cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Ground-Beef Patties during Storage at 2, −2, 15 and then −2°C, and −20°C†

The survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and of a nonpathogenic control strain of E. coli was monitored in raw ground beef that was stored at 2 degrees C for 4 weeks, -2 degrees C for 4 weeks, 15 degrees C for 4 h and then -2 degrees C for 4 weeks, and -20 degrees C. Irradiated ground beef was inoculated with one E. coli control strain or with a four-strain cocktail of E. coli O157:H7 (ca. 10(5) CFU/g), formed into patties (30 to 45 g), and stored at the appropriate temperature. The numbers of the E. coli control strain decreased by 1.4 log 10 CFU/g, and pathogen numbers declined 1.9 log 10 CFU/g when patties were stored for 4 weeks at 20 degrees C. When patties were stored at -2 degrees C for 4 weeks, the numbers of the E. coli control strain and the serotype O157:H7 strains decreased 2.8 and 1.5 log 10 CFU/g, respectively. Patties stored at 15 degrees C for 4 h prior to storage at -2 degrees C for 4 weeks resulted in 1.6 and 2.7 log 10-CFU/g reduction in the numbers of E. coli and E. coli O157:H7, respectively. Storage of retail ground beef at 15 degrees C for 4 h (tempering) did not result in increased numbers of colony forming units per gram, as determined with violet red bile, MRS lactobacilli, and plate-count agars. Frozen storage (-20 degrees C) of ground-beef patties that had been inoculated with a single strain of E. coli resulted in approximately a 1 to 2 log 10-CFU/g reduction in the numbers of the control strain and individual serotype O157:H7 strains after 1 year. There was no significant difference between the survival of the control strain and the O157:H7 strains, nor was there a difference between O157:H7 strains. These data demonstrate that tempering of ground-beef patties prior to low-temperature storage accelerated the decline in the numbers of E. coli O157:H7.
Impact of Statin Use After Heart Transplantation: A Meta-Analysis.

Background— Although various studies revealed the beneficial effects of statins in post–cardiac transplant patients, these were relatively small and low-powered studies. We performed a meta-analysis of published studies to evaluate the role of statins in post–cardiac transplant patients, specifically examining the effects on hemodynamically significant/fatal graft rejection, coronary vasculopathy, terminal cancer, and overall survival. Methods and Results— We searched PubMed, Cochran CENTRAL, and Web of Science databases using the search terms “cardiac transplant” or “heart transplant,” and “statin” for a literature search. A random-effects model with Mantel–Haenszel method was used to pool the data. We identified 10 studies, 4 randomized controlled trials, and 6 nonrandomized studies, which compared outcomes in heart transplant recipients undergoing statin therapy to statin-naive patients. A pooled analysis of 9 studies reporting mortality revealed that the use of statins was associated with significant reduction in all-cause mortality (odds ratio, 0.26; 95% confidence interval, 0.20–0.35; P <0.0001). Statins also decreased the odds of hemodynamically significant/fatal rejection (odds ratio, 0.37; 95% confidence interval, 0.21–0.65; P =0.0005), incidence of coronary vasculopathy (odds ratio, 0.33; 95% confidence interval, 0.16–0.68; P =0.003), and terminal cancer (odds ratio, 0.30; 95% confidence interval, 0.15–0.63; P =0.002). Conclusions— The evidence from a pooled analysis suggests that statins improve survival in heart transplant recipients. Statins may prevent fatal rejection episodes, decrease terminal cancer risk, and reduce the incidence of coronary vasculopathy. Additional prospective studies are needed to further investigate and explain this association.
The Effect of Modifiers on the Intrinsic Properties of Bilayer Lipid Membranes (BLM)

Black lipid membranes (BLM), as model systems for studies of biological membrane function, offer an opportunity for carrying out measurements which may pertain to cellular mechanisms of many important biological activities. For example, the mechanisms of nerve excitation, of water permeation, of active transport, and of energy transduction are just a few of the problems being actively investigated with the use of BLM. A number of comprehensive reviews covering the earlier studies on BLM have been published recently (1–4).
Electron-Beam Techniques Vacuum Degassing Highlight: Fifth Vacuum Metallurgy Conference

A summary report on the Fifth Annual Conference on Vacuum Metallurgy held at New York University on June 18-19, 1962, under the joint sponsorship of the Vacuum Metallurgy Div. of the American Vacuum Society and the Dept. of Metallurgy and Material Sciences of New York University.
Safeguarding Tobacco Control Measures from the Tobacco Industry’s Trade-Related Challenges Through Trade Treaty Design

In view of the tobacco provision in the Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Decision of the Sixth Conference of the Parties of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control enjoining parties to explore possible legal options to minimize the risk of the tobacco industry making undue use of trade and investments rules to challenge tobacco control measures, this paper explores and analyzes the practice of safeguarding specific sectors in trade and investment negotiations. Safeguarding a sector, be it tobacco control or the environment, in a trade and investment agreement involves legalizing the integration of the sector in the trade treaty primarily by explicitly acknowledging said sector in the instrument and encouraging compliance with a treaty or the standards it has set. This is primarily accomplished through (1) specific exception (or modified general exception); (2) partial exclusion; and, (3) full exclusion. The tobacco provision in the TPP, a treaty among twelve (12) countries, is an example of a partial exclusion as this involves the option to exclude tobacco control measures from the investor-state dispute settlement mechanisms chapter. The trend in integrating the environment and labor sectors in TIAs also involves enabling better enforcement of treaty standards previously agreed on. In United States free trade agreements, this requires: (1) Adoption of policies (including process and mechanisms for implementation); (2) public participation in decision-making; (3) inter-ministerial collaboration; and, (4) dispute settlement mechanisms. Knowledge of the extent by which a sector can be safeguarded in trade and investment agreements can inform discussion around strengthening FCTC implementation.
Universal influenza virus vaccines and therapeutic antibodies

Abstract Background Current influenza virus vaccines are effective when well matched to the circulating strains. Unfortunately, antigenic drift and the high diversity of potential emerging zoonotic and pandemic viruses make it difficult to select the right strains for vaccine production. This problem causes vaccine mismatches, which lead to sharp drops in vaccine effectiveness and long response times to manufacture matched vaccines in case of novel pandemic viruses. Aims To provide an overview of universal influenza virus vaccines and therapeutic antibodies in preclinical and clinical development. Sources PubMed and clinicaltrials.gov were used as sources for this review. Content Universal influenza virus vaccines that target conserved regions of the influenza virus including the haemagglutinin stalk domain, the ectodomain of the M2 ion channel or the internal matrix and nucleoproteins are in late preclinical and clinical development. These vaccines could confer broad protection against all influenza A and B viruses including drift variants and thereby abolish the need for annual re-formulation and re-administration of influenza virus vaccines. In addition, these novel vaccines would enhance preparedness against emerging influenza virus pandemics. Finally, novel therapeutic antibodies against the same conserved targets are in clinical development and could become valuable tools in the fight against influenza virus infection. Implications Both universal influenza virus vaccines and therapeutic antibodies are potential future options for the control of human influenza infections.
Moderate intensity sports and exercise is associated with glycaemic control in women with gestational diabetes

Abstract Aim To assess the association of regular, unsupervised sports and exercise during pregnancy, by intensity level, with glycaemic control in women with gestational diabetes (GDM). Methods Prospective cohort study of 971 women who, shortly after being diagnosed with GDM, completed a Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire assessing moderate and vigorous intensity sports and exercise in the past 3 months. Self-monitored capillary glucose values were obtained for the 6-week period following the questionnaire, with optimal glycaemic control defined≥80% values meeting the targets Results For volume of moderate intensity sports and exercise ([MET×hours]/week), the highest quartile, compared to the lowest, had significantly increased odds of optimal control (OR=1.82 [95% CI: 1.06–3.14] P =0.03). There were significant trends for decreasing mean 1-hour post breakfast, lunch and dinner glycaemia with increasing quartile of moderate activity (all P P Conclusion Higher volumes of moderate intensity sports and exercise, reported shortly after GDM diagnosis, were significantly associated with increased odds of achieving glycaemic control. Clinicians should be aware that unsupervised moderate intensity sports and exercise performed in mid-pregnancy aids in subsequent glycaemic control among women with GDM.
An Analysis of the Text Complexity of Leveled Passages in Four Popular Classroom Reading Assessments

ABSTRACTThis study investigated the complexity of leveled passages used in four classroom reading assessments. A total of 167 passages leveled for Grades 1–6 from these assessments were analyzed using four analytical tools of text complexity. More traditional, two-factor measures of text complexity found a general trend of fairly consistent across-grade progression of average complexity among the four assessments. However, considerable cross-assessment variability was observed in terms of the size of increase in complexity from grade to grade, the overall range of complexity, and the within-grade text complexity. These cross-assessment differences were less pronounced with newer, multi-factor analytical tools. The four assessments also differed in the extent to which their passages met the text complexity guidelines of the Common Core State Standards. The authors discuss implications of the differences found among and within the classroom assessment systems, on one hand, and among the measures of text com...
Sleep and Obstructive Lung Disease

Obstructive lung diseases have a variety of specific types and etiologies which are common across all age ranges, and can affect sleep in numerous ways. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from smoking and other causes can cause morbidity both from sleep disruption and also sleep-related hypoxemia. Asthma is the most common obstructive lung disease, and it can disrupt sleep when not effectively controlled. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is now much more common in adult patients, and can worsen sleep both from chronic symptoms as well as during acute exacerbations. Obstructive sleep apnea commonly coexists with both COPD and asthma, but less frequently with CF. Diagnosis of these conditions is based on history, examination, pulmonary function, radiology, and specific diagnostic testing including genetic testing for CF. Treatment can involve a wide range of medications as well as oxygen, positive pressure therapy, and noninvasive ventilation.
Safety and Efficacy of a Noninvasive 1,060-nm Diode Laser for Fat Reduction of the Flanks.

BACKGROUND Preliminary reports indicate a hyperthermic diode laser treatment could be a safe and effective method for noninvasive fat reduction using the 1,060-nm wavelength. This wavelength penetrates the skin to heat subcutaneous adipocytes causing cellular disruption, leaving extracellular lipids, and cellular debris to be evacuated naturally by the body. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of this modality for noninvasive fat reduction of the flanks. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty-nine subjects received single laser treatment to 1 flank. Ultrasound images were taken at baseline, follow-up at 6 and 12 weeks after treatment. High-resolution photographs were taken at baseline and 12 weeks after treatment and then evaluated by independent reviewers. Adverse events recorded at all visits. Subjects completed a satisfaction questionnaire at the conclusion of the trial. RESULTS Ultrasound images showed statistically significant (p < .001) average fat reduction of 2.6 ± 1.1 mm. Reviewers correctly ordered photographs 90.3% of the time. Ninety-six percentage of subjects rated that they were satisfied. Noted side effects were transient mild to moderate tenderness which subsided within 1 to 3 weeks; no serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION The hyperthermic 1,060-nm diode laser treatment used in this study was safe and effective for noninvasive fat reduction of the flank.
Targets' facial width-to-height ratio biases pain judgments

Abstract The accurate perception of others' pain is important for both perceivers and targets. Yet, like other person perception judgments, pain judgments are prone to biases. Although past work has begun detailing characteristics of targets that can bias pain judgments (e.g., race, gender), the current work examines a novel source of bias inherent to all targets: structural characteristics of the human face. Specifically, we present four studies demonstrating that facial width-to-height ratio , a stable feature of all faces, biases pain judgments. Compared to those with low facial width-to-height ratio, individuals with high facial width-to-height ratio are perceived as experiencing less pain in otherwise identical situations (Studies 1, 2, & 3), and as needing less pain medication to salve their injuries (Study 4). This process was observed for White but not Black targets (Study 2), and manipulations of facial width-to-height ratio affected pain perceptions even when target identity was held constant (Study 4). Together, these findings implicate face structure in judgments of others' pain.
Cyber autonomy (Conference Presentation)

The impact of a truly autonomous cyber capability could be profound. The research that will be presented intends to explore the benefits and drawbacks of autonomous cyber capabilities. It presents a method and emphasizes the importance of testing the robustness of the machine learning algorithms which form the basis for autonomous decision making. Robust assessment will help mitigate risks associated with nefarious actors compromising the learning systems. Considerations are also presented concerning the right level of human interaction and the importance of the human machine team. Finally, a brief discussion on how the latest uses of blockchain technologies could be used to improve the security and bound the behavior of cyber autonomous systems are discussed.
From Imhotep to Hubel and Wiesel

This chapter traces the origins of our current ideas about visual cortex. We begin, in Section 2, long before the beginning of science, in the 30th century BCE, with the earliest description of the cerebral cortex. In Section 3 we consider the views of Greek philosopher-scientists on the functions of the brain. Section 4 concerns the long period in which there were virtually no advances in Europe in understanding the brain. In Section 5 we describe how even after Western brain research was well underway again, the cerebral cortex tended to be ignored. Section 6 considers the beginning of the modern study of the cerebral cortex and the localization therein of psychological functions. Our focus narrows in Section 7 and we consider how a specifically visual area of the cortex was delineated. The final section brings us to the theme of the entire volume, the extrastriate visual cortices. This review ends in the early 1980s about the time of the award of the Nobel Prize to Hubel and Wiesel for their discoveries on the visual cortex.
Kernel smoothing in partial linear models

On considere deux methodes d'estimation: l'une reliee aux splines de lissage partiels, l'autre motivee par une analyse de residus partielle
Postmenopausal Squamous Atypia: Cytologic Features, Hybrid Capture 2 Tests and Contribution to the ASCUS Pool.

Objective: Postmenopausal squamous atypia (PSA) mimics squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL). We investigate the PSA contribution to the atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) pool, its cytologic features and Hybrid Capture 2 (HC2) relative light unit/cutoff (RLU/CO) values. Study Design: 658 ASCUS Pap tests in women ≥55 years were reviewed to select those with koilocyte-like cells and/or atypical parakeratosis. Follow-up was positive when a biopsy showed SIL or carcinoma or a later HC2 test was positive. Results: Sixty-nine cases (10.5%) were selected. Forty-two (60.9%) were HC2 negative, and 27 (39.1%) were HC2 positive. Follow-up was available for 23 (54.7%) HC2-negative and 19 (70.3%) HC2-positive cases. No HC2-negative (0%) and 8 HC2-positive (42.1%) cases were positive on follow-up. Within cases negative on follow-up, 3 were PSA on biopsy. PSA was characterized by perinuclear halos, mild nuclear enlargement, smooth nuclear contours, and smooth chromatin. PSA-associated RLU/CO values were 0.25–2.95. Cases with SIL or carcinoma had RLU/CO values from 3.78 to 1,241.59. Conclusions: PSA contributes 0.5–2.3% to the ASCUS pool in women ≥55 years old. HC2 testing with RLU/CO of ≥1 may result in PSA occasionally testing positive. A different cutoff is not recommended but awareness of this caveat is important.
A Conceptual Framework for Representation of Location-based Social Media Activities (Short Paper)

This research develops a conceptual framework for the representation and analysis of location-based social media activities (LBSMA) in GIS. With increasing popularity of location-based social networking, social media platforms have become new channels to observe human activities in physical and virtual worlds. At the same time, there is a shift of some human interactions from the physical space to the virtual social space. Traditional geographical representation in GIS is not sufficient to handle the increased sophistication of human activities related to, or embedded in, location-based social media data. This research proposes an ontology for the location-based social media activity data and a conceptual framework for them to be modeled in a GIS environment so that interconnections of human activities in spatial-temporal-social dimensions can be represented, organized, retrieved, analyzed, and visualized in the system.
Gentlemen Revolutionaries: Power and Justice in the New American Republic. By Tom Cutterham. (Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 2017. Pp. vii, 191. $39.95.)

Historians refer to the 1780s as the “critical period” for the American experiment in republican government. Understanding precisely how America veered from the nadir of war at the beginning of the...
Quantitative 4D-Digital Subtraction Angiography to Assess Changes in Hepatic Arterial Flow during Transarterial Embolization: A Feasibility Study in a Swine Model.

Abstract Purpose To determine the feasibility of using time-resolved 3D-digital subtraction angiography (4D-DSA) for quantifying changes in hepatic arterial blood flow and velocity during transarterial embolization. Materials and Methods Hepatic arteriography and selective transarterial embolization were performed in 4 female domestic swine (mean weight, 54 kg) using 100–300-μm microspheres. Conventional 2D and 4D-DSA were performed before, during, and after each embolization. From the 4D-DSA reconstructions, blood flow and velocity values were calculated for hepatic arterial branches using a pulsatility-based algorithm. 4D-DSA velocity values were compared to those measured using an intravascular Doppler wire with a linear regression analysis. Paired t-tests were used to compare data before and after embolization. Results There was a weak-to-moderate but statistically significant correlation of flow velocities measured with 4D-DSA and the Doppler wire (r = 0.35, n = 39, P = .012). For vessels with high pulsatility, the correlation was higher (r = 0.64, n = 11, P = .034), and the relationship between 4D-DSA and the Doppler wire fit a linear model with a positive bias toward the Doppler wire (failed to reject at 95% confidence level, P = .208). 4D-DSA performed after partial embolization showed a reduction in velocity in the embolized hepatic arteries compared to pre-embolization (mean, 3.96 ± 0.74 vs 11.8 2± 2.15 cm/s, P = .006). Conclusion Quantitative 4D-DSA can depict changes in hepatic arterial blood velocity during transarterial embolization in a swine model. Further work is needed to optimize 4D-DSA acquisitions and to investigate its applicability in humans.
What makes second language perception of Mandarin tones hard?: A non-technical review of evidence from psycholinguistic research

Abstract Mandarin Chinese tones are known to be difficult for second language learners. A large body of research has examined non-native perception of tones, and may provide useful and interesting insights about the sources of tone learning difficulty for Chinese teachers and learners. However, much of the literature is in journals that may be difficult to access or written in technical language that may be hard for non-specialists to understand. This review article aims to summarize key findings from this research in an accessible fashion. I will draw on the research to answer five broad questions: (1) Why are tones more difficult for some learners than others? (2) Why are some tones more difficult than others? (3) Why are tones in words more difficult than in meaningless syllables? (4) Why are tones in context more difficult than in isolation? (5) What can we do about tone learning difficulties?
Acute Management of Bilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis

Acute-onset bilateral vocal fold paralysis is most commonly a result of iatrogenic injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerves. With the primary goal of improving ventilation and stabilizing the patient’s airway, there are limited management options in the acute setting. Tracheostomy is the most commonly utilized intervention as it provides a secure airway while maintaining the integrity of the larynx. In stable patients, however, observation or treatments such as nimodipine may be viable options. In select patients, endoscopic suture lateralization also represents a reasonable temporizing measure. Avoidance of procedures that damage the larynx (i.e., endoscopic laser cordotomies) is critical until sufficient recovery time has been allowed. Recovery of vocal fold motion in cases where the recurrent laryngeal nerves are intact is highly variable.
Materials and devices for micro-invasive neural interfacing

There is widespread research and popular interest in developing micro-invasive neural interfacing modalities. An increasing variety of probes have been developed and reported in the literature. Newer, smaller probes show significant benefit over larger ones in reducing tissue damage and scarring. A different set of obstacles arise, however, as probes become smaller. These include reliable insertion and robustness. This review articulates the impact of various design parameters (material, geometry, size) on probe insertion mechanisms, chronic viability, and glial scarring. We highlight various emerging technologies utilizing novel form factors including micron-scale interfaces and bio-inspired designs for probe insertion and steering.
Stress states, personality and cognitive functioning: A review of research with the Dundee Stress State Questionnaire

Abstract Individuals performing cognitive tasks experience a range of subjective states including stress, excitement, and fatigue. This article reviews research based on a multidimensional assessment of state dimensions in the performance context, the Dundee Stress State Questionnaire (DSSQ). Various types of evidence for validity support differentiating task engagement, distress, and worry dimensions as indices of the dynamic transaction between the performer and the task environment. The article aims to illustrate different uses of the scale in theory-based and applied studies of individual differences in performance. One usage is investigating relationships between personality traits, resilience, and stress reactivity. Subjective states reflect cognitive stress processes (appraisal and coping), which may be biased by traits. A second usage is testing theories of stress effects on attention and performance; research findings link task engagement to resources for sustained and focused attention, and distress to impairments in working memory and executive control. A third usage is testing states as mediators of personality-performance associations. Individual differences in human performance may reflect biological, cognitive, and self-regulative processes, so that interpretation of subjective state scores requires an explicit theoretical orientation. Practical applications of the multidimensional model include support for stress mitigation, training, personnel selection and team performance.
The ECHOS Platform to Enhance Communication for Nonverbal Children with Autism: A Case Study

Current augmentative communication technology has had limited success conveying the needs of some individuals with minimally verbal autism spectrum disorder (mvASD). Primary caregivers report being able to better understand these individuals' non-traditional utterances than those less familiar with the individual such as teachers and community members. We present an eight-month multi-phase case study for a translational platform, ECHOS, that uses primary caregivers' unique knowledge to enhance communicative and affective exchanges between mvASD individuals and the broader community. Through iterative development and participatory design, we discovered that physiological sensors were impractical for long-term use, on-body audio was content rich and easily accessible, and a custom in-the-moment labeling app was transformative in obtaining accurate labels from caregivers for machine learning advancements. This paper presents the design methodology, results, and reflections from our case study and provides insights into development with and for the special needs community.
“It’s a Little Different for Men”—Sponsorship and Gender in Academic Medicine: a Qualitative Study

Women remain underrepresented in top leadership positions in academic medicine. In business settings, a person with power and influence actively supporting the career advancement of a junior person is referred to as a sponsor and sponsorship programs have been used to diversify leadership. Little is known about how sponsorship functions in academic medicine. To explore perceptions of sponsorship and its relationship to gender and career advancement in academic medicine. Qualitative study using semi-structured, one-on-one interviews with sponsors and proteges. Twelve sponsors (clinical department chairs) and 11 proteges (participants of a school of medicine executive leadership program [N = 23]) at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. All sponsors were men and all were professors, six of the 11 proteges were women, and four of the 23 participants were underrepresented minorities in medicine. We identified three themes: (1) people (how and who): women seek out and receive sponsorship differently; (2) process (faster and further): sponsorship provides an extra boost, especially for women; and (3) politics and culture (playing favorites and paying it forward): sponsorship and fairness. Informants acknowledge that sponsorship provides an extra boost for career advancement especially for women. Sponsors and proteges differ in their perceptions of how sponsorship happens. Informants describe gender differences in how sponsorship is experienced and specifically noted that women were less likely to actively seek out sponsorship and be identified as proteges compared to men. Informants describe a tension between sponsorship and core academic values such as transparency, fairness, and merit. Sponsorship is perceived to be critical to high-level advancement and is experienced differently by women. Increased understanding of how sponsorship works in academic medicine may empower individual faculty to utilize this professional relationship for career advancement and provide institutions with a strategy to diversify top leadership positions.
Investigation of Capsule-Inspired Neural Network Approaches for DNA Methylation

DNA methylation (DNAm) alterations are implicated with aging and diseases by regulating gene expression. DNAm deep-learning approaches can capture features associated with aging, cell type, and disease progression, but lack incorporation of prior biological knowledge. We present deep-learning software, MethylCapsNet and MethylSPWNet, that group CpGs into user-specified or predefined biologically relevant groupings (eg. gene promoter or CpG island context) related to diagnostic and prognostic outcomes. We train our models on a cohort (n=3,897) to classify central nervous system tumors and compare to existing approaches. Our methodology presents opportunities to increase interpretability of disease mechanisms through utilization of biologically relevant annotations.
Turning genes into medicines-what have we learned from gene therapy drug development in the past decade?

Gene and cell therapy products approved over the past decade in Europe and North America have provided new therapeutic options for single gene disorders and for hematologic malignancies. Lessons learned, and limitations identified, are reviewed.
Frack[in]g

El titulo de la obra hace referencia directa a la tecnica de fracturacion hidraulica, o comunmente conocida por su termino en ingles, Fracking. La decision de mantener el titulo en su idioma original es con el fin de establecer un vinculo con el origen y desarrollo de dicha tecnica por companias estadounidenses y canadienses. La obra usa diferentes analogias de las tecnicas y procedimientos del fracking pero sin pretension alguna de recrear o simular dicho procedimiento de forma explicita o directa. El titulo en si mismo ha pasado por un proceso simple de fragmentacion. Mediante el uso de los corchetes la palabra originalmente de dos silabas, ahora de tres (la obra puede ser dividida en tres secciones principales, ABC), cobra un significado directamente relacionado con estructuras musicales clasicas. “Frack in G” evoca la forma tradicional de categorizacion de las obras tonales de la denominada practica comun. La idea de un ente, o sonido, como centro de foco y jerarquia a lo largo de la obra es utilizado en esta composicion como generador de referencialidad. Sin embargo, y aunque la armonia esta basada en la escala microtonal de veinticuatro sonidos, a lo largo de toda la composicion no fue utilizado dicho tono (sol), en ninguno de sus registros. Tomando como referente el diseno grafico o mapa de la tecnica del fracking, el cual es similar al de un arbol y sus ramas, se acuna la idea de construccion “anti-organica”. Por ejemplo, las texturas son construidas o presentadas como una masa de sonidos superpuestos fluctuantes que van desapareciendo o filtrando de tal forma que al final de la seccion podemos observar unicamente elementos basicos de la textura. En otras palabras, las texturas parten desde su forma “desarrollada” y “regresan” o “descomponen” hasta su forma mas basica. Igualmente, elementos como el frullato, tremolos y glissandi, son utilizados para la distorsion de las alturas, de tal forma que se perciben mas como gestos sonoros. A su vez, pasajes no sincronizados e indeterminados distorsionan la claridad de la armonia y de las estructuras formales en pequena y mediana escala. Los tres redoblantes que inician fuera del escenario crean un paralelo de un ente externo, y poco definido en altura y ritmo, que poco a poco ingresa de forma invasiva. Una vez completada esta accion la orquesta en si misma es ahora generadora de componentes que incluyen mas ruido. En respuesta, la orquesta comprimida alrededor de la misma altura (re), genera un momento de gran saturacion que llena completamente el espectro orquestal. En la seccion de cierre presenta pasajes de una mayor claridad armonica y melodica que se superponen con sonidos inestables e impredecibles. Esta seccion de cierre es a su vez fragmentada, no por medio de una constante filtracion de los sonidos, sino por la separacion de sus frases mediante silencio. El silencio opera como sustituto de resolucion.
Prospects for Enforcing Prohibitions on Off-Label Drug Promotion after United States v. Caronia: An Analysis of Litigated Cases.

CONTEXT Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rules restrict pharmaceutical manufacturers from promoting drugs for non-FDA-approved (off-label) indications. When manufacturers violate this rule, it has in many cases led to unsafe prescribing. However, in 2012, a federal circuit court ruled in United States v. Caronia that truthful off-label promotion was protected under the First Amendment, threatening government enforcement in this area. METHODS The authors extracted cases from the WestLawNext database that mentioned Caronia from 2012 to 2019. They collected information about plaintiff, procedural history, product and manufacturer involved, and case outcome. Cases were categorized as either "follows," "does not follow," or "distinguishes" from Caronia. The authors qualitatively reviewed the full text of each case to verify whether Caronia was given substantive discussion for perceptions of off-label promotion, application of commercial speech rights, and how courts interpreted Caronia. FINDINGS Among 42 cases in the study cohort, 22 (52%) followed Caronia's core holding that truthful, non-misleading off-label promotion was not actionable under FDA rules. By contrast, 20 cases (48%) treated Caronia negatively, either declining to follow (9 cases) or distinguishing it (11 cases). CONCLUSIONS Enforcement of restrictions on off-label marketing became more challenging after Caronia. This gives manufacturers greater flexibility to promote drugs for unapproved uses despite the substantial public health risks.
Cancer in the Shadow of COVID: Early-Stage Breast and Prostate Cancer Patient Perspectives on Surgical Delays Due to COVID-19.

During the height of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, elective surgeries, including oncologic surgeries, were delayed. Little prospective data existed to guide practice, and professional surgical societies issued recommendations grounded mainly in common sense and expert consensus, such as medical therapy for early-stage breast and prostate cancer patients. To understand the patient experience of delay in cancer surgery during the pandemic, we interviewed breast and prostate cancer patients whose surgeries were delayed due to the pandemic. Patients with early-stage breast or prostate cancer who suffered surgical postponement at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) were invited to participate. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 21 breast and prostate cancer patients. Interviews were transcribed, and qualitative analysis using ground-theory approach was performed. Most patients reported significant distress due to cancer and COVID. Key themes that emerged included the lack of surprise and acceptance of the surgical delays but endorsed persistent cancer- and delay-related worries. Satisfaction with patient–physician communication and the availability of a delay strategy were key factors in patients’ acceptance of the situation; perceived lack of communication prompted a few patients to seek care elsewhere. The clinical effect of delay in cancer surgery will take years to fully understand, but there are immediate steps that can be taken to improve the patient experience of delays in care, including elicitation of individual patient perspectives and ongoing communication. More work is needed to understand the wider experiences of patients, especially minority, socioeconomically disadvantaged, and uninsured patients, who encounter delays in oncologic care.
Sufis and the Sufi Lodges in Istanbul in the Late Nineteenth Century: A Socio-Spatial Analysis

This study investigates the socio-spatial history of Sufism in Istanbul during 1880s. Drawing on a unique population registry, it reconstructs the locations of Sufi lodges and the social profiles o...
Six Models for the Internet + Politics

Many agree that digital technologies are transforming politics. They disagree, however, about the significance and character of that transformation. Many of the pioneers of understanding the distinctive dynamics of new digital media platforms—social media and collaborative production—are quite optimistic about the potential for the Internet to dramatically increase the quality of democratic governance. On the other hand, some political scientists who have examined actual patterns of political activity and expression on digital platforms come away skeptical that digital platforms will bring equality or inclusion to democratic politics. We bring these two opposed perspectives in this article by developing six models of how digital technologies might affect democratic politics: the empowered public sphere, displacement of traditional organizations by new digitally self-organized groups, digitally direct democracy, truth-based advocacy, constituent mobilization, and crowd-sourced social monitoring. Reasoning from the character of political incentives and institutional constraints, we argue that the first three revolutionary and transformative models are less likely to occur than the second three models that describe incremental contributions of technology to politics.
Psoriasis Arthritis

Dieser Artikel gibt einen Uberblick uber Psoriasis Arthritis, in dem die Atiologie, der genetische Einfluss aber auch die immunologisch beeinflussenden Faktoren dieser Erkrankung beschrieben werden. Sowohl klinische Parameter als auch diagnostische Masnahmen werden in diesem Artikel zusammengefasst. Es werden aktuelle Therapien diskutiert, ebenso werden neue biologische Therapien und ihr Einsatz in der taglichen Routine beschrieben. Zusatzlich wird die unterschiedliche Effektivitat der verschiedenen krankheitsmodifizierenden antirheumatischen Therapien und die Wichtigkeit eines raschen Einsatzes uberpruft. Die publizierten Ergebnisse uber den Einsatz und die Wirksamkeit von Antimalariamittel, Sulfosalazin, Methotrexat, Azathioprin, und Cyclosporin ebenso wie Leflunomid und anderen neuen Wirkstoffen werden beschrieben.
Computer vision algorithms for retinal image analysis: current results and future directions

Automated image analysis tools have the potential to play an important role in assisting in the diagnosis and treatment of retinal diseases. Problems that must be addressed in developing these tools include extraction of vascular and non-vascular features, segmentation of pathologies, unimodal and multimodal image registration, mosaic construction, and real-time systems. Research at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute since the late 1990’s has focused on several of these problems. Most significantly, we have developed a series of registration and mosaic formation algorithms which have been validated on thousands of retinal images and have been extended beyond the retina application. While the core fundus image registration problem is essentially solved, important problems remain in many aspects of retinal image analysis.
U.S.- Europe Economic Interdependence (I): Positive Analysis

This paper proposes a microfounded general equilibrium model of the U.S. and European economies suitable for analyzing monetary and fiscal policy interactions between the U.S. and Europe. The focus is on understanding the determinants of transatlantic economic interdependence. A positive analysis of the consequences of policy shocks in the U.S. and Europe is made and results about the transmission of such shocks are obtained.
The Creation of a University-Community Alliance to Address Lead Hazards: Three Keys to Success

Exposure to lead can be devastating for children, and federal regulations established in 2001 are forcing local governments to mitigate this risk. This essay discusses the creation of the Lead Alliance, a university-community coalition created to address lead hazards facing children from low-income households in South Bend, Indiana. Among the accomplishments of the Lead Alliance are a chemistry course at the University of Notre Dame and a Community Outreach Partnership Centers grant. After reviewing a number of examples of university-community collaborations to mitigate lead poisoning, the article focuses on how each partner in the Lead Alliance came to the table and describes the Alliance's activities. It identifies three key factors in the success of this coalition: the members' complementary community connections and knowledge, the efforts of a facilitator at the start of the process, and the personal commitment of each member.
Space-Time Variant Blind Source Separation with Additive Noise

We propose a method for solving linear space-time variant blind source separation (BSS) problem with additive noise, x=As+n, on the “pixel-by-pixel” basis i.e. assuming that unknown mixing matrix is different for every space or time location. Solution corresponds with the isothermal-To equilibrium of the free energy H =U-ToS contrast function where U represents the input/output energy exchange and S represents the Shannon entropy. Solution of the inhomogeneous equation (data model with additive noise) is obtained by augmenting inhomogeneous equation into homogeneous “noise free” equation. Consequently, data model with additive noise can be solved by algorithm for the noise free space-time variant BSS problems, [1],[2]. We demonstrate the algorithm capability to perfectly recover images from the space variant mixture of two images with additive noise.
The Blossoming Field of Online Deliberation

Introduction and Overview for the book Online Deliberation: Design, Research, and Practice. This chapter discusses the organization of research on online deliberation, and summarizes the main findings of each chapter of the book.
An Improved Approximation Scheme for Computing Arrow-Debreu Prices for the Linear Case

Recently, Jain, Mahdian and Saberi [5] had given a FPTAS for the problem of computing a market equilibrium in the Arrow-Debreu setting, when the utilities are linear functions. Their running time depended on the size of the numbers representing the utilities and endowments of the buyers. In this paper, we give a strongly polynomial time approximation scheme for this problem. Our algorithm builds upon the main ideas behind the algorithm in [3].
Oxygen diffusion through Yb2O 3 /YBa 2 Cu 3 0 7-δ bilayers

We have studied the rate of oxygen diffusion through ytterbium oxide (Yb2O$3), a buffer and dielectric layer used in high critical temperature superconducting (HTSC) structures. An epitaxial bilayer film of Yb2O3 on YBa2Cu$3)O7-(delta ) (YBCO) was deposited onto an (001) oriented single crystal MgO substrate using the pulsed laser deposition technique. The rate of oxygen diffusion through the bilayer was investigated from 365 to 655 degree(s)C by post deposition annealing individual section of the bilayer in 0.5 atm of 18O enriched molecular oxygen gas. Secondary ion mass spectroscopy was used to depth profile 18O and 16O in each sample. Oxygen diffusion coefficients for Yb2O3 at 365, 465, 555 and 655 degree(s)C were determined to be roughly (6, 16, 360, and 200) X 10-1, respectively. For temperatures greater than about 500 degree(s)C, these diffusion rates can limit oxygen intake into underlying YBCO films; therefore, HTSC multilayer devices that utilize Yb2O3 as a dielectric layer may require longer annealing cycles in order to fully oxygenate each underlying HTSC layer.
Poly(arylenesulfonic acids) with Frozen-In Free Volume as Hydrogen Fuel Cell Membrane Materials

A new class of proton conducting membranes based on rigid-rod, liquid crystalline, aromatic sulfonic acid polymers, and copolymers was developed at Case Western Reserve University over the past 15 years. Sulfonic acid crowding or incorporation of bulky comonomers forced the chains apart and induced nanoporosity (called frozen in free volume, FFV) that helped in water retention at low external humidity. Very high proton conductivity of these materials made them excellent candidates for fuel cell membranes, especially for operation at elevated temperature and low humidity. Initial work focused on poly(naphthalene bis-tetracarboximides), which were found to be hydrolytically unstable. Then the focus shifted to chemically stable poly(phenylene sulfonic acids), including their copolymers, grafts, and crosslinked derivatives. This paper tracks the study of these remarkable polymers from initial work on polyimides to recent results where polyphenylene membranes were fabricated and tested in a hydrogen/air fuel cell.
Quantifying Changes in Nasal Tip Support

ImportanceImparting surgical change to the nasal tip remains one of the most challenging aspects of rhinoplasty. The surgeon must assess the tip preoperatively and execute the necessary maneuvers t...
Improving Teaching Effectiveness Through The Application Of SPC Methodology

One method used extensively to aid in determining instruction effectiveness is Student Evaluations of Instruction (SEI). This paper examines the use of statistical Process Control charts as a way to correctly measure teaching effectiveness. This field studying SEIs has produced a significant literature. It is not surprising that there is considerable controversy over the efficacy of such instruments in measuring instructor performance or student learning. Numerous factors that may influence the outcome of SET score have been identified. These include: class size, workload level of subject taught, and the nature of the subject. Clayson’s (1999) review found a profound impact due to personality variables, such as instructors’ age, and teaching experience. It is clear that SEI results can be influenced by many factors. Interestingly, this extensive literature provides no clear guidance on how to interpret SET results in order to make comparative evaluations of instructors’ performance. The research proposed in this paper suggests that variations of Statistical Process Control methods could be used in such evaluations. Only one prior paper (Marks and O’Connell, 2003) has suggested this approach. Our research examines six semesters of SET responses for all courses in our business school – a data base of nearly 30,000 responses. The paper examines what measure should be used as the standard by which an instructor’s performance should be evaluated. Specifically, it evaluates whether a school-wide, department-wide or course specific measure should be used as the standard. Statistical analyses are conducted to determine if there are significant differences on a standard measure across departments and across semesters. The goal is to develop a system that can accurately gauge faculty members whose evaluations are statistically superior or inferior. Such a system would enable department chairs and the administration to determine the relative effectiveness of faculty in teaching particular courses.
Behavioural budgeting by wild coyotes: The influence of food resources and social organization

Abstract Daytime behavioural budgets of coyotes (Canis latrans) living in the Grand Teton National Park, Jackson, Wyoming, were analysed in order to determine how activity patterns were influenced by food resources and social organization. In winter, coyotes rested more and hunted less than in other seasons. Pack-living coyotes rested more and travelled less than resident pairs or solitary residents or transients during winter months when the major food resource was ungulate (predominantly elk, Cervus canadensis) carrion. A mated female living in a pack rested significantly more and travelled significantly less than a mated female living only with her mate (as a resident pair) during winter. We predict that in times of food shortage, pack-living coyotes, and particularly reproductive females, might be at an advantage when compared to resident pairs and solitary individuals.