cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mirtazapine, an antidepressant

The pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, adverse effects, and dosage and administration of mirtazapine are reviewed. Mirtazapine is a new anti-depressant that blocks presynaptic alpha 2-adrenergic receptors and postsynaptic serotonin type 2 and type 3 receptors. Mirtazapine has FDA-approved labeling for treatment of depression. Limited data suggest it may also have beneficial anxiolytic and sedative effects. The drug is rapidly and completely absorbed after oral administration. It is biotransformed by hepatic demethylation and is suitable for once-daily doses. In several clinical trials, patients receiving mirtazapine showed significantly greater improvement as measured by scores on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) compared with patients receiving placebo. Mirtazapine has been shown to be equally efficacious as amitriptyline, clomipramine, and doxepin as assessed by scores on the HAM-D or other depression rating scales. Mirtazapine is well tolerated. The most commonly reported adverse effects associated with mirtazapine are somnolence, increased appetite, weight gain, and dizziness. Few drug-drug interactions have been reported. The recommended starting dosage is 15 mg/day administered in a single dose at bedtime. Mirtazapine seems to be an effective, well-tolerated antidepressant and may be effective for treating comorbid anxiety disorders.
Primary Nephrotic Syndrome with Urinary Tract Infection in 124 Children

Objective To investigate the distribution and antibiotic resistance of pathogens isolated from children with primary nephrotic syndrome(PNS) complicated with urinary tract infection(UTI) and study the factors effecting on it,and to provide the basis for clinical treatment. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on distribution and antibiotic resistance of pathogens isolated from 124 children with PNS complicated with UTI(positive urine culture).The antibiotic resistances of common pathogens were determined by the antimicrobial susceptibility test.Factors effecting on PNS with UTI were analyzed. Results Asymptomatic UTI in children with PNS accounted for 70.2%.Gram-negative bacilli was the main pathogen(61.6%),and involved Escherichia coli(E.coli) of 43.3%.Gram-positive cocci accounted for 34.8%,and involved enterococci faecalis of 19.5%.Fungi infection was found in 3.0% of children.The resistance rate of E.coli to ampicillin was the highest(88.7%),but the rate decreased significantly by adding amoxicillin/clavulanic acid(34.2%).E.coli had a high resis-tance rate to cephazolin,ceftriaxone and cafalotin(50%),but the resistance rate of E.coli to cefoperazone/sulbactam was significantly lower than other cephalosporins(P0.01).E.coli had lower resistance rate to imipenem and furadantin(10%).The resistance rate of enterococci faecalis to rifampicin was high(82.1%),but it was low to furadantin,vancomycin and linezolid(10%).Hypoproteinemia,low IgG blood disorder,a large number of proteinuria,high-dose glucocorticoid,elevated low density lipoprotein and lipoprotein a may be the factors effecting on PNS with UTI. Conclusions Because of various factors,children with PNS were easy to complicate with UTI,children with PNS complicated with UTI account for a high proportion.E.coli is the major pathogen in children with PNS complicate with UTI,and the enterococci-caused UTI has been increasing.These pathogens have a high antibiotic resistance,and most of them are multiresistant.Antimicrobial therapy should be based on the results of urine culture and antimicrobial susceptibility test.
Impact of Large-capacity Controllable Shunt Reactor on Line Differential Protection and Solutions

Large-capacity controllable shunt reactor(CSR)has been applied to the 750kV northwest 2nd power transmission channel project.Capacitive current is the main factors affecting the performance of differential protection used for extra high voltage(EHV)long line,and distributed capacitive current and shunt reactor current should be calculated and compensated completely.As the capacity of CSR is greatly variable in operation,the practice of indirect calculation of CSR current with its parameters will result in over-compensation or under-compensation.To achieve accurate compensation results,the CSR current is directly introduced into line protection.The problems for attention in engineering application are discussed as well.Digital simulation test is performed to verify the validity of theoretical analysis.This method has improved the sensitivity and reliability of line protection and is successfully used in real projects.
Clarifying the role of neoadjuvant therapy in breast cancer.

Large clinical trials have demonstrated that preoperative therapy for primary operable breast cancer improves breast-conservation rates, with equivalent disease-free (DFS) and overall survival (OS) compared to adjuvant therapy.[1] Connolly and Stearns provide an excellent review of additional benefits of neoadjuvant therapy and emphasize the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to treating patients in this setting.
Complexity in applying spatial analysis to describe heterogeneous air-trapping in thoracic imaging data

ABSTRACTIn this paper we consider a novel approach to analyzing medical images by applying a concept typically employed in geospatial studies. For certain diseases, such as asthma, there is a relevant distinction between the heterogeneity of constriction in airways for patients compared to healthy individuals. In order to describe such heterogeneities quantitatively, we utilize spatial correlation in the realm of lung computer tomography (CT). Specifically, we apply the approximate profile-likelihood estimator (APLE) to simulated lung air-trapping data selected based on potential interest to pulmonologists, and we explore reference values obtainable through this statistic. Results indicate that APLE values are independent of air-trapping values, and can provide useful insight into spatial patterns of these values within the lungs in situations where other common metrics, such as the coefficient of variation, reveal little. The APLE relies on a neighborhood weights matrix to define spatial relatedness of c...
Biomechanics of Lateral Spinal Reconstruction

The maintenance of lumbar stability relies upon both active and passive elements to protect against injury during physiologic movement. A complex interplay of vertebral osseous structures, tensile ligaments, load bearing joints, and muscles work to maintain safe and efficient motion. Lumbar biomechanics describe this interaction, which can become deranged in the setting of degenerative lumbar pathology. Traditional surgical interventions through anterior and posterior spinal approaches can further disrupt anatomic elements and increase the degree of instability. A lateral lumbar approach circumvents many of these stabilizing structures, and lateral reconstruction of the ventral spinal column can augment deformity correction and disc height restoration. This chapter reviews lumbar anatomy and biomechanics in normal and degenerative conditions and examines the effects of lateral surgery on lumbar stability.
THE RELIABILITY OF FABER TEST HIP RANGE OF MOTION MEASUREMENTS.

BACKGROUND The Flexion ABduction External Rotation (FABER) test is typically used as a provocation special test, but has also been used as a measurement of combined hip range of motion (ROM). It is thought that limited ROM with this measurement may be indicative of hip pathology. To date, normative data, reliability, and minimal detectable change (MDC) of such measurements have not been established. PURPOSE To determine normative FABER height, assess inter- and intra-rater reliability and MDC for FABER, and compare traditional FABER measurements to methods which account for differences in thigh length. STUDY DESIGN Descriptive laboratory reliability study. METHODS Nineteen healthy participants without low back, hip, or knee pain in the preceding three months were recruited. Measurements were performed during two sessions (three to seven days between sessions) by three clinicians. FABER height and thigh length measurements were performed. Thigh length normalized FABER range of motion (ROM) and side-to-side FABER ROM symmetry were calculated. One tester also measured FABER with a digital inclinometer. Inter- and intra-rater reliability were calculated using interclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and mean MDC values were calculated. RESULTS Mean values for FABER height and normalized FABER ROM were 12.4 ± 2.8 cm and 0.30 ± 0.07, respectively. Inter-rater reliability for FABER and normalized FABER were good (ICC 0.67-0.68) and between session intra-rater reliability were good to excellent (ICC 0.76-0.86). Mean FABER and normalized FABER ROM MDC were 3.7 cm and 0.04, respectively. Mean FABER ROM symmetry was 2.0 ± 0.9 cm with poor inter-rater reliability (ICC 0.20), poor to good intra-rater reliability (ICC 0.38-0.66), and mean MDC of 4.0 cm. FABER measured with a ruler, normalized FABER ROM, and inclinometry all resulted in excellent intra-rater reliability, with the highest ICC being demonstrated for inclinometry (ICC 0.86, 0.86, and 0.91). CONCLUSIONS Overall, FABER measurements were reliable, whether normalized to thigh length or not. Furthermore, use of inclinometry may increase reliability. Reliability was poor to good when assessing symmetry between limbs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level 3.
Continuous Flow and Conventional Resectoscope Methods in Transurethral Prostatectomy: Comparative Study

The continuous flow resectoscope is claimed to be superior to the conventional resectoscope with respect to blood loss, resection time and rate, and irrigant absorption. These purported advantages were tested by a study of the results of transurethral resection of the prostate in 36 patients assigned randomly to 2 groups: 1) 20 patients operated on with the continuous flow resectoscope and 2) 16 operated on with the conventional resectoscope. No statistically significant differences for blood loss, resection rate or irrigant absorption were found between the 2 groups. We concluded that the preference of the surgeon continues to be the most important determinant in instrument choice.
Effect of tempol on peripheral neuropathy in diet-induced obese and high-fat fed/low-dose streptozotocin-treated C57Bl6/J mice

In this study, we sought to determine the efficacy of tempol on multiple neuropathic endpoints in a diet-induced obese mouse, a model of pre-diabetes, and a high-fat fed low-dose streptozotocin treated mouse, a model of type 2 diabetes. Tempol (4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperdine -1-oxyl) is a low molecular weight, water soluble, membrane permeable, and metal-independent superoxide dismutase mimetic that has been widely used in cellular studies for the removal of intracellular and extracellular superoxide. This in vivo study was designed to be an early intervention. Fourteen weeks post-high-fat diet (6 weeks post-hyperglycemia) control, obese, and diabetic mice were divided into no treatment and treatment groups. The treated mice received tempol by gavage (150 mg/kg in water), while the untreated mice received vehicle. The diet-induced obese and the diabetic mice were maintained on the high-fat diet for the duration of the study, while the control group was maintained on the standard diet. Obesity and diabetes caused slowing of motor and sensory nerve conduction, reduction in intraepidermal nerve fiber density, thermal hypoalgesia, and mechanical allodynia. Treatment with tempol partially or completely protected obese and diabetic mice from these deficits. These studies suggest that tempol or other effective scavengers of reactive oxygen species may be a viable option for treating neural complications associated with obesity or type 2 diabetes.
Pediatric PTSD: Clinical, Forensic, and Diagnostic Understanding

Exposure to trauma is a common event in the lives of children and adolescents living in the United States. Although a minority of youth develop full posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a traumatic event, those who do tend to have an extended course of symptoms in multiple functional domains and higher rates of psychiatric comorbidities. Pediatric PTSD can play an important role in legal settings, and requires that an expert witness be well versed in advances in clinical and conceptual models of this diagnosis and familiar with current research devoted to the posttraumatic response in youth. This review is designed to be a resource for the forensic evaluator and outlines the current understanding of epidemiological and clinical features of pediatric PTSD, as well as the neurobiological, dimensional, and developmental conceptual models that describe it.
Abstract P191: Calpain-Generated Free PKCα Catalytic Domains Induce HDAC5 Nuclear Export and Regulate Cardiac Gene Transcription

Receptor-mediated activation of protein kinase (PK) C is a central pathway regulating cell growth, homeostasis, and programmed death. Recently, we showed that calpain-mediated proteolytic processing of PKC in ischemic myocardium activates PKC signaling in a receptor-independent manner by releasing a persistent and constitutively active free catalytic C-terminal fragment, PKCα-CT. This unregulated kinase provokes cardiomyopathy, but the mechanisms remain unclear. We examined hypothesis that PKCα-CT has transcriptional activity. Using immunoblot analysis and confocal microscopy, we found that PKCα-CT localized in part to nuclei and spontaneously induced cytosolic relocalization HDAC5 of the transcriptional regulator. Co- expression of calpain 1 with full length PKCα can generate PKCα-CT and produced the same HDAC5 cytosolic relocalization, whereas full length PKCα alone had no such effect. HDAC5 cytosolic relocalization induced by PKCα-CT was abolished by the protein kinase inhibitor GO6976, but not by PKD inhibitor CID 755673. The in vivo relevance of these findings was examined in transgenic mice expressing PKCα and PKCα-CT. To assess the consequence on gene expression, we performed global transcriptome profiling by Affymetrix microarrays and mRNA sequencing. The two techniques substantially agreed. Compared to control hearts, 621 mRNAs were regulated at least 1.3 fold in PKCα-CT hearts (P
Preventing Diabetes in Primary Care: Providers’ Perspectives About Diagnosing and Treating Prediabetes

IN BRIEF Offering patient-centered care to prevent diabetes will require collaborative decision-making between patients with prediabetes and their health care providers. From the perspective of primary care providers, prediabetes detection should be targeted to patients who are most likely to benefit from diagnosis and treatment. Improving access to lifestyle intervention programs and educating providers about evidence-based treatments for prediabetes and how to effectively discuss treatment options with patients may improve both providers' and patients' engagement in diabetes prevention.
Translocation and Redistribution of GLUT4 Using a Dual-Labeled Reporter Assay

It is crucial to determine the regulation of GLUT4 translocation and redistribution to the plasma membrane. The HA-GLUT4-GFP dual-reporter construct has become an important tool in the assessment of GLUT4 recycling in cultured adipocytes and myocytes. Through the use of light microscopy, this reporter construct allows for visualization of GLUT4 specifically at the cell surface or GLUT4 that has recycled from the cell surface while simultaneously marking the total GLUT4 pool. Here, we discuss and outline the general application of this reporter construct and its use in evaluating GLUT4 translocation within cultured adipocytes.
Programs and Courses in Creativity

This article deals with a disciplinary perspective on the development and status of deliberate creativity programs and courses. It provides key definitions and addresses major issues that relate to the context of programs and courses – what they are, how they are situated in a disciplinary context, and what this means for those who teach and learn.
OAM-based physical-layer security enabled by hybrid free-space optical-terahertz technology

In order to address security issues of optical networks, quantum key distribution (QKD) has been proposed. However, most of the research efforts in QKD are based on a spin angular momentum (also known as a photon polarization), which represents a fragile source of quantum information for transmission over single-mode fiber (SMF), so that the secure key rates are very low, and at the same time the transmission distance is limited. In this paper, we follow a different strategy. The orbital angular momentum (OAM) modes, which are related to the azimuthal dependence of the wavefront, are orthogonal among others so that this additional degree-of-freedom can be used to improve the physical-layer security (PLS) in both wireless and optical networks. Spatial light modulators (SLMs) are routinely used to generate OAM modes in optical domain, in particular in free-space optical (FSO) communications. On the other hand, it has been recently demonstrated that a traveling-wave circular loop antenna, with azimuthal phase distribution along the loop, can be used to generate OAM in the RF domain. Reliability of FSO links is affected by atmospheric turbulence effects, scattering effects, and low-visibility in foggy conditions. On the other hand, RF technologies are not affected by these effects, but are sensitive to rain and snow. In particular, THz technologies, have available bandwidths comparable to a typical wavelength channel in WDM systems. Based on this complementarity, here we propose to use hybrid FSO-THz technologies to significantly improve the PLS of either FSO or wireless communications.
LPS Transport: Flipping Out over MsbA.

Summary Lipopolysaccharide synthesis and transport pathways are attractive targets for the development of new antimicrobial therapeutics. The ABC (ATP Binding Cassette) transporter MsbA has been recently described as employing a ‘trap and flip' mechanism of lipopolysaccharide transport. This represents a novel mechanism amongst known lipid ABC transporters.
Abstract B122: 3,3′-bis(2-aminoethanol)-2,2′-binaphthoquinone promotes killing of acute myeloid leukemia cells by augmenting oxidative stress and inhibiting indoleamine dioxygenase

Introduction: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a genetically heterogeneous neoplasm with poor clinical outcome after treatment with current conventional chemotherapy. New treatments are therefore needed to combat this aggressive cancer. One of the hallmarks of AML blasts is disrupted cellular oxidative state resulting from elevated level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and overexpressed antioxidant proteins. Another characteristic of AML blasts is escaping host immune surveillance mediated in part by overexpression of the tryptophan-metabolizing enzyme, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO). We have designed and synthesized a novel hydroxylamine dimeric naphthoquinone (MCD-66), which can kill leukemia cells by dual mechanisms: 1) negatively perturbing cellular oxidative balance, and 2) effectively inhibiting IDO-1. Results: Two AML cell lines (MV4-11 and MOLM14) were treated with increasing doses of the clinically used naphthoquinones, atovaquone, and vitamin K, as well as with MCD-66, and IC 50 curves were generated. With nanomolar range IC 50 s, MCD-66 was 25-30 fold more potent than other naphthoquinones against AML cells. MCD-66 effectively inhibited clonogenicity of AML cells in a dose-dependent manner. When MV4-11 cells were treated with MCD-66 at IC 50 concentration, ROS levels significantly peaked after 2 hours and returned to baseline within 24 hours. The augmented production of ROS led to concomitant increase in DNA damage, evidenced by γH 2 AX foci in treated AML blasts. Additionally, MCD-66 inhibited IDO-1 activity at 1 µM (37%) and 10 µM (79%), but not its isozymes IDO-2 or tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase (TDO). Conclusion: The novel amino-alcohol dimeric naphthoquinone MCD-66 has shown promising activity against AML blast in vitro with dual mechanisms of action. The in vivo studies focusing on tolerability and efficacy, including modulating immune surveillance in xenograft models of AML, are ongoing. Citation Format: Elizabeth Tsuying Chang, Brandon A. Carter-Cooper, Smaraki Dash, Dana Ferraris, Ashkan Emadi, Rena G. Lapidus. 3,3′-bis(2-aminoethanol)-2,2′-binaphthoquinone promotes killing of acute myeloid leukemia cells by augmenting oxidative stress and inhibiting indoleamine dioxygenase [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2017 Oct 26-30; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2018;17(1 Suppl):Abstract nr B122.
Relevance of MIS Research to the Business Community

Having recently moved from the business world to academia, my impressions regarding MIS research changed. Initially questioning the relevance of MIS research to the business community, I conclude that MIS research can be very relevant, given the use of appropriate metrics.
Characterizing Approaches to Dialysis Decision Making with Older Adults: A Qualitative Study of Nephrologists

Background and objectives Despite guidelines recommending shared decision making, nephrologists vary significantly in their approaches to discussing conservative management for kidney replacement therapy with older patients. Many older patients do not perceive dialysis initiation as a choice or receive sufficient information about conservative management for reasons incompletely understood. We examined how nephrologists’ perceptions of key outcomes and successful versus failed treatment discussions shape their approach and characterized different models of decision making, patient engagement, and conservative management discussion. Design, setting, participants, & measurements Our qualitative study used semistructured interviews with a sample of purposively sampled nephrologists. Interviews were conducted from June 2016 to May 2017 and continued until thematic saturation. Data were analyzed using typological and thematic analyses. Results Among 35 nephrologists from 18 practices, 20% were women, 66% had at least 10 years of nephrology experience, and 80% were from academic medical centers. Four distinct approaches to decision making emerged: paternalist, informative (patient led), interpretive (navigator), and institutionalist. Five themes characterized differences between these approaches, including patient autonomy, engagement and deliberation (disclosing all options, presenting options neutrally, eliciting patient values, and offering explicit treatment recommendation), influence of institutional norms, importance of clinical outcomes (e.g., survival and dialysis initiation), and physician role (educating patients, making decisions, pursuing active therapies, and managing symptoms). Paternalists and institutionalists viewed initiation of dialysis as a measure of success, whereas interpretive and informative nephrologists focused on patient engagement, quality of life, and aligning patient values with treatment. In this sample, only one third of providers presented conservative management to patients, all of whom followed either informative or interpretive approaches. The interpretive model best achieved shared decision making. Conclusions Differences in nephrologists’ perceptions of their role, patient autonomy, and successful versus unsuccessful encounters contribute to variation in decision making for patients with kidney disease.
Auerbach, Madness, and the East

Erich Auerbach’s lack of interest in engaging with non-Western contexts and literatures has often led critics to identify varying degrees of Eurocentric bias in his work. This perception of bias ob...
Impacts of molybdenum-, nickel-, and lithium- oxide nanomaterials on soil activity and microbial community structure.

Abstract The nano forms of the metals molybdenum oxide (MoO3), nickel oxide (NiO) and lithium oxide (Li2O) are finding wide application in advanced technologies including batteries and fuel cells. We evaluated soil responses to nanoMoO3, nanoNiO, and nanoLi2O as some environmental release of the materials, either directly or following the land application of biosolids, is expected. Using Drummer soil (Fine-silty, mixed, superactive, mesic Typic Endoaquolls), we evaluated the impacts of the three nanometals on soil gas (N2O, CH4, and CO2) emissions, enzyme activities (β-glucosidase and urease), and microbial community structure (bacterial, archaeal, and eukaryal) in a 60 day microcosms incubation. Soil treated with nanoLi2O at 474 μg Li/g soil, released 3.45 times more CO2 with respect to the control. Additionally, β-glucosidase activity was decreased while urease activity increased following nanoLi2O treatment. While no clear patterns were observed for gas emissions in soils exposed to nanoMoO3 and nanoNiO, we observed a temporary suppression of β-glucosidase activity in soil treated with either metal. All three domains of microbial community were affected by increasing metal concentrations. This is the first evaluation of soil responses to nanoMoO3, nanoNiO, or nanoLi2O.
37 Association of smoking status and total and individual damage index in systemic lupus erythematosus

Background Smoking is a risk factor for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It has been associated with increased disease activity and decreased effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine in cutaneous lupus. The objective of the study was to determine the association between smoking status and total and individual damage items in SLE. Methods We analyzed data from the Hopkins Lupus Cohort. Damage was recorded using the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology (SLICC/ACR) Damage Index. Fishers exact test and Wilcoxon test were used in exploratory analysis. Logistic regression was used to estimate the association between damage and smoking status (ever/never). Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were reported. Stratification by ethnicity was done for individual damage items that were found to be significantly associated with smoking. Results The prevalence of ever smokers in our cohort was 36%. SLE patients who ever smoked had higher odds of total damage with higher mean total damage index scores (p The association between cataract and smoking was still present after adjusting for ethnicity, diabetes, and prednisone use in a multivariate regression model (OR=1.4, p=0.0083). Stratification by ethnicity showed that African- American SLE patients who ever smoked were more likely to have cataract, scarring chronic alopecia, extensive scarring, skin ulceration, pulmonary hypertension, cerebrovascular events, cardiomyopathy, and diabetes compared to non-smokers. Caucasian SLE patients who ever smoked were more likely to have extensive scarring, gastrointestinal infarction and resection, and muscle atrophy (table 1). Conclusions Smoking is a modifiable factor for organ damage in SLE. It is already known that it interferes with the efficacy of hydroxychloroquine. Now we are able to prove that smokers have more cutaneous damage (scarring) even after stratification for ethnicity. As expected, smokers had more cardiovascular damage. New findings include associations with gastrointestinal damage, cataracts, pulmonary hypertension, pancreatitis and diabetes. In the general population, these associations have been confirmed in all except gastrointestinal infarction. Funding Source(s): The Hopkins Lupus Cohort was funded by NIH Grant R01-AR069572.
Agreement and Correlation of Arterial and Venous Blood Gas Analysis in a Diverse Population

Introduction:Agreement and correlation of arterial blood gases (ABGs) and venous blood gases (VBGs) at near normal values are well described but have not been well validated at extremes of values. ...
Fine and ultrafine particle removal efficiency of new residential HVAC filters.

Particle air filters used in central residential forced-air systems are most commonly evaluated for their size-resolved removal efficiency for particles 0.3-10 µm using laboratory tests. Little information exists on the removal efficiency of commercially available residential filters for particles smaller than 0.3 µm or for integral measures of mass-based aerosol concentrations (eg, PM2.5 ) or total number concentrations (eg, ultrafine particles, or UFPs) that are commonly used in regulatory monitoring and building measurements. Here, we measure the size-resolved removal efficiency of 50 new commercially available residential HVAC filters installed in a recirculating central air-handling unit in an unoccupied apartment unit using alternating upstream/downstream measurements with incense and NaCl as particle sources. Size-resolved removal efficiencies are then used to estimate integral measures of PM2.5 and total UFP removal efficiency for the filters assuming they are challenged by 201 residential indoor particle size distributions (PSDs) gathered from the literature. Total UFP and PM2.5 removal efficiencies generally increased with manufacturer-reported filter ratings and with filter thickness, albeit with numerous exceptions. PM2.5 removal efficiencies were more influenced by the assumption for indoor PSD than total UFP removal efficiencies. Filters with the same ratings but from different manufacturers often had different removal efficiencies for PM2.5 and total UFPs.
Daily age estimation reveals rapid growth of age‐0 alligator gar in the wild

We estimated the daily age and growth of wild age‐0 alligator gar (Atractosteus spatula) from Choke Canyon Reservoir and the Guadalupe and Trinity rivers, Texas, USA. Growth rates of wild age‐0 alligator gar were compared across systems, as well as to alligator gar reared in a Texas hatchery. Estimated ages of alligator gar ranged from 7 to 80 days in Choke Canyon Reservoir (n = 140), 11–73 days in the Guadalupe River (n = 16), and 4–115 days in the Trinity River samples (n = 245). Alligator gar growth was faster in the Trinity and Guadalupe rivers than growth in Choke Canyon Reservoir. Growth of alligator gar in Choke Canyon Reservoir (3.60 ± 0.08 mm/day), the Guadalupe River (4.76 ± 0.35 mm/day), and the Trinity River (5.13 ± 0.07 mm/day) was faster than growth of hatchery reared fish (3.41 ± 0.08 mm/day). This study represents the first account of early growth of age‐0 alligator gar in the wild, and documents some of the fastest growth of age‐0 fish among freshwater fishes. We attribute the rapid growth of wild alligator gar to their quick transition to piscivory at early stages, and their effective use of habitat and resources on inundated floodplains during flood pulses. Future studies should explore the effects of environmental factors on the hatching success, growth, and survival of age‐0 alligator gar.
Accuracy study of smartglasses/smartphone AR systems for percutaneous needle interventions

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the accuracy of a cross platform augmented reality (AR) system for percutaneous needle interventions irrespective of operator error. In particular, we study the effect of the relative position and orientation of the AR device and the marker, the location of the target, and the angle of needle on the overlay accuracy. Method: A needle guidance AR platform developed using Unity and Vuforia SDK platforms was used to display a planned needle trajectory for targets via mobile and wearable devices. To evaluate the system accuracy, a custom phantom embedded with metal fiducial markers and an adjustable needle guide was designed to mimic different relative position and orientation scenarios of the smart device and the marker. After segmenting images of CT-visible fiducial markers as well as different needle trajectories, error was defined by comparing them to the corresponding augmented target/needle trajectory projected by smartphone and smartglasses devices. Results: The augmentation error for targets and needle trajectories were reported as a function of marker position and orientation, as well as the location of the targets. Overall, the image overlay error for needle trajectory was 0.28±0.32° (Max = 0.856°) and 0.41±0.23° (Max = 0.805°) using the iPhone and HoloLens glasses, respectively. The overall image overlay error for targets was 1.75±0.59 mm for iPhone, and 1.74±0.86 mm for HoloLens. Conclusions: The image overlay error caused by different sources can be quantified for different AR devices.
Use of airborne infection isolation in potential cases of pulmonary tuberculosis.

Objective: To identify risk factors of patients placed in airborne infection isolation (AII) for possible pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) to better predict TB diagnosis and allow more judicious use of AII. Methods: Case-control, retrospective study at a single tertiary-care academic medical center. The study included all adult patients admitted from October 1, 2014, through October 31, 2017, who were placed in AII for possible pulmonary TB. Cases were defined as those ultimately diagnosed with pulmonary TB. Controls were defined as those not diagnosed with pulmonary TB. Those with TB diagnosed prior to admission were excluded. In total, 662 admissions (558 patients) were included. Results: Overall, 15 cases of pulmonary TB were identified (2.7%); of these, 2 were people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV; PLWH). Statistical analysis was limited by low case number. Those diagnosed with pulmonary TB were more likely to have been born outside the United States (53% vs 13%; P < .001) and to have had prior positive TB testing, regardless of prior treatment (50% vs 19%; P = .015). A multivariate analysis using non–US birth and prior positive TB testing predicted an 18.2% probability of pulmonary TB diagnosis when present, compared with 1.0% if both factors were not present. Conclusions: The low number of pulmonary TB cases indicated AII overuse, especially in PLWH, and more judicious use of AII is warranted. High-risk groups, including those born outside the United States and those with prior positive TB testing, should be considered for AII in the appropriate clinical setting.
Investment Treaties, Investor-State Dispute Settlement and Inequality

International investment treaties entrench and exacerbate intra-national inequality by: Providing stronger substantive legal rights to a certain class of actors that in turn strengthen the legal force of their economic rights and “expectations”, with potentially negative impacts on the competing rights and interests of other stakeholders; and Providing unequal procedural rights to a certain class of actors, easing their ability, through ISDS, to challenge regulatory measures negatively impacting their economic interests, while other individuals and entities continue to face relatively high legal and practical barriers to using litigation to protect and/or enhance public interest objectives. This Working Paper, adapted from the book chapter “Investment Treaties, Investor-State Dispute Settlement and Inequality: How International Rules and Institutions Can Exacerbate Domestic Disparities” (in Jose Antonio Ocampo, ed., International Rules and Inequality: Implications for Global Economic Governance (Columbia University Press), 2019-01), explores these channels in greater depth. It also calls for further research to explore how international investment governance could be enlisted to combat inequality, instead of embedding and inflaming it.
An Assessment of Spectrum Auction Rules and Competition Policy

This paper addresses the Canadian government’s controversial limits (or caps) on the blocks of spectrum that can be acquired for the upcoming auction of 700 MHz spectrum on January 14, 2014. Large Canadian carriers (TELUS, Bell, and Rogers) have expressed concern over Verizon’s possible participation in the auction. While the perceived scenario of Verizon acquiring one or more smaller wireless carriers and then successfully bidding for prime spectrum has garnered national attention, the broader issue of whether the policies being implemented by the government are in the interests of Canadian wireless customers is equally significant. This paper argues that preventing large incumbent carriers from unduly restricting competition in the future can and should be addressed through the Competition Act, rather than through “handicapping” the competitive process, including spectrum auction caps.
Stochastic modeling uncovers a novel mechanism underlying the evolution of mutation rates in sexually reproducing populations

Natural selection is believed to universally work to lower mutation rates (MR) due to the negative impact of mutations on individual fitness. Mutator alleles have only been found to be co-selected by genetic linkage with adaptive alleles in prokaryotes. Sexual reproduction substantially reduces genetic linkage, allowing selection to effectively eradicate mutator alleles. The current understanding, therefore, is that in sexually reproducing populations selection always works to lower MR, limited by the effective population size that determines the overall selection efficiency. In the present paper, we apply a Monte Carlo model of a sexually reproducing population and demonstrate that selection acting on MR does not universally favor lower MR but depends on the mode of selection acting on adaptive phenotypic traits. We demonstrate a unique previously unreported co-selective process that can drive the evolution of higher MR in sexually reproducing populations. Our results show that MR evolution is significantly influenced by multigenic inheritance of both MR and adaptive traits that are under selection. Our results also show that, contrary to the generally accepted axiom, population size appears not to affect the strength of selection uniformly but likely forms an intra-population gradient that generates a "biased sampling" process that has an opposite effect on selection strength and thus modulates or even negates the effect of population size on MR evolution. Based on our results, we propose an expanded population genetics theory of the evolution of mutation rates in sexually reproducing organisms. Our results have potential implications for understanding processes underlying rapid adaptive change in speciation and related macroevolutionary patterns.
The 'Race Away from Brussels' and the Efficacy of Arms Embargoes

The European Union implemented a legally binding Common Position on arms exports in 2008 after operating for nearly a decade under a politically binding Code of Conduct. Anecdotal evidence, media reports, and policy studies have consistently found that EU policy is lacking in creating a harmonized system of arms exports with EU modern conventional weapons appearing in several conflict zones. Using SIPRI arms transfer and multilateral arms embargo data (1993-2018), I show how arms embargoes are made less effective by the EU’s Common Position. I further argue that member states are locked in a “race away from Brussels” due to greater arms reporting transparency and intra-EU competition. I find that the Common Position has magnified intra-EU competition relative to the period before the Common Position’s implementation. I provide evidence of increased trade to partially and fully embargoed states while also demonstrating how increasing intra-EU competition undermines the effectiveness of arms embargoes.
Mannose 6-Phosphate: Anomeric Form Used by Phosphomannose Isomerase and Its l-Epimerization by Phosphoglucose Isomerase

Phosphomannose isomerase is highly specific for the β anomer of mannose 6-phosphate. The α anomer has no activity as a substrate and is, at best, a poor inhibitor. This specificity agrees with previous predictions based on stereo-chemical arguments. In addition, phosphomannose isomerase differs from phosphoglucose isomerase, which can also catalyze the function of anomerization of its substrates. Using the specificity of phosphomannose isomerase as a test system, it is shown that yeast phosphoglucose isomerase also catalyzes the conversion of α-mannose 6-P to β-mannose 6-P.
Residual based fault detection using an output observer

Optimal methods for designing observers used for fault detection have been proposed in Viswanadam and Minto (1988). Since then, many authors have presented different design methods, most of them based on the H/sub /spl infin// technique. In this paper, a procedure for designing an l/sub /spl infin// optimal observer is presented, where the optimal observer is obtained from the solution of a linear programming (LP) problem. As a measure of the sensitivity of the fault detection scheme, the minimum detectable fault and maximum undetectable fault are evaluated.
Submicron Tungsten Gate MOSFET with 10 nm Gate Oxide

Tungsten is an attractive alternative to n+ poly for submicron CMOS gate due to its near midgap work function (⋍4.8 eV) and low resistivity (⋍ 10 μΩ-cm), The midgap work function results in desired threshold voltages (± 0.6V) without the need for channel implant into n or p-channel devices. This avoids the inferior buried-channel operation of PMOS and, at the same time yields a higher mobility and transconductance for NMOS. Tungsten gate FET's with 20 nm gate oxide have been reported previously1. This paper reports, for the first time, process and characteristics of submicron MOSFET's fabricated with tungsten gate on 10 nm gate oxide and self-aligned TiSi; on source-drain regions. It is demonstrated that tungsten gate is stable on such a thin oxide and 35% higher inversion layer electron mobility (compared with n+ poly gate) is obtained due to a factor of three reduction in the transverse field at the interface. Key technology issues have been investigated.
A cognitive radio system for improving the reliability and security of UAS/UAV networks

This paper describes a system based on cognitive radio technology to improve the reliability and security of wireless communications of unmanned aerial systems and vehicles (UAS/UAV) networks. UAS/UAV networks can experience problems with connectivity and thus with data reception and delivery. Since UAS/UAV are mobile, their connectivity is dynamic; thus, link status changes are more frequent than for traditional networks. Specifically, link losses due to jamming, interference, fading, and multipath are common problems. Another factor is the way the radio spectrum is used at each specific location. The availability of specific spectrum frequency bands can vary from one location to another, thus making it crucial for aircraft to be frequency agile to maintain connectivity.
Nonequilibrium superconductivity and quasiparticle dynamics in YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 − δ

We have measured, using optical-pump terahertz-probe spectroscopy, the ultrafast $(\mathrm{ab})$-plane conductivity dynamics of quasiparticles and superconducting pairs in ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}{\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}{\mathrm{O}}_{7\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\delta}}$ $(\ensuremath{\delta}=0,\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}0.5)$ thin films from 4 K to ${T}_{c}.$ In optimally doped films, the recovery time for long-range phase-coherent pairing increases from $\ensuremath{\sim}1.5$ ps at 4 K to $\ensuremath{\sim}3.5$ ps near ${T}_{c},$ consistent with the closing of the superconducting gap. For underdoped films, the measured recovery time is temperature independent (3.5 ps) in accordance with the presence of a pseudogap. These results are compared to all optical pump-probe measurements at 1.5 eV.
State Variation in Medical Imaging: Despite Great Variation, the Medicare Spending Decline Continues

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to assess state-level trends in per beneficiary Medicare spending on medical imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Medicare part B 5% research identifiable files from 2004 through 2012 were used to compute national and state-by-state annual average per beneficiary spending on imaging. State-to-state geographic variation and temporal trends were analyzed. RESULTS. National average per beneficiary Medicare part B spending on imaging increased 7.8% annually between 2004 ($350.54) and its peak in 2006 ($405.41) then decreased 4.4% annually between 2006 and 2012 ($298.63). In 2012, annual per beneficiary spending was highest in Florida ($367.25) and New York ($355.67) and lowest in Ohio ($67.08) and Vermont ($72.78). Maximum state-to-state geographic variation increased over time, with the ratio of highest-spending state to lowest-spending state increasing from 4.0 in 2004 to 5.5 in 2012. Spending in nearly all states decreased since peaks in 2005 (six states) or 2006 (43 sta...
The linker between the D3 and A1 domains of vWF suppresses A1-GPIbα catch bonds by site-specific binding to the A1 domain.

Platelet attachment to von Willebrand factor (vWF) requires the interaction between the platelet GP1bα and exposed vWF-A1 domains. Structural insights into the mechanism of the A1-GP1bα interaction have been limited to an N-terminally truncated A1 domain that lacks residues Q1238 − E1260 that make up the linker between the D3 and A1 domains of vWF. We have demonstrated that removal of these residues destabilizes quaternary interactions in the A1A2A3 tridomain and contributes to platelet activation under high shear (Auton et al., J Biol Chem 2012;287:14579–14585). In this study, we demonstrate that removal of these residues from the single A1 domain enhances platelet pause times on immobilized A1 under rheological shear. A rigorous comparison between the truncated A1-1261 and full length A1-1238 domains demonstrates a kinetic stabilization of the A1 domain induced by these N-terminal residues as evident in the enthalpy of the unfolding transition. This stabilization occurs through site and sequence-specific binding of the N-terminal peptide to A1. Binding of free N-terminal peptide to A1-1261 has an affinity and this binding although free to dissociate is sufficient to suppress the platelet pause times to levels comparable to A1-1238 under shear stress. Our results support a dual-structure/function role for this linker region involving a conformational equilibria that maintains quaternary A domain associations in the inactive state of vWF at low shear and an intra-A1-domain conformation that regulates the strength of platelet GP1bα-vWF A1 domain associations in the active state of vWF at high shear.
Wearing Qualities of Selected New Mexico Wools; Part II: Yarn Count, Thickness, Capacitance, and Weight1

Some physical changes produced by wear have been evaluated for four experimental fabrics made from fiber selected for crimp and fineness. Measurements were made on the yarn count, thickness, capacitance, and weight at specified intervals. The results were related to the length of wear given jumpers made from the fabrics. The yarn counts per inch of fabric tended to increase with wear. The losses in weight, capacitance, and thickness during the six wear periods were sufficient to produce decreasing trends in each instance.