period ranging from weeks up to 11 years after a monophasic episode of SAH, radiographic siderosis was clinically silent. However, the post aneurysmal or post-trauma SAH sample size in this single study was small and their observation period relatively short; moreover, the burden of intraneuronal hemosiderin is likely greater with recurrent SAH. There are a few reports of late iSS, several decades after traumatic SAH. A recent report found subjective hearing loss in aneurysmal SAH individuals with radiographic siderosis. Only in recent years, it is safe to perform MRI in post-aneurysmal SAH, because of the introduction of Titanium, MRI-compatible aneurysm clips. Conclusion: iSS can be associated with significant neurotologic and cerebellar morbidity; the recurrent SAH variant is frequently clinically symptomatic, has a shorter latency and greater neurotologic disability. In these cases, a thorough search and management of a covert source of bleeding may stop clinical progression. The frequency and clinical course of radiographic iSS after traumatic and post-aneurysmal SAH is largely unknown. Detection of radiographic iSS after trauma or
Model to Determine the Optimal Dietary Elimination Strategy for Treatment of Eosinophilic Esophagitis.

Background & Aims Elimination diets are effective treatments for eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), but foods that activate esophagitis are identified empirically, via a process that involves multiple esophagogastroduodenoscopies (EGDs). No optimized approach has been developed to identify foods that activate EoE. We aimed to compare clinical strategies to provide data to guide treatment. Methods We developed a computer-based simulation model to determine promising empiric elimination strategies based on reported prevalence values for foods that activate EoE. We conducted a review, searching PubMed through October 1, 2017, for prospective and retrospective studies of EoE and diet. Each patient in our simulated cohort was assigned a profile comprising as many as 12 foods known to induce EoE, including dairy, wheat, eggs, soy, nuts, seafood, beef, corn, chicken, potato, pork, and/or rice. To balance the strategy success rate with the number of EGDs required for food identification, we applied an efficiency frontier approach. Strategies on the frontier were the most efficient, requiring fewer EGDs for higher or equivalent success rates relative to their comparable, neighboring strategies. Results In all simulations, we found the 1,4,8-food and 1,3-food strategies to be the most efficient in identifying foods that induce EoE, resulting in the highest rate of the correct identification of food triggers balanced by the number of EGDs required to complete the food elimination strategy. Both strategies begin with elimination of dairy; if EoE remission is not achieved, the 1,3 diet proceeds to eliminate wheat and eggs in addition to dairy, and the 1,4,8 strategy removes wheat, eggs, dairy, and soy. In the case of persistent EoE after the second round of food elimination, the 1,3-food strategy terminates, whereas the 1,4,8-food diet eliminates corn, chicken, beef, and pork. The 1,4,8-food diet resulted in correct identification of foods that activated esophagitis in 76.68% of patients, with a mean of 4.13 EGDs and a median of 6 EGDs. The 1,3-food strategy identified foods that activated esophagitis in 42.76% of patients, with a mean of 3.36 EGDs and a median of 2 EGDs required. Conclusions In this modeling analysis, we found the 1,4,8-food and 1,3-food elimination strategies to be the most efficient in detection of foods that induce EoE in patients. However, the ideal elimination strategy will vary based on clinical priorities. Additional research on specific foods that induce EoE are needed to confirm the predictions of this model.
An open-source automated surgical instrument for microendoscope implantation

Abstract Background Gradient index (GRIN) lenses can be used to image deep brain regions otherwise inaccessible via standard optical imaging methods. Brain tissue aspiration before GRIN lens implantation is a widely adopted approach. However, typical brain tissue aspiration methods still rely on a handheld vacuum needle, which is subject to human error and low reproducibility. Therefore, a high-precision automated surgical instrument for brain tissue aspiration is desirable. New Method We developed a robotic surgical instrument that utilizes robotic control of a needle connected to a vacuum pump to aspirate brain tissue. The system was based on a commercial stereotaxic instrument, and the additional parts can be purchased off-the-shelf or Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machined. A MATLAB-based user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI) was developed to control the instrument. Results We demonstrated the GRIN lens implantation procedure in the dorsal striatum utilizing our proposed surgical instrument and confirmed the surgical results by microscope after the implantation. Compare with Existing Method(s) Compared to the traditional handheld method, the automatic tissue aspiration can be performed by interacting with GUI. The instrument was designed specifically for microendoscope implantation, but it can also be easily adapted for robotic craniotomy. This robotic surgical instrument can minimize human error, reduce training time, and greatly increase surgical precision. Conclusions Our robotic surgical instrument is an ideal solution for brain tissue aspiration prior to GRIN lens implantation. It will be useful for neuroscientists performing in vivo deep brain imaging using miniature microscope or two-photon microscope combined with microendoscopes.
The one-minute preceptor model: A systematic review.

ABSTRACTBackground and purpose:Teaching models provide a systemic framework for didactic and clinical teaching. The One-Minute Preceptor (OMP) is one teaching model, providing five microskills to organize a learning experience for students in the clinical environment. This review aims to integrate t
Strategic Intersection, Terrorism, and the Growth of Proto-Insurgencies

How do some small, proto-insurgent groups grow to become large revolutionary organizations composed of thousands of members while others are easily destroyed by government counterinsurgency (COIN) campaigns? I argue that the development or decline of proto-insurgencies is largely dependent on the intersection of the strategic choices made by both governments and nascent rebel groups. In my framework, both governments and proto-insurgent organizations can choose between three primary strategies intended to advance their interests: The first is a hearts-and-minds campaign intended to obtain popular support through political reform and the provision of public goods to citizens. The second is a targeted military campaign, in which armed soldiers from one side target only their adversary’s armed combatants. Finally, either or both combatants can employ a terrorist campaign by threatening or attacking innocent civilians in order to deter them from supporting the other side or to coerce them into providing tactical intelligence or material assistance. A new data-set compiled for this inquiry maps the strategy alterations used by more than 150 governments and proto-insurgencies. It also tracks the change in size of these groups and suggests that they generally grow as the result of two types of strategic intersection:1) When rebels select a hearts-and-minds strategy and governments respond with a strategy of terrorism; 2) When rebels select a strategy of terrorism and governments respond with a hearts-and minds strategy.
Subducted seamount diverts shallow slow slip to the forearc of the northern Hikurangi subduction zone, New Zealand

Fluid migration and pore fluid pressure have been implicated in generating the transitional fault zone properties thought to be important for slow slip events (SSEs) in subduction zones. At the northern Hikurangi margin, New Zealand, overpressurized sediments spatially correlated with shallow SSEs are imaged downdip of subducted seamounts, providing an excellent environment to study the relationship between subducted oceanic relief, fluids, shallow SSEs, and related microseismicity. Using data from ocean-bottom seismometers, we detect “burst-type” repeating earthquakes coincident with tremor on an upper-plate fracture network above a subducted seamount. This activity occurred at the edge of a large, shallow SSE recorded offshore of Gisborne, New Zealand, in September–October 2014, but began days to weeks after the SSE and continued for nearly two months. We propose that during the large plate-boundary SSE, fluids migrated from the downdip overpressurized sediments into the fracture network, diverting aseismic slip to multiple faults in the upper plate. Thus, seamount subduction appears to play a key role in controlling the mechanics of shallow slow slip and microseismicity at the northern Hikurangi margin.
Lipid and polymer blended polyester nanoparticles loaded with adapalene for activation of retinoid signaling in the CNS following intravenous administration

Abstract Small molecule retinoids are potential therapeutics for a variety of neurological diseases. However, most retinoids are poorly water soluble and difficult to deliver in vivo, which prevents further study of their utility to treat disease. Here, we focus on adapalene, an FDA approved drug that is a specific agonist for the retinoic acid receptor β (RARβ). We sought to develop nanoparticle delivery systems that would enable effective delivery of adapalene to the CNS. We developed strategies to produce nanoparticles based on the hypothesis that incorporation of hydrophobic molecules into a polyester base would improve adapalene loading. In the first scheme, poly (lactic acid)-poly (ethylene glycol) (PLA-PEG) was blended with low molecular weight poly (lactic acid) (PLA) or poly (caprolactone) (PCL). In the second scheme, poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) was blended with 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[amino (polyethylene glycol) (DSPE-PEG). Our data demonstrate that blending low molecular weight polyesters or DSPE-PEG into the primary nanoparticle base improves encapsulation of adapalene, presumably by enhancing adapalene solubility in the nanoparticle. Peripheral administration of these nanoparticles activated retinoid signaling in the brain and spinal cord of healthy mice. These studies provide new approaches for nanoparticle fabrication and establish proof of principle that systemically administered, adapalene-loaded nanoparticles activate retinoid signaling in the CNS.
An Evaluation of Pharmacist-Led Interventions for Inpatient HIV-Related Medication Errors.

Background: Inpatient HIV-related medication errors occur in up to 86% of patients. Objective: To evaluate the number of antiretroviral therapy (ART)- and opportunistic infection (OI)-related medic...
Diastereoselective Manipulations of Bicyclo[m.1.0]alkane Derivatives. 2. Nucleophilic Additions to the Carbonyl Carbons of Bicyclo[m.1.0]alkan-2-ones1

Enantiomerically enriched bicyclo[m.1.0]alkan-2-ones having larger ring sizes between five and 16 members were prepared and subjected to additions of nucleophiles to the carbonyl carbon. Such additions were efficient and highly diastereoselective for all nucleophiles for bicycles with ring sizes greater than seven. Diastereoselectivity for these additions is rationalized by assuming early transition states and exposure of the same carbonyl face to the ring exterior in the vast majority of populated conformers for each bicyclic ketone.
Impact of Online Banking Adoption on Bank’s Profitability: Evidence from Bangladesh

The rise in information technologies has transformed banking industry worldwide. To stay competitive, banks are introducing internet banking with the motive to achieve higher productivity and efficiency, reduce cost and increase profit. In Bangladesh, the impact of this new distribution channel in improving bank’s performance is yet to be measured. It is against this backdrop this research is conducted to identify whether performance of banks that has adopted internet banking is different from banks yet to adopt internet banking. Furthermore, it is to be seen whether there is significant change in performance of banks before and after implementation of internet banking. Performance was measured through Return on Asset (ROA) and Return on Equity (ROE). Secondary data were collected from annual report of all the 30 listed banks in Bangladesh. The results revealed that ROA and ROE of banks with online banking is higher compared to banks without online bank. However, the results were insignificant. Furthermore, ROA and ROE were found out to be lower after implementation of internet banking and is statistically significant. Such findings could be attributed to the initial cost allocated for infrastructure development and fail to attract customer to adopt online banking in mass scale. Thus with investment done, the benefit could not be realized during the initial period of internet banking adoption.