cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dichroism of TMV in pulsed electric fields.

The linear dichroism induced in a solution of electrically anisotropic molecules by a pulsed electric field has been studied. Equations have been obtained which express the dichroism as a function of dipole moment, excess polarizability, field strength, and the angle α between the dipole moment and the transition moment for the absorption band. These expressions have been related to the experimentally observed difference signal in such a way that when the dichroism is measured as a function of field strength the permanent moment, excess polarizability and angle a can be determined. Experiments have been carried out on tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), which is similar in its properties to the theoretical model. The polarizability anisotropy and rotary diffusion constant for the monomer and dimer of TMV have been obtained from these experiments. In addition to the molecular parameters mentioned above, the saturated electric dichroism of the virus was measured as a function of wave length and the presence of an n–π* transition in the tryptophan spectrum was indicated. Further experiments measuring dichroism as a function of pH demonstrated the general denaturation of the virus at high pH (10–11) but also the existence of a stable fraction which is not fragmented even at the high pH involved.
Role of the constant uridine in binding of yeast tRNAPhe anticodon arm to 30S ribosomes

Twenty-two anticodon arm analogues were prepared by joining different tetra, penta, and hexaribonucleotides to a nine nucleotide fragment of yeast tRNAPhe with T4 RNA ligase. The oligomer with the same sequence as the anticodon arm of tRNAPhe bind poly U programmed 30S ribosomes with affinity similar to intact tRNAPhe. Analogues with an additional nucleotide in the loop bind ribosomes with a weaker affinity whereas analogues with one less nucleotide in the loop do not bind ribosomes at all. Reasonably tight binding of anticodon arms with different nucleotides on the 5' side of the anticodon suggest that positions 32 and 33 in the tRNAPhe sequence are not essential for ribosome binding. However, differences in the binding constants for anticodon arms containing modified uridine residues in the "constant uridine" position suggest that both of the internal "U turn" hydrogen bonds predicted by the X-ray crystal structure are necessary for maximal ribosome binding.
Simulation-based Emergency Medicine Resident Self-Assessment

Abstract Background Videotaped recordings of simulation-based performance may allow learners the opportunity to review, evaluate, and reflect upon their own performance. Objectives To determine the accuracy of resident performance self-assessment after a simulation-based encounter; compare low- and high-scoring residents' abilities to evaluate their performance; and determine if video-assisted performance review improves self-assessment accuracy. Methods Emergency Medicine residents participated in a videotaped simulation-based assessment. Residents evaluated their performance immediately after completing simulated cases, and after reviewing the session's video. Self-ratings were compared to the faculty observers, and scores were divided based on the median. Results Seventeen residents participated, providing 270 self-ratings before, and 269 after, video review. Before video review, residents accurately graded their performance in 73.7% of the items. High- and low-scoring residents accurately self-assessed 83.9% and 62.2% of items, respectively. The odds of a high scorer accurately rating their own performance were 3.2 times that of a low scorer (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.9–5.2, p p Conclusions Residents' abilities to self-assess vary, and performance quality may influence self-assessment. Video review did not significantly increase self-assessment accuracy. Improving self-assessment skills may assist residents in identifying practice gaps, thereby allowing them to focus their energy toward filling that gap.
A Gas Distributor Design for Proton‐Exchange‐Membrane Fuel Cells

A nonconventional gas distribution design has been developed to improve the mass-transport rates of the reactants from the flow channels to the inner catalyst layers of the porous electrodes and to reduce the electrode water flooding problem in the cathode of proton-exchange-membrane fuel cells. Preliminary results validate the effectiveness of the design in achieving the above goals.
Interculturality and World Literary System(s)

In her article "Interculturality and World Literary System(s)" Jola �kulj proposes a new framework for studying planetary exchanges of literatures, one that subverts the systemic distinction between centers and peripheries. She advocates a model that can yield the analytical conceptualization and hermeneutic understanding of literary phenomena and their historical reality in the complexity of semiotic traces, in actual distinctiveness of formal and textual deposits, and in interconnections of poetological impacts. She argues that literary facts seen in such intricate networks of mutual intertextual phenomenology and reaccentuations attest to their character of permanent mobility, evident instability, and constant inventive reformulation of verbal and literary matrices, which means that literary texts ought to be reinterpreted through ever new disseminations of literature. In �kulj's view, in the intricacy of cultural memory and cultural transfers it is necessary to keep records of traces which reestablish continually the singular manifestation of literature in a certain geocultural space and to ensure the vitality of world literary system(s).
Resource Wealth and Political Regimes in Africa

Political economists point to the levels of economic development, poverty, and income inequality as the most important determinants of political regimes. The authors present empirical evidence suggesting a robust and negative correlation between the presence of a sizable natural resource sector and the level of democracy in Africa. They argue that resource abundance not only is an important determinant of democratic transition but also partially determines the success of democratic consolidation in Africa. The results illuminate the fact that post-Cold War democratic reforms have been successful only in resource-poor countries such as Benin, Mali, and Madagascar. The authors argue that resource-rich countries such as Nigeria and Gabon can become democratic only if they introduce strong mechanisms of vertical and horizontal accountability within the state.
DD42: Wer kein Vertrauen hat, arbeitet nicht gut! (Juni 2007)

Nur wer das Problem ganz und gar versteht, kann es exzellent zu aller Zufriedenheit losen. Wer aber kennt das Problem uberhaupt? Zuerst muss ihm ja das Problem anvertraut werden. Dazu muss ihm vertraut werden. Wem nicht vertraut wird, der kann das Problem nicht gut kennen. Er wird es nicht wirklich losen. Zur Exzellenz ist Vertrauen notig. Haben Sie das?
Science and politics of cutting and stabbing injuries in the USA.

Forensic pathology, like clinical forensic medicine, is a diagnostic subspecialty of medicine that primarily concerns itself with medico-legal issues for living and deceased victims of trauma. Forensic pathologists (also referred to in the USA as medical examiners and coroners by the laity) provide crucial testimony in courtroom settings. Forensic pathology is a relatively young discipline and its bioscientific technologies are being used more often for the administration of justice and the education of the public regarding the criminal justice system. Recently, the work of forensic pathologists was highlighted at the murder trial of O.J. Simpson, dubbed by the media as the 'trial of the century'. The testimony of both the prosecution and defence experts played an important role in the public's understanding of the cutting injuries sustained by the two victims and the eventual outcome of the trial. Directand cross-examinations of the experts educated the public about the strategies used by attorneys to manipulate forensic evidence to their advantage. The purpose of this paper is to provide the reader with a basic understanding of cutting injuries and how such injuries are presented to juries at criminal trials.
Staffing A New Sales Force: A Human Resource Management Case Study

An HRM case used to encourage student thought and discussion concerning staffing and management of a new sales force. Midwest Education, Inc.: A Human Resource Management Case is used to exemplify many of the human resource problems encountered in a typical organization. It provides history and background of the company, Midwest Education, Inc. (which is closely modeled after a major developer and supplier of educational materials). With this background, the case presents the staffing issues which arise as the company seeks to change from using manufacturer’s representative firms to sell their products to having an in-house sales force.
“Guns Don’t Kill, People Kill”; Values in and/or Around Technologies

This paper presents a defense of the Value Neutrality Thesis with respect to technological artifacts. While it may be case that people build artifacts with certain ends in mind – the values of the people doing the building are not in the artifacts. Why this is so is a function of three things: (1) lack of empirically identifying characteristics of values and (2) an endorsement of a pragmatic conception of values as motivators of human action, and (3) a conception of decision-making that necessarily includes values.
The Role of the Supraglottic Airway

The supraglottic airway (SGA) is a device designed for upper airway management, serving as a bridge, with respect to invasiveness, between facemask ventilation and endotracheal intubation. Most devices consist of an inflatable silicone or polyvinyl chloride mask and connecting tube. When blindly inserted into the pharynx, it forms a low-pressure seal around the laryngeal inlet. The SGA allows ventilation and oxygenation with less stimulation than laryngoscopy and intubation. The laryngeal mask airway (LMA) is the most commonly used SGA and has the largest body of experience and literature. The LMA was invented by Dr. Archie Brain and became commercially available in the UK in 1988 [1]. Dr. Brain remains involved in its continued development and evolution. The device has allowed for the advancement of anesthetic techniques for ambulatory and other types of surgery. It is particularly useful when intubation is difficult, hazardous, or unsuccessful (see Table 7.1).
Photo Censorship Only Hides Truth

It is a stunning, startling, sad photograph. Placed prominently in the center of the first page of the op-ed section of The Times-Picayune, readers could not fail to see or react to it. A casualty ...
Temporal Cognitive Decline Associated With Exposure to Infectious Agents in a Population-based, Aging Cohort.

Background Numerous cross-sectional studies have related exposure to neurotropic infectious agents with cognitive dysfunction in older adults, however, the temporal sequence is uncertain. Methods In a representative, well-characterized, population-based aging cohort, we determined whether the temporal trajectories of multiple cognitive domains are associated with exposure to cytomegalovirus (CMV), Herpes Simplex virus, type 1 (HSV-1), Herpes Simplex virus, type 2 (HSV-2), or Toxoplasma gondii (TOX). Complex attention, executive functions, memory, language, and visuospatial function were assessed annually for 5 years among consenting individuals. Study entry IgG antibody titers indexing exposure to each infectious agent were examined in relation to slopes of subsequent temporal cognitive decline using multiple linear regressions adjusted for potential confounders. Results The IgG levels for HSV-2 were significantly associated with baseline cognitive domain scores (N=1022 participants). Further, the IgG levels for HSV-2, TOX, and CMV, but not HSV-1 were significantly associated with greater temporal cognitive decline that varied by type of infection. Conclusions Exposure to CMV, HSV-2, or TOX is associated with cognitive deterioration in older individuals, independent of general age-related variables. An increased understanding of the role of infectious agents in cognitive decline may lead to new methods for its prevention and treatment.
Convergent Characteristics in Sympatric Species: A Possible Relation to Interspecific Competition and Aggression

FRONTISPIECE. Some members of two evolutionary lines of woodpeckers between which pairs or larger groups of species are convergently similar in appearance. To the right of the midline are the "logeocks," to the left the "ivory-bills." Identity and collecting locality of the adult males shown are: 1. Hemicercus canente canente (Siam); 2. Meiglyptes jugularis (Siam); 3. Blythypicus pyrrhotis pyrrhotis (N Burma); 4. Micropternus bachyura phaioceps (Burma); 5. Phloeoceastes guatemalensis regius ( Mxico); 6. Phloeoceastes melanoleucos malherbii (Panami); 7. Dryocopus lineatus mesorhynchus (Costa Rica); 8. Chrysocolaptes lucidus sultaneus (N India); 9. C. 1. stricklandi (Ceylon); 10. C. 1. erythrocephalus (Palawan, Philippine Islands); 11. C. 1. xanthocephalus (present on central Philippines); 12. Dinopium benghalense benghalense (Punjab, N Central India); 13. D. b. erythronothon (Ceylon); 14. D. javense everetti (Palawan, Philippine Islands).
Temperature-Dependent Morphology Evolution and Surface Plasmon Absorption of Ultrathin Gold Island Films

Ultrathin gold island films on transparent substrates display a characteristic surface plasmon (SP) absorption band in which the peak position and full width at half-maximum (fwhm) are highly sensitive to the film morphology. In the present study, we investigated the temperature dependence of morphological evolution and the corresponding unique surface plasmon resonance (SPR) properties variation of the ultrathin gold island films (5 nm nominal thickness) upon rapid thermal annealing for 180 s at different temperatures ranging from 100 to 700 °C. The morphological evolution of the ultrathin gold film upon the thermal annealing-induced dewetting was studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), and the optical properties variation was characterized by a transmission UV–vis-NIR spectroscopy. A strong temperature dependence of morphological evolution and optical properties variation as a function of thermal treatment conditions was identified. The blue shift and band nar...
Executable Formal Models in Rewriting Logic (Invited Talk)

Formal executable models provide a means to gain insights into the behavior of complex distributed systems. Ideas can be prototyped and assurance gained by carrying out analyses at different levels of fidelity: searching for desirable or undesirable behaviors, determining effects of perturbing the system, and eventually investing effort to carry out formal proofs of key properties. This modeling approach applies to a wide range of systems, including a variety of protocols and networked cyber-physical systems. It is also emerging as an important tool in understanding many different aspects of biological systems. Rewriting logic (RWL) is a formalism that is well-suited to developing and working with formal executable models. In RWL term rewriting is used to represent both structure (equational properties and functions) and transformation / behavior. Logics and inference systems can be naturally represented in RWL, as can the structure and behavior of distributed systems both engineered and natural. Maude is a high performance realization of Rewriting Logic. Maude specifications are naturally executable and the Maude environment provides a variety analysis tools to reason about properties of models. These include reachability analysis, symbolic execution (narrowing), and model-checking. In addition, Maude is reflective. This provides a powerful mechanism for extension. The talk will present a sampling of executable specifications using Maude and its extensions.
Evaluation of a commercial latex agglutination assay for screening for Clostridium difficile-associated disease.

OBJECTIVE To determine if the Clostridium difficile latex agglutination assay is an effective screening procedure for the diagnosis of C. difficile-associated disease (CDAD). DESIGN Convenience sample. SETTING The Washington Hospital, a 364-bed, secondary, acute-care center in Washington, Pennsylvania. PARTICIPANTS A total of 321 women and 195 men aged 21 days to 100 years. INTERVENTIONS Diarrheal stool specimens from patients on antibiotic therapy were randomly tested for the presence of C. difficile-associated antigen by CULTURETTE brand latex agglutination assay (Beckton Dickinson Microbiology Systems, Cockeyesville, MD 21030). Latex-positive samples were confirmed or negated by cytotoxin assay using the Toxi-titer microtiter plate system (Baxter Healthcare Corp., Bartels Diagnostic Division, Issaquah, WA 98027). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Comparative statistical analysis of the raw data to develop the sensitivity and specificity of the latex screening assay. RESULTS Stool specimens of 403 patients (78.1%) were negative for C. difficile-associated antigen. Of the latex-positive specimens, 70 (69.3%) were also cytotoxin-positive. Of the indeterminate latex specimens, four (33.3%) were cytotoxin-positive. A total of 70 specimens (13.6%) were positive by both methods and 74 patients (14.3%) were diagnosed with CDAD. Based on this data, the latex agglutination screening assay had a sensitivity of 77.1% and a specificity of 93.4%. CONCLUSION Latex agglutination for C. difficile-associated antigen is a moderately sensitive screening test for a presumptive diagnosis of CDAD. However, it is not the best screening test for CDAD compared with the new enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques for toxins A and B.
Analysis and comprehensive evaluation of environmental sanitation quality of public bathrooms in Zhongshan city

Objective To understand the sanitation quality status of public bathrooms in Zhongshan city,and to provide basis for government department to take the control and prevention measures. Methods A total of 96 bathhouses were monitored using stratified random sampling method in the whole city. The qualified rates of monitoring items and each monitoring indicator in these bathhouses were calculated,and the comprehensive evaluation index method was used to evaluate the public bathrooms of different sizes. Results A total of 6012 items were monitored in public bathrooms of Zhongshan city,and the total qualified rate was 94. 16%. The qualified rates of large-,medium- and small- scale public bathrooms were 96. 80%,94. 08% and 91. 62%,respectively. The qualified rates of temperature and relative humidity were lower,only 90. 27% and 75. 90% respectively. The qualified rates of total bacterial count in public articles of large-,medium- and small- bathrooms were 98. 63%, 95. 98% and 93. 03%,respectively,and those of coliforms were 97. 72%,95. 75% and 93. 26%,rrespectively. The sanitation quality of large- scale public bathrooms was best and the small- scale ones was worst. Conclusion The overall sanitation status of public bathrooms is good in Zhongshan city,but the supervision and management should be strengthened in medium-and small- scale public bathrooms.
Effects of early intervention on the prognosis of high-risk infants

Objective To study the effects of early intervention on physical psychomotor development of high risk infants Methods In 288 cases, there were 197 males, 91 females, 111 preterm infants, 176 full term infants and 1 postterm infant (1)Claasification of groups: according to different diseases 288 high risk infants were divided into 3 groups: hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) group, premature infants group and infants with brain injury group Sub classes of each group were further defined as class I and class II depending on the early intervention applied or not, respectively There were 66 cases of class I and 52 of class II respectively in HIE group; 41 cases of class I and 64 cases of class II in premature infants group and 30 cases of class I and 35 cases of class II in infants with brain injury group There was little difference between the two classes ( P 0 05) (2)The physical and neurological conditions and intelligence test (CDCC) were studied (3)Intervention methods included 20 item NBNA in the neonatal period were used. Results (1) Physical development: there were no significant differences between the two classes of the three groups (2) Intelligence development: mental development index (MDI) and psychomotive development index (PDI) in class I of HIE group showed 10 scores higher than those in class II of HIE group ( t =2 46 and 2 91, respectively, P 0 05 in both classes) MDI and PDI in class I of premature infants were scored 10 and 17, respectively, higher than those in class II ( t =2 50 and 4 63, P 0 05 and 0 01, respectively) MDI and PDI in class I of infants with brain injury group were scored 36 and 43, respectively, also higher than those in class II ( t =8 77 and 10 21, respectively, both P 0 01) Conclusion The application of intervention methods could improve the prognosis of high risk infants It was possible that the high risk infants may reach the normal level of the same age group at 2 years old The early intervention might reduce the incidence of the cerebral palsy and disability
Mouse strain-dependent effect of amantadine on motility and brain biogenic amines.

The effect of amantadine hydrochloride, injected i.p. in 6 increments of 100 mg/kg each over 30 hr, on mouse motility and whole brain content of selected biogenic amines and major metabolites was studied in 4 strains of mice. These were the albino Sprague-Dawley ICR and BALB/C, the black C57BL/6 and the brown CDF-I mouse strains. Amantadine treatment produced a biphasic effect on mouse motility. The initial dose of amantadine depressed locomotor activity in all mouse strains studied with the BALB/C mice being the most sensitive. Subsequent amantadine treatments produced enhancement of motility from corresponding control in all mouse strains with the BALB/C mice being the least sensitive. The locomotor activity was decreased from corresponding controls in all strains studied, except for the ICR mice, during an overnight drug-free period following the fourth amantadine treatment. Readministration of amantadine, after a drug-free overnight period, increased motility from respective saline control in all strains with exception of the BALB/C mice where suppression of motility occurred. Treatment with amantadine did not alter whole brain dopamine levels but decreased the amounts of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid in the BALB/C mice compared to saline control. Conversely, brain normetanephrine concentration was increased from saline control by amantadine in the BALB/C mice. The results suggest a strain-dependent effect of amantadine on motility and indicate a differential response to the acute and multiple dose regimens used. The BALB/C mouse was the most sensitive strain and could serve as the strain of choice for evaluating the side effects of amantadine. The biochemical results of brain biogenic amines of BALB/C mouse strain suggest a probable decrease of catecholamine turnover rate and/or metabolism by monoamine oxidase and a resulting increase in O-methylation of norepinephrine which may account for a behavioral depression caused by amantadine in the BALB/C mice.
Ultrasound-Guided Segmental Mastectomy and Excisional Biopsy Using Hydrogel-Encapsulated Clip Localization as an Alternative to Wire Localization

Wire localization is currently the most widely used localization strategy for excision of nonpalpable breast lesions. Its disadvantages include patient discomfort, wire-related complications such as wire displacement/fracture, and operating room delays related to difficulties during wire placement. We have implemented the technique of intraoperative ultrasound-guided excision using hydrogel-encapsulated (HydroMARK) biopsy clips for lesion localization. We hypothesize that this method is as effective as wire localization for breast conserving therapy. This is a retrospective review of 220 consecutive patients who underwent segmental mastectomy or excisional biopsy using wire localization or hydrogel-encapsulated clip localization from January 2014 to July 2015. Data were collected and analyzed. Statistical analyses for differences between groups were performed using t tests and Mann-Whitney rank-sum analyses. A total of 107 excisions were performed using hydrogel-encapsulated clip localization, and 113 excisions were performed using the traditional wire localization technique; 68 % of our patients underwent excision for malignant pathology. Wire placement took a mean of 46 minutes (range 20–180 min), compared with 5 minutes for ultrasound localization (p < .001). Successful intraoperative ultrasound localization and excision was performed on 100 % of patients. There was no difference in re-excision rates for positive margins or overall specimen size between the two groups. Intraoperative ultrasound-guided excision of nonpalpable breast lesions using a hydrogel-encapsulated biopsy clip for breast conserving therapy is a safe and feasible alternative to the traditional preoperative wire localized excision. This technique will lead to improvement in patient experience, operative efficiency, and alleviate wire-related complications.
The Tendency towards Regionalization in Continental Europe

This group covers the Continental European member countries of the Organization for European Economic Cooperation and their overseas dependent territories and related areas.1
Dido and Aeneas ‘Metamorphis’d’: Ovid, Marlowe, and the Masochistic Scenario in Antony and Cleopatra

In Dido, Queen of Carthage, Marlowe’s daring appropriation of Virgil, he employs Ovidian strategies and intertexts to parody the high seriousness of the Virgilian epic and to undercut the ideal of virtus it upholds. Extending Marlowe’s Ovidian project and continuing his own earlier reworking of myth, Shakespeare revitalizes and complicates the characters of Aeneas and Dido in his Antony and Cleopatra. In so doing, Shakespeare revisits his earlier image of Dido as a ‘perverse Astraea’ — Tamora from Titus Andronicus — completely transforming it into his multidimensional Cleopatra, reinvesting the figure with new meanings through his appropriation of Ovidian intertexts and poetics, as well as the Isis myth. Similarly, he profoundly challenges early modern notions of masculinity in his Antony, a dramatic revision of the epic hero Aeneas and Plutarch’s legendary Roman, re-envisaged through the myth of Osiris and corresponding Christian iconography. Whereas Marlowe’s Aeneas serves to deflate Virgilian heroism, Shakespeare’s Antony ushers in an alternative kind of anti-epic hero, akin to the submissive male of the masochistic scenario. As Aeneas and Dido ‘metamorphis’d’, Antony and Cleopatra reinvest virtus with new meaning, reinvigorate vulnerability with new strength, and reinvent Virgil’s epic through the expanded erotic vision of the masochistic scenario.
Influence of soil properties and manure sources on phosphorus in runoff during simulated rainfall.

Runoff from agricultural fields amended with animal manure or fertilizer is a source of phosphorus (P) pollution to surface waters, which can have harmful effects such as eutrophication. The object...
Indonesia's centripetal democracy and economic growth

ABSTRACTWhat has been the impact of democracy on growth in Indonesia? An early view emphasized a growth and investment slowdown, but more recent data suggest otherwise. What accounts for the reversion to New Order growth and investment rates? My answer is the adoption of more centripetal and developmental democratic institutions in an otherwise messy democracy that has pushed political parties and presidents to compete for votes by promising to clean up government and restore growth.
Establishing Functioning Research Ethics Committees: Introduction

Formal ethics review of research has increasingly become a requirement in the Arab region. This chapter will review several factors thought to be instrumental for effective ethics review systems. Such factors include confirming the legitimacy of research ethics committees, ensuring the adequacy of resources, defining transparency and accountability mechanisms, achieving independence within the institution, and establishing conflict of interest policies.Review of research has increasingly become a requirement in the Arab region.,increased funding by international sponsors, including pharmaceutical compnies, and the prerequisite for ethics review mandated by international journals. Additionally,a functioning ethics review system helps to build public confidence and trust in the integrity of the research process. As prior ethics review has become a widely accepted safeguard for the protection of the welfare and rights of research participants, this chapter will review factors that are instrumental for effective functioning ethics review system.
Threat Bias and Emotion Recognition in Victims of IPV.

Although there is growing evidence of the association between threat bias and psychopathology in many trauma-exposed populations, there are few studies with intimate partner violence (IPV) victims. The present study assessed threat bias in IPV victims. It also examined potential differences in facial recognition ability between victims and nonvictims. Participants were 153 female college students currently in a dating relationship. Participants completed demographic and abuse severity measures. They then completed a dot-probe task to assess threat bias, and a facial expression recognition task to assess speed and accuracy of recognition. Approximately 32% of the students sampled were currently in a physically abusive relationship. Results indicated that IPV victims had a bias toward fearful faces, and showed worse recognition of happy faces than nonvictims. These data suggest that the psychological impact of threat bias might vary temporally. Vigilance during threat may serve as a protective mechanism, wh...
Historical and Conventional Chemotherapy Approaches for High-Grade Astrocytomas

Abstract High-grade astrocytomas, such as anaplastic astrocytoma (AA) and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), are frequently diagnosed tumors that continue to have a poor prognosis and protracted survival. Conventional chemotherapy has been demonstrated to provide a survival benefit in patients with AA and GBM, in addition to surgical resection and irradiation, by several meta-analyses. The improvement in survival has been modest and is mainly associated with the use of nitrosourea drugs such as BCNU and CCNU, as well as platinum compounds.
Lepton Spin Motion in Weak Magnetic Mirror Traps

My topic is a precision calculation of the spin and orbital motion of leptons in weak magnetic mirror traps of the sort used in precision g-2 experiments, done in collaboration with my student, Sara Granger.1,2 The calculation itself is rather complicated and technical but the methods used, the averaging methods of non-linear mechanics, are of general interest with a broad range of applications. Since these methods are not familiar to most physicists, and since one of the topics of this year’s Orbis Scientiae is “Nonlinearities in Natural Sciences”, a discussion of these methods should be appropriate.
Examining the role of youth empowerment in preventing adolescence obesity in low-income communities.

Abstract Introduction Youth empowerment programs have increasingly gained attention in public health as emphasis shifts on children and adolescents as decision makers in their health and well-being. Adolescence obesity is among the public health concerns that require more active engagement at individual and community level while empowering adolescents to take charge of their own health. This study examines the influence of youth empowerment on nutritional and physical activity factors associated with adolescence obesity. Methods Data were gathered through a self-administered survey among adolescents (N = 410) ages 11–15 years in three U.S. States - Kansas, Ohio and South Dakota. Results Findings show that youth empowerment significantly influences adolescents' self-efficacy, perceptions for healthy food choice, healthy eating, attitudes towards physical activity and the overall motivation for health. Gender differences exist in adolescents' self-efficacy for physical activity whereas ethnicity played a role in perceived youth empowerment and perceived barriers to healthy eating. Age was also a significant contributor in efficacy for healthy food choice and perception of healthy food availability. Conclusions This study suggests more focus on youth empowerment in interventions that seek to reduce obesity and improve adolescents' overall health by creating environments where they can play a more active decision-making role. With empowerment, adolescents are more likely to be motivated to adopt healthier dietary habits and engage more in physical activity. Further research would establish the impact of youth empowerment on obesity reduction and other public health problems that impact children across ages.
When I Take Off My White Coat

Lay persons might think physicians spend all their time in hospitals or clinics or that physicians fly their private jets to exclusive resorts for long weekends. But physicians are regular people just like their patients, and, when not on the job, they do many of the same things for the same reasons: playing with pets and doing sports, music, and art. Physicians might not have a blue-ribbon dog, might not have played varsity basketball in college, might not have gone to Julliard before medical school, might not have had one-person exhibits at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, but what they do when they are not wearing their white coats can make them better physicians when they put the coats back on again.
Endoscopic strategies for the treatment of postbariatric surgery leaks and fistulas

Abstract Obesity is fast becoming a worldwide epidemic. Bariatric surgery has gained acceptance as an outstanding procedure that provides clinically significant weight loss and metabolic outcomes. Despite improvement in technique and expertise, complications ensue. As the number of postbariatric surgery patients increase, it is crucial that one is able to identify and manage complications. In order to optimally manage these patients, one must be able to understand the postsurgical anatomy and physiology of the stomach. Herein, we discuss the most common sites of leaks after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy. We propose a new and unique algorithm for management of sleeve gastrectomy leaks taking into consideration other factors that we feel contribute to successful healing and resolution.
Reading Audiences, Reading Materials: Reception in Tanya Saracho’s El Nogalar / Ler audiências, ler materiais: a recepção em El Nogalar de Tanya Saracho

Abstract: Tanya Saracho’s El Nogalar (2011), adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard , recreates the Russian’s play social context in 21st century Mexican society, going through the awakening of the violence that dominates the U.S./Mexico border. The focus of this study is the audience’s response to El Nogalar premier at the Goodman’s theater. Such analysis is conducted by reading the paratextual elements, such as the program and related material found online. By analyzing the script, playbill, reviews, and the study guide, this study calls for an increased use of supplemental material in order to critically think about audience reception. The complexity of the play, as an adaptation alone, is enough to justify the need for more knowledge of non-traditional methods to approach the text and the surrounding material, including reviews, playbills and educational guides. These elements not only provide new insight into interpreting the performance and dramatic text, but they also offer ways to approach audience reception beyond the review. Keywords: Tanya Saracho; horizon of expectations; paratexts; performance reviews; reception. Resumo: El nogalar (2011), adaptacao de Tanya Saracho de O jardim das cerejeiras , de Anton Tchekhov, recria o contexto social da obra russa na sociedade mexicana do seculo XXI – na esteira da violencia que domina a fronteira entre os Estados Unidos e o Mexico. O foco do presente estudo e a reacao do publico a premiere do espetaculo no teatro Goodman, atraves da leitura de seus elementos paratextuais, como o programa e materiais publicados on-line. De certo modo, ao analisar o roteiro, o cartaz da peca, as criticas e o guia de estudo, o presente artigo reivindica um maior uso de material suplementar para se pensar criticamente a recepcao do publico. A complexidade mesma da peca, por se tratar de uma adaptacao, basta para justificar o maior conhecimento de metodos nao tradicionais para se aproximar do texto e do material que o circunda, incluindo resenhas, cartazes teatrais e guias pedagogicos. Esses elementos nao so possibilitam interpretar a performance e o texto dramatico com mais clareza, como tambem oferecem maneiras de abordar a recepcao do publico, alem da critica. Palavras-chave: publico; Tanya Saracho; horizonte de expectativas; paratexto; critica teatral; recepcao.
Safety and efficacy of endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty worldwide for treatment of obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract Background Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) has gained momentum as a promising, minimally invasive bariatric therapy worldwide. Objective We performed the first comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of studies to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and procedural technique of ESG. Methods Bibliographic databases were systematically searched for studies assessing patients who underwent ESG for the treatment of obesity. Studies were included if they reported percent total weight loss or percent excess weight loss and the incidence of serious adverse events. Studies with Results Eight observational studies with 1859 patients were included. Pooled mean percent total weight loss at 6, 12, and 24 months was 14.86 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 13.83–15.90), 16.43 (95%CI: 15.23–17.63), and 20.01 (95%CI: 16.92–23.11), respectively. Pooled mean percent excess weight loss at 6, 12, and 24 months was 55.75 (95%CI: 50.61–60.89), 61.84 (95%CI: 54.75–68.93), and 60.40 (95%CI: 48.88–71.92), respectively. The pooled incidence of serious adverse events was 2.26% (95%CI 1.25–4.03) and no mortality was reported. Gastrointestinal bleeding and perigastric fluid collection were the most common reported serious adverse events; however, the pooled incidence of both was Conclusion ESG, a minimally invasive bariatric therapy, is reproducible among centers worldwide with effective weight loss and favorable safety profile outcomes. Controlled studies would be valuable to further corroborate these findings.
Telehealth services for persons with chronic lower respiratory disease and their informal caregivers in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic

The objective of this article is to provide clinicians, from multiple disciplines, important clinical information to consider when providing health education and emotional support to persons with chronic lower respiratory disease (CLRD) and their informal caregivers via telehealth The information contained in this article is based on a literature review, a needs and preferences survey of this population (n = 49 persons with CLRD;n = 49 informal caregivers) that was part of a larger study (Enhancing Rural Interventions for Caregiver Health [En-Rich]), and our clinical experience The En-Rich needs and preferences survey was conducted to help shape telehealth services for this population particularly those residing in rural/geographically isolated areas as well as those who are not physically well enough to attend clinic-based appointments As a result of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the use of telehealth services for clinical care has dramatically risen for a variety of reasons We surmise that persons with CLRD and their informal caregivers are particularly open to telehealth services at this time, given the risk of exposure to the virus upon leaving their homes As such, we provide information about the physical and psychosocial aspects of living with CLRD from the perspective of patients and informal caregivers along with 7 practical recommendations for providing telehealth services to this population Our aim is to better equip telehealth clinicians who are working with this special population through our interdisciplinary lens (gerontology, nursing, health psychology, and social work) (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved) Impact Statement Clinical Impact Statement-A formal literature review, needs and preferences survey, and our interdisciplinary clinical expertise shaped our recommendations for the provision of telehealth education and emotional support for persons with chronic lower respiratory disease (CLRD) and their informal caregivers The recommendations were written in the context of COVID-19 pandemic which has increased the need for telehealth services for this clinical population as well as empirically supported education for the clinicians who serve them (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved)
Palladium Monolayer Electrocatalysts

In this chapter, a Pd monolayer electrocatalyst has been described, showing that, in principle, other metals, not only Pt, can serve as monolayer electrocatalysts. When supported by adequate cores, these electrocatalysts can have platinum-like stability. In alkaline fuel cells, Pd as non-platinum catalyst that can have high stability, activity, and selectivity. The applications of these catalysts can be expected in oxidation and reduction of organic compounds, syntheses of pharmaceuticals, where these properties have high importance. The activity of Pd monolayers increased in the following order: Pd/Ru(0001) < Pd/Ir(111) < Pd/Rh(111) < Pd/Au(111) < Pd/Pt(111. It was correlated with their d-band centers, which were calculated using density functional theory. The volcano-type dependence of activity on the energy of the d-band center of Pd monolayers, with Pd/Pt(111) at the top of the curve, was found. Analysis of the origin of this dependence is presented. A descriptor of surface reactivity was the calculated Pd d-band center (relative to the Fermi level). These data provide guidance for designing Pd-based alloy catalysts. The alloying element should facilitate the decrease in energy of the d-band center. Hydrogen adsorption and formic acid oxidation on pseudomorphic monolayer of Pd on Au(111), Pt(111), PtRu(111), Rh(111) results are in agreement with the d-band model.
A Pilot Study of End-Tidal Carbon Dioxide in Prediction of Inhospital Cardiac Arrests.

A validated means to predict inhospital cardiac arrest is lacking. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the changes in end-tidal carbon dioxide, as it correlates with the progression to inhospital cardiac arrest in ICU patients. Design Setting and Patients Single-center, retrospective cohort study of mechanically ventilated ICU patients (age > 18 yr old) having inhospital cardiac arrest with advanced cardiac life support and continuous end-tidal carbon dioxide monitoring at a single academic center from 2014 to 2017. Demographics, clinical variables, and outcomes were collected. End-tidal carbon dioxide was collected from 5 to 2,880 minutes before inhospital cardiac arrest. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and model estimates were generated using a repeated-measures categorical model with restricted maximum likelihood estimation and fully specified (autoregressive) covariance to assess the effect of time on changes in end-tidal carbon dioxide. Measurements and Main Results A total of 788 patients were identified and 104 met inclusion criteria, where 62% were male with an average age of 58.5 years. Seventy-four percent required vasopressors and 72% experienced pulseless electrical activity. Mean end-tidal carbon dioxide 5 minutes prior to inhospital cardiac arrest was significantly lower than all evaluated time points except 180 minutes (p < 0.05). One patient survived to hospital discharge. In multivariate logistic regression modeling for return of spontaneous circulation, a greater change in the prearrest end-tidal carbon dioxide maximum to prearrest end-tidal carbon dioxide minimum was associated with a decreased likelihood of return of spontaneous circulation (odds ratio 0.903; 95% CI, 0.832-0.979; p = 0.014). Additionally, a change from prearrest end-tidal carbon dioxide maximum to prearrest end-tidal carbon dioxide minimum greater than 17 mm Hg was associated with a decreased likelihood of return of spontaneous circulation and odds ratio 0.150; 95% CI, 0.036-0.66; p = 0.012). Conclusions Mean end-tidal carbon dioxide is significantly lower immediately before inhospital cardiac arrest. The statistical and clinical significance of end-tidal carbon dioxide may highlight its utility for predicting inhospital cardiac arrest in ICU patients. Comparison analysis and modeling explorations in a larger cohort are needed.
Pharmacological management of portal hypertension and its complications in children: lessons from adults and opportunities for the future.

Portal hypertension (PHT) and its complications in children are thought to be distinct from adult PHT in several areas, including the underlying bio-physiology of a child in which PHT develops, but...
Machine Learning from the COVID-19 Pandemic About the Value of the NYSE Floor in Market Closing Time

The spread of the COVID-19 forced the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) to temporarily shut down its trading floor between March 23 and May 25, 2020. Using a machine learning approach, we investigate the effects of this Covid-19 closure on market quality during the market closing time, 3:50–4:00 pm. Analyzing NYSE- and Nasdaq-listed stocks in the Russell 3000 index for the period of February to June2020, we find that the closure of the NYSE floor has limited impacts on market quality for the NYSE-listed stocks: Percentage quoted spread and spot volatility for the NYSE-listed stocks increase relative to the Nasdaq-listed stocks only in the first three weeks of the floor closure, and it has no impact on consolidated displayed depth for the whole shutdown period. Our findings suggest that the role of the NYSE floor in the market closing time can be replicated electronically.
Intestinal crypt-derived enteroid coculture in presence of peristaltic longitudinal muscle myenteric plexus

The role of enteric neurons in driving intestinal peristalsis has been known for over a century. However, in recent decades, scientists have begun to unravel additional complex interactions between this nerve plexus and other cell populations in the intestine. Investigations into these potential interactions are complicated by a paucity of tractable models of these cellular relationships. Here, we describe a novel technique for ex vivo coculture of enteroids, so called "mini-guts," in juxtaposition to the longitudinal muscle myenteric plexus (LMMP). Key to this system, we developed a LMMP culture media that: (i) allows the LMMP to maintain ex vivo peristalsis for 2 weeks along with proliferation of neurons, glia, smooth muscle and fibroblast cells, and (ii) supports the proliferation and differentiation of the intestinal stem cells into enteroids complete with epithelial enterocytes, Paneth cells, goblet cells, and enteroendocrine cells. Importantly, this technique identifies a culture condition that supports both the metabolic needs of intestinal epithelium as well as neuronal elements, demonstrating the feasibility of maintaining these two populations in a single culture system. This sets the stage for experiments to better define the regulatory interactions of these two important intestinal cell populations.