cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Outsmarting metallo-β-lactamases by mimicking their natural evolution

Abstract Metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) confer antibiotic resistance to bacteria by hydrolyzing and thus inactivating β-lactam antibiotics. They have raised concerns due to their broad substrate spectra, the absence of clinically useful inhibitors, and their rapid dissemination. The resulting threat to public health is enhanced by their potential to evolve into even more efficient enzymes through mutation. This is based on the assumption that these enzymes are relatively novel and in the beginning of their natural evolution. Their ongoing evolution has been manifested by the isolation of improved enzyme variants from clinical isolates, and improved variants have been generated under controlled laboratory conditions. Our ability to mimic and eventually predict the evolution of MBLs will likely put us into a better position to effectively combat MBL-conferred antibiotic resistance. This review summarizes how various approaches in recent years have brought us closer to that goal.
Pilot trial of dialectical behavior therapy-enhanced habit reversal for trichotillomania.

Background: Not all hair pullers improve acutely with cognitive–behavioral treatment (CBT) and few maintain their gains over time. Methods: We conducted an open clinical trial of a new treatment that addresses affectively triggered pulling and emphasizes relapse prevention in addition to standard CBT approaches. Ten female participants satisfying DSM-IV criteria for trichotillomania (TTM) at two study sites received Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)-enhanced CBTconsisting of 11 weekly sessions and 4 maintenance sessions over the following 3 months. Independent assessors rated hair pulling impairment and global improvement at several study time points. Participants completed self-report measures of hair pulling severity and emotion regulation. Results: Significant improvement in hair pulling severity and emotion regulation, as well as hair pulling impairment and anxiety and depressive symptoms, occurred during acute treatment and were maintained during the subsequent 3 months. Significant correlations were reported between changes in emotion regulation and hair pulling severity during both the acute treatment and maintenance phases. Conclusions: This study offers preliminary evidence for the efficacy of DBT-enhanced CBT for TTM and suggests the importance of addressing emotion regulation during TTM treatment. Depression and Anxiety 0:1–7, 2010. r 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Older Adult Participation in Health Promotion Programs: Perspectives of Facility Administrators

Administrators of older adult-centered facilities must identify barriers to the planning and implementation of health promotion programs. In this qualitative research those barriers were identified through in-depth interviews with administrators of older adult-centered facilities. As identified by administrators, the predominant barriers to the participation of older adults in health promotion programs were scheduling conflicts, physical and mental health issues, a lack of comfort with the health content, and insufficient program information.
Digital Image Analysis Studies of Folliculogenesis and Oogenesis in Mammals

Successful embryonic development has long been recognized to begin with the orderly sequence of events that occur during the intraovarian differentiation of the oocyte—the process of oogenesis. Simplistically, oogenesis can be viewed as a series of differentiative events that bestow on the oocyte important developmental capabilities, such as a) the ability to resume and complete meiosis, b) the ability to establish a block to polyspermy, and c) the ability to metabolically sustain cleavage activity of the preim- plantation embryo. Each of these capabilities are acquired during the various stages of oogenesis and involve structural and biochemical modifications in specific organellar components of the oocyte. For example, the embryo utilizes maternally inherited mRNAs and the machinery for protein synthesis derived from periods of heightened transcriptional activity during the growth phase of oogenesis [1, 2]. Similarly, the ability to first resume meiosis at the time of ovulation and then complete the second reductive division at fertilization is referred to as the expression of meiotic competence. Not only must this capability involve modifications in cell-cycle signalling mechanisms during the course of oogeneis, but it must directly rely on the regulatibn of chromatin organization and cytoplasmic components involved in the formation and function of the meiotic spindle. The central question that emerges from this discussion is, how are these properties acquired during oogenesis? The interplay of somatic ovarian cells with the oocyte, particularly those cells comprising the ovarian follicle, underlies the acquisition of specific oocyte capabilities that are required for the expression of embryonic potential. Therefore, just as embryogenesis finds its origins in oogenesis, this chapter will focus on how oogenesis is functionally integrated with the process of folliculogenesis.
Mark antony and popular culture: Masculinity and the construction of an icon

Mark Antony and Popular Culture: Masculinity and the Construction of an Icon by Rachael Kelly, is a path-breaking analysis of how Antony (the pop culture icon, hopeless lover and drunkard) differs ...
Advances in climate models from CMIP3 to CMIP5 do not change predictions of future habitat suitability for California reptiles and amphibians

Understanding how predicted species responses to climate change are affected by advances in climate modeling is important for determining the frequency with which vulnerability assessments need to be updated. We used ecological niche models to compare predicted climatic habitat suitability for 132 species of reptiles and amphibians in California, USA under the previous and current generations of climate simulations from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP3 and CMIP5). We used data from seven global climate models for future (2014–2060) predictions under the following greenhouse gas emissions scenarios: SRES A2 for CMIP3 and RCP 8.5 for CMIP5. Ensembles of these climate models predicted a warmer and slightly wetter future California on average: CMIP3 + 2 °C mean annual temperature, +15 mm annual precipitation, CMIP5 + 2.5 °C mean annual temperature, +24 mm annual precipitation. CMIP3 and CMIP5 ensembles differed in where precipitation changes were predicted to be largest, with CMIP3 predicting greatest increased precipitation in the northern deserts and CMIP5 predicting greatest increased precipitation in the northern mountains. Under both sets of climate models (CMIP3 and CMIP5), mean habitat suitability within species ranges was predicted to decrease in the future. The degree of predicted decline was similar on average for CMIP3 and CMIP5, −15 % and −13 % respectively, suggesting that conclusions drawn from previous studies using ensembles of CMIP3 models are robust, at least for California. However, the effect of CMIP3 vs. CMIP5 on future mean habitat suitability depended strongly on which GCM was used: three GCMs predicted little change in future habitat suitability between CMIP3 and CMIP5 (MIROC, CNRM, GFDL), three predicted greater reductions in habitat suitability under CMIP3 (MPI, GISS, IPSL), and one predicted greater reductions in habitat suitability under CMIP5 (MRI). We conclude that habitat suitability assessments under CMIP3 made using more than 3 GCMs are likely to remain broadly applicable, while those made using 3 or fewer may be conservation priorities for re-evaluation under CMIP5.
Plasma Surface Modification of Medical-Grade Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene for Improved Tribological Properties

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is the principal material used to replace damaged cartilage in total joint replacement surgeries. This publication presents preliminary results from a new class of surface treatments to modify the surface chemistry and microstructure of UHMWPE under controlled processing conditions. Radio frequency plasmas were used to lightly crosslink the subsurface of UHMWPE and to modify the surface chemical state through the attachment of low-surface-energy fluorocarbon groups. A pin-on-disk apparatus was used to slide CoCrWNi pins with spherical tips on polished disks of plasma- treated and untreated UHMWPE immersed in a bath of preserved bovine serum. The wear resistance and surface chemical composition of tested specimens were characterized by surface profilometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), respectively. Changes in the surface hydrophobicity due to plasma treatment were evaluated using contact angle measurements. The prospect of surface plasma treatment in orthopedic applications is elucidated in the context of the obtained friction, wear, distilled water contact angle, and XPS results.
Reservoir-induced landslides

Slope movements induced by reservoirs involve various types of movement and geologic materials. Because they may be large and very rapid, rock slides related to reservoirs generally have been considerably more destructive than slope movements in surficial materials.
Epidemiological Analysis of Notifiable Diseases in Dongli District of Tianjin City during 2005-2009

[Objective]To analyze the epidemic characteristics of notifiable diseases in Dongli District during 2005-2009,and provide evidence for disease control in Dongli District. [Methods]The descriptive epidemiology analysis was conducted on the data of infectious disease in Dongli District from2005 to 2009 obtained from national disease reporting information system. [Results]No category A infectious disease were reported,the average annual incidence rate of category B was 259.27/100 000,with 6 death cases involving TB,AIDS and rabies.Most cases were bacillary dysentery,TB,hepatitis B,measles and syphilis.The average annual incidence rate of category C was 475.97/100 000.The peak incidence appeared in summer and autumn,and the most located in the regions near government and the rurbania.Male cases was more than female cases,the children less than 5 years and young adults occupied a larger proportion.The career distribution was scattered children,students,unemployed workers,peasants and worker. [Conclusion]The main task for the prevention and control of infectious disease in Dongli District is to improve the management of notifiable disease report and to strengthen the publicity and education in the key areas for key groups simultaneously.And the prevention and control of major infectious diseases such as TB,hepatitis B and sexually transmitted disease should attract more attentions.
17 – Micromolding of polymers

: In the past three decades, much effort has been made worldwide in the adaptation of traditional molding techniques into microfabrication, resulting in the emerging micromolding technology. This recent trend in technological development is primarily driven by the increasing demand for net-shape microcomponents in the fast growing biomedical, biochemical, electronics, and telecommunication industries. Micromolding processes are replication-based processes, involving feature-transferring mechanisms, e.g., injection, compression, casting and intrusion, for replicating the master pattern on a mold to a plastic material. As in conventional molding, the material in micromolding is deformed in its liquid or semi-liquid state inside a mold and subsequently solidifies to lock the geometry. With micromolding techniques, microsized parts or parts containing microfeatures can be fabricated in a cost-effective way with a feature-transfer resolution down to tens of nanometers, and a variety of engineering materials including polymers, metallic alloys, and ceramics can be processed. This chapter provides an overview on the state of the art in the micromolding technology, focusing on common micromolding techniques, particularly injection- and embossing-based micromolding processes. Due to the so-called size effects, some proven designs and processes in conventional molding may fail in micromolding, and thus rethinking is often needed. Hence, the focus of this chapter is placed on describing the differences between these new micromolding processes and their macrocounterparts and the rationales for the necessary modifications and improvements.
Regelsprengender Individualismus: Ein Essay zum Normenverständnis der Argentinier

Mit dem universellen Geltungsanspruch von Gesetzen haben sich die Argentinier nie anfreunden konnen. Gesetze werden von ihnen uberwiegend als Programmsatze verstanden, als Direktiven, nach denen man sich im allgemeinen richten sollte; doch das sie prinzipiell ausnahmslos gelten, ihnen jeder, ohne Ansehen der Person und ihres Einflusses, unterworfen sein soll, das hat in diesem Land mit seinem Kult des Individualismus den meisten nie eingeleuchtet.
Examining HRM Activities in Family Business Research: A Critical Review

Although the intent of introducing the Family Business Review, a journal devoted to family business, in 1988 was to disseminate knowledge and research “among the members of a variety of disciplines...
Ankle Sprains and Fractures

The ankle is the most commonly injured weight-bearing joint. There is a broad spectrum of injury about the ankle from seemingly simple to extremely complex. Therefore, the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of ankle injuries can sometimes be difficult. Ankle sprains and fractures are typically low-energy rotational type injuries. Ankle fractures are often classified based on the rotational mechanism of injury utilizing radiographic patterns: the Lauge-Hansen classification system. Treatment of ankle fractures is largely based on stability of the talus in the ankle mortise. Many of the patients with these injuries have good clinical outcomes with nonoperative intervention.
Histopathologic Review of Previously Negative Prostatic Core Needle Biopsies Following a New Diagnosis of Adenocarcinoma of the Prostate by Core Needle Biopsies: Implications for Quality Assurance Programs

Programs for quality assurance are increasingly important in surgical pathology. Many quality assurance (QA) techniques for surgical pathology were adopted from procedures introduced in cytopathology. Surgical pathology specimens have diminished in size such that the majority of diagnostic biopsies of prostatic lesions are now core needle biopsies. These specimens raise issues similar to those of cytology specimens, including concerns regarding adequacy and the representative nature of the biopsy. Due to sample size, some neoplasms may not be diagnosed on initial biopsy, raising concerns regarding false negative results. Cytopathologists have instituted QA procedures including review of all previously negative slides received within five years prior to the new diagnosis of high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion or gynecologic malignancy. No such requirement exists in surgical pathology for review of core biopsies. The Department of Pathology at the University of Utah instituted a QA policy requiring review of prior negative prostatic needle biopsies following a new diagnosis of prostatic adenocarcinoma. We reviewed five years of QA records of prostate needle biopsy review. During this time, nine hundred and fifty-eight core biopsy sets were performed. Two hundred and ninety-five of these contained at least one biopsy with a diagnosis of adenocarcinoma. Two hundred and eight patients had a prior set of prostatic needle biopsies with a diagnosis of adenocarcinoma. The remaining 87 had prior biopsies with either a diagnosis of prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (23), small atypical acinar proliferation (21) or no evidence of malignancy (43). QA review of these 87 cases revealed two biopsies which revealed foci of adenocarcinoma. Both had been initially diagnosed as no evidence of malignancy. The false negative rate for core biopsy was 0.68%. In an additional twenty-one cases, microscopic foci of atypical small acinar proliferations were found in core biopsies antedating the positive core biopsy (7.1%).
Applying for Academic Promotion: Why? When? What?

Why? Appropriate motivation is essential to preparing the optimal application for academic promotion. Recognition of the potential benefits of a successful promotion for individuals, colleagues, programs, and others can enhance motivation for promotion. When? Ideally, application should be made when the chance of success is high as the applicant can document meeting all expectations for the requested promotion. Some institutions require or recommend application for promotion after a specified number of years in grade. Tenure-track appointments have deadlines for promotion and regulations about altering the tenure clock. What? The documentation required for promotion usually includes curriculum vitae (CV), internal and external assessments, and other information. Formats for documentation and timelines for submission vary among schools but are strictly enforced.
A continuum of periodic solutions to the planar four-body problem with two pairs of equal masses

Abstract In this paper, we apply the variational method with Structural Prescribed Boundary Conditions (SPBC) to prove the existence of periodic and quasi-periodic solutions for the planar four-body problem with two pairs of equal masses m 1 = m 3 and m 2 = m 4 . A path q ( t ) on [ 0 , T ] satisfies the SPBC if the boundaries q ( 0 ) ∈ A and q ( T ) ∈ B , where A and B are two structural configuration spaces in ( R 2 ) 4 and they depend on a rotation angle θ ∈ ( 0 , 2 π ) and the mass ratio μ = m 2 m 1 ∈ R + . We show that there is a region Ω ⊆ ( 0 , 2 π ) × R + such that there exists at least one local minimizer of the Lagrangian action functional on the path space satisfying the SPBC { q ( t ) ∈ H 1 ( [ 0 , T ] , ( R 2 ) 4 ) | q ( 0 ) ∈ A , q ( T ) ∈ B } for any ( θ , μ ) ∈ Ω . The corresponding minimizing path of the minimizer can be extended to a non-homographic periodic solution if θ is commensurable with π or a quasi-periodic solution if θ is not commensurable with π. In the variational method with the SPBC, we only impose constraints on the boundary and we do not impose any symmetry constraint on solutions. Instead, we prove that our solutions that are extended from the initial minimizing paths possess certain symmetries. The periodic solutions can be further classified as simple choreographic solutions, double choreographic solutions and non-choreographic solutions. Among the many stable simple choreographic orbits, the most extraordinary one is the stable star pentagon choreographic solution when ( θ , μ ) = ( 4 π 5 , 1 ) . Remarkably the unequal-mass variants of the stable star pentagon are just as stable as the equal mass choreographies.
A Comparison of Care Delivered in Hospital-based and Freestanding Emergency Departments.

OBJECTIVE We compare case mix, hospitalization rates, length of stay (LOS), and resource use in independent freestanding emergency departments (FSEDs) and hospital-based emergency departments (H-EDs). METHODS Data from 74 FSEDs (2013-2015) in Texas and Colorado were compared to H-ED data from the 2013-2014 National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey. In the unrestricted sample, large differences in visit characteristics (e.g., payer and case mix) were found between patients that use FSEDs compared to H-EDs. Therefore, we restricted our analysis to patients commonly treated in both settings (<65 years, privately insured, nonambulance) and used inverse propensity score weighting (IPW) to balance the two settings on observable patient characteristics. We then compared ED LOS and as well as hospital admission rates and resource utilization rates in the IPW-weighted samples. RESULTS Before balancing, FSEDs saw more young adults (age 25-44) and fewer older adults (age 45-64) than H-EDs. FSED patients had fewer comorbidities, more injuries and respiratory infections, and fewer diagnoses of chest or abdominal pain. In balanced samples, LOS for FSED visits was 46% shorter (60 minutes) than H-ED patients. Hospital admission rates were 37% lower overall (95% confidence interval = -51% to -23%) in FSEDs and varied considerably by primary discharge diagnosis. X-ray and electrocardiogram use was significantly lower at FSEDs while others measures of resource utilization were similar (ultrasound, computed tomography scans, and laboratory tests). CONCLUSION In this sample of FSEDs, a greater proportion of younger patients with fewer comorbidities and more injuries and respiratory system diseases were evaluated, and almost all patients had private health insurance. When restricted to < 65 years, privately insured, and nonambulance patients in both samples, LOS was considerably shorter and hospital admission rates lower at FSEDs, as well as the use of some diagnostic testing. This study is limited as diagnoses codes may not fully capture severity and patients who perceived greater need of hospital admission may have chosen a H-ED over FSEDs.
Evaluation of Internet Connectivity Under Distributed Denial of Service Attacks from Botnets of Varying Magnitudes

In the last decade, electronic devices with internet accessibility have become commonplace. With the consistent growth and evolution of the Internet, Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks are increasingly more common and sophisticated. These attacks, depending on their type and magnitude, can be devastating to system intended to be the target of said attack. Several compromised internet-connected computer systems become part of a Botnet which can perform small to large scale DDoS attacks causing the victim system to consume resources, such as bandwidth, memory or processing power, at an alarming rate. With no available resources to process information, legitimate connections are unable to access the system under attack hence affecting operations related to the targeted system. In this paper, we study and analyze two common DDoS attacks using a set of simulated networks containing a range of over 16 million systems, 65 thousand systems and 254 systems against a targeted system in a closed lab environment as legitimate traffic attempts to reach the targeted system.
H2O2-mediated oxidative cross-linking of cell wall structural proteins

Plants elaborate inducible defenses following microbial attack including: synthesis of phytoalexins, deposition of lignin and other cell wall components, and deployment of lytic enzymes [1]. Defense induction associated with expression of localized hypersensitive resistance (HR) is observed in the early stages of attempted infection by a non-pathogen or by an avirulent pathogen in an incompatible interaction. In some cases these responses are observed in distant tissue, associated with the expression of systemic acquired resistance (SAR). These defenses can also be induced by microbial glycan and glycoprotein elicitors, or metabolites such as arachidonate and glutathione, as well as chemically diverse abiotic elicitors that appear to act by non-specific traumatization.
Mössbauer Studies of Liquid Crystals

The Mossbauer Effect has been used to study thermotropic liquid crystalline systems since 1969 and has progressed from studies of orientational ordering to studies of the molecular vibrational anisotropy and rotational diffusion in supercooled liquid crystals and liquid crystalline glasses. Liquid crystalline phases span the gap between the solid and isotropic liquid phases via a stepwise introduction of orientational and spatial ordering. For example, the nematic phase has only orientational order and there are a variety of smectic layered arrangements. By introducing Mossbauer probes into these liquid crystals, one has the opportunity to study molecular relaxations in the vicinity of the supercooled liquid crystal-liquid crystalline glass transition as a function of orientational and translational order in a stepwise manner. These applications of the Mossbauer technique will be discussed along with their potential use in the study of lyotropic liquid crystalline glasses, membranes and other bilayer systems whose layered arrangements are similar to those encountered in thermotropic smectic liquid crystals.
Gauss's Law satisfying Energy-Conserving Semi-Implicit Particle-in-Cell method

Abstract The Energy Conserving Semi-Implicit Method (ECSIM) introduced by Lapenta (2017) has many advantageous properties compared to the classical semi-implicit and explicit PIC methods. Most importantly, energy conservation eliminates the growth of the finite grid instability. We have implemented ECSIM in a different and more efficient manner than the original approach. More importantly, we have addressed two major shortcomings of the original ECSIM algorithm: there is no mechanism to enforce Gauss's law and there is no mechanism to reduce the numerical oscillations of the electric field. A classical approach to satisfy Gauss's law is to modify the electric field and its divergence using either an elliptic or a parabolic/hyperbolic correction based on the Generalized Lagrange Multiplier method. This correction, however, violates the energy conservation property, and the oscillations related to the finite grid instability reappear in the modified ECSIM scheme. We invented a new alternative approach: the particle positions are modified instead of the electric field in the correction step. Displacing the particles slightly does not change the energy conservation property, while it can satisfy Gauss's law by changing the charge density. We found that the new Gauss's Law satisfying Energy Conserving Semi-Implicit Method (GL-ECSIM) produces superior results compared to the original ECSIM algorithm. In some simulations, however, there are still some numerical oscillations present in the electric field. We attribute this to the simple finite difference discretization of the energy conserving implicit electric field solver. We modified the spatial discretization of the field solver to reduce these oscillations while only slightly violating the energy conservation properties. We demonstrate the improved quality of the GL-ECSIM method with several tests.
Workplace Spirituality for Organizational Success

In line with the broad, interdisciplinary, and non-religious framework of the text, the business and organizational benefits of workplace spirituality from a secular perspective will be examined in this chapter. The characteristics and development of spiritual organizations, workplace spirituality programs, demonstrated benefits, and methods of implementation will also be explored. Moreover, the potential risks, challenges, and controversies surrounding both spiritual organizations and workplace spirituality will be discussed. Spiritual intelligence is briefly examined because the development of organizational spiritual capabilities is antecedent to the development of successful triple bottom line strategies. Finally, the Spiritual Incorporated Argument (SIA) is introduced as a method of providing intrinsic justification for the incorporation of spirituality into business management.
Gender Integration in Collegiate Combative Physical Education Classes

Collegiate combative physical education classes, such as boxing, grappling, wrestling, and martial arts, offer many positive benefits to students and institutions. There has been an increased interest in combative sports in recent years. As a result of media focus on high-profile female athletes in combative sports, combative physical education classes have become increasingly popular with women. Physical education programs stand to greatly benefit from gender integration of combative classes. Educators and administrators, however, need to consider a number of social, psychological, physiological, and medical factors in order to ensure successful gender integration. Approaching gender integration with a careful and deliberate process that involves physical educators, administrators, and medical personnel will ensure programs maintain an authentic yet safe environment contributing to the attainment of course objectives. When executed in a prudent and deliberate manner, gender integration of combative cours...
The Role of Leaf Movements for Optimizing Photosynthesis in Relation to Environmental Variation

There is an amazing array of leaf movements among plants, elicited by a wide variety of environmental signals. Leaf movements may occur over developmental time scales, involving growth processes, or over the scale of milliseconds involving rapid depolarization of membranes and ion fluxes. This chapter covers primarily leaf movements in response to light, although mechanical stimuli, temperature, and water are also discussed. The focus on phototropism, heliotropism, and thermonasty is due to the large effects these movements have on rates of photosynthesis. Heliotropism, whether it is due to differential growth on opposite sides of a plant stem, or turgor changes within a motor organ such as a pulvinus, has direct and large effects on light interception. Diaheliotropic, paraheliotropic, or a combination of the two movements may act to increase photosynthesis by increasing light interception, or optimize resource use efficiency by modulating incident light at intermediate levels. Paraheliotropic and wilting movements are major adaptive mechanisms in response to water deficits, high light, high temperatures, or a combination of these stresses. Thermonastic movements have been shown to play a major role in reducing damage to the photosynthetic machinery during low temperature periods, or conversely in high temperature periods. Despite the mounting number of case studies, a comprehensive understanding of the signal cascades and regulatory genetic pathways controlling rapid, reversible leaf movements has yet to be accomplished. An understanding of the phylogeographic distribution of rapid leaf movements is also lacking. The presence of rapid leaf movements in a number of commercially important crop species suggests that incorporation and modification of these properties may have potential to improve both productivity and stress resistance in cultivated species.
Solid tumor screening recommendations in trisomy 18

The purpose of this study was to determine whether trisomy 18 patients are at an increased risk of tumor development and require formal tumor screening recommendations. A literature search of trisomy 18 patients with reports of tumors or malignancies, and compilation of all previously reported as well as new unreported cases was performed. 67 patients with trisomy 18 were found to have documented malignancies. 44 patients had hepatoblastomas, 21 patients had Wilms tumors, one patient had a functional neurogenic neoplasia, and one patient had Hodgkins lymphoma. The increasing numbers of reported malignancies in patients with trisomy 18 supports the indication for an early screening process. Specific screening recommendations are outlined consisting of imaging exams and laboratory values performed at specific intervals.
Enhancement of optical properties by incorporating Au quantum dots in CVD WSe2 based photodetector

Tungsten diselenide (WSe2) is an interesting two dimensional (2D) transitional metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) with a high quantum yield in photoluminescence (PL), a strong spin-orbit coupling and tunable transport properties. One way to increase photon absorption in WSe2 is to combine WSe2 with other excitonic nanomaterials such as Quantum dots (QDs) from which photogenerated excitons can be transferred onto the TMDCs via non-radiative energy transfer. Such characteristics prove highly effective in the utilization of QDs toward enhancing the optical responsivity of 2D material-based photo-FET devices. In this study, we fabricated WSe2 based photodetector and showed that its photoconduction property was improved by incorporation of Au-QDs. Monolayer WSe2 was synthesized on SiO2/Si by low pressure chemical vapor deposition method at a growth temperature of ~ 850°C. Thereafter, Au-QDs (~15 nm) were drop casted onto WSe2 followed by vacuum annealing. PL spectroscopy showed enhancement in excitonic A-peak intensity by an order of 2-fold in the region where Au QD was incorporated. E-beam lithography was used to fabricate the back gated photo transistor followed by Au/Ti deposition by E-beam evaporation. The device was illuminated with a red laser source (660 nm) to study its optoelectronic properties. The photoresponsivity was found to improve by a factor of ~102 with the incorporation of Au QDs in 1L WSe2. Our results demonstrate the viability of this hybrid structure for commercial photodetector and light harvesting applications.
All-Methacrylic Stereoregular Triblock Co-polymer Thermoplastic Elastomers Toughened by Supramolecular Stereocomplexation

Doubly stranded pairs of isotactic (it-) chains of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) coiled inside of the helical cavity of syndiotactic (st-) PMMA chains generate a crystalline triple-helix stereoc...
Advances in technology and signal processing for ocean acoustic tomography

The acoustic source and receiver technologies used to make large-scale tomographic measurements have advanced significantly in recent years. High-efficiency, swept-frequency sources in the 200–300 band have been developed by Teledyne Webb Research. Ultra-low frequency sources in the 30–40 Hz band required for measurements in ice-covered regions have been developed by GeoSpectrum Technologies, Inc. Acoustic receiver technology has also improved. Early instruments were complicated devices because of the scientific requirements for precision timekeeping, measurement of the motion of the moored instruments, and the storage of large amounts of acoustic data. Modern developments in data acquisition systems and data storage have now made the required instrumentation more user friendly. Distributed Vertical Line Array (DVLA) receivers made up of distributed, self-recording Hydrophone Modules and a small number of central controllers now allow large vertical receiving arrays to be deployed. Of equal importance to the hardware developments, the processing of tomographic data has become much more routine. Estimator-correlator processing explicitly accounts for scattering in the receptions. The Viterbi algorithm is used for automated peak tracking to obtain time series of travel times. Finally, travel times (and other data) are now being used to directly constrain ocean circulation models to estimate the state of the ocean.
Producers, parasites, patriots: race and the new right-wing politics of precarity: by Daniel Martinez Hosang and Joseph E. Lowndes, Minneapolis, University of Minnesota Press, 2019, 203 pp., $19.95 (paperback), ISBN 978-1-5179-0359-6

The growth and proliferation of domestic right-wing terrorism is one of the most troubling and well documented social trends in the past decade in many nations and particularly during the Trump-era...
The AI Guardian for Surgery

Imagine an Intelligent Operating Room that becomes an extension of the surgeon, extending all the senses using embedded sensors, and guarding all aspects of surgery to ensure the best outcomes.
Using the chemistry of pharmaceuticals to introduce sustainable chemistry and systems thinking in general chemistry

Abstract Introductory college chemistry courses are required by a wide range of science curricula. This fact has tended to frame the courses as places where core, fundamental ideas are taught, so that a foundation of knowledge might be called upon by students when they are in subsequent courses. Unfortunately, the preponderance of compartmentalized fundamental topics bolsters learning that has challenges in terms of transfer of knowledge to other science settings. One method that has been proposed to help alleviate this concern is to incorporate systems thinking and rich contexts that directly connect foundational chemistry ideas to larger systems. One area that shows strong potential for such efforts is the science of pharmaceuticals. Adding examples related to the chemistry of drugs, both within the large lecture setting of general chemistry and within smaller discussion groups. The role of example problems, student writing projects and group construction of systems thinking related visualizations of the context of pharmaceutical chemistry are reported.
Comparing two facets of emotion perception across multiple Neurodegenerative Diseases.

Deficits in emotion perception (the ability to infer others' emotions accurately) can occur as a result of neurodegeneration. It remains unclear how different neurodegenerative diseases affect different forms of emotion perception. The present study compares performance on a dynamic tracking task of emotion perception (where participants track the changing valence of a film character's emotions) with performance on an emotion category labeling task (where participants label specific emotions portrayed by film characters) across seven diagnostic groups (N = 178) including Alzheimer's disease (AD), behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), semantic variant primary progressive aphasia (svPPA), non-fluent variant primary progressive aphasia (nfvPPA), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), corticobasal syndrome and healthy controls. Consistent with hypotheses, compared to controls, the bvFTD group was impaired on both tasks. The svPPA group was impaired on the emotion labeling task, whereas the nfvPPA, PSP and AD groups were impaired on the dynamic tracking task. Smaller volumes in bilateral frontal and left insular regions were associated with worse labeling, whereas smaller volumes in bilateral medial frontal, temporal and right insular regions were associated with worse tracking. Findings suggest labeling and tracking facets of emotion perception are differentially affected across neurodegenerative diseases due to their unique neuroanatomical correlates.
Change in social rank and brain dopamine levels: findings from a novel pig model

Abstract Dopamine (DA) signaling is central in hypothesized causal paths linking the influence of social and environmental variables with cognition, behavior and affective states, including vulnerability to drug dependence. Here, we study whether change in one’s social rank induces DA and norepinephrine (NE) changes using a novel pig model with a social-ranking-and-re-ranking protocol to investigate social context influences on catecholamine concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood. For two weeks, 16 recently weaned male piglets were socially housed in four groups, with video-recordings for social rank assessments (α, β, γ, and δ); CSF and blood were obtained from these stable social groups. Next, all four α were housed together, as were all four β, etc., again with video recording for blinded social ranking. CSF and blood samples were collected at three time points: prior to initial social housing, following social housing and following re-organization. Regression analyses disclosed a positive relationship between changes in social rank and post-rank change in CSF levels of DA; one unit increase of social rank predicted a 17.4 pg/ml increase in CSF dopamine concentrations (95% CI= 1.2, 33.7). Compared to piglets with downward shifts in ranks (i.e., high-to-low), piglets with upward shifts (i.e., low-to-high) had a statistically significant greater increase in CSF DA levels. No relationship was observed for CSF NE or blood concentrations of DA or NE at any phase of this experiment. This work, using a novel pig model, adds new evidence on alteration of the brain dopaminergic system induced by social rank change.
Masters of Illusion: Bank and Regulatory Accounting for Losses in Distressed Banks

This essay is part of a larger work on the history of Federal Reserve policymaking entitled Banking on Bull. The study seeks to explain why the instruments of central banking inevitably break down over time. A big part of the explanation is that policymakers want accounting measures of bank net worth to be flexible enough to allow bankers and regulators to slow the release of adverse information about distressed banks, particularly very large ones. Modern regulatory frameworks focus on maintaining what can be described as the adequacy of accounting capital. But this framework is bull, because in tough times, bank accountants know how to make losses disappear.
A Dietary Intervention High in Green Leafy Vegetables Reduces Oxidative DNA Damage in Adults at Increased Risk of Colorectal Cancer: Biological Outcomes of the Randomized Controlled Meat and Three Greens (M3G) Feasibility Trial

Green leafy vegetables (GLV) may reduce the risk of red meat (RM)-induced colonic DNA damage and colorectal cancer (CRC). We previously reported the primary outcomes (feasibility) of a 12-week randomized controlled crossover trial in adults with habitual high RM and low GLV intake with body mass index (BMI) > 30 kg/m2 (NCT03582306). Herein, our objective was to report a priori secondary outcomes. Participants were recruited and enrolled in 2018, stratified by gender, and randomized to two arms: immediate intervention group (IG, n = 26) or delayed intervention group (DG, n = 24). During the 4 week intervention period, participants were provided with frozen GLV and counseled to consume 1 cooked cup equivalent daily. Participants consumed their normal diet for the remaining 8 weeks. At each of four study visits, anthropometrics, stool, and blood were taken. Overall, plasma Vitamin K1 (0.50 ± 1.18 ng/mL, p < 0.001) increased, while circulating 8OHdG (−8.52 ± 19.05 ng/mL, p < 0.001), fecal 8OHdG (−6.78 ± 34.86 ng/mL, p < 0.001), and TNFα (−16.95 ± 60.82 pg/mL, p < 0.001) decreased during the GLV intervention compared to control periods. Alpha diversity of fecal microbiota and relative abundance of major taxa did not differ systematically across study periods. Further investigation of the effects of increased GLV intake on CRC risk is warranted.
Arteriovenous Malformations-Associated Epilepsy in Pediatrics.

Seizures are the second most common presentation of cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs); pediatric patients are more likely to develop AVM-associated epilepsy. We examined the role of multimodality AVM treatment in pediatric AVM-associated epilepsy to characterize long-term epilepsy outcomes. A retrospective chart review identified pediatric patients with AVM-associated epilepsy seen at our institution from 2005 to 2018. Variables measured included demographic and descriptive data. Primary outcomes included seizure freedom, seizure control, and functional outcomes. Of 105 pediatric patients with AVMs, 18 had AVM-related epilepsy. Thirteen underwent surgical resection, of which 6 underwent preoperative embolization. Twelve (92.31%) had complete resection; one (7.69%) with residual underwent redo craniotomy with subsequent complete resection. All had radiographic cure at most recent follow-up, with no recurrence seen during length of follow-up (mean 2.17 years, SD 1.40, range 0.25–4.41). Eight (61.54%) experienced seizure freedom postoperatively; 12 (92.31%) were modified Engel Class I at last follow-up. Five patients underwent treatment without open surgical resection, with conservative management (3, 60%) or endovascular embolization (2, 40%). None in our cohort underwent radiosurgery. Of those embolized, one had complete AVM obliteration and two had partial obliteration. Four of the 5 patients (80%) treated without open surgery achieved seizure freedom. Long-term outcomes of AVM-related epilepsy are poorly characterized in children. We found that in addition to improved AVM outcomes regarding obliteration, treatment of residual, and recurrence, pediatric patients undergoing surgical AVM treatment had improved AVM-associated epilepsy outcomes, with 61.54% achieving seizure freedom and 92.31% classified as modified Engel Class I seizure control.
Idiopathic Interstitial Pneumonias: A Review of the Past and Emerging Therapies.

Purpose This article is an in-depth review of the complex classification, diagnosis, and treatment of idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIP), as well as emergence of new treatment options. Summary Idiopathic interstitial pneumonias consist of various subgroup classifications that require expert analysis of imaging and histology to accurately diagnose this broad group of patients. Timely and accurate assessment of these patients is key in developing an appropriate pharmacological plan. The pathophysiology of IIP is not well understood but has been linked to an immune response resulting in inflammation, fibrosis, or proliferation of lung tissue which reduces lung function. Lung transplantation is currently the only curative option for treatment, but many new antiproliferative and immunosuppressive agents are being used to effectively slow the progression of lung dysfunction. Conclusion An often mixed radiological and histological pattern along with the invasive nature of biopsy for gold standard diagnosis create a challenge for the accurate identification of IIP. Further understanding of these idiopathic interstitial pneumonias will pave the way forward to the emergence of new treatment options and updates to standards of care.
Virtual Constitutions: The Creation of Rules for Governing Private Networks

This article discusses the legal issues involving the owners of private computer networks. These issues include public/private network distinctions, First Amendment free speech issues, liability for computer network owners for improper speech posted on their networks, and anti-trust questions. The article analyzes the complexities that result from different forms of network ownership and the relationship of such networks to governmental entities.
Assessment of physical correlations in a large DC discharge tube for multiple gases and electrode materials

In 1889, Friedrich Paschen published a law that describes the voltage at which a gas breaks down into plasma. It describes the dependence of the breakdown voltage on the gas pressure, distance between the electrodes, the secondary electron emission coefficient, and a set of proportionality constants [1]. A study by V. A. Lisovskiy et al [2] concluded that the original Paschen's law and the modification presented by Townsend in 1915 [3] were incorrect in assuming that breakdown voltage is dependent only on the product of the pressure times the inter-electrode distance (pd), and the coefficient of secondary electron emission (γs e ) from the surface of the cathode. The electron diffusion and mobility were considered in this modified breakdown condition [2]. Ledernez et al. has related the famous proportionality constants A and B of the voltage breakdown equation to the electron-ion collision cross sections for the working gas [4].
Small Nation, Big Questions: Bahrain After the Arab Spring

This paper will discuss the political and social climate in Bahrain one year after the Arab Spring came to the country on February 14, 2011. The paper is divided into three main parts in order to give background and context. First, the paper will discuss the various iterations of inequality in Bahrain. Second, the governmental and international responses to the 2011 unrest and government crackdown on protests will be discussed. Lastly, a discussion will intend to tie the themes running throughout the paper together and discuss the future of Bahrain.
A case of Budd-Chiari syndrome with high antiphospholipid antibody in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Antiphospholipid syndrome is characterized by recurrent episodes of arterial and venous thrombosis, spontaneous fetal losses, thrombocytopenia and persistently elevated levels of Antiphospholipid antibodies. We experienced a case of Budd-Chiari syndrome in a 32-year old female lupus patient who was presented with left leg edema, ascites and esophageal varix. The clinical and laboratory findings were compatible with the cirteria for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and she was found to have anticardiolipin antibody, thrombocytopenia and prolonged partial thromboplastin time. Initially, she was treated with intravenous heparin and urokinase and she was followed up with warfarin, baby aspirin and steroids.