cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
INHIBITION OF SURFACTANT SUBTYPE CONVERTASE IN RADIATION MODEL OF ADULT RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME

The accompanying paper [Am. J. Physiol. 260 (Lung Cell. Mol. Physiol. 4): L302-L310, 1991] showed that in the radiation pneumonitis model of adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) there was an excess of the proximate, higher buoyant density subtypes of alveolar surfactant, and a decrease in the light buoyant density form. Because the surfactant subtypes normally evolve from the former to the latter a delay in the alveolar metabolism of surfactant could explain this disproportion. Three possible mechanisms of a delay in surfactant metabolism in radiation pneumonitis were explored using an in vitro model of surfactant subtype metabolism called "cycling". The first was that the surfactant of mice with radiation pneumonitis was intrinsically less capable of conversion to the light subtype. It was found, however, that the proximate forms of surfactant of mice with radiation pneumonitis were as capable of generating light subtype as those of control mice. The second was that there was a deficit in the serine protease activity, called "convertase", that mediates the conversion. But it was found that lungs of mice with radiation pneumonitis released convertase activity to the same extent as control lungs. The third was that an inhibitor of convertase activity was present in the alveoli. It was found that the alveolar lavage fluid of mice with radiation pneumonitis inhibited the conversion of exogenous surfactant by exogenous convertase. Moreover, it contained an 18-fold excess of antiprotease activity. The present data are interpreted as suggesting that an inhibitor in the alveolar space is responsible for the delay in surfactant subtype metabolism in radiation pneumonitis, resulting in the disproportion of surfactant subtypes in radiation pneumonitis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Reexamining the Quantum–Classical Relation: Dirac's open theories and the reciprocal correspondence principle

… in apprehension, how like a god! The beauty of the world … Shakespeare , Hamlet, Act 2 Scene 2 Open theories When it comes to the issues of reductionism, scientific methodology, and theory change, the views of Werner Heisenberg and Paul Dirac diverge in fundamental and interesting ways. They revisited their disagreements over these philosophical issues many times throughout their careers, and their disagreements can be most succinctly described as a debate over whether physical theories are “open” or “closed.” As we saw in the last chapter, Heisenberg's belief that classical and quantum mechanics are closed leads him to view these theories as perfectly accurate within their domains, inalterable, and correct for all time. Although Dirac never uses the term, his own views on classical and quantum mechanics can be fruitfully understood as a rival account of “open theories.” Dirac argues that even the most well-established parts of quantum theory are open to future revision; indeed he takes no part of physics to be a permanent achievement, correct for all time. Instead of viewing classical mechanics as a theory that had been replaced, he sees it as a theory that should continue to be developed, modified, and extended. Unlike Heisenberg, who views physics as a set of consistent axiomatic systems, Dirac sees physics as a discipline much closer to engineering.
Elisabeth Jastrow (1890-1981)

In 1961 Elisabeth Jastrow retired from her position as Professor of Art at the Women’s College of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG). That same year her friends and colleagues established a scholarship for advanced art history students in her name. Jastrow devoted 20 years of her life to teaching at Greensboro. These were both difficult and rewarding years, fraught with financial worries, lack of library facilities, personal losses and a constant struggle to obtain teaching materials for her classes. At the same time she immersed herself in providing a high quality education despite the limited resources at her disposal. Her career began far from North Carolina under very different circumstances and with plans for a considerably more active academic life.
Physiology: Forecast for water balance

Disturbances in internal water equilibrium can be debilitating for mammals. Two studies pinpoint areas of the mouse brain that respond to and anticipate thirst, preserving systematic fluid regulation. See Letters p.680 & p.685 It is vital for mammals to maintain their internal water equilibrium. The neurobiological mechanisms linking thirst response behaviour and fluid balance maintenance raise intriguing questions, given that these two components operate on different timescales. Two papers in this issue of Nature identify areas of the mouse brain that respond to and anticipate thirst. Zachary Knight and colleagues reveal a role for thirst-promoting neurons in the subfornical organ (SFO). During eating and drinking, feedback from the oral cavity to the SFO—one of the three sensory circumventricular organs of the brain—is integrated with information regarding blood composition, providing an indication of how oral consumption is likely to alter fluid balance, leading to behavioural adjustments. Charles Bourque and colleagues identify a projection from central clock neurons that drives anticipatory water intake just prior to sleep, regardless of physiological need. Without this specifically timed increase in water intake, animals suffered from dehydration near the end of a period of sleep.
Forced-resonance test technique for multiple wirebonds in electronic packages

This paper presents a low-cost test technique for testing multiple wirebonds in electronic packages. Multiple wirebonds are commonly used to reduce the net inductance of wirebonds and achieve lower signal transmission losses. However, if one of the wirebonds is broken then it is extremely difficult to identify it. We have developed a low-cost test technique based on the forced-resonance principle for testing multiple wirebonds in electronic packages. A prototype test setup has been built using two test pads with four parallel wirebonds between the test pads. Our test technique was able to identify when one or more wirebonds were broken. This test technique is highly accurate and is a very low-cost alternative when compared to expensive X-ray imaging systems or bond-pull testers.
How To Prevent Creativity Mismanagement

(1986). How To Prevent Creativity Mismanagement. Research Management: Vol. 29, No. 4, pp. 28-35.
Vitamin D3 for the Treatment of Epilepsy: Basic Mechanisms, Animal Models, and Clinical Trials.

There is increasing evidence supporting dietary and alternative therapies for epilepsy, including the ketogenic diet, modified Atkins diet, and omega-3 fatty acids. Vitamin D is actively under investigation as a potential intervention for epilepsy. Vitamin D is fat soluble steroid which shows promise in animal models of epilepsy. Basic research has shed light on the possible mechanisms by which Vitamin D may reduce seizures, and animal data support the efficacy of Vitamin D in rat and mouse models of epilepsy. Very little clinical data exists to support the treatment of human epilepsy with Vitamin D, but positive findings from preliminary clinical trials warrant larger Phase I and II clinical trials in order to more rigorously determine the potential therapeutic value of Vitamin D as a treatment for human epilepsy.
Prospective validation of a near real-time EHR-integrated automated SOFA score calculator

Abstract Objectives We created an algorithm for automated Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score calculation within the Electronic Health Record (EHR) to facilitate detection of sepsis based on the Third International Consensus Definitions for Sepsis and Septic Shock (SEPSIS-3) clinical definition. We evaluated the accuracy of near real-time and daily automated SOFA score calculation compared with manual score calculation. Methods Automated SOFA scoring computer programs were developed using available EHR data sources and integrated into a critical care focused patient care dashboard at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. We prospectively compared the accuracy of automated versus manual calculation for a sample of patients admitted to the medical intensive care unit at Mayo Clinic Hospitals in Rochester, Minnesota and Jacksonville, Florida. Agreement was calculated with Cohen’s kappa statistic. Reason for discrepancy was tabulated during manual review. Results Random spot check comparisons were performed 134 times on 27 unique patients, and daily SOFA score comparisons were performed for 215 patients over a total of 1206 patient days. Agreement between automatically scored and manually scored SOFA components for both random spot checks (696 pairs, κ = 0.89) and daily calculation (5972 pairs, κ = 0.89) was high. The most common discrepancies were in the respiratory component (inaccurate fraction of inspired oxygen retrieval; 200/1206) and creatinine (normal creatinine in patients with no urine output on dialysis; 128/1094). 147 patients were at risk of developing sepsis after intensive care unit admission, 10 later developed sepsis confirmed by chart review. All were identified before onset of sepsis with the ΔSOFA ≥ 2 point criterion and 46 patients were false-positives. Conclusions Near real-time automated SOFA scoring was found to have strong agreement with manual score calculation and may be useful for the detection of sepsis utilizing the new SEPSIS-3 definition.
A cost sensitive approach to predicting 30-day hospital readmission in COPD patients

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a painful chronic disease responsible for many unplanned hospital readmissions. Recent Federal legislation has begun to financially penalize hospitals which have excess patient readmissions. Predictive analytics offers a method to statistically predict which patients are at greatest risk for hospital readmission. Many readmission models currently exist, but few incorporate cost. Our research proposes several methods to directly incorporate cost into patient readmission prediction. Additionally, a method for evaluating the cost of existing models is proposed. Results show traditional evaluation methods such as AUC to have little relation to actual financial penalties (correlation = −0.21) and that dynamic cost evaluation to result in the largest cost savings.
Ghrelin receptors mediate ghrelin-induced excitation of agouti-related protein/neuropeptide Y but not pro-opiomelanocortin neurons.

Ghrelin increases food intake and body weight by stimulating orexigenic agouti-related protein (AgRP)/neuropeptide Y (NPY) neurons and inhibiting anorexic pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons in the hypothalamus. Growth hormone secretagogue receptor (Ghsr) mediates the effect of ghrelin on feeding behavior and energy homeostasis. However, the role of Ghsr in the ghrelin effect on these two populations of neurons is unclear. We hypothesized that Ghsr mediates the effect of ghrelin on AgRP and POMC neurons. In this study, we determined whether Ghsr similarly mediates the effects of ghrelin on AgRP/NPY and POMC neurons using cell type-specific Ghsr-knockout mice. Perforated whole-cell recordings were performed on green fluorescent protein-tagged AgRP/NPY and POMC neurons in the arcuate nucleus in hypothalamic slices. In Ghsr+/+ mice, ghrelin (100 nM) significantly increased the firing activity of AgRP/NPY neurons but inhibited the firing activity of POMC neurons. In Ghsr−/− mice, the excitatory effect of ghrelin on AgRP/NPY neurons was abolished. Ablation of Ghsr also eliminated ghrelin-induced increases in the frequency of GABAergic inhibitory postsynaptic currents of POMC neurons. Strikingly, ablation of Ghsr converted the ghrelin effect on POMC neurons from inhibition to excitation. Des-acylated ghrelin had no such effect on POMC neurons in Ghsr−/− mice. In both Ghsr+/+ and Ghsr−/− mice, blocking GABAA receptors with gabazine increased the basal firing activity of POMC neurons, and ghrelin further increased the firing activity of POMC neurons in the presence of gabazine. Our findings provide unequivocal evidence that Ghsr is essential for ghrelin-induced excitation of AgRP/NPY neurons. However, ghrelin excites POMC neurons through an unidentified mechanism that is distinct from conventional Ghsr.
Nomos: Developing People from Rules to Love

This chapter presents the three levels of Nomos (Law) as presented in the New Testament. The premise of this chapter is that employees should be developed to move from Nomos Level-1 Rule by edict/policy, to Nomos Level 2 Rule by logic/reason, and finally to Nomos Level 3 Rule by love.
Collaborative Archaeology and Strategic Essentialism: Native Empowerment in Tidewater Virginia

How should archaeologists respond to descendant communities whose essentialism runs counter to constructivist notions of identity? For native communities in Virginia, the 17th-century landscape described by Jamestown’s colonists represents a powerful documentary basis for countering discourse that denies or ignores their existence. Strategic essentialism tied to the notion of tribes as transhistorical subjects offers a means of connecting contemporary native communities to accepted national narratives. While such strategies may be necessary in the short term, research at Werowocomoco, capital of the Powhatan chiefdom ca. 1607, highlights other modes of native social construction. Tidewater communities constructed pluralistic networks prior to contact and reconfigured social ties after 1607. They have done so by incorporating new practices while retaining connections to meaningful places and kinship ties stretching across communities. The expanding involvement of native consultants in research at Werowocomoco and elsewhere provides a point of departure for ‘decolonizing’ discussions of this past.
Experimental investigation of tripping between regular and Mach reflection in the dual-solution domain

Experiments were conducted in the Mach 4.0 Ludwieg tube facility at the California Institute of Technology. First, the hysteresis phenomenon, first proposed by [1] is explored. Second, tripping from regular reflection to Mach reflection by depositing laser energy onto one of the wedges is considered. These experimental results are compared with numerical computations and theoretical estimates.
Carbon-nanotube-based nanotechnology in an integrated modeling and simulation environment

Publisher Summary This chapter defines the requirements of a TCAD-based environment in which the basic concepts behind nanotechnology can be investigated. This involves developing physical models of nanoscale objects and conducting large-scale simulations to test the validity of these models under realistic physical and chemical conditions. The nanoscale objects then can be investigated for structural, mechanical, electronic, and transport behavior, and their integration into larger systems can be studied. The design and simulation of realistic nanotechnology systems presents formidable computational challenges. Future nanotechnology systems simulation may need to be performed for 100 million atoms. The most accurate methods available may remain limited in scope to smaller molecular systems. The application simulations have been divided into four categories: mechanical andmaterials properties of nanotubes; nanotube heterojunctions as molecular electronic device components; nanoscale electromechanical systems and a laser-driven molecular motor; and nanotube-based nanolithography on silicon surfaces. The applications of nanostructured materials and device components are just starting to be conceived and simulated.
The Complicated Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has rapidly become the first-line surgical treatment for documented gallbladder disease. Initially, trained surgeons should undertake straightforward cases, progressing to more complex ones with increasing experience. The methods of predicting and dealing with these challenging patients are outlined. Conversion to open cholecystectomy remains a valid therapeutic option.
Recent Advances in Seismocardiography

Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of death worldwide. New diagnostic tools are needed to provide early detection and intervention to reduce mortality and increase both the duration and quality of life for patients with heart disease. Seismocardiography (SCG) is a technique for noninvasive evaluation of cardiac activity. However, the complexity of SCG signals introduced challenges in SCG studies. Renewed interest in investigating the utility of SCG accelerated in recent years and benefited from new advances in low-cost lightweight sensors, and signal processing and machine learning methods. Recent studies demonstrated the potential clinical utility of SCG signals for the detection and monitoring of certain cardiovascular conditions. While some studies focused on investigating the genesis of SCG signals and their clinical applications, others focused on developing proper signal processing algorithms for noise reduction, and SCG signal feature extraction and classification. This paper reviews the recent advances in the field of SCG.
Detection of the steroid receptor interacting protein, PAK6, in a neuronal cell line.

Abstract PAK6 is a Group II p21 activated kinase that unlike traditional signal transduction proteins interacts with multiple binding partners including sex-steroid receptors. PAK6 acts as a nodal checkpoint integrating multiple cellular inputs to promote distinct cellular outcomes, some of which are associated with cytoskeletal remodeling. Despite the possibility that PAK6 may couple sex-specific neuronal function and therefore serve as a valuable research, diagnostic and therapeutic target, there is currently no standardized protocol for assessing PAK6 activity in a neuronal cell line. Here, we present a protocol for assessing PAK6 levels in a commonly used neuronal cell line, PC-12. In comparison with other methodology, this approach (1) does not require ex-planted tissue to identify PAK6 in neurons and (2) unlike other protocols which require steroid depleted media for detection of PAK6 in non-neuronal cell lines, such as prostate cancer cell lines, we were easily able to detect PAK6 in PC-12 cells grown in complete, steroid-containing media. Thus the present protocol allows for the efficient detection of native PAK6 in PC-12 cells to expedite targeted basic research of the emerging importance of PAK6 function in the brain as well as to accelerate the identification and isolation of potential therapeutic targets not only in cancerous but brain disease states as well.
Cyclophosphamide and the taste system: Effects of dose fractionation and amifostine on taste cell renewal

Chemotherapy often causes side effects that include disturbances in taste functions. Cyclophosphamide (CYP) is a chemotherapy drug that, after a single dose, elevates murine taste thresholds at times related to drug-induced losses of taste sensory cells and disruptions of proliferating cells that renew taste sensory cells. Pretreatment with amifostine can protect the taste system from many of these effects. This study compared the effects of a single dose (75 mg/kg) of CYP with effects generated by fractionated dosing of CYP (5 doses of 15 mg/kg), a dosing approach often used during chemotherapy, on the taste system of mice using immunohistochemistry. Dose fractionation prolonged the suppressive effects of CYP on cell proliferation responsible for renewal of taste sensory cells. Fractionation also reduced the total number of cells and the proportion of Type II cells within taste buds. The post-injection time of these losses coincided with the life span of Type I and II taste cells combined with lack of replacement cells. Fractionated dosing also decreased Type III cells more than a single dose, but loss of these cells may be due to factors related to the general health and/or cell renewal of taste buds rather than the life span of Type III cells. In general, pretreatment with amifostine appeared to protect taste cell renewal and the population of cells within taste buds from the cytotoxic effects of CYP with few observable adverse effects due to repeated administration. These findings may have important implications for patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Niche cells rewired to maintain HSCs ex vivo

Haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are maintained in vivo by intrinsic programs and extrinsic niche signals. Ex vivo expansion of HSCs is limited, owing to reduced stem cell maintenance factors. A study now shows that rejuvenated niche cells can be obtained by transcriptional rewiring of specific genes that maintain and expand HSCs ex vivo.
Probing Cold and Hot, Dense Nuclear Media Via High-p$_{T}$ Jets with Di-hadron and gamma-hadron Correlations at PHENIX

With the recent high statistics Au+Au and Cu+Cu runs at RHIC, it has become possible to systematically study jet properties in several different colliding systems with potentially different final state interactions. In this talk we present results from high-pT di-hadron and gamma-hadron correlations from p+p, d+Au, Cu+Cu, and Au+Au collisions where jets in vacuum, cold nuclear matter, and hot, dense nuclear matter are studied.
Ga 2 O 3 Power Schottky Barrier Diodes and Transistors: Design Principles and Experimental Validation

It is increasingly more difficult to realize both n-type and p-type in wider bandgap semiconductors. How does it impact the design principles of power electronics in ultra-wide bandgap semiconductors? What fundamentally different roles does a p-region play in a power electric device in comparison to a semi-insulating region, for example, in the popular GaN HEMT based power transistors? I will reflect on our efforts in seeking answers to these questions in the past 6 years in both GaN and Ga2O3 power electronic devices as well as realizing state-of-the-art devices.
Circadian- and sex-dependent increases in intravenous cocaine self-administration in Npas2 mutant mice

Abstract Background Addiction is associated with disruptions in circadian rhythms. The circadian transcription factor neuronal PAS domain protein 2 (NPAS2) is highly enriched in reward-related brain regions, but its role in addiction is largely unknown. Methods To examine the role of NPAS2 in reward, we measured intravenous cocaine self-administration in wild-type (WT) and Npas2 mutant male and female mice at different times of day (light or dark phase). Mice underwent acquisition, dose-response, progressive ratio, extinction and cue-induced reinstatement. Results Cocaine self-administration was elevated in Npas2 mutant mice, particularly in females. Cocaine reinforcement was increased in all mutant mice, whereas motivation was only increased in females. Sex differences were amplified during the dark (active) phase with Npas2 mutation increasing self-administration, reinforcement, motivation, extinction responding and reinstatement in females, but only reinforcement in males. To determine whether circulating ovarian hormones are driving these sex differences we ovariectomized WT and Npas2 mutant females before cocaine self-administration. Unlike sham controls, ovariectomized mutant mice showed no increase in self-administration. To identify whether striatal brain regions are differentially activated in Npas2 mutant females we measured cocaine-induced ΔFosB expression. ΔFosB expression was increased in D1+ neurons in the nucleus accumbens core and dorsolateral striatum in Npas2 mutant, relative to WT, females after dark phase self-administration. Conclusions These results suggest NPAS2 regulates reward and cocaine-induced ΔFosB expression in specific striatal regions in a sex and time of day specific manner. Striatal activation could be augmented by circulating sex hormones, leading to an increased effect of Npas2 mutation in females.
Dissipative Self-Assembly of Dynamic Multicompartmentalized Microsystems with Light-Responsive Behaviors

Summary Living cells are compartmentalized systems operating far from thermodynamic equilibrium and consume energy from the environment to carry out their functions. The construction of biomimetic synthetic compartments has both scientific and technological value. Despite many advances, the assembly of synthetic compartments that present nonequilibrium behaviors based on dissipative (or transient) self-assembly remains a grand challenge. Here, we describe the design and synthesis of multicompartmental systems with an active microstructure and complex behaviors. By including an artificial pathway for energy dissipation, we demonstrate the autonomous generation of active polymeric systems using a strategy based on polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA), driven by chemical fuel. Remarkably, these self-organized synthetic systems exhibit a dynamic change in their multicompartmental structures when exposed to light. This work introduces a strategy toward the design and construction of synthetic compartments with a dynamic structure and also presents pathways to engineer materials with spatially controllable structures and functionalities.
The Neuropathology of West Nile Virus Meningoencephalitis

West Nile virus (WNV) is an emerging mosquito-transmitted encephalitis virus first recognized in North America in 1999. The pathologic manifestations of WNV infection have not been well defined. This study documents the clinicopathologic features, including autopsy findings, of 2 cases: an 81-year-old man who contracted WNV infection with meningoencephalitis and a polio-like paralysis and a hospitalized 74-year-old woman with meningoencephalitis who acquired WNV through transfusion. The pathologic findings in both cases were marked by perivascular and leptomeningeal chronic inflammation, microglial nodules, and neuronophagia, predominantly involving the temporal lobes and brainstem. These findings also were present in the spinal cord, especially the lumbar region, of the patient with polio-like paralysis. In both cases, most of the inflammatory infiltrate was composed of CD3+ T lymphocytes (a predominance of CD8+ over CD4+ T cells), CD68+ macrophages, and rare CD20+ B lymphocytes. These cases further define the clinical and pathologic spectrum of central nervous system disease in WNV infection.
Discharge by Noon: A Checklist Initiative by the Otolaryngology Service.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS Hospital length of stay (LOS) and throughput are critical issues for hospitals. Late hospital discharges contribute to bottlenecks in the emergency department, overcrowd surgical and procedural areas, and limit patient tertiary-care center transfers. Our goal was to increase discharge by noon (DCBN) percentage from 8% to over 50% in a sustainable manner. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective Review. METHODS We used a multiple time series design and a quality improvement approach. An interdisciplinary improvement team (IIT) identified the main causes contributing to late discharge and then developed and implemented multiple interventions to increase the percentage of DCBN. Admissions and discharge information were obtained for all patients in the otolaryngology service (January 2014-September 2017). The intervention was implemented in July 2015. The primary outcome was the percentage of DCBN per month. Secondary outcomes were LOS, case-mix index (CMI), patient experience, and 30-day readmissions. We analyzed the impact of our intervention and outcomes at the preintervention, peri-intervention, and postintervention periods. RESULTS One thousand four hundred sixty-four admissions to the otolaryngology service were included. Throughout the intervention period, the percentage of patients DCBN increased. Analysis of the intervention showed significant DCBN change of 15% in the first versus 42% in the last 12-months (P < .001), and shorter LOS (-1.4 days, P < .001) and lower CMI (-0.6, P < .001) in the DCBN group. Patient satisfaction scores improved by 4% (P < .05), and no difference in 30-day readmission rates (P = .29) was shown. CONCLUSIONS This multifaceted intervention improved early discharge and patient experience. Our checklist of key behaviors could be applied throughout other services and hospitals with reproducible success. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4 Laryngoscope, 131:E76-E82, 2021.
Rare homozygous nonsense variant in AIMP1 causing Early Onset Epileptic Encephalopathy with Burst Suppression (EOEE-BS).

Abstract Pathogenic variants in AIMP1 gene are rare causes of neurologic disorders. Homozygous frameshift and nonsense variants in AIMP1 have been described in severe neurodegenerative disease. This is the third report of a homozygous nonsense variant in AIMP1 [c.115 C > T (p.Gln39*)] in a girl with severe neonatal onset epileptic encephalopathy. Like the two other cases reported, our patient is also of Filipino descent. Clinical features include microcephaly, poor visual motor development, shallow breathing, severe hypertonia in extremities, severe global developmental delay, poor gag and suck reflex, failure to thrive in the neonatal period, and early onset intractable seizures. Brain MRI showed hypoplasia of corpus callosum as well as cerebellar vermis, global volume loss and diminished myelination for her age. Electroencephalogram at four months of age showed background consisting of synchronous and asynchronous intervals of burst suppression with intermittent multifocal spikes predominantly in the bi-temporal region, suggestive of Early Onset Epileptic Encephalopathy with Burst Suppression (EOEE-BS) which has not been previously associated with the c.115 C > T variant in AIMP1. Of note, she presented to us in super refractory status epilepticus which was eventually controlled after administration of ketogenic diet and Epidiolex (cannabidiol). This report expands the genetic landscape of EOEE-BS. This is the first case of this specific variant in which Epidiolex was administered, which along with Ketogenic diet aided in controlling patient's super refractory status epilepticus.
Opioids May be Appropriate for Chronic Pain

Patients living with chronic pain require appropriate access to opioid therapy along with improved access to pain care and additional therapeutic options. It's both medically reasonable and ethical to consider opioid therapy as a treatment option in the management of chronic, non-cancer pain for a subset of patients with severe pain that is unresponsive to other therapies (e.g., injections, other medications, integrative strategies), negatively impacts function or quality of life, and will likely outweigh the potential harms. This paper will examine opioid therapy in the setting of the opioid epidemic, why critics feel that the CDC guideline has resulted in harsh consequences for patients and their physicians, and the rationale for opioid therapy as a means of providing ethical and compassionate pain care.
Commemorating a whole story of woman suffrage

To tell the whole story of the struggle for woman suffrage, we need to begin the story well before 1848 and continue it long after 1920. For those teaching about woman suffrage, this essay offers r...
Prophylactic Antibiotics In Cirrhotic Patients With Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Cirrhotic patients often develop bleeding from gastric or esophageal varices that occur secondary to portal hypertension. Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is fatal in approximately 20% of these episodes and bacterial infections are an important contributor to this mortality. Patients with cirrhosis are also known to have impaired immune function and also at higher risk of translocation of bacteria from the gut into the bloodstream.1 Therefore, the administration of prophylactic antibiotics during the bleeding event might help prevent such infections.
Beyond Strain: Controlling the Surface Chemistry of CsPbI3 Nanocrystal Films for Improved Stability against Ambient Reactive Oxygen Species

Colloidal halide perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) have the possibility of easy scale-up due to their batch synthesis and have demonstrated excellent optoelectronic properties. In particular, perovskit...
Fiber-Optic Static-Strain Sensing with Single & Dual Fiber Fabry-Perot Interferometers

We demonstrate the effectiveness of a dual-fiber-Fabry-Perot-interferometer (FFPI) strain sensor over the conventional single-FFPI scheme by achieving better strain resolution in the low-frequency regime.
Improving the focus of Las Cumbres Observatory’s 1-meter telescopes

In Las Cumbres Observatory’s global network, the 1-meter telescopes are in greatest demand. Beginning in 2019, we undertook an investigation into the focus stability of these telescopes. We also refined the procedures for setting and maintaining optimal focus. The investigation showed the sensitivity of the telescopes’ optical components to temperature variations. The temperatures within the domes, as well as along the telescopes, are rarely stable for the first 80-120 minutes of science observations. A consequence is that start-of-night focus corrections must later be countered by additional corrections after thermalization. We report the various improvements to telescope focus that our investigation has spawned. The start-of-night focus corrections are now made immediately before science observations begin. Focus checks are now monitored during the night and trigger actionable alerts if they fail. Finally, we report on our effort to use the guide cameras as real-time focus sensors.
Electromechanical Characterization of Crack-Tolerant, Carbon-Nanotube-Reinforced Composite Gridlines Using In Situ Scanning Electron Microscope Strain Test

Cell cracks, over time, lead to module degradation and reduced power generation. To minimize this degradation, we have previously demonstrated that silver paste reinforced with multiwalled carbon nanotubes, also known as metal matrix composites, can impart enhanced fracture toughness, electrical gap-bridging, and “self-healing” to gridlines and busbars. In this work, we peer into mechanisms responsible for these enhanced material properties, using in situ scanning electron microscope strain test. We discover that micro void coalescence exists in printed and fired metal matrix composite gridlines. These voids can turn the crack propagation to take more tortuous paths than in gridlines from standard silver paste, increasing the composite's fracture toughness. The presence of carbon nanotubes also appears to cause the fractured surface to have pronounced intrusions/extrusions that help maintain the electrical continuity after fracture. In rare cases, we observe that fracture branching is another mechanism by which partially fractured macroscopic section of gridlines can electrically bridge large gaps (≥ 70 microns). The intrusions/extrusions on the fractured surface and fracture branching are also suspected to provide the “self-healing” properties when the gap in the cracks narrows.
Employer Perceptions of Older Workers – Surveys from 2019 and 2006

Many older Americans need to work longer in order to achieve a secure retirement. The question is whether employers will hire and retain them. This paper reports on a 2019 survey of employer perceptions of the productivity, costs, and net value of their older workers relative to their younger ones. This survey replicates a similar 2006 effort, so it also allows a comparison of employer perceptions over a period when technology has evolved and the older workforce has grown. The key result of the 2019 survey is that older workers – in both professional and support positions – have reasonably good prospects for extending their careers. Although older workers are seen as more costly, they are also seen as more productive. Overall, the overwhelming majority of employers said older workers were “as attractive” or “more attractive” than younger workers. The main finding that emerges from a comparison of the 2019 and 2006 results is an improvement in employer perceptions of support workers. It is always difficult to know how much weight to put on survey results. The question is the extent to which employer attitudes, which the survey measures, impact actual personnel decisions. Many other surveys have recorded similar positive evaluations of older workers’ productivity, yet numerous studies have documented discrimination against older workers. Nevertheless, the 2019 survey paints a reasonably optimistic picture. It will not always be easy for older workers to extend their working careers. But these new results suggest that the potential exists.
Dismantling The Professional Student Political Speech Minefield: Rejecting The Proliferation of Conduct Standards That Restrict Political Expression

Universities have discarded their role as institutions dedicated to the marketplace of ideas and the freedom of expression. The desire to shield students from ideas that make them uncomfortable has unfortunately spread to professional programs, as administrators have constructed student conduct policies that limit political speech. Although recent federal circuit decisions have permitted professional programs more discretion to punish speech than undergraduate or graduate students, courts have only applied those decisions to situations where student conduct clearly violates established professional standards. While professional programs possess a legitimate pedagogical purpose in preparing its students to enter a licensed profession, that purpose is not absolute and is limited by the First Amendment when applied to political speech. Courts should find that professional programs violate its students’ First Amendment rights when student conduct policies punish political speech that does not violate any written code of conduct or established professional standard. When a university punishes a professional student’s political speech without reference to existing professional standards, student discipline may become a pretext for discrimination against political beliefs. Accordingly, courts should hold that an administrator’s application of a student conduct policy against political speech is void for vagueness and overbreadth and risks viewpoint discrimination. When students are unaware of what political speech their universities may sanction, they may avoid engaging in frank discussions of politics over the fear of discipline. Professional students are the emerging leaders of our country, and their program administrations should not chill them from freely expressing their opinions on matters of public concern as the price of admission into the program. This article will take a novel approach to reject limitations on professional student political speech, using the Tenth Circuit’s analysis in Hunt v. Board of Regents of the University of New Mexico to demonstrate the threat of students’ First Amendment rights.
Overview and Spinal Implications of Leg Length Discrepancy: Narrative Review

Leg length discrepancy (LLD) is an underrecognized and prevalent condition among the U.S. population, with effects varying depending on the cause and size of the discrepancy. LLD occurs when the paired lower extremities are unequal in length and can be etiologically classified as functional or structural. Length differences are typically less than 10 mm and asymptomatic or easily compensated for by the patient through self-lengthening or shortening of the lower extremities. Literature review of the etiology, diagnostic modalities, clinical complications, and treatment option for patients with LLD. LLD can be assessed directly through tape measurements or indirectly through palpation of bony landmarks. Imaging modalities, specifically radiography, are more precise and help identify coexistent deformity. Once LLD has been diagnosed, evaluation for potential adverse complications is necessary. Discrepancies greater than 20 mm can alter biomechanics and loading patterns with resultant functional limitations and musculoskeletal disorders, such as functional scoliosis. Functional scoliosis is nonprogressive and involves a structurally normal spine with an apparent lateral curvature, which regresses fully or partially when the LLD is corrected. Long-standing LLD and functional scoliosis often result in permanent degenerative changes in the facet joints and intervertebral discs of the spine. Further understanding of the contribution of LLD in the development of scoliosis and degenerative spine disease will allow for more effective preventative treatment strategies and hasten return to function.
Development of a laboratory-based pharmacogenomics independent study and advanced pharmacy practice experience: Connecting basic science to clinical application.

Abstract Background and purpose The role of pharmacists in pharmacogenomics (PGx) use clinically is expanding, leading to increased pharmacy education requirements. Current reports indicate that PGx is primarily taught through didactic courses, indicating a need for applied coursework in pharmacy curricula, including laboratory exercises and clinical experiences. Such courses are instrumental in helping students connect the science of PGx to patient care. Educational activity and setting An advanced PGx independent study and a similar advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) were developed. These courses included personal genetic testing, raw genetic sequence data analysis, and wet-laboratory genetic testing. The APPE included sessions with clinical pharmacists who use PGx and a genetic counselor, as well as a visit to a genetic reference laboratory. A pre−/post-examination and survey were used to measure the courses' effectiveness and student perceptions of their abilities, PGx, and course components. For this pilot study one student per course was evaluated. Findings Each student completed all components of the courses successfully, supporting the feasibility of their implementation. Examination scores increased for both students with improvement in knowledge from basic genetics to clinical application. Both students also had a more positive perception of PGx after the courses and valued the various course components. Summary Through this unique course format, pharmacy students developed expertise in understanding and implementing PGx which allowed them to gain skills that go beyond an introductory course. Our experience may provide guidance to other pharmacy programs in adding more applied PGx education to their curricula.
Prepping for a proposal—Using journal articles in a labor economics course

The author of this article provides a framework for using readings outside of the textbook to increase engagement with topics in labor economics, to aid in the development of research skills, and p...
Predicting the Distribution of Product Completion Time in Multi-Product Manufacturing Systems

Product completion time is a random variable resulting from the random disturbances in production systems that delay the processing of products unexpectedly. Existing methods for product completion time prediction mostly predict its mean value. However, mean value only accounts for the first moment of a probability distribution, and is not sufficient for depicting the full spread of the product completion time. In this paper, we propose a novel method for predicting the probability distribution of production completion time by combining system model and deep learning. The original data collected from the plant floor are boosted through a model-based oversampling process. The location family of Tweedie distribution is discovered to fit the distribution of product competition time well. A hybrid framework is established to predict distribution parameters given system state as input, so as to predict the completion time distributions in a real-time fashion. The location parameter is analytically evaluated with system model. Other parameters are predicted or determined with data-driven methods, including a long-short term memory network and classic Tweedie prediction techniques.
Coffee Consumption Is Associated With Lower Liver Stiffness: A Nationally Representative Study.

Background & Aims Coffee is associated with a reduced risk of liver disease. This association is limited by important sources of confounding such as recall bias, healthy user bias, and indirect measures of liver outcomes or health. We aimed to examine the impact of coffee consumption with liver fibrosis and steatosis in a nationally representative sample. Methods We evaluated 4510 subjects 20 years and older from the 2017 to 2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey study who underwent both transient elastography and two 24-hour dietary recall examinations. We tested the associations between liver stiffness measurements (LSM) of 9.5 kpa or greater or controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) and coffee consumption. We used decaffeinated coffee and tea consumption as controls. As a sensitivity analysis, we included all drinks in 1 model, examined the impact of caffeine consumption, and adjusted for the Healthy Eating Index-2015 and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption as separate models. Results The study sample described was aged 48 ± 0.6 years, 73% were overweight or obese, 10.6% had diabetes, 47.5% reported participation in vigorous physical activity, and 23% drank 2 or more alcoholic drinks per day. After multivariate adjustment, there was no association between coffee and controls with CAP. Subjects who drank more than 3 cups of coffee, but not other drinks, had a 0.9 lower kPa (95% CI, -1.6 to -0.1; P = .03). More than 3 cups of coffee were protective for LSM of 9.5 kpa or higher (odds ratio, 0.4; 95% CI, 0.2–1.0; P = .05). Accounting for all beverages in the same model, only consuming more than 3 cups of coffee remained independently associated with LSM (odds ratio, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.2–0.9; P = .03). Caffeine was not associated significantly with LSM at any dose. Finally, adjusting for sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and Healthy Eating Index-2015, coffee consumption remained associated with a lower LSM. The protective nature of coffee consumption therefore is not attributable to caffeine and persists in participants regardless of their diet quality. Conclusions Coffee is associated with lower liver stiffness, but not steatosis, as measured by CAP among US adults.
Regulation of Escherichia coli pyrC by the purine regulon repressor protein.

Abstract The purine regulon repressor, PurR, was identified as a component of the Escherichia coli regulatory system for pyrC, the gene that encodes dihydroorotase, an enzyme in de novo pyrimidine nucleotide synthesis. PurR binds to a pyrC control site that resembles a pur regulon operator and represses expression by twofold. Mutations that increase binding of PurR to the control site in vitro concomitantly increase in vivo regulation. There are completely independent mechanisms for regulation of pyrC by purine and pyrimidine nucleotides. Cross pathway regulation of pyrC by PurR may provide one mechanism to coordinate synthesis of purine and pyrimidine nucleotides.
Marriage and Midlife: The Impact of Social Change

This paper considers the impact of social change on marriage in the midlife period. Issues which ordinarily require adaptation in midlife e.g., awareness of the finiteness of time, the limits of options and the necessity to reassess goals and deal with losses are affected by societal changes. These changes include increased numbers of dual career families and a decreased birth rate. Marital partners must integrate these changes into their lives. The process of adaptation may be stressful and result in symptoms such as depression, anxiety, somatic complaints of sexual problems. Illustrative clinical examples and treatment approaches are provided.