cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Outpatient Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion is Associated With Fewer Short-term Complications in One- and Two-level Cases: A Propensity-adjusted Analysis.

STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort study of prospectively collected data from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database. OBJECTIVE To determine the postoperative morbidity of one- and two-level outpatient anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) relative to inpatient cases, and risk factors for postdischarge complications. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA ACDF is increasingly performed as an outpatient procedure, with evidence demonstrating outpatient one-level ACDF to be associated with fewer postoperative complications than inpatients. The postoperative morbidity and safety of outpatient two-level ACDF as a separate cohort is not well understood. METHODS ACDF cases from NSQIP 2011 to 2014 were identified. Differences in baseline characteristics between inpatient and outpatient cases were determined, and propensity score adjustment was used to account for selection bias. One- and two-level ACDF cohorts were analyzed separately. Unadjusted and propensity-adjusted multivariable logistic regressions were performed to determine the risk of postoperative complications in outpatient cases relative to inpatient cases, and predictors of postdischarge complications. RESULTS A total of 22,006 ACDF cases were included, of which 4759 were outpatient procedures. Propensity-adjusted differences in preoperative characteristics were all P > 0.5, indicating successful adjustment of selection bias. Among 6890 two-level cases, of which 1429 (20.7%) were outpatient, the overall unadjusted rate of complications was 1.47% for outpatients and 3.94% for inpatients, P < 0.001. Propensity-adjusted multivariable regression showed a lower rate of postoperative complications in the outpatient cohort (odds ratio 0.48, 95% confidence interval 0.30-0.75). Greater comorbidity burden as measured by Charlson Comorbidity Index, higher American Society of Anesthesiologists class, chronic steroid use, hypertension, and male sex were independent risk factors for postdischarge complications. CONCLUSION After adjusting for selection bias and patient risk factors, outpatient two-level ACDF was not associated with increased postoperative morbidity relative to inpatients, and may be considered in appropriately indicated patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3.
Updates from the ANITA Experiment

The ANtarctic Impulsive Transient Antenna (ANITA) collaboration deploys balloonborne interferometric antenna payloads that fly at 37 km above Antarctica. The primary goal is detection of Askaryan emission from cosmogenic neutrinos interacting in the Antarctic ice. In addition, ANITA has proven sensitive to radio signals from extended air showers. Here, we provide a review of the results of previous missions, with a special focus on recent results, and a preview of our upcoming mission.
Challenges to PHY anonymity for wi-fi

Prior work has shown that unique non-idealities in each wireless device give rise to radiometric fingerprints in the transmitted signal. However, even a device with no such uniqueness would betray channel state information (CSI) at the wireless physical layer. A passive listener can use this CSI to de-anonymize the sender.To bound the information gained by a powerful de-anonymizer, we develop an array-processing technique, REST, that extracts slowly-varying channel fingerprints from a Wi-Fi signal. We argue that REST is universal: for every other channel fingerprinting or angle-of-arrival scheme, either that scheme is too paranoid, leaving information unused; too trusting, relying on degrees of freedom under the transmitter's control; or else it is equivalent to REST.In response to REST, on the anonymizer's side, we propose a countermeasure to radio-layer tracking based on switchable antennas: a kind of "exponential ventriloquism".In response to exponential ventriloquism, on the de-anonymizer's side, we derive a theoretical upper bound on the effectiveness of a wide class of antenna- or MIMO-based techniques intended to conceal channel fingerprints.
Maximizing survival in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer undergoing curative bladder-preserving radiotherapy: the impact of radiotherapy dose escalation

Most historic trials demonstrating the outcomes with bladder-preserving radiotherapy (RT) used 64–66 Gy. However, newer data suggest improved outcomes with dose escalation up to 70 Gy. Our objective was to explore the impact of dose escalation on overall survival (OS) and to identify the optimal radiotherapy (RT) dose in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) treated with curative bladder-preserving RT. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients with cT2–4 N0–3 M0 transitional cell MIBC who were treated with curative RT (60–70 Gy in 1.8–2.0 Gy/fraction) using the National Cancer Database. Univariable (UVA) and multivariable (MVA) frailty survival analyses were employed to identify the association of dose escalation to 67–70 Gy, as well as different RT dose subgroups within 60–66 Gy, and OS. In total, 2531 patients met eligibility criteria. The 2-year OS was 53 and 56%, respectively, for patients receiving 60–66 and 67–70 Gy (p = .25). On MVA, there was no significant difference in survival for patients receiving 67–70 vs. 60–66 Gy (hazard ratio [HR], 0.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.76–1.10; p = .33). Compared to doses of 64–66 Gy, OS was worse with 60–61 Gy (HR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.17–1.52; p < .0001) but there was no difference in OS with 62–63 Gy (HR, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.96–1.28; p = .15) after adjusting for clinical T stage and Charlson-Deyo comorbidity score. When treating patients with MIBC with curative bladder-preserving radiotherapy, RT doses of 62–66 Gy have improved OS compared to lower doses, while dose escalation to 67–70 Gy does not improve survival. Our study does not support deviating from the standard of 64–66 Gy.
Abstract 375: The Intergenic Long Non-Coding RNA RP11-472n13.3 Modulates Interferon-Gamma Signaling and M1 Macrophage Activation

We aim to interrogate the functions of a subset of human macrophage intergenic long non-coding RNA (lincRNAs) which harbor cardiometabolic trait-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We have found that one lincRNA RP11-472N13.3 overlaps rs7081678, a SNP significantly associated with central obesity (WHRadjBMI; P =5.57x10 -6 ). RP11-472N13.3 expression is enriched in macrophages relative to other obesity relevant tissues. Thus, RP11-472N13.3 SNPs for obesity may act via its myeloid cell modulation in adipose. In human monocyte-derived macrophage (HMDM), human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived macrophages (IPSDM) and THP1-derived macrophages (THP-1Φ), at RNAseq and Q-PCR, RP11-472N13.3 is abundant in M0 and M2(IL-4) macrophages but markedly suppressed in the M1 state (LPS/IFNγ). RP11-472N13.3 localizes almost exclusively to the cytoplasmic fraction of M0-HMDM. Consistent with GENCODE, our HMDM RNAseq data suggest a single 2-exon isoform. ChIP-seq reveals PU.1 and C/EBP-β binding at RP11-472N13.3 transcription start site. In our HMDM RNAseq (n=30 subjects) data, RP11-472N13.3 expression was inversely correlated with IFNγ-JAK-STAT signaling genes (e.g., IRF4, IL-12A, IL-23, STAT1, SOCS1, SOCS3 ), but not LPS/TLR4 activated genes (e.g., TNFA, CXCL9, CXCL10, IL1B ). Furthermore, KD of RP11-472N13.3 using siRNA or LNA-ASO in THP-1Φ, amplified expression of IFNγ target genes but not LPS/TLR4 targets during M1 activation (LPS/IFNγ). These data suggest its potential role in modulating IFNγ signaling. Mechanistic studies are needed to examine the molecular mechanisms.
Societal Stasis and Change

In the historical examples we have examined, we have seen that societies can over time display a dynamics of stability and then change – stasis and change. How can we use methodology to express societal change and stasis?
Пути Повышения Эффективности Системы Внутренних Сбережений в России (Ways to Improve the Effectiveness of the System Domestic Savings in Russia)

Цель исследования - выявление ключевых факторов, лежащих в основе наиболее успешных практик развития внутренних систем сбережений разных стран, и обоснование предложений для комплексной реформы институциональных инвесторов в России. В работе обобщается опыт разных стран в создании инструментов долгосрочных сбережений и рассматриваются пути совершенствования деятельности институциональных инвесторов в России. Основной акцент исследования сделан на анализе основных тенденций в развитии институциональных инвесторов в мире, выявлении факторов, влияющих на уровень развития, надежность и успешность пенсионных систем и коллективных инвестиций, выявлении проблем пенсионной системы в России и отрасли паевых инвестиционных фондов. По итогам исследования в нем сформулированы предложения по комплексному развитию институциональных инвесторов в России. В работе сделана попытка обобщения научных знаний об институциональных инвесторах с опытом практической работы ее автора с саморегулируемыми организациями (НЛУ, НФА и НАУФОР) по проектам развития финансового рынка и регулирования деятельности финансовых посредников. Автор выражает благодарность Дробышевскому С.М., Мау В.А., С.С. Насибян за плодотворное обсуждение и ценные замечания.The purpose of the study - to identify the key factors underlying the development of best practices in the internal systems of savings from different countries, and the rationale for the proposals for a comprehensive reform of the institutional investors in Russia. This paper summarizes the experience of different countries in the creation of long-term savings instruments and discusses ways to improve the activity of institutional investors in Russia. The main focus of research is on the analysis of the main trends in the development of institutional investors in the world, the identification of factors affecting the level of development, reliability and success of pension schemes and collective investment, identify the problems of the pension system in Russia and the mutual funds industry. According to the results of research and formulates proposals for the integrated development of the institutional investors in Russia. This paper attempts to summarize scientific knowledge of institutional investors with practical experience of the author with a self-regulatory organizations (NLU, APF and NAUFOR) project financial market development and regulation of financial intermediaries. The author is grateful to Drobyshevskaya SM, Vladimir Mau, SS Nasibyan for fruitful discussions and valuable comments.
Contributions of Psychology to an Integrative Science Studies: The Shape of Things to Come

Metascience, or the study of science as a subject, traditionally has been the province of philosophers, historians, and sociologists of science1. Recent years, however, have seen an increased number of contributions from other disciplines—most saliently for the case at hand, from psychologists. Our own examination of literature on the topic suggests that there may now be hundreds of psychological studies of science. Fisch, for example, published a bibliography containing more than 300 references, at least half of which could properly be categorized as psychology of science.2 These works, moreover, are not just of recent vintage. Hadamard’s book entitled An Essay on the Psychology of Invention in the Mathematical Field was published in 19453—a date that seems recent in comparison to Frances Galton’s English Men of Science: Their Nature and Nurture, which appeared in 18744. Moreover, the phrase “psychology of science” has already been used by Maslow5, Singer6, Holton7 and Mahoney8. Clearly, then, psychology of science has a long intellectural heritage to be both acknowledged and studied9.
Molecular/Functional Image-guided Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy

The success of radiotherapy critically depends on the imaging modality used for treatment planning and the level of integration of the available imaging information. The use of functional/metabolic imaging provides us much more than a tool to delineate better the boundary of a tumor target. Together with anatomical CT or MRI images, functional imaging affords valuable 3D structural plus 1D metabolic data for both tumor and sensitive structures, valuable for guiding us to design spatially non-uniform dose distributions to deliver high doses to where the tumor burdens are high and differentially spare the sensitive structures according to the functional importance distributions. The integration and utilization of the functional data in radiation therapy treatment planning become increasingly important to improve clinical cancer management. While it is straightforward to modify the radiation portals to accommodate any changes in treatment volume, new methods of dose optimization and medical decision-making must be developed to take full advantage of the metabolic information and IMRT. How to achieve biologically conformal doses, instead of the geometrically conformal dose distribution, presents a new challenge to radiation oncology discipline. Hopefully, with the efforts from multiple institutions, the new approach of imaging, planning and decision-making will be resolved. Ultimately, whether using deliberately inhomogeneous dose distributions obtained under the guidance of functional imaging such as MRSI can improve patient survival and reduce the side effects associated with radiation treatment should be established through extensive clinical trials.
Poster: A Parallel Framework for Ab Initio Transcript-Clustering

Clustering is used to partition genomic data into disjoint subsets to streamline further processing. Since inputs can contain billions of nucleotides, performance is paramount. Consequently, clustering software is typically developed as a tightly coupled monolithic system which hinders software reusability, extensibility and introduction of new algorithms as well as data structures. Having experienced similar issues in our own clustering software, we have developed a flexible and extensible parallel framework called PEACE. The objective of the framework is to ease design, implementation, and use of various clustering methods without compromising performance. This paper presents the PEACE framework, its software architecture, parallel infrastructure, and distributed data structures along with a case study of developing a clustering algorithm. Case studies of developing filters, heuristics, and comparison algorithms are also discussed to illustrate modularity and extensibility of PEACE which enables software reuse in unique ways that may not have been foreseen when individual components were developed.
Muon Borehole Detector Design for Use in 4-D Density Overburden Monitoring

The increase in atmospheric CO2 concentrations has initiated research into carbon sequestration methods. One possibility is to store CO2 in subsurface porous reservoirs. Monitoring the injected CO2 plume is vital because escaping CO2 poses health and environmental risks. Typically, seismic reflection methods are used to determine the change in density due to the replacement of brine by CO2 in the reservoir but this is expensive and not continuous. A potential alternative is to use cosmic muon tomography to measure density changes in the reservoir as a function of time. This paper describes the development of a muon detector that will be capable of being deployed in boreholes. The detector will be designed to have the required dimensions, an angular resolution of approximately 2°, and be mechanically robust. The prototype design is based on alternating layers of scintillating rods, which can provide 4-D reconstruction of the overburden to detect small changes in density at depths up to approximately 2 km. Geant4, a Monte Carlo simulation code, is being used to develop models to guide the design of the physical configuration. Preliminary testing and measurements have been performed to validate the simulation predictions and optimize physical performance parameters. The simulated and preliminary experimental results are presented here.
COPING AND EMOTIONAL COMFORT OF CAREGIVERS

Introduction: The aim of this research is to find coping strategies for dealing with stress among caregivers who look after a chronically ill family member and to assess which of the most common emotions they are experiencing. Methods: We used a standard 28-item questionnaire Brief COPE (Carver, 1997) with Likert scale with values of 6-1 and standardized Variety habitual emotional, subjective well-being in this study (Džuka, Dalbert, 2002). The questionnaire was distributed by nurses who care for ill relatives in the Home Care Agency. We used descriptive statistical methods. Results: Exploratory data includes answers from 30 respondents, who were caregivers of a patient with chronic illness at home. The average age of respondents was 66.3 years + 4,5, ranged between 56 and 71 years old. Concerning the custodies, these were the most often the life partners - husband / wife (63 %). The average length of treatment was half a year - year (27 %). Top active strategies for coping with stress were: planning, instrumental social support, acceptance, religiosity, emotional support, with the average from 4,65 to 4,27. The least used coping strategies were humor and drug use. Respondents experienced more frequent negative than positive emotions - pain with average 4,30, sadness 4,24, fear 4.23, Conclusion: The study shows that the caregivers can select an active strategy to help them overcome difficulties while taking care of the sick. When assessing emotional survival, we found out that respondents had negative emotions.
The crystal structure of a tetrahydrofolate-bound dihydrofolate reductase reveals the origin of slow product release.

Dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) catalyzes the stereospecific reduction of 7,8-dihydrofolate (FH2) to (6s)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrofolate (FH4) via hydride transfer from NADPH. The consensus Escherichia coli DHFR mechanism involves conformational changes between closed and occluded states occurring during the rate-limiting product release step. Although the Protein Data Bank (PDB) contains over 250 DHFR structures, the FH4 complex structure responsible for rate-limiting product release is unknown. We report to our knowledge the first crystal structure of an E. coli. DHFR:FH4 complex at 1.03 A resolution showing distinct stabilizing interactions absent in FH2 or related (6R)-5,10-dideaza-FH4 complexes. We discover the time course of decay of the co-purified endogenous FH4 during crystal growth, with conversion from FH4 to FH2 occurring in 2–3 days. We also determine another occluded complex structure of E. coli DHFR with a slow-onset nanomolar inhibitor that contrasts with the methotrexate complex, suggesting a plausible strategy for designing DHFR antibiotics by targeting FH4 product conformations. Hongnan Cao et al. present the X-ray crystal structure of E. coli dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) in complex with its reduced substrate, (6s)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrofolate (FH4). This structure provides the first glimpse of the rate-limiting product release step of the DHFR mechanism and suggests a strategy for designing DHFR-targeting antibiotics.
A Comparative Study on Detection Accuracy of Cloud-Based Emotion Recognition Services

The ability of software systems adapting to human's input is a key element in the symbiosis of human-system co-adaptation, where human and software-based systems work together in a close partnership to achieve synergetic goals. This seamless integration will eliminate the barriers between human and machine. A critical requirement for co-adaptive systems is software system's ability to recognize human emotion, in which the system can detect and interpret users' emotions and adapt accordingly. There are numerous solutions that provide the technologies for emotion recognition. However, selecting an appropriate solution for a given task within a specific application domain can be challenging. The vast variation between these solutions makes the selecting task even more difficult. This paper compares cloud-based emotion recognition services offered by Amazon, Google, and Microsoft. These services detect human emotion through facial expression recognition with the utilization of computer vision. The focus of this paper is to measure the detection accuracy of these services. Accuracy is calculated based on the highest confidence rating returned by each service. All three services have been tested with the same dataset. This paper concludes with findings and recommendations based on our comparative analysis among these services.
New Radiocarbon Dates from CA-CCO-138 (Hotchkiss Mound) and CA-CCO-139 (Simone Mound) and Insights into Mounds, Settlement Patterns, and Culture History in the California Delta

We report 91 new AMS radiocarbon dates on human bone collagen from two important central California sites: CA-CCO-138 (Hotchkiss Mound; n = 46) and CA-CCO-139 (Simone Mound; n = 45). The sites lie ...
Evidence for natural attenuation of 1,4-dioxane in a glacial aquifer system

Although 1,4-dioxane is generally thought to be recalcitrant, recent studies suggest it may degrade in the subsurface under ideal conditions. A fuller understanding of natural attenuation processes affecting 1,4-dioxane is therefore needed to assess its potential for in situ bioremediation. This investigation employed multiple lines of evidence to evaluate attenuation of 1,4-dioxane at the Gelman Site beneath the city of Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA. Data from a network of groundwater monitoring wells were used to determine attenuation metrics at individual wells and at the scale of a prominent 1,4-dioxane plume. A series of plume maps and historical remediation data were used to calculate changes in aqueous phase mass storage, mass influx rates, and mass removal rates over a 12-year period (2005–2017). Individual point and plume-scale metrics indicate that attenuation may be occurring at rates too small to meaningfully contribute to remediation results at the site. Conversely, plume-scale mass balance calculations reveal a 1,4-dioxane storage surplus for the first 6 years, followed by a storage deficit during the remaining 6 years that cannot be explained by mass influx or removal estimates, respectively. Mass balance deficits observed in this aquifer system are attributable to biodegradation and/or unrecognized discharge to surface water and storm drain systems at rates similar to remedial pump-and-treat mass removal during 2011–2017.
Leveraging Thermochemistry Data to Build Accurate Microkinetic Models

Ab initio microkinetic modeling, parameterized using density functional theory (DFT) energies, is a common tool to quantify reaction rates and analyze reaction mechanisms a priori in heterogeneous catalysis. Such models, however, often have large prediction errors even if they include plausible reaction steps and correctly model the active sites; this is partially due to the intrinsic inaccuracies of the chosen DFT functional. Borrowing concepts from Bayesian calibration theory, we show that transferable data-driven corrections to DFT energies in the form of Gaussian process models trained on single crystal adsorption calorimetry data can improve the accuracy of microkinetic models substantially. Specifically, we demonstrate that such corrections improve the predictive accuracy of the microkinetic model of the water gas shift reaction on single crystal Cu(111) surface by three (3) orders of magnitude. We finally show that Gaussian Process corrections serve as informed priors in a Bayesian experimental des...
Saving Faces: Authentic Leadership and the Tension of Self-Disclosure

Leaders are faced with a tension of self-disclosure. What is appropriate to share? What might have an adverse effect on the follower’s or the leader’s own health? Authentic leadership provides some help by arguing for self-awareness, self-regulation, and congruence between one’s self and one’s actions. Yet authentic leadership recognizes tensions, such as the leader adapting to different contexts. Lewis provides wisdom in this discussion through his use of the face and the mask. For Lewis, the face acts as a trope for identity and influence. As one’s face changes, so is one’s self changing. The mask, however, is not always presented negatively. At times, the mask is beneficial for the leader. Yet leaders must be aware that masking their identities may result in significant consequences.
Plasmon Hybridization-Induced Ultra-broadband High Absorption from 0.4 to 1.8 Microns in Titanium Nitride Metastructures

Titanium nitride (TiN) metadevices as perfect absorbers are studied using finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations. In this paper, we demonstrate a metastructure including a top silica (SiO2) layer, two layers of TiN nano-ribbon arrays, a SiO2 dielectric layer, and a TiN film to realize efficient solar energy harvesting. We theoretically optimize the geometrical parameters of each active layer to achieve high absorption rates with an average value of up to 95% within an ultra-wide band from 0.4 to 1.8 microns, covering over 93% of total energy in the solar spectrum. Our detailed analysis of the electric field enhancement indicates that such ultra-broadband high absorption in the visible/near-infrared ranges can be attributed to surface plasmon resonances, Fabry-Perot resonances, and strong plasmon hybridization between adjacent TiN nano-ribbons. Together with refractory properties of TiN and SiO2, the designed metadevice may exhibit great potential in efficient solar energy harvesting applications, particularly in harsh environments.
In Defence of Forgetting Evil: A Reply to Pilkington on Conscientious Objection.

In a recent article for this journal, Bryan Pilkington (2019) makes a number of critical observations about one of our arguments for non-traditional medical conscientious objectors’ duty to refer. Non-traditional conscientious objectors are those professionals who object to indirectly performing actions—like, say, referring to a physician who will perform an abortion. In our response here, we discuss his central objection and clarify our position on the role of value conflicts in non-traditional conscientious objection.
Science philanthropy, energy systems research, and societal responsibility: A match made for the 21st century

Abstract An increasingly important and often overlooked issue in science and technology policy is recognizing the role that philanthropies play in setting the direction of research. In an era where public and private resources for science are strained, the practices that foundations adopt to advance basic and applied research needs to be better understood. A new book, Philanthropy and the Future of Science and Technology, is a first-of-its-kind study that provides a detailed assessment of the current state of science philanthropy, surveying the landscape of contemporary philanthropic involvement in science and technology by combining theoretical insights drawn from the responsible research and innovation (RRI) framework with empirical analysis investigating an array of examples and case studies. In particular, this analysis can inform how philanthropic funders of research focused on energy systems, environmental issues, and climate change can ensure that this scholarship is well positioned to have societal impact. Such philanthropic-supported research is needed to guide the design, development, and implementation of more effective, practical solutions and practices at multiple levels of decision-making. In doing so, this article details some of the new programmatic efforts focused on advancing energy and climate research that has emerged from the philanthropic community in recent years. This article concludes by exploring alternative future scenarios that highlight different ways in which the relationship between science philanthropy and societal responsibility might evolve going forward.
Associations of Physical Fitness and Academic Achievement Among Illinois High School Students

The health benefits of physical activity are empirically supported and well accepted. However, the relationship between physical activity, physical fitness, and academic performance remains to be clearly established. The purpose of this study was to identify the relationship between physical fitness and academic achievement among a sample of Illinois high school students. Analyses were based on the 2016–2017 school year Archival Fitnessgram physical fitness test scores and cumulative GPAs of ninth- through twelfth-grade students (N = 371). Pearson correlation assessed the relationship between physical fitness and academic performance. Multiple linear regression predicted students’ academic achievement. There was a positive association between total fitness and academic achievement, although not statistically significant, r (369) = .002, p = .49. The regression prediction model was statistically significant (p < .001) and accounted for approximately 25% of the variance in academic achievement (R2 = .256, adjusted R2 = .246). Academic achievement was predicted by total number of absences and gender, and to a lesser extent by socio­economic status, the curl-up, and ethnicity. The findings of this study suggest a positive association between physical fitness and academic achievement. These results are potentially relevant to the development of future education policies. Thus, policy makers, school administrators, and educators must use the knowledge gained in this study, along with existing research, as evidence to emphasize the importance of the fitness–academic link, to further support the need for quality physical education curriculum and mandated physical fitness testing.Subscribe to TPE
Efficacy of Apneic Oxygenation During Pediatric Endotracheal Intubation.

Objective Because of the abundance of complications associated with peri-intubation hypoxia, maintaining adequate oxygen saturation during endotracheal intubation (ETI) is of great concern. In addition to standard preoxygenation techniques, apneic oxygenation (AO), the continuous flow of passive oxygenation, is a potential tool that can be used to eliminate hypoxia during ETI. Although scarcely studied in the pediatric population, AO has proven effective in reducing the incidence of hypoxia in adult patients with minimal side effects. The objective of this study is to evaluate the use of apneic oxygenation in pediatric patients and to determine its efficacy in preventing or delaying oxygen desaturation during the apneic period of ETI. Methods This literature review examines 4 studies that evaluate the practice of AO in pediatric patients. A total of 712 patients across 3 randomized control trials and 1 observational study were assigned to either a control group that did not receive any form of AO, a group that did not receive 100% fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2), or an intervention group where various methods of AO were delivered. Results Each AO method that provided 100% FiO2 saw a significantly longer time until initial desaturation when compared with those that did not receive any form of AO or those not receiving 100% FiO2. Conclusions The findings in this study confirm that the practice of AO is not only efficacious in increasing the time until initial desaturation but also reduces the overall incidence of hypoxia during laryngoscopy in children.
Langmuir Wave Activity: Comparing the Ulysses Solar Minimum and Solar Maximum Orbits

We examine the occurrence and intensity of Langmuir wave activity (electrostatic waves at the electron plasma frequency) during the solar minimum and solar maximum orbits of Ulysses. At high latitudes during the solar minimum orbit, occurrences of Langmuir waves in magnetic holes were frequent; in the second orbit, they were less common. This difference, in comparison with observations from the first Ulysses fast heliolatitude scan, suggests that Langmuir wave activity in magnetic holes is enhanced in solar wind from polar coronal holes.
Automata based interfaces for control and scheduling

We propose the use of formal languages of infinite words over the alphabet of task identifiers as an interface between control designs and software implementations. We argue that this approach is more flexible than the classical real-time scheduling framework based on periodic tasks, and allows composition of interfaces by language-theoretic operations. We show that finite automata over infinite words offer analyzable representation and can capture many interesting interface specifications such as exponential stability of switched linear systems.
Pareto Optimality in Coevolutionary Learning

We develop a novel coevolutionary algorithm based upon the concept of Pareto optimality. The Pareto criterion is core to conventional multi-objective optimization (MOO) algorithms. We can think of agents in a coevolutionary system as performing MOO, as well: An agent interacts with many other agents, each of which can be regarded as an objective for optimization. We adapt the Pareto concept to allow agents to follow gradient and create gradient for others to follow, such that co-evolutionary learning succeeds. We demonstrate our Pareto coevolution methodology with the majority function, a density classification task for cellular automata.
Taking the Analysis of Security Seriously

pROFESSORS Harris and Mooney ("H & M") argue that the new Article 9 should further advance the goals of the current statute-to make security easier to take and to increase its scope.' H & M defend this position against attacks from Law and Economics analysts and other scholars; both sets of critics, H & M claim, want to increase the costs associated with secured credit or otherwise to restrict its use. H & M's article primarily attempts to refute the Law and Economics claims; it cites few other scholars and only discusses the economic arguments in detail. This Commentary thus focuses on the dispute that H & M have with Law and Economics. H & M's support for Article 9 has both a positive and a normative aspect. The former argues first that the debate over the efficiency of secured debt is inconclusive as a matter of theory; the granting of security sometimes creates net social benefits and sometimes does not. H & M go on to claim that whether the former effect usually occurs "is an empirical question that cannot be answered with any certainty using existing information."2 The law nevertheless should facilitate the issuance of secured debt because normative grounds exist to allocate the burden of proof in the security interest debate to Article 9's opponents. First, security often is indistinguishable in its economic effects from other transactions, such as sales and the repayment of debts, that the state generally facilitates. This creates a presumption that the state should facilitate the creation of security interests. Second, a debtor that issues security is merely alienating its property. That our society encourages freedom of alienation generally strengthens the normative presumption that society should encourage the issuance of security.
Intergenerational music outreach: Institute for Music and Health, Verbank, New York.

The music outreach model is an innovative approach to intergenerational music programming. At an organized event, older persons, children and/or young adults, a facilitator and staff of the organiz...
Squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue: histopathological parameters associated with outcome

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the applicability of the histological risk assessment model proposed by Brandwein-Gensler et al. in a cohort of oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) patients treated with definitive surgery. We also examined the impact of additional histopathological features on disease acceleration. The cases of 49 OTSCC patients attending our institution between 1995 and 2009, who underwent definitive surgical resection followed by adjunct chemoradiotherapy when indicated, were reviewed retrospectively. Surgical resection specimens and complete clinical and demographic data were available for these patients; follow-up was at least 6 months. In this cohort we only identified a correlation between gender and the histopathological risk model score (P
Characterization and minimization of mutual coupling between NLC-FED slot antennas

Mutual coupling between both single and twin slot antennas fed by non-leaky coplanar (NLC) waveguides with conductor backing is characterized rigorously for the first time. While there is pronounced mutual coupling (about -12 dB) between two single slots separated by /spl lambda//sub 0//2, we show that by employing an optimized twin-slot configuration, it is possible to reduce significantly the coupling level to below -30 dB over a 15% bandwidth, making this unidirectional radiator an attractive candidate for millimeter-wave imaging arrays.
Comparison of Methods for Determining Aerobic Exercise Intensity Using Heart Rate in Acute Leukemia Patients Prior to Induction Chemotherapy.

Introduction:Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), the gold standard of cardiopulmonary evaluation, is used to determine VO2 levels at different aerobic exercise training intensities; however, it may not be feasible to conduct CPET in all clinical settings.Aims:To compare the heart rate reserve (HRR) and percent of 220-age methods for prescribing cycle ergometry exercise intensity using heart rate (HR) against the HRs obtained during a CPET in adults undergoing treatment for acute leukemia (AL).Methods:In this exploratory study, part of a larger randomized controlled trial, 14 adults with AL completed CPET on a cycle ergometer with indirect calorimetry within 96 hr of admission to a cancer hospital to determine VO2peak and HR corresponding to low (40% VO2peak), moderate (60% VO2peak), and high (75% VO2peak) exercise intensities. Analyses of variance were used to compare estimated HR for each intensity level using the HRR and percent of 220-age methods with HR determined via VO2peak.Results:HR correspon...
Ulcerative glossitis and gingivitis associated with foxtail grass awn irritation in two horses

Summary Two horses were presented for diagnosis of lethargy, salivation, halitosis, dysphagia, bleeding ulcerative glossitis, gingivitis, and focal bleeding ulceration along the mucocutaneous junction of the labial commissures. In both instances, ulceration was attributed to foxtail awns (Setaria geniculata) based on microscopic examination of representative tissue biopsies and identification of numerous foxtail seed heads in representative samples of the available hay. The horses recovered and the lesions resolved completely following removal of the affected source of hay.
Cluster theory of the electronic structure of disordered systems

The equation of motion for the averaged Green's function in an alloy couples the latter to the Green's function for which the average is restricted so that the composition of one atom is held fixed. The average Green's function may be regarded as the Green's function for a zero-atom cluster, and it is coupled to the Green's function for a one-atom cluster. There is thus an infinite hierarchy of equations of motion in which the $n$-atom functions are coupled to the ($n+1$) atom functions. The coherent potential approximation (CPA) of Soven corresponds to truncation in the equation of motion of the one-atom function. We have generalized the coherent potential theory to a theory of $n$-atom functions with truncation in the equation of motion of the ($n+1$) atom function ($\mathrm{CP}\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{n}}$). The formalism is developed, and specific formal results are reported. In particular, the existence of localized states in the band tails can be demonstrated, but the transition region from localized to extended states is beyond the reach of a cluster theory. The theory provides a systematic basis for quantitative improvement over the CPA, and allows for a discussion of the effects of randomness in the off-diagonal elements of the Hamiltonian. The cluster hierarchy is formally solved to provide a multiple-scattering expansion of the average Green's function, where terms involving one, two, etc., atom scattering are grouped together. This expansion can be used to generate recently proposed generalizations of the CPA, but when used in conjunction with the self-consistent $n$-atom functions of the $\mathrm{CP}\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{n}}$, it provides the best approximate averaged Green's function for which the lowest-order corrections involve the scattering from compact ($n+1$) atom clusters.
AMERICAN AND KOREAN GINSENG TISSUE CULTURES: GROWTH, CHEMICAL ANALYSIS, AND PLANTLET PRODUCTION

Roots, stems, or leaves of American (Panax quinquefolium) and Korean (Panax ginsing) ginseng were grown as callus or supension tissue cultures. Tissue cultures ofP. ginseng would occasionally form plantlets. The fundamental chemical composition, inorganic analysis, and saponin (panaquilin) content of American and Korean ginseng plants and tissue cultures were determined. The crude saponin content is very similar to, but approximately one-half (1.3%, fresh weight) of that present in ginseng roots. Two-dimensional thin layer chromatographic analysis revealed minor differences in the panaquilins present in American and Korean ginseng tissue cultures. The sapogenin, panaxadiol, was isolated from Korean ginseng callus.
Melanopsin mediates light-dependent relaxation in blood vessels

Melanopsin (opsin4; Opn4), a non-image-forming opsin, has been linked to a number of behavioral responses to light, including circadian photo-entrainment, light suppression of activity in nocturnal animals, and alertness in diurnal animals. We report a physiological role for Opn4 in regulating blood vessel function, particularly in the context of photorelaxation. Using PCR, we demonstrate that Opn4 (a classic G protein-coupled receptor) is expressed in blood vessels. Force-tension myography demonstrates that vessels from Opn4(-/-) mice fail to display photorelaxation, which is also inhibited by an Opn4-specific small-molecule inhibitor. The vasorelaxation is wavelength-specific, with a maximal response at ∼430-460 nm. Photorelaxation does not involve endothelial-, nitric oxide-, carbon monoxide-, or cytochrome p450-derived vasoactive prostanoid signaling but is associated with vascular hyperpolarization, as shown by intracellular membrane potential measurements. Signaling is both soluble guanylyl cyclase- and phosphodiesterase 6-dependent but protein kinase G-independent. β-Adrenergic receptor kinase 1 (βARK 1 or GRK2) mediates desensitization of photorelaxation, which is greatly reduced by GRK2 inhibitors. Blue light (455 nM) regulates tail artery vasoreactivity ex vivo and tail blood blood flow in vivo, supporting a potential physiological role for this signaling system. This endogenous opsin-mediated, light-activated molecular switch for vasorelaxation might be harnessed for therapy in diseases in which altered vasoreactivity is a significant pathophysiologic contributor.
Dissociation Constants of Some Isomeric Aminoquinolines: Determination of the Site of Protonation from Shifts in Electronic Absorption Spectra

Dissociation constants of four isomeric aminoquinolines were determined spectrophotometrically and are compared with the same constants determined potentiometrically. The shifts in electronic absorption spectra of the compounds studied, upon protonation, are employed to assign the positions of protonation in the aminoquinolines. It was found that, in neutral and dilute acid solutions, a proton is added to the nitrogen atom in the heterocyclic rings in all compounds studied. Addition of a second proton, to the amino nitrogen, occurs only in strong acid solutions. 2-Aminoquinoline appears to exist in solution predominantly as an imino tautomer, while the other aminoquinolines studied exist predominantly in amino forms.
Genetic Analysis of a Rat Model of Aerobic Capacity and Metabolic Fitness

Aerobic capacity is a strong predictor of all-cause mortality and can influence many complex traits. To explore the biological basis underlying this connection, we developed via artificial selection two rat lines that diverge for intrinsic (i.e. inborn) aerobic capacity and differ in risk for complex disease traits. Here we conduct the first in-depth pedigree and molecular genetic analysis of these lines, the high capacity runners (HCR) and low capacity runners (LCR). Our results show that both HCR and LCR lines maintain considerable narrow-sense heritability (h2) for the running capacity phenotype over 28 generations (h2 = 0.47 ± 0.02 and 0.43 ± 0.02, respectively). To minimize inbreeding, the lines were maintained by rotational mating. Pedigree records predict that the inbreeding coefficient increases at a rate of <1% per generation, ~37-38% slower than expected for random mating. Genome-wide 10K SNP genotype data for generations 5, 14, and 26 demonstrate substantial genomic evolution: between-line differentiation increased progressively, while within-line diversity deceased. Genome-wide average heterozygosity decreased at a rate of <1% per generation, consistent with pedigree-based predictions and confirming the effectiveness of rotational breeding. Linkage disequilibrium index r2 decreases to 0.3 at ~3 Mb, suggesting that the resolution for mapping quantitative trait loci (QTL) can be as high as 2-3 cM. To establish a test population for QTL mapping, we conducted an HCR-LCR intercross. Running capacity of the F1 population (n=176) was intermediate of the HCR and LCR parentals (28 pairs); and the F2 population (n=645) showed a wider range of phenotypic distribution. Importantly, heritability in the F0-F2 pedigree remained high (h2~0.6). These results suggest that the HCR-LCR lines can serve as a valuable system for studying genomic evolution, and a powerful resource for mapping QTL for a host of characters relevant to human health.
Incorporation of C14-labeled compounds into carotenes by Neurospora crassa

Abstract Of eight radioisotopic compounds tested, seven were found to incorporate C 14 into the carotenes of Neurospora crassa . Mevalonic acid gave the best incorporation, the N,N′ -dibenzylethylenediamine salt serving more effectively than the sodium salt; however, in the best yields conversion was less than 1% of the active carbon of the medium into the carotene fraction. Mevalonic acid-2-C 14 was incorporated into all C 40 polyenes; a possible preference for its use in forming γ-carotene and lycopene was revealed by their changes in specific activity during the 64-hr. period of active carotene production. The results imply that the individual polyenes are synthesized independently rather than through a stepwise interconversion involving either hydrogenation or dehydrogenation.
Temperature-enhanced light emission from Er-TeO2 Photonic Crystals

Photonic crystals are fabricated in Er-doped TeO2 films. Strong photoluminescence around 1530 nm is observed by 488-532 nm laser pumping. 98x enhanced emission is demonstrated after annealing the thin films at 600C.
Social epidemiology and the work environment.

A major theme in virtually all of Bertil Gardell's work is that the social and work environment affects health and well-being. This concern with the social environment has been a major influence in...
Eliminating barriers to the telecommunications revolution

The author asks the question: why have convergence and telecommunications not "taken off" as some of us had anticipated? The reason is that three inhibitors block the arrival of the age of convergence and one of these is the lingering presence of a web of cross subsidy that fosters economic and emotional barriers to marketplace entrants with new technologies. The author discusses various questions concerning this cross subsidy: what is the approximate size of the residual cross subsidy that still flows from other services to local residential service? How might this cross subsidy affect the dynamics of technological evolution? What, if anything, might stemming the flow of the most egregious elements of the cross subsidy imply?. >