cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Safe Interruption of Ongoing Thrombosis by the Protein C Activator Thrombin Analog, W215A/E217A; a Comparison to Enoxaparin in Primates.

Abstract Antithrombotic agents are effective but pose significant bleeding risk, thus safer new agents are needed. Since the infused double mutant human thrombin (W215A/E217A; WE) binds endothelial thrombomodulin, activates protein C locally in the intraluminal boundary layer, and prevents thrombus formation without hemostasis impairment, we investigated whether WE could also interrupt the growth of existing thrombi. WE was compared to standard interventional doses of the low molecular weight heparin, enoxaparin (Sanofi) in awake baboons. Thrombosis was initiated by interposing a two part device consisting of a 2 cm, 4 mm ID polyethylene terephthalate vascular graft (DVG) followed by a 2 cm silicone rubber expansion chamber, 9 mmID. Upon initiation of blood flow at 100 mL/min, wall shear rate of 265 sec-1 in the 4 mm ID segment (arterial type flow) and 29 sec-1 in the expansion chamber (venous type flow), platelet thrombus was monitored by gamma camera imaging of autologous 111In-labelled platelets for 60 min or 90 min. Fibrin accumulation was quantified by homologous 125I-labelled fibrinogen. Hemostasis was assessed as template bleeding time prolongation. APTT was also monitored. Treatments started 25 min after the initiation of thrombosis by enoxaparin, 0.5 mg/kg (LD) and 1 mg/kg (HD) IV bolus or WE, 7.5 μg/kg/hr (LD) and 15 μg/kg/hr (HD) infusion (1/3 dose given as a bolus followed by IV infusion over 60min) and compared to saline infused controls. All interventions were given systemically, downstream from the device and 5–6 studies comprised each study group. Treatment with enoxaparin at 25 min after initiation of thrombus growth resulted in a reduction of platelet deposition of 19 % with the LD and 76 % with the HD after 35 min of therapy in the expanded venous type segment. WE reduced venous thrombosis by 45 % and 65 % at the two doses studied and was further reduced to 65 % and 80 % following 65 min of WE infusion as compared to controls. Arterial type thrombosis was reduced by WE by 34 % and 39 % respectively for the two doses studied. HD enoxaparin reduced arterial type thrombosis by 37 %. Fibrin accumulation paralleled the platelet deposition. APTT was prolonged 1.57- and 1.87-fold respectively for the WE doses without any bleeding time prolongation. Enoxaparin prolonged the APTT 1.4- and 1.75-fold, similar to WE but with a 1.13- and 1.75-fold prolongation of the bleeding time. In conclusion, the double mutant human thrombin, WE, effectively interrupted both venous and arterial type growing thrombi at very low doses without detectable compromise to hemostasis. Likewise, enoxaparin at the doses tested had similar efficacy but with a significantly prolonged bleeding time at the 1 mg/kg bolus dose. WE might provide a safer alternative to heparins in the treatment of acute progressive thrombosis.
Los Planteamientos De Ellacuría Sobre La Dialectica De Verdad Y Justicia

No abstract available.Realidad: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No. 90, 2002: 767-783
A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Sequential Parallel Comparison Design Trial of Adjunctive Riluzole for Treatment-Resistant Major Depressive Disorder

Riluzole is a glutamate-modulating agent with neuroprotective properties approved for use in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The efficacy and safety of riluzole vs placebo as an adjunct to antidepressant medication in outpatients with major depressive disorder (MDD) was examined in a 3-site, 8-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, fixed-dose trial using a sequential parallel comparison design comprised of two phases of 4 weeks. Patients with MDD in a current major depressive episode (N=104) with an inadequate response to either a prospective or a historical trial of an antidepressant medication were randomized in a 2 : 3 : 3 ratio to the treatment sequences of riluzole/riluzole, placebo/placebo, and placebo/riluzole, respectively. The primary outcome was change in depression severity, as assessed by the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). Secondary efficacy outcomes included the response rate, defined as at least a 50% improvement in MADRS, Clinical Global Impressions severity and improvement subscales, and patient-reported measures of depression and cognitive function. Eighty-five patients completed the randomized treatment phases. Treatment groups did not differ in mean change in MADRS scores, response rate, or in any secondary efficacy outcomes. Riluzole was generally well tolerated, with a side effect profile consistent with its clinical use. In conclusion, a fixed dose of riluzole (100 mg/day) did not show adjunctive antidepressant efficacy compared to placebo. The trial was adequately powered to detect a moderate riluzole effect, and the risk for exaggerated placebo responses was mitigated. The lack of efficacy suggests that mechanisms underlying riluzole’s neuroprotective effects are insufficient for clinical response in treatment-resistant depression.
The variable of concurrent action in the language of children: Effects of delayed speech feedback

A postulated variable in the speaking interaction (the concurrent action of hearing oneself speak) was examined in 50 children, ranging in age from 6 to 13 years, while they spoke under conditions of Delayed Speech Feedback (DSF). Effect of DSF on subsequent speaking interbehavior was determined in terms of loudness, syllable duration (rate of speaking), and articulatory errors. Differential effects were found in terms of the ages of the Ss. These results are interpreted as suggesting that the concurrent action of hearing oneself speak is an important variable in the analysis of the speaking interaction (in terms of the DSF technique), and that this variable has a different effect on the speaking interbehavior of younger Ss than on that of older Ss.
System Structure and Scientific Psychology

Assuming that the value of a scientific discipline depends upon the metapropositions upon which it is erected, the question is raised as to the logic of scientific psychology. Prevailing psychological foundations do not appear to meet natural science criteria. It is suggested that Interbehavioral Postulates offer satisfactory Propositions for a scientific psychology.
An agent-based model to investigate behavior impacts on vector-borne disease spread

This study aims to use agent-based simulation as a tool to illustrate the importance of human behavior in the dynamics of vector-borne disease spread. For this, a baseline compartmental model was developed and, based on it, four different scenarios considering human behavior were proposed: two assuming the whole population adopts the same behavior and two assuming each individual has his/her own behavior. Paired t-test was used to compare the proposed scenarios with the baseline, based on two output responses from the simulation experiments: total number of infected people and duration of the epidemic. Results from the data analysis indicate that behavior is an important factor and, as such, it must be further investigated and included in infectious-disease spread models to obtain more accurate results. As a final remark, we presented possible explanations to why human behavior has been neglected in many epidemiological models up to now.
How Should We Treat Ductal Carcinoma In Situ

The management of patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is among the most controversial topics in the field of breast cancer. In the past, DCIS was an uncommon lesion that usually presented as a palpable mass. With the advent of Screening mammography the incidence of DCIS has increased markedly. The success of breast-conserving treatment for invasive carcinomas (National Institutes of Health 1991) has also led to increased interest in avoiding mastectomy in patients with noninvasive cancers. However, the traditional therapy of DCIS has been mastectomy.
Radical prostatectomy for the treatment of localized prostatic carcinoma

The indications for radical prostatectomy must reflect: an understanding of the natural history of the disease, the projected life span of the patient, the stage of the disease, and the relative morbidity and efficacy of alternative therapeutic regimens. The integration of clinical stage, histologic grade, and pelvic lymph node evaluation has improved the selection of the ideal candidate for radical prostatectomy. In men with localized disease, there is no evidence that any treatment other than radical prostatectomy produces better control of the primary lesion and of distant metastases than does total surgical excision of the prostate. Recently the morbidity of radical prostatectomy has been reduced by improvements in surgical technique. Intraoperative identification and preservation of the branches of the pelvic plexus that innervate the corpora cavernosa has resulted in long-term postoperative potency rates of 72 percent without compromising complete excision of the tumor. Thus it appears possible today to preserve sexual function in a majority of patients undergoing radical prostatectomy without compromising the cancer operation, an observation that should encourage more physicians to take greater interest in diagnosing prostatic cancer at a stage when it is still curable.
Fractionation of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) by combination of sieving and aspiration

Abstract Distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) is a coproduct of the corn-based ethanol industry and it is a good resource of protein and oil for animal feeds. High protein and oil content DDGS is desired because of its high nutrition and economic values. Physical separation is an easy approach to increase oil and fat content based on profiles of components. Protein and oil rich DDGS tends to exist in the finer particle; fibers rich DDGS is observed in large particle fraction. A primary sieving connected with aspiration fraction is used to condense protein and oil contents for DDGS. Particle size, air flowrate and different fractions derived by aspiration are independent variables. The proper combination and interaction of variables for protein and oil separation are higher flowrate, smaller particle sizes, and the heavy fraction. And, the best efficiency for protein and oil separation reaches about 29.7% and 68.15% respectively. For fiber separation, a mild condition results in higher fiber content approximately 7%. Additionally, the relationship between nutrient separation and independent variables can be expressed by a linear model. The combination of primary sieving and aspiration with specific air flowrate used in fractionation process can increase value to the corn-based ethanol industry.
Exploring the Relationship between Workaholism Facets and Personality Traits: A Replication in American Workers

In this study, we further explored whether any of the dimensions in the five-factor model of personality (i.e., openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism) were related to facets of workaholism (i.e., work involvement, work drive, and work enjoyment) in a sample of American workers in various occupational settings. Results showed that personality factors explained a significant amount of the variance for each workaholism facet, above and beyond personal demographics. Conscientiousness and agreeableness were positively related to work involvement, while conscientiousness and openness to experience were positively related to work drive. Agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness to experience were positively related to work enjoyment, while neuroticism was negatively related to work enjoyment. By identifying personality factors related to workaholism, employers can better predict workaholic tendencies during recruitment and selection.
Revisiting ring-degenerate rearrangements of 1-substituted-4-imino-1,2,3-triazoles.

The 1-substituted-4-imino-1,2,3-triazole motif is an established component of coordination compounds and bioactive molecules, but depending on the substituent identity, it can be inherently unstable due to Dimroth rearrangements. This study examined parameters governing the ring-degenerate rearrangement reactions of 1-substituted-4-imino-1,2,3-triazoles, expanding on trends first observed by L'abbe et al. The efficiency of condensation between 4-formyltriazole and amine reactants as well as the propensity of imine products towards rearrangement was each strongly influenced by the substituent identity. It was observed that unsymmetrical condensation reactions conducted at 70 °C produced up to four imine products via a dynamic equilibrium of condensation, rearrangement and hydrolysis steps. Kinetic studies utilizing 1-(4-nitrophenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazole-4-carbaldehyde with varying amines showed rearrangement rates sensitive to both steric and electronic factors. Such measurements were facilitated by a high throughput colorimetric assay to directly monitor the generation of a 4-nitroaniline byproduct.
Creating Synthetic Radar Imagery Using Convolutional Neural Networks

AbstractIn this work deep convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are shown to be an effective model for fusing heterogeneous geospatial data to create radar-like analyses of precipitation intensity (...
First, Do No Harm: Rethinking Routine Diversion in Sphincter-Preserving Rectal Cancer Resection

Background Although diverting stomas have reduced anastomotic leak rates after sphincter-preserving proctectomy in some series, the effectiveness of routine diversion among a broad population of rectal cancer patients remains controversial. We hypothesized that routine temporary diversion is not associated with decreased rates of leak or reintervention in cancer patients at large undergoing sphincter-sparing procedures. Study Design The Florida State Inpatient Database (AHRQ, Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project) was queried for patients undergoing sphincter-preserving proctectomy for cancer (2005 to 2014). Matched cohorts defined by diversion status were created using propensity scores based on patient and hospital characteristics. Incidence of anastomotic leak, nonelective reintervention, and readmission were compared, and cumulative 90-day inpatient costs were calculated. Results Of 8,620 eligible sphincter-sparing proctectomy patients, 1,992 matched pairs were analyzed. Leak rates did not significantly vary between groups (4.5% vs 4.3%; p = 0.76), but diversion was associated with significantly higher odds of nonelective reintervention (2.37; 95% CI 1.90 to 2.96) and readmission (1.55; 95% CI 1.33 to 1.81) compared with undiverted patients. Median costs were higher among those diverted (US$21,325 vs US$15,050; p Conclusions No association between diversion and anastomotic leak was found. However, temporary diversion was associated with increased incidence of nonelective reinterventions, readmissions, and higher costs. We therefore challenge the paradigm of routine diversion in rectal cancer operations. Additional study is needed to identify which patients would benefit most from diversion.
The Relation Between Spatial Reasoning and Mathematical Achievement in Children with Mathematical Learning Difficulties

There is evidence that spatial reasoning and mathematics achievement are related in typically developing students (e.g., Mix, K. S., & Cheng, Y. L., Advances in Child Development and Behavior, 42, 197–243, 2012). This chapter expands discussion to consider spatial reasoning in children with mathematics learning difficulties (MD). We begin by showing that spatial reasoning and mathematics achievement are multidimensional constructs comprised of dissociable, yet interconnected, skills. In this context, we consider how selected spatial and mathematical tasks intersect and how these connections may differ for students with MD. Spatial reasoning supports understanding numerical magnitude, which is commonly recognized as a core deficit in children with MD. Studies suggests, however, that children with and without MD may have similar spatial skills, with the exception of spatial working memory, where typically developing children have an advantage. These findings raise the possibility that spatial reasoning might be an untapped reservoir of strength for some children with MD. Visual number line activities may be particularly effective for connecting spatial and numerical skills.
A computational study of vibration delocalization in cyclic structures using adaptive stiffness elements

This paper investigates potential approaches to delocalize the vibration that result from mistuning in certain cyclic structures. To achieve this delocalization, this paper analyzes a cyclic structure with embedded, adaptive stiffness elements. Cyclic structures are ideally built using identical subsection, mistuning refers to the frequent occurrence that subsections contain some deviations from nominal design parameters. These deviations between otherwise identical subsections can generate localized vibrations. This paper examines using the adaptive structure to achieve different stiffness configurations with the goal of: (1) retuning the structure or (2) decreasing the amplitude of vibration of the localized mode(s). Using a new analysis method developed to identify localized modes of vibration on mistuned cyclic structures, this paper considers a low-order model of a turbine engine blisk with attached adaptive elements. Two method are consider to show the possibility of delocalization. The first method changes the stiffness configuration of the system so that all subsections resonate at the identical frequency. The second method uses a minimization procedure developed to identify the stiffness configurations that minimizes the potential for confined modes of vibration. A mistuned system containing two localized modes was used to test out the delocalization capabilities of each method. Both methods were capable of delocalizing this mistuned system, with method one faring better than method two. Results not only show delocalization, but also that mistuned mode shapes can be distorted back to those of the tuned system.
Ethical aspects of collateral clinical services by non‐credentialed personnel in international medical crises

The study of global responses to medical crises in developing and under-developed countries demands reflection about the ethical engagement of non-credentialled medical personnel in the context of clinical care. The need for, and the desire to contribute by, people and organisations that lack demonstrable or readily transferable credentialed skills must be reconciled with the ethical administration of collateral clinical services. The urgent need for the provision of such services must neither preclude their use nor permit their use irrespective of salient ethical considerations. One way to explore these issues is to examine a recent exemplar of a non-governmental organisation's utilisation of non-credentialled medical personnel during the Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone. Although the group lacked clinical proficiency (apart from community health workers), it collaborated with experts in interment to train staff to bury those who had succumbed to the disease in respectful and hygienic individually marked graves. The group leveraged its cultural competency and in-country presence to deploy staff judiciously, support the workers to combat social ostracism and offer vocational and other education to help them assimilate back into the workforce once the outbreak subsided. The non-governmental organisation stepped up to do the work that others shunned, and to do it ethically and proficiently. I offer the work to show a compelling and innovative blueprint for ethical mobilisation of non-credentialed healthcare personnel in a global medical crisis.
PACU Management: Unique Concepts to ASCs

The Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) or the recovery unit in an Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) is a very important part of the ASC and the patient’s surgical experience. A well run PACU ensures efficiency, safety, cost effectiveness and patient satisfaction. A number of factors play a role in PACU efficiency including: PACU design, number of patient slots, staffing ratios, patient acuity and social factors. It is imperative for the ASC personnel to be familiar with phases of recovery and steps that can be taken to expedite this process. Patients should be discharged as soon as they meet discharge criteria. Common issues that cause delays in the PACU should be anticipated ahead of time and managed preemptively.
Invidious Price Discrimination in the Sale of Rapid Acting Insulin: Is There An Antitrust Remedy?

Price discrimination is rampant in the sale of rapid acting insulin and other patented drugs. That discrimination frequently results in uninsured or under-insured patients paying the highest prices. I focus here primarily on the possibility that the targeted price discrimination in the marketing of rapid acting insulin could constitute abusive conduct by a dominant firm. My conclusion is that, while price discrimination is not the primary cause of high insulin prices, it is key to an abusive scheme that reduces output, raises prices for vulnerable patients, and constitutes a clear consumer welfare injury. This coercive conduct should give rise to valid claims for monopolization or attempted monopolization, for related claims under the Robinson Patman Act, or for a separate violation of Section 5 of the FTC Act. The broader implications are that a sound antitrust remedy may exist for invidious price discrimination that targets disadvantaged groups, as may occur in the marketing of patented drugs and products with strong trademarks.
Climatological Changes in the Extratropical Transition of Tropical Cyclones in High-Resolution Global Simulations

AbstractTropical cyclones (TCs) undergoing extratropical transition (ET) can develop into intense cyclonic systems accompanied by high-impact weather in areas far removed from the original TC. This...
Coarticulation is largely planned

Is coarticulation a reflection of planning an utterance or the automatic effect of producing speech? This question was examined by requiring speakers to begin reading nonsense /ɑCV/ or /əb VCɑ/ strings (where C was /b/ or /p/ and V was /i/ or /u/) aloud before seeing the entire utterance. Those segments known before articulation began exerted normal anticipatory coarticulatory influences, while those seen after utterance onset usually did not. Perseverative coarticulation was, for the most part, present in both conditions, showing either that it is indeed a result of the mechanical nature of the speech organs or that the amount of planning necessary can be carried out in the time used for the first syllables. There was one anticipatory effect which began to emerge (even though unplanned) just before the stop closure, supporting an articulatory overlap explanation for some of the coarticulation. From the greater magnitude and extent of the coarticulatory influence of segments known in advance, we can infer that, for the most part, coarticulation is planned.
A Systematic Review of Intra-Articular Ketamine for Postoperative Analgesia.

BACKGROUND This systematic review appraises the evidence from human clinical trials comparing postoperative pain scores and opioid consumption in patients receiving intra-articular ketamine versus other modalities of analgesia after orthopedic joint procedures. METHODS Studies were identified from Embase, Scopus, and OVID Medline databases. Included studies compared patients receiving intra-articular ketamine versus other modalities of analgesia. The primary outcome of interest was postprocedural pain score and total opioid consumption, whereas secondary outcomes included time to rescue analgesic medication request, active range of motion, time to mobilization, and adverse effects. RESULTS Seventeen studies were included. Dosage of ketamine varied widely from 0.25 to 2 mg/kg. Fifteen of 17 demonstrated decreased overall pain scores and decreased total postoperative opioid consumption in patients receiving intra-articular ketamine versus control groups. Included studies generally demonstrated reduced time to mobilization and increased latency until rescue analgesic medication in the intra-articular ketamine group. CONCLUSIONS Patients who received intra-articular ketamine generally reported lower pain scores and had lower postoperative opioid consumption after orthopedic joint procedures. This suggests that the intra-articular route of ketamine delivery may be a useful analgesic modality, although future larger-scale trials should explore its pharmacokinetics, optimal dosing, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
High Frequency Characteristics of Graphene Geometric Diodes

Geometric diodes have the potential to provide ultra-fast rectification [1] , which can be used in rectennas for high-efficiency conversion of infrared signals into DC electrical power. We present for the first time simulations of the high frequency characteristics of these devices, to supplement previous measurements at 28 THz. The operating principle of the geometric diode is shown in Fig. 1 . Charge carriers are funneled in one direction more easily than the other, giving rise to diode behavior. To facilitate the geometric effect, ballistic transport is needed, which requires the mean-free path length of charge carriers to be on the order of, or larger than, critical device dimensions [2] . To be fabricable, these dimensions must be on the order of at least tens of nanometers which makes graphene, with room- temperature mean-free path lengths approaching 1 μm [3] , an attractive material choice. In this size regime, the possibility of high frequency operation is possible as charge transport is not limited by diffusive scattering. We developed a Monte Carlo simulator to compute high frequency current-voltage characteristics for a graphene geometric diode. We find that the diode behavior extends into the terahertz range with a cutoff falling near graphene’s damping parameter as predicted by Drude conductivity.
The source of a problem with rapid-scanning fourier transform spectroscopy

In this paper, a difficulty with rapid-scanning interferometers will be discussed. By “rapid-scanning interferometer” is meant one which uses no chopper or lock-in amplifier in the data-acquisition system. Instead, the moving mirror is scanned at a constant velocity, making the infrared intensity at the detector be modulated in the audio frequency range. The signal from the detector is amplified by a broadband amplifier and digitized for later processing by a computer. This technique has advantages over the “step and integrate” procedure insofar as simplicity of interferometer drive, noise reduction, and suppression of long-term drifts in source or detector are concerned.
Employee Cynicism and Organizational Change

Organizational performance and its sustainability significantly depend on aligning business procedures with the fast-changing environment. Because of its significance, the study is based on the Social Exchange Theory. It has developed a new model that has five latent variables (i.e., organizational change, organizational commitment, trust, employee cynicism, and tendency to gossip and a total of fifteen direct and indirect relationships. The study has focused on SMEs in New York. The sample size for the survey was 390 calculated at a 95% percent confidence level and a 5% margin of error. The scales used in the study were adapted from earlier studies. The author has collected the data personally by visiting selected SMEs and used SmartPLS for data analysis. The results suggest that employee cynicism has a negative association with organizational change, the tendency to gossip, and trust. The organizational change also has a negative relationship with organizational commitment and trust. The tendency to gossip and trust have a negative association with organizational commitment. The results support all five single mediating relationships and two multi-mediating relationships. Based on the results, the study has concluded that the element of trust between employees and management is the most crucial aspect in SMEs of the surveyed units. Employees who have confidence and trust in management policies and procedures tend to support change management processes and have a high commitment level towards the organization.Keywords: Organizational change, commitment, trust, employee cynicism, the tendency to gossip.
Relationships of Linear and Non-linear Measurements of Post-stroke Walking Activity and Their Relationship to Weather.

Background: Stroke survivors are more sedentary than the general public. Previous research on stroke activity focuses on linear quantities. Non-linear measures, such as Jensen-Shannon Divergence and Lempel-Ziv Complexity, may help explain when and how stroke survivors move so that interventions to increase activity may be designed more effectively. Objectives: Our objective was to understand what factors affect a stroke survivor's physical activity, including weather, by characterizing activity by step counts, structure, and complexity. Methods: A custom MATLAB code was used to analyze clinical trial (NCT02835313, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02835313) data presented as minute by minute step counts. Six days of data were analyzed for 142 participants to determine the regularity of activity structure across days and complexity patterns of varied cadences. The effect of steps on structure and complexity, the season's effect on steps, structure, and complexity, and the presence of precipitation's effect on steps and complexity were all analyzed. Results: Step counts and regularity were linearly related (p < 0.001). Steps and complexity were quadratically related (r 2 = 0.70 for mean values, 0.64 for daily values). Season affected complexity between spring and winter (p = 0. 019). Season had no effect on steps or structure. Precipitation had no effect on steps or complexity. Conclusions: Stroke survivors with high step counts are active at similar times each day and have higher activity complexities as measured through patterns of movement at different intensity levels. Non-linear measures, such as Jensen-Shannon Divergence and Lempel-Ziv Complexity, are valuable in describing a person's activity. Weather affects our activity parameters in terms of complexity between spring and winter.
First Foundry Three-Dimensional Hall Effect Sensor for System-on-Chip Integration

Modular three dimensional (3-D) Hall sensors are demonstrated in 180BCDLite® technology. It is CMOS integrated with one or two mask adders. Best-in-class current– related sensitivity S I >385 V/A*T and voltage–related sensitivity S V >50 mV/V*T for planar Hall devices are achieved while the vertical Hall devices are optimized independently for S V up to 50 mV/V*T. This enables flexibility for designers to provide a System-on-Chip (SoC) and low-cost integrated solution using 3-D Hall devices.
Infant gut microbiome is enriched with Bifidobacterium longum ssp. infantis in Old Order Mennonites with traditional farming lifestyle.

BACKGROUND Growing up on traditional, single-family farms is associated with protection against asthma in school age, but the mechanisms against early manifestations of atopic disease are largely unknown. We sought determine the gut microbiome and metabolome composition in rural Old Order Mennonite (OOM) infants at low risk and Rochester, NY urban/suburban infants at high risk for atopic diseases. METHODS In a cohort of 65 OOM and 39 Rochester mother-infant pairs, 101 infant stool and 61 human milk samples were assessed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing for microbiome composition and qPCR to quantify Bifidobacterium spp. and B. longum ssp. infantis (B. infantis), a consumer of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs). Fatty acids (FAs) were analyzed in 34 stool and human 24 milk samples. Diagnoses and symptoms of atopic diseases by 3 years of age were assessed by telephone. RESULTS At a median age of 2 months, stool was enriched with Bifidobacteriaceae, Clostridiaceae, and Aerococcaceae in the OOM compared with Rochester infants. B. infantis was more abundant (p < .001) and prevalent, detected in 70% of OOM compared with 21% of Rochester infants (p < .001). Stool colonized with B. infantis had higher levels of lactate and several medium- to long/odd-chain FAs. In contrast, paired human milk was enriched with a distinct set of FAs including butyrate. Atopic diseases were reported in 6.5% of OOM and 35% of Rochester children (p < .001). CONCLUSION A high rate of B. infantis colonization, similar to that seen in developing countries, is found in the OOM at low risk for atopic diseases.
COVID-19 Trade Secrets and Information Access: An Overview

The unprecedented COVID-19 (COVID) virus has brought to the forefront many challenges associated with exclusive rights, information sharing, and innovation. How do we get effective diagnostics, treatments and vaccines quickly and safely to the public? More specifically, how do we ensure that sufficient quantities are produced, that health products are affordable, and that they are equitably distributed globally? Among many challenges on the road to this outcome is the difficult question of how to handle trade secrets, namely, information that is valuable because others do not know it. The most famous trade secret is the Coca-Cola formula, but trade secrecy spans a shockingly broad range of critical and life-saving information. Indeed, trade secrets are everywhere in the battle to defeat COVID, from clinical data to pharmaceutical manufacturing processes. For the public at large, COVIDtrade secrets raise two primary issues: (a) When do you have a COVIDtrade secret, and (2) Should access to that trade secret extend to competitors, civil society groups, and/or the public? Both are challenging questions, and the below presents a general overview of the framework for addressing each question.
Efficacy of Voriconazole, Isavuconazole, Fluconazole, and Anidulafungin in the Treatment of Emerging Candida auris Using an Immunocompromised Murine Model of Disseminated Candidiasis.

Antifungal activity of anidulafungin, voriconazole, isavuconazole, and fluconazole in the treatment of Candida auris was determined in vitro and in vivo. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for Anidulafungin, voriconazole, isavuconazole, fluconazole, and amphotericin B were 0.5, 1, >64, 0.25, and 4 μg/mL, respectively. Significant in vivo efficacy was observed in anidulafungin- and voriconazole-treated groups in survival and reduction in kidney tissue fungal burden compared to the untreated group (P-value of < 0.001 and 0.044, respectively). Our data showed that anidulafungin and voriconazole had comparable efficacy against C. auris, whereas isavuconazole did not show significant in vivo activity.
Hyperspectral imaging for the elimination of visual ambiguity in corrosion detection and identification of corrosion sources

The similarity in the hue of corroded surfaces and coated surfaces, dust, vegetation, etc. leads to visual ambiguity which is challenging to eliminate using existing image classification/segmentati...
Dynamic testimonial logic

We introduce a dynamic testimonial logic (DTL) to model belief change over sequences of multi-agent testimony. Our static base logic is Baltag and Smets' [1] conditional doxastic logic (CDL). Our dynamic base logic is van Benthem's [12] dynamic logic of belief upgrade, which we extend with a "belief suspension" operator. After showing how to extract from CDL models agents' beliefs about the doxastic reliability of other agents, we add "authority graphs" to DTL models to capture agents' epistemic trust in other agents' testimony. For DTL's dynamic testimony operator, we give complete reduction axioms. Finally, we describe an application of DTL in modeling epistemic bandwagon effects.
Effects of satellite bunching on the probability of collision in geosynchronous orbit

The rapid increase in the satellite population in geostationary Earth orbit is a matter of international concern, in part because of increased collision hazard. Collocated satellite pairs in GEO experience natural drift requiring periodic station-keeping impulses, leading to similar trajectories and close encounters. To assess this risk, a procedure was devised that ranks satellite pairs hi GEO according to the highest number of encounters over an extended time interval. Probability of collision was determined by a geometric and a statistical approach. It was found that many pairs of satellites in GEO remain in close proximity and experience many close approaches over time. The top 10 pairs in terms of closest encounters were identified, and mean-time-to-collision based on encounter statistics was determined. Results of the study suggest that the bunching of active or inactive satellites at certain longitudes is a significant effect to be considered in the assessment of the collision hazard in the geosynchronous ring.
Poliomyelitis; six year study of cases at Children's Hospital, San Francisco.

There is presented an analysis of the cases of poliomyelitis admitted to Children9s Hospital, San Francisco, during a six year period in an effort to correlate this material with certain deductions regarding course, nature and the factors which affect the outcome. This series does not constitute a completely valid cross section of northern California epidemics because the admissions were modified by age, economic status, by a somewhat higher proportion of females, and by the fact that, in general, more severe cases were referred to this hospital from outlying districts. In addition to the physical traumatic factors which are generally admitted to be important in precipitating paralytic poliomyelitis, some evidence is introduced that systemic infections of unrelated etiology may provide a traumatic factor of comparable significance. In the biphasic febrile course of poliomyelitis the initial period of fever is rarely a matter of hospital observation and proof is usually completely lacking that this initial fever is certainly due to poliomyelitis virus. This preliminary rise in temperature may very well be due to other infectious agents which serve to precipitate the onset of poliomyelitis. There is much to indicate the considerable ubiquity of poliomyelitis virus among a population during an epidemic. In the absence of great exposure dosage, entrance of the virus into the body may frequently produce inapparent and completely latent infection which may be converted into active disease only by a variety of factors, including unrelated infections, which increase momentarily the susceptibility of the central nervous system of the host. The value of pooled irradiated human plasma in therapy is admittedly not very great but seems to have a certain value. Statistical demonstration in support of this is almost impossible because of the fact that a weakly effective agent is applied in the treatment of an infection which has an extremely variable outcome. This measure of treatment may displace the spectrum of outcome favorably without there being a great contrast in the statistical comparison of paralytic or nonparalytic outcome. Nonparalytic poliomyelitis is generally believed to be of frequent occurrence. Unquestionably this is more frequent with the inclusion of patients in which the diagnosis is based on minimal and unconvincing evidence. If the diagnosis is restricted to those cases with very definite clinical and laboratory findings, only a small proportion will completely escape paralysis though this paralysis may be minimal, may be detected only by careful and repeated examination, and may disappear entirely before the end of the two week period of hospitalization.
De la infraestructura a la apropiación social: panorama sobre las políticas de las tecnologías de información y comunicación (tic) en Colombia

Este articulo analiza la trayectoria de las politicas publicas en materia de tecnologias de informacion y comunicacion (TIC) en Colombia, en particular las relacionadas con programas de acceso publico a TIC. El acceso a TIC a traves de sitios como bibliotecas, telecentros y cibercafes puede ser una poderosa oportunidad para acortar las brechas digitales y contribuir a la equidad y al cambio social. Colombia ha sido pionero en America Latina en la produccion de politicas publicas en TIC, que se han caracterizado por el alto grado de participacion de organizaciones sociales y por el enfasis que han puesto en aspectos que van mas alla de asuntos de infraestructura y conectividad. Este articulo no solo presenta un analisis sistematico de los procesos de produccion y aplicacion de politicas publicas en el campo de TIC, sino, tambien, de la participacion de entidades del gobierno, de organizaciones sociales y de empresas privadas en su discusion y elaboracion. Tambien, presenta un analisis sobre las relaciones entre las politicas publicas y las posibilidades que tiene el acceso publico a TIC para contribuir al desarrollo humano y el cambio social.
Nonrandom Chromosomal Abnormalities in Acute Nonlymphocytic Leukemia in Patients Treated for Hodgkin Disease and Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas

Chromosomal analyses of myeloid cells were performed on ten patients who had acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL) following treatment for malignant lymphoma. Seven patients had Hodgkin disease and three had non-Hodgkin lymphoma, poorly differentiated lymphocytic type. Six patients were treated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy; two had radiotherapy only, and two chemotherapy only. The median time between diagnosis of lymphoma and subsequent leukemia was 58 mo. Four patients had the blast phase of a myeloproliferative syndrome, four had acute myelogenous leukemia, one had acute promyelocytic leukemia, and the tenth, erythroleukemia. None of four patients whose leukemia was treated with intensive chemotherapy responded. Every patient had an abnormal karyotype. Seven of the patients showed hypodiploid cell lines, two a pseudodiploid, and one a hyperdiploid cell line. Cells from every patient except one were lacking a B chromosome; in eight, this could be identified as a No. 5. Five of nine patients were lacking a No. 7. Loss or rearrangement of No. 17 was found in four and of Nos. 6 or 8 in three patients. Many of the karyotypes were bizarre, with marker chromosomes and minute chromosomes. The karyotypic pattern seen in these patients showed no correlation with the nature of the originalmore » lymphoma, the type of leukemia, or the therapy used. The chromosomal pattern of hypodiploid cell lines found in ANLL that arose de novo was similar to that occurring in treated lymphoma. However, in ANLL de novo, less than half of the patients had fewer than 46 chromosomes, and less than 10% had fewer than 45 chromosomes. In this study, 70% of the patients had fewer than 46 and 40% had fewer than 45 chromosomes. The critical question thus concerns the factors, as yet unknown, that predispose to the development of hypodiploid modal numbers in ANLL in lymphoma.« less
An overview of the mechanism of action of clozapine

Clozapine has multiple clinical advantages that differentiate it from typical neuroleptics but that it may share with other novel antipsychotic drugs such as risperidone and olanzapine. There may be more than one pharmacologic feature that contributes to its advantages in improving psychopathology, cognition, affect, tardive dyskinesia, etc. Clozapine has < 10 nM affinity for the serotonin (5-HT)2A, 5-HT2C, 5-HT6, 5-HT7, D4, m1, and alpha 1-adrenergic receptor but weak affinity for the D2 receptor. Current evidence suggests the 5-HT2A and D4 receptor antagonist properties of clozapine, together with its weak D2 blocking properties, contribute the most to its advantages and should be sought in drug development programs. However, the other effects of clozapine may also be contributory. Clozapine is effective in a variety of conditions and at a range of plasma levels. The effects that are important in various indications may differ.
Effect of flicker noise on SEIR for accurate ADC linearity testing

This paper investigates the effectiveness of the stimulus error identification and removal (SEIR) algorithm for linearity testing of high precision Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADCs) in the presence of flicker noise. The SEIR algorithm has been demonstrated to be highly effective in estimating the integral nonlinearity (INL) of high precision ADCs tested with low linearity input sources. Since flicker noise has the tendency to accumulate to large values over time, simulations reveal that this accumulation will introduce errors in linearity estimation when using SEIR. Previously, Center Symmetric Interleaving (CSI) pattern was used for generating input ramps. Both simulations and measurement results have proven its effectiveness in suppressing environmental nonstationarity which is in polynomial form. Simulations of CSI combined with SEIR show that CSI is not effective in eliminating the error in linearity estimation introduced by flicker noise with an rms value of 0.5 LSB, since flicker noise is not in polynomial form. In comparison, simulations with an interleaving pattern, which is easier to implement in practice, show that it is more effective in reducing the estimation error caused by flicker noise. By using 128 triangle waves with 0.15 LSB rms flicker noise, the estimation error can be reduced to within 0.5 LSB.
Supernumerary ovary presenting as a paraduodenal duplication cyst

Abstract Supernumerary ovary is a rare gynecological anomaly and is generally excised due to its potential malignant transformation. We report a case of a patient who was referred for excision of a probable duodenal duplication cyst that was subsequently identified as a paraduodenal supernumerary ovary. Pediatric surgery was consulted on an adolescent patient due to a presumed congenital anomaly of the intestinal tract based on imaging studies.
The Foe Within: Fantasies of Treason and the End of Imperial Russia, by Fuller, William C.: Ithaca: Cornell University Press, 2006. Maps, photographs, bibliography, and index. 306 pp. $42.50, cloth

The late Imperial Russian Army scholar Allan K. Wildman noted that, ‘Prior to and during World War I, the Russian soldier was drawn exclusively from the bonded peasantry and rural and urban commone...
Conditions Affecting Germination of Clostridium botulinum 62A Spores in a Chemically Defined Medium

Spores of Clostridium botulinum type 62A were germinated in a chemically defined medium (8 mm l-cysteine, 11.9 mm sodium bicarbonate, 4.4 mm sodium thioglycolate; buffered with 100 mm TES, pH 7.0). The rate and extent of germination were increased when an aqueous spore suspension was heated sublethally (80 C, 60 min) before addition to the germination medium. Neither sublethal nor lethal doses of gamma radiation had any marked effect on subsequent germination. Maximum germination (>90% in 2 hr) in the defined medium occurred in the pH range of 6.5 to 7.5, at 30 to 37 C, with an l-cysteine level of 8 mm. Increasing l-cysteine to 32 mm increased the rate (over that with 8 mm l-cysteine) but not the extent of germination. The rate and extent of germination increased with NaHCO(3) addition to 8.3 mm, but increasing levels to 11.9 mm had no further effect. For maximum germination, 2.2 mm sodium thioglycolate was required and higher levels (to 8.8 mm) had no further enhancing or inhibitory effect. Under optimal conditions for germination, 97% of the spores had become heat sensitive; 98% had become sensitive to radiation; 88 and 91% had become phase dark and stainable, respectively, and the spore suspension had lost 46% of its initial optical density by 2 hr. Loss of heat resistance preceded loss of radiation resistance, acquisition of stainability, and phase darkening by about 12 min.
On Doubling in Tournament Backgammon

A strategy is determined which takes into account a player's skill, the score of the match, the value of the current game, and the possibility of winning a double-game a gammon. The strategy described here has worked quite well in practice.