cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of Topical Latanoprost on Intraocular Pressure and Myopia Progression in Young Guinea Pigs.

Author(s): El-Nimri, Nevin W; Wildsoet, Christine F | Abstract: Purpose:To determine whether latanoprost, a prostaglandin analog proven to be very effective in reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) in humans, can also slow myopia progression in the guinea pig form deprivation (FD) model. Methods:Two-week-old pigmented guinea pigs underwent monocular FD and daily topical latanoprost (0.005%, n = 10) or artificial tears (control, n = 10) starting 1 week after the initiation of FD, with all treatments continuing for a further 9 weeks. Tonometry, retinoscopy, and high-frequency A-scan ultrasonography were used to monitor IOP, refractive error, and ocular axial dimensions, respectively. Results:Latanoprost significantly reduced IOP and slowed myopia progression. Mean interocular IOP differences (±SEM) recorded at baseline and week 10 were -0.30 ± 0.51 and 1.80 ± 1.16 mm Hg (P = 0.525) for the control group and 0.07 ± 0.35 and -5.17 ± 0.96 mm Hg (P l 0.001) for the latanoprost group. Equivalent interocular differences for optical axial length at baseline and week 10 were 0.00 ± 0.015 and 0.29 ± 0.04 mm (P l 0.001; control) and 0.02 ± 0.02 and 0.06 ± 0.02 mm (P = 0.202; latanoprost), and for refractive error were +0.025 ± 0.36 and -8.2 ± 0.71 diopter (D) (P l 0.001; control), and -0.15 ± 0.35 and -2.25 ± 0.54 D (P = 0.03; latanoprost). Conclusions:In the FD guinea pig model, latanoprost significantly reduces the development of myopia. Although further investigations into underlying mechanisms are needed, the results open the exciting possibility of a new line of myopia control therapy.
Brain Elastic Behavior and CSF Dynamics During Progressive Epidural Balloon Expansion

The progressive expansion of an extradural balloon causes nearly simultaneous changes in CSF dynamics, cerebral hemodynamics and brain tissue mechanical response properties, and in a complex manner (cf. Miller et al. 1973). These phenomena are difficult to predict from changes in CSF dynamics or cerebral hemodynamics until the level of mass expansion is well underway.
A Barotropic Mechanism for the Response of Jet Stream Variability to Arctic Amplification and Sea Ice Loss

AbstractPrevious studies have found that the most consistent response of the eddy-driven jet to sea ice loss and Arctic amplification in fully coupled general circulation models (GCMs) is a broad r...
Conceptions of Inequality in the Era of Bush/Obama

In this chapter, I analyze current policies that are being advocated and/or enacted in order provide greater access to science for all students. Implicit in these policy-driven reforms are differing views of the sources of inequality. Standards-based reform assumes that inequality results from too much variability in the quality of the educational system, leading to a predictable abundance of opportunity in privileged communities and a lack of opportunity for underserved populations. Market-based reforms assume that inequality is due to a lack of competition that is needed to drive innovation and efficient utilization of resources. Finally, culturally-based notions of science learning assume that there are epistemological barriers to science learning and that effective reforms require leveraging community-based resources for learning science.
The analysis of coercive chains between children, mothers, and siblings

The study examines coercive episodes observed between young children, siblings, and their mothers in two samples of families. One sample consisted of aggressive children, the other of nonaggressive children. Aggressive children initiated more coercive chains, especially when the mother and the sibling had been acting neutrally, and engaged in longer chains than normal children. The longest coercive chain occurred when sibling conflict took place in the aggressive group. Findings showed the level of coercive behavior within chains was a function of the initiator of the chain. The initiator had substantially higher levels of negative behavior throughout the chain, compared to the level shown by the recipients of the chains. This held across both samples. Moreover, the initiator was more likely than the recipient to terminate the chain by displaying the last negative response.
Accurate banded graph cut segmentation of thin structures using laplacian pyramids

The Graph Cuts method of interactive segmentation has become very popular in recent years. This method performs at interactive speeds for smaller images/volumes, but an unacceptable amount of storage and computation time is required for the large images/volumes common in medical applications. The Banded Graph Cut (BGC) algorithm was proposed to drastically increase the computational speed of Graph Cuts, but is limited to the segmentation of large, roundish objects. In this paper, we propose a modification of BGC that uses the information from a Laplacian pyramid to include thin structures into the band. Therefore, we retain the computational efficiency of BGC while providing quality segmentations on thin structures. We make quantitative and qualitative comparisons with BGC on images containing thin objects. Additionally, we show that the new parameter introduced in our modification provides a smooth transition from BGC to traditional Graph Guts.
A Hybrid State Particle Filter for Failure Prognosis in Deteriorating Systems

In this paper, we present a new approach for predictive analytics using time-series condition-monitoring data. A double hybrid state-space model was proposed, with a continuous latent state vector serving as a unit-less health indicator regarding the health status of a system and a discrete latent state vector denoting the operating condition of the system through time. We also considered two observation levels. The first level consisted of continuous noisy sensor observations. The survivability of the system was considered as a second level of observations. Instead of an explicit formula, a non-parametric method relating the continuous latent state to the sensor observations using a single-layer feed-forward neural network, called the Extreme Learning Machine (ELM), was considered and a new Bayesian iterative procedure using the Expectation-Maximization algorithm for ELM training and joint state-parameter estimation was presented. Finally, our method was tested on a number of simulated degradation data sets.
Incidence of cytomegalovirus in cardiac transplant recipients receiving induction immunosuppression with antithymocyte globulin.

Background Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in cardiac transplant recipients. Use of induction immunosuppression in cardiac transplantation may have an impact on the incidence of CMV, but literature is limited. Methods Single-center, retrospective cohort study comparing the risk of CMV infection and disease in cardiac transplant patients receiving antithymocyte globulin (ATG) induction therapy to those receiving no antibody induction. Results A total of 75 patients were included in our analysis, 50 who received ATG induction and 25 who did not. CMV infection occurred in 10 (20%) and 5 (20%) patients in the ATG and No ATG groups, respectively (P > 0.99). CMV disease occurred in 10 (20%) and 4 (16%) patients in the ATG and No ATG groups, respectively (P = 0.763). The median time from transplant to CMV infection was 200.0 [142.5, 364.5] days in the ATG group vs 221.0 [192.0, 299.0] days in the No ATG group (P = 0.723). The median time from end of CMV prophylaxis to CMV infection was 94.5 [66.5, 151.0] days in the ATG group vs 53.0 [41.0,149.5] days in the No ATG group (P = 0.202). Freedom from CMV infection was highest in the D+/R+ group and lowest in the D+/R- group. Conclusion In cardiac transplant recipients, ATG induction was not associated with an increased incidence of CMV infection or disease in the setting of valganciclovir prophylaxis and an initial maintenance immunosuppression regimen of primarily steroids, mycophenolate mofetil, and tacrolimus.
Non-Commutativity, Incompatibility, Emergent Behavior and Decision Support Systems

Abstract The whole is greater than the sum of its parts (WGSP) is one of the principles that attempt to explain an emergent behavior in complex systems. A conceptual WGSP approach can provide rational explanations. Whereas, a probabilistic study may demonstrate deviations from rational WGSP predictions. For example, conjunction-disjunction fallacies, and information order effects in inference are among the issues that classical probability theory (CPT) fails to explain. CPT is based on set theory rules which require that the probability of a single event is always greater or equal to the probability of joint events that are challenged by empirical findings. Developments in cognitive science introduced the application of quantum probability theory (QPT) to the problems of macro-systems. QPT provides coherent-dynamic explanations and a unified framework to study the deviations from the CPT predictions. This paper discusses how can QPT offer a coherent mathematical answer to the WGSP and improve the understanding of the emergent behavior in cyber-physical systems. Secondly, a Google search data is discussed in which order of the available information entails a non-commutative search result. Since the order of information matters, a Bayesian model may fail to recognize noncommutative probabilistic outcomes. QPT can predict the order effects for Google search situations.
Monitoring of macroalgae (kelp) farms with autonomous underwater vehicle-based split-beam sonar

The long-term goal of ARPA-E's MARINER (Macroalgae Research Inspiring Novel Energy Resources) program is to increase the scale of offshore kelp aquaculture so that biofuel may be derived from macroalgae. An autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) system including acoustic, optic, and environmental sensors has been developed for the purposes of monitoring these large-scale kelp farms. The primary sensor for observing farm infrastructure such as horizontal longlines (from which the kelp grows) as well as kelp growth is a broadband split-beam sonar system. Structural information, such as droop in the longlines, is available from time-of-flight of the acoustic echoes. Growth of kelp is quantified from both time-of-flight and volume backscattering echo data. Experimental results from ocean measurements taken with the REMUS 100 AUV on longlines are presented, along with preliminary processing techniques for estimating longline position and macroalgae extent for vehicle control and farm mapping purposes [work supported by ARPA-E.]The long-term goal of ARPA-E's MARINER (Macroalgae Research Inspiring Novel Energy Resources) program is to increase the scale of offshore kelp aquaculture so that biofuel may be derived from macroalgae. An autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) system including acoustic, optic, and environmental sensors has been developed for the purposes of monitoring these large-scale kelp farms. The primary sensor for observing farm infrastructure such as horizontal longlines (from which the kelp grows) as well as kelp growth is a broadband split-beam sonar system. Structural information, such as droop in the longlines, is available from time-of-flight of the acoustic echoes. Growth of kelp is quantified from both time-of-flight and volume backscattering echo data. Experimental results from ocean measurements taken with the REMUS 100 AUV on longlines are presented, along with preliminary processing techniques for estimating longline position and macroalgae extent for vehicle control and farm mapping purposes [work suppor...
Patient-Centered Outcomes Research and Collaborative Evidence-Based Medical and Dental Practice for Patients with Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

This chapter discusses the fundamental principles of the research synthesis process in the context of treatment for TMD. It briefly introduces the ongoing controversy in the etiological factors that lead to TMD, which could be broadly divided into two schools of thought: (1) the muscular cause of TMD (disorders of the joint that occur as a result of excessive or dysregulated activities such as clenching and bruxism of the masticatory muscles) or (2) the articular cause of TMD (the disorders of the joint that are consequential to dysfunctional positioning of the mandible onto the maxillary bone, which itself may result from trauma to the facial skeletal structure, malocclusion particularly with respect to molar contact and support). The chapter discusses perspectives of the arthrokinetic reflex in TMD. The chapter defines the best available evidence and discusses the process leading to EBDM for treating TMD, including the generation and dissemination of evidence-based revisions of clinical practice guidelines (EBrCPGs).
Comparison of pentobarbital-phenytoin alone vs propofol prior to pentobarbital-phenytoin for euthanasia in 436 client-owned dogs.

Objective To report the incidence of adverse events during euthanasia of client-owned dogs administered either intravenous pentobarbital/phenytoin (PP) or PP after propofol delivery. Design/setting Prospective, observational, multi-site study. Animals Four hundred thirty-six dogs undergoing client-elected euthanasia over a 1-year period. Interventions Interventions included placement of an IV catheter and delivery of euthanasia agents (PP for the PP group, propofol followed by PP for the propofol group). Seven pre-determined adverse events were recorded: agonal breaths, urination, defecation, vocalization, muscle activity, dysphoria, and catheter complications. Euthanasia scores for each patient were defined as the sum of all adverse events (0-7) the patient exhibited. Measurements and main results Two hundred thirty-six dogs were in the PP group and 200 dogs were in the propofol group. No significant differences were detected in the dose of PP administered (166.9 ± 105.6 mg/kg for PP group, 182.6 ± 109.8 mg/kg for propofol group). Propofol dogs received 4.5 ± 2.9 mg/kg propofol. The incidence of ≥ 1 adverse event was 35.2% in the PP group and 26.5% in the propofol group (P = 0.052). Mean euthanasia scores (0.47 PP group, 0.32 propofol group) were not significantly different (P = 0.08). Propofol significantly reduced the incidence of muscle activity (6% vs. 14%, odds ratio 0.39; P = 0.0079). Conclusions There was no difference in the likelihood of the studied adverse events during client-elected euthanasia in dogs when propofol was used prior to PP. There was a significant reduction in perimortem muscle activity if propofol was given prior to PP.
Acute compartment syndrome: An orthopedic emergency

Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) is a true orthopedic emergency. NPs in all settings should be able to recognize ACS to ensure swift surgical intervention is not delayed. This article highlights a systematic approach to exam and diagnosis.
Autonomic responses to fear conditioning among women with PTSD and dissociation.

Background Individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) demonstrate alterations in autonomic responses to fear conditioning, such as exaggerated startle and poor fear inhibition. However, there is a paucity of research on fear conditioning among individuals with PTSD and dissociative symptoms, which represents 10-30% of those with PTSD. The current study used a fear-potentiated startle (FPS) conditioning paradigm to examine autonomic responses among women with PTSD and a range of dissociative symptoms. Methods Participants included 39 women with PTSD and dissociation, and 53 women with PTSD with unknown levels of dissociation. The FPS paradigm consisted of conditioned stimuli associated and not associated with an aversive unconditioned stimulus. FPS response (eyeblink startle), electrocardiogram (ECG), and skin conductance response (SCR) were collected during the FPS paradigm. Results Compared to the PTSD-unknown dissociation sample, the PTSD-dissociation sample demonstrated significantly lower FPS during the last block of conditioning. Among the PTSD-dissociation sample, higher dissociation scores were associated with decreased FPS and SCR, and higher respiratory sinus arrhythmia (derived from ECG). Conclusions Results suggest that autonomic responses to fear conditioning differ depending on the presence and severity of dissociative symptoms. Given that treatment response may differ depending on dissociative symptoms, it is important to understand the mechanisms that underlie different subtypes of PTSD and that may affect treatment response and outcome.
Compassion Fatigue in Palliative Care Nursing: A Concept Analysis

The purpose of this review was to define compassion fatigue in the context of palliative care nursing. Compassion fatigue was first introduced as a description for nursing burnout; however, it was not fully described. An initial concept analysis within nursing placed it in terms of a psychological model for secondary traumatic stress disorder, with continual revisions of this application. Palliative care nurses are routinely exposed to pain, trauma, and the suffering they witness by nature of ongoing symptom management and end-of-life care delivery; however, the focus of care is on healthy end-of-life management rather than preservation of life. The literature was reviewed to provide clarification of compassion fatigue for palliative care nurses to assist in future identification and direction in the profession. CINAHL, EBSCO, Journals@Ovid, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMed, and ScienceDirect databases were queried for peer-reviewed literature, and dictionaries were examined for subject-specific definitions. The method that was used was a concept analysis in the tradition of Walker and Avant. A concept definition was proposed for the discipline of palliative care nursing. Identification of compassion fatigue for this profession helps facilitate the recognition of symptoms for a group that deals with patient suffering on a regular basis.
5-Deaza-7-desmethylene analogues of 5,10-methylene-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrofolic acid and related compounds: Synthesis and in vitro biological activity†

1-[4-(tert-Butyloxycarbonyl)phenyl]-3-pyrrolidinone and 1-[3-(tert-butyloxycarbonyl)phenyl]-4-piperidinone were condensed with ethyl cyanoacetate or malononitrile to form ylidene derivatives, which were then subjected sequentially to (i) catalytic or chemical reduction, (ii) condensation with guanidine, and (iii) gentle tri-fluoroacetic acid treatment to obtain 3-(2,4-diamino-6(5H)-oxopyrimidin-5-yl)-1-(4-carboxyphenyl)pyrrolidine (27), 4-(2,4-diamino-6(5H)-oxopyrimidin-5-yl)-1-(carboxyphenyl)piperidine (35), and 3-(2,4,6-triaminopyrimidin-5-yl)-1-(carboxyphenyl)pyrrolidine (40). Condensation of 27, 35, and 40 with diethyl or di-tert-butyl L-glutamate followed by removal of the ester groups yielded N-[4-[3-(2,4-diamino-6(5H)-oxopyrimidin-5-yl)pyr-rolidino]benzoyl]-L-glutamic acid (13), N-[4-[4-(2,4-diamino-6-(5H)-oxopyrimidin-5-yl)piperidino]benzoyl]-L-glutamic acid (14), and N-[4-[3-(2,4,6-triaminopyrimidin-5-yl)pyrrolidino]benzoyl]-L-glutamic acid (15). Compounds 13 and 14 may be viewed as 5-deaza-7-desmethylene analogues of 5,10-methylene-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrofolic and 5,10-ethylene-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrofolic acid, respectively. Compounds 13 and 15 were good substrates for mouse liver folylpolyglutamate synthetase, with Km values of 20 and 18 μM and a relative first-order rate constant Vmax/Km of 2.2 (aminopterin = 1.0). In contrast, 14 was a very poor substrate, with a Km of 490 μM and a relative Vmax/Km of 0.052. As expected from its structure, 15 was a dihydrofolate reductase inhibitor. However its potency was unexceptional (IC50 = 1.2 μM). Compounds 13 and 14 were inactive at concentrations of up to 100 μM, and likewise showed no activity against thymidylate synthase or glycinamide ribotide formyltransferase, two other key enzymes of folate-mediated one-carbon metabolism. Compound 15 was moderately active as an inhibitor of the growth of cultured tumor cells (SCC25 human squamous cell carcinoma), with an IC50 of 0.37 μM (72 hour exposure). By comparison the IC50 of aminopterin was 0.0069 μM. Thus, even though 15 is a good folylpolyglutamate synthetase substrate, the deep-seated skeletal changes embodied in this structure are unfavorable for DHFR binding and may also be unfavorable for transport into cells.
UNSTEADY PROPELLER LIFTING-SURFACE THEORY WITH FINITE NUMBER OF CHORDWISE MODES

Abstract : A continuing investigation is concerned with improvement of the mathematical model developed for the evaluation of the steady and time-dependent loading distributions on the blades of marine propellers operating in spatially non-uniform flow. The surface integral equation resulting from the theory was solved by means of the collocation method, in conjunction with the generalized lift operator, for a prescribed set of chordwise modes which reproduce the proper leading-edge singularity and fulfill the Kutta condition at the trailing edge. General programs were developed to accommodate any geometry of propeller operating in a specified non-uniform inflow condition for a large but finite number of chordwise modes. The calculations indicate that the spanwise loading distribution and the steady and time-dependent thrust reach stable values after three to five chordwise modes, but the chordwise distribution does not converge to its final form, particularly in the neighborhood of the leading and trailing edges. A comparison of theoretical and experimental results for the vibratory thrust shows satisfactory agreement on the whole. (Author)
Measurement of Chest Physiological Signals using Wirelessly Coupled Bio-Impedance Patches

Continuous monitoring of respiration and heart pressure pulse waves generated by lung and heart movements is essential in the diagnosis and management of cardiovascular and lung diseases. Traditional methods in measuring these physiological signals are not convenient for long-term monitoring during daily activities and sleeping due to their use of long wires and/or face masks, and leading to patients having to spend long duration in clinics while undergoing supervised monitoring. In this paper, we present a new method to measure global chest physiological signals using small-sized smart band-age like patches placed at different locations of the chest. The introduced patches communicate with each other using human body and detect small variations in the bio-Impedance (Bio-Z) depending on the mechanical heart and lung movements, where one patch injects an AC current from one side of the chest and several Bio-Z sensors measure the voltage difference across different locations of the chest. In order to prevent usage of long wires and increase convenience for wearable applications, electrical connection between current injection and Bio-Z sensing patches are eliminated. Independent component analysis is used to separate sources of physiological observations and improve accuracy of the system. We show that the presented system can successfully detect respiration rate and heart rate with an average error of 4.86% (less than 1 breath per minute) and 1.86% (less than 2 beats per minute) respectively tested on 6 healthy subjects over 6 minutes of data collection for each subject.
Transplant Rates and Outcomes of Young Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) Patients with Intermediate and Poor Risk Disease Referred to a Coordinated Acute Leukemia and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) Program

Abstract Patients with intermediate and poor risk AML have unsatisfactory outcomes with conventional chemotherapy-based treatment. Allogeneic HSCT offers the best chance of long-term survival for patients who achieve complete remission (CR) and are eligible for such a procedure. There are several potential barriers to receiving an allogeneic HSCT, including but not limited to: achieving CR, timely referral to a transplant center, identifying a donor, and performing the HSCT prior to relapse or significant complications arising from induction and consolidation therapy. To better understand the outcomes of young, newly diagnosed non-favorable risk AML patients, we evaluated 271 consecutive adult patients (age ≤65 years) referred to our center between January of 2009 and July of 2017 for management. Patients were treated in an integrated acute leukemia and transplant management unit and it is our policy to offer intensive chemotherapy to all potentially eligible patients and HSCT to all transplant-eligible, non-favorable risk AML patients that achieve CR, with or without complete blood count recovery. Patient characteristics were as follows: Median age 55 (19, 65) years, male sex 50%, NCCN risk (intermediate 51%, poor 49%), FLT 3 ITD positive 15% and normal cytogenetics in 39%. Remission induction chemotherapy was given to 262patients with FLAG+/-IDA being the most commonly used regimen in 161 patients (61%) followed by 3+7 in 63 (24%)patients. Following induction, 211 (81%) achieved a CR1 after one (n=178), two (n=26) or three (n=7) courses of induction with a median follow up for survivors of 44.5 months. For patients with intermediate and poor risk NCCN categories, CR was achieved in 86% and 73% respectively. HSCT was performed on 146 (69%) patients (NCCN intermediate risk n=83, poor risk n=63): Myeloablative conditioning n=103 (71%), autologous (n=10), matched related donor (n=45), matched unrelated donor (n=51) and haploidentical mismatched related donor (n=40). Of the 65 patients in CR1 who did not receive HSCT, the reasons for not receiving HSCT were as follows: relapse prior to transplant (n=23), lack of psychosocial support (n=14), persistent active infection or organ dysfunction (n=16) at time of transplant evaluation, patient declined transplant (n=7) and poor performance status post induction (n=5). The 3 year estimates for OS and DFS were 50% and 44% respectively. Patients who received HSCT had a better 3 year OS and DFS of 59% and 52% compared to 27% and 27% for patients not receiving HSCT (p Disclosures Solh: Amgen: Speakers Bureau; Celgene: Speakers Bureau; ADC Therapeutics: Research Funding.
Alcohol and Bone Turnover Markers among People Living with HIV and Substance Use Disorder.

BACKGROUND Although unhealthy alcohol use and low bone density are prevalent among people living with HIV (PLWH), it is not clear whether alcohol use is associated with bone turnover markers (BTMs), and if so, at what quantity and frequency. The study objective was to examine the association between alcohol and BTMs in PLWH with substance use disorder. METHODS We studied a prospective cohort recruited from 2 HIV clinics who met criteria for DSM-IV substance dependence or reported ever injection drug use. Outcomes were BTM of (i) bone formation (serum procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide [P1NP]) and (ii) bone resorption (serum C-telopeptide type 1 collagen [CTx]). Alcohol consumption measures included (i) mean number of drinks/d (Timeline Follow-Back [TLFB]) (primary predictor), (ii) any alcohol use on ≥20 of the past 30 days, and phosphatidylethanol (PEth), a biomarker of recent alcohol consumption. Linear regression analysis examined associations between (i) each alcohol measure and each BTM and (ii) change in alcohol and change in BTM over 12 months. RESULTS Among 198 participants, baseline characteristics were as follows: The median age was 50 years; 38% were female; 93% were prescribed antiretroviral medications; 13% had ≥20 drinking days/month; mean drinks/day was 1.93 (SD 3.89); change in mean drinks/day was -0.42 (SD 4.18); mean P1NP was 73.1 ng/ml (SD 34.5); and mean CTx was 0.36 ng/ml (SD 0.34). Higher drinks/day was significantly associated with lower P1NP (slope -1.09 ng/ml; 95% confidence interval [CI] -1.94, -0.23, per each additional drink). On average, those who drank on ≥ 20 days/month had lower P1NP (-15.45 ng/ml; 95% CI: -26.23, -4.67) than those who did not. Similarly, PEth level ≥ 8ng/ml was associated with lower P1NP. An increase in drinks/d was associated with a decrease in P1NP nonsignificantly (-1.14; 95% CI: -2.40, +0.12; p = 0.08, per each additional drink). No significant associations were detected between either alcohol measure and CTx. CONCLUSIONS In this sample of PLWH with substance use disorder, greater alcohol consumption was associated with lower serum levels of bone formation markers.
Identifying Interference From Multiple Noise Sources Using Only Magnetic Near Fields

As electronic products become increasingly more complicated, multiple noise sources are likely to simultaneously interfere with the radio frequency (RF) receiver. It will be very helpful if the dominant noise source can be identified when solving the RF interference issue in a complex system. This article proposes a method to separately calculate the contributions from multiple noise sources at their overlapped frequencies so that the worse noise source could be identified even when multiple sources radiate simultaneously. The proposed method creatively employs the decomposition method based on the reciprocity theory to calculate the interference contribution from different sources. Furthermore, in the interest of reducing the near-field scanning time and complexity, the magnetic field only scanning method is developed by using the finite-element method (FEM). In the proposed method, Huygens's surface is established for each source. The tangential magnetic near fields on each Huygens's surface were then applied to solve the corresponding tangential electric fields by the FEM. Subsequently, the sources are removed while the corresponding Huygens's surfaces are maintained. The victim structure is excited under these conditions to obtain the tangential magnetic fields on Huygens's surfaces, and a novel FEM procedure is applied to obtain the tangential electric fields. Finally, based on the electric and magnetic fields, the interference from each noise source can be separately estimated based on the reciprocity theory. This method is validated by a numerical example and measurement. This approach can assist engineers in identifying the contribution of coupling from different sources and in efficiently resolving electromagnetic interference issues.
Health sciences librarians supporting health and nutrition education in a culinary medicine curriculum

Background: Culinary medicine is an innovative approach to teaching health sciences students and other health professionals the basics of healthy eating, food preparation, and nutrition through applied instruction. It is hoped these professionals will, in turn, share their knowledge with patients. The University of South Alabama Mitchell Cancer Institute licensed the Tulane University’s Goldring Center for Culinary Medicine curriculum and began teaching medical, nursing, and other health sciences students as well as community members in 2017. The authors describe a collaboration between librarians and health professionals to connect with underserved community members by teaching the basics of good nutrition and healthy meal preparation. Case Presentation: Two health sciences librarians provided instruction to community members in the use of quality health information resources during various modules of the culinary medicine curriculum. Demonstrations of the use of MedlinePlus and ChooseMyPlate were conducted using topics from module content. Evaluations were distributed after each module to evaluate the effectiveness of the library component, the results of which enabled librarians to subsequently increase their instruction time and implement iPad use for more engaging participation. Conclusion: Librarians were seen as invaluable partners in this innovative program and became an integral part of the curriculum. Evaluation results helped librarians advocate for more instructional time. As a result of their involvement, librarians were given additional outreach opportunities to educate younger populations at risk of developing chronic health diseases.
Modelling elevator traffic with social distancing in a university classroom building

Social distancing standards implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic may have negative effects on vertical traffic. We describe a model and use it to predict the elevator traffic under social dista...
Circular economy framework for automobiles: Closing energy and material loops

Corporations, including automotive manufacturers, are increasingly exploring extended circular economy strategies as a means to enhance the sustainability of their products. The circular economy paradigm focuses on reducing nonrenewable materials and energy, promoting renewable feedstocks and energy, and keeping products/materials in use across the life cycle of a system. As such, life cycle environmental burdens associated with vehicle manufacturing, use, and disposal could potentially be reduced through circular economy strategies; however, no such comprehensive circular economy framework currently exists for the automotive industry. We develop the first circular economy schematic of automobiles, derived from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's framework. Further, we characterize the current automotive circular economy using metrics of renewable energy and recycled materials. Specifically, for current U.S. average sedans, we find that internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) use ∼6% renewable life cycle primary energy and 27% recycled materials; for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), these measures are ∼8% and 21%, respectively. On a vehicle‐miles‐traveled basis, BEVs use ∼47% less nonrenewable life cycle primary energy than ICEVs, highlighting the importance of electrification as a strategy for automotive manufacturers to reduce environmental burdens. Our proposed circular economy framework is then applied to Ford Motor Company's sustainability programs and initiatives as an example. This schematic aims to provide a starting point for the automotive industry to operationalize circular economy strategies, the application of which could advance its overall sustainability performance.
Proteomic Approaches to Investigate Regulated Trafficking and Signaling of G Protein-Coupled Receptors.

Advances in proteomic methodologies based on quantitative mass spectrometry are now transforming pharmacology and experimental biology more broadly. The present review will discuss several examples based on work in the author’s laboratory, which focuses on delineating relationships between G protein–coupled receptor signaling and trafficking in the endocytic network. The examples highlighted correspond to those discussed in a talk presented at the 2019 EB/ASPET meeting, which was organized by Professor Joe Beavo to commemorate his receipt of the Julius Axelrod Award. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT GPCRs are allosteric machines that signal by interacting with other cellular proteins, and this, in turn, is determined by a complex interplay between the biochemical, subcellular localization, and membrane trafficking properties of receptors relative to transducer and regulatory proteins. The present minireview highlights recent advances and challenges in elucidating this dynamic cell biology and toward delineating the cellular basis of drug action at the level of defined GPCR interaction networks using proteomic approaches enabled by quantitative mass spectrometry.
A New Theory of Material Adverse Effects

MAE clauses in business combination agreements almost never define the phrase “material adverse effect,” and so the meaning of that key expression derives primarily from a line of Delaware cases starting with In re IBP Shareholders Litigation. In that case, the court said that a material adverse effect requires an event that substantially threatens the overall earnings potential of the target in a durationally-significant manner. In implementing this standard in IBP and subsequent cases, the courts have had to determine how the target’s earnings should be measured (e.g., by EBITDA or by some other measure of cashflow), how changes in earnings should be determined (e.g., which fiscal periods should be compared with which), and how large a diminution in earnings is material. Neither IBP nor subsequent cases have provided clear and convincing resolutions of these issues. On the contrary, later cases have introduced yet new problems, such as whether it matters that the risk that has materialized and adversely affected the target’s business was known to the acquirer at signing, whether material adverse effects should be measured in quantitative ways, qualitative ways, or both, and whether a material adverse effect must be felt by the company within a certain period of time after the occurrence of the event causing the effect. This article proposes a new understanding of material adverse effects that solves all of these problems. Beginning from the foundational premise that a material adverse effect should be understood from the perspective of a reasonable acquirer, this article argues that such an effect is a material reduction in the value of the company as reasonably understood in accordance with accepted principles of corporate finance—that is, as a material reduction in the present value of all the company’s future cashflows. Hence, to determine if there has been a material adverse effect, the court has to value the company twice, once as of the date of signing and again as of the date of the alleged material adverse effect, in each case much as it would in an appraisal action. Valuing the company is easier and more reliable in the MAE context than in the appraisal context, however, not only because the court need obtain only a range of values for the company at the two relevant times (and not pinpoint valuations as in appraisal proceedings) but also because it turns out that there is a canonical way to determine if a reduction in the value of the company would be material to a reasonable acquirer. The new theory of MAEs presented here solves all of the problems in the caselaw noted above and explains why those problems could not be solved with the conceptual resources available in the existing caselaw.
Perceptual Weighting of V1 Spikes Revealed by Optogenetic White Noise Stimulation

Abstract During visually guided behaviors, mere hundreds of milliseconds can elapse between a sensory input and its associated behavioral response. How spikes occurring at different times are integrated to drive perception and action remains poorly understood. We delivered random trains of optogenetic stimulation (white noise) to excite inhibitory interneurons in V1 of mice while they performed a visual detection task. We then performed a reverse correlation analysis on the optogenetic stimuli to generate a neuronal-behavioral kernel: an unbiased, temporally-precise estimate of how suppression of V1 spiking at different moments around the onset of a visual stimulus affects detection of that stimulus. Electrophysiological recordings enabled us to capture the effects of optogenetic stimuli on V1 responsivity and revealed that the earliest stimulus-evoked spikes are preferentially weighted for guiding behavior. These data demonstrate that white noise optogenetic stimulation is a powerful tool for understanding how patterns of spiking in neuronal populations are decoded in generating perception and action. Significance Statement How the brain decodes dynamic neuronal responses to generate perception and behavior remains uncertain. A critical challenge is determining the relative contribution of spikes that occur at different times on the timescale of brain computations (tens of ms). Optogenetic tools permit causal investigations into neuronal-behavioral relationships, but are generally impractical for obtaining millisecond resolution. We circumvented this by delivering random (white noise) patterns of optogenetic inhibition to the primary visual cortex of behaving mice during visual tasks. Aligning optogenetic stimuli to task outcomes (hit, miss) yielded a neuronal-behavioral kernel – a temporal weighting that describes how inhibition at different moments impacts perception of visual stimuli. Thus, this method is a powerful tool for linking neuronal spiking, perception, and behavior.
Differentiable Optimization of Generalized Nondecomposable Functions using Linear Programs

We propose a framework which makes it feasible to directly train deep neural networks with respect to popular families of task-specific non-decomposable per- formance measures such as AUC, multi-class AUC, F -measure and others, as well as models such as non-negative matrix factorization. A common feature of the optimization model that emerges from these tasks is that it involves solving a Linear Programs (LP) during training where representations learned by upstream layers influence the constraints. The constraint matrix is not only large but the constraints are also modified at each iteration. We show how adopting a set of influential ideas proposed by Mangasarian for 1-norm SVMs – which advocates for solving LPs with a generalized Newton method – provides a simple and effective solution. In particular, this strategy needs little unrolling, which makes it more efficient during backward pass. While a number of specialized algorithms have been proposed for the models that we de- scribe here, our module turns out to be applicable without any specific adjustments or relaxations. We describe each use case, study its properties and demonstrate the efficacy of the approach over alternatives which use surrogate lower bounds and often, specialized optimization schemes. Frequently, we achieve superior computational behavior and performance improvements on common datasets used in the literature.
A Reply to Wielenberg on a Timeless First Cause

Erik Wielenberg seeks to advance his critique of the kalām cosmological argument by putting forward three further criticisms of the view that God is temporal since the moment of creation. It is seen that these criticisms are misconceived and do not take cognizance of what I have written elsewhere.
Assessment of the gut bacterial microbiome and metabolome of girls and women with Rett Syndrome.

Background Gastrointestinal problems affect the health and quality of life of individuals with Rett syndrome (RTT) and pose a medical hardship for their caregivers. We hypothesized that the variability in the RTT phenotype contributes to the dysbiosis of the gut microbiome and metabolome in RTT, predisposing these individuals to gastrointestinal dysfunction. Objectives We characterized the gut bacterial microbiome and metabolome in girls and young women with RTT (n = 44) and unaffected controls (n = 21), and examined the relation between the composition of the microbiome and variations in the RTT phenotype. Methods Demographics and clinical information, including growth and anthropometric measurements, pubertal status, symptoms, clinical severity score, bowel movement, medication use, and dietary intakes were collected from the participants. Fecal samples were collected for analysis of the gut microbiome using Illumina MiSeq-based next-generation sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene followed by bioinformatics analysis of microbial composition, diversity, and community structure. Selected end-products of microbial protein metabolism were characterized by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results The gut bacterial microbiome differed within the RTT cohort based on pubertal status (p<0.02) and clinical severity scores (p<0.02) of the individuals and the type of diet (p<0.01) consumed. Although the composition of the gut microbiome did not differ between RTT and unaffected individuals, concentrations of protein end-products of the gut bacterial metabolome, including γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) (p<0.001), tyrosine (p<0.02), and glutamate (p<0.06), were lower in the RTT cohort. Differences in the microbiome within RTT groups, based on symptomatic anxiety, hyperventilation, abdominal distention, or changes in stool frequency and consistency, were not detected. Conclusions Although variability in the RTT phenotype contributes to the dysbiosis of the gut microbiome, we presently cannot infer causality between gut bacterial dysbiosis and gastrointestinal dysfunction. Nevertheless, alterations in the gut metabolome may provide clues to the pathophysiology of gastrointestinal problems in RTT.
Improving Gmi Brightness Temperature Diurnal Cycle at Global Scale

Passive microwave radiometers provide brightness temperature (TB) measurements in a large spectral range with relatively high temporal resolution. Because of their significant role in environmental studies, it is imperative to have a higher temporal resolution and more consistent datasets. This research aims to build a TB diurnal cycle at the Global scale. The shape (amplitude and phase) of the diurnal cycle for each month is obtained by merging several days of Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Microwave Imager (GMI) TB measurements because the acquisition times of GMI vary from day to day. This preliminary shape will later be improved by using the other sensors with daily fixed acquisition times such as three Special Sensor Microwave Imager/Sounder (SSMIS) and Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2 (AMSR2). The final product is a highly frequent diurnal cycle that can help prediction of the time of the freeze thaw transition states.
The CWI and Its Components: Empirical Studies and Findings

Chapter 2 described the conceptual and methodological foundations of the Child and Youth Well-Being Index (CWI). The question now becomes: What can the CWI and its component time series tell us about the well-being of America’s children and its changes (improvements and deteriorations) over time? Related to this are questions, such as what are the properties of the CWI?, how robust is it?, how does it relate to data on the subjective well-being of children and youth? and how can the CWI be used to study and anticipate changes in well-being? This chapter addresses these questions.
Clinician descriptions of communication strategies to improve treatment engagement by racial/ethnic minorities in mental health services: A systematic review.

Abstract Objective To describe studies on clinician communication and the engagement of racial/ethnic minority patients in mental health treatment. Methods Authors conducted electronic searches of published and grey literature databases from inception to November 2014, forward citation analyses, and backward bibliographic sampling of included articles. Included studies reported original data on clinician communication strategies to improve minority treatment engagement, defined as initiating, participating, and continuing services. Results Twenty-three studies met inclusion criteria. Low treatment initiation and high treatment discontinuation were related to patient views that the mental health system did not address their understandings of illness, care or stigma. Treatment participation was based more on clinician language use, communication style, and discussions of patient-clinician differences. Conclusion Clinicians may improve treatment initiation and continuation by incorporating patient views of illness into treatment and targeting stigma. Clinicians may improve treatment participation by using simple language, tailoring communication to patient preferences, discussing differences, and demonstrating positive affect. Practice implications Lack of knowledge about the mental health system and somatic symptoms may delay treatment initiation. Discussions of clinician backgrounds, power, and communication style may improve treatment participation. Treatment continuation may improve if clinicians tailor communication and treatment plans congruent with patient expectations.