cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Micronutrient levels in children exposed to secondhand tobacco smoke.

Introduction: Antioxidant micronutrients are the body’s primary defense against the oxidative stress of secondhand smoke (SHS). Micronutrient levels have been associated with lung function; decreased levels of vitamin C and b-carotene have been associated with SHS exposure in children. We sought to determine the association between SHS exposure and micronutrient levels in children. Methods: Data from the 2003–2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were analyzed. Serum cotinine levels were categorized into no (<0.015 ng/mL), moderate (0.015 to <2.0 ng/mL), and high (2.0–15.0 ng/mL) smoke exposure; t-tests determined associations between exposure and levels of micronutrients. Significant bivariate associations were tested further using linear regression. Results: In all, 2,218 children, aged 6–18 years, were included (response rate of 82%); 17% had no, 76% moderate, and 7% high exposure. Children with no exposure had higher levels of vitamin A, C, and E, cis- and trans-b-carotene, and folate, while levels of vitamins B 6 , B 12 , and D did not differ. In regression analysis, higher cotinine levels were negatively associated with levels of vitamin C (b = −.03; p < .01), cis-b-carotene (b = −.04; p < .01), trans-b-carotene (b = −.7; p < .01), folate (b = −.5; p < .001) and vitamin A (b = −.6; p < .01). Conclusions: Children exposed to SHS have lower levels of antioxidants controlling for dietary and supplement intake. This antioxidant depletion may increase systemic inflammation and sensitivity to other oxidant stresses. Parents should be counseled on these specific risks from SHS exposure for their children, and the importance of smoking cessation and eliminating children’s exposure to tobacco smoke.
Intake of Flavonoids and Lung Cancer

Background To investigate the possible relationship between intake of flavonoids-powerful dietary antioxidants that may also inhibit P450 enzymes-and lung cancer risk, we conducted a population-based, case-control study in Hawaii. Methods An in-person interview assessed smoking history and usual intake of 242 food items for 582 patients with incident lung cancer and 582 age-, sex-, and ethnicity-matched control subjects. Subjects who donated a blood sample were genotyped for the P450 enzyme variant allele CYP1A1*2 by use of a polymerase chain reaction-based method. Logistic regression analysis was used to compute odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). All P values are two-sided. Results After adjusting for smoking and intakes of saturated fat and beta-carotene, we found statistically significant inverse associations between lung cancer risk and the main food sources of the flavonoids quercetin (onions and apples) and naringin (white grapefruit). The lung cancer OR for the highest compared with the lowest quartile of intake was 0.5 (95% CI = 0.3-0.9) for onions (P for trend =.001) and 0.6 (95% CI = 0.4-1.0) for apples (P for trend =.03). The OR for the highest compared with the lowest tertile of intake for white grapefruit was 0.5 (95% CI = 0.2-0.9) (P for trend =.02). No association was found for important food sources of other flavonoids. Using published food-composition data for flavonoids, we found an inverse association between intake of quercetin and risk of lung cancer (P for trend =.07) that appears consistent with associations for its food sources. The effect of onions was particularly strong against squamous cell carcinoma (a cell type specifically associated with CYP1A1*2 in our study) and was modified by the CYP1A1 genotype, suggesting that CYP1A1 may play a role in this association. Conclusion If replicated, particularly in prospective studies, these findings would suggest that foods rich in certain flavonoids may protect against certain forms of lung cancer and that decreased bioactivation of carcinogens by inhibition of CYP1A1 should be explored as underlying mechanisms.
Isotonic designs for phase I cancer clinical trials with multiple risk groups.

Background In phase I cancer clinical trials, adjustment for patient differences in toxicity susceptibility can be carried out with stratification into risk groups. Separate trials conducted for each risk group can lead to conflicting decisions, in which higher doses are recommended for higher risk groups. Designs which covariate adjust often require assumptions that clinicians may be uncomfortable with.Methods We extend up-and-down designs, isotonic designs and the continual reassessment method (CRM) to multiple risk groups with two-way isotonic regression. The only assumption about the groups is that they can be ordered according to their toxicity risk. The first two extensions, in particular, are nonparametric and easy for clinicians to understand.Results Simulations were based on an ongoing helical tomotherapy trial. Seven different toxicity scenarios were considered. The proposed methods compared favorably to a covariate adjusted CRM. The extended up-and-down designs inherited the conservativeness fr...
Pulsed beam scattering from a layer of discrete random medium: with applications to spaceborne weather radars

The transient response of Gaussian beam scattering from a layer of discrete random scatterers is examined for the case of a narrowband pulse. The scattered fields from the medium are calculated by using the analytical wave theory in conjunction with the distorted Born approximation. The model is used to generate results using the configuration for the TRMM satellite overlooking rain. The response of the medium is examined in terms of the different components of the received power for different look angles varying from nadir to 18/spl deg/.
Modeling of Rigidity Percolation and Incipient Plasticity in Germanium–Selenium Glasses

We compute the bulk and surface structures of glasses in the germanium–selenium (Ge–Se) system using Monte Carlo simulations and our previously derived set of ab initio potentials. We investigate the elastic response of the Ge–Se glasses under a flat “micro”-indentation and incipient plasticity under a spherical nanoindentation. The glasses with a high average coordination number (〈m〉>2.4) display structural frustration owing to an excess of bond constraints, leading to permanent densification from both types of indentations. The glasses with a low average coordination number (〈m〉<2.4) exhibit a large number of floppy modes, enabling continuous shear flow. According to the Phillips theory of topological constraints, the ideal glass former is one in which the number of constraints exactly equals the number of degrees of freedom (GeSe4, where 〈m〉=2.4). In both types of indentation simulations, we find that the GeSe4 glass structure is most resistant to distortions of its basic structural unit.
Examination of the fuzzy subsethood theorem for data fusion

There continues to be substantial disagreement about which of the several methods to use in measuring and updating uncertainty in data fusion applications. In this paper we examine two popular methods, fuzzy sets and probability theory. Probability theory has been the traditional method for data fusion applications. Fuzzy sets have grown in popularity in Japan and Europe, with many successful control applications. Here we give a simple overview of fuzzy sets and then describe the fuzzy subsethood theorem as the best fuzzy approach for data fusion. Finally we compare the subsethood theorem to Bayes theorem for data fusion applications. >
Scheduling and page migration for multiprocessor compute servers

Several cache-coherent shared-memory multiprocessors have been developed that are scalable and offer a very tight coupling between the processing resources. They are therefore quite attractive for use as compute servers for multiprogramming and parallel application workloads. Process scheduling and memory management, however, remain challenging due to the distributed main memory found on such machines. This paper examines the effects of OS scheduling and page migration policies on the performance of such compute servers. Our experiments are done on the Stanford DASH, a distributed-memory cache-coherent multiprocessor. We show that for our multiprogramming workloads consisting of sequential jobs, the traditional Unix scheduling policy does very poorly. In contrast, a policy incorporating cluster and cache affinity along with a simple page-migration algorithm offers up to two-fold performance improvement. For our workloads consisting of multiple parallel applications, we compare space-sharing policies that divide the processors among the applications to time-slicing policies such as standard Unix or gang scheduling. We show that space-sharing policies can achieve better processor utilization due to the operating point effect, but time-slicing policies benefit strongly from user-level data distribution. Our initial experience with automatic page migration suggests that policies based only on TLB miss information can be quite effective, and useful for addressing the data distribution problems of space-sharing schedulers.
Transmit power optimization for Gaussian vector broadcast channels

This paper proposes a transmit power optimization algorithm for a Gaussian vector broadcast channel. The optimal power allocation minimizes the sum trace of input covariance matrices of all the users in the Gaussian vector broadcast channel. By duality the transmit power optimization can be transformed into an equivalent convex optimization in a multiple access channel. Recursive equations are derived as sufficient conditions for the minimum transmit power and an iterative algorithm is proposed to solve the equations. Numerical examples show that the iterative algorithm converges very fast and efficiently determines the input covariance matrices for the optimum power allocation.
Non-Commutative, Non-Cocommutative Semisimple Hopf Algebras Arise from Finite Abelian Groups

Given any nontrivial alternating tri-character f on a finite abelian group G, one can construct a finite dimensional non-commutative and non-cocommutative semisimple Hopf algebra H. The group of group-like elements of H is an abelian central extension of the radical of f and the character group of G.
The Linear Digital Model

We present a simple method for “inverting” a volatility smile: that is, generating a CDF and inverse CDF given a discrete set of implied volatilities. The method is based on constructing a piece-wise linear CDF that is guaranteed to exactly reprice any non-arbitrageable input volatilities. With this construction, option pricing requires just a handful of interpolations, so it can produce prices much faster than by direct interpolation of volatilities. It is referred to as the Linear Digital Model (LDM). It is fast, exact, robust and flexible.
Intracellular signalling and intercellular coupling coordinate heterogeneous contractile events to facilitate tissue folding

Cellular forces generated in the apical domain of epithelial cells reshape tissues. Recent studies highlighted an important role for dynamic actomyosin contractions, called pulses, that change cell and tissue shape. Net cell shape change depends on whether cell shape is stabilized, or ratcheted, between pulses. Whether there are different classes of contractile pulses in wild-type embryos and how pulses are spatiotemporally coordinated is unknown. Here we develop a computational framework to identify and classify pulses and determine how pulses are coordinated during invagination of the Drosophila ventral furrow. We demonstrate biased transitions in pulse behaviour, where weak or unratcheted pulses transition to ratcheted pulses. The transcription factor Twist directs this transition, with cells in Twist-depleted embryos exhibiting abnormal reversed transitions in pulse behaviour. We demonstrate that ratcheted pulses have higher probability of having neighbouring contractions, and that ratcheting of pulses prevents competition between neighbouring contractions, allowing collective behaviour.
The EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and the Member States

Human rights law in the EU has always reflected deep ambiguities and tensions between the Union as a whole and the several Member States. This article considers how the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights reflects and replicates that relationship. The Charter mediates the dispute between whole and parts of the EU through the language of human rights law. This is shown to be evident in the Charter's careful attempts to respect the existing balance between the EU and the separate constitutional orders of the Member States. The article argues that every effort should be made to understand and use the Charter in ways that preserve the creative interaction of both supranational and national legal orders that is a uniquely valuable aspect of the European Union's human rights construct.
Reflections on a Summer Internship in Investment Banking

This case describes a student's experience as an investment-banking intern during the summer between his first and second years in an MBA program. Most of the case is in the form of a detailed week's log of his activities. Students in investment-banking or career-management courses can get an accurate view of the amount of time and energy investment banking takes and what an investment banker's typical week would look like. It can be used for many purposes, including discussions about investment banking, training, balancing life and work, and making career choices.
Effect of Inhibiting both Catechol-O-Methyl Transferase and Monoamine Oxidase on Cardiovascular Responses to Norepinephrine

SummaryThe simultaneous inhibition of catechol-O-methyl transferase and monoamine oxidase (by pyrogallol and JB-835) produced only moderate prolongation of the cardiovascular effects of injected l-norepinephrine in anesthetized dogs. This prolongation of pharmacological action in presence of enzyme inhibitors was correlated with a delayed disappearance of injected norepinephrine from the circulation. While these results indicate that metabolism by these enzymes contributes to removal of circulating norepinephrine from the plasma in the dog, they further suggest that the physiological inactivation of circulating norepinephrine at the receptor sites does not require metabolic destruction of the amine by these enzymes.
Patella Alta in Cerebral Palsy

The incidence and degree of patella alta were studied radiographically in 22 ambulatory CP, 16 nonambulatory CP and 14 normal children. The relationship between the degree of patella alta and other factors (“spasticity score”, popliteal angle and true knee contracture) were analysed.The results were as follows:1) The incidence of patella alta in CP group were higher than that in normal.2) The degree of patella alta and “spasticity score” were correlated in non-ambulatory CP group (γ=0.37).3) The presence of patella alta and that of true knee contracture were correlated in ambulatory CP and non-ambulatory CP groups.
Investor-State Arbitrator Disqualified for Pre-Appointment Statements on Challenged Measures

FEW ISSUES are as important in the practice of international arbitration as the circumstances that disqualify an arbitrator from serving in that capacity. Yet guidance on this critical issue is exceedingly general. Published decisions on challenges to arbitrators are almost as rare as unicorns – the notable exceptions being the handful of decisions of the appointing authority for the Iran-United States Claims Tribunal and the even fewer published decisions by members of tribunals or annulment committees established under the ICSID Convention.1 The reasons for this lack of published guidance are twofold. First, international commercial arbitrations have traditionally been private. The private nature of the proceedings has led to a general hesitation on the part of participants to publish information concerning them. Secondly, challenges often focus on the conduct or relationships of highly respected international arbitrators. Participants often likely avoid publication of information concerning challenges on grounds of discretion. Neither of these reasons fully justifies the dearth of published information on this important subject. The first of these concerns – maintaining the privacy of commercial arbitration proceedings – presents more of a logistical issue than a substantive one. It is not difficult to describe the parties and the subject of an arbitration in terms sufficiently general to preserve the privacy of the proceedings where desirable, and yet to provide sufficient detail to make clear the pertinent issues and their resolution. The Yearbook of International Commercial Arbitration has admirably proved this point year after year. And in an increasing number of arbitrations, such as those under the NAFTA's investment chapter, the expectation that the proceedings will be private does not hold. The second concern – that publication will damage the reputations of respected international arbitrators – is overdone. Challenges are rarely based on conduct or relationships of arbitrators that call into …
Esterolytic Activity of Canine and Human Mast Cells

Recently we reported that an example of splenic mastocytosis and several canine mast cell tumors seemed to contain an active proteolytic enzyme that lysed bovine fibrin. In addition to this enzyme, the canine mast cell tumors possessed a significant amount of tissue activator primarily associated with the microsomal fraction of the cell. A histochemical demonstration of a species-specific trypsin-like enzyme for both canine and human mast cells, with the use of 2Va-benzoyl-dZ-arginine-jS-naphthylamide as a substrate, was recently made by Glenner and Cohen. Benditt and Arase reported that the rat mast cell possesses a proteolytic enzyme with properties similar to those of alpha chymotrypsin. A characteristic synthetic substrate of trypsin and plasmin, p-toluenesulfonyW-arginine methyl ester (TAMe), however, was not acted on by the rodent mast cell, and no data have yet been reported on the ability of the mast cell of other species to hydrolyze this aromatic amino acid ester. The study described in this paper was made to establish more definitively the association of this proteolytic activity with the mast cell by applying more sensitive and quantitative methods for measurement of this activity than had heretofore been used. This paper deals with the rates of hydrolysis of p-toluenesulfonyl-Z-arginine methyl ester (a characteristic substrate of trypsin and plasmin) by those human,
Synergistic antidepressant-like effects between a kappa opioid antagonist (LY2444296) and a delta opioid agonist (ADL5859) in the mouse forced swim test

Kappa opioid (KOP) receptor antagonists and delta opioid (DOP) receptor agonists have antidepressant-like effects in animal tests and may be useful for treatment-resistant depression in humans. In this study, we examined whether the combination of a KOP receptor antagonist and a DOP receptor agonist would produce a better than additive effect (i.e. synergy). LY2444296 is a short-acting selective nonpeptide KOP receptor antagonist. ADL5859 is a selective nonpeptide DOP receptor agonist which does not produce seizures and EEG disturbances. Each compound and combinations of the two were examined in the forced swim test (FST) one h post injection, a screening test for antidepressant-like effect, in male adult C57BL/6J mice (Jackson Lab). LY2444296 [subcutaneous (s.c.) injection] at 10 and 30mg/kg, but not 3mg/kg, significantly decreased immobility time in a dose-dependent manner. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of ADL5859 also reduced immobility time dose-dependently at doses of 3 and 10mg/kg, but not at 1mg/kg. An analysis was conducted using the method of Tallarida and Raffa (2010), which employed dose equivalence. The relative potency of the drugs was determined to be LY2444296: ADL5859=1:0.28, which was the dose ratio for combination studies. Six combinations of the two compounds were tested in mice at a fixed dose ratio. We found that LY2444296 and ADL5859 yielded significant synergistic effects for the antidepressant-like effect at the combined dose ranging from 3.84mg/kg to 9.0mg/kg. ADL5859 (10mg/kg), LY2444296 (30mg/kg) and their combined dose (3.84mg/kg) had no effects on locomotor activities. Since the two drugs have distinct pharmacological profiles, such a synergism will allow use of lower doses of both drugs to achieve desired antidepressant effects with fewer side effects.
High Speed Particles Separation Using Ultrasound for Lab-on-Chip Application

Engineers have long envisioned that a handheld portable blood diagnosis device would be able to give an accurate measurement of chemical content based on a very small sample in the shortest time possible. One of the immediate applications of such device is the Point Of Care (POC) diagnosis system, whereby a single drop of human blood would determine his health status. However, a major technical challenge lies in the ability to separate different particles, which in the case of human blood, is to separate red and white blood cells and plasma in a quick, cheap, reliable device with low power consumption (less than 100mW). In this paper, we present some preliminary results from our tests of ultrasound standing waves as a potential separation mechanism for blood cells. Micro Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) technique is the studies.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
A Quadratic Residues Parlor Trick

Statements Choose a prime p > 3 such that p 3 (mod 4), but don't tell me what p is. Now do (or have your computer do) the following calculations: (1) determine which numbers between 0 and p/2 are quadratic residues modulo p (i.e., are congruent to squares, mod p); (2) find the sum of these "low" quadratic residues; (3) replace said sum by its least non-negative residue r (mod p). Here are three examples:
Maintaining sharp focus on a grainy film: miliary pattern in an elderly woman with acute respiratory failure.

SUMMARY An elderly woman with a history of pulmonary tuberculosis reportedly diagnosed and treated 30 years prior to presentation was found unresponsive at home. Chest imaging revealed innumerable pulmonary nodules worrisome for an infectious process, specifically tuberculosis. The patient deteriorated rapidly and in accordance with her wishes, aggressive interventions were withheld. She died within 48 h from respiratory failure. A limited chest autopsy was performed and revealed the cause of death as lymphangitic spread of cancer from a primary lung adenocarcinoma.
Rectus muscle flap for repair of refractory bladder fistula following renal transplantation: a case report.

AbstractWe report a case of refractory bladder fistula in a diabetic renal allograft recipient that recurred shortly after conventional operative repair without any detectable external cause. After reoperation and use of a vascularized rectus muscle flap the fistula closed and the patient has retained excellent graft function. It is suggested that this technique should be considered as the primary repair modality for bladder fistulas in diabetic recipients, when wound healing is impaired seriously as a consequence of the combined effects of diabetic microangiopathy and steroid therapy. (J. Urol., 143: 354–355, 1990)
Spike Frequency and Surgical Outcome in TLE with Unilateral Hippocampal Atrophy

Prognostic implications of absolute spike frequency over the affected temporal lobe and relative spike distribution between the two temporal lobes for postoperative seizure control were assessed in 55 adult patients with medically refractory mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE), in a study at General Hospital Hietzing, Vienna, Austria.
Specific binding sites for insulin in the human myometrium and leiomyomas of the uterus

Objective To investigate whether there are increased binding sites for insulin in the leiomyomas of the uterus. Study Design Samples of myomas and myometrium were obtained from seven patients with myomas at the time of hysterectomy. Binding studies were performed with [ 125 I] insulin. Results The percent total binding of [ 125 I] insulin in the myomal tissues (mean ± SE 20.7% ± 2.3%/100 μ g protein) was significantly higher ( P μ g protein). Scatchard analysis revealed that the increase in binding is because of increase in receptor affinity. Conclusions There is increased binding of insulin in the myomas because of increase in receptor affinity. This could increase the sensitivity of the biological response of the myomal cells to insulin.
Risk factors for opioid misuse in adolescents and young adults with focus on oncology setting

Prescription opioid use has increased in recent decades. Although opioids provide effective pain control, their use may be associated with the risk of misuse. Opioid misuse (OM) is prevalent among adolescents and young adults (AYAs). Opioids are necessary to treat cancer-related pain; however, oncology patients are not immune to medication misuse. Research examining OM among AYAs with cancer is scarce. This article examines the risk factors described in the general adult and adolescent medication abuse literature and aims to provide recommendations for practice in the AYA oncology population. The following risk factors should be examined in AYA oncology patients to determine their relevance: age, sex, behavioral and academic problems, psychological conditions, and a history of illicit drug use/abuse. To maintain the delicate balance of providing adequate pain relief while protecting patients from the risk of OM, clinicians must consider potential risk factors, motivating factors, and individual behaviors. Placing these challenges in perspective, this review provides clinical considerations, recommendations, and intervention strategies for OM prevention in AYA oncology patients.
Role of Nutrition to Promote Healthy Brain Aging and Reduce Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia worldwide, with the disease burden expected to rise as the population ages. No pharmacological therapy is currently available to cure or prevent AD. Nonetheless, recent research suggests that nutritional and lifestyle modifications might help delay or even prevent the onset of AD, especially when instituted prior to substantial neuronal loss. This article reviews proposed nutritional interventions for AD prevention that focus on adopting dietary patterns and improvement of macro- and micronutrient distribution or intakes, improvement of insulin resistance, correction of dyslipidemia, and reduction of oxidative stress.
Ocean and grove: holiness, leisure, and contested landscapes at Ocean Grove, New Jersey

ABSTRACTIn 1869, leading members of the Wesleyan holiness movement established Ocean Grove, an oceanfront camp meeting resort in Monmouth County, New Jersey that would become one of the most popular religious resorts in the United States. Scholarship on Ocean Grove treats the resort as a significant example of the spatial preferences and town planning efforts of the holiness movement. Tracing conflicts between leisure and worship, and between the romanticization of nature versus the sacralization of city life, suggests the landscape of the resort emerged as a mediation of these conflicts and provides further evidence for the sacralization of nature as a necessary component in the planning of Methodist and holiness communities in the late nineteenth century.
Elucidating the structure of surface acid sites on γ-Al2O3.

Differential pair distribution function analysis was applied to resolve, with crystallographic detail, the structure of catalytic sites on the surface of nanoscale γ-Al2O3. The structure was determ...
Improving risk prediction accuracy for new soldiers in the U.S. Army by adding self-report survey data to administrative data.

High rates of mental disorders, suicidality, and interpersonal violence early in the military career have raised interest in implementing preventive interventions with high-risk new enlistees. The Army Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Servicemembers (STARRS) developed risk-targeting systems for these outcomes based on machine learning methods using administrative data predictors. However, administrative data omit many risk factors, raising the question whether risk targeting could be improved by adding self-report survey data to prediction models. If so, the Army may gain from routinely administering surveys that assess additional risk factors. The STARRS New Soldier Survey was administered to 21,790 Regular Army soldiers who agreed to have survey data linked to administrative records. As reported previously, machine learning models using administrative data as predictors found that small proportions of high-risk soldiers accounted for high proportions of negative outcomes. Other machine learning models using self-report survey data as predictors were developed previously for three of these outcomes: major physical violence and sexual violence perpetration among men and sexual violence victimization among women. Here we examined the extent to which this survey information increases prediction accuracy, over models based solely on administrative data, for those three outcomes. We used discrete-time survival analysis to estimate a series of models predicting first occurrence, assessing how model fit improved and concentration of risk increased when adding the predicted risk score based on survey data to the predicted risk score based on administrative data. The addition of survey data improved prediction significantly for all outcomes. In the most extreme case, the percentage of reported sexual violence victimization among the 5% of female soldiers with highest predicted risk increased from 17.5% using only administrative predictors to 29.4% adding survey predictors, a 67.9% proportional increase in prediction accuracy. Other proportional increases in concentration of risk ranged from 4.8% to 49.5% (median = 26.0%). Data from an ongoing New Soldier Survey could substantially improve accuracy of risk models compared to models based exclusively on administrative predictors. Depending upon the characteristics of interventions used, the increase in targeting accuracy from survey data might offset survey administration costs.
The Effect of Keppra Prophylaxis on the Incidence of Early Onset, Post-traumatic Brain Injury Seizures

Objective: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of long-term disability. Early onset post-traumatic seizures (PTS) after traumatic injury to the brain is a strong predictor of adverse outcomes in these patients. Our study investigates the role of Keppra in early PTS prophylaxis compared to no treatment, taking into account risk factors including injury severity, seizure history, and anti-epileptic drug (AED) use. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study based on patient chart data from January 2013 to January 2017 at a level one trauma center in the United States. A t-test was performed with P<0.05 as significant; we utilized a 95% confidence interval (CI) for our findings. Subgroup analysis was performed, with respect to the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score (Group A: Mild GCS=13-15, Keppra N=135, Non-Keppra N=122; Group B: Moderate GCS=9-12, Keppra N=23, Non-Keppra N=19; Group C: Severe GCS= <8, Keppra N=69, Non-Keppra=35). Results: Of 403 patients included in the study, 227 were given Keppra. Demographics between treatment groups were similar. Whole cohort analysis confirmed six patients with PTS, and no significant difference between groups (Keppra N=3, Non-Keppra N=3, OR=0.77, P=0.75, 95% CI=(0.154-3.87)). Subgroup analysis revealed reduction in seizure incidence in Keppra groups A (OR=0.18, P=0.27, 95% CI=(0.008-3.80)) and B (OR=0.82, P=0.92, 95% CI=(0.015-43.7)), but this reduction was not statistically significant. Those with the severe TBI in group C accounted for the majority of seizures (n=4, OR=1.52, P=0.71, 95% CI=(0.15-15.4)). Conclusion: Patients with more severe TBI suffered a higher incidence of early-onset post-traumatic seizures. Data of the cohort as a whole revealed a trend towards a lower seizure incidence in patients who were treated with Keppra prophylaxis. Despite this trend, the decrease in seizure incidence did not reach statistical significance.
Should continuing education be public policy

A survey of Illinois registered nurses reveals a striking relationship between employment setting and participation in continuing education programs. It suggests that public policy mandating CE participation may not be the best way to increase such participation among those nurses least inclined to do so.
Electrical Readout of Carrier Dynamics in Micro-Scale Infrared Materials

We present a technique, Micro-Scale Microwave Resonator Time Response (μ-MRTR), capable of measuring photo-excited carrier lifetimes in micro-scale material volumes using a resonant microwave circuit with direct electrical readout. We demonstrate a ∼105 improvement in sensitivity when compared to traditional lifetime measurement techniques.
Targeting inflammation in CVD: advances and challenges

Considerable evidence supports a role for low-grade chronic inflammation in the atherothrombotic process, from plaque initiation to acute plaque rupture preceding myocardial infarction. Publications in 2018 revealed both the promise and challenges of targeting inflammation to treat atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and highlighted the importance of understanding the mechanistic diversity of inflammatory pathways contributing to atherosclerosis.
Femoroacetabular Impingement in Pediatric Patients

Subacute, nontraumatic hip pain is often a diagnostic challenge. Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a common cause of atraumatic hip pain that is poorly understood. FAI is a result of abnormal morphologic changes in either the femoral head or the acetabulum. FAI is more prevalent in people who perform activities requiring repetitive hip flexion, but it remains common in the general population. Evaluation begins with physical examination maneuvers to rule out additional hip pathology and provocation tests to reproduce hip pain. Diagnosis is often made by radiography or magnetic resonance imaging. Initial treatment is generally more conservative, featuring activity modification and physical therapy, whereas more aggressive treatment requires operative management.
Dealers as Information Intermediaries in Over-the-Counter Markets

We model an OTC market in which informed customers and liquidity customers trade bilaterally and non-anonymously with dealers who know the types of their customers. Dealers not only provide liquidity, but also acquire information from informed customers and resell it to liquidity customers. Dealers willingly offer more favorable pricing terms to a selective subset of informed customers than to liquidity customers, and liquidity customers willingly pay higher trading costs to larger dealers. Dealers can acquire less than socially optimal levels of information from informed customers if dealers themselves can produce information.
Epidemiology Awareness, Prevalence, and Control: Newest Findings on Hypertension in Blacks

The racial disparity in hypertension and hypertension-related outcomes has long been recognized with African Americans with greater risks than Caucasians. The prevalence of hypertension with population systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels has consistently been higher for blacks. Further complicating these risks is the earlier onset of hypertension for African Americans. While awareness and treatment rates of high blood pressure have been similar, racial differences in control rates are evident with significant poorer rates among African Americans compared to their Caucasian counterparts. The higher blood pressure levels for African Americans are associated with higher rates of adverse hypertension outcomes including stroke, end-stage renal disease, and congestive heart failure.
Dual-Band PGA Correction of Residual Range Cell Migration

In this article we present a dual-band, PGA-based, SAR autofocus algorithm, that can correct motion errors exceeding a range-resolution cell. Most traditional autofocus algorithms operate by applying a 1D phase correction in the cross-range dimension of the image spatial frequency domain [1]–[3]. When the motion errors exceed a range-resolution cell, 1D phase-only compensation is not sufficient. We will describe an algorithm that can deal with such errors by using a 2D phase correction. We compare the performance of this new algorithm with a similar minimum entropy based algorithm described by the first author in [4].
Classical and quantum orthogonal polynomials in one variable

Foreword Preface 1. Preliminaries 2. Orthogonal polynomials 3. Differential equations, Discriminants and electrostatics 4. Jacobi polynomials 5. Some inverse problems 6. Discrete orthogonal polynomials 7. Zeros and inequalities 8. Polynomials orthogonal on the unit circle 9. Linearization, connections and integral representations 10. The Sheffer classification 11. q-series Preliminaries 12. q-Summation theorems 13. Some q-Orthogonal polynomials 14. Exponential and q-bessel functions 15. The Askey-Wilson polynomials 16. The Askey-Wilson operators 17. q-Hermite polynomials on the unit circle 18. Discrete q-orthogonal polynomials 19. Fractional and q-fractional calculus 20. Polynomial solutions to functional equations 21. Some indeterminate moment problems 22. The Riemann-Hilbert problem for orthogonal polynomials 23. Multiple orthogonal polynomials 24. Research problems Bibliography Index Author index.
Translations in Stimulus–Stimulus Pairing: Autoshaping of Learner Vocalizations

Stimulus-stimulus pairing (SSP) is a procedure used by behavior analysis practitioners that capitalizes on respondent conditioning processes to elicit vocalizations. These procedures usually are implemented only after other, more customary methods (e.g., standard echoic training via modeling) have been exhausted. Unfortunately, SSP itself has mixed research support, probably because certain as-yet-unidentified procedural variations are more effective than others. Even when SSP produces (or increases) vocalizations, its effects can be short-lived. Although specific features of SSP differ across published accounts, fundamental characteristics include presentation of a vocal stimulus proximal with presentation of a preferred item. In the present article, we draw parallels between SSP procedures and autoshaping, review factors shown to affect autoshaping, and interpret autoshaping research for suggested SSP tests and applications. We then call for extended use and reporting of SSP in behavior-analytic treatments. Finally, three bridges created by this article are identified: basic-applied, respondent-operant, and behavior analysis with other sciences.
Wall to particle bed contact conduction heat transfer in a rotary drum using DEM

Contact conduction heat transfer behavior in a rotary drum using the discrete element method (DEM)-based simulation codes MFIX-DEM (open-source) and EDEM (commercial) is investigated. Simulations are performed to compare the performance of open-source and commercial code models with experimental data. This study also aims to investigate the effects of particle size distribution (PSD), rotation speed, and rolling friction on overall wall–bed heat transfer using the validated codes. It is found that the variability in the PSD with same mean, μ, and standard deviation, σ, resulted in different heat transfer coefficients. Monodispersed particle beds exhibit better heat transfer when compared to polydispersed beds, because heat transfer is inhibited as the distribution broadens due to segregation. Rotation speed has minimal impact on conduction heat transfer. At lower values of rolling friction, particle circulation in the bed is enhanced and therefore better heat transfer is achieved.
A General Defense of Information Fiduciaries

Countless high-profile abuses of user data by leading technology companies have raised a basic question: should firms that traffic in user data be held legally responsible to their users as “information fiduciaries”? Privacy legislation to impose fiduciary-like duties of care, confidentiality, and loyalty on data collectors enjoys bipartisan support but faces strong opposition from scholars. First, critics argue that the information fiduciary concept flies in the face of fundamental corporate law principles that require firms to prioritize shareholder interests over those of users. Second, it is said that the overwhelming self-interest of digital companies makes fiduciary loyalty impossible as a practical matter from the outset. This essay finds neither objection convincing. The first objection rests on a mischaracterization of corporate law, which in reality would require compliance with user-regarding fiduciary obligations—the opposite of what critics fear. The second objection fails to convince because fiduciary law has proven itself adaptable enough to survive such challenges in other settings, such as in the asset management industry. The second objection nevertheless reveals a need for greater specificity of the fiduciary duties that would be imposed under the information fiduciary model. Even so, neither objection plausibly undermines the model.
PAMS: Improving Privacy in Audio-Based Mobile Systems

Smartphones and mobile applications have become an integral part of our daily lives. This is reflected by the increase in mobile devices, applications, and revenue generated each year. However, this growth is being met with an increasing concern for user privacy, and there have been many incidents of privacy and data breaches related to smartphones and mobile applications in recent years. In this work, we focus on improving privacy for audio-based mobile systems. These applications will generally listen to all sounds in the environment and may record privacy-sensitive signals, such as speech, that may not be needed for the application. We present PAMS, a software development package for mobile applications. PAMS integrates a novel sound source filtering algorithm called Probabilistic Template Matching to generate a set of privacy-enhancing filters that remove extraneous sounds using learned statistical "templates" of these sounds. We demonstrate the effectiveness of PAMS by integrating it into a sleep monitoring system, with the intent to remove extraneous speech from breathing, snoring, and other sleep sounds that the system is monitoring. By comparing our PAMS enhanced sleep monitoring system with existing mobile systems, we show that PAMS can reduce speech intelligibility by up to 74.3% while maintaining similar performance in detecting sleeping sounds.
The safety and efficacy of dexamethasone in the perioperative management of glioma patients.

Objective In this single-institution retrospective cohort study, the authors evaluated the effect of dexamethasone on postoperative complications and overall survival in patients with glioma undergoing resection. Methods A total of 435 patients who underwent resection of a primary glioma were included in this retrospective cohort study. The inclusion criterion was all patients who underwent resection of a primary glioma at a tertiary medical center between 2014 and 2019. Results The use of both pre- and postoperative dexamethasone demonstrated a trend toward the development of postoperative wound infections (3% vs 0% in single use or no use, p = 0.082). No association was detected between dexamethasone use and the development of new-onset hyperglycemia (p = 0.149). On multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis, dexamethasone use was associated with a greater hazard of death (overall p = 0.017); this effect was most pronounced for preoperative (only) dexamethasone use (hazard ratio 3.0, p = 0.062). Conclusions Combined pre- and postoperative dexamethasone use may increase the risk of postoperative wound infection, and dexamethasone use, specifically preoperative use, may negatively impact survival. These findings highlight the potential for serious negative consequences with dexamethasone use.
Prototyping and Testing of a Graphene-Oxide Tamper Evident Seal

Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) technology has great unexplored potential in security applications. Specifically breakthroughs in graphene-oxide (GO) damage-detecting skins coupled with nonlinear, sparse signal processing techniques being used for SHM lend themselves to addressing the need for low-power remotely-readable tamper-evident seals. Assessing the integrity of a tamper-evident seal is inherently an SHM problem. In this case damage is caused by a human adversary, not the environment. This paper presents a novel architecture that leverages the tunable electrical properties of a GO-paper-based seal with a compressed-sensing (CS) acquisition protocol. This architecture allows the seal to characterize its integrity, while simultaneously providing an encrypted authentication feature making the seal difficult to counterfeit and/or spoof. The electrical properties of GO are sensitive to the traditional methods used to attack paper-based seals (mechanical lifting, solvents, heat/cold, steam). This property of GO allows us to determine if a seal has been tampered with simply by measuring its electrical properties. Specific areas of focus addressed by this work include the quantitative analysis of the encryption/authentication capabilities provided by CS, and methods for enhancing the detection of cracks/cuts propagating through the sensitive GO paper.
CHAPTER 1 – Molecular Pharmacology of Estrogen and Progesterone Receptors

The estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) cDNAs have been cloned and used to develop specific ligand-responsive transcription systems in heterologous cells, permitting the use of reverse genetic approaches to define the functional domains within each of the receptors. The steroid hormones estrogen and progesterone are small molecular weight lipophilic hormones that, through their action as modulators of distinct signal transduction pathways, are involved in the regulation of reproductive function. These hormones have also been shown to be important regulators in bone, the cardiovascular system, and the central nervous system. Despite their different roles in these systems, however, it has become apparent that estrogens and progestins are mechanistically similar. Insights gleaned from the study of each hormone, therefore, have advanced the understanding of this class of molecules as a whole. The steroid hormones estrogen and progesterone are representative members of a larger family of steroid hormones, all of which appear to share a common mechanism of action. It is generally believed that steroid hormones enter cells from the bloodstream by simple passive diffusion, exhibiting activity only in cells in which they encounter a specific high-affinity receptor protein. These receptor proteins are transcriptionally inactive in the absence of ligand, sequestered in a large oligomeric heat-shock protein complex within target cells. On binding ligand, however, the receptors undergo an activating conformational change that promotes the dissociation of inhibitory proteins.
Regional Integration and the Environment: The Evolution of Legal Regimes

This Essay considers one aspect of the regional integration phenomenon, examining it in the specific context of its present and potential impact on regimes for the protection of the environment. This Essay will consider whether the European Community model for protection of the environment may constitute a prototype for other regional arrangements and a building bloc for the global trading system as a whole. The proposal for an environmental regime within the draft North American Free Trade Agreement is considered in comparison to the Community model. Differences in the level of political commitment to the goal of environmental protection within the two regions will emerge as the fundamental determinant of the ultimately disparate character of their legal regimes with respect to the environment. The comparison nevertheless offers a few suggestions with respect to the regime under consideration for the NAFTA. In the final analysis this Essay suggests that a regional approach to trade-related environmental issues is a positive development from a global welfare perspective.