cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Basic Psychopharmacology of Antidepressants, Part 2: Estrogen as an Adjunct to Antidepressant Treatment

Estrogen exerts profound effects upon behavior by interacting with neuronal estrogen receptors. Changes in estrogen levels over a woman's life cycle are linked not only to behavioral fluctuations, but potentially to the onset or recurrence of mood disorders. The modern psychiatric evaluation of women requires obtaining a complete reproductive history, including details of hormone treatments, while identifying reproductive events as triggers of affective disorder episodes. While guidelines for the use of reproductive hormones in psychiatry are just evolving, administration of estrogen as an adjunct to antidepressants is an exciting possibility for expanding the frontiers of psychiatry into the field of women's health.
The Effect of Antigen and Ia Molecule Interaction on Immune Response Gene Control

Interest in the genetic control of the immune response has centered around two main issues. First, the response to particular antigens is inherited as a single autosomal co-dominant genetic trait and maps to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), a region known to code for cell surface transplantation antigens. Second, the effect of these genes appears to be highly specific so that an animal can respond to one antigen and not respond to another that is structurally and chemically similar(l). As evidence accumulated implicating T lymphocyte responses as the major site for Ir gene control, two alternative models were proposed to explain their antigen specific influence on the immune response. One postulated that the genes encoded the T cell receptor(2). The other postulated that they encoded molecules which selected the T cell repertoire by being recognized early in development(3).
Some Fundamentals of Conservation Economics and Policy

this sense. Previous investigations have made important contributions.1 Too, conservation is not entirely a unique problem in economics. On the one hand, it is simply one of production economics. As in other areas of production, the problem is one of allocating scarce resources between competing alternatives (different time periods). With this exception, the optimum level of conservation is defined (given the choice function) within the framework of production economics principles. Competition is between "many periods" on into eternity. In the following analysis the problem has been restricted to competition between two time periods, tl (the "present") and t2 (the "future").2
Critical role of water and the structure of inverse micelles in the Brust-Schiffrin synthesis of metal nanoparticles.

Although Brust–Schiffrin two-phase synthesis is a popular method for synthesizing ligand-protected metal nanoparticles with an average size of less than 5 nm, the details on how the reactions can be controlled from a mechanistic point of view are still unclear, therefore hindering efforts to synthesize monodisperse metal nanoparticles. It was recently discovered that this method is basically an inverse-micelle-based synthesis (Li, Y.; Zaluzhna, O.; Xu, B.; Gao, Y.; Modest, J. M.; Tong, Y. Y. J. J. Am. Chem. Soc.2011, 133, 2092). In this letter, the critical role of water and the structure of inverse micelles in typical synthesis of gold nanoparticles were further investigated. We found that (1) water encapsulated in the inverse micelles of [TOA]+ that also hosted metal ions formed a hydrophilic microenvironment that acted as a reaction-enabling proton-accepting medium for the thiol protons (RS–H) and (2) not only the presence but also the amount of water in the reaction medium has a profound effect on the...
Evaluation of a Technique for Tagging Southern Pine Beetles with Selected Radionuclides

32p adequately radiotagged Dendroctonus frontalis Zimmermann; 87% were detected with a stationary counter after 9 days. 35S was less effective. Seventy-four % of the beetles tagged with 32p were detected with a portable ratemeter, whereas only 34% were detectable when tagged with 35S. A portable ratemeter is practical for locating dispersed beetles in the field.
Correlations of Eigenvalues on¶Multi-Dimensional Flat Tori

We show that, for almost all k-dimensional flat tori, the eigenvalues of the Laplacian follow a uniform distribution with respect to their 2-, 3-, …, and [k/2]-level correlations.
David Held’s ‘Democracy and the Global Order’

The purpose of this chapter on David Held is to generate insights into the relationship between democracy and the global system from a text that is explicitly concerned with the interactions between the domestic and international domains, the historical origins and development of liberal democracy and the prospects of its survival in the context of globalisation. The author argues that the liberal democratic form of state is the product of several interrelated factors including the development of social struggles associated with demands for collective and individual autonomy, the development of capitalism and the development of liberalism in the context of the interaction between the international and domestic domains.
Epigenetic Approaches to Define the Molecular and Genetic Risk Architectures of Schizophrenia

Abstract This book chapter discusses how the field of neuroepigenetics could contribute to a better understanding of molecular and genetic risk architectures of schizophrenia, including improvements in future treatments. Candidate gene-specific—and, more importantly, genome-scale—mapping of DNA methylation, histone modifications and variants, and chromosomal loopings for promoter–enhancer interactions and other epigenetic determinants of genome organization and function are likely to provide important clues about mechanisms contributing to dysregulated expression of synaptic and metabolic genes in schizophrenia brain, including the potential links to the underlying genetic risk architecture and environmental exposures. In addition, studies using animal models could identify chromatin-regulatory mechanisms with significant effects on cognition and complex behaviors, thereby pointing to the therapeutic potential of epigenetic drug targets in the nervous system.
The Imperial Crisis

France, led by Napoleon, vindicated Adams's limited war policy by agreeing to settle the commercial policy dispute. The Convention of 1800 with France and the temporary cessation of hostilities in Europe combined to create a period of calm before the accession in March 1801 of Thomas Jefferson to the presidency. Some Federalists at the time and some historians since have portrayed the Louisiana Purchase as a stroke of diplomatic luck that owed little to Jefferson's presidential leadership. Jefferson's war on Barbary piracy represented a similar expansion of both the imperial reach of the United States and the power of the executive to make war. On June 22, 1807, the British warship HMS Leopard, patrolling the lower Chesapeake Bay, overtook and broadsided an American frigate, which was en route to the Mediterranean to take part in the Barbary War. Jefferson saw the embargo as a means of bringing back the self-sacrifice and patriotism that epitomized 'the Spirit of 76'.
On the origin of low-energy electrons in the inner magnetosphere: Fluxes and pitch-angle distributions

Accurate knowledge of the plasma fluxes in the inner magnetosphere is essential for both scientific and programmatic applications. Knowledge of the low-energy electrons (approximately tens to hundreds of eV) in the inner magnetosphere is particularly important since these electrons are acted upon by various physical processes, accelerating the electrons to higher energies, and also causing their loss. However, measurements of low-energy electrons are challenging, and as a result, this population has been somewhat neglected previously. This study concerns observations of low-energy electrons made by the Helium Oxygen Proton Electron instrument on board the Van Allen Probes satellites and also observations from geosynchronous orbit made by the Magnetospheric Plasma Analyzer on board Los Alamos National Laboratory satellites. The fluxes of electrons from ~30 eV to 1 keV are quantified as a function of pitch-angle, McIlwain L parameter, and local time for both quiet and active periods. Results indicate two sources for low-energy electrons in this energy range: the low-energy tail of the electron plasma sheet and the high-energy tail of the dayside ionosphere. These populations are identified primarily as a result of their different pitch-angle distributions. Field-aligned outflows from the dayside ionosphere are observed at all L shells during quiet and active periods. Our results also demonstrate that the dayside electron field-aligned fluxes at ~30 eV are particularly strong between L values of 6 and 7, indicating an enhanced source within the polar ionosphere.
Listening to the Music and the Patient

The 52-year-old patient has had reduced hearing since 1993. She started hearing constant music, increasing over 2–3 years in frequency and intensity. The songs are only parts of a song that then will repeat endlessly until she tries to change it. Environmental input like TV can help. She is currently fully deaf on the right, and the left is significantly impaired. She has had hearing aids since 10 years; adjusting them did not help. She briefly took an SSRI a few years ago when she had episodes of low mood but has no major psychiatric co-morbidity and continues to work. MRI head was normal. Since starting Rivastigmine first at 1.5 mg once a day and then at BD she had four to five periods where it was quite for up to 20 minutes which gave her an elated feeling. This occurred when she was calm, happy and relaxed. There has been no change in volume but there has been a change in music of previously clearly hearing proper lyrics where now she is just hearing a brief melody. She finds it more difficult to change the tunes. It has not changed her spontaneous residual inhibition of one second of starting after sounds like talking stop. This improvement was not deemed meaningful and we are continuing to explore the unpredictable effects of cochlear implants on these symptoms and trying other medication.
Case of a cerebral abscess caused by Porphyromonas gingivalis in a subject with periodontitis

We report the case of a 65-year-old man presenting with generalised seizures after developing a right frontal brain abscess. Stereotactic aspiration and subsequent matrix assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight analyzer (MALDI-TOF) spectrometry revealed Porphyromonas gingivalis as the only causative anaerobe microorganism. Secondary incision and drainage was required due to neurological deterioration with increased dimensions of the abscess, intracranial pressure and formation of a subdural occipitoparietal empyema. Oral imaging was positive for apical periodontitis of multiple elements; therefore, the remaining dentition was removed. Targeted antibiotic treatment included intravenous ceftriaxone and ornidazole. The patient was discharged to our revalidation unit 59 days after admission to make a full recovery. To the best of our knowledge, this is the sixth reported case of P. gingivalis causing an intracranial abscess and the third case of a true intracerebral parenchymal abscess caused by this bacterium.
Genetics of Type 2 Diabetes in U.S. Hispanic/Latino Individuals: Results From the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL).

Few genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of type 2 diabetes (T2D) have been conducted in U.S. Hispanics/Latinos of diverse backgrounds who are disproportionately affected by diabetes. We conducted a GWAS in 2,499 T2D case subjects and 5,247 control subjects from six Hispanic/Latino background groups in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL). Our GWAS identified two known loci (TCF7L2 and KCNQ1) reaching genome-wide significance levels. Conditional analysis on known index single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) indicated an additional independent signal at KCNQ1, represented by an African ancestry–specific variant, rs1049549 (odds ratio 1.49 [95% CI 1.27–1.75]). This association was consistent across Hispanic/Latino background groups and replicated in the MEta-analysis of type 2 DIabetes in African Americans (MEDIA) Consortium. Among 80 previously known index SNPs at T2D loci, 66 SNPs showed consistency with the reported direction of associations and 14 SNPs significantly generalized to the HCHS/SOL. A genetic risk score based on these 80 index SNPs was significantly associated with T2D (odds ratio 1.07 [1.06–1.09] per risk allele), with a stronger effect observed in nonobese than in obese individuals. Our study identified a novel independent signal suggesting an African ancestry–specific allele at KCNQ1 for T2D. Associations between previously identified loci and T2D were generally shown in a large cohort of U.S. Hispanics/Latinos.
The Regulation and Function of Taurine in the Heart and Other Organs

The regulation of taurine in the heart has proved difficult to elucidate. This is in part due to the difficulty of modifying taurine content experimentally, and in part due to the complexity of putative metabolic routes to taurine. Insight into the function of taurine has been retarded also by the lack of a suitable taurine antagonist. Knowledge of the regulation of taurine is becomihg increasingly important, due to recent findings that dietary deficiency of taurine in the cat leads to retinal degeneration and blindness, and due to the possibility that taurine may be an essential amino acid in humans (Schmidt et al. 1976; Gaull et al. 1977). This is potentially alarming, in that the commercial milks that most babies are reared on in the developed nations contain no taurine. A disturbance in taurine regulation occurs in congestive heart failure, in which a doubling of taurine concentration is observed (Peterson et al. 1973; Huxtable and Bressler 1974). This observation is of interest, apart from its possible physiological significance, in that experimental increases in cardiac taurine concentrations have yet to be achieved in the absence of cardiac dysfunction.
Generalized iterative procedures and their applications to Banach space valued functions in abstract fractional calculus

The objective in this study is to use generalized iterative procedures in order to approximate solutions of an equation on a Banach space setting. In particular, we present a semi-local convergence analysis for these methods. Some applications are suggested including Banach space valued functions of fractional calculus, where all integrals are of Bochner-type.
Powering Pervasive Computing Systems

In this article, the authors discuss new trends in powering pervasive computing systems and review what we have learned in the last 15 years of building such systems. Major advances in cloud computing, RF, power harvesting, and networking have enabled new asymmetric architectures that reduce our reliance on batteries. Although the authors see a slowing of Moore's law, and although battery density technology has remained relatively flat, there are still opportunities in improving energy efficiency. This article is part of a special issue on pervasive computing revisited.
The power of control: the acquisition decisions of newly public dual-class firms

Many private firms that go public opt for a dual-class share structure which gives insiders stronger voting power, at the expense of shareholder democracy. We examine how the dual-class structure influences the merger decisions of newly public firms, which have a notable appetite for acquisitions. Specifically, we compare acquisition activity, method of payment choice, and the long-run value implications of acquisitions by newly public single-class and dual-class US companies. Our results show that dual-class IPO firms make relatively more acquisitions in innovative industries and are less likely to pay with stock as compared to single-class IPO firms. The reluctance of dual-class firms to pay with stock is positively related to the wedge between the insiders’ voting rights and cash-flow rights. We also find that newly-public dual-class acquirers perform better in the long-run than newly-public single-class acquirers, mainly due to dual-class acquisitions in innovative industries. Our multivariate analysis shows that these findings hold after controlling for relevant risk factors associated with industry, deal, and firm specific characteristics. These results suggest that the dual class structure may enable newly-public firms to make better M&A decisions after going public.
Structure, Mechanics, and Instability of Fibrin Clot Infected with Staphylococcus epidermidis.

Abstract Health care-associated infection, over half of which can be attributed to indwelling medical devices, is a strong risk factor for thromboembolism. Although most experimental models of medical device infection draw upon isolated bacterial biofilms, in fact there is no infection without host protein contribution. Here we study, to our knowledge, a new model for medical device infection—that of an infected fibrin clot—and show that the common blood-borne pathogen Staphylococcus epidermidis influences this in vitro model of a blood clot mechanically and structurally on both microscopic and macroscopic scales. Bacteria present during clot formation produce a visibly disorganized microstructure that increases clot stiffness and triggers mechanical instability over time. Our results provide insight into the observed correlation between medical device infection and thromboembolism; the increase in model clot heterogeneity shows that S. epidermidis can rupture a fibrin clot. The resultant embolization of the infected clot can contribute to the systemic dissemination of the pathogen.
Bronchoscopy as a screening tool for symptomatic tracheomalacia in oesophageal atresia.

Abstract Aim Oesophagealatresia/tracheo-oesophageal fistula (OA-TOF) is associated with tracheomalacia (TM). In our institution it is routine for OA-TOF patients to undergo dynamic flexible bronchoscopy (DFB) assessing both the site of the fistula and the presence or absence of TM. We aimed to determine the value of this investigation as a screening tool to predict subsequent symptomatic tracheomalacia in these patients. Methods All patients with OA-TOF who underwent DFB at the time of initial repair between June 2014 and November 2016 were included prospectively. The findings at DFB were recorded. Patients were grouped according to the presence or absence of TM and followed to determine which of them developed symptomatic airway problems. The sensitivity and specificity of TM at initial bronchoscopy as a screening tool for subsequent symptomatic TM were calculated. The study was given ethical approval by our institution. Main results Twenty-three patients were included in the study. Median follow-up was for 7 (1–27) months. Fifteen (65%) were found to have TM at their first DFB; 13 (57%) subsequently developed airway symptoms, and of these 11 had TM at initial DFB. One patient with severe TM (>90% tracheal collapse) at initial DFB was completely asymptomatic following OA-TOF repair. The sensitivity was 85%, and specificity was 60%. The positive and negative predictive values were 73% and 75%, respectively. Conclusions DFB is a useful tool in many aspects of the management of OA/TOF. However, it is not a good screening tool to predict symptomatic tracheomalacia with moderate sensitivity and a low specificity. Level of evidence Level IIb, Retrospective cohort study.
Simulation of a simple CPU design and its use as an instructional tool in a computer organization course

This paper describes a bottom up approach to teaching a Computer Organization course centered on the logic gate-based design of a simple central processing unit (CPU). The CPU is built and simulated using freeware MultiMedia Logic software. Students learn to program the CPU using assembly language that they hand assemble into machine code.
Dissolution Behavior of Ternary Alkali-Alkaline Earth-Borate Glasses in Water

Abstract The compositional dependence of the dissolution rates of ternary alkali-alkaline earth borate glasses in water were characterized. These glasses dissolve congruently and the dissolution kinetics were linear, following the contracting volume model for spherical particles. The dissolution rates were dependent on the glass structure, with slower rates associated with glasses with greater fractions of four-coordinated borate sites in their network structures, as determined by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. For glasses with a fixed alkaline earth identity, the dissolution rates increased in the order Li
Canonical vielbein forms ofD=3 andD=4 gravity

We compare, in bothD=3 andD=4, two vielbein canonical formulations of gravity: that of Deser and Isham which starts with the metric replaced by vielbeins in the ADM action, and that starting directly from first order vielbein action, and compute the functional that generates the canonical transformation between these two formulations. InD=3, the generator thus exhibits the inherent simplicity of the Einstein action, starting from the DI form (which is as complicated as inD=4). InD=4, however, the same procedure, while leads to a somewhat different formulation from the existing ones, does not result in miraculous simplifications.
Regulation of GABAA currents by excitatory amino acids.

In the mammalian cortex, glutamate (1) amd γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) (2) are the principal transmitters mediating excitatory and inhibitory synaptic events. Glutamate activates cation conductances that lead to membrane depolarization. This action is mediated by at least three distinct receptor subtypes defined by their main agonists as N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), quisqualate and kainate receptors (1). GABA controls at least two conductances that produce hyperpolarization in cortical neurons: an early inhibitory synaptic potential mediated by chloride currents through GABAA receptors (2) and a late hyperpolarization mediated by potassium current through GABAB receptors (3).
Lymphocyte-Depleted Hodgkin Lymphoma

Lymphocyte-depleted (LD) Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is a type of classical HL with a diffuse growth pattern characterized by Reed–Sternberg and Hodgkin (RS + H) cells, often with anaplastic features, and depletion of small lymphocytes. Amorphous fibrosis can be present. LD is the least common type of HL, representing less than 1 % of cases, and many cases once considered as LD in the past are classified currently as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, anaplastic large cell lymphoma, or nodular sclerosis HL with LD. LDHL is more frequent in poor countries and in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Patients with LD are older, with a median age in the fifth decade, and a male to female ratio of approximately 2–1. Whites and blacks are equally affected. Most patients have advanced clinical stage disease and B symptoms. Although patients with LD have the most aggressive form of all types of HL, in the modern era of chemotherapy patients with LD respond similarly to patients with other types of HL and the 5-year survival among different types of CHL is uniform.
Hydraulic Fracturing and the Baseline Testing of Groundwater

Hydraulic fracturing is a process that often is used to stimulate the production of oil and natural gas from low permeability formations. The process is controversial. Some people passionately support the use of hydraulic fracturing, while others fervently oppose it. Much of the controversy arises from the fact that many people fear that hydraulic fracturing might cause contamination of underground sources of drinking water. In part, the public debate and disagreement regarding hydraulic fracturing is fueled by competing opinions regarding how society should balance the tradeoffs between economic development and environmental protection. But this is only part of the disagreement.
Salvage chemotherapy with taxol for recurrent anaplastic astrocytomas.

Background: A prospective Phase II study of Taxol in young adult patients with recurrent anaplastic astrocytomas. Methods: Twenty-four patients (15 men; 9 women) ages 19–45 years (median 31.5), with recurrent anaplastic astrocytomas were treated. All patients had previously been treated with surgery and involved-field radiotherapy (median dose 60 Gy; range 51–61 Gy). Additionally, 22 patients were treated adjuvantly with nitrosourea-based chemotherapy (PCV in 17; BCNU in 5). Fourteen patients were treated with salvage chemotherapy at first recurrence with 1–2 chemotherapy regimens (median 1). Taxol was administered at a fixed dose of 175 mg/m2 given as a 3 h intravenous infusion monthly. Neurological and neuroradiographic evaluation were performed every 8 weeks after 2 courses of Taxol, operationally defined as a single cycle of Taxol. Results: All patients were evaluable. A median of 3.5 cycles of Taxol (range 1–13) were administered. Taxol-related toxicity included: partial alopecia (13 patients); non-disabling peripheral neuropathy (4); neutropenia (4); anemia (3); and thrombocytopenia (2). Four patients required transfusions (2 packed red blood cell; 2 platelet) and one patient was treated for culture negative neutropenic fever. No treatment-related deaths were observed. Three patients (13%) demonstrated a neuroradiographic partial response, 16 patients (67%) demonstrated stable disease and 5 patients (21%) had progressive disease following a single cycle of Taxol. Time to tumor progression ranged from 2–26 months (median 7.5 months). Nineteen patients were offered alternative chemotherapy after failing Taxol of whom 13 clinically responded. Survival ranged from 3–56 months (median 18.5 months). Four patients are alive, all are on alternative chemotherapy regimens. Conclusions: Taxol demonstrated modest efficacy with manageable toxicity in this heavily pre-treated cohort of young adult patients with recurrent anaplastic astrocytomas.
Introduction to Box and Jenkins (1962) Some Statistical Aspects of Adaptive Optimization and Control

This paper is a long paper full of insights and innovations, many of which have become key elements in modern time series analysis. The paper is a discussion paper and many of the discussants seem to have recognized it as a landmark paper, but perhaps not for the reasons modern statisticians would find it important. While ostensibly on optimization and control, it contains many gems that are precursors to modern statistical and data analytic notions. Indeed, the not unrelated papers by Kalman (1960) and Kalman and Bucy (1961) have proven to have more direct impact on control and linear filtering theory. Nonetheless, this paper surely ranks among the most important statistics papers in the modern era. It represents the first in a series of collaborations between Box and Jenkins that came to full fruition in 1970 with the publication of the now classic text on time domain parametric time series models including autoregressive, moving average, and mixed models. Preliminary discussions of these models appear in this paper. In addition, a description of technical feedback is given that anticipates modern exploratory data analysis. The treatment of nonstationarity using difference operators is also noted, as well as the suggestion of modern so-called high-resolution spectral analysis.
The Rule of Law: Prolegomena

This essay surveys the notions of the rule of law in historical and globally comparative perspective. With Justice Louis Brandeis (“if we desire respect for the law, we must first make the law respectable”), it recommends a substantive understanding of law fostering an order of human dignity.
Shear Wave Velocity and Attenuation in 85 Post-Transplant Liver Patients with Acute Cellular Rejection and Comparison with Biopsy Findings

More than 6,000 liver transplants in the United States per year. 1-year, 5-year and 10-year survival rates are 84%, 68% and 54%.
Rethinking the Troubleshooting Model: By Jennifer Everson Brown, University of Denver Libraries

Welcome to another edition of E-Resource Round Up! This issue’s column covers a diverse set of topics related to libraries and electronic resources, including the following: Rethinking the troubles...
Does a full-face helmet effectively protect against facial injuries?

The effectiveness of helmet use in preventing or reducing the severity of head injuries has been largely demonstrated. However, the effectiveness of different types of helmets in reducing facial or non-facial head injuries has received much less attention. A postal survey on motorized two-wheeler crashes was conducted in 2016. 7148 riders of motorized two-wheelers (MTW) injured in a crash between 2010 and 2014 and identified in the Rhone Trauma Registry were invited to complete a questionnaire in order to collect detailed information about their accidents. The analysis was based on a population of 405 helmeted riders who declared having received an impact on the head. Facial and non-facial head injury risks were estimated according to helmet type (full face or other) by logistic regression, controlled for type of object hit by the head (and gender for risk of non-facial head injury), and weighted to take nonresponse into account. Three-quarter of helmeted MTW drivers were wearing a full-face helmet at the time of the accident. Victims wearing a full-face helmet were about three times less likely to have sustained injury to the face, compared to victims wearing another type of helmet (adjusted OR = 0.31; 95% CI: 0.11–0.83). On the other hand, the presence of non-facial head injury did not vary significantly according to whether a full-face or other helmet was worn (adjusted OR = 0.84; 95% CI: 0.33–2.13). Our study suggests that full-face helmets provide better facial protection for MTW users compared to other types of helmets, whereas there is no evidence of any difference in protection afforded the skull or the brain.
Age, Gender, and International Author Networks in the Earth and Space Sciences: Implications for Addressing Implicit Bias

Author networks play a key role in doing science. Developing networks is critical for career advancement in a wide variety of ways, and differences in networks may be a core reason for persistence ...
Local Anesthetic Systemic Toxicity (LAST) – a Review and Update

This article reviews the incidence, presentation, risk factors, and treatment for local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST). We have specifically focused on the changing patterns in practice, presentation, and recent updates on treatment. Regional anesthesia is now an essential component of perioperative care with enhanced recovery programs, multimodal analgesia regimen, and the opioid crisis. Local anesthetics are widely used, contributing to varied presentations and increased incidence of LAST outside the operating room. Use of intravenous lipids for treatment of LAST has increased, but there is still deficiency in timely, appropriate use. Recent studies have given us a better understanding on the mechanism of action of lipids. LAST though rare continues to happen in different patterns and locations. Updated knowledge is required to prevent and manage this dreadful complication. Anesthesiologists can lead in training and educating others, in prevention and management of LAST.
HIPRO: A High-Efficiency, Hypoxia-Induced Protocol for Generation of Photoreceptors in Retinal Organoids from Mouse Pluripotent Stem Cells

Mouse pluripotent stem cells can be efficiently differentiated into retinal organoids with polarized, laminated neural retina harboring all retinal cell types by the Hypoxia-Induced Generation of Photoreceptor in Retinal Organoids (HIPRO) protocol. In our recent publication, we modified the HIPRO protocol on the basis of comparative transcriptome analyses to facilitate photoreceptor biogenesis and maturation. Here, we provide a detailed protocol for efficient generation of retinal organoids from mouse pluripotent stem cells. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to (Chen et al., 2016, DiStefano et al., 2018, Brooks et al., 2019).
Serum progranulin levels are associated with frailty in middle-aged individuals.

Background and objective A recent study identified progranulin as a candidate biomarker for frailty, based on gene expression databases. In the present study, we investigated associations between serum progranulin levels and frailty in a population-based sample of late middle-age and older adults. Methods We utilized a cohort study that included 358 African Americans (baseline ages 49–65). Frailty was assessed by three established methods: the interview-based FRAIL scale, the Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS) frailty scale that includes performance-based measurements, and the Frailty Index (FI) that is based on cumulative deficits. Serum levels of the following proteins and metabolites were measured: progranulin, cystatin C, fructosamine, soluble cytokine receptors (interleukin-2 and -6, tumor necrosis factor α-1 and -2), and C-reactive protein. Sarcopenia was assessed using the SARC-F index. Vital status was determined by matching through the National Death Index (NDI). Results Serum progranulin levels were associated with frailty for all indices (FRAIL, CHS, and FI) but not with sarcopenia. Inflammatory markers indicated by soluble cytokine receptors (sIL-2R, sIL-6R, sTNFR1, sTNFR2) were positively associated serum progranulin. Increased serum progranulin levels at baseline predicted poorer outcomes including future frailty as measured by the FRAIL scale and 15-year all-cause mortality independent of age, gender, and frailty. Conclusions Our findings suggest that serum progranulin levels may be a candidate biomarker for physical frailty, independent of sarcopenia. Further studies are needed to validate this association and assess the utility of serum progranulin levels as a potential biomarker for prevalent frailty, for risk for developing incident frailty, and for mortality risk over and above the effect of baseline frailty.
Concept: When to Perform Other Operations on the Common Bile Duct (CBD)

When stones are found in the bile ducts long after the first CBD operation has been done, the T-tube tract is healed and Burhenne’s method of retrieval cannot be applied. The options then available to the surgeon are: endoscopic radiographic cholangio-pancreatogram (ERCP)-papillotomy, transabdominal choledocholithotomy, biliary-intestinal bypass, or sphincteroplasty. The pros and cons of these procedures are discussed below.
Connecting the “dots”: RNP granule network in health and disease

All cells contain ribonucleoprotein (RNP) granules – large membraneless structures composed of RNA and proteins. Recent breakthroughs in RNP granule research have brought a new appreciation of their crucial role in organising virtually all cellular processes. Cells widely exploit the flexible, dynamic nature of RNP granules to adapt to a variety of functional states and the ever-changing environment. Constant exchange of molecules between the different RNP granules connects them into a network. This network controls basal cellular activities and is remodelled to enable efficient stress response. Alterations in RNP granule structure and regulation have been found to lead to fatal human diseases. The interconnectedness of RNP granules suggests that the RNP granule network as a whole becomes affected in disease states such as a representative neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In this review, we summarize available evidence on the communication between different RNP granules and on the RNP granule network disruption as a primary ALS pathomechanism.
Impact of delirium on mortality in patients hospitalized for heart failure.

ObjectiveHeart Failure (HF) is one of the leading causes of hospitalization in the United States accounting for ≈800,000 hospital discharges and $11 billion in annual costs. Delirium occurs in appr...
Early detection monitoring for non-indigenous fishes; comparison of survey approaches during two species introductions in a Great Lakes port

Assessing relative performance of different sampling methods used for early detection monitoring (EDM) is a critical step in understanding the likelihood of detecting new non-indigenous species (NIS) in an environment of interest. EDM performance metrics are typically based on the probability of detecting established NIS or rare indigenous species; however, detection probability estimates for these proxies may not accurately reflect survey effectiveness for newly introduced NIS. We used data from three different EDM survey approaches that varied by targeted life-stage (adult–juvenile versus ichthyoplankton), media (physical fish versus environmental DNA), and taxonomic method (morphology-based versus DNA-based taxonomy) to explore relative detection sensitivity for recently introduced white bass (Morone chrysops) and gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) in the Port of Duluth-Superior, a NIS introduction hot spot within the Laurentian Great Lakes. Detection efficiency, measured by the effort (number of samples) required to achieve 95% probability of detection, differed by EDM approach and species. Also, the relative sensitivity (detection rate) of each survey approach differed by species. For both species, detection in surveys using DNA-based taxonomy was generally as good or better than the adult–juvenile survey using morphology-based taxonomy. While both species appear to have been detected at early stages of invasion, white bass were likely present up to 5 years prior to initial detection, whereas gizzard shad may have been detected in the first year of introduction. We conclude that using complimentary sampling methods can help to balance the strengths and weaknesses of each approach and provide more reliable early detection of new invaders.
Stoicism, the physician, and care of medical outliers

Medical outliers present a medical, psychological, social, and economic challenge to the physicians who care for them. The determinism of Stoic thought is explored as an intellectual basis for the pursuit of a correct mental attitude that will provide aid and comfort to physicians who care for medical outliers, thus fostering continued physician engagement in their care. The Stoic topics of good, the preferable, the morally indifferent, living consistently, and appropriate actions are reviewed. Furthermore, Zeno's cardinal virtues of Justice, Temperance, Bravery, and Wisdom are addressed, as are the Stoic passions of fear, lust, mental pain, and mental pleasure. These concepts must be understood by physicians if they are to comprehend and accept the Stoic view as it relates to having the proper attitude when caring for those with long-term and/or costly illnesses. Practicing physicians, especially those that are hospital based, and most assuredly those practicing critical care medicine, will be emotionally challenged by the medical outlier. A Stoic approach to such a social and psychological burden may be of benefit.
On Wisconsin: Some Friendly Constitutional Advice

On reading the Constitution of the State of Wisconsin, I am reminded that one's understanding of a constitution is very dependent on a detailed understanding of the history of the political community for which it is presumably the higher law. In retrospect, when I wrote an article on the proposed constitution for the European Union,1 I had a much better understanding of the relevant European history than my current understanding of the relevant Wisconsin history. So any number of provisions of the Wisconsin Constitution seem odd or puzzling to me, and I ask you to forgive a friendly stranger for my innocent mistakes. I am especially intrigued to understand why the longest section of the constitution is a detailed set of rules about gambling.2 And why several sections describe the authority of state officials to repel an invasion3 or to charge someone with treason,4 not being aware that Wisconsin was ever threatened by invasion or subversion.
Impressions of Public Administrative Education in Northwestern China

Visits to China by U.S. faculty members in the field of public administration tend to be concentrated in eastern China, especially in Beijing and Shanghai, and to a lesser extent Guangzhou. Perhaps most of the exchanges involving U.S. public administrative faculty occur in connection with Remnim University of China, located in Beijing. As is well known, there are marked regional differences between the urban and rural sectors as well as between the eastern and western areas in contemporary China. In June 2007, I had the opportunity to visit and lecture at the School of Management at Lanzhou University in Lanzhou, Gansu. Previously, I had lectured and/or taught at Renmin University of China, Northwest University in Xi'an (Xi Bei Da Xue), and Fudan University in Shanghai. My visit to Lanzhou University included two lectures and several formal, but unstructured, meetings with graduate and undergraduate students. This article summarizes my impressions of public administrative education at Lanzhou University, which to a large extent services northwestern China in the field of management.
Optimal Threshold and Time of Absolute Lymphocyte Count Assessment for Outcome Prediction after Bone Marrow Transplantation

The recovery pace of absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) is prognostic after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Previous studies have evaluated a wide range of ALC cutoffs and time points for predicting outcomes. We aimed to determine the optimal ALC value for outcome prediction after bone marrow transplantation (BMT). A total of 518 patients who underwent BMT for acute leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome between 1999 and 2010 were divided into a training set and a test set to assess the prognostic value of ALC on days 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, as well as the first post-transplantation day of an ALC of 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, and 1000/μL. In the training set, the best predictor of overall survival (OS), relapse-free survival (RFS), and nonrelapse mortality (NRM) was ALC on day 60. In the entire patient cohort, multivariable analyses demonstrated significantly better OS, RFS, and NRM and lower incidence of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in patients with an ALC >300/μL on day 60 post-BMT, both including and excluding patients who developed GVHD before day 60. Among the patient-, disease-, and transplant-related factors assessed, only busulfan-based conditioning was significantly associated with higher ALC values on day 60 in both cohorts. The optimal ALC cutoff for predicting outcomes after BMT is 300/μL on day 60 post-transplantation.
Improved Assay for Mixtures of Citrate and Citric Acid in Systemic Alkalizer Solutions

A modification of the USP method for the assay of systemic alkalizer solutions containing mixtures of citrate and citric acid is presented; it involves two titrations and ion-exchange chromatography. A diluted sample is titrated with 0.02 N NaOH to find the free citric acid content. The eluate from cation-exchange chromatography of an equal volume of diluted sample is titrated with 0.02 N NaOH to assay for total citric acid. Subtracting the results of the first titration from the second provides the citrate content. Synthetic mixtures of potassium citrate-citric acid, potassium citrate-sodium citrate-citric acid, and sodium citrate-citric acid were prepared and assayed. The method was applied to commercially available preparations. The proposed method eliminates some significant errors of the compendial method, and the accuracy and reproducibility are equal or better than those obtained with the compendial method. Theoretically, the result obtained by the compendial method does not necessarily give the citrate content.
Separation anxiety: metaphoric transmutations from a paradoxical biological instrument, or: What is a cactus doing in our concert hall?

In its original rendition, Degrees of Separation: “Grandchild of Tree” (1998) is performed with cactus, outboard digital effects, and CD playback, with simple lighting. The work is a metaphor which portrays subtle transformations (or transmutations) in human existence precipitated by pervasive new technology. A new version consists of a performance with a video component and all electronics fully automated in MAX/MSP on a Macintosh Powerbook. Development of this work, and subsequent versions, have proven invaluable for my own approach to the music I compose, and for the understanding of my position in the contemporary world of computers, technology and art. This paper attempts to describe these discoveries through outlining the levels of symbolism and metaphor in the work as realised through source abstraction (both visually and aurally), spatialisation and (re-)contextualisation. It begins with the question: What is a cactus doing in the concert hall?
Trimethylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate as “initiator” of the cationic polymerization of styrenes

The cationic polymerization of styrene and p-methylstyrene has been initiated in the presence of trimethylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate. In a dry system, no polymerization was observed. In wet systems, polymers were formed in agreement with earlier reports. In the presence of hindered pyridines, used as proton traps, polymerization has started after complete protonation of the hindered pyridines; at the same time hexamethyldisiloxane was formed. These results indicate that silyl triflates cannot react directly with styrenes, and that initiation proceeds via triflic acid which is formed by hydrolysis of silyl triflate.
Uniformizing field distribution along optical axis for volume holographic data storage

The conjugate gradient method is adopted to design one phase mask for each stored pattern to improve the uniformity of transverse and axial field distributions in recording medium volume for holographic data storage system. Simulation results demonstrate that almost constant field amplitude of the object beam can be obtained in the medium volume. The reconstruction error is found to be the lowest compared to that of using other types of masks or no masks. Using the phase mask allows effective use of the medium volume and its dynamic range and improves reconstruction performances of stored holograms.
Introduction and perspectives of plant genetic and cytogenetic assays a report of the U.S. environmental protection agency Gene-Tox program

Abstract Although the review described in this article has been funded wholly or in part by the United States Environmental Protection Agency through Interagency Agreement DOE 40-1123-80, EPA No. 80-D-X0953, to the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, it has not been subjected to the Agency's required peer and policy review and, therefore, does not necessarily reflect the views of the Agency and no official endorsement should be inferred. The protocols stated, suggested use of the assay in a screening program, and research recommended should not be taken to represent Agency policy on these matters.
Dynamic node creation in backpropagation networks

Summary form only given. A novel method called dynamic node creation (DNC) that attacks issues of training large networks and of testing networks with different numbers of hidden layer units is presented. DNC sequentially adds nodes one at a time to the hidden layer(s) of the network until the desired approximation accuracy is achieved. Simulation results for parity, symmetry, binary addition, and the encoder problem are presented. The procedure was capable of finding known minimal topologies in many cases, and was always within three nodes of the minimum. Computational expense for finding the solutions was comparable to training normal backpropagation (BP) networks with the same final topologies. Starting out with fewer nodes than needed to solve the problem actually seems to help find a solution. The method yielded a solution for every problem tried. BP applied to the same large networks with randomized initial weights was unable, after repeated attempts, to replicate some minimum solutions found by DNC. >