cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Physicians who induce labor for fetal macrosomia do not reduce cesarean delivery rates.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether obstetricians with high rates of induction for the indication of fetal macrosomia had higher or lower cesarean section rates. STUDY DESIGN Data were analyzed from 1432 deliveries with birthweights > 4000 g. Four physician populations were identified: a faculty service and three groups of private practitioners with induction rates 20% to 40%, 40% to 60% and > 60%. The average cesarean section rate was determined for each group as well as the percentage of each group's deliveries occurring before 39 weeks, at 39, at 40, and after 40 weeks. In addition, the relative risk of cesarean delivery was calculated for the entire study population. RESULTS No correlation was found between the rate of induction of labor and the rate of cesarean section. Delivery of nulliparous and multiparous patients after 40 weeks carried an increased risk of cesarean section. Delivery of multiparous patients before 39 weeks did also. Obstetricians with induction rates > 40% significantly decreased the incidence of delivery after 40 weeks, which lowered their cesarean section rates, but no net lowering occurred because of increased rate of cesarean section < 39 weeks. CONCLUSION A fetal weight of 4000 g or more is not an indication for induction of labor. For multiparous patients, induction at 38 weeks or before is associated with an increased rate of cesarean delivery.
Ataxia with Vitamin E Deficiency May Present with Cervical Dystonia

Background: Ataxia with vitamin E deficiency (AVED) is an autosomal recessive disorder that usually presents with ataxia, areflexia, and proprioceptive and vibratory sensory loss. Dystonia has been reported rarely. Case Report: An 11‐year‐old female presented with dystonic head tremor and cervical and bilateral arm dystonia. Her 14‐year‐old older brother had dystonic head tremor and generalized dystonia. One year later, the brother developed dysarthria, limb dysmetria, and gait ataxia. Compound heterozygous mutations in TTPA were detected, confirming the diagnosis of AVED. Discussion: AVED may present with dystonia rather than ataxia, and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of progressive dystonia.
Trying to Forget: The Lost Angevin Past of Italy

In 1274, eight years after he had conquered the Kingdom of Sicily from Manfred and asserted French rule in southern Italy, Charles of Anjou founded two Cistercian monasteries in commemoration of his victories and of his parents.1 The abbey of Santa Maria della Vittoria is located in the Abruzzi near Scurcola Marsicana at the site of Charles’ victory in 1268 over Conradin, and its sister abbey, Santa Maria di Realvalle, is in Campania near Pompeii (Figs. 1 and 2). The monasteries were intended as strongholds of French culture and prestige, and royal instructions stipulated that they should be constructed entirely “in the French manner”. Most importantly, only Frenchmen could enter the monastic communities. The documents justify the limitation to French monks within the two communities for the following reasons: first, it was the French who with great loss of life had won the Kingdom of Sicily; second, only French monks would pray for the souls of the conquerors; and third, a mixture of nationalities would lead to division and dissent.2
The surgical aspects of jaundice.

Although the need for operative correction of the lesion in extrahepatic jaundice is urgent, it must be remembered that the most common cause of jaundice is medical, namely, virus hepatitis. Liver function tests are extremely valuable in differential diagnosis of these two conditions, but three or four tests must be performed to obtain a correct impression. Removal of stones in the common duct is curative and a very gratifying operation. Removal of carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater is followed by a five year survival of about 25 per cent, but following pancreatoduodenectomy for carcinoma of the head of the pancreas the five year survival is less than 5 per cent.
Molecular and Clinical Aspects of Pseudohypoparathyroidism

The term pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP) refers to a condition in which biochemical hypoparathyroidism (i.e., hypocalcemia and hyperphosphatemia) is due not to deficiency of parathyroid hormone (PTH) but rather to unresponsiveness of target tissues to the biological actions of PTH. Plasma concentrations of PTH are increased in patients with PHP, a feature that distinguishes this disorder from hypoparathyroidism, in which parathyroid insufficiency is associated with low plasma levels of PTH. Therefore, PHP differs fundamentally from true hypoparathyroidism. Patients with PHP type 1 fail to show a phosphaturic response to injected parathyroid hormone due to a defect in PTH signaling that impairs generation of cyclic AMP (cAMP) in the proximal renal tubular cells. These observations ultimately led to the discovery that PHP type 1 is caused by genetic or epigenetic defects that impair expression GNAS , an imprinted gene that encodes the alpha subunit of Gs, the heterotrimeric G-protein that couples receptors to stimulation of adenylyl cyclase. Clinical, endocrinological, and molecular studies over the past two decades have led to distinction of PHP type 1 into two major forms, PHP type 1a and type 1b. Individuals who have type 1a typically have end organ resistance to multiple hormones and manifest a combination of developmental defects that include variable neurocognitive disability, short stature, brachydactyly, obesity, and heterotopic bone formation. These features have been termed Albright hereditary osteodystrophy (AHO). By contrast, subjects with type 1b have hormone resistance that is usually limited to PTH, and few if any features of AHO. Accurate distinction between these two forms of PHP type 1 rests on the combination of clinical criteria and molecular testing. Subjects with type 1a have point mutations or small deletions within the maternally derived GNAS allele that reduce expression or function of the encoded Gαs protein. By contrast, subjects with PHP type 1b have paternal-specific DNA methylation imprints in critical regions of the maternal GNAS allele that reduce transcription of Gαs-specific mRNA. While small deletions and/or paternal uniparental disomy in the critical 20q13.2 locus have been found in most cases of familial PHP type 1b, genetic defects have not been identified in typical cases of sporadic PHP type 1b. PHP type 1 is an extraordinary developmental syndrome due to its unique clinical and endocrinological features, the variable phenotypes, and the remarkable complexity of the GNAS gene.
Electrochemical synthesis of CuInSe2 for thin film devices

Abstract We have been investigating the materials properties and electrical characteristics of Schottky barriers on electrochemically deposited thin film copper indium diselenide (CIS). Electrochemical deposition is a simple and inexpensive technique of producing thin-film CIS. Stoichiometric control of the as-deposited films is provided by the deposition potential. Native defects, arising from stoichiometric deviations, have allowed the production of both p- and n-type CIS thin films from a single aqueous solution. We have compared the crystallinity, composition and electrical characteristics of as-deposited films to similar films annealed in an Argon atmosphere. The crystallinity showed a significant improvement with annealing. Current versus voltage measurements were used to verify the rectifying behavior of the Schottky barriers and determine their barrier heights. A decrease in the barrier height with increasing carrier density was observed. The capacitance versus voltage dependence of Al Schottky contacts was used to determine the carrier densities in the films. Carrier densities were found to increase with deviation from stoichiometry and decrease with annealing temperature.
Effectiveness of active and passive warming for the prevention of inadvertent hypothermia in patients receiving neuraxial anesthesia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Objective Perioperative hypothermia is a common complication of anesthesia that can result in negative outcomes. The purpose of this review is to answer the question: Does the type of warming intervention influence the frequency or severity of inadvertent perioperative hypothermia (IPH) in surgical patients receiving neuraxial anesthesia?
Electrokinetic dewatering of phosphatic clay settling areas: numerical simulation and economic assessment

A mathematical model is presented for the electrokinetic dewatering of suspensions of phosphatic clays. The modeling approach couples a boundary-element model for solution of Laplace’s equation to a recently developed constitutive equation that relates the change in solids content with applied electric field and time. The observation that the electric field controls both the maximum solids content achievable and the time required to reach that value is shown to severely constrain the application of electrokinetic dewatering strategies to an entire clay settling area. The approach, however, may be feasible for implementation as part of a continuous plant process.
Cholangiocarcinomas: A study of patient and disease characteristics and the potential use of tumor molecular profiling.

270Background: There are approximately 12,000 new cases of cholangiocarcinoma in the US annually and, as for most GI cancers, the incidence is rising each year. Unfortunately treatment options are limited and surgery is only a possible curative option if the disease is diagnosed at an early stage (5 yr. survival, 20-30 %). Molecular profiling may play a crucial role in the discovery of new (early) biomarkers and treatment options for cholangiocarcinoma. Methods: Clinical records 104 cholangiocarcinoma patients (pts) at the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center were reviewed. Only pts that had received surgical therapy were eligible for study. Variables collected included pt demographics, initial disease stage, tumor differentiation, and clinical (pre-existing) conditions. Tumor recurrence and pt survival from time of surgery was evaluated. Molecular profiling data was analyzed when present. Results: In our cohort we identified 41 pts with cholangiocarcinoma who underwent surgery at LCCC. Clinical data was ...
Effects of Boom-Year Savings Across Three Types of State Expenditures

This chapter examines the distribution of the effects of countercyclical savings across three types of state expenditure over the economic cycle. As I have discussed in Chapter 3, boom-year savings refer to budget stabilization funds (BSF) and general fund surpluses (GFS). I use panel data of 49 states from 1979 to 1999 to test the effects of BSF and GFS on general, own-source, and general fund expenditures of the states during downturns and upturns. I find a “division of work” between the two saving devices: Though the use of BSF concentrates on own-source spending, BSF are used to boost general expenditure more than general fund expenditure in downturns but to increase general fund expenditure more than general expenditure in upturns. The effects of GFS are significant only on general fund expenditure in upturns. This finding suggests that states may have some unstated or implicit “strategy” on when (downturn or upturn) and where (which the three types of expenditures) to use the two kinds of savings.
Enzymatic self-assembly of an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM)

Here we show the first example of an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM), LYYYYL, as well as its enantiomeric or retro-inverso peptide, to self-assemble in water via enzyme-instructed self-assembly. Upon enzymatic dephosphorylation, the phosphohexapeptides become hexapeptides, which self-assemble in water to result in supramolecular hydrogels. This work illustrates a new approach to design bioinspired soft materials from a less explored, but important pool of immunomodulatory peptides.
Mineral Reactions in Shale Gas Reservoirs: Barite Scale Formation from Reusing Produced Water As Hydraulic Fracturing Fluid

Hydraulic fracturing for gas production is now ubiquitous in shale plays, but relatively little is known about shale-hydraulic fracturing fluid (HFF) reactions within the reservoir. To investigate reactions during the shut-in period of hydraulic fracturing, experiments were conducted flowing different HFFs through fractured Marcellus shale cores at reservoir temperature and pressure (66 °C, 20 MPa) for one week. Results indicate HFFs with hydrochloric acid cause substantial dissolution of carbonate minerals, as expected, increasing effective fracture volume (fracture volume + near-fracture matrix porosity) by 56–65%. HFFs with reused produced water composition cause precipitation of secondary minerals, particularly barite, decreasing effective fracture volume by 1–3%. Barite precipitation occurs despite the presence of antiscalants in experiments with and without shale contact and is driven in part by addition of dissolved sulfate from the decomposition of persulfate breakers in HFF at reservoir condition...
Strabismus surgery for Medicare-aged patients: more than a decade of insights

Background The psychosocial and functional impact of strabismus among the elderly is increasingly important as life expectancy increases and factors that enhance the quality of life become more significant. The purpose of this study was to characterize the demographics, presenting complaints, health status, underlying etiology, and outcomes of strabismus surgery in three age cohorts of Medicare-aged patients. Methods The medical records of patients at least 65 years of age who underwent strabismus surgery between 2004 and 2015 in a university-based strabismus practice were reviewed retrospectively. Results A total of 110 patients were identified and divided into three age cohorts for analysis: young-old (age 65-74), middle-old (age 75-84), and old-old (age 85+). At least 75% of patients in all cohorts cited diplopia as their chief complaint (P = 0.87). There was no difference in sex distribution, type of deviation, underlying etiology, or preoperative American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification scores between the cohorts (P = 0.68, P = 0.53, P = 0.71, P = 0.93, resp.). By the 6- to 8-week postoperative visit, 63% of all patients reported complete resolution of their presenting chief complaint, 23% reported some improvement, and 11% reported no improvement, with no difference between the cohorts (P = 0.12). Conclusions Given the functional and psychosocial impact of strabismus in the elderly, this study lends support to consideration of surgery as a viable option to successfully treat strabismus among the oldest age cohorts.
Extraterritorial application of U.S. antitrust laws: principles and responses

The antitrust laws of the United States expressly apply to conduct involving trade “with foreign nations.” American courts have concluded that these laws can and do reach activities occurring entirely outside of the United States if those activities have the requisite effects on U.S. commerce, even if the activities are tolerated, or even encouraged, by the laws of the jurisdiction in which they occur. In response, some countries have enacted laws seeking to minimize the impact of U.S. antitrust laws on activities occurring within their borders. This article examines the development and application of legal principles governing the extraterritorial reach of U.S. antitrust laws and looks at international and domestic responses to that reach, including the Foreign Trade Antitrust Improvements Act. The article also looks briefly at how considerations of international comity and similar principles can affect the reach of U.S. law and at U.S. enforcement attitudes.
Millimeter wave systems for airports and short-range aviation communications: A survey of the current channel models at mmWave frequencies

Millimeter-wave (mmWave) communications will play a key role in enhancing the throughput, reliability, and security of next generation wireless networks. These advancements are achieved through the large bandwidth available in this band and through the use of highly directional links that will be used to overcome the large pathloss at these frequencies. Although the terrestrial application of mmWave systems is advancing at a rapid pace, the use of mmWave communication systems in aviation systems or airports is still in its infancy. This can be attributed to the challenges related to radio technology and lack of development, and characterization of mmWave wireless channels for the aviation field and the airport environment. Consequently, one of our goals is to develop methodologies that support mmWave air to ground links, and various links at airports, by applying new localization schemes that allow for application of highly directional links that can be deployed over longer distances despite the high path loss at mmWave frequencies. However, a very thorough understanding of the mmWave channel models are needed to enable such new applications. To this end, in this paper, we present a survey of the current channel models in the mmWave band. The 3-dimensional statistical channel model is also reviewed and its parameters and typical characteristics for this model are identified and computed through simulation for the Boise metropolitan area.
Optical Monitoring of Cerebral Hemodynamics in Acute Stroke Patients During Mechanical Thrombectomy

This study uses diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS) to monitor blood flow during mechanical thrombectomy, a novel catheter-based treatment in acute ischemic stroke patients, to assist the surgeons observing the flow changes in realtime, towards a personalized therapy.
Taxation in Investment Real Estate

In this chapter, we will explore the benefits and possible pitfalls of taxation reduction and deferment strategies in investment real estate. We will discuss the effect that interest expense and non-cash expenses can have on investment return, and we will introduce the after tax internal rate of return. We will then discuss the various forms of real estate property ownership, and its effect on taxation at the corporate and personal level. In the final section of the chapter, we will outline like kind exchange in a real estate context. The chapter concludes by returning to our sensitivity analysis mini-case from the last chapter to view the after tax effects.
Ceramics in Abrasive Processes

The grinding wheel is a productive and versatile tool. It may be used in fine machining to produce a high degree of geometrical accuracy and surface finish or to provide an effective means for heavy stock removal in snagging operations1. Although grinding is the most common means of metal removal, still much remains to be learned before a fundamental understanding can be claimed. Research has classically dealt with the relations between independent wheel and machine parameters and the dependent variables, surface finish, metal removal rate and wheel wear. The desire for improved productivity, particularly in the fabrication of refractory hard alloys, has resulted in the need for a better understanding of friction and wear in metal-ceramic systems. It is now realized that the action of an abrasive in a metal removal operation is a combination of a mechanical, or strain-energy effect, and a chemical effect. Both contribute to the overall performance. The abrasive grain should possess a combination of properties such that it will not undergo excessively rapid breakdown during grinding. Those physical, chemical and mechanical properties of ceramics which influence adhesion, and in turn friction and wear have already been reviewed2, thus providing an excellent basis for the present discussion.
The DiagnoFirst Opportunity

John Mason, a principle at Oldwell Partners, was facing a decision of whether or not to invest in DiagnoFirst, a molecular diagnostics firm. DiagnoFirst's key product was a genetic test that identified a subset of prostate cancer patients with a high risk of clinical progression and death. DiagnoFirst had applied for patents, in both the U.S. and EU, for the sequence of 40 genes, the new methodology for gene amplification, and the specific mechanics of the genetic tests. Mason's decision to invest in DiagnoFirst was based in part on the likelihood of obtaining patents and in part on the projected cash flows of the business under various scenarios. This case examines issues of intellectual property in science, international differences in patent law, and the decision-making process of venture capital in biotechnology deals.
Cherylline: A 4-Arylisoquinoline

Cherylline has been synthesized anew by a route which calls for a quinone methide cyclization in the final step. The methoxy bromide 2 was condensed with the benzylamine 1, and concentrated hydrochloric acid cyclized the adduct to cherylline.1
Degradation of Lung Protective Angiotensin Converting Enzyme-2 by Meconium in Human Alveolar Epithelial Cells: A Potential Pathogenic Mechanism in Meconium Aspiration Syndrome.

Pancreatic digestive enzymes present in meconium might be responsible for meconium-induced lung injury. The local Renin Angiotensin System plays an important role in lung injury and inflammation. Particularly, angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) has been identified as a protective lung enzyme against the insult. ACE-2 converts pro-apoptotic Angiotensin II to anti-apoptotic Angiotensin 1–7. However, the effect of meconium on ACE-2 has never been studied before. To study the effect of meconium on ACE-2, and whether inhibition of proteolytic enzymes present in the meconium reverses its effects on ACE-2. Alveolar epithelial A549 cells were exposed to F-12 medium, 2.5% meconium, meconium + a protease inhibitor cocktail (PIc) and PIc alone for 16 h. At the end of incubation, apoptosis was measured with a nuclear fragmentation assay and cell lysates were collected for ACE-2 immunoblotting and enzyme activity. Meconium caused a fourfold increase in apoptotic nuclei (p < 0.001). The pro-apoptotic effect of meconium can be reversed by PIc. Meconium reduced ACE-2 enzyme activity by cleaving ACE-2 into a fragment detected at ~ 37 kDa by immunoblot. PIc prevented the degradation of ACE-2 and restored 50% of ACE-2 activity (p < 0.05). These data suggest that meconium causes degradation of lung protective ACE-2 by proteolytic enzymes present in meconium, since the effects of meconium can be reversed by PIc.
Religion: Psychiatric Aspects

In recent years, it has been posited that the difficult and sometimes troublesome relationship between psychiatry and religion has emerged in part as a result of two different paradigmatic approaches to answering some of the basic questions about humankind: What are the fundamental components of human beings? What causes illness? What helps keep individuals healthy? This article delineates the historical and philosophical development of the two disciplines, citing both the problematic and the beneficial synergistic efforts between the two domains. The question of whether these alternate paradigms have communal merit in helping individuals lead happier and healthier lives, or whether the division between the two fields of mental health and religion should remain distinctly separate are further addressed in light of recent research outcomes, as well as by illuminating ethical considerations in treating individuals.
Space and Place in Rural Program Implementation

Employing concepts of place and space, we consider the implementation of Early College initiatives in two small school districts in Ohio, situated in very different regions of the state. One is a rural district near the foothills of Appalachia, and the other is a small town district on the shores of Lake Erie. The paper examines data collected through a state-wide evaluation project. Our analysis suggests that where a school is located matters to the kinds of resources, opportunities and constrains it has for implementing state programs. Resources like transportation, access to college partners, and even proximity to other school districts made important differences to how these school districts implemented the Early College program. Given the variable conditions of school districts in Ohio and other states with a large number of rural and small city school districts, state policy makers should consider flexible implementation plans and variable levels of support.
Fat-Produced Adipsin Regulates Inflammatory Arthritis

We explored the relationship of obesity and inflammatory arthritis (IA) by selectively expressing diphtheria toxin in adipose tissue yielding "fat-free" (FF) mice completely lacking white and brown fat. FF mice exhibit systemic neutrophilia and elevated serum acute phase proteins suggesting a predisposition to severe IA. Surprisingly, FF mice are resistant to K/BxN serum-induced IA and attendant bone destruction. Despite robust systemic basal neutrophilia, neutrophil infiltration into joints of FF mice does not occur when challenged with K/BxN serum. Absence of adiponectin, leptin, or both has no effect on joint disease, but deletion of the adipokine adipsin (complement factor D) completely prevents serum-induced IA. Confirming that fat-expressed adipsin modulates the disorder, transplantation of wild-type (WT) adipose tissue into FF mice restores susceptibility to IA, whereas recipients of adipsin-deficient fat remain resistant. Thus, adipose tissue regulates development of IA through a pathway in which adipocytes modify neutrophil responses in distant tissues by producing adipsin.
Competencies acquired in epidemiology doctoral programs

Abstract Purpose The purpose of the study was to compile and describe the range of competencies imparted by doctoral programs in epidemiology using publicly available information. Methods Through the Council on Education for Public Health database, institutions conferring doctoral (PhD, ScD, DrPH) degrees in epidemiology were identified. The competencies listed on the corresponding institutions' websites were extracted and summarized. Results Forty-eight PhD and thirteen DrPH institutions indicate that their graduates will gain 11 common competencies. The most frequently noted competency for both PhD (93.7%) and DrPH (100%) degrees is related to the communication domain, reflecting the need for graduates to be able to effectively communicate epidemiologic information to others (epidemiology peers, other scientists, policy makers, students). Conclusions Although variations in the listed competencies exist among doctoral programs in epidemiology, there are common competencies across programs. Further examination of these programs is required to capture information beyond that conveyed on the websites. This preliminary report, along with those findings presented in previous reports on doctoral education, may stimulate further discussion with a group of faculty teaching at the doctoral level, employers of doctoral graduates, and/or the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health representatives.
The Deformational and Geometrical Aspect of Surfaces in Sliding Contact

Two rather simple and specific calculations involving deformation of surfaces in sliding contact and the relevant geometry in the small as well as in the large are discussed. These calculations concern the planning of experiments that have been carried out or are currently being conducted.
Treatment and long-term outcomes in pituitary carcinoma: a cohort study

Background Pituitary carcinoma (PC) is an aggressive neuroendocrine tumor diagnosed when a pituitary adenoma (PA) becomes metastatic. PCs are typically resistant to therapy and develop multiple recurrences despite surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Recently, treatment with temozolomide (TMZ) has shown promising results, although the lack of prospective trials limits assessment of benefit. Methods We describe a single-center multidisciplinary experience in managing PC patients over a 22-year period and review previously published PC series. Results Seventeen patients were identified. Median age at PC diagnosis was 44 years (range 16-82 years), and the median time from PA to PC transformation was 5 years (range 1-29 years). Median follow-up time was 28 months. Most PCs were hormone-positive (n = 12): ACTH (n = 5), PRL (n = 4), LH/FSH (n = 2) and GH (n = 1). All patients underwent at least one resection and at least one course of radiation after PC diagnosis. Immunohistochemistry showed high Ki-67 labeling index (>3%) in 10/15 cases. Eight patients (47%) had only central nervous system (CNS) metastases; six (35%) had combined CNS and systemic metastases. The most commonly used chemotherapy was TMZ, and TMZ-based therapy was associated with the longest PFS in 12 (71%) cases, as well as the longest period from PC diagnosis to first progression (median 30 months). The 2, 3 and 5-year survival rate of the entire cohort was 71, 59 and 35%, respectively. All patients surviving >5 years had been treated with TMZ-based therapy. Conclusions PC management benefits from multidisciplinary care and multimodality therapy. TMZ-based regimens were associated with high survival rates and long disease control.
Hole Filling in 3D Scans for Digital Anthropometric Applications

Anthropometric measurements have been used to assess an individual’s body composition, disease risk, and nutritional status. Three-dimensional (3D) optical devices can rapidly acquire body surface scans in the form of a triangular mesh which can then be used to obtain anthropometric measurements such as body volume, limb lengths, and circumferences; however, the meshes provided by some scanners may include missing data patches known as holes. These need to be repaired in order to obtain correct landmark detection and automatic calculation of anthropometric measurements—especially body volume. In this study, we present ScReAM (Scan Reconstruction for Anthropometric Measurements) which is a fully automated geometrical 3D reconstruction approach to find and fill these holes. We compare ScReAM with Alias and MeshFix which are well-known software used for triangular meshing. Evaluations are derived from a sample size of 47 subjects that were scanned by two different 3D optical scanners. Our results validate the accuracy of ScReAM for reconstructing a mesh for volume calculation.
Non-N-methyl-D-aspartate Autoimmune Encephalopathy and Catatonia Treated With Electroconvulsive Therapy: A Pediatric Case Series and Treatment Guidelines.

Introduction Autoimmune encephalitis (AE) is an inflammatory condition which may present with encephalopathy, including psychiatric symptoms of psychosis and catatonia. When catatonia becomes life-threatening or refractory to medication, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) should be considered. This case series represents a compilation of patient care experiences in which ECT served as a highly effective augmentation strategy for catatonia associated with autoimmune encephalitis other than NMDA AE. Methods We performed a retrospective case-study analysis of four patients with autoimmune encephalitis and catatonia who had disease onset prior to the age of 18. Cases were selected from the patients evaluated by the child psychiatry consultation and liaison inpatient service (n=460) in which care overlapped with both the autoimmune brain disease program (n=35) and the ECT program (n=4). Retrospective chart review focused on Bush Francis Catatonia Rating Scores, medication treatments targeting catatonia, ECT protocols, and special ethical considerations in patient care. Results Significant improvement in features of catatonia as evaluated by the Bush Francis Catatonia Rating Score (BFCRS) were seen in each patient treated with ECT. Across these four cases we encountered special considerations related to ECT that were specific to pediatric auto-immune catatonia. Conclusions We recommend ECT as a part of the treatment plan for patients who present with refractory features of catatonia (i.e. non-medication responsive). We advocate for following established practice parameters for the use of ECT in adolescents, with proposed modifications for patients with catatonia from this cause who often present with an increased level of medical complexity.
Effects of Immunosuppressive Medications on Mitochondrial Function.

Abstract Background Immunosuppressive medications are widely used for the prevention of allograft rejection in transplantation and graft-versus-host disease after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Despite their clinical utility, these medications are accompanied by multiple off-target effects, some of which may be mediated by their effects on mitochondria. Methods We examined the effect of commonly used immunosuppressive reagents, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), cyclosporine A (CsA), rapamycin, and tacrolimus on mitochondrial function in human T-cells. T-cells were cultured in the presence of immunosuppressive medications in a range of therapeutic doses. After incubation, mitochondrial membrane potential, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and apoptotic cell death were measured by flow cytometry after staining with DiOC6, MitoSOX Red, and Annexin V and 7-AAD, respectively. Increases in cytosolic cytochrome c were demonstrated by Western blot. T-cell basal oxygen consumption rates were measured using a Seahorse bioanalyzer. Results T-cells demonstrated significant levels of mitochondrial depolarization after treatment with therapeutic levels of MMF but not after treatment with CsA, tacrolimus, or rapamycin. Only MMF induced T-cell ROS production and induced significant levels of apoptotic cell death that were associated with increased levels of cytosolic cytochrome c. MMF decreased T-cell basal oxygen consumption within its therapeutic range, and CsA demonstrated a trend toward this result. Conclusions The impairment of mitochondrial function by commonly used immunosuppressive reagents may impair T-cell differentiation and function by decreasing energy production, producing toxic ROS, and inducing apoptotic cell death.
Tutorial 2A: Internet of Things (IoT): Signals, Communications, Applications, Challenges, and Future Research

Internet of Things (IoT) is the network of physical objects or “things” embedded with electronics, software, sensors, and network connectivity. It enables the objects to collect, share, and analyze data. The IoT has become an integral part of our daily lives through applications such as public safety, intelligent tracking in transportation, industrial wireless automation, personal health monitoring, and health care for the aged community. IoT is one of the latest technologies that will change our lifestyle in the coming years. Experts estimate that as of now, there are 23 billion connected devices, and by 2020 it would reach 30 billion devices. This tutorial aims to introduce the design and implementation of IoT systems. The foundations of IoT will be discussed throughout real applications. Challenges and constraints for future research in IoT will be discussed. In addition, research opportunities and collaboration will be offered for the attendees.
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Trends in Adult Spine Surgery: A Systematic Review

ABSTRACT Background Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) is a multimodal, multidisciplinary approach to optimizing the postsurgical recovery process through preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative interventions. ERAS protocols are emerging quickly within orthopedic spine surgery, yet there is a lack of consensus on optimal ERAS practices. Objective The aim of this systematic review is to identify and discuss the trends in spine ERAS protocols and the associated outcomes. Methods A literature search on PubMed was conducted to identify clinical studies that implemented ERAS protocols for various spine procedures in the adult population. The search included English-language literature published through December 2019. Additional sources were retrieved from the reference lists of key studies. Studies that met inclusion criteria were identified manually. Data regarding the study population, study design, spine procedures, ERAS interventions, and associated outcome metrics were extracted from each study that met inclusion criteria. Results Of the 106 studies identified from the literature search, 22 studies met inclusion criteria. From the ERAS protocols in these studies, common preoperative elements include patient education and modified preoperative nutrition regimens. Perioperative elements include multimodal analgesia and minimally invasive surgery. Postoperative elements include multimodal pain management and early mobilization/rehabilitation/nutrition regimens. Outcomes from ERAS implementation include significant reductions in length of stay, cost, and opioid consumption. Although these trends were observed, there remained great variability among the ERAS protocols, as well as in the reported outcomes. Conclusions ERAS may improve cost-effectiveness to varying degrees for spinal procedures. Specifically, the use of multimodal analgesia may reduce overall opioid consumption. However, the benefits of ERAS likely will vary based on the specific procedure. Clinical Relevance This review contributes to the assessment of ERAS protocol implementation in the field of adult spine surgery.
An Improved Convergence Analysis for Decentralized Online Stochastic Non-Convex Optimization

In this paper, we study decentralized online stochastic non-convex optimization over a network of nodes. Integrating a technique called gradient tracking in decentralized stochastic gradient descent, we show that the resulting algorithm, GT-DSGD , enjoys certain desirable characteristics towards minimizing a sum of smooth non-convex functions. In particular, for general smooth non-convex functions, we establish non-asymptotic characterizations of GT-DSGD and derive the conditions under which it achieves network-independent performances that match the centralized minibatch SGD . In contrast, the existing results suggest that GT-DSGD is always network-dependent and is therefore strictly worse than the centralized minibatch SGD . When the global non-convex function additionally satisfies the Polyak-Łojasiewics (PL) condition, we establish the linear convergence of GT-DSGD up to a steady-state error with appropriate constant step-sizes. Moreover, under stochastic approximation step-sizes, we establish, for the first time, the optimal global sublinear convergence rate on almost every sample path, in addition to the asymptotically optimal sublinear rate in expectation. Since strongly convex functions are a special case of the functions satisfying the PL condition, our results are not only immediately applicable but also improve the currently known best convergence rates and their dependence on problem parameters.
Eigenvalues of uncorrelated, density-difference matrices and the interpretation of Δ-self-consistent-field calculations

Two theorems on the eigenvalues of differences of idempotent matrices determine the natural occupation numbers and orbitals of electronic detachment, attachment, or excitation that pertain to transitions between wavefunctions that each consist of a single Slater determinant. They are also applicable to spin density matrices associated with Slater determinants. When the ranks of the matrices differ, unit eigenvalues occur. In addition, there are ±w pairs of eigenvalues where |w| ≤ 1, whose values are related to overlaps, t, between the corresponding orbitals of Amos and Hall, and Lowdin by the formula w=±1−t212. Generalized overlap amplitudes, including Dyson orbitals and their probability factors, may be inferred from these eigenvalues, which provide numerical criteria for: classifying transitions according to the number of holes and particles in final states with respect to initial states, identifying the most important effects of orbital relaxation produced by self-consistent fields, and the analysis of Fukui functions. Two similar theorems that apply to sums of idempotent matrices regenerate formulae for the natural orbitals and occupation numbers of an unrestricted Slater determinant that were published first by Amos and Hall.
Possibility of small electron states

Some authors have claimed that there exists a minimum size (on the order of the Compton radius) for electron states composed entirely of positive-frequency solutions to the free Dirac equation. Other authors have put forward counterexamples to such claims. This article asks how the counterexamples of A. J. Bracken and G. F. Melloy [J. Phys. A. 32, 6127 (1999)] bypass two arguments against their possibility. The first is an old argument that, because of the prohibition on faster-than-light motion, the electron must be larger than a certain minimum size if it is to have the correct angular momentum and magnetic moment. This challenge can be addressed by analyzing the flow of energy and charge for the counterexample states. The second argument is an explicit proof (presented in C.-P. Chuu et al. [Solid State Commun. 150, 533 (2010)]) that there is a minimum size for purely positive-frequency electron states. This proof hinges on the assumption of a small spread in momentum space, which is violated by the counterexamples that have been put forward.
Local Economic Freedom & Creative Destruction in America

Economic freedom facilitates the market selection mechanism that enables the Schumpeterian creative destruction process. I develop a framework depicting how economic freedom, which reduces entry barriers and transactions costs, acts as an external enabler that facilitates the creation of firms and jobs. It also facilitates the market correction device, potentially serving as a disabling force to allow firm and job destruction. Using a novel MSA-level dataset, I investigate empirically the role of local economic freedom on dynamism over the period 1972-2012. My results confirm that economic freedom is positively associated with firm and job creation, but it has no effect on firm and job destruction.
Leadership with Impact: Preparing Health and Human Services Practitioners in the Age of Innovation and Diversity: by Juan Carlos Araque and Eugenia L. Weiss, New York, NY, Oxford University Press, 2019, 528 pp., $37 (hardcover), IBSN: 978-0190932422

In this book, Araque and Weiss provide an approach to aid leaders in addressing the complex issues of innovation and diversity that confront health and human services organizations. The authors aim...
A Role for the Behavioral Scientist in Hostage Negotiation Incidents

Brian Jenkins of the Rand Corporation has reported [1] that from 1968 to 1974 there were over 507 incidents of terrorism around the world, and, since 1968, terrorists have killed more than 520 people and wounded 830 worldwide. As shaking as these statistics are, the total amount of violence is not that large since the number of 520 people killed in an eight-year period is exceeded by the annual homicide rate of some major U.S. cities, and is far exceeded by the more than 18 000 homicides committed annually in the United States. However, what is illuminating about Jenkin's study is not solely the number of people injured or killed by terrorists, but the intricate relationship between mass media and terrorist activities. In short, terrorists attacks are often carefully choreographed to seize the interest and attention of the mass media. The abduction of hostages increases the drama, and Jenkins notes that in this sense terrorism is theater for it is aimed at people watching and not at the actual victims or hostages [1, p. 12]. Moreover, Jenkins observed that while terrorists may sometimes kill wantonly, the primary objective of the terrorist is not mass murder, since terrorists want people watching and listening to their activities and not necessarily murdered [1. p. 3]:
Chapter 19. Leukocyte Motility

Publisher Summary The chapter is for the chemist interested in tempering the motile leukocyte's response to chemo-tactic stimuli as a means to the therapeutic control of inflammatory events or to the treatment of compromised patients rendered unduly susceptible to the infectious agents because of subnormal chemotactic responses. It collected data from those reports dealing with the neutrophilic leukocyte (PMN) because of its major role in acute inflammatory processes. The aim is to identify the chemical agents that modulate induced translocation in an in vitro or in vivo setting. The chapter discusses the purported mechanism(s) of the action of the therapeutic agent. It indicates the methodology utilized in the assessment of each compound or class of compounds. The techniques utilized in the study of stimulated migration (STM) include modifications of the micro-pore filter assay (MFA), the under-agarose technique (UAT), and direct visual assessment of cell orientation toward a gradient of chemoattractant. The most widely used chemotactic factors are also discussed in the chapter. Notes given on cyclic nucleotides, their intracellular biochemical reactions coupled to the activation of the leukocyte by chemotactic factors, and the β-receptor blocking agent propranalol. Various anti-inflammatory agents and their STM suppressing properties are discussed in this chapter, along with the doses to be administered. Similarly, the chapter discusses the agents that enhance stimulated leukocyte locomotion, antibiotics, and antifungals inhibitors of arachidonate lipoxygenase. The discussions are accompanied by the figures depicting the structure for each. Several structurally dissimilar competitive inhibitors of the formylated peptide receptor have been discovered. Phenylbutazone (0.5 pM) and sulfinpyrazone (0.5 pM) inhibited chemotaxis of human PMN (MFA) toward f-Met-Leu-Phe but not C5a and antagonized f-Met-Leu-Phe induced granulocytopenia in rabbits. The chapter delves further into the receptor specific drug interactions. In recent years, specific receptors on inflammatory leukocytes have been identified and a model system within viva relevance has been reported for the formylated peptide receptor.
New development in high reliability strapdown platforms using TDF sensors

New development in high reliability strapdown navigation platform using two-degree-of-freedom sensors and redundancy concept is presented in this paper. The development is based on the assumption that each axis of the sensor can fail without affecting the remaining axis. The systems reliability is investigated, the optimum redundancy configurations are proposed, a technique of sensor performance management is developed for the proposed systems.
Purification and properties of an enzyme from beef liver which catalyzes sulfhydryl-disulfide interchange in proteins.

Abstract An enzyme which catalyzes sulfhydryl-disulfide interchange in proteins containing "incorrect" disulfide bonds has been isolated from beef liver microsomes. The purified form of this enzyme shows two bands upon electrophoresis in starch gels and polyacrylamide gels. The proteins represented by these bands are considered to be variants of the same protein because both are enzymically active after elution from starch gels and because they appear as a single band after reduction and alkylation. A contaminant of higher molecular weight was identified in the purified enzyme preparation both as a faint third band in starch and polyacrylamide gels and as a faster sedimenting component in the analytical ultracentrifuge. By the latter technique the quantity of the contaminant was estimated to be 8 to 10% that of the microsomal enzyme. The molecular weight of the enzyme was found to be 42,000 by analytical ultracentrifugation. Amino acid analyses of the enzyme disclosed the presence of 3 half-cystine residues, and 44 arginine plus lysine residues, per molecule. Peptide maps, prepared from tryptic digests of the enzyme, contained 48 ninhydrin-positive spots. The visible and ultraviolet absorption spectra of the enzyme showed no peaks other than one with a maximum at 278 mµ.