cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reactive potential of diethylstilbestrol reactive metabolites towards cellular nuclear proteins: implications for estrogen-induced carcinogenesis.

Diethylstilbestrol (DES), a synthetic estrogen, has increasingly been associated with human cancer (IARC 1979). Over the years, DES has been shown to induce tumors in reproductive- and various other organs in animals (IARC 1979). The exact mechanism of estrogen-induced carcinogenesis is not understood. A role of reactive metabolites in estrogen-induced carcinogenesis has been postulated (Metzler, 1987), because hormonal potency could not be correlated with tumor incidence.
Examination of unconventional phenomena in naturally fractured liquid-rich gas reservoirs: single-block compositional model

During the depletion of liquid-rich gas reservoirs, the gas condenses as the pressure inside the reservoir reduces below the hydrocarbon dew-point pressure, which introduces retrograde condensate. In such conditions, the productivity experiences a reduction in recovery due to the appearance of condensate near the production channels. This work is aimed to provide insight on productivity characteristics of a liquid-rich gas system in unconventional environments and extend the scrutiny on the propagation of condensate while activating capillary forces and diffusion. The impact of capillary pressure on phase behavior was explored using an in-house generated coupled phase behavior model with a capillary pressure equation. The influence of capillary pressure was examined against different sets of composition combinations in different reservoir settings. Capillary force extents were highly dependent on composition combinations and pore throat radiuses. Mixtures with higher volatile concentrations showed the highest capillary forces. The enhancement in condensate propagation, resistance to gas flow, and impact on recovery were explored at 10- and 20-nm pore throat sizes. The investigation suggested that interfacial tensions implied greater influence on the flow behavior in oil-dominated systems than in gas-dominated conditions. Evaluating the flow performance of unconventional phenomena in liquid-rich gas reservoirs was extended to include diffusion while activating capillary forces. The results showed higher domination of diffusion on reservoir performance, which provided additional fluid recovery. Subsequently, the enhanced withdrawal of fluid dismissed the impact of capillary forces on gas flow and the impact of condensate blockage.
Patch graft urethroplasty using dye enhanced laser tissue welding with a human protein solder : a preclinical canine model

AbstractWe investigated the use of the KTP-532 laser to perform a patch graft urethroplasty in 24 adult male dogs using the inner preputial skin as the donor site. In group 1 (12 dogs) repairs were completed with conventional microsuturing techniques, while in group 2 (12 dogs) they were completed using the KTP-532 laser. In the laser welding group the addition of a protein solder (40% human albumin) doped with fluorescein was used. Assessment parameters included a preoperative and postoperative retrograde urethrogram, measurement of intraluminal bursting pressure in the first 6 animals in each group, operative time and histology. Operative time was 42% faster and acute intraluminal bursting pressures were significantly higher in the laser-solder group. No fistulas occurred in the laser-solder group compared to a 50% fistula rate in the suture group. Significant radiographic abnormalities were seen in the urethras of the suture repair group.
Accessory Disloyalty: Comparative Perspectives on Substantial Assistance to Fiduciary Breach

Culpable participation in a fiduciary's breach of duty is independently wrongful. Much about this contingent form of liability is open to dispute. In the United States, well-established general doctrine defines the elements requisite to establishing accessory liability, which is categorized as a tort and often referred to as "aiding-and abetting" liability. What's controversial is how the tort applies to particular categories of actors, most recently investment banks that advise boards of target companies in M&A transactions. In the United Kingdom, in contrast, accessory liability in connection with a breach of trust or fiduciary duty is controversial because the law is less clear, at least in part due to significant shifts in doctrine within a relatively short period of time. And equity houses the wrong, not tort (and the requisites for aiding-and-abetting liability in connection with a tort are significantly different). This essay, written as a contribution to a forthcoming book, uses contrasts between law in the US and the UK to deepen its examination of this distinctive form of wrongdoing. The essay's central claim is that how the law categorizes a wrong matters for the elements of accessory liability. That is, breaching a fiduciary duty and culpably assisting in the fiduciary's breach are both instances of wrongful conduct. Characterizing both as tortious, as does US law, has consequences for the elements of accessory liability. The comparative account also illustrates the independent character of accessory liability, underscored by outcomes in both jurisdictions in which the accessory's culpability differs from that of the fiduciary as primary wrongdoer.
The hygroexpansivity of cellulose papers

Cellulose papers expand and contract when the humidity of the atmosphere with which they are in equilibrium changes. This phenomenon — known as hygroexpansivity — plays a significant role in the manufacture of such electrical components as capacitors, cables and transformers due to the shrinkage and consequent mechanical instability which the units suffer on being dried before impregnation. While many investigations have been made of the phenomenon, most of the work has been hampered and made useless by the failure of the researchers to establish repeatable data. It was the purpose of this work to determine why the effect was not reproducible within close limits and from the results to understand the mechanism of hygroexpansivity.
Shaping the 2014 Colorado River Delta pulse flow: Rapid environmental flow design for ecological outcomes and scientific learning

Abstract In 2014, the United States and Mexico jointly delivered an environmental flow to the Colorado River Delta, as authorized in a 2012 binational water management agreement known as Minute 319. The agreement specified a volume of water, the source of the water, that the water should be delivered as a pulse flow, and that the objectives of the pulse flow were to pilot environmental restoration and learn about the hydrologic and ecological responses to water delivery into the Colorado River Delta. The Minute did not specify the characteristics of the pulse flow, but rather specified a process, calling on a group of stakeholders, including federal, state, and local water managers as well as non-governmental conservation organizations from both countries, to develop a flow delivery plan. The flow delivery plan was developed, approved, and executed in an exceptionally short period of time, with limited scientific data, under numerous operational constraints. The unique feature that made the hydrograph development a success is the exceptionally close interaction between policy makers, water managers, and scientists, driven by clear objectives for ecological outcomes and scientific learning. In describing this case study, we also document the inevitable tradeoffs that led to a flow design that best met the needs of all parties while fully meeting the needs of none. In so doing, we rationalize the characteristics of the flow delivery hydrograph.
Impact of Feed Delivery Pattern on Aerial Particulate Matter and Behavior of Feedlot Cattle

Fine particulate matter with less than 2.5 microns diameter (PM2.5) generated by cattle in feedlots is an environmental pollutant and a potential human and animal health issue. The objective of this study was to determine if a feeding schedule affects cattle behaviors that promote PM2.5 in a commercial feedlot. The study used 2813 crossbred steers housed in 14 adjacent pens at a large-scale commercial West Texas feedlot. Treatments were conventional feeding at 0700, 1000, and 1200 (CON) or feeding at 0700, 1000, and 1830 (ALT), the latter feeding time coincided with dusk. A mobile behavior lab was used to quantify behaviors of steers that were associated with generation of PM2.5 (e.g., fighting, mounting of peers, and increased locomotion). PM2.5 samplers measured respirable particles with a mass median diameter ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5) every 15 min over a period of 7 d in April and May. Simultaneously, the ambient temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, precipitation, air pressure, and solar radiation were measured with a weather station. Elevated downwind PM2.5 concentrations were measured at dusk, when cattle that were fed according to the ALT vs. the CON feeding schedule, demonstrated less PM2.5-generating behaviors (p < 0.05). At dusk, steers on ALT vs. CON feeding schedules ate or were waiting to eat (standing in second row behind feeding cattle) at much greater rates (p < 0.05). Upwind PM2.5 concentrations were similar between the treatments. Downwind PM2.5 concentrations averaged over 24 h were lower from ALT compared with CON pens (0.072 vs. 0.115 mg/m3, p < 0.01). However, dry matter intake (DMI) was less (p < 0.05), and average daily gain (ADG) tended to be less (p < 0.1) in cattle that were fed according to the ALT vs. the CON feeding schedules, whereas feed efficiency (aka gain to feed, G:F) was not affected. Although ALT feeding may pose a challenge in feed delivery and labor scheduling, cattle exhibited fewer PM2.5-generating behaviors and reduced generation of PM2.5 when feed delivery times matched the natural desires of cattle to eat in a crepuscular pattern.
A convex polynomial model for planar sliding mechanics: theory, application, and experimental validation:

We propose a polynomial model for planar sliding mechanics. For the force–motion mapping, we treat the set of generalized friction loads as the 1-sublevel set of a polynomial whose gradient directi...
Excessive Adiposity and Metabolic Dysfunction Relate to Reduced Natriuretic Peptide During RAAS Activation in HIV.

Purpose Natriuretic peptides (NPs) negatively feedback on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and play a critical role in preserving cardiac structure and maintaining metabolic homeostasis. Well-treated HIV-infected individuals are at risk for fat redistribution and demonstrate evidence of RAAS dysregulation, which relates to metabolic dysfunction. We investigated circulating NPs in relation to RAAS physiology and metrics of body composition in HIV. Methods We assessed atrial natriuretic peptide, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and amino terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) during acute activation of the RAAS using a low-sodium controlled diet among 20 HIV-infected and 10 non-HIV-infected individuals well phenotyped for body composition. Results BNP was significantly lower [median, 60 (interquartile range, 44, 152) pg/mL vs 196 (91, 251) pg/mL, respectively; P = 0.04], and serum aldosterone was higher, among HIV-infected than among non-HIV-infected individuals. BNP was significantly and inversely associated with body composition [waist circumference: r = -0.46 (P = 0.04); BMI: r = -0.55 (P = 0.01); body adiposity index: r = -0.49 (P = 0.03)], metabolic indices [total cholesterol: r = -0.44 (P = 0.05), insulin resistance calculated by using homeostatic model assessment: r = -0.44 (P = 0.05); mean arterial pressure: r = -0.44 (P = 0.05)], and serum aldosterone (r = -0.49; P = 0.03) among the HIV-infected group. These relationships were not demonstrated in the non-HIV-infected group. In a four-group comparison stratifying by HIV serostatus and above or below a body mass index (BMI) of 25 kg/m2, BNP decreased significantly across groups; it was highest in non-HIV-infected patients with a BMI <25 kg/m2 and lowest in HIV-infected patients with a BMI ≥25 kg/m2 (overall P = 0.01). Conclusion Relatively reduced NP, particularly BNP, among HIV-infected individuals with excess adiposity may contribute to reduced suppression of aldosterone and potentially drive aldosterone-mediated metabolic complications. Strategies that target RAAS blockade and/or augment NPs may be useful to reduce cardiometabolic disease among HIV-infected individuals in whom these systems are perturbed.
Under Pressure: Coal Industry Rhetoric and Neoliberalism

Under Pressure presents a rhetorical analysis of the coal industry’s campaign to maintain its hegemonic position in Western society, including a critical examination of connections between rhetoric...
Classical Approach to Third-Order Non-Linear Susceptibilities

The important quantitiy in any nonlinear light scattering phenomenon is the nonlinear molecular susceptibility Open image in new window where N indicates Nth order dependence on the inducing electric field and the subscripts i, j , k , l, … denote directions in a Cartesian coordinate system indicating polarization directions of the generated and incident radiation. In general, ∼ denotes a vector, ≈ denotes a tensor of rank two and ≈ will identify tensors of rank greater than two. The susceptibility X(N) is a tensor of rank N+1. Third order effects include Coherent Stokes and Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering, the a.c. and d.c. Kerr effects, third harmonic generation, self-focussing, self-phase modulation, stimulated Brillouin scattering, stimulated Raman scattering, Raman induced Kerr effect and inverse Raman.
Variations in Anticoagulation Prescribing Practices for Short Episodes of Atrial Fibrillation in Clinical Practice (P07.245)

OBJECTIVE: This study is aimed at analyzing the prescribing practices by different specialists in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. BACKGROUND: Short episodes of atrial fibrillation ( DESIGN/METHODS: All CardioNet ® MCOT records for 18 months from June 2009 to January 2012, prescribed by a neurologist, at a large tertiary care hospital for patients with a cryptogenic stroke or TIA within 6 months of the index event were retrospectively reviewed. Data was collected on patient demographics, clinical history, duration of atrial fibrillation, prescribing practices and incidence of recurrent stroke or hemorrhage. RESULTS: 39 patients were found to have atrial fibrillation and their records were reviewed. Atrial fibrillation episodes were categorized as 0.99, Fisher9s exact test). However, among the 23 patients with a cardiology evaluation, the difference in rates of anti-coagulation was significant between patients with short afib (43%, 6 of 14) and long afib (89%, 8 of 9) (p=0.039, Fisher9s exact test). Thus it appears that cardiology evaluation status may influence the anti-coagulation rates for patients with short vs long Afib. Two of 9 (22.2%) patients with short atrial fibrillation not anticoagulated had a recurrent ischemic infarct, 1 of 9 had a groin hematoma. CONCLUSIONS: Variability and indecision exists when determining the need for anticoagulation in cryptogenic stroke patients with short, ≤30 second, episodes of atrial fibrillation. Further study to determine the risk of recurrent ischemic stroke and benefit of anticoagulation is needed. Disclosure: Dr. Khan has nothing to disclose. Dr. Miller has nothing to disclose. Dr. Schultz has nothing to disclose.
Vitamin and Mineral Supplements to Athletes: Do They Help?

Although the general implications of this review would be that vitamin and mineral supplements are ineffective as ergogenic aids when added to the diet of an athlete who is well-nourished, there may be certain instances in which supplementation is warranted. For example, wrestlers on low calorie diets and high levels of energy expenditure may not be receiving a balanced intake of nutrients. Young male athletes and female athletes of all ages should be aware of iron-rich foods and include them in the daily diet. The female athlete who experiences a heavy menstrual flow may consider commercial iron preparations; hemoglobin and other hemotologic variables may be evaluated in order to determine the need for supplementation. More research is needed, particularly with large doses of the vitamin B-complex and vitamin C. Although some of the studies cited herein have used large doses, some athletes have been reported to consume massive dosages, for example, 10,000 mg of vitamin C daily. Unfortunately, there may be some adverse side effects of such massive doses, and it may not be ethical to conduct research with humans at those high intake levels. Do these massive dosages elicit a pharmacodynamic effect on some metabolic reactions that are favorable to physical performance? More research with vitamin E at altitude also appears to be warranted, as does iron supplementation to iron-deficient, but not anemic, athletes. As noted earlier, the current data base suggests that vitamin and mineral supplements are unnecessary for the athlete receiving a balanced diet. However, only with additional controlled research may we expand that data base to help answer some of the questions that still remain relative to nutrition and athletic performance. There are still a large number of athletes who believe that the "racers edge" may be found in a tablet.
Treatment of objective tinnitus with transpalatal Botox ® injection in a pediatric patient with middle ear myoclonus: A case report

We describe a case of bilateral middle ear myoclonus (MEM) that was treated with trans-palatal Botox® injection after failing surgery to section the tensor tympani and stapedial tendons. MEM is a rare disorder resulting from rhythmic contraction of middle ear muscles. An 8-year old girl presented with audible clicking tinnitus, and resultant inability to focus in school. Her parents declined medical therapy, and she underwent surgeries for tendon lysis, with only temporary relief. She had successful response to trans-palatal Botox® injection to the tensor veli palatini aponeurosis. Trans-palatal Botox® injection is a safe and reasonable alternative for treatment of MEM.
Role of microtubule-associated signaling in Staphylococcus aureus-induced lung injury.

Staphylococcus aureus (SA) is a major etiological agent of sepsis. We have previously shown that heat-killed SA induces endothelial cell (EC) permeability and inflammation, two major hallmarks of acute lung injury (ALI). This study tested the role of microtubules (MT) in the mechanisms of SA-induced ALI. EC dysfunction was accompanied by decrease in acetylated tubulin, MT destabilization, and increased activity of histone deacetylase-6 (HDAC6) as a result of oxidative stress. HDAC6 inhibition using gene-specific siRNA or tubastatin A rescued SA-induced EC barrier disruption monitored by measurements of electrical resistance and macromolecular permeability. SA-induced EC dysfunction was associated with impaired MT-mediated delivery of cytoplasmic linker-associated protein 2 to the cell periphery limiting its interaction with adherens junction proteins and accompanied by increased Rho activity via activation of MT-bound Rho-specific GEF-H1, which was abolished by HDAC6 inhibition. SA also induced activation of NF-kB signaling and expression of adhesion molecules ICAM1 and VCAM1, which was HDAC6-dependent and mediated, at least in part, by GEF-H1/Rho mechanism. In vivo, HDAC6 knockout mice and wild type mice treated with HDAC6 inhibitor were partially protected from ALI caused by heat-killed or live SA, as determined by Evans blue extravasation into lung tissue, increased cell and protein content and inflammatory cytokines levels in lavage fluid. Altogether, these results demonstrate a novel signaling axis of SA-induced ROS-dependent upregulation of HDAC6 activity resulting in MT destabilization and subsequent activation of GEF-H1/Rho pathway of EC permeability and inflammation.
Extended Techniques for the Saxophone

The extended range of the saxophone above the normal range is called the altissimo range, which means “very high” in Italian. On the soprano saxophone, the altissimo range starts with the note G\(_6\), in B\(^\flat \) saxophone notation, and ends, depending on the player’s skill level, generally up to D\(_7\). The notes in this range are called high notes or top notes. It is frequently thought that the notes of the altissimo range can be reached by applying extraordinarily high lip pressure, but the key of playing these notes is really rooted in the correct formation of the vocal tract.
A critical review of corrosion development and rust removal techniques on the structural/environmental performance of corroded steel bridges

Abstract Corrosion is one of the most severe threats to the stability of steel bridges and regular rust removal techniques is needed for the maintenance of steel bridges. Currently the correlation between rust development/removal process and the structural/environmental performance of the steel bridges has not been fully understood. This study intends to fill this knowledge gap through critically reviewing. The characteristic analysis of the rust on the corroded steel bridges was first introduced, which provided information that was needed to understand the corrosion mechanisms and classify the rust type. Then the related rust removal techniques (chemical and physical methods) are analyzed by considering the environmental impact and cleaning efficiency. Based on the discussion, the laser cleaning method is proposed due to its cleaning efficiency and environmentally friendliness. After that, the influence of developed rust (uniform and pitting) on the structural performance (static and dynamic) of steel members were summarized. Through the discussion, the potential environmental impact of the corroded steel bridges was identified, including runoff of heavy metal and bacteria growth caused by iron rust. Besides that, an improved kinetic model was proposed by considering the influence of rust removal on the corrosion rate. Furthermore, the structural impact of laser cleaning was simulated with the finite element analysis. This study will serve as solid base for the future studies of corrosion development and rust removal on steel bridges, and the proposed technical routes can be proceeded during future studies to better understand the environmental and structural performance of the steel bridges.
The Comparative Political Economy of Plastic Bag Bans in East Africa: Why implementation has varied in Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda

The environmental damage that plastic waste is causing has catalysed government action against plastic bags around the world. Despite anti-plastic bag policies gaining traction globally, there has been limited investigation of how the implementation of bans has varied. This paper is the first to comparatively examine why there has been variation in implementing bans on plastic bags, using the examples of three East African countries: Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda. Explanations of why anti-plastic bag policies have been blocked in other countries usually rely on business power-based explanations, with the assumption that plastic manufacturers (and the broader manufacturing sector) have obstructed implementation. The comparatively limited strength and size of plastic manufacturers in Rwanda, as compared to Kenya and Uganda, suggests that business power may partly explain why the ban in Rwanda has been implemented. However, business power-based arguments do not explain the variation between implementation in Kenya and Uganda. In both countries, anti-plastic bag actions have been announced repeatedly but implementation has stuttered, with commitment to implementation stronger and less contested in Kenya than in Uganda. Criticisms of the existing business power literature tend to be weak on examining why governments may go ahead with policies that are against the interests of businesses. This paper argues that developing country government’s ecological modernisation initiatives may be shaped by pressures from three levels – business power, the local environment and the external environment – to explain why implementation of plastic bag bans has varied in Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda.
Parietal P3 and midfrontal theta prospectively predict the development of adolescent alcohol use

Background Subclinical adolescent alcohol use is highly prevalent and may have deleterious effects on important psychosocial and brain outcomes. Prior research has focused on identifying endophenotypes of pathological drinking, and the predictors of normative drinking remain understudied. This study investigated the incremental predictive value of two potential psychophysiological endophenotypes, P3 amplitude (an index of decision making) and midfrontal theta power (a correlate of attentional control), for prospectively predicting the expression and initiation of alcohol use emerging in adolescence. Methods A large (N = 594) epidemiological sample was prospectively assessed at ages 11/14/17. Alcohol/substance use was assessed at all ages via a computerized self-report inventory. EEG was recorded at age-14 during a visual oddball task to elicit P3 and theta. Results Reduced target-related P3 and theta at age-14 prospectively predicted drinking at age-17 independent of one another. Among alcohol-naive individuals at age-14, attenuated P3 and theta increased the odds of new-onset alcohol behaviors 3 years later. Importantly, the endophenotypes provided significant incremental predictive power of future non-clinical alcohol use beyond relevant risk factors (prior alcohol use; tobacco/illicit drug initiation; parental alcohol use disorder). Conclusions The current report is the first of our knowledge to demonstrate that deviations in parietal P3 and midfrontal theta prospectively predict the emergence of normative/non-pathological drinking. P3 and theta provide modest yet significant explanatory variance beyond prominent self-report and familial risk measures. Findings offer strong evidence supporting the predictive utility of P3 and theta as candidate endophenotypes for adolescent drinking.
Political ecology, climate change and conflict research : methodological pathways

"The Darfur conflict began as an ecological crisis, arising at least in part from climate change" - Ban Ki-Moon, United Nations Secretary General.
Ultrafast energy funneling and lasing kinetics in multiphasic hybrid perovskites (Conference Presentation)

Hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites have been a focus of study due to the impressive performance of methylam- monium lead iodide (MAPI) in photovoltaic (PV) applications. These materials family also provide a new versatile platform for other optoelectronic applications such lasers. In this work we studied exciton dynamics that leads to lasing in various perovskite structures using time resolved absorption, THz conductivity and time resolved photoluminescence experiments. Hybrid perovskite thin films with different morphologies processed to exhibit polycrystalline morphologies with multiphasic nature. These studies reveal the exciton transfer dynamics into lower energy domains, and formation and recombination kinetics of the population inverted state.
The Hungarian hyperinflation: A look into the production side

Abstract. This paper focuses on what happened to industrial production during and after Hungary’s record-breaking hyperinflation of 1945-46 – an angle that has not been covered extensively by previous authors. The industries covered are coal, railways, agriculture and mining. This paper then explores the relationship between post-World War II production and hyperinflation, as well as Hungary’s recovery from hyperinflation and World War II relative to other countries. Keywords. Hungary, hyperinflation, Orthodoxy. JEL. N14, N17.
Genomics and Epigenomics of Prostate Cancer

Although prostate cancer is associated with a long natural history compared to most other tumor types, and most of the 200,000 men diagnosed with prostate cancer every year in the USA do not die from the disease, it remains the second leading cause of male cancer death, accounting for 32,000 deaths annually. In addition, for patients who harbor indolent tumors with low risk of progression and death from the disease, overtreatment results in significant morbidity. Major advances have been made in cataloging the genomic alterations in prostate cancer, understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease, and using this information to subclassify tumors. However, we are yet to delineate why certain tumors behave more aggressively than others. Further, once metastases have developed, all prostate cancer patients are treated similarly but their response to therapies vary widely. One key step toward unraveling this clinical heterogeneity seen amongst prostate patients is through deciphering molecular heterogeneity within their prostate tumors. Emerging data from prostate cancer sequencing has nominated potential initiating and driving genetic alterations. Understanding the molecular alterations driving prostate cancer will aid in the development of biomarkers of significant disease and in the design of more effective targeting strategies both for disease prevention and for the treatment of systemic disease. This chapter will focus on recent genomic and epigenomic changes in prostate cancer.
A Study of Social Media Behaviors and Mental Health Wellbeing from a Privacy Perspective

Mental healthcare services are insufficient under the current circumstances due to growing populations with mental health issues, the lack of enough mental health professionals, services, and programs that are needed. Traditional methods are often time consuming, expensive, and not timely. At the same time an increasingly number of people are using social media to interact with others and to share their personal stories and reflections. In this study we examined if online users’ social media activities were influenced by their mental well-being. To carry out this research we assessed Twitter activities between participants that reported high symptoms of depression and those with lower or no symptoms of depression. Our results confirm the influence in their activities in addition to interesting insights. We believe these findings can be beneficial to mental health care providers if users’ privacy is preserved.
Evaluation of rolling resistance in manual wheelchair wheels and casters using drum-based testing

Rolling resistance is a drag force that increases the required propulsion force of manual wheelchair users (MWU) and increases the risk of upper extremity pain and injury.To understand the influenc...
EXAM: An Explainable Attention-based Model for COVID-19 Automatic Diagnosis

The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is still rapidly spreading and has caused over 7,000,000 infection cases and 400,000 deaths around the world. To come up with a fast and reliable COVID-19 diagnosis system, people seek help from machine learning area to establish computer-aided diagnosis systems with the aid of the radiological imaging techniques, like X-ray imaging and computed tomography imaging. Although artificial intelligence based architectures have achieved great improvements in performance, most of the models are still seemed as a black box to researchers. In this paper, we propose an Explainable Attention-based Model (EXAM) for COVID-19 automatic diagnosis with convincing visual interpretation. We transform the diagnosis process with radiological images into an image classification problem differentiating COVID-19, normal and community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) cases. Combining channel-wise and spatial-wise attention mechanism, the proposed approach can effectively extract key features and suppress irrelevant information. Experiment results and visualization indicate that EXAM outperforms recent state-of-art models and demonstrate its interpretability.
Environmental Politics: Scale and Power Shannon O'Lear: Cambridge University Press, 2010. ix + 228 pp., US$49.00 (paperback), ISBN 978-0-521-75913-7

Most scholarly efforts aimed at understanding environmental politics often focus on only one environmental issue or set of related environmental topics (water, energy, or climate change). Not so wi...
Statin-Induced Autoimmune Myopathy.

Statins are one of the most widely prescribed drugs in the world. One of the common side effects of statin use is myopathy. We report a case of statin-induced autoimmune myopathy, which is a variant of statin-induced myopathy. A 56-year-old female with a history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, cerebral aneurysm status post clipping, and seizure disorder presented with progressive muscle weakness. Her initial laboratory results demonstrated an elevated creatine phosphokinase (CPK) of 17,144 IU/L. The patient's atorvastatin was discontinued and she was placed on high-rate intravenous fluids; however, despite this, her CPK remained elevated. Patient underwent further blood testing for specific autoimmune etiologies. As there was high concern for autoimmune myositis, she was started on high-dose steroids. Anti-3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (anti-HMG-CoA) reductase antibody returned strongly positive. While the patient was on steroids, her muscle weakness and CPK level gradually improved. She was discharged on oral steroids. Statin-induced autoimmune myopathy should be considered with high suspicion when there is a significantly elevated CPK level. Discontinuation of statin therapy does not lead to muscle recovery or improvement in the CPK level. Diagnosis is confirmed by positive anti-HMG-CoA reductase autoantibody and a muscle biopsy.
Is further research on adult pneumococcal vaccine uptake improvement programs worthwhile? Α value of information analysis.

Abstract Background Pneumococcal vaccination policy for US adults is evolving, but previous research has shown that programs to increase vaccine uptake are economically favorable, despite parameter uncertainty. Using value of information (VOI) analysis and prior analyses, we examine the value of further research on vaccine uptake program parameters. Methods In US 50–64-year-olds, current vaccine recommendations with and without an uptake program were analyzed. In older adults, current recommendations and an alternative strategy (polysaccharide vaccine for all, adding conjugate vaccine only for the immunocompromised) with and without uptake programs were examined. Uptake program parameters were derived from a clinical trial (absolute uptake increase 12.3% [range 0–25%], per-person cost $1.78 [range $0.70–$2.26]), with other parameters obtained from US databases. VOI analyses incorporated probabilistic sensitivity analysis outputs into R-based regression techniques. Results In 50–64-year-olds, an uptake program cost $54,900/QALY gained compared to no uptake program. For ages ≥65, the program cost $287,000/QALY gained with the alternative strategy and $765,000/QALY with current recommendations. In younger adults, population-level expected value of perfect information (EVPI) was $59.7 million at $50,000/QALY gained and $2.8 million at $100,000/QALY gained. In older adults, EVPI values ranged from ~$1 million to $34.5 million at $100,000 and $200,000/QALY thresholds. The population expected value of partial perfect information (EVPPI) for combined uptake program cost and uptake improvement parameters in the younger population was $368,700 at $50,000/QALY and $43,900 at $100,000/QALY gained thresholds. In older adults, population EVPPI for vaccine uptake program parameters was $0 at both thresholds, reaching a maximum value of $445,000 at a $225,000/QALY threshold. Other model parameters comprised larger components of the global EVPI. Conclusion VOI results do not support further research on pneumococcal vaccine uptake programs in adults at commonly cited US cost-effectiveness benchmarks. Further research to reduce uncertainty in other aspects of adult pneumococcal vaccination is justifiable.
The 2019 Judgments Convention: The Need for Comprehensive Federal Implementing Legislation and a Look Back at the ALI Proposed Federal Statute

In this short piece, which will eventually be published in a tribute volume to Professor George Bermann, Professor Silberman presents an argument for comprehensive federal legislation to implement the 2019 Hague Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments. To that end, she provides a brief overview of the Convention and offers suggestions for the components of a federal implementing statute. Professor Silberman refers back to the 2005 ALI project (for which she was a co-Reporter) that had proposed a federal statute on judgment recognition, even in the absence of an international Convention. She highlights a number of specific issues on recognition and enforcement that are worthy of federal attention. Professor Silberman points out that the interest of the United States in this Convention is to ensure that U.S. judgments will be enforceable in other countries that were previously hostile to foreign recognition generally and to U.S. judgments in particular. She believes that federal legislation is necessary to establish a uniform regime of recognition and enforcement that will incentivize other countries to join the Convention rather than allowing them to continue to take advantage of liberal recognition/enforcement under state law without necessarily requiring reciprocal treatment.
Charitable, Religious, and Family Estate Planning Attitudes Among African-Americans

This study explores both whether lifetime religious giving tendencies extend to religious estate giving attitudes and whether underlying charitable estate giving attitudes, rather than documentation, may serve as the key barrier to charitable estate planning. Data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics indicates that, as compared with others, African-Americans attribute significantly higher importance to religious bequest gifts in absolute terms, relative to importance of family bequest gifts, and relative to importance of other charitable bequest gifts. African-Americans also attribute greater importance to charitable bequests in absolute terms, but a lower importance to such gifts when measured relative to the importance of leaving a bequest gift to family. These results suggest that the preference for lifetime religious giving extends to estate giving attitudes. Further, the results indicate that lack of underlying charitable intent (especially for religious giving) does not explain the relative lack of charitable estate planning, leaving open the possibility that documentation may be the key barrier.
Multi-Model Fusion Method and its Application in Prediction of Stock Index Movements

Ensemble learning is a research direction in the field of machine learning. The combination of weak learners is enough to achieve good performance. TF-IDF method is used to represent the words distributed. It introduces the related machine learning algorithm theory, including the single classification algorithm of Logistic Regression, Random Forest, XGBoost algorithm, and compares the advantages and disadvantages of each algorithm. Three weak models are selected as the base classifier of stacking model fusion, and XGBoost is used as the secondary classifier of stacking model fusion. The accuracy and F1 score of prediction model achieves approximately 58%. Finally, the accuracy, generalization ability and stability of the learning system are significantly improved due to the multi-model fusion learning. It is helpful to reduce the risk of stock investment and improve the earning effect. The model fusion method based on Logistic Regression, Random Forest and XGBoost algorithm can also be applied to computer vision, medical diagnosis, biometric recognition, strategic games and other fields.
Clinical Agents for the Targeting of Brain Tumor Vasculature

Glioblastomas are characterized by a robust, abnormal vascular network that leads to heterogeneous blood flow. Some tumor areas receive adequate flow, while others become hypoxic from poor flow. Radiation and chemotherapy require sufficient oxygenation to be maximally effective, so hypoxia decreases tumor response to therapy. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), predominately through its receptor VEGFR-2, interacts with a variety of intracellular signaling pathways to promote this abnormal tumor angiogenesis and permits glioblastoma growth. Consequently, a variety of drugs that target the VEGF pathway are being tested in clinical trials with promising results. The precise role of these agents in glioblastoma treatment needs to be optimized but likely will entail combating peritumoral edema, inducing vascular normalization, and destroying the cancer stem cell niche. Unfortunately, most patients treated with anti-VEGF agents eventually relapse and potential mechanisms of tumor escape such as upregulation of alternate angiogenesis pathways are actively being studied. Anti-VEGF agents have clearly prolonged progression-free survival in recurrent glioblastoma patients and have been a significant addition to our drug armamentarium for many patients while at the same time providing important clues into underlying tumor physiology.
Developmental aspects and some characteristics of mammalian galactose 1-phosphate uridyltransferase.

Galactose 1-phosphate uridyltransferase (EC 2.7.7.12: UDP-glucose:α- d -galactose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase) activity in the developing rat liver, gut, and kidney is presented. The activity in liver tissue increased from 3 days before birth to a maximum in the 10-day-old animal and then declined to adult levels between 35 and 45 days. No observed rise in transferase activity occurred in gut and kidney from term until 10 days with a subsequent decrease until 35 days. Adult rat brain and diaphragm were also examined for enzyme activity. By comparison at any age, liver had a consistently higher enzyme rate than any of the other tissues studied, and brain had the lowest in the adult tissues studied. The enzyme activity in liver of female adult rats was significantly lower than in the same aged male animals. By differential centrifugation, transferase from newborn and adult rat liver was located entirely in the soluble fraction. The enzyme in newborn liver was 3 times more active and had Vmax values 3 times greater than in the adult liver, but the enzyme from both preparations had the same (a) stability characteristics, (b) Km values for galactose-1-P (1.39 x 10-4 m ) and for UDP-glucose (1.56 x 10-4 m ), (c) pH optimum (8.3 to 8.6), and (d) sulfhydryl requirements. In addition, both enzyme preparations utilized UDP-galactose as a substrate with galactose-1-P with the same Km (1.67 x 10-4 m ), and neither was as sensitive to inhibition by this substrate as with galactose-1-P or UDP-glucose. The enzyme from both sources was more sensitive to UDP-glucose inhibition than galactose-1-P inhibition, but the enzyme from newborn liver was 3 times less sensitive to inhibition by either of these substrates than the enzyme from adult liver. Glucose-1-P caused marked inhibition of the enzyme from the adult liver.
Selling licences for a process innovation: the impact of the product market on the selling mechanism

This article considers the sale by a research lab of licences for a cost-reducing innovation. The marginal cost of a firm that wins a licence is private information and the acquisition of a licence imposes a negative externality on the other firms. The lab's optimal revenue is determined from a class of mechanisms in which the lab selects the number of licences and the reserve price before the sale. The role of the downstream product market in the determination of the number of licences is analyzed. Furthermore, it is also shown that the optimal reserve price may be zero. JEL classification: D82, LI3
Panvasive Surveillance, Political Process Theory and the Nondelegation Doctrine

Using the rise of the surveillance state as its springboard, this Article makes a new case for the application of administrative law principles to law enforcement. It goes beyond asserting, as scholars of the 1970s did, that law enforcement should be bound by the types of rules that govern other executive agencies, by showing how the imperative of administrative regulation flows from a version of John Hart Ely’s political process theory and principles derived from the closely associated nondelegation doctrine. Part I introduces the notion of panvasive law enforcement — large-scale police actions that are not based on individualized suspicion — and exposes the incoherence of the Supreme Court’s “special needs” treatment of panvasive investigative techniques under the Fourth Amendment. It then contrasts the Court’s jurisprudence, and the variations of it proposed by scholars, to the representation-reinforcing alternative suggested by Ely’s work, which would require that panvasive searches and seizures be approved by a body that is representative of the affected group and be applied evenly. Part II explores the impact of political process theory on panvasive surveillance that is not currently considered a search or seizure under the Fourth Amendment, using fusion centers, camera surveillance, drone flights and the NSA’s metadata program as examples. Part III mines administrative law principles to show how the rationale underlying the nondelegation doctrine — if not the (supposedly moribund) doctrine itself — can help ensure that the values of representative democracy and transparency are maintained even once control over panvasive surveillance is largely ceded to the Executive Branch.
An indexing structure and application model for vehicles moving on road networks

Moving objects database systems are the most challenging sub-category among Spatio-Temporal database systems. A database system that updates in real-time the location information of GPS-equipped moving vehicles has to meet even stricter requirements. Currently existing data storage models and indexing mechanisms work well only when the number of moving objects in the system is relatively small. This dissertation research aimed at the real-time tracking and history retrieval of massive numbers of vehicles moving on road networks. A total solution has been provided for the real-time update of the vehicles' location and motion information, range queries on current and history data, and prediction of vehicles' movement in the near future. To achieve these goals, a new approach called Segmented Time Associated to Partitioned Space (STAPS) was first proposed in this dissertation for building and manipulating the indexing structures for moving objects databases. Applying the STAPS approach, an indexing structure of associating a time interval tree to each road segment was developed for real-time database systems of vehicles moving on road networks. The indexing structure uses affordable storage to support real-time data updates and efficient query processing. The data update and query processing performance it provides is consistent without restrictions such as a time window or assuming linear moving trajectories. An application system design based on distributed system architecture with centralized organization was developed to maximally support the proposed data and indexing structures. The suggested system architecture is highly scalable and flexible. Finally, based on a real-world application model of vehicles moving in region-wide, main issues on the implementation of such a system were addressed.
Deoxyribonuclease-Positive Staphylococcus epidermidis Strains

Use of the agar plate test for the enzyme deoxyribonucleate 3'-nucleotidohydrolase (deoxyribonuclease) can result in frequent misdiagnosis of Staphylococcus epidermidis as S. aureus.